The Mystety of Ms. Minerva Chapters 5

Chapter 5

“Oh come on, give it the old pepper”, Grandpa stood at bat. The Orland has decided to skip church go to the lake Sunday. Abe through the ball and to his surprised the old man connected sending the ball into the heavy woods near where the family had set up their cookout.
“I’ll get it”, TJ took off like a shot full of energy he had slept like a log dreaming of being a knight in armor. Though it was only one night the dream itself felt as if it lasted days. He would have to find a gift for Claudette, maybe he’ll draw her a picture. He was a pretty good art especially when it came to Japanese’s comics and animation style characters. Running between the trees he spied the white of the ball under a bush.
“There you go”, he spoke out loud as he move leaning over he picked up the ball. As he cam up he felt something breathing down his neck. Thinking it was Abe or Mona he turned around ready to give them a hard time about following him. What was actually behind him was taller even then his father in fact the boy came up to his waste. It looked like an ape only instead of fur it had long moss with vines for hair on its head and a beard. It walked up right and had blackened teeth and tusk and growled as it looked at the boy. Scream he thought to himself as his mouth refused to work.
“MOOOOAN NNNNN GROANNNNNN” the creature bellowed so hard the boy felt it in his chest. As he watched the leaves shaken by the roar fall TJ suddenly found his voice again. And let lose a scream.

Abe arrived first. In Jeans and Black shirt he was hoping for a relaxing day with his family but when he saw TJ and the creature he knew that wasn’t going to happen.
“Back off!”, The teen growled ramming his shoulder into the monster knocking it to the side, “TJ, you ok?” The younger boy nodded as the older one scooped him up nursing the shoulder he had used to hit the creature.
“That doesn’t feel good”, Abe rotated his shoulder and felt it pop back into place. After a wince of pain the boy glanced about for the creature that was quickly coming back to its feet. Abe looked at his brother who was just starting to calm down.
“TJ, can you run?”, he asked.
“Yeah”, The boy was still crying.
“Cool, I want you to run back to mom and dad”. The older boy placed his little brothers feet on the ground.. TJ looked at Abe standing there a look of defiance in his face like nothing he’s never seen before.
“What are you going to do?”, the ten year old backed away reading to turn and run, afraid more for his brother than himself.
“I’m going cover you, and if it charges, I’m going to kick its butt”, Abe spoke with a bravado he didn’t feel. If he was lucky the creature wouldn’t move. And they both would be fine. If not he’ll give it his best. No matter what he thought TJ would be Ok.
The Creature faced the teenager and roared. When the boy stood fast it rushed forward to frighten him. Ran as fast as he could screaming for his parents. Abe rushed the creature slamming his knee into its chin and a fist into its shoulder. The Creature grabbed his attacker by the head and lifted him away from his body and tossed him. Abe flew through the air hit his leg on a tree spun and landed on his left side.
“Is that all you got”, the boy came to his feet, his knee throbbed with as did his already injured shoulder. All he could think of was that he’s never been hurt so bad.
“ABE!” Mona rushed to his side.
The high school linebacker cleared his thoughts and looked at his redheaded little sister now standing in front in front of him.
“Mo, get out of here”, he called out!”, just as the creature rushed forward again showing its black jagged teeth and tusk. Abe’s first thought was to throw himself at the feature hoping to give his sister a chance to run. Mona on the other hand had other plans, no secret was worth her brave big brother,. She had arrived just in time to see him attacking the creature it was something out of a movie or a comic book.
‘HOCUS POCUS!”, she incanted powering the spell by her fear of the beast and her concern for Abe. Suddenly a wave of heat lifted her hair up as fire built. in the palm of her hand just as Claudette had taught her the previous day. The Teenage boy at first thought he had a concussion but being a linebacker he knew how those felt and dismissed it. The Creature saw the fire and stopped eyes in fear he then saw the girl the look on her face fear, anger and power her gaze froze him.
“Back off”, Mona called out firing the both of fire and hitting the creature square in the chest flipping it in the air twice before landing on its back. The fire balll vanished burning away in mid air.
“Noo fire”, begged the creature patting the smoldering part of its chest out.
Both teens looked to be in shock they had never expected the creature to talk.
“Sorry just wanted to scare,, got mad. Sorry” it sobbed running into the forest on all fours like an ape.

