by Lexi Witcher
“Mother did what?”
“She taught me how to drive this week.”
“But…how’d you do?”
“Very well. I didn’t wreck the car. We practiced in the church parking lot in town before I drove on the road. I felt comfortable behind the wheel which helped. Then we parked at the Soda Fountain and had lunch. Tuesday and Wednesday Ms. Pritz showed the movie versions of both books in lieu of my classes. She felt it was imperative that I see the screenplay adaptations of the books.”
“What else does Ms. Pritz excel in other than Robert Redford?”
I chuckled at dad’s summation. “She’s quite knowledgeable in her history and her math. I feel I have covered more ground with her in both those subjects so that I will be ahead of my class when I return to high school.”
“Good. I’m glad to hear mother’s money is being used for some good.”
“Speaking of Grandma’s money. She seems to have it. Was her family rich?”
It was dad’s turn to chuckle. “Hardly. My mother inherited a small nest egg from her father around the time I was studying finance in college. I instructed her on how to invest it and she did. When I learned of a new sure investment I informed her about it and she would pull out a portion and diversify. Her small nest egg quickly grew into a large return and she has continued to invest and diversify over the years with it.”
“Wow. I knew there had to be a reason why I have a closet full of pricy clothes and shoes that no teenager would be able to afford.”
“Yes well, mother has always had a shopping habit. So I guess you are referring to those boots you wore yesterday?”
I nodded and reached for my hot chocolate, taking a sip before it got cold. “Did you sprinkle cinnamon in this?”
Dad nodded. “Leopold said you have a fondness for it.”
I smiled. I had more of a fondness for Leopold. Opening my book I pushed all thoughts of my crush out of my head and began to read.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Dad and I had just finished our turkey and cranberry sandwiches when Mom and Grandma arrived home with all their purchases. Mom left her bargains in the car, but helped Grandma carry her shopping bags inside. They dumped them at the base of the stairs and came into the dining room where we sat.
“I’m exhausted,” Grandma announced, pulling out a chair and sitting. “My feet hurt.”
“I guess so. Look at the shoes you wore.” Dad pointed to her high-heeled boots. “You aren’t in your twenties anymore, nor your fifties.”
“Don’t go there, Robert,” Grandma warned. “I’ll have you know I pride myself on keeping in shape and taking care of myself.”
“Sure. By giving your wallet a regular workout.” He picked up our empty dishes and took them into the kitchen.
Mom pulled out a chair and sat as well. “What’s gotten into him? He’s actually being glib.”
I shrugged. He’d really loosened up on this visit. I wondered if Leopold might have slipped him something in his coffee this morning to help with that. If he did I’d have to thank him when he returned.
“What have you two been up to while we were gone?” Grandma asked.
“Reading. I finished my book for literature and now I’m off to write my paper. There’s plenty of leftover turkey and cranberry sauce if you want to make yourself a sandwich.”
“That sounds good,” Mom spoke up. “Tell your dad we’d both like one.”
“Okay.” I went into the kitchen and found him already making sandwiches. “They’d both like one.”
“I figured. Will you get two plates down and fix them a glass of tea.”
“Sure.” I pitched in and we delivered their lunches before I went upstairs to barricade myself in my room while I wrote my paper. I checked my email first and had a few from Callie and Lisa talking about their dresses they were wearing to my party. Each had taken selfies and attached them for me to see. The dresses were nice, but I felt confident that neither one would look as pretty as I would in mine.
I sent quick responses to their messages and then closed out my email program so I could concentrate on my paper. I struggled for a bit trying to come up with a thesis statement that I liked, but once I did the paper pretty much wrote itself.
By five I was finished editing and polishing it. I saved it and shut down my computer for now. I’d do another read through tomorrow before printing it off. I stood and stretched to work out the stiffness in my back then I ran into the bathroom to freshen up before going downstairs. I was curious what Leopold had run off to do today.
I was surprised to find the dining room table already set for dinner. Dad was still reading his book in the living room and when I went into the kitchen I found mom and Grandma reheating leftovers from yesterday.
“Hasn’t Leopold returned?”
“Not yet. But I wouldn’t worry. He’ll be back.”
“Dodie, call your brother’s cell and see if he is coming back here tonight or staying at home. He had to take Sasha back this afternoon.”
“She’s already gone?”
“Yeah.”
I pulled out my cell and called Brody’s number. It rang several times before he answered.
“Yo.”
“Hey, Mom wants to know if you’re coming back to Grandma’s house tonight or staying at home.”
“I’ll just stay here.”
“He’s staying there,” I whispered.
Mom reached for my phone and talked to him for a bit then hung up. “Poor Sasha. Her dad promised to see her tonight, but he cancelled at the last minute. So your brother is trying to cheer her up.”
“What about her mom?”
“She’s working a double shift again to cover for coworkers who have families and need to travel.”
“And she doesn’t have a family?”
“I know sweetie, but some people have to sacrifice their own families just to pay the bills. You and Brody are lucky. You’ve got both parents and a father who provides for your every need so I can be a stay-at-home mom.”
