"Last chance to get your Witchydry tickets!" A student in his football jersey repeats as he walks down the hallway.

Totally forgot about that. The Witchydry dance is a celebration of the magical world and those that has done great things, and sacrifice so many to keep this world hidden from the human world or so I've been told. It's like homecoming but with magic. They even get to vote for the Witchydry Queen and King, basically the witch and wizard of the year. I've never been into this kind of thing because it's all too stressful. I mean, girls go out of their way to get the best dress to impress and oppress others, and I don't have time for that. Although I'm curious about it.

See, The Vale Academy isn't like any other boarding school that I know. The school has little to no rules at all or at least important rules for example authorities allows students to dress up the way they want. There's actually a boutique on campus and a designer that can make whatever it is they want, I mean how cool is that.

"Cami, get your Witchydry tickets?" The student ask me.

I shake my head. "I'm good," I reply. I'd rather sleep the night away than go to some silly teenagers dance. The dance is tonight and the tickets are still out. They don't have a great event planner.

"Are you sure? You are new and you definitely don't want to miss it." He gives me more point but I've thought about it.

I'm curious to know what the party would look like but I don't want to go. I'm busy with research.

"I will swing by the gym later, thanks." I reply, waving him off before turning to my locker indirectly terminating the conversation.

Exchanging some books from my locker to my bag and shut my locker. I almost yelp when I notice Jessica standing with her back against the locker beside mine. When did she get here?

"I really love this place." She says in a tone I'd use to describe my love for ice cream. It also looks like she's staring into space while picturing her life in this place.

Yeah, surprise! Jessica goes here now. It happened about a week and three days ago if I'm being specific. Anyway, after the whole Arihmatheo kidnapping situation the headmaster figured it'd be best if she transferred here. He spoke with her parents and they agreed. I mean, come on! What sort of parents agree to let their well-behaved teenage daughter transfer to a boarding school for troubled teens. Jessica isn't exactly well-behaved but she's an only child and her parents would never have allowed her to come here or so I thought. It's might be possible that they know about her powers, I mean, the headmaster said magic can be inherited.

I used to enjoy my space alone until the headmaster let Jessica move in with me, hence the unexpected roommate. You could say I've been avoiding staying in my room since because I don't want to speak or see her, too bad we're stuck together till graduation.

"I really love this place." She don't say, I know she'd fit right in with them since most of the students here are superficial rich assholes and bitches. She fits right in with them.

God! That was bitter. I'm being bitter for no reason.

Closing my eyes and push all negative thoughts off my mind before opening my eyes with a soft inhale.

"I know, you blend in pretty great and quickly." I say and walk away before I say something I regret. I cleared all negative thoughts but that doesn't mean I'm not feeling them.

The farther I get away from her, the more I hear the sound of her boots dragging behind me. Can't she just get the hint that I don't want to talk.

"Hey Cami." The twins walks past me,  giving the person behind me a smile like I'm not even here. "Hello, Jessica. We'll save you a seat in chemistry."

Good! She's best friends with them too.

"Thanks girl, really appreciate it."

I stop walking to observe what's going around. Not surprised to see Jessica smiling and waving at them before another person calls her name to say hello and then another and another. Like come on, everyone likes her and she's been here for just a week and three days and she's already warmed everyone's heart. 

I don't mean to sound jealous because I don't care if people like me or not, but I can't help but think about it. Jessica and I were in the same clique back  in West High, and everyone saw us the same or at least I thought they did. It's different here. We're living an independent life and people aren't seeing us together.

"Fun, aren't they?" She smiles and says after everyone rushes to get to class.

I give her a knowing fake smile and nod. "Hmm," I hum and say my goodbyes "See you."

"Cami, wait!" I halt at the sound of her desperate tone.

"What?" I demand without turning back.

I hear her sigh as she steps in front of me. "We haven't talked about anything since you came back. You're always gone, I hardly see you."

It's because I've been avoiding you. I want to say but then I'll sound petty. I'm just surprised it took her this long to corner me.

Licking my bottom lip. "I have been busy, like super busy." I wave my books in her face to prove my point.

I resume my classes today and man have I missed so much? Even though I really don't have to prove anything to anyone, it's my life and I can do anything I want. I still want to try and put in an effort to my education.

I step past her and begin to walk, before I can take two more steps, she's back in front of me again. Argh!

"Cami, please talk to me. I'm sorry I didn't tell you about my powers, I–" I interrupt her before she goes down the guilt road.

"I have no right to be mad at you." I tell her honestly even though what I'm feeling is the opposite of what I said. I am fucking mad at her. "It was your decision, and I respect that. If you don't mind, I'm late for class."

I shouldn't be mad at her. I mean, I didn't tell her I have powers either. Does that make me a hypocrite?

