8 Catarina (1/2)

I had actually put faith in Jerry. I felt extremely foolish.

The twins were sobbing. Mainly because I had agreed to teach them Vikari and was leaving before the first lesson. They were still happy for me though.

”Why aren't you jealous?”

They looked at me funny. And like true twins, they asked in one voice.

”Why jealous?”

”You're not interested in going to Fyler institute?”

”Nope,” Dia answered first. ”Not in the least.”

”So, we're members of the Fuikasha society. That's where we're headed,” Pratt followed.

Looking at my confusion, Dia explained.

”We specialise in pictorial runes. Nashi is mine. Vyaraishi is Pratt's. Fuikashi society specialises in pictorial runes. Fyler is more elemental and descriptive. The perfect fit for you. We'll be rivals when we graduate.”

”So, you better be ready,” Pratt teased.

”Sure,” I agreed. ”I can teach you Vikari. You can teach me pictorial. It'll be great.”

”Aw, how sweet. This is what the future should be like. Friends and rivals.”

Jerry wore a distasteful expression of a senior looking at disciples growing up. The twins smiled appreciatively. I gave him the stinky eye. He shrugged unaffected.

It was late. I had to leave early. So, we went down, to eat and sleep. Jerry woke me in the morning. The twins were still sleeping.

”I'll tell them bye for you,” Jerry said, showing me out.

It was a four hour drive between Gawkers academy and Fyler institute.

”I've arranged for a car. It's a boring drive. You can finish sleeping. Catarina will meet you there. Don't be flustered. You'll be the youngest by a few years. But you'll be fine. Catarina's a nice woman. She'll take care of you.”

And that was it. He sent me off.

How could I have expected more from him.

I was sleepy. I believed that the drive would be boring. I wasn't one to appreciate the country. Making myself comfortable, I closed my eyes and fell asleep.

I opened my eyes to a wrinkled but pretty face that was smiling warmly.

”Dean?” She asked in a melodious voice.

”Yeah,” I nodded. ”Catarina?”

”That's me,” she answered, smiling wider.

She stepped back, spread her hands. Showing all of herself.

”I'm old, but I'm still very pretty, aren't I?”

I nodded. She was definitely pretty. And it wasn't the kind of pretty that made one wonder how much prettier she would have been younger. Rather, it was the kind of pretty that continued to grow with age. A kind of majestic pretty.

”I'm also very strong,” she added, not bothering to explain why that mattered. ”Where's Jerry?”

”Didn't come,” I answered flatly.

”The idiot sent a fifteen year old all alone?” She was surprised. And angry. ”He needs straightening.”

I nodded. Jerry was definitely an idiot. I liked Catarina already.