Elements: The Gifted
Epilogue: Goodbye's For Now

Everything went back tonormal after that fateful day. Headmaster Death had taken Ms. Hardwick’s placeuntil they could hire a new Magic and Spells teacher. At first everyone foundthe idea of Death being our professor a bit terrifying, but by the end of theweek, everyone realized that he was awesome and amusing – almost as great asMs. Tabby or Mr. Hans. He definitely brought the word “fun” to the classroom. Iwish he would consider taking the job instead of searching for someone else. Hewas really good at conversing with students, or helping them out if they wereconfused with a certain spell. Of course, nobody liked him on days when he wasin a bad mood. On those days, it made it kind of difficult to talk to Alexwithout having Death’s red eyes glare at you from across the classroom. I swearI almost peed myself when Death shot me an angry look – all because I askedAlex what page we were on.

But those days were very rare. Usually he was happy whenhe came to class. I think the reason he gets in a bad mood is because of hisjob as the Headmaster. I think doing three jobs like running the school,teaching Magic and Spells, and also reaping souls can be a bit too muchsometimes. I wonder if he ever takes a vacation time.

Another thing that had changed in my life was Alex. Heand I started officially dating once I was released from the infirmary. Peoplestill gawked and whispered amongst each other when they thought I wasn’tlooking, while also saying things like: Ican’t believe she’s with him! Is she insane? or What does she see in that freak? He’s anobody – a killer. But I didn’t care what they thought. I was happy. Andlike Mia promised, Alex started sitting with us. I think he mostly sat with myfriends because of me. I don’t think he really cared much for them, but healways remained polite when they asked him a question. To my relieve, myfriends treated him as if he was one of us. They didn’t exclude him fromconversations, nor did they act like he wasn’t there. The only person thatreally had an attitude was Morgan, which wasn’t really surprising. I explainedto Alex that he had an attitude with everyone. And even though I loved beingaround my friends, I couldn’t help but long for some alone time with myboyfriend. It was just easier when you didn’t have people staring at you. LikeI said, I could care less what they said about me and my relationship withAlex, but it was still annoying. The constant feeling of everyone’s eyes on us aswe kissed outside my bedroom door after a day of being together or when we heldhands on our way to class. It’s like we had no privacy.

When it came time for our final exams I was a mess. Eventhough I loved spending time with Alex, I also loved getting good grades. Sothe next three weeks, I stayed locked in my room studying, only leaving when Ihad classes or when I needed to eat. Sometimes I would study with Alex or withJordan. I guess it depended on which subject I needed help in. On Monday’s andTuesday’s, the teachers graciously went over what would mostly likely be on thefinal exams that we would be taking Wednesday and Thursday, doing their best tohelp us prepare for what would mostly likely be are only hope into the nextyear.

Trying to keep my brain powered up, I continually drankwater as I ate breakfast on Wednesday morning. They say water and food mixedtogether is good for the mind. Of course, as three hours went by, I realized Imight have made a mistake. So when they released us to lunch, my firstdestination was to the girl’s bathroom.

When the results from the exams were released Mondayafternoon, I couldn’t help but feel anxious as I looked for my name. When Ifound it and saw next to it my all-time grade for this year, I squealed withexcitement. A group of earth users looked at me wearily as I broke out in ahappy dance. I had a big, fat juicy A.Second year of Hunter Academy – here I come! Out of curiosity, I looked for myfriend’s names as I checked out their grades. I was relieved to see that theyhad passed as well. With a smile on my face, I skipped back to my dorm in ablissful mood. Nothing can get me down.

