Jennifer Thompson's Blog - Posts Tagged "writing"
Inspire me!
So what inspires you to write? I find I love music as much as I love writing, so I blend them. I find from time to time i have to stop and belt out a few lines of the songs from time to time and it helps me keep a clearer mind and fresh eyes. I always make sure that going into one of the important events in the story I belt out a few lines of my favorite inspirational songs. I even keep a play list for everything I write. I often wonder if anyone has ever given a recommended listening list with their work before? And would it help the reader be pulled in more feeling the emotion of the music like it does for me, or if it would be too distracting. I am all for reading but I need a little background noise too of I feel like I'm dead. However when you have kids that is only because silence means they are getting in trouble. So here is a video of one of many songs that inspire me to write my loving heart out!
http://youtu.be/PGEk0vaLqWc
http://youtu.be/PGEk0vaLqWc
How does your story come to you?
? Most of mine start with a wild dream of myself in all different places. The relationships in my book The Vilincia Coven, The Watcher were a mix of my past and a lot fiction in those dreams. I try to relate to my characters, which you should, but in a way that only I can tell. I actually find I relate more to Cole, the main male character in the book, then I do his love interest and watcher, Whitney. And so my life wasn’t quite so dramatic, but I always felt like a leader for my friends. I felt like I was the one they looked to for a good example, although I am by far not a good person to use as an example, it was like I pushed then to do better because I was. They pushed me when I needed it and fought me when they knew I was wrong. The love of the friends that are your extended family is a great thing to back you up and I let that loose in my book.
I can match my friend’s personalities with those of the characters of my book as well. It makes me feel like home in any book, not just mine. Reading into this I hope my followers look at this and see what I put in to my work when I write. That is the whole point of blogging about myself. It’s not just promoting my books, it’s about showing you, the reader, a peek into my life and brain. I am putting myself out there in hopes that what I do gets passed around and shared and everyone falls in love with my story just like I did. Because I sure had one heck of a time writing it to share with the world!
Follow me when you can and here’s how
For a preview of my book follow this link: https://www.createspace.com/Preview/1...
Follow us on facebook :facebook.com/JThompsonbooks
Amazon: amazon.com/author/jthompsonbooks
I can match my friend’s personalities with those of the characters of my book as well. It makes me feel like home in any book, not just mine. Reading into this I hope my followers look at this and see what I put in to my work when I write. That is the whole point of blogging about myself. It’s not just promoting my books, it’s about showing you, the reader, a peek into my life and brain. I am putting myself out there in hopes that what I do gets passed around and shared and everyone falls in love with my story just like I did. Because I sure had one heck of a time writing it to share with the world!
Follow me when you can and here’s how
For a preview of my book follow this link: https://www.createspace.com/Preview/1...
Follow us on facebook :facebook.com/JThompsonbooks
Amazon: amazon.com/author/jthompsonbooks
The Bottle Of Me!
I have always felt like this was the path I was meant to take. I never really scratched the itch until my youngest became sick and I had to quit my job to take care of her. That’s when I let the urge out to write. I had nothing else to do when all of my kids went to bed and nothing while they were in school, so I started tapping away on my key board. It felt like what I was born for. It was freeing and refreshing to let it all out in a fictional story, so when I was done spouting I could get back to real life. It was just the release I was looking for. It was hard to accept it at first because I wanted to overwhelm myself with the pain of a sick child. I had to do something though, I couldn’t let those sweet little girls of mine see me crying.
So in the new book, The Vilincia Coven – The Watcher, the main character goes through his own life crisis. From learning what is really is inside to the loss of his mother tares at him and he had to find other ways to deal. I used my high school past and kind of reflected that in Cole. He does all he can to shake off all the hurt and pain in his life, but finally one day he just explodes. While I don’t usually get to that point now, it isn’t easy growing up either and outbursts where my only outlet in high school. Once I found ways to control the urge to bottle everything in, it was about 23 or so when I figured this out, life was great. In the book Cole learns to change is ways with his watcher, Whitney, while she learns to open up and share her world. Oh life is great isn’t it?
Here’s a preview if you haven’t read it all ready. And please let me know what you think.
https://www.createspace.com/Preview/1...
So in the new book, The Vilincia Coven – The Watcher, the main character goes through his own life crisis. From learning what is really is inside to the loss of his mother tares at him and he had to find other ways to deal. I used my high school past and kind of reflected that in Cole. He does all he can to shake off all the hurt and pain in his life, but finally one day he just explodes. While I don’t usually get to that point now, it isn’t easy growing up either and outbursts where my only outlet in high school. Once I found ways to control the urge to bottle everything in, it was about 23 or so when I figured this out, life was great. In the book Cole learns to change is ways with his watcher, Whitney, while she learns to open up and share her world. Oh life is great isn’t it?
Here’s a preview if you haven’t read it all ready. And please let me know what you think.
https://www.createspace.com/Preview/1...
Monday's sing a long
So my plate is full today and my blog will be short. I leave you, my devoted followers with another of the music video’s that helped inspire my book. I hope it helps you get through the Manic Monday Blues! I will be back with my not so packed mommy schedule to leave you a blog post you can’t resist. Thanks for following and enjoy!
http://youtu.be/sa6YhRiMmsI
http://youtu.be/sa6YhRiMmsI
My Story
I want to go about this a little differently. You all know my story, you’ve read my rants a few times now and know that I always try to tie my life into my book. This time I want to give you some of my book. I know, I’ve been asking you to go look at my preview but hey, I don’t click every link either and I don’t expect you too either. So without further Aude here is chapter 1 of The Vilincia Coven, The Watcher.
Welcome to Taylor Prep
Chapter 1
The third generation of coven children now ruled the school. The normal of school called the group of kids the brat-lings. They could get away with anything and break every rule without punishment. That group of kids put fear into all the students that attended the old brick school. They were always together and only mingled with the general population when catering a huge, rowdy party.
Cole was the grandson of Adam Taylor and his father, David, was the current principal. Cole was tall and built with mussels, blonde hair, and brown eyes. He played all the sports he could to feel like he fit in. Cole was drilled with his grandfather’s ways from the moment he was born, completely unaware of who he really was in the world. Like his father, Cole spent most of his life at the school. To avoid his father the coven kids normally came to Cole to have their issues resolved. He was the oldest of this generation of the coven at just 16.
Benson was the third generation of the Vons. He was tall and handsome with long black hair and green eyes that pulled you in with one look. He was 16 also and adored his motorcycle. He always wore his black leather jacket and jeans. For looking so mean he was truly a sweet guy. When he had something to say he made sure he was heard. Benson was a true mama’s boy and had unlimited access to her huge bank account. He was also Cole’s best friend. They did everything together since they were kids and had been roommates since they started at Taylor Prep.
Felicia, also 16, was from the Marchello family. She was slender and kept her hair long and straight. Her hair was the prettiest shade of brown and her eyes glowed a brilliant hazel color. She was the reason they were called the brat-lings, she was rude and mean and spoiled to the core by her parents. Her parents were teachers at the school and still allowed her to act the way she did. Her parents claimed it was a phase she would be over soon. She found peace in keeping everyone out. Mean was the only way she knew to push people away. She only really had one true friend, Haley Raven. Felicia was foreseen as Cole’s future queen but seemed to not be interested in talking to him yet. For now she didn’t like being told who to love.
Then the Strover twins, only 15, hung out in the crowd. Jessica and Jackson where polar opposites for twins. Jessica preferred to be called Jess, she kept her hair short and dyed black but her blue eyes popped out from all the darkness as light. She was gothic and loved it. She had pretty lips that she kept painted black. She was proud of who she was and rebelled just to fight about something. She was smarter than her twin brother and took pride in beating him for top grades every year, keeping her perfect record and her never changing 4.0. She was known for fighting with boys though and was constantly in trouble.
Jackson, on the other hand, was a genius and proud although always second to Jess. He kept his hair’s natural blonde color, cut short and his blue eyes glowed. He was tall and a known hottie in the school. He was into science and seemed to be more down to earth then his twin sister. He was calm and tried to avoid conflict. Jess was always pulling him into her trouble. The twins’ powers fed off of each other. If they were separated they wouldn’t even have powers to defend themselves.
The 15 year old Zoe belonged to the Handson’s. She was sweet and loved to help people. She kept her hair blonde, long, and cutely cut around her face. Her eyes were a beautiful shade of grey. She was thin but feisty when she needed to be. Zoe was a cheerleader and helped her fellow class men with anything from homework help to making friends. Zoe knew everyone and loved it. Her heart was kind and it reflected in everything Zoe did. She was also the local D.J.Z for all the parties. Zoe rocked her turntables constantly, loving music to the fullest.
Evan was 15 and he was the grandchild to the Monroe’s. He kept his hair in his eyes but just barely. It was naturally black and product held it in just the right way. Evan was a little shorter than everyone else and punched anyone who pointed it out. He was a rocker to the core. He had a metal band that played all the parties and were growing in popularity outside their happy little town. Evan played guitar and could sing like an angel. His voice was hypnotic and would pull you in with every word. He wasn’t a big fan of Cole and avoided hanging out with him at all costs. Evan thought Cole was just sailing through this school because of his name and only got involved when Benson made him.
Last, but not least, is little Haley Raven at just 14. She was the great granddaughter of the Raven household. Her hair was shoulder length and dark in color. Haley had soft blue eyes and a sweet smile. She was shy and didn’t talk a lot. She always had her nose in a book. She only talked to one person ever, her best friend Felicia. They even lived together which was amazing. Haley stayed where she could hear what was going on but never really took part in the chaos. Cole was sure she was holding back for a big bang one day.
The new school year was upon them, all the new kids filed into the dorms and the old brick office buildings. The main administration building still had the original hand rails, old cracked wood that was sure to leave a splinter, from when the building was first put up. The ages of the students were from middle school up. All of the students there for whatever “gifted” or “talented” reason their parents gave Cole’s dad. It was one of the best schools around.
Cole was unpacking his clothes for the school year after his summer vacation. Cole had spent the summer taking care of his mom. She divorced his father years ago and became ill. She never seemed to get better and was now in bed and barely alive. Cole worked two jobs all summer long to help her catch up on her bills and pay for her medicine. Cole couldn’t help but worry about her.
It wasn’t long before Cole was shook from his thought by the door flying open. Benson was standing in the doorway with a huge smile for his friend, who he hadn’t seen in a long two months. He had let his longer black hair down from its normal ponytail. Benson’s big black boots stomped across the floor as he approached his friend.
“Have you seen all the new and beautiful little things running around here? This is going to be a great year.” Benson proclaimed.
“Sure is,” Cole laughed, “How was your vacation?”
“Great, kind of, my mom made me spend time my cousins out in Cali though.” Benson said sighing.
Cole smiled at his friend. He would have given anything to go to the beaches of California instead of worrying about his sick mother. Benson always seemed to have good luck. He even seemed to get all the girls first. Cole finished unpacking his clothes; he looked around at the dorm room they had shared for years. The posters and pictures that covered the walls were reminders of all the time they spent at that school understanding who they are. They couldn’t even see the original color of the wall through all the pictures and papers and stickers all over his side of the wall and Benson’s side looked just like Cole’s covered with memories.
“What do you say we rock the dorms tonight at a welcome back party?” Benson asked.
“Ben you’re going to upset my dad already?” Cole asked.
“No but the twins will. They already started planning the party.” Benson said with a wicked smile.
“I don’t know man, there always seems to be some drama lingering around the parties we have.” Cole confessed.
“True, but all the new girls around here, all dressed up is something you can’t miss out on.” Benson said.
“Fine I’ll go. Now let’s go get our books.” Cole said smiling a little.
“Alright, it’s always better when you’re in too.” Benson said.
As Cole opened the door and walked into the hall, he collided with a new student. A blonde girl with pink streaks in her hair. She was slender but filled out and looked to be Cole’s age. Her eyes were a soft shade of purple and looked up at Cole with apologies.
“I’m so sorry. I wasn’t watching where I was going.” She said bending down to get her books. Her hair fell in her face just a little as she reached for her things.
“Totally ok, we were all new once.” Cole said with a smile at her.
He bent down and helped her pick up her books. He handed her the books she had dropped and couldn’t help but smile at her. She was captivating to Cole and he felt the connection to her. It was like he knew her but he had never seen her before.
“Thanks” she said with a smile.
With that she was gone in a swift turn. She was shy and that took Cole’s breath away more. Benson took one look at his friend and knew he was hooked on this new girl already.
