Reflections Beginnings (Reflections Series Book 2)

Chapter 1 – Holidays in another world

It's the last day of school and I have to sit here listening to the droning voice of Mr Campbell. He insists on teaching us up to the last minute, even when none of us are paying attention. I watched the butterflies flit through the hot, hazy air and envied them their freedom. Everybody’s anticipation about the holidays grew, and I wished I could share them but lucky me, I had to work all summer.

I had to head over to Ben's tonight for my usual lesson. Tomorrow, Dad intended to ship me off to take up residence at the Gate for the next two weeks with Mary and Roger. Now don't get me wrong, I like them, but Mary can be such a slave driver.

Someone jabbed me in the back and I turned around to glare only to find my best friend Izzie grinning at me. Her long red hair frizzed while her freckled face contained a cheeky smirk. She flashed a note at me that said 'I'm checking that you’re still awake' so I poked my tongue out at her.

Miss Johnson, do we have a problem? I heard Mr Campbell's booming tone, and for once, I wished that I could turn him into a toad but I couldn’t show magic to humans.

No, Sir. I answered turning away from Izzie as everyone else snickered at me.

I went back to staring out of the window, at least until the bell rang. Everyone began squealing with freedom while I grimaced. No rest for the wicked, or at least me. Sometimes what annoyed me was that Izzie thought I was off enjoying myself, and I couldn’t tell her the truth about my world.

C'mon, Charlie, we're free! Izzie shrieked in my ear as she grabbed my hand, and started to yank me from the classroom.

She's not heading for a good holiday, I'll bet. Christine Walker sneered at me like usual as she swept past, clouding me with her disgusting perfume, and swishing her long blonde hair into my face.

I resisted setting fire to her hair, only because Dad would kill me if anyone caught me. Not that anyone knew I did anything, I always covered my tracks. For some reason, the finger tended to point in my direction if anything weird or untoward happened.

Leave her alone, Christine. Dean come to my defence as he looped an arm over my shoulder.

I ducked out from under his arm, blushing bright red, but knowing this would antagonise her further. Ever since Dean had left the popular people to hang out with Izzie and me, Christine badgered me worse than ever before. It took a great deal of willpower for me not to retaliate. I had no idea why she picked on me when Dean dated Izzie and not me.

I walked away from all of them, leaving them to their petty teenage squabbles. In my world, everyone considered me an adult as of two years ago, and treated me as such. It astounded me how this world even functioned sometimes with such immature people existing here.

Don't worry about her, Charlie. Izzie reassured me as she ran to catch up to me.

I won't. I have much better things to worry about than that idiot. I stated.

I gathered everything out of my locker and tried to stuff it all in my bag. A quick space saver spell muttered under my breath and I now had an almost bottomless bag. Thank you Argonia! I piled everything in as fast as I could, hoping Izzie wouldn't notice.

Sometimes I have to wonder about you. She said from next to me. My heart rate sped up praying that her remark was an innocent one. One glance at her sympathetic face and I let out a sigh.

I'm fine. I said.

I picked up my bag and we headed out of school together. Wondering what I would learn tonight with Ben left me frowning. I prayed it would be something exciting because I was over learning theory. Yes, it was necessary but sometimes a little fun wouldn't go astray.

Are you coming to the game tonight? Izzie broke the silence as we wandered past the football fields where the players were all out running around in crazy manoeuvres.

No, sorry, I've got to go and see Ben. I explained, and to be honest, I couldn't understand the game.

Dean would like it if you came to support him. Izzie tried to persuade me.

Is that him over there now? I asked trying to distract her.

Yeah, she murmured with a dreamy sigh and I watched as they waved at each other. You know I would stop worrying about this Ben guy if I got to meet him. She stared me down but I didn't buckle

Ugh, I told you he's my tutor and he's like ancient, in his forties or something. I told her trying to hold back a smile. Ben might have looked middle aged, but he was hundreds of years old.

Fine, she huffed What time are you leaving in the morning?

I think it’s the nine twenty train so I guess we'll be leaving home about eight thirty. I explained as I started walking over to our two-storey house that was opposite Izzie' home.

I’ll be up to see you off then. Two whole weeks without my best friend, what am I going to do? she overdramatised.

You'll be fine, Izz. Don't worry I'm sure Dean will look after you. I winked and she blushed at my statement.

