Darkness of the Soul Page 4

  I glanced back at the new girl, still cowering in terror, and held her notebook out to her.
   “Here…” I said, forcing a smile. “Sorry about Gordon- he’s the resident asshole of the school.”
   The girl stared at me for a moment, then slowly took her notebook back, clutching it tight against her chest again. “Th-thanks…..” she stammered, trembling faintly. “B-but how much trouble will you get in for that-“
   I cut her off with a wave of my hand, chuckling. “Nah, don’t worry about me. I get in trouble all the time. I’ll get a disappointed lecture from my parents, and Steve, and maybe detention for a couple days, but nothing bad. Just try to avoid Gordon as best you can- He doesn’t forget easily and he’ll probably try to bother you again if he sees you.” I said.
   The girl nodded slowly, looking down at her shoes for a moment. “O-ok….” She said softly.
   “Y-y-you can s-sit with us i-if you w-w-want.” Stammered Ron suddenly, stepping partially out from behind Peter and holding out his hand to her.
   Peter and I both looked at him, shocked, then looked back to the girl, surprised smiled breaking out on our face.
   She looked to me, as if asking permission, and I nodded. “Yeah, we’re sitting just right over here.” I jabbed my thumb back to our still deserted table and the girl nodded slowly.
   “I-… I’d like that….” She smiled faintly and I nodded once.
  Peter released my shoulders, following as I turned and started back to our table.
   The girl hesitated as we all sat, then chose to sit beside me and across from Ron.
   “I-I’m Marie…” she said softly, looking at each of us.
   “I’m Paige, that’s Peter, and his cousin Ron.” I introduced us, and Ron made a small waving motion as I said his name, smiling faintly.
   Marie smiled slowly, looking at each of us again. “You all have very kind auras….” She said softly, then clamped her hand over her mouth. “O-oh, I’m sorry, I know this is a very religious town, I didn’t-“
  Peter frowned. “Why are you apologizing?” he asked curiously.
  I set my hand gently on her shoulder, chuckling. “Relax- the only religion nazis around here are Rebecca and her posse.” I pointed across the cafeteria to where the gorgeous blond cheerleader stood beside her table of groupies, talking and laughing and flipping her hair like she was some sort of goddess to them. “As long as you steer clear of them, no one will mind you talking about auras and stuff- Especially not us.” I jabbed my thumb at Peter and Ron. “They’re atheists. I’m a Christian, but I don’t believe in shaming other religions. Diversity is what makes the world beautiful- it’d be a shame if people were all the same.” I smiled.
   Peter nodded. “You’ve got nothing to fear from us- just avoid Rebecca and her groupies. Easiest way to identify them is their dyed blond hair.” He stuck out his tongue and made a face. “I hate blonds…. At least the ones that fit the stereotype.” He chuckled.
   “S-s-s-so… y-you mentioned a-a-auras…..” Ron trailed off, looking at her curiously.
   Marie nodded slowly, lowering her hand and smiling faintly. “I-I’m Wiccan….” She said softly, looking away for a moment before pulling out a small pendant that had been tucked inside her shirt.
  Peter whistled softly. “Wiccan huh. I think you’re the first Wiccan I’ve ever met. Is your family Wiccan too, or…?” he trailed off.
    Marie nodded. “Yes, we’re all Wiccan.” She smiled broadly then, holding her pendant tightly in her hand for a moment before tucking it back into her shirt to hide it.