A Witch Like No Other Page 5
Miriam didn’t want to look, the smoke clearing. She stepped back in shock as she looked at the lake: the birds were gone. Every single swan and duck- gone. The black swan had disappeared as well-
Pandora shook Miriam frantically, saying “Look!”
Miriam dragged her eyes away from the lake to look at what Pandora was dangling in her face- she screamed. She couldn’t help it.
“She’s alive,” breathed Pandora. “She has to be!”
Miriam shook her head, staring at the heart shaped locket with her friend’s name on the front in swirly writing: Dreamer.
* * *
“Have some tea, ‘Dora, and calm down.”
“If she is alive she’s got some explaining to do,” said Marlon darkly, drumming his fingers on the kitchen table. “I’m not joking.”
Miriam said nothing, very shaken up. Ted gently but firmly told her to stay the night, in the guest room. Miriam accepted the offer without hesitating: she didn’t want to be alone.
Pandora had rushed home with Miriam hot on her heels, excitedly telling Ted and Marlon what happened at the park, and what happened with Dreamer’s picture- but she didn’t mention her golden box.
Ted said nothing, Marlon said a lot, Miriam couldn’t speak. Ted made everyone some tea with biscuits on the side, deep in thought.
Could Dreamer be alive?
* * *
“Ted?”
Ted looked up, then he smiled. “Hi Miriam. What’s the matter?”
Miriam hesitated, then she came and sat next to him on the sofa.
“I know you probably don’t think she could be alive, but-”
“I didn’t before,” confessed Ted. “Now I’m not so sure.”
“Well, this is going to sound crazy, but today before Pandora came, I…” Miriam stopped, then she took a deep breath. “I heard Dreamer’s voice.”
Whatever Ted was expecting, that wasn’t it.
“You… you heard Dreamer’s voice?” Miriam nodded, looking down at her lap. Ted hesitated, then he said “So did I.”
“You did?” she said hopefully, and he nodded. “So I’m not crazy.”
“Far from it. What did she say?”
“I was looking forward to Pandora visiting…”
“Shh!” whispered Marlon, glaring at his sister. “They’ll hear us!”
They were on the stairs, listening hard to their father and Miriam.
“And then she said ‘you really love my little girl, don’t you?’ And I said yes, thinking someone came in, but only her mother could have called Pandora her little girl, nobody else in their right mind except you-”
“You breath stinks, camel mouth!” hissed Pandora. “Go floss!”
“Shut up, hermit!”
“What did she say to you?” asked Miriam shyly, and Ted hesitated. Then he said “I was wondering what to do about Pandora, and she said- these were her exact words, mind.”
“I know, Ted.”
“Have a cup of coffee first, Teddy Bear. Then talk to her.”
Pandora’s heart pounded as Miriam said “Was she right?”
“Oh yes, we had a talk about college. But before that, Miriam, I… look, I was so shocked when I heard her voice I fell out of my chair- and not just that,” said Ted breathlessly. It sounded like he’d been dying to get it off his chest. “The kettle started boiling on it’s own accord.”
Marlon clapped a hand to Pandora’s mouth as she gasped, whispering “Shut up, ‘Dora! Do you want them to hear us?”
“She always used to make me a hot drink,” said Ted sadly. “Coffee in the mornings before I went to work, and tea when I got back home.”
“What about the locket?” asked Miriam. “Do you recognise it? Dreamer had it on after I came back from America- when I was eighteen.”
“It was her mother’s first,” Ted answered heavily. “Before, it said Agnes. When she handed it down to Dreamer, the name changed… and Dreamer was eighteen when she got it. I guess if Dreamer was alive she’d have given it to Pandora on her eighteenth birthday- and if she is alive then… it’s obvious she wanted Pandora to have it. Real obvious. She did say Pandora would get it when she’s old enough.”
“And Marlon?” asked Miriam, and Ted smiled.
“Dreamer had a ring. Pure gold- unisex. That would be Marlon’s gift.”
“What will you do if the ring appears for Marlon, Ted?”
“I… I don’t know, Miriam. I don’t know.”
* * *
Pandora bolted upstairs as the front door rang. Annoyed, Marlon called “It’s just James, ‘Dora! Jeez!”
“Ready for game, Marlon?” said James happily, holding a football under his arm. “You know we cant afford to mess up this time.”
“Ready as ever,” Marlon said determinedly, fastening his shin pads. “Dad, I wont be back till seven this evening.”
“Ok,” said Ted from the kitchen, not really paying attention. He was deep in conversation with Miriam about Pandora.
Marlon and James came into the kitchen, wanting to hear too.
“Does she always run like that when the doorbell rings?”
“Always,” said Marlon bitterly. “If only she’d come out with me, I’d-”
“Go and ask,” said Miriam. “Do you think she’d say yes?”
Everyone shrugged, Marlon saying “I’ll try get her to come.”
