Hello!
Before you start reading, I just thought I'd explain why I wanted to re-write this story as I had some comments/messages saying that you all enjoyed the original series (which is very kind thank you so much).
I looked back over these stories one night because I've been struggling with writer's block and I heard that it could help to re-read your old writing because it can distract you from what you're focusing on, and it can apparently help trigger new ideas. But instead of coming up with new ideas for my other story, I just realised how rushed some of these chapters were and I wasn't happy with what I had wrote. Then I thought of how much more I could add and how I could change some things.
I do like the originals, I've had comments and messages from you all saying that you enjoyed the stories too and that they felt like they were an actual episode from the show, which was my goal so I'm so happy! I hope you all think the same about it this time as well, but just a heads up I am imagining this as if the TV show was made for a slightly older audience…
And of course, I'm over the moon to read that you all like my writing so thank you again! But I want to put my new ideas out there and see what you all think of these stories as well…
So, this means I've given myself the task of writing two stories at once! Smart move… (haha!).
I will be continuing with Wizards vs Alex, and I will be posting updates here as well, you might just have to bear with me! My pet peeve is unfished stories, so no matter how long it takes these stories will be completed!
In the meantime, reviews, messages and ideas are very welcome! Your feedback means a lot so please feel free to share it with me.
Sorry for the long message…
But I hope you all enjoy! Xx.
The cold porcelain of the bowl rested against Alex's forehead as she spent another visit emptying the content of her stomach into toilet. Waves of nausea came over her as she fought the urge to vomit, her stomach lurched and gurgled as she felt the gas bubbles slowly rise in her throat. "Not again, not again," she muttered to herself as she inhaled deeply, attempting to fight the sickness. Her stomach cramped as she lurched forward again spewing into the bowl, she wiped her mouth as her body trembled, her head thumped as if her brain was bashing against her skull. Alex raised her heavy eyelids and swung herself around, her back rested against the toilet and she winced as the bowl dug into her back.
Alex leant her head back and groaned, this past week she had become well acquainted with the substation bathroom, she was not impressed with the amount of time she had spent in there, but she was grateful she could hide away from her family without raising any questions. For a brief moment she let her body relax and with a slip of judgement Alex let her hand fall on to the cold tiled floor. She quickly pulled her hand up, repulsed by the sticky residue left on her fingers. "Gross," she muttered wiping her hand on to her jeans, once again, Alex leant her head back and closed her eyes. She continued to take long soothing breaths as the familiar feeling of nausea returned, her stomach churning as Alex clenched her jaw tightly shut in an attempt to subside the sickness.
Ping!
The delicate bell echoed around the restroom, but it pained Alex's ears as the high frequency penetrated her ear drums.
Ping!
Alex rolled her eyes and lazily scraped her phone from the floor.
Two new messages: Mason.
As Alex opened the text the brightness of the cell burned her eyes, she squinted as she strained to read the fine text on the screen;
'Morning gorgeous. XX'
'Still up for later? XX'
Alex's bottom lip jutted out, redirecting the slow air-flow from her dry lips to her long bangs. Her hair fanned upwards before resettling just over her eyes, Alex internally groaned to herself, "great…"
A loud creak erupted from outside of the cubicle, startling Alex she sat upright feeling the sudden urge to hideaway, "Alex?" she heard her mother call, "are you in here?"
Her panic grew stronger, and it was in that moment Alex cursed herself for leaving her wand on her bed leaving her unable to subtly flash out unnoticed. "Shit…" She scurried to her feet quickly pulling the flush on the toilet as she neatened herself up.
"Alex? What are you doing in here?"
Alex slipped out of the cubicle and smiled gormlessly at her mother, Theresa eyed Alex carefully taking in her full appearance. Strands of frizzy hair dangled down over her sickly white face, Alex smiled nervously as she quickly used her hand to wipe the edges of her mouth and around her flushed cheeks.
Theresa crossed her arms firmly over her chest and observed Alex suspiciously, "what are you doing?"
"I was in the bathroom," Alex awkwardly chuckled knowing that her mother was not buying the shoddy excuse.
Theresa peered over her nose at Alex who swallowed uneasily as she recognized the familiar feeling of bile rising in the back of her throat.
Ping!
"Shit!" Alex peered down at her phone;
One new message: Mason.