It was less than ten seconds later when their father arrived with their grand dad right behind moving with no sign of infirmary.
“Mona, Abe”, said on seeing his children. Mona noticed he now carried the rifle he kept in the back in his SUV.
“Is TJ ok?” the teenage boy looked at his father.
“He’s fine, your mothers with him”, Grandpa.
Abe smiled and tried to walk to his father but instead almost fell over. The adrenalin faded and so did all strength in his injured knee. Mona seeing him about to fall caught him under his good shoulder and almost mange to hold him up. The two where about to tumble forward when their father came to their aid stabilizing the two with a firm hand.
“This is Bases 1 we need an Ambulance and all available units at Hollow lake exit 14 near the camp ground “, the man held up his son with one arm and spoke into a walkie-talkie with his free hand.
“Chief your wife called it in already, we’re in route”, said a female voice on the other end.
“Adam, lets get the kids out of her before that creature comes back”, Grandpa.
Holding up his son and hugging his daughter his son agreed and slowly they made their way back. Grandpa now held the rifle looking about for any sign of trouble.

By the time the Ambulance arrived Abe was on a picnic table his mother at his side. Mona sat on the connected bench talking to him. TJ sat near his grandfather his sobs finally starting to stop.
“Mom I’m ok”, Abe tried his best to keep her from examine him even though his shoulder , ribs and knee hurt worse than ever.
“Shut up you stupid brave boy” His mother said in a tenderly as she placing a blanket over his shoulders. Abe blushed and looked at Mona, she sitting quietly there Father’s reassuring hand on her shoulder. Should he tell his parents what he saw or keep it to himself.” It was that thought more than any other he focused on to ignore the pain.
“Hey Mo?” he looked at his siaster.
Fear in her eyes she looked at her brother knowing he was about to tell what he saw.
“Thanks little sister, That was hardcore”, Abe gave her a knowing wink and smile.
Mona smiled back, “Look who’s talking Tarzan-boy”,
Their parents looked at each other and were about to comment when the sound of sirens broke the their train of thought.
Three squad cars two ambulances and the fire truck.
Officer Freeman tall dark skinned . Ken Freeman’s Eldest granddaughter was the first to make it to the Orland was in her uniform, dark blue pants, light blue top and dark blue baseball cap with the Police station log on embodied on it.
“You Ok Chief?’ she ask concerned.
“Yeah, Abe got banged up bad and TJ had a fright but that’s about it”, Adam Orland greeted his top officer.
“Adam, what are we going to do!”. Molly’s voice was full of anger and frustration.
Chief Orland picked up his Rifle where it sat under his father’s watchful eye.
“We hunt that thing down”, His eyes showed the rage he felt.
“No Dad,”, Mona spoke before she realized she had
“Don’t worry baby”, her father eyes softened , “I’ll be ok”
Mona came to her feet and walked to her father mother and deputy,
“No, you can’t hurt it, it didn’t mean to do what it did”, she said.
“How do you know that Mona?”, asked the Officer Freeman.
“It said so”, Mona knew how it sounded to them but felt she had to tell the truth.
Her Mother eyes filled with tears as she came to hug her, “Baby you must have been in shock”.
Mona was about to say something else but her mother was now walking her towards a paramedic. She had to find away to help that creature. It was innocent, misunderstood. Just like Miss Minerva and witches just like her.

“Man you are like a hero !”, Aaron sat next to his Abe’s bed in Elm-Brook Hospital. Flowers and balloons filled the room
“But the Doctor says I’m out for the rest of the season, “No Homecoming game, “ Abe voice held loss that Aaron immediately tried to cure with humor.
“Dude, don’t worry the team is ready to win this one for you”, he laughed
The two boys conversation continued. It had been two days since the incident. The Police and volunteers had found the creatures tracks and some singed moss like fur but nothing else after all most 48 hours of straight searching. The local paper had called Abe a hero
And had his face on the front page. A News-crew from the city had arrived to interview him but his mother made sure they didn’t disturb her son. Instead they interviewed locals about the monster and the new local hero. The mayor visited Tuesday morning to give the injured teen a award and to take pictures. It wasn’t long after that Aaron and his Grandfather arrived. Ken Freeman brought Abe his favorite his famous Freeman double dip fried chicken, fresh rolls and chocolate cake. It was quickly devoured by the teen , his grandfather and their two guests. Ken knew that his friend Stan had been at his Grandsons side all day and decided to give him a ride home to rest. After a few minutes of protest Grandpa relented to his oldest living friends advice leaving the two boys alone.

