Lovestruck Spell
Excerpt:
Chapter One
“Come on, Chloe, I know that look; what did you do now?” Brandy Morgan closed her locker door as her bright brown eyes looked back at me. Brandy wore a red polo shirt and a black skirt that was cut off before her knees; it complimented her dark ebony skin. Her long, silky, dark flowing hair was almost to her waist.
“Nothing, it’s just...” I trailed off, glancing towards the end of the hallway. Seth, Caramie, and Melody were there, as their laughter filled the hallways as they stopped at their lockers.
Seeing Seth reminded me of something that happened. It was months ago, in art class. It was a memory that plagued me even to this day. I was into Dylan. Laughing to myself for what a fool I was. I wanted to paint a picture to give to him; my motives were there underneath each stroke as I took the paint brush in my hands and closed my eyes. I poured my powers through the paint brush so that ever stroke contained my inner talent.
“Hey, Chloe, nice work.” Seth had walked towards my painting; biting back a curse, I tried to push him away as I opened my eyes.
“Go away, Seth,” I told him irritably.
Seth put his hands up in the air but accidentally hit the painting. ‘Oh, No.’ I thought as I saw it happen before me, like in slow motion. The talent I bestowed on the painting poured into him, a lovestruck spell. His eyes became glossy as he stared at me. I felt my heart race with panic as my power took him under. The spell was a powerful spell, as the one under it would become obsessed with the one who bestowed it upon them. Sighing, I knew there was only one thing I could do, hoping the effects would wear off soon. “Go away, Seth!” I told him dryly.
“But, Chloe…”
I placed my fingers on his lips. “No, Seth, I want you to listen to me.” I felt as he nodded against my fingers. “I want you to go back to your station and leave me alone.”
A spark of anger and hurt flickered in his green eyes, “Fine!”
I watched as he walked towards his station, clearly frustrated at the change of events.
“Chloe, Chloe,” Brandy yelled as she waved her hands in my face.
“What?” I pushed Brandy’s hand away from my face.
“You spaced out. What is wrong with you?” Concern was laced in her voice. I winced inwardly at the harsh tone in my voice.
I didn’t have to respond as Nikki walked towards us. “Hey, guys, did you hear about the homecoming masquerade ball?” Nikki Johnson said with a cheerful voice matching the way she looked.
Her short blonde hair flowed around her face. She wore a pink low cut top with the words ‘Spoiled and Proud’ written on the front in white while her bottoms were blue jeans and her shoes were one of those types of slip on shoes that were pink flats.
“Of course, we heard. It’s posted all around the school,” Brandy stated, pointing to the sign that was hanging on the far wall.
“So are you going, Chloe?”
“What a stupid question, Nikki.” I gave her my best ‘duh’ look.
Taking a quick glance towards the trio, I noticed the twins Skylar and Nick Turner had showed up. But that’s not what got my attention. Dean Hathaway, Seth’s new step-brother. He had moved here in August. He was tall over six feet making his toned body look all the more sexier as each of his abs displayed through his light blue polo shirt.
Shaking my head at the thought, I turned to listen to the two cheerleaders, Brandy and Nikki, who only thought about themselves. They thought I was self-centered, just like they were. Well, I was but no one would know the real me except Kitty who doesn’t talk to me anymore and Ian.
“I decided I’m going to wear this sexy number I saw at Harbor and Lighthouse clothing. It just arrived last week,” Nikki was saying.
“Is that the one that was green with a low cut back?” Brandy asked Nikki as she nodded. “So Chloe, what are you wearing to the ball?” Both Brandy and Nikki waited for my answer.
“Hum, I don’t know yet,” I told them honestly. Seeing Dylan walking towards us, I sighed before telling Brandy and Nikki, I'd catch up with them later. “What do you want, Dylan?” I noticed how he glanced at me with a one of those looks he was famous for: sly, sexy smiles.
I knew I looked hot but Dylan was the last person I wanted to talk to. I had on a yellow polo dress with yellow feather earrings. My feather bracelets that were yellow and white matched my white sandals, displaying my yellow painted toenails.
Dylan placed his hand over his heart dramatically. “Ouch! Now, Chloe, I only came over here to tell you we are all meeting tonight.”