'You there brown eyes? XX'
"Oh, so that's what you were doing!" Theresa scoffed shaking her head, "blowing off work to text your friends!"
"What? No, Mom it's just Mason."
Theresa rolled her eyes, "so your skipping work to talk to your boyfriend? Alex, we asked you to help cover one shift. It's not like we've got you running this place completely on your own!"
"I'm not skipping work!" Alex protested, "I needed the bathroom, you came in and interrupted me and it just happens that Mason has randomly sent me a text. It's not a big deal!" Her eyes wandered down from her mother's intimidating stare. That refusal to smile, to show any affection was the only form of clarification Alex needed to know that her mom was royally pissed.
"If you say so," she spat, "your fathers waiting. You better go help him."
As Theresa turned on to her heels and strutted back towards the door Alex blew hot, "I'm nineteen, when are you going to stop treating me like a kid?"
"Alex we've had this argument so many times before, let's not go there again."
The door slammed shut as Theresa left and Alex internally screamed as she flipped the finger in the direction where her mother once stood. Turning to look at her reflection in the nearby mirror, Alex fumed. Her mom always knew how to push her buttons, but what annoyed her most was that she always seemed to take the bait and sink to her level.
Turning on the cold faucet, Alex repeatedly splashed her face before taking a moment to calm herself. She looked down at the crystal-clear water swirling around the sink and soon enough her mouth crammed with saliva, and she was back retching violently over the toilet bowl.
When all seemed safe Alex braved the substation, luckily for her it was before the morning rush so the place was practically empty, apart from the odd customer dotted around the restaurant, and on another positive note her mother was nowhere in sight. This was something that pleased Alex a lot.
Alex spotted her father at the counter and instantly she smiled, he seemed so carefree and content simply wiping the mustard bottles clean. His thinning hair was gelled over with speckles of grey glistening in the light. He wore a blue shirt that was sheltered with his fading black apron, and he hummed a merry tune to himself as he swiftly wiped the cloth over the mustard bottle tops. Jerry emitted positive energy, that was something Alex always admired about her Dad. He had such a sweet and caring nature, it was rare for him to ever upset her like her Mom did.
"Hey Daddy," Alex chirped walking over to her father.
He looked up and shot a large grin in her direction, his plump rosy cheeks radiating off his face, "morning sweetie, where've you been?"
"Just in the bathroom," Alex shrugged, "where'd Mom go?"
"Upstairs, she seemed upset." He paused in thought and glanced questionably at Alex, "you wouldn't know anything about that, right?"
Alex held her hands up in defence, "I'm as clueless as you!"
Jerry chuckled, "so why so long in the bathroom? Your shift started twenty minutes ago."
"Girl stuff…"
Jerry's face revulsed as he dropped his dish cloth, Alex smiled at him innocently batting her long eyelashes sweetly at him. "Okay then! I'll leave you to start your shift. I'll be doing the accounts in the lair if you need anything, thanks sweetie!"
Alex giggled to herself as she watched her Dad rush into the lair and away from the awkward situation she created. She picked up an apron and tied it around her waist, as she pulled the strings to fasten it on to her an intense pain dominated her abdomen, Alex doubled over and held on to her side as she yelped out in pain.
"Hey are you okay?"
Alex peered over her shoulder only to see Harper behind her, she watched her intently, her eyebrows furrowed and she rushed to her friends side gently helping her stand back upright.
"Yeah thanks, I don't even know what that was."
Harper paused as she looked at Alex, "you do look pale, are you sure everything's okay?"
"Yeah, I think so, it's probably just girl stuff…"
"Alex, you know that only works on your Dad," Harper laughed.
"You got me!" Alex joked picking up the dish cloth and began wiping down the counter. She forced a smile as she persisted to work, although the pain had eased, it partially continued to burn through her stomach. She winced as Harper started a conversation, she had pulled up at stool and began to ramble on about something Alex couldn't even pretend to listen to.
Alex clenched her jaw together tightly as the last of the pain subsided, her heart pounded in her ears and another surge of sickness overcome her. She squeezed her eyes shut and took a calming breath, feeling herself become grounded again as the pain and sickness slowly faded.
"Uhh, Alex?"
Alex reopened her eyes and came face to face with Harper's hand slowly waving back and to in front of her, "earth to Alex!" She teased, "are you there?"
"Sorry, what was you saying?"
