A blanket was spread out on the ground near Crystal Lake. Katherine and Noah laid down staring at the clouds. The weather was clear allowing the sun to warm their body. Katherine turned to her side looking at Noah. For the past two weeks she had been sneaking off to hang out and visit him. Keeping it a secret from pupils and staff at Cackles Academy.
"Your parents, do you think they worry about you" she asked. Knowing she was sneaking off away from friends and teachers. Katherine was curious if Noah's family back in America missed him. He never spoke of them.
"No...I" she listened to Noah as he fumbled with his words" I have a confession..My mom died when I was really young" Noah's eyes averted from Katherine's eyes, he looked at the ground "My dad, well he was a drunk so I was in and out of the system. Living on the streets. Once I had enough to get over here. I left."
His truth. Noah was keeping secrets from Katherine. Katherine felt a knot of guilt within her stomach. She wanted to be truthful with Noah even about her own name. She was scared. Scared that the small lie would be a set back between them.
"I'm sorry" she was sorry to hear about his family but the words almost was her apologizing for also not being truthful with him. She reached out and rested her hand on his leg. Giving him a gentle squeeze.
Noah shook his head as he allowed his body to sit up "Don't be." His words were filled with care as he returned his gaze toward Katherine "we all come from different backgrounds...but that's why I always tell you, love your parents...you only get one set Joy."
One set. He was right. She vented about her parents often, mostly her mother. Noah never not sided with her, but always gave her the typical response. That her mom cared about her. Though Katherine swore that her mom only cared about Cackles Academy. Thinking of Hecate and how her mother had forbid her to leave the grounds
"She's so controlling" Katherine said.
"But she loves you.."
"You don't know...you never met her" Katherine wanted to believe that Hardbroom really did love her. She just wanted to change the topic from Hecate. Not wanting to sulk and ruin the magical evening she quickly thought of something else. Selfishly she added "Will you ever plan to return to America."
"Maybe one day...but right now I'm enjoying life...life with you" Noah's hazel eyes were warm to gaze upon. Katherine couldn't help but give a sly glance.
"I won't always be here. I have two more years left before I'm done...then what. What will you do...where you plan to go" she teased.
Noah's body relaxed as his hand cupped Katherine's. His eyes looked ahead at Crystal Lake "I'd have to build us a home obviously." The thought made Katherine's sly smirk disappear. Her expression became soft as her head rested upon his chest. Pointing near the lake. Her suggestion that it would be perfect where the pair met was fitting. He held her as he continued to speak of their dream.
"Of course...white wood. Almost like a traditional farm house."
"Yellow shutters...no navy blue. Navy shutters...Flower beds. so Zelena can lay in the sun"
"Yes. But we can't forget the nice fence that will surround the home."
"Our home" Katherine whispered. It was as if she could picture the house. A beautiful white home, navy shutters. Not to close to the lake but close enough that when you exit the fence you could smell the fresh water. It sound perfect to Katherine. It was a beautiful future plan. The truth, it felt like it was set all on a lie. Her name was not Joy and she was no ordinary girl. She was a witch.
Noah's body tensed causing Katherine to become alarm. He gently pulled her to her feet "Joy" his tone had fear. "I think you better go."Katherine didn't understand "why" she asked.
Pointing to the lake "Because um" the white mist started to cover the lake. Heading toward the young pair "isn't this Mist of Time" he asked. It wasnt the question that caught Katherine off guard, but he knew about Mist of Time. She kept asking him how he knew. But Noah was pulling her away from the area not answering her. He was fustrated with her not walking faster but she wanted answers.
"We both have secrets but Joy get up...NOW" Noah screamed the last words as he shoved Katherine. She knew he was trying to protect her as the mist started to reach the pair. She ran, running as fast as she could Katherine no longer felt Noah's presence near her. Wanting to turn around she couldn't help but panic. The school seemed so far as her feet carried her closer. It all seemed like a nightmare. Fear of being trapped in the mist filled Katherine's mind.
