The Day Hell Froze Over

[Beach Boy]

THE DAY HELL FROZE OVER

When I finished High School my ever practical father, a General Contractor, insisted that I learn a trade -- then I might consider attending a college or University if I really wanted to. So for four years I muddled my way through an electricians apprenticeship. My fourth year I decided to take evening classes at Sacramento Junior college to try and decide if I was really "college material".

One evening while studying in the cafeteria before a class I became aware of a photographer walking around and taking pictures.

"Just general campus pictures for a course catalog", he explained.

I wasn't sure if I really wanted my picture in a course catalog, but the photographer persisted and even seemed to take a little enjoyment in my discomfort.

"How about a picture with you and those girls over there?" he suggested.

The girls must have overheard the conversation and they turned to listen. They all seemed totally gorgeous and unapproachable to me. Despite my lies to my friends you could say that I was inexperienced with the ladies. The truth was that I was a virgin and I'd never had a "girlfriend" in High School, or since.

"C'mon." the photographer waved his hand and encouraged me to get up and follow him to the girls table. Since I was uncertain of what to do I followed nervously.

At the table sat four girls. Three of them seemed positively thrilled at the opportunity to have their picture in a school publication. The fourth girl, noticeably shy, shook her head to say "no" when the photographer asked the girls if they would like to appear in pictures for the course catalog.

This brought a big grin to the photographers face and he insisted that I sit alone with the shy girl and pose for a picture. So the other girls got up and I sat down nervously next to the shy girl. She quitely introduced herself as "Maria". I studied her long brown hair, her slim curvy body and her beautiful almost intense eyes and imagined how silly I would look seated next to her.

The photographer had us lean close together and pretend to study a book together. He had us pretend to carry on a conversation. I can't remember what we said, it was.. well it was a little embarrassing. And he even had me put an arm around Maria and cuddle her slightly as she pointed to some interesting imaginary thing across the room.

After the pictures I briefly introduced myself to the girls, then I had to rush off to class. I saw the girls off and on from time to time throughout the rest of the semester and I began slowly developing a very intense infatuation for Maria.

Before I knew it Fall semester was over and the catalogs for Spring semester appeared. On the cover, among other campus pictures, there was the picture of me with my arm around Maria as she excitedly pointed.

I enthusiastically signed up for Spring classes and rushed to campus the first evening of Spring quarter. But Maria was nowhere to be found. I didn't even know her last name. She looked maybe German or Dutch, but I wasn't sure. I searched the crowds of students but I couldn't even find her friends. I felt a sort of strange hopelessness and feeling of being lost.

Of course my mom immediately spotted my picture on the cover of the course catalog and wanted to know all of the details about my "beautiful secret girlfriend". I reluctantly confessed the truth.

"Richard, why didn't you ask her out and try and get to know her better?" My mom questioned "The worst that could have happened was that she could have said no."

My dad seemed amused by the situation but didn't say much.

"Richard, you know you can meet a lot of nice girls in college." My mom told me reassuringly. "Maybe you should take some of that moldy money you've saved up and go to a good college -- at least for a couple of years. It will be a good experience. And maybe you'll meet another nice girl like Maria."

So off I went to college that following Fall. I don't know how I ended up at a small private University nestled in a high mountain valley in Colorado, but I did. It was certainly different than California. I met a lot of beautiful girls, and even dated a few but none could measure up to Maria.. Or I should say none could measure up to the Maria of my dreams. However my lies about my sexual conquests continued and even grew.

I picked electrical engineering as a major and got excellent grades in all of my classes my first year. Probably as a result of my electrical background as an electrician. And I thoroughly enjoyed taking classes during the school year as opposed to working. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After a hot summer spent in Sacramento working for my dad I returned to the University and the crisp suprisingly cold mountain air. The Fall seemed to be trying to become a Winter.

I was bundled up in a new down filled coat and trudging up the hill towards the campus when I saw her. It couldn't be her.. I took a deep breath and the ice cold mountain air filled my lungs and made me stop momentarily to catch my breath.

I hustled up the hill towards her, but I turned away when she looked back my way, and I pretended to study a brick church I'd stopped in front of. Oh my god it seemed to be her!!
Nervously I followed. She almost certainly had a boyfriend and I wasn't sure what I'd say to her if I caught up with her. "Hi aren't you my soulmate, Maria?" Now that would sound ridiculous! But it would sound confident nonetheless.

