Reflections

           Alyssa was in awe. The woods were green and lush; just bursting with life. Sunlight warmed her from head to toe as she walked its path. She wasn't sure but she thought she could hear water and decided to follow the sound.  To her delight she found a babbling brook with moss covered stones beside and through it. Kneeling, she lightly touched the water. While admiring her reflection she soon realized she wasn't alone, but she wasn't afraid. She threw the cool water on her face and turned into the light, when she lowered her head it was closer. A gray cat! At first it seemed to be the size of a house cat but as it continued to walk along the other side of the brook she soon realized it was rather large. She bent down and opened her arms inviting it over. The cat gracefully ran and leaped at her, an apple suddenly appeared in its place in the center of her hands. "Then I woke up." Alyssa explained to Dana at their lunch spot in the small tree grove.

        Dana smiled brightly. "How did you feel when you woke up this morning?"

        "I felt open, more alive. I looked in the mirror and felt beautiful." Alyssa shook her head. "I know that doesn't make any sense."

        "Of course it does. You are more centered. I don't get that I-want-to-go-run-and-hide vibe from you anymore."

        “Speaking of centered, I almost forgot to ask you about something. I went to Teddy's and found this book on natural magic, it said something like a naturalist has unlimited power within its usage?"

        Dana frowned. "Honestly, I don't know many witches, but I warn you to have caution with the things you read at the bookstore or online. This book however does sound accurate, thus far. No witch has the ability to do everything like most popular culture thinks. For example. you could have the power to read minds. You would be able to do so with everyone for as long as you live. I think it has a possibility to get stronger like maybe being able to read the mind of someone in another state or something but that would be the extent of the power. The public self proclaimed witches of today occasionally do get small things accomplished by sheer coincidence but it would never be the things a naturalist can do. Also, a naturalist isn't always able to access their powers. Mostly because their hearts aren't pure enough or their ancestors weren't. It leaves them in a kind of limbo with their inner powers. That doesn't mean there aren't naturalist who use their talents for evil. But the only way the powers would stay strong is being completely good or completely evil. There is no in-between. The in-between is uncertainty, doubt and fear. That leaves the power in a frozen state. It can be pretty dangerous in some circumstances, but I digress, you will have no problem with yours as your dream has foretold."

        "How will I know what my gift is?"

        "We are going to find out after school today. I hope." Dana rubbed her hands together. "I am so excited about it!"

        "So am I. Do you know Justin Duffy?" Alyssa covered mouth as quickly as the question left it. Why in the world did I ask that question randomly like that!

        Dana slowly put her fruit juice down. "Of course, why do you ask?"

        "Well, it's just that he's in my English class." Alyssa began, "We're working on a group project together. I don't know, he seems pretty popular."

        Dana raised an eyebrow. "He is. He has a great personality, or so I've heard anyway. Very cute and stylish, so they say."

        "I take it you don't like him that much."

        “No, I don’t. Justin is a bit too cold blooded for me. I have my sights set on someone far more warm. Actually, I think we may run into him this afternoon."

        Alyssa leaned in. "Who is it?"

        "The man I am going to marry. Philip Powell. He is not a gypsy but is very close to our family. He's my brother’s best friend."

        "Does he know how you feel?"

        "Not really. I am waiting for him to approach me about it. I can't just go running after a man."

        "No woman should." Alyssa agreed. "All girls do these days is offer themselves to the sacrificial altar, so to speak, and when they get tossed aside they wonder why."

        "I couldn't agree with you more." Dana shook her head. "It’s sad and unfortunately very true. Thank goodness for being raised a gypsy. Well, at least by my grandmother. My father broke away from the whole culture but my grandma lives with us and teaches me everything I know and need to know. Of course, some things my father is very sure to keep in tradition."

        “Like what?”

        "Gypsy magic. He said it’s impossible to avoid something as natural as that. One of the other things that most would consider strange about gypsy culture is getting married at a young age. He's also fine with that."

        Alyssa almost choked on her grape. “Married?! Are you seriously prepared for that?"

        “Why not?,” Dana answered with shrugged shoulders. "As long as I am in love and I feel he's the one, then it is just perfect."

