Jack looked at all the adults behind the Headmaster. There were nine of them total. Some of them looked kind of frightening to him then there were some that seemed nice like Professor Amora. He had to look away quickly to catch up with the rest of the group. He walked behind Alicia and then turned his attention back to the massive room. As glorious as it was it didn’t make him forget about what had happened with the sword. He shivered at the thought of it and Alicia glanced back at him, concerned. He smiled at her but it was forced. She turned back and sped up her pace to catch back up so she was behind Bethany.
They all wanted answers and Jack knew he should tell them but they would probably think he was crazy and if he told them then maybe they would be in danger too. The mirror said to find people he trusted and he trusted the Selected well Luke was kind of fifty-fifty. However, Luke had helped him when he needed it so maybe he could trust him. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdCHo1kLV8
He just didn’t want anyone else to get hurt and he had already hurt Alicia so maybe they did deserve to know. But, he didn’t really know what was going on himself. All he knew was he was in danger and something bad was happening. He just wanted to know why. He was just some kid with a messed up childhood and unusual abilities. The person that was in his house and in the woods had said he had great power but what did that mean? Was that even true?
How could he have great power when using his magic just caused problems and hurt him….and others. He still felt so horribly guilty about hurting Alicia. She’d told him over and over again that it wasn’t his fault when they were alone earlier. The reason she had been upset still baffled him. She had been upset because he had hurt himself. That made no sense to him. Jack knew Alicia was selfless, she always put others first. That still didn’t clear it up for him. Maybe this was how it was being friends with someone. Both were upset the other got hurt? That made sense. He was upset he hurt her and she was upset he got hurt too.
He just now realized Martin had led them to a row in the front where unlike the other rows there were only four seats. Jack didn’t like this. He already felt most students he passed staring at him. He could feel it as he sat down too. He was beside Alicia and Bethany was on the other side of her then Luke. Martin was sitting in the row behind them and Jack could sense the other people in that row staring at the back of his head. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LwsobMhs2
He wished he could be normal and not have everyone staring at him. The room was filled with chatter and he kept his eyes down. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1buMF8zX5F
“You okay?” Alicia asked, pulling him from his thoughts. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmf4wulgwGm
“I can feel people staring at me.” he muttered. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEX5iRx4uUs
“Do you mind me asking why it bothers you?” she said. Jack shook his head. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlajVyWCaA
“It just makes me uncomfortable and self conscious I guess. I mean they’re all staring at me because of my magic. I can’t even use it properly and all I’ve been doing is messing up.” he told her, still keeping his gaze down.
“Jack, all the stuff that has happened is not your fault. I don’t know what’s going on. None of us do and we want you to trust us at least Bethany and I do.” Alicia replied. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQTFR0ddmm
“Trust isn’t the issue.” Jack muttered. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoz2GyTOpHO
Alicia sighed. “Then will you tell me what is?” “I don’t want to put any of you in danger but I hurt you so it is very conflicting right now. I want to tell you but I just don’t know if I should.” Jack said. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiyPwmyOJt
“It wasn’t your fault and maybe we could help you.” Alicia replied. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoXIz3R67x
Jack looked over at her. He could see the sincerity in her gaze and he did trust her but he couldn’t bear the thought of her getting hurt again. He was so torn and he wasn’t sure what to do but thankfully his attention was called elsewhere by the Headmaster.
He had held up a hand for quiet and all the voices went quiet. Jack swore if someone had dropped a pin everyone would hear it. Everyone seemed to respect the Headmaster immensely. Jack was relieved because he felt people’s gaze shift off of him and to the Headmaster. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTtKy17xXp
“As all of you know the Selected have been chosen. I wish for all of you to welcome them and give them assistance as they prepare for their tests.” the Headmaster told all of them. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8AkJ6eu5Z
His voice seemed to echo throughout the room. There was a break out of murmurs after he said this and Jack heard his name whispered in the row behind him. He felt Alicia touch his arm. He looked over and she smiled at him encouragingly. As she touched him he felt warmth. It was strange however.
It was just where she touched and it felt like it was coming off of her. It was almost the same feeling when the energy surged through him when he used his magic but not quite. It was really similar to something but he couldn't place it yet. As he focused on it he felt it spread through his body. It clouded his mind as it rushed through him. He jerked his arm away and the feeling was gone. He realized it had only been a few moments. Alicia looked at him and he could see he’d made her upset. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNxPy8nTCe
“Sorry.” she mumbled to him. Jack touched his arm where she had. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6OYrgFJR3
“It wasn’t you.” he whispered. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbqxJgo61y
“What happened?” she asked. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3pbayYQlH
“I’ll explain later.” Jack promised. Alicia turned back to where the Headmaster was holding up a hand for silence once again.
