Destinies Change

Every year things change. One thing that remains constant is birthdays. The same day, every year, with people congratulating you on another year of life.

Can I say awkward? They are literally being happy about you not dying. Dying is such a natural thing! People should celebrate at funerals just as much as they do at birthday parties. I'm pretty sure ghosts would like that, too.

Well, anyways, today, actually, is my birthday. I've been awake for the last ten minutes pondering how I've lived this long, and what it could mean for my future. Becoming a familiar? I... It's scary. 

Ok, maybe I've gotta explain this. In our day and age, humans hold little to no magical ability compared to our ancestors. Our population is to great and bla, bla, bla. But, animals still have this wacky strong connection to it as if they're more important to us, or something.

So... This means that the children of the past famous or powerful witches or warlocks get the chance to become a familiar to an animal, and do their bidding for the rest of their life. Horrible, right?

Lucky little me! I am the great, great, great something granddaughter to the great warlock known as Navidad of Nostalgic. He advanced many time and mind based spells such as jumping back in time a few minutes or reading a persons mind for a short period of time. What I've figured about him is that he struggled to make his spells long-lasting either because of an alcohol addiction or just being short in height.

I got to study all of that in school. But, being his granddaughter also means that I am guaranteed a time slot on the Look for Familiars. Other people have to sign up and don't have a very good chance of getting an opening on their thirteenth birthday. Similar to myself, today is that day. But, from what I've heard, the Look for Familiars is kind of set up like a fair ride. But at this fair ride, spells are being cast to learn about your strengths and weaknesses, all that stuff.

Can I be honest, though? I hope I never get to be a familiar. I have other foals and plans in life that I don't want to give up to be a servant of an almighty magical being.

~ The day passes by fairly quickly. Everyone congratulates me on my birthday. It was all good and all, but I struggled to be happy knowing what was going to happen this evening.

Six o'clock pm. An appointment time for the Look for Familiars. My mom drives me there, the building is about an hour away and I am nervous the whole drive. 

My mom tries to talk me into it. She herself had too many underlying conditions to be a familiar, but her sister is one and she loves it. Though, I haven't seen that aunt sense I was in diapers. 

We arrive just a few minutes before my time slot. My mom shakes my shoulder with her hand, "You'll do great, sweetie."

"Thanks," I admit, even though the last thing I want to do is do great. She does not come in with me, it makes things easier. The automated system stops me at the door and I feel a tingling sensation of a spell being cast upon me. It was most likely an identity-check so no one was stealing my slot. They verify that it's me and I am allowed in.

~

It is two weeks later, and my father just got home from work, calling my name when he gets inside. I peek out to see what the fuss was about and he's gleaming at me like I won the lottery.

No. Oh, no... The test results! I almost forgot that they were on their way! They're here, I don't want to be a familiar. Why would they have sent a letter if I had failed? This can't be happening!

My father comes over and gives me the fancy letter. I hope against all hope that I am not accepted...

Even still, I slip the envelope open and pull out the crisp piece of paper. In a large, swirly print I read:

     Dear Ursula,

I write to you to congratulate you on your acceptance of becoming a familiar! Your test results were spectacular, and we have many witches interested in your resume. Through our particular sorting system, we have chosen Madam Furline Socks jr. to be your witch! We wish you the very best of luck and hope you enjoy your lifetime of being a familiar.

Below, you will find the communication information for Madam Furline. She is expecting a call as soon as you have received this letter.

Congradulations from

Lori Richmnd at

The Magical Insistute for Familiars.

I can't feel my heart beating, my hands can no longer hold the paper still. A hot, raging tear rolls down my face and gets caught on the side of my lip. 

"Congratulations!" my father side hugs me, knowing that I got in. But he doesn't realize that I hated it.

I drop the letter and retreat into my room, closing the door behind me. This can't be happening, not to me! I have hopes, I have dreams... And I have to give them up for.. For a cat?!

Tears continue to roll down my face, falling onto my shirt. I can't make a sound, my stunned anger keeps me from moving.

My ears pick up my mothers voice. She always talks too loudly on the phone. "Yes! This is her mother. Would you like to talk to her? Alright, just one moment." She comes to the door and opens it without knocking. She ignores my tear-ridden face and says, "It's for you."

All of the sudden, the phone is in my hands and a voice on the other end asks, "Hello? Is this Ursula Mcgumry?"

"Yes," My voice rings hollow and skittish. 

"This is Madam Furline, I hear you have received your letter of acceptance for becoming my familiar?"

"Yes," My voice remains dry, but rids itself of emotion. 

The cat starts giving me location and time information. I don't process any of it.

"I don't want to be your familiar!" I yell into the phone. The world seems to stop spinning.

"You... What?" Madam Furline seems confused and concerned. "Why ever not, darling?"

"I don't want to be your little mistress, your worker. I want a life to myself, not ruled by magic and especially not by the likes of you," I spat.

There is a long pause as I wait for her response.

"My deepest apologies, but your resume was so astronomical. It is clear that you will have a wonderful, natural ability for magic if you just give it a chance. Here, I won't force you into anything but I would like to speak to your mother about contacting me again in a few months to see if you have changed your mind."

"Yea, sure," I complain and return the phone to my mom. She's giving me a sour face but I really don't care. This was my life,