Released from the embrace, she stepped back to find Oppa standing before her, concern crinkling his forehead. Before she could respond, Bell felt hot tears rolling down her cheeks. He guided her behind the counter and sat her on the stool. After several moments she calmed herself, a hiccup escaping when she looked up.
“You heard what happened?” she asked redundantly.
He nodded, still watching her warily for more tears.
“Geranium is at Dr. Jayr’s place for the night. He says she’s in shock.”
“What happened? I heard what the others said, but I was here in the shop when it all occurred.”
Bell relayed the story, and upon its completion, the two sat in silence.
Oppa finally broke it, asking, “So she really did spit in his face? I’m a bit impressed. For a blind woman, she apparently has impeccable aim.”
Bell stared at him before bursting with laughter. “Looking back, I am incredibly impressed, although, at the time, it was petrifying.”
“Let me close up, and I’ll walk you back home. We’re all supposed to have dinner tonight, and Poppy would flay me alive if I let you leave here alone after all this mess.”
Quicker than she could have imagined, Bell and Oppa were on their way back to Flor Cottage.
“Errr… I have something to say to you, Belladonna,” Oppa started awkwardly. Taking her silence as permission, he plowed on. “I… I would like to apologize to you.”
Lost, Bell asked, “What for?”
He groaned. “You’re making me feel even worse. I want to apologize for how I treated you before you left. I might not have actively participated in the town’s ridicule of you, but I certainly didn’t try to stop anyone either.” He cast a glance at her from the side of his eye.
Bemused Bell hesitated. “Thank you. But an apology isn’t necessary. You were never unkind to me, and I was virtually a stranger to you. There’s no need for you to feel bad.”
Sighing, Oppa shifted the bread he was holding to his other arm. “Your sister was right about you. Poppy, I mean. I received an earful from her about how the town treated you and how unfair it was that you didn’t even try to defend yourself.”
“Don’t let Poppy convince you I’m some saint; I’m not. My sisters have a colored view of me, as I’m the littlest. But I appreciate it all the same. Speaking of Poppy, what’s going on between you two?” she asked slyly, stifling a giggle at his sudden blush.
“She’s – well – she’s a very special – I mean her and the kids – they’re very special to me. I… I love them all very much and would like to marry her someday, but Poppy says no,” his last words rushing out in one breath.
Scared he would crush the bread unknowingly due to distress Bell traded him the bags she was carrying for the bread. “Just be patient. It’s obvious she has feelings for you as well. You just have to understand she’s scared right now. I’m sure she told you, but growing up, Papa had a lot of money, and we lived a very lavish lifestyle. She married a man when she was very young, who only wanted a very traditional wife, but who would continue to give her the luxuries she knew. And then he died, and she and the kids were left with nothing. More than anything, I think she’s scared of being trapped in another marriage like her first.”
“She never speaks of him… did he hurt her like Geranium’s husband?”
“Ashley? No, I don’t think he was ever violent. He was very controlling in his own way, and her life revolved around being what he thought a wife and mother should be. To add insult to injury, he was a very dumb man. Poppy has always been smart, and I think she felt smothered having to pretend to hang on his every word.”
“That’s a huge relief. She doesn’t speak of him, and after your sister showed up on the doorstep in that condition, I just wondered…” he trailed off.
Patting his arm comfortingly, Bell said, “I understand. Ashley was not a bad man, although I never particularly liked him or thought he was a good match for Poppy.”
Oppa murmured sheepishly, “What kind of man do you think would be a good man for Poppy and the kids?”
“Oh. Well, a man who loved Poppy and the kids tremendously. One who could love who she is and not try to make her into something she is not. In short, Oppa, I think someone like you would be the kind of man she and the kids need.”
For the rest of the way, Oppa and Bell walked in silence, arriving home just as the sun began sinking past the horizon.
