Chapter 2
Ophelia
“Hey lady! Are you busy? Can you help me bring stuff in from my car?”
Turning around, I see one of my besties, and fellow coven sisters, Ursula, walking into the great hall.
“I can help you, babe. Do we need anyone else?”
“Nah, we can handle it.”
Stepping outside, the December day has somehow gotten even colder. Ursula fills my arms with several small boxes and I make my way back to the hall, trying not to slip on any black ice.
“Let me help you,” Selwyn, a member of one of our sister covens, runs over and relieves me of several boxes.
“Thanks. Ursula’s table is next to mine over here.”
“Are you selling your garments again this year?”
“Yeah. I made bank last year, so I worked hard the last several months sewing all sorts of things.”
“Okay, cool. When my mom arrives, I know she will want to check out your wares.”
Ursula comes up behind us as we place down the boxes, which are full of her scented oils, carrying her massage chair.
“I love it when you do these events,” Selwyn says, eyeing her chair.
“I know you do. Damn, your shoulders are always wicked tight.”
“Yeah. I think that’s from hunching over while making my jewelry.”
Selwyn walks back to his table across the hall.
The Yule event isn’t until Saturday, but we still have a lot to do to make this place look magical.
Soon I will throw on my Brainy Smurf hat and direct folks on where to hang the various fairy lights, crystals, and other odds and ends we use to make this plain great hall into a magical winter retreat.
As I set up my empty clothing racks to create a mini store behind my table, my phone buzzes and I see it’s my oldest son, Max.
Mom, I’m sorry but I can’t come for the holidays now.
Internally groaning, I type back.
Work?
Yeah. But, believe it or not, I am headed to Tokyo. So Carter and I will get to see each other.
Well, that makes me happy!
I am mailing your gift, so be on the lookout.
Both of my sons live in Boston, working jobs that regularly send them out of the country. Carter is in Japan until February, so even though I am bummed I will be childless during my favorite time of year, I’m happy they'll be together.
“Who are you texting? Someone cute, I hope.”
Turning, I find my other good friend and coven sister, Althea, standing at my table.
“Ha, I wish. No, just Max.”
My friend makes a face and says, “You wish? I thought you had been getting out there lately?”
“I mean, yeah, sort of. But no one special has appeared yet.” I say, shrugging my shoulders, “I’m not in a rush. And, anyway, I’m entering my crone years now, aren’t I. Maybe that phase of my life is ending, you know?”
Althea snorts, wagging her finger at me.
“Crones can get freaky.” When I laugh, she adds, “And crones can fall in love. You, my dear, are a wicked sexy-as-fuck almost-crone, so don’t sell yourself short!”
Before I respond, Ursula looks up from setting up her chair.
“She’s right, you know, Ophelia. Don’t sell yourself short.”
Putting my hands up in surrender, I laugh and get back to working on my pop-up shop. A little while later, Cyrus comes over and says, in his usual gruff manner, “Ophelia, we are ready for you to boss us around.”
“You mean take the lead,” Althea retorts, rolling her eyes.
“Yeah, yeah, whatever.”
The night before the Winter Solstice, I pour myself a healthy glass of Beaujolais and sink into my couch.
The fire warms my feet as I rest them on my coffee table and I take several big sips.
Setting up for the Yule Festival this week has been draining, but I know tomorrow will be worth it.
This event is always my biggest one of the year and typically pays my bills for several months.
People come far and wide to attend it. Not only are we on picturesque Cape Cod, but the Town of Sea Glass is one of the top paranormal safe-havens on the east coast. Paranormal folk from all over travel to us to celebrate Yule and shop for the holidays.
Cracking open the latest Drayce Scriver novel I am reading, I chill in front of the fire, wineglass in hand, and get lost for several chapters. I don’t tear myself away until the cuckoo clock in my hallway announces it's midnight. Tomorrow is a big day and I better go to bed.
Waking up to my alarm, with a foggy head from red wine and not enough sleep, I stretch under my heavy quilt. An interesting feeling washes over me as I move my limbs. Today is going to be a special day.
I can feel it in my gut.