BeSwitched, Paranormal Romance Read Online Free Page A

“Okay , everyone, you know the drill. Pass your homework assignments up to the front row.”
    Bags and binders were shuffled through, including Surla’s, but she couldn’t find any homework for History. The teacher noticed Surla’s confusion and walked over to her desk. “Where’s your assignment, Cathy?”
    “I’m sorry. I was really busy this weekend, so I don’t think I got it done.”
    “This isn’t a class to slack off in. Remember the grade you received on your last test?”
    She knew by the tone in his voice, it must have been really bad. “Yes. I’m sorry.”
    His face lightened up a bit. “Okay, then I expect you’ll do better next time.”
    Do better next time? Surla was worried. But what do I know about History? Then she quickly reconsidered. Hey, it’s not like I was born yesterday. I’m not sixteen years old like Cathy. Her mind backtracked to the time she and Idis lived in Salem, Massachusetts—where the witch trials were held.

Chapter 4
    “She’s a witch! She’s a witch! She’s a witch!” the crowd chanted.
    Idis stood at the accused stand, with Surla at her feet. A fat, balding man, who reminded Surla of the History teacher, took his seat as the judge.
    “All right , everyone!” his voice boomed. “Just quiet down! We’ll find out soon enough if this lady here is a witch!”
    “Just look at her nose!” A man in his twenties, wearing a farmer ’s hat, pointed.
    “And that black cat!” a plump lady, holding a baby, shrieked.
    “Yeah!” The crowd started up again.
    “Now, settle down!” The judge stood, waving his arms. “If you settle down, this will be over with all the sooner.”
    Instantly the crowd became quiet. The only noise heard was by a lady’s baby, who was now crying.
    “Okay, Idis,” he began, “are you a witch or aren’t you?”
    Idis was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Her hands shook and beads of sweat started running down her forehead. Surla became very worried for her own life. Whatever they would do to Idis, they were sure to do to the cat. If Idis was going to be burned at the stake, then so would she.
    “Well, are you?” The judge pushed for an answer.
    “No,” she finally stated firmly.
    In response, the crowd became more heated with anger. “Liar! Liar! Liar!”
    “All right. All right! I am a witch!” she screamed in rage. “And now I’m going to cast a spell on all of you!”
    Surla was horrified. Is she crazy?! she thought.
    The crowd gasped and became silent. Some ran and ducked away. Surla felt she had to do something and fast, so she jumped onto the judge’s lap, purring and rubbing her head against him. The point is for me to look as sweet and innocent as possible , she thought, so I look like I am not a witch’s black cat. Besides, if I don’t agree in using my magic, then Idis’s spell won’t work .
    Idis threw her arms straight up in the air and yelled, “Shoooraca shum! Mewoka reds! Make everyone this instant have bald heads!” Her head fell back in hysterical laughter, but she soon noticed no one was losing hair. She tried again, but it still didn’t work. Maddened, she stomped her feet. “Bald heads, I said!”
    Everyone looked around, feeling their hair , followed by a roar of laughter.
    “It’s too late, Idis.” The judge rubbed his already balding head. “You don’t scare me. Ladies and gentlemen!” He chuckled. “Oh boy, I guess we came to our conclusion.” He paused to pet Surla. “Good kitty.” Then he looked up again at Idis. “I find this lady not guilty of witchery, but guilty of craziness! So, on behalf of Salem, Massachusetts, I sentence you and your cat to a mad house… or to leave our town. Oh, I guess the kitty can stay if it wants.”
     
    “Cathy… Cathy.” Surla’s mind slowly came back to History class, as she felt a tapping on her arm.
    “Oh… um, yeah?” She turned to Todd.
    “The teacher has been trying to get your attention.”
    “Oh.” She smiled in