Lambs of the Harvest Moon (Part 9 of 11)

The freshmen boys of Asher College have obsessed for weeks in anticipation of Phi Lambda Phi’s annual ‘Harvest Moon Panty Raid’ but Nick Wilder has other plans. He’s got his eye on one Phi Lamb in particular and he’s not about to screw it up by being like everyone else. But plans change and so must Nick if he’s going to get the girl of his dreams.

Chapter 24

Nick found the classroom just after the bell and hurried into class.

“Glad to see you could find the time to grace us with your presence, Miss Wilder.” An older woman stood at the front of the classroom, a pair of reading glasses perched on the bridge of her nose looking every bit of a slutty school marm you might see in a porno. The woman didn’t look a day over thirty-five and had an uncanny resemblance to the young blonde girl Nick met earlier in the day. The placard on the teacher’s desk proved his hunch.

“Sorry, Miss Applebottom. Won’t happen again.”

Miss Applebottom scowled. “You know how I feel about excuses.” She stared at Nick freezing him in his tracks. He could feel something pressing against his shield but it didn’t break. “I see you and Miss Bradford have been playing games.”

Nick couldn’t think of anything to say. “Yes, ma’am.”

The sounds of snickering sounded behind him. A look in Miss Applebottom’s eyes showed the word ‘ma’am’ struck at her core in a way no spell could ever achieve. She didn’t say anything for several seconds before ordering, “Find a seat.”

Nick nodded but didn’t say a word, not wanting to repeat his offense. When he turned he saw a hand waving from the back of the class. He saw several girls wearing ‘Phi Lamb’ sweatshirts but he didn’t know them and like the old saying goes, any port in a storm is a good port.

Cassy smiled. “I saved you a seat.”

Nick nodded, before whispering a quiet, “Thanks.” Purposely avoiding the use of the words ma’am’. No need to face any more of Miss Applebottom’s ire.

Miss Applebottom’s voice boomed through the classroom. “As I’m sure most in this room are aware, we’ve been blessed by the presence of a celebrity today.”

Nick heard a couple snickers and got more than a few looks.

“As yesterday’s class focused on the witch trials of the 1690s, today’s lecture is going to focus on the aftermath. Everyone turn to page 54 and …” Miss Applebottom stared at Nick. “As you were late today Miss Wilder, you get the honor of the first reading. Stand and read the whole page.”

Nick saw everyone else had their copies of ‘The History of Magic’ sitting open on their desks. He hurriedly searched through his backpack.

“Any time now, Miss Wilder.”

Nick found the page as he stood then took a deep breath. He’d never been good at public speaking.

“Witches arrived in New England with the first ships coming to the land…”

Miss Applebottom interrupted, “Louder, Miss Wilder. I can barely hear you.”

The sound of snickers filled the room. Nick took another deep breath hoping it might chase away his anxiety. His voice sounded shrill as he spoke.

“Witches arrived in New England with the first ships coming to the land, each hoping to find a place to practice their religion without persecution like they’d endured in Europe. It didn’t take long to realize the New World was as unwelcoming to their kind as those in the Old World. A brave few continued to practice in the area but after the trials most witches moved from the area altogether. Those who remained moved to the forests, living much as their ancestors did a millennia earlier.”

Miss Applebottom interrupted again, “Are you on page 54, Miss Wilder? Remember to stand tall when you read. It allows a better use of your diaphragm.”

Cassy stood, pointing to the number of the book at the top of the page. It read 44.

Nick stared at Miss Applebottom, the anger building beneath his skin. She could have told him he was reading from the wrong place earlier but chose to embarrass him instead. After another deep breath and stretching out his spine, Nick’s words had a force of their own.

“The rains didn’t come to the town of Purity in the summer of 1691. Corn and squash baked in the fields and seven children died in their sleep. The villagers knew they had a demon in their midst so when the daughter of the local preacher accused Goody Peters of bewitching her it led to the events of the night of the harvest moon.”

“That’s enough.” Nick looked up. Miss Applebottom gave him a slight nod. “Miss Carver, continue from there.”

Nick took the opportunity to get a look at the others in the classroom. A dozen girls wore shirts with sorority letters though only four wore Phi Lamb colors. In the class of thirty, there were only four guys. The rest of the class dressed like Cassy. The girl now standing and speaking on the other side of the room wore a maroon sweatshirt without any markings. She didn’t look like a witch, but then again, Nick had gotten his idea of witches from books and TV. A look around the room showed girls of all shapes and colors. It seemed to be a safe assumption they were all witches or they wouldn’t be in this class.

Miss Applebottom said, “There’s no need to remain standing after you’ve finished your reading, Miss Wilder.”

Nick replied, “Yes, ma’am. Sorry ma’am.”

Snickers echoed through the classroom as Nick gave Miss Applebottom an obstinate look. She returned what a generous person might call a smile.

