Cursed Read online

  The two stood. Walking towards the kitchen, Uri tried to think of something to talk about. “So, great job yesterday.”

  Gabe looked puzzled. “Huh?”

  “The tests! You did a fantastic job. I can’t believe you were able to best all three of them and so quickly. Michael told me to be ready to step in if you needed help, but sure enough you were fine on your own.”

  “Wait, what?” Gabe felt a lump in his throat grow as he heard Uri’s words. “Michael had asked you to watch out for me?”

  “Well of course he did! All Michael does these days is worry about you, idiot.”

  “I didn’t... I mean, wow... I had no idea.” Gabe stammered, realizing he had misjudged Michael’s indifference to his safety.

  “We threw some pretty hard monsters at you, too. I bet Michael was so proud!” Uri gushed.

  “You would think.” Gabe grumbled.

  “What? What’s that supposed to mean? Is something wrong?” Uri asked, looking over at Gabe.

  “No, I guess not. It’s just when I met with Michael last night he seemed upset.”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah. Actually, I am pretty frustrated about it,” Gabe groaned. He was no longer able to hold in his grievances since being reminded of the conversation. “Michael barely spoke to me all summer. No word to me of Baal, even though we all know he’s hunting me. Instead he calls me in for our first real meeting in months and he tells me I need to step up my game.”

  “Wow, I had no idea. Well, I’m sure he has a lot on his mind. I bet he didn’t mean anything by it.” Uri defended his beloved leader. “Sometimes Michael doesn’t realize how he’s coming across to people.”

  “He could have fooled me. And really, Uri, a lot on his mind? I have a lot on my mind and you don’t see me being rude to everyone.” Gabe argued.

  “I guess,” Uri paused for a moment, not sure what to say next. Trying to change the subject he began again. “So how are things with you and Sophie? She is pretty tight lipped about you two these days which tells me you guys are probably pretty hot and heavy.”

  “Oh yeah,” Gabe snapped, clearly still steaming about his conversation with Michael. “Then Michael tells me I am spending too much time with Sophie and he thinks she’s a distraction for me. Really? Come on! Sophie is one of the best things in my life. She keeps me focused and studying so I really don’t get what his problem is.”

  “Gabe, he is just trying to look out for your best interests. I’m sure he didn’t mean anything about yours and Sophie’s relationship.”

  Walking into the kitchen, the two young men went silent as they raided the cupboards for an easy breakfast. Uri came across a bag of bagels and raised them into the air triumphantly. Gabe nodded in approval. Gabe then headed to the icebox for some cream cheese. Uri commenced in slicing and toasting the bagels as the boys engaged in small talk about Gabe’s battle strategy the day before.

  Placing their food on a couple plates, the boys walked out to a nearby table and sat across from one another.

  “So are you ready for classes?” Uri asked.

  Gabe thought about the question for a minute. “You know what, I haven’t really thought about it. I’ve spent so much time getting ready for my tests this summer that it never even crossed my mind of what would happen when I passed. I guess I don’t know what to think.”

  “What’s your class list like?” Uri inquired.

  “I don’t know. I haven’t gotten it yet.” Gabe replied.

  “I tell you what, after breakfast, how about we go and find out what your classes are and then hit the supply room for anything you might need?” Uri was pleased to offer assistance to Gabe in hopes it would take his friend’s mind off the tense conversation with Michael the night before.

  “Sounds like a plan!” Gabe said, genuinely excited. He didn’t know what was bothering Uri, but hopefully some mindless tasks would help distract him for a while from whatever it was.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  Gabe took one last look at his class schedule, committing it to memory. He stood from his chair, packing his books and herbs from potions class into his backpack. Just as he threw the pack over his shoulder, there was a knock at the door.

  Gabe walked quickly to the door and opened it, on the other side he was greeted by Sophie’s cheery face. “Hey there classmate! Ready for your first day of school?”

  Gabe was amused by Sophie’s question.

