She was tapping her foot near the cheaply-made witch hats when someone called her name. “Petunia Patterson,” the smiling Bonnie Hopkins approached. “I hope you’re not planning to buy a costume here.”
“We have much better costumes than Halloween America,” a female clerk said.
“That’s a matter of opinion,” Bonnie said. “Don’t you know who this is?” Bonnie asked the clerk, reading her name tag, “Ginny?”
Petunia swallowed a lump in her throat. “I think Noah needs me to critique his costume,” Petunia said.
Bonnie hooked her arm in Petunia’s. “This happens to be Petunia Patterson, one of Lake Forest’s best witches.”
Ginny rolled her eyes. “I suppose that means you’ll be buying a witch costume today.”
“No I will not,” Petunia said. “If you’ll excuse me, I’m helping my boyfriend shop for his costume.”
As she hurried to Noah’s side, she surveyed the thin material of the costume. “I wish we hadn’t waited until the last minute. I bet Lucy Winters could have sewn you a better costume.”
“I thought you came here to buy costumes, not send our customers away,” Ginny said.
“How was I to know how inferior your costumes were?”
“We probably don’t need your type in this store anyway,” Ginny shot back.
Petunia secretly wished she had brought along Hazel’s wand. “Is this store anti-witch now?”
“Of course not. I forgot, you’re some kind of super witch. I’m certain you can fly your broomstick back out the door.”
Petunia gasped.
“Ginny,” a six-foot-tall manager dressed as Wonder Woman exclaimed, as she made her way over to them.
“I better change,” Noah whispered as he left.
“That is not how we talk to our customers, and you know it, Ginny.”
“She claims to be a witch.” Ginny laughed. “Everyone knows witches aren’t real.”
“I was just leaving,” Petunia said.
“I’m sorry if your shopping experience wasn’t a good one. I could offer you twenty-five percent off today.”
“Actually I wasn’t able to find what I need.”
“Would that apply to decorations?” Noah asked as he returned dressed in his street clothes.
“Of course! I’ll be waiting at the service desk for you.”
Petunia forced a smile. “At least someone is friendly here.”
Noah carted a large animated and hideous witch dressed in a stereotypical black dress to the register before Petunia had the chance to stop him.
“I swear if you buy that I’ll never speak to you again,” Petunia said with a shake of her head.
“I was just kidding,” he said as he carried it back. “It would be dangerous for me to have something like that in my yard with all the Lake Forest witches running amuck on Halloween night.”
Ginny pursed her lips. From the glare she casted their way, it was clear she highly disapproved of Noah’s antics. He pushed a button on another animatronic that was a little boy dressed in a skeleton costume with glowing orange eyes. It sang a creepy song.
“That’s cute,” Petunia said. “In a creepy ain’t-no-parents-gonna-take-their-kids–to-your-house-for-candy type of way.”
“Perfect! That’s what I was going for. Do you think it will keep witches away, too?”
“I’m positive that all the witches will be too busy casting spells and turning children into pumpkins on Halloween.”
“Give me a break,” Ginny said, throwing up her arms and stomping away.
Petunia shrugged as they went to the register. “Hello again,” the manager said. “This is one of my favorites. It’s scary in a creepy kind of way, but not too over the top. I don’t suppose Ginny helped you out today with that.”
“We didn’t really need any help,” Petunia said. “I wasn’t able to find the right kind of costume for me, I’m afraid.”
“You won’t need to find one,” Bonnie joined them at the counter. “I have a costume for you to wear. Didn’t your aunt tell you?”
“She must have forgotten, but she has so many things to do today. She’s decorating Mystical Remedies for tomorrow night.”
“I was hoping she would. I’m certain that it will be a huge attraction. I can’t imagine there are any other towns in Michigan where witches actually live. We’re expecting record numbers of visitors the next few days.”
“I hope I’m not needed for tonight’s festivities,” Petunia worried. “I’d rather rest up for tomorrow.”
