《The Garden State of Secrets》


 ?Part One?

    The library was normally her sanctuary, today it was more like her prison. Beatrix Blackwood loved literature and history, but she hated math and science. Anything to do with numbers felt so constructive and cold, lacking any remnants of soul or life. As usual her feelings didn''t correlate with reality. Despite being a sophomore she still didn''t feel like she belonged in New Jersey''s prestigious Graystone Academy. Beatrix always felt like a stranger in her town but more so in her highschool. She had nothing in common with the other students, who seemed to care only about grades, money, and popularity. She had a secret that she could never share with anyone, a secret that made her different and in turn also made her lonely. She felt like a bird in a guilded cage, born into safety and wealth, yet still longing to fly free and explore the wonders of who she really was. The wonders of which her mother constantly implored her to keep hidden. Or at the least the freedom to fly away from her Algebra homework that was due next period. She was struggling with a problem, when she heard an unexpected soft whisper in her ear.


    "I''d choose B if I were you."


    She looked over and saw a boy she''d never seen before. He had a warm smile, brown messy hair, and the most mesmerizing cloudy gray eyes she had ever seen. They seemed to hold a secret that only he knew. She felt a rush of heat fill her cheeks as he sat down next to her.


    She shoved down all questions about why this handsome stranger made her blush and in an equally hushed tone she replied, "Thanks, but what exactly makes you the Algebra expert? And I don''t think I''ve seen you around before."


    "My algebra credentials are super solid." Proudly, he stuck out his chin and continued, "I''ll have you know you''re in the presence of the fourth place winner for the NYC Math Olympiad Tournament." After, he sheepishly slumped down and said, "That''s honestly my only brag, I don''t win at much. I actually just transferred here today, names Avery." He extended his hand to her for a shake.


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    She hesitated for a moment, then took his hand and felt a jolt of electricity run through her. She quickly pulled away and looked at him with a hint of curiosity.


    ¡°Welcome to Greystone, or as I like to call it ''Gravestone'', I¡¯m Beatrix, and I¡¯m obviously not Math Olympiad material as you can clearly see." She gestured to her blank worksheet. "What''s worse is this is due next period so I got about thirty minutes to magically get a grasp on Algebra.¡±


    He chuckled and leaned closer to her. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, today''s your lucky Monday. It''s my Mathematical duty to help a fellow scholar in need." He slid her worksheet closer to him to get a better look.


    Beatrix raised her eyebrow and looked at him with a mix of gratitude and skepticism. She wasn''t used to being helped, especially by a stranger. She learned to be independent at an early age, and to not expect much from others. Not that she had a choice in the matter. She always had a hard time making and keeping friends. On top of that living with her strict overprotective mother was no easy task. Beatrix had to make the best of her solitude, using her time to learn what she could about her heritage and her family''s secret history. A topic her mother rarely shed light on. She learned to be resourceful and not to count on others for help. So all of Avery''s inexplicable kindness and attention was new to her, so naturally she was a bit suspicious.


    "Thanks, I really appreciate it, but why do you want to help me? You don''t even know me."


    Without taking his eyes off the equations he shrugged and said "Well for starters, personally, I choose to use my Math powers for good not evil. Secondly, since I''m the ''new kid'' I just so happen to be on the hunt for a friend or two. But mostly because I like math, I genuinely like to be helpful, and I like you."


    After letting that last statement hang in the air for what felt like forever, another blush found it''s way to Beatrix''s cheeks, somehow she managed to pull herself together and awkwardly replied, "I''m sorry, again I truly appreciate it, I''m just not used to being saved, most people tend to ignore me or they keep their distance." As soon as the words escaped her lips, she felt a spark of melancholy ignite in her chest. She quickly buried those feelings to the furthest corners of her mind and went on to say "How can I ever repay you?"

 ?Part Two?

    For the first time since Avery started working on her Algebra assignment, his eyes abandoned the equations, and landed on hers. Those stormy gray eyes, the same hue as the sky just before a thunderstorm. As equally mysterious as they were electrifying, they cast a spell on her in a way that no one else could. She felt his eyes hold her captive, and she had to look away quickly. It was as if he could see past her walls and into her soul, the real her. She was terrified and thrilled at the same time.