"Cami, please let's talk after class," she pleads.

I look at her puppy eyes and it gets me all the time. "Fine, we'll talk during lunch." I agree, and she sighs in relief. "Can I go now?"

She smiles and nods. "Yes, of course."

I run through the hallway to my English class. Opening the door, I step inside and as expected it already going on.

"Good, Cami will play Jo," the English teacher, Mrs. Nightley says not caring that I arrived late.

The whole class turns their head to my direction. Great. "Jo?" I need to be sure that it's not the same Jo they are referring to.

"Jo March for the school play, Little Women." She explains further.

Shit! Fuck no.

"I'm not an actress and if I were to act then I'll play a different character, I'm more of an Amy, who's playing Laurie?" I ask curiously.

"It is either you play Jo or volunteer for the theater decorations," she says.

So that's her ultimatum. I love it.

Isn't Jo one of the main characters? I'm sure there are more promising theater major students amongst us here.

"Theater decorations." I choose.

She hums and adjusts her glasses before frowning like she wasn't expecting me to back down. "It's settled then. See me after class, Cami, and please come in." She ushers me to my seat.

I swallow and enter the class. Rules of Concord are boldly written on the board. I take my seat and remove my notes from my bag before dropping it on the floor. There is not much time left.

I take out my pen and start writing. I clear my mind and start listening to what Mrs. Nightley is saying.

The bell rings after some minutes. It's like everyone was waiting for the bell to ring. They all clear off their tables and begins to leave.

"Reminder that your essay is due Monday. It's thirty-five percent of your grade." She shouts after everyone to hear. I doubt they did, everyone's mind is set ongoing to the dance.

Fuck, that essay, I haven't even started writing yet.

I take my time in drafting the essay in my book before packing my stuff. Slinging my bag on my shoulder, I approach Mrs. Nightley's table.

"You wanted to see me."

She raises her head up from her desk and removes her glass. "Yes, yes, Cami. I do," She begins. "I know you joined late and your past records isn't really good. Exams are coming soon. Is there a way you'd like me to help?"

I lick my lips and stare at my hand. I know I'm not academically strong, but I try my best to do what I can.

"Get me off the decorations team and I promise to surprise you." I sound so sure.

She nods. "Okay, but first I need to read your essay to know for sure." She says.

"Thank you." I appreciate her effort. I turn on my heels and start walking away.

"One more thing," she stops me when I'm about to step out.

I place my hand on the doorknob and turn back. "Next time you decide to pretend sick, remember that school is important and time wait for no one." She mentions.

"I don't understand what you mean by that." I know exactly what she means, which means she's been watching me.

"I think you do, don't forget the essay."

***

The day drags by in a blur. I go to the cafeteria and I can hear the conversation people are having. It's all about the dance happening tonight. I get my food and find myself an empty table. My eyes wander around, hoping to catch Nate but instead it lands on Penelope's table, where the whole gang are seated: Alyssa, Calvin and Roman? I haven't been seeing him around, technically I didn't want to see him. But him sitting at that table just brings a whole new meaning to who Roman Benedict is. Penelope is his girlfriend, I get it, but what was all that attitude he gave me when I first arrived. Him sitting with his sisters like he doesn't hang out with anyone else. Him creeping into my mind like some sort of stalker. It was like that Roman was an act and this is the real him. Whatever–

"Hey." I jump a little when Jessica appears out of nowhere, sitting in the chair in front of me. "Sorry for coming late," she drops her bag beside her and places her lunch on the table.

"Hmm," I hum. I don't feel like having this conversation right now but I can't avoid it forever. "How are you?"

She sighs and fumble with her tie. She's nervous and I hate that I'm the one making her feel that way. "I'm great and you?"

I sigh and tuck my hair behind my ear. I need some dye. "Stop being formal and let's get to the point." Trying to cut to the chase in a cool way.

"I have always had my powers, and I knew about them. I come from a long line of powerful Sages and Mages. I didn't tell you because I didn't know how," she explains

"I get that, but you should've told me when you found out that I was a..." I trail off, leaving her to fill the missing gap.

She sighs and looks down at her hand. "I have always known you were special and my theory was confirmed when you stepped out of The Vale school bus, that's when I knew for sure. I'm sorry for fooling you." She apologizes.

I smile. "You didn't and I forgive you," I reply. It's no use being angry.

"Are you sure I can't convince you to come to the dance with Nate and I?"

What a comeback.

"And be a third wheel? I think I'm good."

She smiles. "We are good, right?" She isn't certain.

I nod. "Of course we are. We are Cam and Jess," I remind her.

"We are Cam and Jess, thank you."

"You are welcome," I say and stand up. "There is something I need to do."

That is not a lie either.