Wicked Casters

Disclaimer: I do not own the Twilight Saga, American Horror Story, and Beautiful Creatures

Chapter 9: Greenhouse

Ginger's POV

I watched the students prepare for the field trip to some eco-greenhouse. Everyone seemed excited, apparently. Probably to avoid gym class and other classes, since most schools require students to do two years of physical education. Here in Forks High School, it's four years. Damn. So what better way to take the opportunity to skip PE than going on a field trip?

"I need everybody's permission slips, okay?" Mr. Molina called out by the bus.

We already turned ours in and just waited.

Eleanor yawned as she leaned against the Wagoneer. It has been five days since the accident, and she has had a hard time relaxing with the soreness. Sure, Constance healed and relocated her left arm and solved any internal complications. Still, Eleanor says she is sore as hell and will be for a week. I feel sorry for her, for she still wore the sling, stitches on her forehead, and a nasty bruise on her shoulder.

Although the bruise on her left shoulder seemed to form into a shape. It almost seems like a handprint if you place your hand over it. This evidence proves Edward is not normal. He may have stopped the van, but he pushed Eleanor out of the way, shielded me, and left a hideous dent on the back of the Wagoneer. Just looking at the dent, I get flashbacks of that day. Over and over again, Edward stopped the van with just his hand.

Eyes changing color.

Strength and agility.

If his hair and eyes weren't an issue, I wonder if he is a Guardian. Yet that is impossible since guardians are mostly albino casters who weren't born with magic except for strength and agility.

Could Edward be some sort of supernatural creature? I ran through all the famous monsters with Eleanor, and she said none fit the criteria for many supernatural beings. Werewolf, ghoul, shifter, and all that jazz. I even mentioned a vampire, and Eleanor scoffed, saying, "he must be wearing a good daylight charm if he and his siblings can walk around so easily." I was confused about what she meant, yet Eleanor dropped the conversation. I know other species hold different breeds, but Edward is not human. A part of me wonders if he is a Caster as well.

My coven sister shuddered violently as she looked up at the source. Across the parking lot, walking over to the buses, were Edward, Alice, and Jasper Hale. Something is definitely not right about them. Before I could start a conversation with Eleanor about it, Mike came in.

"Look at you, huh? You're alive." Mike teased.

"I know, false alarm," I replied.

"Nine lives over here," Eleanor added. "Make it eight."

Eleanor, and her dark sense of humor, I thought with a chuckle.

"Yeah," Mike agreed. He suddenly got nervous as he looked at me. "Now, Ginger, I wanted to ask you, you know, if, you know, it's like a month away, but . . ." he laughs nervously. "Do you wanna go to prom with me?"

I stared at him with widened eyes. Okay, I wasn't surprised or girly about him asking me to Prom. I sort of knew he was going to ask me; with his crush he has of me lately. However, I didn't want to lead him on. Not with Jessica liking him and such. Also, I found Mike to be more of a friend than boyfriend material. Maybe I have high standards. Then again, I have only known the guy for barely a month.

"So, what do you think?" Mike asked.

"Sorry, Mike, I already got a date for prom." I lied.

"Oh, who?" he asked.

"That is a secret," I told him innocently. "You should ask Jessica. I know she wants to go with you."

Mike looked at Jessica by the bus helping Mr. Molina with the permission slips. She noticed his stare and waved at him. Mike smiled at her and nodded.

"Yo, yo, yo. Hey, guys, come on!" Mr. Molina called out in his hipster slang. "We gotta go. We gotta go. Green is what? Good. Let's go. Guys, come on."

All three of us chuckled as we made our way to the buses. Eleanor leaned over and whispered softly, "Playing matchmaker, or is there a secret boyfriend?"

"Matchmaker," I chuckled. "And I didn't want to lead him on."

Eleanor nodded as we got on the bus and took our seats in the middle. More students got on filing in order while Mr. Banner from Chemistry started calling out names for the assigned bus. We sat there waiting, whispering about Mike asking me to Prom, until realizing we had a third party. Taking a seat in front of us was Tyler Crowley. He looked much better than he was five days ago. Although he did have a bandage over the left side of his forehead where stitches were.

"Hey Eleanor," Tyler greeted.

"Hey, Tyler," Eleanor replied.