“Finally a girlfriend for you. I was starting to worry about you man.” Benson said patting Cole’s back.
“Oh please I didn’t even get her name.” Cole said.
“It’s not like you have to try hard to find her again.” Benson pointed out.
“Oh shut up Ben.” Cole laughed.
The two boys went on their way to collect their books for classes the next day. The same old hallways in the dorm painted yellow bored Cole’s walk to the main hall. The fresh air and the smell of fall on its way made the old blackened bricks of the main hall light up. All the voices echoed all over the huge lobby. In line for their books Cole heard a familiar whining voice that he couldn’t ignore. Felicia huffed by throwing a tantrum about not getting into the chemistry class her father taught. She was no good at chemistry and knew her dad would help her out. That’s why Cole’s dad refused to let her in her dad’s class.
“Welcome home Felicia.” Benson yelled teasing her.
“Bite me Ben.” She huffed.
“Oh really?” he teased more.
She flipped him the bird as she walked on down the hall. Her pink heels clicked on the marble floor and her hair floated behind her as she stormed off. Benson laughed loudly as they waited in line for their books and class schedules. Cole looked around at all the new faces and kids having fun. If only they knew who he really was, they would tremble in fear of him.
“Cole Taylor, Welcome back to school.” Benson’s mom smiled. Her brown hair was cut short and curled, around her round face. It made him feel like he was home. She was like his second mom. She was good friends with his mom and helped out gladly with him when he needed some motherly TLC.
“Hello ma’am.” Cole replied.
“How was your vacation?” she asked digging out his class schedule.
“Great, I caught up on my sleep.” He joked.
“Good one, slide on down to Jess and she’ll get your books honey.” She said.
“Thank you ma’am.” He said smiling and waving goodbye.
He walked down the line to find Jess standing behind a table almost waiting on him. She smiled at Cole; she always had a little thing for him but never admitted to it. He picked up on it by the way she treated him. Her short black hair was styled down. Her thick black makeup only made her eyes bluer.
“Welcome back Cole.” She said reaching for his list.
“Funny never took you for a volunteer type.” He smiled at her.
“I’m making up for a big mistake I made on break.” She huffed.
“Was it worth it?” Cole asked.
“Completely.” She smiled.
“You’re doing great then.” He said taking his books from her. He had quite a few books piled up in his arms as he stepped out of the way to wait for Benson.
“Wow, did you see Jess helping?” Ben laughed.
“Hey be nicer to her, she might bite you back.” Cole teased him.
“I know, it creeps me out.” He said squirming a little.
The boys took off walking back towards the dorms. Along the way Benson had to stop and at least smile at all the girls that gawked at the both of them. Cole never really took himself for the handsome type with his messy blonde hair, but he felt the eyes on him and the urges racing through the minds of the young ladies staring at him.
Cole was drawn to the stage being set up for the night’s party in the court yard. He knew D.J.Z would be making her appearance as always. The opening act though was always Evan’s band, Kill Zone. Cole always loved the sight of an awesome party coming together.
Not watching where he was going, Cole toppled over a bench were Evan and the pretty girl from earlier sat. All three of them hit the ground and Evan wailed, completely upset about Cole’s stupidity.
“What the hell man?” Evan screamed.
“Sorry man I wasn’t thinking right.” Cole said getting to his feet.
“Get yourself together man.” Evan snapped shoving some of his books at him.
“Sorry we had to collide again.” Cole said to the new girl.
“Totally alright, but next time I want diner first.” She said handing him the last of his books.
“Deal.” Cole said waving as he walked away.
He had made himself look dumb and wanted to hide from embarrassment. Of course that wasn’t going to happen because Benson wasn’t far away.
“Dude you have got to teach me how to pick up chicks like that, Evan was pissed and it’s funny from that small kid.” Benson teased.
“Not cool man.” Cole replied.
“Sorry man, you need to calm down though. It is way too early in the school year to stress so much.” Benson said.
Cole unlocked the door and pushed his way in with all the books in his arms. Suddenly he didn’t want all the books and extra work. He had over done himself already and it was going to be a long semester. He dropped all his books on his bed and looked over his schedule; Chemistry, math, English, specials 368, specials 057, and specials 623. Listed as specials to not reveal the true nature of the classes, and Cole had the three hardest special classes.
After packing his backpack for classes the next day he was brought to life by the sound of the party starting. He moved to the window and peered out. There was a huge cluster of teenaged kids ready to have a good time and relax.
“Come on, let’s make our appearance.” Benson said.
Cole nodded and followed his friends lead. Soon Benson went into girl chasing mode and left Cole to find a lady. Cole found a tree to lean against and watched as Zoe hyped up the crowd.
“Hello Taylor Prep! How are my people?” She said inviting the roar that overwhelmed her for a moment, “Welcome back to a fresh year at Prep. I am your school and party D.J.Z. and before we get our dance on, let’s jam with Vilincia’s very own KILL ZONE!” she announced happily.
The crowd roared. Even Cole put up a little love for Zoe. Evan’s band busted out the music before there was time to think about it. Teenagers all over the court yard were dancing and drinking all the boozes they could handle. Cole enjoyed sipping on his beer and watching the others go crazy for the party. Felicia even found her way to a little fun instead of her normal bitching.
Cole spotted the girl from earlier in the front row dancing and singing along to Evan’s songs. Her hair was curled and bouncing with her every move. Cole noticed a small birth mark on her ankle; he could see every perfection she had. She danced gracefully to the heavy metal music in the background. He saw that Zoe had approached her and seemed to know the girl well.
He was pulled from his gaze on the new girl by a familiar gentle tug. Jess pulled him into the mix of kids to dance with her. Jess smiled at him and he played along. He had a great time dancing with Jess until the band was done with their set.
“Thanks I needed that.” Jess said waving at Cole.
“Later.” Cole replied.
“Now let’s kick it.” Zoe announced as she started pumping out the dance beats.
Cole turned to walk back to his lonesome tree. However his tree wasn’t so lonesome anymore. A pair of kids were making out. As he walked away again he collided with the new girl. This time was different, this time she was crying.
“I’m so sorry I didn’t mean to hurt you.” Cole insisted.
“It’s not you.” She said getting to her feet.
“Is there something I can help with?” Cole asked innocently.
“No, but thank you.” She said pushing past him to get out of sight.
Cole sighed and walked on. Jackson was standing near the bar surrounded by girls. He smiled and waved to Cole. Cole raise his bottle and smiled back. Turning again he decided to head back to his dorm. He needed some rest, he had a long day coming at him. He unlocked the door and kicked off his shoes. He sat down and leaned back in his bed. Before he knew it he was out cold. He didn’t hear Benson come home or pass out drunk. He rested in his own peace.
It was the loud pounding of the alarm clock that brought Cole back to life. Benson moaned as he rolled over.
“Come on, it’s the first day. You can’t play hooky yet.” Cole said to Benson.
“Oh man, where did you go last night it was awesome.” Benson said.
“Looks like it.” Cole teased.
Cole changed his clothes into his uniform and slid on his sneakers. He never wore his tie and barely wore his blazer and no one seemed to notice. Benson finally rolled out of bed and started to get ready for class. When the first bell rang in the hallway both boys darted out the door and to the café for breakfast before class.
After grabbing some milk, an apple, and shoving granola bars into his pockets for later, he then rushed out of the cafe and ran for his first class barely making it before the bell rang.
“Thank you for gracing us with your presence Mr. Taylor. Take your seat please.” The teacher said irritated.
“Yes sir,” he said.
Announcements started for the day. Mrs. Von took pride in her morning welcoming all school year long. Everything from birthdays to new happenings in the school were announced every morning before class. He took a bite of his apple and looked around. A lot of new kids he didn’t know. Word of the schools amazing programs spread quickly and normal fought to have their kids enrolled. Thankfully he did recognize one face, Jess smiled at him from across the room. She made a few faces at him while announcements where on and they both laughed.
He wasn’t alone and that made him feel a little better. When chemistry finally started Cole felt a nap coming on. He was bored out of his mind. He wasn’t dumb by any means, he was actually too smart for this class. His father always tutored him at home. There was never rest for him with his father. It was why he preferred the company of his mom. She never pushed him into something. She wanted him to find his own way. Cole’s father was pushing his father’s ways on Cole. Pushing him to be a leader. Forcing him into the spot light.
“Mr. Taylor?...... Are you there?” the teachers voice boomed into his head.
“What?” Cole snapped.
He realized what was going on and sunk into his seat. His face was turning red and he heard the giggles of the kids around him.
“Wake up Mr. Taylor. I’m sure your father doesn’t want to bother with you being trouble today.” The old man said.
“Sorry sir.” Cole said shyly.
The teacher turned and walked away. He went on his lecture about what they would be covering and what the homework for the night was. A break was on its way when the bell finally rang releasing him from his agony.
Cole rushed out the door faster than he had made it in and headed for the next class. He made his way into the room and took notice to the girl he kept bumping into. He took the seat next to her and smiled in her direction. She looked towards him shyly, smiling too. Cole wasn’t really into his math class but he pretended to make sure not to get in trouble.
Cole stood to say hi to her as class ended but was interrupted.
“Cole!” Benson yelled
She looked up as his name was beckoned from the hallway. He smiled awkwardly and walked out of the room. His face was red and he looked peeved. He pushed by Benson and turned the corner. Benson followed him happily, unaware he had embarrassed his friend.
“Hey you disappeared pretty quickly after getting food. What’s the rush?” Benson asked.
“I just have a lot to do already Ben.” Cole said.
“Man, calm down it’s not as big as you think it is.” Benson said.
“It is, my dad has a lot on my shoulders. Remember I have to carry on this legacy.” Cole said.
“Dude, your dad’s not giving this up. Your dad’s going to live forever.” Benson said.
“Not forever, but longer then I will if I don’t keep up with class. See you for lunch man.” Cole said.
“Later.” Benson said turning the other way to get to class.
Cole was always the more serious one. He took pride in being responsible. He had to step up, he was the only child in his family. There was a lot of pressure on him to uphold his grandpa’s prophecy of him. It was a lot for a teenager to take in but somehow Cole managed without sweating a thing. It was who the Taylor’s were, fearless and collected.
With all the basic classes out of the way it was time for lunch and a little relaxing before kicking back into high gear. Benson was waiting for him with a fresh pizza outside in the late summer sun. Benson always knew when a pizza was called for and this was a great day for pizza. Normally they couldn’t get outside food delivered, but Benson always got around that rule. The boys devoured the pizza, Benson became annoyed though when Cole had started his homework without finishing his classes for the day.
“Man what is wrong with you sometimes?” Benson asked with a serious look.
“What do you mean?” Cole asked back.
“You’re doing homework before your day is done. You are the only kid I know who likes homework.” Benson said.
“Hey one of us has to be smart.” Cole teased Benson.
“Good point, if you weren’t so smart we would be in a lot more trouble than we already are.” Benson said looking up and getting out of his seat.
Cole turned to see what Benson was looking at and saw his father approaching. The boys tried to get away but his dad was too fast.
“Where are you boys going?” his dad asked
“Anywhere but here.” Benson said.
“Hey no more outside food. Next time I’ll talk to your mother.” Mr. Taylor said.
“Yes sir, see you later Cole.” Benson said bailing.
“Cole I hear your already late to class and sleeping in class too.” his father said.
“Dad I wasn’t sleeping in class.” Cole started.
“Enough, make sure it doesn’t happen again.” His father said with anger.
“Yes sir.” Cole said as he walked away from his father.
It wasn’t easy being the son of the principal. His dad made it hard on him to keep him strong. While Cole did respect that about his dad he also wished that their relationship would have been better and a little less strained. Cole made his way to his first coven class and saw Benson already had a spot for him. He waved and invited his friend over. The room was dark with no windows to keep the secrets of the classes.
“So how’s your dad doing?” Benson asked.
“He’s the same old man.” Cole replied.
“Good afternoon students and welcome to advanced pagan rituals.” Mrs. Handson said.
She jumped into her beginning of a new year speech. The short round woman had curly black hair and gray eyes. Benson rested his head on his hand like he was board, but Mrs. Handson wasn’t going to let him slack so soon.
“Mr. Von. I see you’re so intrigued with my lecture why don’t you come write down tonight’s assignment for me, NOW!” She said letting powers flare up in her eyes.
