The Enchanters

Cole

Ava didn’t stir until midday Monday. She had missed classes and was ok with it. When she needed to restore her energy, she kept her phone on silent.

The heavy white comforter made her feel safe and in a bubble. The afternoon sun warmed her room and Ava felt her body was rested. She stretched wide under her blankets and rubbed her eyes.

Suddenly, that knot in her stomach formed. What was she feeling? She grabbed her phone. Thirty six missed messages.

Daniel: Rest up, Princess. You’re doing great BTW

Ava smiled softly at that. The rest were from her two best Human friends in their group chat.

Britt: U coming today?

Britt: Avaaaaa

Britt: Avaaaaaaaaa

Pop: clearly she’s not coming.

Ava scrolled through their conversation until something caught her eye

Pop: OMG the new kid is hotttt

Britt: Ava you messed up. He is fiiiiiine

Pop: maybe even your type

Britt: yeah right

Britt: ooooh Lynne is trying to sink her claws into him but he doesn’t seem interested

For some reason that text made Ava angry. Like really angry.

There was a soft knock on the door.

Stephanie poked her head in, “Ava you ok? We felt you were angry, everything all right?”

Ava totally blanked on what to even say. Why would she be angry.

“Oh, you’re confused,” Stephanie continued, “maybe you weren’t angry.” She shook her head. Her hair was pulled up to a top knot, her minimal makeup, she was simply beautiful and definitely looked too young to play Ava’s mother but people bought it. “Anyways, let me know if you’re hungry and I’ll make you something.” She smiled and closed the door.

Ava texted her group chat

I’m alive - y’all are wild.

She put her phone down on the white bedside table. The white roses in the light blue vase that also sat on the table always made her smile. She loved flowers, especially white roses, peonies and tall lilies. You could find them all over the grounds.

Ava took her phone off silent

Britt: welcome to the land of the living

Ava chuckled.

Tuesday morning, Ava drove to school, the pit sill in her stomach. Her energy sizzled through her body making her antsy, or anxious. She felt unsettled. Stephanie tried giving her some tea, but Ava couldn’t calm down.

She parked her 2019 silver maxima. As soon as the car was off, her friends were at her door.

“Look who showed up!” Britt squealed as she opened the driver side door. She was extra done up with her blonde hair curled, a little heavier with her makeup and a little too short shorts and cute sandals.

“What are you wearing?” Ava asked. She could feel the energy flowing off Britt.

“Oooh I’m looking goood for that new guy.” Britt replied wiggling her eyebrows.

“Well good luck getting past Lynne” Pop replied. Ava laughed with her red-headed friend. Pop was a different story. She wasn’t short or tall, she wasn’t extra beautiful but she was simply classic. Her red hair and bright blue eyes gave her that Irish look. Pop was a different story. She was what the enchantians referred to as a Void. When humans experience a certain level of trauma they build up defense mechanisms and walls so thick, it’s impossible for them to experience those true authentic feelings. Sometimes, Enchanters feel almost nothing from Voids.

For some reason, the mention of Lynne kept irritating Ava. She felt the energy pulsing through her, her palms hot and now starting to sweat as the energy pushed to be released.

“Come onnnnn” Britt pulled at Ava’s arm.

Ava felt overstimulated walking into her high school. It was already tough it was the end of their senior year and the energy was palpable as it was, adding a new, and apparently hot, male would get the human emotions and energy in overdrive. As Ava made her way to her classroom she decided she would leave after her first class. Training has drained her. She felt as if she was in a fog, agitated. Everyone’s energy was almost too much for her. Her hyper sensitive hearing could only make out the chatter about the new kid. It’s all everyone talked about.

Her energy was sizzling through her body, to the point she was about to skip her first class. She walked to the back of the class, finding her desk in the nearly full room.

She noticed the one empty desk next to hers. It had been there all trimester and for some reason, it haunted her today.

As soon as the bell was about to ring, the door opened one more time.

In walked m, what Ava assumed to be, the new male human.

The class seemed to collectively gasp and then fall silent. Ava had never seen any being so perfect. He took up most of the door frame. His jet black hair tousled just a little on the top of his head, Ava felt the need to run her fingers through it to fix it. Her eyes trailed down to his perfect face, his dark thick eyebrows over the most majestic dark green eyes she had ever seen. A slight scar over his left eyebrow had her healing energy simmering to heal all his wounds. His sharply defined nose and plump pale pink lips had Ava nearly salivating.

“Ah, Mr. Cole Smith, welcome back. Glad you found your class,” Mr. La’teaux interrupted her inappropriate thoughts.

The male human chuckled and Ava felt her heart nearly skipped a beat. “A little easier today,” Cole replied in his deep just voice, it was somehow soft but masculine and Ava wanted to melt.

Ava needed to pull herself together, when all she wanted to do was bolt. She gripped the sides of her desk to keep her from doing anything irrational.

