Chapter 4: Young Witches
784 Words
Zoe looked around nervously, her face tense.
Suddenly, three figures dressed in black robes and eerie crow masks emerged from all sides, brandishing daggers and advancing quickly.
She couldn't contain herself any longer and shouted, "Charlie! Run!"
Grabbing Charlie's arm, she began to pull him away, but to her surprise, Charlie didn't budge.
He held her firmly in place.
"Zoe, relax," he said calmly.
Charlie patted Zoe's shoulder and turned towards the approaching figures with a smile.
"Hey there, ladies. Gotta say, your welcome ceremony is quite unique."
The three figures paused in their steps, exchanging glances.
One of them, seemingly reluctant, stepped forward with a dagger in hand.
"Dark Mother, we offer you these two fresh bodies," she muttered, raising the dagger as if to strike.
Charlie continued to smile calmly, unfazed.
Zoe, though still afraid, didn't attempt to flee.
The black-robed figures grew disinterested and dropped their weapons, removing their masks and hoods to reveal stunning golden hair and delicate faces.
One of them rolled her eyes. "Well, that didn't go as planned. Boring."
"Maybe it's your acting skills," quipped another, removing her disguise.
The chubby figure teased, "Seriously, no cult member is as chubby as you."
The blonde girl with elegant eyebrows smirked, "Oh really? Your massive size gives you away."
Offended, the chubby one retorted, but Zoe intervened. "Could someone explain what's going on here?"
"Seriously, we just wanted to welcome the new recruit," the small, oddly-faced girl chuckled.
"It was Madison's idea. I'm Nan."
"Madison Montgomery, Hollywood star. If you need an autograph, just ask," Madison added, giving Zoe a nod of recognition and eyeing Charlie with curiosity.
"Damn, when was the last time you acted?" she teased.
Introducing herself as Queenie, the chubby one. "Zoe, this is..."
Before Zoe could introduce her boyfriend, Madison cut in, "Charlie, right? Cordelia mentioned you. Heard you're here to take Spalding's place."
"I've been waiting for the grumpy old guy to get replaced. Having a young hottie like you around should spice things up. Charlie, can you cook Chinese? I'm dying for a change," Madison flirted, her eyes on Charlie.
Charlie, already adapting to his surroundings, replied calmly, "I can manage some simple Chinese dishes. Hopefully, they suit your taste."
"I think I can handle that," Madison replied cheerfully.
Observing this, Queenie muttered to Nan, "Madison is always thinking about the stuff."
"No, she's just interested in Charlie's fresh face. It's not that kind of interest," Nan, who could read minds, explained.
Then she looked at Charlie with joy. "I really like this new butler."
Queenie was surprised. "Why? Are you interested in this newcomer?"
"No! His mind is quiet. It's nice, quieter than others I've been around," Nan said.
Nan's mind-reading was uncontrollable, and she had always been troubled by the constant thoughts of those around her.
Today, she encountered an exception: Charlie was the first person she couldn't read.
Nan hadn't realized what that meant but was happy to meet someone quiet.
Zoe, surprised that no one else had come over, asked, "So, are you three the only students in the school?"
"For now," came a voice.
They turned and saw a mature woman walking towards them.
"I'm your principal, Cordelia Foxy," Cordelia smiled and introduced herself to Zoe. Then she turned to Madison and the others.
"Alright, girls, the conversation's over. The truck with daily necessities is parked outside, waiting for you to unload. I'll take Zoe to her room. See you at noon."
"Oh, and Charlie," she looked at him.
Charlie quickly replied respectfully, "Hello, Ms. Cordelia."
"A very polite young man," Cordelia looked at Charlie and nodded.
"Spalding will arrange your work from now on. Remember, confidentiality is crucial here."
"I understand, Ms. Cordelia," Charlie assured.
Cordelia nodded in satisfaction and called Spalding over, "Spalding, your assistant is here. Take care of his accommodation and work arrangements."
Spalding, with sparse hair and a long, stiff face, silently nodded and gestured for Charlie to follow.
Thus began Charlie's life as a butler.
After a brief farewell with Zoe, Charlie followed Spalding with his suitcase.
The residential building where Charlie attended witch school was very large, once accommodating over sixty residents at its peak.
Consequently, Charlie enjoyed a luxurious single dorm room.
Perhaps considering his relationship with Zoe, his room was conveniently close to Zoe and Madison's dorms on the second floor, making it easy for him and his girlfriend to engage in some naughty...
Stop!
Charlie quickly dismissed this dangerous thought.
Zoe was a true Black Widow, after all.
The last time he survived was because of his travels.
He couldn't risk a repeat performance.
Ah!
The beauty was right there, but he couldn't indulge it.
Alas, alas.
- Writer