"Maria" headed into the student union and I followed pretending to study some notices on a job board just inside the door.

"Find any killer jobs?" A cute little blonde asked me.

"Um, I don't know. I um don't know what I'm looking for." She was cute but I didn't really feel like talking to her. I wanted to find "Maria". But I was scared to at the same time...

"You know.." She grinned "You're really not bad looking."

"Thanks.."

"Anna...My names Anna. You know.." She started again. "You look a lot like my friends old boyfriend."

I didn't know what to say.

"Look, they broke up but her parents don't know about it. Would you consider...." Anna took a breath "Would you consider pretending that you are him."

"Are you crazy?!" I blurted out.

"You don't have to say much." Anna gave me a hurt look "All you have to do is come by and say hi to her parents."

"I don't know." I laughed ackwardly.

"Please.." She begged.

"Okay, I'll do it." I sighed. But what was going to happen if Maria saw me? How could I explain it to her?

"You know this is crazy." I told her as we headed towards the dining area. I'd find Maria later. I'd just keep my eyes open and be cool about it. Besides maybe it would make me look better if I had a girlfriend anyway.

"Just don't say to much and everything so go okay. And remember your name is "Rick" ".

"My name is actually Richard, so that won't be too hard. But I've never been called "Rick" before. I've always gone by Rich."

"You talk to much.. Don't talk so much." Anna looked at me nervously.

We headed into the dining area, and I tried to prepare myself for my first performance. I was a terrible actor in High School, but I reminded myself that even if I looked nervous and ackward her family would be expecting that and it wouldn't matter.

"There they are." She pointed to a group of people seated around a table, at a large booth, and I suddenly began feeling queasy.

"I shouldn't be doing this.." I whispered to her and started to turn away.

"Hey!" A man seated at the table seemed to notice me and jumped up. He had an incredulous look on his face. "Are you going to at least come over and say hi?"

"What? Anna what's her name!" I whispered under my breath

Anna flushed slightly, but it was too late, and I was sure that they had heard me.

"You must be Rick.." the man said.

"Hi, I'm Richard." I ackwardly extended a hand.

The man didn't shake my hand he just sat there and crossed his arms and studied me with a strange sort of amusement.

An older man, probably a grandfather turned and offered me his hand. "It's good to meet you Richard." he smiled.

I shook his hand and then shook a couple of others.

"So Rick.. Why don't you sit down with us." The man with the crossed arms suggested.

"What's her name." I whispered again to Anna.

Then I saw Maria, she was standing a little ways away looking at us. Her face was white as a ghost. It caught me a guard and I nervously sat down at the end of the booth next to the grandfather.

"Maria?" The man frowned at her. "Dad.." Maria took a step in our direction. "Hi.." she said to me. My heart beat hard, and everybody instinctively scooted over a little so that Maria could sit down next to me.

"So how long have you known Maria?" her dad asked me.

"I met her at Sacramento Junior college, the year before last.." I managed.

Maria gave me a shocked look and a tear streamed down her face. Instinctively I reached over, put an arm around Maria and pulled her close.

Her dad looked at me with amazement and I suddenly realized what I was doing.

"Are you really her boyfriend?" He asked cautiously.

"No.."

Tears streaked down Maria's face.

"Then what the hell are you doing here?"

"I don't know.." I half laughed nervously.

"Do you have any real feelings for Maria?" He asked again.

"I don't know...well.. yeah, I mean I think I do.."

Maria's father gave me an incredulous look and put his hand on his head.

You've heard the expression "The day hell freezes over." alluding to the impossible happening. Well today was that day.

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[Pyranha]

Maria

It was freezing and I had left my coat at the dorm. Wearing just the turtleneck seemed silly in this climate. My mind was on other things though so grabbing the stone in my pocket I rubbed it and felt warmer. My parents and whole freakin family were here, wanting to meet Rick! Why? I ask myself that question all the time, but right now didn't have time to answer. Anna was on a mission to find a guy willing to play the part for the time being. My family barely knows what he looks like so just a small resemblance would be fine.

