002: Journey To East Coast

"Mother, what do you mean?" Ophelia asked calmly, amusement written all over her face.

This is so unlike her parents. They might dislike her for being the different one, but she knew they loved her. They would never hurt her for any reason.

"We are sending you to a school no one knows about. It's a school meant for those special borns," Gata spoke, trying not to reveal too much to Ophelia.

It's Ophelia's duty to find out about everything hidden beyond the facade of human knowledge. The truth of the world which is rarely known.

They call it fantasy, but what if… no, if it actually exists, something different from the reality humans know, what would that be called?

"Ophelia, your father and I already got your admission. You will be leaving for Magical Ray College first thing tomorrow morning," Gata finalized, leaving the kids stunned.

What is she going to do in a magical school? She has no idea of the term 'magic' and never believed such an entity exists.

Knowing no one, not even her elder brother, could oppose their mother's final decision, she gave in to her fate.

Either magical or not, all I have to do is get my certificate and return back home… she thought.

Ophelia heaved a deep sigh before leaving for her room.

She slammed the door after entering her room. Her eyes scanned the room, wondering how her life would be in the East coast city.

She has heard a lot about that place. It is known to be located in the middle of the world, a place no one knows exactly where, but tomorrow she will be a student in an unknown school in the East coast.

She climbed onto her bed, her eyes glued to the ceiling, wishing the next day would not come.

***

The sound of several loud knocks on Ophelia's door woke her up. She rubbed her palm on her eyes before checking the time.

2:00 am? Why would anyone be knocking on her door at this time and disturbing her peaceful rest? She asked inwardly.

"Mother?" She called out after opening the door, her brow furrowed, wondering what her mother was up to.

"Go get your luggage, we are leaving," Gata instructed.

"But you said first —"

"It's already morning, Ophe," her mother called out, addressing her with her nickname, something she hardly does. "It is going to be a long journey from here to the East coast."

"Of course it is. According to—"

"Ophelia, save it. Go get ready, the flight will be leaving for the East coast city in an hour," Gata interrupted, making Ophelia return to her room.

She began arranging her dresses and everything she needed. Since she knew she wouldn't be coming back home for weekends because of the distance, she packed almost all her dresses and everything she needed.

After she was done, she left for the bathroom. She took a quick bath before returning to her room.

In no time, she was done dressing up. She dragged her luggage out of her room, waiting for her mother who went to get the others to say their goodbyes to her.

Perhaps it isn't needed, especially since everyone wants her out of their sight.

"Ophe, take care of yourself. Don't break heads and legs, and remember this is your last chance," came the voice of the angel without wings.

"I know, Samantha," Ophelia feigned a smile.

"I will miss you," Jay said, sincerity laced in his voice.

Ophelia chuckled at the act. Of course, this is why her brother is one of the most popular D-list actors in the state, he has got the talent.

"Miss you too," she finally muttered.

Her father smiled faintly at her before stepping forward, enveloping her in his warm hug. He tried his best not to let his tears flow, but couldn't.

Sending his child to a school which is no different from hell made his heart ache, but this is the only chance to prepare her for her fate—fate which would take place soon.

"Father, are you crying?" Samantha's voice echoed, making Ophelia break from the hug.

She reached for her father's face before asking, "Father, why are you crying? It's not as if I am going to a place of no return. Besides, it will only be a year—"

"Ophelia, it is almost time," Gata's voice cut through, interrupting Ophelia.

"Take care of yourselves," she muttered, holding back the urge to shed tears as she dragged her luggage away.

This is her family. She is leaving them for a world she has zero knowledge about for a whole year… it felt like eternity to her.

"You would want to stay if you look back. Just keep your gaze straight. Straight ahead," Gata informed, sounding as if she knew the exact feeling trying to consume her daughter's heart.

"Yes, mother," she replied before dragging her luggage to the parking lot.

Her father joined them in the car before driving off to the airport.

***

The ride from the airport was faster than the flight they took from Meridian city to the East coast city, but it felt like forever to her.

Finally, they arrived at the East coast airport. The airport was quite different from Meridian, filled with people of different skin tones, people much more different than Ophelia.

Somehow, Ophelia felt like she was in the middle of people like herself. A place where she wouldn't be mocked for being different. A place where being different is just another difference and not a crime.

"My daughter."

A loud voice, coming from behind them, made Ophelia turn to see who it was. It was someone with skin quite different from hers, but so much alike with her mother.

The golden eyes, black dreadlocks, and pale skin were so much like her mother's. So pretty and almost too young to be Ophelia's grandmother.

"Mama, don't tell me you have been waiting for us all in the airport?" Gata's voice echoed, snapping Ophelia from her thoughts.

"Is this my granddaughter?" The woman asked before taking a step closer, her hand reaching Ophelia's face. "She… she is actually a spell—"

"Mama, she must not know about that!"