  “I suppose so. Uri helped me get all the supplies together that I need and I have my class schedule, so I guess I’m all set.”

  Closing the door behind him, the two walked down the hall arm in arm. “So what does your class list look like?” Sophie asked, pulling her own list from her pocket with her free hand.

  Without a word, Gabe handed her his crumpled list. Comparing the two lists, Sophie turned to Gabe and shrieked in excitement while leaping in place.

  “What?” Gabe asked, finding himself excited without even knowing why.

  “We have three out of six classes together.” Sophie replied, smiling up at Gabe, reaching out and giving him a tight hug around his neck.

  “Really?” Gabe exclaimed. He had decided not to share with her Michael’s concerns about their relationship. “That’s awesome! Please tell me we have potions together.”

  “We do, why?” Sophie questioned, furrowing her brow.

  “I’m a little worried about potions class. This summer we really focused on my casting. I don’t feel like just reading books has given me a strong enough grasp on the basics of potions. I suppose I will simply have to pick it up as I go. Having the smartest girl in class at my side will certainly help.” Gabe grinned as he ran one hand around Sophie’s waist and pulled her close.

  “Oh, Gabe,” Sophie said looking down as she blushed.

  “You know I’m right, and I am so into brainy chicks.” Gabe leaned in with lips puckered.

  “Stop it,” Sophie squealed through laughter as she broke away. Catching her breath, she turned and continued towards their first class. “Besides, I wouldn’t worry. Professor McFarland is one of the nicest teachers. I’m sure she’ll be very patient with you. And of course, like you said, you will have the smartest girl in class at your side.”

  The two looked at each other and smiled in a mischievous way. Gabe thought of Michael’s warning about Sophie. He was sure Michael was completely wrong about their relationship serving as a distraction. He would just have to prove to him how valuable their relationship was.

  The two approached the classroom, hands locked tightly together. When they entered, Gabe looked around the room. The old stone walls kept the room feeling cool like most of the rest of the manor, but as they moved through the room there were pockets of warmth given off by small desk burners that had cauldron like pots on top of each one. The flames under them gave off a blue and white hue.

  The tables were high, at least chest level. As the two chose a desk and took their seats on the stools, Gabe thought it looked like a science lab in any high school throughout the country, if it were in a medieval castle. They both watched as students filtered in, taking their seats. Raimie and Dina grabbed the table next to them. Gabe felt thrilled to be surrounded by friends in this new and foreign environment.

  At last the remaining desks were filled. The class watched as Professor McFarland entered from a door at the front of the room. Gabe assumed it was her office she came from.

  “Good morning, class!”

  “Good morning, Professor McFarland!” The class bellowed back in a harmonious rhythm.

  The woman was tall and lanky. She had glasses as thick as the bottom of coke bottles which magnified her eyes ten times over, making her look almost comical. Her hair was dark and wiry, which she kept wrapped tightly in a bun at the nape of her neck. She wore navy colored robes that appeared to be covered in patches of shed animal hair. Gabe wondered if this was standard issue for all the professors.

  “Pardon me… Ma’am…” A boy of small stature a
nd a face covered in adolescent acne squeaked from the open doorway.

  “Yes, what is it?” Professor McFarland asked, motioning the boy inside.

  “I have a note for you.” The boy replied as he walked quickly to the front of the room, handing a crumpled piece of paper to the instructor. She unfolded it. Holding it a good distance from her face, she peered down her nose at the words.

  Folding the paper back up and slipping it into her pocket, she searched the faces in the room until at last stopping when her gaze reached Sophie and Gabe’s table. “Yes now, you there, Sophie.” Professor McFarland said. “Please gather your stuff and follow this young man here.”

  Sophie and Gabe looked at each other puzzled. After a moment Sophie did as she was told.

  “Well, I guess I’ll see you in a little bit.” Sophie whispered to Gabe. A few awkward moments passed and Sophie was out the door.

  “Hmmm… now, where were we?” Professor McFarland said, trying to organize her thoughts after the distraction.

