Shadows

The lightning flashed as my garage door opened. I drove my vehicle into the garage, and sighed with relief as the garage door began to close after I hit the button in my car. It had been another stormy day, and Texarkana is under another tornado watch. I went inside and pulled out a frozen dinner to throw in the microwave. A few minutes later I was eating a meal, and watching the news. "Another set of storms coming in from the south as Houston is hit by a hurricane. Keep watching for more details." the weather caster told anyone who was watching. Sighing deeply, I turned the TV over to my latest streaming service and watch the current show that has my interest. I lose myself in the intriguing mysteries of haunted locations. To be honest, I hyper focused. Attention Deficit Disorder will do that to a person, and I have depression as well. The phone actually scared me when it rang. I answered with my heart pounding. "Hello?" "Oh, honey, I am so glad you answered. Are you in a safe place? Do you hear the sirens?" my mother asked. "I didn't hear the sirens mom. I am going to my safe place. Love you." I say as I move. "Love you too, dear." the line goes dead. My mother was concerned enough to call, and that makes me feel better. I live alone, and have no real prospects to marry. Witches are not exactly loved in the self styled "Buckle of the Bible Belt." My brand of magic isn't exactly forbidden, but it is highly taboo. I can't help my brand of magic. Let me give you some background before I forget. My name is Minerva Nightshade. Yes, before you ask, like the plant. Last names among witches come from the brand of magic they practice. They are born with the magic they practice, and it can never be changed. Magic abilities are like stars. There are so many variations even among those that practice the same class of magic. It's very complicated, and I don't feel like giving a detailed explanation. Suffice to say I am unwelcome because of my abilities. My mom is the only one who accepts me for who I am. She's a respected healer, and a well known elder for those around the our area of the U.S. I, however, practice Shadow Magic. Shadow Magic is, for the uninitiated, simply any magic that deals with darkness and shadow. An example would be using darkness as a cloak. I hear you asking why is this taboo? It's taboo because its mainly used by vampires and werewolves. Witches can exhibit Shadow Magic naturally, but it is extremely rare. You have a better chance of winning the lottery or being struck by lightning. Where is my father you ask? Neither my mother nor I know who my father is. All my mother has is a donation number from a sperm bank. If you set mom and I side by side, you can see some resemblance but not a lot. My mother is a beautiful natural red head with stunning green eyes and a body like a Celtic goddess. I, however, am a brunette with black eyes and an average build. I sit in my safe room for almost an hour before mom calls with the all clear. I thank her and again the line goes dead. Mom is the healer, and she's almost always busy. Sighing, I go back to my TV and watch more of the haunted locations. Morning creeps into the living room and wakes me up. I had fallen asleep on my couch, again. I stretch and look over to the clock on the wall: 6:30. I check my phone, and find to my dismay that I had forgotten to plug the device in. Grumbling I head into the bedroom and plug the charger into the phone. I gather my clothing for today, shower, and put on a small amount of makeup. I work in a small office that opens at 8 am, and I hate mornings. I swallow my medicine with my breakfast cereal. I hear my phone going off in the bedroom as I rinse the dish to put in the dishwasher. I quickly go answer the phone: it's my boss. "Hello, Mr. Southerland." I say politely. "Minerva, don't bother coming in today. We are closed." Mr. Southerland states briskly. "What happened, sir." I ask concerned. "The office is flooded, and it will take sometime to get it fixed. I will pay you on schedule until you can return to work." He told me. "Thank you, sir. Let me know if I can help." I tell him. He promises that he will and hangs up. I go change into my lounging clothes, and wash the makeup off. I don't have work today, and I can't do yard work. I own my house free and clear. It was once my Irish grandmother's, and she left it to me when she passed at the ripe old age of 103. My mother got the art work. The tchotchkes, my grandmother's clothes, and anything else of value was snatched up by my other family members. They even cleaned out the attic in their search of valuable items. The furniture, deemed of minimal value, was left for me. I love my grandmother's furniture. She had bought reclining couches of real leather. The kitchen table and chairs were made by her father in Ireland, and were shipped here when they had immigrated to the United States. I was also left my grandmother's books. Again deemed minimal value, I know the truth. The family was allowed the one time to get what they want. I allowed it until the valuables were stripped, and they were happy with what they took. I found a letter in my favorite book from my grandmother