Magic Inc.

By Valerie Rutherford

Jane Roberts never fit in. After years of teasing from her classmates, all she wanted was to blend in and be normal. But on Jane’s first day of fourth grade, her life changes completely when the new girl, Jenny, brings with her arrival the secret of magic. Jane goes into training, where she learns the ins and outs of magic and its great history. But not even magic can top the feeling Jane gets when she meets Chaz Parker, Jenny’s older brother. She’s head-over-heels and wants to be with Chaz forever, but a nine year age difference makes Jane wonder if he’d ever look at her that way. Between learning magic and falling in love, Jane’s year is bound to be anything but normal.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Valerie Rutherford
• Release date: Aug 30, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311325662

Valerie Rutherford

YA Contemporary Fantasy Novelist. Author of the Magic Inc. series. INFJ. Air Element. Hufflepuff. Vegetarian. Dreamer. Believer in soulmates, synchronicity, and inner magic.I've been creating songs and stories as far back as I can remember. I'm currently writing a large interconnected universe called The Timeline. My books have a strong emphasis on characters and their relationships. My writing often has a focus on anxiety, bullying, and intense feelings. I write magic as a way of bringing a visual manifestation to emotions and inner strength.

Book preview

Smile, my Mom said, as she rushed out to stand in front of me. I struck a pose, kicking one of my legs back into the air, and smiled. She took the picture. Okay, let’s go.

I got into the car, dropping my backpack and lunch on the floor, then buckled up and started playing with the wooden cat charm hanging around my neck. Today would be my first day of fourth grade. I was a little scared. Maybe more than a little. I was always a little scared of going to school, but it was the worst after summer break.

My Mom got in the car and turned on the radio before buckling herself in. The song playing was one of my favorites, and I felt a surge of happiness. My Mom glanced at me knowingly, and I smiled back. We hummed the song together on the way to the church.

I went to Catholic school, and we started each year by meeting at the church for Mass. Afterwards, we’d walk the few blocks back to the school. I’d never really enjoyed the walk, having no one to walk with. I usually trailed behind everyone or stayed at the front near the teacher. Still, the weather was pleasant today. The walk would be much nicer than the ones in the winter. I was almost looking forward to it.

We didn’t live far from the church, so it was a short ride. My stomach turned when I spotted some of the other students already standing on the large church steps. Our windows were open a crack, and I could hear them all talking excitedly. Nothing scared me more.

My Mom parked the car in the back and came around to let me out of my side, expression already concerned. Are you nervous, Jane?

She knew school was hard for me. She had to meet with teachers all the time and pick me up whenever the other kids’ teasing gave me stomach aches.

I don’t have anyone to talk to…

My Mom sighed sadly and gave me a hug. Let’s just go meet your new homeroom teacher.

I nodded and shouldered my backpack, then she shut the door. As a car drove past, a gust of wind blew my long hair. I turned, my heart pounding, and watched the van drive away.

For a moment, I felt something different. Something strange. Something I didn’t remember ever feeling before, though it seemed so familiar.

My Mom clicked the lock button. Coming, Sweetie?

Yeah, I sighed.

We walked around to the front steps, where the teachers were talking to other parents while the students caught up on each other’s summer adventures. I stayed close to my Mom. My nerves were stirring, just being back around other kids.

Excuse me, my Mom said to one of the adults, are you Mrs. Dennis?

Yes, answered a short woman with cropped curly, dark hair. You’re Mrs. Roberts?

Miss, my Mom corrected, kindly.

Oh, yes, Mrs. Dennis said, nodding. I’m sorry.

She walked us a bit away from the crowd before she continued. I’ve heard wonderful things about Jane from her previous teachers. I’m quite happy to have her in my class.

I couldn’t help wondering what all she had heard. Sure, I was a fairly good student, but I was certain my other teachers would remember me more for my tears and stomach aches than my grades.

I smiled, cheeks flushing. Thank you.

My Mom glanced at her watch.

Don’t leave! I said, instantly.

She frowned, and I was sure she was thinking of the time she’d had to spend the whole day sitting with me in second grade. I felt bad, but I still wanted her to stay.

I have to get to work, Jane, my Mom told me. I’m sure you’ll be fine with Mrs. Dennis. Mrs. Dennis gave me a smile and nod. And if you really need me, you know you can call my cell.