Jack thought about the feeling again. When he’d felt the presence of whoever was in the woods, it terrified him. However when he felt Alicia it was warm and comforting just like she was. It had felt good in a way and when the person in the woods had gotten to him his mind felt only fear. When Alicia had touched him his mind had been clouded differently. He couldn’t think of any words to describe it. In that moment he’d forgotten all his worries and fears. Whatever was going his magic was developing and he knew that this had something to do with it. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6o9r574rmL
“I simply want to give a few reminders and some new ones.” the Headmaster announced. There were a few murmurs before everyone was silent again. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsxgdyvtO7
Jack noticed the teachers were all serious and some were tense. Maybe the Headmaster had told them about the sword? He waited to see what these reminders would be.
“None of you are to leave the school and go into the surrounding forests without granted permission, you are all to be in your rooms at nightfall, and if any strange items are found they are to be brought straight to me or one of the other teachers.” the Headmaster continued.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb02VC08Hc2
Now many students seem to protest against the first two reminders and many were confused with the last. However the Headmaster met Jack’s eyes a moment before raising his hand again. The students fell silent again and Jack looked at Alicia. Bethany and Luke were looking at him and Alicia was too. They all knew why there were new reminders. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6FlPnqhmI
“Before we part I wish to introduce all of you to the Selected because I know only a certain amount of you came to the Selection.” the Headmaster said.
Jack felt instant dread. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1i7fMwRyEe
“Ready to have that heart attack you wimp?” Luke asked. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehqhaJTrgk
“Shut up.” Alicia and Bethany said in unison. The Headmaster gestured for them to join him. Jack shook his head slightly. He felt everyone’s eyes on him again.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuKzFUb0hp
“Come on, Jack. It’ll be fine because we’ll be up there too.” Bethany told him as the three of them stood. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoQt3fmCML
Jack stood up too but he still looked uncertain. Alicia smiled at him and he felt a little better. He remembered the feeling of warmth that had radiated from her. He followed the rest of the Selected onto the raised platform.
Jack stood farthest from Headmaster beside Alicia. He looked out and saw everyone in the room looking at him. He could feel the teachers’ eyes on him too. He quickly looked down and tried to pretend that no one was looking at him but he was filled with pure dread. He hated attention and there was a reason for it of course but he kept that reason to himself. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLk9DThJ6Q
“You’ll be fine.” Alicia whispered to him. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqB9CnCI6hj
“Thanks.” he whispered back. He wanted to believe her but he knew a lot of people were still looking at him. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBgjYHEti4F
“The Selected: Luke Ramos, Bethany Jalen, Alicia Belle, and Jack Larmen.” the Headmaster announced, gesturing to them when he said their name.
Jack felt his face grow warm as the students clapped.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpWAQ34UmQ
“You going to have that heart attack yet?” Alicia teased. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbZUhXHIwf
“Shut up.” Jack muttered but he was trying not to smile. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iV1xBnja1
“Don’t smile, Jack. Don’t do it.” Alicia said, continuing to mess with him. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYENTWrDMb
“Stop it.” Jack replied, smiling. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhXhS806pj
“I win.” Alicia murmured. Jack laughed quietly. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldqtka8COJ
“Thanks, Alicia.” he said. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaqVSJfT85
“Anytime.” she replied, smiling at him. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4Ej5U1RTu
Then they both turned their attention back to the crowd of students when they heard shouting. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7WXMeI2Bk
“Show us his magic!” was the only shout Jack had managed to pick out. He froze as the Headmaster raised his hand again. The room was almost silent but there were still murmurs spreading through the room.
Jack looked at the Headmaster. “I know that recent events have left all of you…..curious but he will not be demonstrating his magic.” he told everyone. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7NTjtku6Dz
Jack felt relief flood through him but it vanished as there was shouting again. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhecvmduW3n
“How do we know he isn’t lying?” 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnGQkn75DD
“Most of us weren’t even there!” 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlU2LXJ7DE
“He’s a freak if it’s true!” some of the students shouted. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkk4ia0H1BH
Bethany looked over at him, she didn’t know what to do. The Headmaster raised a hand again but the shouting continued. Jack could hear insults and disbelief about his magic and he wanted it to stop.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNVx6qg8nQ
“Jack.” Alicia said, looking at him with concern. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBE9x8SYWM
“I can’t listen to this.” Jack muttered. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGMRAvVZy9
“Then don’t.” Alicia replied. She wanted him to ignore them but he couldn’t. The Headmaster and teachers still couldn’t get them to calm down.