Benson sighed and walked up to the front of the room. Cole couldn’t help but laugh at his friends’ misfortune. He watched as Benson scribbled on the white board. His hand writing was barely legible to anyone. Cole wrote down the assignment and jumped right into the book. He thought if he could look at it he might be able to perform the ritual correctly. He knew by the end of this class he would have to be able to show his skill. Cole was expected to be the best at this because of who his grandfather was. There were now 10 kids in his class, there only used to be 3 kids in his classes. There was a new wave of witches shipping their kids off to be as successful as the Vilincia coven. Their coven was known for the violence in the past, and while stories still lurked around the town, among the witch community this school was huge. Cole was a very popular kid amongst covens all over the world.
When his day was finally over he huffed back to his dorm and met up with Benson again. Benson already had his uniform off and his street clothes on by the time Cole walked into the room.
“You look rough man.” Benson said.
“Just another year with a lot on my plate man.” Cole huffed.
“Well Friday we have another party going on and that will relax you. Now let’s go raid the café.” Benson said.
“Hold on let me change.” Cole said.
“Oh come on princess, you look fine.” Benson said.
“You’re not the only one who gets to look normal around here.” Cole said.
“I’m just the only one making it look good. Hurry up I’ll wait out here.” Benson said shutting the door behind him.
Cole changed as fast as he could and joined his friend for a snack before time for homework. He laughed and talked with Benson about his new lady friends. Cole just teased his friend for being such a player. He had never been good at talking to girls. Cole didn’t have time with all the history lessons his father had for him.
Benson and Cole met up with Felicia and Haley hanging out together. Haley didn’t talk a lot and Felicia liked that in her friends. Haley could handle her tantrums and bitch fests. Felicia was the only person that Haley could talk too. Being a part of the Raven family made her very soft spoken. Haley was reading a book when Cole and Benson sat down with the girls.
“How was your first day Felicia?” Benson asked.
“Oh get over yourself Ben, I don’t want you anymore.” Felicia said.
“If I wanted you I’d have you.” Benson replied.
“Ok, you keep telling yourself that.” She snorted.
He smiled at her deviously. She turned to Cole who was unusually quiet.
“How was your day?” she asked him.
“I’m ok, how are you?” he replied.
“I’m fine but that’s not what I asked Cole. You sure you’re ok?” she asked.
“Sorry I got a lot of homework to do.” He said sighing.
“Well thinking about it is only going to make you more scattered then you already are. Maybe you should go do it.” she replied with annoyance.
Without a word he got up and went back to his room. Benson stayed behind to tease Felicia a little more. Cole did what Felicia said and jumped into his homework instead of thinking about it. He wasn’t going to stop worrying about his homework until it was done. He rushed through all his normal class work. It was his other homework that worried him. He was taking Healing Magic, Advanced rituals and rites, and Over Taking the Human Mind. He loved getting into someone else’s head and just listening to the thoughts of people around him. People always seemed worried about all the petty things in life.
As he sat at his desk thinking about it, his mind connected with someone he had never heard before. He listened as the girl thought about a break up. Cole could hear this girl crying. He listened more as she wondered what she had done wrong to make that boy dump her. Then he heard Evan’s name and had an idea of what happened to that new girl the night before.
With the door flying open he was jolted back into his own head and spun to see Benson standing in the doorway shaking his head.
“You are a sad kid, you know that?” Benson said.
“Sorry Ben, I’m just no fun anymore.” Cole said.
“You’re dam right you’re no fun. We need to fix that about you.” Benson said.
“How do you plan to do that?” Cole asked.
“A lot of parties and a lot of girls.” Benson said.
“Oh please you know that’s not my thing.” Cole said.
“Dude you are 16. You should be living it up. You have the rest of your life to learn that history of the coven crap your dad is shoving down you. So let’s go get our party on.” Benson said.
“I don’t know Ben. I was almost late today.” Cole argued.
“Alright, have it your way.” Benson said.
He got up and walked out. Cole jumped up reluctantly and followed his friend. The two boys made it to a few private parties in the girl’s dorms. Cole took part in the drinking and danced with a few girls. The later it got the more intense his powers became. He suddenly felt more seductive and found himself face to face with a blonde from Kentucky. He couldn’t stand her voice but she was nice to look at and didn’t care at all about talking. In a dark corner to themselves, Benson tugged on Cole’s jacket. That’s when Cole realized he was levitating. The girl and himself dropped to the ground. She squealed a little.
“I’m sorry.” He said and he took off.
When alone in the darkness of the night Cole took off flying through the air. He missed flying, it was banned from the school grounds but he didn’t care. He needed the release of pressure on his soul. The cool night air in his face helped to calm his nerves and as he landed next to the dorm doors he looked around to make sure that no one was around to see him.
Cole made it to his room and fell asleep before Benson even made it home. It was exhausting already and the school year had just started. After a few apologies from Benson about the night before, he had the same day over and over. He refused the parties and sat in his room alone studying the ritual he was going to perform at midterms. It was a blessing of good health in life. The rite was so simple it was complicated. Cole had too much attachment to the rite, he always thought of his mom while practicing. It made him lose his focus and think about his mothers’ health. Cole knew it was only a matter of time before she left this world and lived unstrained and happy in the afterlife.
When the Friday night party was upon them it couldn’t be ignored anymore. Benson practically drug him out the door and to the rec room where the action was. When Benson went chasing a lady Cole made his way to greet Zoe, who wasn’t busy for once. She was running the music but normally she had a crowd. He walked up and hugged her from behind and she sank right into his arms knowing who it was.
“Hello dear friend. How is my Cole?” She smiled to him, her makeup colorful and her hair done beautifully with her headphones over top.
“I’m feeling better, how are you Z?” he asked.
“Fabulous as always babe. Where’s B-Man?” She asked.
“Chasing tail.” Cole laughed.
“Awe and you chose to hang out with me instead? How sweet!” Zoe smiled.
“Yeah, I’m not big on these crowds.” Cole replied.
“They don’t bite any harder than Felicia.” Zoe teased him.
They danced behind the turntable setup while she busted out the dub step. The drinks kept coming to the both of them from the bar just in time to replace the empty cup. Zoe was a good friend to Cole. She always listened to him and never pushed at him like Benson did. Zoe was his sane friend and his rational voice. She always smiled no matter how bad the situation. Cole’s eyes lit up when he saw her coming. He was a little uncomfortable, in a good way, when the new girl showed up at the booth with the two of them.
“OMG! Cole have you me my new BFF Whitney yet?” Zoe asked.
“Not officially, hi I’m Cole.” He said extending his hand.
“I know who you are, nice to meet you officially Cole.” She smiled but didn’t shake his hand.
She turned back to Zoe and spoke again, “Look Zoe thanks for bringing me out here but I’m not feeling it, so I’m going to head back to the dorms and get some rest.” She said.
“Oh Whit, don’t go yet, and please don’t cry over Evan. Tell her he’s just a pain in the ass Cole.” Zoe nodded.
“It’s true. He is a prick a lot of the times.” Cole smiled at her.
“Still Zoe, I can’t do it tonight.” She said.
“You can’t walk home alone and I can’t leave.” Zoe said.
“I’ll be fine Zoe really I can defend myself.” Whitney said.
“I’ll walk you back to your room.” Cole volunteered.
“You don’t have to miss this for me.” Whitney said hesitating.
“No please, he can come back but I don’t want you walking alone.” Zoe insisted.
“Ok fine, but only for you this one time Zoe.” Whitney said.
Cole smiled and let her lead the way. He watched as her straightened hair fell just right around her shoulders and her head band placed just right. He walked beside her quietly for a while but she couldn’t resist the urge to talk.
“So, the great Cole Taylor huh?” she said shyly.
“Yeah not really all that great though, I just have a lot to live up too.” he said.
“Wow pretty deep for a preppy jock.” She teased him.
“Yeah, not all I’m rumored to be, I know.” He said.
“That’s almost amazing.” She said.
“Almost?” he questioned playfully.
“Yeah, I knew there was a very small chance you wouldn’t be a total jerk.” She replied smiling.
“Oh really, just a small chance? How did you hear about me anyways?” he asked.
“I did a report on your family back in Texas for school.” She smiled.
“Oh I see, hunting down the past are you?” he asked.
“No, I’m actually here for the dance program.” She smiled.
“Oh, no good dance schools in Texas?” he asked.
“Not what I need.” She said.
“Well it’s nice to have you here.” He said shyly.
“Thank you.” She replied as he opened the door for her to the dorms where she stayed.
He walked her right to her door and wished her a good night. He turned and made his way back to the party. When he returned he was caught off guard by Benson saying he was going back to the room for a while with a lady on his arm.
Cole sighed and nodded as he walked away from Benson, who looked stoked that he had the room to himself and that pretty lady. Cole made his way back to Zoe’s booth.
“I see Benson kicked you out.” She said.
“You were eavesdropping?” Cole asked.
“A little, you know you can crash on my floor my roommate is staying at her boyfriend’s dorm tonight.” Zoe offered.
“Thanks Z, I will take you up on that offer.” Cole said.
“One thing, you have to hang with me all night and help me back to my room after the party.” Zoe said.
“Deal.” Cole said.
He spent the rest of his night dancing with Zoe in the D.J. booth. He talked to the other brat-lings as they all stopped by to say hi to Zoe, but when the party was finally over he helped pack up all her things and carry them back to her room. The girl’s dorms were twice as big as the boy’s dorms. They had to add two additional buildings to accommodate all the incoming girls. Cole followed Zoe who seemed to be on cloud nine in the cool night air. She skipped around in her knee high boots and super mini skirt with a Kill Zone shirt.
They finally made it to the room Zoe was assigned. She opened the door and let him in. She pulled out some extra blankets and handed them to Cole before she disappeared in her bathroom to change. Cole slipped his shoes off and tried to find a comfortable spot on the floor. Zoe returned and smiled at him. She flipped off the light and the moon lit up the room. She cuddled up under her orange blankets and looked down to him.
“Sweet dreams Cole.” She smiled then rolled back over to sleep herself.
He smiled for a moment and drifted away too. In his dreams he found himself looking in on Whitney. She slept soundly in her teal and pink bedding. Her lips parted slightly as she breathed. Her hair covered her face and she tossed and turned. Her dream shook her body, she jolted awake and her body fell to the bed. She had levitated. She wasn’t at all who he thought she was. Maybe she didn’t know how to control it, she did seem pretty upset about it and she sat in her bed crying.
“Who’s there?” Whitney whispered looking around.
He gasped and sat up. Never had he been detected looking at someone. He took a few deep breaths and laid back down against the hard floor and tried not to dream. He didn’t remember anything after that but the sound of Zoe’s roommate coming home. He sat up and looked at the girl. He looked at Zoe who was passed out.
“Zoe?” the girl cried loudly.
Zoe jumped up and looked around. The girl had armed herself with her baseball bat and was ready to strike if Zoe said so.
“NO! He’s my friend.” She said calmly.
The girl sighed and leaned back against the door.
“I thought he was an intruder. It didn’t look like Cole until you said something.” The girl replied.
“Totally ok Viv.” Zoe said.
“Hi, I’m Vivian.” She said to Cole.
“Hi, I’d introduce myself but you know who I am.” He said awkwardly.
“Cole you can use my bed and get some more sleep.” Zoe offered.
“Thanks Zoe, but I’ll take my chances back at my dorm.” He said shyly.
“Ok sorry Cole, text you later ok?” she asked.
“Yeah, later.” He said after slipping into his shoes and heading to the door.
His afternoon walk to his bed was warm for the changing in the seasons. The campus was littered with kids doing their homework. Some kids actually did care and it was refreshing to know he wasn’t alone. As he opened the door to his room he was reminded why he felt at home here, Benson was still passed out tangled up with the blonde from the night before. Cole shielded his eyes and quietly made his way under his blankets and drifted back to sleep.
Cole woke up to Benson shaking him. He rolled over and looked around to see what was going on. Benson stepped back and laughed at him.
“Dude, not cool.” Cole said.
“You have been out for hours. We got to start getting dressed, there’s another party at soccer fields.” Benson said.
“I don’t know man. I can’t take sleeping on Zoe’s floor again her roommate tried to kill me.” Cole said.
“Ok I won’t kick you out tonight, now come party with me.” Benson said.
“Ok fine.” Cole said smiling.
He rolled out of bed and took off to the locker rooms for a much needed shower. He put on his favorite pair of dark wash, boot cut jeans and a button down red and black shirt. When he returned to the room Benson was hanging out with Jackson. The other two boys were dressed up as well for attracting the new girls.
“Hey Cole man, how’s it shaking’?” Jackson asked.
