Chapter 25

  Goodbye Meredith

  Over the next few days, the witches slowly regained a sense of calm and normalcy. The shop remained closed throughout the week while Meredith rested in bed and regained some vigor. She was practically a skeleton after using her lunar flame so much in hell. She had to alter all of her clothing to fit correctly, though she mostly donned her black robes.

  Meanwhile, Grandma toiled amidst multiple potions, lotions, and spell books. Still, no matter what potion was drunk, lotion rubbed in, or incantation used, Meredith’s burn refused to be magically cured. It healed on its own, painfully slowly.

  While sleeping, Meredith would sometimes unwittingly press it into her pillow. Her face would erupt in pain, waking her instantly. She was somewhat thankful, though; the pain interrupted her nightmares. Anti-dream potions didn’t work. What she had seen beyond Wallace’s abode was not so easily forgotten. The mind-numbing atrocity tortured her daily and nightly.

  Meredith’s vitality slowly returned as her burn began to scar. Eventually, she felt ready to open the shop.

  “Are you sure?” Grandma asked over breakfast. “I have other lotions I’d like to try.”

  “It’s fine, Grandma. Let’s do it. I can’t sit around all day. I’d like to get back to normal.”

  The apothecary opened that morning.

  Meredith began to flip the sign to ‘open’ and instantly felt the incoming teleportation magic. It made her chest heavy and skin crawl. She quickly flipped it and dashed inside, just as dozens of robed figures and strange creatures popped into existence before the door with flashes of shimmering light. Meredith zipped behind the counter with a crack and emerged beside Grandma as customers flooded the apothecary.

  The pair of witches grinned at each other in excitement as the patrons bustled about. Meredith and Grandma spent the morning identifying herbs, selling magical trinkets, and concocting potions while a steady flow of customers streamed inside. To Meredith’s relief, none of them seemed interested in her face. Grandma closed the shop at noon for lunch, checked the mailbox, then the pair went into town to fulfill the villagers’ requests.

  Meredith walked down the dusty, shaded path to Greenwood, arm-in-arm with Grandma. They entered the town, their boots clacking against the bustling cobblestone street as the hot summer sun beat down on them.

  The townsfolk had nearly finished the reconstruction. Some nodded in their direction, and Meredith could feel their eyes linger on her older and scarred appearance. She tried to ignore the anxiousness gnawing at her chest.

  The small coven visited the ill and downtrodden, working magics to alleviate their ails. Their patients were thankful and polite, but Meredith could see the apprehension her appearance caused in them. She understood why; they had seen her as a youthful lady with flawless skin all summer. Then, suddenly, she was a young adult with a massive scar across her face. None of the villagers knew what to make of the situation. Thankfully, nobody asked any questions.

  Except Patricia.

  “Oh, Ethel! You’re back!” The town gossip trotted toward the witches as they walked through the square. “Hello, Mered—oh my goodness, what happened to your face? You poor thing! And you’re so much taller! Did you hit a growth spurt? You look like a full-grown woman now! What in the world happened? Francene says she hasn’t felt any dark presences lately; did you do something about that?”

  Meredith stood there, red-faced.

  “Oh, Patricia,” Grandma tutted. “Leave the poor girl alone. Besides, you know our drama doesn’t come cheap!”

  “You’re right, you’re right!” Patricia smiled and continued on her way.

  “Thanks,” Meredith murmured as they strode down the cobblestone streets toward the McGuffin’s house. “How did you do that?”

  “Do what?” Grandma peered at her.

  “Get Patricia to stop talking?”

  Grandma reared her head back and laughed.

  The next few days passed normally. Meredith and Grandma ran the shop as they did at the beginning of summer. Then, when the witches grew comfortable, Grandma traveled back and forth between the shop and her vacation; she thought it prudent to return regularly. Meredith agreed. They had been through a lot, and Meredith craved normalcy at the end of her summer before she returned home and to the academy.

  With every passing day, her facial wound healed slowly and was replaced by a gnarly, hand-shaped scar. Meredith kept herself busy, but despite her best efforts, her mind would eventually wander to dark places. Cici was there for her, though.