Passing the North Quad near the curch turned study hall, I saw him, could it be? No. That would be just weird. Looking away from a familiar face I walked into the student Union. Looking back once more, it looked like he was trying to find a job, is he following me? Oh well no time. My heart however started turning inside out. Talk about connection. That's when Anna walked up to talk to him. NO ANNA I screamed in my head. TOO much a like There was no time though, it wasn't him, just couldn't be. I found my way to the womans restroom to calm down for a moment before facing my family. I thought about disapearing. That would be better, go away and never face them again. My "friends" had told me they can be my new family, but that I would always miss my old one. I was confused at this point and tried to clear my head. Not only was I trying to fool my family about my self once again, but I was trying to fool them about a whole other person. Talk about situation flying out of controll. I looked at my watch Oh shit I have been in here for 10 minutes!

Rushing downstairs i walked into the Campus Restarunt, "Richard" was all I heard and hearing his voice my heart dropped, my blood ran cold and I thought I was going to faint. It was really him. How did he get here. Could I have really done this? No I decided, it wasn't him, just an incredible coincedence. Sitting next to him because everyone scooted over I looked him over, shaking my head a little I think I managed to say hi.

My father who was a wise man, didn't fall for it a bit and was asking a bunch of questions. He asked him how we met and I relized this will never work. I have told too many people too many lies

"I met her at Sacramento Junior college, the year before last.." It was him no doubt now. I felt myself starting to cry, though I was able to keep my face with out expression, tears started spilling down my cheeks slowly at first. He put his arm around me and my heart gushed. I couldn't take it. I thought I was going to collapse and I felt llike I couldn't breath which only made me breath harder, but I felt Anna's hand on my back reminding mt to stay strong. She thought I was cracking under the pressure of my parents, but I was really enveloped with a whole different kind of pressure. My father, being the intelligent man he was, knew this richard guy wasn't my boyfriend but did wonder why he posed as him.

"Then what the hell are you doing here?" My father said amused and Richard sort of choked and replied "I don't know.." Seeing the reaction we had toward eachother however my father asked the question who's answer could change my life. "Do you have any real feelings for Maria?" An eternity went by in my head as I waited for him to say, No sir I was dragged here by Anna to take his place, sorry I'm a terrible actor "I don't know...well.. yeah, I mean I think I do.." He finally said, though nervous he acctually meant it. My father did not expect such an honest answer and stared at him in shock. As I looked around my whole family looked that way. This was turning out to be the strangest lunch ever, so strange infact the young student waitress had avoided the table for quite sometime. Meanwhile I went numb, I heard very little after that and saw very little.

Richard was going to leave but my father seemed to like him and insisted that he stay. Anna was going to leave for a bit, I did not answer her. I just looked around, looked at my father, my brother and my grandfather. My Mother and sister were there too, but had not said a word since I walked in the door. Our family was a do not speak unless you have something to say kind and neither my mother sister or I were close. I am sure they were here against their will. Richard put his hand over mine, which was pressed hard against the jeans I was wearing and ice cold. The warmth in his touch brought me back to reality a little and when I looked at him, his eyes were warm and kind. Begining to cry all over again I excused myself to go to the restroom, with a raised eyebrow my father nodded and I all but ran out of the room.

 

[Beach Boy]

I left the student union in a daze. That had to be the strangest lunch I'd ever had. Yet I felt incredibly good at the same time. I'd never had as big a crush on any girl.. in my life. And she was here! I had sat with her! I'd put my arm around her! And I'd even met her family. Maybe there was a god after all.

Honestly I'd been a bit intimidated by Maria's dad when we first met but then we'd gotten along great. I think he must have been impressed by my honesty. And there was a bit of humor in the whole situation. I loved the fact that Maria had feelings for me too. It was incredible! Almost too good to be true.

I paused at the wrought iron fence surrounding the graveyard and almost considered climbing over it and taking a shortcut to the engineering building. The graveyard had been here since the towns humble beginnings and the University had been built around it. It gave the University a spooky feeling at night. And behind the graveyard the University arboreteum stretched up the mountainside. Within the arboreteum there was a small lake fed by an impressive natural waterfall.