I grinned as I walked into the house. The familiarity of the comfortable lounge room soothed me as I plopped down on the couch. I knew I would have to get my stuff ready for tomorrow, but I wanted one minute to sit and relax. Flopping back, I tried to get comfortable as I turned on the television. I always thought how strange it was that even without magic, the people of Earth managed to make their own with things like televisions, computers, trains and even the humble kitchen stove.

Little Miss, you have a lot to do today, where would you like me to start. I heard Mesa call from the kitchen, echoing my thoughts.

I jumped off the sofa and sprinted into the kitchen to see her. Mesa was a Sprite, meaning her job was to assist the Ambassador, so she was here all the time. She made my life a heck of a lot easier by organising things for me, even when dad told her not to all the time.

I almost fell over in a rush to see her. As much as I wanted to hug her, she had no physical body and I'd fall straight through her. She was the mother figure to me that I never had and I loved seeing her.

Hello, Little Miss. She smiled with warmth at me.

Hey, Mesa.

Are you ready for tomorrow? she asked right before I saw a grimace appear on her face. You have spelled today. She chided me and my cheeks betrayed me by blushing bright red.

Maybe. I hedged around answering.

You cannot lie about these things; when I can smell the spell. Damn, I was so used to living on Earth that sometimes I forgot Argonia’s peculiarities. Go and shower before your father arrives home, and I promise not to mention this little incident. She said with a grin and I smiled back with relief, so I did what she said.

I darted up the stairs and into my room. It had to look like any other Earth teenagers, so in a way it had never felt like my space. My favourite spot was by the window where I could look out at nature. The window had a convenient position next to my bookshelf and my comfy lounge chair, where I could read for hours on end. It was a secret bookshelf containing a hidden section of Argonian books.

I sighed and dumped my bag on my bed to head into the bathroom. Sniffing my hand, I turned on the taps for the shower. It surprised me when I smelt the odd sweet burning scent that was a dead giveaway to spell usage. I would have to be more careful; especially around Dad, if he smelt it he would pitch a fit.

Little Miss, time to awaken. I heard Mesa speak.

I waved my arms in her direction, not happy when she disturbed my sleep. I had spent long into the night practising incantations, learning boring magical theory, and repeating proclamations that I would need to know to become Ambassador.

Ben’s relentless teaching came from knowing I had no school to worry about in the morning. He went on to tell me how I would spend the rest of my wonderful holidays. I had to spend two weeks at the Gate, then another three weeks in Argonia with Dad that included daily lessons with Ben. Then, lucky me I could spend the last week catching up with everyone where I could relax and have some fun

Mesa spoke louder so I forced myself to open my eyes. My alarm began to flash red at me and I realised I hadn't heard it start. I snapped up in bed to turn it off before it blared even louder. Ugh, Argonian alarms are the worst! Due to the magic that sustained them there was not a chance of a snooze button; they became louder every minute they remained active.

I dragged myself out of bed and popped in the shower to wake myself up. I knew Izzie would walk through my door by eight if not earlier. She was the only teenager I had ever known to get up early. Sure enough, she sat on my bed when I entered my room. She patted Jinx, my little black cat with the big golden eyes. I could hear her purring and wondered why Izzie was the only other person she liked besides me.

You’re running late as usual. Izzie stated.

I almost laughed, if she only knew! I was never late but she couldn’t figure out why and it bugged her. By Argonian standards, I had one of the rarest talents known. One of my major talents happened to be time travel, which hadn't been around in millennia. I could zap myself to whatever point in time I needed, as long as I'd been there before and Dad didn't catch me.

What is this magazine I found? That guy is hotter than Dean.

She handed over the Gazette, which was a type of Argonian magazine that I had borrowed from Ben. It had a picture and article about Prince Caden on it, the missing royal twin who everyone now presumed dead. It was his second year as a point one without having the Rites of Passage read to him.

I blushed when I realised that I stared at the cover. Izzie grinned at me and pointed to his picture. Okay, so I had a bit of a crush, but he was one of the Prince's and I had always favoured him over his brother.

Sure, with being the Ambassador, I spent time at the palace, but he had never bothered getting to know me. He was gorgeous, but at the same time, it was almost as if I knew and understood him. Ugh, stupid teenage crush!

I dressed quick and tried to snatch the magazine off Izzie a zillion times but she wouldn't relinquish. With a disgruntled grunt at her, I headed downstairs as I could smell an intoxicating aroma drifting up to me. Mesa and Dad smiled up at us as we entered.

Yum! Waffles. I said in a singsong tone as I sat down, I loved it when Mesa cooked.