  She also missed Victor. Meredith wondered when she’d see him again. She had many questions and wanted to see him at least once more before she left. Aging six years in moments and fighting for your life in hell against a devil wasn’t an everyday occurrence. He was the only person who could completely relate to her; she needed a friend more than ever. Meredith couldn’t hide her thoughts from Cici.

  One day, Meredith fretted over Victor for the umpteenth time while making a potion in the kitchen.

  “He’s fine, Meredith,” Cici said, stationed beside her on the island. “He said he’ll contact you, so just be patient and wait!”

  “You’re right,” she sighed.

  “Don’t take my emotional support for condoning you putting yourself in harm’s way, though. I don’t like that one bit. I’ve had enough of you traipsing around, having to blast everyone away.”

  “Pff, you and me both!”

  Flying proved to be an interesting distraction once the wind against her face didn’t hurt anymore. Meredith no longer had a broom supporting her weight beneath her, but the robe’s magic encapsulated her entire body as she flew over the village, completing her various tasks.

  She conducted house calls, healing villagers of their ailments, floating large furniture, delivering supplies to the next town over, and other odds and ends. She shopped locally and abroad and flew in her magic cloak as often as possible. Meredith slowly grew more comfortable flying with her body positioned horizontally, although her neck would eventually cramp from looking ahead during long flights. She pondered about getting a new broom but needed the cloak anyway since George's diluted bite made her more susceptible to sunburn.

  Meredith wrote letters to her parents, describing most of her summer, apologizing for not writing more, and alluding to a strange surprise not to be excited about. She missed them, but did not look forward to explaining her situation. Meredith also wrote to Grandma’s cult, thanking them for their assistance. They sent Cici a collar that allowed him to turn into a massive feline at will. Cuddling a warm panther at night helped Meredith sleep.

  Eventually, Meredith recovered enough to use her clones to tend to the village, study under Thomas’ tutelage, and practice new spells he and Grandma taught her. She saw great benefit in the ability to multitask. For a short while, it was common for multiple Merediths to cross each other’s paths as they flit around town, fulfilling tasks until, eventually, there was nothing left for her to do. No boils needed bursting, no warts needed reducing, no bookshelves needed moving, no teeth needed straightening, nothing!

  Thomas chastised her regularly for utilizing the cloning spell so ‘flippantly,’ but Meredith had the power to spare with her new, aged body. She had stretched her limits time and time again, allowing her magical ability to grow.

  Meredith spent her free time getting used to her new, older body. In between transactions with customers, she’d study her hands. When her reflection caught her eye, she couldn’t help but stare at herself. Same face, just different. Then she’d turn and stare at the rippling scar across the other side of her neck and face.

  It was bright red and ached constantly. She admired her new appearance but silently mourned her lost youth. She wasn’t sure how she felt about her burn. She earned it by doing something righteous. It was a bittersweet conundrum. It didn’t help that Grandma brought it up constantly. She continually lamented Meredith’s lost years and facial scar. How could she not?

  “Grandma!” Meredith exploded one night after another comment in the kitchen. “It’s okay! I’m coping with it! There’s nothing we can do about it. It sucks that it had to happen, but it did. I’d do it again if I had to!” Tears welled up in Meredith’s eyes as strange, intense, and unfamiliar feelings rose within her chest. “That’s how much I love you, Grandma!”

  Grandma stepped before Meredith, tears in her eyes, and placed her hands on her granddaughter’s shoulders.

  “I’m sorry. I’m trying to cope, too. I feel so guilty about it. You lost years of your adolescence because of me. I’m the reason you have a huge scar across your face. I can’t begin to properly convey the depths of my love and appreciation for you, Meredith. You’re my hero.” Grandma wrapped her arms around Meredith, enveloping her shoulders, and cradling her head. Meredith melted into Grandma’s embrace as she desperately hugged her in return.

  “I’ll try to stop bringing it up,” Grandma said, her voice tight. “Just know, I’ll never forget what you sacrificed for me.”

  “You saved me too, you know,” Meredith sobbed. “I think we’re even.”

  “Of course I did! That’s what you’re supposed to do!”