I still had a little time so I decided to cut through the arboreteum. A bright scarlet sunset lit the sky and reflected off of the lake adding vivid color to the already colorful Fall landscape of red, orange and yellow trees. We sure didn't have seasons like this in California!

I think Maria's father was a little suspicious that I'd followed Maria to Glenwood Springs University. But he seemed to really like me and we'd gotten along better than I get along with my own father. Her mother and her grandfather were great too! They just didn't say much. Her brother and sister didn't say much either but I could only imagine how my brothers and sisters would react if they had to go meet my "girlfriend". Of course I probably talked too much. But now I had a girlfriend, a soulmate! And I had her phone number and address in my wallet.

 

[Pyranha]

Maria

"Well if he wasn't my boyfriend to begin with, he sure is my boyfriend now" I told Anna after I finally got back to our dorm. "Are you sure? he seems a little on the uh interesting side." She said tossing laundry at me pointing to the line that said its her side and grinning.

Throwing it right back to her I nodded. "Yes he is, but when I met him over a year ago I practically fell in love with him. " Looking at me cautiously " You really DID know him? I talked a guy that you were in love with to come and pose as your non exhistant boyfriend?" All of a sudden Anna busted out laughing.. "God I am G O O D!" She spelled out "Good" for emphasis.

" acctually I think I brought him here" I said reluctantly. "What are you talking about chick? you think he followed you here and is like ... i dunno stalking you or something?" I got up and looked out the window, it looked out over the arboretum, there was a lake and a waterfall. The sun was setting just right and golden red rays poured color all over the area, even the graveyard not too far away was bathed in color. There were a few people walking through for a variety of reasons. Soon the sun finished setting and the colors faded and everything looked grey and bland compared to the previous scene. "No" I finally replied. " I think I brought him here. If you ask for something, and you do it right, you can get anything you want" " hun your starting to scare me... I am your best friend you can tell me anything." she looked at me like I was a ghost or something. Shaking it off and returning happily to torturing her with my clothes crossing her side of the room I looked at her and said " Later, I will let you understand later" and flicked a little pink strapless bra at her head. "Hey at least he got along with my father, and HE hates everyone!!"

Later that night was a full moon, I decided to go for a walk. I needed time to clear my head, among other things.

 

[Beach Boy]

Rich

"Hello.. Is Maria there?"

"Hi! Is this Rick?!"

"Hi Anna, is Maria there?"

"Nah she went out for a walk I think... And left me here reading one of her dumb Harry Potter books."

I asked Anna to tell Maria that I'd called and I grabbed my heavy coat and headed outside.

The cold outside had a bit of a bite to it but the air was crisp and clear and I needed to clear my head. I loved taking afternoon walks in the dark after studying. I'd usually would head up through campus, around the graveyard, and then on into the arboreteum. It always made me feel a little uneasy walking around the campus in the dark, and I swore there were ghosts around the campus of former students who had met tragic sudden deaths. But strangely I loved that uneasiness and moodiness of it all.

I was just passing the graveyard when I caught a glimpse, out of the corner of my eye, of a woman in a long streaming dress flash by. Maybe she was a ghost? My heart was beating hard now. She had disappeared into the arboreteum. My adrenaline was flowing, my senses were fully tuned in, and carefully I was making my way in the direction of the eiree figure. I felt drawn.

Large trees shrouded the path into the arboreteum and the street lights did little more then lend vague visual clues. I stumbled over a loose brick then I stopped for a second attempting to allow my eyes to adjust to the darkness around me.

Up head, on a park bench, under a street light, I could make out a figure. The figure moved slightly and I knew my eyes weren't playing tricks on me.

"Abu Ka."

The strange voice stopped me cold in my tracks.

"Abu Ka Adema Rieme."

The voice had a strange sort of throaty character to it. But I felt drawn forward.

"Maria, is that you?"

Maria rose from the bench and turned to face me. Tears were streaming down her face.

"Hey soulmate what are you doin' out here?"

Maria didn't reply, she just reached for me. I pulled her close and cuddled her against me. She felt cold and I rubbed her and pulled her hips close to mine in a passionate embrace attempting to warm her up.

"What's the matter Maria?"

But Maria didn't reply, she just leaned her head against my chest and snuggled close. It was dark.. so dark outside...

