Page 134 of Black Hollow: Awakening

“But…” Norma began.

Will stood up.

“Thanks for your help,” he said timidly. “I have to go.”

Leaving the classroom in a hurry, he headed for the nearest side exit. He stepped outside, took a deep breath of fresh air, and then… slumped onto the stairs and started to sob.

For a moment, he’d felt so happy, overjoyed that it was all a huge mistake and that he was still one of them. And then… God. It was like being hit over the head with a club. He no longer knew what to think about any of it.

Maybe fifteen minutes passed before he heard the door behind him open. Someone sat down beside him.

“I’m a little late, but I heard the good news,” Liam announced. Will hastily wiped his face. He knew he looked pathetic. “This… isn’t the reaction I expected.”

“Did you hear the second part of the good news?” Will asked with a bitter smile. “That I’m not a wizard?”

“Is that why you’re crying?” Liam snorted.

“I’m not crying,” Will protested out of pure stubbornness.

“Then you must have some magical abilities after all, because I could swear I see tears.”

Will gave him a mournful look.

“What’s this about?” Liam asked openly.

“It’s nothing!” Will burst out. “I just… I felt like I’d found my place, you know? Everything changed this year. My life was literally turned upside down. And even though I don’t have many good memories, until now, I felt like it all made sense. Because I’m part of this world. Because I’m a wizard, going through an Awakening or whatever. But it’s not true. I’m not part of this world, or this group, or anything else. And you’ll probably erase my memory or something any minute now.”

“I think you misunderstood,” Liam said, his tone much gentler. Will looked at him questioningly. “You’re not a wizard, sure, but you’re still one of us. You’re still a supernatural. We just don’t know what kind yet.”

“Not like you.”

“Sure, but there are lots of supernaturals in this world. Wizards, vampires, and werewolves are just the most common. I’m sure we’ll figure it out eventually, but either way, no one’s taking away your membership to the weirdo club.”

Will stared at Liam in shock, then, unable to hold back, threw his arms around him, burying his tear-streaked face in his shoulder.

“Ouch,” Liam said with amusement, patting him on the back. “You’re the first person who’s ever gotten emotional over being called a weirdo.”

“Thanks,” Will mumbled incoherently, still clinging tightly to him.

Liam chuckled.

“Don’t mention it.”

June 12 | Thursday

Today was the last day of exams. The formal end-of-year ceremony was scheduled for the next day, but hardly anyone cared. That evening, numerous parties were held, including, of course, one thrown by the self-proclaimed queen of fun. Will couldn’t miss it.

During her parties, Norma’s house usually got crowded, but today she’d outdone herself. There were so many guests that at times, you couldn’t even move. Norma seemed aware of this minor cataclysm, because when Will finally managed to find her (after torturously pushing his way through the crowd to the second floor), she was arguing with her boyfriend, Sam.

“…seriously, I don’t even know that guy!” she fumed. “And that redhead? I’m sure he doesn’t go to our school. How many times do I have to repeat that an invitation for one person doesn’t mean they can bring all their relatives and friends? Oh, Will!” she called out, noticing her friend. Sam cleared his throat and quickly ducked out, clearly trying to avoid any more nagging. “So glad you came. What a year, huh?”

“Don’t even get me started,” Will sighed, coming to stand beside her.

“Hey, come on! Aside from the kidnapping and the accident… and the fight with your roommate… and Oscar,” Norma listed with a wicked grin, “and the numerous power outages… it was pretty good, right?”

Will smiled faintly, silently admitting she was right. It could always be worse. Probably.

“Is the rest of the gang here?” Will asked.