Chapter 3

Once she asked me that question i knew that i could be in serious her trouble. I know that they already stopped burning witches here but they were still discriminated badly and treated badly. We knew to never harm anyone with our magic.

“N-no of course not!” I said nervously

She shook her head at me and sighes. “You don't have to lie. We are roommates and i wouldn't tell on you.” she said softly.

I looked up at her with soft eyes. “If I was? Would you treat me differently?” I asked her looking down.

“Of course I would” she said began to say.

I kept my eyes down preparing myself.

“I would bother you everyday asking you to show me your magic and of course tell me how old you really are and how many of you are left and everything. “ layla said excitedly.

I looked up to her with wide eyes. I never seen someone so happy to have met a witch. I could see the sparkle in her eyes.

“I...I could show you some things. I should never use magic in public though. ''I admitted and smiled at her.

Layla squealed loudly as she got up and hugged me. I gave her a hug back and smiled.

“ Thank you! I promise I'll keep all your secrets!” she said as she backed up to look at me.

I was so happy that I found a friend and a home on my first day here.

Once we finished out tea and cookies she asked me to tell how my parents died. I told her that I only knew as much as my aunt told me. My parents were burned at the stake because the villagers believe that they were the cause of the black death.

As I told her the story she gave me her apologies once again. I told her that it has been many years where I have cried for them and other years where I don't cry at all. I told her that my aunt has taken care of me all these years. My aunt had always been there for demand had finally wanted to let me go and give me my own independence.

Layla swooned over my heart touching story. She smiled at me and told me that he thought witches were the strongest kind of people.

I admired layla and wished there were more understanding people like her.

“Alright enough chit chat we can catch up more a bit later. Let's get you settled into your new room.” she picked up one of my baskets and walked out of the kitchen.

“You don't have suitcases in Italy?” she asked me.

I shook my head. “ what are suitcases?” I asked her back as I walked behind her.

She turned back to look at me in disbelief.

“Have you not heard of suitcases?’ she asked me then shook her head. “I think I have a lot of things to teach you.” She smiled back at me then opened the door to a room.

 I nodded happily then looked into the room. My mouth dropped as I looked around the room. It was more beautiful than the kitchen.

 There was a beige carpet and a medium sized window. I noticed the cream colored desk along with the chair. The bed was decorated in my color and my favorite flowers. It's like she knew I was coming. I sat on the bed and looked around happily.

“I'm assuming you like it?” Layla asked me with a smile.

I nodded as I laid back on the bed. “It's so beautiful” I said with a giggle.

“Well then i'll leave you to get settled. Then we can find you a job” Layla said with a smile as she closed my door.

I sat up and began to unpack. There was a yellow dresser and a small closet in which I hung up my dresses. I placed my undergarments in the dresser. The desk had a hair brush setting next to some pieces of paper and an ink well pen. I sat down at the desk amd brushed my hair. I looked outside thinking that living here could work out for me.

 I pulled my hair into a ponytail using a blue ribbon. I smiled at myself in the mirror.

Soon layla knocked at my door before opening it. “Are you ready?” She asked.

I grabbed my satchel and nodded. “Yes I am”

  We walked out of our home and down the street. I told her I wanted to work in an herbal shop. So she recommended me the she uses for herbs. She walked me there and told me that she was going to go get a key made. I told her that I would be fine alone until she comes back. Layla nodded and rushed off.

I walked into the herb shop as the little bell rung by the door announcing my presence.

The tall woman looked up from her mixing bowl and stared at me. I bowed my head a bit.

“Hello. My names Marabeth and i’d like a job here” i said with a smile.

The old woman continued to look at me. “Young child where do You come from?”

“I come from Florence Italy” I said looking at her.

She sighed. “You remind me of my daughter.” The woman said as she peered into my eyes. I continued to look at her as well.

“Who was your mother? Your father?” She questioned me.

“I do not know miss. My mother and father died when I was young. My aunt Karen raised me”

The old woman's eyes widened as she walked over to me. “Karen? Is she? Are they still alive? Karen and her sister?” She said starting to sob.

“Her sister? M-my mother?! Miss are you my…” I immediately started to tear up.

“Yes child i am your grandmother”  

I fell into her arms and hugged her tightly. I had more family. Another person who knew me and loved me.

We both were overcome by happiness and sadness. This lasted for about 10 minutes before we both pulled back to get a good look at each other.

“You look just like Bethiny. “ She smiled and sniffled.

I smiled back at her. “You look like her too. I think. My aunt showed me a portrait ''I chuckled softly.

“On she got her looks from me child. I am so sorry you didn't have long with her.” She said patting my shoulder.

“I am more sorry you lost her too”

I said softly. She shook her head at me.

“Come now. There is much I want to tell you about your mother and your aunt.” She said fixing my clothes a bit.

I wiped my eyes as she fixed. She held my hand and walked back into the storage room with a little table and two chairs.

We sat down as she leaned over to grab a bag of cookies.

“Here eat these while i tell you a story”