“That’s right. It’s today.”
The first week of classes flew by. The professors were still doing introductions to their classes and magic as a whole, which I appreciated, but I was ready to get to the real learning.
We made it up the stairs without much huffing on my end. Maybe by the end of this I’d have killer calves to show for all this unplanned exercise.
Remy opened the door and set her laptop bag on her bed. “Rylan is covering the cost for all students, so we don’t need our wallets. Just leave your purse in the room. The vendors will have bags for our supplies.”
I set my purse on the bed and swirled around. “Rylan took care of everyone?” A fluttering sensation tickled my gut.
“Yeah,” Remy grumbled, strolling to the bathroom.
I took the moment to sit and lift my feet up. Rylan hadn’t been in any of our classes since that first day. I’d wondered where he was, but every time I thought about him too much, I’d quickly change thoughts.
It was clear after the dinner incident that Rylan was not like every other student despite appearances as such. This was just another reminder.
Remy came back out moments later and opened our door again. “Ready to go?”
I ran my hands down my face and stood. My body was tired from a week’s worth of walking, but that was just my life now. Walking, walking, walking everywhere. Again, I better super fit by the end of it.
We made it to the fair down by the lake behind the castle, and I took in all the small details on the way. I hadn’t ventured outdoors since arriving, but I hoped to take advantage of theweekend to explore. Piper and I used to go on short hikes all the time until she got so busy with afterschool activities.
“I want to visit the wands first.” Remy pointed to the tent with glowing yellow bubbles coming from the pointed top.
We’d been given a map of vendors this morning in preparation for the event. Remy already had it memorized. I had the paper folded up in my back pocket with highlighted sections.
I tucked my sweater a little closer to my chest as a breeze blew by and gestured for Remy to lead the way. The weather was trying to shift into its autumn era, but summer still had a tight grip most days.
Today was overcast with a chilly breeze. A hint of what’s to come soon.
As we stepped up to the wand tent, a blast of color beside me drew my attention.
“Don’t worry, dear. Menopause will take care of that cold issue. Then you’ll be your own personal heater.” Imogene grinned over at me. She was dressed in an orange hoodie, purple track pants, and black boots.
Imogene had her own sense of style, and I admired that.
Over the week, I hadn’t talked with Imogene myself, but I saw her everywhere. While Delanie Templeton had claimed the spot of most popular girl in school, everyone knew who really ran things.
The colorful, scary woman beside me.
“Something to look forward to.” I laughed, not actually eager for menopause one bit.
Two people were in line to talk to the wand vendor in front of us. Remy lifted onto her toes to scan the wands ahead, while Imogene and I chose to people watch.
“I’m Imogene.” She introduced herself and a part of me wanted to tell her I knew who she was, and I admired her candor, but I held it back.
I was one of those people who observed from a distance, but paid attention to everything. Times like these, it could get awkward if I let a person in on how much I’d quietly learned about them from afar. According to Piper, it sort of made me seem like a stalker.
Ugh, I missed that kid.
“Temperance,” I said instead, choosing not to let my sorta-stalker ways be known.
“That man is like a cheesecake. I’d eat him whole.” Imogene fanned her face with her hands.
I followed her gaze and locked eyes with Rylan.
“Heishandsome,” I agreed without thinking.
I was grateful he stood far enough away to not hear. Imogene laughed and shook her head.
