Envisions of Hallewell

White Ash Academy

     The portal just at the edge of the forest was only for the supernatural community. The ancestors did this for fear of persecution from humans. It is a shame the humans want to be rid of anything they don't understand or are afraid of, well most of them anyway. Some humans are cool, like the person that owns the mansion next to my mother's, Mr. Michal Parry. He is a kind gentleman that knows I prefer plants to pills, on the account I saved him from a heart attack with medicinal herbs mixed in some water. He sometimes asks for my help with his plants, which ones help and would look good around his mansion.

I put my empty bottle in my bag as I step right up to the portal. I make sure no one else is there and I step on through.

    Once past the portal, I am in front of a giant hedge with a gate in the middle. The emblem is on the lock, the key is the emblem on the jackets. I hold it to the lock and it opens. Once I am through, the gate locks again.

    The school sort of resembles a gothic cathedral from the 1800s. Made from black stone, there was no other greater building that would have suited to be a supernatural school. By the school is the greenhouse that stores most of the herbs we use for tonics and other uses. On the opposite side of the school, is the pool used sometimes for gym and pool races with another school that is across the world in Europe. The pool is gigantic and really deep for the best swimmers.

    There is a kiddie pool for the smaller kids that are just learning to swim. I take Zander there a few times when I'm not super busy.

As I daydream, Nebula, my best friend, jumps on my back and surprises me. Her slim figure wasn't too heavy but because I wasn't expecting it, we both fell over, laughing. As I roll onto my side, her light blue hair shines in the sunlight. Nebula is a shapeshifter, her preferred animal however, is a deep blue sea dragon. Her honey-colored eyes roll with laughter.

    "Yo, Bella, what you thinking about? You have that 'I am far away' look about you. Talk to me" Her voice pierces through my thoughts.

    "Oh, I'm just in my own head. You know how I get sometimes Neb. How are you this morning, bestie?" I look at her as I smile, brushing away my past thoughts. Sitting up, I bring her with me.

    "How am I always in the mornings? It's a school day, a boring old school day. I'd rather be at the beach, soaking in that sea breeze and sun." As she sits up, a teacher, Mr. Dallan Shade, walks by us.

    His longish dark hair was blowing in the soft breeze, his glasses glinting in the sunlight. He looks towards us and offers a sweet smile, saying, "Good morning young ladies. Miss Hallwelle, could I speak to you for a minute?"

    "Yes, Mr. Shade." I stand up and sneak a glance at Nebula. Her eyes were on the teacher as if he were an ice-cold glass of water and she was very thirsty.

I walk toward the warlock, looking back at Nebula with wide eyes. For an older man, he was very handsome. His light brown eyes smiled at me as I came closer. I offer a slight nod as is custom; with his nod, he gave a little bow. I really didn't like this part but I am the High Priestess' daughter.

    "Miss Hallwelle, how goes your homework with the spells? I haven't seen any of your work yet." Mr. Shade asks while raising his eyebrow inquisitively at me.

    I look into his eyes as I gather my thoughts. He wasn't a bad teacher and didn't give too much homework to any of us students. I answer him truthfully "I haven't been able to come up with a good sickness to cure. I'd rather not work on the same sickness as another in classmate. Many have tried to cure cancer, but that has not happened yet."

    He just looks at me, his eyes full of understanding. He closes his eyes and nods as he thinks. He places his hand on his chin. I watch closely as his earring glints in the sunlight. His sleeve moves slightly and I notice a tattoo. I recognize it as a triquetra. It was all black with small blue writing under it. I squint trying to read it without making it too obvious I was looking. I see Mr. Shades name and 2 other names, all ending with same last name. This man has siblings if I remember right. Maybe its his 2 brothers' names.

    I look down at the grass as I see a small worm by my foot. I bend, letting it crawl into my hand. I smile as I lift it back up. I sense this small worm is happy as it squirms in a happy little dance in my hand. I laugh quietly, causing Mr. Shade to look at me and smile. I bend back down and let the worm back in the grass. As I brush the bit of dirt off my hands, Mr. Shade grabs my hand and stares at it intently. I c**k my head to the side, lifting my eyebrow questioningly looking at him.

    Suddenly, Mr. Shade jumps back, releasing my hand. He then clears his throat and says, " Well Miss Hallwelle, I will give you a bit more time. I am sure you will come up with something suitable." And then he walks away rather quickly.

    That teacher has forever confused me whenever he wants to discuss something to me alone. I shake my head letting it go till later as Nebula comes over. Taking my hand in hers, she says "Let us go Bella, it's almost time for first period. And you, my best friend, are never late." I laugh as we walk into the building and head to our separate classes.