Look, I’ll be honest. I’m surprised, but also kind of annoyed. Yeah, these little tricks they’re playing are fun, but they’re also messing with me, and I don’t dig it.

That thing with Chuma changing my math’s quiz mark, the way my sketch of her blinked at me. I don’t know what they’re up to, but I need to know.

“What are you doing to me?”

“We’re not doing anything. We’re trying to help you find something yourself.”

“Sounds like Oprah,” I say cattily, and they giggle.

“OK, Tam,” says Saskia, leaning in with a whisper. “We know that this is weird, but we need to tell you something.”

I wait.

“You have magical powers.”

A pause. I just stare at them.

“No, I don’t,” I say eventually.

“Yes, you do,” says Chuma evenly.

“Sorry, you got the wrong person,” I say, but my voice sounds weak, as if I myself don’t believe it.

Because – and this is the weird part – I have to accept that both of them have done things I can’t explain. Magic?

“Are you … witches?”

Chuma laughs. Saskia sighs.

“Chuma, do you own a pointy hat?” she asks.

“Nah,” says Chuma. “You ever ride a broom?”

“Nope,” answers Saskia.

“Wait, you’re giving mixed messages,” I protest.

But deep down, I’m hugely excited. If I were a witch – or whatever they are – I’d … I’d … I’d make myself beautiful. I’d come down with vengeance upon my enemies. I’d change the world; make it safe for everyone, not just the beautiful.

Chuma notices the bubbling excitement in me as I realise the truth – it’s real. Their power – it’s real. I wasn’t just imagining it.

“So, Tam,” Saskia queries, leaning back. “Want to learn what we can do?” Her eyes flash.

“I’m … I …” I stammer. My tongue is tied.

“You’re scared,” says Chuma. “Don’t worry. We’ll guide you.”

I’m too blown away to answer. I want to blurt out, “Yes! Teach me!” but I feel like I am dreaming.

Both girls sit patiently.

Finally, Saskia stirs. She’s losing interest because I’m not making a move.

“OK, here’s our offer. If you want to learn to control what you so clearly have, meet me and Chuma in the old woodwork room, after last period.”

I blink, once again unable to answer.

“I’m out,” says Saskia, delivering Chuma a peck on the cheek. “See you if we see you, Tam.”

She slides gracefully out of her seat, makes her way toward the cafeteria exit. In a second, she is gone.

Chuma regards me seriously.

“You don’t have to be the underdog any more, girl. You’re more than that. Take. Take the power you deserve.”

With that she gets up. “You know where to find us.”

She dissolves into the bustle of the cafeteria like a shadow.

***

Tell us: What is your opinion of what Tam wishes for?