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EXPECTATIONS OF A GUINEVERE
~OPHELIA~
“It took you long enough to reach out to us.”
You know that feeling of instant regret?
This is exactly that moment of dread.
After taking a long shower to get every particle of dust off my flesh from the entry trial, I decided it would be best to wear a new set of clothes and head to the library.
Checking the mirror prompts me to try to remember the spell needed to cast to reach out to my parents, seeing as cell phones are “earned.” Not a mandatory device of access.
A shame I ended up casting the spell…
This just proves my magic essence is still very reactive after the trials. I’m sure once we’re assigned wands and can channel our magic through one connector, it would be easier not to cast a spell without full intention and magical initiation.
For now, I just have to face my parents.
“We were the first to finish,” I announce in a matter-of-fact tone. I don’t want them to immediately think my tardiness in reaching out to them meant I scored embarrassingly low. “I was supposed to call you in a few more hours when more students have received their official acceptances. I decided to call a bit earlier because I want to start my studies in the library while it’s still rather tame and empty of students attempting to make an impression.”
Lifting my miniature black backpack from the floor, I slip it onto my shoulder so it’s very visible. It’s interesting how I’m telling the truth about my intention of going to the library, yet my mom is narrowing her eyes at me as if I’m about to jump out the window, summon a broomstick, and get the fuck out of here.
Which reminds me, we’ll get to learn how to fly on broomsticks, which is both cheesy and exhilarating to think about.
“You should have contacted us immediately after your acceptance. It would have allowed me to talk to Headmaster Atlas myself,” Mother declares.
Meaning she doesn’t believe I was one of the first who got their acceptance.
“Headmaster Atlas has more important things than to entertain my parents with information that will be shown on my summarized report in writing,” I mutter and don’t hide my annoyance. “If you don’t want to believe me, that’s your choice.”
“I won’t stand for your attitude, Ophelia,” Mother snaps. “You think because you’re away from home, you can act foolishly with no respect and tarnish the Guinevere Legacy?”
Yup. The legacy is more important than me, the individual. That’s first, then my sister is second. She’ll bring her up in 5,4,3—
“You’re only taking Odessa’s place due to her ongoing absence!”
There it is. Didn’t even finish the countdown.
“Honey.”
I’m surprised by Father’s stern voice as he comes into the frame from behind.
“We should be praising Ophelia for doing our family a favor by attending on her older sister’s behalf,” he emphasizes as he talks in a timely manner. It’s as though he needs to emphasize every word, so my mother gets it. “She didn’t need to participate. Also, she could have died. You already heard from seven friends that their children perished from the trial.”
Shit… seven?
I can only imagine those from our rich gated community neighborhood who were all bragging two days ago about how easy it would be to get into N.M.U. They were so confident in their ability to not only get in but to be one of the top students. They enjoyed mocking me all night long, taking bets as to when I’d perish because they were certain I wouldn’t make it to the finish line.
I’m not my sister, after all.
“Their children were weak imbeciles,” Mother mutters, as though to justify their ends.
“Doesn’t discount the fact our daughter survived and came in first,” Father summarizes and gives me a moment of his attention. “Good evening, Ophelia. How are you feeling?”
“Buzzed,” I admit. “There’s a lot of information we have to observe here, but the trial was very interesting. My magic is still sparked from the whole ordeal, which is why I called you guys a bit earlier than originally planned.” It’s always been easy to tell Father exactly how I feel. He acknowledges and treats me like a human being.
Not an extension of my older sister.
