“What? How could you do that?” Emmy was shocked by this news. She couldn’t believe what she was being told. She was completely alone in this world. Her mother was gone, her Grammie and now Sarah. Tears fell down her cheeks. “You can’t do this to me. It’s not right. I won’t let you to take everything away from me!”
“It was necessary. Take her home.” The Professor walked away leaving Emmy to stare after him.
The limousine pulled up, and Ayden made Emmy climb inside.
“How could he do that to my friends? He had no right to take everything away. It’s all I had.”
“The Professor knows what’s best.”
“You would say that.” She leaned against the leather seat of the limousine, as the tears continued to fall. “Ayden, I’m all alone. Grammie’s gone and it’s my fault. I wanted to go the graduation. I had to have everything my way.” She cried even more.
“Emmy, you can’t blame yourself for what happened.” He gave her a handkerchief.
“How can you say that? If I hadn’t come here, Grammie would still be alive.” She dabbed her eyes, but the tears kept flowing. She felt as though she’d never be happy again.
“You don’t know that. Mara, one of the witches with Malka this morning, was the spy. She saw you and Sarah.”
“Again, it’s my fault.”
“No, they were closing in on you. Be comforted the Professor subdued Vortigen before too much damage was done.”
“Is he dead?”
“He was already dead. The Professor simply sent him back to the underworld.”
They arrived at the house. Emmy didn’t want to go inside knowing Grammie wouldn’t be there. The tears kept streaming down her cheeks. She would never forgive herself for this. She paused on the stoop and turned to Ayden.
“I don’t know if I can go in.”
“Yes, you can. You have so much strength inside of you that you can do whatever is necessary.”
“But this?” She looked at the house she’d grown up in. She remembered all the good times she’d shared with Grammie and now, where would she go? Who would be there for her? She felt alone… so alone.
She turned away from the door and took a step down. Ayden was there to help her deal with this loss. He mourned Grammie as well. She was like a grandmother to him. He’d come to love everything about the older woman. His anger was kept where it belonged, but if he ever had the opportunity to find Grisandole, he would kill her.
CHAPTER 47
THE PROFESSOR AND EMMY
Ayden took the key to the house and unlocked the door. “You need to do this.”
Slowly, Emmy walked into the house. Ayden placed the key on the hook next to the door. She stopped in the foyer and listened, hoping to hear Grammie’s voice, telling her it was a ruse, but the silence that greeted her stilled her heart.
She walked into the living room and looked back as Ayden closed and locked the door behind him. He put his arm around her and led Emmy into the kitchen... Grammie’s favorite place. She always believed that a good meal could bring enemies together, but nothing would ever bring her family together again.
“I’d like to be alone.”
“I’m not leaving you. You need a friend and I’m here to stay.”
“I… I need to change. Excuse me.”
Emmy went upstairs and carefully removed her dress. She hung it up and put her shoes and purse into the closet. She donned a pair of jeans, tank top and sweater. She had a chill running the length of her small form. She couldn’t stop shaking. She went downstairs and found Ayden in the kitchen.
“I made you a cup of hot chocolate,” Ayden said when Emmy walked in.
“Thanks.” She noticed his tie and jacket were on the chair and he’d unbuttoned the first few buttons on his shirt. His hair now disheveled made him look more handsome than before. She turned away from him and sat down, hating herself for these thoughts.
He sat next to her and took her hand in his. He pressed his warm lips to her cold skin and gazed at her. He saw the tears well in her bright blue eyes. “I wish there was something I could say or do, that would take away this hurt.” His emerald eyes held the sympathy he expressed to her.
“I don’t know what I’ll do without her.”
“I’m sure the Professor will know what to do.”
“I don’t need or want his help.”
“Emmy, I know you don’t believe me, but he’s a good man.”
“He didn’t take everything away from you.”
“You’re blaming the wrong person. He didn’t do anything to hurt you. The Professor did whatever he needed to do, to save you and your friends.”
“Then why did he take Sarah away from me?”
“I’m sure he’ll explain everything to you when he arrives.”
“I don’t want to see him.”
“Grammie trusted him.”
“And now she’s gone.”
The front door opened. Ayden took out his wand and cautiously moved toward the front room. “Stay here,” he said, when he sensed Emmy was right behind him.
Emmy stopped, the fear she felt was overwhelming. After everything that happened tonight she didn’t think she’d ever feel safe again. She listened when she heard voices coming from the other room. She cringed when she recognized his voice.
The Professor walked into the kitchen. “How are you, Emmy?”
“Terrible. Did you come here to take the rest of my life away from me?” She went to the table and sat down.
The Professor cringed at the venomous tone in her voice. He sat across from her and removed his hat. He tried to find the right words to explain his decision. He leaned back in his chair and then moved toward the table, placing his arms on its surface.
Emmy watched him with nothing short of loathing.