two weeks after her will had been enacted, and the house was strippped. My sweet granddaughter, I know you have been handed a losing hand in this life due to your magic. I did what I could to make your life comfortable. Unbeknownst to the rest of the family I made a trust fund for your monthly bills, and any repairs or redecorating you need for the house. This will keep you going for many years if you spend it wisely. I also put money in the books you loved so much. Sweetie, I know that you have been told that you have no prospect of marrying, but I want you to know that one day you will find love. You are a lovely soul, and I know one day a man will see that. Be warned though that in our family love strikes like lightning, and we can not be without those we love. I never approved of your mother's method of giving me a grandchild, but I love you dearly, little shadow. You never met your grandfather, but I loved him deeply and still miss him. Little shadow, I leave you with these words of encouragement. You are loved, and my love will surround you. You will find your beloved one day. When all you see is darkness, remember that night eventually ends. Love, Grandma I hid the letter, and books with cash in a safe I purchased. Why? My other family members are greedy. Technically, I owned the house while grandmother was still alive when she transferred it to me. I moved in to help grandmother, and that's how I met my boss. I sit back down on the couch, and turn on the show that interests me today. A crack of thunder brought me back to my surroundings. I look out of the window and see rain slamming into the ground again. I switch to the weather channel and watch for a few minutes before switching back to my show. I am not leaving the house today. I wake up in the middle of the night drenched in a cold sweat. The silence in the room is pressing, and I quickly turn on my favorite soundtrack. The shadows seem to be creeping in as they always do when I am upset. I attempt to calm my mind, and breathe the shadows away. I finally get up, and go back to the living room. I switch the TV on and lose myself in something brainless. Two weeks pass with no prospect of going back to work. I realize that I have not been out of the house since my last day of work two and a half weeks ago. I get dressed and leave the house. A hot meal I did not cook sounds amazing. As I drive to my favorite restaurant, my phone rings. "Hello?" I say as I drive. The handsfree had picked the call up. "Hello sweetie. I was calling to check on you." my mother's voice fills the car. "I am fine, Mom. Mr. Southerland called saying the office was flooded. He has me off until the office is back to usable shape." I tell her. The route I am taking takes me past the office, and I see its still under two feet of water. "That's horrible, Minerva. When did this happen?" "About two and a half weeks ago. I just drove by and the office is still under water." "Are you alright for money? Do I need to go shopping for you?" Mom asked. I think about it for a few moments, and decide to ask a question first. "Mom, has something happened?" The silence on the other end of the line lasts for a few moments. "Yes, Minerva. Something has happened. Give me a minute then I will tell you." I hear a door open then close. "Minerva?" mom asked. "I am here, Mom. What's going on?" I answer anxiously. "Do you remember your cousin, Jonathan?" "Yes, he's the one that took almost a week scouring grandma's before he left. He also took the largest amount of her stuff. How could I forget him? I have a tresspass and protective order against him" I reply unhappily. "He came by today, and wanted me to give him a place to live. I told him no. He then demanded to stay with you. You own the house, dear. Would you be willing to take him?" Mom asked. "Trespass and protective orders, Mom. He shows up at my house the cops are called. He can't come within 5,000 yards of the property!" I remind her. "I forgot. I can't even fathom why he's here." mom said. "I don't know. He can go stay with Samual though. Samual is actively looking for a new roommate." I suggest. "That's a good idea. Thanks Minerva. I love you." "I love you too. Bye Mom." The call disconnected and I call Bob, my officer neighbor, about Jonathan being back in town. Bob assures me he will be on the lookout and call the cops if he sees him. With the small amount of house keeping done, I step out of my car at my favorite restaurant. I enjoy my meal and decide to head to my favorite bookstore. They have a coffee shop inside and I love their tea selection. I look through the books, and find one I think I will enjoy. I order a hot tea and read in the coffee shop. The book is interesting, and I find myself drawn in. Soon my tea is gone, and I am the proud owner of the book. I am ready to head home, and lay on my bed to read more. I am attempting to leave when I accidentally run into someone. I look up into a pair of dark brown eyes, and seem lost in them. I back away from the person, and apologize for running into him. "Please don't apologize. I understand. A good book and the prospect of reading it in a comfortable spot is distracting." the man said softly.