Chapter 3

CHAPTER THREE

I woke up and hit my alarm, silencing the stupid thing with unnecessarily hard thumping of my hand on the top of it. When I was done, a miserable groan slipped from my lips. I felt like I'd been trampled by a herd of antelopes. Every inch of me ached. The days of dancing until dawn were gone, replaced by throbbing reminders that my forties were about more than just starting over with a sprinkle of magic. I needed ibuprofen and a big cup of coffee if I had any hope of facing this day.

I groaned again as a knock sounded at the door. "Come in!"

Jessie peered around the doorway with that comforting smile. Her hair was in its familiar dark bun, but she was wearing jeans and a t-shirt. The shirt said, "That’s a Horrible Idea… Let’s Do It Anyway." The sight of her made me crack a smile, even if I desperately wanted to roll back over and go to sleep.

"Morning, sunshine. Ready for lunch?" she asked, her smile brightening a little too much at my misery.

"Give me a minute." Ugh, I’d slept through breakfast. I got up, every muscle protesting.

Jessie waited in the hall while Tilly purred and nudged my hand for attention. I scratched behind her ears while Simon circled my feet, both cats weaving between my legs like they were trying to trip me. Which I knew they were. I swore they never looked happier than when they tripped me.

I changed clothes, brushed my teeth, washed my face, and ran a brush through my hair, before popping some ibuprofen for the achy body. When I was done, I opened my bedroom door. "Okay, let's go."

We left my dorm, the tapestries on the walls blurring as I shuffled along, still half-asleep. The hallway stretched out as I tried to make my mind wake up. There were a few students in the halls. No one I knew, but they quieted when they spotted me and stared like I’d grown another head. Hopefully, it was just curiosity and not a deep fear that I was killing off classmates.

"Whoa, who's that?" Jessie nodded ahead of us.

An older woman walked toward us. She wore an orange hat perched atop her head, a bright green jacket, a polka-dotted shirt, and pants so yellow they could stop traffic. Her huge sunglasses nearly covered half her face, but they couldn't hide her beaming smile. Straight out of a street festival.

"Hello, Cendi. Jessie," she said as though we were old friends.

Huh? How does this older woman know my name? And why does she feel… so how powerful? There was just something about her.

"Hi?" I squinted at her, rubbing the back of my neck. "Do we know you?"

"Ah, but it's a small world, don't you think?" Her voice was as colorful as her outfit.

Yet, her answer didn’t really answer my question.

I wasn’t really sure how to respond, so I just started talking. "Sure seems like it," I mumbled, exchanging a puzzled look with Jessie. But despite the eccentricities, there was something reassuring about her presence.

Jessie tilted her head, curiosity lighting up her face. "New around here?"

"Something like that," the woman replied, the twinkle in her eye suggesting she knew far more than she let on.

"Are you looking for something?" I asked.

"Oh, dear, no. I'm quite where I need to be," the woman said. "I'm Agnes, here to interview for the headmistress position."

Jessie’s eyebrows knit together in surprise.

"Indeed." Agnes nodded, then she leaned in closer, as if sharing a secret. "I know some of what you seek. Mysteries are afoot, secrets, and lies. Be careful about the missing girl, or you may find yourself lost too."

Jessie and I exchanged glances, the air suddenly thick with confusion .

"Wait, do you know anything about Jaylyn? Where she went?" My pulse quickened at the mention of our missing classmate.

Agnes looked at me, her smile never wavering. "Gone in a flash. Danger in every corner. You must find your own answers to that which you seek." With those cryptic words, she spun on her heel, her coat flaring out like a kaleidoscope.

"Have a great rest of your day!" she called over her shoulder before skipping off down the hall.

Jessie and I stood there, rooted to the spot. "What was that about?" I muttered.

"Your guess is as good as mine." Jessie looked just as baffled.

