Marianne Curley - Old Magic

Friday morning were all grouped in the quadrangle outside the cafeteria before school. Hannah and I usually dont hang around this area. It doesnt have a sign anywhere that says Trendies Only, its left unsaid; but everyone knows these tables are the popular groups hangout. But today its raining, a chilling wind is blowing right through our uniforms. I wish Id worn my blazer as well as my maroon wool sweater. The quadrangle area is the only part of school that offers moderate shelter from bitter weather. Its supposed to be large enough to house the entire school population under cover, but really only if we were sheep.

Ive had almost a week to think about Jarrod. Not necessarily by choice, my brain just refuses to think about anything else. Ive had nothing to do with him since that first day, or I should say, hes had nothing to do with me. Hes keeping his distance, and well, I just have to accept thats how he wants it. And I know exactly what hes on about, hanging around with that other lot. Not only does he think Im crazy, hes also running scared. Scared of my bad luck theories.

Looks like hes settled in nicely, Hannah says between sips of hot chocolate. And why not, she goes on. Looks count for a lot with that group. Hes pretty hot. Whatdya reckon?

In my direct span of vision, I see Jarrods arm casually slung around Jessica Palmers back. I try to drag my eyes away from his fingers sliding rhythmically up and down her left arm. Unfortunately I cant stop the sounds of her twittering voice chirping on and on about how cold she is even though shes wearing a sweater, blazer, and long pants. I try to concentrate on what Hannah is saying. Jarrod hot? I guess I agree with that, but wording my thoughts out loud? I dont think so. If Hannah catches on to my feelings for Jarrod, shell stir the hell outta me for the next ten centuries.

He glances my way and our eyes meet and hold for an undefinable fragment of time. I swallow hard, the buzzer sounds, and we start moving to class.

I havent answered Hannah, but it seems shes taken my silence as general agreement anyway. I mean, she rambles on, hes clumsy and all, cant seem to stop dropping thingslike those raw eggs in Food Tech yesterday, what a mess, and the chickens got out when he was supposed to have locked the cages in Agriculture; but somehow with him, it just makes him cuter, if thats possible. Even the glasses look great on him.

Her analysis grates on my nerves. Oh shut up, Han.

She tosses her empty cup into a bin. Whats with you?

I throw her a look that should have her breaking out in big blistery facial acne if I add the accompanying chant. Its a mistake. Straight away it clicks.

Oh no, she groans with a half-laugh. Youve got it bad, havent you?

I dont know what youre talking about, I lie. I do have it bad, bordering on obsession. And I dont like feeling this wayvulnerable. Geez, Im conscious of everything about him: where he is any minute of the day, what hes doing, who hes talking to, what hes possibly thinking. Its driving me crazy.

Theres a bunch of us now, making our way inside the corridors. At least it will be warmer in class today. The only attraction.

Hannah laughs loudly, amused by the thought of me hung up on Jarrod. If Im being honest I can see her point. The guy is way out of my league now. Apparently accepted by the elite group, what would he want with me? He would be shunned if he got caught fraternizing with the weirdos. Unless they have to, nobody talks to Hannah and me. Were different, we dont conform to strict society rules. Hannah is simply too poor, the holes in her shoes and dilapidated backpack, her second-hand uniform, and charity shop clothes adequate testimony to that. She could never keep up with the latest trends, and, of course, she hangs around with meScary Face, as Pecs likes to call me. Hannahs been my friend since kindergarten, when I was the only one who didnt laugh at her borrowed and old-fashioned clothes or make nasty snide remarks about her familys poverty status. Everyone knows the Brelsfords live on handouts. Five children, a father who walked away when the youngest was just three weeks old, it has to be hard.

Sucked in! Hannah exclaims, still laughing.

In my present mood this just makes me volatile.

Gotta do something to cheer you up, she says, spinning around and causing a hassle as others have to move around her to get past, and everyones in a rush to get out of the cold. Lets go to the movies tonight. Its Friday.

The theater up here, a refurbished old Anglican church, holds showings only three days a weekFriday nights, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons.

We discuss whats showing, something about a witch on trial in the sixteenth century. We both burst out laughing at this.

Forget it, we say simultaneously, bursting into more fits of giggles. We decide to go to the Icehouse instead. The local cafe. At least my mood begins to improve. It will help me get through the day. Ashpeak High is such a small school, the whole of the sophomore classtwenty-seven studentsfits into one classroom. The only time we ever split up is for optional subjects. The social scene is a bit like that too. The only place in town worth a look is the Icehouse. Run by an Italian family thats lived on the mountain longer than Ive lived on earth, the cafe has a distinct Italian flavor. The cappuccinos are great. Ashpeaks only claim to culture.

We agree to meet at eight. I spend the rest of the day wondering whether Jarrod will be there, and if so, will he be taking Jessica Palmer? This thought grates on my nervesJarrod and Jessica. I cant concentrate and eventually my mood takes another dive. Of course hell be there, and of course hell take Jessica. That group always hangs out at the Icehouse. Where else is there?

By the end of the day Ive convinced myself the only reason Im interested in Jarrod is because Im concerned for his well-being. At least, other than his clumsiness, nothing else extraordinary or odd has happened. Either hes keeping a firm hold on his emotions, or I made a huge mistake last Monday, and he really didnt cause that storm in the lab. It all seems like a dream now, even though a temporary lab has been set up in the Admin block until the repairs are complete. But what about that enchanted wind in Jillians shop? Was that simply my imagination?

If Jarrod doesnt have the gift then Ive made an earth-shattering fool of myself and given a complete stranger enough ammunition to have the whole town laughing in my face, snickering behind my back even more than before. These thoughts are disturbing. My face goes hot like Ive just stuck it inside Jillians kiln.

Im relieved when school is finally over for the day. The chilling wind is actually quite refreshing, cooling me off. I start reliving the things I told Jarrodevery stupid word.

As I make my way home I realize, either way, Ive blown it.

The Icehouse is crowded. Everyones here, everyone, it seems, except Jarrod. Jessica Palmers here though, hanging out with a loud group of boys mostlyPecs, Ryan, Pete ODonnellher usual crowd. I wonder whats happened to Tasha? Pecs has an arm thrown over the back of Jessicas seat. Occasionally his hand slides down and grips Jessicas shoulder, giving it a revolting squeeze.

Hannah notices this little play. Look at that. With disgust in her voice she indicates with a flick of her head the rowdy group consisting of Pecs and his mates. They have the center two tables drawn together, so theyre hard to miss. Their desired effect. Did you hear? Tashas given Pecs the shove.