Page 101 of The Holy Academy of Witches

Istood on the doorstep of the large cottage, Christmas lights strewn across the porch around me. I wondered if Sage’s father had lovingly hung them up. Her mother, looking on with an appreciative smile… My mother would think they were ‘distasteful,’ I had rung the doorbell once already but no one had answered, though I could hear a woman singing Christmas carols inside. This was going to be a lot, like snake venom entering a warm blood stream.

“Oh, Good Morning!” I turned to see a broad shouldered man with a mess of dark blonde hair that peeked out from under a winter hat, opening the gate. He was being pulled along by a golden retriever, its mouth parted in excitement as it strained on the lead, eager to reach me. “You must be Adeline. I’ve heard absolutely loads about you!” He latched the gate closed, and walked up the frosty path towards me.

“You must be Sage’s father, I’ve heard absolutelynothingabout you.”

“Ha! Excellent!” Her father barked a laugh and clapped his hands together in glee. “She said you were funny.” He said with a wag of his finger as he reached past me to open the door.

The dog sat down beside me panting, its head cocked to one side expectantly. I indulged it by scratching under its chin as Sage’s father gestured for me to go on ahead into their home. I gave him an uncertain look but he just steamed ahead, crowding me into the house.

I was immediately consumed with the smell of warm cookie dough and apple pie.

“We’re home!” Her father bellowed, startling me, over the jolly music playing from a stereo in the corner of the room. A magnificent Christmas tree stood proudly in the centre of the hall. My mothers tree was neat and uniform, each decoration colour-coordinated like it belonged in the window of an expensive store. This tree… this tree was wonderful. Each bauble a different colour and shape, handmade decorations were scattered throughout, all wrapped up in a layer of tinsel. Why did I feel like crying?

“Oh you must be Adeline! SAGE! Your little friend is here!” Her mother shouted across the house, “I’m Melanie Williams but you can call me Mel!” She looked at me with a warm smile, “Would you like a drink hon?”

“Umm, no… I’m okay, thanks.” I shuffled as I glanced up the stairs waiting for Sage to appear. There was so much of… everything. The music played to itself, the shiny decorations glittered in the sunlight which poured into the room, filling every crevice. The chatter of a forgotten television… the friendly smiles…

“Dave, get her a drink!” Oh, okay then. She shooed her husband towards what I presumed was the kitchen as Sage appeared.

“Mom, we’re not kids,” She rolled her eyes and looked at me uncomfortably. I’d be uncomfortable letting a viper into this loving home too.

“Nonsense! You’ll always be my baby,” She kissed Sage on top of the head. Sage clicked her tongue and playfully shoved her away, though her eyes were only full of the love she held for her family. Scratching my wrist, I looked away as a tightness spread across my chest. “Oh Adeline, it’s lovely to have you here helping Sage. I spoke to your mother on the phone… Horrible woman.”

“Mom!” Sage interrupted, horrified. Her mother held her hands up in defence and I knew at that moment that Melanie Williams and I would get along just fine. I laughed and Sage looked at me in alarm. Huh, did I laugh that scarcely? Maybe my edges were softer today. My expression less…sharp.

“It’s fine. We all know what you mean, she’s…” I trailed off when I failed to come up with a single - even remotely - endearing adjective. I just gave a small smile to Sage’s mother who returned it ten-fold.

“Anyway, she said you’d be more than willing to do a few sessions over the holidays… which we weren’t quite expecting but it’s always nice to have more company! Anyway, I’ll leave you two girls to it while I see where Dave’s gotten to with this drink!” She danced off into the kitchen, leaving Sage and I alone.

“Hey Sis! Where did you put my…” I looked up the staircase towards the male voice and my heart stopped.

It was him.

Fifty-Three

Adeline

He was frozen halfway down the stairs, his blue eyes fixed on mine. I felt like I was having an out of body experience.

Sage threw a slender arm around his waist, tugging him down the last few steps towards her. The same sun kissed blonde hair, blue eyes. His height and stature clearly from their father. Her brother… of course he was.

His black t-shirt strained across his broad chest as he embraced Sage. He was her twin… he was Cillian’s hot new room mate… He was the one I had run into on that path… the one who had written me letters… Spoken to me all night…

He was crazy about me… and I was his.

I couldn’t feel my legs.

The siblings separated and Sage grinned facing me, “This is Adeline!” She gestured to me with an embarrassing flourish of her hands, which made me want to peel my own face off. He turned his gaze back to me… confusion forming a crease between his eyebrows. Oh Gods, what was he thinking? I swallowed nervously as he recovered whatever had him pausing and he leaned towards me to give me a… Oh Gods what’s happening? Is he hugging me? Help!

He gave me the most awkward but completely wonderful one-armed hug I’d ever received, and I was very firmly not a hugger. He smelt like vanilla and something else I couldn’t think of but would spend hours tonight thinking about. He pulled away and looked into my eyes, some conflicted emotion flashing across his face. Could he tell I was hopelessly in love with him in that moment?

“So,” Sage said brightly. “Adeline… this is Theo, obviously.” Theo… not Teddy…

“What are you doing here?” Theo asked. His voice was even nicer than I imagined it would be. Deep, with a slight rasp that tugged deep in my belly. His stare was so intense I felt all girly and weird.

“Adeline is the one who has been tutoring me, she’s really helped me out, especially with rituals. You know how I struggle with them,” she said, nudging her brother. He laughed and my stomach clenched.

“Nonsense,” I replied, clearing my throat, “You’re becoming exceptional in almost all subjects… and I don’t say that lightly.” Sage blushed violently and ducked her head behind her curls.

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