    After a few seconds which felt like centuries, Avery replied, "Don''t be sorry. I get it, I know what it feels like to be overlooked. So to be fair, in return for this guaranteed A+, let''s just say you owe me a favor as payment?"


    With a hint of suspicion in her voice she replied, "What kind of favor am I singing up for exactly?"


    He stammered for a moment and promptly explained, "Shit, my bad, shoulda clarified this earlier: Whatever I decide to cash in this favor for, it won''t be anything creepy, or dangerous, but it will be cool, and you''ll have a great time. You have my word." Avery crossed his heart and extended his pinky to make it a pinky promise.


    Beatrix lifted her hand instinctively then paused and with a small smile said, "I hope you know I still take these pinky promises very seriously."


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    He leaned in closer to her and said "Cross my heart, and hope to die".


    She linked her pinky with his and the promise was sealed. Immediately after contact, another slight spark of electricity ran through them. Avery released his pinky from hers and promptly stood up. Swiftly yet effortlessly he gathered his things and flung his backpack over his shoulder as he slid the now completed worksheet back to its rightful owner.


    "Sorry I gotta disappear on you right now, this place is still a maze to me, and I gotta stop by my locker before next period. Don''t worry though, I''ll keep thinking about that favor. See ya later."


    He hastily walked away, but not before giving her another glance. She watched him leave, feeling like she had finally made a friend. A mysterious handsome friend, but a friend nonetheless. As she sat at her table bewildered and alone again, she realized the fuzzy static feeling that once filled the air was gone. Looking down at her Algebra assignment felt like the only assurance she had as proof that her encounter with Avery wasn''t just a dream. A gentle smile emerged on her lips and she thought to herself, What the fuck just happened?


    The rest of the day dragged on, consumed with questions. Where did her transfer from? Has he lived in Jersey all this time? What was that spark about? Did he feel it too? Why haven''t we had any classes together? Ugh why do I like him already? I barley know him. Am I that pathetic? Wonder if we''ll have class together next period? The following classes were spent in a fog. Each minute seemed to crawl at sloth speed. Everytime she entered a new classroom she was greeted with disappointment, as Avery was nowhere to be found. All that changed at lunch.

 ?Part Three?

    Once the bell rang, Beatrix snatched her backpack and darted through the crowded hallway, dodging other students and teachers. She headed straight to the school lawn, where she knew a secluded bench under a shady tree. While most of the students of Greystone Academy flocked to the cafeteria for their lunch break, Beatrix preferred to avoid the crowds and the noise. She had a different kind of hunger, one that could only be satisfied by the pages of a very special worn out book. The clouds hung low in the sky, casting a gloomy shadow over the fall day. A faint chill crept into the air, making her shiver as she walked outside. Despite the cloudy weather, she didn¡¯t mind, Autumn was her favorite season. The sound of the leaves crunching under her feet was music to her ears. Finally with enough privacy, she opened The Shadowlore Compendium and immersed herself in the arcane secrets of magic spells, sigils, and rituals. Oblivious to the world around her.


    Even though Avery had flooded her thoughts throughout the day, nothing could get in the way of her secret lunch routine. Still she wondered what Avery would think if he ever knew her secret. She wished she could tell him, but knew he would never understand. Not to mention her mother would be beyond furious with her if anyone ever found out. Beatrix''s mother had a very strict attitude towards magic. She forbade her daughter from using her powers in public or learning about magic from other sources. Her mother taught her certain spells and how to control her natural abilities, but that wasn''t enough for Beatrix. She wanted to know more, to try every spell, to push herself and see what she was fully capable of. Ever since she got her hands on The Shadowlore Compendium last month she has spent every lunch period learning a little more. She keeps the book tucked away in her locker, a much safer location than home. Hoping by the summer she''ll have learned every dark spell within the books ancient pages. She was immersed in her book, when a familiar voice startled her.


    "Hey stranger, whatcha reading?"


    She gasped and dropped her book. "Avery! You scared the shit out of me!" Still she was glad to see him again.


    Avery smirked a bit amused by the whole situation. "I''m sorry, I really didn''t mean to spook you. Seriously we really have to stop meeting like this." He picked up her book, curiously examining the title and flipping through the pages. Joining her on the bench he grinned and asked, "Woah, is this a book of spells? Looks dope."