“I don’t think football’s her thing,” started James, and Marlon answered “Tell the coach something important came up.”
“But- all right. Can I come too?”
“No, idiot. It’s a brother sister thing.”
* * *
“No, camel mouth.”
“Come on ‘Dora!” whined Marlon. “Please!”
“No. I’m not coming out with you and your stupid boyfriend. ”
“James left ten minutes ago- and he’s not my boyfriend, Pandora!”
“Well you seem real close for just friends,” Pandora said from inside her bedroom. “I’d bet all my money he’s gay.”
“Well he’s not, he’s got a girlfriend.”
Pandora paused at that. “He- he’s got a girlfriend?”
“Yep.”
“Why does he want to help me?”
“He sees you like a sister, silly. He’s always telling me to help you.”
Pandora looked at her mobile, then she said “All right.”
Marlon’s heart sped up. “All right what? You’ll come?”
“Yes.”
“Dad! Dad, she said all right!” said Marlon happily, beaming at Ted, who was at the foot of the stairs. “She’s coming!”
“So hyped,” muttered Pandora as she grabbed her jacket. “Jeez.”
* * *
“This is where we saw the black swan,” Pandora told her brother as she pointed at the lake. “It just appeared.”
“D’you really think Mum might be alive, Pandora?”
Marlon was the eldest. He’d always thought he had to set an example, be mature even though he wasn’t. And missing Dreamer as much as he did, he couldn’t help asking his little sister what she thought.
“I… I don’t know. Miriam said it’s just wishful thinking, but I don’t think she meant it. She’s as scared as Dad is.”
“And you?” probed Marlon impatiently: that wasn’t a good enough answer. “Are you scared?”
“No,” Pandora said. “She’s our Mum, remember? Why should I be?”
“That’s what I think too,” Marlon said, smiling. It felt so good to be out and about with his sister again. “Dad and Miriam can hear her.”
“I know. It’s not fair.”
Marlon nodded as some girls walked past, smiling at him. Pandora rolled her eyes as he smiled back, and they giggled. Taking her brother’s hand, she glared and said “He’s taken already.”
“What the- Pandora!” said Marlon, stunned as they all walked off with their noses in the air. “What did you do that for??”
“We’re meant to be spen
ding quality time together, remember?”
“Slipped my mind,” grumbled Marlon as the sun revealed itself at last.
Something sparkled on the grass, catching his eye.
“What’s that?”
“What’s what?” said Pandora curiously, but he didn’t answer as he left her side, staring down at the grass. Pandora looked at her mobile, at the only four names in her contact list. Ted, Marlon, Miriam, and James.
Pandora decided to text their father, knowing he’d be anxious.
* * *
“I hope she’s having a good time,” Ted said to Miriam worriedly. “Pandora and Marlon aren’t compatible for more than an hour.”
“Yes they are,” said Miriam thoughtfully. “Marlon loves his sister very much. Pandora loves him too, she just enjoys being defiant.”
Ted looked at Miriam, expression blank. “You know her well.”
“She does open up to me,” said Miriam, a little smugly. “After all, I am her mentor- and godmother. She does love her brother, Ted.”
Before Ted could answer his mobile went off. Without taking his eyes off Miriam, he reached down and picked it up off the table. Miriam had no choice but to stare back until he lowered his gaze.
“It’s Pandora.”
“Is she all right? Where is she? Are they-”
Ted’s broad smile stopped her sort as he said “Look at it.”
Miriam took the phone to read the text.
Having a good time, Dad. I never thought
it would be this fun hanging out with Marlon
but it is. I just told some girls to get lost in the
park, and he’s riled for that, ha ha.
Pandora.
“Ted, that’s lovely.”
“It is, isn’t it?” he said happily. “She’s really coming along.”
“Shall we go and meet them with some sandwiches?”
Ted smiled at her. “Sure.”
* * *
Ted and Miriam both opened their mouths to call them, Miriam holding the basket of food and drinks. Then Miriam pulled Ted into the trees as soon as she saw Marlon’s frightened face.
“‘Dora! Pandora, come here!”
Pandora turned, expression deadpan. “What for?”
“You’ve got to see this,” said Marlon as he bent and picked something shiny off the grass. “It’s the… it’s-”
Pandora rolled her eyes and walked over to her brother. “What?”
“The ring,” breathed Marlon. “Mum’s ring, look!”
Pandora stared down at the ring in his hands, amazed.
“No way.”
“Yes way! What should I do with it?”
Pandora smiled, saying “I don’t know, Marlon. Why not chuck it in the lake and forget all about it? We wont mention this ever again, all right?”
“I cant just-”
Then he realised she was being sarcastic, the way she was glaring at him.
“We’ll tell Dad first, ok idiot? But whatever you do, don’t let him take it off you. Mum wants you to have it, obviously. Try it on?”
Marlon hesitated, then slipped on the ring. Pandora’s green eyes widened as it began to glow on his finger, Marlon staring down at it.
