CHAPTER 1: A Poem Written by A Witch
Never have I been annoyed so bad that I wanted to put a curse on somebody but today of all days, I just might.
“Noemi, please? We’re really short of people and you’re the only one I can ask.” This is my friend Ilona. And right now, she’s asking me to fill in for the theatre club which I don’t want to since the last time I did, people in the university kept asking for a picture. You see, I’m not bragging or anything it’s just that I don’t want any unnecessary attention. So I just continued saying no to her.
“Okay, if you do this, I will make sure to ask your culture and arts prof to add some extra credit on your grades. After all, this is a huge play with the school’s name. I’m sure he’ll say yes.” She showed her cunning smile. She really knows how to bait me, doesn’t she?
“Alright, alright. But this is the last time, okay?” I waited for her response. She seemed reluctant maybe because she had other plans for me in the future but in the end she muttered an okay before leaving.
Sigh. At last, alone and in peace. Honestly, I never really liked being within a crowd. That’s why when my friends first approached me, I tried to push them away as much as I can. But to no avail, they really stuck to me until I had no choice but to live life with them. They are really annoying to the point I actually care for them. Everyone’s in their respective clubs and here I am, writing my thesis in an empty lecture room. Might as well start on the favor she asked of me earlier. It looks like they’re performing a play of The Crucible which tackles the Salem Witch Trials. I need to write a cursed poem or something. Good thing I’m not going to play a part like before because it sure won’t do since I have a part-time job every day after school.
“Excuse me, but you’re in the wrong room.” I was caught off-guard by a tap on my left shoulder. I looked up and it’s my least favorite person here in school. His red hair makes my vision turn red.
“Oh, I’m sorry president Rory. I didn’t think there will be a class in here at this time.” I answered with a hint of sarcasm. “But I guess, some students can be an hour early for their next class.” I added as I begin to pack my things to leave.
“Well, this is not the lounge or the common area so you can’t stay here in the first place.” He responded. It’s more irritating for the fact that he’s genuinely just an inflexible upright student. I mumbled a sorry with a curt smile before exiting the room. God, I hate that guy. He’s the very reason why I’m working after class hours. Just because I didn’t have my parent’s signature on the student council’s application form I lost the chance to become a member thus losing my opportunity to get a college scholarship. Now, I’m just scraping by with my allowance.
I moved to the lounge area and started to write down some words as a concept for the poem.
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Desire, payment, cursed, power, fire, devil or crucifixion? I wonder what can I use as the main concept of my poem. I pondered for a while when a thought crossed my mind. Well, more like a memory that I don’t like to remember at all. But I shrugged off my reluctance as I write down the words that were so familiar to me, almost engraved to my very memory. The words that I first spoke as a child as my mother mouthed the words for me to repeat. I let out a deep sigh as I finished scribbling down the words. My head was in the clouds when I heard my phone ring.
“Hello? Yeah, I have free time. I’ll be there in 5 minutes.” Ilona called me to see if I have progressed with her favor. Well, I finished it in no time. I quickly went to the theatre club to show them my work.
“Noemi!” She exclaimed as I entered the room. I smiled at her as I walked towards them.
“You should stop saying yes to every favor she asks of you. She’ll get spoiled.” Russell reprimanded me while looking at Ilona in which got returned by a playful smirk from the latter.
“It’s fine. This way she owes me so much I can ask her anything I want.” I jokingly said. It ended with all of us laughing.
“So, is it done?” Ilona looked at me with anticipation. I nodded as I reached for the paper in my bag.
“Okay, everybody please listen. Our resident playwright has offered us her grace in writing the witch’s poem for our play. Let’s see if it’s worth the shot.” She ushered the other members to look in our way as I prepare to read the poem. I cleared my throat and start to recite its every word.
> My name’s unnamed
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> But not to those who are pained
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> Hear my words as I say,
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> “For your desire, how much will you pay?”
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> Come, for the Gods have heard your plea
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> Call my name and you’ll see
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> The moon will grant your wish
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> While nine lives will perish
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> Do not fear my beloved
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> Happiness will be in your hands instead
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> I will eat your darkness
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> For I am loveless
I waited for a response as my eyes wandered around the room to see their expressions. Slowly, they clapped looking impressed.
“Of course, always exceeding expectations.” Russell commented as he clapped along with the others. I responded humbly with gratitude. Actually I wanted to cockily retort with a line but I just shrugged that thought off. Later on, I excused myself to go to my job. After all, I may be a witch but the devil surely didn’t give me any riches. Curse that cat.