A Witch Like No Other Read online

  * * *

  “Damon?”

  “Yeah?”

  “You sleeping?”

  “No.”

  “Me either.”

  “I figured.”

  “Do you think she’ll come back?”

  “Yes.”

  “When?”

  “I don’t know,” sighed Damon, rolling over. “I don’t know, ok George?”

  It was pitch black in the cell. George was silent for a minute. Then he said “Does she always affect people like this?”

  “Yep. She’s in your head for life, mate.”

  “Oh. Ok.”

  * * *

  “Dreamer?”

  “Yes Ted?”

  “I’ve been thinking. It’ll be great for us to get away sometime.”

  “I’m not sure about that,” Dreamer said slowly. “I’ll be going soon, Ted.”

  “Going where?”

  “Away for a while. Don’t worry, I’ll come back.”

  Damon Stile’s boyish face slowly materialised in front of Dreamer’s eyes. Little did she know he was the first thing Ted thought of.

  “Damon.”

  “What did you say?” said Dreamer, startled as she turned to look at him. It was dark in the bedroom, so she turned on the bedside lamp to get a good look at him. Ted stared at her, face revealing nothing.

  “Damon, Dreamer. You heard what I said.”

  Dreamer felt like a deer caught in the headlights.

  “What about him?”

  “Are you still attracted to him?”

  “Ted-”

  “Just answer the question.”

  The way he handled her just made Dreamer love him all the more.

  “No.”

  It wasn’t exactly a lie. And it wasn’t exactly the truth, Dreamer thought as Ted surveyed her in silence. He knew it wasn’t the truth.

  “We didn’t exactly talk about you cheating on me, Dreamer.”

  “I don’t want to discuss it, Ted.”

  “Are you leaving for a bit to see Damon?”

  “No. I’m leaving to check on Mama.”

  “You’ve just come from her, though.”

  “Well… I miss her so I’m going to see her for a few days.”

  “Why don’t you take Pandora with you then,” Ted said lightly, annoying her. “She hasn’t seen Agnes for three years.”

  “I’d rather take Pandora with Marlon,” Dreamer countered. “Yes?”

  “Fine. I know it’s Damon you want- I can tell.”

  “It might be Damon I’m thinking of,” Dreamer answered, “But trust me when I say all I want is you.”

  Ted relaxed at that. It must be revenge for Pandora.

  Dreamer quickly turned off the lamp so he couldn’t see her smirk. Laying down, she said “Goodnight Ted.”

  “Night.”

  * * *

  “I’m sorry for yesterday,” Pandora said, looking at her knees. She looked like she was a six year old being severely told off. Miriam sat across from her, wondering if she meant it.

  “Let’s forget about it, love. How was dinner with Alice?”

  “Nice,” said Pandora truthfully. “I liked having her over.”

  “Pretty soon she’ll have you over, and so on and so forth.”

  “Mmm.”

  Pandora’s mind was elsewhere. Miriam saw that.

  “What are you thinking of, Pandora?”

  “College.”

  “You definitely want to go to Forest Academy?”

  “Yes. Can we look at the courses?”

  “Of course.”

  * * *

  “Hi Pandora,” said Alice happily, leaving her father’s office. Pandora struggled not to smile back as she said hi.

  “What are we doing again?” she said, though she knew already.

  “Walk in the park,” Alice said brightly. “I’ve got Barclays with me.”

  “Atchoo! Atchoo! Alice, is Pandora out yet?”

  “Yes Daddy!”

  “Then get this- atchoo!- rodent out of my office!”

  “Barclays isn’t a rodent,” said Pandora, when Alice looked hurt.

  “I’m allergic,” sniffed Tony, rubbing his neck. “Hello Pandora.”

  “Hi Tony.”

  “How is er… your mother?”

  Alice scowled at him but said nothing, simply going into her father’s office to retrieve her precious rabbit.

  “She’s fine,” said Pandora tonelessly. “Why?”

  “I was just inquiring because she’s the reason you’ve been coming here…” Tony trailed off as Miriam looked at him, amused. She knew what he was thinking. “And I’ve decided we need to talk.”

  “Talk to my father,” Pandora answered. “Ready, Alice?”

  “Yep! Bye Miss Hughes,” said Alice, walking through the door with Pandora. Then she ran back to smile at her father. “Shame, Daddy.”

  * * *

  Shadow the rabbit stared at Barclays haughtily, not leaving Pandora’s side. Barclays squeaked merrily, running around in circles.

  “I guess they represent us,” Pandora said. “You’re happy and full of life, while I’m withdrawn and don’t trust easily. What do you think?”

  “Very true,” said Alice, amazed as she looked from Shadow to Barclays and back. “We’re the rabbits. I mean… you know.”

  “Sure,” said Pandora, picking up Shadow. “And when I start trusting you a little, I’m more open and I communicate more.”

  She placed Shadow in front of Barclays as she spoke. Barclays stopped his play and tottered over, Shadow backing into Pandora’s arms.

  “Well obviously he’s not ready for friendship,” said Pandora, amused. “But he could do with the fresh air, right Shadow?”

  Shadow snuggled into her happily, Pandora pleased.

