Love's First Kiss

Standing there, witnessing Charlene's high school graduation, Mrs. Craig couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions.

Pride, nostalgia and and a hint of sadness washed over her as she realized how far they had come since that snowy day on September 15th. Her little Charlene was growing up into a young lady

**One month later**

Charlene kept staring out through the car windows as herself, her mum and Charlotte drove to Vintage college.

"I've dreamt of attending Vintage for years" she gushed, her eyes shinning.

Charlotte rolled her eyes "you're finally going to attend Vintage, now stop grinning like a five year old, you're 18 already"

"You didn't have to sound mean" Charlene whined cutely and Charlotte pinched her cheeks playfully.

The scent of freshly cut grass wafted through the air as Mrs. Craig stopped the car.

"Girls, promise me you'll always have each other's backs" she pleaded, her hand trembling on the steering.

Charlene's eyes lightened in excitement "of course mum, we promise" she grinned. "Right bestie?"

Charlotte's gaze grew distant for a while before she nodded. "Right"

Staring out through the window, she allowed her mind to wander, hoping she eventually keeps the promise.

Growing up, it's almost always been about Charlene, her welfare, her likes in fact their lives literally revolved around her, although Charlotte hated to admit it, jealousy was already beginning to lay it's tents in her.

As they arrived the college, the sound of chatters and laughter filled the air.

"Finally" Charlene screamed.

"yay" Charlotte giggled, taking numerous pictures.

"I'll miss you mum" Charlene whispered the moment they were out of the car and Mrs Craig held her tight, the smell of Charlene's perfume mingling with her own.

"I'll miss you too my Darling." She whispered, holding back her tears.

Charlotte watched, a hint of jealousy creeping in.

"acting like they'll never see each other again."

As Charlene released her mum, Mrs. Craig turned to Charlotte.

"I'll miss you Charlotte. Take care of yourself, and Charlene your parents will visit soon."

Charlotte faked a smile. "I'll miss you too Aunt. Take care."

With a final wink, Mrs Craig headed back to her car.

"Bye girls."

Charlene's face lit up. "Let's go. I can't wait to settle in and see Jace."

Charlotte teased, "look who's blushing. Seconds ago, you were bawling your eyes out."

Charlene playfully rolled her eyes, her blush deepening.

"I can't believe we're not roomies" Charlene pouted staring at her room keys.

"C'mon, were still on the same block right?" Charlotte shrugged.

"But you'll make more friends, and .."

"Friends forever, nothing and no one will come between us" Charlotte interrupted her.

"Our childhood promise" Charlene whispered with tears brimming at the corner of her eyes.

They both shared a long hug, before finally breaking it.

"Catch ya later" Charlotte winked dragging her bags to her room.

"See ya" Charlene smiled and walked towards the direction of her room.

Charlene lugged her suitcase up the stairs grumbling,

"Five floors every day? Just great."

Relief washed over her when she finally found room 175.

Getting inside, a sharp gasp escaped her lips at the girly decor.

"Awesome!"

A sarcastic voice cut through her wonder. "You might want to close your mouth... Insects seem to be flying all around."

Charlene turned to the direction the voice came from. "Roommate?"

"obviously" The cute girl with a modeller figure smirked

"I hope you're not one of those spoilt rich brats expecting to have a room all to themselves right?"

Charlene's eyes narrowed. "Rude."

The girl lips curved into a bright smile, before she reintroduced herself. "I'm Hazel."

"You smile huh?" Charlene scoffed in response.

"Who doesn't?" Hazel chuckled "you know... I thought we could actually be friends, but never mind"

Charlene shrugged, and began unpacking in silence.

"Want help?" Hazel asked observing Charlene's difficulty in unpacking her stuff.

'If she's finding it difficult to unpack her stuff now, how will she arrange them in her wardrobe? all alone?' She thought

"If you want to" Charlene mumbled not taking her gaze off what she was doing.

They began unpacking and arranging in silence.

As they finished, Charlene exhaled. "Thanks, Hazel."

Hazel grinned, "You're welcome..." She trailed off realising she didn't even know her name.

