“She is so right,” Cami agreed, as she took a sip of her hot chocolate.
Scroogey almost moaned as Cami took a sip of the delicious hot chocolate. Not only was it loaded with hot chocolate, whipped cream, and a peppermint stick, but it had a snowman on the top. The hat, hands, buttons, and face had been made out of Hershey chocolate. She so wanted a sip—or ten, but forced herself to look away for fear of dropping down on her knees and begging for a cup. Nope. She would never let these women see her in a moment of weakness. They’d never let her live it down. She'd been mortified by them enough over the years. She’d never give them more ammunition to use against her. Not today. Not ever. Lost in thought, she’d almost missed the words spewing out of Cecelia’s mouth.
“We want to thank you for your challenge because it helped us remember the true Spirit of Christmas. You were right. We all needed to re-evaluate our behavior and focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Thank you."
“You’re welcome, but that’s not exactly what I had in mind,” Scroogey murmured.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t hear what you said,” Cecelia prompted.
“I said it looked as though your challenge wasn’t tough enough. You may or may not have learned something from your little adventure. The verdict is still out. Regardless, I need to rethink your punishment.”
“What do you mean rethink our punishment?” Camille yelled, as she stood to look Scroogey in the eyes. It was obvious from her flushed cheeks that she was pissed. The anger rolling off her shoulders was like a tsunami. She was ready, willing, and able to do battle if necessary..
Symone was right behind her. She had already taken off her jewelry and was currently rolling up her sleeves. “Yeah. What do you mean, Scroogey? I would suggest you to be very careful in your choice of words because they could be the end of you tonight.”
“Are you threatening me?” Scroogey asked in a squeaky voice.
“Nope. I’m making a promise to handle this situation if you go back on your word. Now, answer Cami’s question. What did you mean by rethinking your punishment?”
Before Scroogey could respond, Mistress Fiona materialized in the living room. She had watched the three witches take on Scroogey’s challenge without using their magic. In all her years as a Christmas Witch, she had never been more proud. Granted, some of their antics had been a little unorthodox. But in the end, they had remembered the true meaning of Christmas. She wouldn’t allow Scroogey to go back on her word. In fact, it seemed as though the new Christmas Witch needed to learn a lesson of her own. What better time to learn such lesson than Christmas Eve? she thought.
“Joyeux Noel, ladies,” Fiona said.
“Merry Christmas, Mistress Fiona,” Cecelia, Camille and Symone replied simultaneously.
“I wanted to pop in and congratulate you on meeting the terms of Scroogess’s challenge. In all my years of Christmas challenges, I have never been more proud of you three than I am tonight. Not only did you survive the challenge, you thrived. You also remembered what Christmas was all about, and for that I am elated for you. Congratulations!”
“Thank you, Mistress Fiona. It seems as though Scroogey is trying to go back on her word,” Cecelia replied.
“What? Is this true, Scroogess?”
“Um… Well… Maybe?” Scroogey squeaked, as she tried to hide her anger and fear from Mistress Fiona. She couldn't let the older witch discover how much she hated Christmas. If that ever happened, she'd be the one spending five-to-ten years in the pokey. She couldn’t let that happen. So, as much as it pained her to eat crow, she would and lots of it if it meant maintaining her freedom. “I apologize, Mistress Fiona. Although I regret not making their challenge more difficult, you are right. They did meet the requirements with flying colors. So, no. I am not going back on my word. A deal is a deal. There will be no mark on their records and no further punishment. It was a misunderstanding by all parties. Uh… I-I apologize, ladies. Merry Christmas!”
Like a tornado, Scroogey disappeared from the living room without another word. To say Cecelia, Symone, and Camille were stunned would have been an understatement. There were no snide remarks. No threats. No, nothing. She had even wished them a Merry Christmas.
“What was that all about?” Cecelia finally asked.
“I’m not sure, but it’s time we taught the new Christmas Witch a lesson,” Mistress Fiona informed them.
“Really?” Symone inquired with a touch of hope and a bucket of desperation.
“Yes. I also think you ladies are the ones to teach her such a lesson about the true meaning of Christmas before it’s too late.”
