In love with the Devil

Sabrina Steward

" I don't believe in tarot reading. Let's go home instead of wasting our money." I furiously told Alice. My friends and I are at a carnival. I had a good time until Alice stopped in front of the tarot shop. Alice and Hayley are my best friends since sixth grade.

Alice is a fun-loving girl. She likes to explore new things and is desperate for an adventurous life. Hayley is a popular girl in whichever school she's taking a step in. Then, there's Ronan. I have feelings for him but he never notices it or he refuses to notice it. Maybe, I'm too desperate for love.

It could have been better if I'm not his friend. I used to see him every day. We four hang out together. I can't take my eyes off him. I could only imagine what his lips taste of.

" Why can't you trust anything, Sabrina? Even if it's not true, we can have some fun here." Hayley said, tapping her feet impatiently.

" Cheer up. You are going to like it once you entered the shop," Ronan throws his arms around my shoulder.

" I'm just going to accompany you but I still don't trust the lady," I murmured as we all entered the shop. There's a lady in her sixties sitting at a table with her hands on the desk. My eyes wandered the whole place with crystals, bottles with different colours of liquid, many symbols on the wall, posters, candles and rocks.

" Are you interested in palm horoscope? She's even doing that." Hayley whispered in my ears. Before I could give any reply, the old lady spoke.

" Welcome to the witch's horoscope. I'm so glad you choose to visit this shop. What do you children like to know?" She politely asked.

" Are you a witch? Or the shop's name is some kind of a joke?" Oh shit, I should have kept silent. Why did I open my mouth? Did I hurt the lady's feeling?

" Sabrina," Alice warned, almost in a loud voice.

" Maybe, I should ask you the question, child. Are you Sabrina Spellman or Morningstar?" She snapped as she arranged the cards. I didn't think the old lady would be watching 'Chilling adventures of Sabrina'.

" I'm just Sabrina Steward. You haven't answered my question. Are you a witch?"

" Don't be rude to her, Sabrina. She might have thought of an interesting name." Ronan whispered while Alice sat at the table and asked the lady for a tarot card. I watched her keeping up three cards and placing them on the table. I'm not paying attention to the lady but I can see a smile on Alice's lips.

After a few minutes, Hayley sat at the table as the lady spread the set of cards again.

" Can we go home now? I'm so bored here." I told Ronan.

" Don't worry. I'm not going to see my future now. I would see it online." Ronan laughed. I don't know why I was feeling so anxious and furious since I entered this shop. But I'm feeling relieved as soon as I stepped out of the shop.

" Sabrina Morningstar," I heard the old lady's voice again. Is she calling me? Alice and Hayley are looking at each other in confusion.

" I'm Sabrina Steward," I loudly said as I stepped inside the shop again.

" I know. You don't have to hate the horoscope, tarot readings. There are some fake people in the world whose only motto is money. But whatever I'm telling is true. I know a lot of things. Try me. I will prove myself to you."

I didn't expect her to talk like this. I gave a black expression for a minute. " I...you don't have to prove yourself to me. I usually don't trust anyone or anything easily. Goodbye," I turned away but I felt a cold hand on my wrist.

" It feels like you need some help in your life. I could provide you anything you want."

" What are you talking, lady? I'm satisfied with my life and I don't have money to pay you for your predictions. Would you please let go of my hand?" I spoke with a little bit of fear.

" Call me Cordelia. I'm not looking for your money. I'm trying to do a favour for you. I also know you are having some difficulties in your life."

She got to be lying. She doesn't know anything about my life.

" Tell me something about my life, my problems. I know you can't. So, stop insisting things on people who don't want your help." I told, trying not to lose my patience.

" You have underestimated me, child. I'm capable of knowing a few things about you with contact with your skin. You always refuse to enjoy your life. You are desperate for love and money. You are seeking help from somewhere. All you want is a happy life..."

" Hold on. These are all some common things that apply to a certain number of people. Or most of the people in the world. You can't be specific about my life. Give up, Cordelia," I folded my arms against my chest, waiting for her to be speechless.

" Well, you want me to be specific. I will be specific. You are desperate for money in the hope to join the Hellviore Academy. You are hoping that the boy outside my shop would have feelings for you. You see yourself as an unlucky being just because your birth date is thirteen. Is this enough?"