"Run...Run Joy...I'm behind you" she could hear Noah but could not see the boy. Mist of Time surrounded her as her screams for Noah were muffled from the thickness of the curse. Once she reached the gate Katherine tried to magically open the doors. Her powers did not work. For the past two weeks her magic was not working to it's full potential. Sometimes it did exactly what it needed to do, but right now the door was impossible to open. Magically struggling with the door the mist was creeping closer.
"Someone please...please let me in" she cried out as her fist banged on the door. Noah was no longer near her as she felt her tears fall from her eyes. Screaming for Noah and help, she didn't know what to do.
"Katherine...what are you doing out here" Ms. Bat quickly opened the school gate. Allowing Katherine to enter before the mist of time was able to depart her to another era.
Katherine stumbled on her words while Ms. Bat took her into the castle. The old witch made a cup of tea appear out of air so Katherine could sip once the pair were inside. Katherine was to frazzled. Shaking her head no.
"Dear are you alright" Ms. Bat asked. The woman had no idea how to calm Katherine down.
"I...I...I think someone is trapped"
Ms. Bat's face filled with horror. Her eyes slowly blinked as she asked "A fellow student?" Katherine shook her head. Explaining that it would be a nonmagical. She watched as Ms Bat's face relaxed, making Katherine feel uneasy. It wasn't a joke in Katherine's mind.
"Dear" Ms. Bat seemed more relaxed as she spoke "my dear...do you not listen in class...nonmagical people can not see the mist of time." Katherine was confused. She didn't remember learning this information. Trying to wrap her brain around everything. If he saw the mist, then Noah was magical. Was he hiding it like she was? The question danced around her thoughts. If he was not human then he wasn't safe. The news from Ms. Bat was not good. She couldn't help but breath faster.
"Are you sure" Katherine asked. She normally would never second guess a teacher, but with Noah's present life on and line. She had to double check.
Ms. Bat's face became stern sarcastically she began"Maybe not...I mean I only taught for many decades...of course I'm sure" the last part Ms. Bat's eyes landed upon the familiar face that walked toward them. Esmerelda Hallow touched Katherine's back.
"Esemelda dear, maybe you can remind your friend while the mist is upon us. That she should listen in class...lately she's been in such a daze''
"I'm right here" Katherine snapped. She didn't have time for Ms. Bat's feeling being hurt. Esmerelda offered Katherine a soft smile before pulling Northman away. Once the girls were walking away from others Katherine's wet face from her tears started to dry. Blonde hair stuck to her cheeks. Telling Esmerelda about Noah seeing the mist and every detail.
Esmerelda shook her head in deed thought."Well...that is indeed odd...so you think he's stuck in time now" she asked
"I don't know but how could he have seen it. Ms Bat said that only magical" Katherine stopped herself. Was he a Wizard?
"Is he a wizard and maybe he isn't telling you because he thinks you are not a witch"
"I mean, I do hide our school pin...but he would know of Cackles...Americans know of our school. Right?" She couldn't think straight. Esmerelda didn't know.
"I don't know. I've heard they were all homeschool" Esmerelda added.
"I don't believe he would have been homeschool" thinking of his parents past, the truth that Noah did admit to before the mist. One thing the girls could agree on, he knew. Noah knew that Katherine was indeed a witch. But what was he. The pair walked up the stairs as Esmeralda tried to cheer her friend up. She started to explain the paper she wrote for WeirdSister college. Katherine barley had time to think about hers. That the fear of her being denied added to her stress. Once Esmey realized her friend did not send the letter, she scold her. Even though Katherine kept assuring Esmey she would do it, she couldn't help but procrastinate.
Listening to Esmey admit that her letter was about learning more about potions, teaching the subject as part of her goal. It reminded her of Edward. The pair had similar dreams but different subjects.
"Everyone wants to teach" rolling her blue orbs. "you wouldn't want to be on a board like your mother" Katherine asked.
