Page 3 of Returning to Everton

I chuckle. “That’s a hard choice.”

“Hmm, I think I’ll use my magic!” Yup, that’s what I thought she’d say.

She gets out all the bowls and measuring cups she needs, along with the mixer. Then she starts measuring. We’ve made these cookies so many times she knows the recipe by heart. I just sit there watching my girl have the time of her life making these silly cookies.

“Alright, sweetie, you did such a great job! We’ve got just enough time to take your bath before we can finish the cookies.”

“Okay, Mommy! I love it when we make cookies. It’s so much fun!”

“I’m glad you like to bake like Mommy does, baby girl. I love watching you make magical creations. Now let’s go. Have you picked out your jammies yet?”

“Yup! They’re on my bed.”

That’s my girl. Always prepared and organized. She gets that from me. I get the bath going while she gets her jammies off her bed and rushes back to the bathroom. “Mommy, are we moving? I heard you talking to Aunt Quinn, and you said you miss home. But isn’t this home? How can you miss home when we’re there now?” she asks me as she takes off her clothes to get in the tub.

“Oh, sweet girl. You know you’re not supposed to listen in on Mommy’s conversations.” I sigh. “But yes, we’re moving. You remember how Mommy used to tell you about the small town where I grew up?”

“Yeah, that’s where you lived before you met Daddy, right?” she asks as she climbs in the now full tub. “Where you met Aunt Quinn.”

“That’s right, baby girl. Well, with your Daddy gone, Mommy just really misses having people around. Don’t you miss Aunt Quinn and Nanna and Grandpa? If we move to Everton, we’ll be able to see them any time we want.” I grab a washcloth and start washing her body. Then use a cup to wet her long blonde hair.

“REALLY?! Any time, Mommy? Not just for the holidays when they come visit?”

“That’s right, angel. So, Mommy has Aunt Quinn looking for a house for us to move into. It’s going to take some time to get everything worked out. But I really want to be there and settled in before you start school.”

“Do they have a magic school there? Because I wanna go to a magic school like you, Mommy.”

“They sure do, sweetie. In fact, you’ll be going to the same school Mommy and Aunt Quinn went to.”

“Wow. That’s so cool, Mommy. I can’t wait to see where you grew up. I bet it’s just magical,” Violet sighs like she’s imagining what her new town is going to be like.

I laugh. My daughter loves everything magic. I’m glad she took more after me than her dad. As much as I loved Harris, he was a norm. He didn’t have magic like I do, and I think after a while, that was just really hard on him. If he were still alive, he would make me send Violet to a normal school. I know Violet misses her dad, but she sure is enjoying being able to use her magic anytime she wants.

I finish washing Violet’s hair then leave her to play in the tub for a little bit longer. As I’m sitting on my couch relaxing, my phone chimes with a text message. I check it and see it’s from Quinn.

Quinn:Ok so I couldn’t wait till morning to find out about that house. Sorry, not sorry. It’s just so perfect!

Me:Lol ok Q Violet’s in the tub while her dough cools in the fridge. Tell me about it.

Quinn:Soooo it’s a 2 story. 4 bed 3 bath. With the master and a guest bath downstairs. I know it’s a lot of house and you really don’t need that many rooms. But Vi can use one as a playroom and the other can be a guest room. Please don’t say no. It’s perfect. And I might know the owner so I’m sure you’ll get a good deal on it.

Me:Oh Quinn.

Quinn:Plus it has this HUGE kitchen. It was recently updated and I’m telling you once you see this place you will be in love. And of course a wrap-around porch.

Me:Well damn Q why didn’t you lead with that?!? I can handle an extra bedroom if the house has my dream kitchen.

Quinn:I’m telling you you’re gonna love it!

Me:Ok ok give me the number and I’ll call them TOMORROW. It sounds perfect but I need to make sure there’s nothing wrong with it and I can actually afford it ya know.

Quinn:Yeah yeah I’ll send the info. Just please call. I really want this house for you.

Me:Alright Q I will. Gotta go get Vi outta the tub. Love ya

Quinn:Love you too sweets.

“Alright, Bug, come on, you’re gonna turn into a prune. Out ya go.”

---