Love Charms and Other Catastrophes by Kimberly Karalius Page B

handle,” Femke said.
    â€œOr would you rather let three outsiders compete for the title of Grimbaud’s Best Love Charm-Maker?” Mirthe asked.
    Femke jabbed her twin with her elbow, but it was too late.
    Principal Bemelmans frowned. “It doesn’t matter where they’ve come from. These are the love charm-makers we have now, and they deserve our respect.”
    â€œThen it doesn’t matter what age we are,” Mirthe said, “or how far along with our charm-making skills. Our club has a love charm-maker. Let her participate.”
    â€œWhich one of you?”
    Hijiri stepped forward.
    The principal appraised her. He untangled his fingers and rubbed his chin. “Miss Kitamura, why do you and your club want to participate? Tell me in your own words.”
    Hijiri pulled an acorn out of her pocket. She held the acorn between her thumb and index finger. This was a simple charm, but one that took a great bit of effort and earned her numerous paper cuts over the summer. She twisted the top off the acorn, and a garden of miniature paper roses floated out and spun in the air. The words I love you burned like a firework and the paper roses crumbled to dust. Easy cleanup for a surprise romantic gesture.
    Principal Bemelmans had watched the little charm with unmasked awe. His gaze flickered from the empty acorn to her eyes.
    â€œWords aren’t as powerful,” she said, tucking the acorn back in her pocket, “but if you want an answer, it’s simply this: because I must.”
    The twins were smiling so hard their cheeks looked ready to split. She didn’t look behind her to see Sebastian’s, Martin’s, and Nico’s reactions, but she felt their support. The cramped office buzzed with energy.
    Principal Bemelmans reached across his desk to shake her hand.
    Hijiri swore that the bobblehead cupid on the desk winked at her.
    *   *   *
    After school, Hijiri came over to Fallon’s apartment. Fallon kept her apartment tidy and covered her walls with vintage restaurant posters. Her furnishings looked like new because of the high-quality antiques she bought. The space could be a little uncomfortable with its cleanliness, but Hijiri noticed with some amusement that Sebastian’s touches showed up here and there: a magnetized list of fast-food numbers on the fridge and cassette tapes stacked haphazardly on her desk.
    They brewed mint tea. Hijiri sat cross-legged on the floor, taking small sips from her clay cup, while Fallon tried finding the most efficient way to pack her school supplies in the new leather bag her brother had bought her. While the feminine briefcase with golden locks looked very smart, it was impractical. The pockets were stiff. Fallon’s folder just barely fit when she wedged it inside between her pencil case and planner.
    â€œAt least it’s pretty,” Hijiri said. “And obviously quality.”
    â€œThat’s exactly what I told Robbie. But I really wish I could use it. There’s just not enough room,” Fallon said.
    Hijiri had left her own school supplies where they were in her bag, a messy heap of loose pens and pencils, her notebook cover already creased when crushed between two textbooks. She bit her lip and blurted, “What do you think about Ken?”
    Fallon unzipped her pencil case. “He seems nice.”
    â€œWhat I mean is the idea of him. It’s not fair. Love just shoved this guy at me. Said I’m bound to fall in love with him. I hate it. I don’t want to be forced to like him, just because Love said so. Plus, he’s made of charms. I love charm-making, but I’d never marry my own charms.”
    Fallon separated her pens and pencils on the floor. She rubbed her upper lip, considering each one. “If it were me, I’d be happy to have met The Boy so easily.”
    Hijiri groaned. “That’s because you expected to meet him.”
    â€œAnd you