Rebirth: The Awakening Of A Witch Read online

  She popped her head into the small opening of the door and said, “I thought we could go attend mass right after lunch, Dear. I heard Father Reynolds was doing the sermon.” She looked at me expectantly. I just smiled my approval. She smiled back and left afterwards. I hurriedly towel dried myself and went to prepare for mass.

  Father Reynolds’ service was one of the most looked forward to sermons in Rattford Cliffs. In my opinion, the reverend had a knack for preaching, which is why I wasn’t surprised to have the town’s church packed with people. Nana and I walked to the side of the aisles, looking for an empty space that could fit two people. When I spotted one, I guided Nana in the middle section of the church were a nearly-filled pew was located. As we slowly made our way to that spot, that familiar nagging presence sneaked up on me again. It’s been happening several times lately, and I was gradually starting to feel concerned. It wasn’t because it scared me. It was because I wasn’t frightened by it.

  Just when Nana and I sat down, I spotted someone a few pews ahead of us. Adrien Fields. I noticed that his previously relaxed position suddenly stiffened. Then he started fidgeting, craning his neck so he could see above the heads of people. He obviously looked like he was looking for someone. When his head made a complete 180-degree turn to the back, I held my breath. I didn’t know why but I just did.

  Our eyes met, and I was mentally prepared to see the raging look I was so sure would be there. Instead, I was completely stunned when he gazed at me with sad eyes that were filled with sympathy and concern. The expression on his face instantly brought back the dream I had of him. It was almost the exact look I’ve seen on him back then. I was still caught off guard by what I saw that I didn’t know how to react. So I just gave him a small smile before looking away, trying to focus on anything but him and the disheartened look on his face.

  I could still feel him throwing that intent stare back at me. Please don’t look. Stop watching me. Face forward! I commanded him in my mind as I repeatedly chanted this mantra in a singsong voice inside my head. I suddenly felt like I was going crazy. I’ve never really done anything like this before, and I was certain that I’ve not once felt this bothered with someone in the past. What disturbed me most was that I seriously didn’t know why I acted this way.

  I found it painful looking at him with that kind of expression imprinted on his face, and like the depressing feeling I felt when I saw him back at that restaurant, I couldn’t find any logical explanation for the emotional turmoil I was currently experiencing.

  The Reverend couldn’t have made his entrance at a much more convenient time. The church organ started playing a melodic hymn, signaling the appearance of Father Albert Reynolds. Everyone stood up, and I silently thanked God for simple customs such as the entrance of the officiating priest. I stood like everyone else and turned my body so that I, too, was completely facing the direction to where Father Reynolds was going to do his entrance march.

  Much to my dismay, the priest’s arrival didn’t have much effect on him as I expected it to. I could still feel him looking at me. He just stopped when it was announced that we were allowed to sit. And only then did my breathing and galloping heart start to calm down.

  Chapter 3 - Volleyball and Humiliation

  According to Nana, the entire service was excellent…as expected of the Reverend. I wouldn’t really know because I was completely distracted.

  I kept glancing at his back during the entire duration of the mass. I couldn’t help it. It was almost like a magnetic wave existed between us, and I couldn’t bring myself to ignore the fact that he was there.

  Once, while I was staring at his back, the blonde girl who sat beside him turned towards my direction and looked at me. Unlike him, she didn’t shoot daggers of hatred when we first laid eyes on each other. She did the exact opposite. She smiled warmly at me. When she did that, I couldn’t help smiling back. Now why can’t he be like her?

  Out of nowhere, something unusual happened. The girl blushed and abruptly turned back her head, facing forward. She elbowed Adrien on his side as she hastily turned her focus towards the mass.

  I almost scratched my head in complete wonder. That girl was the same one who accompanied him back at the restaurant. Do they have a relationship or something? They seem to be pretty close.

  I immediately stopped my brain from continuing on with its train of thoughts. What do I care, anyway? I shook my head, touching one of my temples in the process. My confusion must have clearly shown on my face, because Nana turned to me with a worried expression on her face. I smiled, hoping to reassure her. She returned the smile and turned her attention back to the priest’s sermon.

  I tried focusing on the mass after that but miserably failed. In the end, I still kept on glancing at his back, and the nagging feeling of curiosity wouldn’t go away. Then when the peace-be-with-you were exchanged, I saw him turn to the girl and give her a light kiss on the cheek. Yeah, that confirmed it.

  After that incident, I finally managed to completely ignore them. I still wasn’t able to focus on the mass, because for some unexplainable reason I felt my anger build up for him.

  That night, I finished all my work in record time. It’s amazing what the mind can do when you totally want to block out something awful and disturbing—meaning Adrien Fields, of course—despite its unknown reasons. As expected, I slipped several times, but looking at the blue-green collage of a masterpiece on the wall gave me peace of mind. I sighed. That tree is magical, and my appreciation for it grew as I discovered its new use. I think I overused its powers for that night, though, but it kept me sane anyway. So I guess it didn’t complain.

