Red Witch

Chapter 1

Running.

Running from something...

I look to my left and all I see is green. I almost trip over a root in my haste to get away. It's black and dark and feels like I'm sticking my hand into nothingness but at the same time a cold fog wrapping around my fingers.

I scream for help but my voice is gone. It took me a moment to realize my eyes were clamped shut. I re-open my eyes and I no longer see the forest.

"Blaise, come Blaise."

The whispers seem to come from all around me, creeping under my skin and filling my brain with the harsh yet melodic sound. I close my eyes again.

"Blaise, Blaise open your eyes." 

I squeezed my eyes even tighter. black smoke swirled behind my eyelids, permanently stamping the image into my brain.

"No! I will never come with you!"

A hiss came from the mist and I let out a shattering scream as pain made its way throughout my body, scorching every inch of me.

"Blaise, open your eyes and I will help you...."

This voice was different, lighter, but with the same forcefulness. My breathing began to even out as calm relief swept over me, like I knew the  voice deep in the back of my mind.

Taking a chance, I slowly opened my eyes. The black mist was gone, replaced with searing red and orange light until it evaporated to reveal my white ceiling.

"Blaise?"

My head snapped to the side in surprise. For a brief second, I saw a twisted, black and smokey face and then I blinked revealing the "mother" of the house. She took care of everyone that didn't have a home.

I sighed in relief as I realized it was just a stupid dream. 

"Blaise, was it another one of your dreams?" Her face was free of makeup, revealing her soft wrinkles that gave her a sweet-old-grandma look, and her hair was put up in rollers. Her lips were pursed in concern but in her eyes I could see slight amusement. She never believed me when I said the dreams felt so real, as if they are happening or have happened before. 

"Lucy, I'm fine," was all that came out of my mouth, but behind my mask that I keep on 24/7, I wasn't. I was terrified. I was sick. My head pounded as if the whole orphanage was awake and running to go get breakfast. But I wasn't about to admit that. I was suppose to be the strong one, for Cali. Cali is a four year old sweetheart and I've taken on the role of being her older sister. Being the oldest and 17 has it's pros and cons. driving everyone to school, getting groceries, washing dishes, anything a 6 to 10 year old can't do.

"Alright, but if you need anything just come to the kitchen, the kids will be up soon." Lucy got up and went to the door, but stopped before turning back towards me.

"And sweetie, your late." I gasped as I turned to the clock and sure enough I was late.

"Stupid private school, waking me up so early." It was now 7:15 and Paulman high School, the 6th worst private school in the US, started 15 minutes ago. 

I glance at the clock again before I get out of bed. The cold, wooden floor feels good against my feet. Bad dreams always make me really hot. I tip-toe over to the bathroom, trying not to wake the girls up and grab a towel and my uniform. Usually I take my time in getting ready but I was running late so I had grabbed a random pair of pants and the juniors collared black polo. It had red and gold writing on the top left side of the shirt and that was probably the only remotely pretty thing about the uniform.