9. Chapter Nine

Chapter Nine

Quinn ~Day Six~

My alarm blares in my ears, startling me awake. I just barely keep myself from outright screaming. Happy Friday the 13th for the sixth time.

I turn my alarm off and flip onto my belly. Giving into my impulse, I start screaming into my pillow until my voice is hoarse and then I scream for just a moment more. My head is groggy after that. The only way I know to clear that funk away is to get into the shower.

I check the time once I’m out, knowing I have a date with destiny also known as running to a street corner and stopping a kid from walking into traffic. Other than that, my day is completely wide open.

The last couple days, Bennet and I have scoured the entire university library with absolutely no luck at finding how to break out of a time loop. I wasn’t expecting a ‘time loop for dummies’ but fuck, I thought by now we’d have found something that could help us.

Shame washes over me hot and fast. There was one book Time in Theory that had a page I can’t stop thinking about. Apparently a professor about three decades ago applied the theory of true love’s kiss to a time related spell, saying one could break free of a time curse with something miraculous like true love’s kiss. But that’s ridiculous. Sure, true love’s kiss has been proven to have magical properties but Bennet isn’t my true love. Plus, there’s the fact that I have kissed him, resulting in nothing happening.

I didn’t tell him what I discovered because it wouldn’t have mattered anyway. Sure, the hands on the stupid pocket watch are hearts, but that doesn’t have anything to do with this time loop. Even if it did, there’s nothing I can do about it. I have feelings for Bennet but obviously, he doesn’t have feelings for me in return. Otherwise he would have brought up the kiss, right? Right.

Gods, why is this such a fucking mess?

I feed Fluffy before quickly heading out my door and down the road. The weight of the pocket watch is heavy in my pocket, practically burning a hole through it.

That’s the other thing that’s been different lately. The pocket watch has stayed stuck outside of the loop with Bennet and I. It’s wherever we leave it the night before, confirming our suspicions that this thing is related to what’s going on.

I quickly make my way to the street corner, grabbing the kid by the backpack and pulling him away from the street. He yells as the car speeds past before looking at me.

“Hey, man. What’s your name?”

He looks at me in surprise. “Umm, it’s Aiden.”

“Aiden. Cool.” I jump off the curb and start making my way towards the coffee shop. “See you tomorrow, Aiden!”

“What?”

I can’t help but laugh as I walk. I’ve been so focused on how fucking depressing this all is that I haven’t stopped to smell the metaphorical roses. Not everything about this is bad. There’s a few silver linings.

Like spending so much time with Bennet.

I already had a crush on the man but now I’m downright in love. He’s funny and charming and strong. So, so strong. I let out a long sigh before I can hold it back, thinking about how he looked carrying all those books from the shelves to our table.

That’s it. As I walk into the coffee shop to meet Bennet, I decide that we’re not doing any research today. Fuck it. If we’re going to experience the same thing over and over again, today we’re shaking things up.

It won’t get us closer to breaking the time loop cycle, but we need a day for our own sanity’s sake.

“What are we trying today?”

Bennet startles and I chuckle softly. “Jesus, you’re usually a few minutes later than this.”

“I’m mixing things up today,” I tell him with a smile. “Step one, scare you shitless. Step two, try a new coffee. Step three is still undecided.”

“What about research?”

“It’ll be there tomorrow,” I tell him with a wink.

He stares at me so long I’m worried maybe I’ve actually lost my mind. Or sprouted wings. Or maybe a third head? But then he finally breaks, chuckling along with me. “Okay fine. What’s got you so chipper today?”

“I’ve decided we need a break,” I tell him seriously. “We’ve been trying to find a solution but I’m worried about burning ourselves out. We can’t be all work no play, so today we’re taking the day off! We’re shaking things up!”

“What can I get y’all?” Patrice asks as we take a step forward. I look over the board before my eyes finally land on the little chalkboard on the counter.

“I’ll take today’s special please!”

She gives me a grin. “It’s brand new but so far people seem to really enjoy it. I got to name it,” she says proudly.

“A fruit loop freezer?” Bennet asks, his voice skeptical. “Alright,” he finally says, “make it two.”

He sounds so resigned that I can’t stop myself from giggling. He gives me a pointed look as he pays for our drinks. “Don’t worry, I’ll cover the tab tomorrow,” I tell him with a nod and a smirk.

This fucking scenerio we’ve found ourselves in is so ridiculous that we both laugh and even to my ears it sounds forced and half crazed but I don’t care. Today is our day off. We’re going to do something completely different, completely unexpected because we can . Because even though we’re stuck in a time loop doesn’t mean we get to stop living .

We get our fruit loop freezers which is apparently a bright purple drink with whipped cream on top. I take a sip, humming happily as the sweet taste explodes against my tongue. It’s bright and fruity and really does remind me of fruit loops. I really like it! Looking over at Bennet I can’t help but chuckle, finding him with furrowed brows.

“Do you like it?”

He hums. “I’m not sure? It’s very sweet. My brain feels confused.”

