Chapter 6: Give Me Something To Believe In
Annnnd, we're back! I'm so sorry I was gone for so long. I truly did not expect things to halt the way they did. Coming back and finishing this chapter was a bit of a struggle. So, I rewrote some things, hence the new chapter title. But, I'm quite happy with how things turned out. Btw, Chapter 7 will end up being more of a PT.2 to this one. Anywhodle, enjoy.
Word count: 8,118 (Not as long as I initially expected, but parts were pushed to Chapter 7)
Warnings: Just some swearing, that's all :)
Soft sun rays bleeding through lace, flowing curtains are the first thing you notice when you wake up. A hum of contentment fills you, leaving you grateful to wake up to what feels like a precious moment. The gentle sunlight on your face, the soft blankets over you, the warm embrace holding you tight-…wait.
Your eyes fly wide as you try to sit up, being greeted by a soft groan from behind you as you're held firmly in place. Fuck. You fell asleep in HER bed…and she caught you…AND, she still got in bed next to you. You blink a few times in utter confusion and shock before slowly turning your head. Lilia's subtle puffs of air hit the back of your neck, her eyes still closed in a deep sleep, silver curls splayed out on the shared pillow, her arms tightly wrapped around your waist.
There was enough room on the bed for two people, yet Lilia was glued to your back as if she had nowhere else to go. It was almost laughable that such a stubborn, independent, and arguably frightening witch would be curling around you like a python.
Suddenly, Lilia's alarm starts to ring. It breaks you out of the appreciative trance Lilia, unknowingly, had you in. As Lilia starts to stir, you find yourself unafraid of what Lilia's reaction to cuddling you will be. In fact, you're quite excited to tease her for once. Yeah, you might be extremely embarrassed for getting caught sleeping in her bed, but she was the one clinging to your back. Suddenly, for seemingly no reason at all, dread floods your chest. It feels abrupt. The awe of the morning shattered. The odd, tight feeling in your chest fills you with the urge to flee.
"Mm. Dolcezza? Are you awake?" Lilia grumbles, her arms slowly retracing from around you.
She pulls herself up to shut off the incessant ringing and you choke down the anxiety crawling through your body, hiding it behind the best playful smile you can manage, "Yes, I am. Did you sleep well?"
Lilia rubs her eyes before looking over at you with a sleepy smile, looking quite pleased with herself. Oh Divine Mother, does she look good first thing in the morning? The dim sun making her eyes sparkle, the way her body is still loose and relaxed from a good night of sleep, the way she looks proud of herself.
"I sure did." Lilia says, her smile growing in a way that you know any hope of winning this teasing session will be dashed. "See, the witch that was supposed to bring me home last night didn't answer her phone. It was a bit aggravating. But, then, I came home to the sweetest little bed bug and that fixed my mood rather quickly."
There it is. Your face flushes red before Lilia even finishes speaking, but you're not ready to give up just yet. "Oh yeah? Do you cuddle with beg bugs often?"
"Only when they're that cute and curled up against my pillow…" Lilia says with a wink and you can hear a boxing bell ring in your head. She definitely won. Again.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Whatever.” you grumble with an eye roll as you slip out of her bed. As soon as the cool air touches your skin, the dreadful feeling slams back into you full force. You wrap your arms around yourself and glance back at Lilia, "I'm off today, by the way. I'm gonna go get dressed."
"Okay…" Lilia says with a concerned look and a raised eyebrow, immediately picking up on the peculiar mood you're in. "Are you alright, doll?"
"Mhm. It's just a bit cold in here." You breathe as you quickly make your way out of her room to go change, hoping the feeling will dissipate if you continue to ignore it.
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You grabbed some clothes from your bags in the living room, reminding yourself to do a load of laundry while Lilia is at work. After changing, you pass Lilia in the hallway as she heads for the bathroom with a stack of clothes and a towel. But, you don't make it far before her hand shoots out to gently grasp your arm, pulling you to a stop.
"Dolcezza, are you sure you're okay? You seem…bothered." Lilia asks in a soft voice, low with worry and care.
"Y-yeah. Yes. I'm fine. I just…I feel off today. I don't know how to explain it, but I'm sure it'll go away. It's just one of those things, ya know." You explain, waving a hand dismissively and giving Lilia a reassuring smile.
"Alright. But, if it doesn't by lunch, you'll let me know." Lilia says while staring directly into your eyes. You understand right away that it's not a request.
You nod before glancing down the hall, "Oh. And, I meant to apologize for not picking you up last night. You didn't walk, did you?"
"It's okay and, no, Jen drove me home." Lilia says with a slight chuckle. She had been mad last night, but finding you in her bed and sleeping beside you seemed to snuff that fire out long ago.