What the hell? How the hell does she know about this? She knows about the Hellviore Academy, my Ronan and my birthdate. She's freaking me out. Alice and Hayley wouldn't have told anything about me. What does she want with me?

" I can see you speechless. I'm not trying to make you afraid. But it seems like you need some help with your life. That's why I thought you need this." She said, lifting a decorative box from under the desk.

" Nothing is priceless in the world. Why do you want to help me without getting a dollar from me?"

" Nothing is priceless. But money can't pay for this wish. Take this to your home and see for yourself. Your life will be wonderful if you use this wisely." She said, placing the small circled box and a pocket-sized book in my hands.

" First of all, tell me how do you know about my life and my needs? Second of all, I don't need your help. I got nothing to do with this box."

Is she a stalker or something?

"As you suspected, I'm a witch. Then, this box has been passing through humans for many centuries. You are supposed to be in it and this cycle never stops."

" What are you blabbering about? What cycle? I dont want to involve in any of this." I freaked out but Cordelia walked towards the entry door. I followed her and I saw my friends who are deeply involved in a conversation while waiting for me.

" Can you take back this stupid box and the book?" I asked while she turned the opening board to closed.

" Don't you dare close the door in front of me, Cordelia?"

She looked at me one last time. " This box finds the people who need it. It was supposed to find you and there's no taking it back. Goodnight, Sabrina Morningstar," She smiled and locked the door.

" I'm Sabrina Steward," I shouted and kept the box and the book in my bag before my friends approached me.

" I thought you hated her. Now here you are, coming out of her shop after keeping us wait for a longer time." Alice said.

" What did you both talked about? Did she show you something interesting?" Ronan asked me. I have to come up with an excuse.

" We argued. The old lady didn't like the negative vibes from me. I kind of annoyed her. Anyways, can we go now?"

" We will be leaving now at any moment. I already booked a car." Hayley said, looking at her watch. We walked out of all the crowd. I can't stop thinking about the box in my bag. It makes me anxious. Should I throw it? If I throw it, it might haunt me in dreams.

I snapped myself out of my thought and watching Alice and Ronan taking something seriously.

" I can't believe it. I know you two will end up together one day."

" No. She is not my girlfriend yet. It's just a second date." Ronan laughed. Or I can see he blushed.

" Well, isn't it a great thing?" She said and caught my eyes.

" What are you talking about? Who has a date with who?" My voice is breaking. I can't imagine Ronan with anyone. I love him. I can't always see him as my friend. But he doesn't know anything I'm feeling. I'm not bold enough to say it and ruin my relationship. I clearly know he doesn't have any feelings for me. He cares for me but not like I want it to be.

" Samantha. You know her, right? His girl next door." SAM. How could I not notice her? Am I not paying attention to what's going on around me?

" Cool.cool.cool. When's the date?"

" Tomorrow," Ronan said. His face is glowing with Sam's topic. Fortunately, the car arrived. I can't stand here anymore.

I reached home with a sad look. My mom is talking to someone about some debt. I'm tired of hearing that word. Damn. When will I ever enjoy my life?

I went to my room and took the wish box. It's one more problem in my life. The more I look at it, the more I get attracted to it. I tried to open it but it's not opening. Does it need any key? But there's no lock. What the hell am I supposed to do with this?

I took the book. It must be a guide. I scrolled the pages. I started reading it carefully without missing a word.

" That lady is a witch for me. She wants me to do a spell. A fucking witch spell." I shouted, throwing the box on the floor. It doesn't break. But it gives me bad vibes. This box is not going to do me any good. It's not going to bring me any good things in my life. I'm not doing this spell.

I took the book, box and went to the hall. It's going to the dustbin. My mom is still awake. I thought she would have slept my this time.

" Sorry dear, I didn't have time to talk with you. How was the carnival? Did you enjoy the day?

It was the opposite of happiness.

" Yeah, mom. It was fun. Is there anything I need to know? You are talking seriously on the phone. Is there any problem?"

" No, dear. Nothing to worry about. We did everything to join you in the academy. It's all you ever wanted all these years. Isn't it?"

" Yes, mom. But I don't want you to stress yourself for my happiness. I can go to any other cheap academy. I know nothing will be cheap. But Hellviore Academy is something that...."