“Why, tonight; we always meet on Wednesdays.”
“Well, not this week. See you later.” Dylan said cheerfully as I scowled at him for not telling me why. With a sigh, I closed my locker door as the bell rang telling me I had two minutes to get to class.
My first class of the day was history. The teacher, Mr. Stanfield, was always making us laugh. But the best part of the class was Dean Hathaway. I couldn't help but stare at him while I was supposed to be taking notes. I looked down at the paper I scribbled on and noticed I had doodled Dean and Chloe all over the notebook with little hearts beside our names. Sigh, it was no use, though. Dean, hardly ever, glanced my way. I am sure Seth had prewarned Dean about me. But Seth didn't even know me. Not really.
Brandy was in my class, too. And I noticed she looked at me, curiously. When the bell rung, she coughed, “Can someone be crushing that hard?”
“What are you talking about?” I replied, nonchalantly. I didn't see how my crush on Dean was any of her business.
“Um, hellooooooooo. If you stared at Dean any harder...”
I played dumb as I denied it. “Whatever, Brandy. You might need to get your eyes checked for you are seeing things.”
She looked horrified at the thought of her needing glasses and told me point blank. “My eyesight is perfectly fine, thank you.”
I didn't want to hear her teasing me so I went ahead to my next class. This class, I had with my ex-best friend, Kitty. I so wish Kitty would talk to me but she always seemed distracted whenever she glanced my way as if she was remembering or thinking about something. I didn't see what her problem was; she was the one that had stopped talking to me ever since...I blinked back the tears that threatened to come. Turning my thoughts away from the past and that fateful day, I focused on the teacher. Mr. Sawyer is not my favorite teacher by any means. He taught biology and if he thought, I was going to dissect a frog; he had another thing coming...
I glanced at Kitty to see what she thought of our assignment and she wrinkled up her nose in pure disgust. I caught her eye and tried to smile at her but Kitty turned away as if she hadn't saw me. I sighed. This class couldn't be over fast enough. When the bell rung, I shot out of there to go to my locker. Why didn't Kitty never want to talk to me; it was so unfair...losing my best friend and my parents. I chided myself. You are not going to feel sorry for yourself, girl. It's okay.
I dropped my history and science book off and grabbed my English book and nearly bumped into a girl. “Sorry,” I mumbled, not even glancing at who I was talking to.
“You should be...What a sorry excuse for space,” Caramie snapped.
Why, oh, why, did it have to be her? Caramie and I have had our differences and if it wasn't bad enough, she was always hanging out with Dean. As far as I could tell, they were just friends but the jealous part of me didn't like the fact the guy I liked was spending all his time with this girl I hated. True, I deserved every bit of the hatred thrown at me that Caramie dished out but I stood my ground. “It was an accident,” I snapped.
“Oh, just like it was an accident…you manipulating my powers?”
I waved my hand in the air. “That is over with, Caramie. Let bygones be bygones.”
“Look, you hurt Mel; you hurt Seth; and you hurt me. I don't think you deserve any courtesy. You got that?” She spat out, clearly mad.
“Whatever...Caramie. I got to get to class.” I brushed past her and went to my English class with Mr. Patterson. I was shaking in anger as I tried to pay attention to his monotonous voice. I sighed with relief when his class was over.
My 4th period was my absolute favorite so I was glad I had it then since our fourth period was always longer due to lunch time. Miss Aimee McDaniels was the art teacher and Miss Aimee was the best teacher there was. It might just be how I was so into art but I loved her. She was always talking about putting my work in shows. Seth was her best student and I had to admit he was better than me but at the same time, I was a close second. Even Seth couldn't deny how great of an artist I was.
She was saying how for an art project, we were going to make centerpieces for the masquerade ball coming up. The others groaned but I was secretly pleased that the dance would showcase my talent. She began explaining how they would be little carnival masks and that we would be designing them.
I heard some of my classmates complain about how it wasn't their fault that the dance committee bailed out on decorations this year and that we shouldn't be the ones doing this. But I didn't care; personally, I thought it would be fun.