I could hear her panting for a breath as I chased her across the darkened campus. Her breasts heaved under her breath and I tore her blouse and bra free and placed my lips on her right nipple. Laughing she shoved my head away and fell onto her back on the grass. Her round hips were right below me. Down I went frantically unsnapping her slacks, undoing her zipper, pulling her pants off. I was pumping hard now, her body quivering beneath me.

"Ohhhhhhh.." I gasped as I fell into her. Her body shook and her eyes looked at me fearfully. Then they changed. They grew red. Her face wrinkled, her mouth opened and she bit into my face painfully.

The pain was terrifyingly intense and I felt her claws gouging into my back as I struggled to free myself from this demon. But it was no use!!!

I awoke soaked in sweat. I was in my room. It was just a dream. A bad dream, an evil dream, a horrible dream. But just a dream..

 

[Pyranha]

Maria

There was a secrete about me. A secrete that not many knew. Infact the only people that knew, were those that taught me. I had to know if Richard was here because of life and the way things worked or because of something I conjoured up one night in a desperate attempt to avoid the pain of rejection. Like most spells that involve a third party, I regretted it. I thought this would be the answer to my prayers. My suspicious parents feared the worst, and dragged me into church every sunday, eventually they thought getting me away from the "Influences" would be the answer so off to another College I went.

While I was there I tried and tried to create a spell that would bring him to me. I couldn't figure out why i was so drawn to him, and why I fell in love with him, and only met him once. Tonight was the night that I was going to undo the spell. I wanted to know if what he had just might be real. I went to the graveyard because no one had the nerve to go there after dark and began my spellcrafting. Was supposed to be easy, and things were intended to go smoothly, then Richard walked up and broke my consentration. Finishing the last few words I turned around and gave him a hug. Dabbing some solution on my sleeve I ran it under Richards nose and he fell asleep.

"Anna, I need your help!!" I screamed into the phone. "Huh? What are you talking about. I am studying for an exam can't it wait?" She asked confused.
Frusterated I almost hung up " NO! Anna you always wanted to know my secrete didn't you? Well NOW IS THE TIME!! Please meet me just inside the graveyard PLEASE!" I whispered furiously into the phone. She agreed and I relaxed. He would wake up soon and I wanted him to think this was all a dream. Like he got too drunk and halucinated it all. Saying a quick prayer I put on a jacket and jeans. took off my robe and put it into my backpack, half hazardly zipping it up.

Anna showed up about 10 minutes later. "Whats going on?" she said then she looked over at Richard and gasped so loud I thought all the dorms would come see all the commotion "Is he dead?" She asked with horror on her face. "No Anna he is sleeping, I got this mixture from Chem lab, kind of like the stuff they use to put you to sleep for an operation or something only in liquid form, i sprayed a little on the sleeve of my robe and put it under his nose, he fell asleep. I will explain it all later. Right now we need to get him to his dorm and tell his roomie he had a bit too much to drink". Taking out a whiskey flask she sat him up and poured a little into his mouth letting it drip and soon he reaked of alchohol. "Where did you get that Anna?" I asked her. " You gotta sleep somehow, here help me grab the underside of his other arm". Together we hoisted him up through to his dorm, taking the peice of paper out of my pocket I relized that part of the number was torn, "Shit!" I said and Anna looked at me concerned " What the hell?" She asked. "His address is missing half the number could be a 1 7 or 9 i cant tell." I said horrified. Someone came walking through the hall " Hey is everything alright?" a young mans voice asked. " turning around I saw a guy who looked familiar, " yea, do you know where his room is? he had a bit too much to drink." Sniffing a little he agreed and said he would take him into his room for him, he was on his way to get some notes from his roomie. " Oh thank you, we have to get going, see ya around... oh yea and tell him,,, he's a fun drunk." Smiling for a moment we turned and all but ran out of the dorm building.

OOC: I just want to let you know, who ever is reading this. Wiccans are not evil, wiccans do not hurt people and they do not generally interfere with other peoples lives. This is a FICTIONAL story and in no way is based on the Wiccan religion. Wiccans are good joyful people that worship their gods and goddesses and can't send things like lightening bolts out of their fingers . So have fun reading this, but in no way assume that this is how the religion goes. PM me if you have any questions that you would like answers to. Thanks

 

[Beach Boy]

I awoke with a dull headache and forced myself out of bed.

