CHAPTER 13

"This…was…the…longest…and…most…painful…45 minutes…of…my life." Rosy collapsed. "and to think I have to do it three more times?" She shook her head: "Just kill me now."

"Rosy, if you want, we can practice together." I offered. "I was planning to run for about 20 minutes every day to get more in shape."

"Smart choice. You need the practice." Jamal winked, overhearing our conversation.

I squinted my eyes at him, but didn't answered. I am so going to beat him on Friday.

"So, you in?" I asked Rosy again.

"I kind of promised Naomi to help her with the candle thing." Rosy said, looking at Naomi who nodded.

"Why don't we all practice everything together?" Sanem suggested. "I need to get a better time in running and I want to practice casting spells."

"Yeah, that's a good idea." Naomi agreed.

"And it will at least be more fun." Rosy commented bitterly.

"Ok, cool. Let's go eat now." Sanem said after Persephone let us go earlier.

As we were going to the apartment, to change our clothes and get something to eat Naomi turned to me: "How did you do it, though?"

"Did, what?" I wondered.

"Lit the candle, in second try." Naomi said kind of sad.

"Oh, you know how Kassiopeia said to focus on sounds of the nature?" I said and she nodded. "Yeah, it don't do that." I chuckled. "I mean, it didn't work for me, I just couldn't focus."

"Instead, place yourself in nature, right?" Sanem interrupted.

"Yeah," I chuckled, "Focus on a memory of yourself you have in the nature, remember the sounds, the smells… and just breath."

"Can you show me at the apartment?" Naomi blushed, "I really want to succeed today and not be one of the last ones to do it."

"Sure, no problem." I said, offering her an assuring smile.

--

Back at the apartment, after changing, we sat down in the dining room.

"This, is the only candle I could find." Naomi said.

"Are you sure you don't want to eat before we start?" I asked.

"No time."

"I'll make you a smoothie, anyway." Rosy offered and I asked Sanem to make me some of whatever is she going to have.

"Ok, now." I started. "Try to relax and not worry about succeeding."

"But that motivates me." Naomi argued.

"No, it's stressing you out and breaking your focus." I explained. "Close your eyes and take some deep breaths."

Naomi shook her hands, closed her eyes and leaned back.

"Are you ready?" I asked.

"Yes."

"Ok, select a memory of when you've felt very connected to the nature."

"Ok, …"

"Then try to focus on everything natural and when you'll feel you're actually there, imagine this candle in front of you." I saw her leaning forward and I just knew that her impatience was getting to her. "It's important not to rush things. First focus on your surroundings."

I purposely paused for a few moments. "When you'll feel connected enough, just imagine lighting up the candle."

We all looked at her intently, waiting for the fire to occur.

"Stop." Naomi said.

"What?" Sanem asked.

"Stop staring at me, it's distracting."

I sighed. "Open your eyes."

She didn't.

"Naomi, you're not doing it right."

To that, she opened her eyes and pierced me with fierce look: "This doesn't work. You're a terrible teacher."

"Dude…chill." Sanem tried to calm her down.

"Why can't I do it?" Naomi got agitated. "What am I doing wrong!"

"You are trying to force magic," I started to explain, "and it doesn't work that way." I paused for a moment. "Can I ask you, what place did you think of?"

"The beach." Naomi answered, bitterly.

"And did you just imagined the place or have you experienced it?"

She looked at me funny.

"Ok, so, just picturing the place won't work. You have to be there, put yourself there mentally, leave this place. We'll stay quiet this time and let you focus in peace. Just remember not to rush anything, first become one with the nature, then imagine the candle and then the fire."

"Ok," Naomi breathed, "I'll try."

"You got this." Rosy encouraged.

I looked at Sanem, looked at Rosy and just prayed to the universe that the candle will light up. I don't think we would make it through if it didn't.

We heard some more deep breath coming from Naomi's direction and then the candle lit up.

"Oh, thank god." I heard Sanem sigh with relief.

"Oh, my god!" Naomi exclaimed. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" were the last words I heard before a body hit me. It was Naomi, she hugged me and squeezed the life out of me. I reluctantly put my hands around her as well, being completely aware of my escalating heartbeat. I closed my eyes and squeezed her back. May as well enjoy this moment until it lasts, right?