51. Chapter Fifty-One
Chapter Fifty-One
‘ W hat if they don’t like me?’ Amber said. The closer the starting date for university came, the more nervous she grew. Following her surprised success in her exams, her dream of studying fine art was becoming reality.
Willow put down the pestle and mortar to look directly at her apprentice; noting her damp eyes she felt a sudden tug of love. ‘Ambs, phone your dad and tell him you’re staying over here tonight?’
‘But you and Nate are planning to go out.’ She wiped her face with her sleeve, ruining her immaculate eyeliner.
‘Just do it. Nate can fend for himself for the night. There is something we need to do.'
With her old backpack on her shoulder, Willow led Amber through the town with Vincent not far behind. The pubs were closed, and the few drunken customers staggered home. Tourist season was nearly over for another year. Darkness cloaked the quiet streets except for the occasional burning lights and flickers of blue screens. The sea crashed on the harbour and Willow tingled with a familiar anticipation. They reached the bottom of the 199 steps.
Amber stared at them. ‘We’re going up there?’
‘Oh yes! I’ll race you!’
‘Are you trying to kill me? My lungs are burning,’ moaned Amber, struggling to catch her breath. Willow had won by many steps. They strolled to the headland with the Abbey behind them.
‘Stop moaning. You’re young, you’ll live. Now—take your boots off and socks. No excuses—just do it.’ Amber followed her mentor’s lead, muttering under her breath.
Willow’s bare feet revelled in the dampness as they sank into the grass and her shoulders relaxed. Being here was the right thing to do.
‘Do you know me and your mum would come up here every summer until I went travelling? The first time she demanded I took off my boots and socks. She rarely wore shoes if she could help it. She also suggested going sky clad, but I’ve only done it once and Yorkshire air is too cold to ever do it again. Anyhow, it was her who told me what I am telling you now. You are a witch! It’s in your blood, your soul, so don’t hide it. Those who are worthy of you will love you, witch or not, and they’ll accept who you are. Feel the vibration of land under your feet, the connection to the universe above and the power of the feminine moon, but most of all be you.’
‘But Dad didn’t accept Mum as a witch,’ Amber whispered.
‘Maybe she didn’t give him the chance. She never fully told him. Louise was great at giving advice, but when it came to her relationship with your dad she failed to take it for herself. As soon as they met, she fell hopelessly in love and was desperate to keep him. Despite her soul tingling with the knowledge he was the one, she didn’t trust her instinct or him to reveal her true self. The depth of her feelings scared her. She hid most of her witchiness away, forced it into a box in fear he’d reject her. All her talents she revealed could be easily explained by her bohemian personality. Many people are attracted to crystals, gifted in gardening, and highly intuitive. And interested in herbal remedies without being a witch. Louise buried her magic and her beliefs until you came along. Then she needed her power to keep you safe, but even then, she was torn. Your dad loved her deeply. He felt the strength of the connection despite the lack of witch blood. He’s learnt to accept your magic; he’d have accepted all of her if she’d trusted him enough. Their relationship would’ve been stronger for it.
‘You’ll be fine and will find friends who will become your support network. Trust your instincts and your magic. Your mum will always be with you as she is with me guiding the way, and I’m only a phone call away. So is your dad. He’ll collect you anytime. Yes—’ reading Amber’s cynical mind, ‘—even with Lorna in his life. You are his girl. No one can take that away from you.’
‘Do you feel that with Nate? The connection—the knowledge he loves you—all of you?’
‘Pardon?’
‘You heard. Do you?’ Caught off guard, Willow couldn’t answer. He said he loved her and was moving into her flat, but was that enough?
***
The two witches drank mugs of hot chocolate watching the sunrise from a bench overseeing the town. Beetle curled up on Amber’s knee, tired from his joyful exploration of the surroundings. The night passed with Willow reminiscing about her university days with Louise, and Amber sharing her fears and her dreams. A hovering ball of witch fire cast by Willow kept them warm. For a witch who could rarely light a candle with magic, Speedwell Cottage had given her power a boost. It suited her, mused Amber, as did Nate. Now she knew the truth.
Whitby woke with the boats arriving at the harbour, attracting the screeching gulls circling above and a certain ginger tom. The distinct smell of smoked kippers rising to the clifftop made Amber’s stomach growl.
‘Come on, Vincent’s hungry and so am I. Race you down to the bottom!’
The large breakfast served in the café sated Amber’s and Willow’s appetite, invigorated from the sea air, any remaining tension from the last few months dissipated. Amber felt lighter and the excitement of new beginnings returned. Her friendship with Jack was back on track after an intense heart-to-heart where he revealed his parents had separated, sending shockwaves through the perfect family. He’d been juggling with caring for his siblings, college work, and his own emotions. It hurt that he didn’t confide in her, but who was she to talk? Dad was happy with Lorna, Willow had Nate for now, and university loomed. There was only one problem remaining.
‘Any news about Clive?’ she asked, biting back the fear his name still conjured.
‘No. The detective in charge occasionally contacts me, but no new updates. Clive is still hiding but at least it’s calm,’ replied Willow, mopping up her last few baked beans with her toast.
Calm didn’t stop Amber’s worry a storm would brew again. Nor stop his face appearing in her dreams, reliving the moment on the beach. She needed to finish what he started. How could she move on without justice for what he did to Willow and her? She’d finally given a statement to the police, but it wasn’t enough.
‘Doesn’t it make you angry and want to do something?’
‘Of course, but I’ve Grandma Jax’s now, and you are safe. They’re the most important things.’
If Willow had no desire to act, Amber would act alone, but it’d be better with two. ‘I’ve an idea to speed the investigation along.’
‘No, Amber. Whatever it is, let the police deal with it.’
Willow’s stern tone irritated Amber, but she remained calm. ‘Please listen to what I have to say. You’ve just told me to trust my instincts, so I am. Clive will scam other people, and this will stop that. It’ll be better with you, that’s all.’
Willow leant back into the chair and folded her arms, glaring at her charge. ‘So, you’re saying whatever I think, you’ll do it anyway? Didn’t you hear what I said earlier about staying out of trouble?’
Amber smiled, nodding. ‘I did, and agreed I’d stay out of danger while away. But I won’t be at uni or alone if I’m with you at Speedwell Cottage.’ She continued to talk.