  “Oh, yes,” she continued. “You, Gabe, I suppose you can move and join, umm… yes…let’s see.” Professor McFarland said as she walked over to her desk, glancing down at a list of names. “Raimie and Dina. We now have an odd number, so you will have to be a trio.”

  Though Gabe was relieved to be placed with friends, he was still curious as to the reason why Sophie was called away. He was worried something might be wrong, but he couldn’t imagine what it might be. If it were anything extremely important, he was sure the entire group would have been called together, including himself.

  As quietly as possible, Gabe picked up his pack and scooted his chair to the end of the neighboring table.

  “Alright, everyone.” Professor McFarland said, flowing right into the lesson plan. “I’m sure you are all very excited about your field assignments starting this year. It is a big step in a Guardian’s life.”

  As Professor McFarland spoke, Gabe couldn’t help but think about his conversation with Michael once again.

  This was not a step Gabe was going to experience thanks to Michael. Gabe felt overwhelmed with self-doubt that their leader thought so little of him. Michael had rescued him months earlier and now he actually thought Gabe would be a danger to his friends.

  “One thing you should always be in the field is prepared.” Professor McFarland continued. “Let’s say by chance you are taken by surprise and injured, God forbid. What do you need? Speaking potion wise of course.”

  Gabe watched as Dina raised her hand. Professor McFarland jerked her head around wildly like a chicken. “Yes, dear?”

  “A healing potion,” Dina replied confidently.

  “Yes, very good!” Professor McFarland replied. “A healing potion should always be tied to your side. It's the quickest way to be back on your feet.”

  “Most agonizing way, too.” Raimie mumbled under his breath just before Dina gave him a quick, sharp elbow to the side.

  “Oof!” he let out a gasp at the assault.

  Gabe looked over at Raimie, eyebrows raised to ask him silently to confirm his statement about healing potions being painful. Still wincing, Raimie nodded as if he understood Gabe’s quiet gesture.

  “So who can tell me where we begin with a healing potion? What is the primary ingredient?” Professor McFarland quizzed. Gabe looked around as several students in the class began flipping through the pages of their text books. “Mr. Harwood, how about you? Can you tell us what the primary ingredient is in a healing potion?”

  Gabe frantically flipped open his book to look for any mention of a healing potion, but after several moments of fumbling through the pages he answered. “Sorry, Professor. I don’t know.”

  “Right. Well, how about we make this more interesting? I want each group to whip up a healing potion and we shall see who comes the closest. Sounds fun, right?” Professor McFarland intoned.

  After a few moans and groans from the class, all books were open and the students were fast at work making their potions.

  “The winner shall receive, oh I don’t know, let’s see…” Professor McFarland tapped her chin repeatedly with a single finger as she tried to think of the perfect reward. “Yes! I’ve got it. The group that comes up with the best potion will get to choose any potion I brewed from my private stock.”

  Raimie looked over at Gabe. Beaming a huge smile he said, “No worries, Dina is an old pro at healing potions. This will be a piece of cake.”

  “You know, Raimie, it wouldn’t hurt you to actually learn how to create a few potions. Then you wouldn’t always be relying on me to mix up whatever you need.” Dina snapped in an annoyed tone.

  Gabe thought how odd it was to see the two of them bicker. They were always the picture of lovebirds until recently.

  “Why would I do that when I know how much you love to make my potions for me?” Raimie replied with a mischievous grin. Dina simply rolled her eyes, choosing not to respond.

  Wanting to lessen the tension, Gabe decided to try and change the subject. “So what do you think that was all about with Sophie earlier? Do you think everything is alright?”

  “No clue, man. Kind of weird huh?” Raimie replied.

  With another swift elbow to Raimie’s side, Dina chimed in with a more comforting response. “I am sure everything is fine, Gabe. They probably needed her in the library.”

  “Oh yeah, you know all those library emergencies they have.” Raimie added sarcastically.

  “Oh just shut up already, Raimie!” Dina snapped.