“Excellent. Because we have a plan,” Cecelia confessed.
“I know you have a plan, my child. I also think it’s bloody brilliant. It will be the catalyst Scroogey needs to finally embrace her true destiny. But be forewarned ladies, like Santa, the Christmas Witch knows all. We too know who's been naughty and who's been nice,” Mistress Fiona said with a wink and a smile.
“I knew it. She’s scarier than the Fates,” Camille chuckled, as she grabbed another cookie.
“And don’t you forget it, Cami. Now, you ladies get dressed and I will set the scene. Scroogess won’t know what hit her. When the clock strikes midnight, you’re on. Until then, enjoy your well-earned time together. Merry Christmas!” Mistress Fiona said, as she disappeared from the room.
“This night gets better and better,” Cecelia exclaimed.
“No joke. Who knew Mistress Fiona would approve our plan. Now, we can get into character without getting in trouble. I never thought I’d be saying this, but this is the best Christmas Eve ever,” Camille professed.
“You are so right, Cami. It’s going to be hard to top this next year. Unless, Cecelia finally bites the bullet and goes after Dillen,” Symone teased.
“Stop it! Tonight is not about my love life. It’s about helping a Christmas Witch find her true Spirit,” Cecelia admonished.
“Fine! You won’t be able to avoid your true destiny much longer,” Camille said with a knowing look.
“What do you mean by that? Have you seen something, Cami?” Cecelia asked with concern in her voice.
“Don’t freak out on me now. I’m stating the obvious. No one gets to avoid their true destiny forever. Not even you, my lovely friend.
“I know, which only makes it harder for me to breathe.”
“One problem at a time, ladies. One problem at a time. Now, let me see your costumes,” Symone demanded.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Scroogey returned to her small cottage on the outskirts of town. She was angrier than a bear who had been awakened during hibernation. Once again, those meddling witches had made her look like a fool in front of Mistress Fiona. Tonight had been a disaster. It didn't matter how hard she'd tried, they'd always gained the upper hand. First, they had to try to win her over by complementing her clothing, but she knew it was all bah humbug. Then, they tried to become her friend for Goddess’s sake. Like she would ever be friends with a bunch of witches who loved Christmas. Her name was Scroogess after all. When that didn’t work, they finally showed their true colors. She knew from the beginning that they had hated her, like her parents had hated her.
It was time they paid for their indiscretions. She was the new Christmas Witch in town. No one would prevent her from being the center of attention on Christmas Day. Nope, she needed a plan and fast. They may have won the battle tonight, but she would definitely win the war. With a renewed sense of purpose, she straightened to her full height. In a voice as evil as time, she yelled, “Cratchette, get in here. We’ve got a lot to do tonight.”
“You rang Miss Scroogess?” Cratchette asked in a squeaky voice.
“Yes, you imbecile. Now, quit dallying around. There is much to do tonight.”
“But Miss! It’s Christmas Eve. I had hoped to spend it with my family. You are the new Christmas Witch. I would have thought you understood this,” Cratchette pleaded.
“It’s because I�
�m the new Christmas Witch that we have much work to do before the night is up. I don’t think you understand how important my new job is, or you wouldn’t be whining like a little ninny.”
Cratchette embraced the anger building in the pit of her stomach. She looked her boss dead in the eye for the first time and with all the gusto she could muster up said, "I am not a ninny. Most people enjoy spending this night with their family and friends."
Scroogess ignored Cratchette's tirade and dismissed her with a flick of her hand. She had been right to fire the insubordinate imbecile. “Good riddance,” she murmured under her breath. Once Cratchette had left, she sat down at the kitchen table and planned the demise of her nemeses. When her kitchen clock struck eight, she decided it was time for bed. She needed a good night’s sleep before her day of revenge.
“Oh, to see the looks on their faces when I let down the hammer. It’s going to be splendid I tell you. Absolutely splendid. I will have the last laugh, once and for all,” Scroogey exclaimed with equal parts glee and venom in her voice.
