This morning's lessons are on different aspects that witches can use when putting together spells.

Some things they are talking about are herbs, crystals, lunar cycles and the creation of sigils.

After a long lecture, Grandma asks the first question. "Michaela, what is a good day to do spells for psychic abilities?"

"I don't know. Friday?"

"No, Monday."

"I thought we could do spells on any day of the week." Mick responds.

"You can, but Monday is just a good overall day to do those spells." Miriam replies.

Estel starts reiterating some of the information they have already given us.

"Mi loba, are you with us? "Can you tell me some ingredients that might go into a protection spell jar?"

Everyone waits for Mick to answer, but instead, she bolts up from her chair and runs upstairs. Next, she comes flying down the stairs with a bag in her hands.

I get up to follow but Estel stops me.

"Let her go. She probably needs some time alone," Estel says.

"If you think that would be best," I respond.

Estel takes a drink of water then continues.

"Carleigh what can go into a protection spell jar."

"Lots of black things," She answers, and we all laugh.

"Seriously, can you name some items that would work?"

"Crystals such as black tourmaline, black obsidian, hematite, pyrite or tiger's eye. Herbs like bay leaf, basil or sage and representational magical correspondences like a sewing needle or thorns."

"Very good and what day of the week?"

"Tuesday."

I fidget with my friendship bracelets as I wait for my turn.

"Tally."

"Yes."

"What about a healing spell jar?" Mia asks.

"Can I consult my grimoire?"

"Not at first, let's see what you can remember."

"First off, I would include some herbs for healing and cleaning, so that would include peppermint, rosemary, and salt. Clear quartz is the master healer, and amethyst is the all healer. Blue lace agate if the patient needs any emotional healing. And no, I don't remember the day of the week."

"That would be either Sunday or Monday. Anyone else want to try to test their knowledge?"

"I'm ready." Tanner says.

"Okay. How about one against negative energy?" Grandma starts.

"Rosemary, Himalayan salt, and amethyst."

"You can't think of anything else?" Mia questions.

"Sage, sweetgrass, cedar, citrine, tiger's eye, turquoise, pyrite, hematite, clear quartz..." Tanner shoots off in rapid succession.

"Okay. okay. We get the idea," Grandma says.

"How about me?" Ande chimes in.

"How about ingredients for a creativity spell jar?" Mia questions.

"Chamomile, cinnamon, thyme, lavender, black salt and rose petals. If you want to add crystals you could include amethyst, celestite, lapis lazuli or sodalite."

Luckily Grandma calls for a break. Getting a water and an apple, I go over and sit in the living room. Tanner comes skipping over with his own snack.

"You will not believe what I have discovered."

"There's life on Mars."

"Funny. No, I think Hunter is jealous of you and several others here he feels like had a better life than him."

"I will admit I had a good life compared to most, but was his that much worse?"

"I won't talk about the details, but basically, yes. He had a very difficult time starting about at the age of ten."

"Well, I want to feel bad for him, but he makes that hard."

"There is something I'm sure my cousin here hasn't noticed."

"Oh, please enlighten me Mr. Brains."

"Hunter watches you wherever you go."

I frown. What's he talking about?

"Don't overheat over there. When he thinks no one is watching, he follows you with his eyes, almost like he is observing you and seeing what you would do next."

"And why would he do that?"

"Cazzo! Those bullies really did a number on you. You have a lot of really good qualities a guy would like. No, no, no. Don't say a word about your experience in high school."

"But..."

"I will not hear any of that negative self-talk from you. I think I need to make it my mission to help you build yourself up. You have things inside you've not even tapped into yet because those ninnies made you believe you weren't good enough. You are good enough, and one day, you will prove that to yourself."

I pat his arm. "If you say so."

He just smiles and shakes his head.

I am a complete failure. I can't do anything right. I can't even do a simple spell correctly. I concentrate on the crystal again, focusing all my energy into doing this spell right. Surge sursus. At first it doesn't work, but then I concentrate more and get it to start working.

Soon enough the crystal is levitating. It is happening more quickly now, but not before my head starts to feel light. The room starts to spin before every goes black

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Author's Note:

Cazzo! - F*ck!

When you need a way to show any frustration you might be having with Italian buses, the length of your spaghetti, or finding the right direction back to your hotel in Venice, this might be the right one to use. Think about using some super expressive hand motions for the right effect. []

Surge sursus [Latin] - rise up

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