CHAPTER 1: THE SHADOW IN THE HALLWAY
Students were hanging out in the hallways of Willowbrook High School. It was a lively place. You could hear people laughing and whispering to each other.
There was this girl named Anastasia Grey. She was sixteen years old. Anastasia Grey was really quiet. Kept to herself. She was, like a ghost walking around the school. Nobody really noticed Anastasia Grey.
Her dark hair was always messy. Fell down her back. It framed her face, which was pretty pale. Anastasia Grey got this way because she spent most of her time reading books of talking to people. Her clothes were really basic the kind of things you find at thrift stores. They were a bit too big for her because she is very skinny. Her eyes are a pretty green color, like emeralds. It seems like her eyes hold a lot of secrets. Nobody really tries to figure out what they are. Her eyes, the color of emeralds are very interesting and you wonder what secrets they might be hiding about her.
Anastasia's days were really boring. She went to class. Nobody paid much attention to her. Teachers only called on her when nobody else wanted to answer. The other kids ignored her most of the time unless they wanted to make fun of her.
The kids who liked to bully like Madison Hale, Tyler Grant and Sophia Reyes picked on Anastasia all the time. Madison Hale was like the boss of the school. She had hair that always looked perfect and she was a cheerleader. Madison Hale, Tyler Grant and Sophia Reyes made sure Anastasia's life at school was not easy. Madison Hale was really popular. Everyone knew she was, in charge. Tyler was the strong guy who looked out for her. He was the quarterback on the football team. Sophia was the one who said mean things about people. She was like a queen of gossip. Something had happened in their year of high school. Anastasia had bumped into Madison in the cafeteria. She had spilled a bit of milk on Madison's expensive shoes.
After that Madison did not like Anastasia. "Be careful where you are going weirdo " Madison had said in a voice. Everyone, in the room had heard her. They all laughed. Anastasia felt bad. Said sorry but nobody heard her. Madison, the star had made fun of Anastasia and Tyler the quarterback and Sophia the gossip queen were her friends. Anastasia was afraid of Madison and her friends, including Tyler, the quarterback and Sophia the sharp-tongued gossip queen.
Nobody had any idea that what Anastasia was protecting so carefully was her family history. She was born into a family of witches. They had to keep this a secret in the modern world where people do not believe in magic. They think it is something you see in childrens stories. Anastasia got powers from her grandmother who died two years ago. Her grandmother taught her a things before she passed away. Anastasia can do some cool things with these powers. She can talk to the wind make shadows move around and make drinks that can change things a little bit. Anastasia's heritage is really important, to her. She had promised her grandmother that she would use her gifts only when it was really necessary so she would not stand out. Her grandmother told her that people who are quiet can say a lot when they need to. Her grandmothers old hands held Anastasia's hands. She said "But being quiet is what keeps you safe it is like a shield, for Anastasia."
Anastasia had to deal with things for a long time. People would put notes in her locker that said "Ghost Girl" or "Witch Wannabe". This was pretty funny because it was actually of true. Tyler would always bump into her. Make her drop her books. He would say it was an accident. Anastasia did not think so. Sophia would tell people that Anastasia talked to herself because she did not have any friends. The teachers did not do anything about it. They just thought it was kids being kids. Anastasia had to put up with this for years. The teachers just ignored it. Said that Anastasia should ignore it too. Anastasia's parents were really busy with their work. They told her she needed to be stronger and make some friends.. This just made Anastasia feel even more alone. Her parents did not realize how isolated Anastasia was. Anastasia's parents did not know what to do to help her with her isolation. Anastasia felt like her parents were not paying attention to her feelings. They just wanted her to make friends and be happy. It was not that easy, for Anastasia.
It was a mean afternoon and the bell rang, so Anastasia started packing up her stuff in the empty classroom. Then she heard someone coming it was Madison and her friends. "Hey loser " Madison said with a smile, on her face walking into the room. "I heard you are doing really badly in math. Do you need someone to help you with it? Or maybe you just need help with your life math is not the problem you have Anastasia you are failing at everything."
Anastasia kept her head down.. Then Tyler grabbed her backpack and turned it upside down. All her stuff fell out onto the floor. Her books went everywhere.. A little old amulet that belonged to her grandmother fell out too. The amulet sparkled under the lights. It was really pretty. The amulet was special, to Anastasia because it was her grandmothers.
Sophia. Picked it up. She said "What is this junk?" This thing looks like some kind of witch charm. It is really fitting for someone, like you who's a little weird. Sophia thought the witch charm was funny. She was talking about the witch charm and you.
Anastasia's heart was beating fast. The amulet was not something pretty to wear it made her powers stronger. "Give the amulet back, to me " she said in a quiet voice you could hardly hear her.
Madison grabbed it from Sophia. Held it up teasing her. ". What will you do?" Madison said, looking at Sophia. "You will put a curse on us?" Madison asked. Madison and the others started laughing. They all thought this was really funny. Madison and the others were laughing at Sophia.
In that moment, something inside Anastasia snapped. The quiet one was about to speak.
