heart pounds as I come to grips with what just happened. Rose is now some distance away. I look at Charlotte. “What was that?” I ask meekly.
Rose sighs, and I turn to her. “I did it. It’s my magic, but I’m old. I’ve lost a lot of energy over the years, and over time, things have become harder to control. I try not to practice anymore, for fear of something going horribly wrong. I’m sorry.” She seems to calm down quickly and continues. “You’ve been reading about Greek mythology, yes? I told you about Astina Summer. You’ve read up on the stories of gods. Is it so hard to believe that we are descendants of those gods?”
I let out a breath. “I suppose not, but those are just myths. Do you know what the definition of a myth is? A myth is a false belief or idea.”
Rose rolls her eyes. “Clearly, you won’t believe me until you do it yourself. You just have to try. Try to levitate something.” Rose points at the cake on the table. “There.”
“Rose, stop.” Charlotte scoots closer to me. The authority in her voice surprises me, but her relationship with Rose is another strange aspect that I still don’t understand. Since I came here, Charlotte has acted more like a caretaker to me than to Rose. But as grateful as I am to Charlotte for jumping to my defense, I can’t believe she’s been drinking the Kool-Aid too. Charlotte obviously believes what Rose is saying.
“I think I need to be alone,” I croak. “Please. Can I go to my room? Or are you going to stop me again?” I focus on Rose as I speak.
Charlotte turns to face me. “Rose just wants to help you. It’s who you are, Kat. You wanted to know why these things are happening to you. I know it all sounds crazy, but it’s real.” Her smooth-as-silk voice helps, but it’s not enough to overcome what I’m seeing and hearing.
I look at her, my eyes wide with annoyance. Then I look at the cake Rose wanted me to levitate. “I won’t do it.”
Charlotte and Rose exchange a glance, then Charlotte is placing a hand on mine before lifting it in the air. “Here. You aim with your mind. Like it’s a wand. Focus on what you want to do, and do it.”
As gentle and instructional as Charlotte is, I cannot take her seriously. I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. Charlotte releases my hand, leaving me pointing numbly at the cake.
I try to do as she says. I even wiggle my fingers, but I feel ridiculous and lower my hand. “See? I can’t do it.” I stand. “You two are officially insane. May I be excused?”
Rose nods, disappointment washing over her expression. “You’re dismissed.”
As I take the grand staircase, I can’t help but listen into the conversation below, as clear as a bell. I refuse to believe there’s anything magical about my great hearing.
“She needs to see for herself, Rose. Just give her time. It’s not like she can escape it.”
“That girl is so stubborn,” Rose hisses. “Just like her mother.”
“Stop it!” Charlotte hisses. “She can probably hear us.”
Rose scoffs. “Why would she? She doesn’t believe in the power, so she won’t believe what she’s hearing.”
Charlotte sighs. “Give her time.”
“We don’t have time.” Rose’s voice sounds dejected and scared. Despite the current situation, my heart grows heavy for the old woman.
What does she mean, We don’t have time?
I close the door to my bedroom, step in front of my vanity mirror, and reach up to unclasp the green necklace that now weighs heavily on my chest. I hold it in my quivering hands as a sigh leaks through my teeth in a quiet sizzle. I catch the eye of my reflection, which vaguely resembles the young girl who came to live in Apollo Beach just three weeks ago.
I know I’ve changed during my short time here. My hair has grown, my complexion has cleared and darkened, and my eyes have lightened some. But deep down inside, I know I’m no different than the strange outcast of a girl whose actions could have very well led to her mother’s death.
I’m not filled with magic. I’m cursed.
Using all my strength to pull myself from the darkness, I try to escape the water. The current is as resilient as an anchor. Water rushes over me, slamming me deeper into the murky depths. My body is thrown against a rock just as a