“Say have you seen Mo?”, Abe looked at his friend.
“Yeah yesterday gave her a ride home from school, she looks pretty worried”, Aaron sounded concerned.
“I was worried”, Mona stood in the door holding her back pack.
Abe smiled, “Come to sign my cast?”
Mona look frustrated, “I’ve been puting this off two day Abe, we need to talk”, the girl sounded serious.
Aaron stood up,”Hey, I know when I’m not wanted”, he laughed walking towards the hospital room door. “I’ll catch you later Abe, you too Mona ”.
Abe nodded and gave his friend a thumbs up. Mona closed the door after him and then walked to her brothers bed,.
“There’s something I have to tell you”, the girl started to talk slowly.
“You mean how you went all firestarter on that the green guy?”, Interrrupted Abe.
Mona tried not to smile, this was serious and she had to be serious, “Yeah that, you see Abe. Mom and TJ already know and I think you need to know too”
Abe waited knowing if Mona had to find the right words it must be really serious.
“I’m a Witch”, it was little more than a whisper.
“I knew it, I knew it”, his reaction was far from what she expected.
“You knew?”, Mona sounded frustrated, she at least wanted him to be a little shocked
Abe patted her on the shoulder, MO, I’m not a genius like you but I’m far from stupid” he said, “It was all I could think about, You all of sudden lying about where your going on the weekend, spending all your time in your room and the fireball thing just cinched it”
The girl sat down relived, “Look you can’t tell dad, Mom already knows and I told her you know”,
Abe nodded, “What about TJ”.
Mona laughed and told her brother the entire store about Ms. Minerva and Claudette and her studies. She even told him about Scrys and Screams.
Abe asked a lot of questions and Mona answered them the best he could. After her story was done the young witch reached into her back pack and took out a small jar of yellow liquid.
“What’s that?”,Abe gagged at the concoction’s smell when the top was removed.
“It’s a Poultice, it should help you heal faster”, the girl stood and dipped a finger. Under protest she rubbed the suave on the boys cracked shoulder, broken ribs and using a long q-tip from the bathroom placed it under the cast on his knee.
“Now I’m gonna stink” protested the boy . adjusting himself in his bed he watched his little sister giggle. Before he could start another protest he felt his shoulder warm and pop
Then his ribs did the same followed by his knee. All the pain he felt was gone.
“Mona, I have a question”, he looked his sister concerned.
“yeah”. Mona took leaned closer.
“If this works and I think it is,. How do we explain it to the doctors?”
Mona had thought that far ahead. Questions would be asked and that was the last thing she needed now if the rest of her plan was to work.
“I think I have a plan”, the girl tried not to sound too unsure., “If you trust me”
“Mo, you’re my Sister”. Abe tweaked her nose.
The red-head blushed and basked in her brother’s trust and goodwill.

“I’m here to see Abe Orland”, a stern woman’s voice.
The nurse at the desk didn’t look up she replied., “Are you on the visitors list?”
“I don’t have time for this”, The woman turned to walk down the hall towards the Room 368. The Nurse eyes darted up
“Oh My goodness”, she knew her from descriptions, tall, wild grey hair back dress boots and gloves. Following close she followed the Witch motioning to an orderly to stop here. A burly young man blocked her path.
“Sorry lady, you can’t go in unless your on the list”, the man moved close to intimidate the woman .
“be gone”, Miss Minerva gestured casually and the man vanished.
With out missing a step she kept walking entering the room where Abe sat. Mona who had came up earlier closed.

“Thanks for coming Miss Minerva:”, Mona gave her teacher a hug.
“ Dear I’m always here for you”, The grey haired woman looked at Abe.”Ah, Our Hero”
Abe smiled, “Good to meet you again Ma’am”, he held out his good hand”
The two shook hands the Witch adding a reassuring pat.
“Where’s TJ, did he go home after delivering my letter?” Mona hoped that was the case.
“Yes, the poor dear seemed to be I quite a rush to leave”, laughed the Witch.
“Knock on the door”, Is everything Ok in there, a Man’s voice.
“Yeah Doctor Greene”, Abe recognized his physician voice.
Mona looked at her teacher, “I think nows good time”
“Of course dear, both of your cover your eyes” the witched raised a hand as both teens did as she seed. . Suddenly the hand glowed then a pop and a bright flash that not only illuminated the room but made the walls transparent for a split second.