"I asked you a question," Harper exclaimed shaking her head in disbelief, "wasn't you listening at all to what I was saying?"
"Of course, I was," Alex scoffed, casually shrugging her shoulders as she threw down the cloth on top of the counter.
"Then what did I ask?"
Alex paused in thought, Harper's cold stare was enough to set Alex on edge. Harper's eyes locked on to her, her face only showing soft expressions as she waited eagerly for Alex's answer. "what should you make for dinner?"
Harper snorted, her face inexpressive but tilted back a little as she rolled her eyes, "ring ding, ding we have a winner!" She joked.
"I'm sorry, What did you say? I promise I'll listen this time!"
"I was telling you about Zeke! He texted me again last night asking if we could talk, what should I do?"
"Would it really hurt to hear him out and talk?"
"Alex I broke up with him for a reason, he's too immature and I just don't think we have a future together. What else is there to talk about?"
"Tell him that then! I don't know what other solution you were expecting me to come up with."
"Woah sorry!" Harper exclaimed sarcastically, her eyes widened, and she shook her head in disbelief, "what's got into you today?"
"Nothing," Alex snapped scowling at Harper, "why is everyone so interfering this morning? First mom, and now you."
"Well I'm sorry we aren't all in a perfect relationship like you are! Anyway, have you heard from Mason today? What time are you going on your date tonight?"
"Shit," Alex muttered pulling out her cell, she immediately pulled up his messages and manically began to tap at her cell screen.
'Sorry I'm here! Sounds good, see you tonight. XX'
"Why do you even have a phone?" Harper remarked, "you never answer anyone."
"Because then you'd have no one to talk to," Alex flashed an electric smirk in Harper's direction which earned the response of Harper pulling her tongue at Alex.
Gentle taps echoed their way down the metal staircase, Alex looked up to see her mother emerging from the loft. Theresa examined Alex with the gaze of a stranger, that aloof verdict based on a biased opinion. Even from afar Alex could sense her mom's judgement as she spotted her cell held firmly in her hand.
"I thought you said Mason texting was just a coincidence?"
"It was, but I forgot to reply to him."
Theresa tutted, "fine, but now that's done you better get back to work. That's if you're not too in demand," she ridiculed taking her notebook from the register and walking over to a customer sat across the room.
Alex's fists clenched and remained firmly by her sides, "what an asshole," she spat, all of her rational thinking quickly excluded.
"Alex! You shouldn't say that about your mom…"
"Why? She doesn't have a problem talking to me like crap! She shouldn't give it if she can't take it, even you should know that Harper."
"God, what is wrong with you today? You know you can talk to me if something is bothering you."
Alex glanced up at Harper, a concerned expression cascaded her face as she waited anxiously for her reply. This was a feeling mirrored by Alex as she fidgeted timidly with her curls.
"I'm fine," a small smile blossomed on to Alex's face. Harper nodded and accepted Alex's answer, despite having a nagging feeling in her gut that her friend wasn't being completely honest with her.
"Alex! Alex!" Jerry chirped entering from the lair, "I'm all done sweetie, thanks for your help!"
"What already? Why so soon?"
"I forgot I used emotional blackmail to get Justin to do most of the work for me! But thanks for offering to help sweetie, go ahead and enjoy your day doing… well, whatever you had planned!"
"Getting ready for her big date with Mason," Harper teased.
In an instant Jerry's cheeks flushed and he silently cursed himself and his rosy cheeks for not being able to hide his emotions. "Oh well, I better…uh…huh…" he stuttered amply before scurrying back into the kitchen. The girls looked at each other biting their lips, gradually their shoulders began to shake and jitter before they both burst into an uncontrollable spout of laughter.
Alex propped herself up upright, staring into her mirror she softly fingered the dark circles under her eyes. She carefully adjusted her royal blue mini dress, tugging at the seams to extend it before her father deemed it too inappropriate to wear in public. Usually when Alex wore her favourite dress she felt as if she shone like the brightest star, but tonight she felt bloated and frumpy. A sickly taste still lingered in the back of her throat, her temples throbbed, and her heavy eyes winced as a pain repeatedly pulsated across her head.
