Gloucester’s Witch Academy 1

by Jessica Baker

  Women were continually brought to the court after being accused of witchcraft, but the accusation of Martha Corey, a fervent member of the church, created a panic in the village such that it was then believed that if a woman like her could be a witch, then any woman could. Soon, they became more aggressive and irrational about their accusations. They even brought in Sarah Good’s 4-year-old daughter, Dorothy, in for questioning and her naïve answers were taken as confessions. These court hearings got more intimidating the Deputy Governor was present in the court as more and more people brought in from Salem and its neighboring villages, every day.

  A few months later, Governor William Phipps created a court separate from Magistrate court. It was called a Special Court of Over (to hear) and Terminer (to decide) for Suffolk, Essex, and Middlesex. The first case tried in this special court was the case of Bridget Bishop, a popular older woman known for being a gossip and a whore. She was found guilty of being a witch because of her response to the allegations against. She was found guilty and so she became the first person to be hanged on Gallows’ hill.

  Five days after she, Bridget Bishop was hanged and killed, the minister, Cotton Mather, addressed a letter to the special court, beseeching them to disallow spectral evidence that is, testimony about dreams and visions. The special court however did not honor this letter and went about allowing specta to be used. In fact, five people were sentenced and hanged in July five more in August and eight in September. Increase Mather, the son of the minister and president of Harvard, wrote against the use of spectral evidence: It read that "It re better that ten suspected witches should escape than one innocent person be condemned."

  When the situation got so serious that even the Governor’s wife was accused and brought in for a questioned, the Governor dissolved the special court. He released the already arrested women and prohibited the arrest of any more women.

  The Governor replaced it with a Superior Court of Judicature, which did not use spectral evidence and only condemned 3 out of 56 accused. Governor Phipps did eventually pardon all who were in prison on witchcraft charges by May 1693 (a year after the crazy had begun). But the damage had been done. The total number of casualties that resulted from the Salem trials were 19 including a, 71-year-old man was pressed to death with heavy stones. While some people died in jail, over 200 people in total were accused of using” the Devil's magic."

  I shut the book close after reading that last part about the restitutions. Nothing could make up for such evil deeds. I was shocked at how gullible and stupid people could be. It seems like there is no limit to ignorance. So, I misinformed physician diagnoses a sickness as bewitchment and every just followed. Human beings were just so easily manipulated. All those lives lost because of one person's sick mind. People are so easy. It is almost as if they need just the smallest nudge to reveal the vilest of their character. No wonder terrorism and hate movements recruit people so easily and can infiltrate weak and ignorant minds. It is even possible to receive the same results if you put people in the present time in this same situation. Oh, of course, there will be digital outrage but of course, most won't actually take any action to put a stop to it. People will even be ready to kill each other.

  I was still lost in my thoughts when I felt someone tapping on my shoulder. It is a young woman. She seems to be in her late 20s. She had a short pixie cut that framed her chiseled face in a sharp way. Her features and jaded outfit made her look like an artist. An eccentric being. She points at my book which had an image of a woman hanging on a tree.

  “What are you reading?” she asked

  "It is about the trials of Salem. I was curious."

  “I have read a little here and there myself. What do you think of it though?”

  “That people are dumbasses and those women died because of the ignorance of people with power. How could you accuse someone of witchcraft based on the fact they acted weird and wore black? All because they couldn’t come with a diagnosis. Witches don’t even exist.”

  “So, you don’t believe witches exist then?”

  I chuckle. “Of course, they don’t. It is a notion as absurd as believing those women were witches in the first place.”

  "I agree. But I do feel there are a lot of things that happen in the world that we don't have an explanation to."

  "Yes, but just like those girls' illness. If it had happened today, there would be a diagnosis and possible treatment for it. There are answers for everything. We just may not have it yet. But it is definitely out there. In the universe. Existing till we open our eyes to its possibility and finally discover it."

  “Wow. I love your take on this.” She stretches her hand forward. “My name is Diana.”

  I take it with a smile. She is very easy to talk to. "My name is Jane. And it is nice to meet you, Diana. Are you an artist?"

  "Why do you ask?" She seems amused by my question.

  “I don’t know, I just think you look like one that’s all.”

  Diana smiled. "You are not wrong. I paint. Whenever I get my visions. Or inspirations or whatever people call it. But I also work at a coffee shop not far from here. You could drop by anytime you come to the library."

  "Maybe, I will." I check my time and it is almost four o'clock. "Shoot! I have to go and make dinner at home before my shift."

  “Oh, what do you do?”

  “I am presenting bartending at Whiskey Peak, a bar downtown.”

  “Really. I know that bar. But I never pictured you as a bartender.” Her surprise was evident on her face.

  I chuckled. “I know. Even I never thought I would work in a bar even in my wildest dreams.” I just shrugged. “But then again, here we are. Life happens, right?”

  “Yeah, I guess. See you around, Jane. Maybe I would drop by the bar sometime”

  “You should.”

  “Bye.”

  “Bye, Diana.”

