The second question is much easier to answer, because yes, Jules would be happier in Mapletown. There’s no doubt in my mind. She loves living close to her cousin and grandparents in Boston, but her friend group at school is small and flaky. I’ve never seen her let loose like she seems to around Rocío, and knowing she could start a new school with a friend to guide her would make the transition much easier.
I look over at the girls huddled close together. Rocío is painting Jules’s nails as Jules looks animated while telling a story.
“I think Jules would be happier here,” I say to the mayor. “Could you get us a meeting with the principal?”
Camilla perks up. “I’m close with the principal. That’ll be no problem. It’s a small school, so I’m sure there’s room for her.”
Natalie gives me a thumbs up and an encouraging nod.
“And I’ll make sure the school board knows about your quest to join the local coven. They’ll eat that up.”
“Oh, well, I’m not––” I begin, ready to explain that I’m nowhere near skilled enough to join the coven. I’d be the weak link of the bunch.
“I know,” the mayor interrupts. “You’re still dabbling. We’ve all been at that stage. You gotta start somewhere.” She smilesbrightly as she nods, flipping her tight curls off her shoulder. Even on Christmas Eve, she’s rocking a pantsuit and white Adidas sneakers, which is her signature look, I’m told, and she’s by far the best dressed person in the entire bar.
If I weren’t completely obsessed with Nic, I’d ask the hot mayor if I could buy her next drink. I haven’t dated a woman in years, butdamn.
“I guess I’d have to find a realtor and all that jazz. I know property values around here are relatively low, but if I were to leave my job”––fuck,it feels good to say that––“I’m not sure I could afford a place without a lead on employment. I have a solid nest egg I could live off of for a while, but I was saving it for any gender affirming medical expenses Jules might need when she gets older. Whatever insurance won’t cover.”
Mayor Crane and Camilla share a sly glance. Then Mayor Crane beams proudly. “Lindsay, healthcare is free here.”
I almost choke on my ginger ale. “Are you serious?” They must be kidding, because how can that be? “What do you mean?”
“Any medical treatment you receive as a resident of Mapletown costs you nothing. There are no co-pays, no premiums, no deductibles.”
I can’t help the volume of my voice when I shout, “You’re shitting me!”
The jukebox plays on while every head in the bar turns toward me.
“Sorry,” I say, holding up a hand, my cheeks hot with embarrassment. I turn to the mayor. “But how?”
Her chin lifts. “Mostly taxes, which are higher for our wealthy residents, but we also have benefactors on the National Oversight Council. Those who believe no one should go bankrupt to pay for live-saving medical treatments.”
“National Oversight Council?” I repeat.
“It’s a group of witches who oversee the monster towns in the U.S. Any advanced legal matters or budgetary issues the mayors can’t handle ourselves are brought to their attention. This is a cause I fought hard for, and I’m extremely proud Mapletownies have access to it.”
My jaw nearly unhinges one again. I wouldn’t be surprised if some drool dripped out and landed on the bar.
Natalie laughs. “Pretty great, right?” Then it dies as a sad smile tugs at her lips. “I wish Mom could’ve lived here.”
Her mom died of cancer, and who knows the level of care she could’ve gotten, or how things would’ve turned out if she and Natalie didn’t have the looming threat of financial ruin over their heads the whole time.
If this is true, and gender affirming medical treatments will cost nothing, no matter how old Jules gets, then the money I have socked away can be used for something else. Something like starting a new life in a new place, perhaps.
We spend Christmas Day with Nic at the bar. Jules and I bake non-holiday themed cookies to give today’s customers for free. Just a little something to make this day feel less debilitating.
I get a text from Camilla that afternoon confirming an appointment for us to meet the principal of Mapletown High School the following Monday. When I tell her that Jules is only thirteen, she assures me that if Jules is as smart as I make her sound, she might place at the high school level in her entrance exam.
This is all starting to feel very real, and I realize I can’t keep this possibility to myself anymore. I decide to talk to Nic first, to make sure he’s cool with the idea of me moving here.
“I wouldn’t be moving here for you,” I explain. “It’s really for Jules. But you would be an added bonus, of course.”
He traces my cheekbone with his finger in a featherlight touch that has goosebumps erupting across my skin. “An addedbonus, huh?” His tone is wary, but the smirk on his face is nothing short of playful. He crosses his arms over his wide chest and says, “Fine, I’m cool with you moving here. Under one condition.”
“What’s that?”
“Can I finally call you my girlfriend? We ain’t gettin’ any younger, you know.”