"I wanted to say sorry again," he started.

"Tyler, it's okay." She assured him. "It was an accident."

"Yeah, but I still feel bad about it." He said. "And I wanted to make it up."

Uh oh, I think I know where this is going as I nudge her on the good side, hinting at her. She didn't catch the memo, though. Jessica called me on Monday to gossip about Tyler asking Eleanor to Prom. On Monday, she had overheard Tyler talking to Ben and Connor, saying he was going to ask Eleanor to Prom and try to keep Eric away from her. Along with the comment that his parents will be purchasing their tickets. Got to love Jessica for the updates on today's gossip! She's much faster than the FHS newspaper. She has kept this a secret from Eleanor, even me hiding her cellphone. Also, all day, Eric tried to make his way over to Eleanor, yet Ben or Connor kept catching him off guard.

Now that I think about it, Eric did try to ask Eleanor to Prom, except Mike interrupted him when pulling the rain joke. Eric didn't get a chance to finish his question, and Jessica led Eleanor away to get to their next class. Poor Eric. Hopefully, he will find someone to take to Prom. Better luck next year if Eleanor doesn't have a boyfriend.

"That is not necessary," she said.

"Well, I'm still going to repay you," Tyler said as he pulled out a fake flower. "Eleanor, would you go to prom with me?"

Eleanor gasped, dumbstruck. If I had my phone out, I would have taken a picture of this. It was absolutely priceless. Tyler looked nervous as he held the flower. Eleanor must have never been asked out before, not even on a date, it seems.

"She would be glad to go to prom with you," I encouraged.

Eleanor blinked several times, closed her mouth, recovered, and said, "su…sure. I'll go to Prom with you."

Tyler breathed, relieved as he gave her the fake flower. Eleanor took the flower, looking at the detail. It wasn't a simple party decoration but an actual pen. Wow, the guy must have noticed that Eleanor likes to write. In fact, she was blushing madly. Flustered, to be precise, in being asked out. I chuckled as I winked at Tyler, giving him the thumbs-up behind Eleanor's back. He chuckled happily and nodded. What can I say? I would like to play matchmaker if I get the chance. Maybe this would get Tyler to stop constantly apologizing about the accident?

I also turned my attention to Jessica, who was a few seats ahead, staring at us. I gave her a thumbs-up, confirming that Operation Eleanor's Date was a success. Jessica grinned, giving a mini-applause.

The bus started heading to the location where the Greenhouse was at.

.o0o.

The Greenhouse was amazing. On the outside, it looks like several plastic/metallic sheds. But once you go inside, there is this new sense of life. It was so warm here that you could take off your parka. Also, I could feel connected to exotic plants, vegetables, and other greens. I don't know why I feel connected to the earth. It must be a witch thing. Then again, every Caster home I've gone to had a garden and a strong connection between the plants and herbs. Unlike my upbringing, when I was little, Betsy had a black thumb. She literally killed any plants, even if they were in a vase or small pot with fertilized soil. They all just go dead. But when I touch it or take care of the plants dying or dead, they seem to grow back to life.

I walk along the aisle staring at the plants and seeing the specific details of excellent health. Everyone seemed to be less interested as they talked to each other or pulled out their electrical devices. Only the advanced students, two witches, and Mr. Molina seemed interested in the Greenhouse in general.

Mr. Molina is most definitely into the Greenhouse, that is for sure. I wonder if his parents were hippies. As he stood next to one of the compost machines with Eric pumping the substance inside while he knelt down, holding a clear mug.

"Eggshells, carrot tops. Compost is cool. Now, stuff that is in there, Eric." Mr. Molina said as Eric continued to pump, saying yes sir. "Now, I am gonna make a steaming cup of compost tea."

"Give me that," Tyler said, taking the compost tea.

"Yeah. This is recycling in its most basic form, guys." Mr. Molina said. Until Tyler decided to mess with him by faking to drink the compost tea. "Don't drink it! It's for the plants."

"I better go stop them," Eleanor murmured.

I chuckled, "Might as well."

Eleanor nodded, rolling her eyes as she walked over to our friends to prevent anybody from getting sick. I continue to chuckle as I walk. Edward stood in front of the ferns, deep in thought. Remembering our previous conversation, I took a deep breath while walking around him.