Hello, Mr and Mrs Johnson. Izzie said in greeting, ever the polite one as she grabbed waffles before I took them all.

Suck up. I said under my breath and she jabbed me with her elbow.

Hello, Isobel. They answered almost in unison, so she beamed at them and poked her tongue out at me.

For Izzie’s sake, it was easier to tell her that Mesa was my mother. She was around often enough that it would appear she was my mum. Sometimes I wish she were.

I was a bit of a rarity in Argonia for more than my talents. My mother abandoned me and never life bonded with my dad, at least that's what I'd gathered over the years. I can't remember my mum and I'm not sure I would want to either.

To abandon a life bond or not have a life bond when you knew your partner, I've never heard of it happening in Argonia. My mum seemed to be the only one who didn't see a life bond for the sacred connection and commitment the rest of us did. No wonder I didn't want to meet her.

Now when will you be back? Izzie interrupted my thoughts through a mouthful of waffles.

I'm going to my Grandparents in Dundoon for two weeks. Then Mum, Dad and I are going on a holiday. I won't be back until the last week of holidays. I finished and awaited her argument.

You only get to spend one week with me. Her face dropped with sadness, trying for the sympathy card.

Yeah, sorry, Izz.

Why can't I come and stay with you at your grandparents? she enquired.

I wanted to blurt out, because I'm zapping there, oh, and they aren't my grandparents. They are in fact the Guardians of a different world, which is where I'm from, by the way. Of course, I didn't say that, I went with the same old line that I always resorted to using.

I don't think your parents would let you take a nine hour train trip even if I was there. I pointed out.

She nodded her head in agreement. Izzie's parents freaked if anything small happened to her so I knew my reasoning made sense.

I'm going to miss you, she said as tears began to well in her eyes. You have to ring me, text me, or even write me a letter every day. She demanded.

I nodded at her and smiled. This went the same way every holiday. It made it tricky for me when I was in Argonia because I always had to come back to this world to contact her. I did it every day because she was my best friend. It was nice to have her always there for me.

On Argonia, everybody treated me with stuffy formality because of my position. People my age are either scared of me or jealous, so they don't talk to me.

Come on, troops, let’s go. I heard dad yell from outside where he had gone to warm up the car.

Izzie and I ran upstairs and grabbed my luggage before dragging it out to the car. I noticed she had the Gazette in her hand, which she shoved into my handbag with a cheeky grin.

You'll need some man candy for the trip. She whispered in my ear. I laughed in embarrassment and hopped in the car.

This whole going to the train station was all for show. It was for Izzie, so I followed the Earth routine to the letter. Izzie sobbed like crazy and I had to soothe her but I stepped on the train with my luggage and waved to her from the window. As soon as we were out of sight, I found a quiet compartment to blink and zap. I was at the Gate in the blink of an eye. So began the joy of my holiday.

Chapter 2 - A stranger in the mirror

Only two days into being at the Gate and my boredom shot sky high. It's not that I don't like Mary or Roger, but they are over a hundred, which are about one thousand Earth years. They don't quite understand what I like or enjoy at all.

I had promised Mary that I would spend the day cleaning up the attic area where the Gate existed. I had to get away from their constant 'in my day' lectures, they proved frustrating when I couldn't escape. There was nobody scheduled to arrive from Argonia today, so maybe I’d have the day alone.

Searching through an interesting box of old trinkets, I first heard a strange noise. My heart leapt with anxiety thinking it might be a Scavenger. People who tried to go through the Gate without permission were Scavengers. It was rare that someone would try it but it did happen.

I rushed over to where the emergency button existed. Then I peeked around to check the mirror to see if it flexed as if someone would come through. I almost hit the button in my shock of what I saw but I managed to snatch my hand away before it connected.

There was an image in the mirror, which normally showed nothing but silvery grey coloured flecks. Today I saw a grand but high tower surrounded by steep, jagged cliffs.

At the foot of the tower, tall grass grew in a stunning meadow where wildflowers spread their colours with abandon. The most spectacular sight was the tall waterfall that thundered down behind the tower leading to a creek that bordered the meadow.

I stepped closer to the Gate in astonishment, trying to figure out where the image appeared. A deep but beautiful voice vented its rage and the picture changed in a snap. I gasped in surprise. He was gorgeous, and he was more handsome than on the cover of that magazine up in my room.

His honey blonde hair flopped onto his face, and he swished it back in an irritable but endearing gesture. Emerald green eyes blazed with anger, but I could get lost in them. He was so tall and lithe that I knew he would tower over me. His perfection left me dazed, and I stayed in my hiding place to stare at him in wonder.

