Witch Child Reaction Paper

Reagan Campbell

October 30^th, 2012

Witch Child Reaction Paper

            “But I thought my own thoughts.” (36) During the time of the Salem Witch Trials, thoughts seemed to be the only thing people had left. Words had lost their meaning. The most powerful word, witch, could destroy a family, or condemn an individual to death. Throughout the times of the Salem Witch Trials and the accusing of witches in the novel Witch Child, nearly every citizen lost faith, forgot about their morals, but most importantly lost their trust in the people surrounding them.  

            In the novel Witch Child, Mary, the main character, states: “I am Mary. I am.” (224) At first glance, it is easily mistaken that Mary is simply stating her name. However, Mary pleads, attempting to display how much her name means to her, but most of all, she wishes to show she is not a witch. By repeating the words “I am”, Mary demonstrates she is begging to show she is just herself, and not the witch people have claimed her to be. Unfortunatley, Instantly after being accused, the point of view that everyone views Mary from is changed.  

            “I am a witch. Or so some would call me.” (3) Helpless, and defenseless, Mary demonstrates that the words spoken, now define who she is as an individual. This shows the power of accusation. In the eyes of others, Mary is not herself, she is not a normal human being, her name has been stripped and now she is simply, a witch, and all else has been forgotten. The word witch is now not just a word, it defines who Mary is, and she even says it herself. These words have become so powerful, they nearly bring death upon her.

I believe the author, Celia Rees portrays that words speak louder than  actions. For example: “They took her away then… deprived of modesty and digniity, the blood streaming down her withered body, and she would not confess.” (4) Although Mary’s grandmother was suffering, about to die, she followed her morals, and decided to her to keep her mouth shut, refusing to utter the words “I am a witch.” This demonstrates how a simple cluster of words has completely taken over a city, and has become so valuable that people are willing to die to avoid saying those few words. Words have become the difference between life or death, and that is extremely powerful. Similar to the character Proctor in the play the Crucible, he refused to sign a paper stating he was a witch, because he would never have another name. 

Alien Story Final Draft

Reagan

            The only reason I got out of bed this morning was because I could smell my favorite chocolate chip muffins baking in the oven.

            “Riley, time to get up! Let’s go! You’re going to be late for school!” The last thing I wished to hear so early in the morning was the raspy voice of my mother echoing across the house. The next thing I knew, my Mom came in and opened all of my shutters. The sun blinded me, making my warm, squishy mattress sound even more appealing.

            “Mom can I stay home today? I have two quizzes, and you know how terrible my grade is in Spanish.” I secretly crossed my fingers underneath my covers, waiting for Mom to respond.

            “No, Riley. How many times did I tell you? You may not skip school whenever you would like. I pay a ton of money for you to attend this private school, and you need those grades to get into college.” Hearing those words made me cringe.

            “What if I don’t want to go to college Mom? I am sick of hearing about it. I can’t sit for thirty minutes without hearing the words: “GPA”, “college”, or “SAT”. I hate it!” I took a deep breath, because arguing with my Mom is always a bad idea.

            “Oh stop your complaining.” My mom looked at me with a stern look. “I am not going to argue with you about this, Riley. Get up, I made you some muffins!” Walking away, my Mom ran her fingers through her hair, as she always does when she is flustered.

            “Yes, mother.” I replied.

            After slowly getting out of bed, I took my time brushing my teeth, and pulled my hair back into a high ponytail. I decided to wear my pink pearl earrings to give my uniform some color, since I have to wear maroon every day. While accessorizing my outfit, I looked at the clock, and realized I needed to hurry. Grabbing a granola bar, and my favorite key lime pie yogurt, I rushed out to the car.

            When I got in the car, I noticed it was very foggy outside, and there was an unusual amount of traffic for 7:23 in the morning. I prepared for the road rage building up inside my Mom, because she is probably the most impatient person I have ever met in my entire life.