“Not at all man. How’s the genius front working for you?” Cole teased.
“It’s a great angle this year man, chicks are into smart dudes this year.” Jackson teased back.
“Hey he will figure out girls in his own time.” Benson said playfully defending his friend.
“Hey I know girls man, I just don’t like the drama.” He said.
“It’s worth all the whining I promise.” Benson said.
The boys laughed and finished getting ready for the party. Cole pulled his favorite black hoody over his head. Then it was off to the party. They followed the line of teenagers to the soccer field to dance around. As soon as the blonde girl from the night before found Benson, he was gone chasing tail again.
“And then there were two.” Jackson said.
“It happens a lot with him.” Cole laughed.
He wondered around being Jackson’s wing man. When Jackson finally had a date for the rest of the night Cole was on his own. He left the party and went back to Whitney’s room. He had to know what she was after what he saw the night before. He got nervous and hesitated as he got closer to her room. He never once turned back though. It was like his body was taking him to her no matter what. He knocked on the door softly to make sure no one else would be bothered. He wasn’t expecting her to be home so when she opened the door he was surprised.
“Hi, how are feeling?” he asked her shyly.
“Better, what are you doing here Cole?” she asked curiously.
“Look I was bored at the party and I thought that if you were home maybe I wouldn’t be so bored if I wasn’t alone.” He said.
“So you came by to keep me company because the party was lame?” she asked.
“I’m sorry it’s dumb. I’ll leave.” He said turning.
“You don’t have to leave.” She said.
He turned back and smiled as she let him into her dorm room. She was dressed cutely in some skinny jeans and an oversized t-shirt. Out of habit he kicked off his shoes as to not track any dirt into her room.
“You really are a well groomed young man.” She said.
She moved to her bed and sat down. She pulled out her desk chair and offered the chair to him.
“Yeah my dad’s kind of a neat freak.” Cole said.
“So what compelled you to ditch a party full of girls for one you barely know?” she asked.
“I’m not sure, maybe it’s your need to avoid me that keeps me hanging on.” He said.
She laughed at him and offered, “Would you like a drink? I don’t have beer but I do have a stash of soda and candy.” She offered.
“It sounds a lot better than that lame party.” He said with a smile.
She handed him a soda and she spread some skittles out on her desk. He picked up a purple candy and popped it in his mouth.
“So what compels a girl like you to stay home from a lame party on a Saturday night?” he asked.
“I’m not a party type, it used to get me in a lot of trouble.” She said shyly.
“Ok so why are you here then?” he asked.
“I’m here to dance.” She replied.
“I know that, but why are you really here?” he asked.
“Just trying to find myself like the rest of us.” She said.
“What would you like to do with your life?” he asked sensing she didn’t get his question.
“I want to open a dance studio and teach kids how to dance.” She said shying away. Her bangs covered a little bit of her face and her pink and blonde ponytail fell down her back.
“That’s an amazing goal.” He said truly interested.
“What does the son of the principal want to be when he grows up?” she asked back.
“I don’t really have a choice.” He said smiling.
“You always have a choice.” She said.
“If I don’t follow in my dad’s footsteps this place will die.” He told her.
She picked up on the passion in his voice about it. She smiled and pressed on with caution.
“So why did you really come here Cole?” she asked.
“I just wanted to talk to someone who isn’t chasing girls around campus. I want to know someone real and you seemed to have it together.” He said.
“I am far from together but thanks for the compliment.” She said.
“So what’s your story since you already know mine?” he asked.
“I finally found a family then they sent me away. They found this school and said it was perfect for me. At least I’m not bunked up in a foster home anymore, which was the worst part of being abandoned.” She said.
“Wow, that’s got to suck.” He said.
“It can only get better from here right?” she asked.
“Right.” He agreed.
He looked at her and found he had to look up to her. Then it sunk in, she was levitating. She panicked when she realized what was happening and looked at him then hit the bed with a thump. She looked at him again embarrassed. To her shock he didn’t seem fazed.
“Are you sure that’s all to you?” he asked her with his eyes turning bright white.
He was letting his powers show and it made her powers come out too. Whitney’s eyes turned white with her powers flaring through.
“Does my dad know you’re a witch?” he asked her.
“I don’t even know what’s wrong with me how the hell can you do that too?” she asked.
“It’s my power. You know what I mean you did a report on my family.” He said leaning in to her.
“It can’t be true. Those were just old stories passed down from fables.” She said.
He reached for her arm and pulled out her right hand. The birth mark was just like his, it was the symbol that represented their coven. How was it possible she was from his coven and he didn’t know her? Now he was shocked, but she was losing it. She jumped up and pulled him out of his chair. She opened the door and shoved him out.
“Thanks but I don’t think I can see you again.” She said crying as she slammed the door shut.
He stood there for a moment to make sure that what he witnessed was real. He turned and made his way back to his room. When he got there and made his way in he was chased right back out by the unwanted vision of his friend’s girl. He turned and walked away and just wondered around. There was a couch in the mess hall and he found it open. Cole wasn’t desperate enough to go to his dad’s suite and crash in the spare room. He lay down and closed his eyes but realized it was going to be a long night. Kids were constantly stopping at the vending machines next to his head.
“Cole?” he heard.
He sat up and looked to find Jackson, walking around in his pajama pants and no shirt letting his washboard abs out for a late night snack.
“Hey.” He said.
“Why are you sleeping in here?” he asked.
“Benson’s girlfriend.” He said.
“Hey want to crash at my place?” Jackson asked.
“Yeah, that would be awesome.” Cole said following him back to his room.
After arriving Jackson handed him some blankets and a pillow. His roommate was gone for the night so Cole used the empty bed and crashed hard. He sleep until 2 pm before waking up on his own. Jackson was still passed out, so Cole packed up his mess and headed back to his room. Benson was saying goodbye to his girlfriend when Cole got back. He pushed by Benson on his way in his room.
“Oh come on you can’t be that mad.” Benson said.
“Dude you kicked me out of my bed twice this weekend for a girl. If you ever do that again I will snap.” Cole said feeling his anger show in his eyes.
“Ok man I get you. You need to relax Cole.” Benson said.
“Ben I went to talk to the new girl last night.” Cole said.
“Finally man.” Benson teased.
“No, not that. Ben she has the mark, our mark, she’s one of us and she doesn’t know it.” Cole said.
“What?” Benson asked.
“Whitney is one of us.” Cole said.
“That’s awesome. How did you find out?” Benson asked.
“I saw her levitate then I saw the mark then she kicked me out. My dad doesn’t know about it.” Cole said.
“So what do we do?” Benson asked.
“We need to know who she is. There’s something coming and it’s not pretty.” He said.
“You’re telling me you think she’s bringing something here?” Benson asked.
“Yeah, but she doesn’t know it Ben. She has no idea what she’s capable of doing yet.” Cole said.
“Dude you need to tell your dad. He is way better equip to handle this then we are.” Benson said.
“I can’t yet. You can’t say anything either.” Cole insisted.
“Cole that is getting a little deeper than the elders will allow. And they scare me more than my mom.” Benson said.
“Ben, I’m serious! You can’t say anything yet.” Cole said.
“Fine but it won’t be long before they know if you know already.” Benson said.
“I know, I just need to figure out who she is with us.” Cole said.
“Do you really think she could be one of them?” Benson asked.
“Yeah I do. Maybe they’ve changed. She said she was abandoned.” Cole said.
They were taught as kids not to trust the Brines and that they had died out with Johnathan. Now there was a chance that he could really get to know one of them. He could prove they weren’t all like Thomas. He pulled out his history book and started digging into the past. There was no confirmation of Johnathan’s death, so it was totally possible that she was put up for adoption in an attempt to save her life and was told all her life what she could do was wrong. He felt sorry for her all of the sudden and decided to try to help her find who she was. He took his book and wrapped it in a shirt of his. Then he jetted out of the room to give it to her to read.
Ignoring Benson he bailed out of the room. Jogging to the other side of the campus was easy for him it was knocking on the door that he was having trouble with. She had covered her door in little pink stars. He was dripping wet from the rain pouring out of the sky and he was afraid of getting her stars drenched. Finally he found his courage. He knocked on the door and waited for her to open the door. Whitney only cracked the door open and looked at him standing there soaked to the bone.
“Cole what are you doing?” she asked.
“Here this might make you feel better.” He said.
He handed her the shirt covered book and smiled. He turned and nervously walked away. He ignored the cold rain and walked back to his dorm slowly. The cold was refreshing since he was so on edge. He finally made it back to an empty room. He passed the note from Benson and grabbed some clothes for a nice hot shower. He made it back to his room and found a little pink envelope on his door with is name on it.
He took the little note inside looking around to see who else had seen. He made it in the room and ripped open the letter. The note inside was from Whitney. She thanked him for the book, she knew that it was a lot for him to let her barrow his coven history book. He sighed, at least he had helped her a little bit. He wasn’t done digging though, he needed more.
Welcome to Taylor Prep
Chapter 1
The third generation of coven children now ruled the school. The normal of school called the group of kids the brat-lings. They could get away with anything and break every rule without punishment. That group of kids put fear into all the students that attended the old brick school. They were always together and only mingled with the general population when catering a huge, rowdy party.
Cole was the grandson of Adam Taylor and his father, David, was the current principal. Cole was tall and built with mussels, blonde hair, and brown eyes. He played all the sports he could to feel like he fit in. Cole was drilled with his grandfather’s ways from the moment he was born, completely unaware of who he really was in the world. Like his father, Cole spent most of his life at the school. To avoid his father the coven kids normally came to Cole to have their issues resolved. He was the oldest of this generation of the coven at just 16.
Benson was the third generation of the Vons. He was tall and handsome with long black hair and green eyes that pulled you in with one look. He was 16 also and adored his motorcycle. He always wore his black leather jacket and jeans. For looking so mean he was truly a sweet guy. When he had something to say he made sure he was heard. Benson was a true mama’s boy and had unlimited access to her huge bank account. He was also Cole’s best friend. They did everything together since they were kids and had been roommates since they started at Taylor Prep.
Felicia, also 16, was from the Marchello family. She was slender and kept her hair long and straight. Her hair was the prettiest shade of brown and her eyes glowed a brilliant hazel color. She was the reason they were called the brat-lings, she was rude and mean and spoiled to the core by her parents. Her parents were teachers at the school and still allowed her to act the way she did. Her parents claimed it was a phase she would be over soon. She found peace in keeping everyone out. Mean was the only way she knew to push people away. She only really had one true friend, Haley Raven. Felicia was foreseen as Cole’s future queen but seemed to not be interested in talking to him yet. For now she didn’t like being told who to love.
Then the Strover twins, only 15, hung out in the crowd. Jessica and Jackson where polar opposites for twins. Jessica preferred to be called Jess, she kept her hair short and dyed black but her blue eyes popped out from all the darkness as light. She was gothic and loved it. She had pretty lips that she kept painted black. She was proud of who she was and rebelled just to fight about something. She was smarter than her twin brother and took pride in beating him for top grades every year, keeping her perfect record and her never changing 4.0. She was known for fighting with boys though and was constantly in trouble.
Jackson, on the other hand, was a genius and proud although always second to Jess. He kept his hair’s natural blonde color, cut short and his blue eyes glowed. He was tall and a known hottie in the school. He was into science and seemed to be more down to earth then his twin sister. He was calm and tried to avoid conflict. Jess was always pulling him into her trouble. The twins’ powers fed off of each other. If they were separated they wouldn’t even have powers to defend themselves.
The 15 year old Zoe belonged to the Handson’s. She was sweet and loved to help people. She kept her hair blonde, long, and cutely cut around her face. Her eyes were a beautiful shade of grey. She was thin but feisty when she needed to be. Zoe was a cheerleader and helped her fellow class men with anything from homework help to making friends. Zoe knew everyone and loved it. Her heart was kind and it reflected in everything Zoe did. She was also the local D.J.Z for all the parties. Zoe rocked her turntables constantly, loving music to the fullest.
Evan was 15 and he was the grandchild to the Monroe’s. He kept his hair in his eyes but just barely. It was naturally black and product held it in just the right way. Evan was a little shorter than everyone else and punched anyone who pointed it out. He was a rocker to the core. He had a metal band that played all the parties and were growing in popularity outside their happy little town. Evan played guitar and could sing like an angel. His voice was hypnotic and would pull you in with every word. He wasn’t a big fan of Cole and avoided hanging out with him at all costs. Evan thought Cole was just sailing through this school because of his name and only got involved when Benson made him.