"Who's your date?" Edward asked out of nowhere.

What the hell? I thought, turning to face him in disbelief. How did he know about that? Edward wasn't even there when I lied to Mike. So, another note to put on the list of weirdness.

"How do ya know about that?" I demanded, and continued to walk.

"You didn't answer my question." He reminded me as he followed.

"Well, you don't answer any of mine." I spat. "Hell, you don't even say hi to me in biology."

As the jerk he is, he says, "Hi."

"Seriously, what are you… twelve?" I muttered.

"I wish," he murmured.

"So are ya gonna tell me how you stopped the van?" I asked quietly.

"Yeah. I had an adrenaline rush." He answered. "It's very common. You can Google it."

Lie, my abilities told me.

"How much bullshit are ya gonna tell me," I muttered. Edward looked at me, appalled about my French. I chuckled, then sighed better to give him his answer since he gave me his lie in truth. "His name is John Doe."

Suddenly I tripped on a hose. Luckily Edward grabbed my arm, preventing a face plant on the metal rack table. I seriously don't want a nose job in Washington. However, Edward looked annoyed, "Can you at least watch where you walk?"

I scoffed, yanking my arm out of his grip.

"Look, I'm sorry I'm being rude all the time. I just think it's the best way-" he started.

"Ginger!" Jessica interrupted, walking towards us with excitement. She grabbed my hands. "Guess who just asked me to prom."

"Tom Felton?" I guessed. "Ed Speelers?"

Edward huffed slightly, walking away. Thank you, Jessica, for repelling the jerk! Although she had terrible timing, anyway, time to hear the good news.

"No, I wish. It's Mike Newton." Jessica chuckled. "I actually totally thought that Mike was gonna ask you out. It's not gonna be weird, though, right?"

"Don't worry, I have a date," I assured/lied to her. "You guys are cute together."

"I know, right?" she agreed happily.

We chatted about Prom. Seeing her excitement made me feel excited as well. Damn, and I don't even have a date for Prom. Maybe I can bribe one of my classmates who is available to be my date and have him lie. Or perhaps contact Jacob asking him to join me as friends? Either way, I need an alibi for Prom. Of course, I could use the excuse of my imaginary date ditched me and represent all the single ladies. Great, now I have Beyoncé's "Single Ladies" song in my head. That could work. Yeah, I'm going with that. Though I have Jacob Black on speed dial as a backup.

After thirty more minutes, I headed outside, searching for my friends. I spotted Eleanor laughing with Eric, Tyler, Angela, and Mike at the fertilizer box with other students. Curiously I walk over until Eric lifts a stick with a worm tangle around it. He swings it around, scaring some of the girls crossing by. He did it to Eleanor, who chuckled and dangled the worm in her right hand.

"Be nice to mother nature's decomposers." Eleanor scolded playfully, putting the worm back in the box.

"Gross," Tyler gagged.

Eric laughed as he got another worm with the stick and swung it at me. "Ginger, look. It's a worm."

"Yum, get the BBQ sauce." I teased, gently pushing the stick away.

Eric laughed, swinging it at another student. I cackled from their reaction of screams, then headed to the bus. Unfortunately, my moment of peace ended rapidly as Edward waltzed in from out of the blue.

"Georgia, we shouldn't be friends," Edward warned.

"Well, if we were friends, you would call me Ginger." I sneered. "I got the memo two weeks ago, Eddie."

"Eddie?" he said. "Don't call me Eddie."

"Whatever, Ed," I muttered. "If you don't like me, why didn't you let the car crash me and save yourself from all this damn regret?"

Edward stopped in front of me in shock, "What, you think I regret saving you?"

"Apparently," I said.

"You don't know anything." He said with a stern tone.

I stepped into his personal space, standing on my toes so I could be in his face. "Try me."

"Hi," his sister Alice greeted with Jasper, standing next to her, coming out of nowhere. "Are you gonna be riding with us?"

The jerk stepped back, "No, our bus is full." He bangs his hand against the door letting the driver open the door.

"Whatever," I said, walking to my bus.

As I got on the bus and sat in my seat, I comprehended what had happened. Edward is an utter jerk. Even if he is not human. Then I recall his scent. It didn't smell like Axe body spray or Old Spice. No, it was a unique one I can't put my finger on. Yet there was another scent hidden within it. One I recognized all too well…blood.

