A/N: A guest commented that they didn't understand Rose's backwards signature move hand gesture. Well, on youtube, there's a video that's called "Every Witch Way spells reverse." Emma's signature move/hand gestures for spells (in that video) is what I picture Rose doing. Hope I helped clear this up!

Chapter 4

"So what'd your parents say?" Jimmy whispered to me.

We were in second period right now, English class. Our desks were paired with each other so we could critique each other's work. Since this was only the second day, the teacher gave us a relatively easy assignment to do.

"They pretty much just congradulated me and told me how wonderful this is. In fact, we're going to Brillare tonight to celebrate," I smiled.

"That's awesome," he grinned. "So," he bent his head closer to mine so it'd be harder for people to hear, "did you cast any more-ow!"

Jimmy jumped in his seat, sitting with his back ram-rod straight.

"What happened?!" I asked.

"I don't know! It just felt like a knife poked me in the back!"

Puzzled, I glanced around the classroom to see who could've pulled the trick. And lo and behold, there in the back row, sat Darren Blaze, wearing that infamous smirk.

I glared as hatefully as I could before turning back around. How dare he hurt one of my best friends! That sneaky wizard!

"Does it hurt anymore?" I questioned. He said it felt like a knife poked him, what if he drew blood?!

"No, it only lasted about a second. Thanks though," he smiled.

"Rosalyn Novoa, report to the Principal's office. Rosalyn Novoa, report to the Principal's office, thank you," sounded on the speakers.

"You may go, Rose," Mr. Howe smiled.

"Thank you." I got up, gathered my books, then walked out of the class. Immediately my heart began to race. What did I do wrong? Did Mrs. Jones get me in trouble? Did she know that I never went to the office yesterday?

Once I got to the office, I gulped. Come on, what can he possibly do? It's not like he's going to kill you. He would only give me a detention at most.

Swallowing, I knocked on the door.

"Come in," a male voice called.

Gulping again, I slowly opened the door...to see an older man with graying hair sitting at the desk. I had seen the high school principal at Freshman Orientation, and this man was certainly not him.

"Close the door, Ms. Novoa," he said.

Silently, I closed it, then walked in front of his desk.

"You're not Mr. Harris..." I trailed off in confusion.

"No, I am not. Mr. Harris has retired," he grinned. "Please, sit down."

I did as I was told, but that still didn't take away my suspicion. "But Mr. Harris is only in his mid-thirties!" I pointed out.

"Ugh, why must you be so stubborn? Just like your parents..." he grumbled.

Wait. This dude knows my mom?!

"Who are you?" I asked.

"I am Agamemnon, your Guardian," he smiled.

"Agamemnon?!" I inquired in shock, "but my parents told me that you were on the Witches Council!"

"I was on the Council during my younger years. However, I've retired from that position and took an easier job of being a Guardian. I did it before I was on the Council, you know."

"So...you're my Guardian?"

"Precisely! Didn't I just say that? Spending too much time with humans I see..."

"Well, yeah. That's what happens when you live in the human world," I retorted.

"And you also have the mouth of your father. A perfect mix," he rolled his eyes.

All of a sudden, he tilted his head, a small smile adorning his features. "My, I haven't seen you since you were a baby. I swear you had the biggest brown eyes, and the largest smile. You had a good grip too, being that you wouldn't let go of my finger very easily," he chuckled. "You've grown into a very pretty girl, Ms. Novoa."

"Thank you," I smiled.

"Now, let's get back to business. I am your Guardian, and the new principal, that way we're more accessible to each other. You will come to this office every sixth period, which is when you have studies. Don't give me that look, I just looked at your schedule on the computer; I didn't go through your things. Your training will begin tomorrow. Any questions?"

"Uh-"

"Splendid! You may go!"

In a numbed state, I gathered my books in my arms and left the office. Well that was weird. But at least I'd have someone to help me with my magic now.

"Like your Guardian, Red?"

I gasped, barely biting back a scream in surprise. Angry, I whipped around to find Darren. Jeez, what is with this guy? Why can't he just leave me alone?