Last, but not least, is little Haley Raven at just 14. She was the great granddaughter of the Raven household. Her hair was shoulder length and dark in color. Haley had soft blue eyes and a sweet smile. She was shy and didn’t talk a lot. She always had her nose in a book. She only talked to one person ever, her best friend Felicia. They even lived together which was amazing. Haley stayed where she could hear what was going on but never really took part in the chaos. Cole was sure she was holding back for a big bang one day.
The new school year was upon them, all the new kids filed into the dorms and the old brick office buildings. The main administration building still had the original hand rails, old cracked wood that was sure to leave a splinter, from when the building was first put up. The ages of the students were from middle school up. All of the students there for whatever “gifted” or “talented” reason their parents gave Cole’s dad. It was one of the best schools around.
Cole was unpacking his clothes for the school year after his summer vacation. Cole had spent the summer taking care of his mom. She divorced his father years ago and became ill. She never seemed to get better and was now in bed and barely alive. Cole worked two jobs all summer long to help her catch up on her bills and pay for her medicine. Cole couldn’t help but worry about her.
It wasn’t long before Cole was shook from his thought by the door flying open. Benson was standing in the doorway with a huge smile for his friend, who he hadn’t seen in a long two months. He had let his longer black hair down from its normal ponytail. Benson’s big black boots stomped across the floor as he approached his friend.
“Have you seen all the new and beautiful little things running around here? This is going to be a great year.” Benson proclaimed.
“Sure is,” Cole laughed, “How was your vacation?”
“Great, kind of, my mom made me spend time my cousins out in Cali though.” Benson said sighing.
Cole smiled at his friend. He would have given anything to go to the beaches of California instead of worrying about his sick mother. Benson always seemed to have good luck. He even seemed to get all the girls first. Cole finished unpacking his clothes; he looked around at the dorm room they had shared for years. The posters and pictures that covered the walls were reminders of all the time they spent at that school understanding who they are. They couldn’t even see the original color of the wall through all the pictures and papers and stickers all over his side of the wall and Benson’s side looked just like Cole’s covered with memories.
“What do you say we rock the dorms tonight at a welcome back party?” Benson asked.
“Ben you’re going to upset my dad already?” Cole asked.
“No but the twins will. They already started planning the party.” Benson said with a wicked smile.
“I don’t know man, there always seems to be some drama lingering around the parties we have.” Cole confessed.
“True, but all the new girls around here, all dressed up is something you can’t miss out on.” Benson said.
“Fine I’ll go. Now let’s go get our books.” Cole said smiling a little.
“Alright, it’s always better when you’re in too.” Benson said.
As Cole opened the door and walked into the hall, he collided with a new student. A blonde girl with pink streaks in her hair. She was slender but filled out and looked to be Cole’s age. Her eyes were a soft shade of purple and looked up at Cole with apologies.
“I’m so sorry. I wasn’t watching where I was going.” She said bending down to get her books. Her hair fell in her face just a little as she reached for her things.
“Totally ok, we were all new once.” Cole said with a smile at her.
He bent down and helped her pick up her books. He handed her the books she had dropped and couldn’t help but smile at her. She was captivating to Cole and he felt the connection to her. It was like he knew her but he had never seen her before.
“Thanks” she said with a smile.
With that she was gone in a swift turn. She was shy and that took Cole’s breath away more. Benson took one look at his friend and knew he was hooked on this new girl already.
“Finally a girlfriend for you. I was starting to worry about you man.” Benson said patting Cole’s back.
“Oh please I didn’t even get her name.” Cole said.
“It’s not like you have to try hard to find her again.” Benson pointed out.
“Oh shut up Ben.” Cole laughed.
The two boys went on their way to collect their books for classes the next day. The same old hallways in the dorm painted yellow bored Cole’s walk to the main hall. The fresh air and the smell of fall on its way made the old blackened bricks of the main hall light up. All the voices echoed all over the huge lobby. In line for their books Cole heard a familiar whining voice that he couldn’t ignore. Felicia huffed by throwing a tantrum about not getting into the chemistry class her father taught. She was no good at chemistry and knew her dad would help her out. That’s why Cole’s dad refused to let her in her dad’s class.
“Welcome home Felicia.” Benson yelled teasing her.
“Bite me Ben.” She huffed.
“Oh really?” he teased more.
She flipped him the bird as she walked on down the hall. Her pink heels clicked on the marble floor and her hair floated behind her as she stormed off. Benson laughed loudly as they waited in line for their books and class schedules. Cole looked around at all the new faces and kids having fun. If only they knew who he really was, they would tremble in fear of him.
“Cole Taylor, Welcome back to school.” Benson’s mom smiled. Her brown hair was cut short and curled, around her round face. It made him feel like he was home. She was like his second mom. She was good friends with his mom and helped out gladly with him when he needed some motherly TLC.
“Hello ma’am.” Cole replied.
“How was your vacation?” she asked digging out his class schedule.
“Great, I caught up on my sleep.” He joked.
“Good one, slide on down to Jess and she’ll get your books honey.” She said.
“Thank you ma’am.” He said smiling and waving goodbye.
He walked down the line to find Jess standing behind a table almost waiting on him. She smiled at Cole; she always had a little thing for him but never admitted to it. He picked up on it by the way she treated him. Her short black hair was styled down. Her thick black makeup only made her eyes bluer.
“Welcome back Cole.” She said reaching for his list.
“Funny never took you for a volunteer type.” He smiled at her.
“I’m making up for a big mistake I made on break.” She huffed.
“Was it worth it?” Cole asked.
“Completely.” She smiled.
“You’re doing great then.” He said taking his books from her. He had quite a few books piled up in his arms as he stepped out of the way to wait for Benson.
“Wow, did you see Jess helping?” Ben laughed.
“Hey be nicer to her, she might bite you back.” Cole teased him.
“I know, it creeps me out.” He said squirming a little.
The boys took off walking back towards the dorms. Along the way Benson had to stop and at least smile at all the girls that gawked at the both of them. Cole never really took himself for the handsome type with his messy blonde hair, but he felt the eyes on him and the urges racing through the minds of the young ladies staring at him.
Cole was drawn to the stage being set up for the night’s party in the court yard. He knew D.J.Z would be making her appearance as always. The opening act though was always Evan’s band, Kill Zone. Cole always loved the sight of an awesome party coming together.
Not watching where he was going, Cole toppled over a bench were Evan and the pretty girl from earlier sat. All three of them hit the ground and Evan wailed, completely upset about Cole’s stupidity.
“What the hell man?” Evan screamed.
“Sorry man I wasn’t thinking right.” Cole said getting to his feet.
“Get yourself together man.” Evan snapped shoving some of his books at him.
“Sorry we had to collide again.” Cole said to the new girl.
“Totally alright, but next time I want diner first.” She said handing him the last of his books.
“Deal.” Cole said waving as he walked away.
He had made himself look dumb and wanted to hide from embarrassment. Of course that wasn’t going to happen because Benson wasn’t far away.
“Dude you have got to teach me how to pick up chicks like that, Evan was pissed and it’s funny from that small kid.” Benson teased.
“Not cool man.” Cole replied.
“Sorry man, you need to calm down though. It is way too early in the school year to stress so much.” Benson said.
Cole unlocked the door and pushed his way in with all the books in his arms. Suddenly he didn’t want all the books and extra work. He had over done himself already and it was going to be a long semester. He dropped all his books on his bed and looked over his schedule; Chemistry, math, English, specials 368, specials 057, and specials 623. Listed as specials to not reveal the true nature of the classes, and Cole had the three hardest special classes.
After packing his backpack for classes the next day he was brought to life by the sound of the party starting. He moved to the window and peered out. There was a huge cluster of teenaged kids ready to have a good time and relax.
“Come on, let’s make our appearance.” Benson said.
Cole nodded and followed his friends lead. Soon Benson went into girl chasing mode and left Cole to find a lady. Cole found a tree to lean against and watched as Zoe hyped up the crowd.
“Hello Taylor Prep! How are my people?” She said inviting the roar that overwhelmed her for a moment, “Welcome back to a fresh year at Prep. I am your school and party D.J.Z. and before we get our dance on, let’s jam with Vilincia’s very own KILL ZONE!” she announced happily.
The crowd roared. Even Cole put up a little love for Zoe. Evan’s band busted out the music before there was time to think about it. Teenagers all over the court yard were dancing and drinking all the boozes they could handle. Cole enjoyed sipping on his beer and watching the others go crazy for the party. Felicia even found her way to a little fun instead of her normal bitching.
Cole spotted the girl from earlier in the front row dancing and singing along to Evan’s songs. Her hair was curled and bouncing with her every move. Cole noticed a small birth mark on her ankle; he could see every perfection she had. She danced gracefully to the heavy metal music in the background. He saw that Zoe had approached her and seemed to know the girl well.
He was pulled from his gaze on the new girl by a familiar gentle tug. Jess pulled him into the mix of kids to dance with her. Jess smiled at him and he played along. He had a great time dancing with Jess until the band was done with their set.
“Thanks I needed that.” Jess said waving at Cole.
“Later.” Cole replied.
“Now let’s kick it.” Zoe announced as she started pumping out the dance beats.
Cole turned to walk back to his lonesome tree. However his tree wasn’t so lonesome anymore. A pair of kids were making out. As he walked away again he collided with the new girl. This time was different, this time she was crying.
“I’m so sorry I didn’t mean to hurt you.” Cole insisted.
“It’s not you.” She said getting to her feet.
“Is there something I can help with?” Cole asked innocently.
“No, but thank you.” She said pushing past him to get out of sight.
Cole sighed and walked on. Jackson was standing near the bar surrounded by girls. He smiled and waved to Cole. Cole raise his bottle and smiled back. Turning again he decided to head back to his dorm. He needed some rest, he had a long day coming at him. He unlocked the door and kicked off his shoes. He sat down and leaned back in his bed. Before he knew it he was out cold. He didn’t hear Benson come home or pass out drunk. He rested in his own peace.
It was the loud pounding of the alarm clock that brought Cole back to life. Benson moaned as he rolled over.
“Come on, it’s the first day. You can’t play hooky yet.” Cole said to Benson.
“Oh man, where did you go last night it was awesome.” Benson said.
“Looks like it.” Cole teased.
Cole changed his clothes into his uniform and slid on his sneakers. He never wore his tie and barely wore his blazer and no one seemed to notice. Benson finally rolled out of bed and started to get ready for class. When the first bell rang in the hallway both boys darted out the door and to the café for breakfast before class.
After grabbing some milk, an apple, and shoving granola bars into his pockets for later, he then rushed out of the cafe and ran for his first class barely making it before the bell rang.
“Thank you for gracing us with your presence Mr. Taylor. Take your seat please.” The teacher said irritated.
“Yes sir,” he said.
Announcements started for the day. Mrs. Von took pride in her morning welcoming all school year long. Everything from birthdays to new happenings in the school were announced every morning before class. He took a bite of his apple and looked around. A lot of new kids he didn’t know. Word of the schools amazing programs spread quickly and normal fought to have their kids enrolled. Thankfully he did recognize one face, Jess smiled at him from across the room. She made a few faces at him while announcements where on and they both laughed.
He wasn’t alone and that made him feel a little better. When chemistry finally started Cole felt a nap coming on. He was bored out of his mind. He wasn’t dumb by any means, he was actually too smart for this class. His father always tutored him at home. There was never rest for him with his father. It was why he preferred the company of his mom. She never pushed him into something. She wanted him to find his own way. Cole’s father was pushing his father’s ways on Cole. Pushing him to be a leader. Forcing him into the spot light.
“Mr. Taylor?...... Are you there?” the teachers voice boomed into his head.
“What?” Cole snapped.
He realized what was going on and sunk into his seat. His face was turning red and he heard the giggles of the kids around him.
“Wake up Mr. Taylor. I’m sure your father doesn’t want to bother with you being trouble today.” The old man said.
“Sorry sir.” Cole said shyly.
The teacher turned and walked away. He went on his lecture about what they would be covering and what the homework for the night was. A break was on its way when the bell finally rang releasing him from his agony.
Cole rushed out the door faster than he had made it in and headed for the next class. He made his way into the room and took notice to the girl he kept bumping into. He took the seat next to her and smiled in her direction. She looked towards him shyly, smiling too. Cole wasn’t really into his math class but he pretended to make sure not to get in trouble.
Cole stood to say hi to her as class ended but was interrupted.
