The Witch and The Ghost

Angelique

Angelique's point of view

This girl quite literally didn't know anything about who or what she was. How could she have lived 25 years and not known? It would have been easier had she known something or at least recognized who I was. I thought using my old nickname for her would jog her memory. Unfortunately, whatever part of her that is Anna Marie, is dormant. Anna Marie and Michael were both my pupils. I taught Michael his schooling and Anna her witchcraft. I didn't live far from them, so they often visited outside of teaching hours. I always felt I was the reason she left. When she came of age, her powers intensified, and she no longer wanted to be a part of it. Fearing for Michael's safety, she said she would practice no longer and left. I later learned of her death, her murder, 2 years later. The culprit was never found, but somehow, I knew it was Cordelia. Cordelia was also a pupil of mine. She lived on the outskirts of town and was dirt poor. She grew insanely jealous of Anna. Why should she have to be poor w*********h when Anna was a witch like her? She had told me why should she not have nice things and get to socialize with rich people. She had power and yet couldn't change her status. I tried to teach her to care for her, but the seed of evil had already begun to grow. She left town around the same time as Anna. I assumed she got the rest of her training from a dark witch, but I heard no more from her or about her until she began being courted by Michael. I tried desperately to discourage the union, but she already had him under her spell. I wept on the day of the funeral. It was a tragedy, too great for words. No one knew the truth, but I. The truth of what really happened that day. I covered it all up, Cordelia died in childbirth, Michael in the war, and no one ever knew of his illegitimate brother. Michael had seen his brother that day and assumed it to be his elder and only brother, but it wasn't. It was his younger brother, the brother he didn't know he had, my son. I failed him the same way I failed Cordelia. By keeping him secret and away from his family, he grew jealous. He was the love Cordelia spoke of in her curse. They had always been close, but I never knew how close until that day. I alone carry the burden of what truly happened that day.

Freya was a very quick learner, which I accredited to her former soul already being taught. It only took her a month to learn everything I knew, and some I didn't. It was like she was stronger than any witch I had ever known. Yet, despite all her hardships, she is the most loving, kindest, and good-natured spirit I had ever met. It was like she was blessed by God himself. I had grown up on the stories of Joan of Arc. Maybe this is what she had been like. Believe me, I have traveled the world and met many people in my time.

I had been 21, when Louis the 14th, the sun king, had taken the throne. As a French noble, it was nice to have been alive during the sun king's reign. I have met Shakespeare, Da Vinchi, Michaelangelo, Vivaldi, Queen Elizabeth the 2nd, Princess Diana, Blackbeard, Napoleon, and many more. None compared to her, though many were close. Princess Diana, Sacagawea, Harriet Tubman, Anne Boney, and for a time, the Queen herself were all close to this kind of power and kindness. All were my pupils and all well taught. I had seen many wonders like the completion of the Taj Mahal, Versailles, Lady Liberty, and many more. I have lived through every major war since 1777, and yet this girl surprised me, and intrigued me. It was at this moment that I knew I loved her. I have always considered both genders attractive. Hell, I had been Mary Read for a time, the third piece to Anne and Calico Jack's love triangle. Never once had I ever considered love possible in any of my relationships, yet after 400 years. I was falling for a girl I knew I couldn't have. Her silky voice pulled me from my thoughts. I hadn't expected her back today. After all, I had given her the day to go home, see her children, and relax. However, when I saw her, I knew why she was back.

"Freya, what have you done?"

Freya's point of view

I had done it! I had gone to the house and destroyed her bracelet, but it came at a cost. I had heard the voices at first, but then, as they became louder, I realized Michael was calling for me. I ran as fast as I could to the house and found Cordelia free from her prison in the basement. In my haste, I had given her the power to torment Michael again. After 3 hours, I successfully got her confined again, but it looked like I had just gotten out of the ring with Muhammad Ali, with no gloves.

"I destroyed the bracelet, Angelique! I did it, but I also had to put her back in the basement."

"You should have waited. Look at what she has done to your beautiful face. She has beat the living daylights out of you. Think of how that made Michael feel. Your physical gift is strong, but your mental gift needs work. You should've waited until I said you were ready. Did you even rest or see your children?"

"Of course I did! Why wouldn't I? You don't have to fret over me, I'm not a child."

"Yes, I know, but your arrogance and haste are what killed you in your last life."

"You knew me before?"

"Yes, I knew you. However, I can not tell you about it yet. It may affect your growing relationship with Michael. You will learn the truth in time, but no sooner."

"Very well, I only came back to say goodbye anyway. It's been 3 months, and I can no longer afford to miss work or time with my children."

With those words, I turned and left. I had no reason to stay now that I had destroyed the bracelet. Mental growth requires no teacher anyway, just time. I had to go back to work. I missed my children and seeing them had made it worse. Also, I missed Michael. The longer I was away, the more I missed them all. During Cordelia's onslaught today, he had shown he cared. He took every hit Cordelia threw until he could no longer manifest and protect me. He shouted at me and begged me to go many times, but I couldn't leave her out. It didn't matter how little I had, I still wanted it intact, and I couldn't leave her to torment him. So, after 3 months of training, the children and I returned to the house.