It's been weeks since the thing happened in the cafeteria. I ran out of there. I still can't believe people really criticized me just because I'm different from them. I didn't attend school for several days after that, so I didn't get a chance to meet the higher-ups — which is a good thing, since I had time to practice these powers.
I haven't gone home for many days now, and my phone is burning with all the calls and messages from my friends asking the same question: "Where are you?"
I didn't tell them. I don't feel safe, and I don't want to drag them into this. I just grabbed a few things from the house: a camp bag, solar charger, some food, and clothes. I'm at my favorite place — no one knows this spot, not even my close friends. That's why they can't find me.
Tomorrow I'll be back at school to perform my by-pair tasks for two different subjects, and in two different pairs. I already informed Miro about it, so even if we didn't get to practice together, we'll still have something to perform. As for my activity with RJ, he said he'll do all of it. Seems easy for him, he said. He took on all the work — and to be honest, I really don't know how to do the coding anyway, so I'm glad he did. I'll just buy him food in return.
"Enchantments to fix broken things." I saw the phrase as I was scrolling through the pages of the book. I've been practicing during these days without my friends. I can't believe I actually did it — but I did.
"Wait… I have to drink something to activate it?" I've never encountered anything like this before, because I've only practiced the basics. But I want to explore more, so I'll try something new.
"Guava Deluxe? Hmm… what a name."Ingredients: crushed guava leaves, non-filtered water — the enchantment's duration depends on the amount of water added — and two sticks from a guava plant.The real question is: Where do I get guava leaves?
I grab my phone and search it up… Where's Mount Tabor?I look at the pictures of guava leaves, and they look strangely familiar. I think I've seen them before — in the school yard. At the back. The place students say is creepy — that's where we first practiced magior. I have to go there. But people will definitely see me… what should I do? I don't want to relive that cafeteria scene.
I can't think of anything — then my phone beeps. It's a message from Micah.
MICAH: "Hi Mary! I'm so worried about you. I know you wanted alone time, but remember I'm always here for you. Call me if you're ready to talk or if you need anything."
That's her message. I feel warm after reading it. And I get a brilliant idea.
If I can't go to school… maybe someone from school can get the leaves for me. I reply to Micah and ask her for a favor.
MARY: "Mics, I'm good. Don't worry about me. But can I ask a favor instead? Can you pick some guava leaves from the backyard of the school? I'll message you the location. Thanks, bae."I call her "bae." I also send her pictures and my current location. I think she deserves to know — she's like my girl.
MICAH: "What do you need this for?" she asks curiously.
MARY: "Just bring it here. I'll tell you. Don't bring anyone, please." I plead — not because I don't trust the others like I trust Micah, but because someone might follow them… or Tito Greg might track us.
She just reacts to my message with a heart emoji. I wait patiently.
Not long after, she arrives.
"I cut classes for this, just so you know," she says, opening her arms for a hug.
"Thanks your the best. I owe you for this. Where's the guava leaf?"
"Tell me what you need it for first."She's stubborn, so I sigh and tell her everything — not just what I need the leaves for, but also my plan to master all the elements from the book.
"Why? I-I mean… why do you need to master all that?" she asks, curious and clearly worried.
"All my life, I've lived with disappointment and criticism from everyone. I want to protect my parents' hard work. I know there must be a reason why I have this kind of magior — and I need to use it," I breathe out. "I think that instead of just trying to figure out where it came from, maybe it's better to let it become part of me. Who knows — I might actually uncover the mystery of this magior."
"I understand. But… shouldn't we tell others about this? Like your cousin Jad? He's doing his best to help you, Mary."
"I know. I'll tell him soon. But for now, can we keep it between the two of us?"
She sighs and nods. "Okay… but promise me two things. Since I'm part of this, you have to tell me first before doing anything. And promise me you'll eventually tell them."
"I promise, Mics."
We hug.
After that, we immediately begin experimenting.
It was confusing at first, but we managed to do it. After I drank it, the book suddenly did something weird — yet so cool. It wrote out its own enchantment.
"Reparé esto maskoor"
Maybe now I can use it next time without needing to drink a special juice again.
Now this is something.