The Witch Outcast

5- This is crazy

5- This is crazy

The ride to my place is quiet and I can sense the tension radiating off of Peter.

“Hey Peter, now that we’re alone, can you tell me what the hell that was about?”

He lets out a sigh: “We might have a problem Sol.”

“What do you mean?”

“If I’m right about who Caspian’s father is, you’ll have to be extra careful with using your powers and it’s not clear if Caspian is following his father’s footsteps or not so try to stay away from him as much as you can” he replies.

“But, Peter this is crazy, he’s Jeanie’s cousin and if they’re close this would be difficult….and if his family is a danger to me; wouldn’t that mean that Jeanie is also?”

“What! No!, of course, Jeanie isn’t a danger to you Sol…if she was I never would have introduced you two…. I know this is making no sense to you right now but I’ll explain more in a bit…go inside and let your parents know that I’ll be back in a few minutes with everyone so we can have an important discussion.”

“Okay, I’ll see you when you come back Peter” I state as I step out of the car. He nods as soon as I open the front door and drives off in the direction of his house.

*****Hours later*****

The last few hours have been crazy…as if my life hasn’t been crazy and difficult enough with hiding my powers, now I have to worry about Caspian’s family coming after me.

His family is the highest-ranking family on the council. There are rumors about Caspian’s father seeking powerful witches out of jealousy. He would falsely accuse them of trying to take control of the town which resulted in them running away to avoid being captured.

For those who were unfortunate enough to get caught; they were taken to who knows where.

When the rumors started the town turned on Caspian’s father and he fled.

When things calmed down Caspian’s mother decided to go search for his father and Caspian disappeared with her, until now. It’s unclear if Caspian’s parents are here or if Caspian came alone but one thing is clear and that’s; that my parents want me to stay clear of Caspian just in case he is just like his father.

Part of me feels as if he’s not like his father…I would expect the bitches from school to be like his dad and jump on the chance to get rid of me, but not Caspian, and I’m not just thinking it because he’s hot…he just came across as kind and genuine, so I don’t think he’s bad.

I know I can’t risk taking the chance of him finding out about me. I wonder how Jeanie feels about the way Peter acted at the shop.

*****Monday*****

My alarm causes me to jump up from my bed: “s**t!, I can’t be late today, I have a stupid test today….why the hell am I talking to myself?” I state out loud as I get ready. Once I’m done my text alert chimes loudly.

*****text feed*****

Jeanie- hey, girl you up?

Me- yeah, I’m about to grab a bowl of cereal then head to school.

Jeanie- okay cool, do you want a ride?

Me- yeah, if you want to pick me up.

Jeanie- okay, I’ll be there in like 5-10 mins.

Me- okay cool, thank you, I’ll see you soon.

Jeanie- bye.

*****end of text feed*****

Once I’m done eating my cereal I head outside and I see a green car pulling into the driveway. As I pull out my phone to text Jeanie to see if that’s her; she sticks her head out of the window and yells:

“Hey Sol, come on let’s go before we’re late.”

While smiling I lock the door behind me then run to her car and open the front door.

“Hey Jeanie, thank you for picking me up” I state while I get in the car and buckle my seatbelt.

“What? I don’t get a hi also” asks Caspian.

I jump at hearing his voice which causes Jeanie to laugh as I turn to face him in the back seat.

“Hi, Caspian.”

“You said my name wrong” he responds.

“No, I didn’t” I state as Jeanie starts driving to school.

“Yes you did, I told you to call me Cas.”

“Correction, you told me that I could call you Cas, but I’m choosing to call you Caspian.”

“I wish you were one of the people who wouldn’t call me that” he responds as he crosses his arms and looks out the window.

“Huh?…but that’s your name” I respond confused by his comment.

“He doesn’t like his name” States Jeanie as she makes the turn onto the street that leads to the school.

“Oh, why don’t you like your name?” I ask while looking at him.

“Because of him” he responds angrily.

Even more confused I ask: “Who is him?”

