Ethereal: A Witch's wish

I

"I remember years ago my mother forbids me to see the world and have hidden our name as I grew older. Now here I am, getting sent off to the annual... Crezzo's Art contest. With people. It's strange how time can change something, whether in a matter of milliseconds, or even years. Hell, I don't even know what to expect in the event. On how different we really are from them. What if I don't fit in?". Shivers were sent down my spine as I recall my father's tales when I was little. On how humans turned their backs on us because of how odd we are. They didn't even seem to actually appreciate my family's service for them that went for generations. 

I hear my curtain door slide, walking towards me was a tall, shining-white haired masculine figure towering me. Wearing a black shirt showing his once toned body, paired with a pair of pyjamas with a red plaid pattern. It was my father, ofcourse. Once the handsome man in a mustache, now having a pair of baggy eyes, which says he really couldn't sleep well and its face starting to wrinkle. 

"You don't want to be late, do you, pumpkin pie?" 

He asks in a calm deep tone. I shake my head in response. "Just a bit, nervous. What if.. They also treat me the same?"

 "They won't.. If you don't tell a soul." He sighs.

"I didn't wish for you to live in such situation either. But we don't have a choice. If they don't want us, then leave. Even if they— mean, or meant the world to you at some point." 

 "Why were we destined to meet when in the end it was destined to fail?"

My father stood there, silently gazing at my eyes. "I don't know either, pumpkin. But, this is what you wanted as a kid right?"

I look away from his concerned, amethyst eyes. I remember when I was little, I've always been so.. Brave about exploring the world, from its brightest view to its darkest secrets, I wanted to know it all. Now the time has come, and I'm scared. I'm nervous.

"You know, you don't have to do it if you don't wish to-"

"I want to, father."

I look back at him, with determination and courage, a smile on my face. He smiled back at me. 

"That's my daughter." 

Then he left the room. Getting out of bed, gazing at my reflection in a cracked, small, oval mirror. I want to be the one to fix everything. I'm brought into this world since I have a purpose, right? And the town's art contest seems to be a great opportunity for me, to open my windows and doors to show people what I'm passionate about. Not everyone has the privilege to even express themselves so crystal clear and is supported by their family, no matter they were in a difficult situation. And I'm not letting this opportunity slide. Nuh-uh! 

I smile at my reflection at the mirror. Sure, it was a small, cracked one, only showing my face, and a few parts of the body. But it was better than nothing. I turn to look at my wardrobe, only having one paneled door, with its hinge even not properly attached anymore. Lying behind is a black shirt with a green knee-length skirt, a bit torn on the bottom-part of the skirt but it still does its job of covering it up. I grab my blue towel, and took a quick cold shower at our bathroom. I hated the fact that it was cold, but we had nothing else anyways. I quickly dry myself off afterwards, still shivering from the temperature. Then put my outfit on together with a pair of brown flats and combed my hair. I went downstairs to be greeted with a warm smile by my mother, having a skinny face, baggy eyes, and thin lips. Wearing her magenta pyjamas. 

"Xee! Good morning, how was your rest?" 

"I rested well, mother." I replied with a smile. Sitting down on a wooden chair, joining my mother and father eating breakfast. A nice, golden-brown fried tortang talong with fried rice and ketchup. My favorite. The flavor of the saltiness and the sweetness mixing as I ate. I love my mother's cooking, blessed with hands who's able to make such delicacy that never disappointed me. I ate everything that was on my plate, filling up my body with energy I need for today. I look at my mother, sipping her cup of coffee. 

"Do you think I'll fit in, mother?" I ask nervously.

My mother puts her cup down and looks at me with her jet-black eyes, looking bereft. But smiled reassuringly at me. "I don't want to give you false hope, sweetie." She paused, frowning a bit.

  "You'll never know what happens until you try. It's either you try— Or you regret later on."  

"But I'm sure they'll love you. Well... Unless you tell them what you are." She sighs.

I smile, trying to be confident and full of hope. 

"I hope so." 

I hate it. Why must I hide who I am? So what if I am a witch like my family? Does it make me any less decent than a human living by the rules? I shouldn't be ashamed for who I am. We shouldn't be ashamed for what makes us... Us. If that makes sense.

My father, who was listening to me and my mother talk while washing the dishes, looks at me trying his best to be encouraging as he noticed me zone out. "I agree with your mother, pumpkin. With that talent? I'm sure you'll do well."

I snapped back to reality, and just smiled at my father for saying such words. I'm thankful to have them. No matter what ups and downs, they were there for me. Loving and supporting me. And trying to show it whenever they had the chance. I suddenly remember the art contest, starting in about 30 minutes. I quickly rush to the living room, where I left the 2 artworks I'm supposed to showcase. I glance at them, feeling proud of my work. One having a girl in a field of yellow tulips, looking away from a storm in the distance, but not so visible, with a smile on her face. I wanted it to send off a message to always look at the best view of things. And the other one? Well, It's indescribable. Unlike the first one with harmony and unity, this one's the exact opposite. Just an explosion of color in a darkening background. Which, even I can't explain but I've always been proud of it, for some reason. I guess it's like sometimes we love something so much even if we have no explanation on why.

I wave to my parents goodbye, feeling anxious on what this day will bring. I look at my home—  A discarded worn-down little cabin, turned into a cozy, little home. I follow the path out of the shivering, dark forest, and into the city. 

I'm now ready to face the world, ready to discover the truth.