by Adele Abbott
“She’s right. If things go according to plan, Ever Beauty will open in about three weeks.”
“You’ve never mentioned any of this before.”
“Oh sorry. I didn’t realise I had to run my plans by you.”
“You don’t, but I thought you might have at least said something. Why did you choose to open the shop so close to Nailed-It?”
“Nailed what?”
“Deli’s beauty salon?”
“Do me a favour.” She cackled. “That place is no more than a down-market nail bar.”
“She does eyebrow threading, too.”
“Very badly from what I hear.”
“And spray tans.”
“How is that orange sister of yours by the way?”
“It’s still Deli’s livelihood.”
“And your point is?”
“That you could have chosen somewhere else to open your salon.”
“I could have, but I didn’t. Now, is there anything else?”
“I just wanted to say that I’m not very happy about what you did at TenPinCon.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“You know very well what I mean. The talent contest and the water tank.”
“That was so funny.” She took out her phone. “I have photos. Would you like to see them?”
“No, I wouldn’t. I don’t know how you could be so horrible.”
“Don’t come the innocent. You know exactly why I did it. After you’d lectured me about the importance of not using magic, you went and did exactly that.”
“Yes, but that was—”
“Different? I don’t think so. You didn’t want to stay at the convention, so you used magic to escape for a few hours. Isn’t that what happened?”
“Well, yes but—”
“I rest my case.” Grandma had finished her pedicure. “Is that everything?”
“Err, yes, I suppose so.”
“Before I throw these away, would you like the clippings?”
“What?” Just the thought of it made the bile rise in my throat. “No! Why would I want your nail clippings?”
“It would be something to remember me by when I’m gone.”
“That’s disgusting.”
“Please yourself. I’ll put them in my pie tonight, then.”
“Please tell me you’re joking.”
“Of course I’m joking. Who puts toenail clippings into a pie?”
“Thank goodness for that.”
“A stew, though. That’s a different matter.”
I had no idea if she was still joking or not, but I made a mental note never to eat a stew that Grandma had prepared.
“Bye, then.”
“Before you go, Jill, what do you think of my multi-colour day?” she cackled again.
“I think the way you treat the Everettes over their uniforms is despicable.”
“Why? They all seem perfectly happy with them.”
“That’s because they’re under the impression that they’re wearing their favourite colours when in fact they all still look like canaries.”
“I assume we’ll see you at Lucy’s on Saturday?”
“What’s happening on Saturday?”
“Dearie me. Do you really not know?”
“Is it someone’s birthday?”
“No. It’s Witchgiving of course.”
“What’s that?”
“Are you serious?”
“I’ve never heard of it.”
“It’s when families gather together to celebrate their witch heritage.”
“I don’t remember it happening last year.”
“That’s because it’s only held every four years. I trust you’ll be there?”
“Err, yes, I guess so.”
By the time I left Ever, the heavens had opened, and wouldn’t you know it, I didn’t have my umbrella with me.
Great! Just great!
“You’re soaked, Jill,” Mrs V said.
“I—err—” I gasped.
“And out of breath by the look of it. What have you been doing?”
When I eventually caught my breath, I said, “I had to run all the way from the high street.”
“You should have taken your umbrella with you.”
“That’s great advice. I wish I’d thought of that.”
“There’s no need to get snippy with me.”
“Sorry. I didn’t mean it.”
“You should buy some of these new lottery tickets. One of the prizes is a romantic weekend in Paris.”
“Jack’s already bought some. I don’t know why he bothered, though. I never win anything.”
“You never know. Maybe this time your luck will change.”
“You look like a drowned rat,” Winky said.
“I know. It’s coming down in buckets out there. And don’t tell me I should have taken my umbrella.”
“I’m fed up with this weather.”
“There’s not much you can do about it.”
“You could book a holiday.”
“Jack and I can’t afford a holiday this year.”
“You could always get a second job to pay for it.”
“And you can take a hike. Even if we could afford a holiday, you wouldn’t be invited along.”
“I guess I’ll just have to make my own arrangements, then.”
“Looks that way.”
Winky was still looking forlornly out at the rain when my phone rang.
“Jill, it’s Desdemona Nightowl.”
“Headmistress?”
“Temporary headmistress.” She corrected me.
“How are things at CASS?”
“Slowly getting back to normal. I’m hoping to persuade Philomena Eastwest to come out of retirement.”
“Do you think she will?”
“I hope so, but I should know for sure within the next couple of days. I had hoped that I’d be able to talk Reginald into coming back too, but he tells me he has a new job at a hotel in Candlefield.”
“Even so, I’m surprised he doesn’t want to return to the school.”
“I got the feeling he does, but he doesn’t feel he can let down the friend who gave him the opportunity. I’ve told him that I’ll hold his job open for a month in case he changes his mind. The main reason for my call was to check that you’ll be coming over on Thursday to take your class as usual.”
“Of course, and now that Maligarth has gone, I’m actually looking forward to it again.”
