Ana stood beside me. “You are a witch. You are a very powerful, natural-born witch whose magical bloodline can be traced back for over seventeen centuries.”
I drew in my breath sharply but said nothing as I turned to stare at her.
“…I know this is a shock for you my dear,” she continued, “and I know some of what I must tell you will be difficult for you to hear. But my blood runs through your veins, and I know that you are strong. Stronger than anyone—including you—knows. But you must know this: what you are…who you are…is good. You need to know that in your heart, absolutely and positively.” She reached for my hand.
I walked over to a marble bench near the pool and sat down. I didn’t trust my legs at that moment. Ana sat beside me as I stared at the gardens.
“So…being able to see visions, well, until they stopped anyways, and feeling people’s emotions and moving things…that makes me a witch?” That made no sense. Witches—at least ones with magical powers—weren’t real! I questioned her sanity again.
Ana continued. “That’s a part of it…a very small part. You’ve been blessed with an extraordinary gift—a magical blessing from the ancient gods who created our kind. You were borne from the deepest and oldest love in existence, and you are a very, very special young woman.”
I thought about this for a moment. Part of me knew I should be freaking out at this information, but oddly, her words comforted me. A light breeze ruffled my dress, and I patted it down, my hands trembling.
“You’re a witch, too?” I asked.
“Yes.”
I took a deep breath. “And my mother…she was one?”
“Yes. The magical bloodline is passed down through the mother.”
I stood up and walked over to the pond. I stared at the water a few moments before turning to her again. “What exactly do you mean by ‘witch’? I thought they were old and ugly and flew on broomsticks.” I envisioned myself with a long flowing robe and pointed hat. Forget the warts though…the occasional acne was bad enough.
Her eyes crinkled in guarded amusement. “Really? That’s your impression? And here I thought we’d come so far in recent years, image-wise. I suppose old stereotypes are tough to break. Personally, I prefer a nice carpet over a broomstick any day for long flights.” She winked at me.
“And I thought…” I stopped.
Ana’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. “You thought what?”
I sighed. It had to be said. “I thought that witches were…well, bad. Evil.” I shifted my eyes away.
She pursed her lips. “Yes, well, unfortunately there are some who are, just like there are people who are bad. But not all. Most witches are the embodiment of goodness and love and light and healing. Their job is to make this planet a better place…a safer place for humans and magic to coexist in peace and prosperity.”
Suddenly I was alarmed. “Am I…are we…human? Or something else?”
Ana smoothed a wisp of dark grey away from her face and tucked the lily behind her ear. It was the exact shade as her long sundress and made her eyes appear like bright sapphires.
“Yes, physically we’re human, but we have access to certain forces that so-called normal people do not. We have the ability to manipulate, influence, and connect to the energies of the world around us. We have the power to see what is hidden from ordinary human eyes. It is a great privilege…the most blessed of all gifts.”
I almost laughed out loud at her choice of words. Gifts. I’d always considered my strange abilities to be more like curses. “But we’re still regular human beings?”
“Yes and no. Physically, yes. Mentally, spiritually, and magically—no. We refer to non-magical beings as ‘humans’ simply to distinguish them from those of us with the magical bloodline. We’re still a part of their race and cultures, even if they’re unaware of our existence.”
I thought of my dad. If what Ana had said about my mother was true...how did my dad not know what she was? Before I could ask her, Ana resumed talking.
“Our story is extremely old…older than the story of humanity itself. Long before humans populated the earth, the world was inhabited by spirits who were ruled by the gods. Both the gods and spirits were benevolent...and malevolent– the way you might consider angels or demons today. Together they maintained the balance of celestial energy essential for any existence. For there to be light, there must be darkness. For there to be joy, there must be sorrow. For there to be beauty, there must be the grotesque. Do you understand?”
I nodded silently and pushed up my glasses.
“Things continued like this for hundreds of millions of years. Then it was time for life to change…to evolve. The three most powerful gods created the first human beings as an experiment. Quite frankly, they were bored. They wanted to introduce a species capable of rational thought, to see how they would grow, and what they would create in the world.
“At first, their experiment failed. Humans couldn’t survive on their own...they kept dying out. The gods decided to try one more time, but this time, they incorporated some of the powers of the lesser gods into a small portion of the human population. Reinforcements, if you will. This original group was known as the Venuchi.
“These new people were physically and biologically human, but they alone maintained a connection to the gods and the spirits, and to the powers they possessed. For thousands of years the Venuchi lived and worked in harmony with humans, helping to protect and advance humanity. The Venuchi are the ones who harnessed the power of fire. They were the healers and the doctors of the time. They were the ones who discovered in nature the herbs and remedies that could take away pains, help with childbirth, and mend bones. They invented new tools for survival and created weapons for hunting and defense.
“It was their innate knowledge of the heavens that allowed them to guide the sailors on their nighttime journeys around the world. Their diviners were able to find the water buried deep within the earth. Later, they helped civilizations advance. They used their powers of prophecy to lead kings into or away from battles, and influenced the settling of political disputes. Basically, the Venuchi gave humans the assistance they needed not merely to survive on this planet – but to flourish.”