The Doctor outside another Orderly and two nurses behind him touched the door and slowly bushed it open to see Abe getting out of bed hail and hearty.
“Hey Doc’” Abe stood his cast and bandages gone.
“I swear you would think Medical science would have gotten past this quackery” hissed
the witch moving towards the door.
“Thank you..Miss Witch”, Mona tried to sound as awed as everyone else looked.
“Just doing my civic duty for such a brave young man”, The witch moved down the hall fading away with each step as she willed herself home.
Mona could hardly hold in her laughter as the Doctors examined her brother and took X-rays. They where stunned by the recovery he was totally healed. By the time her parents were Abe and her had found the floor waiting room ,the vending machines and the disappeared orderly who was sitting in a chair soaking wet babbling something about sharks..
“Son you sure your fine?”, Chief Orland looking at his now dress son eating corn-chips.
“Yeah Dad I’m fine”, he gave hid father Hug then his mother
“I guess the Town Witch isn’t as bad as they say”, Molly looked at her children and Husband.
“I guess not”, her husband scratched his head, “Maybe I should drive up to her place and say thanks.
“Lets not push our luck” added Mona, “I mean if she wanted thanks she would have stayed. The man nodded thinking his daughter had the right idea.
“Can we get out of her I got to call the coach and email Cecilia”, Abe motioned towards the door and everyone followed.
“Who’s Cecilia”, Molly Orland looked at her son.
“She’s a friend of Mona”, Abe looked at his sister who could already her mothers next twenty questions in her mind.

On the way Home Adam Orland gave his family an update on the Moan and Groan Situation. Since the Police and volunteers couldn’t find the creature he had decide to hire a professional monster hunter from the south to come up and deal with the creature. The Chief made it plan he didn’t like that idea and would rather end the search than have a mercenary in his town. Mona face suddenly became worried she would have to act fast.
“When is the guy arriving?”, Mona spoke up from the back seat of the SUV.
“One week, Hopefully by then we can find the creature before then or the Mayor will change his mind”, Chief Orland sound worried.
“Dad, The creature, he said he was sorry”, Abe.
“What?”, the SUV stopped as the driver turned to see his son.
“Yeah it said it got mad when I hurt it, it was scared.”, Abe knew he may be the creatures only chance.
“Son he could have hurt you and your sister or worse”, The man voice was cold
“But Dad it didn’t”, Mona.
Molly looked at her kids then her husband, “Adam if you catch him, don’t hurt him”.
The man was surround by family. At first he wanted to kill the creature but the past few days his temper ebbed. He had decided already to capture the beast and maybe have it shipped to a preserve or to a zoo. Some took in monsters though that was rare.
“Look, Honey, kids I know I was mad before, But I’m calm now. I told the guys to try to capture it shoot as a last resort”, Adam placed the vehicle in Drive again.
“Does the Mayor know?”, Abe.
“I’m telling him tomorrow”, Chief Orland looked in his rearview mirror at his to oldest kid high five each other. He wasn’t sure weather to be worried or proud.

After an impromptu welcome home party Abe tired and ready for sleep headed upstairs pasting his sister room he decide to knock.
The door opened Mona was standing there in an over size T-shirt
“Hey Abe, what’s up?” she looked at her brother.
“ I just wanted to tell you something”, he saw past her and that her computer was still on.
“Hey its cool, Miss. Minerva was happy to help”, Mona
“No not that, in the forest. You stood up for me , I mean you where Brave”, Abe patted her on the shoulder., “everyone said I was a hero, But Mo, you’re my hero”.
The girls eyes watered as she threw herself against her brother hugging him.
“Hey Kid, no sobbing, I’m not sure if witch tears wash out”, Abe quipped.
“Ixna on the itchwa”, Mona whispered
Abe looked looked embarrassed, “sorry”
The two chatted for a few minutes before fatigue lead them both to their rooms and sleep.
When Abe opened the Door TJ was waiting on the top bunk of their bunkbead.
“Hey TJ, What’s up”, Abe yawned as he spoke.
“Nothing”, the boy looked at his big brother with awe.
“Cool”, Abe walked to his bed and sat on it.
“Abe look under your pillow”, TJ
The older boy looked up then under his pillow A T-Shirt
A gold star with wings on a Dark blue shirt.
“A General American Shirt, Cool” , The older boy looked up who was pretending to be asleep. “Thanks TJ”
“You’re welcome Big Bro”, a voice from under the covers.