  “That’s what I’m trying to tell you!”

  The witches held each other, crying, until their pent-up emotions were spent. They stood together for a long while.

  “Your parents are going to be pissed at me,” Grandma eventually said. Meredith nestled her forehead into Grandma’s shoulder as the pair rocked.

  “Look at you,” the elder witch murmured. “You’ve grown so strong.”

  “I told you I wanted to be strong like you.” Meredith laid her chin on Grandma’s shoulder.

  “I feel like a terrible grandmother, but damn, did you have some fiery spunk against that weasel of a devil. I’m so proud of you.”

  “Well, I just thought, ‘What would Grandma do?’ and did it.”

  Grandma chuckled and squeezed Meredith tight.

  One particular morning, after reading her tea leaves, Meredith excitedly waited at the counter, hoping her premonition was correct and that Victor would return! To her dismay, he did not. Instead, Phillip arrived in all his pompous grandeur.

  His smile, upon entering, immediately turned to shock. The Dragon Rider quickly approached the counter.

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  ‘Great,’ she thought.

  “Meredith!” Phillip gawked. “What the hell happened?”

  “Funny you should mention hell.” Meredith pursed her lip.

  “I recognize a hell-fire wound when I see one!”

  “I don’t want to get into it right now.” Meredith nodded towards the bustling crowd behind Phillip.

  “Ok,” Phillip agreed apprehensively, then smiled. “So…I guess I’ll tell you how I’ve been.”

  Meredith looked him over as they idly chatted. She saw the young man in a new light. She had always accepted his cautious flirtations and tolerated his pomposity, but his seriousness and care towards her were unexpected. Phillip was certainly handsome, but Meredith was unsure how else she felt about him.

  Then he mentioned Victor.

  “Where’s the little red devil boy?” Phillip asked. “Isn’t he usually attached to your hip?”

  Rumors of what occurred afterward spread throughout the village, courtesy of Patrica. Apparently, the apothecary’s granddaughter chased a Dragon Rider out of town! The usually prim and polite young woman—who was a significantly younger woman a few weeks prior—went postal on the poor boy! Strange curses came flying out of the shop, and furniture was thrown about like a tornado had whipped up inside. You could hear it from the bell tower! All the patrons scattered to the wind, and the poor Dragon Rider scampered out the door, hopped on his dragon, and flew off! Nobody knew what he did to make her so incredibly mad, but he returned the next day with flowers! Apparently, they made up. Some town boys who fancied her started giving her a much wider berth.

  One sunny afternoon, Meredith contacted Phillip and agreed to meet. She donned her new flying cloak and soared to meet the Dragon Rider at his usual spot atop the grassy, not-quite mountain that overlooked Greenwood. It always felt strange at first to fly without the support of a broom under her, but she grew to enjoy maneuvering her body in the air how she saw fit. Meredith felt comfortable in her new cloak.

  Phillip was painting when Meredith arrived at the hilltop, and Salinda lay curled in the sunshine behind him.

  They painted together, and Meredith recounted the events that led to the village fires, her aging, the battle in hell, and her scar.

  “I’m sorry I couldn’t have been there to help!” Phillip exclaimed. Salinda snorted a tiny wisp of fire. “Salinda, too. She would’ve loved to kill a devil!”

  “I appreciate it, but I didn’t want anyone to get involved in a family matter. I had your communicator in my bag; Thomas had no way to reach you when he summoned reinforcements. Besides, he did that without my knowledge.”

  “I’m just glad you’re okay,” Phillip replied. “Coming back from something like that can be tough.”

  Meredith agreed wholeheartedly. If she let herself, her mind would spiral, but staying busy and talking about the situation helped.

  “I do feel bad, though,” the Dragon Rider continued. “Salinda and I searched for the vampire and hag, but we couldn’t find them. It would’ve saved you and Greenwood a lot of trouble if we had. We were reporting to the council during the fires. I’m sorry. We weren’t there when you needed us.”

  “It’s not your fault,” Meredith replied. “You can’t blame yourself for their actions.”

  “Are you okay though?”

  “I’m painting, aren’t I?”

