Sarah paced back and forth looking at the phone Eyre had given her. She chewed on her thumb nail she had looked it up on the internet it would 7 pm there now. Just after supper she reached for the phone and snatched it back. What would she say? She reached again then picked up her normal phone and texted Hana. I can’t do it! Hana texted back Yes you can they’re your grandma and grandpa. Do it. Do it… Sarah stopped paying attention after the fifteenth do it. She looked at the phone and picked it up and unlocked it and pressed the dial button. She held the phone to her ear it took about fifteen seconds to start ringing. She heard it pick up and she heard a Scottish woman yelling in the background.

“Dinnae why you bother! It’s just one of those scam callers again.”

“Hush you, old hen!”

She waited hesitantly and almost hung up.

“Hello! Duncan here.”

Sarah held her breath and almost hung up again but then she spoke.

“I dinnae know if I have the right number but my name is Sarah, I…I think I’m your granddaughter.”

“Did you say Sarah?”

“Aye, I did.”

She heard ruffling.

“Grace! Grace come here, its Sarah.”

She heard the woman grumble.

“Aye and she’s stuck in jail in Mexico and needs money for bail is it that one again?”

She heard the man speak again.

“Sarah?”

“Aye, I’m still here.”

Sarah heard ruffling again and the woman speaking.

“Give it here. Before you go buying another thousand pounds sterling in gift cards you daft old get.”

Sarah heard more ruffling and then the woman’s voice.

“Now you hear me you crook, my granddaughter isn’t even on the planet so unless you’re calling from that Mexico you can fuck off you crooked cunt!”

Sarah wasn’t sure if she should be upset, truth be told she was trying not to laugh and she end up letting out a giggle.

“Oh, you think it’s funny calling people and getting their hopes up, there is a special place in hell for you lot right beside people talk in the cinema and child molesters!”

Sarah waited for her to finish.

“Nan! It is me, Sarah.”

“Oh, is that so, you really doubling down on this scam. Dinnae think you can fool me! How’s about we make this a viddie then?”

“Oh…okay, what is a viddie?”

“A video call you Eejit.”

Sarah looked down the phone and found something that looked like a camera to her anyway and pressed it. She was looking at a sixty something woman who had a bit of extra weight on her. She had blonde hair that was streaked with silver and Sarah’s eyes.

“I think I got it Nan. Is it working?”

“As if.”

The woman looked down at the phone and her hand when to her chest.

“Duncan it is her! Ducan it’s Sarah!”

She saw a sixties something man appear in the picture he had a thick grey beard and long grey hair.

“Aye, I told you it was her you old hen.”

She could see herself in both of them. Her grandmother was fanning herself and had tears falling now. Sarah had some too.

“Oh, she’s such a bonnie lass!”

“Looks like you that age Grace.”

“I’m sorry to bother you both, I just… I can let you go.”

“Don’t you dare!”

“Okay Nan.”

Her grandmother was fanning herself.

“You sound Scottish, I thought you were in the USA.”

“I was born in Scotland and my mom makes me speak Gaelic at home.”

“Did you hear that she knows Gaelic!”

“Of course, I heard that Grace, I’m not deaf.”

Her grandmother looked at him.

“Could have fooled me when you’re watching your football games.”

Sarah smiled and started wiping away her tears. She giggled a bit.

“Why are you crying Lass? Is something the matter?”

“No, no I’m just happy to finally meet you even if it’s on a phone from another planet. You’re just what I expected when Ms. Aurelius told me you were alive. I always wondered where I got these eyes from.”

“Oh Lass, all the women in our family have them. Have since the blast in 1942. Same blonde hair. Every single one to the last. My mother’s hair was fiery red when she went to sleep almost silver when she woke up, same with the eyes, green then silver. Always been powerful sorceresses to, the men not so much. You’re the spitting image of your aunt at that age, course she was a little shorter and more developed.”

Sarah blushed.

“Don’t you worry you’ll grow into those legs. Grey women always do.”

“Nan… is it okay if I even call you that?”

“You call me whatever you like Sarah.”

“Just don’t call her late for dinner. Her arse won’t thank you for it.”