Oh my gods, why does he have to be so cute? My heart beats against my ribs, fluttering in the cage of my chest. My feelings are out of control and I don’t stand a chance in hell at putting the lid back on top of them. They’re roaming free within me and all I can do is try to contain them so Bennet doesn’t notice.

“Come on,” I say, grabbing his arm and pulling him out the door. “Cancel your class on the way to my classroom.”

“What do you have planned?”

I grin over at him. “You’ll see. How would you feel about shadowing my classes today?”

“That grin makes me nervous but I trust you, Quinn.”

Bennet takes out his phone and sends an email while I’m left reeling. Why does his trust feel like a warm blanket around my shoulders? Why does that little smile he gives me leave me breathless? Gods, I’m such a fucking goner.

“Here,” I say, taking out the pocket watch and handing it over to Bennet. “I’ve held onto this the last few days. I think it’s your turn to have it.”

“Do you think it matters which of us holds onto it? Do you think that’s part of all this?”

“I have no idea but I’m starting to dream about the damn thing so I need a break.”

“Fair enough,” he says, taking it from me and slipping it into his pocket.

Once we’re at school, I quickly grab some chalk, one of my mats, and my spellbook before heading over to the lecture hall. We’re the first ones here, having arrived earlier than usual. In the past, I would stop to see Mister Addemac but today I’ve completely avoided him, sticking with my theme of ‘trying something completely different’.

I roll out my mat in the middle of the floor at the front of the lecture hall. I sit back on my heels, pulling out the chalk, tapping it against my chin.

“So,” I say slowly, looking over at Bennet where he sits atop a desk in the front row, watching me with amusement. “I’m debating between summoning someone from a different realm or casting conjure greater steed . Thoughts?”

“Sorry, you’re planning what ?”

I shrug as I look up at him. “I thought it would be fun. What better way to get first years excited about conjuration than by showing how awesome it is?”

Bennet opens his mouth a few times before letting his lips snap shut, like maybe he’s trying to find an argument but coming up short. “Fuck it,” he finally says and I find myself grinning. “Either it’ll be an amazing teaching lesson or they won’t remember it tomorrow. You can’t really go wrong.”

“Exactly! Now you’re getting it! Today is a ‘go crazy’ type of day. I think I’m going to summon my steed. Show them how important it is to have a fun imagination.”

“Is that safe?”

I nod my head as I begin to draw lines across the mat. The lines are intricate and careful. I’ve done this spell many times but I still double check my spellbook as I go along. If the lines are wrong, my steed won’t be able to be conjured no matter how much mana I attempt to use.

“It’s very safe! Fabio is made up from my mind using my magic, not a creature that already exists that I’ll be summoning. I have complete control over it, like an extension of myself. Similar to my phantom hand, only bigger and stronger.”

“That’s really cool,” Bennet says, my eyes snap away from my work to look over at him. He’s giving me a soft, almost fond look. My cheeks heat without my permission and I look back down, finishing the final couple lines, completing the ritual circle.

“It’s not a big deal. I’m sure you know a bit about conjuration with your scout background, right?”

“Minor things. I can make my arrows magical and summon animal companions based on the location I’m currently in, but that’s about it. My magic doesn’t come as naturally as a witch’s.”

“That makes it all the more impressive,” I tell him as I stand up and dust the chalk from my hands onto my pants. I toss the chalk onto my desk before shutting my spellbook with a snap of my wrist. The rest of this I can do from memory. “I’ve always admired people who work to master their magic.”

Bennet looks away, running his hand over the back of his neck. So softly that I barely pick up on it, he says, “thanks, Quinn.”

I want to say more but students are starting to file in, taking their seats. Bennet comes and sits at the front of the class at my desk. I notice him rubbing at his bad hip. I really should look into if there’s anything I can do to help the stiffness. Maybe a heating spell or something?

“Good morning, everyone,” I say, turning towards the class. I lean my back against the whiteboard, nodding at my students. “As you all can probably see, I’m planning something extra special today. Since you’re all first years, I want you to see how amazing conjuration can be. Obviously, this is not me trying to trick you into making conjuration your primary focus, but also I will admit conjuration is my favorite magic to perform and I plan on showing you why.”

There’s a few murmurs that go through the class and I smile, noticing that even Ulysses is leaning forward in his chair and paying more attention to me than he has any other time I’ve taught this class.

“Really? Is this safe?”

“Very much so,” I reassure them. “Plus, if all else fails, Coach Bangel will take care of us.”

“Oh, great. That’s the real reason you asked me to shadow you today.”

I chuckle, giving him a wink before turning back to the class. “Today I’m going to show you a conjure greater steed spell. This is a high level spell that consumes a lot of mana. Essentially, I will be designing a steed in my head and creating it from nothing. Though it takes a lot of mana, in times of need, it can be an essential spell you use. If you’re in need of getting away quickly, you might conjure something with a quick running speed. If you need to carry something heavy, you could conjure something strong. If you want to show off, you might conjure Fabio.”

“Fabio?”

I nod my head and grin at my class, quite a few of them having a confused look on their faces. “Yes, my favorite steed to summon is named Fabio and he’s the most fabulous steed you’ll ever meet.”

