Category : Books-Fiction

Sub Category : Fantasy

Blood Born
By Victoria K.






















#Prolog


Have you ever wished for a different life?
Or something exciting to happen?
I used to wish things could be more like the books that I read.
If you came to me today and asked if I wished things could be different,
I would say no. I miss the way things used to be.







































#Lily

	“Lily it’s time to come in dear.” I looked up from my book to glance towards the house. I could see my mother standing on the old wood deck. She's a beautiful women, long legs, slim with shoulder length blonde hair. I got up from my favorite spot in the yard and headed towards the house. The house was built on a large propriety, and in the middle of the back yard is a huge willow tree. When I was younger I would climb the tree and swing from branch to branch; throughout the years I have gone from climbing the tree to sitting under it and reading a books. “Let’s go dinners getting cold.” mom yelled. I admire my mother, for fifteen years she has raised me, cooked, cleaned, and worked a job all by herself. With no help from family or friends. Before I was born my mother had a falling out with her family and no longer talks to them. I've never met my father and I’ve only asked about him once when I was younger. She told me that he loved us and wished he could be with us, but his family didn't approve of her; so mom raised me by herself. As I walked up the steps into the house I spotted a car I didn't recognize parked in the drive way. I walked into the house and headed to the dining room for dinner, I was surprised to find a strange man sitting in one of the chairs at the table next to mom. “Lily please come sit down. There's something we need to talk to you about.” I took my usual seat and looked up at my mom.

“So what do you want to talk to me about?” things seemed weird, mom was sitting in a seat next to the strange guy. She was holding his hand and looked worried.

“Lily, this is your father.” the man stood up and bowed to me.

“Lily, it’s a pleasure to meet you. Your mother has told me so much about you over the years. I just wish I could have been here.” I couldn't believe it. Here I am sitting at the dinner table looking at a man who couldn’t turn his back on his family to be with me and my mother; but he can show up a week before my sixteenth birthday and bow to me? Act like this was some business meeting. No, this is not okay. I stood form the table and walked away. Once I got out of the dining room I ran up to my bedroom and locked the door.  I walked in circles around my room trying to calm down. Walking over to the window and looking out at the road, a soft knock sounded at the door.

“Honey, please come out. We need to talk.” I walked over and unlocked the door to let mom in. She took a seat on my bed and padded the spot next to her. When I sat down she started to explain.

“There is a reason your father is hear and you need to hear him out. I think once you hear what he has to say you will understand.”

“Mom he's not my father. A father doesn’t abandon his child.”

 “Honey I know you’re upset and confused but if you would just listen everything will come to light.” Come to light, what a strange expression. I agreed to hear him out and we headed down the stairs to the dining room. I took a seat next to mom and waited for the man to speak.

“Where do I start.” he said before standing up and pacing the room.

“My name is Lucks Barley. Your mother and I meat when we were third year students in high school.” He went on to explain how they had fallen in love and where together for a couple of years. “When we found out we were pregnant we were so happy. We told your mother’s family first and they weren't very happy about it. They ended up throwing us out of the house and disowning your mother. We only hoped my family would take it better, but we were wrong. They made the decision that we were no longer aloud to be together. They sent me away, to a place where I couldn't leave without them knowing, and if I would have left they would have done horrible things to you and your mother... Over the years Rose has sent me letters, keeping me up to date with what was going on here.” Luke looked over at my mother. I could see the love in his eyes and I wanted to cry. “I wish I could have been here to watch you grow up. To teach you and raise you…My family has a lot of power that kept me where I was. But now you’re turning sixteen and they can't keep me away any longer.”  He put his arms around mom and looked over at me with a soft smile.

“What’s so important about my sixteenth birthday?” this time mom spoke up.

“Honey a gift has been passed down through our families for generations. It’s passed through blood and when you were born it was passed on to you.”

“Yeah, I have known idea what you’re talking about.” I told them, they sounded crazy.

“In our families at the age of sixteen our powers come to light.” Luke said. There's that saying again.

“Come to light. What does that even mean? And what powers? I don't understand.” I asked, I really want to run out of the room.

“Honey you have been asking me for years, how I do it all. The truth is I use magic.” mom said it like it was normal to have magic powers. Mom sat down at the table and watched all my emotions cross my face. Anger, disbelief, confusion.


“What do you mean magic? Are we some kind of family out of Harry Potter? Is Haggard going to show up with a cake that says happy birthday you’re a freaking witch?” I stood from my chair and started to pace. “Are we a family of witches? Is this going to turn into an episode of Sabrina the teen witch?” I waited for an answer. They just looked at me.

“Well.” my parents said at the same time. With that I ran from the house. I ran bare foot out the back door to my safe place. To my tree. I wrapped my arms around the trunk and just stood there. I couldn't stay on the ground, it connected me with reality. So I started to climb, until I got to a strong thick branch half way up the tree. I sat on the branch putting my back agents the trunk. Once I was safe I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding. Tears started pouring down my face. I haven’t cried in years and now I couldn't stop. So I let the tears fall, rolling down my cheeks and falling to the ground so far below. I can't believe my parents think there witches and that I will be one after my sixteenth birthday. What’s next? The linen closet was a portal to different worlds? I'll have to run through a pillar to get to a train that will take me to some crazy school? This is nuts. I don’t want to fly around on broom sticks or use a magic wand to make things blow up.

“I just want to be normal.” I said out loud to myself.




#Rose



	I watched my daughter run from the room. I know where she was headed, the same place she always runs to when she’s upset; the old willow tree. I’ve always wondered if my daughter would be a healer. The way she is with plants and animals would make you think that she would be but no one ever knows what there affinity will be until they start their second year of school. Luke got up to run after her but I put a hand out to stop him.