“Excellent. Pop in and see me when you’re over here, would you?”
“Sure. I’ll see you on Thursday.”
“A cruise,” Winky said.
“Sorry?”
“I fancy a cruise.”
“Good luck with that. Those things cost a small fortune.”
“I can see it now. Sitting on the deck, sunbathing and watching the ocean.”
“Dream on, buddy.”
Chapter 6
I called Red Nose and asked to speak to Raymond Higgins.
“Mr Higgins?”
“Please call me PomPom. Everyone does.”
“Okay, PomPom, my name is Trudy Lewchuse.”
“Is that your clown name?”
“No, it’s my given name.”
“How do you spell that?”
“L-E-W-C-H-U-S-E.”
“Sorry, I thought you said loose shoes.”
“That’s right. Trudy Lewchuse.”
“How can I help?”
“I wonder if I could come to see you. I need to hire a number of clowns.”
“Of course. I’m free right now.”
“Unfortunately, I’m not. Are you available tomorrow? Preferably in the morning.”
“Yes. What time?”
“How about ten?”
“Ten will be fine.”
“Excellent. I’ll see you then Mr—err, I mean, PomPom.”
***
I couldn’t understand why Aunt Lucy hadn’t mentioned Wi
tchgiving to me. Surely, she wouldn’t have excluded me from such an important family gathering. Maybe she’d just forgotten.
There was only one way to find out.
“Aunt Lucy! It’s me!” I called from the hallway.
“I’m upstairs, Jill. Lil has left me a little present in her nappy. Why don’t you put the kettle on, and I’ll be down in a minute? Unless you’d prefer to see to Lil?”
“Err no, that’s okay. I’ll put the kettle on.”
By the time she joined me, the drinks were on the kitchen table.
“She fell asleep while I was changing her, so I’ve put her down. I’m sure those little ones do it on purpose. They wait until I’ve just put a clean nappy on and then decide to fill it. Biscuit, Jill?”
“Err, no thanks. I’ll be having dinner soon. What’s that noise? Has someone got the radio on?”
“It’s our new neighbours.”
“The sisters? Have they moved in?”
“Yes, this morning. I don’t think it’s the radio, though. I think it’s them singing.”
“It’s a little loud, isn’t it? Are you going to have a word with them about it?”
“It’s their first day in their new house, so I’ll see how things go before I say anything. And besides, it’s not an unpleasant sound. The twins tell me they have their creche lady back.”
“Yes, fingers crossed it all works out okay.”
“Have you caught up with Grandma yet?”
“Yes, I was at Ever earlier.”
“Did you give her a hard time about what happened at the weekend?”
“I tried, but it didn’t do any good. The main reason I went to see her was to ask about the beauty salon she’s planning on opening.”
“That’s news to me.”
“And me. The first I heard about it was when Deli told me.”
“Deli?”
“Mad’s mother. She already has a beauty salon on the high street. As you can imagine, she wasn’t thrilled to learn of Grandma’s plans.”
“She’ll soon have taken over the whole high street.”
“I know.” I hesitated, unsure how best to approach the subject of Witchgiving. I would need to be diplomatic. “Why haven’t you invited me to Witchgiving?”
“Grandma told you, I assume?”
“Yes. She seemed surprised I didn’t know about it.”
“To be honest, Jill, I was trying to spare you from the misery of it. I loathe Witchgiving and I know the twins do too. If it wasn’t for your grandmother, we wouldn’t even bother.”
“What’s so bad about it?”
“It’s all so boring. We sit around, wearing traditional witch costumes, eating dinner.”
“That doesn’t sound all that bad. Except for the costume part.”
“Yes, but custom dictates that we’re only allowed to eat traditional witch food.”
“What does that include?”
“Nothing to whet your appetite. It’s all very bland and boring. There’s no cake and the only drink allowed is Witch Claw cider.”
“Cider’s okay.”
“Trust me, Witch Claw cider isn’t. It’s horrible. And you haven’t heard the worst part yet. We have to spend the whole evening discussing spells and potions. It’s deadly boring.”
“And there was I, thinking that I was missing out.”
“You’re welcome to come if you like.”
“Of course she’s coming!” Grandma walked into the kitchen.
“Were you eavesdropping, Mother?” Aunt Lucy scowled.
“It’s just as well I was. To hear you describe Witchgiving, anyone would think it was awful.”
“It is. It’s dreadful.”
“Don’t listen to her, Jill. Witchgiving is a longstanding tradition celebrated by all witches, and I expect you to be there.”
“I might already be doing something on Saturday.”
“Cancel it. If you don’t come, I’ll track you down and drag you here. Understood?”
“I—err—”
“Good.” Pleasantries over, she disappeared.
“It seems you will be coming to Witchgiving, after all.” Aunt Lucy shrugged.
“It looks that way.”
Barry suddenly came charging into the room.
“Jill! I didn’t know you were here. I was asleep.”
“Hi, boy. How are you?”
