The Witch Trials

~13~

Well today's the day we go back a year. If you think about it it's really strange. Everywhere else will go back with us, but not really. I mean the future is still happening now, while we get ready to turn it all back. Time is so confusing so I just focus on Jakson. He seems to be the most skilled on the island. My birthday is in a month! I'll be turning 14, even though I'm already 14. See what I mean, confusing. I wish I could turn 15, I'll never now what it feels like. A bright flash and a moment later we stand in the exact same spots, but I year previous to the moment past. I look out the window, it's snowy but different. We have a big dinner tonight. Turkey, stuffing, potatoes, and deserts. My stomach feels tight after the meal. Snow has begun to fall lightly as I step outside. My lungs fill with the cold fresh air and frost crunches under my socks. No I did not put shoes on, that would have taken too long and I wanted to be outside now. I walk up the little stone path to the top of the rolling hill and tilt my head back. I blink away a snowflake and gaze at the sparkling stars. It's so peaceful I don't even notice the gnawing cold. The icy waves crash over the sharp rocks. I hold my hand out and watch tiny snowflakes melt in them. I remember my mom telling me that no snowflakes are ever the same and I feel bad for melting their uniqueness. I put my hand in my pocket and watch my breath form little clouds around me. I am watching snowflakes dancing and carrying in the wind as I hear a scream. It isn't a playful scream and I hear the breaking of glass. It is muffled by distance and sounds like it's coming from the cabin. My head snaps up and a chill goes down my spine. Without thinking I let adrenaline carry me down the white hill. I am going so fast I have to focus on the ground ahead of me so I don't trip. A strange light illuminates the sky and trees where the cabin is. I turn the corner quickly and slip on a patch of ice. I land on my side and my ribs immediately hurt. I wince and look up. The cabin is engulfed in flames. I get to my feet quickly and glance around. I don't see anyone at all. An arm wraps around my waist and a hand covers my mouth. I try to yelp but the hand is to big and strong. I am pulled back into a wall of large pine trees. I spin around once the arm releases and I see Jakson and Hailey. Their eyes are wide and I can see Haileys hands shaking. Before I can say anything Jakson grabs both of us and we whisk away.