𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡 - 𝐄 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗨𝗘𝗗

𝐗

𝘊𝘏𝘈𝘗𝘛𝘌𝘙 𝘛𝘌𝘕

(the cursed witch, act two)

NINA WENT TO SCHOOL TWO DAYS LATER. As she walked through the hallways, students stared at her. Teachers walking by placed gentle pats on her shoulder, sharing their condolences. She passed Jessica, and all she received was a glum look. She could tell the girl didn't know what to say.

Pushing open the door to her history class, she silently made her way to the back of the classroom before sitting down at her regular desk. Her eyes drifted down to the wood that she scribbled on most days and sighed.

A hand on her shoulder made her flinch. Looking up, she breathed out. "Morning, Sir."

Mr. Erikson stood beside her with a concerned look. "You shouldn't be here, Nina."

Nina looked away from him and back at her desk. "This is school. Of course I should be here. If I'm not, I'll fail."

"Nina, I will personally make sure you don't fail any of your classes, even if I have to break into the records department. You should not be here."

"Didn't take you for a criminal, Sir." Her voice held no emotion.

"Only when needed," He reassured, sitting down at the desk beside her so that he was at eye level. "Why are you here?"

Nina looked at him for a minute. A rough and uneven breath escaped her lungs. "I can't go home."

"Where do you plan on living, then?"

"My car," She answered honestly. "I did it before–I was a baby, but, same thing. I can park in the school parking lot under the willows, so I'll be hidden."

His blue eyes pierced into hers. A moment of recognition flooded through her, but she pushed it away.

"You can't live in a car, Nina. It's not good for you."

Nina tried to laugh, but it sounded more like a cry. "Come on, Mr. Erikson. Don't act like you care. You're just here for a paycheck. I'm pretty sure this is above your paygrade."

"You're right. I don't get paid enough for this," He nodded. The door of the classroom opened and someone walked in. "But she isn't getting paid."

The witch glanced up slightly. It was Bella.

Mr. Erikson stood up and, as he passed the brunette, he paused. "She's all yours. Take her somewhere that isn't here, please?"

Bella nodded. "I'll take her to my place."

Nina didn't remember leaving the school, nor did she remember arriving at the Swan residence.