"Charlene" She said noticing Hazel's difficulty "Charlene Craig"

"Bad roommate huh" Hazel chuckled awkwardly. "You've got a nice name though."

Charlene smiled genuinely.

"Let's get ready for orientation, I heard there's an after party." Hazel grinned.

"urgg..Another party freak" Charlene grumbled recalling that Charlotte will do anything to attend a party.

"Something like that" Hazel giggle "you love parties too? don't you?"

"I'd rather stay in the library all day" Charlene replied, disdain dripping from her face.

"Nerd" Hazel scoffed walking back to her bed.

****

Meanwhile, in another realm thick with the flavour of magic in different forms.

A shaman sat in his temple, the scent of sandalwood and incense wafted through the air.

A young girl was seated on the woven mat in the temple, her legs crossed and her eyes fixed on the shaman.

The shaman, adorned in vibrant royal regalia, nodded thoughtfully.

"You worry too much young one. The prophecy will unfold itself in it's own time."

The girl sighed, before speaking up her voice laced with concern "but what if they find her first?"

The shaman's expression turned sceptical "how did you even learn of the girl with the scant?"

She suddenly stood, obviously not expecting the question.

"I'll take my leave now" she said her slippers barely making sounds against the stone floor.

As she made her way to the exit, the shaman's voice stopped her. "Diamond, rid your mind of darkness. Let go of malice, lest it consumes you or you become a tool for darkness."

She bowed, her hands clasped together. The soft rustle of her silk robe accompanied her departure.

As the door creaked shut, the shaman sighed, unable to rid the thoughts that suddenly clouded his mind.

"There's a weird cloud around her... I hope it doest consume her" he whispered

"I wonder how she uncovered the truth..." his voice trailed off lost in thoughts.

****

VINTAGE COLLEGE

**After the orientation**

Hazel chuckled, eyeing Charlene's outfit, her gaze lingering on the floral patterns and ruffles that made Charlene look like a walking garden party.

"You're not serious about wearing that to the freshman party, are you? You look like you just stepped out of a Jane Austen novel."

Charlene examined her reflection in the mirror, smoothing out the long, flared gown that her mom had lovingly picked out for her. The soft fabric rustled as she moved, releasing the subtle scent of lavender. She tied a scarf over her long brown hair, securing it with a delicate knot.

"What's wrong with my dress?" Charlene asked, with a pout as she struck a pose in front of the mirror.

Hazel snorted, flopping onto her bed.

"You look like my mom! That dress is way too big, and those ruffles are screaming 'help me!'"

Charlene scoffed, rolling her eyes. "You wish you could pull off this level of elegance."

Hazel grinned mischievously. "Orientation was a total snooze-fest. Time to spice things up. Get ready for some drama, Charlene."

Charlene's curiosity piqued, she turned to Hazel. "What drama?"

Hazel's smile was enigmatic, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "You'll see. Just don't cry too much, okay? Self-acceptance is key. And, please, for the love of all things holy, change into something that doesn't make you look like a Victorian-era spinster."

Charlene's eyebrows furrowed, her eyes narrowing. "What are you getting at?"

Hazel waved it off, chuckling. "Never mind. I talk too much. Go forth and rock that... um... interesting dress."

Charlene shrugged and headed out, her dress swishing with each step. "Gotta go. Catch ya later."

As Charlene left, Hazel's expression turned thoughtful, her eyes lingering on the empty space where Charlene had stood.

**

Charlene burst into Charlotte's room, distress etched on her face. "Charlotte, I don't know what's going on with Jace. He hasn't been answering my calls."

Charlotte looked up from her phone, raising an eyebrow at Charlene's outfit.

"Good evening to you too, Charlene. And what. Are. You. Wearing?"

Charlene's flared dress, with its riotous floral patterns and delicate ruffles, seemed to shimmer in the dim light. Charlotte's gaze lingered on the scarf tied over Charlene's hair, her expression incredulous.

"We're not attending a church service, are we?" Charlotte teased, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Charlene flopped onto Charlotte's bed, her skirt rustling against the sheets. "I don't have the strength for sarcasm right now."