  “I’m glad I’ve got Shadow. He’s something I can care for, and love.”

  “That’s real sweet,” Alice said. “Ditto Barclays.”

  “Shadow probably would’ve been my only friend, if I didn’t meet you.”

  “You’re in a real strange mood, aren’t you?” said Alice jokingly, and Pandora smiled at her as she nodded.

  “I’m glad we met. I might have been a loner for life.”

  Alice beamed at her.

  * * *

  Dreamer hugged and kissed Denise, downstairs in her restaurant.

  “How’s Ted?” Denise asked, chewing gum. “Still the same?”

  “Fine, Denise. Just fine.”

  “Uh oh. Come come come,” said Denise eagerly, ushering Dreamer through the restaurant and into a private parlour. “Sit sit sit!”

  Dreamer sat, looking around. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

  “The restaurant?” said Denise, uninterested. “Sure, sure. Now talk!”

  “I love Ted,” Dreamer said carefully. “But I’ve been thinking about-”

  She broke off, staring through the wall at a tall man dressed in a suit. He smiled at the waitress as she walked over, showing perfect teeth.

  “A table for one again, sir?”

  “Yes please. I’ll have the usual- you already know what that is.”

  “Yes I do sir.”

  “Who’s that?” demanded Dreamer, Denise turning and looking at the wall behind her.

  “It’s Mr Concrete, darling. You noticed we had the parlours done over?”

  “No- that man in the suit. Who is he?”

  “Probably Antonio. He’s always in a suit.”

  “Antonio?” Dreamer repeated. “Is he a regular?”

  “He’s in everyday around this time,” Denise said uninterestedly. “And don’t even bother with him: all he cares about is making money.”

  “Really.”

  “Yes. So what’s going on with you and Ted?”

  “Who? Oh, Ted. I love him,” said Dreamer slowly, “But…”

  “You’re not in love with him,” Denise finished, Dreamer’s nodding.

  “Exactly. I don’t love him like I
did before I died.” She sighed, asking “What am I going to do, Denise? It’s going to tear the family apart!”

  “Call your mother,” Denise said soothingly. “She’ll know what to do.”

  “What do you think I should do?” asked Dreamer, looking at her.

  “Well… Ted’s still the most gorgeous guy I’ve ever seen,” Denise said, smiling at her friend. “Maybe you should talk with him about this.”

  “Just tell him I don’t love him as a lover but more like a brother?” asked Dreamer, amused. “Just like that?”

  “No, silly. Actually, yes. I mean no. I don’t know!” said Denise, as Dreamer laughed at her. “Don’t laugh, this is about your future.”

  Dreamer shut up.

  “Good,” smirked Denise. “I don’t think Ted will take it too hard.”

  “Why not?” demanded Dreamer, stung. Everybody takes Dreamer hard.

  “Because he’s got on fine without you for three years,” explained Denise. “And it’s only been three days. The longer you leave it, the more it’s going to hurt. I say you just sort this now. Tonight.”

  “Tonight?” Dreamer repeated, then she shook her head. “My children.”

  “Wow,” said Denise, loving it all. “This keeps getting better!”

  “Excuse me Miss Jessica, Mr Antonio is asking to see you,” a waitress said meekly, popping her head round the door. “What to do?”

  “Tell him I’m unavailable,” Denise said, waving her away. “Go on.”

  “Yes Miss Jessica.”

  “Being the manageress rocks,” said Denise happily. “They love me.”

  “They tolerate you because they want to get paid,” Dreamer countered, and Denise pouted at her.

  “You tell it like it is.”

  * * *

  Marlon sank down on the sofa, bones aching. He was exhausted. He’d just finished playing ball with James in the fields, after an entire morning of training, a match at noon and then more training afterwards, in the early evening. After losing their first game, it made Marlon and James even more determined to win. He and James stayed in the park after training, challenging each other one on one at football. Now it was eight p.m., and they were starving.

  “Let’s order pizza or something!” called Marlon, and James said ok.

  Marlon picked up the house phone, then he put it down and picked up his mobile. Pandora hadn’t left his head today: he needed to hear his sister.

  “Hello?”

  “Hi Pandora,” he said, feeling warm. “Did you have a good day?”

  Pandora was amused. “You miss me, big brother.”

  “Yeah I do. How was your day?”

  “You lost the game, didn’t you?”

  “I… yeah,” said Marlon, scowling. “Yeah, we lost.”

  “Well there’s still more games, so cheer up.”

  Marlon was surprised. “We lost our first game, that’s not good.”

  “Yeah, but if you lose again and win the other three you’d still get the cup. Use your brain, camel mouth!”

  “Who are you, and what have you done to my sister?”

  Pandora laughed at him. “In answer to your questions, I had a really nice day. Meaning I’m in a really nice mood.”

  “I see,” he said, thinking hard. “Did you meet a guy or something?”

  “I spent the day with Alice,” Pandora said, “And I’ve decided to be her friend because… she’s quite fun. I like her.”

  “Oh my,” said Marlon, highly amused as James walked in holding a can of Sprite for him. “Pandora actually wants to socialise? It’s a new day!”