"Okay. Good. Sorry again. Uhm…actually, one more thing, would you mind if I help you make breakfast? It might help me get my mind off of it." You ask, a bit unsure and hoping that if you just keep busy that everything will be just fine. Distracted by your own thoughts of worry, you almost miss the way Lilia smiles at the request. Almost.
"I would love that, doll." Lilia says, squeezing your bicep before letting go and continuing her way into the bathroom for a shower.
You smile a little before walking back into the living room, wandering around the room to look more closely at some of Lilia's things. You stop by the table holding her sewing machine, running your fingers across the edge of the table. You think back to your conversation with Billy and how he said that Lilia doesn't take days off very often. The only time you saw Lilia sewing was the first night you spent in her house. You wonder if she misses it, having days off, lounging around with her tea, spending time with the hum of the sewing machine as she works on a new project.
It makes you feel guilty for some reason. You know that even if you had left her house that day, she'd still be in the same position. But, at least she wouldn't have an extra mouth to feed. That thought makes your mind spiral, thinking of all your past mistakes and things you blame yourself for. Whatever is going on with you today isn't getting better. It's getting worse.
You don't know how long you stand there, staring at the sewing machine like your life is falling apart. You're so deep in the negative space that you don't hear the footsteps, or Lilia saying your name, or her retreating again. You only come to when you feel hands on your shoulder. You almost jump out of your skin to turn around, only to be stopped by Lilia's voice.
"Hold on, doll. It's just me. Put this on. It seems to help." Lilia whispers from behind your shoulder, her hands gently as she helps you slip something on. When you look down, you realize that Lilia was slipping THE robe over your hands and up your arms. You unconsciously start to smile again and start to help get it up over your shoulders.
"This is yours, though…" You murmur as you pull the robe tight around your midsection, already feeling calmer and less jumpy.
"Mhm. And, apparently, your favorite." Lilia teases gently as her hands slide up and down your arms as if smoothing out the fabric. "But, don't think this means I'm gonna let you steal it."
"Ha. No plans on stealing it…yet." You chuckle and turn to face Lilia, her hands slowly leaving your arms. "Thank you, by the way."
"No problem, dolcezza. Shall we go start breakfast? Hm?" Lilia smiles and lightly pats your cheek before gesturing to the kitchen.
"Yeah…Uhm. There's actually something I want to talk to you about. We can talk while cooking, though." You say as you follow Lilia into the kitchen, trying not to blush from how touchy Lilia is being.
"Oh? Should I be worried?" She asks with a slight arch of her brows. She turns to the fridge to start pulling out eggs and a pack of bacon.
"No, no. I just…well, Billy stopped in to the cafe yesterday and he joined me during my lunch break-" You start, only to quickly be cut off by Lilia. You freeze with your hands out to take the packet of bacon.
"He ate all of your food, didn't he?" Lilia huffs, not giving you the packet until you answer. Her expression is serious and suspicious, like she's ready to find Billy and beat him with a slipper.
"NO! No, he didn't." You chuckle before you yank the bacon away to start cooking, shaking your head in amusement. You stay silent for a second after that, thinking about how blunt you should be. "However, he did mention that you used to cook for the coven meetings every once in a while, but that you don't get to do much anymore."
"I'm too busy to, doll. Between keeping the store going and paying for this house, I don't get to take days off." She explains while she cracks eggs into a bowl. She glances over at you, purposely stepping closer to you as she pulls a whisk from the counter drawer.
"Yeah. I figured." You mumble and keep your eye glued to the sizzling bacon, tensing slightly as Lilia gets closer. "But, I want to change that."
It's Lilia's turn to freeze. She completely stills, looking at you in confusion. She steps up right next to you before speaking again, "…How?"
"I was thinking that after I start getting my paychecks, I can help pay rent too. Not just buying food. And, you have the perfect spot outside for a little garden. It could help save money on produce." You explain, still adamant on staring at the bacon. Lilia hums and when you turn your head, she’s still looking at you. But, now she has the brightest smile on her face.
"…What?!" You blurt after a moment of silence when Lilia doesn't say anything, quickly growing suspicious of the witch's sudden giddy expression.
"This is why I call you dolcezza." Lilia teases and bumps you with her hip before finally turning back to the eggs. "Always wanting to take care of me, aren't you?"
A vibrant blush quickly spread across your face. The way she said it makes you sputter and cough, almost dropping the spatula in your hand. So much so that you can feel the heat on your cheeks and Lilia just starts laughing at your lapse of control.
"You're the worst…truly." You huff at her when you fail to think of any sort of comeback. It's not surprising that she has such an easy time reducing you to such a state anymore. Now, you're simply annoyed when you can't fire back just as quickly.
"I know and you love it." Lilia teases you and looks at you from the corner of her eye. "Now, take the bacon out before you burn it."
