As I study the complicated cast, a sensation runs through my body. The magic beneath my skin tells me I could do this spell.
I hope I never have to.
Unfortunately, thanks to a long lecture about the intricate sub-components of this enchantment, Restricted Studies runs over.
I’m too late for lunch and have to rush straight to Nurture Your Spark. “You OK?” Willow whispers as I drag a yoga mat next to her.
“I guess so, but Professor Gimble’s class is so fucked up,” I tell her. “Honestly, the shit we learn is a perversion of magic, with a capital P.”
—Speaking of capital P… I think I’m getting my period. Heck, and I’m wearing my fave undies too, darn it. Wait, Theo said she’s learning perverted magic?—
That’s it.
I’m definitely going to confess my telepathy. Willow is my bestie and needs to know I have a window into her thoughts. It’s just not fair to keep that from her. “Wills, I need to talk to you and Dunc about something asap. It’s important.”
Rubbing her belly, she raises an eyebrow. “Important enough that we should ditch this class? Because I’d be happy to do so.”
It only takes me a second to nod my agreement. “As soon as Octobus heads out, we’ll split.”
“Via the snack stand, please, I need chocolate.”
“Perfect. I can grab a sandwich, then we’ll head back to my place?”
“No offence to your room, Theo, but why don’t we hang in mine instead?”
“Deal. Can you let Dunc know the plan?”
She rolls over and whispers in his ear, then Duncan holds a thumb up for me to see.
The second Professor Octobus leaves the room, the three of us sneak to the door, our yoga mats abandoned, and the curious stares of our classmates ignored. The halls are empty as we head for the snack kiosk, but Willow freezes as we turn the corner.
Naomi Watson is there, laughing with a group of other Ordinarii girls.
As my best friend clutches my arm, her inner voice bounces loudly into my head.
—Oh Gods, I look such a mess. Chin zit—Heck, why am I even worrying? She’s not into me anyway—
After I ‘fess up about hearing her thoughts, I’m going to work on my mental shielding. Maybe the Lumina could help with that.
Suddenly, Naomi’s innermost thoughts broadcast crystal clear into my brain.
—Why do I always crush on the sweet straight girls? Shit, she’s perfectly happy with her boyfriend, I’ve got to stop thinking about her—
Huh? Is she…does she..?
I’m pretty sure that Naomi is thinking about Willow. A little strangled noise escapes my throat.
Naomi turns, and her deep brown eyes study me with curiosity. “Hey, you’re Theodora, right?”
“Yep, that’s me,” I answer, trying to keep a bland expression on my face, considering what I’d just ‘heard’. “And you know my bestie Willow, don’t you?”
Willow stands next to me, blushing a pretty shade of strawberry. I gesture past Willow to Dunc. “And this guy is our other bestie, Duncan Links.” Dunc looks up, gives a small wave, then drops his face back down to his phone.
Naomi gives an awkward laugh, which is so totally at odds with her sophisticated appearance. “Hey, Duncan. And sure, er, I know Willow, or at least we’ve met before.” Naomi’s mind is racing —Duncan is their bestie? Are they in a polycule? Doesn’t seem like it, but maybe?—
One of Naomi’s group tugs at her blazer. “We’ve gotta split, class is starting.”
As her friend drags her away, Naomi looks over her shoulder, eyes soft on Willow. “Er, bye, I guess.”