“It’s a magic ring,” he said amazedly. Without warning, he whirled round and pointed at the lake. The great circle of water rippled at once, the birds startled as they were buffeted around.
“Nice,” said Pandora, impressed. “You’re a wizard.”
Marlon shook his head. “It’s the ring, not me.”
“Oh yeah? Take it off and do it again.”
Marlon pulled the ring off and gave it to Pandora before flicking his hand at the lake. This time the water rose slightly, waves crashing against the bank. Marlon stumbled backward as the ducks and swans screeched fearfully, Pandora clapping for her brother.
“And you act like magic doesn’t exist!”
“Shut up ‘Dora,” he muttered. “I thought it was the ring.”
“It only glowed because it acknowledged your power, Marlon.”
“You know a lot!” he said, then he paused. “What about you?”
“Me?” she said tonelessly. “What about me?”
“Don’t play innocent. I know you’ve been doing magic in your bedroom,” said Marlon, smirking at her. “I saw the box glowing.”
“So?”
“So I want to see you do something. Come on ‘Dora, I know you can.”
Pandora hesitated. “Will you tell Dad?”
“And get in trouble? Hell no.”
“Promise?”
“I promise, Pandora. Now show me the magic!”
Pandora pulled her wand out of her inside pocket, pointed it at a swan as she thought of that Disney film Bambi and said “Alterio!”
BANG!!
Marlon yelped, staring at the doe. “Whoa!”
Pandora smiled, waving her wand. Smoke swirled around the doe, soon clouding it from view. The wind blew seconds later, clearing the smoke. Marlon gasped as the swan stared at them haughtily before splashing back into the lake and swimming away.
“Marlon! Pandora!”
They whirled round, staring at their father’s angry face.
* * *
“Give me the wand, Pandora.” Ted held out his hand. “Now.”
“No.”
“Now!”
“No!”
“Give me the wand!”
“Don’t shout at her!” said Marlon angrily, pulling his sister away from Ted. “Don’t give it to him, Pandora. He’s jealous.”
“Jealous!” spluttered Ted. “You think I’m jealous of you two?”
“Yes!” said Marlon angrily. “What’s wrong with being-”
“Nothing,” said Miriam desperately, thinking of Dreamer. “Nothing!”
“Don’t encourage them, Miriam!” said Ted angrily, glaring at her.
“I’m not, Ted.” Miriam did her best to stay calm, using her mentor technique. “Dreamer was my friend at school and college; I’ve seen worse than what Marlon and Pandora was doing.”
“You’re not helping,” he said furiously. “Give Dreamer’s wand, ‘Dora!”
“It’s mine now, Dad!” Pandora pocketed the wand, backing away. “Mine, ok? You’re not taking it away from me!”
“Pandora-”
“Stay back- stay back or I’ll hex you!”
“Ditto,” said Marlon, joining his sister’s side. “Stay right back, Dad.”
Ted stared at them, then he turned to Miriam.
“I’ve lost my kids in the blink of an eye.”
“No you haven’t-”
“Do you know why I cant stand magic? Do you?”
“No I don’t-”
“Because their grandfather killed my parents!” spat Ted, Miriam recalling what Dreamer told her.
“It was an accident, Miriam! They jumped in front of the spy to save him- Ted nearly jumped as well but Mama dragged him back-”
“And if they think I’m going to let them follow his footsteps, they’ve got another thing coming!”
“It was an accident, Ted!”
“Accident my back foot! He never liked my parents because they didn’t have an ounce of magic in them-” Ted took a deep breath, then he said “Then he just disappeared!”
Miriam tried to calm him. “Dreamer told me what happened already-”
“No justice!” said Ted angrily, stamping his foot. “When the police and ambulance got there they said it was a double stroke-”
“Ted-”
“And now they want to be just like Paul!”
Pandora recoiled, then she turned and sprinted away.
“Pandora!” shouted Marlon, but she didn’t look back. “See what you’ve done?” he yelled at Ted, before he ran after his sister. “Pandora!”
Pandora sped up, turning a corner out of sight.
Marlon skidded on one leg, swearing violently. Passers by stared at him, alarmed as they quickened their pace. Marlon didn’t
care if he looked mad, he was furious as he stormed back over to his father.
“Now what?!”
* * *
Stuffing a pen and notepad into her rucksack with her golden box and spell book, Pandora added some clothes and her teddy.
Wiping tears of anger off her face, she looked at Dreamer’s picture.
“Is that what he thought of magic- even when you met him?”
This time the picture didn’t do a thing.
“It’s not bad,” said Pandora angrily. “It’s wonderful. You’re wonderful.”
Suddenly Dreamer’s voice rolled around her bedroom.
Where are you going, Pandora, when you fear people?
“I’m leaving!”
For how long?
“Two days!” she said furiously, noticing a frown on Dreamer’s face in her picture. “Don’t try and stop me either, Mum!”
Where will you stay, darling?