    She snatched the book back from him and clutched it close to her chest, embarrassed and feeling like her big secret was exposed as he gazed at her with intrigue. "Maybe it is, maybe it''s not... Better question is: Why are you out here during lunch?"


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    "I couldn''t find you in the caf, I overheard some kids talking about having lunch out on the lawn, so, here I am. I was thinking about that favor."


    Relived that her book was no longer the topic of conversation she replied, "Oh yeah? So did you come up with anything interesting?"


    Avery shifted on the bench, finding the perfect spot to face her comfortably. He rested his arm on the back of the bench, casually drawing her closer to him. Once settled in he flashed her a warm smile, his voice was laced in mischief when he responded to her question."Well I spent the last three periods coming up with some ideas, none of which were even close to as perfect as the one I just thought of."


    There''s that static again... "Well don''t leave me hanging."


    "I kinda want it to be a surprise..." He paused and discreetly looked around. "...But, we''re gonna have to get outta here first."


    Beatrix used the opportunity to stuff her spell book back into her bag, and started rummaging in there looking for her phone. "So you got something planned for after school? I''d have to text my mom some excuse, she can be a monster if she''s in one of her moods..."


    While he was still covertly surveying the area, he cut her off. "Actually, I have something planned for right now. We''re ditching, and I''m taking you somewhere you''ll never forget."


    She couldn¡¯t help but chuckle as she looked at him incredulously. ¡°Um, yeah, okay, sure." She said sarcastically. "Let¡¯s just ditch school during lunch.¡±


    Avery¡¯s expression was unchanged. He was serious. Beatrix wasn''t exactly the valedictorian but she would never dare ditch school. Overall she wasn''t a big troublemaker, mostly stayed in her lane and was careful especially when it came to her powers. She feared her mother''s wrath more than anything. She felt nervous but still she thought, Maybe this is my chance to do something different? To have some fun? A strange thrill mixed with her fear, and the air still crackled with static.


    Avery noticed her hesitation. He slid closer to her, placing his hand gently on her shoulder. Looking at her, comfortingly. His eyes intently sparking the connection they shared when they first saw through her. This time his gaze was softer, or maybe just familiar. Calmly he said, "Hey, look, we don''t have to if you''re not up for it, I totally get it, no pressure or anything like..."


    His voice began to tune out. Beatrix''s head was swarming with too many questions and possibilities. The pros and cons battling it out like a scene from an epic war movie. She heard Avery''s voice, it sounded like a captivating melody. A riddle wrapped in electricity that bewitched her soul and intrigued her curiosity. She also heard the smooth and precise voice of her mother, like a violin cutting through the silence. They were lost in the noise of the other voices, clamoring for her attention. She used her powers to push them away, to silence them in the darkest corners of her mind. As if she were flipping a switch to turn off the noise. A dark smoke rose from her thoughts, choking them into a temporary silence.


    Abruptly she asked, "How?"


    Confused and taken aback by her question Avery replied, "How what?"


    She leaned in and whispered in his ear, "How are we gonna pull it off?"

 ?Part Four?

    Avery¡¯s eyes sparkled with joy as he heard her answer. He could barely contain his excitement. His reaction was oddly adorable to Beatrix. She saw a boyish charm and enthusiasm in him that contrasted with the cool and confident demeanor of the Algebra hero she met in the library. "Leave that to me. All I need you to do is keep a look out, okay?"


    Beatrix wasn''t sure what his plan was, but she trusted him. She stood up from the bench and covertly swept her gaze across the lawn, alert for any signs of trouble or curious eyes. A few other classmates lounged on the benches and grass, chatting or munching on their lunches. None of the handful of students out in the lawn seemed to notice them, or even care about what they were doing. While keeping look out, she heard Avery mutter something under his breath, his voice was low and raspy, but enough to gain her attention. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him crouching down and scribbling something on the ground. She thought she saw a faint blue spark flicker from the spot on the ground he was focused on, but it was gone in a blink of an eye.


    He raised his gaze and smiled. ¡°Ready?¡± he asked, his voice full of anticipation.


