My pen rolled to the classroom floor. A bit of chalk snapped in half. The class was a lively mix of letter jackets, short skirts, and the occasional pocket square.
"Hmm, another chalk. Heather, please remember to grab some for the class later."
She not only responded smiling but managed to snatch my pen before I could reach it. Handing it back and hopping away the second the bell rang. The cheerleading squad followed their queen bee loyally. The overachieving Heather was not only the school president but the cheerleading captain and the head of the saintesses at school.
The halls were loud and bustling for lunchtime. All rushing off to meet their clicks. A few had already taken out their lunches from their magbags popping food into existence. It was easy to tell the rich kids from the average just by the details on the fabric. Richer kids had gold detailing for the light symbols. Mine was plain with a silver outline of the sun at its center. It was a gift from Felix's parents. They were kind enough to gift me a magbag before I started high school.
"Hey."
A taller knight had signaled for me. One of Felix's crew
"We're eating at the center tree."
"Thanks."
He shrugged. Heading off to join the guys. I followed along not bothering to speak. He surprised me instead.
"Did you hear about Heather?"
"What about her?"
"I heard Heather's going to ask Felix out." He couldn't help whispering.
"Ugh. So? She has asked a lot of guys out."
"Jealous?
"No."
He snorts. The topic ends there. No need to dig up my failed confession back in junior high. Felix said he wasn't interested in dating at the time, but he did date three girls since then.
'He just did not want to date a guy.'
I heard his laugh before I saw his blonde curls. He rested against the center courtyard tree surrounded by his teammates. Felix was uninterested in whatever topic they had between them. His sunlit eyes wandered looking for someone. They hit me like a ton of bricks. He smiled oblivious to the sudden chills in my spine. He flicked his wrist an obvious invitation. I hesitated but fought my unease. I took my place next to him.
'What is wrong with me?'
"Oi, what's for lunch?"
"Ham." It was hot. Uncomfortable.
"Again? Trade with me. I got beef n' noodles."
"Okay." The sun was right next to me. "Never mind I am fine." I panicked needing to cool down.
"Blake?!"
As distance developed the heat disappeared. Sweat dropped. I managed to reach the library and hid between the stacks.
"What the hell? That reaction…"
My skin paled. There was no way I wouldn't know. The darkness purifies the light and Felix bears that light. I slid to the floor against the bookshelves.
"I have to be wrong. I was just confused. Just confused." I kept mumbling to myself. My fists clenching.
Then the burning came back like a firestorm. I let out a groan. A knight had walked nearby and I felt blinded.
"You okay? That sound…"
I dashed for the library doors, school doors, reaching the parking lot. The pain faded but didn't disappear this time. I reached my coupe. It may have been a couple of decades old but it served its purpose. I drove home ignoring the looks from my old neighbor. The old man wasn't a gossiper but he would definitely judge me.
"I am home."
It was quiet. Good for me. I turned the lights off one by one. I could picture the scolding from dad when he found out I turned the lights off early. The last one standing was the light shrine. It always comforted me but it hurt to look at it now. A faint burning feeling let me know to switch it off. Even at bedtime the light shrine was meant to stay on. I held my breath for the worst. The worst happened.
Dark tendrils flicked in the air. They gathered around me, and I heard the whispers. There was no question now. I had suffered the same fate as my mother. I was corrupted by darkness.