Animal blood.

.o0o.

Eleanor's POV

I sat in the dining room, working on my homework. Great, miss two days of school and have to do three days' worth of homework with one hand. At least my dominant hand isn't injured. My mom might have been able to heal muscle tissue and reconnect the bones in my left wrist. However, it didn't stop the trauma my body felt. So, I have to be careful as my left arm remains in a sling.

Ginger was in the kitchen marching about and muttering insults. The talk she had with Edward Cullen didn't go well as usual. Seriously she needs to let him go because her obsession with figuring him out is not healthy. Something about Edward Cullen, his siblings, and the Hale twins is deviant. Although I never got the opportunity to meet Dr. Cullen because Dr. Gerandy was assigned to me. Ginger believes Dr. Cullen had a part of it. Zelena warned us the Cullens and Hales are not normal. She won't tell us why saying it is not us of place but take note they are dangerous.

Deep down, I hope they were not Witch Hunters.

The way Ginger describes Zelena's interaction with Carlisle seems odd. What could a simple doctor have done to activate such unadulterated loathing? Usually, Casters barely hold such ill behavior unless it is against a Dark Caster or some magical individual who are sworn enemies from family feuds, for the allusion to Hatfield and McCoy.

"Eleanor, something is not right with Edward." Ginger said, setting a bowl of popcorn on the table.

"Maybe he is bipolar?" I suggested, trying to find a logical explanation.

"Maybe, but how did he get to us so fast?" she asked.

"I don't know," I answered. "We saw him talking to his family. Maybe he was walking towards us when we weren't looking at them. We did have our backs turned."

"But I saw him stop the van!" she complained.

"Ginger . . . have you considered that you did bang your head?" I asked with concern. "I did use my powers to slow it down. Maybe in the heat of the moment, Edward had his arms out to block it just as I slowed it down."

"But it doesn't explain the large dent on Tyler's van." She pointed out.

True, my telekinesis couldn't leave dents or the damage inflicted on the vehicle. If I were to inflict damage by telekinesis, I would have to manipulate the object to hit another.

But it's irrational to assume Edward Cullen to be supernatural. There is no magical aura around him, so he is no warlock. The only other supernatural creatures I came across are Succubus and Incubus, who have unnatural speed and strength, except the Cullens and Hales show no sign of being them. Since their tongues are not forked similar to serpents, nails are like talons and have sunken physical features. Well, they do have an enchanting beautiful appearance. However, if they were, there would be gossip about who is sleeping with whom, for Succubus and Incubus are nymphomaniacs with a side helping of dreams. They feast on the pleasure aura and dreams, anything connected to energy. Grandfather made a joke of calling them Energy Vampires.

There have been countless supernatural creatures since the creation of beasts. Not all species have simple origin stories, as Casters themselves have no creator. And the most prominent Judeo-Christian belief is that all Casters originated from Lilith, Adam's first wife. But in Grecian mythology, Casters were blessed by the goddess Hecate. And every country has its own tale of Casters.

So, what are the chances the Cullens were from a species that I or anyone had rarely encountered? Who knows, they could be sirens since we live near the ocean.

"Look, I think it is best you try to stay away from them," I told Ginger. "I'm not trying to be mean, all pureblood, or anything. But he and his family are dangerous. I can feel it in my bones."

As my right hand traced over the bruise on my left shoulder. There is no doubt that a hand pushed me. That amount of force to push a 120-pound person several feet and dislocate a shoulder. All I remember when the accident happened was my magic connecting to Tyler's van, slowing it down, and sudden pain in my left shoulder. The impact spun me around as I landed on my left hand and head. Everything went black, the shock of what just happened. They say shock can block the senses of pain. Only for a moment until I heard a scream, and everything rushed through my veins. The pain was unbearable, as both arms, head, chest, and the left side of my body hurt.

A small part of me wants to believe it was the vehicle that pushed me.

But the bruise on my left shoulder tells another story.

"I know, but I can't help it." She sighed, taking a seat. "He fascinates me."

"Curiosity is the lust of the mind," I quoted Thomas Hobbes.

Ginger sighed, munching on the popcorn.

"Also, curiosity killed the cat," I added.

Ginger snorted to that.

What do you all think?

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