I packed all day Friday,trying to prepare for tomorrow’s trip back home. I wasn’t necessarily ready toleave the academy. I feel like I just got here and now I’m going to have towait until September before I returned. More than likely, I won’t see myfriends for the rest of this summer. Then again, mom called last night and toldme that she had summer passes to Magic Springs so maybe it won’t be so bad.When I finally had to tell my mom about what happened this year at the academy,I wasn’t surprised when she hit panic mode. I could hear the worry in her voiceas she continually asked questions about what happened. Why would anybody do that to a thirteen-year-old? Who was it? How badlydid you get hurt? On and on the questions went. I had to reassure herseveral times that I was okay and that the enemy was gone. For now anyway. Ofcourse I didn’t tell her that. I didn’t need to give my mother a reason to keepme home.

When I finally went to bed after a long day of packing,my mind still couldn’t get the image of Ms. Hardwick out of my head. For weeksher face had been haunting me every time I closed my eyes. Even though I knewit was best that she was dead, I couldn’t help but feel guilty. I’m the reasonshe’s gone. Alex may have pulled the trigger, but if it weren’t for me, shemight still be alive.

She tried to killyou, my subconscious said. It waseither you or her. Don’t beat yourself up about it. Huh. That’s probablythe most comforting thing she’s ever said to me.

Surprisingly I woke up around seven in the morning thenext day. My mom wasn’t going to pick me up until five this afternoon, so Ifigured if I got up early, I could spend the rest of my remaining hours with myfriends. I wasn’t going to see any of them for a while so I might as well makea day of it. And that’s what I did. All day I hung out with my friends,laughing and listening as my friends talked animatedly with one another. Wewere outside in the courtyard, sitting together at our usual picnic table. Iwas so happy that our picnic table was shaded by the trees; otherwise I wouldhave been red from head to toe by the time mom came by and picked me up. Red headsand the sun to do not mix.

I was sitting in between Alex and Jordan, aware that theywere having a friendly conversation, one that was centered around me. Latelythe two have been putting forth a lot of effort into getting along, I guess formy sake. And I was proud of their improvement as I heard them laugh and teasingme about my two left feet. I fought the urge to roll my eyes. I ignored them asI traced the words Ashton Rules! engravedin the wood. It brought a smile to my lips. I wonder what made him write that.Then again, Mr. Grey mentioned that my father was very goofy so maybe that’swhy. Whatever the reason, seeing these words carved on the picnic table onlymade me want to meet him even more. I yearned to hear my father speak, or tosee him smile proudly at me. Even if I have to see it from afar.

I glanced around the courtyard, trying to take my mindoff my father. It was packed full of students wanting to socialize before theirparents picked them up, some laughing and making fun, while others gossiped.The usual. I spotted Alicia and Jennifer with a bunch of air users, aware thatAlicia kept glancing this way every now again. I knew her eyes would instantlyfall on Jordan, and I could see regret fill her eyes as she stared at him withlonging. I felt some empathy for her. I knew exactly what that felt like. Ilaid my head down on Alex’s shoulder, trying to replace some peace after lookingat Alicia’s heartbroken expression. Butit was her own fault, I reasoned.She could be sitting with us right now ifshe hadn’t let her jealousy of me and Jordan’s relationship get in the way.And although I kept telling myself this, I couldn’t help but feel sorry forher. I looked back at her and was surprised to see her eyes on me. I lifted myhead, my eyes meeting her green ones. She smiled tentatively at me, as ifsaying I’m happy for you before lookingaway. I watched her, waiting to see if she would look this way again, but shedidn’t. After several minutes went by, everyone went quiet when the intercomcame on. Ms. Tabby’s voice came through the speakers, saying that the bus toFandora was here. I couldn’t help but feel surprised that there was an actualbus in this area. I didn’t think there was any kind of transportation aroundhere besides wagons and carriages. Alicia took one last look at Jordan beforefollowing Jennifer into the main building. I turned my gaze to Jordan. Hewatched her walk away with an unreadable expression, his eyes never leaving heruntil she disappeared into the building.