Chief Orland didn’t care for the Mayor. He never returned his calls and acted on police matters without consulting him among other things. Being called into his office like a student at the principle office just made his dislike for the man grow.
“Chief, how are you/”, the Mayor sat behind the big oak desk. Tall, brown hair graying around the temples he ad a pencil thin mustache and smarmy look about him.
“Fine, What can I do for you Freely?”, Orland stood looking at the posh office that include a large flat screen TV on the wall.
“Just wanted to say I heard about your son”, The Mayors voice held menace.
“Yeah, that was a strange thing” , Adam was confused, he thought the mayor wanted to talk business. The Mayor stood up and walked to the front of his desk and sat on a corner facing his Police Chief.
“Dean Yearling , the Mayor of August-town the town who team our high school plays this weekend for Homecoming”, the suave man rubbed his chin.
“And that has to do with Anything?” Adam was now even more confused.
“Well, you tell me Chief. How many sacks does your son make a game?” The mayor waited for the other man to respond.
“ twenty or so, The boy has awesome skills between him and Aaron there hasn’t been a team that scored more than 14 points since he came to Elm Brook.” The chief spoke with pride.
“Twenty, that’s more than the best pro player”, The Mayor clasped his hands together” Some people would say its not natural”
The Chief didn’t like the way this was heading. “Spit it out freely”
“Dean heard about the witch helping your kid, wanted to know if the witch was helping him with other things is all” The Mayor made the words sound as hateful as possible.
The Chief was on the verge of exploding with anger, the man all but accused his son of cheating
“He was doing the same thing before coming to this town, I have the news paper clippings to prove it”. The Chiefs spoke rage barely in check.
“That’s pretty much what I told Dean”, The Mayor voice suddenly turned friendly,” Personally I think he’s afraid to lose the friendly little wager we got going”.

“Was that why you called me in?”, Adam was ready to leave and his voice showed it.
“No”, The Mayor picked up a folder off his desk, “ I want you and your people to stop looking for the monster”.
The Police Chief darted to the Mayors, “We can do this Freely, just give us a chance, we can capture it”.
What happened next was unexpected as the Mayor burst into laughter handing Adam Orland the folder. Inside was a folded blue print for a new mall and commitment from sever major retailers.
“What’s this?”, The dark haired man handed held the folder in front of the mayor after looking through it/
“That’s the future, the future of Elm Brook”, The Mayor took the Folder, “A Future that doesn’t have monsters or witches in it”
The Chief crossed his arms and remained silent as the Mayor kept talking.
“The People here, they like you and that pretty wife of yours. You keep the peace you stop speeders ,find dogs and deal with small town crime”. The Mayor stood looked at Orland,” But you don’t do Monsters that’s why I’m bringing in the pros. First to take out that green thing then to finally deal with the Witch”.
“The Witch Helped my son”, Orland
“The Witch scares big business, The Witch keeps us small and sleepy get rid of her and This Town will grow, A Mall, then maybe a Lumber company or two to get rid of some of those stupid trees. Elm Brook can be what My Great Uncle wanted it to be all those years ago. The Mayor held the folder as if it was the most precious thing he’s ever had in his hand.
The Chief turned to leave, “I want let your Monster Hunter break the law”
“You’ll let them do whatever they need to do to succeed”, The Mayor Pause, “Unless you want your tenor as Police Chief to be the shortest in this Pathetic towns history”

