#flory printed bag | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

talesofmundanemagic · 7 years ago

Text

Gertie and Bridget take a test

“Hey, Ernest,” Charlie Nessing said, gesturing for Ernest to join him and his brother Peter on the side of the classroom as everyone packed up to leave the latest Magic Club meeting.

“Yeah?” Ernest perked up and hurried to put away his things. He and the Nessing brothers had developed a shallow friendship within the Magic Club, but asking to talk to him after? That was new territory.

Charlie peered over at Mr. Jerson, the Magic Club faculty advisor. He wasn’t paying attention, but even so, Charlie tilted his head to indicate that they should leave the room.

Ernest followed Charlie and Peter down the hall, and Gertie, Bridget and Vivien stopped to wait, watching the three boys.

Charlie took a deep breath. “I was hoping you could help us with something.”

Ernest tried to show concern, instead of delight at being asked. “Help you with what?”

Charlie jolted at Ernest’s volume. At the word ‘help’, Gertie, Bridget and Vivien edged closer.

“The Flories School Exit Exam is coming up,” Charlie said, keeping his voice low. “Headmistress Clearwater told Peter that if he doesn’t pass it, he’ll be held back from graduating and will have to take summer school.”

Peter nodded grimly, standing at his brother’s shoulder.

“Really? You’ve only been here a few weeks.” Ernest said.

Charlie nodded. “I’m aware,” he said bitterly.

“That sucks,” Ernest said.

“That can’t be fair,” Gertie interjected, coming up behind Ernest. Vivien and Bridget followed her. “Did your parents try calling the headmistress?”

Charlie frowned, not making eye contact. “We talked to them. They said he should ‘study hard’.”

“I’m sorry,” Gertie said.

“I’ve already been admitted to Wespire U. If I don’t pass, they might...” Peter let his head hang. “I’m not the best test taker. Especially with that sort of threat hanging over me.”

“It’s such a stupid test,” Ernest grumbled. “I failed the last two years and have to take it again. I’ll probably end up in summer school too.”

“Wow, I didn’t know it was that bad,” Gertie said, looking worriedly at Bridget. “This is our first year at Flories, so we have to take it.”

“At least you’ll have more chances,” Ernest said.

Vivien, who had taken the F-SEE her sophomore year and hadn’t had much of a problem passing at her first attempt, bit her bottom lip and kept silent.

“I mean,” Ernest continued. “It’s just not fair. If I pass my classes, I should be able to graduate, right? Why should I have to keep taking the test until I scrape by?”

“Well,” Charlie said, pushing his thick-rimmed glasses up his nose. “What if we knew we were going to do well this time?”

Faye Nessing, Peter and Charlie’s younger sister, suddenly ran out of the classroom and pushed her way into the circle.

“I can hear what you’re saying in there,” she muttered. “Mr. Jerson was on the phone, but he’s coming now so-”

“I mean,” Peter suddenly said, seeing over Faye’s head that Mr. Jerson had entered the hallway. “If they kept the pool any colder during practice, my fingers would fall off. And that wouldn’t heal so easy, you know?”

“Yeah, you’d need an even more expensive charm to heal something like that,” Charlie said, good naturedly nudging his brother.

Peter laughed and played with the necklace around his neck. Bridget had noticed it had an enchantment on it; a healing spell would explain why they had seen him mend so quickly after getting in a fight.

“Have a good night, you guys,” Mr. Jerson said, waving as he headed in the opposite direction.

“You too!” Charlie replied with a grin. As soon as Mr. Jerson was gone, Charlie lowered his voice considerably. “Ok, so-”

“I don’t have to take the test until next year, and I have some homework and healing to do,” Faye interrupted. “If you get caught, make sure to mention I wasn’t involved.”

As the youngest Nessing sibling stalked off, Gertie and Bridget turned back to Charlie.

“Get caught?” Gertie repeated.

“What is she talking about?” Bridget asked.

“Headmistress Clearwater has the test booklets and the answer keys in her office,” Charlie explained, looking at Ernest. “After the way you handled the lock on that trick box, I was thinking you wouldn’t have any trouble getting us in. We grab a booklet and an answer key and we’re golden!”

Charlie and Peter nodded at Ernest, their expressions pleading.

Ernest took a deep breath. “Well…”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Gertie said, putting a hand on Ernest’s shoulder.

He didn’t move when she pulled. “Ernest, you’re not a cheater-” she started.

“Neither are we!” Charlie protested. “But think about what’ll happen otherwise!”

“What will the headlines say?” Peter asked. “‘Mayoral candidate Felix Nessing’s children fail out of school’?”