When the bell rung, I searched the cafeteria for Nikki and Brandy and spotted them at our usual table. “So girls, let me tell you what we are doing in art class.” I went on to explain how they were having us do the decorations. They didn't seem to share the same sentiment as me.
“Oh, gosh, you poor thing. Decorating the gym like a commoner. Don't they realize us cheerleaders have a reputation to withhold?” Nikki pouted.
I really didn't see my art project as a useless gym decoration. I wanted to showcase my talent but I remained silent as I stuffed mashed potatoes in my mouth.
Next class was study hall, which I was rather glad; I needed a break from the strenuous day. Unfortunately, I shared it with Melody. Now of all the three people in Seth's clique, the one I minded the least was Melody. She was sweet and she never had a mean word to say but at the same time, she hated me and I hated her so we were even. It all started because we were both into Dylan and yes, he cheated on Mel with me. But to be fair, he didn't even tell me. He said that they had broken up and I had believed him.
But I could tell by the cold, mean looks she shot me that Caramie had told her about our running into each other incident. Oh, well, I sighed. But Melody really didn't bother me. It was Caramie and Seth that had my tongue lashing evil quips.
I figured I would focus on a new cheer I had to learn, ignoring Mel's dirty looks. Since I was a cheerleader, it fulfilled my gym credit. Just as Melody was on the swim team, it fulfilled hers so I suppose we both needed an extra class so we decided on study hall but have no idea how we ended up in the same class together. At least, I didn't have any class with Seth or Caramie. I shuddered at the thought.
Algebra was next and it was the class I so hated. I sighed with relief when the bell sounded. I wasn’t in the mood to talk to Brandy or Nikki so I brushed them off; not giving them the time to catch up with me.
Not only was the meeting a day earlier but Dylan had moved the time to right after school. I headed towards the meeting; it was located downstairs beside the boiler room. Everyone called the old detention room the dungeon; sounds perfect, if you thought about it. It sometimes became so hot that no one could stand it. We had no problem because, well, we are creatures with many talents. I noticed everyone was here except Caramie and Dylan. Everyone else waited patiently; either, standing or sitting in the chairs that was scattered around the room.
“Hey, Chloe,” Tessa said sweetly.
“Do you know why your brother changed the dates?” I asked.
“No, you know how he is, always up to something.” With a sigh, I walked to the far end, sitting beside Riley, who smiled as I sat down.
“Hey, Chloe,” Riley said shyly, in a sweet voice barely above a whisper.
“Hey,” I murmured.
We heard the door open as Dylan walked towards the middle of the room with somebody; that somebody being Ian Parker, my foster brother. Wait, what! Coming out of my thoughts, I jumped up. “Dylan, why is Ian here?” I asked as I stared at Ian, who stared back at me, with his hazel eyes that looked black matching his hair; it was long down to his shoulders. If he wasn’t my foster brother, I would ask him out; he was hot looking with his high cheek bones and…shaking my head inwardly, I pushed the thought of my foster brother out of my mind; I could feel my stomach turn just thinking of it.
“Why, indeed,” Dylan smirked; the jerk, I thought irritably. I stood there waiting for a reply as he continued to talk as if I wasn’t there. “I changed the meeting today for a few reasons. One being we have a new member; everyone meet Ian Parker.”
I watched as he smiled to everyone till he saw Riley. Well, well, well; it looks like he has the hots for someone, I thought. But then, he hesitated before he turned to me, his gaze pierced mine as if he knew all along what and who I am. I turned my gaze, breaking eye contact, noticing how Dylan's eyes were shining with glee. “What is this, Dylan?”
“Chloe, I asked him to not say anything. I wanted to be the one to tell you.” Ian’s deep voice brought me to the present as I turned to look at him.
“Tell me what?” I whispered.
I noticed everyone staring at us; some with curious looks and others just staring back and forth between us. “I’m a Shadow Walker, Chloe.”
My mouth dropped; then, closed. “A what?” I asked in shock.
“A Shadow Walker…you know... invisibility…” Dylan trailed off as I gave him a look.
“I know what it means,” I said dryly to Dylan before turning my attention back to Ian. “I mean, why you didn’t tell me if you knew what I was?”
“It’s complicated; Chloe, besides I didn’t think you wanted me to know.”
