afraid his sudden presence after so many years will upset me. Her protectiveness is one of the many traits I love about her.
“Come on, let’s change and do our make-up.” I change the subject nonchalantly.
An hour later, Emma and I are starving. We run downstairs to see if dinner is ready yet only to find my grandfather in the kitchen, conversing with my mother. He turns around with a smile, “Arabella,” he says with arms outstretched, wanting a hug, “Happy birthday princess.”
I step into the security of his hug; for some reason, his hug makes me feel happy, safe. I don’t know why my grandfather hasn’t been around for the last ten years, but if mom’s morning revelation held any ring of truth, then he was off performing his warlock duties in Aquarian Falls. Yeah right, I scoff internally.
“Mom, I’m hungry,” whines Sebastion. I don’t blame him, I’m starving! All this thinking has worked up an appetite.
“Everyone, please sit, dinner is almost ready.” Mom has outdone herself; the table setting was beautiful. Everything was white, from the tablecloth to the lit candles. Grandfather takes his seat at one head of the table while mom situates herself at the other. Emma and I obviously sit next to each other, and Sebastion sits across the table from us.
“How is school my dear?” asks grandfather.
“She met a boy.” Emma, the traitor, says under her breath with a chuckle.
I laugh nervously, hoping nobody heard her. “School is good, how have you been?”
“Oh good my dear, we have much to discuss later,” he replies with a wink, awakening my curiosity and making me feel uneasy at the same time. What if…? No Arabella, there are no what if’s! Just wait until said discussion, maybe he wants to apologize for his years of absence. Yes, I’m sure that’s it! I think with satisfaction, keeping away all thoughts of magic out of my mind. We then commence to eat, enjoying quality time with another.
Dinner was amazing! I feel utterly stuffed. “Thank you, mom, the food was delicious.” I get up, walk over to her and kiss her cheek, hugging her tightly. I adore my mother; she is incredible.
“I hope you had a good birthday Arabella,” says Emma as she prepares to leave.
“Of course, I got to spend it with you,” I say honestly, thankful for her friendship.
“I’m going to head home, but I’ll see you tomorrow.” She hugs me affectionately and makes her way out the door.
“Arabella, come in here please,” yells mom. I walk into the living room where my mother and grandfather are waiting.
“Where’s Sebastion?” I ask.
“Up in his room playing video games. I think it’s time we talked. Have you come to terms with what we talked about this morning honey?”
“You… You guys are serious?” I splutter, looking at their solemn expressions, no traces of a joke playing on their faces.
“Arabella dear, what your mother has told you is true. You are an enchantress, from a realm called Aquarian Falls. Magic is real and you will be able to wield it with practice.” My grandfather tells me gently, sensing my frailness.
“You really mean to tell me that magic exists? Are you crazy?” I could feel myself reaching my breaking point. “Then prove it to me!” I yell hotly, unexplained anger coursing through my body, making me tremble.
Mom takes a step towards me, as if to soothe me, but grandfather stops her with a sharp shake of his head, laying his hand on her arm to hold her back. He then takes in a deep breath, looks me square in the eyes and lifts his palms in the air, muttering an incoherent string of words. Before my very eyes, a shroud of white mist emerges from his palms and slowly makes its way towards me. I take a step back in fright, unable to believe my eyes. As the mist gets closer to me, I feel cool air blowing towards me and in the blink of an eye it puffs out of existence, sending droplets of water onto my face.
I wipe my face and stare at my mom and grandfather incredulously. “Wow…” was my brilliant reaction. This is real, magic is really real! As scary as the prospects are, it’s also quite awesome!
“Sebastion. Is he a…?” I ask, curious if the magic ran in all of us.
“A warlock? Yes, he is, but he is not to know until his sixteenth birthday.” Mom answers.
I sit down, my hands wringing nervously as I wait for one of them to speak.
“The reason I haven’t been around for ten years Arabella, is because I am needed in our realm. You see, I’m the king in our world.”
“A king?”
“And you a princess,” he continues, oblivious to my stunned expression.
A princess?
“However, your status in the mortal world is inapplicable.”