Her grandmother elbowed her grandfather in the ribs. He grunted. Once he recovered, he seemed to be looking behind Sarah she glanced back.

“Sarah is that a football trophy behind you on the shelf?”

“Aye it is grandpa.”

“Let us have a look!”

She held the phone up to the two soccer trophies.

“Most valuable player. Did you see that, Grace? She’s a championship football player! Our granddaughter most valuable player.”

“Of course, I saw it, I’m not blind you old fool.”

“I told you that ice hockey thing was only a phase that she was going to be a football player.”

“Actually, grandpa I still play hockey.”

She showed him the trophy from this year’s varsity boys hockey state championship and MVP award.

“Did that say boys?”

“Aye it did. Dinnae have a girls’ team.”

“You were out there on the ice with all those gorillas, and you were the MVP?”

“Aye Grandpa I was captain. Of both teams.”

“Would you look at that? She’s a right athlete she is. Oh, Sarah I would have loved to see ye play.”

“They recorded it, I can download the video and bring it with me.”

“Please, I would love to see it.”

“Consider it done Grandpa.”

Her grandmother was looking at something else in her room.

“Is that you all dressed up?”

Sarah put the camera in front of the picture she took with her mom before the Grad dance.

Stolen story; please report.

“Oh, you look so grown up there. Oh, we haven’t seen a picture of you since ye were six. It so nice to see you grown up so well. If you have a phone that can call us why aren’t ye in quarantine?”

Sarah turned the phone around and lifted up her leg showing the thing bracelet. Then flipped it back to herself.

“Ms. Aurelius said if I put this on, I could have a goodbye party with my friends and…go out on a date with my…friend.”

“Oh, that is so small and sleek looking, when they gave me, mine it was this big ol’ thing I had to wear around my waist weighed a ton.”

“You had to wear one too?”

“Of course, Sarah, I told you we’re all Sorceresses. Every single girl born in our family since 1942 has been a Sorceress. Some of the best in the country.”

“So, it’s normal for us to be this dangerous?”

“Oh Sarah, when I was twelve, I turned a lad I liked into a Toad when he was kissing another girl. I’m not saying I’m proud of it. But Headmistress Aurelius will get you sorted out. She’s been doing this for a long time.”

“So, you went to the school too?”

“Of course, I did.”

“And Grandpa too?”

She laughed.

“Not bloody likely the only thing magical about him is how many plants wilt when he’s passes wind.”

“So… he’s not a super?”

“No, he’s a plain old human.”

“I can umm date anyone I want then?”

“Of course, dear, what do you think this is?”

“I just thought… maybe they wouldn’t let… y’know.”

“Oh, you poor dear. Your dad hasn’t told you anything has he? He was always a boneheaded one. Is he there? I’d like to give him a piece of mind.”

“I don’t know Nan; I haven’t talked to them since last night. I’m mad at them. Really, really mad. I’m not sure I even want to see them again.”

“Don’t be so dramatic child. They’re your parents. You’ll forgive them.”

Sarah wiped up some more tears.

“Oh there, there lass. We all have rows with our parents. Comes with growing up.”

Sarah’s normal phone started buzzing. She picked up and put it down quickly her face going red. It was Richard.

“Nan, Grandpa…I need to go, I got a call.”

Her grandmother smiled.

“Oh, I know that look, it’s a boy.”

Sarah nodded.

“You keep in touch. See you in person soon.”

Sarah nodded.

“Can’t wait.”

She hung up the phone and picked up her real phone trying to sound like she wasn’t a nervous wreck.

“Hi.”

“Hey Sarah. I…well you didn’t answer any of my texts I got worried.”

“Sorry, family stuff.”

“It’s cool. So that date?”

“Aye, I would love to, but we need to do it soon.”

“Why?”

“Because I am moving to Scotland soon.”

“Woah, what?”

“My parents and I, we, well we… they did some bad things, so I told them I didn’t want to live with them anymore.”

“They were? What the fuck? That’s mental.”

“Aye, my grandparents are seeking temporary custody so I will need to go to Scotland to live with them.”