“Let her go. She needs time to think.” he nodded and followed me into the kitchen. Luke took a seat at the island while I put the kettle on to boil. I’m what you call a Kitchen witch. I’m good with spells and potions but I also have an affinity to feel what others are feeling and closer you are to someone the stronger the connection. That’s how right now I knows that Lily needs time to herself. Lily isn’t the only one whose emotions I can feel, I can also feel worry and sorrow coming from Luke. I touched his shoulder and kissed him on the top of his head. He put his hand over mine and gave me a crooked smile… We’ve been through so much together, and after all these years apart it feels like nothing’s changed between us. I still love him. I know Lily doesn’t understand yet but in witch family’s it’s hard to break free. They either have to kick you out or you have to disappear. Luke chose to stay to protect us. He comes from a powerful family. If he had chosen to disobey them I’m afraid that none of us would be here now. The only reason he’s able to come back now is because he had a contract written up that he had his family sign. A contract written in blood that said he would stay with the family and live how they told him to until his daughter turned sixteen. “Give it some time.”  

Luke knew Rose was right. He looked at her and felt a pang in his heart. She hadn’t aged a day since the last time he saw her. She was still his sunshine. Her warm blonde hair hung to the middle of her back, her light blue eyes sparkled with every smile. Luke had longed for her every day that he was away. He hated that he had missed sixteen years with his women and their beautiful daughter. He watched as Rose worked in the kitchen, her movements so graceful and elegant. She reminded him so much of light and day yet she loved the night. Dancing in the moonlight or counting stars. She once got him to go swimming in the middle of the night. It was cold as hell but he had loved every second of it because he had been with her.

I could feel when Luke’s mood changed from worry and sorrow to sorrow and love. I’ve been so lonely for so long, missing him every single day. I put a try of cookies into the oven and walked over to the phone that hung on the wall. I dilled a number that I have had to use many times over the years. I knew from the moment Lily brought him home with her for the first time so many years ago that he is the only one in this world who would love her; so I called him knowing that he’s the only one she wanted right now. 



#Hayden

The moment I heard Roses voice on the phone I knew something was wrong, I just hadn’t realized how bad it was. The last time Lily had cried was when she was ten and had fallen out of the tree she loved so much and broke her arm. She hadn’t even cried that much than, just a few tears. When I arrived at the house I went straight to the back yard to the old weeping willow. Lily was climbing down from the tree and looked like she had been hit by a truck. I walked over to her and caught her just as she was about to drop down to the ground. I sat down with her in my arms, back agents the tree trunk, her head tucked under my chin. It was another hour before she stopped crying and another fifteen munities of silence before I looked down at her face and smiled. She had cried herself to sleep.

“What had made you so upset?” I asked her knowing that she wouldn’t answer. I sat there with her in my lap, just enjoying the feel of her body agents mine. After a while I figured it was time to take her inside, picking her up I carried her to her room. I laid her down in her bed and brushed her hair back from her face before walking out of her room, closing the door behind me. I found Rose and some guy sitting in the kitchen drinking tea, walking over to them I took a seat next to Rose. “She's asleep. With how late it is she will probably sleep all night.” Rose nodded and thanked me for coming over. “You know I’ll do anything for you and Lily. Good night Miss. R, I’ll see you tomorrow.” I nodded at the man and walked out of the house.


#Lily

	
I woke up the next morning wondering where I was and how I got there. I remembered everything up to when Hayden came over and let me cry all over him. I climbed out of bed and went down to the kitchen. I could smell pancakes and bacon cooking. When I walked into the kitchen I was surprised to find Luke sitting at the island reading the newspaper and mom flipping pancakes like this was an everyday thing. Mom must have heard me walking down the steps because she turned and looked at me.

“Honey take a seat we need to talk.” I sat down at the island and mom set a plate piled with food down in front of me. I dug in the moment she gave me a fork, mom makes the best pancakes and I never let them go to waste. Light and fluffy covered in butter and syrup, the bacon is crispy and juicy. I was so focused on my food I didn’t notice when Luke put a pamphlet the size of a small book in front of me.

“Lilly your mother and I would like to talk to you about something.”  They talked as I finished my breakfast. When I was done I couldn’t help but stared at them. I had no idea what to say; I looked at my mother. 

“Mom can I please call Hayden?”

“Yes honey, go right ahead.”  I didn't need to be told twice. I ran up to my room and grabbed my phone. I texted Hayden to come as fast as he could. I didn’t wait for him to answer I knew that he would drop whatever he was doing and come right over. I grabbed a change of clothes and ran to the bathroom for a shower. By the time I got out of the shower and dressed I could hear Hayden ridding down the street on his motorcycle. Hayden is different than any boy I have ever met. He doesn't wear the most popular cloths, he isn't a jock or a geek, and it’s not that he doesn't have the money or anything like that. He just likes to be different. He says we shouldn't conform to the way people think we should be, I think he just likes to shock people. Hayden loves his motorcycle, he bought it on his own on his sixteenth birthday a few months ago. He works hard at his job in town as a mechanic and he does well in school, He's my best and only friend. We grew up together, we met for the first time in first grade. Some kids where pushing me around and he stood up for me. We've been best friends ever since and right now he's the only person I want to see. When he pulled in I was waiting at the back door for him with two glasses of fresh lemonade. When he walked through the door I handed him the glass. He looked me over and smiled.

“Well you look better to day.” he said then took a sip of his drink. I looked him over, today he wore light blue jeans and his usual worn out black motorcycle boots. He had on a red t-shirt that read I speak fluent movie quotes and dark black sunglasses.  I smiled at him, he has such a strange style. He pushed his sunglasses up so they were sitting on his head and winked at me.

“What’s with the smile?”

“What’s with the t-shirt?”

“What’s wrong with it?” he asked. I giggled at him.

“nothing.” my smile died, I looked up and him “there is something we need to talk about.” he got serious.

“What’s the news?”

“Let’s go outside and talk.” he nodded and held the door open for me. I grabbed the book, pamphlet thing and we walked out to my tree. We took a seat on the ground leaning our backs agents the tree trunk. I took a deep breath and told Hayden about what my father and about his parents. I told him about my being a blood born witch and that on my sixteenth birthday things would change. I picked up the pamphlet, book thing and handed it to him. He flipped through it looking at all the photos and skimming the articles. When it hit him what the pamphlet was about his mouth dropped open.

“Is this for real?”

“I guess. Moms never lied to me before. We tell each other everything…So this has to be true.”