" Shhh...Your dad and I planned everything out perfectly. All you have to do is wait for a week. Then, you are off to an amazing start in the academy. You are going to learn a lot of things apart from your studies. The Academy has many indoor and outdoor games too.

" I'm glad to hear that, mom. Speaking of dad, where is he?"

" He's having a rough day. But he will be back home soon."

" What are you holding in your hands, dear?" she added.

" It's nothing mom. Just...just a box to keep some things. I'm thinking of what to keep in it?" I sputtered.

" Oh, can I have it? It looks beautiful. Then, what's that book? Any children storybook?"

To be honest, It's a witch bitch book.

" I think I heard a doorbell ring. Is it dad?" I tried to distract her.

" I didn't hear anything, dear."

" You aren't paying any attention, mom. Don't let dad wait outside. I bet he's super tired. Right?"

" Hmm...yeah, I will go now," She left the room. Now it's my time. I threw the box in the dustbin and collected some extra trash all across the hall. I threw it all over the box. Atleast, I tore all the pages from the book and threw them. Now, I'm having such a relief.

" Your dad is not yet home, Sabrina," I heard my mom's voice.

" Then, wait for him, mom. I'm going to sleep."

" Sleep tight,"

I locked my room and went to bed with one less problem. There's a lot of things bothering me but I will deal with them. Just like everyone else. I don't want the box. It will be gone by tomorrow. I'm Cordelia free. I slept with the thought.

I woke up with my alarm noise. Why did I keep the timer? I'm on holiday for a week. After that, my life will be better. I'm already 18. I hope I will have a good life like just Rapunzel after her 18th birthday.

I walked into the kitchen looking for my mom.

" Good morning, mom," I smiled at her.

" Good morning, dear. Did you slept well?"

" Better than yesterday," I replied, walking towards the dustbin, hoping it looks empty. It does. I got saved from the old lady. I went to my room to see any text from my friends. Just when I took my phone from the table, something caught my eyes on the desk. What the actual fuck?

It's the wish box and the book. It looks like I have never torn it. It's all-new. It's not possible. Nothing is indestructible in the world. How can this be all new?

My mom wouldn't have done it. Not possible. Now, I'm sure of one thing. This thing is not leaving me.

I'm feeling worse than yesterday. I safely kept the wish box and the guide in my cupboard. I locked it. If I can't get rid of it, I will be keeping it close to me.

6 days later:

" Did you pack everything? You shouldn't say you forgot something later. We can't bring it to you. The Academy is far away from home." My dad said.

" Yes, I understood, dad. You don't need to worry about this. I have been waiting for this all my life." I can't stop showing how excited Iam. The moment I opened the front door of my house, I felt happier. Happier than I have ever been.

" Hey, you didn't keep me waiting at all. Can we go now?" Hayley greeted me with open arms.

" Sure. I wish we could be roommates in the new academy?"

" If that happens, Alice will be jealous," she commented. Before I reply, I looked back at my parents. I have to say a proper goodbye to them. I might be seeing them after six months.

" Bye, Mom. Bye, Dad. I will literally call you every day. I wouldn't miss a day. I miss you." I hugged them both at the same time.

" We miss you too." They said.

" I hope you will find everything perfect in the Academy." Mom said, kissing my cheek.

After a few minutes, Hayley and I are close to the bus stop. I love the way the bus looks with the name 'Hellviore Academy' and the orange colour.

" The bus directly symbolizes hell. I hope it would be much of heaven than hell." Hayley muttered.

" It's just the name, Hayley. There's nothing behind it." I confidently said.

" But I searched something unusual in google..."

" Hey, you are finally here. We got seats for you. I wonder if we all be dancing inside the bus until we reach the Academy. But I think we won't. It's not a tour. Anyhow, I will show you the seats. Come in," Alice got pretty excited and almost acted as the whole bus belonged to her.

As Alice got in, Ronan was standing next to me. " Thank god, you came early. Or she would have made my ear bleeding just with her non-stop talks."

" We all know that. You got saved for now." I followed Alice to our seats. Hayley, Alice and I sat together. Now, I can't stop wondering where Ronan is.

" Where is Ronan?" I asked at the time when the bus started.