I did know, of course. This happened often.

I hesitated. Okay…

My Mom gave me a tight hug and a kiss on the forehead. I wanted to cling onto her, to make her stay. But I also didn’t want anyone else to see.

So, I let her go.

She blew me a kiss before disappearing around the back. Love you!

I sighed, feeling very alone.

Jane, Mrs. Dennis said from behind me. I turned to look at her. We have some new students to the school in our class. Would you like to help them out for me?

Okay, I agreed. I was nervous to meet new people, but I always tried to make my teachers happy. They were the only ones I could turn to at school.

As Mrs. Dennis walked me over to where more of the kids were gathered, I tried to remember that at least someone new wouldn’t know anything about me. I played with my kitty charm as I walked.

This is Dominic Callaway, Mrs. Dennis introduced, indicating a boy with dark hair and tan skin.

…a boy. My heart fluttered.

Mrs. Dennis introduced me, then she excused herself to find the other new student.

Hi, Dominic said.

And then, he smiled. He smiled… at me.

Hi, I breathed.

Dominic was different. I had never really felt anything for any of the boys at my school. It didn’t help that all they ever did was tease me. Dominic wasn’t like them, though. He, unlike most of the other boys in my grade, hadn’t been around me since kindergarten. He wasn’t being mean to me, like them. He was smiling at me.

He didn’t know any better.

Mrs. Dennis led a pretty blonde girl over to us.

Hello! the girl said at once. I’m Jenny Parker!

Dominic suddenly whipped his head towards her. And she, noticing the sudden movement, looked over at him, too. They locked into a gaze far more intense than the one I had shared with him.

They knew each other.

~Chapter 1 – Conductor~

To me, churches were beautiful, but Masses could be tense. It had never been this bad before, though.

I ended up sitting between Jenny and Dominic, trying to keep my breathing even. But I wasn’t the only one feeling nervous in the situation. Jenny kept sneaking peeks of Dominic behind my head, while Dominic seemed to want to look anywhere but at us, clenching his hands nervously for a while before finally shoving them in his pockets.

Dominic kept his hands there until they were forced out by custom. Our church still had us hold hands during the Our Father. Jenny gracefully slipped her hand into mine. I held my left hand out for Dominic, feeling super awkward. He took it lightly.

I gave a quiet gasp. I felt like there was electricity passing through me. My nerves were tingling even more than before. I kept trying to focus on breathing, but my heart was flying. I could hear the murmur of the prayer around us, but I could only concentrate on the rush of energy flowing through me… and the ever stronger squeezing on both of my hands.

I realized then that these feelings weren’t actually mine. I was only the connection, the conductor between Jenny and Dominic. Their feelings were synced through me.

Though I could still feel the energy, my own happiness wilted. The prayer was soon over, and we let out a collective sigh, slowly letting go. The most aware, I glanced at the other two. They wore identical dazed expressions.

Everything around me felt like a blur. I was usually very attentive at Mass. Teachers never had to scold me for not paying attention. But now, I could only think of the feelings that had passed through me and how I wanted them to be mine. I was jealous. I had hoped for a few short seconds that Dominic might have been the one for me. But I wasn’t that lucky. Jenny and Dominic were. They had found their soulmates.

We went up for Communion quietly. Jenny seemed tense. I watched her breathing as we moved in line. As always, trying to steady my own. It made me wonder if Dominic was also watching my breathing. That made me even more nervous. I didn’t want anyone staring at me… especially a boy.

I passed up the wine, as usual. Jenny looked surprised when she came back to our pew. She slipped past me and sat down.

Why didn’t you take the wine? she whispered.

I glanced around, then quickly whispered back, I hate the taste of it. And I don’t like the thought of drinking blood.

Jenny giggled. It’s not like it’s really blood, no matter what they say!

She continued to giggle a bit, until Mrs. Dennis turned around from two rows up to give her a silencing look. Blood rushed into my cheeks, and I felt mortified for getting caught talking. Beside me, Dominic gave a quiet chuckle.

Mass finally ended. I had never been so relieved in my entire life. My senses were still buzzing. My heart was still off-beat. Being stuck between soulmates was a strange and difficult experience. I was hoping it would never happen again. Surely, after feeling what I’d felt, they would realize they were meant to be. Things would be easier after that.

