Spencer
On that walk, I found out a lot about Ashley, She doesn't seem to have much self-confidence but I wonder if she just doesn't show it. To me, it looks like she should have no problem with confidence. I do know for sure that she has more power than I've ever seen. And she doesn't believe that she does. I wonder what Julia would think?
Julia and I mostly keep to ourselves, except for Chelsea. A few years ago, I heard from my mother for the first time in a note addressed to Julia. She said that she was living in California with a man named Ben and his three grown-up children. I bet Ben doesn't even know I exist. I'm glad I have Julia and Chelsea, but sometimes I wish I knew what was wrong with me that makes my mother not want to even acknowledge that I am her daughter.
Julia was also a single mom. Her parents kicked her out when they found out about her pregnancy. She moved in with an artist once, but it didn't work out. She also lived with a few witch wannabe's making their money from ripping off the people who were desperate to find out their future. Then, she moved out on her own and started her own shop, which she still has, called The Crystal Forest.
Ashley and I are close to my house now. My house is actually more of a cottage. It's small but Julia and I like it that way.
I wonder what Ashley thinks of my house, but I'm not going to make the mistake again to probe her mind. If I did, she would probably try to run again and I don't want that to happen. I'll have to tell Julia to take it slow with explaining the witch stuff.
The door chimes ring when we enter. I see Julia in the back so we walk toward her. When she sees us, she looks at Ashley and her jaw drops. She backs away and puts on her glasses. When she looks at Ashley again, she screams. She starts mumbling frantically and it's hard to make out. When she stops, I look at Ashley. She probably thinks we're both crazy now, and it is certainly written on her face.
Julia still looks frightened but I ask what happened.
She points at Ashley. "Snakes. I saw snakes."
I look at Ashley again and I don't see any. "What do you mean Julia? She's fine. No snakes."
"They're gone now, but Spencer there were at least 20 weaving all over her shoulders and face."
It must've been a vision. "I just met her, and I don't sense an ounce of evil on her." Well, not evil, just total hotness.
"Excuse me. This is fun and all, but I really need to get this all cured and get the hell out of here", Ashley interrupts.
Crap. She's pissed and scared. "Ashley, let me explain."
She puts up her hand. "Don't bother Spencer. I'm not going to listen."
Julia takes Ashley's arm and examines the wound. "We need to get this cleaned up. Follow me Ashley."
Julia takes Ashley to the kitchen and sits her down on a chair. I take the chair opposite from her and watch Julia put herbal antiseptics on her arm. Ashley winces. "Hey, what the hell is this stuff?"
"St. John's Wort. A very good antiseptic", Julia explains.
"Why can't you just use regular antiseptic? It wouldn't sting as much."
Julia ignores the question. "It's not too deep and I don't think it needs stitches." She places a large bandage on the cut. "But go to the doctor if it gets worse."
When Julia is done with her, Ashley gets curious and starts looking at the things Julia keeps in the store. I pulled Julia aside. "I know she has a lot of power. I saw it and felt it."
Julia nods. "It's just strange how Ashley is so unaware of her power. Mostly if you have that much power you either realize it really early or not at all."
"Ashley's power is so immense, yet she doesn't know it."
"That's strange. Like something's triggered it."
I think about it for a minute. "If she doesn't learn to control the power, then it can end up being dangerous. She can manipulate the weather and she almost destroyed the science lab today. It was pure luck that no one was hurt."
"You need to find out about his past. Be careful though. He seems very cautious now."
We stop whispering when Ashley comes back. She thanks Julia politely and we go outside. It's peaceful with blue skies. I just hope that's what happens when I start to find out about her past.