“I mean, by that logic,” Gertie said. “Can you imagine the same headline if you get caught stealing?”

“Oh come on,” Peter scoffed. “Like you’ve never used magic to pull one over on non-practitioners.”

Gertie and Bridget couldn’t argue with that.

“Besides, do you really want to stay here any longer than you have to?” Charlie directed this at Ernest. “We can’t do it without you.”

“I think we’re just going to go grab some dinner,” Vivien said sternly.

Gertie tried pulling Ernest away again.

“I’m in,” he said, yanking his arm away from Gertie. He wouldn’t meet their gaze as they stared in disbelief. “I’ll just grab my ukulele from my dorm. My magic will be more powerful that way.”

The Nessing brothers and Ernest walked towards the dorms, talking about the extent of Ernest’s musical magical gifts. Bridget, Gertie and Vivien watched them go.

“Pastapolis?” Bridget suggested.

“Yeah,” Gertie said, trying to push the feeling of betrayal down. “I’m starving.”

***

The next morning, on their way to breakfast, Gertie, Bridget and Vivien took a detour to Lonaickey Hall, the administrative building on campus. Gertie had a form that needed the Headmistress’ signature in order for her to to receive credit from an online course towards her enchanting apprenticeship license. Technically, the Headmistress’ administrative assistant, Toby, didn’t work on the weekend. But he was behind on paperwork and had told her he would be in the office and that Gertie could stop by.

“Plus,” Bridget had said, “We can see if the Nessings left any evidence.”

The building sure looked empty, despite the front door being unlocked.

The three girls passed the Headmistress’ office in order to go to the receptionist’s desk.

“I don’t see anything,” Gertie said, glancing around the surrounding hallway.

“Hey! Gertie! Is that you?” came a whisper.

Gertie paused, sharing a glance with Bridget. “Ernest?”

“Yeah!”

“Where are you?” Bridget hissed.

“Headmistress’ office!” came the anxious reply.

The three girls descended on the hallway door with “Headmistress Clearwater” printed in gold lettering on it.

“I thought you’d be long gone with the answers by now,” Gertie hissed back.

“We couldn’t!”

The door was ajar, and Bridget pulled it all the way open.

“Well, look at that,” Bridget said smugly. It was too good.

They were all trapped.

Ernest was covered in large, sticky spiderwebs, stuck against the very door Bridget had pulled open.

Peter was rolled up in the Headmistress’ dusty old rug, looking like a baby that had been thoroughly swaddled.

Charlie had managed to avoid both traps. He had failed, however, to notice that the cabinet was also enchanted, and it had sprayed him with a sleeping potion. He now snoozed with his face pressed against a half-open drawer, his glasses on the floor.

“Oh, did we forget to tell you that Headmistress Clearwater actually believes in magical security?” Gertie said. “Whoops.”

“Look, Gertie. We’ve been here all night,” Ernest said.

“We didn’t even take the answers,” Peter added.

“Just get us out of here so we can go home!” Ernest pleaded.

Charlie let out a rather loud snore.

“I don’t know,” Gertie said. “You being stuck here the rest of the weekend might be just what you need to realize that-”

“Oh, come on, Gertie.” Vivien good-naturedly pushed past her to investigate the webbing encasing Ernest. “It looks like a classic Spicron hunting enchantment. Just look up the release spell.”

Gertie huffed, but pulled out her phone.

“And that’s just an enchanted rug,” Vivien said. She fingered a thread pulling away from Peter’s trap. “Bridget, do you have any-?”

Bridget pulled a utility knife from her bag and opened the scissor attachment.

Vivien cut the thread, and the charm on the rug released, allowing Peter to wriggle himself free.

“You owe me two hours of sitting and charging my keychains,” Gertie informed Ernest as she drew on her stored power. She spoke the magic words that the online encyclopedia article said would release a Spicron enchantment.

The webbing melted away, leaving a large amount of white goop on the Headmistress’ carpets.

“That’s not going to be easy to clean up,” Peter said as he stood and stretched. His forehead was badly bruised from when he hit the floor, but faded as Bridget watched the magic on his necklace spark. He reached down and picked up his younger brother, hoisting him over his shoulder, and hung his glasses from his shirt collar. “Come on. I’m sure Faye can figure out what happened to him.”

The sound of the building’s front door opening as they left the Headmistress’ office made them all freeze.

“Back door!” Bridget hissed.

Vivien twisted the lock on the inside of the doorknob and pushed the Headmistress’ door closed. Everyone ran through the hallway, going for the back door that exited into the school’s parking lot.

