Once upon a time

It was the beginning of June, but there was a slight chill still in the air, which wasn't uncommon for the state of Michigan. The sky was gray, no sunlight could shine through the wall of clouds above. Elizabet stood outside staring down the long drive her mind moving in many different directions. She could barely control her thoughts as they skipped around. She stood hugging herself moving her hands up and down to warm her chilly arms. She despised cold weather, it was supposed to be warm by now! She lamented quietly to herself unhappy with the state of the weather.

Elizabet turned around and looked at the kitchen window, she could see the two shadows of Heather and Cicely moving around, no doubt preparing breakfast for everyone. She had no doubt in her mind it would be fit for a queen. Today was after all the first time in about 50 years since they would be initiating a new member to their coven. This evening with the full moon they would initiate Erin into their coven.

The others would be preparing for Erin's initiation, they would be doing what they could to make the night the most memorable, akin to a coming out ball.

Elizabet sighed, she knew what she did was right, but she knew how badly she had hurt the girl. She also realized the girl would want to avoid her. Elizabet didn't regret that she focused the girl's anger on her, but it didn't mean that it didn't hurt when she could see the young girl glaring at her or when she said nasty things about her.

Elizabet was fully aware that she was seen as a monster. She knew Erin looked at her like the demon she was. Elizabet let out a sigh. She had nothing to do to prepare for the initiation this evening and she didn't know what to do with herself.

Elizabet was going to head down the a path, any path for a simple distraction; a chance to clear her mind and take in the crisp fresh air. However, she was interrupted by a soft voice that called out to her and she stopped in her tracks. She turned around and was surprised to see Erin standing on the steps of the Octagon House looking down at her.

"Erin." Elizabet called out, and only when the name left her lips did she realize that she had said it out loud.

"Elizabet, just the demon I was looking to speak with." Erin's words were filled with loathing of the women, like her very name was disgusting. The attitude did not escape the attention of the woman she was speaking to.

"Erin and what do I owe the visit? I thought you were avoiding me? After all, I am the cause of all your troubles. Elizabet spoke in a calm even voice, but she realized she was twisting the knife. Was she trying to keep the girl away? Why did she say that?

Erin Grimaced and then smiled, "Well, I was told to speak with all the members of the coven. Unfortunately you are a coven member and therefore, I need to speak with you."

"You needn't do anything you would not like to."

Erin ignored Elizabet's comment. "Hattie was busy, I saw you out here doing nothing, I thought now was a good time to speak with you and get your story." Erin spoke and she desperately struggled to keep the disdain and disgust from her words.

Elizabet was fully cognizant of the feelings she ignited in the girl opposite of her. "Sure, I can tell you my story." Elizabet motioned inside the Octagon House, "why don't we go inside, its a bit more chilly out here than I would like." She spoke as a shiver ran through her body.

Erin shrugged her shoulders in response. She didn't really care. Frankly, she didn't even want to be here talking to the demon in fromt of her, but she forced herself when she noticed her standing outside not busy in the slightest. In the back of her mind she could hear Hattie's voice saying meekly, 'she's not that bad and give her a chance.'. Erin really didn't want to give the demon a chance, she had after all taken her family from her. But she swallowed her anger and followed the demon into the library. The fireplace was lit creating a warm and welcoming glow within the room. Erin herself was glad for the warmth coming from the lit fire.

"Might as well make yourself comfortable." Elizabet sat down near the fire and then began her tale. "Once upon a time-" she stopped abruptly and laughed. "Who am I kidding? This isn't a fairytale, its a story from hell."

Erin had to admit her surprise with how she began her story.