"If it burns, it'd be your fault for flirting with me so much." You snort, but do what she says anyway. Quickly transferring the bacon and getting out of her way.
"Me? Flirting? I would never." Lilia says with a smirk as she takes her place in front of the stove. "Now, about what you said earlier…"
"Hm? About helping pay rent?" You ask, pulling mismatched plates and silverware out for breakfast.
"Yes…and the garden. It would be nice to have a day off, but-" Lilia starts before getting cut off by you and she looks baffled by how quickly you defend your ideas.
"No buts! I've already thought of everything. Mondays are slow at the shop, right? You can close the shop on Mondays, I'm off on Tuesdays, I can take care of the garden since I get off work before you, and our two paychecks should be enough for us to live without worrying too much." You explain, or ramble, as you set the table.
You chance a glance at Lilia, almost immediately seeing the tornado of thoughts and considerations whirling around her mind. She did have to run her shop, take care of the coven members and their antics, and now deal with you too. Which is exactly why you would stop at nothing to get her to, at the very least, take one day off for herself each week to recuperate. If anyone deserves some peace, it's Lilia.
"Fine. Under one condition." She says with a sudden seriousness that makes you whirl around, eye wide.
"Uhm. Yeah, okay. What is it?" You ask with a slight tremor in your voice, shifting your weight around nervously.
"You take Mondays off too." Lilia says with a smile before pulling the eggs off the stove, plating them, and setting them on the table. She, again, purposely makes sure to get close to your anxiety riddle form, clearly enjoying her ability to mess with you. "The cafe will be just as slow and it would make it easier to schedule days with the coven."
You let out a sigh of relief, visibly relaxing as you nod quickly, "Oh! I can do that! I'm sure Adelaide won't mind."
The pair of you sit down to eat after you toast some bread. Helping Lilia and joking around helped settle your troubled mind, but something still feels wrong. Like the electric charge before a harsh storm or the tension before someone finally snaps. It feels like the eve of destruction. It's too late to stop yourself, you're already deep in your head again, slowly eating with a heavy hand as though every bite is a struggle. It only takes Lilia a few minutes to note your prolonged silence, reaching across the table to place her hand over your free one, laying uncomfortable and limp on the tabletop.
"Hey. Come on. Look at me, baby." Lilia whispers, trying to coax you back to the present as gently as possible. Your eyes lift, lingering on her face, glassy and unfocused. "Should I stay home? You don't seem okay."
"No. No, you don't need to do that." You mumble, trying to clear your mind and shake the feeling from your chest.
"…I told Jen about your nightmares last night. Just vaguely. No details. But, she said she could make you a sleeping potion, if that's something you're interested in trying." Lilia explains, still holding your hand, now sliding her thumb across your knuckles in a soothing rhythm.
"Wait. Really?! Will it stop the nightmares?" You ask, perking up a bit as Lilia successfully snaps you out of your struggle and into something akin to hope.
"It should. I was gonna start with making some herbal mixes for you to try, but I think we should go ahead with the potion. What do you think?" She explains. She finally lets go of your hand to clear the table, but you’re quick to snatch the dishes away from her. You'd already told her once that you'd do the cleaning around her and you're sticking to your word.
"I'll take these." You say before moving to the sink to start washing up, continuing when you hear a light chuckle from the older witch. "I agree, by the way. I want to be done with these nightmares as soon as possible. They've been happening for too long."
"Then, I'll go call Jen and get ready for work. It'll give you something to do today." Lilia says, briefly trailing her fingers along your shoulder blades as she passes by.
"You just don't want me to be alone, do you?" You ask, immediately calling her out on what you know is true. In the short time you've been staying with her, Lilia has grown more protective of you every day. It seems as though all the bad days are over.
Lilia just smiles at you before disappearing out of the kitchen. You hear her pad down the hallway, the creak of her bedroom door, and the latch catching. It was silent for a moment before you heard her speaking quickly, likely to Jen over the phone. You take the time to finish the dishes before making you wait out on the porch to wait for Lilia in the fresh air and gentle breeze. You'd take her to work like always and this time you won't fall asleep in her bed waiting for her to get off work.
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After Lilia came outside, ready and as beautiful as ever, you drove her to the shop. She let you know to go straight to Jen's after, texting you the potion witch's address before getting out of the car. There was a weird, heavy moment when she got out of the car. You both had just stared at each other, as if waiting for the other to say something or make a move. But, neither of you did and it took a moment before Lilia went inside and you sped off.
Getting to Jen's was a particularly uneventful trip, yet you can't help but feel a little grateful that Lilia insisted you do this today. Keeping busy gives you less time to think and less time to think starves off that growing feeling of impending doom.
When Jen opens the door, she smiles with a quick quip, "It's always nice when my expertise is needed. Come in."