“Well, I’m glad you’re going to be safe. It sorta sucks that we just got…you know got to know each other better.”

“I can still call, text, just six hours difference.”

“Are you going to have trouble getting into school there?”

“No, no I am going to a really expensive private school in Germany.”

“Wow, that’s cool. Like rich people school?”

“From what I understand it, you either have to be very smart or very rich to go. I talked to the Headmistress already. She’s really nice. And my grandparents said they’d pay for a party…so maybe if you know you want to be my date.”

“Depends. Do I get to kiss you again?”

Sarah blushed.

“Do you want to?”

“Do I want too? Does it get hot in the summer in Phoenix?”

Sarah giggled.

“Is your hand okay I saw the post about the burns.”

Sarah looked down at her hands that looked like they hadn’t been hurt at all.

“You know, it wasn’t as bad it as it looked, can’t even tell it happened now. The doctor was great.”

“Wow those bandages looked really thick.”

“I donno they used this new thingy and I healed up really fast.”

“Is your mom going to sue the computer people?”

“I donno, I haven’t talked to her since I found out what she was doing to me.”

“Ouch. So, where’s the party?”

“I was thinking I’d rent out Momma’s Pizza for the night.”

“Oh, that would rock.”

“Maybe buy a bunch of quarters so we can play video games the whole time if we want.”

“I can get behind that. Who are you inviting?”

“I figured the soccer team, the hockey team, the football team. You know, people I know and hang out with. Be kind of an after grad, grad party?”

“Oh man this is going to be a blast.”

“I hope so, kind of my last breath of freedom before I’m living at some stuck-up rich people school.”

“Do you know your grandparents well?”

“No, I was just talking to them for the first time when you called.”

“No way! Did they even know you existed?”

“They did, my parents told me they were dead.”

“Tragic. Are they nice?”

“Aye, they seem nice, very Scottish.”

“So is the party…like our date?”

“No. I was hoping we could do something just the two of us before I leave.”

“Sure, I was thinking maybe… Batting cages? Ice cream?”

Sarah laughed.

“Oh, you want to do something so you can feel better than me at something.”

“No! I donno it just seems like a movie is stupid we can’t even talk.”

“We could do other things?”

“Okay batting cages, ice cream, driving range and movie?”

“Alright I’ll give you the batting cages. And don’t worry my grandparents will pay for it.”

“No way.”

“They are trying to make up for lost time, let’s just let them.”

“Okay I guess.”

“When?”

“How about in an hour?”

“Yes! I can do that.”

“You know I’m still going to kick your ass at the batting cages.”

“As if.”

“See you soon.”

Sarah hung up the phone picked up the other phone. She pressed the number for Eyre.

“Hello Sarah.”

“Hello Ma’am, you know how you said you’d help with the date and the party?”

“I do.”

“I was wondering could we rent my favorite pizza place for a night?”

“Easily done. Give me the details and I’ll take care of it.”

“And I was wondering…you know, if it’s possible if you could pay for the date today with Richard?”

“Yes, I can. Do you need a ride?”

“No, I can take the bus.”

“You know what, no, no you can’t I’ll make a call. I got you.”

“Thank you, ma’am.”

Sarah paused.

“And ma’am, I called my grandparents.”

“What did you think?”

“They are wonderful.”

“Your grandmother was a… good student.”

“Sometime tells me you are lying.”

“No, she was a good student, bit a of troublemaker. Really into punk music. And fighting the power. But don’t tell her I said anything.”

“Okay ma’am.”

“When is your date?”

“I’m supposed to meet him in an hour at the sports center.”

“Well, you get ready, and I’ll have a car there in forty-five minutes. Just tell them where you want to go, and they’ll take you.”

“Ma’am are you sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure, I have fifteen agents sitting on the thumbs seven days a week, this will give them something to do.”

“Okay ma’am.”

Eyre hung up the phone. Sarah bounced to her feet and ran into the washroom and started getting ready with a shower. She tried to do her hair like she had been shown. She gave up after the fourth try and went with a braid. She picked a t-shirt and a pair of shorts. She looked at both phones unsure of what to do with them. So, she just put one in each back pocket. She opened her door and started down the stairs. Her mother was at the table looking over the paperwork Eyre had left, and she had her tablet out. Sarah ignored her. She pulled on her runners and her hand was on the door handle when her mother spoke.