        Alyssa stood up. "You certainly are much braver than I am. The thought of getting married terrifies me. I don't know that I would want to be committed to anyone that long. I wouldn't want my freedom to be taken away."

        “Good thing about being this gypsy. I would never have to worry about that. I am far too outspoken and open for any man to think he can control me." Dana said as they walked back to the school. "There is one thing you must do. Forget about Justin Duffy."

        How could she ask me to do something I only just realize I can't possibly do? "Alright," was the answer she gave with bravado. The feeling of his eyes watching her while the group was together in class, the sound of his voice when he spoke in hushed tones as he leaned close to her,  she shivered slightly as she also remembered his breath against her neck. Forget about him? Sorry Dana, not a chance.

         "Here we are," Dana said closing the door to her Honda Civic. As soon as school ended they fled as though being chased into her car. "This is my family's restaurant."

        "The Rocket Ship Diner!” Alyssa exclaimed in disbelief watching Dana unlock the back door. This was the last thing she expected. She thought they would be going to her house, not a diner and not only was it a diner; it was her family's diner. 

        "Yes, my mother's side of the family. My great grandfather started it and now my uncle Dan runs it." Dana gestured for her to follow up the stairs.

        Alyssa did just that, feeling like a jerk for making fun of the restaurant now that she knew exactly who it belonged to.

        "My brother, Charlie, is renting out the apartment above the shop. He works in the kitchen part time."

        "Is he going to be okay with a stranger coming over?" Alyssa asked nervously.

        Dana gave her a disapproving look as she opened the door. "You aren't a stranger to me anymore. We're friends."

        They walked into a little foyer. Galley kitchen to the left what she is guessing is a closet to her right. Not a single wall was painted, Alyssa thought with a pout, walking into the living room.

        "Charlie, I just stopped by to introduce you to a new friend of mine," Dana said blocking his view of the television.

        "Dana, what have I told you about walking into my house without notice?" Charlie scolded rising from the couch.

        "I know Charlie, but I wanted to introduce my friend, Alyssa." Dana moved her hands as if to showcase her.

        Charlie’s features softened a bit as he broke into a smile.

        Much more attractive, Alyssa thought smiling back. "Hi."

        "Are you new here?"

        "New to the time zone, actually. I'm from California." There was something about him that made her feel instantly at ease with that goofy smile. Dana and Charlie shared similar hair color but that was about it. All in all he was pretty handsome.

        "Ah, what's your take on Covington Point?"

        "It's a bit of an adjustment but I'm getting the hang of it."

        Charlie ran his hands through his messy loose curls as he walked into the kitchen. "Can I get you anything, water?"

        "Yes, please." Alyssa agreed sitting on the couch.

        "Dana, come get her some water." Charlie called.

        “I will be right back.” Dana said before rushing into the kitchen. “What is it Charlie?” She whispered to him.

        Charlie frowned as he answered. "Phil is still asleep from all the activity last night."

        Dana grabbed a couple of glasses from the cupboard. "It was that bad? Is he hurting?"

        "He’s in need of some healing."

        "I will take care of him. Hopefully Alyssa will be able to assist in the future. The calcite crystal had a strong reaction to her. I saw both the past and future as well as present events. She is a natural witch with a very important gift, only she's never had any guidance. I am not sure how this is going to go."

        "A witch?" Charlie looked lost in thought. "Alright, just get her out of here for now."

        "Not until I take care of Philip," she said, before joining Alyssa on the couch. "Here ya go. I will be right back." She was up again carrying the other glass with her through the dining room behind her and entering a room down the hall.

        Charlie sat in the armchair beside her. "Do you have any siblings?"

        "Yes, an older sister, Cynthia."

         "Does she get on your nerves too?"

        "The true question would be when doesn't she," Alyssa answered smartly.

        Charlie laughed a loud robust laugh that warmed her.

        “So how old are you?"

        "I’ll be sixteen October twenty-fifth."

        "My favorite time of the year and just around the corner. When everyone is a gypsy,” He joked lightly.

        "You want to elaborate on that?"

        There was a charming sparkle to his brown eyes. "I would rather not."