“But can’t you come to the corn maze at least? We’re serving cider and freshly-made doughnuts,” Bonnie said. “The mayor sort of promised people all the Lake Forest witches would attend.”
Petunia nearly bit the inside of her cheek. “Now that you put it that way, how can I refuse?”
“You handled that well,” Noah said as he guided Petunia down the sidewalk. “I’ll see you at the corn maze tonight. It’s a good thing I brought my car. Would you care for a ride home?”
“No, I think I’d rather enjoy the fresh air. I really love fall.”
“Do you think it’s safe now that you’re a celebrity witch?” he chuckled.
“That’s the last thing I’d want to be. I wish I could stay home under the blankets watching spooky movies on Halloween.”
“Did you tell your aunt how you felt?”
“There’s no talking to her. She pretty much told me what I had to do, and I’m obliged to do it. She’s too important in my life to argue with.”
“I’ll see you later. I’d like to check out the corn maze tonight.”
Petunia nodded and made her way across the street. Lake Forest had really gone all out. Each house in the downtown area sported Halloween decorations, mostly on the vanilla side so as not to scare the children. Petunia didn’t mind the orange and purple lights or even the flashing strobe lights. She could recall when she was younger all the houses that played spooky music. It’s almost as if some people love to scare the trick-or-treaters. Not this year, though. She’d make certain the children have a great time without all the scares.
Chapter 3
Petunia smiled when she walked in the door. She tapped Pansy’s shoulder, and he flew straight up, his fur raised as he whirled to hiss at her. “What were you thinking, Red?”
“That I could scare you half to death.”
“Not funny,” Pansy said as he licked his paw thoughtfully. “Shouldn’t you be plotting your Halloween activities with that aunt of yours? Or are you avoiding her?”
“Why would I avoid my aunt? I already received my instructions,” Petunia said. “I just came from the Halloween store, but just my luck, there weren’t any worthy costumes. None of the costumes had enough fabric for my taste.”
“Then it’s a good thing you didn’t buy them. I don’t need to see you strutting around in a getup like that in front of the children.”
“Does that mean you’re coming along with me tomorrow night?” Petunia asked.
“Of course. It sounds like a ball of fun. I mean seeing you trying to handle of group children should be a hoot.”
“How hard can it be? I imagine the children will love to meet a real witch.”
“I thought you didn’t want anyone to know about it.”
“That was blown to bits by my aunt and Bonnie, the mayor’s wife. Actually, that’s why I stopped home. Would you like to go to the mayor’s house? Apparently Bonnie has a witch costume for me.”
“Why didn’t you say so? Let’s go.”
Pansy trotted over and pulled down his leash from the end table. Petunia hooked it to his collar and out the door they went. She shook her head at Noah who was attempting to install the animatronic he bought.
“I hope you’ll be able to figure out how to work that thing before tomorrow night,” Petunia said.
Noah scratched his head for a moment. “I hope so, too. Hey, I don’t suppose you could help me out. You told me you have Hazel’s wand.”
He winked.
“She’s not licensed to operate that thing,” Pansy warned, not that Noah could hear him.
“You mean you want me to use a wand I’m not even authorized to use?”
“Of course not. You’re a potion witch, not a spell caster. I imagine Cora would have been turned into a frog by now if you actually knew how to use a wand.”
“I’m offended. I’d never turn anyone into anything.”
Pansy glanced up at Petunia with a wink. “I’m not saying a word.”
“Good to know. I suppose you’re heading over to the mayor’s house. I can’t wait to see the witch costume Bonnie has for you.” Noah smiled. “I’d go with you if I wasn’t tangled in extension cords.”
“You mean the lughead isn’t going with us?” Pansy asked.
Petunia pulled the leash gently and they crossed the street. In front of the government building Petunia was surprised to see a huge metal pumpkin with lights attached over the main door.
“It’s nice to see Lake Forest have some festive spirit,” Petunia said.