Nick returned to his seat and tried to read along but the story deviated in several places from the story he knew to be true. Each person in class took their turn at reading with Miss Applebottom challenging anyone who made a mistake. Each witch read their section with varying degrees of confidence as a palpable energy built in the room with every moment.

Nick didn’t notice the gentle tug on his shield at first. The feeling was distinct from the pain of Gwen’s Pilum spell. It was more like a subtle drain, sapping his strength bit by bit. He looked around the room but the sensation was too scattered to pinpoint a source.
Nick looked at Cassy whose eyes were full of concern. He whispered, “What’s going on?”

She whispered back, “They’re being jerks.”

A glance at Miss Applebottom showed her looking in a different direction. Nick doubted she condoned what the others were doing but she couldn’t stop something if she could pretend not to notice. He should have known poking the mama bear came with consequences. His suspicion was confirmed when the readings went around the class and she didn’t call on him as they went around the class again.

They were testing him.

Nick tried to listen to the words the others were saying but the draining sensation grew more insistent as his shield dwindled to nothing.
Nick whispered the word and made the sign Gwen taught him for the ‘Scutum’ spell, the energy in his shield back to full strength in an instant but it didn’t stop the others from their casts. If anything, their probes grew more insistent until Nick found the need to recast the spell every minute, his head growing more lightheaded with each one.

“That’s enough for today.” Miss Applebottom’s voice betrayed no emotion as she said the words. A look at the clock showed twenty minutes of class remaining.

Cassy put a hand on Nick’s shoulder, the concern apparent in her eye, “Call me later?”

“I don’t have your number.”

Casey smiled. “I hacked your phone during class. It’s in there.”

Nick felt the stab of betrayal, “You too, Cassy?”

Cassy’s face looked panic stricken. “Sorry. I get bored easily. I swear, I didn’t look at anything … I did it to add my phone number.”
“You could've asked.”

Cassy’s face relaxed, “This was more fun.”

Miss Applebottom’s voice sounded over the din of the student hurrying from the class, “Miss Wilder, a moment if you please.”

Cassy asked, “What’s that about?”

“I have no idea but I doubt it’s good.”

Cassy picked up her empty coffee cup and packed up her things. “Don’t forget to call.”

The classroom emptied faster than Nick thought possible. Miss Applebottom seemed to have that effect on everyone.

It didn’t take long until Nick saw they were alone, “About the shield spell…”

Miss Applebottom held up her hand. “I didn’t have you stay to talk about the shield spell. I told you to find helpers and Miss Bradford helped you. I would caution you against keeping up a shield all the time. You’ve hid yourself away from the world for the past eighteen years but you can’t hide behind a ‘Scutum’ spell and excel as a witch.”

“I understand.”

“I hope you do.” Miss Applebottom said as she began moving items from her desk into her purse. “Do you remember the magic trinity?”

Nick nodded, “Mind … Body … Soul.”

“Excellent.” Miss Applebottom said, seeming genuinely pleased. “If you’d let your shields down you might have noticed the growth of knowledge energy in the room as your classmates read out loud.”

“I noticed something in the air.”

“Good.” Miss Applebottom nodded, “The Socratic Method provides the best results but today’s class had too much chaos flying around the room to add more.”

“You noticed?”

“Nothing happens in my classroom without my notice.” Miss Applebottom reached into her desk and pulled out a water bottle. “Learning to cast a spell works in a similar way to how weightlifters build their muscles. You start off small and build in increments until your body gets a little bigger and you can do a little more. The same is true of your ability to store magic.”

“And with the shield, I couldn’t get more.”

“Exactly.” She handed him the water bottle. “That’s why we have these. Take a drink, but only a sip.”

“Only a sip?” Nick looked at the bottle. It looked like any other bottle but the label gave him the creeps. “What’s Tule Springs?”

Miss Applebottom took the bottle and twisted off the cap before taking a sip. “There’s nothing in here that will hurt you.” She handed the bottle to Nick.

Nick sniffed at the opening. The liquid inside smelled like water. He drank a gulp, falling to his knees as a torrent of energy surged to his core.

“What the hell is in that stuff?”

“I told you to take a sip not a gulp.” Miss Applebottom said, “As for what’s in it, it's magic infused water.”

He’d played more than his share of video games over the years. “Like a mana potion?”

Miss Applebottom shook her head. “It’s not a mana potion. It’s a magic augmentation drink. We use them in situations like in class today where you’re casting faster than you can replenish your stores. They are not a game.”

Nick sniffed the bottle again. “Sounds like a mana potion to me.”

Miss Applebottom took the bottle from Nick and drank the remainder in a couple of gulps. “I hope you know how much this cost me. This bottle costs $1000.”

“Holy crap! $1000? For a single bottle of water? That’s ridiculous.”