The next morning Dr. Jayr sent a note to the cottage saying he would be bringing Geranium home that evening and that Roger had been arrested. The entire household was in turmoil, anxious for her return.
Once the kids had been sent to school, a quiet descended over the cottage. Peeking out the window, Bell saw Papa sitting on the bench in the back garden.
“Can I join you, Papa?” she asked, approaching.
He patted the seat next to him. Bell settled herself and arranged her skirts.
“Sometimes, it’s hard for me to remember things. There are holes in my memories of you girls growing up. I know I tried my best, but how did I let this happen?” he implored, his voice a little lost.
Bell’s heart ached. When she and Oppa had explained what had happened, Papa had taken it the hardest. “You did everything you could, Papa. Everything. What happened with Poppy and Geranium… it wasn’t your fault.”
“I know I’m a burden to all of you – every day, I’m not sure what I remember or don’t. You even left to make more money. You never should have had to make money, Belladonna. I failed all of you.”
“No! Of course, you aren’t a burden!” Bell grabbed his shaking hand. “You didn’t fail any of us. We always knew you loved us, and we love you just as much now, Papa.”
He searched her eyes, desperate to find some truth. “You are the strongest of all my daughters. Do you really need to go back to work?”
“Yes, Papa, I do. This is only a short vacation.” She thought of Alder, all alone except for Fluffy, and felt a stab of concern – she had been so anxious to leave she hadn’t considered what Alder must have thought when she hadn’t returned after storming out. It was only later that she realized how cognizant her father had seemed while they spoke.
Geranium and Dr. Jayr arrived right before dinner.
Bell thought her sister looked better than the day before, but she didn’t say much and was quieter than usual. The hand-shaped bruise still cursed her face, a silent reminder of what had happened.
After dinner, Geranium rose and clutched Dr. Jayr’s hand. “Papa, if you give your consent, I would like to marry Dr. Jayr.”
Everyone stared in shock at the pair. After several long seconds, Papa spluttered, “Yes! Of course!” As if he had spoken the magic words, everyone rose and crowded the two, congratulating them. Only Bell stayed in her seat, watching the excitement with a hollow feeling in her chest. She knew she wouldn’t be here to attend the wedding, and she felt more acutely how cruel the Fae could be.
Bell knew her trip was coming to a close. She hadn’t noticed it at first, but now she could feel the pull of the curse calling her back. What had started as a fluttering in her stomach now felt like an elastic band around her waist being pulled taught. With every passing second, Bell felt the band being stretched a little more. She knew she had to leave before the band snapped.
Everyone had dispersed, each to grab something to add to the celebration. Bell rose and approached the Doctor and her sister.
“I am so happy for you two. Please take care of each other.”
Thanking her, Dr. Jayr radiated happiness, the warmth of his joy as strong as a sun’s ray. Geranium’s joy was subtle, but a happy flush still colored her cheeks. Geranium stepped away from Dr. Jayr, who nodded, distracted by Frank, who had decided that Dr. Jayr was the most interesting uncle he could have.
Geranium pulled Belladonna close and led her to the garden where they took a seat on the bench. Geranium sat in silence for a moment before stating, “You aren’t going to b
e here for the wedding, are you? We talked about having it while you’re still here, but I don’t think you’ll be staying much longer, will you?”
Bell was taken aback by her sister’s perception. She really wasn’t the same self-absorbed child she had been for so long. “You’re right. I am so sorry, Geranium. If there was any way I could be here, I would. I just don’t think it’s possible.”
Geranium smiled sadly. “I understand – we both do. You’re always the one to sacrifice for us; I know you would be here if you could. I’m sorry this is how it’ll be, but it’s a relief that you’re here now for this. We will tell you for a thousand years that you are too generous and do too much, but the fact you’re still this way after everything is a miracle in and of itself. You’ll go off and continue to save us.”
“I’m happy to be here, too. More importantly, I’m glad to see you safe and happy. I’ve been scared for you all these years. Dr. Jayr is a wonderful man who loves you very much. I think you couldn’t find anyone better.” Bell sighed.