“Where do you think you are going?”

“Wherever I want. You don’t have to worry about me anymore. I have permission from my guardian.”

Her mother shifted in her seat.

“Sarah, can we talk?”

“No mom, I’m talked out. Maybe you should have tried before you drugged me for years and tried to make me into a boy!”

Sarah left and slammed the door. Her mother rushed to the door too late as all she was able to do was see her daughter getting into a black SUV. Sarah pulled out her phone and sent a text to everyone on her friends list that was in town and actually her friend. Party @ Momma’s pizza tomorrow 4pm. All you can eat pizza and drink soda. Free video games! About five minutes later her phone started to blow up. She hadn’t even looked up to see who was driving she was so pissed about her mother when she did, she was surprised to see a girl who looked like she should still be in high school. She had been alerted to someone’s presence when the driver spoke.

“You seem like a popular girl.”

Sarah blushed.

“No, free pizza makes everyone excited.”

“Hmm, never got a taste for Pizza myself. My sister loved it though. Watched her eat three in one sitting.”

Sarah winced.

“Did she get sick?”

The teenage girl shook her head.

“No, Hazel could eat. She was six two and looked like that wrestler.”

She snapped her fingers a few times then shrugged.

“Nope, can’t remember her name. She was a big girl. Not fat, just muscles upon muscles.”

“Did she have trouble with people making fun of her for it?”

The teenager laughed.

“Hell no, I mean a couple of girls were mean to her at a ball once.”

“Oh, what happened?”

The teenager laughed.

“She hung them from coat hooks by their corsets.”

Sarah giggled.

“To bad we can’t do that these days hmm. Probably get arrested for assault.”

“I know there is someone I would have liked to punch a few times.”

“I know the feeling kid.”

“I’m Sarah.”

“I know who you are, I’m Helen, I’m going to be your combat instructor at school.”

“Oh, wow, I mean, you just, look so young.”

“I get that a lot. I’m a hundred years old.”

“What? Oh…you’re like the Headmistress.”

“Yes, I am. But…the sun?”

“Kind of like a lot of superstitious nonsense, just that.”

“I…well I thought. I mean.”

“I know, I decided to drive you myself. Believe it or not I’m an agent. Most of us teachers are either active or former agents. Don’t be embarrassed. I’m just here to make sure you are safe. Not gawk at you and your boyfriend.”

“He’s not my boyfriend, he’s just a friend who’s a boy, who I think I like kissing.”

Helen shook her head and laughed.

“You’ll be fine.”

Sarah nodded. The SUV pulled into the Sports Center.

“I’ll be nearby don’t worry I know how to blend into a crowd.”

“Do you need to be?”

“I have a bad feeling, but it is unclear. And my sister said: Keep her safe. My sister doesn’t mince words, she always has a meaning behind them, even if it’s not obvious. There, that’s my one hint to you on how to succeed at the Academy.”

“I know, she somehow managed to tell me something without even coming close to mentioning it directly.”

“That is my sister for you, it’s like a test to see if you can figure out what she’s really talking about. So don’t worry about anything, I’ll be nearby. If you want an out just hold up four fingers behind your back. I’ll be your long-lost cousin.”

Helen tapped her neck and her whole appearance changed. She was wearing a baseball cap and looked three years younger and had a T-shirt and mini skirt on.

“That is so cool can I get one?”

“Depends on whether you want to work for MANA or not.”

Helen winked and got out of the car and Sarah lost track of her in the crowd. She shrugged and went to where she was supposed to meet Richard. He was there looking around pensively as if he thought she wasn’t going to show. Sarah changed her approach so she could sneak up on him and he jumped two feet into the air and she grabbed his sides. She giggled.

“You got me.”

“Really good. It’s all part of my strategy to out bat you. Put you off guard.”

“Alright then it is on.”

Sarah went to the counter and purchased an hour in two batting cages that were side by side with the card that had been in the back seat of the SUV.