“Of all the egotistical, righteous, self serving”, Adam paced in the Kitchen as his wife watched.
“Screaming want help dear”, Molly, “Trust me I’m an expert at anger management”.
“Maybe not”, The Chief voice lowed as he looked at his wife still beautiful at 38 she could pass for someone in her twenties. Since they met she had always been his rock, his center.
“You know what worries me more than him selling out this town?” The Chief walked to his wife and leaned on the counter next to her.
“The fact he accused our child of cheating?,, Molly voice held an edge
“No, Those Witch Hunters, I’ve read about them made a few calls. Their Dangerous, really Dangerous. Like hired guns in the old west. They intimidate the town folks. Do as they please and don’t worry about damaging others properties or putting others lives in jeopardy.
Molly nodded, she had to warn Miss Minerva of course. As her mind went to the witches’ fate something else crossed her mind something dreadful.
“Honey, you just went pale”, Adam took his wife hand.
“Mona”, she whispered
“what about Mona?”, her husband heat skipped with concern.
Molly Orland mind snapped back, Adam wasn’t ready yet, not now he had too many worries, “I just remembered I have to take Molly Shopping for a homecoming dress”
The Chief smiled, “Our little girls first dance”, his mind left work and went straight to family., ‘You know is it me or is she more.. you know”.
“Self assured”, The Mother nodded.
“Yeah, reminds me of those other redhead I know”, The chief kissed his wife on the cheek.
The woman turned to kiss her husband on the lips, it was love at first sight and love now after 17 years. As they giggled and kiss like teenagers their passion was interrupted by the doorbell.
“I’ll get it”, Mona coming down the stairs by her foot print.
“Must be her guest”, Molly
“Guest?” Adam looked at his wife.
“Cecilia, I talked to her mother, did a background search”, Laughed the woman, “They live in the city and she wanted to come down and visit Mona and Abe”
“Abe, huh, she’s the girl who sent him the roses that made him blush for an hour”, The Chief laughed and walked into the living room his wife on his arm.
“That’s her, I set it up the day after Abe got out, didn’t want to worry you as you are on a Monster hunt”. The woman leaned into her husband shoulder.
They watched their daughter open the door. On the other side was a girl Dark curly black hair with blue highlights, blue lipstick, blue eyes a furry blue jacket, over black mini-dress, clunky thick soled blue boats and blue fish net stockings and fingerless gloves.
“She’s very. Colorful”, Adam.
“I think it’s cute” Molly.
“You really did a Background Check?”, the man looked at his wife.
The woman kissed his cheek, “No, I did talk to her mother and made sure it was ok though. And since she’s home schooled her mother said coming down her might be educational”
The man nodded.

“I love your hair!”, Cecilia looked at Mona. She could feel her potential and power as she was sure Mona could feel hers.
“I like you’re too, the way it glints blue when the light hits it”, The red head took her friends hands and shook them as they giggled and smiled.
“Oh”, Mona looked at her parents, “Mom Dad, Cecilia, Cecilia my Mom and Dad”.
He adults walked up to the strange girl in blue. Mr. Orland hand out a hand for her to shake which she did before giving Ms, Orland a Hug.
“Thanks for letting me come see MonaLisa “, She added.
“Mona Lisa?”, the chief looked at his daughter
“My Sign on name in a chat room”, Mona
“What kind of Chat room?”, Her Father crossed his arms waiting for an answer.
“You know Mr, O, girl stuff. Boys, Make up, gossip”, Cecilia spoke easing the mans worries.
“Well girls why don’t you go up stairs and get settled and I’ll get started on Lunch, Abe should be home from Practice and Grandpa should be back from his walk just in tome if I hurry”
The girls ran up stairs each carrying one of Cecilia’s bags.
Once in her room the girls placed the bags down and started making plans.
“You can sleep on my bed and I’ll take the floor”, Mona looked at her friend more than willing to make the sacrifice.
“No way, we have room in her for a another bed if we move things around”, Cecilia
“but we don’t have another bed”, Mona sounded embarrassed.
The Other girl stood and popped her knuckles. “Leave it to me. Walla!”, Cecilia pointed at a piece of Furniture moving it to the side she them pointed at others causing the room to rearrange as they watched.
Once room for another bed was made girl in blue snapped her fingers causing a spin orb of colorful matter to appear in the empty space. The mater unfolded as it spun forming a brace bed.
“There you go, no muss no fuss ”, Cecilia stood hands on her hips.
“You’re good”, Mona was in awe. Her friend performed the spells as if it was second nature.
“I have you been in training by like 6 years, My mom started me early” Cecilia sat on the new bed and pointed at her bags , “Walla!”
“The bags opened and clothing flew out on hangers into Mona’s closet. Make up and other small items found room on a shelf.
“Now your showing off”, laughed the novice witch
“a Little but I’m a witch, what do you expect”, chuckled the other girl just as the door opened up. TJ peaked in.
“Ever heard of Knocking”, Mona growled.
“Hey I just came to see your Friend.”, The ten year old looked at the older girl., “Hey Dad was right you do look weird” Cecilia seemed to be unfazed by the words Mona on the other hand reddened.
“Dad didn’t call her weird”, the red haired witch looked at her brother who noticed the new bed.
“No he said she had very unique taste and seemed a free spirit”, TJ imitated his fathers mannerisms as he spoke, “And if that’s not adult for weird nothing is.”
Celica laughed, “Mona the kids a hoot”
“I’m not a Kid I’m 10”, returned TJ
Cecilia looked at the boy, “Who said I was talking about your age “, she laughed.
“Presto Change-o” the witch and blue pointed at the boy causing him to liquidate splash on floor and reform as a young goat.
“She’s a witch!” The goat
“I guess I should have told you that”, laughed Mona.
Cecilia relaxed on her bed, “According to Mo, its become a tradition for a witch to turn you into something when they first meet you”.
“MO”, the goat turned to look at his sister who covering her mouth to hide her laughter.
“I’m telling Mom”, As the goat spoke it liquidated again and turned back into a boy.