“Cole!” Benson yelled
She looked up as his name was beckoned from the hallway. He smiled awkwardly and walked out of the room. His face was red and he looked peeved. He pushed by Benson and turned the corner. Benson followed him happily, unaware he had embarrassed his friend.
“Hey you disappeared pretty quickly after getting food. What’s the rush?” Benson asked.
“I just have a lot to do already Ben.” Cole said.
“Man, calm down it’s not as big as you think it is.” Benson said.
“It is, my dad has a lot on my shoulders. Remember I have to carry on this legacy.” Cole said.
“Dude, your dad’s not giving this up. Your dad’s going to live forever.” Benson said.
“Not forever, but longer then I will if I don’t keep up with class. See you for lunch man.” Cole said.
“Later.” Benson said turning the other way to get to class.
Cole was always the more serious one. He took pride in being responsible. He had to step up, he was the only child in his family. There was a lot of pressure on him to uphold his grandpa’s prophecy of him. It was a lot for a teenager to take in but somehow Cole managed without sweating a thing. It was who the Taylor’s were, fearless and collected.
With all the basic classes out of the way it was time for lunch and a little relaxing before kicking back into high gear. Benson was waiting for him with a fresh pizza outside in the late summer sun. Benson always knew when a pizza was called for and this was a great day for pizza. Normally they couldn’t get outside food delivered, but Benson always got around that rule. The boys devoured the pizza, Benson became annoyed though when Cole had started his homework without finishing his classes for the day.
“Man what is wrong with you sometimes?” Benson asked with a serious look.
“What do you mean?” Cole asked back.
“You’re doing homework before your day is done. You are the only kid I know who likes homework.” Benson said.
“Hey one of us has to be smart.” Cole teased Benson.
“Good point, if you weren’t so smart we would be in a lot more trouble than we already are.” Benson said looking up and getting out of his seat.
Cole turned to see what Benson was looking at and saw his father approaching. The boys tried to get away but his dad was too fast.
“Where are you boys going?” his dad asked
“Anywhere but here.” Benson said.
“Hey no more outside food. Next time I’ll talk to your mother.” Mr. Taylor said.
“Yes sir, see you later Cole.” Benson said bailing.
“Cole I hear your already late to class and sleeping in class too.” his father said.
“Dad I wasn’t sleeping in class.” Cole started.
“Enough, make sure it doesn’t happen again.” His father said with anger.
“Yes sir.” Cole said as he walked away from his father.
It wasn’t easy being the son of the principal. His dad made it hard on him to keep him strong. While Cole did respect that about his dad he also wished that their relationship would have been better and a little less strained. Cole made his way to his first coven class and saw Benson already had a spot for him. He waved and invited his friend over. The room was dark with no windows to keep the secrets of the classes.
“So how’s your dad doing?” Benson asked.
“He’s the same old man.” Cole replied.
“Good afternoon students and welcome to advanced pagan rituals.” Mrs. Handson said.
She jumped into her beginning of a new year speech. The short round woman had curly black hair and gray eyes. Benson rested his head on his hand like he was board, but Mrs. Handson wasn’t going to let him slack so soon.
“Mr. Von. I see you’re so intrigued with my lecture why don’t you come write down tonight’s assignment for me, NOW!” She said letting powers flare up in her eyes.
Benson sighed and walked up to the front of the room. Cole couldn’t help but laugh at his friends’ misfortune. He watched as Benson scribbled on the white board. His hand writing was barely legible to anyone. Cole wrote down the assignment and jumped right into the book. He thought if he could look at it he might be able to perform the ritual correctly. He knew by the end of this class he would have to be able to show his skill. Cole was expected to be the best at this because of who his grandfather was. There were now 10 kids in his class, there only used to be 3 kids in his classes. There was a new wave of witches shipping their kids off to be as successful as the Vilincia coven. Their coven was known for the violence in the past, and while stories still lurked around the town, among the witch community this school was huge. Cole was a very popular kid amongst covens all over the world.
When his day was finally over he huffed back to his dorm and met up with Benson again. Benson already had his uniform off and his street clothes on by the time Cole walked into the room.
“You look rough man.” Benson said.
“Just another year with a lot on my plate man.” Cole huffed.
“Well Friday we have another party going on and that will relax you. Now let’s go raid the café.” Benson said.
“Hold on let me change.” Cole said.
“Oh come on princess, you look fine.” Benson said.
“You’re not the only one who gets to look normal around here.” Cole said.
“I’m just the only one making it look good. Hurry up I’ll wait out here.” Benson said shutting the door behind him.
Cole changed as fast as he could and joined his friend for a snack before time for homework. He laughed and talked with Benson about his new lady friends. Cole just teased his friend for being such a player. He had never been good at talking to girls. Cole didn’t have time with all the history lessons his father had for him.
Benson and Cole met up with Felicia and Haley hanging out together. Haley didn’t talk a lot and Felicia liked that in her friends. Haley could handle her tantrums and bitch fests. Felicia was the only person that Haley could talk too. Being a part of the Raven family made her very soft spoken. Haley was reading a book when Cole and Benson sat down with the girls.
“How was your first day Felicia?” Benson asked.
“Oh get over yourself Ben, I don’t want you anymore.” Felicia said.
“If I wanted you I’d have you.” Benson replied.
“Ok, you keep telling yourself that.” She snorted.
He smiled at her deviously. She turned to Cole who was unusually quiet.
“How was your day?” she asked him.
“I’m ok, how are you?” he replied.
“I’m fine but that’s not what I asked Cole. You sure you’re ok?” she asked.
“Sorry I got a lot of homework to do.” He said sighing.
“Well thinking about it is only going to make you more scattered then you already are. Maybe you should go do it.” she replied with annoyance.
Without a word he got up and went back to his room. Benson stayed behind to tease Felicia a little more. Cole did what Felicia said and jumped into his homework instead of thinking about it. He wasn’t going to stop worrying about his homework until it was done. He rushed through all his normal class work. It was his other homework that worried him. He was taking Healing Magic, Advanced rituals and rites, and Over Taking the Human Mind. He loved getting into someone else’s head and just listening to the thoughts of people around him. People always seemed worried about all the petty things in life.
As he sat at his desk thinking about it, his mind connected with someone he had never heard before. He listened as the girl thought about a break up. Cole could hear this girl crying. He listened more as she wondered what she had done wrong to make that boy dump her. Then he heard Evan’s name and had an idea of what happened to that new girl the night before.
With the door flying open he was jolted back into his own head and spun to see Benson standing in the doorway shaking his head.
“You are a sad kid, you know that?” Benson said.
“Sorry Ben, I’m just no fun anymore.” Cole said.
“You’re dam right you’re no fun. We need to fix that about you.” Benson said.
“How do you plan to do that?” Cole asked.
“A lot of parties and a lot of girls.” Benson said.
“Oh please you know that’s not my thing.” Cole said.
“Dude you are 16. You should be living it up. You have the rest of your life to learn that history of the coven crap your dad is shoving down you. So let’s go get our party on.” Benson said.
“I don’t know Ben. I was almost late today.” Cole argued.
“Alright, have it your way.” Benson said.
He got up and walked out. Cole jumped up reluctantly and followed his friend. The two boys made it to a few private parties in the girl’s dorms. Cole took part in the drinking and danced with a few girls. The later it got the more intense his powers became. He suddenly felt more seductive and found himself face to face with a blonde from Kentucky. He couldn’t stand her voice but she was nice to look at and didn’t care at all about talking. In a dark corner to themselves, Benson tugged on Cole’s jacket. That’s when Cole realized he was levitating. The girl and himself dropped to the ground. She squealed a little.
“I’m sorry.” He said and he took off.
When alone in the darkness of the night Cole took off flying through the air. He missed flying, it was banned from the school grounds but he didn’t care. He needed the release of pressure on his soul. The cool night air in his face helped to calm his nerves and as he landed next to the dorm doors he looked around to make sure that no one was around to see him.
Cole made it to his room and fell asleep before Benson even made it home. It was exhausting already and the school year had just started. After a few apologies from Benson about the night before, he had the same day over and over. He refused the parties and sat in his room alone studying the ritual he was going to perform at midterms. It was a blessing of good health in life. The rite was so simple it was complicated. Cole had too much attachment to the rite, he always thought of his mom while practicing. It made him lose his focus and think about his mothers’ health. Cole knew it was only a matter of time before she left this world and lived unstrained and happy in the afterlife.
When the Friday night party was upon them it couldn’t be ignored anymore. Benson practically drug him out the door and to the rec room where the action was. When Benson went chasing a lady Cole made his way to greet Zoe, who wasn’t busy for once. She was running the music but normally she had a crowd. He walked up and hugged her from behind and she sank right into his arms knowing who it was.
“Hello dear friend. How is my Cole?” She smiled to him, her makeup colorful and her hair done beautifully with her headphones over top.
“I’m feeling better, how are you Z?” he asked.
“Fabulous as always babe. Where’s B-Man?” She asked.
“Chasing tail.” Cole laughed.
“Awe and you chose to hang out with me instead? How sweet!” Zoe smiled.
“Yeah, I’m not big on these crowds.” Cole replied.
“They don’t bite any harder than Felicia.” Zoe teased him.
They danced behind the turntable setup while she busted out the dub step. The drinks kept coming to the both of them from the bar just in time to replace the empty cup. Zoe was a good friend to Cole. She always listened to him and never pushed at him like Benson did. Zoe was his sane friend and his rational voice. She always smiled no matter how bad the situation. Cole’s eyes lit up when he saw her coming. He was a little uncomfortable, in a good way, when the new girl showed up at the booth with the two of them.
“OMG! Cole have you me my new BFF Whitney yet?” Zoe asked.
“Not officially, hi I’m Cole.” He said extending his hand.
“I know who you are, nice to meet you officially Cole.” She smiled but didn’t shake his hand.
She turned back to Zoe and spoke again, “Look Zoe thanks for bringing me out here but I’m not feeling it, so I’m going to head back to the dorms and get some rest.” She said.
“Oh Whit, don’t go yet, and please don’t cry over Evan. Tell her he’s just a pain in the ass Cole.” Zoe nodded.
“It’s true. He is a prick a lot of the times.” Cole smiled at her.
“Still Zoe, I can’t do it tonight.” She said.
“You can’t walk home alone and I can’t leave.” Zoe said.
“I’ll be fine Zoe really I can defend myself.” Whitney said.
“I’ll walk you back to your room.” Cole volunteered.
“You don’t have to miss this for me.” Whitney said hesitating.
“No please, he can come back but I don’t want you walking alone.” Zoe insisted.
“Ok fine, but only for you this one time Zoe.” Whitney said.
Cole smiled and let her lead the way. He watched as her straightened hair fell just right around her shoulders and her head band placed just right. He walked beside her quietly for a while but she couldn’t resist the urge to talk.
“So, the great Cole Taylor huh?” she said shyly.
“Yeah not really all that great though, I just have a lot to live up too.” he said.
“Wow pretty deep for a preppy jock.” She teased him.
“Yeah, not all I’m rumored to be, I know.” He said.
“That’s almost amazing.” She said.
“Almost?” he questioned playfully.
“Yeah, I knew there was a very small chance you wouldn’t be a total jerk.” She replied smiling.
“Oh really, just a small chance? How did you hear about me anyways?” he asked.
“I did a report on your family back in Texas for school.” She smiled.
“Oh I see, hunting down the past are you?” he asked.
“No, I’m actually here for the dance program.” She smiled.
“Oh, no good dance schools in Texas?” he asked.
“Not what I need.” She said.
“Well it’s nice to have you here.” He said shyly.
“Thank you.” She replied as he opened the door for her to the dorms where she stayed.
He walked her right to her door and wished her a good night. He turned and made his way back to the party. When he returned he was caught off guard by Benson saying he was going back to the room for a while with a lady on his arm.
Cole sighed and nodded as he walked away from Benson, who looked stoked that he had the room to himself and that pretty lady. Cole made his way back to Zoe’s booth.
“I see Benson kicked you out.” She said.
“You were eavesdropping?” Cole asked.
“A little, you know you can crash on my floor my roommate is staying at her boyfriend’s dorm tonight.” Zoe offered.
“Thanks Z, I will take you up on that offer.” Cole said.
“One thing, you have to hang with me all night and help me back to my room after the party.” Zoe said.
“Deal.” Cole said.