“So, what are you going to do?”

“I don't know. Mom and Luke want me to think about going to this school in the fall. They said to would help me, learn to use my powers, make friends with people who are like me. Discover who I am. Mom and Luke met at this school and fell in love. So they want me to go.”

“But it’s in Ireland. How would that work?”

“I guess I would live in a dorm and come home on the holidays. Gosh, how did this even happen I was a normal girl yesterday and then all of a sudden long lost dad shows up and poof I’m a witch.” Hayden sunk down so he was laying on the ground. He put his head in my lap and closed his eyes. I ran my fingers through his shaggy brown hair. 

“My best and only friend is a witch.” he said it matter of fact. Letting me know how real this was. I knew he would take it better than I did. I felt confused and angry that this was happening to me.  I looked up at the sky. There wasn’t a cloud in sight, a light wind ruffled my hair. It was strange everything was changing and my life was turning upside down and yet the beautiful blue sky stayed the same.

“What am I going to do?” I asked not expecting an answer. We sat like that for what seemed like forever, I think at one point we even fell asleep. I feel so conferrable with Hayden. He lifts my spirit and knows just how to make me feel like my whole world isn't ending. If I go to Ireland, to this school will be leaving everything I care about, everything I love behind. My mother, Hayden, a Father I'm just meeting. We would talk every day and I would try to come home for the holidays. But going would give me the chance to figure out who I am now and who I'm supposed to be. I have always had trouble getting along with anyone other than my mother and Hayden. So it would be nice to be around people who are like me. It’s going to be hard to leave them, but I know in my heart it’s the right thing to do. Going to this faraway school will be the best thing for me. Tears started running down my cheeks for a second time this week. I don’t think I have ever cried this much before. Not even when I broke my arm. I closed my eyes and let them fall. I was startled when Hayden reached up and used his thumb to brush away the tears.

“You’ve decided to go haven't you.” he said it softly, I could tell it wasn’t a question. He already knew the answer; but I told him in a soft whisper.

 “Yes” he rested his hand agent my cheek.

“I’m going to miss you.” his voice was thick making my tears come faster.

“I'm going to miss you more.” He whispered and sat up to pull me into his chest and hold me close to him. 

“When do you have to leave?”

“I don’t know… Will have to talk to mom and Luke.” We continued to sit under the tree for a while before heading back into the house. Mom and Luke where sitting at the island in the kitchen snacking on cookies and talking things over. I stood across from them with Hayden standing behind to me, his hands on my shoulders. “Mom, Luke, we need to talk.” Hayden squeezed my shoulders letting me know that he was with me no matter what. “I have decided to go, but I have a few questions first.”







#Lily

I haven't been able to sleep very well the past few weeks and last night wasn't any different. I can’t get the idea of being a witch out of my head. I kept asking my self-questions like what does it mean to be a witch and how will my life change? So at eight o’clock in the morning when Hayden crashed through my bed room door and started jumping on my bed, I wasn’t very happy.

“Hayden! Stop! Bouncing!” I yelled at him in between bounces. He dropped down beside me bouncing me into the air once more.

“Happy Birthday Lilly!” he yelled loud enough to wake up the rest of the world.

“Will you relax? It's only eight in the morning and you’re going to wake Mom and Luke.”

“No I won’t. There already up and gone. They were getting ready to leave when I pulled in. they told me to keep you company for the day and to show you a good time.”

“Oh. Well where did they go?”

“I don't know, they didn't say.” Hayden said before tickling me. “Now go get ready where going for a ride.”  I got up from the bed and jumped when Hayden smacked me on the butt. I looked over my shoulder at him and gave him my I can't believe you just did that look. Grabbing a change of clothes I headed for the bathroom. I decided to take my time in the shower, feeling the need to pamper myself a little with special soaps that I only pull out for certain occasions. After drying off I put on lotion and braided my hair into a long French braid that hung down to my waist. I slipped into my jean shorts and a black tank top that corseted with ribbon in the back before heading back to my room; I was surprised to find it cleaner than I left it. Everything was organized, the vacuum had been ran, my laundry had been picked up and put away, and even my bed had been made.

“Hey sunshine, took you long enough.” Hayden said as he walked up the steps and into my room.

“Did you clean my room?” Hayden shrugged.

“I got bored. So are you ready to go?”

“Where are we going?” Hayden smiled. Every time he flashed that smile of his my toes curled.

“You’ll see.” I followed him down the steps and out back through the kitchen. “Wait, I almost forgot.” he said and went over to the kitchen table. He pulled a large box out from under the table and handed it to me, it was wrapped in colorful Happy Birthday wrapping paper. Excited to see what he had gotten me I quickly ripped off the wrapping and opened the box. In side under a bunch of blue tissue paper was a pair of black leather, high heel boots with three studded belts wrapped around the ankle.

“Oh Hayden I love them.” I slipped on the boots and we went out to his bike. Hayden had bought me my own helmet when he bought his motorcycle. He wanted to be able to ride with him and he thought it would be cool if we had matching helmets. There nice with a blue tooth head piece built in so we could here each other when we talked. He sat on the bike and revved up the engine, I threw my leg over and sat down on the small seat behind him, wrapping my arms around his waist.

“Now are you going to tell me where were going?”

“Nope.” he said before peeling out of the drive way and onto the street.

 We live out in the country where it's all grass and open roads. It’s about ten miles to the nearest town, five miles to the nearest gas station and so much space between the neighbors we never tripped over each other. I like the country; open spaces, open roads and a clear sky. Not knowing where we were headed I just closed my eyes and hung on, letting the breeze carry me. We drove for a long time before coming to the town closest to my house. We parked on the side of the road close to all the little shops and restaurants. We shopped for a little while looking at the little trinkets that where being sold in the windows before stopping for lunch at a nice little Italian restaurant. Before leaving town and heading back home we visited a shop called Wicca. Inside the small shop crystals hung from the ceiling; wands, stones and glass, copper and stone sculptures where placed on black table clothed tables around the room. Shelves with potions, powders, soaps and creams where placed along the walls. The fairy, dragon, witch and animal statuses where beautifully made. I didn't know where to start looking, everything was so beautiful. Hayden walked over to a table that had bracelets, necklaces and earnings placed on it. He picked up a bracelet that had seven beads on it. Each bead was of different phases of the moon. Light blue mixed with black beads occupied the silver moon that was positioned in the middle of the bracelet, it was beautiful. A women dressed in long black pants that moved like water when she walked, dark red pumps and a tight red shirt with a V-neck neck line. The shirt has long sheer selves that came down to a point on her hands; came walking out from the back of the store.