You laugh quietly as you step inside, glancing around to see that her home is exactly what you expected. Meticulously designed, intricate, light, and airy. Unlike Lilia's, Jen's place felt less cluttered. But, no less homey. It was just a different kind. Jen's felt more like the home of a well-off, outgoing aunt.
"Wow. Nice place." You say as your eyes linger on the painting on the wall and modern vases on the tabletops, "And, thank you for your help. I really appreciate it."
"Manners? How shocking in this coven, but welcomed nonetheless." She smiles, somewhere between playful and incredulous.
Jean leads you through her home, towards a back room with a decent-sized cauldron hanging in the fireplace, but before you get the chance to comment on how Lilia would absolutely eat her alive for the stereotypical scene in front of you, Jen turns around to face you. She looks you up and down before smirking.
"You're wearing Lilia's robe again, I see." Jen points out as she gestures to your outfit with a flick of her finger. You look down at what you had thought to be a casual outfit, only to realize you did indeed forget to take off Lilia's insanely comfortable robe before leaving the house. How embarrassing.
"For the love of-. I need to stop wearing this outside of the house." You groan and drag a hand down your face, as you already know where Jen got her information from. "I'm guessing Alice told you?"
"Alice told me everything." Jen says with a proud grin, like the Cheshire cat or keeper of secrets. Not that anything felt like a secret around this group of witches.
"Oh. Well, that's great. Just fabulous. I love being the talk of the coven." You mumble sarcastically. While it's nice to know how close everyone is with each other, your, apparently, obvious crush on Lilia is not exactly what you'd hoped they were all secretly texting and talking about.
"It's okay. It's cute. Plus, Lilia needs to get laid. She's too tense all the time." Jen says way too casually, making you sputter with wide eyes as the words hit you with a physical weight.
"WHA-" You halfway blurt before being cut off by the blunt witch, amused by your shock.
"Ready to start? I already have the ingredients ready. I just need to show you how, and when, to put them in." She smirks as she starts to organize jars on a nearby table, in what you can only expect to be the order that they need to be used in.
You step forward, still reeling from the blunt comment on Lilia's sex life. You hadn't even thought about going that far with her, but now the seed was planted and who knows if you'll be able to shake it loose anytime soon. Until then, you need to focus on the task at hand. Learn how to stop the nightmares, thanks to Jen.
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Jen ends up being one of the best mentors, or teachers, you've ever worked with. She was a perfect balance of being concise and letting you figure things out without messing up the potion. She makes you work out what each ingredient is, but guides you through how to properly use them. So far, Jen might actually be your favorite to work with. Agatha tends to be theatrical and rarely takes it seriously, while Lilia just ends up being a distraction. Because, Lilia is always a distraction to you. You manage to make a few batches in a couple of hours, the brewing time being the longest part. Jen takes over to fill vials of the almost shimmering, deep blue liquid.
"This should be enough for a few weeks. When you're out, we can make more." Jen explains as she hands you your bottled savior, "Half a vial before bed."
"Okay. Thank you so much. If this works, I owe you dinner or something." You say as you cradle the vials, like they're something precious. Because, if they can give you a peaceful night, then they are something precious.
You briefly think about how deeply you slept last night with no nightmares, in Lilia's bed. Would you consider her to be precious too? The answer comes quickly. Yes, you would. That's when Jen decides to speak again, "I helped you make it…So, it's going to work and I'll settle for a good bottle of wine."
You roll your eyes in jest before carrying the vials back out of the room. You left your bag by the door and you definitely don't want to lose, break, or forget one of the vials. Not that it would be the end of the world. You're just proud of the work you and Jen accomplished together and a part of you is rather excited to regale the entire potions lesson with Lilia over dinner.
As you tuck them into your bag, Jen follows you. You glance at her and, within a second, you can tell that said divination witch told her about your odd mood. Jen looks pensive, like she's trying to figure out how to keep you around longer. You snort before taking mercy on the mentally scrambling woman.
"You know, you're a damn good mentor. Agatha usually just tells me to 'blast' things. Not always helpful." You say with a knowing grin and a coaxing tilt of your head. You're throwing a bone, letting Jen snatch it up and be able to take credit with Lilia.
"Sounds like Agatha." Jen smiles back when she realizes what you're doing, an unspoken agreement passing between you, "…I could help? A few basic spells that are useful to any witch."
"Yeah! That'd be great. Thank you." You say, really playing your part as the grateful mentee.
"Don't mention it. seriously. Don't. I don't need anyone thinking I've gone soft." She mutters in a serious tone, as if anyone knowing that she cares enough to make sure you're not left with your own thoughts long enough to become an emotional, anxiety-riddled mess could somehow bruise her ego.
"Ha! Noted." You quip before pretending to write in the palm of your hand, "…Tell everyone that Jen insulted me the entire time like the badass witch she is. Though, I'm sure Lilia would be thrilled to know you're making sure I don't accidentally blow something up."