But Jenny and Dominic didn’t walk back to school hand in hand, like I’d pictured. Dominic hurried off to join some of the other boys, and Jenny walked next to me. I could see her watching him, but he didn’t look back at us. I was disappointed. Why weren’t they together?

So, I’m Jenny…

I jumped. I thought she had been watching him as intently as I was. My cheeks reddened. I’m Jane.

Jenny smiled. Yes, I know.

For the next block, Jenny seemed happy to just take in the sights, as unimpressive as they were. Her light blonde hair gleamed in the sunlight, and I was, once again, jealous of something she had that I didn’t.

I chanced another glance at Dominic. He seemed to be her polar opposite in looks. Black hair and tan skin, compared to blonde hair and pale skin. I wondered how different their personalities were. Either way, they balanced each other perfectly. I was sure of it.

So, Jenny began suddenly, making me jump again, tell me about yourself, hm?

Um, there isn’t much to tell, I admitted. I’m kind of boring.

Well, if you insist, I’ll share first!

I gave her a tentative smile. Okay.

My family has visited all over the world. But most of my life, I’ve spent in England, Jenny told me, and she had the accent to match. My parents own and run Magic Inc. You’ll know what that is, of course.

The TV station?

Yes, that’s right! But we dabble in all sorts of entertainment. We believe in bringing a bit of magic into the world. She winked at this part. We’ve been working a lot on producing music these days. Someday, I’ll have my own album!

Wow, I gasped. That’s really cool!

Mhm, Jenny agreed with a nod. I’ll probably star in my own show, too. My Dad just thinks I’m still too young for all that. She rolled her eyes.

I laughed nervously.

Anyhow, Jenny continued, my family is pretty big. I’m the next to youngest. Chris and Stacy are just a year behind us. They’re twins. Julie’s in eighth grade. And Rachel and Chaz are in high school.

"That is a large family!"

"And, Jenny said, smiling proudly, I have five first cousins. On my mother’s side, there’s Lilly, Ben, and Candace. They actually go by Parker, too. My Aunt Primrose had an awful divorce not long after I was born, and she’d already rejected her maiden name, so she legally took ours for her family. Seems a little extreme, I know. But that’s my aunt. She laughed. They live in Florida. We visit during breaks, and I absolutely love it there. I think I’d like to live there when I grow up. Magical things seem to happen."

Her expression shifted, and she seemed abruptly distracted. She was looking at Dominic again.

Are you okay? I asked.

Yeah, Jenny answered. She gave herself a little shake. Oh, so… then, on my father’s side, there’s Mike and Soren. They live back in England. And that’s my family!

The way she had gone through her introduction made me think this was something she had to say often. That would happen with someone who traveled a lot. Still, I felt weird when she asked me about my family. No one ever asked me about stuff like that. No one ever asked me about anything.

I’m an only child, I said, quietly.

Jenny gave me a strange look.

Well, not exactly, I amended. I actually do have a sister, but I’ve never met her. I’m adopted.

Oh. Jenny didn’t look impressed. Something like that probably seemed dull to her.

My Mom never married, I continued. So, it’s just us. My Grandma and Uncle Zack live in New York, but my Mom doesn’t get along with her. I only see them a couple times a year. But my Mom’s two best friends are like family. They travel all over and bring things back for me!

Jenny nodded. I was glad, at least, that she didn’t seem to find my family any stranger than her own. I gave a sigh of relief. There was always anxiety when it came to telling people personal things.

Oh, there’s the school! Jenny pointed across the street.

I smiled. In spite of all the bad things that had happened to me there, I still really loved my school.

Jenny tucked some hair behind her ear. You know, I’ve never been to a Catholic school. Is it very different?

"Well, I’ve never been to anything but Catholic school. But I don’t think it’s that different. I paused for a moment, remembering Jenny’s bold statement about the wine. Are you… actually Catholic?"

My mother’s family is Catholic, with some reservations. I wasn’t sure what that meant. My father’s more… skeptical.

Oh, I said.

Don’t get me wrong, he believes in something, Jenny assured me. It’s just more universal.

I wasn’t sure what that meant, either. But I didn’t ask.

Jenny shrugged. I guess I’m a bit of a blend. What about you?

