The Storm Ahead

one

Hey guys I know it's been a long time but this is a story im really feeling and I hope you enjoy! Feel free to leave a comment with your feelings toward it.
Have a good day.
-Mattie

                                                                                          Caroline

     The pitter-patter of rain on the roof pulled me from my dream. Lucy nudged my arm with a whine and I scratched behind her ear, pulling myself up in the process. Outside my window, the dark lake stirred with the storm. 

"Caroline, breakfast is ready!" Mom called from downstairs. The clock only read 7:28, nearly an hour from my usual wake up call. 

I stumbled down the stairs, Lucy at my heels. I grabbed my mug and poured an unnecessary amount of coffee for myself. My mom quickly setting the table and began to pull out some of my school books.

"Whats the rush?" I asked. 

"I need to go to town today, and some of the shops are closing early today because of the storm. We'll need to start your schooling early, or I'll never get to town in time."

"We could just not do the schooling today." I mumbled, my frame leaned against the counter. 

She stopped setting food on the table and turned to face me. I put my hands up in surrender. 

"Was just an idea."

"Eat your breakfast Caroline." 

     I decided to drop it, knowing it wasn't worth any argument that could bloom. I turned my attention instead to the dream from the night before. 

     The corset around my waist made it hard to breathe, but the sight around me was like a breath of fresh air. The people around me were dancing, laughing, and smiling. The joy was nothing like the stiff tension of home. My brother stood behind me, his warm presence the only thing keeping me centered. 

"Remember sister, you must keep on your mask. People can't find us. You know what they do to witches." 

I was nearly bouncing with excitement. 

"Yes, yes I know. Please, can I go now?" I begged. 

"As you wish, be careful."

It took all of my composure to walk the rest of the way into the building, rather than skip. I spun around, taking in the castle. The artwork around the walls looked like you could step in. The smell of food was nothing like the stale bread and stew from our cottage. On a large table, there sat fresh bread, meat and fish. I walked over and took a deep breath, trying to memorize the smell. 

"A lovely young woman such as you should not be alone, Miss."

I turned quickly, nearly tripping. I grabbed his arm to stabilize myself. 

"I'm so sorry Sir." I said, taking back my hand. He stopped my hand and held it still. His curls seemed to shine in the lighting, pulling attention to his dark curls. His eyes shown a bright green underneath his mask. 

"Would you care to dance?" He asked. 

That green was so lovely and strange. It was like a field on a sunny day. I was mesmerized. 

"Caroline, are you even listening?"

I looked up at her, trying to ignore her scorn. 

"Hm?" I asked. 

"What is the value of the irrational number e?"

"2.71828"

"Good, now-"