“Dolly took him for a long walk, didn’t she, Barry?” Aunt Lucy gave him a pat.
“We went to the park. I love the park.”
“So I hear. Did Babs go with you?”
“Yes. I love Babs too.”
“I know you do. And have you drawn any more pictures? I really liked the one you gave to me.”
“I’ve retired from that.”
“Why? Your exhibition was a runaway success.”
“I think it’s best to retire on a high.”
“Surely another three or four pictures wouldn’t hurt.”
“No, I’ve made my mind up, and besides, I need to focus on the contest.”
“What contest?”
“I hadn’t got around to telling you about that,” Aunt Lucy chipped in. “Barry wants to enter the Candlefield Talented Pets Competition.”
“Doing what?”
“I haven’t decided yet,” Barry said. “What do you think I should do?”
“I don’t know. Can you play a musical instrument?”
Aunt Lucy gave me a look. “He’s a dog, Jill. Of course he can’t play a musical instrument.”
“If he can hold an art exhibition, why is playing a musical instrument such an outrageous idea?”
“I suggested he should dance.”
“Actually, that’s not a bad idea. What do you think, Barry?”
“I’d like to, but I might need someone to teach me.”
“Jill will help you, won’t you, Jill?” Aunt Lucy was grinning from ear to ear.
“Will you, Jill?” Barry spun around in excitement. “Please say you’ll teach me to dance.”
“Err, well, I suppose—”
“That’s settled then.” Aunt Lucy gave him another pat. “Off you go and get some rest now.”
“Okay. Thanks for saying you’ll help me with the dancing, Jill.”
“My pleasure.”
Once he was out of the room, I turned my glare on Aunt Lucy.
“What?”
“Don’t come the innocent. You really dropped me in it there.”
“The exercise will do you good.”
“I’m not so sure about that. Anyway, I’d better get going. If I don’t see you before, I’ll be over for Witchgiving.”
“Okay, see you then.”
***
It was Kathy’s day off (the lazy so and so was always skiving), and she’d asked me to call in on my way home.
“How come you’re never at work?”
“Yes, Jill. I’m fine. Thanks for asking.”
“So? How do you manage it?”
“It’s called the art of delegation. Not something a control freak like you would know anything about.”
“There you go again with the control freak thing. I don’t know where people get that idea from.”
“Tell me again how that office manager of yours worked out.”
“That was different. How are Peter and the kids?”
“Pete’s working way too hard, but he’s enjoying every moment of it. And the kids are great; their rooms are tidier than ever. I don’t know what’s come over them, but whatever it is I couldn’t be happier about it. Do you want a drink?”
“No, thanks. I’ve just had one at Aunt Lucy’s.”
“I didn’t realise you’d been to see her. Does that mean you had the day off too?”
“Err, yeah. Well part of it, anyway.”
“How is she?”
“Fine. Her new neighbours moved in today.”
“That brings me nicely to the main reason I asked you over. I have big news! Really big news!”
“You’re not pregnant again, are you?”
“No, of course not. My two are more than enough for me. We’re moving house.”
“How come? Where to?”
“The businesses are both doing really well, and we have much more cash coming in now. The kids were both at their friends’ houses the other day, so Pete and I went out for a meal. While we were driving back, we happened to spot a house for sale in Middle Wash.”
“And you decided to buy it? Just like that?”
“More or less. We didn’t have an appointment to view, but we knocked on the door, and they let us take a look around. It’s gorgeous, Jill. And so much bigger than this place. We put in an offer yesterday and it’s been accepted. I’m so excited.”
“Middle Wash? The houses there are really expensive.”
“They are usually, but we fell lucky. The asking price was ten percent less than we’d expected it to be.”
“Are you sure it’s okay? It’s not about to fall down, is it?”
“We’ve seen the full survey. There were no faults highlighted whatsoever.”
“Why are they selling it so cheaply, then?”
“The current owners want a quick sale. They’re a lovely couple.”
“Congratulations, I guess.”
“I asked you to come over so that I can take you to see the house.”
“Right now?”
“Yeah. I’ve spoken to Mr and Mrs Hedges, and they say we’re welcome to pop over any time. Are you up for it?”
“Sure. Why not?”
Kathy talked non-stop on the way to Middle Wash. Understandably, she was thrilled at the prospect of moving to a new house. And when we pulled up outside 21 Moreland Crescent, I could see why. The detached house, which was twice the size of her current one, was beautiful with a delightful enclosed garden.
“What do you think, Jill? Isn’t it wonderful?”
“It’s lovely.”
“It’s even better inside. Come and see.”
The current owners must have seen us arrive because they opened the door when we were only halfway up the drive.
“This is Jill, my sister. I brought her to have a look at the house. I hope you don’t mind?”
“Of course not.” The woman beamed at me. “I’m Holly, and this is my husband, Hugh.”
“Nice to meet you both. You must be sad to be leaving this lovely house?”
“Sad? Err, yes, we’re very sad, aren’t we Hugh?”