My Mom’s Christian, but we don’t actually go to church much, I confessed, quietly.

Jenny nodded. Ah, I see.

Outside of the school, we waited as some of the other classes filed inside. Jenny went over to the dedication plaques near the door. Hey, look. She pointed to a dedication to David and Charlotte Gracam.

I looked at her. What?

She blinked. Oh… nothing.

Jenny turned to go inside and bumped right into Dominic. They stared at each other in alarm for a moment. Just watching them almost made me feel the electricity again.

The morning went pretty smoothly after that. Fourth graders had multiple teachers for our main subjects, unlike the younger grades. We met the other homeroom teacher across the hall, who would be teaching Science and Social Studies. Our homeroom teacher would be teaching us English and Math.

Jenny didn’t stray away from me much – or maybe it was the other way around – but all the girls seemed to gather around us wherever we went. Everyone wanted to know about life in England and all the famous people her dad had worked with. She was instantly popular, and I was scared I would soon lose her.

Dominic also seemed to be getting along well with the boys. I was glad he was fitting in, but that meant he didn’t need me, either. I was sad about that. I didn’t still want him to like me the way I had at the beginning, but I wished we could be friends. Only… the idea of a friendship between me and two instantly popular kids seemed ridiculous.

By lunch, I was feeling the normal depression of a first day back to school. Jenny was just so easily accepted. When she joined the lunch line with some of the other girls, I sighed and took my lunchbox over to the far corner of our class’s table. I nearly expected to fade away.

After a few minutes of picking at the pretzels from my lunch, I heard giggling coming my way. I automatically cringed. It was hard not to imagine that laughter meant people were laughing at me. I reluctantly turned. Jenny was coming towards me with her new friends. I was beyond shocked when she sat right across from me.

Jenny gave me a brilliant smile, and after a moment, I found myself in a very strange situation: surrounded by classmates who seemed happy to be there. Sherry Bryant was actually sitting right beside me.

I knew they weren’t there for me, but that didn’t bother me at all. Just to be sitting as an accepted part of the group made me excited. And nervous. I didn’t eat anything else. I just sipped my bottle of water as I watched them all talk.

No, no, Jenny corrected, Julie’s the one in eighth grade. Stacy’s in third.

She pointed three tables over, and I saw a brown-haired boy and girl surrounded by classmates, much like their sister. They looked a good deal more uncomfortable, though. Especially compared to Jenny, who was really enjoying the spotlight.

Soon after, the girls got up to dump their trays. Jenny stayed with me. You can meet my family, if you want, she said. Soon. Tonight, even.

Really? I gasped.

I’d never been invited to someone’s house before.

Jenny didn’t answer. Something had caught her attention. I looked behind me just in time to catch Dominic passing with a few other boys. He didn’t look at us. I frowned; I didn’t understand. He should have wanted to look at her. Sit with her. Marry her.

Oh, sorry, Jenny apologized. What was I saying?

I chewed on my lip, scared to remind her of her offer in case she hadn’t really meant it.

She remembered on her own. Right, you should come over tonight!

I’d love to, I said. …if you really want me to.

Of course, I do! Jenny smiled, then she got up to return her tray.

I watched as, for a moment, Jenny and Dominic stood right next to each other. This time, neither looked the other’s way. I was really confused. What I’d felt, even as just the conductor between them, was so intense that I couldn’t imagine pretending it hadn’t happened.

I didn’t know why they weren’t running into each other’s arms. I didn’t understand why anyone would ignore such an amazing feeling.

Why would you ignore your soulmate?

~Chapter 2 – Chaz Parker~

At the end of the school day, students sat in the library while waiting to be picked up. I usually sat by myself, but today was different. Jenny took me by the hand and led me over to where her siblings were sitting. We were nearly a full table. Though we weren’t really supposed to talk during dismissal, Jenny was busy introducing us under her breath.

Chris and Stacy. I smiled at the brown-haired twins. They stared back at me like deer in the headlights. And my older sister, Julie. Julie smiled at me. She looked a bit more like Jenny, sharing her sister’s blonde hair, but it was much shorter and pulled up in a high ponytail. This is Jane.

All of them were staring at me as if I were the most interesting person they’d met in a very long time. I really doubted this. I wondered if it was just that they’d had a really boring school day, but I doubted that, too.