  “Pandora?” said James before he could stop himself, and Marlon nodded.

  “She’s finally making friends again, J. This is brilliant.”

  James smiled and nodded, glad Marlon didn’t find anything strange about his expression or tone of voice when he said her name.

  “What are you doing, camel mouth?” asked Pandora, stomach fluttering a little. “Getting wasted?”

  “No I’m not, actually.”

  “Well you’re about to. On junk food or something.”

  “So what?” he said, more amused than annoyed. “It’s not a crime.”

  “Mum’s back,” said Pandora, voice full of love. “I’m going.”

  “Don’t you dare hang up, ‘Dora! I want to speak to her!”

  “Speak to her when you get back,” Pandora answered, amused. “Bye.”

  Cursing as the line went dead, Marlon dialled the house phone instead.

  “She’s so annoying! You’re so lucky you’re the only child, James!”

  James didn’t answer, pretending to be immersed in a pizza leaflet.

  “Hello, good evening.”

  “Hey Dad,” said Marlon, deciding against asking for Dreamer straight away. “Guess what happened- we lost.”

  “Ah well,” said Ted, not disappointed. “You had fun, that’s what counts.”

  Marlon smiled. He loved his old man.

  “Exactly. What did you do today, then?”

  “Lazed around.”

  “You?” snorted Marlon. “Ted Stone? The workaholic?”

  Ted laughed, saying “Since Dreamer came back things haven’t quite been how they used to be, Marlon. Pandora didn’t bother looking out the window for passers by before she left the house. I haven’t thought about work either- I feel like I’m flying. And Pandora smiles a lot more too.”

  “And I’m real happy,” Marlon added, smiling. “This is great.”

  “It sure is. But… have you noticed anything different about Dreamer?”

  “She’s the same with me and ‘Dora,” said Marlon carefully, “But it’s like she’s got a problem being alone with you now, Dad. She leaves the minute it’s just you two in the room- don’t lie,” he said, when Ted started to talk. “You two need to sort everything out properly.”

  “Maybe you’re right. Son, just between me and you-”

  Marlon stood straighter, listening.

  “I think your mother doesn’t love me anymore.”

  “Aw, Dad.” Marlon felt real sorry for him. “She does, I promise.”

  “Not in the same way.”

  “How can you tell, Dad? Get lost,” he added sharply to James, who was trying to listen. James glared at him and picked up the house phone to order their pizza.

  “I just can. She basically admitted it when she said something died in her the night she was killed.” Ted drew a deep, ragged breath. The hurt he felt was beginning to show, and it frightened Marlon.

  “Dad, don’t you dare get depressed over this. If she doesn’t love you then… get over it. That’s the best thing. Oh!” A horrible thought struck him as he stood there. “She isn’t seeing someone else?”

  “She wants Damon Stile,” Ted said, angering Marlon.

  “What?”

  “I think she’s seen him already.”

  “Dad-”

  “After she got back- maybe the day after or-”

  “Shut up, Dad! Shut the hell up! She cant want that psycho- not after everything he did to her and Pandora! You’re talking crazy!”

  “I’m being serious, Marlon. She’s got her eye on someone else.”

  “You don’t know that.”

  “How long have I known Dreamer for?” asked Ted wearily. “I know.”

  * * *

  Miriam cursed violently, hating herself for longing to see Dreamer Black. She thought those days and feelings were long gone- but they were back with a vengeance. It had taken all of her strength and willpower to get over Dreamer’s dismissal of their friendship, over her death, over their friendship. It had taken all of her friends and family and a psychiatrist to help her forget the past; the mornings she’d meet Dreamer everyday to go to school, forget the messing around in class, and the weekends they’d spend together having fun- forget how much she loved Dreamer. And now… Miriam threw a cushion across the room in anger. Everything she’d worked so hard for was slowly slipping away. The indep
endence, the ability to get on without her friend. Miriam slowly picked up the house phone, then she slammed it down. She was not calling her.

  Agnes.

  Agnes would help her. As soon as Miriam reached for her diary it vanished. Miriam shrieked, then she heard Dreamer’s laugh.

  “Scared you, didn’t I?”

  Miriam turned to look at her best friend, heart racing. “Dreamer!”

  “Hello my friend,” said Dreamer amusedly, and Miriam smiled.

  “What are you doing here? Nobody comes to my house.”

  “I’m not nobody,” Dreamer replied smoothly. “Or am I?”

  “No,” said Miriam quickly. “No you’re not.”

  Dreamer looked around the living room interestedly.

  “A bungalow. I always thought you’d go for a mansion, Miriam.”

  “That’s more your style,” Miriam said, suddenly embarrassed of her home. “Um… would you like a drink? Can I get you anything?”

  “I’m fine,” Dreamer replied, picking up a photo and looking at it closely. Miriam hovered about, watching her breathlessly.

  Dreamer flashed her a smile, saying “I mean a lot to you.”

  It wasn’t a question, it was a statement.

  “Yes,” Miriam said before she could stop herself. “Yes you do.”

  “I take back what I said: I’m pretty thirsty.”

  Miriam rushed into the kitchen, gushing “Hot drink or cold?”