WITCHCRAFT

CHAPTER 1

The day Alexandra Webber died was the quietest day of Lucy Swan's life. It was the same day she received her diploma at college. She didn't even smile once that day. With no celebration she returned to her dorm room where everything had already been packed and carried the last few boxes to her car.

Some people had tried to talk to her but abandoned their mission when they saw the dried tears on her face. That day she drove home. Because where would Angela go?

She had never gone far. Even her college was a mere two hours from her hometown. She was going to go to Europe after school. The flight had been booked, most of the train and bus rides in between and she had prepared a list of hostels to stay in.

She cancelled. Because Mom had gotten diagnosed a month later.

Angela didn't know yet. This was clear because when she picked her up from school on the drive home she looked happy. She was chatting away with friends, their last day of ninth grade ending.

When she saw her sister across the parking lot her smile brightened for a moment. Until she got closer and realised how sad her smile was. Her own smile fell.

"Wh- what is it, Luce?"

"Let's go home, Angela."

"No. What is it?"

Lucy's chin quivered and she reached out to Angela, "She's gone, Ange."

Angela shook her head, "No."

"She didn't wake up."

Angela let out a cry, a loud one that had many eyes on her but no one dared to come over. Lucy pulled her close, crying with her.

"I know", she sobbed quietly, "I know."

"But", she hiccuped, pulling back, "If she didn't- wake up. Why did no one say anything? Why do I find out now? It's been hours, Lucy!"

"I-", her voice failed, having no words, "Who was going to tell you?"

Her dad, Charlie, was her mom's emergency contact as they were still the best of friends after all these years. So he was called by the hospital. He called Lucy first, telling her that he couldn't be the one to tell Angela. It wouldn't have been right.

So no one else knew until Lucy got back to Forks to tell Angela in person.

"Let's go home, Ange."

Angela had been staying with their senile grandmother ever since Alexandra had permanently moved to the hospital three weeks ago. The carer who came in daily would kindly help Angela with general chores and food throughout the week until Lucy would come in for the weekends.

Their grandmother didn't recognise them most days. In fact, more often than not she was scared to find strangers in her home. The girls had learned not to let it get to them and would play nurse when they didn't have the time to tell their life stories once more.

"What now?", Angela hadn't moved. She stood in the entryway with her light jacket still on, shoes still on her feet and her book bag slipping from her shoulder.

"Uhm, we'll uh- Well, I'll meet Mom's lawyer tomorrow for the testament reading. And then I have some custody forms to fill out. I have to contact the funeral home they brought her to and-", she choked back a sob, wanting to stay strong for Angela.

"Custody forms?", Angela asked quietly.

"Well, yeah, Mom was planning for me to become your legal guardian", she looked down, remembering that discussion.

"I can't be Angela's legal guardian, Mom! I'm still in college, I barely make enough money to support myself. Angela deserves better", Lucy was pacing up and down the room where Alexandra was hooked up to some chemicals that were supposed to treat her.