Except Gertie, who walked in the opposite direction.

“Good morning, Toby,” Gertie said, as she entered Lonaickey’s lobby from the side hallway. Toby, Headmistress Clearwater’s assistant, smiled in greeting.

“Got the form?”

“Right here.” Gertie pulled the envelope from her back pocket.

“Great. I’ll have Abigail sign it first thing on Monday and I’ll send it in for you. Have a great weekend!”

“You too!” Gertie hesitated. “I mean, even if you’re working, I’m sure-”

“I know what you meant.” Toby smiled and headed to the Headmistress’ office.

Gertie made it out of the front door before she heard the shouting.

“I’ve told her a thousand times this would happen!” Toby groaned, seeing the mess that the Spicron trap had left. “What’s wrong with cameras? Why all this magical nonsense? There’s nothing even here! A mouse probably set it off!”

Bridget, Vivien, Ernest, and Peter, carrying Charlie, joined Gertie as she walked away.

“I hope you’ve learned your lesson,” Gertie said.

“Of course we have,” Peter assured her.

Ernest nodded, looking guilty that he had even attempted to cheat.

Vivien smiled. “Good.”

***

A week later the F-SEE grades were posted. All the students who had taken the test crowded around the bulletin board, trying to see if they passed, and where they had ranked among other students.

Gertie and Bridget were relieved to see that they both had P’s next to their names. Bridget was even high up on the list.

Then they saw who was at the top.

Ernest and the Nessing brothers were hanging out across the hallway by the water fountain, watching the crowd with amusement without even glancing at the list. Why would they? They knew what they got.

Gertie and Bridget strode over furiously, ready to let loose a verbal lashing. Ernest, at least, had the decency to look ashamed.

Before the sisters could start, Charlie managed to take all the wind out of their sails.

“Thanks for your help,” he said with a grin.

#gertie and bridget #school #tests #magic #writing #magical realism #modern fantasy

2 notes · View notes

fashiontrendin-blog · 7 years ago

Text

The Best New Menswear Pieces To Buy Right Now

http://fashion-trendin.com/the-best-new-menswear-pieces-to-buy-right-now-48/

The Best New Menswear Pieces To Buy Right Now

Tu Stork Print Regular Shirt

It goes without saying that Sainsbury’s is the go-to for a posh (but not too posh) weekly shop. Now though, you might just find yourself slipping threads from the supermarket’s Tu clothing range in with your avocados and prosecco. Case in point: this Cuban collar shirt with an all-over stork print, which combines a rock bottom price with the looks of a designer piece.

Buy Now: £15.00

Floris Cefiro Deodorant Stick

If you’re still using a body spray fished out of some post-Christmas bargain bucket gift set, it’s time you levelled up. This deodorant stick from Floris, Britain’s oldest perfumer, is that level up with notes of crisp citrus, spicy cardamom and bright jasmine to make your pits smell otherworldly and vitamin E to protect the oft-ignored underarm skin.

Buy Now: £22.00

Topman Blue And Grey Check Smart Trousers

Not all checks are created equal. Small checks will make large guys larger while big windowpane checks will swallow up guys with a smaller frame. These squared-up trousers from Topman offer the best of both, and in a neutral blue and grey colourway combination, they can be paired easily with a navy blazer or a contrasting T-shirt.

Buy Now: £38.00

H&M Biker Jacket

Donning a leather jacket is an instant passport to cool, but sadly one that often comes at a price. Not this season. With a classic cut above the waist, and in a much more ethically sound imitation leather, throw on H&M’s biker-style offering, and no one will know you haven’t shelled out a mini fortune for this ticket.

Buy Now: £49.99

Ben Sherman Long Sleeve Archive Arthur Shirt

Mods love a printed shirt more than they love a Liam Gallagher haircut. This one, recycled from Ben Sherman’s extensive archive, includes retro touches like a classic button-down collar and box pleat on the rear. And we’ll take a quaint bicycle print over Givenchy’s giant flame version any day.

Buy Now: £75.00

Rains Weekend Bag

This discreet, but no less handsome, weekend bag from Scandi brand Rains has us swooning like a short sojourn to Paris with the other half. It is, of course, waterproof, hence the name, and at 44 litres comes in just under the standard cut-off size for an aeroplane carry-on.

Buy Now: £59.00

Albam Zipped Hooded Parka in Raspberry

There’s a strong chance Gen Z will be rendered deeply inappropriate past summer. So to satisfy your craving for colour into next season, tap Albam’s raspberry hooded parka. Crafted from cotton canvas and inspired by military detailing, this boldly coloured kit will make you pray for rain, well almost.