Charlotte chuckled, zipping up her own dress, a sleek black number that hugged her curves.

"Okay, drama queen. Let's go to the party. Maybe Jace will be there, and you can... um... dazzle him with your unique fashion sense."

Charlene ignored the jab, her eyes welling up. "Let's just leave already."

Charlotte shrugged, grabbing her purse. "Let's go then. But please, for the love of all things fashionable, try not to blind anyone with that... dress."

Charlene shot Charlotte a mock-glare as they headed out.

***

"Whoa!" Charlotte screamed, her voice barely audible over the thumping music as they entered the packed hall. Strobe lights flashed, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the dancing crowd.

"I missed this!" Charlotte exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. She dragged Charlene through the sea of bodies, Charlene's long dress swirling around her legs.

Hazel watched from afar, sipping her drink with a wry smile. "Some people aren't worth it," she muttered to herself, shaking her head.

As Charlotte vanished into the crowd, Charlene's anxiety grew. She scanned the room for Jace, her heart racing with every false alarm. The music pulsed through her veins, but her mind was elsewhere.

Just as she thought she'd explode from worry, Charlotte reappeared, her face flushed. "I'll be right back, I saw someone," she said, disappearing into the throng.

Charlene's bladder suddenly protested, and she rushed to the restroom. The dimly lit hallway offered a brief respite from the chaos.

As she pushed open the restroom door, a shocking sight froze her in place:

Jace, her boyfriend, was locked in a passionate kiss with....

Charlene's eyes widened, her mind reeling. The music outside faded into the background, replaced with the pounding of her heart.

To be continued...

"Friends forever, nothing and no one will come between us," Charlotte's voice echoed in Charlene's mind, now a haunting mockery.

Charlene's eyes widened as she stumbled upon the unfathomable scene: Jace and Charlotte entwined in a passionate kiss, their lips moving in perfect sync. The washroom's fluorescent lights seemed to flicker in tandem with Charlene's racing heart.

"Wh-what is going on here?" She whispered, her lips trembling, and tears welling up in her eyes.

Jace and Charlotte disengaged, their faces a blur of guilt and malice. Charlotte's smirk twisted the knife.

"Best friend, I'm so sorry you had to find out this way," She said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Charlene's eyes locked onto Jace, pleading for denial. "This isn't happening, right?"

Charlotte's laughter cut through the air. "Heartbeat, don't you think it's time to tell her?"

"Heartbeat?" Charlene's voice cracked.

Charlotte's roll of her eyes was a cold slap. "Come on, bestie, aren't you tired of being clueless? Jace and I have been together for months."

Charlene's world crumbled. "Jace, please tell me it's not true. You said you loved me..."

Charlotte snatched Jace's hand, her grip possessive. "Stop dreaming, Charlene. You were just a placeholder until Jace realized his true feelings.

Charlene's vision blurred as tears streamed down. "Not you too, Charlotte. You promised..."

Charlotte's voice turned venomous. "Grow up, Charlene. Promises are meant to be broken."

The washroom seemed to shrink, suffocating Charlene. Betrayal and anger boiled over.

"I hate you!" She screamed at the top of her lungs.

The mirrors in the washroom shattered, and the walls cracked, as if responding to her anguish. Her voice echoed off the tiles.

Charlotte stumbled backward, fear etched on her face. "What's going on?"

Jace's eyes widened in horror. "Charlene, stop!"

But Charlene's glare sent him flying across the wall. He crashed to the floor, his back throbbing in pain.

"Why are your eyes... red?" he managed to stammer before losing consciousness.

Charlotte fled the washroom, unable to bear the terrifying scene.

Charlene collapsed to the floor, overcome by despair.

"What have I done? How did I do this?" she cried, tears streaming down her face.

In a desperate bid to punish herself, Charlene grabbed a shard of broken glass and slashed at her wrist.

But instead of blood, her skin healed seamlessly, leaving no scar.

"Ah!" Charlene screamed, horrified by her own reflection.

Her vision blurred, and she passed out.