“Can I ever visit Aquarian Falls?” I ask, wondering what a magical world would look it.
“Of course, you are welcome anytime,” he replies kindly, “When you’re ready, I’ll escort you there myself.”
“What powers do I have?” I ask, ever so curious. I could feel the excitement building up. I guess I’m finally beginning to accept all of this.
“Well, the main one is Telekinesis, the ability to move objects with your mind or by uttering a few incantations through the use of hand gestures. However, you have some rare powers, powers that have skipped generations and adapted within you. We will need to practice to see exactly what abilities you do have.”
This was incredible! I was ecstatic to try out my powers. Guess I’m no longer doubtful about this reality.
“Has your mother told you that you may never reveal who you are to a mortal?” he continues, his tone firm.
“Yes.” I reply, beginning to fear the repercussions.
“This will be difficult for you, but trust me, it is not worth the risk,” he tries to assuage my fears.
“I understand.” I reaffirm. It will be a firmly guarded secret.
“Also, no magic in front of your brother for he must not know until his sixteenth birthday.”
“Got it.” I say, trying not to sound exasperated at the constant reminders. Once they make sure I understand the rules of our world, my first lesson begins.
“Your mother and I will teach you all that we know. If you ever perform a spell and forget certain words, you are forbidden to make up words because you will never know what spell you are creating, and what dangers it could entail, do you understand?” asks Grandfather.
“Of course.”
“Firstly, I have this for you.” He hands me a silver charm necklace with four small circles embedded, each stone colored differently. Pretty.
“This is a four-element charm, and as you can see, you hold the ability of four elements. See how they’ve all lit up?”
I look down. Woah.
“The power within you charges this necklace, being able to manipulate the four elements, Earth, Air, Fire and Water. You must wear this because if you don’t then it won’t work. It also shields you and keeps you protected, so you should never remove it. Now, we’ll get to practicing the four elements soon,” says Grandfather with a clap of his hands, excitement shining in his eyes.
“Stand up honey,” Mom urges with a warm smile. Sorry I doubted you, mom, I think, making a mental note to apologize to her later on.
I rise to my feet, nervous yet excited. I get to perform magic, for the first time, under the watchful eyes of my mother and grandfather.
“We’ll start off with something simple Arabella. You’re going to tap into your telekinesis and move an object using only your mind. You need to open your mind, focus on this pen, and think of moving it,” instructs grandfather. I stand and stare at the pen that lies above the fireplace. I lean in close and concentrate, gasping when the pen moves perfectly in sync with my mind. This is real.
“Perfect Arabella, you’re a natural!” Grandfather beams proudly.
I smile, quite pleased with myself, feeling my belief in magic getting cemented, as if me performing magic was more real than watching someone else perform it.
“Okay honey, we’ll now try using the fire element. I wan
t you to start a fire.” Mom says, pointing at the fireplace.
Oh yay! This sounds exciting to try! I smile to let them know I’m ready.
“Rub your palms together until you can feel the heat extract from your palms, and simultaneously click your fingers at the fire place.”
I do as I’m told. It worked, a little too well though, because the flames went right up through the chimney; I wouldn’t be surprised if they were seen outside. The blast of the heat was like an oven and I suddenly scream in fright when I see that my palms are alight, but it wasn’t painful. I quickly shake them and the flames extinguish.
“Arabella, you have to be quiet, we don’t want Sebastion coming downstairs. Your palms are meant to ignite.” Mom frets.
“Was that supposed to happen?” I ask, still freaked out.
Mom and grandfather look at each, surprised for some reason.
“Okay, let’s try the air element,” says Grandfather without answering my question about the massive flames.
“Close your eyes and concentrate on wind, fierce wind. Hold your palms out, face up, and try to summon the energy of the wind.”
I focus hard and suddenly feel my palms become cool, a breeze picking up around me, and the sound of fluttering papers. I decide to peek and open my eyes, only to be met with an astonishing scene; it’s like we’re in the middle of a windstorm! Mom’s hair was blowing all over, papers were flying around, and grandfather was holding onto the mantle. I drop my hands and the wind disappears just like that.
“Perfect! Next, we’ll try the earth ability. Through your