Practical Magick

Chapter One - Morgan

Disclaimer: All the characters and places in this story belong to Cate Tiernan. No copyright infringment is intended.

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"I can't believe we had to ride the bus today," Mary K says, stopping at my locker to glare at me.

"Today's the last day we'll have to. It's the last day of school before Christmas vacation, anyway. As soon as Das Boot gets fixed we'll never have to ride the bus again. I promise," I add, digging for something in my locker.

Bree walks up to me a few minutes later, Robbie tailing her closely. "So it's Friday," she points out as Mary K walks away with her friend Alisa. "Do you have plans with Hunter tonight?"

My head pops out from the murky depths of my locker. I stand up with a sigh. "I can't find my trig book. Can I use yours?"

Bree rolls her eyes but opens her bookbag to pass me the textbook. I smile at her in appreciation and open a can of Diet Coke that I brought with me from lunch.

"Well?" she asks.

"Yes, I do. Hunter called me yesterday and told me he wanted me to come over for a whiel tonight. He said he has something important to tell me." I look at Bree hesitantly. "Do you think it's bad?"

"I don't know," she replies thoughtfully. "How have things been netween you two lately?"

"Good," I reply automatically, thinking back. "Really good, actually."

"Then it has to be terrible news." I glance at obbie and we stare at her questioningly. She explains, "If things are so greant between you, then the only news he can have is bad news"

"Oh," I respond, looking into my locker absently. Leave it to Bree to say something as terrible as that. I take another sip of m Diet Coke and make a reminder to ask Hunter about this later. The bell rings and I slam my locker closed with a bang. "I have to go. I'll see you guys at the circle tomorrow, right?"

"Of course," Robbie replies, linking hands with Bree before they make their way down the hallway. I can't help but notice that Bree stiffens up a little at the contact. It makes me sad. Are things ever going to become normal with them?

I bit my lip and head offin the other direction.

Good news: I only have one class left. Bad news: It's trigonometry. I take my usual seat in teh back of the class. It has a perfect view of the neighborhood outside and I can't help but to watch the gently drifting snow rather than listen to my teacher. My eyes dart from the window to my paper, where I am absently doodling. I know that I should be listening, midterms are only weeks away, but I just cannot make myself focus.

We still onf or tonight?

My head jerks up and I look around to see who is talking to me. It takes me a few moments to realize that it is a witch message.

Hunter, I think back, instantly comforted. Yes, we're still on.

Good.

I hesitate before thinking my next message. Is, um, everything okay between us?

There is a moment of silence from Hunter's end. I glance towards the front of the room to see my teacher still droning on endlessly, so I erturn my thoughts back to Hunter.

Certaintly, love, comes his slow reply. There's just something I really need to tell you.

Tell me now?

Even slower than before, his answer comes. I can't. I have to tell you later, in person.

"Morgan?"

I look up.

"Are you paying attention?"

I nod, leaving time for Mrs. Kirby to give me a stern look. The bell rings after a few minutes and I peek at my notebook. Nothing but a few sketches. I shut it and quickly disappear to my locker. There, I rest my warm forehead agaisnt the cool metal and close my eyes drowsily. My head is suddenly pounding and I feel like I can hear noise from every person in the school.

Ugh. Please tell me things will get better when I see Hunter.

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A/N: So there you go, hot from the press. Well, not the press, persay, but from the computer. I know this was short, but I promise the next chapters are all longer and better. Read and review!