* * *
Fiona waited until Scroogey was sound asleep before entering her bedroom. She moved through the room like a thief in the night. There was something rather intriguing about being on the naughty side of things. If she were being honest, she hadn’t had this much fun in years. While she wouldn’t normally condone such bad behavior, it was the only way to bring Scroogess around. Unfortunately, if they failed, there was a chance the misguided witch would turn to Dark Magic. She couldn’t let that happen. Not in this lifetime or the next. So, she had embraced Cecelia’s idea with glee and hope. Glee in having a little fun after four centuries of being the Christmas witch. Hope, that if this worked, she’d get to retire soon. Only the Goddess, who also happened to be her best friend, knew that she was ready for a beach in Hawaii. Now, she needed a fruity drink that packed a punch and a hot man who could get the job done.
When she heard her partners in crime moan and groan, she knew they had been eavesdropping on her thoughts. Smiling, she whispered, “Hey, I may be old, but I’m not dead. Besides, anyone looking at me would swear I’m not a day over thirty-five, so put a sock in it, ladies.”
“Sock has been firmly stuffed in mouth,” Cecelia whispered back with a chuckle. This Christmas Eve had turned out to be more fun than she could have ever imagined. They would get Scroogey back on the right path. Then, they'd have a new friend to join them in their escapades next year. If not, then she’d bite the bullet and apply for the Christmas Witch position. Camille was right. The Fates had missed her calling when they made her a necromancer. No sooner had she finished the thought, a bolt of purple lightning struck her in the dairy air. It was painful to say the least. “Ouch! That hurt,” she hissed.
“Hmm. It seems as though someone has been bad mouthing the Fates,” Cami laughed, hysterically. She was tired of being the only one getting smit on the ass by the Fates. It was someone else’s turn to endure their wrath.
“Ladies!” Symone admonished. “Have you forgotten we are supposed to be in stealth mode? Now, do as Mistress Fiona instructed and put a sock in it before you expose us all.”
“Fine! We’ll be quiet,” her friends replied in somber voices.
“Thank you, Symone for your help. We should also thank the Goddess that Scroogey snores like a fog horn trying to bring in a fleet of ships. I don’t think even the dead couldn’t wake her up,” Mistress Fiona replied in a hushed voice.
“Let’s hope you’re wrong or we’re all screwed,” Camille replied.
“Okay, ladies. Here goes nothing,” Mistress Fiona said. A few minutes later, she had transformed into a ghost wrapped in chains. It took a bit of clanging on her part, but eventually Scroogey started to stir in her sleep. “Scroogess! Scroogess!” she said louder and louder, but Scroogey would not awaken.
“Here, let me try. This always worked for my grandfather when we didn’t want to get out of bed.” A few minutes later, Symone doused Scroogey with a bucket of cold, ice water and disappeared.
Trying not laugh, Mistress Fiona continued yelling Scroogey’s name. “Scroogess! Scroogess!”
“What in the Hades is going on here?” Scroogey asked, as she wiped the water from her eyes. “Who was the imbecile that doused me with cold water when it’s freezing outside?”
Ignoring Scroogey’s questions, Mistress Fiona kept yelling, “Scroogess! Scroogess!”
Irritated by the booming voice, Scroogey turned to the ghost standing on the side of her bed and glared. “That’s my name, don’t wear it out.”
“Are you Scroogess Ebesneezer?” Mistress Fiona asked.
“No wonder she didn’t want anyone knowing her last name?” Camille chuckled.
“Shh! No one has spoken my last name in years. “Who are you and what do you want?”
“In life, I was once a Christmas Witch. In death, I am destined to walk the Earth and beyond until I make amends.”
“Oh, Bah humbug! Who are you? And, what do you want? I hope it’s not your old job back because sister, that’s not an option. In case you haven’t heard, it belongs to me now.”
“I’m aware of your current position in the magical community, which is the reason I’m here. If you don’t change the path you have chosen, then you’ll end up like me.”
“Says, who?” Scroogey snapped back.
“Those who have come before you and those who will come after you. Do you believe me my child?”
