The Childe (10 page)

“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 turned to see Amanda waving at her. Her attention was suddenly turned back to Miss Amaya’s little bug as it started up, puttered, and then let out a loud bang, shaking the whole vehicle, sounding like a shotgun being discharged. Cat laughed as nearby students looked around startled by the loud noise. “There goes one interesting woman,” she said to herself. Looking down at the card in her hand, she read:

Amaya Phillips
M.M.E.
(503)021-1413
Namaste, and have a blessed day

“Cat! My mom’s here!” Amanda yelled again. She put the card in her back pocket and walked toward Amanda, noticing the bright yellow paint job on the mini-van. A psychedelic graphic on the side of the car read:

SQUARESVILLE
Where Nothing Ever Goes Out of Style
Look For THE BIG YELLOW BUILDING on Exchange Street

“So Cat, what do you think of the
new look
?” Amanda asked rolling her eyes.

“Well, you can’t say it’s not colorful…and highly visible,” Cat replied, trying not to look directly at it.

“See Amanda, you’re the only person who doesn’t appreciate a true work of art,” Aurora said smugly.

“Oh mom, they’re only humoring you, right guys?” No one said a word. Amanda pushed open the side door and motioned for Cat to get in quickly. “Hurry Cat, before someone sees you, even though you act like you don’t care.” Cat laughed and jumped into the van.

“Watch this,” Matt whispered, winking at Cat. “Mrs. Stevens, I’m honored to ride in such an elegant vehicle.”

“Oh brother,” groaned Amanda, watching her mom’s smile grow wider.

“Mom, I’m home!” Cat yelled flinging open the front door. “Mom!” she repeated.

“Sweetheart, what’s with all the excitement?” Rachel asked, rushing to the front door from the kitchen.

Pulling out the card from her pocket, she handed it to her mom. “Remember I told you about Miss Amaya, my Earth Science teacher? Well she asked me if I’d like to go with her to a festival tomorrow. She told me to have you call her to discuss it. I really want to go, please!” She looked at her mom, her eyes pleading for her approval.

“Well honey, I’ll have to talk it over with your father when he gets home,” she said examining the card more thoroughly.

Cat groaned. “She’s so nice and you’d really like her. She loves flowers.”

“I told you Cat, I’ll discuss it with your father later. Now go wash up. Dinner’s almost ready and he should be home any minute.” Watching her daughter run up the stairs, Rachel returned to the kitchen placing the card into her dress pocket.

“The man of the house has arrived!” Sam called out, smiling as his daughter came flying down the stairs. “Whoa, honey what’s your hurry?” he exclaimed, squeezing Cat in a hug.

“Dad, mom has something to discuss with you, and please say yes,” she pleaded breathlessly pushing herself away from him.

“What is…?” He stopped as Rachel came out of the kitchen. Giving Cat a kiss on her forehead, he turned and grabbed Rachel by the waist, bending her over his arm and kissing her thoroughly.

“Oh brother,” Cat murmured. “A child is present! An impressionable child! Your child! Hello? I give up! The way you two act, no one would ever believe you were married.” Shaking her head, Cat entered the kitchen.

Giggling, Rachel pushed out of Sam’s arm and smoothed down her hair. “Sam, you really should tone it down, she’s right, she is only a child.”

“Whatever,” he replied jokingly, swatting her behind as he followed her into the kitchen.

“Okay, now what is this big request that needs my utmost attention and approval?” Sam asked after swallowing a mouthful of food.

“Sam,” Rachel began, “Cat wants to go to a festival with her teacher tomorrow. Her science teacher, Miss Amaya.”

“You don’t mean Amaya Phillips. Such a lovely young woman. Had her in several of my classes, very eccentric. I had heard she moved to Astoria recently. Bet you like her Cat, she was one of my favorite students.” Cat beamed.
I am going to be able to go,
she thought. “I think you should call her Rachel and give our approval. There I made a decision, boy that feels good. I can’t remember the last time I was allowed to make one.” Rachel wadded up her napkin and threw it at him.

“Samuel Colvin, such a liar! I let you decide what color tie you wore on Monday.” She started giggling.

“Well you know me, give me an inch and I’ll take a mile, come sit on my lap little lady.”

“I guess that’s my cue to leave. Thanks dad, thanks mom,” Cat said, giving each one a kiss on the cheek. “Don’t forget to call Miss Amaya before you leave for the game. Love you both!”

Rachel sat in Sam’s lap, her arms around his neck, “Such a pushover you are. She had you eating out of her hands.”

“Give me a kiss woman.” Before she could reply Sam kissed her.

“Hey Julie, what’s up?” Cat asked putting her cell phone on speaker.

“I have to pass on tonight Cat.”

“Why, are you okay?” Concern filled Cat’s voice.

“Yeah, it’s just that when I got home today, my dad had just gotten off the phone with Mr. Crawley. That jerk! He told him that I failed today’s quiz,” she groaned. “Only he would grade a quiz on a Friday afternoon and call the parents with joyful news. He said that he was just notifying them, as he felt like I was not applying myself. He even told him that he’s caught me daydreaming several times in his class. So my parents told me that it was either the game or the dance. They wanted me to study all weekend, but I talked them out of it. I really want to go to the game but I’m going to forego it for the dance, since I already bought a dress and all,” she explained in a somber tone.

“That Mr. Crawley is evil, pure evil! I bet he hasn’t had a day of fun in his whole life!” Cat replied angrily. “Well don’t worry you’ll be with us in spirit. And I’m glad you’re still able to go to the dance tomorrow.”

“Great! Now I’m being summoned by the parentals. Got to run Cat, talk to you tomorrow. Bye.”

Julie hung up the phone. “You did well Julie. Cat believed you,” Claire said placing her hand on her shoulder.

“I feel bad for lying to her mom, but I guess it was necessary,” she replied with a heavy sigh.

“This meeting is very important Julie. This is your
focus
. You’ll be doing well by Cat for going to it.” Claire’s warm eyes met hers. Putting on her coat Julie exited the house.

“The nerve of that man!” Cat mumbled storming down the stairs. The chime of the doorbell drew her to the front door. Amanda stood before her completely decked out in school spirit. Her face was painted with black and gold stripes, as was her hair.

“Are you ready for some football?” Amanda growled.

Cat bit her lip trying not to laugh but failed.
This night is gonna be priceless.
Amanda put her hands on her hips. “Well?” Guessing what she wanted, Cat growled back. “That’s more like it,” she replied.

“Bye mom, bye dad! See you at the game!”

Rachel peered over the upstairs railing. “You guys be careful!” she called out then shook her head as she realized she was talking to a closed door.

“It’s about time!” Matt exclaimed from the front passenger seat. “Elle won’t forgive us if we’re late. Hurry, get in!” The van pulled away from the curb and sped off toward the school’s stadium.

Sitting at the game, two rows up from the field, the three friends waited for Elle’s grand entrance. “Excuse me! Pardon me! Could you move your feet! I swear some people you need to draw them a map!” Kirsten’s obnoxious voice carried across the crowd.

Amanda groaned. “Don’t look now Cat, but your BFF and her Trifecta entourage are here. Behind us to the right,” she whispered in Cat’s ear.

“I know I heard her,” she whispered back.

“Yeah and look at the view, she’s got to be cold in that thin sweater,” Matt said drooling.

“Matt, put your eyes back in your head, she doesn’t even know you exist. Your daddy works for her daddy remember? She wouldn’t give you the time of day,” Amanda stated.

“Hey you never know. The queen of the Trifecta might go slumming,” he replied with an impish grin.