"You know," he inspected his nails in a nonchalant manner, "Agamemnon is the best Guardian there is, very experienced and knows what he's doing. You wouldn't believe what strings I had to pull to get him assigned to you."

Did he just admit that he made sure I was assigned the best Guardian in the Realm?

"You...why?" I finally whispered.

He ignored my question. "Agamemnon is usually assigned to witches and wizards who are very rich, he's that good. It took about three hours to convince the Council to assign him to you."

My eyes were wide with shock. Why would he do that for me?

"Th-thank you," I replied.

Then I remembered.

My eyebrows lowered in anger, "hey! You hit Jimmy in the back during English class! I appreciate what you did for me, but you can't hurt my friends!"

He frowned, "can I help it if he got a little too close?"

"What are you talking about?!"

Darren shook his head, "nothing. Oh, and Shark tryouts are after school today. See you then," he grinned, then headed back to our English class.

...

"You've managed to not drown, congradulations," Darren said dryly.

Alex and I rolled our eyes.

"However, not everyone can be a Shark. So it is with a heavy heart that I have to send some of you home," he continued.

Apparently, most of the previous Sharks graduated. That only left a few sophomores, and based on Darren's swim record, they were more than happy to let him be Captain.

"Alex Van Pelt, James Miller, Aurora Rueda, and Rose Novoa; you all made it to the Sharks. The rest of you get out."

The few students who tried to try out frowned as they dejectedly gathered their swim bags, making for the exit.

Jeez, he could've been nicer. He didn't have to be so rude.

"Sharks, our first practice will be after school tomorrow. Our first meet will be next Friday, have a good day," Darren finished.

While everyone else went to the locker rooms, I strided up to Mr. Jerkface. Crossing my arms, I eyed him with a glare.

He was bent over, packing his whistle in his bag, when he spoke. "Something you need, Red?" I could hear the smile in his voice.

"Uh, yeah. A nicer Captain would be ideal," I spat.

He rose up, turning around to face me. "A nicer Captain?" he questioned, holding back a laugh.

"Yeah, you didn't have to tell the people who didn't make it to 'get out.' You could've been more sympathetic and not sarcastic. Really, what kind of Captain are you?"

"The kind that gets business done. You think you could do a better job?" he asked, still smiling.

"I could do a way better job."

"Alright, then. How about we race for it? The winner gets to be Captain, and the loser doesn't bother the Captain with the way they run things again. Deal?" He held out his hand.

I rose an eyebrow, contemplating this offer. If I win, I'd be Captain. However, if I lost, I wouldn't be able to protest against any of his decisions ever again.

"Deal," I shook his hand.

"Good luck, Red," he winked, then walked to the edge of the pool. I averted my eyes when he took off his t-shirt.

I shrugged out of my own t-shirt and my shorts, letting my bathing suit cover me. I went to stand next to him, in my own lane.

"Last chance to back out," he smirked.

"Bring it," I grinned in anticipation.

"Three...two...one...GO!" he announced.

We both dived into the water, I rose up and quickly began kicking and doing strokes. I had to win, I had to!

To my dismay he was right next to me, and gaining speed every passing second. I struggled to keep up, my arms were already starting to become sore with the excess pressure they had.

We both reached the other side, and then it was time to swim back.

This was it, I had to win.

Push yourself, push!

I'm almost there...almost! I can do this! I got this! I-

I lost.

I felt like screaming in rage when I saw him get out of the water a few seconds before I reached the edge.

He was grinning from ear to ear by the time I got out of the water, grabbing a towel by my bag so I could dry my face.

"Well, it seems that I've won. That means I keep my position and don't have to listen to you nag about the way I do things."

"Oh shut up," I grumbled.

"Come on, it was only a friendly race! Besides, we're on the same team, no need for hostility," he smirked.

I pulled on my t-shirt and shorts, grabbing my bag. "I'll leave you to your victory," I started off towards the exit.

"Hey, wait!" he called.

Curious, I turned to find him running to me.

"I'll walk you home," he said when he caught up to me.

I tilted my head. Walk me home? Why would he want to do that?