“My piece of s**t father, but I don’t want to talk about him.”

Hmmm, maybe my assumption of him not being like his father is right, but I still can’t reveal my true powers to him.

Moments of tense silence pass by as Jeanie parks the car in the big school parking lot.

“Why do you want me to be one of the people who call you Cas?” I ask him curiously.

He looks at me with an annoyed expression then lets out a sigh puts his hand on the door handle and states in an annoyed voice: “Call me whatever you want Marisol.”

He gets out of the car, slams the door shut, and walks towards the school, only to be swarmed by a bunch of dumb popular bitches and some dudes.

Some of the guys he greets are ones that spoke to me before until those bitches got in their heads and they went along with them and ghosted me.

Jeanie notices me staring at them and sighs: “Don’t worry about them…just give Cas some time to calm down then he’ll be back to himself…he’s not a bad guy.”

“It’s okay Jeanie, he can take all of the time he needs because I don’t need drama from his family in my life anyway.”

“Oh, so you heard about his dad?” Jeanie asks sadly.

“Yeah, I did and I don’t need any extra drama here. They consider me the outcast and those bitches are the worst…the fact that he hangs out with them, lets me know everything I need to know about him.”

“That’s not fair to him Sol, he can’t help that he’s popular here even though he’s been gone all those years.…there’s so much to him that you don’t know and you should give him a chance, and get to know him…just don’t mention his father.”

“Why not?” I ask as I step out of the car.

“Because he despises him, but I can’t give you any more information about him, you’ll have to ask him about it yourself because it’s not my story to tell.”

“Then I guess he’ll stay a mystery to me” I state with a shrug.

She sighs “I normally would have loved to play matchmaker for both of you, but I’m going to stay out of it and just focus on my relationship with Peter and let you figure it out on your own….I will tell you this though, he’s nothing like his father, but I guess you’ll have to learn that on your own…now let’s get to class” she states the last part as she puts her arm through mine as we walk to the school entrance.

The test went smoothly and it’s now lunchtime. Jeanie and I decide to sit at a table at the back of the lunchroom. While eating I notice that Cas is sitting at a table with the guys from earlier and of course, those bitches are still flocked around him. Suddenly Jeanie’s giggle snaps my attention back to her: “What happened?” I ask confused.

“You two are so silly, you’re both attracted to each other. The way you keep sneaking glances in each other’s direction gives it away, but I said I wasn’t going to get involved in that.”

“I haven’t noticed him looking at me, but I wasn’t looking over there so there’s no way I would know if he was looking over here or not.”

“Whatever you say Sol…do you need a ride home after school?”

“If you want to drop me off at home then sure.”

I’m now in my last class for today and the teacher calls our attention: “Class let’s welcome Caspian to our class. I know it’s late in the year so he may need some help catching up…all of the students in our class are doing well and I’m sure they are all willing to help you with notes but if you need tutoring…Your best choice for extra help would be Marisol…you can choose any empty seat you like she states.”

“Thank you Ms.Smith” he responds as he looks directly at me and smiles then sits on the seat behind me which causes the head b***h Tiffany to glare daggers at me…we’ll That just confirms my suspicion of why the bitches were around him so much, they were stating their claim on him.

“Okay, class, eyes on the board please” the teacher states to gain everyone’s attention.

During the middle of the session, Cas taps my shoulder and when I look back at him he smiles and then hands me a folded paper. I take the paper and look at him confused. H responds by whispering “Read it.”

This is so junior high school, I think to myself as I open the paper discreetly then I read it:

***paper conversation being passed back and forth***

Cas- I’m sorry

Me- for what?

Cas- for how I spoke to you.

Me- it’s whatever.

Cas- no it’s not, you didn’t deserve my attitude, my dad is not someone I like to talk about and whenever I’m forced to think about him it affects me.

Me- I understand, don’t worry about it, it’s not as if we’re friends.

Cas- but, what if I want to be?

Me- be what? Friends?

Cas- yeah

Me- I don’t know if that’s possible.

Cas- why not?

