Page 43 of Bewicched

Cal flinched at my question. She must not have noticed me. “Arwyn, it’s so good of you to come. I know how busy you are at the gallery. Mom’d really appreciate that.” She gave my mom one fierce hug and then stepped back, wiping at her tearstained face. “What did you ask—oh, Dad.” She shook her head. “He said he couldn’t reach her. He didn’t sense anything broken or ruptured. He believes she’s cut off from herself and therefore him.”

She grabbed my mom’s hand. “I’ve never seen him so upset. You know how much he adores Mom.”

“Where is everyone? Why is Syl alone?” Mom asked.

Tears sprang to Calliope’s eyes again. “Serena had to run to work and I pushed Dad out the door. He was so upset, I was afraid he’d make himself sick. I told him to try to rest, that I’d sit with her. It took some convincing. Once I was alone with Mom, though, I just kept thinking about how none of us could do without her. I was a sobbing mess.” She wiped at her face again. “You wouldn’t think I’d have any tears left in my body.”

Mom rubbed her shoulder and gave her another hug.

“I decided to go to the chapel to ask the Goddess to intervene.” Cal checked her watch and blinked. “Oh my goodness; I didn’t realize I’d been gone so long.” She leaned over Aunt Sylvia and kissed her cheek. “I’m sorry I left you alone. Look who’s here, though.” She held her mother’s hand and summoned some fake cheer. “Auntie Sybil and Arwyn are here for you, Mom. We all love you so much. Please come back to us.”

When Cal broke down again, Mom walked her out of the room.

Once they were gone, I pulled off a glove and took my aunt’s hand. The pressure was immediate. I couldn’t breathe. A weight was sitting on my chest, stealing my air. Voices swirled around in my head, racing each other, overlapping. I couldn’t separate them, couldn’t breathe. Explosions went off in my head. I needed air. The voices made me dizzy, racing faster and faster. And then I was able to tease out one phrase that got louder and softer as it moved in close before slingshotting away again, the words creating a Doppler Effect of sound.Just die already, you sanctimonious bitch. I almost recognized the whispered voice. Almost.

As it all went dark, my body starved for air, a deep, guttural voice silenced the others.And who do we have here?The scent of sulfur was the last thing I noticed before I was out.

When I came to, my head was on the side of the bed, pounding so horribly, I felt like my brains were dripping out of my ears. Stomach clenching and spinning, I was on my feet and dashing for the toilet.

Once my stomach contents had been emptied, I stayed hunched over the bowl, panting. I had to get out of here. I tried to stand up, but my head was too messed up, my balance gone. Falling back, I sat on the tile, my head resting against the wall. Pulling on my gloves, I took out my phone and texted Mom.

Me: I need to go home. Can you take me?

It took a while, but she finally responded.

Mom: I was counting on you to stay with Sylvia. I can’t take you home right now. Calliope needs me.

I tried to get up again, but my head swooped and I was back on my butt. Damn it. I could call for a ride, but how would I get out of this bathroom and make it to the front of the hospital?

I couldn’t believe I was tapping his name, but he was the only person I could think of who knew what was going on and wouldn’t ask too many questions.

“Hello?” Declan answered, his voice deep and comforting.

“I’m sorry. I need your help again.” I paused, my stomach rolling.

“What do you need?” The sound of the surf in the background helped to settle me.

“Can you pick me up from the hospital?”

“Are you hurt?”

I heard him moving and it settled my writhing stomach even more. When he gunned the engine and spun out, I breathed easier. “I’m here visiting my aunt.”

“Oh.” His voice lost its urgency. “That’s right. You need a pick up?”

“Yes, but more than just a ride. I read my aunt to try to find out what happened to her.” I blew out a breath and tried to stand. This time, I tipped so hard to the left, I almost landed in the toilet. “We have a sorcerer in the family, one whose demon attacked my aunt. He did quite a number on me and I’m now in the bathroom of my aunt’s room, unable to stand up. I need you to find me, help me up, and then get me the hell out of here.” When I heard tires squealing again, I knew he understood the situation.

“Room number—never mind. I’ll find you,” he said.Click.

While I waited, I tried to get my eyes to focus so I could text my uncle. There was no way he had left my aunt’s side of his own free will. That demon was pushing her family away. It wanted her alone.

Me: Uncle John, I’m with Aunt Sylvia right now but need to leave. Can you come back and sit with her? I’m worried about her being left alone.

John: Alone? The girls were staying with her while I

John: …

John: I don’t remember

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