“Stop!” Jack shouted, raising a hand. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2WK6oWvXO
A burst of light flooded the room. Jack felt the burning again. He gritted his teeth and his fists clenched. The room was completely silent now. After a few moments the burning ceased and he just felt tired. He hid being tired and the pain. The Headmaster and teachers were looking at him now, and their expressions were the same as everyone else’s….shocked. Alicia, Luke, and Bethany’s shock was probably from the fact that he’d used his magic. Everyone else’s was because he could use magic.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDqD3wiaTD
“I couldn’t deal with it anymore.” Jack muttered, crossing his arms. What the students were saying had made him upset and he was done being insulted. He’d had enough for today and he wasn’t going to deal with all of them insulting him either.
No one said anything. The room remained silent for several minutes before the Headmaster looked back at the crowd.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd868eX58VS
“All of you back to your day.” he told everyone, waving a hand to open the doors. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamPWfszPXh
The whispers broke out immediately as the students stood and filed out of the room. Martin was the only one who remained and he came up onto the platform. Jack took a deep breath and touched his head lightly. He heard footsteps retreating behind him along with more whispers. The teachers must have left. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUbSabkxYj
“Jack, are you alright?” Alicia asked. His hand immediately dropped to his side. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpka469TQa
“Other than being a bit irritated, yes I’m fine.” Jack replied.
He really didn’t feel fine at all. He was tired and his head hurt but He didn’t want anyone to worry about him. He’d already caused enough problems.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN40UNjokFr
“I am sorry for their behavior.” the Headmaster apologized. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33DALY9xuN
“I’m used to it.” Jack muttered. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRcWgWtFSA
“You’re lying, about what you said before.” Bethany said out of the blue. They were all standing around him now. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvtookAMtq
“What do you mean?” Luke asked, confused. Everyone seemed confused by her statement other than the Headmaster. His expression was unreadable.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡef4Ucrxe18
Bethany looked Jack straight in the eyes as she gave her answer. “You aren’t okay.” she stated. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDNFvZO8WD8
“It’s been a long day and so I just got irritated.” Jack replied.
“I think it’s kind of funny how after everything a crowd of students insulting you made you irritated.” Luke said. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABGgYKKHSV
“Let me know how you feel after hurting your friend, getting cut with a sword that is extremely painful and is supposed to kill you, and have a crowd of people yelling insults at you again.” Jack retorted. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YA0gT00u2
Everyone was quiet. Alicia touched his arm. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0zZ3gJ7Bn
“It’ll be okay.” she said. The warmth flooded through him again and he took a step away from her. She dropped her hand and Jack immediately felt bad. He kept hurting Alicia. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iyHoM0cuR
“It’s not you, I swear.” he told her. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnvEv2EPKD
“Then what is it?” Alicia asked, looking down. The Headmaster looked at Jack curiously. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsfQj5cSZm
“Did we miss something?” Luke asked. Bethany looked confused too.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMW83AgH0KH
“I…..” Jack trailed off. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VZfnJyj8L
“You obviously hurt Alicia’s feelings so what did you do?” Luke snapped. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWDFr6PpI6
“Shut up.” Jack retorted. Luke opened his mouth to say something but the Headmaster cut him off.
“I’m sure what Mr.Ramos meant to say was why did you back away from Alicia.” he said, giving Luke a look. Luke looked away and didn’t say anything else. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPtKUMDOM5
“I don’t really know what happened. It was kind of like the forest in the sense that I couldn’t think and I couldn’t really focus at all.” Jack muttered after a moment. He looked at Alicia and saw horror on her face. She must have thought that she’d given him the same feeling as the shadow person in the woods. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJI2zhPs12H
“It wasn’t the same feeling though. It was…..different. I can’t really explain it.” he said quickly. Alicia looked relieved. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFNZ48fSxq
“This is everytime she touches you?” the Headmaster asked.