Ana stood up and gave me a small smile. I stared at her, agape. I knew she was telling the truth, but how was this even possible? Was the whole world I’d known my entire life a great big lie?
“We descendants of the Venuchi still maintain the same connections to the life forces of the gods that were bestowed upon our ancestors thousands of years ago.” She bent over and touched a plant. Instantly, it transformed into dozens of brightly-colored butterflies. They circled above us for a moment before fluttering into the open sky. “Only now, we are referred to as witches.”
This was insane. “So, you’re telling me that I am part god?” I asked, incredulous.
“Actually, I’m telling you that you are a part of many gods. But to be fair, so is the rest of humanity. The difference is, we have a viable connection to the powers of our ancestor gods the others do not.”
I let Ana’s words sink in. This was so beyond anything I ever could’ve imagined, even in my wildest fantasies. And I still wasn’t one hundred percent convinced she wasn’t slightly off her rocker. But how could I deny what I’d seen? What she could do? What I could do?
Ana reached out her hand to mine. “Come now; let us head down to the beach. The water feels so nice on my feet.”
I dumbly took her hand, and we trekked down the same path I’d taken earlier that morning. My thoughts returned to Nicholas, and I scanned the area for any sign of him. But the beach was empty. As disappointed as I was, I was also slightly relieved. I didn’t know how much more turmoil I could handle today.
We reached the sand, and as I bent over to take off my sandals, I glanced at Ana. She wore a contented smile on her face as she angled it to the sun.
“How come I’ve never heard of any of this before?” I asked her. “You’d think that i
f witches who came from gods really walked around today people would know, wouldn’t they?”
Still looking up at the sky, she moved to where the water gently lapped around her ankles. “The fundamental role of a good Venuchi is to maintain balance and harmony. If the humans knew…actually knew that our kind existed, it would drastically alter the order of things—and not in a good way. It is of the utmost importance that our existence remain unknown to those who are not in the fold. I cannot stress this enough.”
“I don’t understand why,” I said slowly. “It just seems, well, if the Venuchi are so powerful and good and can help out people, then why shouldn’t it be known that they – we—exist? How could that be bad?”
Ana turned around, and her blue eyes bored into mine. “It would be…very bad. Although humans have certain advantages and disadvantages over one another, fundamentally, they’re all the same.” She kneeled down and picked up a seashell, polished it off and stuck it in her dress pocket.
“Their only real source of power comes from money or positions of influence,” she continued. “If it became known that a small group existed within the larger population that was somehow superior to everyone else, even though we all appeared to be the same…well, it would cause tremendous confusion and distrust, even mass panic. Those of us who had the powers would be in constant danger from those who would wish to acquire use of them for their own ends.” She sighed, and the corners of her mouth fell slightly.
I looked down at the tiny sand crabs digging in around my feet. One tickled the side of my toe, and I shook it off. “I guess I can understand that,” I murmured.
“To prevent this from happening, it is of the utmost importance that you keep our secret. Exposure would be nothing short of catastrophic.” She waded over to me and grasped my hands. “My darling Calista, know this: I care about you very much. I care because I know how very special you are. I will do everything in my power to guide you and provide you with any support you will ever need. And I will never, ever let any harm come to you.”
Of all the things she’d told me today, this final affirmation made the hair on the back of my neck rise the most. Ana wasn’t being entirely honest with me right now. Even though she knew of my gift of empathy she was still trying to hide her feelings from me. But her terror was unmistakable.
For whatever reason, she feared for my life.
Chapter 7. Connection
“So, how was your day?” Dad asked me later that night.
Well, let’s see… I met the most insanely beautiful guy ever, who I’ll probably never see again...Then, I found out that I’m a magical witch, and if anyone finds out the whole world will fall apart… I have a secret grandmother I can’t tell you about who lights candles with her fingertips...and, oh, yeah, Mom was a witch, too. How was your day?
“Fine,” I said, and set a plate of food on the table in front of him.
He took a bite of some mashed potatoes. “Did ya do any exploring?”
“Sorta. I spent most of the day at Ana’s.”
He raised his eyebrows. “Really? All day?”
I sat down in the chair across from him and aimlessly poked at my chicken. “She gave me a tour of the house, and, well, it’s a pretty big house. She was telling me all about its history and her family’s history…stuff like that.” That wasn’t a lie. “We went around the gardens and down to the beach for a bit, too.”
“Hmph. Well, school’s startin’ for you on Monday, so enjoy your freedom while ya got it.”
Ugh. There it was. Another wrinkle in this surreal dream life. And it was a very big wrinkle.
“Oh. Okay,” I mumbled, my appetite suddenly gone. Even knowing why I was so different from the others my age wouldn’t change the fact that I still was. The hours spent at school were sheer agony even on the best days. Sitting by myself at lunch every day was something I was used to, but it didn’t make it any less lonely. However, even that was better than the hours spent in the classroom feeling my fellow students flood the room with their boredom and angst.
My glum mood caught Dad’s attention. He looked up from his plate, and I saw the concern in his soft brown eyes.
