I was clearing my things and getting ready to go when I was stopped by a voice calling my name.
"Hey! Quinlan." I looked behind me—it was Miro.
"Yes?" I answered casually.
"Do you have a partner for our activity in music?" he asked. I didn't even know we had an activity in music today—much less one that's by pairs.
"Partner?" I asked, confused. "I'm sorry, but when did Ms. give this activity?"
"Oh—you weren't around. Well, we have an activity today and it's by pair. We got a chance to choose our partner."
"Oh… you want to pair up?" I asked, and he just casually nodded. We walked to the music classroom together. I didn't really have a choice.
The teacher announced our partner activity: we had to compose our own song, and the only instrument allowed was the guitar. I didn't know how to play the guitar, but Miro could. So we decided I'd write the lyrics and he'd do the instrumental part. I agreed, especially since he was honest—he admitted he had a terrible singing voice, and I'm not going to deny that he does.
"So that's the plan? You'll send me the lyrics along with the chords, and we'll practice tomorrow during music class?" he said.
I just nodded. I know I said I'd avoid him, but I can't deny that I still have feelings for him. It's not easy to forget—two years is two years. He knows I like him, and the day I confessed, I told him I'd stop once I saw him happy with someone else. So I'm just waiting.
"What took you so long? Is this your first time in the science lab—and you're late?" Reina said the moment I arrived.
"Well, Reina, unlike you, I don't attend every class only to always show up late," I shot back.
"Nah, I don't care. At least I showed up—and earlier than you today."
"Okay, stop it, you two," Micah interrupted, handing me the materials we'd be using today. A few minutes later, the teacher arrived.
"Good morning, Miss Averie," we all greeted her.
Her eyes immediately landed on me.
"Oh, look who got lost today. Good morning to you too, Madame Mary Quinlan," she said sarcastically, making most of the class laugh.
"Well, I can finally relate to the rest of you now, Miss," I said, shrugging.
"I've heard the news too. Well then, have fun with us, Miss Quinlan."
We started the class, and she began teaching us how to shrink objects. We had different kinds of toys to use for practice.
I took a deep breath and reminded myself: if I want to shrink this thing, I need to connect my mind and heart. I pointed at the toy car in front of me—my finger lit up. I focused. I waited. And then, it happened. I shrank it on my first try. The car in front of me shrunk to its smallest size.
I looked around at everyone's shocked faces. I didn't know how, but I was the only one who managed to do it on the first try.
"Good job, Miss Quinlan!" Ms. Averie said.
"Just followed your instructions, Miss," I replied.
"I know—but the one thing you didn't follow is: where is your ring?"
My classmates began whispering to one another.
"I don't have a ring," I said. They all gasped. I'd had the same reaction when I first found out too—I could use magior.
"How could you possibly use magior without a ring? Are you a witch?" one classmate blurted out. The whispering around me grew louder.
I looked at Jad, who was beside me, and then at Micah on my other side.
"She doesn't need a ring to do magior. She's different!" Micah defended me.
"Yeah, right! And of course she isn't a witch—why would you even think that?" Reina added.
"Stop whispering! My cousin is just special. You can't relate to her because we're all different!" Jad spoke up too.
"But how do you explain her doing magior without a ring? Unless she's a witch!" another classmate insisted, pointing a finger at me. Others joined in, asking question after question.
"Everyone, silence!" Ms. Averie finally shouted. "Class dismissed," she said before leaving the room.
"I told you she isn't! That's what you get for watching too many movies. Let's get out of here," Jad said. He held Harmony and grabbed my hand. We left the room, Reina and Micah following close behind.
We were at the canteen, and I guess what happened ten minutes ago had already spread like wildfire through the whole school. As we walked in, everyone's eyes were on us—on me, specifically. They were whispering like I'd done something terrible.
"Mic… I—I can't be here. Their stares are suffocating me."