“I have a feeling tomorrow is going to prove quite challenging for you, Red, which is the only reason I’m going. I hate to say it, but seeing you fall flat on your face has some appeal for me.”
It was a short walk to Mayor Hopkins’ house. Small pumpkins with painted faces had been stuck on the top of each of the spikes of the iron fencing.
“Whatever did those pumpkins do to anyone?” Pansy asked.
“I have no idea, but I’m certain it wasn’t meant to be morbid.”
Bonnie waved from the open door, and Petunia and Pansy found themselves surrounded by three strangers when they walked inside.
“It’s nice to meet you,” a woman with bobbed black hair said.
Petunia smiled. Each of the strangers had the same hairstyle and face. “Are you related?” she asked.
“You guessed right,” Bonnie said. “These ladies are triplets.”
“I’m Wendy,” the first woman said. “My sisters Mona and Holly couldn’t stay out of town when Bonnie told us about the big plans for Lake Forest’s Halloween.”
Petunia was having a hard time telling the three women apart. Wendy had larger eyes than her sisters. Mona had dimples for days. Holly really had no distinguishable facial features.
“I hope we haven’t overwhelmed you,” Wendy said.
“I must admit I’m positive I’ll never be able to tell you apart. How do you know Bonnie?”
“These are my cousins, I should have explained that,” Bonnie said. “If you could follow me, I’ll show you the witch costume I have for you. Your aunt gave me your measurements. I’m hoping she didn’t get a little confused by that.”
“I didn’t know she even knew my measurement,” Petunia said.
Petunia released Pansy and went upstairs with Bonnie. The house was as elegant as she remembered, with marble floors and mahogany banisters. A mauve rug runner protected the stairs.
A witch costume was laid out on the bed. The top was black with thin lacy fabric over it. The orange skirt was covered with lace and gold glitter. The hat matched the skirt.
“It’s beautiful,” Petunia said. “You’ve really outdone yourself Bonnie.”
“Nothing is too good for you, Petunia,” Bonnie said. “You’ve always been kind enough to supply me with that lotion for my aching knees. It’s worked wonders for me.”
Bonnie left and Petunia quickly changed, glancing in the mirror. The costume fit perfectly, with plenty of material that didn’t expose too much skin. She went downstairs and a tear glistened in Bonnie’s eyes. “It looks even more beautiful on you, Petunia.”
“She’s so right,” Wendy said. “If only we didn’t have plain black witch costumes.”
“You’re dressing up as witches, too?” Petunia asked.
“Of course,” Mona said, “I thought that was the point with the Lake Forest festivities. I imagine there will be plenty of witches come tomorrow night.”
Petunia glanced at the clock. “I’d better head home if I’m to be ready for the activities this evening.” She then asked, “Have you seen Pansy?”
“He must have gone outside.” Bonnie then bit her hand. “I forgot! The dogs are in the backyard.”
Petunia raced outside to find Pansy sitting in the middle of the yard licking his paws. A pair of large Dobermans sat nearby. “Come over to me, and make it slow,” Petunia ordered out loud.
“You want to see something funny?” Pansy asked.
“I hope you know those dogs are ready to rip you to shreds.”
Pansy hissed, and the dogs ran away whimpering. “See, what did I tell you?”
Now that the dogs weren’t a threat, Petunia homed in on the black and orange witch hat Pansy wore. “Where did that hat come from?” Petunia asked.
“I found it at a thrift store,” Bonnie said. “Doesn’t Pansy look cute in it?”
“He does, but I should take it off now. He doesn’t really like to wear hats.”
The triplet cousins laughed. “How would you know whether he likes it or not?” Holly asked. “It seems like it’s not bothering him too bad. He’s not trying to get it off.”
“I just would rather him not wear it until tomorrow night. I’d hate for it to become damaged.”
“Stop making excuses,” Bonnie said kindly. “I’d love for him to wear it tonight.”
“I should really head home now.”