“Find something you like?” the women asked. Her voice was like silk, smooth and dark. A chill ran down my back when she spoke.

“I would like to buy this.”

“Hayden why do you need a bracelet, I don't even think that will fit around your wrist.” he grinned and walked with the women over to the counter to checkout.

“It’s for you. So you can wear it every day and remember me every time you look at it.” I wrapped my arms around him and hugged him hard, I know now how hard it will be for both of us. Hayden paid for the bracelet and clasped it on my wrist. We thanked the red haired women and walked back to the bike. Hayden tossed me my helmet and hopped on the bike. By the time we arrived home it was dark out, the only light was from the hundreds of stars that sparkled in the sky and the full moon that filled the night sky. When we pulled into the drive way and headed to the back of the house. I hadn’t known what my parents had been up to all day but when I found out my breath was taken away. My parents had hung white twinkle lights all over the back yard. A table sat in the middle of the yard, it was covered by a midnight blue table cloth and moms good china. Four candles sat in the middle of the table, they were all different colors. There was pink, yellow, green and blue. They were so beautiful, the flame of the candles matched the color of the candle.


“It's so beautiful.” I whispered to Hayden. I felt like if I said it any louder it would all disappear.

“Honey your home.” Mom and Luke came walking down the steps from the house.


“Mom this is so amazing. I can't believe you and Luke put this all together.” I walked over to them and hugged them both. “Thank you so much.”

“I have something for you honey.” Mom said and handed me a long box. I opened it up and smiled.

“I'm going to run up to my room and put this on.”  I ran up to my room to put on the gift Mom had gotten me. The dress was beautiful and I couldn't wait till I put it on; it’s an almost white lace covering the pale pink solid underneath part of the dress, strapless that stopped at my knees. What I loved about it was because of the black lace corset and bow that tied at the waist of the dress. I slipped it on and put on my black lace flats. I took my hair out of the braid and let the curls tumble down my shoulders to my waist; when I got down to the back yard soft music played. My parents danced, holding each other close while Hayden sat at the table. I walked over to the table and watched my parents dance. Over the past few weeks I’ve gotten to know my father and I think I can forgive him for the past sixteen years. He explained what happens when a witch is put on lock down and isn’t allowed to leave until a period of time has passed. The contract he had signed with my grandparents had been a type of spell that binds the signer until the guidelines have been filled. After the slow song ended my parents walked over to me.
 
“My beautiful daughter you are growing up so fast.” I leaned into my mother as she wrapped her arms around me. I love being hugged by my mother. Being wrapped in the smell of her perfume and warmth. It reminded me of when I was a small child, she always makes me feel loved. 

“I will remember this night for the rest of my life.” I told her, resting my head on her shoulder. Luke held out his hand to me and asked for a dance. He twirled me around the yard and laughed as I tripped over my feet. As we danced he told me how happy he is that he has gotten to know me over the past few weeks and that he is able to be here for my most special birthday. Mom called to us when dinner was ready to be served. As we ate Hayden and I listened to sorties about what the school was like when Mom and Luke attended and how much fun they had had. After dinner I opened the gifts I was given. They had bought me a whole new wardrobe and jewelry, books and some stuff that looked like some of what I had seen at the Wicca store, for school. The most wonderful gift I was given was a necklace; three moons hung from a silver chain, two crescent moons both facing away from the purple full moon that hung in the middle. From the full purple moon hung a silver chain that held a purple tear drop, it was beautiful. Luke helped me put it on; it rested in the middle of my chest. I rested my hand over the pendent and smiled at my parents, they had given me so much, I couldn’t ask for anything more. Around midnight Mom and Luke cleaned up and headed to bed. I walked out into the middle of the yard and looked up the stars. “Today has been so wonderful. Thank you.” I looked at Hayden. He put his arm over my shoulders and looked up at the sky.

“You don't have to thank me. It's you're birthday, you’d have done the same for me… Oh I forgot to tell you. I have another gift for you.”

“Do you know? And when am I going to get this gift? My birthday ended already.” He smiled and looked down at me. His big brown eyes made me want to melt.

“Oh you won’t get it for a few months. But don't worry you'll love it.” Hayden looked down at me and smiled. I couldn't help but smile back at him.



“If you say so.” Time passed by and it started to get cold, so Hayden and I headed in. He spent the night in the guest room like he usually did on late nights. Mom didn't mind if Hayden spent the night, he's been doing it for years but he has to stay in the guest room. Mom doesn't like Hayden riding his bike home at night. She doesn't think it’s safe. Over the years we have kind of became his family, his mother died when he was five to cancer and when she passed his father broke down and became an alcoholic. Over the years Hayden's spent most of his child hood with us. We said goodnight and I headed to my room. I slipped into my new silky summer Pj's and climbed into bed.


	The weeks flew bye and I was sad at how fast it really went. I was glad that it had been summer brake because I was able to spend all day everyday with Mom, Luke and Hayden. Today is the day before I leave and all I’ve been doing is packing. I packed all the new cloths Mom bought me, photos of everyone and some of my favorite things. Luke’s given me a credit card to use so I can get any extra things while I'm living on my own. I looked at all my packed suit cases and sat down on my bed.

“Sigh” I'm excited to go, to visit a new place and meet new people. A chance to travel, see the world. I just hate to leave every one behind. The day went by way to fast. I finished packing and Hayden came over to eat dinner, we spent the rest of the night cuddling and watching all my favorite movies. I fell asleep early resting my head on the arm of the couch and putting my feet in Hayden's lap. I woke the next morning in my bed. My alarm beep, beep, beeping at me to wake up at six o clock in the morning. I rolled out of bed, showered, and dressed into my favorite yoga pants and vintage T-shirt. I looked around my room for a final time. I know it’s stupid but I'm going to miss my room. 