“He is a kind man. I feel… safe with him.”
The back window opened, and Poppy stuck her head out. “What are you two doing?” she called out to her sisters. “Come back inside! We have to celebrate!”
With smiles that didn’t reach either of their eyes, Geranium and Bell headed back to the party.
Bell sat at the table well after 2 a.m. Spread before her were several letters, each one wanting only a signature. Resigned, she picked up the pen and signed her name on each, putting them in their respective envelopes.
Not quite ready to leave, she looked around the cottage one last time, trying to memorize every feature. Perhaps she could come back. Bell smiled wryly. Even she didn’t believe her own hopeful thought.
All night during the impromptu party, the pull in her gut had grown stronger. It wasn’t long after her return from the garden that Bell had come to the conclusion that she would have to leave that night. No one but Geranium had realized Bell had spent the entire party saying goodbye to everyone. She had given her younger sister an extra long hug before going to bed, quietly whispering that some letters explaining her sudden departure wouldn’t go amiss.
Bell’s eyes locked on the chipped teacup her father favored and knew the time to leave had come. If she didn’t go now, she didn’t know if she ever could, even with the unknown consequences looming over her shoulder.
Leaving by the front door, Bell let the invisible string pull her in the right direction. Unsurprised to be led to the back garden, she approached the bench. This place had always seemed a bit too wild to be natural, and now Bell understood that there was some magic still here.
A brush of color caught her eye. Sitting in the middle of the stone seat was a single rose petal, dark as blood.
Bell cradled it in her palm, unsurprised by the cyclical nature of her trip. Knowing what she must do, she opened her mouth and gently placed the petal on her tongue. Darkness enveloped her.
Chapter Eleven
Bell opened her eyes to find herself standing in the same spot she had vanished from. Sidero was nowhere to be seen. There was no indication of how much time had passed. An arrow of guilt shot through her – she prayed she hadn’t worried Alder and Fluffy too much. Hopefully, they weren’t too angry with her.
Starting immediately back to the Palace, she was knocked over the moment she exited the maze by a giant black slobbering dog. “Fluffy! Get off! I can’t breathe!” she gasped, trying to wiggle out from beneath him while simultaneously dodging the overly enthusiastic kisses he was bestowing her.
Giving him a huge shove, she managed to scramble out and stand, brushing off her skirt. “I found you rather easily. Now let’s go see if your master is as easy to discover.” The pair headed off in the direction Bell hoped the Palace was, Fluffy jumping around her and yipping nonstop.
Before long, the Palace began poking up over the horizon. Bell was accustomed to walking long distances, but she was still starting to tire. The magic used to travel seemed not to be without physical consequences on her human body.
On a familiar path once again, they were close to the Palace when Fluffy ran off. “Fickle beast,” Bell laughed. It was clear that he had missed her during her trip. His over-excited affection made Bell realize how much she had missed him as well.
Turning the last bend in the path before the kitchen entrance Bell found Alder trying to fend off Fluffy, who seemed just as determined to knock him off his feet as he had Bell.
“Fluffy for goodness sake, will you stop? What’s got you so worked up?”
As if waiting for the magic words, Fluffy ceased and turned to look at Bell. She had paused, unsure how Alder would act upon seeing her again.
Surprised by his dog’s sudden change Alder looked up. They stood there looking at each other for eternal seconds. For the life of her, Bell couldn’t find anything to say. His blank expression didn’t give any clues as to how mad he was, and Bell didn’t want to say anything that might make the situation worse.
“Belladonna!” he shouted, flying the few feet between them. Picking her up high, he twirled her about. Looking down, Bell saw the most radiant smile he had ever given her.
