Witches Curse

The Ugly Truth

I felt every pair of eyes fall on me as the projector faded to black for good. I kept my eyes fixed on the screen for as long as possible. Finally my eyes flicked to Rachelle, her normal sapphire green eyes seemed to flash a darker crimson shade, but when I blinked it was gone. I must’ve imagined it. Thankfully she seemed angry, but I got the feeling it wasn’t at me. She had always been generous to me when others treated me like the plague itself. I guess now I knew why.

Some mumbling ensued from the crowd and my classmates. I turned forward again and stared pointedly ahead at the stage as the lead diplomat stepped forward once more. He outstretched his arms again in a gesture to quiet the crowd.

“Come now.” He said in a firm tone. The murmurs continued and seemed much louder this time. “SILENCE.” He yelled. The crowd fell silent in an instant and the only sound that remained was some feedback from the microphone. For some reason my eyes were burning as if I were about to cry. Still I forced myself to look up at the diplomat who was once again staring at me.

“All of our citizens have been cleared of any wrongdoing or witchcraft. Some still have some in their bloodlines but it is not enough to make them a threat to us. Either that or some witches have surrendered to us and given up their powers to ensure humanity’s survival. Some of them realized the nonsense in killing out our entire race.” The other diplomats looked like they didn’t agree with him. And in my opinion you’d think that that stupid screening would’ve said, “hey, don’t worry, these are just signs of a possible witch, doesn’t mean she’s going to go psycho and kill us all.”

It was ridiculous to me, my parents and grandparents were all an important part of this society. They all grew to do amazing things for our community and just because I had some loony ancestors I was an outcast? Come on. Every family has at least one member that isn’t all there. Not to mention I think I’d know if I were a witch and possessed magic or whatever of any kind.

“I understand any concerns, however the Holden family wouldn’t be here if they hadn’t undergone serious testing and a clearing process. Their family has been here for the 100 years since our society was established and they’ve gone on to do marvelous things. I will not have this ceremony ruined for these young students due to paranoia and unfounded speculation.” Huh, I kind of liked this guy. Again the other diplomats looked as though they didn’t entirely agree with him but they shrugged in agreement anyway.

After a moment of silence he made a hand gesture to continue the ceremony, but I wasn’t paying much attention after that. All I could think about was getting the hell out of here. I still felt like everyone was watching me. Even the diplomats shot me looks of disgust. Silver hair was the only one who stared with… what, curiosity maybe? Perhaps interest? Who knows.

The last diplomat was one of the women. Again, I tuned out her speech as well. I still made a show of staring right at each diplomat as they spoke. I was worried if I showed I was completely uninterested at that point, they would use that against me too. Why not? My looks were already damning enough apparently.

However this woman didn’t look at me with malice, hatred, or disdain either. She actually offered me a small smile and a wink I think only I noticed. He hair was jet black but her eyes looked… yellow. That was certainly a color I’d never seen before. Even though the rest of her looked like the “norm” maybe she had her fair share of bias to deal with simply because her eyes were such a bizarre color. I tuned back in just long enough to hear her say how proud she was of us and how she couldn’t wait to work beside us in the future.

Finally it was time for the diplomas. We each walked single file up the stage and shook each diplomats hand. Silver hair and yellow eyes were the only two who congratulated me and had kind words. The others either had forced smiles or looked like they didn’t want to touch me at all. As much as it enraged me I felt silly for also wanting to cry about it. It really hurt my feelings that they were judging me over something as trivial as my hair and eye color.

I breathed a sigh of relief as I walked down the stage steps and headed back to my chair. Once I was in place and all students were standing in their respective spots, we were congratulated once more and dismissed for the after ceremony reception. I wondered how they would see me if I skipped it.

We walked single file to the reception area, led by the diplomats of course. It was wedding style with everything decked out in white. Even the center pieces contained white orchids. Pretty white lights created a canopy over the tables although it couldn’t have been much past noon so they’d probably stand out more at night.

There was a long rectangular table at the front of the area in white and gold, this is where the diplomats sat. We all stood in a line in front of their table as they sat and got comfortable. The lead waited to sit as well.

Once everyone was seated the lead looked towards us. “You May sit wherever you like.” Once again we waited for him to sit and then awkwardly scattered. Some chose their own tables for when friends and family were released from the ceremony, some sat together. Of course Rachelle, Maxwell, and I all chose to sit at a table together. I couldn’t stand to meet their eyes, but in my peripheral I could tell Rachelle was watching me carefully, a worried look on her face.

“So, some ceremony, huh?” Maxwell said awkwardly. He was a typical guy, he wasn’t sure how to handle such situations nor did he know what to say, but he desperately wanted to help. This brought the hint of a smile to my face.