“You nervous ‘bout goin’ to a new school?”
I sighed. “Yeah…I guess. I’ll be fine.” I forced a smile.
“Well, I have a surprise… Miz Havish and me talked it over last night after you left, and I’m hopin’ this is gonna cheer ya up some.” He smiled and his eyes crinkled.
I don’t have to go anymore?
“Instead of you havin’ to go to a regular public school like ya’ve been, Miz Havish arranged for you to go to a real nice private school. She told me it’s one of the best schools in the state, and near all the kids graduatin’ from there goes on to the best colleges. Some with scholarships even. Guess it’s normally real hard to get into – real exclusive with a waitin’ list a mile long. But Miz Havish is on the board and she’s a big contributor to their cause. Said they’d accept you no problem.” He grinned, clearly proud of his announcement.
If there was anything worse than having to go to a regular school, it would be going to some elite, private school. Instead of being a small freak in a big pond, I’d be a big freak in a little one. My stomach started doing summersaults.
I thought quickly. “Is that really necessary? I get all A’s anyways – I don’t need some fancy school to get into a good college. And wouldn’t the tuition be real expensive?” I knew that would get him.
“Well, ya see, that there’s the best part. Normally it would be, but since Miz Havish is such a big…” He scratched his head and crinkled his forehead, trying to think of the right word. “…Benefactor…they be waivin’ the tuition for ya. So you be gettin’ to go for free.”
“Oh.” Defeated.
“I thought you’d be happy ‘bout this...I made Miz Havish promise not to say nuthin’ to ya ‘cause I wanted to be the one to tell ya.” He sounded hurt, his eyes cast down in disappointment.
Flooded with guilt, I quickly masked my apprehension. “Yes, yes I am!” I said a bit too enthusiastically. “I’m just surprised is all. That’s great news. Ana really is wonderful, isn’t she?”
Dad seemed mollified by my reaction. We finished eating, and I quickly cleaned up the kitchen and retreated to my room. Then I soaked myself in hot suds until my skin pruned. When I was done with my bath and ready for bed, I retrieved my mother’s photo album from its hiding place under the pillows.
Finally alone, I studied every snapshot carefully and tried to imagine what she was thinking and feeling during each candid pose. I imagined the sound of her voice and the pitch of her laugh. I knew in my heart this shining young girl was my mother, but it saddened me not to see more of a resemblance.
We both had long, full wavy hair – but mine was dull beige, while hers was rich auburn. Her eyes – which didn’t need the thick glasses mine did – were as unusual as Ana’s…a bright and sparkly aquamarine. Not flat and grey like mine. We both had the same small nose and pointed chin, though, and our slender figures were nearly identical.
But the biggest difference I saw wasn’t due to our physical characteristics, but to our personalities. In the earlier pictures, before she turned angry, Gabrielle was a vision of life, love, and laughter; her confidence radiated through every gleaming smile. She obviously had the type of vibrant, magnetic personality people naturally gravitated toward.
In other words—my complete opposite.
I sighed as I stared at her face and wondered how different my life would’ve been if I’d known her—if some of her effervescent charm had somehow rubbed off on me. If I’d had someone to talk to about how I felt growing up, knowing I was different, and terrified that I was wrongly abnormal. I wondered if it would’ve made a difference.
“Hi, Mommy,” I whispered softly to one of the pictures as I traced its outline with my fingertip. She stood on a beach wearing a white sundress and holding a red rose. She reminded me of Ana the first time I saw her.
“I’m here with Dad…and Ana,” I said to the picture, not caring if it was silly.
My voice dropped to a whisper. “I’m a witch…just like you. I can do things like you could… I wish you were here, too…I miss you…”
I paused, listening only to the sounds of my breathing.
“What is Ana not telling me?”
I closed the book and wiped away the tears that crept down my face.
*****
I float aimlessly, free of any physical restraints. I go high, I go low, I twist and turn, spinning through the air, over churning blue-green waters, high above emerald trees touched with silver and gold. My home. This place feels good. Safe.
I know what I’m looking for... The soft beacon of illuminated nebula calls to me, beckons me. I do not think; I simply allow myself to join it, and the warmth takes me completely, filling my soul with euphoric ecstasy.
Its love consumes me. Builds me. I’ve become a roaring flame of energy and light. I’m bigger and stronger than anything has ever been before.
I see his face take a vague shape, the face of my love. The one who has always been, and will always be. I want to stay here forever in this place. It’s so peaceful...so beautiful... so true...so perfect.
I am becoming.
I have always been
I will forever be.
We are whole again.
I am home.
**
My eyes snapped open with a start; the surreal feeling of awakening from a deep sleep left me confused and disoriented. I flopped over and grabbed a pillow, held it tight, and tried to reassure myself I was indeed safely at home, in bed.
I felt like I was somewhere else…that I’d just been somewhere else. Then, bits and pieces slowly came back to me, and I let out a relieved sigh. It was just a dream…the same dream I’d had the past few nights.
This time, unlike the other mornings, the vivid sensation lingered through those first waking moments…ultimate happiness one minute, only to have it vanish a second later.
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