Finding Anamaria

Chapter 2 - Surprise Indeed

Once they left the woods, they were all infront of a huge castle. Gretel opened the entrance and allowed them inside. "Welcome to Witches & Craftsity." Gretel stated as looking around. A handsome boy who is tall, has brown hair, and is dressed casual walk towards Anamaria. "Look who's back!" he claps and smirks. "Maximus!" she runs to him and hugs him lovingly while she giggles and he chuckles hugging her back. They finish hugging and Anamaria looks back at Ashton. "This is my good friend Maximus. Maximus this is my brother. He just found me after missing for 8 years." "Ahh so this is the famous Ashton.." Maximus smirks as he crosses his arms and places a finger on his cheek thoughtfully. "Well it's a pleasure to have you and I hope you like it here. We are all very friendly, believe me." "Thank you.." Ashton nods and they both shake hands greeting each other. Gretel clears her throat "Maximus do you mind taking Ashton's luggage to an empty room? He needs to meet Professor Prestridge." "Ofcourse Gretel. I will do that." "Thank you Maximus. Ashton, Anamaria, please follow me." As they were both walking away from Maximus, Maximus glanced at Ashton suspiciously but more sinister. He grabbed Ashton's luggage and started walking to find an empty room for him.

(Meanwhile) Gretel gets to Professor Prestridge's office and open the doors. The office was a huge library with books, a few desks, and papers everywhere. "Professor Prestridge, we have a new member here." He gets up from his chair and walks towards him. "Hello I am Professor Prestridge and I teach witches wizardy and crafts. What is your name sir?" "Ashton.." Professor offers out his hand, they shake, and he pats his hand slightly. "Where have you come from?" "I came all the way from Tennessee professor. You see, my sister Anamaria was missing for 8 years and then I found a way to find here so I came to see if she was still alive.." The professor gets his mug and takes a sip of his tea. "Very thoughtful. However I am terribly sorry, Anamaria cannot leave the castle until she graduates witches and crafts school. She has to stay here.." Ashton's eyes get teary "What?.." He looks back at Anamaria and she nods very disappointedly. "I am truly sorry. If she leaves, she will not graduate and is never allowed back in the castle under any circumstances. Do you understand?" Ashton looks down sad and nods "Yes sir.." A tear rolls down his cheek.

"Come with me Ashton. Girls you may go back to your dorms." Gretel comforts Anamaria while walking back to their dorms. "Take a seat Ashton." Ashton takes a seat infront of his desk. "Would you like some green tea?" "Yes please." Professor gets a tea cup, pours tea in the cup, and hands it to him. "Thank you." "You know green tea strengths your abilities? That's the first lesson you learn. Everyone has to know." Ashton takes a sip of his tea. "How long have you been teaching here?" "For 17 years." "Are you in a school Ashton?" "Yes sir, but I withdraw to find my sister, but I don't know when I will return. I am a senior in high school and I already passed some courses that gives me college credits." "Fascinating. Tell me more." They both keep talking while having tea.

Anamaria paces around the room. Gretel watches her and sighs "Ana relax.." "That's the thing Gretel, I CAN'T! My brother is back, my grandma is probably worried, and who knows what willl happen!" "Then just wait." "Wait?! How?" Gretel takes her to a mirror "Ana just look at the positives for. You are too beautiful to stress out. Your brother found you after 8 years. Be a little thankful for now and worry about the problems later. For now be happy.." Anamaria sighs as she looks at herself in the mirror and bites her lip. "Yeah you're right.." She sighs staring at herself wondering.