“Honey?” I looked over at the door way to see my mom leaning agents the door frame her arms crossed over her chest. “Are you ready?” I smiled at her. It wasn't really a happy smile or a sad smile but more of and I'm going to miss you smile. She straightened from the door frame and held her arms out to me. I practically ran into her arms and hugged her tight.

“I miss you so much Mom.” I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes. She hugged me close and ran her fingers through my hair.

“Shh, Shh. I know I'm going to miss you to my beautiful baby girl. Just remember as long as you carry the ones you love in your heart you will always find light in darkness.” I wiped my eyes and we headed downstairs. Luke and Hayden where loading the luggage into the van when we walked out of the house. I hugged Luke and Hayden, never wanting to let go. With a sigh we piled into the van, next stop the airport.

       Why is it that when you’re on time everything else is late? We arrived at the airport at eight, checked in, checked our bags and went through security. Surprisingly all this only took twenty minutes. So now where waiting on a plane that is running an hour late. What is it stuck in traffic?  I can just picture planes flying through the air stopping for red lights and other planes to pass. I looked out the window and waited for our plane to arrive. The sky's looked gray and ugly making me feel tired and lazy. I opened the school pamphlet and looked it over. It seemed interesting enough, the place seemed quite large. How many witches where in this world? Our gate was called and we lined up to board the plane. Hayden took the seat next to mine while Mom and Luke sat behind us. I slept most of the time or tried to anyway the seats where so cramped I kept tossing and turning trying to get conferrable. I guess at some point Hayden got fed up with all my moving around. He propped a pillow agents the window and had me put my back agents it. Than he put up the arm rest that was between up and put my legs in his lap. I smiled at him and slowly fell asleep. 
Time passed and a flight attendant woke us up. Hayden was laying sideways with his head in my lap.

“Where close to landing, you need to sit up and put your seat belts on.” We nodded at her and did as she asked. When we got off the plane Hayden and I went to get the luggage while Mom and Luke went to rent a car. We drove through Dublin and Clifton before we boarded a fairy that was owned by the school. I got out of the car and walked over to the railing. The ocean was so beautiful, sparkling in hues of blue and green. A soft breeze ruffled my hair. I closed my eyes and let myself drift. The water lapped agents the side of the boat splashing little water droplets on my legs. Being on the boat and looking over the water makes me feel as if time has stopped. I looked at the enclosed in sitting area for guests and decided to go check on every one. I found Hayden passed out in a chair is feet stretched out across the floor and crossed at the ankle. His head dropped foreword so his chin was resting on his chest. Mom was also asleep her head resting on Luke's shoulder. Luke had the newspaper he had picked up at the airport in his hands and was reading it over; I took a seat next to him.

“They must be really tried to be able to sleep like that.” I said to Luke. He put his newspaper down and looked over at them.

“Yes, they must be. I'm a little tired myself from all the traveling.”

“Luke can I ask you something?”

“Always.”

“You and Mom say that your witches. That where witches but I never see you do any magic.” Luke chuckled at me.

“You see your mother do magic every day. Rose is a kitchen witch with the affinity to feel what others are feeling. Well the actual term is arcane kitchen witch and I am an arcane ceremonial witch.”  A look of confusion must have crossed my face because he chuckled at me again. “Let me explain. An arcane is a birth type. It’s just a fancy word that says we are witches through blood. That we were born this way, there two different types of witches blood born witches and made witches. Made witches are just normal humans who are very interested in witch craft and mess around with it.”

“Okay so what do you mean by kitchen or ceremonial witch?”

“Well there are seven different types of witch craft. A kitchen witch, a witch who is good with herbs, potions and spells, like you’re mother. There are also British traditional, celtic, ceremonial, electric, solitary and healers. You’ll learn more about each one when you start school and get into your classes.” we talked for a while about my classes and how the terms worked. When he finished explaining I got up and walked back outside to breathe in some more of that ocean air before we docked. I wasn't paying attention to where I was going when I walked into a wall… whose arms caught me from falling to the ground? Wait that doesn't sound right. Walls don't have arms, I looked up to find a guy’s face vary close to mine.

“Are you okay?” the guy asked in a deep velvet voice, I jumped back from him.

“Yes, I'm fine thank you.” I said nodding my head as fast as I could. Jeez aren't I the charmer. I must look like a bobble head. “I'm such a klutz. Sorry I wasn't watching where I was going.”

“Its fine.” he said with a shrug of his huge shoulders. I nodded at him once more and walked around him and over to my spot on the boat. I took a seat dangling my feet off the edge and resting my head on the cold metal railing. I watched the water roll and flop, closing my eyes I let the sounds calm my nerves and relax my mind. “Do you like the ocean or are you sea sick?” My eyes popped open when the honey sweet voice of the guy I had ran into before sounded next to me. 

“What, ah yes I like the ocean.” he dropped down next to me.

“That's cool.” He said and smiled, a chill ran down my back. “You walked away without telling me your name.” 

“Do you get the name of every girl who crashes into you?” he grinned at me.

“Only the pretty ones.” I could feel my cheeks getting warm. Which I know means my pail skin is turning into a deep red blush.

“Lily. My name it's Lily.” he held out his hand to me and I took it in a short shake.

“I'm Blade.”

“Blade?” I asked. What is he a character from Buffy? Oh gosh what if vampires are real too? I don’t know if I can handle that.

“What you don't like my name?”  I shook my head.

“No, it's fine. Just not something you here every day.”

“My given name is Jacob. But all my friends call me Blade.”

“Whys that?”

“I'm good with a knife.” The way he said it kind of scared me. He looked to be about my age or maybe a year older, so how does a sixteen year old get good with a knife?

“Lily where pulling up on shore, Luke wants us to load into the car.” Hayden said loudly as he walked over to me. He didn't look happy, I guess his nap didn't help much. He held out his hand so he could help me up.

“Hayden this is Blade. I literally ran into him so we started talking.” they shook hands in a way that looked like it had to hurt, they were squeezing so tight.