  Phillip pursed his lips and nodded in understanding.

  The pair began to paint together once or twice a week.

  One night, after Meredith’s hellfire wound completely scarred over, she strode through the kitchen in blue cotton pajamas when her face erupted in pain.

  “Aah!” Meredith cried out.

  She fell to her knees, clutching her face as fierce, dagger-like pain ripped through her scar tissue. It felt like she was being burned again! Grandma and Cici ran into the kitchen to find Meredith screaming and writhing in agony. They did everything possible to assist the poor witch, but nothing helped. Eventually, the pain slowly subsided on its own, leaving Meredith exhausted, drenched in sweat and tears, and splayed across the floor.

  “Damn that devil!” Grandma murmured as she cradled Meredith. Cici curled up beside the poor witch.

  At least once a week, Meredith’s facial scar would randomly erupt in searing hot pain. The villagers and customers soon learned to leave the poor witch be if an episode occurred before them; nothing could be done to stave off the pain. Afterward, Meredith would collect herself and continue her day, weary, but would otherwise act like nothing had happened. Strangely, the painful episodes were experienced simultaneously by any clones Meredith had created. Despite Grandma’s many curative concoctions, nothing hindered the attacks or healed her scar.

  Eventually, Grandma’s friend sent her Wallace’s voodoo doll. After every attack Meredith endured, Grandma would stick a dozen pins into the doll’s face.

  The day to return home loomed over Meredith as the familiar warm breezes turned cool and yellow leaves appeared on the trees. Between helping customers, she often anxiously wondered what her parents would think of her new appearance. She also pondered what school would be like. Meredith would be much older than her peers, not that it mattered to her. She wasn't particularly close with any of them. Would she be sent up to more advanced classes with older classmates? Was the academy even worth it? She had learned so much more under Thomas and Grandma’s tutelage. Should she even leave Greenwood?

  On the morning of her departure, Meredith donned her usual black robe and boots, then breakfasted with Grandma and their cats. Everything she owned was stuffed in the purse strapped across her torso, her former room almost completely emptied. Meredith spent a good portion of the morning piddling throughout the house and shop, soaking in the atmosphere, hoping to hold onto the comforting feeling of familiarity. She also hoped to be lucky enough not to endure another painful episode, especially while traveling through the air.

  The deep, steady beat of flapping wings erupted above the house. It was time. Meredith summoned her cloak around her and started outside, but Grandma stopped her.

  “A moment, Meredith?” She requested.

  “Sure, Grandma.”

  “I just wanted to let you know that I’m so proud of you. You’ve grown into such a marvelous witch. You did a wonderful job keeping up the shop while I was away. I enjoyed all the moments we spent together, even though I spent a good chunk of the time on vacation, and I do hope your summer was everything you wished for, besides the obvious issues.”

  Meredith thought for a moment.

  “It was everything I hoped for,” she admitted. “I learned a lot of magic, how to be a proper witch, and made some interesting friends. Things got a little dicey, but….I’m okay. I wanted an exciting summer, and by golly, did I get one. I changed a lot. Mostly for the better, I think.”

  “Good.” Grandma hugged and kissed Meredith. “I love you. I’m going to miss you.”

  “I love you too. I’m going to miss you as well. I’ll come back, though.”

  “Well.” Grandma smiled, though her eyes were sad. “Better not keep your ride waiting.”

  Meredith turned and started outside. Cici and Mama Cat followed her through the shop while Grandma brought up the rear, carrying Thomas and George.

  THUD!

  Salinda landed in the clearing before the shop, and Phillip slid off her back and greeted the small gathering.

  “Well,” Meredith started and patted the side of her legs awkwardly. “This is it!”

  Grandma tossed Thomas and George over her shoulder—floating in mid-air—and squeezed her granddaughter tight.

  “Oh, I miss you already!”

  Meredith embraced Grandma as she was showered with kisses and well-wishes. Eventually, Grandma released her granddaughter and bent to give Cici a thorough petting. “You be good, handsome kitty!”

  Cici purred while Mama Cat rubbed alongside him and Meredith’s leg. The young witch stroked both their backs.