            Shockingly, I made it to school on time. With barely any time to go to my locker, I picked up the pace while hurrying to my first class of the day: History. Having history class first period is such a drag. I can’t stand it! It seems like everything I learn in that class goes in one ear and out the other. That might explain my B- in that class. As usual, as soon as the bell rang, Mrs. Sill began her lesson for the day. I got out my favorite pink pen, and realized I left my jacket at home. Even though it was still early in the day, I could tell today was going to be a bad day. Plus, for Irvine, California the weather was very chilly for the beginning of fall. Did I ever mention, I hate cold weather.

            The day went on, and just as I predicted, it was terrible. I should have guessed I would have a pop quiz in Chemistry! My teacher always tells me we should keep our eyes open and be on our toes at all times. I guess you could say I failed to do so. While dozing off in the corner of the classroom for almost the whole period, the bell finally rang. I thought the time would never come. As usual, I was the last one out of the door.

“Have a good day!” My Chemistry teacher yelled as I entered the crowded hallways. I heard an announcement on the intercom, or at least what was supposed to be an announcement on the intercom, but being that the hallways are so packed and crowded, it was nearly impossible to hear what someone is saying to you, even if you are standing three feet apart!

            I had a strange vibe as I walked into fourth period. I wondered why everyone was so quiet and why everyone looked so depressed and confused? I mean, it is only a regular Tuesday, with a few more quizzes than usual! While being careful not to trip over any backpacks while walking to my seat, Mr. P. told me to sit down because he needed to speak to everyone in the classroom immediately. Thrown off guard by the seriousness in Mr. P.’s voice, everyone put their phones away and looked towards the front of the room. Mr. P. looked down at the ground for a few seconds, contemplating how he will word what was about to come out of his mouth.

            “Now everyone, I need you all to focus in. Something serious has come up and we need to discuss this right now. “ Stuttering as the next few words came out of his mouth Mr. P. said, “I will need everyone to stay quiet as I try to figure out what we are going to do.”

            I leaned over to my best friend Brooklyn, “Brooke, do you know what he is talking about?” Chatter filled the room as everyone attempted to figure out what Mr.P. had just told us.

            “I don’t know Riley, but by the way everyone is acting, I have a strange feeling that this isn’t good.” I got a chill up my spine.

            “I need you all to stay in your seats and wait until I get further instructions.”

            What was going on? A fire drill? We sat patiently, talking amongst ourselves, trying to see if this was some sort of practical joke.

            “I have received news from administration that aliens are attacking planet Earth. There is a large possibility that none of us will know what will happen during the next twenty-four hours. Please get out your phones, and make a phone call to your loved ones. I do not know when you will see them again.”

            Silence filled the room. Jayden let out a gasp and began to cry hysterically. Sophie had a blank stare on her face, and just about everyone else showed no emotion. Before I knew it, chaos filled the room.

            “Is this a joke? Aliens? Are there a such thing?” I knew before even turning around that Aiden was the one who asked that question.

            “Aiden, please be quiet. Everyone needs to stay calm. We are all in this together.”

            The first thing that came to my mind was that I needed to find Ellis, my eleven year-old brother, a sixth grader this year. I guess it is confusing to those who don’t know me because my little brother is almost six foot; he has towered over me for the past 2 years.

            “Excuse me, Mr.P.? If this is real, I need to go find my brother Ellis and tell him what is going on!” A thousand thoughts ran through my mind. Everyone was so clueless. I needed to get my brother from his classroom and ensure that he was safe with me.

            “Riley, I think he will be fine. The principal sent out a mass e-mail to all the teachers informing us to talk to our students about the alien invasion. Take a deep breath Riley; you will be with Ellis as soon as possible. I promise.”

            At this point, all I could think about was if I was going to survive or not, and from the sound of it, we were all going to die. I was sitting in a room anxiously waiting to hear my fate. Deciding I could no longer sit impatiently, I sprung up from my seat, tripping on my untied shoelace. I dashed down the hall, counting the room numbers, searching for Ellis’ classroom! Room 8? 17? 12? All the numbers started to blend as I ran in a panic down the halls. I took a moment to collect myself.

            “No running in the halls!” After recognizing my face the janitor, named Ramon, asked, “Riley, what has you in such a rush? Everyone is supposed to remain in their classroom until further notice.”