"Drink a little too much last night?" My roommate Steve laughed.

"I don't really remember."

"Well you did.." Steve made a face "Just don't do it again."

Steve wasn't much of a partier and neither was I for that matter. But I sure couldn't remember having anything to drink.

"Was Maria with me, when I got back?!"

"Some guy brought you in. You were totally out of it."

I grabbed the phone and dialed Maria's number.

"Hi.. Maria?.... Sorry Maria I was just stressin' a little.. I don't know what happened last night but it's good to hear that you're okay.... Do you want to get together later today, maybe go out on the town?... Okay...Okay... I'll see you at three!"

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I nervously knocked on the door.

"Rick! I didn't expect to see you." Anna gave me a concerned look. "How are you feeling?"

"Okay I guess.. Is Maria around."

"Nah, she doesn't get out of class until 2:30 but you're welcome to come in and wait here if you want to."

"Well I am a little early." I admitted sitting down on the edge of a bed.

Anna cocked her head and studied me curiously "I suppose that it's none of my business but...."

"Yes?"

"I'm sorry... I mean I know Maria really really well and we're best friends and everything.. but... I mean you hardly know Maria and she has been sort of.. moody.. around you. I just don't understand what you see in her."

"She's just passionate."

"Or dangerous.."

"I don't know. I feel drawn to her. Maybe we're soulmates."

Anna didn't reply she just sat and stared at an ancient looking leather-bound book, probably a bible, that sat on a shelf over Maria's desk.

"RICH!" Maria came rushing into the room and threw her arms around me. "I need to change into some better clothes."

I stepped out into the lobby and waited until Maria reappeared wearing slacks and a thick Navajo patterned sweater with a warm coat tucked under her arm. Maria looked really good in the sweater and I put an arm around her and brought a smile to her face as we headed outside.

The town wasn't huge by any means but it was nice. The old buildings on Main Street had been given a recent face lift and probably looked better than when they were new. We stopped and got cafe mochas at Starbucks, some brittle chocolate candy at a wonderful smelling candy store, and we ate dinner at a restaurant decorated like something out of the wild west.

"I've never ridden a horse." I confessed studying a painting on the wall.

"Really?" Maria grinned "My parents have horses. I'll have to give you a lesson sometime."

We ate and talked and talked, and it was good to see Maria in good spirits. She seemed happier and more relaxed today than yesterday. It felt like I'd known her forever and it felt good just being with her.

 

[Pyranha]

"I've never ridden a horse." Rich confessed studying a painting on the wall.

"Really?" I was grinning from ear to ear "My parents have horses. I'll have to give you a lesson sometime."

I was so happy, he still liked me dispite the spell. However he still acted a bit clingy. i am sure that is the begining of the relationship phase I am always hearing about.

Off we went to coffee and dinner. The day was so lovely and here we were talking about normal things finally. Though my mood was still a little sinister, I was forcing that extra happieness because he so deserved a little normalcy.

"I used to ride as a child all the time. It has been a few years but I hear it is like riding a bike" Smiling I took a bit of my steak and held a goofy expression for a minute, causing richard to laugh, spraying soda all over the table. Relaxing a little more I started to laugh too and continued eating dispite the soda flavored meal.

So what are you in the mood for now?" I asked him as we walked hand in hand along the vintage streets that had been remodled but still held that old town feel. He was silent for a moment. I suppose he was pondering, when we passed an old shop that had not been remodled like the rest of the street, it was named "Ye Olde Magick Shoppe".

"Let's go in there, that looks kind of interesting." It was late and a lot of stores were closed, but his one appeared to be open still so we walked in. I couldn't bring myself to say anything. My heart was beating fast and I thought that he may have suspected. He had no reason to, he bought the drunken story, but paranoia can get the best of a person sometimes.

"Welcome kind Sir. Ye too, M'Lady" The middle aged woman said kindly wearing a flowing beige skirt with a cream old fashoned top. She looked back and forth from me to him before her gaze rested on me. "Child, you shouldn't worry about such miniscule problems. There is more in this world to run your mind weary" Rich looked at me with an unreadable expression on his face and all I could do was grasp his hand tightly, to make sure he stayed by my side... that is when i noticed my hands were dripping with a cold sweat.

