Chapter 9 #2
“She said, she…” I struggle to get my words out between the desperate breaths and tears and snot. I don’t want to tell her that our secret might be in jeopardy if I don’t go home and marry Greg. So, I keep it to myself. “She’s just awful.” I sigh.
“She sounds it, poppet.” She pulls me in closer. “Sounds like you got a lucky escape from that family.”
I laugh awkwardly through the tears. “I know, right?”
“Look, I’m going for a walk to collect some bits in the forest for some more potions to take tomorrow.
Want to come with me? Could start teaching you what goes into what?
Could grab a coffee from Gloria’s on the way?
” She uses her hanky to wipe away my messy face.
“Might be good to take your mind off everything?”
I sniffle and nod. A walk might be nice otherwise I’ll sit here and just sob. “That’d be good. Thanks, Aunt Aradia.” I let out a large breath and try to compose myself.
“A problem shared is a problem halved. I know we haven’t been there in the past but we’re here now.” She pats my back. “I suggest, though, a quick face wash. You do look like shit, Harri.” She smiles and sticks her tongue out making me hiccup with a small laugh.
She leaves the bedroom, and I head into the bathroom to wash my face. She is right. I do look like shit. My face blotchy and red. Snot still on my nose and my eyes look like I’ve been on the champers again.
I sort myself out and make my way downstairs. I get on my wellies and coat. Then the big pink fluffy scarf that Aradia has now just given to me. I look a bit like a pink fluffy yeti.
We get some baskets from the hallway and head out to Aradia’s Beetle. “Sure you’re OK, poppet?” she asks, helping me put the final basket in the back. “If it’s too much you can stay at home.”
“No, I need to get out,” I say, straightening down my coat. “I’m hoping being in the forest might help me think.”
“It’s good for that.” She smiles as she steps into the car. I follow her and climb into the passenger side. “We’re not going far, just further into the forest.” She turns on the rattling engine and we head off down the muddy drive.
Before we leave Brindlewood we stop outside The Wandering Wisp on the way.
She places a twenty-pound note into my hand.
I love that my aunt and my granny both treat me like a child with no money of my own.
I have learnt not to argue anymore as they just shoot me down and get annoyed at me for not taking their money.
“You go in and grab us a couple of coffees and sticky buns to go. I’m just going to say hi to Peter.” She fixes her hair in the tiny mirror in the car and applies some lip balm.
I notice Peter standing at the grocer’s talking to who I assume is Jim, the owner.
“You like him,” I tease. She shoots me a look then softens.
“OK, I deserve that.” She nudges me and takes one last look in the mirror before heading out of the car and walking over to Peter whose eyes light up when he sees her.
I follow but head into the cafe to grab the coffees.
The bell rings above my head as I enter.
I have to unravel my scarf as soon as I enter due to the heat the little log burner kicks out.
Soft country music is playing on the speakers today.
I recognise the song playing by Noah Kahan. I hum along as I walk to the counter.
“Hot in here today, Gloria,” I shout to the back as I try to pull the scarf from off my face.
“I like it hot,” a familiar voice chimes back at me in a flirty tone. It’s Sam. My cheeks burn even more than they were already.
“Didn’t see you there.” I smirk.
“I figured. You did have a giant pink ball of fluff in your face, so I’ll let you off.” He wipes his hands on his dark jeans and makes his way to the counter. “So what can I get you?” His cheeky smile draws me in and the heat from my cheeks now burns deep in the pit of my stomach.
“Where’s Gloria?” I ask in a way to try to play it cool.
“Lola is at school and Nana never gets a break, so I sent her to go shopping in Ravenswick with Angela,” he replies standing against the counter with both arms leaning on the top, his black T-shirt tight against his body.
His muscled forearms flex before me as he stands.
I look at them then up to his face where he has definitely been watching me look at him.
“Ah, such a gent!” I wink.
“It’s one of my many qualities.” He pushes away from the counter and stands up. He puffs out his chest and smooths his dark brown hair back.
“Can I get two lattes and two of anything sweet?” I simper.
“I’m pretty sweet,” he teases. “But there’s only one of me to go around.” He pulls a silly face. “Will you settle for two Belgian buns?”
I roll my eyes with a smile. “You’re so humble,” I reply. “Can I get them to go as well?”
“Where you off to?” He begins to make the lattes in the machine.
“Aradia is taking me for a walk in the forest.”
“Sounds nice. Just make sure you’re home before dark.”
“Why? What’s out there?” I ask with playful concern.
He’s quiet while adding the freshly ground coffee grounds to the portafilter so I ask again. “Why?”
“Just creepy out there at night. Wouldn’t want you gobbled up by a witch or something.” He carries on making the coffee.
“Dark, Sam. Do witches do that?”
“I dunno, never met one.” I can see him trying to concentrate so decide to not ask anymore.
“Well, there you go then.”
He turns to me and smiles. “You give off witchy vibes.” He walks a little closer.
“I do?” I laugh nervously, his eyes staring at mine.
“Yeah, the dark hair, your eyes and how they are just mesmerising.” He bites his lip making my core flutter.
I blush. “Then I’ll be more than fine in the forest, won’t I?”
He smiles playfully. “You will indeed, Harri.”
We lock gazes for a moment before the milk frother overflows.
“Shit!” Sam quickly saves the milk and cleans up the spillage. He fills two cups with coffee and the extremely hot milk. He places two Belgian buns into a box and hands them over.
“On the house.” He starts to wipe the counter.
I place the money on the counter. “No, don’t be silly. I’ll pay.”
He pushes it back into my hand where our fingertips touch lightly. “No, it’s fine. I owe you.”
“What for?”
“For having to come and listen to me sing tomorrow night. That’s if you’re still coming?” He eagerly awaits my response. “If not, that’s two hundred pounds please.”
“Two hundred pounds for two lattes and two Belgian buns? The country is pricey! But fine, I’ll pay.” He looks at me puzzled. “It’s a joke, Sam. I’m looking forward to it.”
His face softens. “Cool. I’ll, erm… here’s my number.” He hands me his phone. “If you can give me yours I can let you know when we’re on the way to pick you up.”
“Smooth,” I tease. “But you don’t have to pick me up. I can meet you all at the village.”
“No, it’ll be dark. We will come to you.”
“OK.” I place his number into my phone then call him briefly, so he has mine.
“See you tomorrow then.”
“See ya, Sam.” I wave.
I wrap my scarf around my neck and grab the drinks and box of buns.
“Be careful of witches!” he calls after me making me giggle. If only he knew.
Aradia is in the car waiting as I leave the cafe. I slide in next to her and hand her the latte. Her face has the same pink blush as my own. We look at each other and laugh.
“What are we like?” She chortles. “Come on, before it gets dark, we best get going.”
I smile. Then the warm feeling drains from my body. I can’t fall for Sam. It would just end in tears especially after the phone call with Mrs Belfour. I don’t want to drag anyone else into this mix. But this feeling in the pit of my stomach is burning. I’ve already fallen, haven’t I?