Petunia changed upstairs and carefully carried the costume down the stairs, thanking Bonnie and hurrying home. She didn’t put the leash on Pansy, who now blabbed, “Have you ever seen me intimidate any other dog like that before? Other than Melvin, that stupid mutt of Noah’s?”
“I wouldn’t push it Pansy. Wouldn’t you rather take off that witch hat now?”
“What’s your problem with the hat?”
“I don’t know, but it worries me that Bonnie bought that hat at a thrift store. I didn’t even know Lake Forest had a thrift store.”
Pansy froze in his tracks. “You know what I think? I think this is a magical hat! I’ve finally earned my witch wings.”
Petunia shook her head at Pansy. “You’re a silly cat. Witches don’t have wings.”
“I expected your magic to rub off on me at some point.”
“You did? I mean of course you did. But how about you don’t use your magic on the other cats?” Petunia laughed.
“I’ll try, but all bets are off if that Merlin tries to steal my food today.”
Petunia had to laugh when she walked through the door. She hoped that Pansy thinking he has magical abilities wouldn’t make him reckless. Merlin certainly wasn’t a cat to toy with.
She quickly fed her cats and hung the costume upstairs. Petunia brushed her hair until it gleamed. Tonight might not be too bad after all. She hoped Noah had figured out his animatronic so he could attend the festivities tonight.
Petunia lay back on the bed and closed her eyes for a fraction of a second, but that’s all it took, and she nodded off.
* * *
Petunia was startled awake by the sound of a screaming cat. That sound could only have come from a cat with its tail slammed in a door. She hurried down the stairs and into the kitchen, where Merlin was pinned in the corner by none other than Pansy!
“Pansy, what are earth are you doing?”
“Exacting my revenge on Merlin. He’s long overdue for a paw full of claws,” Pansy threatened.
Petunia moved between the cats and picked up Merlin. “Are you okay, Merlin?” she asked as she rubbed him under the chin.
“I can’t believe this. Why are you babying that cat? You know he’s a terror to the rest of us. We can’t even get through a meal without him trying to steal our food. Poor Gem is practically a bag of bones.”
Petunia looked over at Gem, who was far from thin. She was one of her fattest cats!
“You’re being mean, Pansy, and I don’t understand it. This is so unlike you.”
She put Merli
n down and just as Pansy planned to give chase, Petunia pulled the witches hat off his head.
“Why did you do that, Red? I told you that was my magical hat.”
“I’m not sure what kind of magic it has, but it’s not good.”
Pansy yawned. “I must admit you might have a point. I’ve never felt angrier at Merlin. I didn’t mean to hurt him.”
Petunia looked around for Merlin. She sighed as she searched behind the couch. When she ran a hand under the couch she felt Merlin’s teeth dig in.
“Why you little bugger,” Petunia said. “Fine stay under the couch.” Petunia then turned to Pansy. “Leave Merlin alone or you’re staying home tonight.”
“Actually I think I’d rather stay home.”
Petunia allowed this to resonate for a moment before she said, “Not on your life. Pansy, you’re coming with me.”
She knocked on Noah’s door and smiled when he opened it. “I was wondering when you were planning to ask me to come with you tonight,” he said.
“I thought that was a given.”
“So is this kiss,” Noah said, kissing her pert nose. “I don’t want to kiss you on the lips. You might have poison on those red lips of yours.”
Petunia frowned. “Sorry. I have no idea what possessed me to put that lipstick on.”
“I don’t think bright red is your color. Where did you buy that?”
“You know, I really don’t remember buying any lipstick.”
“Are you sure you’re okay Petunia?”
Petunia wasn’t sure of anything right now. First Pansy was nasty to Bonnie’s dogs and then Merlin. And now she had put on lipstick that she didn’t even remember buying. Something strange was certainly happening in Lake Forest, and she suspected it might have something to do with the costume and hat Bonnie had given them.
Chapter 4
“Earth to Petunia,” Noah said with a wave of his hand. “I don’t think we should go out. You’re not acting yourself.”
05 Meows, Magic, & Wands Page 2