Rachelle snorted. “Yeah if you count basically naming Ellie public enemy number one “some ceremony” then hell yeah I’d call it that too.” Maxwell flushed beat red at the tone in her voice. I glanced around nervously.

“You really shouldn’t speak like that or call Eleanor by nicknames, you could get in serious trouble.” Maxwell stated as he looked down at his hands. He was right. With so many guards and the diplomats so close she was definitely playing with fire.

“Well, there are the best and brightest graduates.” Looking up we saw my mom with a wide smile looking down at us.

I gave a weak smile back. Unsure what to say.

“Thank you Mrs. Holden.” Rachelle and Maxwell said in unison. My mother was studying me carefully as she took her seat and others flowed into the reception area.

To me, the rest of the reception was a blur. It was all meaningless small talk, what we all wanted to do with our lives from here on out, if we were excited, the usual. I watched as plate after plate of tasteless fancy foods, hors d’oeuvres, and cake came and went. I barely touched any of it.

I came back to life when the diplomats called us back to attention. That meant the ceremony was nearly over and I could go home and sulk in peace.

“Thank you once more for those who chose to attend the ceremony today.” The lead began. “We wish you all the best in your future endeavors. Per usual you will have the night with your families to finish packing, say your goodbyes, and in the morning you will report to the career center to establish your futures and be given your first housing assignments.” A light golf clap ensued as we watched the diplomats leave the stage with their guards.

“I can’t believe I’m going to have my own place tomorrow!” I heard Rebecca Schmitt gush at the table behind us. She was one of my classmates who gave me the most grief. I too was excited for my own place, we started out with 1 bedroom apartments as none of us were married or had families yet. Once we were engaged the community would set up a house for us, but until then we lived on our own. This helped conserve space as there wasn’t a need for a single person to have an entire house to themselves. Some people chose to stay single and keep the apartment. Although this was pretty rare as we were encouraged to re-populate.

One of the guards gave a signal when it was time for the rest of us to leave and head home. As we stood and collected our things I felt a tap on my shoulder. It was Rebecca. I knew I was in for it when I saw the twisted smile on her face. I felt Rachelle tense up beside me.

“Good luck tomorrow Eleanor. You’re going to need it. I doubt anyone will even hire you when you look like,” she gestured up and down, “you know, that. But maybe they have something where no one has to look at you.”

I opened my mouth to let her have it. This was not the day I imagined it to be, I was scared out of my mind about witches and where they could be now and if they’d come back to hurt us, but everyone just assumed I was the bad guy. In reality, I hated them just as much as everyone else here, whether my looks meant I had witch blood in my veins or not.

My mother beat me to it.

“A pleasure to see you as always, Rebecca. Congratulations on graduating even though, as I hear it, your marks were one of the lowest throughout your schooling and Eleanor is the top of the class. We appreciate your oh so friendly concern but might I suggest you turn your focus inward and worry about what may happen with your future as you have a regular diploma instead of advanced. Best to arrive at the career center early tomorrow so you don’t get stuck with… whatever is left.”

Rebecca’s mouth dropped open, and her parents looked too infuriated to speak. Maxwell, Rachelle and I stared at her in awe. Leave it to my mother to find a classy way to put someone in their place. My mother turned to Rebecca’s parents.

“Good day.” She looped an arm through mine and we turned to leave.

“Thanks mom.” I said under my breath.

“Don’t thank me just yet dear, unfortunately she’s right. This is just the beginning for you, the government is going to put you through hell so you better be ready.”

And with that, I shut my mouth and walked alongside her in silence.

Later that evening my mother was preparing dinner when I heard a knock at the door. I glanced at my mother.

“Are we expecting someone?”

She simply shrugged. “Will you answer it my dear? I’m trying to finish mashing these potatoes.”

I nodded and went to the door. Rachelle greeted me with a large smile.

“Rachelle!” I exclaimed as I looked left and right down the street. “What brings you here?” She was in the same thing she wore from the ceremony with a small bag hanging from her shoulder.

“Your mother invited me to stay the night.” I blinked in surprise. Sleepovers weren’t prohibited but they definitely weren’t common either. “So are you going to let me in or what?” She joked. I smiled and stepped aside.

“Your family didn’t want to celebrate with you?” I asked as I closed the door behind her.

“Don’t want to hang with me or something?” She tossed her bag on the floor.

“No, no! That’s not it at all! This is just… quite the surprise.” She raised an eyebrow. “In a good way though!”

She snorted. “Ease up, why so tense? I’m just messing with you.” I offered a smile and she groaned. “Look I know today sucked but I’m trying to cheer you up, so let’s just focus on having a good time okay? Besides, I already packed all my stuff and my parents have to work late tonight. They’re having all my belongings sent to my housing unit in the morning.”