"Uh, no thanks. I'm fine," I replied.

"While I know that's true," he winked, while a blush arose on my cheeks at the innuendo.

Jerk.

"I don't think you should walk home alone. What if something happened to you?" he finished.

"We live in a relatively safe area, plus I have magic powers. I think I'll be good," I rolled my eyes as I pushed open the exit gate and walked out.

"As team Captain, I insist I walk you home; I can't have my best swimmer possibly kidnapped. And you can't say no either, because I won the race, and you can't tell the Captain how to do things."

Furious, I snapped my head around to see him smirking wickedly.

"You want to walk me home? Fine! See if I care! It's only going to be boring for you, you have nothing to gain from this," I glared. Next, I stuck my chin high in the air and proceeded down the sidewalk towards home.

Now he was walking next to me. "Are you doing anything special tonight?"

"No," I lied, "why?"

"Just trying to make conversation," he replied, going silent once again.

"So...when do you begin your training?" he asked.

"Tomorrow, I have to go everyday during sixth period. Speaking of which, you never answered my question. Why did you get Agamemnon for my Guardian?" I questioned softly.

"I wanted to be sure you had a good Guardian," he smiled. "You deserve the best, Rose."

I drew in a shaky breath. Why was he suddenly being so nice?

Before I knew it, we arrived at my house.

"Uh, thanks for walking me home," I said awkwardly.

"No problem," he smiled. "See you later, Red."

With that, he walked back the way we came, to his house. I walked up the pathway to mine, opening the front door and setting my backpack on the floor.

"Is that you, Rose?" Mom called.

"Yeah, it's me!"

"Well get ready, we'll be leaving in ten minutes! We have reservations for 5:00, and it's already 4:25!"

Tryouts started at 2:45, by the time they ended it was 3:15. Then I raced Darren so that set me back and the walk home...

"I'm getting ready now!" I shouted, racing upstairs to my room. Once there, I began rifling through my closet trying to find the perfect evening/fancy restaurant dress, only to be out of luck.

"Hm," I muttered, trying to decide which was the lesser of the evils.

Hey, wait a minute. I have powers now! This could be good practice!

I used my signature move, "I need a dress for a fancy night, make it red and make it right!"

Instantly, I was wearing a dark red dress with only one sleeve on my right shoulder. I twirled in front of my mirror, also admiring the small, open-toed black heels.

Magic is great!

"Sweetie, you look beautiful!" Mom praised once I came downstairs.

"You do," Dad agreed with a smile.

My hair was just a bit more curled and my makeup was perfect. I'm all dolled up and ready to go out!

When we got to the restaurant, I was surprised to see it was a bit crowded. Not shockingly, everyone there looked like they were wearing dresses that cost more than my house.

It was no wonder I felt a bit intimidated.

Dad got us our table, then we followed the host to said table. After we were seating, the host gave us our menus then walked away.

"So, Mom, Dad. I was assigned my Guardian today," I started out.

"Really? Who is it?" Mom inquired with a smile.

"Agamemnon," I replied.

Mom and Dad's eyes went wide, they stared at each other in astonishment.

"Agamemnon, as in: leader of the Witches Council Agamemnon?" Dad asked.

"Yeah, only he says that he retired from the Council and is now a Guardian again," I answered.

"Wow," Mom whispered. "But that's great! Agamemnon is a wise wizard. He may be...off, at times, but he's a good wizard nonetheless. You have a good Guardian," she smiled.

The waitor came, with us giving our orders. I went with nothing too fancy, just a glass of soda and spaghetti. I know soda isn't fancy, but hey, kids eat here with their parents. They can't have wine or champaign.

While waiting for our food, I felt a tap on my shoulder.

Rotating my head, I saw a boy who looked at least a year or two older than me, with dirty blonde hair and emerald green eyes. He was pretty cute.

"Hi, would you like to dance?" he asked.

I looked to my parents for permission. Mom smirked slyly while nodding, but Dad's jaw tightened. I'll take that as a yes!

"Sure," I beamed, taking his extended hand. He led me to the dance floor, with the quiet music in the background.