Once her feet were back on the ground, Bell looked up at him, confused. “What –,” Before she could get the words out, Alder bent his head and pressed his lips to hers, wrapping his arms around her tightly. Without thinking, Bell threw her arms around his neck and kissed him back. After several long moments, Fluffy’s whining worked its way into both their ears. Separating at a leisurely pace, Bell’s heartbeat was so loud she was sure Alder could hear it.
Clearing his throat, he grabbed her hand and started towards the kitchen door, towing her behind. Not done recovering from the sudden surprise of his embrace, Bell stumbled after him. Reaching the library, Alder headed straight for their favorite chair and sat down, pulling Bell with him, so she sat across his lap.
“What – I can sit in my own –”
Tightening his arms around her, he rested his forehead on her shoulder. “No. Please don’t move. You have no idea how worried I’ve been.”
His words reminded her of her guilt, and she stopped squirming, sitting primly on his lap.
Several long moments later, he lifted his head to look at her. “What happened, Belladonna? You were so upset and stormed out, and then you just… vanished. Are you truly okay? After several weeks… well, my imagination ran wild. I hoped you’d gotten out somehow, but I feared the Fae might have done something to you.” His arms flexed the slightest amount.
“Weeks? What do you mean weeks?”
Alder looked at her, surprised. “You’ve been gone for several months; I’ve been keeping track.”
Bell stared at him in horror, her mouth agape. “Months?” she managed to choke out. “I’ve been gone for months?”
“Yes.”
“I didn’t mean – I knew – but – I didn’t mean to be gone that long,” she moaned, closing her eyes, so she didn’t have to see Alder’s face.
“Where did you go?”
Keeping her eyes closed, Bell told him everything, sparing no detail. At some point, he drew her to his chest, and she leaned into him. She finished, the tears that had started during her retelling still leaking out of her eyes and leaving their own salt trail.
“I’m so sorry I didn’t tell you. It was all so sudden. I also need to apologize for what I said before I left. I don’t have an excuse I just – ”
“Stop,” Alder commanded. He urged her off his lap and stood to face her. Cradling her cheeks in his battered hands, he said, “There’s no need to apologize, Belladonna. I understand better than most what grief can make you do.”
Bell nodded jerkily.
“I’m sorry you had to come back here.”
Stung, she looked up at him. While she had been gone, she had missed him more every day.
He hastily added, “No, not like that. I missed you every day, and selfishly I am so relieved to have you
back by my side. But unselfishly, I wish you had been able to stay with your family. You don’t deserve a life like this.”
“Neither do you.” Bell stood on her tiptoes and reached up, pulling his face within reach. Kissing his cheek, she said, “I missed you every day, too. I was really worried about you and Fluffy.”
No one mentioned the unspoken shift in their relationship – from friendship to something more. Both accepted it, almost afraid to address the topic.
Bell slept for three days after her return. She awoke to find Alder bent over the bed, drooling a small stream. The chair he was sitting in had a washbasin next to it. Prodding the back of his head, he groaned, opening one eye. Seeing that she was awake, he sprung up.
“Finally!” he gasped, grasping cheeks in his palms, inspecting her face for signs of sickness.
“What are you doing?” she tried to ask, but with his hands smushing her cheeks, it came out more, “Whareyoing.”
“You’ve been asleep for three days!”
Bell looked at him blankly.
“You wouldn’t rouse, you only mumbled. I didn’t know what to do, or what was wrong with you Belladonna.”
He didn’t say it, but Bell knew she had terrified him. It was evident in his thorough inspection of her. “I was just tired. If I had to guess, whatever magic Sidero used to get me home was not meant for humans. I’m sure I just needed some sleep.” Stretching, she patted Alder’s arm. “I’m hungry – let’s see what’s for breakfast.”
The entire morning Alder tracked Bell like a shadow, half-convinced she would collapse at any moment. By noon he had started to lag, his apparent lack of sleep catching up with him. After he had tripped on a rug for the third time and nearly taken her down with him, Bell had had enough.
Rose Bound Magic Page 13