To my dismay, Alex had to leave and resume packing beforethe orphanage came and picked him up later. I still couldn’t understand why hewaited till the last minute to pack his things, but I didn’t nag. I just staredat him with puppy dog eyes as he told me to stay here and hang out with myfriends. He kissed me, promising that he would meet up with me later, beforeheading back towards the dormitory building. I sighed, missing him already. Ifelt like one of those pathetic girlfriends, wanting her boyfriend around allthe time. I’m starting to understand why Jordan and Alicia always wanted to betogether. Jordan nudged me playfully, trying to cheer up I think. It worked.Jordan and I joked with each other, laughing and carrying on as we talked. Wemostly discussed about next year and how excited we were. Jordan’s main gradefor this year was also an A, which was still shocking to me whenever I really thoughtabout it. Jordan was smart, but not that smart.Then again, he studied just as hard as I did. Though I suspected he cheated offmy exam whenever he sat by me. He did it before. I imagine the exam was nodifferent to him.

Two in half hours later, my friends started leavingone-by-one. First was Gabrielle. Her parents were still as friendly and amusingas the first time I met them. We all laughed when Gabrielle’s mother, Helen,started pinching Morgan’s cheeks and embarrassing him when she startedcongratulating him for not failing. Morgan huffed and puffed, while crossing hisarms in a pouting manner, making everyone laugh even harder. The next people toleave were Scarlett and Mia. Scarlett’s parents had agreed to pick up both ofthem, offering to drop Mia off on their way home. Scarlett’s father was ahandsome man, with dark eyes and hair. Not to mention freakishly tall! It became obvious to me whereScarlett got her long legs from. He wasn’t as jumpy and crazy as his daughter,but you could tell they looked alike. Though she mostly resembled her mother,who was a very pretty Asian woman. I became amused as I watched Scarlett, hermother, and Mia as they linked arms, skipping to the main building like theywere on their way to the Emerald city. Scarlett’s father shook his head as hefollowed behind them.

Not long after they left, Jordan and Morgan’s parent’sshowed up, along with Mr. Grey. He smiled happily at me, while also watchinghis nephews bound into their parents. Their mother laughed, while Ashley lookeduncomfortable, clearly wanting to get away from them. Morgan had his armswrapped around his father’s waist, babbling about how glad he was to see themand that he couldn’t wait to get out of here. Every time Ashley tried to pryhis son off of him, Morgan’s arms would simply tighten around him, making itdifficult for his father to breathe. Eventually he sighed loudly and gave up,crossing his arms and just waiting for his son’s arms to loosen.

Mr. Grey walked towards me then, wrapping a comfortablearm around me, his face excited as he looked at his brother. Ashely was stillpouting as both of his sons hugged him, barely giving him any room to move.

“Brother,”Mr. Grey said. Ashley looked at him, reminding me very much of Morgan. Helooked bored. “There is someone I want you to meet.”

Ashley looked at me. He frowned. “But I’ve already mether.”

“Not as you’re niece. She’s Ashton’s daughter.”

Jordan and Morgan pulled away from their father as heexchanged startled glances with his wife. “Are you sure?” Said Jordan andMorgan’s mother.

“I’m positive, Evelyn. I mean, just look at her eyes.”

I felt a bit self-conscious as I they both peered into myeyes. My face reddened at their scrutiny. Evelyn gasped, pulling away andputting her hand on Ashley’s shoulder.

“Soit’s true.”

“She has his eyes, but she looks more like her mother.”Ashley said, deadpan. “This is so bizarre.”

“That’s what I said,” Jordan said wryly.

“Welcome to the family,” Evelyn said, wrapping her armsaround me and pulling me into her warm embrace.

I hugged her back awkwardly, not really sure what to say.Clearly they want me to be a part of the family, but did I want too? After whatthey did to my father? I was unsure as Evelyn pulled away, a gentle smile onher face.

I smiled in return, noticing her bright gray eyes – eyesthat reminded me of Jordan’s. I turned towards him, sensing his eyes on me. Heand Morgan looked happy as their parents welcomed me to the family. Looking atthem, I realized that I got my answer. Of course I want to be a part of thisfamily. As long as Jordan and Morgan remain in it.

