The Story of Arella Cherish

Scotland, 1243 A.D.

    "Take mommies hand" I whispered, interlocking Orelia's small fingers with mine. I pulled her closer to me, not wanting the people of the village to get near her. She just turned six and she's already displaying affinities.

     As we walk into our small, herb filled hut, she goes to water the sage. I heard her intake her breath. Her face went white and her eyes rolled back into her head as her muscles tensed up. "Orelia tell me what you see, tell mommy what you see," I said, rubbing her tense hand.

     "The people,"she whispered gravely,"the people know. We have to go tonight." I feel the color drain from my face. "Orelia I need you to put the herbs in the jars. Don't mix them. After you have them in their jars put them in our basket. I'm going to get our clothes and other things. If anybody knocks you do not answer. Run straight to me."

    She nodded in response. I went back and started grabbing our clothes, shoes, and our other essentials. I was halfway through gathering our books when she ran into my room. "Mother,the men are here," she said, her innocent voice quivering.

    "Orelia, dear, take our things. Take our things and run to the secret place. Nobody will catch you there. This is the last time you will see me. I wish I could've taught you more, but you will be fine. I love you dear." I hugged her tiny body and kissed her forehead before ushering her out the back exit. We were both crying. I walked into the front of the house, throwing myself over to the men.

     "Have fun burning me. I'm not the last of the witches," They doused me in oil and threw a torch at me. The pain was excruciating. "Orelia lives!" I shrieked, before dying a painful burning death.

New York, 2014 A.D.

    I snapped out of my trance. Instead of being in Scotland, I was in my boring calculus class.

     "Excuse me, Mrs. Winters, may I be excused to the restroom?" I asked, interrupting her from her speech. "Arella Cherish, this is the fourth time you've interrupted me today. Get out of my classroom, and I'll be calling your mother," she said sternly.

      I muttered an apology and hurried out of the room to the parking lot. I walked amongst the rows of beat up cars until I got to my shiny black Ford truck. I climbed in, but instead of going anywhere I sat there for a minute. My question was, what in the hell just happened.