“Well, Ava has joined us today, please take the empty seat next to her,” Mr. La’teaux motioned towards Ava, but she was not paying attention. In a complete fog, Ava just looked from the male to the teacher and back to the human, confused. “Ava,” the teacher continued. Ava turned her head back to him, and he continued cautiously speaking slowly as if he was unsure if she was listening, “since you were not here yesterday,” he began, “Cole can lend you his notes.”

Ava turned her head slowly back to the human.

Cole’s met her eyes, and her world stopped. He gave her the tiniest smirk and she was instantly brought back to the present.

Ava couldn’t wrap her head around what was happening. This gorgeous human was making her energy do things she didn’t know she could feel.

Then she was instantly aware, she wasn’t feeling anyone’s emotions but her own. That wasn’t normal and Ava began to panic slightly. She had to get a grip on her powers. Losing control was never good for an Enchanter. Controlling her powers was something she was supposed to be working on and she was failing. She pulled herself together.

Cole began making his way to his desk, smirk and all. Ava scoffed. He thinks he’s God’s gift, Ava thought yo herself.

Cole slid into his desk and her hypersensitive nose went into overdrive at the sandalwood and honey scent that infiltrated her nostrils. She wanted to melt but pulled it together once again.

As the teacher began the class, suddenly Ava felt two eyes looking at her. She turned her head slightly to see Cole out of her peripheral vision.

“Hey,” he began, “I’m Cole.” He spoke with an innocent smile but Ava would not turn to face him.

“And I’m trying to pay attention to class.” She replied with a slightly harsh tone she regretted as soon as it came out. She knew though, human males found enchanters irresistible and being mean to him would be the best way to deter him.

“You’re right,” he sighed and turned, “I just wanted to give you yesterday’s notes.” Cole had a serious look on his face facing the teacher as he slid some paper on her desk. She peered down at well organized, color-coded notes on yesterday’s presentation.

She didn’t need them. This wasn’t her first time graduating high school and even held some bachelor’s degrees from her long time living with the humans. But she took them, just because she was fascinated.

Ava, in that moment, studied the human next to her. Yes, he was physically fit and very handsome for a young male. More than that, she tried to see what he was feeling, and she couldn’t. As she appeared to look at his notes in front of her, she focused on his body, his energy, and surprisingly, she felt nothing.

Her heart pulled a little in her chest. He was a Void. The urge to hold him in her arms was almost overwhelming.

Ava suddenly came to the conclusion she needed more rest. Her energy must still need charging and she would go home after this period. She calmed her energy that was surging though her body, took a deep breath and turned to Cole.

“Thank you,” she handed the paper back to him. As Cole went to speak with a questionable look, she continued, “Photographic memory,” she smiled, “keep that between us. Now I’d like to get back to class.” And with that she turned back to the teacher and worked hard to ignore the human next to her.

When the bell rang to end class, Ava quickly grabbed her belongings and stood up to leave. As she did, Cole interrupted her.

“What do you have for next class?” He asked innocently.

Ava looked at him to see his eyebrows pushed slightly together and she wanted nothing more to make him smile.

Control yourself. She screamed in her head. All the humans in her school knew her as kind but cold. She never dated because she couldn’t. Enchanters are f*******n. She looked back down at her desk.

“I don’t. I’m going home. I still don’t feel well.” She finished putting her belongings into her bag to look at him again.

“Did you eat?” Concern filled his voice, “drink water?” Cole took a step closer to her. The desk was the only thing between them and Ava had the strongest desire to push it out of the way.

Reality came back, “Is everything alright you two?” Mr. La’teaux asked. Before Ava could respond, Cole turned to the teacher.

“Ava said she’s still not feeling well, can you let my next teacher know I will be taking her to the nurse?” Cole quickly replied. Ava, slightly dazed, looked from the teacher to Cole back to the teacher.

“He is correct,” she replied, and her excitement grew knowing she would get a couple extra minutes with him. But then panicked. It washed over her. She needed to get away. “I can walk myself.”

Mr. la’teaux eyed both of the teens suspiciously, “Cole can walk you down,”

Ava rolled her eyes and rushed to the door but Cole somehow got their first and opened it for her. She paused and glared at him for just a second before continuing to the nurse.

He walked closely behind her down the now empty hallway as the next class began.

Thankfully it wasn’t far from the class and they were there before Cole could small talk.

“What can I do for you,” the nurse looked up from the computer screen, “ms..Ava Fortrylle?” She sounded shocked. She was a slightly older woman, who I may have seen twice.

As Ava went to open her mouth, Cole began to speak, “hello, Ava isn’t feeling well so I walked her here.”

“And you must be the new student,” she eyed Cole suspiciously. Ava took a seat nearby and dropped her bag.

“Yes ma’am,” he gave her a nod and smiled at her. She immediately relaxed.

“I’m going to head home,” Ava spoke pulling out her phone sending text messages.

“That’s fine, you’re 18 you can sign yourself out.” She shrugged. It was the end of the year and Ava was a good student.

