"It's almost time."

A chill runs through me. Is it possible to feel cold? I don't know what to think right now, but this is what I want. The end of the world.

The news report drowns out all other conversation. "It's the Salem Witch Trials all over again." I keep hearing the small woman's report repeat itself in my head. "It's the Salem Witch Trials all over again. The president has declared that all witches shall be executed, and anyone harboring them will be arrested. He believes they are a threat to the nation."

My father is shaking his head. My mother is crying. Her best friend is a closet witch. I sit staring at the television, not daring to face them. My green eyes are wide, my heart is racing. I've been keeping this secret for so long. Should I tell them? No, not now. I can't worry them with the news. I pick up the remote off of the side table beside me and turn off the television. We don't need to hear any more of this.

"Summer?" My mom looks at me with a worried expression. Oh mother, if only you knew. "What's wrong?" she is holding back her sobs as she looks at me with true concern.

"Nothing mother, I promise."

"This stuff is nonsense." Mother wipes her nose with a tissue. "I never thought I'd hear a news story like this. Science says we've evolved so far, and these powers are a gift. No one should be murdered for something they cannot control."

Dad shakes his head again. "Hon, that's like saying a psycho who can't control his murderous tendencies shouldn't be locked in prison. It's a losing battle to fight for witches rights."

"How can you even say that? Someday everyone will have powers! The president should see that! How can he just act like these people are evil!" Mom looks bewildered.

Father only shrugs. "Some people are evil, maybe this is the only option. At least our family has nothing to worry about."

I snort, but when they look at me I quickly change the subject. "So mom, would you like me to help with dinner? It's getting late."

Her expression softens a little. My mother loves to cook. "Oh of course Summer. We've got tons of stuff in the fridge, I'm sure we can whip something up."

As I sit in my favorite corner booth at the coffeehouse, I replay the news report in my mind. The reporter's words still make me shiver. I look out the giant window beside me, and see two kids playing with fire in their hands for change. They are obviously witches. A lot of people watch in wonder as the children make the fire disappear, then reappear, but I then notice a few people looking nervous nearby and quickly rushing off. A woman walks up and scolds them, maybe their mother? She grabs them by their shirts and ushers them into her minivan. I shake my head, but I am smiling. She is just looking out for her sons.

A sick thought crosses my mind. Would the police really arrest two little boys and have them executed? No, I shouldn't think like that. I look up at the ceiling when I start to feel an odd tingle. I look up and notice an attractive blond staring at me with intense baby blues. His look makes me blush, and I quickly look down. Why is he staring at me? When I look up, he is standing up and approaching me.

"Hey. Mind if I sit?" He points at the seat in front of me. I shrug nonchalantly. Why do his blue eyes seem so familiar? "Have we met before?"

His voice makes my skin tingle. I don't think so, if we had I would remember. I shake my head.

"You don't talk much do you?"

"Not to strangers."

He shakes his head but smiles. He offers me his hand. "I'm David, David Wayne." We shake hands briefly, his touch sending shivers down my spine. "What's your name?"

"Summer."

"No last name?"

"Not for a stranger."

"We've given our introductions, I don't believe we are strangers anymore. I'm merely an acquaintance."

What does he want? "Well, now that we have that established, is there something you want Mr. Wayne?"

David snorts. "You make me sound like Bruce Wayne from Batman. Please call me David."

"Well David, I reiterate my previous statement."

He licks his lips, and I can't help but watch him do so. He has very full lips, and I can't help but think things I shouldn't. "I want to take you out to dinner, tonight."

"I've already had dinner tonight, with my parents."

"Well then, dessert?"

This is getting awkward. "I have work to do."

David raises a finely plucked eyebrow at me. "This late? I find that hard to believe."

I raise an eyebrow back at him. "I'm in advertising, there is always work to do."

"There's no way I can convince you to go out with me is there?"
Truthfully, I am not interested in a relationship right now. I just started my career, I'm only 22. I'm not sure I'm ready for another commitment. And you scare me. "Not today."

David sighs and runs his fingers through his light hair. He composes himself, looks up at me and smiles a beautiful smile. "Well Summer, it was wonderful making your acquaintance. I hope we run into each other again."

I don't. "Goodbye David."

"Until next time, Summer."