It’s nice to meet you, Julie offered, quietly. The twins nodded in unison. It was a little unnerving.

Thanks, I whispered, self-consciously.

The supervising teacher gave us a dark glance, which made me cringe. Jenny rolled her eyes after the teacher looked away and dug in her bag for a notebook and pen.

I watched as she scribbled down her address and phone number. Tell your mom to call my mom, she wrote underneath. Then she tore the note off and handed it to me just as her last name was called. I nodded, and she grinned.

The Parkers all stood and grabbed their things. I waited until they filed out of the room before looking back down at the piece of paper in my hand.

I had… made a friend. Somehow. Impossibly.

I was almost in tears.

As soon as my last name was called, I rushed out to the car. I couldn’t even wait until the door was completely closed to shout, Mommy, I made a friend!

My Mom was beaming. I’m so happy to hear that!

I stared ahead out the window, almost not believing my own words. "She actually invited me over to her house. Tonight. That’s okay, isn’t it?"

Of course, Janey. My Mom touched my shoulder, reassuringly.

I spent the rest of the car ride telling her all about my day. And then, she ripped off this piece of paper with her number on it! I was still clutching the proof as we pulled into our driveway. She wants you to call her mom.

All right. My Mom took the piece of paper from me. Why don’t I call while you get changed?

I raced inside to change out of my uniform. I searched in my dresser for my favorite shirt with a pink metallic heart, peace sign, and smiley on it and my favorite jean shorts with pink and green cuffs. I just had to wear my favorites on a day like today.

When I came out of my room, my Mom was laughing into the phone. I smiled. She was already getting along with Jenny’s mom. That was great!

My Mom spotted me and grinned back. Any time now? Okay, great. We’ll be there soon.

Was she nice? I asked as soon as my Mom hung up the phone.

Very nice. She has a pretty name, too. Crystalline.

"Ooh, that is pretty," I sighed. Why did I have to be stuck with Jane? But isn’t it similar to yours?

My Mom, Christine, chuckled. Strange how these things work out. Are you ready, Jane?

I beamed at her. Yeah!

She grabbed her purse. Let’s go, then. Crystalline said we were both invited for dinner.

It only took getting back in the car for me to be struck with nerves again. What if Jenny decides she doesn’t like me?

My Mom frowned. Oh, Jane, why wouldn’t she like you?

I could think of a lot of reasons. The other kids had told me as much. But I only sighed.

My Mom turned the radio on again, and I found myself humming along. Her ‘90s and ‘00s radio station always put me in a better mood – though I couldn’t really explain why.

But the good mood quickly faded as we traveled into the nicest part of town, by the park. This was where the rich people lived. Of course, the Parkers would live here. I should’ve expected it.

I looked down at my clothes and made a noise. Even though I was wearing my favorite outfit, it was pretty old. The shorts had even been my Mom’s when she was little… and it showed. I always liked to be comfortable and rarely thought about what I wore outside of school, but I imagined Jenny’s family might wear fancy outfits to dinner. I would definitely stick out, if that were true.

We parked in front of the biggest house I’d ever been to. It was three stories high and had a three-car garage that was sheltering an expensive-looking silver car and a shiny blue van.

My mouth fell open. I felt so out of place. Mom…

She gave me a reassuring smile. You’ll be fine.

Jenny came running out into the front yard before I could stop gaping at her almost-mansion. Hiii!!!

Her long blonde hair flew behind her until she froze right in front of me, arms extended for a hug, and glanced quickly to her left.

I followed her eyes to the house next door. It was also a

Reviews for Magic Inc.

[library_gal · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Don't be fooled by the age of the main character. Though she is young, she is mature beyond her years. Her longing for love and acceptance is universal. Anyone who has experienced rejection or bullying can relate to her feelings, which the author describes so well. The characters are well developed and you will care about them especially the protagonist, Jane. You will experience both her heartaches and her joy as she discovers new friends and the world of magic. The author's magical world is both detailed and unique, filled with fascinating stories within it. I recommend you give this new YA fantasy author a chance. I think you'll be both pleased and surprised!

[sportzmomof5 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a fun story! Love the roller coaster ride involved. Can't wait to see what happens next!I was given this book in exchange for my honest review.