“Nice to meet you. Come on Lily it time to go.” Hayden rapped his arm around my waste and led me away.

“It was nice to meet you Lily.” Blade called to me as I walked away. The island we arrived at was breath taking. Outlined by a white sand beach and covered with trees, we took a long stone road into the forest. I recognized a few of the trees that lined the road and followed into the forest. Like the bird cherry and the willows. Seeing the willows made me think of my tree at home and gave me a calm feeling. 
Even here I’ll be able to climb a willow tree. As the road went on it opened up into a field of wild flowers. Yellow, red and white flowers waived in the breeze, seeming to go on for miles. We kept driving until the road widened and turned into a circle.

	We parked next to a bunch of other cars that had people climbing out of them. In the middle of the circle drive was a very large fountain. In the middle of the fountain stood three beautiful women. A young maiden holding flowers, a pregnant women with her hands on the swollen belly and an old women dressed in long robes and a look of intelligence in her old wise eyes. I felt a kinship to the three staunches, like I was meant to know who they were. I turned towards the school and I swear my jaw dropped. It’s a castle. The place was built with a gray stone, the walls covered in windows and a large single door that was made out of a red wood and had to be about a foot thick. We walked into what I could only guess is the grand hall. It was filled with people. Hundreds of them, way more than I expected to see. We gathered around with all the other students and their parents to wait for the introduction to start. A tall women with long auburn hair and dressed in a lavender dress that had a full skirt that came to the floor, a bodice that was tight and bared her chest, shoulders and arms; stood on a balcony that  seemed to protrude from the wall and float in midair. The women spoke loudly over the roaring crowd. Her beautiful voice capturing every ones attention.

“I would like to introduce myself. My name is Adisa and I am the priestess of Cerridwen Danu.”      













#Lily


	“Welcome to Cerridwen Danu. I am here for guidance. You may come to me for anything at any time. This year Mr. Terrain Mc Cord is the schools head master.” the man in question stepped forward and took a bow. “I will leave you with him. Blessed be.” the beautiful women bowed her head to us and turned to Mr. Mc Cord. He bowed to her waiting for her to pass him by before straightening and walking out to the railing. He looked over us his facial expression never changing. He's tall with short dark hair and blue eyes. He wore a black suite with a blue button down dress shirt and a black tie.

“Hello every one and blessed day. This is a new year and I hope that everyone is as excited as I am to be here. I’ll start with the years. When your year is called will you and your families please step forward and head to your designated tables where you will be given your information packets and any questions will be answered.” years where called and people began to move around. After the second year was headed to their designated area only the first years where left. 
The man turned back to us. “Welcome first years. I love getting new students, working with fresh minds. If you would all take a seat will be here for a while.” Take a seat? But there are no chars. Then it happened, it’s like I blinked, closing my eyes for just a second only to open them and find a chair right behind me. The thing is, I didn't blink. We took out seats and looked up at Mr. Mc Cord. “I would like to start with your classes.” 
     
         Three beautiful women stood off to the side of Mr. Mc Cord. They were all about the same height but they were all different. One was pale skinned with fiery red hair and dark green eyes. She wore dark tan dress pants with a white, short sleeve button down dress shirt that that had an open ruffled neckline. She had on big black earrings and a black chunky belt that buckled at her tiny waist. Her shoes are black snake skin stilettos that looked dangerous. The women to her right has shoulder length brown hair, light brown eyes and wore a knee length gray skirt and a light blue sleeveless turtleneck. The last girl has dark brown skin with long breaded hair that even twisted on top of her head still hung to her waste. Her eyes looked almost black but had what looked like a lightning bolt of gold in them. She wore a gray dress that was tight at the chest pushing her breasts up and flowed around her like water. A large diamond pendent shaped into three twisted triangles and a green gem that sat in the middle, was nestled in her chest and glittered in the light with every movement. Each girl snapped their fingers and in an instant a large white packet appeared in each students lap.


“In your individual packets you will find your first semester’s schedule. Now I know you’re wondering why only first semester. It’s because you will be taking thirteen classes. Your six magic classes, seven witch classes and one lecture class. Monday through Thursday you will have one magic class and two witch classes. Friday will be your lecture class. Your five magic classes will cover Color magic, Crystal and Gemstones, Talismans and Amulets, Herbal, and Weather and Knot magic. Your six witch classes will be Kitchen, Ceremonial, Celtic, British Traditional, Healer and Solitary. You will take all of these classes your first semester. By the end you will know what kind of witch you are and what kind of magic you are destined to do.” Holy cow that's a lot of classes. What if I don't find the one I fit into? I never fit into my other school before, I always felt like in outcast. What if it’s the same here? “When you get your new schedule you will also get a new uniform that will fit with what kind of witch you are. Each year's uniform is also different, each year’s uniform is a different color while each type of witch wears a different style of uniform. Now each of you will be living in a dorm. Boys in the south dorm, girls in the north. There is a paper in your packet that tells you your dorm room number and your roommate. Yes each of you will have a roommate no exceptions. You must be in the school by nine and in the dorm by ten. If you want to stay up late in the reading room provided in the dorm that's not a problem. People who brake curfew will be punished.” he lifted up a thick folded piece of paper. “Everyone this is your map of the school. You each have one in your packets. Now nothing moves, this isn't Hogwarts. We don't have moving staircases, but it is easy to get lost here if you don't know your way around. So please keep this on you at all times. Your books are in your rooms along with your uniforms. Now I think I have kept you here long enough. We have a scheduled tore at five if you would like to go, dinner will be served at seven. Have a great time exploring.”  We got up from our seats once he walked away and decided to split into two groups. Mom and I went to go see my dorm room since boys weren't allowed there, while the guys went to explore the castle. Mom and I stopped by the garden and the library before heading to the girl’s dorm room. We climbed up two flights of stairs before coming to a dead end with a single door. In big painted letters it read Girl's Dorm Room. We walked in and found ourselves in the reading room.



