My Chosen Mate

Chapter 1: Everyday, Average Girls

"... And then there were the people in the Salem witch trials that burned at the stake. Did you know that most of them had never even practiced witch craft in their life?"

Aubrey has been droning on and on about everything she knows about witches for the past 15 minutes while I throw in the occasional "wow" or supportive head nod. In all reality, I'm not paying attention to a word that she's saying.

'What did Clarise ask me to pick up from the store after school? Something about seeds.. Birdseed? No that's not it.'

I was pulled out of my thoughts enough to hear, "Jeez Clara. Are you even listening to me?"

I look at my best friend who's arms are crossed across her chest and is tapping her foot impatiently.

"Yeah Bre. Of course! You're talking about the Salem witch trials. See? I'm totally listening."

Aubrey smirks and rolls her eyes. "Oh is that why you said 'yeah' when I asked if you'd like to be burned alive?"

My eyes got huge. I guess I should've been paying attention better to my answers.

I burst out laughing. "I'm sorry! My mind is on other things right now. Clarise asked me to get something from the store before I come home and I can't remember what it is."

She starts to jump up and down. "Oh! Let me do it! Let me do it!"

I sigh and roll my eyes, knowing exactly what she wants to do. "Alright fine. But be quick about it. People might stare."

Aubrey nods enthusiastically and holds her hands out, palms up. I look around before putting my hands in hers. She grasps them and starts to hum quietly to herself. I push my lips together hard to keep myself from laughing.

So, basically, my best friend is trying to read my mind or something to see what it is I'm forgetting. She constantly begs me to do this. Probably because I'm constantly forgetting things. 'I really do need a planner or to carry around sticky notes or something. Then I can write things down and just have them with me. Although I don't think that will help in the long run..'

"Flaxseed oil.'

I look up from my hands into her deep brown eyes. I raise one eyebrow at her, signaling that I don't know what she means.

"Clarise asked you to pick up flaxseed oil for her salad tonight. Is she trying to start a new diet again?"

I laugh and grab my keys out of my bag. "Yeah something like that. I've learned not to ask questions anymore. I told you about that during English didn't I?"

I start to walk out into the parking lot towards my car before Aubrey stops me and turns me towards her. "Clara. You didn't tell me anything in English about Clarise."

"Okay. Then what class was it?"

"You didn't tell me today. I really did look into your memories and access the one from this morning when she told you about it. How many times do I have to tell you? I'm a witch." She flipped her long brown hair over her shoulder like that would prove what she was saying.

I keep walking to my car. "Mhmm. I know. You're a witch."

"But I am! How else would I have known that??"

I stop and take a deep breath before turning to face her. "Bre, I know you're into this whole witchy business, but I'm not. I really hate to break it to you but you and I are both normal. Your everyday, average girls. I must have said something briefly earlier to you." I turn towards my car and click the unlock button.

Aubrey opens her mouth as if to say something, but shuts it again just as quickly.

I instantly feel bad for ruining her fun. "Hey. I'm sorry okay? You just know that I don't believe in those things. But if you think you're a witch, then I'll believe you. Okay?" I pull her into a hug, wishing I didn't act so serious all the time.

She receives the hug happily. "That's okay. No need to apologize. One day you'll realize I'm telling the truth."

I pull back and laugh out loud. "And I give you full permission to say 'I told you so' if that ever happens. So, need a ride? If I hurry I can drop you off before I have to run to the store."

Aubrey smiled at me. "No I'm fine. My dad should be here any minute. Besides, I don't want to cause you to be late and get your phone taken away again. Who else am I going to talk to all night long??"

I put my hand on my chest to show that I'm touched before laughing. "Alright then I'll see you tomorrow!"

I climb into my car and back out of my parking spot before making my way to the store.