A Witchin' Winter's Night

by Isabel Micheals

  “How?” Cecelia asked.

  It was the sweetest word Scroogey had ever heard. It amazed her how these women were willing to put their differences aside and at least listen to her cry for help. She’d have to admit that before the Spirits’ visits, she wouldn’t have been as gracious. It seemed as though miracles were possible during Christmas.

  “Like I said earlier, I would like to make amends not only to you, but also to the citizens of Bass Ackwards. Unfortunately, I need your help. I thought it would be nice if I held a party for everyone on Main Street. There’s only one problem. I have no idea where to begin.”

  “Scroogess, you’re in luck because we love a good party,” Cecelia replied.

  “Excellent. Please tell me you have some ideas because as I said, I’m at a loss,” Scroogey pleaded.

  “I know exactly what to do,” Symone said with a mischievous glint in her eye.

  “You do?” Scroogey asked. Her curiosity and desperation were both vying for attention.

  “I do. CeCe will handle all the food for the event while Camille and I will take care of the entertainment. Do you have a problem with us using a little magic given the short notice? It’s the only way we’re going to do this impossible task you have placed before us,” Symone said.

  “Since this would be for the entire community of Bass Ackwards and not personal gain, I say go for it. What should I do?” Scroogey eagerly asked.

  “If you could create the flyers and help spread the word around town that would be great,” Symone replied. “Trust us. This will be the best Christmas Party Ever.”

  Scroogey was overwhelmed by the women’s graciousness and kindness. So much so, a few tears slipped down her face. She didn’t care. It had been a long, lonely journey and for the first time in forever, she didn’t feel all alone. Not only was it a blessing, but also a feeling that she could get used to. “Thank you so much for all your help. You have no idea how much this means to me that you would put aside our differences and help me on such short notice. I promise that I won’t let you down. Merry Christmas,” she said before bidding them a brief farewell.

  EPILOGUE

  The Best Christmas Party Ever

  Word had spread like wildfire throughout Bass Ackwards about the Christmas Party. Some were surprised, others were shocked. But most were delighted that Scroogess had decided to host such a wonderful event. It had been a tough year, which meant everyone was in dire need of a good time. It also gave them hope that Scroogess Ebesneezer was changing her ways for the better. The community of Bass Ackwards was buzzing with activity. Everyone was preparing for the party. The Witches Council watched from afar with pride. Mistress Fiona was the proudest of them all to witness how far Scroogess had come in one night.

  Scroogess was nervous to the point she felt a little nauseous. From the moment she had left Cecelia’s house, she began doubting herself. Could she pull off a Christmas Party that the town would be talking about for years to come? If all went well, she had decided to make the party an annual event. She only hoped Cecelia, Camille, and Symone would be willing to help her on an annual basis. There was so much she could learn from them. She hadn’t bothered giving them any suggestions because in all honesty, she had none. She had spent years avoiding Christmas. Now, she was about to embrace the holiday whole-heartedly.

  When Scroogess arrived on Main Street, her heart swelled with joy from the sight before her. Cecelia, Symone and Camille had done an amazing job. The twinkling lights from the Christmas tree made her smile. It reminded her of the good times with her grandparents. The joy on the children’s faces only reinforced that tonight was about the community. When several men placed a large nutcracker on each side of Santa’s chair, she couldn’t help but laugh. It seemed as though this year’s theme for their first Christmas Party would be “The Nutcracker”.

  There was a tent set up with crafts for kids to make Christmas ornaments for the tree. There was also a station for the families to build their own gingerbread houses. Christmas Carolers were setting up on stage to perform. There were food trucks and booths with every kind of decadent food one could image. Cecelia had set up a booth that offered free cookies and brownies, as well as a cup of her delectable hot chocolate. Symone had conjured up an ice rink for the kids to skate on throughout the evening. There was even a petting zoo with Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus and the Three Wise Men. Camille was currently placing presents for the community under the Christmas tree. It was truly a Christmas miracle and everything amazing. Lost in thought, she hadn’t heard Camille and Symone approach.

  “What do you think?” Symone asked.

  “I love it. Thank you ladies so much. You have absolutely outdone yourselves. I will be forever in your debt,” Scroogey replied. The smile on her face was heartfelt and full of Christmas Spirit.

