“No.”
Thank the gods.
“How about a favorite place in Moonshine Hollow? Maybe a café or pub?”
“Yes.”
“Yes, you have a favorite place?”
“Yes.”
“Which is…”
“My house.”
“Right. Well, that is good that you love your home.”
“Okay.”
There was a lull in the conversation once more.
Kevin, who was decidedly not asking any questions, seemed far more worried about the beetle in his pocket than getting to know me.
“How about…” I began but couldn’t think of anything to ask. Nothing. There was nothing to ask him.
I was relieved beyond words when Cousin Annie Beth interrupted us.
“Primrose, I’m so sorry to bother you, but I need you for a moment. My apologies, Kevin.”
“Okay,” Kevin said then turned and walked away.
“What’s wrong, Cousin?” I asked as Annie Beth led me to the edge of the party.
“Bugs! Bugs trying to get on the food, bugs biting people, just…bugs. Ugh! Can you help?”
“Of course,” I said, then turned and summoned a simple charm that swept over the party like a warm breeze that smelled faintly of honeysuckle to us, but to the bugs, nothing but pure citronella.
And while I was at it, I added one more enchantment, adding on a spell that settled over the party like the twinkling glow of fireflies, a gentle enchantment that reminded people to set their worries aside and just be in the moment.
The moment the spell was cast, people smiled a little wider, eyes shined a little brighter, and they all laughed a little louder.
Cousin Annie Beth smiled contentedly. “Oh, Primrose, your magic is so beautiful.”
“And bug-free.”
She laughed. “And bug-free. Thank you, my dear. No matter what anyone says, your magic is a blessing to us all.” She leaned up and kissed me on the cheek. “Now, make your escape from Kevin while you have the chance.”
I laughed, and Cousin Annie Beth walked away, going to check the food once more, smiling with satisfaction at her bug-free buffet.
As I watched her, I thought about her words, “No matter what anyone says…” Anyone, of course, being my mother, who found my magic…unimpressive.
And she never let me forget it.
I exhaled deeply, then turned, planning to rejoin Juniper and Granik. The two were elbowing one another playfully, then Granik took her hand and led her to the dance square.
Is it finally happening?
But when the music started, they made goofy faces at one another and danced in a silly fashion, Granik twirling her out of time with the music.
