All Our Lives

Chapter 5

One week Later 

  It had already been a week and ive made so many adjustments to my life here already. After dinner with my grandma, I went home and washed my face before going to bed. I woke up in the morning to some great news from Layla. 

  She was promoted to Bar Manager. Layla and I went out on the town to celebrate. We spent half the dayout and some nice ladies offered me some England dresses. I only took them so I could have them to wear to church. 

  Once we got back home I tried them on. They fit perfectly even thought the women here flat bellies. I learned it was because of this thing called a corset. I even heard that a woman died from having the strings pulled to tight. And yet the women still wore them. 

After trying them on me and Laya went out to eat at the bar. We had a couple drinks with some men. Then we went home to bathe and rest. 

A couple days after that i helped Grandma go to the forest and pluck a couple more herbs for the shop. The best ones are grown from nature not in a garden. My grandma would repeat every so often. 

We even stopped past an old man's house because he was selling apples. She bought a whole bundle of them and that sure made his day. We went back to her home and made three apple pies. They smelled so delicious that it attracted children. She cut up a few pieces and gave them some. 

I learned all their names and how old they were. They were so well behaved and kind. Back in Italy, the boys would chop off the little stuffed dolls heads that the little girls would play with. 

After helping them I went back home and ate dinner with Layla. The next day was Sunday and I went to church with Layla and my grandma. I sometimes like to sleep during church but you couldn't do that here or they would punish you. 

During church they called out two women. Both women had to admit to using magic and or sorcery on the husbands to heal them. Both women admitted. Some people in the seats groaned and scoffed calling them evil. 

I wanted to stand up and defend them but i would've gotten accused as well. My grandma told me to try and keep a low profile. 

Layla held my hand obviously sensing my discomfort. I sighed and held her hand back. 

Why couldn't anyone see the good that witches and Warlocks do!?!?! 

A witch would never use magic on a human unless it was to heal them. That is what those two women were going and the church is going to punish them for it. 

They didn't even have a chance to defend themselves in a chance to defend themselves in a court at least. The church sentenced the women and their husbands to be in solitude. 

 At least they let them take their belongings. The only kind thing the church ever did. Once that was finished the pastor closed the service with a prayer and safe return for the soldiers arriving back from war tomorrow. Of Course they would thank the soldiers for saving those selfish beings who know nothing about being kind or understanding. 

We walked out of the church building quietly and a bit sad. I wanted to say something but I didn't. 

"I am so sorry Mara. I know it must still be hard." Layla said as she looked over at me. 

I nodded. "My grandmother has seen more im sure. Its hard for both of us."

My grandmother sighed a bit. "You ladies should go out today. I'll be needing some fresh herbs soon. And it is a beautiful day out."

I smiled a bit and nodded. "That sounds nice" 

She smiled as we walked back to her shop to get the baskets. Soon me and Layla were on our way to the woods. We plucked herbs for a few minutes before laying down in the grass and talking about men. 

Layla chuckled and smiled at me. "So you have been alive for thousands of years and haven't found a decent man yet?" She asked me. 

I giggled and shook my head. "Most of the men back in Italy were humans and fool mouthed. They weren't even worth my time. Except one who treated me to dinner and I offered my virtue in return for his kindness. " 

Layla looked at me in shock. "You gave up your virginity to a man who treated you to dinner?" 

I nodded and looked away a bit. "I was 17 when it happened. Let's just call it experimenting with a man." 

Layla hummed. "Was it romantic at least?" She asked 

I turned back to her. "We had dinner then went to his place. I tried wine for the first time too then we had intercourse. I do not know what romance is “I sighed a bit. 

She sighed with me then took my hand. "I am so sorry. Not knowing romance should be a sin." She gasped a bit. 

I chuckled a bit then smiled. "Maybe someone here will sweep me off my feet. You never know" I sat up a bit and looked at the sky. 

I had hoped I would've found someone by now. But i am to sassy and stubborn for my own good. No man would ever be able to keep up with me. 

"Well never give up looking for one. I want kids soon." Layla smiled. 

"You won't kick me out will you?" I asked her. 

"Of course not !" Layla said sitting up to hug me. "As long as you find a man after me." She threatened with a smile on her face. 

I gave her a hug back and smiled. "I'll do my best alright?" I said back to her. 

She nodded and stood up. "We should pick more herbs before your grandmother thinks that we are slacking off. “ Layla chuckled a bit. 

I nodded and stood up with a smile. “Your right let’s get going.” I grabbed my basket and started searching. 

Soon we finished and headed back to my grandmothers house. She rewarded us with two small slices of pie. We ate happily before i went to sort out the herbs. It was best to only sprinkle them with water to clean them. Once I finished I went out to the main shop and set up the bottles. 

Layla had left for work and I stayed with my grandmother. I watched her make medicine for your everyday cold or ear infection. She even made cream poison ivy and rashes. It was like she was cooking but she wasn't. That was just how graceful she was. I may not have known her for my life but i loved her because she was my grandmother. But also because she was a witch like me.