“No you’re not”, Cecilia.
“and why not”, TJ stood arms crossed at the door.
“Because if you do”, the older girl looked at the boy her gaze meeting his sending a shiver up his spine, “I’ll be very upset, and I don’t think you want me upset”.
TJ nodded no and made a hasty retreat from the room going into his and locking the door.
“You know, you would think he would learn”, Mona laughed.
“He’s ten, Trust me I have a little brother he just turned 13 and he was twelve before he learned not to get on my bad side or moms”. Cecilia sat Indian style on her bed.
“Having a Witch mom must be cool”, Mona, “Not that My Mom isn’t”
“Cool? No way. She See’s all. You smart off at her and poof your tongue is in a jar till you can quote , unquote speak in a civil tone. “ Mona’s friend stuck out her tong showing it was pierced.
Mona nodded seeing that maybe she was better off with a normal mother, “I guess I see your point”,
“Thanks again for inviting me down”, Cecilia moved from her bed to Mona’s to sit b her friend “being home schooled. I don’t get dances or big football games”
“It was Abe’s idea too, “, she added.
“Speaking of when does the big hunk show up? “, The girl in blue smiled in anticipation.
“after Practice, The Homecoming dance is Saturday after the game. Thursday is the last big practice day and tomorrow is the pep rally where we’ll be after seeing Miss Minerva.
“I can’t wait to meet her”, Cecilia.
“You’ll like her” Mona.
“I’m sure I will” the older girls looked at her friend, “Alexis Minerva, she’s like a witch Legend.
Mona knew Miss Minerva was known in the witch community from Scrys and Screams but never heard her spoken of in such a way.
“A Legend”, the redhead was curious and wanted to know more.
“Yeah, Come on she had to tell you about how she was one of the North’s top witches in the civil war. And After that she spent time in England as Queen Victoria’s personal Potion maker. Was in the US Witch auxiliary corp in both world ward.”, Cecilia looked awe inspired.
“Wow, I guess I didn’t know her as well as I thought”, Mona
“Hey don’t worry, I’m sure she would have told you if you would have asked”, Cecilia gave her friend a hug and changed the subject to Abe and his likes and dislikes.

“So what’s she like?”, Abe looked at his mother who was coking A Stir Fry in a wok,
“Very”, the woman paused for the perfect words, “colorful”
“Mom, you are no help”, Abe turned to head up stairs to change to find TJ behind him. The boy took his brother helmet and ran up stair “I’ll take this up stairs for you bro”
Abe looked puzzled , “he’s been like that every since I got back”
“Abe he always thought a lot of you, then you go to his rescue, you’re his hero”, Molly Orland looked back from her cooking to her son .
“Well I hope he gets over it”, Abe.
“He will, this is TJ aster all”, The boys mother returned to her cooking.
“Can I help?”, Abe sounding nervous.
“No, go change and stop trying to avoid Cecilia, if it any consolation she’s very, very pretty” The woman Turned to her counter to Peel shrimp.
“Mom, I’m not shallow”, the boy sounded insulted.
The boy didn’t wait for his mothers reply but instead bounded up the steps two steps at a time. Heading down the hall he entered his room.
After changing he sat next to his brother who was shining his helmet.
“So TJ, what’s she’s like” ,The teen looked at his brother
“Weird”, the younger boy giggled
“weird cool or weird please stop setting fire to stuff?, Abe wanted Details.
“She turned me into a goat weird”, TJ growled.
Abe still wasn’t used to the idea Mona was a witch, the thought he was taking one to Homecoming was something he was trying to forget.
“So She’s cool Weird”, Abe laughed and TJ was just about to fire back a quip when there mother’s voice called them down for food.