  Camille and Symone smiled at the praise they received from Scroogey. They especially liked the change in her attitude. She was no longer the nasty, vengeful witch no one wanted to be around. Nope. Scroogey 2.0 was full of joy, laughter, goodwill, and hope. Hope for the present, as well as the future. It was a beautiful sight and they couldn’t have been happier.

  “Hey Scroogey, we have a proposition for you as well,” Camille said.

  “Okay. Tell me.”

  Scroogess listened attentively, as Symone explained what she had in mind. She had to give the woman credit. There were no boundaries to what she would do for a friend. This gave her a warm feeling inside, as well as hope that one day she would be a part of this amazing group of women. She quickly accepted their proposition and laughed at Symone’s squeal of joy. This was definitely going to be a night to remember.

  An hour later, the entire community of Bass Ackwards had gathered on Main Street. There were soldiers, ballerinas, the Mouse King, reindeer, and the big man himself, Santa. Main Street had been turned into a Winter Wonderland and it never looked better. When the Christmas Carolers’ finished, Scroogess took the stage.

  “Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you’re having a great time tonight. There are several ladies I would like to thank. Without them, this night would have never been possible. Cecelia, Symone and Camille. Would you join me on stage please?” Scroogey smiled as all three women joined her on stage. “Please give these three amazing women and my new friends a round of applause. It's because of them, our first Christmas party is a roaring success.”

  Cecelia, Symone and Camille smiled as the crowd applauded their efforts.

  When the crowd calmed down, Scroogess continued speaking. “It’s been brought to my attention that “The Nutcracker” theme was Cecelia’s because it’s her favorite play. Thus, we have a surprise for her tonight. In celebrating the Spirit of the Season, she will be performing the Sugar Plum Fairy dance for you. So, please take your seats so that the production can begin. We hope you enjoy it.”

  Stunned by Scroogey’s announcement, Cecelia approached her new friend. “I don’t understand. This wasn’t part of the plan. I’ve never danced the Sugar Plum Fairy dance in front of an audience. What if I screw it up?”

  “Breathe Cecelia. I have it on good authority that you’re going to be great. Just relax and enjoy the moment. You’ve earned it,” Scroogey replied.

  Cecelia turned to look at her two best friends in all the world and smiled. “I’m not doing this alone ladies. Are you with me?”

  When all three nodded, they left the stage to change into their appropriate costumes. Once again, Symone was dressed as Clara. Camille was dressed as the Nutcracker, and Scroogey was dressed as the Prince. The show was immediately a hit with the community. Cecelia took a deep breath as she watched Symone and Camille finish the last act. She was on deck next and could hardly believe it. After all this time, she was finally going to play the Sugar Plum Fairy. As Symone and Camille exited the stage, Cecelia took in a deep breath and made her entrance. She was shocked to realize that Dillen had replaced Scroogey as the Prince. Pulse pounding, she regained her composure and danced with her heart’s desi
re. When Dillen easily lifted her in the air and then slid her down his body, Cecelia thought she was a goner. Not only did he smell good, but it felt great being wrapped in his arms. When their dance came to an end, Dillen wrapped her in his arms and laid a kiss on her that made her toes melt. It was everything she had imagined and more. Hot, passionate, and addictive because the longer he kissed her, the more she wanted him. When the crowd started applauding, Cecelia regained her senses. She stepped away from the man who had owned her heart and soul for years.

  “I’m sorry, Dillen. I can’t do this,” she whispered before running off stage.

  “Cecelia. Wait! Let me explain,” Dillen pleaded, as he followed her. Unfortunately, she had disappeared in the crowd.

  “Dillen. What happened?’ Camille asked.

  “I don’t know,” he replied. The confusion evident on his face.

  “Don’t worry. We’ll find her and make things right. You go change. I promise that we’ll let you know what happens,” Symone said to reassure him.

  Nodding in agreement, Dillen walked toward the dressing rooms. He was completely dumbfounded by Cecelia’s reaction to their kiss. He had hoped tonight would be a turning point for them, but it seemed as though he had been wrong. Why the woman couldn’t see that he was completely and utterly in love with her was beyond him. Regardless, he would never give up on her—on them. He had no choice but to let Symone, Camille and Scroogess find out what had gone wrong. Hopefully, it was something he could easily rectify. Because, he had no intention of letting her get away. They belonged together. She might not realize it right now, but she would come around because it was the only thing keeping him going. In all honesty, he was hanging on by a thread.

  “Is Cecelia okay?” Scroogey asked, as she quickly approached, concern written all over her face.