I am going to kill you, Markus. He shouted as he paced across the floor, and for the first time I had to wonder why he didn't blink and zap himself out of wherever he was now.

Why don't you use your magic? I asked aloud. I slapped my hand over my mouth with a squeak and stepped out of view of the Gate.

Who said that? he demanded and I could see him searching for where the voice had come from. Show yourself this instant. He insisted and with a guilty expression, I came out of my hiding place.

Hello. I managed to sound like a timid mouse.

Where are you? he called out to me, as his eyes scanned the room.

Um... I'm not sure. I admitted as his eyes caught mine in the mirror before he turned elsewhere.

I thought I was going to faint. He may have scowled up a storm but those eyes were glorious. I think I understood the saying that you can get lost in someone's eyes. My heart started racing while my mind turned to absolute gibberish.

How can you not be sure? he asked me in amazement as his search continued.

Turn around and tell me what you see.

Let me see now, he turned to face me again and I tried to avoid those mesmerising eyes. There seem to be a lot of objects that are covered with filthy blankets.

Then uncover them and see if I'm in there somewhere. I said getting a bit annoyed at his stupidity while wondering why I could see him but he couldn't see me.

This is disgusting. He muttered as dust flew in all directions

A little to the left, I directed him. No, a little more left. No, hang on it's your right.

Might I say that you are a tad irritating? he grumbled but even his grumpy tone sounded sexy.

Try that one. I told him as he stood in front of me.

With one quick swish, he ripped the tattered blanket from the mirror. I could see him clearer and it was a glorious moment. We stared at each other for what seemed to be an endless moment. My heart stopped before beginning to pound in my chest and a delicate shiver run through me at his intense gaze.

Why are you in the mirror? he broke the tension with his confusion.

I could ask you the same question. My voice stayed unsteady.

Before I could blink, a shocked look came over his face as he pressed his nose against the mirror to see me. I made a face at his antics, but he continued his staring until something seemed to strike him, but I had no idea what.

You are that girl. He gasped at me.

I'm who? I asked in confusion.

You are the girl who threw fireballs at me. He declared.

Hey, you’ve got the wrong girl, that's not me. I don't even have a talent in fire. I said raising my hands and backing away from the Gate.

Wait! he ordered and I stopped in my tracks. I looked at him for the first time since his accusation to find him beaming at me.

What? I asked as I looked for the reason he smiled.

That was the most fantastic display I have ever seen. He sounded excited, which only deepened his lilting accent.

Are you sure? I asked in amazement, now wishing I had done it to see the sparkle in his eye for me.

Yes, you threw the fireball at me, and then it bounced back to you with such obedience. You caught it a moment before you slammed the door in my face, he said in an excited voice with a smile appearing on his face as he remembered. When we broke the door open, you disappeared in that same glowing way in which you arrived. You also set fire to Markus's room, which upset him. None of us have ever forgotten that day.

It wasn't me. I insisted, knowing how much Dad would lose his cool if he knew about this, so I went for complete denial.

Yes, it was, he pointed his finger at me. I recall it well, believe me.

I didn't do it! I declared, getting myself fired up the more he accused me.

You did. He murmured while dropping that devastating smile my way, which amped up my fury.

Stop accusing me of something I didn't do, you jerk. I screeched as I headed for the door, but his final words made me hesitate as much as they made my cheeks glow red.

The last words I said before you disappeared were 'she is going to be my life bond'. I meant every word. His statement made me trip over my own feet, while his penetrating gaze melted my insides as I scurried out the door.

With a flaming face and a giddiness rushing through me, I made my way back to my room. I had talked to Prince Caden, I screamed in my head as I flopped back into my bed. For some reason he thinks he knows me. Could it be a future me? I could time travel to whenever I wanted, so of course it could be me.

His last words flashed in my head making my heart flutter with delight. He wanted me as his life bond. Me! Plain Charlie Johnson with the crazy fluffy brown hair and boring brown eyes. I started hyperventilating thinking about what he said in that sexy Argonian accent that I had never managed to acquire. My stomach flip-flopped and a silly grin lit my face as I picked up the magazine and stared at his glorious photo.

Lunch, I heard Mary call out. Come on, lovey.

I twitched a lot during the meal. Mary had to keep repeating her questions to me until she seemed exasperated. Eventually she gave up and talked to Roger instead. I ate about two mouthfuls, and smiled like a crazy person for the rest of the meal.