As Charlene felt her world crumble and passed out, distant whispers of secrets sounded in the shadows.

And unknown to her, forces stirred in what seemed like a contention for existence.

****

Master Arnold stepped into the dimly lit chamber, the scent of old parchment and burning incense enveloping him. The air was heavy with anticipation, and the flickering candles cast eerie shadows on the walls.

Before him stood the shaman, his eyes fixed intently on the scrying pool's shimmering surface. "It's going to happen, any moment, I can feel it," he whispered, his voice trembling with excitement.

Arnold's brow furrowed with concern. "Don't you think it might be dangerous? Like, what if she gets killed?" He approached the shaman, his footsteps echoing off the stone floor.

The shaman's smile never wavered. "You worry too much, Master Arnold. If it's the will of the deity, then so be it." His eyes gleamed with an otherworldly intensity.

Arnold's gaze lingered on the shaman's staff, its carved runes pulsing with an unsettling energy. "But what about the prophecy? The girl with the scent, the one capable of breaking the curse... What if she's not ready?"

The shaman's gaze drifted into the distance. "Time will tell, Master Arnold. The threads of fate are complex. We can only guide her; the decision is not ours to make."

****

Next Morning (infirmary)

Charlene's eyelids parted open.

Her stomach suddenly began churning as the scent of disinfectant enveloped her.

She sat upright and a piercing headache hit her really hard, causing a painful moan to escape her lips.

"What am I doing here?" She asked herself, rubbing her temples still feeling the throbbing headache.

"Oh no!" She whispered in horror, as the memories from the previous night suddenly flooded her mind.

"It can't be real"

She screamed loudly, her voice echoing through the room and the hallways.

The Chandelier above reacted to the pitch of her voice as it shook too before crashing aggressively to the floor.

The school doctor and nurses rushed in, slightly panicking.

"What in the world happened here..." A middle aged female nurse gasped, her eyes fixed on the wreckage.

Charlene's gaze rested nervously on the shattered chandelier, her eyes glowing red and her body visibly trembling.

"Can someone explain this?" The doctor asked softly.

"I..I saw her glare at the chandelier as she yelled... Suddenly it came crashing down" A sophomore witness stammered fearfully.

Charlene's face fell, and all colours drained from her face as the realization that someone else saw what happened dawned on her, sending cold chills down her spine.

"I... I don't know how it happened" Charlene cried, with trembling lips "I swear"

The Doctor sighed, his expression contorted of Concern and wariness.

"I'm afraid you'll have to come with me"

"To.. Where?" Charlene whispered hiding her trembling hands behind her.

"The disciplinary committee" The doctor replied sternly "I'm sorry this is beyond me"

The room went dead silent and all Charlene could hear was her frantic heartbeats.

"You're not calling my mum right?" She asked fear obvious in her voice.

"I'm sorry miss.., that's a decision for the committee not me"

**SOME HOURS LATER

Mrs. Craig and Charlene sat before two disciplinary committee, the cold air of the boardroom interrupting Charlene's free flow of breath.

After the doctor reported the infirmary incident, the CCTV footage was played to satisfy the committee's curiosity, then Mrs. Craig was invited.

"Any traces of sorcery in your family?" A staff asked in a rather intrusive tone.

Mrs. Craig sighed "Is there really need for these questions?" She asked, her voice breaking "Just give your verdict, so my princess can know her fate."

"We can't keep her here Mrs. Craig" Another Staff member said harshly "letting her stay here will endanger other students."

Charlene stuttered,unable to hold back the tears streaming down her face "what...what are you insinuating?"

Witnessing her daughter's vulnerability, Mrs. Craig's eyes grew misty.

She placed her hands on Charlene's, trying to calm her.

"We can't have a monster in our school" Another Lady spoke bluntly, adjusting her eye glasses.

"withdraw your daughter from Vintage college or she'll be rusticated. And you know what that means... No other school will take her in"

Charlene's sobs increased, fear obvious in her eyes.

"Thanks for the sarcasm" Mrs Craig muttered. "It was well served"

"This has got nothing to do with discrimination ma'am" Another staff said softly.