“This is so Seventh Heaven”, Cecilia looking at the Dining room table and all the Orland’s including Grandpa who was trying to show TJ how to use chopsticks.
“We try to do this once a week”, Adam Orland in civilian clothing.
“Its so cool”, The dark haired girl scooped fried rice with her chop stick.
“Mom this is good”, Mona at the pan fried noodles and spicy shrimp.
“yeah Ms. O, where did you learn to cook like this?”, The witch in blue loved Chinese. and this homemade spread was some of the best she had.
“Cooking is my Zen”, The woman looked at the girl.
“Your Zen?”, Cecilia was puzzled by the use of the term.
“Its how I unwind, I’m alone with my thoughts, my ideas, “ Molly Orland looked at her family.
Adam Orland waited for his wife to finish before he started a conversation on what the mayor had decided about the Monster.
Even TJ who was frightened the most didn’t like the idea of the creature being hurt. He neglected to tell them about the Mayor plans for Miss Minerva. He had already decided to do his best to prevent her from being harmed for what she had done for his son.
Mona after hearing the news lost her appetite Abe grew quiet he would have to do something. Cecilia seeing Abe’s worry placed her hand on his gentling and soon found his eyes locked on hers.

After Dinner the Mona cleaned up with Grandpa’s help. Abe and Cecilia went for a a walk around the block and TJ and Grandpa watched TV. The Orland Mother and Father left for the office for a few hours to do some paper work.

When morning came Mona’s mother announced she could take the day off from school to show Cecilia around.
“Can I stay home too?”, TJ looked up from his bowl of cereal.
“No, This is a special occasion”, Molly Orland looked at her youngest son who was now mumbling under his breath.
“What’s that Thomas?”, TJ’s father glared at him.
“Nothing”, the boy went back to his breakfast and a newly added sullenness.
Abe stood at the table, “I have to jet, Aaron and I are going over plays with the defense before class one more time”. He nodded at his family and smiled at Cecilia who smiled back and gave him a cute little wave.
Grandpa Orland giggled. He looked at the strange girl she had a beatnik looking outfit on black turtle neck and one of those short skirts girls wear. She hadn’t had time to talk to her but loved the way she made his eldest grandson smiled.
“So what are you girls planning on going?”, Grandpa
“I’m not sure Granpa, any suggestions?”, Mona looked at the old man who was on his third cup of black coffee.
“Well there’s a lot to see. But if I were you Mona I’ll at least take her to Ken’s for lunch” the old man smiled, “He’ll never forgive you other wise”.
Mona nodded. Her mother looking as if she forgot something reached into her purse and her a twenty
“Here’s a little extra” she said
Adam Orland leaned close to his wife, “I already gave her an extra twenty”
“Well they’re girls I’m sure they can spend forty”, whispered back the woman.
“Mom I’m cool”, Mona slid the money back. Her mother pushed it back at her.
“Take it; you never know what you might find”.
“Don’t worry Mr. O, Mrs. O I have my credit card”, Cecilia.
Mona’s parents eyes held disbelief even as much as they trust Abe and Mona they wouldn’t dare let them have a credit card. But then again they had no idea what the girls parents financial situation was.
“Well I’m not sure how many places here take plastic”, Grandpa
Cecilia nodded and returned to eating, she was enjoying the Orland’s they were so down to earth. Mona was a breath of fresh air from her usual pretentious off-line friends. She seemed to like her for who she was and didn’t even care if she was a witch or not. Abe was the sweetest guy she ever met, looking back at their walk she still could feel his hand on hers. Her Father divorced her Mom at age 6 and though she said it was because he was too much into his job as a TV producer Cecilia always thought it was because he couldn’t take being married to a witch. Seeing Mona’s Dad made her wonder what it would be like to have a 24/7 dad instead of a once a month and the occasional Holiday dad. Her for Ms. Orland she was a force of nature loving and seemingly always ready with a kind word. Cecelia’s mother was an actress and could be a bit flakey at times. So unlike the grounded Molly Orland.

After Breakfast the two girls exited the house and into the older girls red convertible sports car. At Mona’s instruction they drove through town looking at all the old buildings and the beautiful City Call building with the large clock tower at the town center. Getting out they took a few pictures and then where on their way First to the Elm-Brook High School Stadium to where the game was played. Cecilia had to have a piture under the 10ft plaster statue of the team Mascot a muscular man dressed as a blacksmith with a handle bar mustache wielding two large hammers wildly. At the base it said “Elm Brook Stadium, Home of the Wreckers”.

After the stadium they drove to the near by fair ground then back into town to Ken’s Diner. Ken was happy to see the girls and took their orders heaping the plates with more food than four people could eat. After they had finished Mina went to pay their tab but Ken would not have it. Instead he handed Cecilia one of his prize winning double chocolate cakes in a box and sent them on their way. From Ken they drove north eventually hitting Stone Hill road and their next stop.