16 Brianna

 Clip, clap went the sound of my heels against the poor tiles as I hurried to the cafeteria. Ever since my quest to find an Advisor started, I had not gotten a breather. Though the experience was wonderful, and the girls were phenomenal, I needed a day of peace. 

For the fifth time in the last second, my phone buzzed in my hand. The screen lit up like pepper lights on a decorated house during the Christmas season. I glanced at the device in my palm, and of course, it was Summer. Once she got into the seeking an Advisor mode there was no stopping her. I now believed my number was stuck on speed dial in her cell. 

The message was open to reveal: 

💬 

Summer 

               Where are you? The candidate is waiting. 

💬

One thumb pressed the reply button. Then the other thump helped as both fingers danced on the keyboard, sending a brisk response. 

💬

Brianna

              I'm on my way. I'll be there shortly. 

💬

Before the send button was selected, I collided with something. Books along with my phone crashed into the tiles. 

"Can't you watch where—"

"Oh, my gosh! I didn't —"

All apologies were swallowed when we both realized who we bumped into. 

"You!" We both accused, glaring at each other. 

Ugh, so much for avoiding someone who was everywhere.

He stooped and began collecting the spilled items. Any ounce of sympathy was thrown out the door. Huffing, I did the same to pick up my phone which was surrounded by several notebooks. 

While I surveyed the device for damage, an open book caught my attention. Ancient recipes and spells filled the pages. Though the handwriting was unique and the language was in Greek, I was able to make out several spells. Some I had only heard of but had not gotten the chance to see until now. During my time at East mere, it was hard for a witch or warlock to get their hands on these spells if they weren't powerful or had great skills. Therefore, this book must belong to a powerful witch or warlock. And, with my suspicion came the evidence of scribbles of the name Caroline circled in hearts on the pages. 

Without much thought, I scooped up several books along with the spellbook. My eyes roamed the pages. This was no ordinary spellbook. This was a diary. Caroline's diary. The SVH Caroline.

How? What? Why? 

My ears located a deep growl, and my eyes flashed to the other victim in the crash. The intensity of his glare got me stumbling back. 

"Why must you always annoy me, witch?" 

I dropped his books and uttered a comeback of my own. " Ugh, as if I wanted to be in the same vicinity as you, Mut. Don't forget you bumped into me." 

He squeezed his eyelids shut for a few seconds. Then reopened them to advertise clear grey eyes. He pulled in a struggled breath, gathered the books next to me, then turned his attention in my direction. 

He was close. Too close. Why was he so close? The tranquilizing smell of his traveled up my nostrils and soothed my nerves. How it did it was beyond me. Yet, I wanted more. 

For a second, I could have sworn he leaned in closer. His lips inches away from mine. 

"If I hadn't known better, I would think you're lying." 

The slow movement of his lips allowed the scent of mint to join the already glorious perfume he had. I stayed still, the fascinating cold, yet the warmth of his eyes kept me in a trance. He didn't pull away and neither did I. 

My ears were closed off from any other sound other than the steady beating of his heart. The world fell away as nothing else mattered but him.  

"Kyle, there you are." The chirpy tone of a female voice jolted me backward. 

My palms flattened on the ground to avoid landing on my ass. 

My brain decided to analyze what Kyle whispered before. The words slowly swirled in my head.

Kyle sighed aloud and pushed to his feet. "What is it, Amy?" he grumbled. 

Gaining back my self-control, I rushed to my feet. 

The female walked up to us and helped Kyle with the gathering of his books. "I've been looking everywhere for you." 

"Yeah, I met in an accident," he mumbled, his gaze flickered to mine. 

At his words, the beauty noticed me. Manicured fingers flicked her long blue hair over her shoulder. Her pink coated lips curled into a genuine smile. "Brianna, long time don't see." 

Yes, it was. Amy was no longer a small child, but now a woman. Her young petite frame had blossomed into curves that would appear appealing to any man. 

She stepped closer and a tangy, fruity scent washed away Kyle's aroma. My nose wiggled at the familiar fragrance while my brain struggled to pinpoint where I had smelled it before. 

"I should go," a voice which sounded like my own said. 

Her smile disappeared. Yet, she nodded. 

I pivoted on my heels and high-trailed down the corridor, through the nearest exit, and down a flight of stairs. I scanned the area when I thought I was at a safe distance. I sighed in relief and slouched down on the nearest step. 

"What the hell just happened? Why had I let him rattle me?" A groan parted my lips before a small breath was taken to steady my ridiculous heart rate. 

Why I always seemed to be paralyzed when he was around was beyond me. No! I knew. It was that darn smell of his. Unless I was going to walk around with my nostrils blocked, I needed to do something fast. 

My palm gave my cheeks soft slaps. My senses needed reawakening. 

"Oh, why does that jerk have to smell so good?" 

A giggle sounded behind me. 

I spun around in time to notice a goddess descending the flight of stairs. With each step she took, her shoulder-length lime green hair bounced. The color of her hair seemed to glow which complemented her creamy skin tone. Light orange eyes carried off the rest of her look. 

Were all the girls who attended this school beautiful? Sure, there were outstanding females at Eastmere, but to every pretty,  there was an equal blend of normal average beauty. While here, I was yet to meet an average beauty. 

"That's Kyle for you. Don't worry, every girl has this reaction to him. No species has ever found him unattractive. No matter how much they wanted to hate him." 

My brows knitted together.