Free The Childe by C. A. Kunz Page B

class.
    Cat’s feet felt like they were encased in concrete as she trudged to her next period. Bidding farewell to Elle, she sighed, took a deep breath and entered Hell, Room #305. She dreaded going to Algebra every day, not because she didn’t like math. No, she and math got along just fine. It was just that Mr. Crawley got in the way. His mean spirit had everyone on edge and in every class there were several victims who were singled out and tortured, making the hour seem like an eternity. Fortunately today was not her day for torture. The bell rang just before he called on her to answer the next question. Grabbing her books Cat fled to her locker and dumped them inside. Due to no homework, her messenger bag flew behind her as she proceeded down the hall.
    Passing Miss Amaya’s class, Cat peered through the open door. She saw her struggling with a stack of books in her arms while trying to pick up a ruffled lavender purse hanging on her chair.
    “Miss Amaya, here, let me help you with that,” Cat said, grabbing her purse and the remaining books left on the desk.
    “Thanks Cat, trust me to be lazy and try and make it to my car in one trip, not two. You’re so wonderful.” Walking through the parking lot, they made their way toward an ancient, light purple Volkswagen. Proudly displayed on the bumper was a sticker, reading: MY OTHER CAR IS A BROOM . Putting Miss Amaya’s stuff in the back seat, Cat noticed a shimmer of light coming from the pendant around her teacher’s neck. From her angle, Cat caught a glimpse of the back and observed an engraved image of a pentagram. Being an avid fan of the occult and horror genre, Cat was surprised to see her teacher sporting such a symbol. She couldn’t believe that Miss Amaya would wear something that represented evil.
    “Can I ask you a question Miss Amaya?”
    “Sure Cat, ask away.”
    “I know you’re not evil…so why are you wearing a pentagram?”
    Miss Amaya quickly tucked her necklace back into her shirt while mumbling, “Damn Hollywood sullying my beliefs.” Her eyes met Cat’s. “No Cat, it’s not an evil symbol, it’s actually the sign of White Witches. People that worship the elements, nature, humans and animals. Therefore it’s a peaceful symbol which Hollywood and ignorant writers use to scare the populous. One that comes to mind is that idiot Robert Craven. He’s the worst instigator.” Cat just nodded, not admitting that to her and her group of friends, Robert Craven was the master of horror. Miss Amaya took a deep breath, “I’m sorry for the rant Cat, but I just hate the way my peaceful symbol has been cast in such a negative light.”
    “It’s okay, everyone underestimates the value of a good rant,” Cat said with a smile. “Miss Amaya…speaking of witchcraft, do you by any chance know about the Tarot? Even though my dad knows about this stuff, he never seems to want to talk with me about it.”
    “I know a little, why do you ask?”
    “No reason really,” Cat replied, looking toward the ground.
    “If you really are interested, I know of someone who’s well versed in the subject. In fact I’m going to visit her tomorrow in Wedgewick Village, for a metaphysical festival. The village is so quaint. Most common people don’t even know it exists. But metaphysical people from all over the world enjoy visiting it. We are not judged there, it is a safe haven for us. The lady I speak of owns a store there. She’s a good friend of mine. If you’d like to go with me tomorrow, give my card to your parents and have them call me. Maybe your dad will remember me from a few of his classes. I’d be more than happy to have you join me and observe my world. And yes, change your perception of witches,” she said handing Cat a card that she withdrew from her bag.
    Miss Amaya closed the passenger door and smiled, “hope you’re able to join me tomorrow,” she said, walking around the car to the driver’s side.
    Hearing her name being called, Cat