        "Alright, all done. Now it's time to go." Dana said walking back from what Alyssa could only assume was the bedroom.

        "Nice meeting you," Alyssa said as she walked to the door.

        "See ya around." He waved slightly while closing the door.

        "So you two seem to be hitting it off." Dana noted bouncing down the stairs. "Do I detect a bit of an attraction?"

        "I don't have an attraction. Not the kind you're thinking of." Alyssa replied with burning her cheeks. "I just like his laid back personality. He's really nice. What happened to Philip? I thought he was coming over?"

        "Change of plans." she said entering the car. "Now off to discuss things in a more private area."

        "So how old is Charlie anyway?"

        "He's twenty one and kind of college kid ."

          "Oh? What was his major?"

        Dana chuckled. "Be sure to ask him next time you see him. Let's just say he's taking an extended vacation from everything including his major. You know, I wouldn't mind if you two got to know each other better."

        "Dana!" 

        "I'm just saying. It's not like you are involved with anyone, right?”

        Justin flashed in her mind but right after was William. "Well there is this guy in California."

        "Oh, he doesn't count.” Dana replied flippantly.  

        Alyssa was a bit taken back, “Why not?"  

        “Because long distance relationships never work out and if they do, I would suspect that is because someone is doing whatever it takes to stay happy while their supposed true love is somewhere else. Of course, I will admit there are a slight few that are able to hold it together."

        “That could be us. William and I."  

        "Alyssa and William what's his last name?"

        "Bailey."

        "Alyssa and William Bailey, Alyssa Bailey. That sounds terrible to me. Alyssa and Charlie Sarian. I think it has a pretty good sound to it."

        "Oh my gosh, Dana! We just met!"

        "I think that's the best time to figure out if you like someone, within the first few minutes, but that's just me. Come on be honest. You like him a little bit don't you?"

        Alyssa didn't want to get her hopes up but she did ask for honesty. "I suppose."

        "I knew I was right. Well, here we are." They pulled into a driveway of a split level brick home. "This is my house. We aren't going in, just round back."

        Alyssa followed closely behind into the green field with bordering oak trees and a weeping willow in the middle. Just beyond those trees was a small clearing.

        "We're here." Dana stretched her arms out as if to embrace the woods around her. The light breeze seemed to blow as if to welcome her return. "Please, sit down. Don't worry. We are in a protected place.  No harm can come to us here. With the trees' assistance as well as my gem," she said touching it lightly, "I will be forewarned to any intruders. Gypsy magic is truly the ability to communicate with nature and having great knowledge of things of the earth. Sometimes that includes events, future, past as all of those things exist within nature." Dana smiled and sat down. "Charlie also is gifted in our ways. Even though our mother isn't one of us, it's still in our blood. As with what I told you about natural magic, we can very easily deny it and leave it in limbo. Now, let's try a little exercise." Dana sat, waiting for Alyssa to sit across from her before continuing. "The cat you saw, the lynx, represents something deep within. The apple means knowledge. I advise you to sit like me with your legs crossed. Close your eyes and let your hands fall as they may."

        Alyssa did as instructed.

        "Take a few deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. Relax your body and mind."

        Alyssa could feel her body slowly relaxing with every breath she took. The sounds and smell of the woods was very soothing.

        "If thoughts enter your mind are not pure, do not entertain them. Hold on to what is pure."

        Pure, she thought of her dream once again, the sunlit path. She could feel the warmth flow through her body, filling her from head to toe with light.

        "Alyssa, whatever that feeling is hold on to it." Dana's voice was almost hushed now as she watched sunlight found it's way from every angle it could to reach her.

        Playing out her dream in her mind, she heard the water flowing and reached out to touch it.

        “Keep your eyes closed for just a moment longer. What were you thinking of a few moments ago?"

        "The warmth of the sunlight in my dream," she answered.

        "Then you were thinking about the brook. Think about that again." Alyssa heard her say and obeyed without hesitation.

        "This is unbelievable," Dana whispered, hand over mouth. Little droplets seemed to gather from everywhere, and floated all around her now as they formed a small waterfall between the two of them. The leaves in the trees began to sway rattling loudly. They are responding to her power as well, she thought. "Alyssa, give it back to the earth."