            I ignored the Janitor because I had no time to answer his questions. After grabbing a quick drink at the water fountain, I remembered Ellis was in the Biology Lab this period. Sprinting to the door, I ran in, and spotted Ellis among his classmates.

            “Ellis! Ellis! Are you O.K.?”

            Humiliated, my brother replied, “Riley, I am fine. Don’t embarrass me in front of my friends.”

            I took a step back, and decided Ellis was right. Maybe I was overreacting. From the reaction Ellis gave me, I was sure he hadn’t been informed of the attack.

            “Ellis, do you know what is going on? Go to your locker, grab everything you need and meet me in the lobby as soon as you are ready.”

            “Where are we going? What are we doing? You can’t just take me out of class, Riley!”

            Filled with anger that Ellis wasn’t responding to me, I shouted, “I can’t? Watch me!”

            “Pardon me, Mrs. Ray, I need Ellis, it is an emergency!” Mrs. Ray nodded.

            “Please be safe, you two. I wish you the best of luck.” All the students looked confused.

            With no time to spare, I grabbed Ellis’ arm so tight his skin turned white. I gripped his arm as we rushed to his locker.  

            “Ellis, I know this may sound weird, but I need you to listen to me. Aliens are coming for us, and my teacher said only three hundred twenty-five people will be saved. There is barely any chance you or I will be chosen, but I need you to stay with me until they reveal the list of “the chosen” in about an hour or so. People will get scared and overreact, and since Mom is working all day, I don’t want us to get separated during this mess.”

            Ellis stared at me like I had 3 heads. I gave him a minute to let the news sink in, knowing he was probably extremely confused and scared.

            Since this was so confusing for everyone, they cancelled class for the remainder of the day. Sitting patiently, we waited for the announcements to be made. It seemed to be the longest sixty minutes of my life. Ellis and I wasted time by playing Sudoku on the floor of Mr. P’s room. Some people slept, others made phone calls to their parents telling them they were safe. Suddenly, Mr.P. stood up.

            “Students I need your attention. Please shift you attention to the television in the corner of the room.”

            I waited in silence. Gripping Ellis’ hand so tightly my fingers went numb, we stared at the TV waiting to hear whose name would get pulled. Those three hundred and twenty five lucky people were the only ones saved from this mess. I took a second to remember this moment; when all I heard was the breathe of all my pupils, all I saw was the fall leaves outside the window, and all I felt was the warmth radiating from Ellis’ body.

            Today is April 21^st. The day aliens came to take over this magnificent place I have grown to call home: Earth. Little did I know this morning today would be this awful? I mean a pop quiz and waking up early was bad enough! I probably would have stayed in bed if I knew aliens were coming to attack and there was a large possibility I might die!

            “Just stay calm. Breathe Riley, just breathe.” Ellis comforted me, as the time came closer to the drawing. I felt embarrassed when a single, warm tear ran down my face and onto my maroon uniform polo. I looked around me, and I saw a classroom full of people, feelings alone, scared, but most of all, vulnerable.

            “What happens if it’s you, Ellis?” I said in a shaky voice, trying to hide the fact I was trembling and terrified at the thought that I might die, or be chosen out of hundreds of people to survive this mess. Am I worth it? A butterfly flew past the window and landed on the leaf beside the windowsill. I took it as a symbol of hope during this dark, confusing time.

            “Riley, I’m scared. What are we going to do?”

 “It’ll be over before we know it Ellis! You’re the best little brother I could ever ask for, Ellis. Just stay calm, and hold my hand.”

            I chose to show no emotion. I gave Ellis a look, just a look, and I knew he knew exactly what I meant. I positioned myself to the right, facing the television, because the names were about to be revealed. Three hundred twenty-five. Three hundred twenty-five lucky, yet unfortunate people who get to board that plane tomorrow at 3 o’clock sharp. All they can take is one tiny, suitcase and one other human being.

            The screen went black and I heard a gasp among my classmates. I had never felt so scared. All of the sudden, a message appeared on the screen.