Miss Applebottom said, “You wouldn’t say that if you knew what has to be done to make one of these.”

An unbidden image of Roger appeared in Nick’s head. Their eyes met and their lips got closer and closer. Nick shook his head to make it go away.

“Sex magic.”

Miss Applebottom smiled. “Remember the courtyard last night?

Nick stared at the empty bottle. “Yuck.”

“The Phi Lambs make good money with their magic augmentation drinks.” Miss Applebottom smiled before crushing the empty bottle with a wave of the hand. “This particular brand is made by a company I’ve invested in out west. As is this.” She held up a box with a picture and with the title ‘Wicked Wand’.

Nick asked, “Is that what I think it is?”

“It’s a vibrator.” Miss Applebottom instructed. “Don’t be afraid of the truth. This is a sexual pleasuring device spelled with the ability to store magic inside. Use it when you feel the urge and you can tap into it to replenish your stores whenever you feel drained. Continued use has the added benefit of helping to increase your magical stores.

“Yuck…”

Miss Applebottom handed Nick the box. “Take it. With a campus full of horny guys and your current state of mind, you’re going to need it.”
Nick looked around to see if anyone was watching before putting it in his backpack. He’d pissed off Miss Applebottom enough today and didn’t need to do more damage. He’d hide it tonight in the furthest reaches of his closet. It would never see the light of day.

“Is that all Miss Applebottom?”

Miss Applebottom nodded, “That’s all.”

Nick had almost made it to the door when Miss Applebottom’s voice sounded behind him.

“You did well against your classmates. Better than I expected.”

Nick turned to see Miss Applebottom looking down, reading a book. “Th-thanks.”

Miss Applebottom turned her gaze towards him, the look freezing Nick in his tracks. “You best not challenge me in front of the other students ever again. I know you’ve had a tough day but I can’t be seen to be playing favorites.”

“Yea, ma… Miss Applebottom.”

Miss Applebottom’s eyes returned to her book, “You are dismissed.”

A looming presence stood at the end of the hall. It was clear they were waiting for him. “I don’t have time for you.”

Clem’s eyes flashed with anger. “You know why I’m here.”

“I know.” Nick said, “Look, I’m sorry you didn’t win... ”

“I’m not talking about that.” Clem’s eyes flashed anger. “I’m talking about Roger. Attacking me by attacking my friend is way over the line. I would kick your ass but…” He stared at Nick’s body. “I don’t hit girls.”

Nick’s heart leapt at being called a girl and sank at the mention of his roommate. “I didn’t know that would happen.”

“Fuck you.” Clem said, his anger unabated, “It took me a full hour to get his head straight. You’re lucky I’m not taking this to the magi disciplinary committee.”

Nick asked, “How’s he doing?”

Clem spat his words. “Like you care.”

A surge of emotion ran up Nick’s spine. When he closed his eyes a tear ran down his face.”I do care. More than I want to admit. Roger and I lived in the same dorm room twenty-four hours ago. I didn’t plan for that to happen. I took my normal seat when I saw him in class.”

“You and Roger were roommates?”

Nick nodded. “I figured you knew.”

“So that means…”

“We spent the last month together. You, me, Roger, Gary, and Stanley. We were inseparable.” Nick gave Clem a hopeful smile. “We were friends.”

“You can fuck off with that friendship BS.” Clem looked at his phone. “I didn’t come here to be your friend.” He held up the phone around to show the time. “Mission accomplished.”

The phone’s screen read 4:01PM. It took a second for Nick to realize what Clem meant.

“Oh shit.”

Clem’s laughter echoed down the hall as Nick ran to his appointment with the Phi Lambs. Nick stopped when he realized he was in trouble whether he was one minute late or five. He didn’t know when he’d have the next opportunity to speak to Clem alone.

“I know you’re a good guy, Clem. I appreciate the things you’ve done for me over the last month more than I’ll ever be able to repay and nothing you say to me now can change that. I'll always consider you a friend.”

“What you did to Roger was inexcusable. He’s not part of our world. There are rules.”

“I don’t know the rules.” Nick said, “but I have to live with my actions. He was my best friend and I hurt him because I wasn’t honest with myself.” Nick paused before adding. “But you weren’t honest with us either. I know things about you that Roger, Stanley, and Gary would never guess.”

Clem said, “Is that a threat?”

“I won’t tell a soul. I promise.” Nick reached out with his mind. He felt Clem’s inner sadness before a shield flashed into place, “I know better than anyone at this school what you’re going through. If you ever need to talk…”

“I have plenty of friends.” Clem said as he stormed off, before disappearing around the corner.

NIck looked at his phone. Another two minutes had passed.

Chapter 25

Nick ran past the empty classrooms, out the front door, and hurried down the steps. After a day of constant bombarding energies, it was weird to mingle with other students and not feel their resentment, lust, and hate. It was even weirder to know he’d cast the magic spell that ended this torment.