Jen rolls her eyes at your jesting before leading you outside, excusing the decision with a quick "We'll need more space". But, you both know she's trying to protect her potions and undoubtedly expensive decor from your unpredictable magic. She spends a little time explaining how she had only agreed to go on the Road with Agatha to unbind her magic and, while some things came back with muscle memory, there were a few tricks and spells she had to relearn. The muscle memory magic is what she decides to teach you first, the most useful and the simplest.
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Even Jen's backyard is as meticulously kept as the inside of her house, the grass low, the few plants scattered around the edges are preened and blooming, and the patio furniture is in shades of beige and white. Jen stands a few feet across from you in her perfectly trimmed and minimalist backyard, the sun high in the sky as it keeps you warm even with the gentle breeze making Lilia's robe flutter around your body. She holds a plain, rather boring rock in her right palm. It's simple, really, just make that stupid thing move from her hand to yours. Yet, you can barely make it hover for more than a few seconds, your deep purple magic glinting and shimmering frantically around your outstretched hands, palms up to wait for the small rock that refuses to move.
"Jen! This isn't working! Can we just try something else?" You cry out in frustration, throwing your arms up to curse the very skies above.
"No. It's basic magic and it's useful in every scenario." Jen insists. She can see your disappointed expression, how the self-doubt seems to exude from your every pore. And, just when you're sure she's going to say something snide about you wanting to give up, she surprises you, "Hey. The whole 'clear your mind' thing obviously isn't working for you. So, let's try something else."
"Like, what? My magic is too unstable to use my emotions as motivation." You make a face at her suggestion, trying to think of any other way you know of to draw your powers out and keep them steady.
"Not all of them." Jen singsongs, a self-assured smirk forming. You know whatever she's about to say is either going to make you want to lob the rock at her head or burrow into the ground to hide, "Lilia."
There it is. That one word. A singular mention of the woman you've been living with. That's all the potions witch has to say for you to understand exactly what she wants you to do, "You want me to think about Lilia?"
"Mhm. It's clear as day to everyone that you've got a thing for her. So, just close your eyes and picture lover girl cheering you on or something." She says confidently, watching how your embarrassment becomes the most noticeable thing about you.
"That's not true! I don't have feelings for her!" You, quite pathetically, lie to defend yourself. Jen's raised eyebrow and knowing glint tell you that the attempt falls flat, pulling a resigned and annoyed groan from you, "Fine. I'll try. But, if this doesn't work, I'm telling Lilia that you said her cooking is the worst thing you've ever tasted."
Jen gasps and sputters at the threat, with a look of sheer terror. You could already see Lilia tossing Jen off a ledge like some crazed, tiny She-Hulk. You chuckle to yourself before closing your eyes. It feels dumb, but you imagine Lilia. She'd stand right next to you, or maybe behind you, as she whispers velvet-wrapped praises and calls you her "Dolcezza". Her grey spattered curls ruffled by the breeze and her eye appearing honey-stricken in the sunlight. You think of how proud she would look when you finally get the magic down, how she'd pull you into a hug, or possibly even a celebratory kiss. One could only hope.
Jen's startled gasp makes your eyes snap open, your own shocked sound echoing hers when you take in the sight in front… or all around you. The rock had indeed settled into your hand, but that wasn't all. Every rock in Jen's backyard, from some pebbles to rocks bigger than your fist, was hovering above the ground with a thick glimmering purple magic surrounding it, making it impossible to accuse Jen of trying to make you feel better. You stare at each other in shock and Jen speaks before you get the chance.
"What the hell were you thinking about?!" She yells as she looks around at her formerly perfect backyard, now disrupted by the unpredictable strength of your own emotions.
"Lilia! I did what you said!" You shout back, just as panicked and confused as the potions witch. You always struggled with your magic. It was either too strong or too weak. But, the slipups like this never fail to take you by surprise.
"Okay! Just…put them down." She says with her hands out as if placating a wild animal. You roll your eyes, still cradling the one rock in your hand and looking at the other surrounding the area. Seeing the look on your face, Jen speaks again, "Concentrate and stop thinking about her!"
"Ugh! Fine! Give me a second." You look down at the rock in your hands, willing your mind to settle and go blank. A moment later, the purple shimmering faded, and the loud thumps of rocks hitting the ground echoed through the yard. It was so loud that both you and Jen flinched and looked around. You fully expected a neighbor to yell out or peek over the fence.
"Enough of that. Let's take a break. We'll work on it again the next time." Jen breathes, waving you inside. You look between her and the rock in your hand. It was a simple thing, nothing special that makes it stand out. But, for some ineffable reason, you keep it. Pocketing the small stone before following Jen inside. The two of you sit in Jen's kitchen, with you perched on a stool at the island for what Jen called "a much need Lilia briefing". Jen offers sparkling water, which you quickly shake your head at, already used to Lilia's warm teas and the coffee work provides for something carbonated.
