“Nothing,” I reply.
We stop in front of the library’s large wooden doors.The glass windows allow me to see rows and rows of books and desks.Spending time here is pretty boring, so I’ve avoided it; I want to learn how to master spellcasting techniques, not mull over the lives of dead wizards.I study history in public school at home in New York?weekends are supposed to be about sorcery.
Dad adjusts his glasses.“I didn’t become a councilman only to have the only other wizard in my family do poorly in academia.”
“I’m not doing poorly,” I murmur with my hands in my pockets.
“Everyone expects better of you.You’re a good wizard-in-training, which is why I put you in the first-ever class for potential agents of SPELL.So, you need to be top of the class.”
You did it to look good because you’re part of the High Council,I think to myself.But I’m smart enough to know when to talk back and when to shut up.
“Mhm,” I reply.
Dad pauses and gives me a once-over.“Spend some time at the library researching magical history.”
“Why?”
“So you can get high marks.Just like that friend of yours.There he is right now.”
To my right, I gaze at where Dad is pointing in the library.In the distance, I spot the undeniable figure of Taz Devries hunched over books at a table.He’s alone and looks exhausted and pensive as he flips through the pages.A small part of me wants to comfort him.
I long to have those blue eyes shine at me again with playfulness.Wait, what…why?
All sixteen-year-olds have weird, sexual thoughts.Who hasn’t had illicit dreams about Lebron James?But that doesn’t mean I’m gay.And if I were, I’d want a boy other than my academic foe.
And none of that matters because, again, I’m not gay.Society says that to be manly you have to be straight, therefore I’m not part of the queer community.Not not not.
“That young man studies all the time.His home life hasn’t been easy.”
I glance at Dad, then back at Taz.He’s still staring at the pages.I’ve never seen anyone read and be depressed at the same time.What did Dad mean about his home life?
“But of course, you know how smart he is.He’s your school friend after all.”
I bristle.“He’s not my friend.”
“In any case, consider hitting the books.Research, strategy, empathy, and ancient mythos could all be applicable to your future as an agent.”Dad smiles and pats my shoulder.“You’ll be someone I can be proud of.”
The embarrassment in my soul alleviates just a bit.I smile at Dad, and he says, “Now, go read.”With a finger wag, he turns and walks away.
I study Taz in the distance, nearly falling asleep on top of his books.Such smooth skin…
Clearing my throat, I turn away.I don’t need to be like Taz.With that, I stride toward the classroom.Sure, wizard school doesn’t start for another hour, but I’d rather wait in an empty lecture hall than read books.
Even though the thought of sitting next to Taz Devries and quietly studying with him sounds titillating.No.That’s just one of the many gay thoughts I need to ignore.
(Now)
The area looks deserted as I drive through the cobblestone streets.This New Mexican town looks like something straight out of an ancient European movie.I need to focus on the environment and the impending mission as I drive the rental car to the mission site.But I can’t help glancing in the rearview mirror at one passenger in particular.
Taz Devries looks stone-faced behind Necia in the back.He stares out at the nighttime scenery, and each time a streetlamp flashes on his body, I glimpse his outfit.The rolled-up sleeves of his green button-down accentuate his muscly wrists.The way that shirt hugs his chest, though…
Focus.We’re about to go investigate dark cultists.When we were teenagers, I was so deeply in denial of my latent gayness that I didn’t check him out, but now’s not the moment to make up for lost time.I don’t even know if he’s gay, single, or would even be interested in dating me.Hell, does he even know I’m gay?Sure, it’s mildly exciting knowing he lives in my town.Since we’re working together now, we have our off-days at the same time, so we could potentially meet up for drinks.Is he interested in Black wizard guys?
Enough.None of that matters because I’m not interested in him!We don’t get along!
To my right, Necia studies her smartphone.Intel sent us here to investigate illicit magical activity, so we need to be in contact with Cleo, another agent, our expert girl-in-the-chair, back at HQ.“How much farther?”
“The coordinates have a lock on the intermittent spikes of dark magic a few blocks from here,” she replies.She puts in an earpiece and hands me one.“So we can park here and foot it.We don’t need to spook anyone with our driving.”