Sluggishly Alex dragged her hairbrush threw her thick locks, she grimaced as she felt the knots snap and pull, burning her scalp in the process. Alex launched her hair brush on to her bed and watched as it bounced across her duvet with a thud, collapsing back on to the bed, Alex groaned as her body ached. Her limbs heavy, she dragged her arms along the mattress and swiftly covered her face. Alex's sore muscles quickly relaxed, her eyes almost closed, she shut herself off from the world around her but as she began to enter a peaceful slumber. That was until she felt something heavy drop and shake her shoulder.
Bit by bit Alex prised her fingers open and peered through them, she was soon greeted by Harper's wide grin, "wake up sleepy head! Mason's waiting downstairs, he said he's been calling you."
"Well that's a lie, because my cell hasn't rang." Alex hurled herself up and snatched her cell off her side table, "oh… It was on silent," she cringed blushing slightly.
"Alex, if you don't feel good then don't go. I mean you still look really pale, and it's Mason, he'll understand."
"I'm fine! Besides, what else would I do? Spend the night with my delightful mother…"
"Actually we're having a movie night, we're going to watch all of the Halloween Sorority Party Disaster movies before we go to watch number ten at the movies next weekend. It'll be fun, you and Mason should join us!"
"Join you and my parents watching really bad Halloween movies with awkward sex scenes? Yeah, I'll pass thanks."
"Max will be there too…"
"Definitely not!" Alex pulled herself up from the bed and dusted herself down before tossing her waving locks away from her face, "No offence Harper but I just want tonight to be about me and Mason. And I do not need to be around my Mom right now."
"What happened with you guys? You were both fine last night."
"The usual, treating me like some kid," Alex winced as she re-pierced her ears with silver hoops, "hopefully she'll have snapped out of it though by tomorrow."
"If you say so… but you're sure there's nothing else bothering you?"
Alex stopped and took in Harper's warm gaze, she swallowed nervously and suddenly broke any eye contact by allowing her eyes to roam about her room as she fidgeted with her hair. "No, I'm fine." She picked up her purse and headed towards her door "I gotta go!" She called hurriedly.
Alex rushed down the spiral stairs, she looked down at her feet careful not to miss a step and stumble. Glancing up she noticed Mason waiting in the lounge, he smiled innocently up at her and Alex immediately became intoxicated. He was so handsome from the intensity of his dark eyes to the gentle expressions on his face, he was handsome from his chiselled jaw to his dainty dimples. She loved the way his brunette hair glistened in the light and how sweet his voice sounded when he spoke, when Alex heard his accent she felt her heart melt.
"Hello love," flashing his pearly whites he smiled again as Alex descended the final steps on the staircase, "you look lovely. Ready to go?"
Alex nodded and forced her way into his arms, he tightly enclosed them around her and Alex soon felt warm and at home in his embrace. She looked up and softly kissed him, his lips were heaven to touch. They lingered for a moment, completely oblivious to their surroundings, until they heard a rough cough. Bit by bit, Alex begrudgingly opened her eyes and pulled away from Mason, looking over her shoulder she saw her Dad positioned in the doorway, his arms crossed firmly over his chest, looking sternly at the young couple.
"Hey Daddy," Alex waved sheepishly.
Jerry shook his head, "I've just spoke to your Mom, what's this I hear about you both having a fight this morning?"
Alex groaned internally, "well I'm guessing she's already told you so, all I can say on the matter is she started it! Now if you don't mind Dad, we're going out."
"Well, I expect you to apologise to her when you get back."
Alex yanked the door open, squeezing the door knob in frustrated she spat through gritted teeth, "I'm going. Goodnight Dad."
"Don't be out too late!"
"What and come back during your cosy movie night? No thanks! Come on Mason," she heaved Mason out of the apartment with her, slamming the door behind them both.
Mason stared wide eyed at Alex as she walked ahead to his car, "are you going to tell me what that was all about?"
"It's just my parents being stupid, it's nothing new. Why are you being so weird about it?"
"I'm not being weird about it, I've just never seen you be that nasty with your Dad before. Are you ok or do you want to talk about it?"
Alex snarled, "I wasn't being 'nasty'" she mocked in his accent, "and I don't want to talk about it. Now come on, I just want to enjoy the night and forget about it all."
Mason silently nodded in agreement and quietly got into the driver's seat as Alex slammed the passenger door shut and strapped herself in. The majority of the car ride was silent, Mason threw looks over in Alex's direction, but she sat slumped looking out of her window.
"I was looking at more apartments earlier, there's a few nice ones near your parent's."
