Lovesick Witches

A Walk in the Woods

It was another beautiful day outside when I walked through the woods with HB. Hollow Wood was a forest, bordering the school grounds of Cackle's Academy. HB and I had decided to go for a walk through the forest since it was such good weather. Well, I suggested it. Miss Hardbroom wasn't really keen on the outdoors, but I said it would be nice to get some fresh air. 

"If you see a rainbow butterfly, don't look at it," said Miss Hardbroom as we walked. 

"Sorry?" 

"Or if you do look at one, you have to show it that you are not afraid of it." 

"Why would I be afraid of a rainbow butterfly?" I said. "I know I'm younger than you but I'm not a baby." 

"These butterflies," Miss Hardbroom told me, "were supposedly extinct. But this wood is enchanted so you may see one here." 

"Enchanted?" I said, shocked. 

"Yes. But it's nothing to worry about. The butterflies can't hurt you if you show them your bravery. They feed off people's fear, you see. But if you have no fear, they're simply just harmless butterflies." 

"You shouldn't have told me that, Miss Hardbroom. Now I'm obviously going to be scared if I see one." 

"It is very important, that as witches, we are able to have full control over our emotions. Including fear. It isn't about not being scared, it's about overcoming your fear. Being stronger than your fear and not allowing it to consume you. So I'm sure you'll be fine if you see one of those butterflies. But, don't go looking for them, okay?" 

I nodded. 

"Anyway," I said. "How are you today, Miss Hardbroom?" 

"I'm very good, thank you, Ana. It is lovely and peaceful out here." 

"I told you the outdoors is great." 

As we walked side by side, I looked around me. Beautiful green trees surrounded us, almost blocking the clear, blue sky above. Golden rays of sun crept through the tree branches, lighting up the beautiful forest. The air was so fresh and pure. It was quiet. The sounds of mine and HB's footsteps and the trees gently swishing in the wind were the only sounds we could hear. Along with sometimes the sounds of robins singing and squirrels running up the trees. The forest felt so magical. 

"What I said to you yesterday," I said, referring to when I accidentally let myself tell her I thought she was pretty, "I'm sorry. It was highly inappropriate of me. It just kind of slipped out without me thinking." 

"Don't apologise, Ana. It put a smile on my face. It was nice to hear that from someone. I suppose I've often wondered how I appeared to other people. It was nice to know that not everyone sees me as some sort of strict monster, always out to get people." 

I let out a laugh. 

"What?" Miss Hardbroom said after my giggle. 

"It's just," I said, "you do come across as strict. Very strict. Kind of scary, actually." I laughed again, but this time, Miss Hardbroom laughed too. 

"I suppose I am a bit scary sometimes," she said, smiling. 

"Yes. But, not a monster," I said, still giggling. 

"I think you're a wonderful teacher. The best, in fact." As I said this, the laughter died down. "And yes, I am sorry that I let my thoughts get out when I called you pretty. That was unprofessional. But, I'm not sorry for my thoughts. I meant what I said. I still mean it." 

By this point, we had stopped walking. We had stopped giggling. We had stopped thinking. Everything stood still. 

I turned to face the teacher standing beside me. She turned to face me. 

The gentle sound of the wind swishing against the trees cancelled out any other noises. It was so peaceful. So perfect. My long hair blew softly with the breeze. I felt tingling sensations on my arms, but I wasn't cold. Nor was I too warm. It was a perfect temperature and a perfect moment of peace. 

I looked into HB's beautiful, sparkling eyes. The black bun in her hair shone gorgeously in the sunlight, once again. The long, black dress she was wearing looked so soft and silky as the golden light hit her and the beautiful tints of royal blue in the delicate dress were now properly visible. 

Her clear, glowing skin looked ageless and her fine lips, as bright and as red as roses, looked so soft and flawless. 

The world around us was no longer there. I only saw her. She only saw me. Miss Hardbroom, standing there in front of me, gazing into my eyes as I gazed back into hers, was all I needed. That perfect moment with her was so beautiful. 

I gazed at her soft lips as they slowly came closer to mine. I smelled the freshness of her minty breath as she gently breathed on me. We were so close. 

Her lips got closer and closer to mine. There was no panic. No stress. No fear. Only peace. My mind was completely calm and focused on her as our lips began to meet. 

But before they did, the trees around me came flooding back into my view. As did my thoughts. 

I panicked and pulled away. I abruptly took a step back from her, in shock. Her beauty was still there. But so was everything else. The noises of the nature and the wildlife around us flooded back into my mind. Although, the noises were no longer calming. Instead, distressing. The atmosphere gave me a sense of discomfort. As did the situation I was in. My fear and panic came rushing back to me so quickly and so intensely. 

I looked back into Miss Hardbroom's eyes and noticed the sadness I had given her by backing away. She looked so hurt as her eyebrows lowered and the sparkle in her eyes vanished. 

"I'm sorry," I said, in fright. "I have to go." 

As I said this, I turned away from the teacher and ran back through the forest, leaving her standing on her own. I ran all the way back to the academy in panic.