        "What?"

        "Remember when you splashed the water on your face and turned up to the sun? Throw your arms up as you think of that right now."

        Alyssa couldn't help but to open her eyes, being far too curious to keep them closed. She sharply inhaled. “Dana, are you doing this? Is this me?”

        "Alyssa, stay calm and confident here. Do as I instructed."

        Alyssa did as she was told and watched in wonder as the water was thrown high into the air and dispersed, leaving behind a beautiful rainbow, "Oh my gosh.”

        "Alyssa, your power is incredible. You absorbed the light of the sun; it glowed all around you. I am pretty sure if you had tried to direct that you could have as well. You are an amazing witch!"

        Alyssa giggled, eyes never moving from the rainbow. "A witch, I truly am a witch. It's one of those things where you watch a movie or a show and you think that's crazy but I wish I could do that and now look at me! Look at that beautiful rainbow! What a precious gift."

        "With that kind of power, Alyssa, you must be very careful. I don't mean to sound like a parent in anyway but you must use them responsibly. You must not be found out."

        "I understand. I do. It's just, wow."

          Dana laughed. "Now, we have to get you home. I have a feeling the minute you stand up you'll find out you're physically a bit weaker than you feel right now."

           It had been hours since she came home but she could still feel the remnants of exhilaration from her experience with Dana. Feeling a little weaker but still too restless to actually turn in, she decided to venture into the backyard. The cool air and moonlight felt good on her face as she walked to the center of the yard.

        "Alyssa," a familiar voice seemed to whisper to her.

        "I could have sworn I heard Justin. Why is it I can't get his voice out of my head?” she conversed aloud to the moon.

         Justin laughed, startling her. Her eyes searched frantically. There he stood, not too far from her, near the woods. He looked glorious under the moonlight.

        "So you can't get me out of your head," he said, walking a little closer. She watched him close his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath. "I can't stop thinking about you either."

        Instantly Alyssa blushed. "This must be a dream. This is a dream, right?" Alyssa could feel her heart pounding faster as he drew near.

        "Not if you don't want it to be," he replied stopping less than arm’s reach away. Gently he brushed back her hair touching her cheek. "You are so beautiful."

        “Beautiful?"

        "There isn't anything about you that isn't. Your personality, your voice, your hair," he leaned in to whisper in her ear. "It's as though you were made for me. I shouldn't want you. I don't deserve you, but I need you, Alyssa."

        They stayed that way for a while. No touching, only listening to their breathing. Suddenly, he pulled away but not before she saw his eyes.

        "Your eyes they're shining." She put a hand to her chest. "It's so beautiful."

        Lightly, he took that very same hand in his and slowly brought it to his lips.

        Alyssa felt as though her heart would burst from the cooling touch.

        His shining eyes met with hers before whispering, “Goodnight, my sweet."

        Her eyelids felt too heavy to leave open so she decided she would close them for only a moment.

        "Alyssa? Did you fall asleep out here?" Appa asked walking onto the porch from a late night at work.

        Alyssa blinked her eyes and stretched looking all around as she got up from the bench. It must have been a dream.

        "Come on honey." Appa wrapped his arms around her as they walked into the house.

        "Goodnight, Appa," Alyssa said, before walking up the stairs and straight to the window in her room. It was a dream, but it felt so real. His kiss! She looked down at her hand. Nothing was there but what seemed to be a possible mosquito bite. What did she expect to see anyway?  It was just a kiss in a dream. A wonderful dream.

~~~~

                He hadn't meant for it to happen but once it did, he couldn't help himself. He seemed to lack self control with her standing so close to him. He closed his eyes remembering her scent of honey and lavender. She tasted just as sweet but also bitter. Witches blood. That was something he truly didn't expect. But it didn't change anything. He still wanted her, especially after knowing the way she felt about him. If only he had wound his hand through her hair and pulled her to him. She wouldn't have resisted. But that's not how he wanted to have her. He wanted her to need him as much as he needed her. Only then could they truly be together. She definitely was something worth waiting for.