  When I exhausted myself to satisfaction, I focused on preparing myself to bed, taking all the sweet time the world has to offer. I was about to climb on the bed when my phone rang to the rock version of Pachelbel’s Canon in D. That must be Anne. I linked that ring tone to her name in my phone, because we both love that version better than the original classic version.

  “Hello?” I was curious to know why she’s calling me but glad for the added distraction.

  “Hey, Girl!” she replied. I rolled my eyes at the choice of name she called me. She clearly needed something. Not that I mind. I love helping my friends out. “Hey, Anne. Is something wrong?” I asked while climbing my bed and getting myself comfortable under the covers, my phone caught in between my cheek and shoulder.

  “Nothing really,” she said, pausing a bit before continuing. “I just remembered I didn’t get to ask you about that hottie transferee student yesterday.” I groaned. I didn’t expect that. I thought she would just let it go. Damn it, Anne. Stop being a keen observer who knows me too well, and a damn genius who can’t seem to forget anything!

  “So?” she said on the other line, prolonging the ‘o’ when I didn’t answer her right away.

  “Okay, okay. That day he strolled into school wasn’t really the first time I saw him. He was at the restaurant the night before when we were having my birthday dinner.” I blurted out, not even pausing to breathe. She would’ve forced that information out of me anyway. She can be that persistent.

  I didn’t mean to, but I got annoyed with her, and that rarely happens. It was all Adrien Fields’ fault. I hissed as I cursed him inside my head, stopping abruptly when I realized I was still on the phone. I sighed. I think that was a little too harsh, blaming him for Anne’s actions.

  “Wait. How could you have seen him and everyone else at our table didn’t? Trust me. If a guy as hot as that would enter a restaurant with La Bella’s size, Jessica would’ve noticed right away,” she narrated. I huffed, blowing my bangs out of place in the process.

  She was right, though. Jessica Carter would have noticed. It’s not that she’s a slut or something. She’s just great at spotting gorgeous guys. It’s like she has a built-in radar on her head only for that sole purpose. It’s sort of like an antenna for hot guys.

  “Besides,” Anne breathed. “The restaurant was dimly lit that night. Sa
ndy requested that from the manager because of the eye pains she’s been experiencing lately.” After she said that, I thought about it. She’s right about Sandy’s eye pains. I have heard her complain about it a few times before. But that doesn’t clearly explain why I was able to see Adrien that night. I was also positive that they’ve seen him, too. I mean, he was right there.

  That’s just silly. I shrugged off further thoughts on the subject. “I don’t know. Maybe Jess is sharing her radar powers with me, which I’m very much fine without, especially when it comes to that…that guy,” I replied and heard her laugh at the other end of the line, irritating me more.

  “Sky, I was sitting right next to you at Physics class, you know… And I have to say,” she started, obviously pausing for dramatic effect. “You guys look cute together!” She burst out, making me pull the phone away from my left ear. I felt my face warm up just because of what she shared. I never thought that I’d ever be this annoyed with Anne.

  This is the first time she has made a comment about me and a guy like that. She was fully aware that I haven’t had a boyfriend my entire life. I just didn’t feel like I was into dating much, and I didn’t see any of my guy friends in that manner. I guess I just looked for a certain kind of connection, the same one that my parents had with each other, but that never came. So I just waved the thought of a boyfriend off.

  Great. I was so set on forgetting everything about Adrien Fields’ disturbing presence and here comes my best friend, shouting about the guy on my ear. I shook my head and clicked my tongue. This had to stop before I directed my anger on the wrong person.

  “Okay, Anne. Listen, I’m honestly tired from all our homework. So, as much as I would like to discuss this topic right before bedtime, I really like to catch some sleep,” I hurriedly said, not allowing her to sneak a word in, which I’m sure she was itching to do.

  I heard her sigh on the other line. “Okay, Sky. I’ll see you on Monday then.” She finally gave up for now.

  “Love you,” I said and quickly ended the call before she changed her mind. I sighed and placed my phone inside the drawer of my bedside table.

  For a nerdy girl, Anne was surely a unique case. I shook my head and finally gave in to the welcoming heaviness of my eyelids. I closed my eyes and happily blocked all thoughts of Adrien Fields and his disturbing silver eyes.

  “Hey,” Nick called out to me. It was Monday, and we were now behind the school gym where the dressing lounges were located. “Hey,” I called back as he stopped right in front of me. I was standing right at the entrance of the female dressing lounge and was about to go in when he walked up to me.

  “Be careful out there. I know you’re not very good at sports,” he spoke with a mischievous expression on his face.

  My best friends have always known of my clumsiness when it comes to sports, and volleyball was not an exception. In fact, it was my third least favorite. Dodgeball and baseball were top two on my list. I just hate activities that involved running and balls. I tend to surprise everyone by tripping on my own two feet in a completely leveled surface.

  I sighed. “Thanks. I’ll try my best to live,” I rolled my eyes and joined him as he laughed. Everyone was used to my clumsiness, so they all did their best to steer clear of me or help me up when I’ve already fallen flat on the ground.