  “See you, Mama Cat,” she said.

  Mama Cat meowed.

  “It was a pleasure to get to know you both,” Thomas stated, drifting onto Grandma’s shoulder as the witches rose. “You are both so wonderful and have beautiful futures ahead of you. I wish you well.”

  “Thank you, Thomas,” Meredith replied. “You’re my favorite teacher I’ve ever had and a good friend.”

  A smile stretched across Thomas’ wide lips.

  Meredith glanced at the disembodied head of George, the vampire. She was unsure what to say, not that he deserved anything from her. Meredith wondered if she should say anything at all. She had mostly ignored him during her remaining days in Greenwood, and he had been content to remain silent. What was socially acceptable to say to the vampire who had attacked her twice and lived in her home as an immortal head?

  “George.” Meredith nodded.

  “Meredith,” he replied.

  It was good enough for her.

  “You ready?” Phillip called from beside Salinda.

  Meredith glanced around, hoping that her messenger owl had found Victor and that he would arrive just in time. But he was nowhere to be seen. The young witch sighed and pushed his months-long absence out of her mind. She wanted to savor her last moments with family and friends.

  “Goodbye, everyone! I love you! I’ll be back!” Meredith stepped away and waved.

  Cici hopped into her arms, and she deposited him in her cloak’s inner pocket.

  A cacophony of goodbyes and well-wishes erupted from the small group as Meredith saddled onto Salinda’s back with Phillip before her. She waved at her loved ones with one arm and held onto Phillip with the other as Salinda swooped her mighty wings and launched into the air. Meredith wasn’t sure if the butterflies in her stomach were from the sudden lurch or from holding onto Phillip.

  The wind whipped past her curly hair as they quickly emerged above the tall pine trees surrounding Grandma’s house. Salinda circled over it as she ascended before smoothing out and headed down the Norwich River.

  The dragon’s rhythmic flapping and bobbing soothed Meredith. She glanced back one last time at the rapidly shrinking town of Greenwood as they sped downstream. Salinda steadily rose higher and higher until the ground below no longer whizzed past but slowly trudged by. The scattered clouds above them cast massive shadows across vast swaths of hilly, rolling forest and occasional farmland.

  The sun warmed her back. The sky was quiet, save for the wind rushing past Meredith’s ears and the beat of Salinda’s wings. Calm finality settled over Meredith. She was leaving Greenwood.

  “You good back there?” Phillip called to her.

  “I’m fine!” Meredith hollered back. She watched his locks waft in the wind.

  Salinda found a strong current and coasted with her wings spread wide. Meredith released Phillip as he turned to sit side-saddle before her.

  “Not so loud now.” He smiled. “Now we can talk.”

  “What about?” Meredith asked.

  “You. How have you been?”

  “The horrors persist, but so do I.”

  “Huh.” His brow furrowed in thought. “That’s a good attitude to have, I suppose. It sounds like you’re handling yourself well.

  “As best I can.” Meredith shrugged. “I don’t want to wallow. I survived a harrowing summer at my Grandma’s. I should be proud.”

  “You certainly should.”

  Neither spoke as Phillip stared into Meredith’s eyes.

  “I enjoyed getting to know you this past summer. I had a good time painting with you. And the race was fun!”

  Meredith blushed as her heart warmed.

  “I hope you come visit again soon.”

  “Thanks,” Meredith replied. “I had a good time getting to know you as well. I enjoyed spending time with you. And you too, Salinda!”

  “And you as well, young witch.” The dragon’s voice echoed in her mind.

  “I’ll come back,” Meredith continued. “Eventually. I don’t know when just yet, though.”

  “I’d visit you,” Phillip said. “But I’m on this patrol route for the foreseeable future. Maybe I can take a few days off now and then.”

  “I’d like that, but I couldn’t ask you to do that. Your duty is too important, and I’ve got to get myself figured out and settled down.”

  “I understand.” Phillip nodded. “We’ll figure something out. You still have my communicator, right? You can contact me whenever.”

  “I will.” Meredith smiled, her heart aflutter.

  “We’ve reached the edge of our patrol zone,” Salinda spoke into their minds.