“Yes.” Jack replied. Luke coughed but Jack knew it was to hide a laugh. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv82zw80AcR
“Is it just with her?” the Headmaster asked. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjF8KVIt7z8
“I don’t know.” Jack muttered. The Headmaster stood in front of him and touched Jack’s arm. He felt something but he couldn’t identify it. It wasn’t as strong as Alicia’s had been. Even the shadow in the forest hadn’t been as strong as hers. He hadn’t told them that. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsgRzsDbLM
“Jack can you hear me?” the Headmaster’s voice asked through the unknown feeling. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZoN9CLLBP
“Yes.” Jack said, his voice was a bit strained. Then the feeling vanished and everything was normal again. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuzyDacrZc
“Miss Belle, would you mind? I am trying to see if my theory is true.” the Headmaster said.
“No.” Jack said. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZznk6b8jCu
“No?” Bethany asked confused. “386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMSmaMjmrB
I can’t focus and I don’t want to hurt anyone.” Jack muttered, crossing his arms. The Headmaster looked at him for a moment. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6t5iKN5B1
“I do not believe you will hurt anyone from her touch.” he told him. He gestured for Alicia to stand in front of Jack. She did and she looked at him. Jack could see the question in her eyes. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSP14dOw4Kl
“It doesn’t hurt me.” Jack murmured. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX19BfptGP8
“When she touches you, try to break through and focus again.” the Headmaster instructed. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmU4oi3oL6W
“And if I can’t?” Jack asked, his tone showed he believed more in him failing than actually being able to do it.
“You don’t believe in yourself at all do you?” Bethany asked. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KGAOBWq1v
“Not one bit. I have zero reason to.” Jack replied. Everyone seemed surprised by his answer, even the Headmaster. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡARpzdyxuEH
“Well now you do have a reason.” Alicia said. Jack looked up and met her gaze. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjDQIbiCG8
“And what would that be?” he asked quietly. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxJVqjOAsU
“Because I believe in you.” Alicia replied. She touched his arm and Jack’s mind was immediately clouded. All he felt was warmth. He could feel Alicia’s kindness and gentleness. He heard a vague echo of voices but he couldn’t hear what they were saying. He didn’t remember what was going on either. Then he heard his name. Who was calling him? He thought.
“Jack? Can you hear us?” someone asked. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGweacJKYru
Hear them? Then he remembered. He concentrated on the voices, then they became clearer. He could hear the Headmaster and the other Selected. He could do it. Alicia believed he could and he could hear them. He focused hard and the warmth disappeared and everything was clear again. Alicia was still touching his arm and everyone was looking at him. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRZO7wtfmU
“Did he...do it?” Martin asked the Headmaster uncertainly. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOriKMgBsG
“You know I’m standing right here.” Jack said, smiling a little bit. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiu8Gtla1s1
“You did it.” Alicia replied, hugging him. Jack hugged her back. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCMg0uvm5Q
“Yeah I just remembered this friend of mine told me I could.” he said. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1uEOVifco
Alicia let go of him at the same time he let go of her. She was blushing for some reason. Jack didn’t really understand why.
“What exactly just happened to you? You barely moved and it was just…..weird.” Luke said. He was trying to suppress laughter, Bethany and the Headmaster were smiling a little bit too. Marcus was trying not to smile. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyxFWzvoPme
“I couldn’t really hear any of you and I forgot what was happening. I couldn't focus on, well focusing.” Jack replied, looking down. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nCONyoAXH
“You do that when you’re upset or hiding something.” Bethany said. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJLp4GobLQ
“Will you stop it with that?” Jack asked, looking over at her. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5rzhhDbX5
“It is kinda freaky.” Luke muttered. Bethany glared at him. Luke held up his hands. “Just saying.” he said.
“Jack, what’s wrong?” Alicia asked quietly while Bethany and Luke continued their conversation. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk144hg1St7
“Aside from the obvious, nothing is really…...wrong.” Jack murmured.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VPF14sj9h
“Then what is it?” Alicia asked. Jack looked over and saw the Headmaster was talking to Martin. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchyAIJ7N3w
“When I….felt you it was stronger than when I felt the Headmaster. Even whoever was in the woods.” he said, quietly.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7diAFssX0A
“Is that a bad thing?” Alicia asked. There was something in her voice that Jack couldn’t place. “No. It isn’t a bad thing at all. You feel...warm. I could feel your kindness and gentleness too. That’s one of the reasons it’s so hard to focus. It’s one of the best things I’ve ever felt.” Jack explained, his face turning a bit pink.