Esmerelda shook her head "honestly I'd love to be...don't laugh." Katherine wasn't sure what job her best friend wanted. "But a headmistress. Start off teaching, deputy and then ofcourse land in the big office. I want to guide girls and watch them grow at first. But later I'd love to watch teacher flourish." After listening to Esmerelda, she admitted that the plan seemed perfect. Her choice of path was fitting for the young Hallow. Katherine would not expect anything less from her best friend.
"You almost make it sound perfect to be a teacher" Katherine added. Both girls leaned against the cold stone wall looking out the window. Her thoughts went to Noah as her eyes filled with tears. Was he lost forever?
"You would be an amazing teacher, Kat...its in your blood" Esmerelda's words were soft. Katherine felt her friends hand land on her back. Thinking of the playful dream Noah and her made. She shook her head.
"But not my heart"
"Never know...maybe if you wouldnt allow yourself to get distracted. You could find a passion for it" the words that left Esmerelda's lips were sharp. Yet true. Katherine had been distracted, she blamed being distracted on why her magic was barley working.
"Ouch"
Meeting Esmerelda's gaze while the hallow spoke "Being honest."
Feeling it was a bit harsh, she wasn't going to bicker and cause a fight. Esmerelda was kind but wasn't afraid to tell Katherine the truth. Even if she didn't want to always hear it. Looking down the stairs she saw many teachers run. Ada and Hardbroom were looking at a picture. The gasp from Ms. Cackle was loud enough to make Esmerelda and Katherine exchange glances. The staff was not acting normal. Ada Cackle fled away.
Esmeralda whispered "Why is everyone freaking out" as the pair made their way back down to investigate the scene.
"Lately I find it's the normal thing to do here" Ever since Mildred Hubble attended the school, Katherine couldn't help but think trouble followed that girl.
"Would assume that excites you" Esmeralda teased. The girls stopped and overheard a few first years say that Ada Cackle was going to save Mildred Hubble who had gone into the mist. Esemelda was furious with her sister. After the whole issue with Ethel's cat, Mildred and Ada Cackle returning the whole school was allowed to have an early night. All the girls walked around the school looking for their cats to head into their bedroom. Zelena was not in her typical place hanging out near the window downstairs.
While the girls searched for the cat they bounced ideas off about Noah. If he was a Wizard, why would he hide it. The thought of him being a shifter never crossed the girls mind. Magical creatures were taught in a witches 5th year. The girls made their way down a corridor where the staff slept. The area was not forbidden to the girls, but it was not a place where girls ever had to go. One room in particular was where she was headed. Looking back at Esmerelda, who now was silent shaking her head, Katherine slowly pushed open the door.
Peeking inside Katherine immediately saw Zelena laying next to Morgona. The cats were adorable sleeping upon her mothers pillow. Swinging the door open wide since Hecate was not inside Katherine walked in the room to gather her cat. Esmerelda did not enter the room. The area was not restricted but the bedrooms were. No one dared to enter Hecate's room. Door never had to be locked because of the fear the girls held in their hearts. Everything was perfectly placed and clean. Scanning the room she couldn't help but remember the private lessons she was given during the breaks her mother had between terms. That's when she saw it.
On the dark grey vanity, a large mirror faced her, the tiny crouched witch doll stood against the glass. Walking toward the precious item her hand gripped the soft material. Her hands were much larger now then when she was a younger child, it was the size of her palm. Katherine's blue eyes averted upward, looking at the reflection in the mirror. Esmerelda was looking at her feet as Hardbroom stood near her. It was hard gaze Hecate gave with her dark pupils dismissed Esmey. Katherine never budge.
"You kept it...it has so many mistakes"
Hecate walked in her own bedroom closing the door behind her. Of course her mother kept it. One of her first hard magic lessons as very young child was to create this. She remember pleading with her mum to let her have a doll. Only way possible was to create a potion, use the potion on the items to make the doll. Katherine never forgot how proud she was, the doll was not perfect. But it was her doll.