  I pack up my books and stand up to leave when I look at him again, he immediately looks at me too like he felt my gaze on him. The cute guy in the glasses. He must have heard the whole exchange between me and Diana. I wonder if he would approach me before I leave.

  He didn’t. But maybe I should have approached him. It is the 21st century and women are taking actions. I start to feel remorseful about these thoughts again. It`s almost as if I am cheating on Ray. And then that would be stupid because Ray may have even forgotten what I look like and this cute guy was probably too shy to do anything. Boys. I just sighed and made my way out of the reading room.

  I make a quick stop at the grocery store and pick up some things I needed. I made sure to get everything on my list and even some extra that could fit into my very tight almost non-existent budget. I then decide to take the bus so I can get home early and not end up being late for work. Who knows maybe I just might see Ray again today? That would fun. I smile to myself as I made the walk down my block after I alighted from the bus.

  Chapter 4

  All the way home I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being followed again. It first started when I left the library. On my way to the grocery store, I felt again that I was being followed. After several turns, I started to think I was just being paranoid and that it was all just in my head. But when I left the grocery store, the uncomfortable feeling of being watched came back and I decided to take the bus. When I alighted from the bus to make the short walk down my block, I look around and find nothing suspicious. But as soon as I started walking, I felt it again. This time I tried to ignore and just walk home faster. Immediately I got to my apartment, I lock the doors and made sure to check that the windows are also sealed. It probably didn't make any sense since I live on the last floor. But in a big city like this, one can never be too cautious.

  I look through the peephole for a moment if anything was happening in the hallway. Not seeing anything suspicious, I move to shutters of my living room to see if there was anything down below but nothing out of the ordinary jumped out. I go to my bedroom to calm my nerves. I have
to get a grip. Even though I am almost a hundred percent convinced someone is following me, it still was not enough to go to the police. I cannot become the crazy young woman who goes to the precinct to waste taxpayer’s dollars. I just must learn to calm down.

  My phone rings and jolts me out of my reverie but I just get scared based on what just happened.

  I fish the phone out of my purse and sigh when I see the caller ID. This is definitely the last person in the world I want to talk to. But I have no choice but to answer the call.

  “Hi, mom.”

  “Jane. You should have called.”

  I roll my eyes. “I’m so sorry. I have been really busy over here.”

  “Wasn’t that what you wanted? To be too busy to call your mother?”

  “No. Really. I just- “

  “Save your excuses.” She cuts me off with a sharp tone. Typical.

  “So, did you get there safe?”

  “Yes. Yes, I did get here safe yesterday mom.” I intentionally say it like that because I wanted her to know that if she really cared, she could have called or texted me yesterday too.

  I hear her scoff. "You still have to pay me. The bill from the transport agency just came in and I cannot afford to pay for this. And why would I want to pay for your moving, even if I could?"

  "Don't worry about it, mom. I have a job. I will mail you the check before the week ends. You don't have to pay for it."

  “I obviously can’t. My welfare checks have not come in. And I am here alone with no one to take care of me…. -“

  She continued to rant on and on about how I abandoned her to go live wild in the city. What an ungrateful daughter I am and how I think I can handle myself even I am still a dumb naïve little girl. I let her have her say. Experience has taught me that is just the best way to handle this sort of situation with my mother. Whenever she was not having her way, she liked to inflict her bitterness on everyone around her till she made you just as miserable as she is. Cutting her off will only make this harder for both of us.

  She finally pauses for a while before she asks

  “So how is your work at the bar? Did your first day go well?”

  “It was okay. You know, the whole first day and new girl stress and all.”

  “A bar is not the right place for you. Your father will roll in the grave if he sees what you have become.”

  “I am taking care of myself, mom.” I manage to strangle without shouting. I took a deep breath to calm my nerves. “I’m sure that he will be proud of me no matter what. He always was.” I stress the He, so she got the message.

  “Oh, I’m sure he was- “

  “Mom, I have to go make something to eat so I can get ready for my shift.”

  “Alright. I have to go too.”

  I mouth a silent Thank God but still manage to sound somber when I responded “Of course, you do. Bye, mom.”

  "Goodbye."

  I feel so exhausted and mentally drained. Leave it to my mother to get me from scared to tired. I have to go find something to eat so I can keep my strength up at work today. Being on your feet for close to seven hours is no joke. Now I really understand what those waitresses go through. I still haven’t even mastered the name of the new drinks Chris mentioned I suggest to the customers yet. And if what happened yesterday happened today, I have to be ready. I know better than to depend on a man to save me. My father taught me better. But seeing Ray again wouldn’t be bad either. Just seeing his gorgeous face will surely make my night.

  I make myself pasta and a simple Bolognese sauce and eat while I got ready for work. I took a quick shower and applied just mascara to my face. The whole scare of someone following me still had my face looking pale so I apply more light makeup and put some color on my cheeks. I told myself it was just about the pallor and not because I might see Ray tonight and I want to look my best.

  Meanwhile, I had left the TV on and a female anchor was reporting about something. I really was not paying attention until I saw the report of people missing and that the reporter standing in front of a spot I had just passed earlier down my block. I immediately turn the volume up.