Me- because of who I am, because of who you are, because of everyone in this school…because of your….he who shall not be mentioned.

Cas- what are you talking about? What do you mean?

Me- Cas, let’s just say we both have things we want to avoid

Cas- that’s cryptic, I need more information

Me- sorry but I can’t give you that, at least not yet.

Cas- why not? When can you give more details?

Me- I don’t know if I ever can.

*****end of paper convo*****

I hand him the paper for the last time as the bell rings then stand up quickly and leave the classroom. As I’m halfway down the hallway Cas yells to get my attention:

“Sol, hold up, wait for me.”

Once I hear his voice I start walking a bit faster which causes him to run towards me until he gets by my side.

“Hey, why did you start walking faster? You can’t get rid of me that easily…especially after what you wrote. We are both headed to Jeanie’s car, we might as well walk together.”

“You got me Cas.”

He smiles then states: “I like that.”

“You like what? And why are you smiling like that?”

“I like hearing you call me Cas.”

“Doesn’t everyone call you Cas, since you don’t like your name?”

“No, only people I care about and that care about me call me Cas….that’s why I said what I said in the car.”

“But you don’t even know me, we just met the other day so why are you telling me to call you Cas? It all sounds pretty suspicious to me.”

“How is that suspicious? Why would you even be suspicious of me?”

Moments of silence pass as we walk outside the school building and to the parking lot.

“It’s because of he-“

He cuts me off: “he who shall not be mentioned…got it” he states in a saddened tone.

“I’m sorry, but my life is complicated and I don’t need it to get any more complicated.”

“Sol, I’m not going to beg and plead for you and I to be friends and I won’t force it…just know that since the moment I met you I felt a pull towards you and I know that sounds weird and I’m not sure if you felt it also, but I just want you to know…I know my past is f****d up and you’re guarding yourself for whatever reason and I’ll accept that, but please don’t stop calling me Caspian, even if we don’t become close friends or….more.” He states the last word more under his breath.

I can’t believe he felt that towards me at the shop also, but I can’t let him in, I have to protect myself and my family.

Jeanie said he’s not like his father but I would need to be sure of that before I can start opening up to him.

He clears his throat to clear the awkward silence and I giggle in embarrassment: “Sorry, I was just thinking to myself.”

“About me?” He asks.

“Yes and about….” I don’t finish my sentence.

“And about you?” He asks while wiggling his eyebrows.

“Shut up” I respond while pushing his shoulder playfully and laughing at his silliness which causes him to laugh.

Once we get to the car Jeanie gets into the driver’s side and Cas opens my door for me: “Your chariot awaits my lady.”

Jeanie and I laugh as I step to the opening of the car door and just as I was going to get in the car Tiffany runs towards us: “Caspian wait!”

“Huh? What’s up?” he asks as he turns to look at her.

She grabs his hand from the door then rubs her thumb on his hand while twirling a piece of her hair around a finger with her other hand: “I just wanted to tell you something all day and I didn’t get the chance to until now” she states in a flirtatious tone.

“I’m busy Tiffany can this wait?” He states in an annoyed voice.

Tiffany looks at Jeanie: “Oh Jeanie, I didn’t know you were back.”

“Don’t act as if you care, Tiffany, can you stop bothering my cousin so we can go” Jeanie replies in an annoyed tone.

Tiffany glances at me: “Oh, you’re here too?…Caspian you should be careful who you associate yourself with. Marisol would ruin your rep here” she states before looking back at Caspian.

I roll my eyes and get into the car and close the door while leaving the window up then connect my phone to the car, in hopes that the music would drown out the sound of her voice.

“Tiffany, I don’t have time for you and your bullshit and I don’t give a s**t about my reputation here.”

“Are you sure you don’t have time for me? I’ll make it worthwhile” she responds before she grabs his face and kisses him.

I’m not surprised when she slips her tongue in his mouth and places his hands on her ass.

“This b***h is ridiculous” I state in a low voice.