“Why, now?” I heard my voice go up an octave, making everyone wince.
He glanced at Dylan before he replied. “It’s complicated.”
“Try un-complicating it, Ian,” I snapped as my hands went to my waist as I tapped my toe on the floor.
Ian smirked as he watched me throw one of my fits, making me sigh in annoyance. “Not now, Chloe,” he managed to say as he gave me one of those looks that said too many people were listening and would tell me when he was ready.
“Fine, but one day soon, you will tell me.” I warned him as he said, “Of course.”
Dylan clapped his hands a few times. “Now, that we got that over with. Chloe, why don’t you sit down and you, too, Ian. We have other important things to discuss.”
I sat down with a thump as I tried to comprehend what just happened; my own foster brother, one of us. All this time and I didn’t know. “Oh my gosh,” I spoke out loud as everyone stared at me.
“Hum, sorry,” I mouthed, not wanting to share what I just figured out. I looked at Ian, giving him a glare. He knew very well what I was thinking for his cheeks turned pink. I’m so going to get him later. All this time I thought I was crazy. There were times I felt as if someone was watching me, but when I looked, no one was there.
“I have some upsetting news,” Dylan stated.
“What news?”
“Tessa, will you hush so I can tell everyone?” Tessa’s hands went up in the air before she shifted in her seat.
“Our program is under investigation. They are pending whether or not to let us continue. We should know by the end of the year.” Echoes of ‘What and how come’ filled the room. “I don’t know much but the board has found money being funded to things that they don’t understand. Mr. Masters, my father, says there were budget cuts and well, the new accountant noticed a few things. When I get more info, I’ll tell you, but for now things will continue as normal.”
“What are we going to do?” Riley spoke in a soft sweet voice; surprising everyone that she spoke.
“I don’t know but we will figure something out,” Dylan replied firmly.
What will we do? I wondered. If the humans cancel our funding, then…shaking my head, I listened as everyone explained who and what they were to Ian. I laughed as Riley took him off his feet, literally. Wind came out of Riley’s hand picking Ian off the floor. The look on his face was priceless. I gave him an amused look as Riley showed off for the first time. It would seem shy little Riley had the hot’s for Ian; who knows, maybe they will become close.
The meeting was over; it was late in the evening as I walked home. I lived a few blocks from school. Hearing footsteps behind me, I heard and saw Ian approach me. “Hey, Chloe, wait up.” I stopped, not saying anything as Ian stood next to me. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I had my reasons.” The sorrow in his eyes told me he was telling me the truth.
“It’s okay, Ian, I forgive you.” I sighed, a deep sigh.
“I wanted to tell you so many times but with the Jacobs and Maddie always watching I didn’t want them to find out.” Ian pushed his hands down his face in frustration. “I mean the humans...They won’t understand...heck; my own mother couldn’t deal with me.” I watched as he waved his hands outward as his past echoed through every expression. “She left me at my aunt's for crying out loud.”
“Ian, your mother was a fool.” Ian gave me a look. “What I’m trying to say is your aunt and uncle loves you; Maddie adores you. At least, you have a family.” A hint of pain was laced through my voice.
“Crap; I’m sorry, Chloe. Here I am talking about how miserable I am…” Ian trailed off.
“It’s okay, Ian; I accepted a long time ago, I’m alone.” The truth of what I said echoed through my ears.
“That’s not true, Chloe. You're my sister and Aunt Alice and Uncle John adore you, too, as if you were their own,” Ian reassured me before he hugged me.
I hugged him back. “Don’t get all mushy on me,” I said with a small smile, making Ian laugh.
“One of these days that wall you hold up will come crashing down when you realize the world is not that bad,” Ian teased.
Unlikely, I thought. “Ha ha, very funny,” I teased back as we started to head home, back to my foster parents. Ian put his arms around my shoulder as he told me what he thought about Riley.
“So who is that girl that controlled the wind?” There was a wistfulness tone in his voice.
“Her name is Riley De Luca,” I turned to glance at him. “Why do you want to know?” I asked curiously.
“Oh, no reason.” I noticed how Ian changed the subject. I grinned for I knew why my foster brother had asked.