In the cafeteria, Jessie and I grabbed our trays and piled our trays up with chicken, fruit, and veggies. Most of the tables were empty, but a few of them had people in them, including one with Alicia, Marcus, and Edith. I gave a little wave to my classmates, and they comically gave the same little wave right back, all at the same time. It wasn’t a happy wave, but at least they did it.

"I really made a good impression on them."

"Yeah, you did," she said with a laugh.

Glancing around for a good spot to sit, I noticed every other face was turned in our direction. When I made eye contact with anyone, they immediately looked away. But, otherwise, they stared, like I was their new favorite show.

"Maybe we should start charging admission to our exclusive dining experience," Jessie said, nudging me with her elbow.

I chuckled. "Yeah, 'Dine with the Pariahs: Guaranteed Space and Privacy.'"

"Or maybe we could give them spots if they keep avoiding us like this."

We plopped down at a table by the window, the glass warm in the afternoon sun. The chatter around us felt distant.

"Agnes sure was a character, huh?" I speared a piece of carrot with my fork.

"Characters are a dime a dozen here." Jessie sipped her drink. "But sometimes, they speak the truth."

"Think we can trust her riddles? "

"Trust is a strong word." Jessie set down her cup. "But cautious consideration? Absolutely."

"Great," I said with a sigh. "Another puzzle to add to the pile."

"Good thing we’re excellent puzzlers," she said, flashing a smile.

We started to eat. And, as always, the food was delicious. Being a mom meant that I was always happy for any hot meal that I didn’t have to make. Since being single, and alone, that was even more true. Food that I didn’t make just tasted better.

"Anything else going on with you?" Jessie asked between bites.

Was there? "Last night I kept thinking about what you said about starting my own little garden here with magical plants. I think I want to do that."

"Then, you should talk to Mrs. Willowbee. She teaches Magical Gardening to the upperclassmen. She’ll be able to give you a plot to work on, seeds, and some instruction."

"Will do," I said, but my thoughts keep working. " What’s she like?"

"Mrs. Willowbee?" She shrugged. "She can be tough and a bit harsh, but she loves when students take an interest in gardening. I’ve noticed she can talk about gardening forever and is eager to help plant lovers."

That was reassuring. "I’ll definitely reach out to her."

After lunch, we decided some fresh air might do us good. We head through the academy and decide to start out front. Then, Jessie said we might be able to walk around and see the greenhouse and meet Mrs. Willowbee. The thing is, I’m not sure I’m ready to do that. Not with Jaylyn missing and a finger being pointed in my direction.

Throwing open the castle doors, I breathe in the refreshing scents of nature. The sun is out, but it’s a little cool and breezy. The perfect day for a little walk.

"Hey, Cendi, Jessie." A familiar voice cut through the hum of the outdoors.

It was Robbie, standing near the entrance with his arms open wide. My heart did a somersault, and I quickened my pace, almost running to him. But I hesitated, unsure if embracing him was crossing an invisible line .

"Hey!" My greeting came out breathless.

"I missed you, uh, I mean, you guys," he said, his smile melting away any awkwardness.

My gaze ran over him from head to foot. Some part of me thought my imagination had pictured him to be more handsome than he actually was, but standing in front of him, I know I’m wrong. He’s tall, with a head of dark hair, and blue eyes that seem to piece right through my soul. He makes me nervous and happy all at the same time. And right now, he’s staring, waiting for my response…

"I, er, we missed you too," I said, my cheeks heating up.

"Anything exciting happen while I was gone?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Unfortunately, yes, a lot has happened. Jaylyn's missing, everyone's giving us the cold shoulder, and we're knee-deep in riddles." I tried to keep it light, but the worry threaded through my words.

"Well, okay. I’m sorry to hear that," Robbie said, scratching the back of his neck. "But hey, life's never dull around you, right?"

"Right," Jessie chimed in, and we all shared a laugh.

"Besides," he added. "I’m pretty good with riddles, so maybe I could help."

"That would be amazing," I told him honestly.

Last time the hunters were involved in my life, these two saved me. I couldn’t think of two better people to have at my side right now, when there’s a mystery afoot and my good name to clear.