 

[Beach Boy]

"Abra ka-zam" I waved a magic wand at Maria.

"Sir, that is not a toy!" The woman snatched the wand out of my hand disapprovingly.

"Look but don't touch." Maria suggested.

"Sorry.."

Maria had an anxious look on her face that I couldn't quite understand because the date seemed to be going well so far. And I thought the comment by the women was a little bizarre. It was even stranger than what Anna had said. And anyway Anna was probably just feeling a little lonely when she'd warned me about Maria. Anna.. Come to think of it Anna was pretty cute. Those soft curvy little hips.. Anna was a little hottie!

"What are you thinking about?"

"Oh sorry.. um.. I don't know.." I glanced at a shelf behind the counter. "Hey Maria look. A crystal ball!"

It was a shiny black. So shiny that I could almost see my reflection in it. Then for an instant my eyes played a trick on me and I thought I saw Anna wearing a long tee-shirt seated cross-legged on a bed eating cookies and reading Maria's big old bible.

"She's eating cookies on my bed!"

I turned and saw that Maria had an angry look on her face.

"Wha..? Maria, what are you talking about?"

"Rich, I think we should go now."

"Kind sir, would you like to make a purchase?"

"Yeah, I think I'll get those cookies." I pointed to a package of Dutch chocolate cookies just behind the counter.



"Want a cookie?" I offered Maria.

"No thanks I'm not hungry."

Maria had a determined look on her face.

I wasn't sure of what to say to Maria as I pulled away from the curb so I just grabbed a couple of cookies and ate them instead.

Maria grabbed a couple of cookies herself. "Can you believe Anna getting into my stuff when I'm gone!" Maria began eating the cookies angrily.

"You saw that in the crystal ball?" I asked Maria under my breath in disbelief.

Maria looked at me like she was going to say something but instead grabbed a couple more cookies.

"So Maria... would you like to meet for breakfast tomorrow at the dormitory dining hall?" I asked as we pulled up in front of Maria's dorm.

"I'd love to! Thanks for a great evening!" Maria reached over and gave me a hug and a soft kiss on the cheek.

 

[Pyranha]

Getting out of his car I relized that I may have just tipped him onto something. What am I talking about i thought. He saw it too. However he probably thought that it was his imagination.

I walked into the room and Anna was still sitting on the bed reading my book and eating cookies. "What are you doing?" I hollard ripping the book from her hands. "This is my personal property!" I was so frusterated I shoved the book into a bag and put it on my bed.

"Whats the problem. I thought it was a bible untill I opened it up. There is some pretty facinating stuff in there. Isn't it for a class or something... why are you so upset you need to loosen up." She said like there was nothing the matter, like I was having a friendly conversation with her.

"The problem is you don't have any respect for privacy. That is my bookshelf and my side of the room. You had NO right!" I packed a bag and took off fast. I didn't want to discuss it with her. Unfortunatly she was not done because she ran in front of the door and stopped me.

" I think this is about the time you started spilling your guts. I am your best friend and pentagrams and circles of protection are getting a little on the "Needs Explaining" side of things." Brushing a few strands of hair from her face she crossed her arms over her chest and gave me a look that I have come to know. The look that said You tell me or I will never leave you alone and you know it!

I walked back over to the bed and sat down silent for a few minutes. She slid down and sat in front of the door. It appeared that she wasn't wearing any underwear and showing herself to me made me embarrassed so I looked away.
" Pull down RICHARDS shirt please." I said and she did so apologetically.

"Back home, Christianity didn't do it for me. I thought that there was something more out there I just didn't know what it was. I was walking around one day and saw a group of people sitting in the park laughing and talking, having a good time. There was something about them that made me want to go talk to them. So I did. I had no idea why I just knew I wanted to. and the rest is history. They taught me everything I know about witchcraft." The word hung in the air like a spider, hanging from a spindle of web attached to the cealing. You could either take an interest and respect it, get frightened and kill it, or leave it alone and let it go about it's business. Anna took the first option and pushed me to tell more.
" I sort of abused it though. You are taught to avoid interfearing into other peoples lives, but I didn't listen. I cast a love spell on Richard. See I was admiring him for months. I worked on the school catalog, I was interning at the Jr college for extra credits towards my extra carricular activities. Well I coaxed the Photographer to use me and Richard for the cover, so I could get a picture of me and him together to further my illusion. So I cast the spell but then my parents transferred me and I never saw him again. Untill the other day when you chose him to pose as my fictional boyfriend. That book is the witches Bible.. sort of and I just didn't want you to know about it. It teaches you about being a witch and the religion. There is more to it than what I have made it out to be in my life and I regret that."