  We continued on making small talk when that familiar aura enveloped me again. I noticed Nick stiffen in front of me. His eyes slowly turned to something behind me. “Don’t look now but that new guy’s here,” he muttered under his breath, never glancing at me. He was still staring intently in that same direction. He clenched his jaw, and I just had to turn around to look at what caused his annoyance. Just when I turned, I almost bumped into someone. I looked up and was about to apologize when I saw his silver eyes throw an intent stare. Not at me, though. He was looking at someone behind me—Nick.

  I suddenly felt someone’s hand on my elbow, pulling me softly but firmly behind. “Sky,” Nick said in a controlled voice. I turned to him then, bewilderment clear on my face. He didn’t look at me and just continued on staring Adrien Fields down. “Go in and change,” he stated. “I’ll see you at the gym,” he looked at me then, and his face softened a bit only to turn back into that angry expression when he again stared back at Adrien.

  Then I felt Adrien stiffen on my other side. And the tension between the two of them suddenly built up. Oh, hell no! I groaned and looked at Nick, touching him on his arm before he did something inappropriate and get himself in trouble.

  “It’s alright, Nick.” I said in a calm and soothing voice. “I actually have something to talk about with Adrien…about Physics,” I said, shrugging and wondering what on earth made me say that. I would have gladly followed Nick’s instructions and come barging into the lounge, just so he could beat the crap out of Adrien.

  Nick turned and looked at me with a doubtful look on his face, probably thinking if he should leave me alone with him. I sighed. Nick was so overprotective. Too overprotective, I think. I raised my eyebrows at him, challenging him not to leave.

  He sighed and smiled at me before turning to go. When Nick was far from earshot, I focused my attention to Adrien Fields. I gave him a questioning look. “Yes?” I asked.

  It wasn’t the first time I’ve seen him this day. We did share the same classes. Earlier this morning during Physics and Literature, we completely ignored each other. He didn’t sit next to me during any of these classes, which I’m really grateful for. And nothing like last week’s episode in Physics class happened again, which was great too. I wouldn’t really want to get in trouble with any of my teachers.

  He bent his head down to look at me. My heart started its marathon run when our eyes locked. He didn’t say anything and just stared back at me. This was starting to annoy me. I didn’t like how I felt light right at that moment, with only his eyes to hold me down and make sure I stayed rooted to the spot. I didn’t want to do anything with him.

  He opened his mouth, seemingly wanting to say something at that moment, then closed it again. I just stood there doing nothing but stare back at him. All of a sudden, he hardened his eyes and clenched his jaw. He now held that same expression as the night we met. I stepped back a bit, feeling my spirits drop at that look he held for me.

  He was the first to break eye contact. He turned his face to the side so he wouldn’t be able to look at me. I saw him close his hands, clenching them into fists. What the hell is up with him anyway? I felt anger surge through me, and I stood firm on my ground. By now, everyone was inside the lounges getting changed. So no one was going to hear any of this.

  “What the hell’s your problem with me?” I snapped, looking at him menacingly, hoping my eyes would let him feel the uneasiness I felt when he threw me that dagger stare of his. He didn’t look at me like I wanted him to, but I did notice his expression tone down a bit.

  “Nothing,” he replied silently. He still didn’t look at me. “Get changed. We’re already late for class.” He walked away from me and strode towards the male dressing lounge. I was left alone there, still outraged at what just happened. I seriously wanted to punch something. I took small, deep breaths to calm down before making my way inside the dressing lounge.

  Everyone was already dressed in their uniforms. Crap! I started panicking and focused on my latest obstacle yet. Volleyball. I groaned inwardly and hurriedly changed into the grey shirt and red mid-thigh shorts that everyone else was clad in.

  Gym class was unbearable. Naturally, I almost tripped and hurt myself a couple of times. My team mates just did their best to stay away from me when it was my turn to serve the ball. I almost hit Nick once, and he was on the opposite end of the volleyball court. It was sheer luck that he had fast reflexes. I smiled sheepishly at him and he just laughed, probably already expecting things like that to happen.

  Today, Mr. York placed the entire class together. The guys were playing indoor tennis on the half section of the gym, and the girls were playing voll
eyball on the other half. The situation was totally unfair. I wished we could trade places. I felt much safer with tennis than volleyball. At least the ball was smaller.

  Mr. York blew his whistle and told us to change courts. It looked like he wasn’t ready to quit until every one of us knew how to properly serve the ball, especially me. So, when we were on our appropriate places, he passed the ball to me and blew his whistle again, signaling me to start serving. I made my way to the end line to take my proper position, settling for an underhand serve. It didn’t really work well for my first serve, but Mr. York told me to try again. So I did. This time, my serve perfectly went over the net and each one of my team mates tensed up, preparing themselves for the opposing team’s come back throw. They were particularly watchful of Kaye Michaels’ serve. She was a great volleyball player and can return one of the meanest spikes ever.

  The game went well for a couple of minutes, the ball constantly making its way back and forth over the net. Each team was getting tensed in returning the ball to the opponent. Of course, I tried joining in my team’s effort. Every time the ball flew over my direction, I managed to hit it with my clasped hands and hurriedly stepped aside so my team could bring it back over the net.