"No thanks," Alex murmured not taking her focus away from the window.
"Or there was a studio apartment up near Queens but I wasn't sure you'd be keen…"
"Maybe." Alex jolted in her seat as a piercing pain shot through her head, she winced and held on to her head as her vision slightly blurred before quickly returning to its normal state.
"You ok love?" Mason asked, Alex couldn't help but smile at the concern in his voice.
"Yeah, it's probably just stress. So," she finally turned to look at Mason, "where are we going?"
"It's a surprise," he smirked.
"Tell me now!" She batted his arm flirtatiously causing Mason to chuckle in response.
"Sorry, you'll have to wait and see!" Alex continued to smile at Mason and gaze at him, captivated by his presence and beauty. "Stop staring!" He laughed reaching over for her hand and squeezing it tightly.
The car slowly came to a halt, it spluttered into a parking space as Mason tugged on to the parking break and Alex turned back to the window.
Looking up into the starlit blackness Alex ran her eyes over the skyline until she saw a large tower block cascading up into the darkness. "The jumbo-tron?"
"It's what's at the jumbo-tron that's the surprise love," Mason smiled whilst climbing out of the car.
Alex's face erupted in a smile, she sprang from the car and made her way to the top of the jumbo-tron with Mason tightly holding her hand. Thousands of possibilities crossed her mind, hundreds of ideas buzzed in her mind, but she was sure whatever it was awaiting her would be special. She smiled thinking of all the possibilities, ideas would repeatedly crop up in her head, but Alex knew that no matter how many scenarios she created the real answer would be nothing that she would have expected.
They reached the top and swiftly Mason's hands covered Alex's eyes and carefully he lead her along the ledge, they both took minute steps as Mason shuffled them both along as Alex giggled excitedly to herself.
"And… open!" Mason removed his hands, it took a few seconds for the new information to sink in, but soon enough Alex's lips stretched wider into gaping grin and her eyebrows arched for the sky. Rose petals blanketed the floor, and a soft fleece blanket lay on top of them alongside a wicker picnic basket filled with greasy fried chicken. Small candles surrounded them both, they exuded a dim glow which subtly highlighted the city in front of them and made Alex feel warm and cosy.
"Mason, this is beautiful." Alex turned to face him and reached up placing a small kiss on to his cheek, "thank you."
"Well, we haven't been here in a while and I knew you'd like to come back and do something like this. But I hope I didn't get your hopes up too much," he joked, "I know it's not exactly tea at the ritz…"
"It's perfect! My favourite place with my favourite guy and my favourite food," she reached down for a piece of chicken before ramming it into her mouth.
"Lovely," Mason laughed sarcastically earning a playful slap on the arm from Alex. They both sat down on the red tartan blanket, Alex continued to gauge on the chicken and Mason watched her quietly. He repeatedly opened his mouth to speak but he quickly hesitated, a feeling in his gut said 'no' but he couldn't help but fight the urge, "Alex?" He began timidly, "so, what happened with your Mum?"
Alex swallowed her anger, "nothing," she spat.
"Okay, I just thought I'd ask encase you wanted to get anything off your chest before our date started."
Alex looked around awkwardly, "but it has started…"
"No," Mason spluttered, "we've just got here. So if you need to get anything off your chest why don't you tell me now, then you'll feel better and you can enjoy yourself properly."
"Because I don't want to talk about it, there is nothing to talk about!"
Mason paused while he made the new connection between Alex's enraged eyes and harsh tone, "Alex love, I'm just making sure you're okay."
"Well, I didn't ask you to. I haven't asked for anyone to check up on me and I definitely don't need anyone interfering."
"What is the matter with you!" Mason yelled back, pressure began building up in him, his anger escaping through his voice.
"Nothing, why can't you get that into your head!"
"When you start screaming things at me Alex, then what am I supposed to think?"
"I AM NOT SCREAMING!" Alex picked up another piece of chicken and launched it in Mason's direction, he gritted his teeth in a rage as the chicken bounced off of his head.
Leaping up from his seat Mason roared furiously, "what the hell Alex! Are you purposely trying to piss me off?"
Alex followed suit and got up from her seat, squaring up to Mason, she repeatedly prodded his chest with her manicured finger which was rapidly triggering his anger. Mason clenched his jaw and tried to avoid Alex's gaze as she continued to push him, "am I bothering you wolfy?"