    She blushed as he caught her looking. She stumbled over her words, but finally managed to say something. ¡°Uh, yeah, um, ready for what?¡±


    He sprung up from the bench, looked at her slyly and said, ¡°You¡¯ll see. Just cover your ears.¡±


    His words stirred her nerves. She hesitated, unsure of what he was planning. ¡°Why? What exactly are you going to do?¡±


    Avery stepped behind Beatrix, wrapping his arms around her shoulders while cupping his palms over her ears, muffling the noise. His breath brushed her neck, like the perfect crisp breeze on a fall day, sending a shiver down her spine. He whispered in her ear, ¡°Trust me, it¡¯s gonna be loud¡± his voice rough and edgy, like a soft wind howling through the very same fall air. She felt his chest rise and fall against her back, like a steady drum that matched her heartbeat, causing a flutter in her stomach.


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    Before Beatrix could savor the warmth of his hands and the closeness of his chest, a deafening boom shook the air, rattling her bones. She opened her eyes to a blinding flash of light, a jagged bolt of thunder tore the sky apart, like a hammer smashing through glass above their school. She gasped, amazed and terrified. She looked around and saw the other students on the lawn, screaming and running towards the building. She saw the teachers and staff rushing out of the doors, trying to calm the chaos and get everyone inside. All she could think in the moment was, Did he really just do that?


    She quickly turned to Avery, who was grinning from ear to ear. After releasing his warm hands from her ears, he leaned in and whispered, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± He grabbed her hand and pulled away from the bench. He ran towards side entrance, dragging her along. She followed him, heart pounding, still in shock. She didn¡¯t know what to think, or what to say. She only knew that he had just done something incredible, something she''s never witnessed before, something that could get them both in a lot of trouble. As scared as she was, she loved it.


    They darted out of the side gate and onto the sidewalk, leaving behind the pandemonium they had caused. Beatrix was wrapped in adrenaline and fear as she finally realized what had just happened. As they ran up the block, she let go of his hand and froze in her tracks, her heart pounding in her chest. Avery whirled around and reached for her hand again.


    "Come one, were almost by my car."


    She folded her arms, rejecting his hand, and snapped, "Dude, what at the fuck just happened back there? Was that you? Did you summon the thunder and lightning?"


    He waved his hand at her, urging her to follow him, as he said, ¡°Yeah, ok, that was me. And I¡¯ll tell you everything in the car, I swear. But we have to get out of here, now!" He looked over his shoulder, as if expecting someone to chase them. She nodded, still in shock, and took his hand again. Running away from Greystone Academy, away from what would have been a boring and ordinary Monday, and literally into the unknown with him.

 ?Part Five?

    With a loud thud, they slammed the doors of Avery¡¯s black SUV and threw their backpacks onto the backseat. Their hearts were pounding like drums in their chests, echoing the very same thunder that still rumbled in the sky. Without a word, they buckled their seatbelts and Avery stepped on the gas. The car zoomed out of the parking spot, leaving behind a trail of wet leaves that swirled in the air like confetti; also leaving a whole lot of questions that hung in the air like a thick heavy smoke. Beatrix was still in shock from what had just happened. She couldn¡¯t wrap her mind around the fact that Avery had caused the thunderbolt. She was more in disbelief of the fact that he had somehow persuaded her to ditch school with him, something she had never done before. She had so many questions, burning in her mind like a wildfire. She wanted answers, and she wanted them now. She turned to him and demanded, ¡°Ok, so we¡¯re officially in the car, and not literally on the run, so you owe me some answers, dude. Time to pay up."


    Avery glanced at her and smiled. He could see the confusion and curiosity in her eyes. He knew that she deserved an explanation, but he wanted to make it special. He reached for his phone and plugged the AUX cord into the car¡¯s radio. He scrolled through his playlists and picked one that he thought was perfect for the occasion. He tapped on the screen and said, ¡°Before I tell you everything, we need some background music worthy of the occasion."


    He pressed play and the car was filled with the sound of electric guitars, drums, and vocals. He turned up the volume and sang along, theatrically to Beatrix, ¡°Tonight... I''m gonna have myself, a real good time. I feel ali-i-i-ive..."


    Beatrix couldn''t help but smile, not only from his antics, but she recognized the song. It was Don¡¯t Stop Me Now by Queen, one of her top favorite Queen songs. She felt a nostalgic ache from the rare highlights of her past. Getting swept away in the moment, she looked over at Avery and continued the song equally as dramatic as his performance, ¡°And the wooorrrllld... I''ll turn it inside out, yeah... I''m floating around in ecstasy, so..." Avery joined in and they both sang, "Don''t stop me now... Cuz I''m having a good time, HAVING A GOOD TIME!..."