"I think I'll settle for regular water, as long as that doesn't mess with your image." You say with a grin, watching as Jen rolls her eyes and brings water over. Regular for you and a glass bottle of sparkling water for herself.
"Ha. Ha. Ha. Dopey little miscreant." She mocks and sits across from you, taking pleasure in the way you immediately look offended.
"I am not dopey, thank you very much." You huff, glaring at Jen.
"Yes, you are. Specifically for Lilia. Which is what I want to talk to you about..." The fun and jokes dying down to a tone that tells you she's about to say something that she really wants you to pay attention to.
"If you're gonna say something about Lilia's sex life again, please don't." You deadpan, not ready to welcome those thoughts back into your mind just yet.
"Why? Still thinking about it?" She teases, showing off a bright smile and an arched brow.
"Shut up!" You blurt, almost choking on the water you were about to drink. You're half tempted to toss your water at her and make a run for it.
Jen laughs loudly at your panicked expression before shaking her head, "I wasn't going to say anything about it. What I wanted to say is that…she was really worried about you last night. When i got to her shop, she was pacing around and mumbling something about 'needing you to be okay'. Lilia might be a bit wispy, but she doesn't pace. And, I don't think she knew she was talking aloud."
"…I had fallen asleep. I still feel horrible about it. I apologized, but you saying all that…Divine Mother, an apology doesn't feel like enough." You groan, burying your face in your hands as guilt wracks your previously assured state.
"It's not about that. I'm not trying to make you feel bad. I'm trying to tell you-" Jen is cut off by the sudden ping of her phone, which vibrated insistently on the table. Your phone mimics the buzzes in your pocket, making it clear that it was the coven's group chat.
You're the first to move, pulling out your phone to check the message even though you'd much rather hear what Jen was about to say. With a sigh, you relay the texts to her, "It's Agatha. Coven meeting tonight. Apparently, Billy and Alice are making dinner?"
"Huh. We haven't had a group dinner in a while. Well, you should probably go then. Lilia will want to close the shop early." Jen says as she stands, walking you to the door and waving dismissively when you look at the cups on the table for a moment too long for her liking.
"Okay. Thank you for everything, by the way." You say as you pick up your bag, pausing at the door to turn back to Jen, "Wait…before I go, what were you going to say about Lilia? Before the texts?"
"It's…nothing. Don't worry about it. I'll see you at dinner." Jen waves you off again. It was like she was stuck between just telling you and keeping it to herself. For once, you hope that she'd be like the rest of the coven and just spill for the sake of gossip. When she doesn't relent, ignoring the imploring look on your face, you nod and sigh.
You open the front door, stepping outside with a glance back at the potions witch, "Okay. It just sounded important, but we can always talk about it another time. See you later."
You walk down the driveway, unlocking your car. You know Jen wanted to tell you something, but you won't push for answers. She'll tell you when she's ready. Trust is important not just in a coven, but with people you're starting to think of as your family. Just before you slip into the driver's seat, Jen calls out and your entire body locks up. Your hand was rigid on the car door, your head slowly turning back to Jen, silently asking if you had heard her right.
"She likes you. Lilia. Lilia has feelings for you, dopey. She wouldn't get that scared if any of us didn't answer her right away. She would have assumed we were busy. But, with you? She panicked. She was so scared that you had gotten hurt somehow." Jen explains from her front porch as if surprised at herself for cracking, for telling you, for seeing why everyone else was already so fond of you. "I can't keep watching you two useless lesbians dance around each other. Do something about it and don't make me regret telling you."
Your mouth opens and closes a few times, but you can't even begin to find the words to explain what you're feeling or thinking. You just nod dumbly before getting into your car and speeding off like you're trying to escape the admission itself. "Lilia has feelings for you", plagues your mind in an endless loop. It's so bad that you don't even feel offended that Jen has seemingly stuck you with "Dopey" as a nickname.
˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚
The relentless repetition of Jen's words continues to take hold of you the entire way back to Lilia's. But, it doesn't stop there. You tried reading only to stare off into space, trying to figure out if she had been messing with you. You try getting a snack that will make due as a lunch, yet your mind wanders again. Then, you try practicing with the tarot deck. It was all in vain, really, because your thoughts are firmly planted on Lilia and every interaction you've ever shared with the magnetic woman. But, all you manage to do is forget the bottled potions in your bag and shake like an excited chihuahua. At least, the feeling you woke up with can't seem to reach you in this state. You lose track of time, padding around the house in search of a mental escape when Lilia texts you. You rush for your phone, taking note that it's only 4pm before checking the message.
