Internet 24

Through Kate's Eyes

KATE

Since the first day, I asked to borrow his book. I originally wanted to learn some spells.

My mind drifts back years, back to that night. My sweats were soaked, but not as much as my cheeks. My breathing was shallow as my world was shattered. I dumped my backpack onto my desk and, with all the papers, pens, and snacks, out a large gray book with teal and gold trimmings.

KATE (PRESENT)

You don't get a lot of opportunities to learn magic. But then she wanted to make a deal with him. I did what was best for her.

My find flashes forward and I remember night years later. Our last year of college. They were dating for around three years then. I am locked in my dorm room. Bubbles made of black water and scarred in a purple light float in my room, a spell of my doing.

I hold up my hand and look at my unpainted nails. Waiting for all my years of practice to take effect.

MANNY (PRESENT)

That's for you to decide. Why even make him your puppet?

My nails liquified and morphed. My skin grew as scalls formed on my fingers. The nails harden to form a spiraling coral piece at the end of each finger. I would test their durability and found it easier to list the things they can't cut than they can. Let's say I didn't key cars and ripped them to shreds more.

My eyes shifted to the pen and paper on my desk. The same paper the would bend Lou's will to my biding.

KATE (PRESENT)

He wasn't going to give me the doll. The only way is if I made a deal for them. I'm not willing to pay that cost. No one is going to own a part of me. So, it was either the spell or...

My mind returns to the present as I stare into Manny's gentle eyes. I slide a coral fingernail across my neck as I make a grave hum. Manny gets my point about being speechless. It is not as tactful as I want, but it gets my point across.

KATE

That was the last resort. I feel turning him into my puppet is merciful.

I hold the paper up, making sure not to shake the doll cradled in my arms isn't rattled.

KATE

Here is the spell that lets me do that. The first person to read it is under the control of whoever has the paper. Of course, I needed to grab the paper from him before anyone else.

MANNY

You... this isn't right. Break the spell and let's ride out the storm and discuss this when we get out of...

Before he can say another word, I put the paper away and place my hand on his shoulder. A soft squeeze of reassurance and a calming tone should alleviate any stress he has.

KATE

This is all stressful. I get it. You don't need to be involved in this. Relax a bit. I can bring you your food, and you can chill. Watch something on your phone. I'll get to you when I'm done.

MANNY

I feel like you aren't hearing me ou—

I kiss his forehead and make my way to the exit.

KATE

Great, I'll be back soon.

I leave the room. If he wanted to say more, he would have spoken up. Trying their best to hide behind the open door is Adam. He thinks I can't see him, but he sucks at being inconspicuous. He has been easing, dropping in all of our conversations all day. Thinking I didn't notice.

Still, this could be useful. Manny might need some guy-on-guy bonding. Maybe Adam can help him. If he tries anything funny or to twist Manny's little head to make this beneficial for himself, I can have Lou kill Adam with ease.

KATE

Good, he could use a distraction. This is all hard for him, and I would appreciate it if you weren't out. However, don't try anything stupid and mess with him, or you'll end up dead.