  “We’re not sure, but we’re going to find out,” Camille assured her. “Let’s give her a little breathing room for now. Once the party is over, we’ll go after her.”

  “You’re right,” Symone conceded.

  “Are you sure? She looked so upset and I’d hate for her to think that this was another one of my attempts of revenge,” Scroogey replied.

  “This isn’t your fault Scroogess. Cecelia knows that, so please don’t worry. Let’s tend to our guests and when the party is over, we’ll all tend to our friend. She needs a little space right now to get her head on straight,” Camille insisted.

  “Okay. I’ll go announce to the crowd that Santa’s ready to see the children,” Scroogey hesitantly said.

  “Go. I promise you that she’ll be fine,” Camille replied in a soothing voice. She wasn’t sure if it was for Scroogey, Dillen, or herself. They had screwed up by having Dillen switch places with Scroogey. Yet, from the looks of that kiss, she’d say their plan had hit the bullseye. Now, they needed to convince Cecelia.

  The rest of the party went off without a hitch. The children were elated with their presents. Each family was sent home with enough food to last them through New Years and then some. The electricity in the air was full of joy, happiness, and unconditional love. She had done a wonderful thing today for the community and it felt good. Real good.

  “I’m so proud of you, Scroogess. You have done us proud tonight,” Mistress Fiona praised. A few minutes later, she materialized beside Scroogey.

  “Thank you! I hope tonight’s party brought people hope and joy,” Scroogey replied.

  “Then why do you look so worried, my child.”

  “I'm worried that I won't be able to keep the Spirit of Christmas in my heart all year round, as I promised.”

  “Scroogess Ebesneezer. Listen to me because I’m only going to say this once. When you’re in doubt, I want you to close your eyes and remember the way you feel tonight. Think about all the joy you have brought to the community. Remember the twinkling lights from the Christmas tree and the joy on the children’s faces. The relief on the parents’ faces. Think about how they were struggling to provide a Christmas for their children this year. If you always remember what’s in your heart, you’ll never lose your way, my child,” Mistress Fiona said.

  “Thank you for the advice and vote of confidence Mistress Fiona. Merry Christmas!”

  “Merry Christmas to you as well, my child.”

  # # THE END # #

  NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR

  If you enjoyed this book, please consider leaving a positive review or rating on the site where you purchased it. Reader reviews help my books continue to be valued by resellers and help new readers make decisions about reading them. You are the reason I write these stories and I sincerely appreciate each of you!

  Many thanks for your support,

  ~ Isabel Micheals

  Follow this link to see more books in the Magick & Chaos series.

  Next Book in the series:

  Witchin’ Up The Dead

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  OTHER BOOKS BY THIS AUTHOR

  SHOESTRING WEDDINGS, INC.

  Laura & Mike – Book 1 (Available in Kindle Unlimited)

  THE BLAKES

  (PART OF THE FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FIASCO KINDLE WORLD)

  The Wedding Chaos – Book 1

  MAGICK AND CHAOS

  (PART OF THE MAGIC AND MAYHEM KINDLE WORLD)

  A Witch Possessed – Book 1

  Witch ‘N Fire – Book 2

  Witchin’ You’re A Dragon – Book 3

  Witch With An Axe To Grind – Book 4

  Witchin’ Up A Spell – Book 5

  MUSTANG VALLEY

  Christmas Lullabies

  Christmas Temptation (Coming July 2018)

  (PART OF THE FIRST STREET CHRUCH KINDLE WORLD)

  Love’s Forgiving Heart

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  After years of reading romance novels and getting lost in characters’ worlds, Isabel Micheals finally decided to try her hand at writing. Inspired by Lucy Kevin’s Four Weddings and a Fiasco, she summoned her courage, got to writing, and submitted her first novel, The Wedding Chaos, to Ms. Kevin’s Kindle World. Now she’s been bitten by the writing bug and hopes to make a career of it. Isabel encourages you to join her on this amazing and exciting journey as the characters in her head come to life.

  In addition to her creative side, she’s a geek who loves being whisked away into alternate realities, whether it be contemporary, new adult, young adult, historical, paranormal, or real life. Everyone has a story, so be sure to drop by often and see which stories are keeping Isabel up at night, as she pounds away on the keys writing her next book.

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  Isabel hopes to see you soon, so until then, keep on reading.

  Visit www.isabelmicheals.com for more information.

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