Ayden smiled, and set about making his guardian a cup of tea. He placed it in front of him and returned to his seat.
“Thank you.” He sipped the hot liquid trying to find the right words.
“I tried to explain why you had to do what you did to Sarah and the others,” Ayden said, hoping to ease the tension.
“But it doesn’t matter,” the Professor said.
“No Professor. It doesn’t.”
“Emmy, I wiped the memories of this night for a very good reason.”
“I understand that part, but why did you have to erase Sarah’s memories of me… of our friendship. It’s like I never existed here.”
“I had to protect them. If anyone here held onto the memories of you, or the witches, they could be in danger.”
“What do you mean?”
“Even though Grisandole is gone, she is not dead. She could return and force others to reveal your identity. I did what was best for you and for them. She will know what was done here and therefore, your friends will never be able to betray you. She will have no reason to return.”
“I guess I can understand that, but how could you think this would be easier. Don’t you think, Grisandole will return for me? Isn’t that what all of this was about?”
“When you leave Salem, there will be no goodbyes, no explanations. I hoped to make this transition simpler.”
“I’m not going anywhere.” Her stubborn streak showed in her demeanor. She wasn’t about to leave her home without a fight. This was where she belonged and she had every intention of staying here. She had this house and somehow, someway, she’d renew her friendship with Sarah when she went back to school in the fall.
“You cannot stay here. The time has come for you to begin the search for the Crystal Wand.”
“No. I’m sick and tired of everyone thinking they know what’s best for me. Well, maybe I know what’s best for me. If I stay here, I’ll get my life back.”
“Emmy,” Ayden said. “I want you to listen to the Professor. He
knows what he’s doing.” He put his hand on hers and for the first time, she pulled away from him. Ayden looked at her and then at the Professor.
“I don’t care. I refuse to leave Salem without Grammie?”
The Professor raised his hand to stop Ayden from saying anything else to her. “If you stay here, where will you live?”
“I don’t know. Obviously, I can’t stay with Sarah.”
“No, you cannot. You must fulfill your destiny, as it was written for you.” The Professor sipped from his cup once more and leaned back in his chair.
“I’m so tired of hearing that. I lost Grammie and now I’ve lost Sarah. What do you want me to do?”
“You still have me. And you have the Professor,” Ayden said trying to console her as best he could, under the circumstances.
“No, I don’t. You’ll leave with the Professor and then what? I’m all alone.” The tears spilled even more.
“Emmy, where’s Grammie’s book of spells?” The Professor asked.
“Why?”
“Please bring it to me. If Grammie sensed what would happen, she would have left instructions concerning your future. I need to know what arrangements she made for you and if I know Marsilia, she would have placed the instructions somewhere sacred and special. That would be her book.”
A glimmer of hope flitted across Emmy’s face. If Grammie did leave instructions, then maybe there was a way for her to stay in this house. She went to Grammie’s room and paused in the doorway, trying to capture her spirit. Emmy never meant for anything like this to happen. She wished she could go back in time and save grandmother. The thought of never see her smiling face again, broke her heart. It wasn’t supposed to be like this.
“I thought you might need someone to lean on,” Ayden said, as he came up behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders.
“Thanks, but I have to do this alone.” She wiped the tears and straightened herself up. If nothing else, she wanted to say goodbye to Grammie in her own way.
“Are you sure?”
“No, but I’ll try to do it anyway.”
“I’ll wait by the stairs. Call if you need me.”
She watched him leave. “Ayden?”
He turned and looked in her direction. “Yes.”
“Thanks.” There was so much more to say, but at this moment, words failed her. She looked at him with love in her eyes.
Steeling herself, she made her way into the room. She touched the bedspread Grammie made from Emmy’s old clothes. Each patch came from an outfit she once wore. She moved over to the dresser and found Grammie’s handkerchief. A lace cloth she always carried. Emmy picked it up and smelled Grammie’s perfume. She put it in her pocket.
She opened the large drawer and found the leather-bound book. She hugged it to her chest, feeling Grammie’s presence all around her. Slowly, she left the room and joined Ayden. When he and the Professor left, she’d have time to sit in Grammie’s room and figure out how to deal with all that’s happened.
“Are you okay?” Ayden asked when she approached him. He hugged her to him hoping she would accept some of his strength.
“I’m not sure.” Her face was pale, tears streaked her cheeks. Her lips and hands trembled.
“Come on, the Professor’s waiting.”
She glared at his remark.
“He really is a good man. Please give him a chance to help you anyway he can.”
“I can’t make any promises.”
He smiled.
Together they went downstairs, and entered the kitchen.
Reluctantly, Emmy gave the book to the Professor, who took it and flipped through the pages. Within the folds, he found an envelope with his name written upon its surface. He looked at Ayden and Emmy and proceeded to open it. He unfolded the paper and read the contents. Surprise was etched on his face.
“What does it say?” Ayden asked, hoping the right person was entrusted with the Valittu’s life.