I nodded, wishing she didn’t make me sound like I was clueless about family dynamics. I understood more than she knew. My friends had both parents, but many of the kids in our classes had divorced parents, spending half their time with one or the other. But Sasha was so well adjusted you would never know it.
I glanced at the clock and saw it was five fifteen. Still no Leopold. This was so unlike him to be late. He was always back early if not right on time. I busied myself carrying the food to the table and called to my dad to join us for dinner. I ate because I was hungry, but part of me felt empty because Leopold wasn’t here.
Get used to it, Dodie. This is what it will be like when he is out of your life. Once he moves on after the curse is broken.
I closed my eyes and willed that horrible thought to go away because a knee jerk reaction would be to keep him from breaking the curse so he’d have to stay longer, but that wasn’t an option. Not breaking the curse would mean I am dead. And being a corpse, well that just wasn’t the type of girlfriend I think Leopold would like to have.
When I finished I excused myself and took my empty dishes to the kitchen, rinsing them off before putting them in the dishwasher. Then I pretended to go upstairs, but really I headed to the back of the house to the room Grandma had said was Leopold’s. I’d never been back there before so I wondered what it was like. How it was decorated. Did he have a walk in closet like I did? A private bath with antique furnishings, yet modernized like the rest of the house?
The doorknob turned easily and I went inside, shutting the door behind me. The room was huge and had a large king size sleigh bed. The comforter looked like an antique quilt in deep greens, rich oranges and reds. Two bedside tables sat on either side, holding matching lamps with red shades. The bathroom was all marble with a shower and a two-sink vanity. The closet was walk in, but it was practically empty. Only a couple of suits, shirts, casual pants and jeans, sweaters, and a few pairs of shoes were kept there
. I closed the doors not wanting to be caught snooping, but that was what I was doing.
I turned around and saw the most beautiful bay window with a cushioned bench perfect for reading. I didn’t understand why Grandma had taken a room upstairs and left this one empty as a guest room.
The deep rich color of the wood in the sleigh bed called to me and I ran my hand over the rounded footboard and then smoothed the comforter of imaginary wrinkles. This is where he slept while I was upstairs in my soft canopy bed. I crawled up on it and lay there wondering which side he preferred and what I’d do if he were to walk into the room and catch me, invading his privacy.
For a silly second I wondered if warlocks were permitted to marry outside of their coven? Could they mix with mortals? Was it even allowed?
For heaven’s sake, Dodie. Get real. You’re taking your crush a little too far thinking like this.
I turned on my side and curled up, laying my hand on the opposite pillow. What if all of this happened because Leopold and I were destined to be together?
And what if it wasn’t? What if you were destined to die?
I closed my eyes and willed all the thoughts to subside. I focused on Leopold and where he might be, wanting him to return here safely.
I opened my eyes to find sunshine filling the strange room I was in. For a moment I felt confused because I couldn’t move and then I realized I was wrapped up in the comforter quilt, lying on Leopold’s bed. How long had I been there? I heard a buzzing sound and heavy footsteps from above as well as voices carrying over the house. What was going on? I tried to move, but couldn’t get myself untangled from the comforter that I had somehow pulled over me in my sleep. Had I been asleep? Obviously, if the sun was shining into the room. I had slept here all night?
I sat up quickly kicking the comforter off. If I was here, then where was Leopold? He hadn’t come home last night. Had something happened to him?
I jumped off the bed and that is when I saw him, slumped in the windowsill, asleep on the cushioned bench.
I walked over softly, not wanting to startle him awake, but how did I wake him otherwise? Kneeling down I spoke softly, calling his name. “Leopold. Hey Leopold.”
A smile came to his lips and he opened his eyes. “Good morning.”
“What are you doing asleep over here?” I asked.
“I couldn’t very well sleep in my bed with goldilocks curled up there.”
“You could have woken her and sent her to her own bed.”
“I tried, but I couldn’t bring myself to disturb her sleep. Besides I only got in a few hours ago.”
I stood and he swung his legs off the bench straightening into a sitting position.
“What happened? I thought you said you’d be back by five.”
“I did and I was on my way when I got a call from my dad. He’s in town and wanted to get together. I couldn’t ignore him since I don’t know when I’ll get to see him again.”
I nodded and caught a wiff of a strong odor on his clothes that I hadn’t noticed before. “Have you been drinking?”
He grinned and that adorable dimple appeared in his left cheek. “Yeah. Don’t be mad. I had a wee little pint of Irish ale with him at his favorite pub.”
I leaned over and kissed him on his dimple. “I’m going to go shower. You can tell me more after you clean up.”
“Okay. And Dodie.”
“Yes?”
“What were you doing in my room?”
“Missing you.”
He stood and cupped my face with his hands. “Silly girl.” And then he kissed me differently than he had before. It wasn’t a simple brush of his lips against mine, but a possessive kiss that marked his claim on me.
The door to the room opened and we broke apart. Grandma stood there with her hands on her hips not looking happy. “I found her,” she called.
“You’ve been looking for me?” I asked, feeling a little shaky from the kiss.
She nodded.
“Why?”