Alicia blushed red but she smiled at him.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGJrvo8zDh1
“Are you two love birds done?” Luke asked. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Oq8uo4nN8
Jack glared at him. “If you don’t knock it off, I’m pretty sure I can make you.” Jack retorted. The four Selected stood in a group now. The Headmaster still spoke with Martin a few feet away. He hadn’t noticed yet. The three of them looked at Jack in shock. Luke snapped out of it first and he moved so his face was inches from Jack’s. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVTRssP0C0e
“You might want to rethink that statement.” he said, coldly. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EfC3hSp3B
Jack didn’t back away. “I’m done with it, Luke. I’ve dealt with your insults long enough.” he retorted. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmpmIBV0mK
“Both of you don’t do this.” Bethany said. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwBzPASsmE
“Jack, come on.” Alicia added.
“Yeah, Jack. Back down like the coward you are.” Luke said. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGpCT9y80M
“I am not a coward.” Jack replied his voice hard. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtO9RieANzL
“You aren’t? Do you remember yesterday? You didn’t even fight back, you just ran like the coward you are. You know Alicia is only your friend because she felt so bad for you. All you get is pity because you are a wimp. You are nothing, Jack and you always will be.” Luke told him, grinning. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0WIHDN1vc
Jack felt angry and then he felt the energy. “No!” he shouted. A blast rang out and Luke was thrown back. Jack crumbled to his knees. The burning was more intense than before. He felt a hand on his shoulder. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07ccLgAi2k
“Jack!” he heard Alicia exclaim next to him.
“What is going on over here?” the Headmaster demanded. The voice were distant and everything was blurred by pain. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPMG4fH4Vw
“Jack attacked me!” Luke exclaimed. Jack groaned in pain as Bethany yelled at Luke. He felt Alicia touch his hand. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMEuksljXR
“Jack, focus on me. You’ll be alright.” she said, softly. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSD7CovH2i
“Alicia.” Jack gasped. He could hear the Headmaster talking to Luke and Bethany. He heard Martin too. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BG9VRlXLL
“I’m right here.” Alicia assured him, squeezing his hand. He focused on her and the warmth went through him, overpowering the pain. He took a deep breath and after a moment everything returned to normal.
His vision became clear again and he saw Alicia on her knees beside him. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOJAe1dFMa
“I’m sorry.” he whispered. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgguzkaOPS
“You don’t need to apologize. What Luke said was wrong, all of it.” Alicia replied. Jack stood up with her but he staggered. Alicia steadied him. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePl7paVyNd
“You’re tired.” she said.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hLYxGVDAn
“Who cares? He attacked me with his magic.” Luke interjected. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcGz4W9XWqf
“Is this true Mr. Larmen?” the Headmaster asked, looking into Jack’s eyes. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6gl51VcrI
“Yes, but it was an accident.” Jack replied. He felt Alicia squeeze his hand again then release it. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVos5LwZqPc
“And please explain how this accident occurred.” the Headmaster pressed. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqhDEVuvKW
“I lost control.” Jack mumbled, looking down. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExY8Rwbry3
“I will not tolerate this Mr.Larmen. I am aware your situation is….unique however I will not provide exceptions to obvious rules such as not hurting others. I told you that the bickering would end once you entered the Academy.” the Headmaster told him.
Jack didn’t say anything. He kept his gaze down. “Headmaster, it wasn’t Jack’s fault.” Alicia said. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGJWyutE99
“Just leave it be, Alicia.” Jack whispered. He guessed Luke was smirking because he was being told off. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6TU8DWwRO
“And how is he not at fault?” the Headmaster asked. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBFPH8WsNb
“Don’t.” Jack muttered. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54FLkeo0Ol
Alicia didn’t listen to him. “Luke was saying terrible things to Jack and he knew what would happen. He wants Jack to get in trouble. He didn’t even hurt Luke.” she told the Headmaster. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaKDhTUH6W
“And what did he say to you Mr. Larmen?” the Headmaster asked him. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcbJWbebeq
“I-It doesn’t matter.” Jack said, quietly.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHztPuaFOMR
“If it didn’t matter then you would not have reacted in the manner you did.” the Headmaster replied.