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    They sang the rest of the song together, feeling a connection and a harmony. Creating their own nostalgia. Knowing this was a day they''d look back on and call ''The Good Old Days''. Forgetting about the events that just occurred, forgetting about their past, and future problems. In those three and a half minutes all that mattered was Queen. All that mattered was now. And all that mattered now, was them. They sang louder and louder, feeling free and alive. But all good things share the same curse, they eventually come to a bitter sweet end.


    A moment of true worry free happiness was lingering in the car with them as the song ended. Beatrix looked over at Avery with a comforting warmth in her heart she''s never felt before. The kind of warmth that can only be felt the first time you''re singing your heart out with a close friend on a car ride. She didn''t want to ruin the moment but her sarcasm got the better of her, "Ok, that was totally worth it but still... the Oscar for the best distraction song of 2014, goes to you"


    Avery blurted out a laugh and jokingly pretended to accept his Oscar. While speaking to the imaginary crowd he said, ¡°Thank you so much to the academy, and all my fans.¡± While pretending to dramatically hold back tears he continued, ¡°This has been a dream of mine since I was a wee little boy.¡± And I wouldn¡¯t be here accepting this award if it wasn¡¯t for the spellbinding Beatrix. The only girl who deserves an explanation from me." He ended his speech by flashing her the most charming smile he had in his arsenal.


    Beatrix was flushed but still she rolled her eyes and said, ¡°Oh, please. Save your acceptance speech and your charm for the fools at your Math Tournaments. Don¡¯t think an amazing song choice and flattery is enough to make me forget." She continued, "I still want to know what¡¯s going on. How did you make that thunderstorm?"


    He sighed and said, ¡°Alright, alright. You got me. I wish it was easier to say no to you, but you''ve been a trooper so far, I¡¯ll tell you everything¡­ But first, let me change the playlist. I have something more suitable for this part of the story.¡±


    As soon as he opened his Spotify app, Beatrix snatched his phone from his hand. ¡°No more movie moment songs to distract me. One random song pick followed by some answers, please.¡± She said, giving him a stern look. She waited for him to nod in agreement before handing his phone back.


    "Yes ma¡¯am. Just background music and answers.¡± Avery chose an instrumentals playlist, took a deep breath and began to tell his side of what happened.


    ¡°Beatrix, I know this is going to sound crazy, but I need you to trust me. You¡¯re not the only one who has a secret. I¡¯m a witch, and I know you¡¯re one too.¡±


    Beatrix gasped and stared at him in disbelief. ¡°How?¡­ How do you know I¡¯m a witch? Actually, who says I even am one!?¡±

 ?Part Six?

    Avery gave her a weak smile and said, ¡°I knew it since the first time I saw you sitting alone in the library. One of my powers lets me see the auras of other witches. They all have different colors and shapes, depending on their personality and abilities. I haven¡¯t seen many auras besides my family''s in a while, but yours¡­ yours was unlike anything I¡¯ve ever seen before. It was dark and deep. It swirled around you with such delicate precision, like someone was playing the world''s saddest song composed just for you. It was just so captivating, I couldn¡¯t take my eyes off you. Until I realized I was staring for too long, bordering on creepy, and that¡¯s when I came up to talk to you.¡±


    Beatrix felt a shiver run down her spine as he spoke. She remembered the first time they met, how he approached her with a friendly smile and a compliment. She thought he was just being nice, but now she realized he had an ulterior motive. Betrayal twisted her stomach, but it also piqued her curiosity.  What the fuck? He''s a witch too? His powers are so strange... What''s he really after? Fuck, I''m such an idiot... Although, he did just tell me the truth... It''s not like I''m in a position to be picky with friends, especially another witch.... Should I trust him? Her eyes narrowed as she studied his face, searching for a hint of deception or sincerity.