Lilia: "Closing up now. Try not to fall asleep this time."
You find yourself smiling at the immediate banter that starts so easily between the two of you, your fingers flying across the screen.
You: "You sure you trust me? You don't wanna have someone babysit me until I get there? Maybe Agatha this time. She's a great driver."
Lilia: "I'd rather leave you with a pack of wild wolves than trust Agatha to drive you anywhere. Now, hurry up. I'm not getting any younger."
You smile at the messages as you get ready to leave the house again. You reconsider both Jen's words and Lilia's texts. It's clear that Lilia worries about your safety, but any friend would, right? Then again, you, can't think of a reason why Jen would lie. She's not the type to play pranks or mess with someone like that. From everything you've seen, Jen is protective, straightforward, and intuitive. There's no way she would make something like that up. Your conclusion is that either everyone is going crazy or Lilia really does have feelings for you. If it's the latter, you'll have to figure out a way to tell Lilia the feelings are mutual without letting Jen down or making a fool of yourself. Dealing with a coven of lunatics seems a whole lot easier right now than confessing to the divination witch.
˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚
You spend the drive to the shop swinging back and forth between excitement, hope, worry, and dread. Like, the world's most confusing and annoying pendulum. A part of you still thinks that Jen might've been messing with, just to see the look on your face when the possibility of reciprocated feelings was brought up. But, another part, a smaller part, is warily optimistic.
When you pull up to the curb, Lilia is already waiting outside. She watches as your car rolls to a stop before sliding into the passenger seat, already looking you over for any clue on how your day has been.
"Well?" Lilia implores, one word holding a demand to tell her everything.
You chuckle as you pull the car away from the sidewalk, "It went great, Lils! It was exactly what I needed and Jen was a great help."
When you're met with nothing but silence, you take a quick glance over at the witch beside you. She's smiling like she just won the lottery, brown eyes shining brightly as her lips curl up, the lines at the corner of her eyes deepening with her jovial expression. You don't know what to say. Maybe, she's just happy for you. But, that doesn't explain why she just continues to stare at you with the warmest smile in silence.
"What? Why are you looking at me like that? Come on. Say something. You're starting to freak me out." You huff. Your eyes switch between the road and Lilia as she continues to smile, even starting to giggle. Giggle. "Whaaat?!"
"Nothing, dolcezza. It's just…" Lilia shakes her head, pausing like she's reconsidering her words, "I'm happy you had a good day."
"Thank you. Not that I believe that little excuse." You narrow your eyes in suspicion, but decide to let it go for now. You've already had enough shocking words thrown your way today. "Now, onto the more important stuff…Should I trust Alice and Billy's culinary skills?"
"They're nowhere near as good as me, but it'll do until I start getting my days off again. Just don't expect anything gourmet." She says plainly, getting comfortable in the seat as she switches the music to the low jazz she prefers. You snort at the way she acts as if your car is hers, but you don't stop her.
"Why am I not surprised that you'd say something like that?" You ask with a grin and reach out to adjust the car's AC before Lilia even has the chance to move her hand. Days of driving her around already has you accustomed to how she likes things. The music, the temperature, and even the way she keeps the passenger seat. Yet, even though you won't admit it, you haven't readjusted the passenger seat since Lilia first moved it around. It's her seat now and you like thinking of it that way. Especially, after being in that car alone for so long.
"…Because, it's true." Lilia finally says. When you look over at her, that same smile from earlier is back. Her face lit up as she reaches up to toy with the tarot pendant around her throat. Your eyes snap back to the road before you can get too distracted by the witch's movements, now gluing your eyes forward with a determination to focus on getting back to Lilia's without crashing.
˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚
After getting back to the house, both you and Lilia take the time to freshen up before meeting the coven for dinner. After finally remembering to move the potion bottles from your bag to a neat corner on the kitchen counters, you change into something that looks less like you've just rolled out of bed. Thankfully, you remember to take off Lilia's robe and leave it over the back of the couch to save yourself from any more teasing and jokes. Lilia pads down the hallway, curls tended to and subtle lipstick reapplied after working for most of the day.
"How was your day with Jen? I know you two don't know each other very well." Lilia asks as she looks over the new outfit adorning your frame with a nod of approval.
"I was told to say it was horrible. It was a terrible time." You joke, pulling a snort from the older woman. You briefly debate whether or not to share your successes of the day before settling on waiting until it comes up naturally. "Seriously though, it was good. I felt like I learned a lot more from her than Agatha."
"I'm not surprised. Agatha is more concerned with Rio and her reality TV these days." She says with an eye roll, no doubt thinking of the spirit witch's antics.
"Hey, now. When I train with her, she's also very concerned with having me blast a vase through the neighbor's window." You laugh only to turn your attention to the sudden ringing of your phone.