“If I do say so,” Cole interrupted, “Nurse, Ava seemed out of it first period. I’m concerned for her safety about driving home. I would like to accompany her.”

Ava’s eyes went wide. The nurse raised her eyebrow suspiciously. “This is your second day,” she began but Cole interrupted her.

“I would never forgive myself if something happened,” he pleaded and there was no way anyone was saying no to him.

The nurse turned to the computer and tapped on the keys, “you are 18,” she began, “I know her parents.” She warned.

“I just want to make sure she gets home safely,” he replied, “my brother is home. I actually live with my uncle,” Cole explained, “he’s the head farmer at Chestnut Farm,” and Ava’s heart dropped.

The nurse suddenly shot a look to Ava.

“What did you say?” Ava asked in shock.

“My brother is home…” he began.

“You live on her family’s farm.” The nurse chuckled. “What a small world. Fine. Take her home.” The nurse pushed a clipboard to them and they signed their names.

Ava was so flustered she could barely think straight. Cole walked over to where she sat, grabbed her bag and put out his elbow to signal her to reach for him.

She stared at that elbow for what seemed like eternity but was so handsome, his smile, his twinkling green eyes, slightly messy black hair, this 18 year old human seemed older than he was. This poor human, a Void, what could he have experienced.

“It’s not that serious,” she said scoffing at him, “I can get up.” She chuckled. Cole shrugged his shoulders. His fitted white t-shirt pulled at his back muscles as he turned away from her and Ava followed.

Ava followed Cole to the parking lot and suddenly they were at a big silver bronco she didn’t recognize. Cole was at the passenger side and opened the door for her.

Ava stopped and put her hands on her hips, “I can drive my car,” she protested as Cole tossed her bag into his vehicle.

“I’m driving you home,” he was uncompromisingly staring into her eyes.

She didn’t want to deny him suddenly.

“What about my car?” She asked him.

“You have two options” he chuckled as he took a step closer to her. Ava’s energy was pulsing through her body at a record beat, her palms were hot with energy and her stomach tightened. She felt the electricity between their two bodies and she prayed he didn’t feel anything, “one I can pick you up later and we can get your car,” he paused “two I can pick you up in the morning before school.”

Ava didn’t know what to say. She couldn’t focus. She was quickly losing control of her energy, it was powerfully coursing through her. She stared into his green eyes unable to feel anything other than her own wild emotions. She desperately wanted to know what it felt like to touch him, to hold him, to kiss him.

This last thought froze her. She was panicked and didn’t know what to do or say.

“How about,” he motioned for her to get into the truck, “I get you home and you rest. I’ll give you my number and you can text me what you decide.”

Ava slid into the old school bench seat in Cole’s clearly customized truck. She looked around at all the expensive detailing. The silver bronco had been upgraded and was a beautiful piece of equipment. The smell of leather and his scent mixed and it calmed Ava. She smiled and felt the soft leather under her fingertips.

Cole jumped into the drivers seat and began the journey to Ava’s house. Cole turned the knob to start the radio and Ava was pleased to hear tunes not typically heard. The sound of sweet jazz played in the truck and Ava was surprised.

“You listen to this?” She asked chuckling.

“Yes, it was my parents favorite music,” he smiled a half smile.

Ava’s heart tightened. She couldn’t imagine what this poor human has gone through. She watched as his smile faded and his jawline clenched. His knuckles turned white as he gripped the steering wheel .

“I know we just met,” Ava began, “but I’m a really good listener,” her voice was soft. As she finished her words she watched his whole body relax again.

“Thanks,” he replied just as softly, but he didn’t continue after that.

They drove to her home and for a second Ava questioned how he knew where she lived, but then again he was Johns’s nephew and lived on the grounds.

They drove down her long driveway lined with trees surrounded by fields. Although the manor was massive and in the middle of the fields, it was surrounded by trees giving the estate privacy. When Cole pulled around the oval driveway to the front entrance. He put the bronco in park, and rounded the front to the passenger side.

Ava looked to her house. Something inside her, well everything inside her told her to stay in the truck. Stay with him. She shouldn’t. She’s an Enchantian Princess. Not only is it f*******n to have any type of relationship with humans, and she already pushed it with her friends, she was already in a relationship. She could never and should never entertain any of this.

“Are you hungry?” Cole broke the silence

“I’m sorry Cole,” Ava turned but refused to make eye contact. She stared at her door knob. “Thanks for the ride, I’ll have my parents get my car,” she was quick with her response and rushed out of the truck and into the manor. She ran up the stairs and flung open her bedroom door only to slam the door behind her. The warm spring morning sun warmed her room as she ran for her bed, kicking off shoes and dove under the heavy white blanket. She needed her calm herself, she needed to forget all about Cole and his incredible eyes, sparking smile and charming personality.

Ava let the energy calm in her body, she let the weight of her blanket soothe her heartbeat.

Ava let her mind go blank as she let her soul enter a deep, re-energizing sleep.