The Witch and The Ghost

A History

Michael's point of view

Such courage I had never seen in a woman, she was willing to risk so much for so little. I had never had anyone show interest or care, to even begin to tell my story. Most ran scared by now, yet here I was about to tell my life story to a woman I barely knew. Though I barely knew her she felt, familiar, like I had known her before, but that was not possible. I had known only two women my entire life that wasn't family. One was my best friend and neighbor, and the other was Cordelia. I regret and curse the day I met her. Cordelia has tried from the day she moved in to destroy the hard work she has put into this house, my home. Her voice pulled me from my thoughts.

"Well, are you going to tell me?"

"I am trying to figure out where to begin."

"Well, starting with what will happen if you tell me this story, then I guess start at the moment that you knew you're life changed."

"Well, she will be able to interact with you, and most likely cause harm. Alas, do not fret for your children for they will be safe. I will continue to watch over them. As for the moment, my life changed, it would be when I met Cordelia. In 1860, I met a woman named Cordelia and fell in love instantly. A lot of people thought I had been put under a spell because it happened so fast. She kept me waiting for two years and we finally married in the spring of 1862, under her religion, which is why you won't find it in public records. I was a very happy man, but a war was going on and I was enlisted with the other men. I was home that day in 1864 for the birth of my child. When I arrived, however, I could not find my wife or child. I finally found her with a union officer, sacrificing my newborn child. Everyone had been right, I was under a spell for she was a witch. She was using our child in a magic spell to guarantee the union victory in the war, not the confederacy or me. Blinded with rage and sorrow, I killed her, but with her dying breath, she cursed me. Stating that if she could not be with her lover then i shall never meet mine, thus binding me to the property. The union officer then turned to me and I looked in horror as my own brother shot me. He inherited everything, but since Cordelia had died, he cared very little for it and immediately sold it after the war. He found his true love and lived happily in New York. He did return once before he died and apologized to me saying he must have been enchanted to kill me. Cordelia is bound here because she did not complete her spell and whoever she worshipped bound her here. I did learn however that my curse can be broken by true love, but it did me no good with Cordelia running everyone off. That is my story, my death."

She had listened patiently and I think understood, but she spoke not a word. It was a lot to process and take in. I was nervous about what she would say and if her view of me would change.

"She was, is a witch? I didn't know they existed."

"Yes, there are good and bad just like ghosts and people."

"How did you learn love could break the spell?"

"My brother told me. The woman he met and married was a white witch. She broke the spell Cordelia had him under. His previous wife had died in childbirth under mysterious circumstances. I believe it was Cordelia's doing. However, when he met Agatha, everything Cordelia had done to him was broken. They had a son and daughter, both of which she taught her craft to, and lived happily."

"She ruined both of your lives. It is a very sad story. Why do you think she targeted your family? There had to be a reason."

"I have no idea why she targeted us, but now that you know she will target you. She will attack you and try to get you to leave."

I tried so hard to emphasize this so she would leave willingly and on her own. I didn't want her or her children hurt. They were innocent and did not deserve the same torture I received from Cordelia. However, she was persistent.

"I just can't leave. I can't afford it nor do I have anywhere else to go."

"Don't you understand? I can't protect you anymore, her spells didn't die with her. She doesn't want it broken, she wants me here and you gone."

"I have no choice just like you. I'll have to find something to protect myself but I just can't leave."

She was on her knees now crying. I couldn't help but feel sorry for her, after all, I couldn't protect her anymore. However, I could protect her children. I began to wonder if maybe she was a white witch. Only a white witch could have so much strength and determination. No normal person could just assume to be able to protect themselves from a ghost witch. For 3 days I watched her bring in herbs, flowers, books, and crystals. She was researching how to use these things to protect herself and her things. I watched as she grew tired from the nightly attacks by Cordelia. She wouldn't leave her dreams alone long enough for her to rest, but it seemed to make her more determined. I tried desperately to reach out and protect her or at least to wake her, but all my hand would do was go through her. She refused to talk about her nightmares but often spoke to me about other things. Often these things were about the kids or her mental health. Apparently, this new thing called ADHD took a toll on her. While she worked on the home, I would watch over the children, protecting them the best I could. After a month of relentless nightmares, she needed a break and left for 3 days. In these 3 days, I began to realize that I missed her. I missed her company, her voice, and her smile. Cordelia tried to take her anger out on the house, but she couldn't, so she took it out on me. Apparently, she had done proper research and the items she had brought into the house protected her things. Whatever she had done she had done it well, Cordelia couldn't touch anything or even approach the children's rooms. Lost within my thoughts on that third day I finally heard her call.

"Michael, I'm back."