Trajectory

“A female wizard?”

“All magic wielders are wizards,” she replied.

“You’re a wizard, or at least that’s what Dad said you told him.”

She sighed loudly and looked ashamed. “I was a wizard. The drugs they keep me on in here keep it completely dormant. I can’t do a tiny spell until they wear off. Sarmia knew if I went to anyone claiming she took my son she would just wave her hand and they wouldn’t believe me, ever.”

“I don’t understand.”

“It’s hard to explain. Dark magic is used to control people, to make them do what you want, and to hurt people. Sarmia had the dark magic down to a science. She knew how to get whatever she wanted. Your father never believed in our family’s magic legacy. He simply dismissed what I said and then put me in here.”

“He’s magic too?”

“Maybe, he was too stubborn to see if he was or not. Our mother was a powerful wizard, so I know he probably could be too. You could be too. It doesn’t just show up in females, you know.” She smiled and Brent shook his head. It was too much to take in.

“So, what I saw, she’s a wizard.” He was having a hard time believing Chloe was a wizard. Had he been one when they were kids he wouldn’t have been able to keep it to himself. Of course, from what Zazie was telling him, he might have been one all along.

“No, it sounds like she’s a shifter. They can change, but they don’t hold any magic within them. Well, besides the magic of shifting into a freaking animal!” She cackled loudly, startling him.

“Can you change into anything?”

“No, shifters are shifters, wizards can’t change shape. They can sometimes control animals or use them to help them.”

“Okay, so there are shifters and wizards in Woodland Creek, and they keep it a secret. Why?”

“Because humans aren’t necessarily the most accepting race. I say that with love because I am mostly one.”

“All right, I still can’t tell you that I believe it. I feel like I’m being way too accepting.”

“Maybe it’s because living in Woodland Creek, you’ve always known something was different. Now, my dear nephew, it’s time for you to check me out of this institution.”

“Wait, what?” Zazie started to gather what little possessions she had in her tiny room. “I can’t get you out of here, Aunt Z. That’s not why I came.”

“I know, but we look so much alike and they don’t know anything about my son. You simply sign me out as him and I’m free to go. I won’t bother you. I’ve got my house in town still. I just can’t be here another day with the drugs and the seclusion. I’m a curious woman, I’m clean of dark magic now, and I need to be out in the world. Please, Brent.”

“I don’t know. I feel like my father would be really angry with me if I did this.”

“We won’t tell Zandy then. He doesn’t have to know. Your father has never been the most open-minded person.”

“Don’t make me regret this, Z, I mean it. I already have enough going on with my girlfriend actually being a bird and wizards being real.”

She nodded enthusiastically and gathered the rest of her stuff. They went to the front desk and although he felt guilty about it he told them he was Samuel and ready to take on the great responsibility of his mother.

“All right,” the nurse behind the desk said.

“That’s it?” Brent figured there would be some kind of struggle or paperwork involved. “Nothing to sign?”

“Nope.” The nurse was done with them and Zazie was pulling him toward the door.

Brent had a feeling his aunt wasn’t just going to go home and stay out of his hair like she’d promised. By the time he’d started to regret signing her out they were already in the truck.

Chloe raced into work just a little late. After leaving her parents, she’d sat in the house feeling sorry for herself for a long time. It was going to be difficult to face Brent.

She wasn’t sure where her boss was, but there were already customers and she needed to clock in and grab her bank before she could work.

He came out behind her and poked her in the side. “Hey, Chloe, you’re late.”

“I know, Ash, I’m so sorry. I’ll get right to work.” She nodded and started counting her bank.