"You know what, I need to get as far away from you as possible." He hissed, "because if I don't, I might say something I regret."
Mason quickly turned on his heels and strode quickly away from Alex, but he came to a sudden stop when he heard Alex call from behind, "IM SORRY IF IM SUCH A MONSTER!"
"You know what Alex, so am I! Because I thought I was supposed to be the monster in this relationship!" Alex's eyes quickly filled with crystal tears, threatening to spill over the edge she looked away from Mason as her bottom lip began to tremble and the tears slowly trickled down her cheeks. The guilt instantly hit Mason like a knife in the gut, the pain cut deep, and in an instant Mason had forced Alex into his embrace. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry," he repeatedly apologised desperate to make amends. "But please love just tell me if there's something wrong. Is it me?" he asked softly, "Is it your family? What's wrong?"
"It's not you," Alex told Mason as she pulled away from him, "and it's not my family."
Mason cautiously approached Alex and taking her gently by her hand, he pulled her back towards him. Suddenly, their faces were only mere inches apart, Alex tried to look away from Mason, but as she did a strand of her long hair tumbled down her face. Mason's hand descended lightly across her face as he pushed the lock of hair back behind her ear before resting it on her exposed shoulder.
He stared at her silently and Alex fidgeted nervously under his look, "Well, what is it then?" He mumbled, but Alex did not reply. Once again, she turned away to avoid his gaze, "C'mon love," Mason pleaded, "tell me. Please?"
More tears began to flow down Alex's face, and she hurriedly wiped them away, along with small patches of her makeup, "thanks for the date Mason, but I'm leaving." She raised her wrists into the air and in one swift motion she clicked her fingers.
But there was nothing…
"Is that it then?" Mason asked coldly, "you aren't even willing to talk about this?"
Once again, Alex flicked her wrists and snapped her fingers ignoring Mason's frustrated rants beside her.
But yet again, nothing happened…
Immediately Alex felt the panic set in, usually a simple click of her fingers and she would instantly become engulfed in a magical surge of energy which would transport her to wherever she would want. But here she stood, clicking her fingers and stamping her feet like a fool and nothing was still happening…
Whenever she used her wand or cast a spell with her fingers a light sensation would arise within her, slowly building at first until a strong pressure would explode as the spell was casted. But she felt nothing…
"Alex," Mason interrupted, "what are you doing?"
He stood watching her in amusement, chuckling quietly to himself as Alex gradually forced herself from trying anymore. She felt the heat radiate to her face and her cheeks blushed crimson, "I was trying to leave…"
"Yeah, looks like it," he chortled. "C'mon," he held out his hand, "I'll take you home, it'll be easier than whatever that was."
Alex surrendered herself and took a hold of Mason's hand, he led her down from the jumbo-tron and the couple walked to the car in silence. Once they were seated Mason turned to Alex and gave her a small smile, however she immediately cut off any attempt of conversation by fully turning her back to him. Shaking his head in frustration Mason started up the car and began the journey home, but not even the radio could break the excruciating silence. Mason dreaded every red light they hit, he often threw glances in Alex's directions but she remained fixated looking out of the window. Eventually they reached Waverly Place, and as soon as Mason pulled on the hand break Alex had sprung out of the car and into the building.
Mason scurried after her up the stairs, nearly tripping repeatedly over his own feet, Alex led them into the loft as she barged through the door and into darkness. Theresa, Jerry, Max and Harper sat huddled up on the couch, shrouded in a wool blanket. The victim let out an ear-splitting shriek and all four of them jolted violently, sending the huge bowl of popcorn that Jerry had clutched in his hands flying into the air. Alex rolled her eyes and flicked on the light switch causing those sat on the couch to moan out in pain, the light burned their eyes and they strained to see as their pupils contracted rapidly. Pinching the bridge of his nose, Jerry peered over to the doorway and spotted Alex and Mason's hostile exterior.
"You didn't need to walk me in," Alex said coldly, she crossed her arms firmly across her chest as she finally turned to speak to Mason.
"I wanted to make sure make sure you'd make it in safe, and that you were okay."
Alex sneered, "From your car, which is parked literally right outside of my home?"
Jerry brushed off the scatterings of popcorn and stood up from the couch approaching Alex and Mason cautiously. "Hey guys, did you have a good night?"