  “Thank you both for everything!” Meredith patted Salinda’s scales and gave Phillip a nervous—but tight—hug. She pulled away and readjusted her purse and Cici.

  “Goodbye!” Meredith leaped off Salinda’s back.

  The wind battered Meredith as she dropped. She spun around and waved at the banking dragon and her rider. Salinda roared as Phillip waved. Meredith turned toward the rapidly approaching forest and spread herself wide, enjoying the thrill of freefalling. Then, she leveled off and flew down the Norwich River.

  “Don’t do any more crazy stunts while I’m in here!” Cici poked his head out from Meredith’s pocket.

  “We’ll see.” Meredith rubbed his head as he retreated back to his den.

  The pair continued to soar downriver in silence as the yellowing trees and green pines whizzed past. The sun warmed Meredith’s back as she contemplated her time at Greenwood. Jumbled thoughts churned through her mind.

  Summer at Grandma’s had been a whirlwind of growth and challenges, blending joy and pain into an experience Meredith still couldn’t fully untangle. She cherished the time spent with Grandma and Mama Cat and loved the locals and the magical community that visited the apothecary. Meredith marveled at how much her magical powers and knowledge had grown under Grandma and Thomas’ tutelage. Yet, the mental and physical scars left by Wallace’s evil lingered, a constant reminder she could never entirely escape. The devil’s impact on her life extended far beyond the summer; it was etched into her face. Her scar was an unfortunate keepsake she’d carry everywhere, reflected not just in mirrors but in other's concerned, curious gazes.

  Meredith veered closer to the glimmering river below, staring at her reflection as she zipped past, her heart heavy with questions. How would her parents react to her changed appearance? What would happen at the academy? Had she matured mentally, as well as physically? Her new, more mature thoughts and ideas clashed with her older convictions. Or was it her younger convictions? It confused her. Had it all been worth it? She hoped so.

  The young witch continued her journey home, time passing slowly. Cici dozed in Meredith’s pocket as the sun arched higher and higher. Loneliness settled in her chest. She longed for someone to share her turbulent thoughts. Her mind turned to her newfound friends.

  Meredith was grateful for Phillip. The Dragon Rider had grown much more… agreeable than when they first met, his haughty demeanor softening over time. Salinda had always been charming, but it took a while for Meredith to warm up to Phillip. She wished she had contacted him before diving into hell.

  Victor's sacrifice weighed heavily on Meredith. She missed her tiefling friend and couldn’t bear to dwell on him, though the thoughts came crashing in any way, tearing at her heart. Though freeing him from his cursed contract had been necessary, the price he paid haunted her. Meredith pitied his tortured existence. She had the support of her family and friends; who did Victor have? Meredith couldn’t imagine how he was coping.

  She could only hope he wouldn’t lose himself completely to the fury she sensed they both carried. She understood some of the depths of rage he might harbor; she had glimpsed those depths within herself, and the memory of it frightened her. Meredith had gone there before and knew the uncomfortable truth in her heart that she could do it again. She hoped she didn’t need to, but her feelings confirmed what Phillip had once told her: she was a threat. Meredith shuddered at the thought.

  Cici stirred in her pocket, interrupting her ruminations. He poked his head out and glanced about, sniffing.

  “I smell something,” he meowed.

  “What is it?” Meredith asked. “Is it the cow again?”

  “No, it smells…different. Slow down, it's hard to smell with all this wind.”

  Meredith obliged.

  Cici craned his head backward.

  “Hey, look! Behind us! To your left!”

  Meredith turned and spotted a brown owl flapping towards her. She slowed as the messenger owl approached, and the pair glided side by side. It held a thin scroll in its talons.

  “For me?” Meredith asked. She gingerly took the parchment, and the owl veered away.

  “Thank you!” She called after it.

  Meredith maneuvered to fly backward, her torso shielding the scroll from fluttering wildly and unwound it. It read:

  “Goodbye!

  -V”

  “I told you he’d contact you,” Cici meowed.

  Meredith smiled and placed the letter in her pocket.

  A familiar sense of calm and freedom washed over her as she turned and soared to her next adventure.

  The End

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