    ¡°So you¡¯ve been lying to me this whole time? Pretending to be my friend, when you really wanted to find out about my powers?¡±


    While still keeping his eyes on the foggy road of the parkway, Avery adamantly shook his head and said, ¡°No, no, tha- that¡¯s not true. I mean, yes, I was curious about you, but once we started talking I also genuinely grew to like you. You¡¯re the whole package dude, you''re smart, cute, funny, down to earth, and to top it all off, you''re just the perfect amount of weird. Witch or not, I wanted to be your friend. I couldn''t just walk away from the ''what if'' of you. But I also wanted to help you. I know being a witch is not as easy as it sounds. There''s not many of us openly out here, and I know it can get lonely, and maybe that¡¯s more about me than it is about you, but it¡¯s the truth." He reached for her hand, pleading, "You have every right to be mad at me. I''m really, truly sorry. I should have told you right away."


    She wanted to stay upset, yet she couldn¡¯t help but understand where he was coming from. His voice was warm and sincere just like his hand pleading for hers on the arm rest between them. She squeezed his hand and before letting go she said, ¡°I''ve never seen an aura before. What does yours look like?¡±


    Avery finally exhaled, and chuckled with relief ¡°My aura is blue, like the sky on a hazy day. It''s kinda like a fuzzy static around me. Auras are related to our strongest abilities. I can manipulate the weather. Clouds are surprisingly tricky,  but I have a knack for electricity. Which, as you can tell, is a helpful skill when you need a distraction."


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    Beatrix was torn between awe and curiosity as she listened to Avery¡¯s revelations. "Wow. I''m like, legitimately thunderstruck. And yes that pun was absolutely intentional. I guess you should know something about me first. My mom has tried to keep me sheltered from other types of magic. I''ve only been around a few other dark shadow witches. Mainly my mom''s friends from ''back in the day''. And I''ve only heard bits and pieces about light vail witches from sneaking in on my mom''s conversations..."


    She paused collecting all the thoughts running at light speed in her head. Avery was honest with her, and she wanted to return the favor without sounding too excited or coming off as too crazy too soon. Lowering her defenses and exposing her true self usually was the reason all of her attempted friendships were short-lived. The honest, strange, and unapologetic Beatrix, was used to staying hidden behind the walls that she built, living between reality and her own world. Somehow, despite only knowing each other for a few hours, Avery found a way to seep into the cracks of those walls. Unknowingly her defenses weaken around him. Maybe he won''t be like the others. Maybe he''ll actually stick around. After a few seconds she continued. "The kind of magic you''re telling me you have, I''ve only read about in a few books. It''s not something that''s widely written about. I know weather manipulation is a light magic ability. But aura readers are extremely rare, that ability is neither light or dark. I don¡¯t want to stir the cauldron before it boils, but it kinda sounds like you''re an unclaimed?"


    His mouth slightly fell open, stunned by her assumption. He recovered quickly and replied, "Holy shit, you are such a Ravenclaw!"


    Beatrix rolled her eyes. Ha, Ha, Ha, how original... That wasn''t the first time a Harry Potter reference was used by someone to describe her. This time she let it go, she was way more interested in his answer.


    "I have soooo many follow up questions, but I''m gonna save those for later. Seriously though, you shouldn''t second guess your cauldron stirring abilities. When I first saw you struggling with Algebra, I didn''t know I was in the presence of a magic historian."


    Beatrix was right! She lightly slapped her knee in celebration while whispering to herself, "I knew it!" Casually glancing over to Avery, she proudly admitted, "Thanks, I know I''m a nerd, and I''m convinced Algebra is the work of the Devil himself."


    He chuckled at the unexpected confidence in her response. "You''re welcome. Maybe one day I can change your mind about Math, but I''m honestly impressed that you know anything about unclaimed witches. And you''re not the only one who''s curious about what my dark ability is. I''ve always felt like something was off about me. Like a part of me was missing, something I couldn''t explain. Maybe you and your archive can help me figure it out."


    She immediately wanted to help, and while in the process also learning more about him and his powers. At the same time she felt a nagging pang of guilt and fear infiltrating her exploratory thought process. That familiar sharp violin note echoed in her mind. Hello Mother. Her mom would never approve of her being with someone as reckless and open with magic as Avery. Even more so now that he''s the reason she skipped school. She knew her mom had a dark past, that for some reason was kept hidden. A reason Beatrix was deprived of all her life. A life she spent with answers mostly from books. Revealing themselves more trustworthy than her own blood. She knew deep down her mom didn''t trust her with the truth. But just as strongly she knew her mom loved her. Fuck it, if Mom can have secrets, so can I.