Coma White (Book 2 of the Razor Blade Trilogy)

V: The Witch

Brian’s day at school was long and unruly. He had broken off of his pills; he’d taken them no problem, but his body burned through them too quickly. The school had called his parents.

“It’s just nerves.” His father assured. “Same thing happened to me before I was leader. Metabolism goes through the roof!”

Brian was sent re-dosed, double dosed, and sent back to classes. Myriad hours, and he was sent home on the bus; again, the ride was quiet.

Brian walked through the large front door. Pills were handed to him; he swallowed and scaled the stairs to his room. Homework was done, and dinner was called. The turkey was hot and the smells alluring.

“Anymore…incidents, Brian?” His mother asked.

“No, mam.” Brian chewed his piece of turkey; it was good, but Brian’s mind was elsewhere.

“Good, lad.” His father nodded.

“Father?”

“Yes, son?”

“What was it like for you?” Brian stared at his hands.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean taking office? What was it like?”

“It was like being reborn, at first I was terrified. I guess you must be feeling similar things now?” Brian agreed. “It will be alright; everyone gets nervous before they take office. That is why your pi8lls aren’t working, your fear spikes your metabolism; you burn through them faster than before. Don’t worry son, everything will get better.

“I hope so, father.” Brian silently promised, ‘It has to get better.’

That night, Kia met Brian again at their usual meeting place. “You’re meeting the Witch, tonight.” Kia stated and took off without a sound; Brian in tow.

Brian stopped when they reached the woods. “I’m not going in there Kia.

“Brian, she’s not going to bite you!” Kia insisted, pulling him along behind her. “She wants to meet you; and the woods don’t eat children like everybody says. The woods are the only place anyone can relax.”

Brian followed, but cautiously. The woods were lightly lit; there was very little snow on the ground. Not a stick or bramble moved as they whispered along. It was quiet, eerily peaceful. There was a marshy area up ahead of them. Kia pulled a swinging rope from a nearby tree. She swung across gracefully, and threw the rope back. Now it was Brian’s turn. Shakily, he mounted the rope; taking a deep breathe, he swung. “Let go!” he did as instructed and landed lightly next to Kia.

“See, the marsh must like you; it didn’t swallow you up” Kia teased. “There is so much you have to learn before your birthday.”

“Yeah, proper speech techniques and political cues and…”

“No!” Kia snapped. “So much about nature; but, no matter, the Witch will help!” the pair continued. Brian was enjoying the chill night air.

“It’s so beautiful here.” They had come to an open clearing. The moon shone on the undisturbed snow.

Kia smiled, she led Brian away from the clearing; they came to the witches house. A small shack. “The ‘Witch’ lives here?” Brian asked incredulous.

“You haven’t seen the inside.” Kia whispered; they entered. “Mama Day!” Kia called. “I have brought him!”

A small woman appeared, her blonde hair was pulled up, her eyes covered in a lot of blue make up; her lips shaded dark red. She wore a teal pant suit. The Witch observed Brian; though he was much taller, and he had just met her, he felt a sense of respect towards this woman. She held herself with pride; she had obvious authority over him.

Slowly she breathed. “Yes, you will save this world. You, Brian Werner, will save my children.”

“He is the one?” Kia dropped to her knees, she was praying. “Get up my dear, there is no use now; he is not listening for us anymore.”

“Are you talking about…?” Brian pointed to the roof of the hut.

“Yes, he has long since stopped listening to my children’s prayers; soon he will change his mind.” The Witch started to walk around her small house; pulling bottles and vials from various shelves. Now that Brian looked, he saw that the walls were lined with shelves; all with bottles of labeled things. On the ceiling were traps and cages; a cauldron stood in the center of the room. Brian thought of what the Witch would need all these things for. “Potions,” She answered his thoughts. “To help my children when they are sick. I care for them the best I can.”

The Witch added some things to her cauldron, there was a whoosh! As the contents swirled and smoked; Brian jumped. “They won’t hurt you.” Kia comforted, watching from one end of the room. She looked excited.

The Witch finished her potion. “Drink this; it will help with the drugs.”

Brian swallowed the fizzling beverage; it tasted like sugar, but with a dryer taste to it. “Thank you,” He nodded to the Witch.

“Now, what are you going to do when you marry and take office?” she inquired, pulling up a stool.

“Um, I have to be in the parade with my wife, Breena…”He stuttered.

“Well, of course you do.” The Witch rolled her small blue eyes. “I mean, before that; what are you going to do when you are married in office?”

“Well, I wanted to outlaw all the drugs.”

“Good boy.” The Witch commented. “Don’t you forget that! Now, Mama Day needs some time alone; it’s the holidays, you know.”

Kia pulled Brian to the door. “Thank you.” Brian called after the Witch.

“Not so scary, huh?” Kia asked Brian when they were outside.

“Scary? More like drop dead terrifying!” Brian exclaimed.

“Aww, poor baby.” Kia cooed jokingly. Brian rolled his eyes; they trekked home in silence.

“How old are you?” A curious Brian turned to Kia at the corner.

“Sixteen.” She sighed and went home; leaving Brian in the cold.