Chapter 22

Two days have passed since leaving the land of the dark ones. Two days I have been cooped-up in my room, slowly going mad. Fuzzy images and voices have been flashing in my mind. The feeling that I have lost something nags at my brain. The familiar headache plagues me when I focus on the ever-present feeling. 

Misty has stayed with me most of the two days, bringing me fashion magazines. She left when I got an unexpected visitor, Justin, and at first, I felt uncomfortable with him sat on my bed. But the feeling gradually faded. We talked for hours. I found myself liking him more. Then he asked me to the upcoming dance. I eagerly accepted. 

I bounce down the stairs, determined to get back to life. No more sitting in my room and reliving the dreadful events that have been plaguing my thoughts, turning into nightmares as I sleep. 

I skip into the dining room. The salty smell of bacon and eggs awakens my stomach. 

“Good morning,” I sing as I take my place at the table. My Grandmother smiles, a smile that reaches her eyes, which is rare for her. Being true to my words, I am trying to make an effort, to give her a chance.

“You are a ray of sunshine this morning, dear.” She grins. I tuck into the breakfast that Mary-Anne places before me. White flecks cover her hair. 

“Has it been snowing?” I ask excitedly. I love the snow and being in November. I can’t wait for the first snow drops to fall.

“No love.” She shakes her head while studying me. 

Pushing my plate away of half-eaten breakfast, I jump to my feet. “I better get going, before I am late.” I head for the door a spring in my step. I want to learn all I can to protect myself; I never want to feel helpless again. School is a good start. 

“And where do you think you’re going, young lady.” Her voice is stern, her hands placed on her hips. 

I gulp. “To school.” I shrug, heading for the door again. I take a couple of steps down the marble hallway before she speaks again.

“Don’t you think you should rest more? You have had quite the adventure.” Concern laces her words. I have done nothing for the past two days; resting more is the last thing I want. I want to learn to fight learn to control my powers. 

“I can’t stay in bed forever, no time like the present to get back on the horse.” I walk down the hall again. 

“Wait, I would like you to have this.” She pulls a black velvet pouch out of her red suit jacket, placing it in the palm of my hand. 

Opening the bag, a cold object falls out. On a closer inspection I gasp at the sheer beauty. A glittering teal blue teardrop shape pendent lies in my hand, reflecting the artificial light. At the top, a sliver rose laces over the pendent as it descends into a shiny silver chain. 

“Thank you.” My voice is weak. The magnificent gift renders me speechless. 

“Here, let me help you.” Her warm hands clasp the chain. The necklace is cool against my skin. It drops to my chest, causing a burning sensation that quickly dies away.

“The pendent will glow whenever danger is near.” Hugging her, I say my goodbyes, promising that I will take it easy. Upon opening the door, I stumble back as Justin tumbles through. 

“I was just about to knock.” His cheeks flush with a tint of pink. “Can I walk you to school?” 

Before I can answer or utter any words my grandmother speaks for me. “What a lovely offer.” 

The walk to school is peaceful, only talking about everyday things. He tells me jokes and makes me laugh. He fills me in on some of the events that have happened. I find myself smiling. 

My first class goes by uneventful. My second, well I guess some things never change.

“Your stance is wrong. You need to pull your shoulders back. Place your feet apart, you hit like a girl.” 

Chris has been shouting and barking at me for over an hour and it is the last straw. I have never met anyone who can push my buttons so easily. I am usually quite reserved and calm. Normally it takes a lot for me to get angry or frustrated, I can be pretty patient. 

One look at his arrogant face is all that I need for my frustrated anger to come out. When he opens his mouth to yell or insult me it takes a lot of inner strength not to slap him 

“If you haven’t noticed, I am a girl and I can’t concentrate when you’re constantly yelling at me,” I shoot back, placing my hands firmly on my hips.

“If you did as I have shown you and actually put some effort in, I would have no reason to.”

“Whatever.” I storm off to get a drink of water. I have an urge to knock the smug look off his face, my anger rising. I am fed up with being pushed around and feeling helpless. I am not going to allow myself to be the victim again. 

“What’s a matter, scared of breaking a nail?” he asks, picking up his own water bottle. I decide to ignore his comment. Chris is supposedly an angel. He is nothing like an angel I imagined. 

“Try again.” 

“No.” The stubbornness inside me decides to come out. 

He raises his eyebrows in amusement. “I said try again, we are not finished.” 

“You might not be finished, but I certainly am.” We stare each other down, both of us refusing to back down.

“Try again now, Kayla!” He raises his voice. Annoyance flashes in his eyes. What has he got to be annoyed about? He is not the one who is being ordered about. He is the one giving out unreasonable orders and insults. Well, if he thinks I am going to take any more of his insults he can think again. 

“You can’t make me,” I spit at him, making my way to the door. As far as I am concerned training is over. The good mood I was in this morning has now evaporated.

“There is no such word as can’t.” His eyes burn into my back.

My legs begin to move on their own accord, walking me straight back to the punch bag. I try digging my heels into the ground and fighting my limbs. But it is no use.

My hands clench into fists. I put all my strength into stopping my hand from moving, causing it to tremble slightly with the internal struggle before it hits the bag several times.

My legs tremble, giving way Chris catches me before I hit the ground. The familiar tingling sensation starts in my palm. An electric current run through me, causing me to shiver. I am too stunned to move or pull away. I have never seen him use his powers before, only his vanishing, act let alone use them on me. 

James had told me that a witch usually has up to three powers that all manifest at different stages. Witches’ powers come from the earth. They revolve around the four elements. An angel can have several powers, which are mainly influences over people. I never thought control over someone’s body could be one of them.