I wanted to go back and talk to the Prince, but I was also nervous of what he might say. I poked my head in the room until I could see the mirror in all its glory. It reflected its normal grey silvery fleck, and disappointment engulfed me but there was relief as well.

Uh, Prince Caden? I called out, but nothing happened. I turned away surprised by how much not seeing him upset me.

You know who I am? I heard his voice, and I turned around trying to hide my smile as my heart leaped with joy.

Uh... yeah. You've been news for a while because you've been missing for so long and all that. I blurted out the words.

Yes, and it is all the fault of my twin brother. He shouted as he glared off into the distance.

Prince Markus? I asked with a frown.

Yes, he said that someone gave him orders to leave me here. He admitted to putting off placing me in here for over a year. Apparently someone is coming to rescue me but I remain trapped two years on, when it was only supposed to be one. He vented his frustration and started pacing.

Maybe they're running late. I said to try to soothe him.

Next time he visits I am going to demand that he tell me about this mystery person. He muttered.

He comes to visit but how come you can't get out? I asked in confusion. He turned to me and smiled the most toe-curling smile I had ever seen.

You did it once more. He stated.

What? I asked perplexed.

I have no idea of your name and you always manage to distract my thoughts. Therefore, I would appreciate knowing who I am addressing? he asked in a silky voice.

Uh... Charlie. I said only to see his face fall into a disgruntled expression.

Charlie? That is your name? he asked in an amazed voice.

Yep. I said shrugging my shoulders and not understanding his aversion.

It is not a very feminine name for such a lovely girl. He said with a shake of his head, while I blushed at his compliment.

It’s the name I like.

What is the name you dislike? he insisted with a heart-warming grin.

It's Charlotte. I said it fast, hoping that he would miss it.

Charlotte, he let it roll off his tongue and for the first time I liked the way my name sounded. Why do you not like such a beautiful yet strange name?

I'm only called that when I get caught doing something wrong. I admitted and his grin widened.

How often would that occur?

More often than I would like. I looked away with a rueful grin.

He laughed in such a beautiful way that I wanted to keep him laughing forever. It awoke something deep inside of me. It shocked me at how much I wish that I could reach out and touch him. There was something so compelling that drew me to wanting to be near him.

How old are you, Miss Charlotte? he asked and I wanted to glare at him for using my proper name but it sounded so nice coming from his lips that I couldn't.

I'm fifteen point two. I answered and he smiled at me setting my heart all a flutter in my chest like a caged bird.

I am fifteen point two and a half, I think. He said with a grin. In Earth years, he was seventeen and a half, while I was seventeen.

I know. I said before slapping my hand over my big mouth and went bright red like normal.

You seem to know a lot about me. He murmured and my mouth popped open to say something but nothing came out. His grin deepened into a smirk and my heartbeat pounded.

You are one of the Princes of the Royal Family, so everyone knows about you. I spluttered.

True.

Charlie, where are you my girl? I heard Roger call out from downstairs.

I've gotta go. I uttered.

Will you come back later? he sounded desperate, which surprised me.

Sure. I said before disappearing to find Roger.

The rest of the afternoon, my mind dealt with Gate Management Procedures, which bored me to tears. Every moment I had free, my thoughts went back to Prince Caden. He intrigued me but at the same time, I found it difficult to talk to him and blurted out stupid things.

It wasn't until the following morning, after many restless dreams plagued with emerald green eyes that I had a chance to return to the attic. People were coming through today, so I had to be quick. I almost jumped out of my skin with how tense and excited I was at seeing him.

Prince Caden?

Charlotte, I am happy to see you, he exclaimed as he walked from the other side of the tower. His whole face lit up when he saw me and I blushed, which made him chuckle. You are such an easy blusher. He murmured, and of course, my face darkened a deeper shade of red.

Um... My whole mind blanked with him staring at me.

I would like you to call me Caden. He said and I felt my mouth drop open in shock. Only close friends and relatives had permission to call any of the Royal Family by their first names. I felt privileged in the strangest way.

Are you sure?

Of course. He said with a chuckle.

I heard movement at the foot of the stairs so I said my goodbyes with a promise to see him later. My whole body trembled with excitement as I made my way through another boring day. Thoughts of Prince Caden sustained me throughout, and I couldn't stop smiling at the giddy feelings he stirred up in me.

I managed to spend a blissful couple of days visiting him whenever I could. We talked for long endless hours about nothing