He spent the rest of his night dancing with Zoe in the D.J. booth. He talked to the other brat-lings as they all stopped by to say hi to Zoe, but when the party was finally over he helped pack up all her things and carry them back to her room. The girl’s dorms were twice as big as the boy’s dorms. They had to add two additional buildings to accommodate all the incoming girls. Cole followed Zoe who seemed to be on cloud nine in the cool night air. She skipped around in her knee high boots and super mini skirt with a Kill Zone shirt.
They finally made it to the room Zoe was assigned. She opened the door and let him in. She pulled out some extra blankets and handed them to Cole before she disappeared in her bathroom to change. Cole slipped his shoes off and tried to find a comfortable spot on the floor. Zoe returned and smiled at him. She flipped off the light and the moon lit up the room. She cuddled up under her orange blankets and looked down to him.
“Sweet dreams Cole.” She smiled then rolled back over to sleep herself.
He smiled for a moment and drifted away too. In his dreams he found himself looking in on Whitney. She slept soundly in her teal and pink bedding. Her lips parted slightly as she breathed. Her hair covered her face and she tossed and turned. Her dream shook her body, she jolted awake and her body fell to the bed. She had levitated. She wasn’t at all who he thought she was. Maybe she didn’t know how to control it, she did seem pretty upset about it and she sat in her bed crying.
“Who’s there?” Whitney whispered looking around.
He gasped and sat up. Never had he been detected looking at someone. He took a few deep breaths and laid back down against the hard floor and tried not to dream. He didn’t remember anything after that but the sound of Zoe’s roommate coming home. He sat up and looked at the girl. He looked at Zoe who was passed out.
“Zoe?” the girl cried loudly.
Zoe jumped up and looked around. The girl had armed herself with her baseball bat and was ready to strike if Zoe said so.
“NO! He’s my friend.” She said calmly.
The girl sighed and leaned back against the door.
“I thought he was an intruder. It didn’t look like Cole until you said something.” The girl replied.
“Totally ok Viv.” Zoe said.
“Hi, I’m Vivian.” She said to Cole.
“Hi, I’d introduce myself but you know who I am.” He said awkwardly.
“Cole you can use my bed and get some more sleep.” Zoe offered.
“Thanks Zoe, but I’ll take my chances back at my dorm.” He said shyly.
“Ok sorry Cole, text you later ok?” she asked.
“Yeah, later.” He said after slipping into his shoes and heading to the door.
His afternoon walk to his bed was warm for the changing in the seasons. The campus was littered with kids doing their homework. Some kids actually did care and it was refreshing to know he wasn’t alone. As he opened the door to his room he was reminded why he felt at home here, Benson was still passed out tangled up with the blonde from the night before. Cole shielded his eyes and quietly made his way under his blankets and drifted back to sleep.
Cole woke up to Benson shaking him. He rolled over and looked around to see what was going on. Benson stepped back and laughed at him.
“Dude, not cool.” Cole said.
“You have been out for hours. We got to start getting dressed, there’s another party at soccer fields.” Benson said.
“I don’t know man. I can’t take sleeping on Zoe’s floor again her roommate tried to kill me.” Cole said.
“Ok I won’t kick you out tonight, now come party with me.” Benson said.
“Ok fine.” Cole said smiling.
He rolled out of bed and took off to the locker rooms for a much needed shower. He put on his favorite pair of dark wash, boot cut jeans and a button down red and black shirt. When he returned to the room Benson was hanging out with Jackson. The other two boys were dressed up as well for attracting the new girls.
“Hey Cole man, how’s it shaking’?” Jackson asked.
“Not at all man. How’s the genius front working for you?” Cole teased.
“It’s a great angle this year man, chicks are into smart dudes this year.” Jackson teased back.
“Hey he will figure out girls in his own time.” Benson said playfully defending his friend.
“Hey I know girls man, I just don’t like the drama.” He said.
“It’s worth all the whining I promise.” Benson said.
The boys laughed and finished getting ready for the party. Cole pulled his favorite black hoody over his head. Then it was off to the party. They followed the line of teenagers to the soccer field to dance around. As soon as the blonde girl from the night before found Benson, he was gone chasing tail again.
“And then there were two.” Jackson said.
“It happens a lot with him.” Cole laughed.
He wondered around being Jackson’s wing man. When Jackson finally had a date for the rest of the night Cole was on his own. He left the party and went back to Whitney’s room. He had to know what she was after what he saw the night before. He got nervous and hesitated as he got closer to her room. He never once turned back though. It was like his body was taking him to her no matter what. He knocked on the door softly to make sure no one else would be bothered. He wasn’t expecting her to be home so when she opened the door he was surprised.
“Hi, how are feeling?” he asked her shyly.
“Better, what are you doing here Cole?” she asked curiously.
“Look I was bored at the party and I thought that if you were home maybe I wouldn’t be so bored if I wasn’t alone.” He said.
“So you came by to keep me company because the party was lame?” she asked.
“I’m sorry it’s dumb. I’ll leave.” He said turning.
“You don’t have to leave.” She said.
He turned back and smiled as she let him into her dorm room. She was dressed cutely in some skinny jeans and an oversized t-shirt. Out of habit he kicked off his shoes as to not track any dirt into her room.
“You really are a well groomed young man.” She said.
She moved to her bed and sat down. She pulled out her desk chair and offered the chair to him.
“Yeah my dad’s kind of a neat freak.” Cole said.
“So what compelled you to ditch a party full of girls for one you barely know?” she asked.
“I’m not sure, maybe it’s your need to avoid me that keeps me hanging on.” He said.
She laughed at him and offered, “Would you like a drink? I don’t have beer but I do have a stash of soda and candy.” She offered.
“It sounds a lot better than that lame party.” He said with a smile.
She handed him a soda and she spread some skittles out on her desk. He picked up a purple candy and popped it in his mouth.
“So what compels a girl like you to stay home from a lame party on a Saturday night?” he asked.
“I’m not a party type, it used to get me in a lot of trouble.” She said shyly.
“Ok so why are you here then?” he asked.
“I’m here to dance.” She replied.
“I know that, but why are you really here?” he asked.
“Just trying to find myself like the rest of us.” She said.
“What would you like to do with your life?” he asked sensing she didn’t get his question.
“I want to open a dance studio and teach kids how to dance.” She said shying away. Her bangs covered a little bit of her face and her pink and blonde ponytail fell down her back.
“That’s an amazing goal.” He said truly interested.
“What does the son of the principal want to be when he grows up?” she asked back.
“I don’t really have a choice.” He said smiling.
“You always have a choice.” She said.
“If I don’t follow in my dad’s footsteps this place will die.” He told her.
She picked up on the passion in his voice about it. She smiled and pressed on with caution.
“So why did you really come here Cole?” she asked.
“I just wanted to talk to someone who isn’t chasing girls around campus. I want to know someone real and you seemed to have it together.” He said.
“I am far from together but thanks for the compliment.” She said.
“So what’s your story since you already know mine?” he asked.
“I finally found a family then they sent me away. They found this school and said it was perfect for me. At least I’m not bunked up in a foster home anymore, which was the worst part of being abandoned.” She said.
“Wow, that’s got to suck.” He said.
“It can only get better from here right?” she asked.
“Right.” He agreed.
He looked at her and found he had to look up to her. Then it sunk in, she was levitating. She panicked when she realized what was happening and looked at him then hit the bed with a thump. She looked at him again embarrassed. To her shock he didn’t seem fazed.
“Are you sure that’s all to you?” he asked her with his eyes turning bright white.
He was letting his powers show and it made her powers come out too. Whitney’s eyes turned white with her powers flaring through.
“Does my dad know you’re a witch?” he asked her.
“I don’t even know what’s wrong with me how the hell can you do that too?” she asked.
“It’s my power. You know what I mean you did a report on my family.” He said leaning in to her.
“It can’t be true. Those were just old stories passed down from fables.” She said.
He reached for her arm and pulled out her right hand. The birth mark was just like his, it was the symbol that represented their coven. How was it possible she was from his coven and he didn’t know her? Now he was shocked, but she was losing it. She jumped up and pulled him out of his chair. She opened the door and shoved him out.
“Thanks but I don’t think I can see you again.” She said crying as she slammed the door shut.
He stood there for a moment to make sure that what he witnessed was real. He turned and made his way back to his room. When he got there and made his way in he was chased right back out by the unwanted vision of his friend’s girl. He turned and walked away and just wondered around. There was a couch in the mess hall and he found it open. Cole wasn’t desperate enough to go to his dad’s suite and crash in the spare room. He lay down and closed his eyes but realized it was going to be a long night. Kids were constantly stopping at the vending machines next to his head.
“Cole?” he heard.
He sat up and looked to find Jackson, walking around in his pajama pants and no shirt letting his washboard abs out for a late night snack.
“Hey.” He said.
“Why are you sleeping in here?” he asked.
“Benson’s girlfriend.” He said.
“Hey want to crash at my place?” Jackson asked.
“Yeah, that would be awesome.” Cole said following him back to his room.
After arriving Jackson handed him some blankets and a pillow. His roommate was gone for the night so Cole used the empty bed and crashed hard. He sleep until 2 pm before waking up on his own. Jackson was still passed out, so Cole packed up his mess and headed back to his room. Benson was saying goodbye to his girlfriend when Cole got back. He pushed by Benson on his way in his room.
“Oh come on you can’t be that mad.” Benson said.
“Dude you kicked me out of my bed twice this weekend for a girl. If you ever do that again I will snap.” Cole said feeling his anger show in his eyes.
“Ok man I get you. You need to relax Cole.” Benson said.
“Ben I went to talk to the new girl last night.” Cole said.
“Finally man.” Benson teased.
“No, not that. Ben she has the mark, our mark, she’s one of us and she doesn’t know it.” Cole said.
“What?” Benson asked.
“Whitney is one of us.” Cole said.
“That’s awesome. How did you find out?” Benson asked.
“I saw her levitate then I saw the mark then she kicked me out. My dad doesn’t know about it.” Cole said.
“So what do we do?” Benson asked.
“We need to know who she is. There’s something coming and it’s not pretty.” He said.
“You’re telling me you think she’s bringing something here?” Benson asked.
“Yeah, but she doesn’t know it Ben. She has no idea what she’s capable of doing yet.” Cole said.
“Dude you need to tell your dad. He is way better equip to handle this then we are.” Benson said.
“I can’t yet. You can’t say anything either.” Cole insisted.
“Cole that is getting a little deeper than the elders will allow. And they scare me more than my mom.” Benson said.
“Ben, I’m serious! You can’t say anything yet.” Cole said.
“Fine but it won’t be long before they know if you know already.” Benson said.
“I know, I just need to figure out who she is with us.” Cole said.
“Do you really think she could be one of them?” Benson asked.
“Yeah I do. Maybe they’ve changed. She said she was abandoned.” Cole said.
They were taught as kids not to trust the Brines and that they had died out with Johnathan. Now there was a chance that he could really get to know one of them. He could prove they weren’t all like Thomas. He pulled out his history book and started digging into the past. There was no confirmation of Johnathan’s death, so it was totally possible that she was put up for adoption in an attempt to save her life and was told all her life what she could do was wrong. He felt sorry for her all of the sudden and decided to try to help her find who she was. He took his book and wrapped it in a shirt of his. Then he jetted out of the room to give it to her to read.
Ignoring Benson he bailed out of the room. Jogging to the other side of the campus was easy for him it was knocking on the door that he was having trouble with. She had covered her door in little pink stars. He was dripping wet from the rain pouring out of the sky and he was afraid of getting her stars drenched. Finally he found his courage. He knocked on the door and waited for her to open the door. Whitney only cracked the door open and looked at him standing there soaked to the bone.
“Cole what are you doing?” she asked.
“Here this might make you feel better.” He said.
He handed her the shirt covered book and smiled. He turned and nervously walked away. He ignored the cold rain and walked back to his dorm slowly. The cold was refreshing since he was so on edge. He finally made it back to an empty room. He passed the note from Benson and grabbed some clothes for a nice hot shower. He made it back to his room and found a little pink envelope on his door with is name on it.
He took the little note inside looking around to see who else had seen. He made it in the room and ripped open the letter. The note inside was from Whitney. She thanked him for the book, she knew that it was a lot for him to let her barrow his coven history book. He sighed, at least he had helped her a little bit. He wasn’t done digging though, he needed more.
The Attested
Would you fall in love? Or push him away? Knowing that your job is to protect the future god of mankind and die when he didn’t need you anymore was bad enough. But Cole insists on loving her. Finally she lets him in. She holds her guard though, she still isn’t sure if he can really change her fate. If he does will he still love her like he said he always would? With such a big promise surely he couldn’t keep it.