"parents may withdraw their kids...please do the needful"

"Mum let's leave" Charlene whispered sadly and got up from the chair.

"I guess I really am possessed" she whispered and began making her way to the door.

She'd never have imagined herself getting expelled from college, worst of from her dream college.

All of a sudden her life had turned upside down within moments.

"I'll be fine" she assured herself turning the doorknob.

Mrs Craig stared at Charlene, with warmth an compassion,her heart aching.

No matter how dangerous others claimed Charlene was, to Mrs. Craig, she would always remain he little princess...

"Is it true?" A girly voice whispered.

Charlene's heart sank as she approached the hostel, hearing clearly each word that was being uttered by the students around the hallway.

"A freshman's getting expelled?" Another student chimed in.

"I heard she's from the humanities"

"She's possessed, she almost killed a sophomore"

Charlene's heart stung as tears clouded her vision, nevertheless she quickened her pace, her sneakers squeaking against the polished marble floor.

"Quiet guys, here she comes" A warning whisper sounded, suddenly followed by an awkward silence.

Charlene's gaze remained on the floor, her shoulders down in defeat as their words bore down on her.

She clutched tightly to her oversized colourful dress, preventing it from getting her legs stuck.

As Charlene pushed open her room door, the once beautiful room seemed to suddenly mock her, the colours no longer alluring.

"I heard what happened" Hazel muttered softly, interrupting Charlene's little reverie. "I'm sorry"

Charlene nodded slowly, with her gaze on the floor, keeping a reasonable amount of distance between them, she mouthed "thank you"

Hazel moved closer to her, almost covering the gap between them, intending to share a hug, but Charlene stepped back.

"Why?" Hazel raised a brow, with a slightly puzzled expression.

"I'm a monster...don't come any closer" She sniffed, wiping the slow tears skidding down her face with the back of her palm.

"I might hurt you."

"Don't say that Lene" Hazel cautioned "you're not a monster"

"So what then am I?" She scoffed "and the whole events since yesterday...any suitable explanation?"

"Charlene.." Hazel started and exhaled softly "you just possess powers that are not appreciated here"

Charlene stared shortly at Hazel before releasing a small smile, although it didn't interfere with her teary face, nor her thoughts.

She just felt excited that someone aside her mum understood her and exactly was she was passing through.

"I need to pack my stuff,mum's waiting" she whispered heading to the wardrobe, trying not to get too carried away.

"You... Were really expelled?" Hazel stuttered feigning ignorance and getting no response from Charlene,she sighed.

"You'll get through it, I promise you"

She whispered joining her to pack her bags.

****

The afternoon sunlight was beautiful, radiating joy and excitement as it streamed into the kitchen through the opened window blind, but right inside the kitchen relating against the counter Melanie Hughes didn't have any iota of excitement in her eyes.

Karina, her step-mum was at it again, using even the slightest opportunity she gets to make trouble.

Pissed of and unwilling to ignore the brooding tension anymore,Melanie spoke up angrily.

"You do realise I'm not a kid anymore right?" She asked trying to keep her voice cool.

Karina scoffed her lips curving Into a sneer. "So you can talk back huh! I thought you were a zombie"

She leaned against the counter opposition Melanie, her arms crossed under her breasts.

Melanie's left hand balled into a fist as she stared at Karina with so much anger "I never asked dad for a babysitter"

Karina's eyes flashed with disdain, mirroring Melanie's hatred fro her.

"You're so dumb Karina... I wonder why my dad married you" She spat, her voice dripping with malice.

"I see your mum failed in her primary duty" Karina snapped "oh, I just remember you don't have a mother, you've never"

Karina mocked her voice echoing.

despite the sweet scent of bacon that filled the air, the energy in the kitchen was still poisonous.

Melanie was suddenly filled with rage "do whatever you want, say whatever,but never insult my mum"

She said her voice firm but measured, her knuckles turning white.

Karina smirked triumphantly with satisfaction written clearly in her face "or what? You're going to call her from her grave?"