"I see no mistakes" Hardbroom replied. Her slim frame towered over Katherine as she stood near her. Hecate's black sharp nail trace the doll that Katherine held. Her mother's sweet smell filled her nose. Hecate slowly moved toward her vanity chair to sit down. Her posture was straight while the movement of her hands gracefully undid her bun. Katherine watched as her mother's long black hair fell down pass her shoulders. She looked much younger when her hair was down. The sadness in Katherine's eyes returned when her thoughts went back to Noah. She placed the doll down on the table as tears streamed down her face. Hecate watched her daughter's reflection before turning to face Katherine. The young witch played with her sash trying to find the words.
"I met someone...and I'm worried the mist of time took him away"
Instead of Hecate fussing her the woman before Katherine pulled her closer. Katherine sobbed upon her mum's shoulder. Feeling like it was her fault, that maybe she shouldn't of linger to much in the beginning. Hecate rubbed her back before gently pulling away.
"Is this the reason your studies have been slacking."
Of course that would be Hecate's question. She didn't expect her mother to ask about Noah but a part of her did. A part of her wanted her mum to come up with a solution and fix this problem. Shaking her head. Katherine confessed more. She admitted the slacking of trying to apply at WeirdSister, that she was even unsure of what career choice to make. That Edward and Esmey both had amazing plans. Yet she was clueless.
Hecate wiped her daughter's cheek "You are young, you have plenty of time."
"The expectations to be like you or father...what if I don't want to be...like you both." It wasn't that Katherine was ashamed of them. Being raised by two strong parents was intimidating with unrealistic expectations. Fellow pupils always compared her toward her parents achievements. She could tell her mother was trying. Hecate took a deep breath watching Katherine.
Her words were stern but her dark eyes were soft with care. "You are a witch, you are a great witch...You do not have to do what we do, they have other choices for witches...Its not like you are giving your magic up darling"
The last part reminded Katherine of the conversation she had with Agatha. The want of giving up her powers. She couldn't admit the situation to Hardbroom. Katherine nodded. Not speaking more as her mothers last words stayed with her. She was a witch. A witch with magic, even if her powers were a bit weaker at the moment. Hecate's hand reached for Katherine's hand. A gentle squeeze.
Hecate mustered up a soft smile before adding "Be you...Be the best witch I know you are...all will fall into place" she wanted her daughter to succeed. With a wave of her wrist she allowed her door to open. Zelena jumped off the pillow and headed out the room. Hecate knew from their chat that Katherine had been out of the main grounds. She wanted to fuss but knowing her daughter was stressed and upset made the older witch stop. To see Katherine cry was not a sight she saw often. To hear about her not sending the letters was no surprise. Hecate never thought of herself as an helicopter mum but she was not worried about WeirdSister college. Hecate had sent letters to the school, she wanted her child to be approved.
Katherine gave her a small nod before leaving the bedroom.
"I love you" Hecate whispered after her daughter closed the door. She did love her with all her heart. It was words that Hecate couldn't remember the last time the pair said them to each other. Fixing the doll that Katherine found Hecate's heart started to ache. She imagined her daughter on that very day. Katherine was around four years old. She remembered how the girl cried all morning for a doll but she had to learn. Katherine had sat on her lap laughing and so proud of her little doll. It wasn't perfect but Hardbroom thought it was an amazing talent. She knew her daughter had a gift for magic. Hecate cherished that moment of her laughing little girl on her lap playing with the doll. Hecate placed the doll back on her vanity in its correct spot. She liked to look at the doll before starting her day. To remind her how much Katherine had evolved over the years into a beautiful amazing witch. Though like any mother she had an issue to worry about. She needed to make sure that Katherine would not see the shifter again. Hoping the Mist of Time she called upon actually took him away for good.
Thanks for sticking with me so far, I hope you enjoy. Reviews are appreciated. xxxxx