14. Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fourteen
“ S o, how do you know this witch?” John asks as he kills the engine in the empty space in the parking lot.
“We used to be friends,” I say, remembering how hard it was back then. Kim is a witch from a different bloodline, one that isn’t cursed. Growing up together, I always felt demoralized next to her family. At first, she was cool with the fact that I couldn’t cast magic because I knew spells that she didn’t, but soon, that changed.
“Are you sure she will go along with it?”
“I don’t know, but we don’t have a lot of choices, do we? Besides, I don’t know any other witchy staff around here that aren’t fake.” New Orleans is known for witchy shops, attracting tourists with interesting things they don’t understand. That makes fake witches and mediums pop-up all-over town.
“Well, she’d better agree.”
“You wait here. I will go first. If I don’t come back within fifteen minutes, come in and do your vampire thing.”
Getting out of the car, I start practicing deep breaths to calm my nervous heart. It’s been years since I saw her, and I wasn’t planning on seeing her again, but I have to do this. I’m doing it for my grandma.
Opening the door, I step in.
A few years back, my grandmother told me that Kim opened her own shop. I never imagined she was interested in history. A sliver of jealousy creeps out.
The store is not large, but it’s packed with shelves on three sides, with the cash register at the far end in front of the door. Books, crystals, and potions decorate the wooden shelves and give the room a dark and intimate look.
Scanning through some books, I hear behind me, "I'll be with you in a few seconds."
I know all the books in my grandmother's basement, but the selection of books here is different and just as old. Where did she get them?
Impressed, I continue my venture until I hear footsteps right behind me. Turning around, I come face to face with Kim. She hasn’t changed a bit. Dread sinks in.
“Hailey, what are you doing here? Don’t tell me you’re chasing your magic again?” she mocks, and we’re in fourth grade all over again. She runs her fingers through her long blonde hair, fluttering her eyelashes.
“I’m here for some ingredients.”
“It’ll cost you.” Flashing her smile, she moves gracefully behind the counter.
“I have money,” I bite back.
“If you ask me, I think it’s a waste of time. I heard all about your attempts to regain your magic, and all the times it failed too.” Her fake smile sets me on edge. She’s provoking me, I know it. But I can’t help my need to hit the bitch.
Steadying my breathing, I reply, “I didn’t ask for your advice, so if you’ll be willing to just give me Dying Breath and Witch Soul, I’ll be on my merry way.” I imitate her fake laugh on the last part.
“I have those two, but it’ll come at a price.”
“As I told you, I have money,” I repeat harshly .
“I need something else.” Her lips twitch into a smile again, and a bad feeling settles in the pit of my stomach. “I will take your family grimoire.”
“What?” Blinking rapidly, my voice cracks a little.
“You don’t need it, right?”
“I won’t give you my grandmother’s book.”
“You have no use for it, but I do. I could make all kinds of special spells and potions…”
“I told you, it’s out of the question.”
“That’s sad. I guess you can look those things up in other stores around town, then.”
All my restraint leaves me as my rage shifts, and I pounce on her. The urge to erase her smug smile is too great for me. Maybe it's the accumulation of years of abuse by her and her friends. Maybe it's just the stress of my grandmother's health that makes me more sensitive. Whatever the reason, I cross the checkout line and charge at her.
It all happens so fast. One second, I’m a step away, and the next, John is standing between us, pushing me aside. On instinct, I try to fight him, but he’s so much stronger.
“Move, John,” I grunt.
“No. Stay there. Don’t let that bitch come anywhere near me,” Kim squeals.
John looks at me before stating, “I guess your plan didn’t work.” Breaking my stare, he starts closing in on her. He looks deep into her eyes as fear paints her face. “Look at me and listen closely. I will need what Hailey asked you for, so be a good girl and bring it to me.”
A complete heartbeat passes, which feels like an eternity until, suddenly, the fear on her face disappears and she roars with laughter.
“You can’t compel me,” she says.
“What do you want?”
“I want her family grimoire.”
She sneaks a look at me, and I say, "No fucking way."
“Why do you need it? You have so many books already,” I ask, failing to contain my anger again.
“We both know that my family bloodline is much weaker than yours. I want to do more, I want to know more, and your family are the first descendants of the original bloodline. I want that book.”
I open my mouth to reply, but John cuts me off. “We will be back with the book,” he says before vampire-speeding us out of there.