Chapter Six – The Eyes Never Lie

Constance had lost everything.

Her parents, her freedom had all been taken prematurely and now her relationship with Edward and dreams of a family disintegrated in her hands, Constance had been so close to happiness and in the end fate dealt the final blow which knocked her deep into the dark abyss.

But, slowly, she pulled herself out from hell and was ready to face life with a new purpose.

Her transformation began with her emotions, something that her personal tutor had been very critical and demanding of the young student however since graduation and finally escaping the dominating tutor, Constance allowed herself to freely express and wore her heart on her sleeve, now she would conceal everything, use barricades to hide behind and prevent others from prying.

Everything would be strictly professional, civil and courteous, there would be no need for nostalgic stories and heart-warming renditions of anything personal. The colour black which was typically traditional with older witches would now be her uniform, black would mourn everything that she had lost and instead of relying on camouflaging and glamour spells to conceal her scars, the long sleeves and high neck clothing were her uniform however this did emphasise her slender figure. Her long silky hair, just like her emotions had once been free would be restricted and controlled, in a perfect pleat and curled tightly into a bun.

Constance toyed with her engagement ring, it was a plain design nothing overly special but it held a great sentimental value to her, apart from her broken heart it was the only thing she had taken out of the relationship although she was confused as to why she would want to treasure the piece of jewellery after all everything it symbolized was tainted and remained second fragment of physical evidence of her past as everything else was mentally suppressed within a prison of her own design that would never see the light of day ever again.

Her head held high with confidence, she purposely marched out of their house without looking back. She clutched the little remains of her dignity and newly acquired possession, it was beginning of her new life, a new chapter in her own book. Edward watched on silently as all connections between them had been severed. Constance mounted her broom and with her faithful companion, Morgana, they took to the air.

The latest chapter in her life was an interview for a potions mistress at a remote boarding school for girls.

Zelda was all too aware that time was against her however there remained many, many stones untouched and uncovered. While listening to Constance speak, she continued to scribble notes for further investigation and would have probe the guild regarding the missing records of her patient. Zelda gazed at Constance and could sense that the older witch was indeed fighting the effects of the truth potion, the strain on her face became apparent, Zelda wondered how long before the withdrawal symptoms would begin to show as they both discovered the wide awake potion and the truth potion should not be consumed together.

Zelda attempted to find a positive note in which to end their session, "What about special occasions…Christmases and Birthdays?" she blurted out without proper thought to her question

"What about them?" she replied coolly

Zelda was taken aback from the coolness of her tone, "But surely, you celebrate your own birthday?"

"And whom would I celebrate my birthday with? Once a year…it is a painful reminder…that I am in fact…alone!" she stated

"Would it be safe to assume that not even Amelia or any other work colleague know the date of your birthday? Don't you feel…left out when you see your colleagues celebrating their own birthdays?"

Constance tutted, "Presents are materialistic and usually something idiotic which have no practical use whatsoever."

Zelda scolded herself, she had remained ever optimistic but now faced a brick wall of pessimism, it would seem that finding something remotely positive to end their session would near impossible, "I take it you feel the same about the festive season as well?"

"Well…" she started which instantly caught Zelda's attention and she was only too eager to find out, "I do loath the Christmas festivities….too similar to my birthday, I am forever haunted by the fact that I am alone however the Christmas break does allow for me to continue my work in peace without students causing mayhem and anarchy."

"You work during the school holidays?" Zelda asked as she frowned although she was hardly surprised, "Don't you ever…just take time to reflect….maybe go on a holiday, for a change of scenery? There must be something that you enjoy to do…to unwind."

Feeling the need to defend her answer, "I do enjoy my work, I like to read, take the occasional broomstick flight."

Zelda contemplated her answer, she should not pass judgement after all the young counsellor was guilty of working during her free time and often found it therapeutic, a bad day would usual involve the same but add a bottle of red wine while reading over her scribbled notes or typing up reports for the witches guild.

"You mentioned earlier about your students…and I know that you hold work and standards is something that you pride yourself with…" began Zelda as she paused, difficult to arrange her sentence and did not want to cause offence

Constance, on the other hand interrupted her train of thought and saved Zelda the trouble, "I know what exactly what my students think of me," she licked her dry lips, "I also know that my colleagues have shared similar opinions of me…I just never bothered to correct them."

"Oh!"

"I know for a fact that there are far worse people in our world…I am merely preparing them. I can only assume that when they reflect upon their time at school that they might see that I did have their best intentions and wanted them to succeed, they'll encounter worse…"

Zelda nodded, Constance was not nearly as cold and heartless as she portrayed herself to be and somewhere, there was a heart with the compassion for her students. Zelda smiled at this thought.

"Constance, before we end our session, I must inform you that I am obligated by the guild to submit a report and a copy will be sent to Amelia," she paused briefly in order to read the older witch's expression but it was difficult, "I know what I promised, Constance…nothing that we have covered will leave this office but the report is a legal necessity set by the guild and to include my professional opinion…if you are able to work."

Constance felt her mouth grow dry, the counselling session had left her exposed and vulnerable and there was no doubt in her mind that Zelda would suggest or even urge Amelia that the potion mistress either needed to take a break or continue the sessions in order to exorcise her inner demons or a worse thought, that she be forced to take early retirement. Constance felt a whirlwind of thoughts brake her steady train of thoughts, a blind sense of panic caused her to image what Zelda's recommendation would be.

"Constance, I want you to remember that you are far from weak! You possess an inner strength unlike so many of my other patients that have entered my office and maybe I should urge you to face your personal demons that have caused you to rely heavily on your adopted salvation…the wide awake potion in my opinion creates more problems than helping to solve them."

The older witch cocked a confused eyebrow, still mentally reeling from the mention of the report.

"I guess, what I'm trying to say is that everyone has baggage related from their past, some more than others but after time, carrying around the past can become exhausting and that is the time to take charge and face whatever the past tries the throw at you. Everyone gets hurt at various points in the lives…physically and emotionally…just don't be afraid to let anyone in…seeking out help doesn't make you weak."

They both stood up and Zelda offered Constance her hand, "It has been a pleasure…despite our turbulent start." She joked

Constance rolled her eyes, "A wonderful way to begin any professional relationship."

"Needs must, I suppose…" smiled Zelda, "I suppose a regular session would be too much to ask?"

Constance smiled genuinely as she resumed control, the truth potion completely out of her system, "I suppose that will be something that you may never know…"

"Amelia should have my report in the next few weeks pending approval from the guild…bureaucracy at its finest! You may want to have chat with Amelia beforehand?"

"Perhaps, we shall see…this experience was interesting to say the least but I do not wish a repeat performance…anytime soon."

"Constance Hardbroom, do I detect a sense of humour?" gasped Zelda jokingly