“She hasn’t changed one bit” states Jeanie before beeping the horn, which snaps Cas back into reality.

How can he be flirtatious with me one moment and then go along with her kissing him the next?

As if she read my mind Jeanie breaks the silence: “I don’t know why he allowed that to happen, but he’s not a f**k boy…he used to be years ago but he changed, he’s not that person anymore.”

“Jeanie the reasoning is clear, she’s an easy piece of ass and I’m definitely not.”

Tiffany finally releases Cas: “Bye Caspian, I’ll see you tomorrow” she states before running back to her group of friends.

Caspian quietly gets in the car with mixed emotions running through his face, then states: “Please tell me, I just had a nightmare”, he states as he leans his head on the back seat and places his hand on his face.

“No Cas, you didn’t…how could you be so stupid, and with Tiffany of all people” replies Jeanie as she starts driving towards my place.

“I know Jeanie, I know…I should have just moved my hand when she went to grab it.”

“You should have shut that s**t down right away….I know you two have history but remember it was f****d up history” Jeanie scolds.

As she pulls into my driveway Cas remembers that I’m

In the car: “f**k! I’m sorry Sol, I must seem like an asshole to you, first this morning, and now this happens right after I tell you how I feel about you…I swear I’m not interested in her and I’m so sorry that happened” he states with the sound of regret clear in his tone.

“Cas, it’s fine, you don’t need to apologize…it’s not as if we’re in a relationship or anything like that…you could kiss whoever you feel like it.”

“But I don’t want-”

I cut him off: “Just drop it Cas, it doesn’t even matter” I state as I get out of the car then wave bye to Jeanie once I unlock my front door. After stepping in the house I lock the door and lean against the door while texting Mark.

*****Text feed*****

Me- hey Mark, are you busy?

Mark- hey Sol, nah, I just finished reading a book about new spells I want to try.

Me- cool let’s go try them

Mark- what happened?

Me- what do you mean?

Mark- you’re never eager to train unless something happens.

Me- it’s just been a long day and I could really blow some s**t up right now.

Mark- okay I’ll be there in a few.

*****start of a new text feed*****

Me- hey Peter, want to go blow some s**t up with me and Mark?

Peter- that sounds like fun but I can’t go.

Me- why not?

Peter- Jeanie just picked me up from work and we’re on our way to drop off Caspian.

Me- oh, how does he look right now?

Peter- um…like himself, how is he supposed to look?

Me- I’m just curious if he looks sad or not.

Peter- why would he look sad? Did something happen?

Me- yes and no but it’s nothing to worry about.

Peter- are you sure?, say the word and I’ll f**k him up right now then apologize to Jeanie later for beating up her cousin.

Me- lol I’m sure…thank you for having my back, but it’s not needed right now…Tiffany was just being Tiffany and the timing was bad.

Peter-……………

Me- Peter? Are you okay? You left me on speech bubbles

Peter-……………..

Me- Peter answer me damn it!

Peter- sorry about that, I’m back now.

Me- what the hell happened?

Peter- I was talking to Jeanie and Caspian, and I asked them what happened with Tiffany.

Me- why would you do that?….that’s so embarrassing.

Peter- you don’t need to be embarrassed because of what happened…. I’m not going to lie; I’m glad that happened so you don’t risk your safety since we still don’t know where he stands. I’m trying to give him a chance because of Jeanie but I’m still watching him.

Me- I gotta go, Peter, Mark just got here….please leave Caspian alone, I got this and if I ever don’t I’ll let you and Mark handle it.

Peter- okay, have fun.

*****End of text feed*****

Mark is waiting for me impatiently as I close the door: “You asked me to come train with you but then you leave me waiting to leave. “

“Sorry, I had to change and I was texting Peter at the same time, he couldn’t join us though.”

“Of course, he wouldn’t want to come, he’s catching up on missed time with Jeanie.”

“Where do you want to practice? The usual spot?” I ask.

“Of course….that spot you found in the woods is the only place we can practice, besides here or my place” he replies.

“Great, let’s go.