" He's with Sam. He's just behind us." Alice pointed at him. I turned back to look at him lost in Sam's eyes. Are they really in love? Am I imagining things to an extent?

Eight buses are going to Hellviore Academy for new students. Why does Sam have to travel to this particular one? I have to put an end to these thoughts forever.

Then I diverted my mind somewhere. Hayley was saying something before we saw Alice. What does she want to say?

" Hayley?" I called her before she takes her earphone. " You started telling me something about Hellviore Academy. What is it?"

" Yeah, thanks for reminding me, Sabrina. I will just open the web page now." She said as Alice and I looked into her screen.

" Not many people know about this Academy. But however knows it from our surroundings, always wanted to join it. We heard a lot of advantages but I read something bad about it. I'm not sure whether I should believe it."

" Get to the point, Hayley. What's the disadvantage?" Alice urged her.

" It's...some students have died and some students went missing. They have never been found. Maybe it's because of the area. There aren't many houses nearby. All the privileges are only available in the Academy but once we step outside there's nothing but a deep forest where even adults get lost. There are even some animal attacks."

" Seriously, Hayley. You are telling this now. How come our parents haven't checked all this?"

" I found it a few days ago. I spent a lot of time finding this little information. Still, the reviews about this Academy are almost good. All I can see is 5 stars everywhere. We can't judge anything until we see it in front of our eyes." Hayley said.

" We might only know it if we went missing. It might be interesting. I might be encountering something different and impossible." Alice said as she looked like she's imagining the situation.

" Your wishes are so weird, Alice. Just reminding you." I told her and took my earphone to get into some of my favourite songs. We all got back to our own thoughts until Alice asked me something and took my bag. I didn't hear what she said.

No, Don't touch my bag.

" Not that zip, Alice. What do you want? Can't you just ask me? " I almost snapped at her angrily as I unplugged my earphone.

" I asked you, Sabrina. I just want some snakes. You usually let us explore your bag. What's wrong with you now?"

I can't tell what's wrong with me. If I was one second late, she would have seen the wish box.

" I'm so sorry, Alice. I didn't mean to say that. I was not in a good mood."

" Is something bothering you, Sabrina? Tell us." Hayley asked. Alice nodded. I wish I could tell them. They will help me get rid of the box but...

" Hey, girls, we have entered the forest. It would be nice if I could spot some wild animals." Ronan said to us, looking outside the window.

" Do you want to get killed?" Hayley asked him.

" I just want to spot them. I know I will be safe here." He replied. Ronan's interruption saved me. I might tell my secret to my friends one day but not today.

We arrived at the Academy after two hours. The rain started pouring as we stepped out of the bus. We safely entered the Academy before the rain poured heavily.

" Did you got your room number, Sabrina? What are you looking at?" Ronan brought back to reality. I'm not even sure what I was thinking. The heavy rain or the missing and dead students from here or the wish box.

" Yeah, wait. How should I check it?" I asked him looking confused.

" Through the new email. A link has been sent." Ronan told. Finally, having my phone with me every minute in the Acadamy seems to be the best thing ever.

" Room number 112," I said out loud to my friends.

" Just like we talked, we are roommates," Hayley beamed at me.

" Wow, I didn't see that coming at all. I don't need to get friends with someone new."

" I'm not lucky. Room number 126. I have to meet my pair." Alice frowned.

" Room number 130. Atleast, I'm glad we will be on the same floor." Ronan optimistically said. Soon, we reached our rooms. My eyes wandered over the next room before looking at mine.

Room number 113 is closed, locked and it is covered with tapes in an X shape. There's a 'do not enter sign.

" What the hell? What's up with this door? Is it because of the number. I don't like it. Even my birthday is the 13th. I wouldn't consider it as unlucky or anything." I told Hayley furiously.

" It's not with the number, it's with the dark past of many students," Someone replied to me from behind. I looked back to see a cleaning lady. She's carrying a mop and passing by this floor.

" What's the dark past?"

" A girl went lost from this academy ten years ago. This was her room. After that, the students who stayed in this room either died or lost or quitted from here. Now, it's closed. I wasn't supposed to tell this. I'm telling you this, just in case you are curious about it. Don't try anything stupid to get in this room."