“Look. I don’t know who you are and I don’t care. Now, leave my house at once. I need my beauty rest. The morning will be here before I know it. I need to exact my revenge on three witches, who will feel my wrath. They'll regret all the times they underestimated my powers,” Scroogey demanded. Fluffing her pillow, she prepared to go back to sleep.
“Scroogess Ebesneezer! This is not a joke. Your fate and that of the Christmas Witch depends on you believing me,” Mistress Fiona said. She continued jangling her chains in hopes that it would put the fear of the Goddess in Scroogey. “If you doubt my word, then take a look out your bedroom window. I dare you.”
“Oh for Goddess’s sake! Stop with the chains already,” Scroogey demanded, as she covered her ears. The noise was nerve wracking. Maybe I should just tell her that I believe in her, so she’ll go away? Scroogey thought to herself.
“Scroogess Ebesneezer, lying is why you’re in this mess. Either you believe me or you don’t.”
“Fine. But before I look out the window, tell me what’s up with the chain,” Scroogey insisted.
“I wear the chains, I have bound in life. And if you don’t change the path you have chosen, so will you,” Mistress Fiona replied.
“Whatever! I believe in you. Now, show me whatever it is I’m supposed to see, so I can go back to bed.”
“You’ve been a bad witch, Scroogess. First, you lied to the Witches Council about loving Christmas, when in fact, you hate it. Second, you convinced a young child who still believed in magic that Santa wasn’t real. Third, you tried to renege on your agreement with Cecelia, Camille, and Symone. Not only had they conquered your challenge, but they also thanked you for helping them. The only one who doesn’t understand the Spirit of Christmas is you,” Mistress Fiona exclaimed.
“Wait! I didn’t lie to the Witches Council. I sort of like Christmas. I just don’t feel the need to eat, sleep, and breathe it twenty-four hours a day, three-hundred and sixty-five days a year. Jeez! That’s enough to drive any sane witch crazy. Is it not enough that the stores start promoting Christmas earlier and earlier each year? Not to mention the humans. Who cares about Christmas during All Hallows Eve? It’s too much. As for the young boy, he was ten and should have figured out that Santa Claus is a myth. My parents’ told me Santa didn’t exist when I was three years old. It’s not rocket science, when you don’t get what you asked the big guy in red for on Christmas morning. Now, the witches had it coming. They’ve been a thorn in my side since Witchery U.”
“Your excuses are useless. I’m here to w
arn you that you still have a chance to make amends, Scroogess Ebesneezer. But if you don’t, then this will be your fate,” Mistress Fiona said, as she pulled back the curtain and opened the window.
A lump formed in her throat the moment she saw all the ghosts, shackled with chains floating around. "This could not be my fate. I'm the Christmas Witch for Goddess's sake.
“Yes, my child. This is the fate that awaits you, if you don’t change the course of your path,” Mistress Fiona said in a soft, soothing voice.
“No. No. No. This cannot be my fate.”
“I’m afraid it is, my child. Unless…”
Sighing in defeat, Scroogess turned to the ghost and said, “What do you want me to do?”
“It’s not too late to change your destiny and avoid my fate, Scroogess Ebesneezer. You must expect the visits of three more ghosts. When the bell tolls one, expect your first visit,” Mistress Fiona said. She rattled her chains one last time before disappearing into the night.
“Wait! That’s it. Who are the three ghosts?” Scroogey yelled. When no response came, she climbed back into bed, fluffed her pillow and went back to sleep. Grateful that her nightmare was finally over, she let out a small sigh of relief.
CHAPTER NINE
Ghost of Christmas Past
When the clock struck one, Camille knew that it was her time to shine. The Ghost of Christmas Past appeared using the flame of Scroogey's candle. Dickens had described the ghost as a cross between a young child and an old man. Camille had chosen to present herself as a beautiful fairy. She was dressed in an exquisite green sheath decorated with Swarovski crystals. Her beautiful red hair flowed down her back in silky waves that would have made any woman envious. Beautiful purple wings had been trimmed with green glitter. The delicate wings accentuated her sheath and added a touch of glamour to the outfit. Her tights and ballet slippers matched the wings. These final touches brought the entire outfit together. She had never looked more magnificent.
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