When I said my goodbyes tomy friends or…my family, I startedheading towards the dormitory building to hang out with Alex. I had thirtyminutes left before my mom came and picked me up. I just hope she doesn’t haveany trouble getting here. Then again, she didn’t have trouble picking me up forThanksgiving and Christmas break. Why should this be any different?

I was just about to go inside when I saw someone in thecorner of my eye, staring at me from a couple feet away. I stopped as I turnedmy head and saw a man in a brown cloak, watching me closely. The man clearlywasn’t Azazel, and yet I couldn’t make out his face. I could have sworn adetected a smile, but I wasn’t entirely sure. Then I wondered something. Couldit be—?

Justthen I heard a group of girls laughing loudly, causing me to jump five feet inthe air. I was so annoyed at the groupof girls that I turned to glare at them. They didn’t seem to notice as theywalked passed me, going inside. I shook my head in irritation. Sometimes Ican’t stand my gender. I looked back to where the man stood, and gaped. He wasno longer there. It was like I had imagined him. Maybe I did. Suddenly I wasunsure. I continued walking, looking around every now and again just to see ifhe might appear.

I forgot about the man as soon as I got to Alex’s room. Iknocked on his door, ignoring the stares as fire users left their rooms,getting ready to leave. I knocked one more time, before Alex opened the door. Ifelt a smile spread across my face when I saw him. He gave me a wicked smile inreturn before grabbing my arms and pulling me towards him. I felt Alex’s lipsmeet mine as he kissed me in earnest, his hands on my hips as he pushed my bodyagainst his. I wrapped my arms around his neck, my fingers in his hair as ourlips moved slowly against each other. Finally – after five minutes of kissing –I had to pull away so I could get some air.

“That never gets old.” I breathed.

His knuckles caressed my cheek as he gazed down at me. “I’mgoing to miss you, princess.”

“I’m going miss you too. More than you know.”

Alex pressed his forehead against mine, his arms wrappedaround my waist. “We’ll have to keep in contact somehow.”

“Do the phones work in the orphanage?” I asked.

“Yeah, but I don’t know if they’ll let me talk to you.They really don’t like me over there. If we have too, I guess we can writesappy, nauseating letters to each other.”

I laughed. “Thatcould work. I still have the orphanage number, though. I’ll try to calltomorrow.”

“Okay,” he said. I felt his lips press against myforehead. I closed my eyes, feeling content.

Alex went with me to help collect my things beforeheading to the main building. I groaned at the sight of so many students. Ofcourse I knew that they were waiting for their parents as well. I checked thetime on my phone. It was a little past five, but I didn’t mind. That gave me alittle more time with Alex. If one thing didn’t change about Alex, it was thathe still liked to keep a distance between himself and the others. Except thistime I was with him. The thought made me smile. We put our things down, andtook a seat on the floor, holding hands as we waited. Again, I didn’t want togo, but I knew I had too. And it’s not like I won’t see him again, because Iwill. In about three or four months. I repressed a groan. Without thinkingabout it, I laid my head against his shoulder before it was time for Alex toleave. I felt like my heart was sinking as I watched him gather with the otherorphanage students. He seemed really bored as he stood among them.

“Spencer,” I heard a familiar voice say. I looked in thedirection of the voice and saw my mom wave at me. I grabbed my things andrushed across the crowded space until I was finally in her arms. And eventhough I would miss Alex and my friends, I was still so happy to see my mom.

“I missed you.” I said.

“I missed you too, baby.”

I pulled away then. Mom smiled as she looked behind me.“Spencer, there’s a boy looking at you.” I turned around in time to see Alexgazing at me from across the room. He gave me a finger wave, which made mesmile. “He’s really cute.” She gushed.

“Yeah,” I replied as I watched Alex’sdeparture with sad eyes. “He is.”