CHAPTER TWO

Chapter Two

Aurelia

"Grandma, I cannot be late today! Just pack up the muffins, I will have them when I'm back! I can't wait too longgggg!" Aurelia called out as she threw her backpack over her shoulder.

Her voice echoed through the little warm house as her grandma, a short, gentle-looking woman with a kind smile and silver hair, shook her head and replied from the kitchen, "At least take one now, you’ll need the energy."

Aurelia sighed dramatically. Her eyes sparkled with life, her skin glowed in the morning sun, and her long brown hair bounced behind her ponytail. She was the kind of beautiful that made people stop and look twice—radiant in a quiet, untouched way.

"Have you placed your amulet inside your shirt?" Grandma asked as she wiped her hands on her apron and stepped into the dining room with a small paper bag of warm muffins.

"No, Grandma. Is that really necessary?" Aurelia raised an eyebrow, her lips already full from munching on a muffin.

"Just do as I ask, Aurelia," Grandma said, but her voice had that playful firmness Aurelia knew too well.

Her grandmother had been her only family for as long as she could remember. She was told her parents died in a car crash when she was just a few days old. No one ever talked much about it, and she had stopped asking a long time ago. But even though the memories of her parents were a blur, there was something comforting about having Grandma by her side.

"You know today is my first day at high school college, Grandma. I need to go earlyyy! I can't be late! I'm sure Clara must be waiting for me by now!" she said, her voice filled with excitement and nervousness.

She may have sounded confident, but Aurelia was a bundle of nerves. Outside the comfort of their home, she wasn’t nearly as chatty or free. She was an extrovert only when she was with her grandma—beyond that, she was shy, quiet, and always afraid of saying the wrong thing.

She stuffed the muffins into her bag and rushed toward the door. "Bye, Grandma!" she called.

"Wait!" Grandma called out, walking out of the kitchen and wiping her hands again. "Put the amulet inside your shirt and button it up properly. That’s how it should be."

Aurelia frowned slightly and looked down at the golden necklace that glowed slightly under the sun. It was the only thing her parents had left her—or at least, that’s what she believed.

"But why, Grandma?" she asked, her tone filled with curiosity and a hint of rebellion. "It’s really a beautiful necklace. I thought you'd let me show it off now that I'm in high school. I’d love to show my friends my beautiful amulet."

"Do as I ask. Nothing has changed, even if you’re now in high school," Grandma replied with a little more sternness.

Aurelia sighed again, dragging her fingers gently across the smooth surface of the pendant. It always felt warm, even in winter. She adjusted the necklace and tucked it under her white blouse.

"Okay, Grandma, since you insisted," she said, teasingly, her lips curling into a small smile.

Today is going to be amazing. I just know it," Aurelia said, standing in front of the mirror by the front door.

"Clara must already be at the bus stop," she added, referring to her best friend.

She tightened the strap of her bag and gave her reflection one final look. She adjusted the amulet, then slowly tucked it inside her shirt.

"Don't take it off. Remember what I always say—don’t show anyone," Grandma said again.

"But why, Grandma? It’s just a necklace."

"Because it’s not just a necklace, Aurelia." Her voice shook slightly.

Aurelia paused and looked back. Her grandmother rarely sounded emotional.

"One day you’ll understand," Grandma whispered, then forced a small smile. "Now go on. Don’t be late."

She gave a quick pat on the head to their old brown dog, Brandy, who wagged his tail lazily on the porch, and then she hurried off.

Aurelia stepped out into the morning sun. It was bright but not harsh, the sky a soft blue with thin clouds hanging like cotton. Birds chirped, and the trees swayed gently as she walked down the familiar path to the school bus.

Their small town was peaceful. Everyone knew everyone. There were cute little stores, friendly neighbors, and a strong sense of routine. Nothing ever really changed.

As she walked, she passed the bakery and waved at Mr. Lang, who was already sweeping the front of his shop.

"Morning, Aurelia!"

"Morning, sir!"

Clara stood waiting by the stop, her long curls bouncing as she waved.

"I thought you weren’t coming!" Clara said.

"Grandma drama," Aurelia replied, rolling her eyes. "She gave me a lecture about the necklace again."

Clara leaned in to whisper, "Isn’t it kind of odd how obsessed she is with that thing?"

Aurelia nodded. "So odd. I mean, it’s pretty and all, but she acts like if I lose it, the world will end."

Clara laughed. "Maybe it’s magic. Maybe you’re secretly a witch."

"Ha-ha, very funny."

The bus arrived with a rumble. They climbed on and found a seat together. The ride to school was short, but Aurelia couldn't shake the uneasy feeling her grandmother's words had left in her.

When they reached school, students filled the halls with laughter and chatter. New faces, old cliques, teachers yelling directions—it was loud, alive, and intimidating.

She clutched her bag tightly, trying to stay close to Clara as they made their way to their homeroom.

They both walked into the building, the hallways echoing with chatter, lockers slamming, and announcements ringing overhead.