Free Mage of Shadows by Chanel Austen Page A

a clear view of the words that had formed for less than ten seconds before the magic that held them together was broken and they descended back into entropy.
    As Jimmy and I carried on an innocent conversation devoid of any magical discussions, we both listened in on what our fellow students had heard about Emily's death.
    "Shot in the middle of the freaking campus…"
    "The blood was moving…"
    "…a trick, it has to be…"
    "The guy who did it, no one saw him…"
    "…Still out there!"
    Jimmy had gone for faux-Mexican BS instead of getting a good old American hamburger like me, a travesty if I had ever seen one. Then again my burger, fries and drink had cost about three times what his meal had, so maybe he had the right idea.
    Between mouthfuls of fast food we scrounged for topics of conversation. I learned that Jimmy was a Engineering major, though he admitted wishing he could switch into something a bit more computer intensive. In turn, I lamented about my pre-medical problems, though not in the detail I had somehow gotten into with Eliza.
    "Keep a daily schedule," Swann advised, "Everything is easier if you break it up into parts."
    "Not used to that," I admitted sheepishly, "I'm just a procrastinator at heart."
    Jimmy smiled, "Then you're not cut out for success. Sad but true. It's your first semester so you have time to fix yourself… but I would do it quick. I don't know a lot about being a doctor but I definitely know how tough it is to get into med school if you can't keep up a decent GPA."
    "I know, I know." I grumbled petulantly, annoyed mostly because Swann was actually right. I just didn't like being called out on it.
    Sensing my displeasure, Swann pressed further, "Seriously dude. I'm not gonna go as far as saying that college is anything near the real world but it is important. Success here predetermines success out there, as does failure. Having… certain abilities that others don't… doesn't exclude you from playing the rest of the game. If anything, it's just extra responsibility. You have plan and push yourself to be better… if you do it right, you will be. You're not a stupid guy, I can tell."
    "Forget engineering, you should be a guidance counselor." I joked, "Or a motivational speaker."
    Jimmy smiled and shook his head, "Nah man, not me. I just sound like I know what I'm talking about. You're probably better off ignoring whatever I say."
    The rest of our lunch was casual and lighthearted. It was nice to talk to someone on the level who really understood me. Granted I couldn't trust him any further than I could throw him (without telekinesis,) but still, it was cool.
    The final thing we did was exchange numbers and made plans to meet up over the weekend, since both of us lived on campus and would most certainly be around. We headed out together and parted ways, Swann bayed me goodbye before heading towards the Atchison dorm while I began my trek back to UT.
    It was a long enough walk for me to notice the biting chill carried well in the early September wind, fall's grip tightening day by day. I was glad for my jacket, though I found myself wishing it was a bit thicker as I shivered after a particularly powerful gust. The last thing I needed was to get sick. I was much more susceptible to illness during magical recovery.
    When I reached the UT doors, I welcomed the warmth of the building like a dear friend, swiping my ID and buzzing myself in. I flashed my ID again to the female student at the desk. She spared me only a casual glance and nodded me past without a word. A short elevator ride later, I was back on the familiar sixth floor. With all that had occurred, it felt like I had been gone for more than half a day.
    The familiar squeak of my apartment door welcomed me home and I kicked off my shoes near the door before stepping into the small kitchen.
    The TV was on, but louder than it had been in the morning. This time, it was my other roommate sitting in front of it, but unlike David the only