  “How are we doing over here?” Professor McFarland said approaching the table, sensing the hostility.

  All three students quickly looked down at the pages of their text. “Fine, Professor McFarland.” Dina quickly put in.

  “Excellent. Let me know when you have it.” She responded, walking away from the small group.

  When the professor was far enough away, Dina looked over at her two potion-mates. In a hushed tone, she urged, “Let's just get this potion done, alright?” The two boys nodded as the three continued their work in awkward silence.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  As Gabe walked to his next class, he took comfort in knowing Sophie would be there. In a few minutes all of this worrying would be for nothing, he thought. Walking into the classroom, he looked around for the comforting smile of his beloved Sophie, but alas, she had not yet arrived.

  Gabe glanced over at the tiered seating in the lecture style room. He took a seat on the outside of the third row, placing his books on the seat next to him to secure it for Sophie. Gabe had been looking forward to this class almost more than any other. History. It was funny to him. Had he been asked what his favorite subject was when he was part of main stream schools, he was certain his answer would not have been history.

  Gabe had learned a massive amount of information over the summer about where his ancestors had come from and what his abilities were, but to actually sit down and be taught from a text book the history of the Guardians was quite exhilarating.

  While Gabe waited for Sophie to arrive, he pulled out his text book and flipped to the opening chapter. “Immortality Lost.” Gabe read the bold letters across the top of the page just under the words, Section One. Intrigued, he read on.

  When the Guardians were brought to Earth, they were told nothing of a conditional mortality. As the years passed, Jeremiah, one of the first Guardians, began to grow weary with loneliness. Being separated from heaven, the other angels and the God he loved dearly was beginning to takes its toll on him. With no end in sight of his duties to protect the earthly realm, Jeremiah set out on a journey to try and come closer to God.

  On his journey he met a human female named Deborah. She was quite beautiful and was spellbound by Jeremiah’s stories. Jeremiah felt a strong desire to stay near her so he lingered. In the time that followed, he came to know Deborah deeply. At last, Jeremiah came to the conclusion that what he felt for her was love and he wanted to call her his wife. No angel had married before so trusting i
n his feelings, Jeremiah returned to the other Guardians to ask for permission to marry Deborah. At this time, they had no knowledge their immortality was conditional.

  As Gabe read the last line of text, he heard a voice behind him, sweet and soft. “Is this seat taken?”

  “Yes,” he replied without looking up from the pages at first. “My girl--”

  Gabe’s response trailed off as he peered up from the pages to see a girl with raven black hair hovering over his shoulder. Her eyes were big and brown, her slender nose came to an end in a small, yet adorable rounded tip. Gabe stared at her rose colored lips as they turned to a frown in response to his words.

  Gabe glanced around. With Sophie nowhere in sight, he gathered up his books and added, “I was expecting a friend, but I suppose you can have a seat.”

  Once the words left his mouth he realized how upset Sophie might be once she found out he had given her seat away. Quickly he added, “You might have to move if she arrives.”

  “Oh,” the girl replied hesitantly. “Well, I wouldn’t want to put anyone out.”

  “Of course not. Have a seat.” he insisted. “I’m Gabe.” He offered an extended hand.

  The girl looked at the empty seat again, still unsure if she wanted to take a seat that had been reserved for someone else. Her eyes shifted to Gabe’s smiling face, in that moment she knew she didn’t want to sit anywhere else in the room except next to this handsome young man.

  “Hi, I’m Neru.” The girl replied with a smile. Taking hold of Gabe’s extended hand, she shook it vigorously.

  “Neru.” Gabe repeated. “That’s a very unusual and pretty name.”

  The girl blushed slightly before explaining, “My mother was Native American. It was her great grandmother’s name.”

  “I see,” Gabe replied. “Very cool.”

  Neru sat her books on the table top and took her seat next to Gabe. When at last she looked up at Gabe, her brow narrowed and she began to look as if she were studying him. Then suddenly her brows lifted as a look of surprise filled her face.