I step away from the whiteboard and kneel on the floor in front of the ritual circle I’ve created. I put my hands on my thighs, making sure my palms and facing up towards the ceiling before closing my eyes. I focus inward at that well of mana I possess at the center of my chest, carefully breaking into it.

Focusing on Fabio, I picture him in my head. Once I have the image crystal clear, I manifest it within the ritual circle. The circle connects with me, connects with my mana, connects with my magic. I can feel my body heating, especially at my palms as my magic works through me, pushing through the summoning circle. My mana transforms slowly before me until it starts taking the shape of a large steed.

The circle lights up and I open my eyes, smiling. The circle is no longer a chalk circle but instead appears to be a mirror, or maybe a clear water, shimmering. I raise my hands and from the depths of the circle, comes Fabio.

Once the spell is complete I clap my hands together, cutting my connection away from the chalk circle. Standing there is a large, white horse with the most comically cartoon face. His lips are a little too human, his eyes looking a bit too intelligent. Fabio sits somewhere in the uncanny valley that usually makes people feel uneasy around him but I’ve always loved him and it seems my class does as well, all of them ooh’ing and aww’ing at him.

The most important part of Fabio is his hair. It’s bright blond and carefully lays across his forehead, getting in his eyes. He tosses his head to the side, pushing his hair away from his face.

Gods, I love this steed.

“Everyone? Meet Fabio.”

Immediately, too many people start asking questions and talking at the same time. I chuckle to myself, having Fabio begin walking up the stairs and pausing so people can touch him and pet him. Thankfully, despite him being essentially an extension of my mana, I can’t feel when people touch him. Fuck, that’d be really unnerving.

“He feels like a real horse. Wow, that’s incredible.”

“Of course he does! He’s perfect and I like that he feels like this so that’s how I conjure him. When I need someone super strong, I conjure The Strong Man.”

Someone in the front row raises her brow. “Why do I have a feeling he’s cursed even more than Fabio’s human lips?”

I can’t help but giggle. “The Strong Man doesn’t have fur. He’s like a wooly mammoth but without the wool. Oh! My favorite part is he’s got toes instead of hooves.”

The same girl groans. “Like I said, cursed .”

Fabio makes his way around the room, letting each of the students pet him and look him over. As that’s happening, I continue my lecture.

“He’s sustained by my mana so he doesn’t poop, doesn’t drink, and doesn’t eat. In theory, I could have him eat something but it’s not necessary, which is great when you’re out on an adventure where you have to take care of your supplies. Sometimes you’re stuck somewhere and every ration counts.”

I point at someone in the back with their hand raised. “Can you see through Fabio’s eyes?”

“Excellent question. I absolutely can but some people find it very creepy. Would you like to see the process?”

There’s a murmur of agreement and I lean my butt against the desk where Bennet is sitting. I take a deep breath, close my eyes, and do my best to clear my mind. Then I transition from my center into Fabio’s. When I open my eyes again, I’m seeing through him.

I turn towards Bennet and my human body warms all over which is such a weird sensation while being in Fabio’s head. He’s watching me with such adoration, such warmth that I can practically feel it radiating from him. His smile is barely there but I can still see it, even from across the room.

I wish I could kiss him again. I wish I could pull him close while admitting my feelings for him. I wish I could explain how despite being in a time loop, there’s no one else I’d rather be stuck with during this.

Then I think back to the disaster of our first kiss and do everything in my power to push those feelings away. I’m stuck with him in this time loop and I refuse to do something to fuck up our relationship or make the both of us miserable while we’re here.

I take another breath and push my consciousness back into my body. I open my eyes and wiggle my fingers, getting used to my body once more.

“Oh my gods, Fabio’s eyes turned into yours! Somehow that makes his face even more uncanny!”

I giggle as I explain how that happens to anything I jump into like that. I answer any more questions before assigning my usual homework just in case we somehow do something today that breaks the cycle.

Usually, there’s grumbling about having homework but there’s something about today that leaves each student excited about finding their magical well and I can’t help but think that’s all thanks to meeting Fabio. Maybe this should turn into my usual first lesson.

Once class is over, I dispel Fabio with a thought and a wave of my hand.

“Quinn.”

I turn around, finding Bennet standing up from my desk. He steps over to me, putting his hands on my shoulders. I look up at him, doing my best to ignore the way my stomach is quivering at him touching me, at him being so close.

“That was incredible. I have no idea why you quit adventuring but any party would be lucky to have a witch like you. You’re,” his words cut off and he shakes his head. “You’re amazing.”

I’m not sure what to say. Thankfully, I don’t need to answer because Bennet gives my shoulders one last squeeze before stepping back. I immediately miss his touch.

I turn my back to Bennet straight away, hoping it’ll keep him from seeing all the feelings I’m positive are written all over my face. The longing and pining and affection causing chaos inside of me. He has no idea what his words do to me. It’s better if things stay that way.

Leaning down, I roll up my mat so I can put it away. After taking a steadying breath, I turn back towards Bennet. “So, ready for the next class?”