“Grammie has given me the honor of being your guardian.”
“No! She wouldn’t do that to me.”
“I’m afraid she did.” He gave the letter to Emmy to read its contents.
“No. She couldn’t.” She cried again. She cried for Grammie, and now she cried for herself.
The Professor looked at Emmy. “I know you are upset with me, but I want you to know I did what needed to be done. According to this letter, I must continue to train you, and guide you through the tests you will face in your search for the wand. I hope you can understand my actions and one day forgive me. In the meantime, I would like for you to accept my hospitality in the Matchstick House.”
“See, you’re not alone,” Ayden chimed in. “You have us. We are now, your family.”
“Please pack the items you wish to bring with you,” the Professor said.
“What about Grammie’s things and our house?”
“Malka will take care of things here. Grammie wanted you to be with me and I shall honor my dear friend’s request.”
Emmy ran upstairs and removed her suitcase and duffle bag from her closet. She placed them on her bed and put some jeans, tops, dresses and undergarments inside. She placed her book of magic and the candle Ayden gave her the day he took her to the market, next to her jewelry.
She returned to the kitchen. “May I have Grammie’s book?”
“Of course, Emmy. I cannot think of anyone better prepared to guard Marsilia’s book.”
“Thank you, Professor.”
“I know how hard this is for you, but I want you to know that I’m honored to have you in our house.”
Emmy didn’t know what to say. She sat next to Ayden.
A half hour later, Malka stood in the house that would be used as their new headquarters.
“Too many things have happened to me that changed my life. I don’t know if I can handle this.”
“You are Marsilia’s heir. You were chosen to rule the witches, but if you are to succeed, you will need our help.” Ayden moved away from her, giving Emmy a chance to speak with Malka.
“Emmy, I would like you to do a me a favor.”
She looked skeptically at the Mistress of her Coven and spoke softly. “What?”
“I want you to trust the Professor. He will help you realize your destiny,” Malka told her with a supportive hug.
“I don’t know if I can or if I even want to trust him. He took so much from me.” Tears welled in her eyes and spilled down her pale cheeks.
“Isn’t there anything I can say to make you believe or understand that we are doing what Marsilia wanted. If she hadn’t had faith in the Professor, she never would have asked him to become your guardian. I beg you to give him a chance.”
Emmy looked at her mistress and tried to smile, but it came off more as a smirk than something genuine. “I can’t promise anything right now, but thank you for caring.”
“Goodbye Emmy,” Malka said, and hugged her.
“Goodbye Mistress. I wish I could’ve stayed here with you and lived my life in Salem. This doesn’t feel right.” Emmy returned the hug. She would miss Malka whom she’d only known a short while.
“It will.” She kissed her cheek and sent her back to the Professor and Ayden.
“Is there anything else you’d like to take with you before we leave this house?”
“No Professor.”
“Then it is time to begin a new life out there.”
The Professor, Ayden and Emmy walked out onto the street. There was no car waiting for them, no taxi, nothing. She realized they’d have to walk. Ayden took her suitcase and bag for her. She smiled her gratitude.
Down one street and then another, they made their way toward the ocean. They walked past the deep blue waters with white crests, but Emmy didn’t care about the waves she heard in the distance, nor did she care to
look at her beloved home one last time. It was too difficult for her.
“Where are we going?” Emmy wondered what was going on, when they left the city limits and a dense forest lay before them.
“To the Matchstick House of course,” Ayden said with a mischievous smile.
“What street is it on?”
“It’s not on any street.” Ayden saw the Professor look back at the young pair.
“I don’t understand.”
“You’ll see.”
They entered the woods and suddenly the area darkened. Ayden placed Emmy’s suitcase in his left hand and took her hand in his to help her walk through the forest without peril. They came to the clearing where the Matchstick House stood. Emmy looked at the small dwelling made of wood with its crooked chimney that resembled the Professor’s hat. She wondered how they’d all fit inside this small box.
She gave up her comfortable house for this. A shack in the woods. From what she saw there wasn’t enough room for two people, let alone, three. What was Grammie thinking when she made the Professor her guardian? She could have been in her own room, in her own bed, instead of being in the woods.
She looked at Ayden. “You’re putting me on, right?” Shock was written all over her face, but Ayden didn’t seem too concerned by this.
“I would never do that to you.” He laughed.
“Please tell me this is a joke.”
“I’m afraid, I can’t do that.”
She looked around and thought maybe this was a shed and there was a larger house behind this shack.
Suddenly, the Professor stopped walking and turned to Emmy. “Welcome Emmaria to the Matchstick House.” He led the way toward the small wooden shack, they were going to share.
They went up the two steps, and the Professor opened the door. He was the first to enter. The lights came on and Emmy was escorted inside by Ayden who smiled… for this was only the beginning.
THE END
Emmy and the Coven of Witches Page 27
