Chapter 3

When Constance woke the next day her sheets were soaked with sweat, something she dealt with often because of her nightmares. She got herself out of bed and readied herself for the day. She lit an incense and tediously picked up around her room before dressing and kneeling in front of her alter and blessing her favorite three crystals that were hung on her necklace. First she blessed her Amethyst crystal, that represented healing, purifying, calming and peace. Second, she blessed her Turquoise crystal, good for healing the mind, body, and soul and balancing spiritual connection. Lastly she blessed her favorite of all, her clear crystal quarts. It was the ultimate healing stone and one she cherished as it was given to her by her mother. 

After she finished with her crystals she headed downstairs for a quick breakfast of bread and cheese and then headed out to the garden to do her chores. Constance day dreamed of flying through the bright blue sky and she tended her vegetables and plants. Working in the garden had become one of her most favorite things as she took a liking to it at a young age. When she became old enough to tend it herself their garden truly blossomed into something she was most proud of. She was an expert with all plants, all but the succubus. That is where she found herself sweating and cursing about as her sister Daliyah approached. “It’s no wonder it wont grow, those sour words lead it to spoil,” Daliyah said laughing as she noticed all the dirt on her younger sister’s face. “Oh leave it Daliyah. Not today,” Constance said wiping the sweat from her brow. “I could always touch it up for you sister. Flick-ity flick,” Daliyah offered jokingly, waving her wand down at her dead plant. Constance face slowly turned red. She had been working hard all morning and the sun was beating down on her. The last thing she wanted to hear was Daliyah make a joke about fixing her garden with magic. “No. I don’t need your dirty wand to fix my plants,” she snapped. They made eyes with each other for a quick moment before Daliyah hurried back to the house.

Daliyah hadn’t meant any harm towards her younger sister. She sometimes forgot that Constance was a stripe. She knew of Constance affection for her garden and the hard work she put into it. The pride she took in how rich and fertile it was. It was something Constance didn’t need magic for. “What’s gotten into that little wind pipe,” Daliyah shouted as she pushed through the door and headed towards the day room where she found Evaliyah. 

“What is it sister,” Eva asked sitting in her cushy red chair facing a window. “Sometimes I wish I could loose a rat down her throat. That’d shut that posh mouth of hers,” Daliyah replied huffing having taken full offense to her younger sisters comments. 

“She’s hurt your feelings again. You’ve said something about her garden haven’t you? What have I told you about her garden,” Eva replied with her motherly intuition. 

“How is it that you always know,”

 “That’s her soul. She can’t help she’s a Stripe. That garden is all her in its glory,” Eva continued as she stared out the window.

“I understand that. You know I do. I helped her start that bloody garden But she doesn’t need to be here. She could live amongst the nothers and no one would know a thing.”

“Where would she say she came from then? They would accuse her of witch craft as soon as she set foot in any town. If she some how past that test then she’d just be alone. You couldn’t even handle that.”

“Well couldn’t she find herself a gentlemen? She has before.” 

“Toads balls Daliyah. You know what I had to do that boy hurt her… But I know. She deserves to be happy.” Evaliyah said tracing the trees through the windows with her fingers. 

“She could be happy elsewhere. It would just take time like everything else.” Daliyah replied still angry.

“She could be happy elsewhere. And she deserves to be elsewhere.” Eva carried on unaware Constance had made her way inside the house. “I would wish her well if she went elsewhere,” she finished as she suddenly noticed Constance standing in the doorway listening to her. 

“So I’ll just leave then since I’m not wanted here,” Constance said as she turned and headed back out the door. She ran and ran. Her tears leaving a trail in the wind. As tough as she had proven to be over the years she was still sensitive, short-tempered, and flighty. She struggled with feeling unwanted.  She was different. She had to do so much more to fit in with her sisters because they were witches and she was a stripe. Constance didn’t feel she belonged anywhere with anyone, and to hear her sisters even speaking about not being together with them reaffirmed her worst nightmares. 

Constance slowed her pace but continued on. Hoping to get lost, and never to be found again. Unwanted thoughts paced her mind. She reached up for her crystals for some form of comfort as she pushed through the forest. As she finally looked around she noticed she had reached her goal as was completely lost. ThereChapter 1  was nothing familiar to her eye. She continued on until she heard the sound of moving water and decided to follow it. Maybe it could take her to exactly the place she wanted to be. No where.