"I'm Nick, what's your name?" he asked, exposing a row of white teeth.

"Rosalyn, but everyone calls me Rose."

"Rosalyn, that's a pretty name."

I blushed, lowering my eyes. "Thank you."

We twirled around a few times.

"I noticed you as soon as you walked in that door, and I knew I had to dance with you. You're very beautiful," he complimented.

Heat flushed to my face, I knew my cheeks had to be as red as a tomato by now.

"Thank you, you're not that bad looking yourself," I smirked.

"Oh, I beg to differ. Seriously, Red? You wouldn't want to walk home with me, yet you dance with this guy?"

No. No, it can't be. Not here, not now. It's impossible.

Squeezing my eyes tight, I turned around and opened my eyes.

Darren freaking Blaze.

How?! How could he have possibly known that I'd be at this restaurant tonight?

"Can I help you with something?" Nick asked, annoyed. Good, maybe Nick will drive him away.

"Yeah, you could get your hands off my girl and walk away," Darren smiled. It was an easy, calm smile. However, I could see the fury in his eyes. Hm, maybe I should be more careful around him, maybe it's not the best idea to get him mad in the future.

Wait. Did he just call me 'his girl?' Who does he think he is?! Go away, stupid stomach tingles!

"I'll walk away, after this dance," Nick promised. Yeah, go Nick!

"Great, now we have to do this the hard way," Darren sighed. Suddenly, a bolt of orange magic hit Nick.

He let go of my hand and waist, "see you around, Rose," he smiled, walking away.

I can't believe he did that! Ugh, I hate him so much.

"May I?" Darren smirked.

"No, you may not," I glowered. "And I'm not your girl."

"Come on, Red. Just one dance? Please?" He ignored my last statement.

"After what you just did to Nick, no way! I was enjoying myself! He was actually complimenting me and being romantic!"

"You want romance and compliments?" he asked, grabbing my hand and my waist, pulling me to him tightly, "fine. I'll give you romance and compliments."

There was a set determination in his voice that sent a chill up my spine.

He leaned in close to my ear, "you're more lovely, more radiant, than a morning in June."*

My breath hitched.

"Once, in a garden, I saw a beautiful rose. Oh, but keep in mind, this rose paled in comparison to you. I went to pluck it quickly, but the thorns pricked me. Then, slowly, cautiously, I reached for it; and the rose was mine!"

"Then I'm but another rose?" I asked, losing my breath yet still maintaining my wit.

"No, not at all. You are too wonderful, I dare not even hope!"**

"You look beautiful tonight, Rose. That dress does your body wonders," he continued.

Oh my God. If my cheeks weren't red before...

But who knew Darren could be so romantic? Before I knew it, his head pulled away from my ear, then began to lower to my lips...

"Excuse me, Miss? Your dinner is ready."

Startled, I jumped back to see the waitor. He was waiting with a patient smile.

"Oh, thank you," I replied, still a bit flustered. Without a word of goodbye, I hurriedly walked back to my table.

I was that close to kissing Darren. If that waitor didn't show up...

I shook my head. I will not be kissing Darren, not if I have anything to say about it. How could I let a few words affect me like that?

I have to be more careful in the future.

*from The Mark of Zorro, 1940

**from The Mark of Zorro, 1920

Aipom4: I know, crazy isn't it? XD

delightisadream: It's okay, just as long as you reviewed is all that matters :) I like that you're shipping Darren and Rose already...only thing is, I'm not sure if Rose would like it lol ;D Ooh, and Brillare is actually Italian for 'glitter' ;) I was already planning for Darren to stop by, maybe you're psychic XD Also, you don't have to worry about Jimmy. Honestly, I wish there were more stories in this world where the girl and boy can be close friends, without them liking each other. Because in real life, not every boy/girl friendships end with them dating.

NikkiFoxy86: It's ok! And thank you!

lovethatignites: Ah, yes. Brillare ;D

ILoveEWW: No, he's just the son of a random couple. And if he was Jax's sister's son, then that would make him and Rose cousins :/