“Only the best and brightest can get in,” Declan says with his chin held high. “I suppose that’s us.”
“All of us!” Sally says, pushing up her glasses. “That’s amazing!”
When they spot me, their smiles fall. Shame burns my cheeks. I didn’t bother to ask the results because I did jack shit during the exam. I don’t even care about not passing?I care about how awkward this conversation is about to be.
“Loxley, right?” Sally asks. I nod and look away. “Did you not check your results?”
I shake my head, and everyone’s mood falls. “Oh,” Sally says, looking around.
“There’s always next cycle,” Shugo says.
“A test is only worth it if there’s a bar to pass,” Declan says.
“Declan,” Sally says in a chastising tone.
“It’s okay,” I say softly. “Congrats.”
“Maybe we can help you with witch stuff,” Kenta mentions.
“We should all hang out in Virginia!” Sally chirps. “Like a little witch cohort.”
“I love that idea,” Kenta replies in a flirty tone. He ogles Sally, and I try not to roll my eyes.
“I’m not really a…people person,” Declan says. “Even if you had passed, now that I’m part of this Union, I don’t need a coven. I’m a bit more advanced, after all.”
He spins to leave, but freezes when a figure stands before him. All of us turn our attention to the large dude in a gray hoodie.
“There’s nothing wrong with not passing for now.” Gordy’s voice is so deep and intimidating that it sends a chill down my spine. Gazing at him in his human guise, I can’t even breathe. Every word he says is like a keepsake I treasure in my heart. “I didn’t pass either.” He shoots Declan a challenging glare, and it’s equal parts unnerving and attractive.
I recall the softness and sympathy in his voice when we met in the bathroom last week. It could be the hope talking, but it was almost like an understanding. He and I shared a moment.
And now he’s admitted to not passing. It’s as if he’s defending me.
“Like I said, there’s always next cycle,” Shugo says, breaking the tense silence.
We all murmur agreement, and Kenta adds, “I’d love to hang out back in Cosmo. My brother and I are pretty new to the area.”
The three of them proceed to discuss plans to hang out, while Declan saunters off. When I look at Gordy, he bristles and turns away. He may be antisocial at times, but I’m still fascinated by every word he says and every move he makes. Does he feel this pull to me, too?
Seb, Kai, and Lisbeth approach, and the moment is lost. The three of them, our wider coven, all console us for not passing. They take a few moments to chat with others in our cohort, discussing plans to meet up, and I awkwardly stand there in silence. Kai and Seb talk about ways to study and practice, but I have no interest in that. If I’m not chatting with Gordy, I just want to go back home to my safe space.
***
Logging onto Hot Water, my online gaming system, I notice my favorite player is available. I lean forward in my chair and smile. He messages me the moment I’m fully online, like he was waiting for me to appear. Sometimes it feels like he’s the only one who values my presence?online presence, that is.
Coldblooded: I got you something. A little treat.
Me: Seriously? A gift?
CB: Yup. Something to brighten your rough day.
Me: How did you know I had a crummy day?
CB: With this political landscape? And climate change?
CB: And the rise of shitty artificial intelligence systems ruining all media?
Me: LOL facts.