Rachelle’s parents were high ranking officials. They had cars and a fancy mansion. However this came at a price, I had only seen them a handful of times and Rachelle was often on her own as her older brother had already graduated several years ago. He never visited.

I nodded.

“Great! Something smells amazing.” I followed her to the kitchen. Rachelle had an appetite on her so if there was food, well, that’s where she was going.

My mother made a roast with mashed potatoes and gravy as well as homemade fruit punch. I nearly cried. It tasted so much better than the fancy food we got for ceremony.

“So, Rachelle, any idea what you’d like for a career?” My mother asked. “Eleanor still hasn’t a clue what she wants to do. Which I told her is perfectly fine but she’s nervous about it anyway.”

“Thanks mother.” I said.

“Oh I want to do something with security. Or internal affairs. You know, something where I can really help the community and make a difference.” She glanced at each of us nervously before she continued.

“You know, make sure that the people they’re going after are actually bad people not… not this discrimination against people just because they look different or whatever.” She continued eating. I felt my eyes widen. It seemed that she wasn’t happy with the way things were being run either.

My mother smiled. “I think that’s very admirable of you, Rachelle.” Rachelle smiled back.

We spent the rest of our dinner with small talk about how tomorrow would go, getting housing assignments, and how we had no reason to be nervous. My mind was reeling. Maybe I should do something like Rachelle planned, really make a difference and prove to people that things can change around here. Still, I’d have an uphill battle ahead of me.

When we were finished eating my mother dabbed at the corners of her mouth. “You two are excused, don’t worry about dishes tonight I’ve got them. You go have fun.”

“Mother you already cooked, I can do the dishes.” I protested.

She shook her head. “I won’t allow it, not tonight. It’s your last night here and you deserve to have fun with your friend. Now off you go.” She gave me a final look.

“Yes ma’am.” I stood and Rachelle and I wandered off to the living room.

Rachelle and I sat in silence for a while watching a documentary about what life could be like outside of the walls. It illustrated how dangerous it was, how miserable it would be, and how there was likely no food or shelter outside these walls. Rachelle scoffed next to me. I cast her a sidelong glance.

She shook her head. “I’m sorry but they really expect us to believe that the outside world is just non-existent? Like, there’s nothing out there at all? That sounds a little far-fetched to me.”

“You really think things could change around here?” I asked remembering what she had said at dinner.

“Oh I think they have to. We can’t keep living like this, in fear, behind walls like caged animals, fearing people just because they’re different. I mean, living in fear, what kind of life is that for anyone to live?”

I was shocked. Everything she just said could get her in serious trouble… But she was also right.

“Then that’s what I’m doing too. I want to make a difference. I don’t just want to sit behind a desk. I want to learn things, I want to keep people safe. I want everyone to know that people aren’t a threat just because they look different. I want a life outside the walls.”

Rachelle looked at me in shock. “Well, well, well, not so happy with this life after all. I thought you were.”

I laughed. “No. Especially not after today.”

She shook her head. “Hell yeah, you and your family deserve a lot better than the bullshit they’re trying to serve you.”

“I mean like the diplomat said, we were cleared, we haven’t done anything wrong, why is everyone still so… so judgmental? And now…” I shook my head and fought back tears.

“Now what, Ellie?” I looked up at Rachelle, her eyes were kind and soft as she studied me. I took a deep breath.

“And now, I don’t know what my future holds. I’m going to have to work ten times harder for the same positions that my classmates will be able to get tomorrow, and even then I may just have a low ranking job the rest of my life. And for what? Because my hair and eye color are different? It’s sickening. I’ll be lucky to get a secretary job at this rate.” Anger flashed in Rachelles eyes.

“I know, it’s bullshit. The only thing I can promise is you’ll always have me. Every step of the way I’ll fight for you and defend you. These assholes don’t know what an amazing person you are. They don’t know that you alone could change the world. But don’t worry, they’ll know soon.” Her words sent a chill down my spine as she pulled me in for a hug. I had to fight back more tears.

Out of nowhere, I thought back to my father and sister and wondered if the government had anything to do with them disappearing. With a start I realized they had disappeared 3 years ago today, on my sisters graduating ceremony. No wonder my mother was so wound up and anxious today. I felt all the color drain from my face.

“Hey, you okay? You look sick all of a sudden.”

My heart pounded in my chest as my anxiety spiked. “Yeah, fine.” I replied. But in my heart I got a sickening gut feeling, and I knew for sure my hunch was right.

Foul play was involved in my father and sisters disappearance, and I needed to find out why.

I needed to speak to mother.