Page 44 of Wicked Witch

“Normal is so boring. I want a life full of kittens and kisses,” Rus says, joining our conversation.

“So… You’re staying then?” Wynter looks at me with a little bit of hope shining in her green eyes.

“I can’t speak for Astor, but I’m not going anywhere.”

ASTOR

Spendingthe day away from that haunted place is just what the doctor ordered. I have a lot of work to catch up on and honestly Spells Hollow creeps me the fuck out.

Packing up my laptop and charger, I grab my wallet and slip my shoes on. I need a change of scenery, and it’s lunch time.

I’m hoping to have wifi at the diner. If not then I’ll use my hotspot. I have to finish these dispositions and allocate a proxy in my place.

I’m going to have to return soon. I only took a few weeks of vacation.

Leaving my room, I check both ways out of habit, then run across the road to the diner. The bells jingle as I enter and the smell of pot roast hits me in the face like a mallet.

My stomach complains as I take a seat at the counter. The kid from the gas station, Jordan, is there and he gives me a fist bump.

“Hey, Astor, right?” I nod and grab a menu. Liv is in the corner, talking to some people.

They have a map and I have a feeling they are people looking for Spells Hollow.

Good luck to them. If I had my way I’d avoid that place.

“I saw your brother and Wynter this morning. They grabbed some snacks. Said they would be at Spells Hollow all day. Why didn’t you go with them?” he asks, then slurps on a strawberry milkshake.

“Had work to do.”

“I still can’t believe she’s crazy enough to want to renovate that place and move there. It’s not worth it. Honestly people don’t stay there for long or they never return.”

“Yeah, that place was freaky, but I can’t argue with Wynter. She’s always been stubborn and used to turning a dump into a diamond,” I mutter while picking something to eat.

The pot roast calls to me, but I think I want something lighter. Maybe I’ll get it to go and reheat it for dinner.

The room has a stove, even if it is outdated.

“Yeah, well don’t invite me to any parties or housewarmings. I like you guys, but you won’t catch me ten feet from that place.”

He gets quiet and dips a fry in his shake. I feel like there is more to the story there, but Ruth chooses that moment to interrupt.

I order a crispy chicken sandwich with a side of fries and a milkshake. Jordan convinced me.

“Oh, also a water. Thanks.”

Ruth walks off toward the kitchen, and I turn my attention back to Jordan. His eyes are cloudy, and he looks sad.

“You okay?”

Shaking his head, he sighs. “Yeah, I was just thinking about the last time I was in Spells Hollow. I was young and dumb and lost someone.”

Tossing some cash on the counter, he grabs his ball cap and puts it on his head. “I’ll see ya later man. I have a shift at the station.”

Pushing his chair away, he stands and walks away.

Ruth comes over with my water and sighs.

“That boy has too much heaviness on his soul. Your food will be up soon,” she mumbles, placing my drink down, then goes back to check on her other customers.

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