“It's wonderful.” I said to Mom. The carpet is a light blue color, the walls an off white. Book shelves covered one whole wall. Every inch of the shelves were covered in books. A big white stone fireplace was in the middle of the room. A large painting of the three beautiful women hung above it. There were different sitting areas in the room, each with a big tan conferrable looking couch and two tan chairs. A glass table divided the couch and chairs. We went over to the large curling staircase that looked like it never ended.

“Lily, honey what’s your room number?” I dug through my packet and found the paper with the room number on it.

“Floor twelve room two o nine.” We walked up to my room and I pulled out my key from my packet. I held my breath as I put my key in the lock and slowly turned it. I turned the knob and pushed open the door. Letting the breath I held out. There were two beds one either side of the room, two wardrobes, and two desks. A large rug with sea shells on it was placed in the middle of the room. Mom walked over to one of the beds and sat down on it.

“The mattress feels good, will have to pick up some sheet sets a few blankets and pillows.” Mom pulled a pen and paper from her pocket and set it down on the bed side table. She waved her hand over it and mumbled something I couldn't hear. The pen stood up on its own and started to write everything Mom said.

“Mom that's so cool.”

“And vary handy” when she was done with her list she waved her hand over it again and the pen dropped. She pocked it and smiled at me. Her phone beeped and we headed down to meet the guys for dinner.  The Dining room is a large open area. The walls the same stone as the rest of the castle, the floors an old finished wood. Small four person tables sat all around the room. At each table sat a menu. We took a table at the middle of the room. I huge glass chandler hung above our heads. I couldn't help but smile. Mom and Luke where right this place was amazing. A girl wearing a red apron walked up to us. In a cursive writing her apron read Kitchen Witch.

“Hello, my name is Amelia. I'll be serving you tonight. What can I start you off with?” Amelia pulled a pen and small note pad out of her apron. She set it on the table and did the same thing mom did bringing the pen to life. I looked up at Hayden who had his mouth hanging open. I put my hand to his chin and closed it for him. We finished our orders and started talking about what we needed to get done. Mom and Luke talked about shopping while Hayden told me about the gaming equipment out in the back of the school and how cool the boy’s dorm is. I didn't understand why he was checking everything out but I'm glad he likes it. Our dinner was served and I swear it was magical. The food was juicy and melt in your mouth delicious. We ordered Mom's favorite chocolate cake for desert and boy was she right, that was a cake to die for. Light, fluffy, rich in chocolate and chocolate chips. The cake was brought out freshly baked and served with vanilla bean ice cream.

“I could live on this cake alone.” I said stuffing my face. Everyone agreed and we all laughed because we looked like greedy little chip monks stuffing our cheeks with cake. We finished eating and headed out to our car. I decided to take my suit case up to my room grabbing my two big rollers and my carry on. I only expected there to be three cases left one for Mom, Luke and Hayden but instead there were six.

“Mom do you plan on staying for a year? Why are there so many suit cases?” Hayden smiled and started pulling three of them out along with his own carry on.

“Hayden what are you doing there not all mine.” he smiled and laughed at me.

“Lily there mine. I get to stay.” I smiled so big my cheeks started to hurt.

“What do you mean you get to stay?”

“Well the school has a program that lets in ten none witch students, but we found out that I don't need to be a part of that program.”

“Whys that?”


“We found out that I'm a half witch on my Mom's side.”

“How did you find that out?”

“Luke and I had gone back to that shop where I bought your bracelet to pick up some things for school; and that same blonde haired, white eyed lady was there. When we were checking out she grabbed my hand and started to have a vision. She said, “I didn't see it before but I see it now. A secret you have not been told will soon come to light. You have been lost but are now found. You have a choice to make. Choose right and you will live a full happy life with the love of your life. Choose wrong and you will be angry and bitter for the rest of your life.” When the women was done Luke and I went home and told your Mom. Your Mom pulled out a small wooden bowl and started to mix different herbs in it. She added a small crystal to it and lit the herbs on fire. She grabbed my hand and chanted

I Seek To See
I Seek To Know
I Seek the Past, Present and Future
Let It Show

She breathed in the smoke and her eyes turned purple. She than told he what she saw. “Hayden Son of Adisa Ward Heathen. Power burns with in you. Found by family of three. Love will hold you, help you and make you stronger. Watch who you give your love to or regret your choice.”  With that we found out that my Mom had been a blood born witch and dad had been a mortal. So I'm at least half witch. That means I get to go to school here with you.” I screeched and jumped at him dropping my luggage in the processes and wrapping my arms around him. I laughed as he hugged me in return pulling me up agents his hard chest.









“I can't tell you how happy I am. You’re staying with me Hayden!” I squeezed him harder. I'm so happy I want to cry. My best friend in the whole world and the only guy who has able to understand me is able to be with me through this weird yet incredible circumstance. I feel like I just won the lottery. After I settled down he set me down on my feet and we headed to our separate dorms to put our suit cases away. Dragging my suit cases up to the twelfth floor felt like it took forever. When I finally got to my room I was out of breathe. I leaned agents the door and ended up staring at the ceiling. I hadn't realized the door had only been cracked shut and when I leaned agents it swung open and I fell in. A girl who was laughing hysterically at me walked over and held out her hand, I took it and she helped me up.

“Hi, I'm Meli, you must be Lily it’s nice to meet you.” Still holding the hand she had helped me up with, I shook it.

“Yes, I'm Lily. It's nice to meet you too.” We started talking about how we ended up at the school and how excited we were to be here. I placed my suit cases in the corner of the room thinking I would unpack them later and turned to Meli. “Hey I'm going to head downstairs to meet up with my family, would you like to come meet them?”

“Sure.” We headed down to the front hall where we meet up with Mom and Luke. I looked around but I couldn't spot Hayden.

“Is Hayden not back yet?” I asked before introducing Meli.

“I'm right here.” He called out to us. I looked over in his direction and wanted to drool. He must have changed because he was dressed in his tight fitting biker jeans and an even tighter white t-shirt. Every muscle showed when he moved and his hair blew back as he walked. When he came to stand next to me he snapped his fingers in my face.

“Huh what?”  

“I asked who the new girl is.”