“Just tell him.” Bethany urged. Jack looked up and he knew there was pain in his eyes. Luke’s remarks hurt and he knew it. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMhRSFNAtg
“He said I was nothing and that people only care about me because they feel bad for me. He said I was a coward too.” Jack whispered, looking down again. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLwFxNYpIc
“Well this certainly changes the story doesn’t it, Mr. Ramos?” the Headmaster asked. Luke didn’t say anything in response. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBhaLSV6P4v
“All of you are to go with Martin and there will be no more bickering. Final warning before there will be consequences. Am I clear?” the Headmaster said. All four of them nodded. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKBZgtwzE8
“Martin, you may take it from here.” the Headmaster said, turning to Martin. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuuttuUlxQ
“Yes, Headmaster. Now the four of you follow me.” Martin said, walking off the platform. Luke followed immediately and Bethany gave Jack a small smile before following.
Alicia stayed beside him as they followed Bethany. Jack kept his eyes down and didn’t say anything. He kept hearing Luke’s taunts and he couldn’t believe he had reacted like that. He shouldn’t have let his magic blast Luke back. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mWZb4LMoj
“Jack, don’t be upset about what Luke said. He wants you to and he just lied. You aren’t nothing and I wanted to be your friend because you are amazing. You’re kind, helpful, and sweet. You put others first and that’s something Luke doesn’t seem to understand that.” Alicia told him as they made it to the doorway. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOkR0ZeyeX
“I’ve been told that I’m nothing for as long as I can remember.” Jack murmured. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo49DAe3zQl
“Well it isn’t true.” Alicia countered. After a moment of silence she slipped her hand into his. Jack looked at her surprised. She blushed and looked away for a moment.
They walked into the hallway where students were walking in pairs and groups back and forth like before. “You’re amazing too, Alicia. Thank you.” Jack said quietly. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeS9cwBIXi
She looked at him and he smiled slightly. She smiled too and they followed Martin and the other two down the hallway hand in hand. After Jack had fought through the warm feeling earlier he was able to control it now. If he wanted to he could feel it but it didn’t automatically happen now. At least he’d accomplished something today and it was because of Alicia. The were heading down to the main floor again. They had one more staircase to go down and Jack thought they were going to make it with no problems. They were going down another hallway when it happened. Jack thought he had to be jinxed. How could so many bad things happen in one day?
“I see you're still hanging around with this riff raff.” Raven McCallister said, stepping in front of him and Alicia. A group of students was surrounding them now and he could see that Bethany and Luke were still following Martin. They had no idea that they weren’t with them as they continued down the hallway. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXM7QCSHya
“We actually have to go somewhere so can we continue this conversation later?” Jack asked her. Alicia was looking down, Raven knew how to get to her. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2S43cvwMe
“No, Jack. I’m afraid I must insist on asking why you haven’t accepted my invitation to hang out with my group.” Raven replied, twirling a lock of hair around her finger. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rv810e0rs
“I’m perfectly content hanging out with the people I already do.” Jack said, squeezing Alicia’s hand.
Jack noticed Raven’s gaze was on his and Alicia’s hands. “You and the other boy don’t get along. It’s extremely obvious. He wouldn’t be able to bother you if you were with me.” she told him. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kFDKwdK0S
“Again my answer is no.” Jack retorted. Raven was quiet for a moment. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEF6IIkjV5H
“Quite the display you put on earlier. Casting light like that I mean. I have never seen that done before not even from teachers.” she said, taking a step forward she was directly in front of him. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mh4n3Fmps
Jack was surprised by this. “You didn’t know? Well of course not. You haven’t had the chance to study magic.” Raven said with a grin. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxAmkwoRAJ
“Look we need to catch up with the others so will you just leave us alone?” Alicia asked, looking at Raven. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMty9kB77H
“You know I’m very surprised that he would spend his time with you. He has already proven that he is special. Even though his abilities are strange they are impressive. Yet you just drag him down.” Raven retorted, glaring at Alicia.
Alicia looked down again. Raven took a step back and someone walked between Jack and Alicia separating them. Jack glared at Raven. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2r40XtaQXM
“You do not get to talk to Alicia that way. I don’t care if you’re popular or not. Notice even though you have been rude to her for no reason she has not insulted you.” he said. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfNtknUXOB6
“Because she’s weak.” Raven replied. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Y79nCoIZm
“Because she’s kind.” Jack corrected.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45c8Nkl732
“Well she isn’t kind enough to not exist.” Raven retorted. Jack saw the impact that remark made on Alicia. She pushed through the crowd and ran down the hall towards the stairs. Raven was smiling as she turned to Jack again. He was incredibly angry. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOonh5fRb7o
“I have no idea why you dislike her so much, but she is better than you will ever be.” he said, coldly.