Twelve people at a time, the names were revealed. I touched my rosary necklace praying to God that I would not get chosen. I could not show Ellis my fear. Usually I never got worked up about things, but the news of alien invasion had me terrified. Ellis and my Mom were all I had. Being that they were the only family I have left in my life, the thought of them made me so scared. Three years ago, two days before my 13^th birthday, my dad was killed in a plane crash. I have refused to ride on a plane since. My dad was my best friend, and I miss him dearly.

After collecting myself I looked up towards the screen, and twelve more names had appeared. I scanned through the names quickly, in fear. Fifteen minutes passed and I began to feel better, only three-dozen names were left. Ellis turned to me.

“Thanks for watching out for me sis. I thought you were crazy, but in reality, this whole situation is crazy.”

The last twelve names were revealed. I was terrified and quaking with fear. Peeking at the screen, I scanned through the final list of names. I had to do a double take.

My name was on the screen.

I felt the beaming eyes of every person in that room staring at me. My emotions were both elated and guilty.

I was chosen.

“Oh my god. Riley, that’s your name. Riley Rouke.”

“Best of luck to you Riley. To avoid the anger of others, I would like you and Ellis to stay with me until everyone clears out of the classroom. It has been a pleasure being your teacher, my children. Everyone go home and stay as safe as possible.” Unfortunately, those were the last words I ever heard from Mr. P.

The next thing I knew I was sitting on my couch. I stared at the wall in front of me. My smart phone buzzed.

“Riley Rouke, you have been chosen by the APP to be saved. You may take one other human being with you, under the age of twenty-one. Between the two of you, you may take on suitcase. We will arrive at your home in two hours and forty-six minutes. Only bring what is necessary.”

The first thing that came to mind was; where am I going and who will I bring? I thought to myself, was it worth dragging Ellis into this? Is this what he wishes to do? The clock was ticking. I had barely any time. A thousand thoughts raced through my mind. I told my mom what was going on and she told me not to worry. There was nothing I could do besides accept the fact the next twenty-four hours would be crazy. I rushed upstairs and grabbed the largest suitcase I could find. This was easy considering we go on vacation all the time.

“Ellis, come here. I need to speak to you!” I exclaimed.

“What?”

“I decided I am bringing you along with me. If I were to have anyone go through this mess with me, I would want you to be by my side. Help me pack! We have a little less than two hours!”

We packed only the things we needed to get by. It was hard packing for a place we didn’t know we were going to. The sky was getting darker as the day went on and a green glow filled the sky. I took a moment and sat by the window in my room, and collected myself. With barely any time left, I scurried downstairs and gave my mom a kiss and told her how much I loved her.

“Riley, Ellis, I need you two to stick together through all of this. Stay strong, and know that whatever happens I love you two and your father would be very proud of you.”

Just on time, I head a knock on the door.

“Coming!” I yelled.

My Mom called us over. Trying to hold back her tears, she gripped us tightly, giving us the biggest hug ever. I took a deep breath, trying to stay strong for Ellis.

Ellis standing by my side, I grabbed the suitcase, and headed out the door.

“Mom, we love you!!!!” We shouted at the top of our lungs.

Although we were close with our father, our Mom has been there for us through everything. Ellis stood in the doorway. I felt terrible. He was being so strong, and I knew he couldn’t hold it in much longer.

“C’mon Ellis. We need to hurry! Tell Mom goodbye!” I exclaimed.

“Get in the car kids. It is going to be a long ride to New Mexico.”

“New Mexico? Why are they taking us there?” Ellis asked.

“I don’t know, just stay quiet. Take a nap.”

The back of the stretch hummer limo wasn’t too shabby. We decided to rest, since the tall man in the suit said it would be a long ride.

A few hours later I woke up to the voice of the driver telling us to grab our belongings. We had arrived. I guess we were both so drained from the craziness of the past twenty-four hours that we had slept longer than expected. As the sun blinded us as we stepped out of the vehicle, I saw a sign that read: Area 51- Roswell, New Mexico.

“Welcome to Pullman Ranch kids. The National Guard Center is straight ahead.”

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