"Oh my god, I was reading that. Does that mean that I like just cast a bunch of spells?" She asked suddenly scared. " Amused by the question I assured her that in order to cast a spell there is a ritual involved and I doubt the supplies are even in this room to perform those rituals. Relieved she got up and crawled into her bed. " You should have told me sooner hun You know I love you no matter what. You could have used the support, that explains the graveyard though" She said smiling at me.

"I know, but this subject is tricky, people's lives get ruined by other people for believing in this. I was just trying to be careful" I changed into my Jammies and got into bed. "What about Richard" She asked me just before she turned out the light " I don't know.. I still have to figure that out." She turned out the light and I fell into a fitful sleep.

 

[Beach Boy]

Steve looked up from a book he was reading. "By the way your girlfriend came by while you were out."

"My girlfriend?"

"Yeah a cute little blonde. She didn't say much... She just grabbed a shirt off of your chair, the one you were wearing yesterday, and took off with it."

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was a near perfect day -- sunny, pleasantly warm, with a slight breeze. I strolled out into the middle of the Quad and sat down on the grass. People were reading, taking naps, throwing frizbee's, and talking quietly.

"Hi Rick!"

It was Anna and she appeared to be wearing nothing but my shirt. Carefully she sat down next to me and snuggled her soft warm body against mine. I began petting her warm smooth thighs as she nuzzled her head against my chest and purred softly. We kissed and then she disappeared just as quickly as she had appeared.

"Rich."

"Maria!" I looked up and she stood looking at me with a hurt expression.

"Were you just with Anna?"

"No.." I lied, but I knew that I wasn't fooling her and I found myself looking at the ground because I was too ashamed to look her in the eye. "I'm sorry.." I whispered.

"Anna got into my witches bible." Maria said solemnly

"She's wearing my shirt." I nodded

"I think she somehow cast some spells."

"She's wearing my shirt." I nodded again

"Richard, you're not listening to me! Look silly.... maybe Anna was able to cast a weak spell on you because she's wearing your shirt. Why would she want to wear your shirt?"

"I think she likes me." I grinned.

"I'm going to have to have a talk with Anna."



I awoke without a headache, showered, got dressed, and hurried over to meet Maria at the Dining Hall.

"How'd you sleep?" I asked Maria.

"Not so well." Maria sighed. "How about you?"

"I slept well."

"I'm sure you did." Maria said a little abruptly. "Could you excuse me for a minute. I need to go use the restroom." Maria set her purse down on the chair and headed off to the restroom.

A funny smell seemed to be coming from her purse and I couldn't resist checking it out. Inside her purse I found corked vials of liquids, strange looking powders in little jars, and a variety of metal trinkets and colorful beads.

"Richard! Careful with that!"

I practically jumped out of my seat.

"Don't open those! They're uh.. They're um uh, for my chemistry lab." Maria explained ackwardly

"Should you be carrying those in your purse?"

"You're as bad as Anna! Do you mind staying out of my purse!" Maria yelled then caught herself.

"I'm sorry. It just smelled funny and I sort of wondered..."

"It's okay." Maria set her hand on my shoulder and gave me a light kiss on my cheek. "Just don't do it again." She smiled weakly.

 

[Beach Boy]

Pyranha didn't like the "black magic" direction this thread was headed so if anybody is interested in taking over for "Maria" please PM me. Also we could add a player for "Anna" (Also, and not really coincidentally a black witch). Maybe a player for Anna's future boyfriend. And perhaps even a player for the "photographer" from earlier in the story. He can go by any name and perhaps he will show up as Anna's boyfriend. He's also known as Lucifer, Satan, or the Devil.