“I highly doubt that.” Raven replied, unphased by his tone and words. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5ZrhTwerL
“You want to know why I haven’t accepted your invitation? It’s because I would rather spend my time with Alicia. She never would have done what you just did. She’s better because she encourages people and helps others. You tear others down and hurt people. I’m not going to be around someone like you. Now tell them to move.” Jack retorted.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqRNx66d1F
Raven looked at him shocked. He could tell she’d never been spoken to like that. She scowled but waved a hand and the students parted to let him pass. Jack went down the hallway and down the stairs to the main floor.
As he was going down the last few stairs he saw Bethany talking to Alicia. She looked so hurt and upset. What Raven had said had hurt her and that only made Jack dislike Raven more. He saw Luke and Martin standing a bit away from the two girls. When he got to the bottom, Luke saw him. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46Zhz50Vx6
“What did you do to her this time?” he asked, crossing his arms. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4A24359OWu
“I didn’t do anything.” Jack retorted. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FxEdHQmwV
“Then what exactly happened?” Martin asked. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jFsbc186s
“Raven.” Jack replied, walking over to Alicia and Bethany. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQud2tGgiDY
They looked over at him as he came over. Alicia looked hurt and Bethany was looking at him hopefully. It seemed like she hadn’t been able to cheer Alicia up.
“Alicia, none of the things she said to you were remotely true.” Jack told her. Alicia looked down. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS5Zwn4T10K
“She doesn’t even want me to exist.” she said quietly. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHJ4vLZddA
“Well I really don’t care what she thinks. I want you to exist and so does Bethany. I’m sure there are many more people too.” Jack replied. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ44u9Bm7u8J
“Why don’t you just hang out with her? You would be popular and not have to deal with Luke. Isn’t that what you wanted?” Alicia muttered.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzE6pQAXCZs
Jack looked at her for a moment. “She isn’t you.” he said, simply. Bethany had quietly left the two of them and went over to Martin and Luke. Alicia looked at Jack confused. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0i5tTcdBy
“What do you mean?” she asked. “I want to hang out with you and not her. She’s just rude and if the roles were reversed you never would have said what she did.” Jack explained.
“I am the reason that everyone in town knows about your dad.” Alicia mumbled. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQxPM255Sy
Jack was quiet for a moment. “If you really want to play the bad friend card, I literally burned you this morning.” Jack replied. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ePXix1IiW
“That wasn’t your fault.” Alicia told him. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNW4LO5KknH
“That aside, what Raven said was not true at all and you shouldn’t believe her.” Jack said. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCBxvbJNoG
“I’m being ridiculous. You’ve had the worst day today and I’m upset about this.” Alicia muttered.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkuW9NquIpb
“You have every right to be upset, Alicia. The only reason I got through today was because of you and Bethany too. You were there for me after all of it.” Jack murmured. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcr1Tjvmjx
Alicia smiled slightly. “Now come on. We still have one more thing Martin is going to show us.” Jack said. He couldn’t help smiling a little bit too.
The two of them walked over to the others who paused their own conversation as they did. “What exactly happened?” Martin asked. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpbqJyceh5
“Doesn’t matter because none of it was true and Raven is just annoying.” Jack replied. “That girl who invited you to sit with her earlier?” Bethany asked. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsqNWXoh2b
Jack nodded. Luke muttered something and crossed his arms. “Might as well say it to my face, Luke.” Jack said, looking over at him.386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8p8d52R7W
“I don’t want you to attack me again.” Luke retorted. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7ztQwxwRl
“Well then maybe you shouldn’t be so rude to people. If you hadn’t been a complete jerk it never would have happened.” Jack muttered. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCrcakr1tQ
“It isn’t my fault you can’t control your freak magic.” Luke replied. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ430C5iBmQd
“And it isn’t my fault I have it.” Jack retorted. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhESU76oWuv
“Enough.” Martin interrupted.
“If you both continue to argue then the Headmaster said there will be consequences.” Bethany told them. 386Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzB8tZphlII
“Exactly. Now let’s go.” Martin said, beginning to lead them down a hallway beside the stairway. They were on the floor they had first been on that day. Jack wondered where they were going. He just prayed nothing else would go wrong today.
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