Melanie's eye narrowed, her jaws slightly clenched, she turned around and stormed out of the kitchen angrily, heading upstairs.

The door slammed shut behind her, the sound resonating through the silent house.

"Good radiance" Karina scoffed.

****

The drive out of Vintage College was silent, the only sound the soft hum of the engine and the occasional snap of leaves beneath the tires. Charlene's eyes remained fixed on the passing scenery, her mind reeling with thoughts of abandonment and rejection.

"Where are we going, Mommy?" Charlene asked, her voice barely above a whisper, as Mrs. Craig took a different route.

"Somewhere peaceful and quiet, princess. We need to talk," Mrs. Craig reassured her, offering a warm smile.

Charlene's gaze lingered on her mother's face, searching for signs of disappointment or disgust. Instead, she saw compassion and understanding.

An hour later, they arrived at a serene park, the sun casting a warm glow over the lush green grass. Children's laughter echoed through the air, mingling with the sweet scent of blooming flowers.

"Mom, you brought me to a park?" Charlene asked, her voice laced with skepticism.

Mrs. Craig guided her to a weathered wooden swing, the chains creaking softly as they sat.

"This is difficult for me too, princess," Mrs. Craig said, her voice soothing. "You can cry on my shoulder, and we'll face this together."

Charlene's emotions overflowed, tears streaming down her face as she recounted the events. Mrs. Craig listened attentively, her expression empathetic.

"Princess, talk to me. What really happened?" Mrs. Craig asked, her voice gentle.

"Mommy, does loyalty really exist? Are promises meant to be kept? Is friendship truly meant to be cherished?" Charlene asked, her voice cracking.

Mrs. Craig's eyes filled with tears as Charlene spoke, her heart aching for her daughter's pain.

"Of course, angel," Mrs. Craig replied. "But why all these questions? And what about Charlotte?"

Charlene's tears intensified, her body shaking with sobs. Mrs. Craig enveloped her in a warm hug, holding her close.

"I love you, princess. No matter what happens, I'll be there for you. Don't ever feel bad about yourself," Mrs. Craig whispered.

As they broke apart, Charlene noticed her mother's tears.

"Mommy, you're crying," Charlene said, her voice filled with concern.

Mrs. Craig smiled weakly. "I just can't help it, princess."

"we'll scale through" Mrs. Craig added engulfing Lyra in a soothing hug.

Charlene's genuine smile faltered as she gazed out at the park's lush green grass. "Thank you, Mom. You're amazing," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mrs. Craig's eyes crinkled at the corners as she smiled, her voice filled with warmth. "I'm glad you're feeling better now. I'll register you at Lakeville College first thing tomorrow morning."

But Charlene's smile quickly faded, her brow furrowing in concern. The sweet scent of blooming flowers, chirping birds, and gentle rustle of leaves seemed to amplify her anxiety.

"What's the point, Mom? Why should I enroll when I'll just end up getting expelled again?" she snapped, her fingers digging into the wooden swing.

Mrs. Craig's smile dissolved, her eyes clouding with sadness. "No, princess. You can't give up so easily," she said, her voice laced with desperation.

Charlene's gaze dropped, her shoulders slumping in defeat. "I can't help it, but I already have," she mumbled, her voice barely audible over the distant laughter of children.

The air seemed to thicken with unspoken emotions. Mrs. Craig's hands enveloped Charlene's, offering warmth and comfort.

"Princess, I..." Mrs. Craig began, but Charlene interrupted her, her words tumbling out in a rush.

"Can we not talk about this, please? Mom, it's not easy getting expelled the day after starting because of some mysterious events. I just glared at Jace, and he lost consciousness. My yell shattered the mirrors and chandelier. And now you want me to start at another college? What if something similar happens and someone gets hurt? Then I'll be expelled again?"

Charlene's voice cracked, her eyes welling up with tears. The sun cast long shadows across the park, emphasizing the emotional distance between them.

"You know what? Let's go. Let's go home," Charlene cried, her voice shaking.

Mrs. Craig's face fell, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. "Fine, let's go," she mumbled, her voice barely above a whisper...