"Yeah," they groaned in unison, Jerry shot a look of worry to the rest of his family, and they all leant forward trying to get a good view from their seats.
"Fine then, I'll be going. Unless you want me to stay?" Mason asked hopefully, edging closer to Alex His hand swept up and gently caressed her waist as he attempted to pull her in for a hug.
"No, you can go." Alex stepped back and ripped Mason's arm off her, "I'm fine," she spat as she charged towards the staircase.
"Yeah, it sounds like it. You know what Alex," Mason started frantically, "call me when you've snapped out of this mood because I'm done!" He then stormed out and quickly losing his self-control he slammed the door violently behind him. Alex stood speechless while her family remained silent, the room was completely still apart from the sound of the faulty faucet dripping into the sink reverberating around the room.
Silvery tears rolled down Alex's face and Jerry felt his heart ache, "oh honey," he approached her and engulfed her in a hug, "are you ok?"
"I'm fine," she choked pushing her father away and running up the staircase before more tears exploded from her hazel eyes, she used her trembling hand to mask her tears as her family watched quietly behind her as she vanished upstairs.
Theresa watched her daughter flee the room, her eyes tight and worried, she leapt from her seat and followed Alex's steps before being stopped by her husband. "Theresa, I think you should leave her for a while…"
"I know we had a fight earlier, but she seems so upset-"
"I know." Jerry interrupted her, "but it's not our fight. Alex and Mason love each other, they've been together since they were in high school! Theresa, you and I know better than anyone its normal for couples to fight, its better if we leave them to resolve their issues. If Alex wants to talk about it, I'm sure she'll come to someone."
Theresa sighed as she looked up the stairs, "I just hate the thought of her being upset alone."
"I know," said Jerry as he comforted his wife, "but if she wants to she'll come to us, just like she always does."
Once Alex reached her bedroom she locked the door behind her, resting up against the cold wood, she hit the back of her head on to it and silently cursed herself for her behaviour. Then glancing down at her bed, Alex's stomach flipped nervously as she spotted her wand resting on the bed sheets. She strolled over and grasped it in her hand, looking down at it fondly, she smiled reminiscing about everything she had been through with it. From her first wizard lesson when she was twelve, the crazy ten-minute sale scenario, turning Max in to a girl and to accidently creating an evil version of herself, Alex had managed to cause a lot of chaos with that thing…
She remembered when her Dad first gave it to her, she had been crying in the lair because he made her wear that ugly hat to school to control her newly developed powers, and it was the very first item he'd ever ordered from the World Wide Wiz Web.
"I'm not sure I trust that thing," she remembered him telling her as she opened the box excitedly, "but Justin got his first wand at your age, and I think you deserve it after the day you've had. I just hope I haven't been scammed by a genie or something…"
Like whenever she flashed in or out of a room, when Alex held her wand she could instantly feel the flow of magic billowing through her. The wand would tingle in her hand and as soon as she began casting a spell its light would ignite on top, promptly enchanting those near her. Carefully, Alex aimed her wand at a photograph on the nightstand and swirled it majestically in the air, "edgebono Utoosis!"
The light began to flicker, Alex stared intently as it grew stronger into a dim beam before it rapidly weakened. The vibrations Alex felt ripple through her fingers slowed and eventually the light dappled until it faded away. A deep discomfort arose in Alex's chest, her heart beat fiercely as panic set in and soon enough Alex felt as if she was being strangled by the air around her.
"What the-"
Alex yelped as excruciating pain shot through her head, it came so fast and fierce that she dropped her wand to the floor and doubled over, leaning on to her bed before sprawling herself on top of it and cradling herself as if she was a scared child. The pain was severe, a spasm forced her eyes shut as she felt her temples pulsate and throb. Tears stung her eyes, and as Alex quietly wept to herself she bit down and clawed on to the bed sheets beneath her. Eventually her eyes snapped back open, with her heart still pounding within her chest Alex tried to steady her breathing as the throbbing in her head gradually eased, and her eyes absorbed the twilight. The noises of the city dispersed through her open window, Alex dragged herself up and held on to her aching head, she caught sight of herself in the mirror. Alex stared in disbelief before scampering closer to the glass, she raised her jittering hand to her eye which shimmered gold. Alex forced to herself to blink repeatedly, nodding her head vigorously as she did so, but eventually the light glow disappeared and instead she was then left with her usual hazel pigment.