I hesitate for a moment, then slowly open the book. The pages rustle softly. My fingers trace the symbols and glyphs. The writing is written beautifully in calligraphy. As I flip through the pages, I can't help but feel a sense of curiosity and wonder. Could it really be possible that magic exists? I look up at Janie and see the hope and excitement in her eyes.
Knowing it isn't real, I sigh but don't want to upset Janie. I close the book and hand it back to her. 'Okay, let's say for a moment that magic is real. What does that mean for us? What do we do with this knowledge?'
Janie looks thoughtful momentarily before responding, 'Well, for one, maybe I can use my abilities to help people, to make a difference in the world.'
I nod slowly, considering her words. It's a lot to take in, but I can't deny the allure of the idea. 'Okay, let's start with the basics then. Show me a spell.'
Janie grins and opens the spellbook to a random page. She reads the magic spell aloud and closes her eyes, focusing her energy on the words. But nothing happens.
Janie opens her eyes with a look of disappointment etched on her face. She closes the book and places it back in her bag.
As Mister Kal scurries towards the balcony door, Janie rises from the bed and opens it, letting him saunter out into the warmth of the morning sun. A gentle breeze blows in, carrying the sweet scent of fresh flowers.
'The storm was so fierce last night,' Janie says, gazing at the serene view before us. 'Who would have thought that today would be so beautiful?'
I nod in agreement, still awed by the sudden change in weather. 'I don't remember ever experiencing a storm that intense before.'
Janie's eyes turn to me, and she pauses before speaking again. 'Can you stay with me tonight and attend Grammy's funeral tomorrow?' She asks, a new wave of tears streaming down her face.
I pull her close, offering comfort. 'Of course, I'll be here,' I reply, my voice filled with warmth and compassion.
***
I walk by Janie's side with her mum, Tia, next to her. The sun is shining brightly, and the sky is a clear blue, but the atmosphere is heavy with grief.
We were just at Grammy's funeral, and the setting was nothing short of pretty and whimsical. The service had been held in a garden filled with colourful flowers and towering trees, and the scent of freshly cut grass and blooming flowers filled the air. Soft music played in the background, adding to the serene ambience.
Janie clutched a small bouquet of wildflowers, and Tia held onto her tightly. As we watched, a group of butterflies suddenly fluttered by, their wings glimmering in the sun. It was as if they were there to pay their respects to Grammy.
The service was touching, with each person sharing their favourite memory of Grammy. With tears streaming down her face, Janie places a wildflower onto the casket and whispers goodbye to her dear grandmother.
Rose
Janie and I sit in silence in our classroom, lost in our own thoughts about the funeral we attended for her Grammy just a few days ago. It's hard to focus on anything else when grief is weighing so heavily on our hearts.
Behind us, Martha, Tori, and their clique of friends whisper and snicker, their taunts directed at us but spoken just low enough that the rest of the class can't hear them. It's not the first time we've been the target of their cruelty, and Janie clenches her fists in frustration.
'They're just a bunch of inconsiderate jerks,' I whisper to Janie, trying to offer some comfort. 'They're trying to get a reaction out of you. Don't give them the satisfaction.'
Janie nods, but I can see the hurt in her eyes. It's hard to ignore the mean-spirited comments and jeers, especially when we're already feeling so raw and vulnerable. But I know that giving in to their provocation will only make things worse.
'If only I could get my magic to work, I would make them regret bullying me,' Janie says.
I gaze at Janie in dismay. I wish if Janie would accept magic isn't real. I don't know what her grandma was thinking, encouraging this behaviour.
The bell finally rings. Janie and I rush out together before we can be tripped over or shoved into a doorframe. As Janie closes her locker, Xander suddenly appears in a blink behind her.
'Well, that wasn't creepy at all,' I say.
'Huh? Janie says, oblivious to Xander's presence.
'So, what darkness dragged you here?' I ask him.
Janie looks at me confused, then turns to see Xander, narrowing his eyes at me.
'Xander, hi!' she says, happy to see him. Xander's features soften as he breaks eye contact with me and stares affectionately at Janie.
'Hi Janie, you haven't been at the academy all week. Is everything okay?' he asks deeply, still gazing endearingly into Janie's eyes.
I think his sweetness is going to make me sick. I scrunch my face in disgust.
'My Grandma passed away. I couldn't face returning so soon after her funeral only to deal with Martha and her goonies.
Xander's expression softens, and he places a comforting hand on Janie's shoulder. 'I'm so sorry to hear that, Janie. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask. And as for those bullies, don't let them get to you. They're just trying to make themselves feel better by putting others down,' he says, his voice filled with sincerity.
Janie nods, appreciating Xander's kind words. I can't help but roll my eyes at his saccharine-sweet tone. But at least he's trying to be a good friend to Janie.
Xander's voice is gentle and understanding as he speaks to Janie, 'If you want to postpone our date tomorrow night, I completely understand.'
Janie's eyes widen in surprise and a hint of sadness. 'No, please. I think the date would be a great way to take my mind off things,' she tells him with a small smile.