  “Over the past few weeks, there has been a report of people missing in Boston for an unknown reason. Just these past few days, a few more people have disappeared, and the chain of missing people continues to grow daily. Residents are advised to stay safe and alert the police if anything is suspicious is observed.”

  The anchor sent us back to the studio and to the grave face of the moderator.

  “Boston is slowly becoming a dangerous place. With the growing number of missing people…”

  Chill ran through my body. I couldn't believe it. People are disappearing. Was that why someone was following me earlier? Maybe to kidnap me? I quickly dismiss that thought. It doesn't help to be paranoid over something I was not even sure of.

  I round up my ministrations and grabbed my purse. As I closed the door, I couldn’t help to remember the advice of the reporter. Stay safe. Maybe I should get a pepper spray or taser. A girl had to be prepared for anything.

  On my way, on the bus, my mind kept wandering off to the thought of Ray and the guy from the library. They are so polar opposite. Ray looked so confident and dripped of effortless masculinity while the guy in the library had stared me with such longing as if he was speaking a thousand words with just his eyes.

  I was distracted enough to push the thought of someone following me to the back of my mind until I got to the bar.

  “Hey, you” Becky call out as soon as I closed the door behind me. She was already in her uniform and leaning on the bar.

  “Hi, Becky. Super early today. It isn’t even five o’clock yet.”

  “I know. I just felt like I have to make up for yesterday. Plus, my brother gave me a ride. With the whole people going missing thing, we were not taking chances.”

  “Yeah, I saw the news. Even though they are tight pipped about the numbers of people missing, I know it has to be a lot to have a big city like this spooked.”

  Martin and Chris came with a carrying a crate of beer and joined in.

  “Lots of things have happened in Boston, but this.” He shook his head as dropped the crate on the counter. “this has me worried. It’s just so odd.”

  "My roommate has a theory that it has to be supernatural. You know like something related to magic and stuff." Chris piped in.

  "Chris, I think those movies you and your friends watch are giving you crazy ideas. Supernatural, witches and magic are not real. I think there is probably a serial killer on a rampage. Snatching people and killing them." Becky piped in.

  "No, no, no. Look at this. The people have been disappearing without a trace. Like, poof! Nothing to show they were taken or why. I'm telling you there is something definitely strange about this. Trust me."

  Something then popped into my mind and I just had to ask. "Do you think with all this happening, people would, you know, come into the bar at all?"

  They all laugh before Becky answered. “Oh Jane, one thing you should know is that tonight is even going to be more packed than usual.”

  I was still looking confused until Martin added. “It is in time like this that people drown their fears in alcohol.”

  Chris nodded solemnly too. “It’s going to be a busy night, Red.”

  Sam comes out from the locker room and marches up to us. “And which is exactly why you shouldn’t be lazing around. Why don’t you go do your jobs and stop gossiping?” She turned to look at me in my non-uniform outfit. “Your shift started minutes ago.” And then walked away.

  “Ignore her. She thinks because she been here the longest, she is the boss of us all. With her high and mighty bitchy attitude.” Becky explained.

  “Yeah, don’t worry about it. I have to go change and start my shift anyway.”

  I go in and change into my uniform. Popped in to say hi to Rick and then go to my section.

  A few minutes later, someone approached me. It was a man in his 40s or la
te 30s. He looks all elegant in his cashmere sweater and the expensive Rolex on his wrist screamed wealth. He had a fatherly smile that reminds me of my own dad.

  “Hello.”

  “Hi”

  “We met yesterday.”

  "We did? Oh sorry, I do remember you now. You ordered a French Martini."

  “Wow, you remembered. That’s… brilliant.”

  “I always remember good tippers.”

  “I noticed you’re new here.”

  “Yeah, just started yesterday.”

  “And you already know people’s drinks? You’ve got a smart head on your shoulders, young lady.”

  I chuckle at that obviously fatherly compliment.

  “Thank you. What can I get you today, then?”

  “Umm... I will just have what I had yesterday.”

  “Great choice. Why don’t you sit at that table and I will be right back with your drink?”

  "Thanks, darling."

  I return later with his drinks and he seemed really impressed. We later made some small talk before he checked his watch and said he had to leave.

  He then pays for his drinks and offers me a $20 tip. Even I knew that was a lot for a tip on just one drink.

  "No, I can't accept this, sir. It's way too much tip for this drink."

  “Well, it is not for the drink. It is for you. A thank you for remembering me, I guess.”

  "But it's still too much. I should not take this."

  "It's okay, Jane. It is nothing really. See you tomorrow then?"

  “Yes, I will be here. And thanks for this.”

  “Stop it. It was a pleasure to meet you, Jane. I hope you won’t mind, but I can’t help admiring your face. Your adorable freckles and…. you have the most beautiful set of eyes I have ever seen.”

  I blush at that compliment. For a long time, I have been teased about my freckles. This is the first time someone ever complimented it. Also, very few people ever notice my eyes like that. It made me feel so… seen. “Thank you, sir.”

  “Call me Franklin.”