"You should check that, huh? It could be your boss…or Agatha." Lilia gestures to your bag on the couch, the buzzing phone lying inside.
"Mm. Probably." You hum, reluctantly fishing out the device. It's Agatha again. You don't even have the chance to get out a simple 'Hello” when you answer the call because she immediately vociferates through the phone
"Billy and Alice started dinner. So, stop trying to make a magical, lesbian love child with Lilia and get your asses over here!" Agatha laughs loudly before the line goes dead. You feel your face heat up instantaneously and a peek at Lilia reveals the divination witch in a similar state of fluster. Cheeks pink and a hand over her mouth like she's holding in a laugh.
"I…yeah. I'm gonna choose to ignore that for now. Let's go." you say before collecting your things and head for the door, a snickering Lilia following behind.
˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚
The trip to Agatha's was short. Lilia reclined in the passenger seat as always, the AC blowing just the right amount of cool air, and quiet music playing softly through the radio. Occasionally, Lilia would glance over at you and both of you would burst out into laughter. Neither of you could quite get past what Agatha had said and a silent understanding passed between you that this would become an ongoing joke.
"Boy or girl?" Lilia teases and eyes you from the passenger seat.
"Girl, obviously. You think either of us is raising a boy?" You can already feel the laughs bubbling up again, both avoiding eye contact now to stay the inescapable fit.
"HA! I'll make sure the coven gets us gifts." Lilia guffaws loudly as you drive, still looking away even as her shoulders start to shake with silent chuckles.
"They better throw us a whole damn baby shower." You quip with an exaggerated and clearly put-on annoyance, causing Lilia to break first.
By the time you pulled the car up to Agatha's house, both you and Lilia were practically in tears. Both laughing your heads off instead of being embarrassed like the spirit witch had likely hoped. Jen pulled in right behind your car, already giving you and the divination witch weird looks as the two of you cackle while getting out of the car.
"What are you two laughing about?" Jen quizzes, her car beeping as it locks.
You're still trying to catch your breath as you clutch your ribs. Which leaves Lilia to speak up, "Nothing. Nothing at all."
"Come on, Lils! Shouldn't we tell her the good news?" You say all too cheerily, grabbing onto Lilia's without thinking about it.
"Oh hush, you." the divination witch chides you with a swat to your shoulder. You're both too giddy and focused on each other to even notice the way Jen is looking the pair of you up and down with a surprised expression.
"Lils? When did she start calling you that?" Jen asks as she tries to figure out what is going on between you and Lilia. You continue to snicker under your breath as you follow Lilia inside, leaving a very confused Jen standing out on the sidewalk. "Damn. I knew they'd end up together..."
˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚☽˚۰˚
The shouting that greeted you upon stepping into the home was no surprise to anyone. Leaving Alice, Billy, and Agatha unsupervised already didn't seem like a good idea, but adding cooking into the mix seemed like a disaster waiting to happen. Lilia and Jen exchange knowing glances with you, clearly having expected the same result you did. The three of you make a beeline straight for the kitchen to calm whatever storm was brewing.
The table was already set, wine glasses next to every plate except one. Likely, for Billy. In the kitchen, Agatha and Billy were talking over each other about how long the food had been in the oven. Meanwhile, Alice calmly slid the tray from the oven, unaffected by the argument.
"Having fun?" You ask uncomfortably, daring to interrupt the battle of wills being displayed by the two. It's enough to make Alice roll her eyes and the other two to finally stop goading each other.
"Oh good! Everyone's here." Billy says, giving a pointed look at Agatha before turning to you and the two witches standing at your sides.
"Right on time. Everything is done." Alice comments, pushing sides into Agatha and Billy's hands, making them do something productive.
You and the five other witches find seats at the table, dinner laid out in the center with a bottle of red and white on either side. It was the first proper meal they all had to get in a while and the first time you'd get to just hang out with the whole coven since making an attempt to skip town. You furrow your brows as you recount the table settings. There's six of you there, but seven settings total. One by one, everyone else seemed to notice. The only one who didn't look confused is Agatha.
"What? Am I not allowed to invite a plus one?" Agatha asked with a shrug, already filling her plate.
"Agatha, who did yo-" Lilia starts to ask when the question answers itself.
The sound of the front door slamming open startled the entire table, even making the dishes rattle. What made it worse was a very familiar voice that followed the abrupt entrance.
"What's up, bitches?" The voice asked cheerfully with an underlying chaotic energy.
You slowly turned your head, eyes wide in disbelief, even though the rest of the coven seemed perfectly okay with this sudden addition to the night's dinner. One look over your shoulder confirmed your suspicions.
"What the fuck are you doing here?"
Thank you for joining me on this writing journey again. Please let me know if you see any spelling mistakes and I'll be back soon with Chapter 7.