“Oh, guys this is my roommate Meli. Meli this is Mom, Luke and Hayden.” Meli looked at Hayden and her eyes went wide.

“Boy aren't you a looker.” She held out her hand to him and he shook hers.

“A nice strong grip. I like you.” I laughed and smiled at Hayden who seemed to blush at the straight foreword attention.

“Meli I think will be good friends.” I said to her and clapped her on the shoulder. We laughed and started talking. Luke, Hayden and Mom went to go up to Hayden's room to add things to her ever growing list.




#Hayden

	
	We left Lily with her new friend Meli. She's a cute girl, vary outspoken. Rose, Luke and I headed up to my room. The boy's dorm was done in a rustic way. The stairs led up to a large wooden that had boys dorm carved into it. When you first enter you walk into the reading room. The floor the dark red color and the walls are wood. Book shelves cover an entire wall, brown leather couches and large wood tables are placed around the large space. A huge wooden fire place is the main focus in the room stone bricks lining the floor around it. A large painting covers the wall above the mantle. The painting is of a Man dressed in fur and growing antlers out of his head. The guy had long curly golden hair and dark almost black eyes. I really didn't know what to think of the painting bit it made me feel kind weird.  We walked up the winding staircase to the sixth floor, room three hundred twenty five. I don't know who designed my room but it’s insane. When we walked in loud music played and a guy sat in the middle of the floor putting together a book shelf. He looked up at us when we walked in, picking up a small remote that sat next to him he paused the music so complete salience surrounded us. He got up from his position on the floor and introduced himself.

“Hey you must be my roommate. Nice to meet you. Names Gavin.” We shook hands and I introduced myself and the two people I felt where my family.

“I'm Hayden and this is my family Rose and Luke.” Rose smiled at me kissed me on the cheek.

“Honey why don't you stay here and relax with your new friend for a little while. Will let Lily know; Luke and I can go to the main land and get checked into our hotel and do the shopping.”

“Are you sure” She held up her hands stopping me from any protesting.

“I'm sure. Will be back in a little while.” they walked out shutting the door behind them. I started unzipping my bags when Gavin started talking to me.

“They seem really nice. You said there family?”

“Yeah she’s like my mom and He's a really good friend. There my best friends parents.”

“Who's Lily?”

“Lily's my best friend. Where starting our first year here together.”  

“That's cool. My parents are checking onto their hotel so right now it’s just me. So are you witch or mortal?” 

“Half witch on my Moms side. You?”

“Witch. Both parents. They practice so I grew up with it.”




“My Mom died when I was little and Lily's parents practice but they hid it from us until recently.” Gavin nodded in understanding. He finished building his book shelf and stood it up agent one of the walls. Picking up one of the large boxes he had stacked on his bed he carried it over to her shelves and started putting the books away. I looked inside,

“Wow that's a lot of books!”

“Yeah I like to read whatever I can get my hands on.”

“That's cool. I'm more into music myself but Lily loves to read, I can't keep that girls nose out of a book. Speaking of I should see what she's up to.” I shot her a text to see if she was done unpacking and if she wanted to meet up before we meet up with Rose and Luke.

“Hey I'm going to meet up with Lily and her friend Meli, do you want to come too?”

“Yeah I'll tag along. I need to stop by the school shop and pick up another bag of M&M's” Gavin pulled a large empty bag of M&M's out of his pocket. “I'm addicted to them and I'm all out.” We headed out of the room taking the long staircase down to the main floor stopping at the school store on our way. The store was a small place that carried snacks, books, pens, and so on. It just depended on what you needed. Gavin picked up another large bag of M&M's and started snacking on them. We found Lily and Meli waiting for us on a stone bench in the garden. I waved to get their attention as we walked over to them. I introduced Gavin to everyone and we started walking. We didn't really pay attention to where we were going and found ourselves walking out to the cliffs. They were in a shape of a crescent moon. Water rolled up agents the tall rock wall. Lily picked up a rock and threw it out into the rolling waves. We watched as it fell and sunk.

“The water looks nice and deep. If it were a different day and I had time I would go cliff diving.” Meli said. Lily looked at her like she was crazy, Gavin and I just smiled. That sounded like and awesome idea.

“I bet that would be so much fun.” I said to her as I got closer to the edge.

“Oh it is. It’s big in my family. We used to go a lot. My brothers love it.” I think it would be a fun thing to try. I sat down at the edge of the cliff. I liked it here, surrounded by water.


           After a while we headed back and met up with Rose and Luke. They waited for us in the parking lot. I couldn't help but laugh when I saw how pack full the car.

“Rose do you think you went a little over board?”

“I have to make sure my kids are conferrable.” she wrapped her arms around us.

“I won’t be here to take care of you. I wanted to make sure you would have everything you needed.” We hugged her tight and with help from Meli and Gavin carried everything up to our rooms. When we finished putting our new things away we headed back out to the car.

“Well where going to head out than. Our hotel is waiting. Will be back in the morning. Oh and Hayden,”

“Yes?”

“Will have a big surprise for you tomorrow.” We gave them hugs and kisses; waving good bye as we watched them leave. Lily looked up at me with a sad look on her face.

“It's going to be strange not having them close by.” I nodded in agreement and wrapped my arm around her as we headed in.

“Will get used to it and besides time will fly by so fast we won’t even notice there gone.” she nodded and inched closer to me. I tightened my arm around her hoping to lend her some of my support. I walked Lily to the Girls dorm room door. We said good night and I headed off to my own room.  

	Gavin and I were playing cards on the floor in our room when my phone buzzed. I pressed the screen on my smart phone and saw that I had gotten a text from Lily.

“Night Hayden, Miss you.” I miss you too Lily. Why does it feel like it's getting harder and harder to be her best friend. All the, I miss you, you’re the best Hayden, and I love you Hayden's are great. But I crave more. More than friend ship. I want...

“Dude what’s with the look?”

“What look?”

“The, someone just shot my dog look.”

“I don't have that look.”

“Dawg, yes you do.” I picked up the cards and put them on my dresser.

“Man I don't know, girl trouble.” I told Gavin. We stripped down to our boxers and climbed into our own beds.

“Have you told her how you feel?”