“Well you weren’t in your room this morning. Your bed hadn’t been slept in. There is a curse on you. Why wouldn’t we be trying to find you? Do you care to explain what you’re doing in here, with Leopold instead of upstairs where you belong?”
“I fell asleep waiting for him to come in last night.”
He nodded. “I didn’t get here until six this morning. And I slept on the window bench when I saw her lying there.”
Grandma looked over at the bed where it was clear only one person had been, at least I hoped she perceived it as such, and then looked back at us both. “Dodie, get out of here before your parents come down and see you in here.”
“Okay.”
I hurried down the hall and stopped in the half-bath. I slumped back against the closed door as my pulse stopped racing. My tummy was all warm and fuzzy from that kiss. I was no expert, but if that is what they called a toe curling kiss then my toes were curled.
When I emerged I heard my parents in the kitchen so I went upstairs as quietly as I could and got in the shower. I dressed warm and braided my hair as a quick fix so I could return downstairs.
Mom came and gave me a hug as soon as I reached the bottom step. Obviously not concerned that I’d been missing earlier. What was up with that?
“We’re leaving, but we’ll see you next Friday.”
“Okay.”
“And don’t worry too much about your mortality. Leopold’s got it covered,” Dad said.
“Okay,” I told him.
Mom gave me one last hug. “I can’t believe in a week you’ll be sixteen.”
“Yeah.”
“Bye, pumpkin.” Dad chucked me under the chin.
“Bye.” I walked to the door with them and watched as they hurried down the walk to their car.
Behind me I heard arguing. I closed the door and found Grandma and Leopold in a heated conversation. “What’s wrong?”
“Dodie, you cannot go into his bedroom again. Whether he is here or not. Is that clear?” Grandma said, clearly the only adult that was flustered by my temporary disappearance.
I nodded.
“Good.” She pressed her lips together and took a deep breath, making her nostrils flare. “I trust you both, so don’t make me regret it.”
Surely she didn’t think…that we’d…no! My cheeks heated and I avoided looking in Leopold’s direction. “I need juice.”
“I’ll go make you some.” He darted toward the kitchen.
“Juice? Is that a codename for something?”
“No.” I laughed. “Leopold made this amazing juice yesterday and I only got a small glass. He promised to make more today. It is so delicious. It even has a hint of cinnamon in it.”
“Really? Cinnamon in juice? Does he put cinnamon in everything?”
I shrugged. “He even smells like it. Or maybe it’s my imagination.”
“I’ll take your word for it.” She wrapped her arm around my shoulders and we walked toward the kitchen.
“Something is bugging me.”
“Oh? What is it?” she asked.
“Why again did you decide to have your bedroom upstairs instead of using the one down here? It’s gorgeous and that sleigh bed is magnificent.”
“It was the last room in the house that I remodeled and I’d already gotten settled upstairs. Besides, having a guest room on the main floor is a nice touch. It gives the guest privacy from the family.”
“I guess I can see your point.”
“Anything else you want to know?”
“Yeah. Have you had a facelift? Is that why you look so young like you should be dad’s older sibling instead of his mother.”
Grandma laughed and hugged me close. “No I haven’t, but that is the nicest compliment. I can’t really explain it, but I stopped aging a few years ago.”
“Don’t you find that odd?”
“Yes, but who am I to complain about not getting old?”
Hmmm. She did have a point. Maybe once Leopold saved m
e he could find out what caused her to stop aging. Had she somehow found the fountain of youth and not know it?
Chapter Twenty-Three
So here I am. Today is my sixteenth birthday party, but I’m not particularly excited. I mean, why should I be? It’s hard to get excited about the day you’re going to die.
Sure Grandma is trying to make it extra special by throwing me a sweet sixteen party. Even Leopold has a surprise for me that he’ll only reveal a few minutes before the stroke of midnight. Callie and Lisa are coming as soon as they can get here after school. I’ve missed those two more than I ever imagined. I wish I could take them up to my room and lock the door and tell them everything about the last month, but I can’t. No one can know the truth. Not now. Not ever.
A light tap at my closed bedroom door drew my attention across the room a few seconds before Grandma entered carrying a glass of juice. “Good morning, sleeping beauty.”
“I’m awake. I can’t possibly sleep today.” I sat up with my back resting against the headboard and take the glass from her.
“True. There is still so much to do. You have a hair appointment as well as a manicure and pedicure appointment in town before we have to come back to meet with the caterer by noon. Your parents will arrive for a late lunch at two. They want to spend a few hours alone with you, which is understandable. Brody and Sasha are driving up after school.”
I drank my juice as she rattled on with updates on events for the day and when certain guests will arrive.
“As far as I know Callie and Lisa will be here around seven this evening. They are coming with Callie’s parents, but her father couldn’t leave work early. I’ve arranged for a nice gift basket to be waiting for them at the hotel in town.”
“What about Leopold?” I’d seen so very little of him all week. I wasn’t sure if it had something to do with the curse or if Grandma had said something about him keeping his distance after I was found asleep in his room. Or maybe he’d imposed his own limits after the kiss we’d shared. Whatever the reason for his distance, I was looking forward to moving on and being able to spend time together like normal teenagers—if we could do that.
