Captured Witch

III. Remembering

As I headed to potions, I scratched at the itchy uniform I had to wear. All of the other girls tied their hair back, in a neat bun, braid, or ponytail. I’ve always preferred my wild hair to be free. I took a seat in the back of the room, at a table that no one else bothered to sit at. I rested my hair in my hand and read out of the potions book I was given until class began. 

The lecturer talked on and on as I half listened. She was talking about some sort of healing salve that I had learned about years ago. I flipped through the book looking for anything more interesting than the current topic. “Adalaide? Perhaps you would like to delight us with an answer? Or must I repeat the question.”

I slammed my book shut and looked up to her. “The healing salve must be applied within 5 minutes of the wound occurring, if it is applied any later it no longer works to heal, just to merely dull any pain caused.”

“Good answer. I’m glad to see you haven’t lost brain cells in the mortal world.” she continued to lecture until the bell rang, signifying the end of class. I hurried out of class and back to my room, waving my hand to move anyone in my way. I shut and locked my door and began to clean up my room. It had become rather dirty in my absence and perhaps I would find a thing or two. 

I heard the bell signaling for everyone to return to their respective bedrooms for bedtime. However, I continued to clean. I came across old journals from my older times in the human world. As I flipped through them, I came across a sketch from 5 years ago. I slammed the book shut and ran out of the room and through the halls. “You must be in your room at this time miss!” I heard someone shout but I kept running. 

When I got to James’ office I didn’t even bother knocking. I threw open the door, walked straight to his desk and slammed the book onto his desk. He walked from the bookshelf and examined the sketch. “What am I to do with a sketch from 5 years ago?”

I attempted to catch my breath and I pointed. “That man was someone who I saw many times on an assignment. I sketched him down but then I had forgotten about him. Until now.”

“And why the sudden revitalization of old sketch memories?”

“Because that man, who I saw halfway across the world 5 years ago, I saw this morning as someone who picked me up from the bushes outside his sons window. And when I heard him talking, he was speaking in a foreign language, Italian, I think. He said ‘Sì. Lo faremo oggi’, yes, we will do it today. I figured he was talking business, but he must have been talking about me. I was the topic of his conversation because there is no way a man, I saw in Italy every day 5 years ago, could be the father of the boy I slept with.”

James slowly sat down in his chair, staring at the sketch. He looked as if he was going to be sick. “And you’re sure this man is the same one as the one you saw this morning?”

“I’m positive.” I sat down in the chair in front of his desk. “They’re coming after me, aren’t they? For real this time. I mean, I’ve known my whole life they’ve been after me. They’ve been trying to get me since I was a baby. But now…. Now they are actually taking the steps to take me.” James said nothing in response.

It felt as if the whole world had stopped. I felt my body numb and tears falling down my face. It wasn’t until one heavy tear hit my hand that I was jerked back to reality. I jumped out of my seat and quickly walked out of the room, which turned into a run back to my room. 

            I was running around throwing books and clothes into a suitcase when I heard two sets of footsteps approaching my locked door. Someone knocked. “Adalaide? Dear open the door up and we can talk about this.” It was Sarah, so the other person must be James. 

            “ No need to talk. I’ve already made my mind up.” I zipped up my bag, unlocked the door and threw it open. “Move please.”

            James stepped directly into the doorway. “You aren’t going anywhere. Are you insane? If they are looking for you, the safest place to be is here.”

            “For me yes, but I am putting everyone else at risk by staying here.” I shoved him out of the way and began walking. “Thank you for everything but I can’t risk your lives for my own safety. If I get caught, I can handle myself, but staying here jeopardizes all the girls here. If they break through, they won’t just stop with me. They will take everyone here and do whatever they want with them. Call it a sacrifice for the greater good.” I turned away and left the building. As I walked through the gate, I felt the barrier as I passed through it. A single tear fell from my eye as I kept walking, not looking back. I knew I would never see this place again.