Then Sam, Whitney’s best friend, starts to believe him too. She is followed by the rest of the coven and they point out the changes to her. There was a shift waiting to happen and she could almost feel it. She tried to ignore it, hide it, after being an orphan for so long she knew not to get her hopes up. She distracts her mind by exploring love.
Whitney decides if she is going to let Cole in she wants to slowly experience life before she dies. Her choices upsets her friend to the point of a fight over Whitney’s future. She has a moment of clarity with this fight, maybe she can trust what’s going on here. Maybe not all places were the same as the terrible foster homes she lived in until found by her uncle. Finding out her past leads to her father and clearly there is tension between them that makes life more difficult to digest for her.
Find out more about what happen in The Vilincia Coven series and get ready for more on The Attested, book 2 of the series!
Facebook.com/JThompsonbooks
Twitter @JThompsonbooks
Or sneak into book one at
https://www.createspace.com/Preview/1...
Then Sam, Whitney’s best friend, starts to believe him too. She is followed by the rest of the coven and they point out the changes to her. There was a shift waiting to happen and she could almost feel it. She tried to ignore it, hide it, after being an orphan for so long she knew not to get her hopes up. She distracts her mind by exploring love.
Whitney decides if she is going to let Cole in she wants to slowly experience life before she dies. Her choices upsets her friend to the point of a fight over Whitney’s future. She has a moment of clarity with this fight, maybe she can trust what’s going on here. Maybe not all places were the same as the terrible foster homes she lived in until found by her uncle. Finding out her past leads to her father and clearly there is tension between them that makes life more difficult to digest for her.
Find out more about what happen in The Vilincia Coven series and get ready for more on The Attested, book 2 of the series!
Facebook.com/JThompsonbooks
Twitter @JThompsonbooks
Or sneak into book one at
https://www.createspace.com/Preview/1...
Thanks so much
The life of a writer gets better day by day. I know the high has to stop sometime but for right now it’s a wild ride up hill. I snuck on to twitter and had so many re-tweets of all my links and a lot of response here now on my book blog. Ok, honestly, I cried! I felt the need to cry from the overwhelming response to my work! I am so thankful that I overcame my fear and put myself out there. I really think, although it’s social media, I might show my kids. They are still young enough that the little things excite them. But then again I’m old and everything excites me!
Now I know I have to keep going with the series, writing, my blogging life. This is just so much more then I ever thought it would be and the rush is just amazingly hard to put words to how I feel. And I’m not the type of girl to be out of words. And all my characters would thank you if they could! Life has such an amazing way of showing you if you’re faithful your day will change. I just hope to keep the good vibes coming and the word spreading about my series!
Now I know I have to keep going with the series, writing, my blogging life. This is just so much more then I ever thought it would be and the rush is just amazingly hard to put words to how I feel. And I’m not the type of girl to be out of words. And all my characters would thank you if they could! Life has such an amazing way of showing you if you’re faithful your day will change. I just hope to keep the good vibes coming and the word spreading about my series!
blurting out loud
I’ve had such a long day already. Why is it that the world is always pulling on me? I can only go so far before I’ve had enough. I need to change my mood around! All this editing really has me in a slump! Or the fact that I loath the movie they are making out of my favorite books, or any other of life’s problems. This is just ridiculous, why am I so miserable? I’m out side all the time and I know my happy pills are working. I just can’t seem to grip why I feel so down lately.
Although book 2, The Attested, is coming along better then I ever thought it would. I’m not as bad at writing as I thought I would be. My grammar is way better and all those other things aren’t so tedious anymore. It is refreshing to get back to basics. Then the memories of high school flood my brain and I feel like shutting down again! Maybe I need to starting writing poetry again? The little break I took to play with my kids at school and check up on my people online that I love so much too! Now it’s back to the grind and back to beating my brain out with google.com among other sites to help me replace my over used words. I just hope I dont get a concussion from all this abuse to my brain!
Although book 2, The Attested, is coming along better then I ever thought it would. I’m not as bad at writing as I thought I would be. My grammar is way better and all those other things aren’t so tedious anymore. It is refreshing to get back to basics. Then the memories of high school flood my brain and I feel like shutting down again! Maybe I need to starting writing poetry again? The little break I took to play with my kids at school and check up on my people online that I love so much too! Now it’s back to the grind and back to beating my brain out with google.com among other sites to help me replace my over used words. I just hope I dont get a concussion from all this abuse to my brain!
Freeing Friday
Although the lack of sleep makes me feel like I’m going insane, I realize I can’t be. I’ve got books to finish. But seriously now, I’m sure you want to know what makes this day so freeing huh? It actually has nothing to do with my books, but more of what makes me weird and me. I had a horrible dream, I watched my husband pack up his things and leave. It was just terrible, now here’s the background info to help understand a little more……
A long long (5 years ago) time ago I had been married to a man that had a habit of leaving me in spring. For another girl, although he still lies about it to this day, I’m not dumb I can see just fine and I know what I witnessed! Anyways, so this time of year I get a little emotional still and the nightmares start which in turn starts the insomnia. It was my life for more than 7 years with that man and now 5 years later I can’t convince myself that my new husband ( well it’s been almost 3 years since we got married) is staying. I didn’t want to believe it happened to me at least 8 times that I know of in 6 years of marriage to my ex-husband. I know better but I can’t convince my brain it’s true…..
That being admitted, It was completely freeing to wake up to the most wonderful man in the world smiling back at me like he had every morning since the day we first moved in together. He is my hero and my best friend in the whole world and I am stupid for dreaming other wise. He is my dark knight (A huge batman fan if you couldn’t tell my my blog name). He wouldn’t even look at another woman let alone leave me for one! With just 5 days to our 3rd wedding anniversary I feel amazing know that even my nightmare of him leaving me are just a story I made up in my dreams. Maybe I needed a little more drama in my life? All I know is I’ve never been happier to wake up on a Friday morning and smile and the man that.
Sorry I’m sappy today.
A long long (5 years ago) time ago I had been married to a man that had a habit of leaving me in spring. For another girl, although he still lies about it to this day, I’m not dumb I can see just fine and I know what I witnessed! Anyways, so this time of year I get a little emotional still and the nightmares start which in turn starts the insomnia. It was my life for more than 7 years with that man and now 5 years later I can’t convince myself that my new husband ( well it’s been almost 3 years since we got married) is staying. I didn’t want to believe it happened to me at least 8 times that I know of in 6 years of marriage to my ex-husband. I know better but I can’t convince my brain it’s true…..
That being admitted, It was completely freeing to wake up to the most wonderful man in the world smiling back at me like he had every morning since the day we first moved in together. He is my hero and my best friend in the whole world and I am stupid for dreaming other wise. He is my dark knight (A huge batman fan if you couldn’t tell my my blog name). He wouldn’t even look at another woman let alone leave me for one! With just 5 days to our 3rd wedding anniversary I feel amazing know that even my nightmare of him leaving me are just a story I made up in my dreams. Maybe I needed a little more drama in my life? All I know is I’ve never been happier to wake up on a Friday morning and smile and the man that.
Sorry I’m sappy today.
Falling Deeper
Something I’ve often thought about, would you give a playlist with a book. As you know I use music for inspiration above any other method. I’ve wanted to find a way to include the songs that inspired me to write with my books. Or even a suggested listening list in the back of the book! Is that even possible? I always use music, even when I’m reading something that isn’t mine I have to have something in the background making noise and 90% of the time it’s my phone blaring the songs that make me feel with the book. I really want input on this so please feel free to jump in. I know I’m weird but I can’t seem to get the idea out of my head. I want to put a recommended listening while reading list in the back of the book. I want the reader to feel what I did writing the book.
As you guessed by now today I’m going to bore you all to death with my music obsession. For my first book, The Watcher, I’ll tell you all what song inspired the chapter! Yeah I know it’s dumb, but maybe if you do decide to read my books it will help you understand the book on a deeper level then the average reader.
In The Beginning- The start of the coven was inspired by Breakdown by Breaking Benjamin. Yeah great way to kick off a book! They rock my world and I’ve been a fan for a long time!
Welcome to Taylor Prep- A fresh start a new year – Home by Three Days Grace.
Tell Me More- Meeting someone you feel the need to be around all the time. You can’t explain the feeling but you have to fee the urge- E.T. by Katy Perry.
Finding Father- A strained relationship with your parents, no matter your age, is a pain to tolerate. The expression in song form brought – I Will Not Bow by Breaking Benjamin.
His Keeper- figuring out there is something bigger then you that you were meant to do. Being told you can’t do something you’re compelled to do.- Bleed It Out- Linkin Park
It Only Gets Worse- The loss of a loved one. The pressure of growing up and finding yourself. -Pressure by Paramore
Before It Gets Better- Overcoming the pain of loss and stress of life. Alive- Krewella.
Aware- Moving forward and learning to cope. – Best of You- Foo Fighters.
Welcoming Spring- Finding the right way to stop the demon that’s out to kill you?- Fine Again- Seether
Round One- Fighting for your life! Yeah you need a theme song for that. This chapter’s song- I Miss the Misery- Halestorm
Back From the Dead- When everyone believes they just watced you die.- Back From the Dead- Skylar Grey
Counting Down- Forcefully doing something and tracking every minute until you get to go home. -If I Didn’t Have You- Thompson Square
Catching Up- Finally making it home. – I Need Your Love- Calvin Harris
Back to Us- Figuring out if you can handle a relationship, the one you’ve been wanting since the day you met.- Stay- Rhianna
Facing Our Fears- Doing just that!- 4Ever- The Veronica’s
Revenge for Zoe- Bringing a friend back to life when they’ve hit their lowest. -Where Is My Mind- Placebo
Graceful Return- Coming out of the darkness and into the light.- Glory and Gore- Lorde
Sammy’s Little Secret- Caught in the middle between your best friend and your love. You have to help your friend figure out what’s really going on, even if it mean your love is upset.-Ignorance- Paramore
All the way to the end! Look forward to a list when book 2 comes out too and let me know what you think!
As you guessed by now today I’m going to bore you all to death with my music obsession. For my first book, The Watcher, I’ll tell you all what song inspired the chapter! Yeah I know it’s dumb, but maybe if you do decide to read my books it will help you understand the book on a deeper level then the average reader.
In The Beginning- The start of the coven was inspired by Breakdown by Breaking Benjamin. Yeah great way to kick off a book! They rock my world and I’ve been a fan for a long time!
Welcome to Taylor Prep- A fresh start a new year – Home by Three Days Grace.
Tell Me More- Meeting someone you feel the need to be around all the time. You can’t explain the feeling but you have to fee the urge- E.T. by Katy Perry.
Finding Father- A strained relationship with your parents, no matter your age, is a pain to tolerate. The expression in song form brought – I Will Not Bow by Breaking Benjamin.
His Keeper- figuring out there is something bigger then you that you were meant to do. Being told you can’t do something you’re compelled to do.- Bleed It Out- Linkin Park
It Only Gets Worse- The loss of a loved one. The pressure of growing up and finding yourself. -Pressure by Paramore
Before It Gets Better- Overcoming the pain of loss and stress of life. Alive- Krewella.
Aware- Moving forward and learning to cope. – Best of You- Foo Fighters.
Welcoming Spring- Finding the right way to stop the demon that’s out to kill you?- Fine Again- Seether
Round One- Fighting for your life! Yeah you need a theme song for that. This chapter’s song- I Miss the Misery- Halestorm
Back From the Dead- When everyone believes they just watced you die.- Back From the Dead- Skylar Grey
Counting Down- Forcefully doing something and tracking every minute until you get to go home. -If I Didn’t Have You- Thompson Square
Catching Up- Finally making it home. – I Need Your Love- Calvin Harris
Back to Us- Figuring out if you can handle a relationship, the one you’ve been wanting since the day you met.- Stay- Rhianna
Facing Our Fears- Doing just that!- 4Ever- The Veronica’s
Revenge for Zoe- Bringing a friend back to life when they’ve hit their lowest. -Where Is My Mind- Placebo
Graceful Return- Coming out of the darkness and into the light.- Glory and Gore- Lorde
Sammy’s Little Secret- Caught in the middle between your best friend and your love. You have to help your friend figure out what’s really going on, even if it mean your love is upset.-Ignorance- Paramore
All the way to the end! Look forward to a list when book 2 comes out too and let me know what you think!