But even with the shield, Nick could feel the growing ache in his stomach. After two large meals today, he knew he didn’t need food. It was more like a craving, a need, and it grew with every passing smile and every interested look.

Head staring forward. Walk straight. One step at a time. Don’t make eye contact with anyone.

Nick tried to quicken his pace but the book bag felt heavier with every step. A nearby group of guys began to laugh. Nick couldn’t help being transfixed by their toothy grins. The closest guy drew Nick’s full attention. He was tall with dark hair and full lips. His eyes were a deep shade of brown and sparkled as he smiled.

Nick looked away when his heart began to race. He wasn’t sure why he found himself so nervous all of a sudden. He’d stood naked on stage in front of the entire Phi Lamb sorority.

The guy’s eyes followed as Nick followed Gwen up the path towards the Phi Lamb house. He didn’t sense any magic coming from the guy but that didn’t stop Nick’s craving.

Gwen shouted from the other side of the street. “How are you late to lineup? It takes two minutes to get here from Bishop Hall!”

An entire line of angry girls stared as Nick waited for a break in traffic to cross the street. Tendrils of anger hit his shield with every passing car. It didn’t seem possible a town this small could have a rush hour.

*HONK HONK*

Nick ran when he saw a slight opening, towards Gwen who stood with the others. This was not the first impression he was hoping to make.

“I’m sorry. I …”

The entire group of girls turned in a single line with Nick at its end. When the got to the halfway point the girl at the front shouted, “Say it loud, sing it proud”. The entire group began to sing:

Phi Lambda Phi, we sacrifice for thee,
Our voices rise in harmony.
A love held strong by unity,
To you we vow eternally.
Sisters of power and purity,
We give our hearts and loyalty.
A lifelong bond of sorority
Forevermore, Phi Lambda Phi.

Upon reaching the gates the lead girl turned to face the others.

Who are we?

Phi Lambda Phi!

What’s our motto?

Sacrifice, Unity, Power

Who are we?

Phi Lambda Phi!

What’s our vows?

Sisters ‘til our final hour!

Nick watched the procession but didn’t move as he didn’t know the words. He watched the girls enter the gates one by one leaving Nick alone on the sidewalk.

“Bitch.”

The word was so unexpected, it took a moment for the word to register. “What did you call me?”

A nerdy looking boy stood on the sidewalk. On the other side of the street a crowd of young boys were laughing uncontrollably. Nick didn’t need a magic spell to know their thoughts.

“I’m sorry.” The boy’s face turned ashen.

Babe. Bimbo. Bitch. Nick never expected to be called any of these names. He smiled at the boy who had begun shaking in his sneakers. Nick pointed at the boys on the other side of the road. “Are you with them?”

“I suppose so.” The boy’s face looked as unsure as Nick felt. The others had clearly put him up to this.

The boy asked, “Are you with them?” His eyes stared at the gate where the Phi Lambs had disappeared.

“I suppose so.”

The boy said, “I didn’t mean it. Those guys…”

Nick nodded, “I get it.” It was a dare to the weakest member of the group. He’d lived through similar experiences many times. “Can you do me a favor?”

The boy smiled. ““Of course.”

“Can you take a look inside the gate?”

“Sure.” The boy took a few steps before peeking around the corner.

“Do you see a group of angry looking bitches inside?”

The boy blushed. “Yeah.”

“Thanks.” Nick beckoned the boy towards him, leaning up as if to tell him a secret. When the boy knelt forward, Nick placed a chaste kiss on the boy’s cheek. “Tell your friends they don’t want to mess with us bitches again or they’ll live to regret it. Now run along.”

The boy’s eyes looked big as saucers as he turned towards his friends. None of them were laughing now, all standing in stone silence as they watched their nervous friend make his triumphant return.

Nick watched the boy cross knowing his own reception wouldn’t be so kind. The young man’s body wasn’t so different from Nick’s at that age. The boy didn’t look a day over fifteen and in the awkward stage of life. Skinny and lean, their two bodies weren’t so different at the moment though the boy was already a half-head taller and outweighed Nick by at least twenty pounds. In three years, the boy’s body would continue to grow and add muscle. By then he’d look like any other scrawny boy on campus. He might even look like Nick did one day earlier.

Nick spent hours in the department store cursing the differences between a boy’s body and a girl’s body. He’d spent hours in prayer wishing he could switch to see how the other half lived. Nick looked down. How could something feel so wrong and so right at the same time? Like the young boy, he remembered going through that awkward stage of life where he felt like a stranger in his own body. Most people get one puberty. Nick had two, the second happening in a single night.

He watched as the boys on the other side of the street clapped the nerdy boy on the back like a conquering hero. Nick took a deep breath. No more stalling. Time to face the music.

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