Buy Now: £175.00

Fossil Q Explorist Smartwatch

There was a time when wearable technology looked about as appealing as a bag of smashed crabs. Fortunately, we’ve passed the ugly duckling phase and been left with designs like Fossil’s Q Explorist Smartwatch. The Android-powered kit lets you do all the usual — track heart rate, receive notifications, control music — while looking damn fine thanks to a smoky-hued stainless steel bracelet.

Buy Now: £269.00

Replay Slim Fit Ronas Jeans

Slipping into a good pair of jeans is like snuggling under the duvet on a Sunday morning, you’ll never want to come out. Replay is consistently turning out must-own pairs, like these slim-fit, medium-wash beauties that aren’t particularly flashy but will never fail to get a double-take.

Buy Now: £135.00

Jack & Jones Jorzuko Jumper

How do you wear yellow without looking like a bumblebee? Well, if you don’t want to get swatted away by potential suitors, a darker shade works best. This chunky cable knit jumper from Jack & Jones would especially suit those with a paler skin tone. Pair with casual blue trousers for a look as summery as our pollinating buddies.

Buy Now: £34.99

Puma x Roland RS-0 Trainers

Retro sneakers aren’t going away any time soon. Maybe ever. Puma is one of the brands that has been leading the charge with the Thunder Electric, and now it has revived the classic RS running shoe from 1986 in partnership with musical instrument firm Roland. Inspired by a drum machine, it’s a collaboration that’s hard to, err, beat.

Buy Now: £89.00

Carhartt WIP Globe Graphic T-Shirt

Summer weather may be on the out, but we’re not going down without a fight. T-shirt temperatures are still here (for now), and this simple globe motif design from Carhartt offers the perfect opportunity to give the guns some airtime while showing everyone you’re a man of the world.

Buy Now: £35.00

River Island Green Tartan Tie

While everyone else is busy picking their fantasy football team for the year ahead, do the smart thing and get your tie wardrobe in check for autumn. Slide this urbane tartan option into your formation, and it’s guaranteed to look good at everything from work to semi-formal parties from now until next spring.

Buy Now: £12.00

Stone Island Reflective Sweatshirt

There’s more than one way to get attention for what you wear. Before you start dressing like a Pitti Pillock, sorry – Peacock, try this reflective panel crew neck sweatshirt by the dons of Italian sportswear, Stone Island. No one will miss you coming, and most importantly your street cred will remain intact. Result.

Buy Now: £230.00

Lab Series Oil Control Daily Moisturiser

We’ve got a lot questions for whoever first decided to rub forest soil on their face. But we’re willing to park those given that the discovery led to Lab Series’ new oil control range, which uses Amazonian white clay to mop up excess shine for up to eight hours while salicylic and lactic acids help minimise pores and keep skin looking clear.

Buy Now: £29.50

Boston Celtics 1985-86 Swingman Jersey

The 1985-86 season was particularly fruitful for basketball player Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics. The team won the NBA Championship, Bird was named Most Valuable Player, and it all happened while one of the most stylish kits in on-court history was in play. While it won’t make you an MVP on the hardwood, this Mitchell & Ness replica has got your back on lazy days when you don’t fancy slipping on sleeves.

Buy Now: £90.00

Lacoste Graduate1 Trainers

Minimalist sneakers are great, but they’re obviously better when they’ve got gold bits on. That seems to be the thinking behind Lacoste’s latest kicks, which offer a midway point between the whole Scandi dressing thing and going the full Triple S.

Buy Now: £78.00

Beoplay E8 British Racing Green Earphones

Before sponsors adorned racing cars, they would be painted in pre-selected colours depending on the origin of the driver or the vehicle. This is why we have British racing green, a colour that has now transcended the sport to give a timeless elegance to anything from cool jackets to these stylish wireless earphones from the audio masters at Bang & Olufsen.

Buy Now: £269.00

M&S Collection Active Funnel Neck Top

Just seeing the word ‘active’ on clothing is enough to put most guys into a sweat. Usually because it means you actually have to work out now. But at least when you do drag yourself to the gym you can look mighty fine in this funnel neck fleece from Marks & Spencer.

Buy Now: £25.00

Swims Montego Bay Swimshorts

Even if you’re only paddling about in a kid-sized blow-up pool in the garden, you’ll at least be channelling those Caribbean vibes in these eye-popping swim shorts from aptly named beachwear brand Swims. Rendered in a quick-drying fabric and finished with a micro-mesh inner, these shorts are just as good for dive-bombing as they are barbequing.

Buy Now: £60.00

0 notes