I pinch a bit of chili powder from my apron and blow it toward the fireplace. “Illumination,” I whisper. The red dust settles within the hearth and bursts into crackling flames.
“So cool,” Luna says, taking in all the new sources of illumination.
“Okay, let’s get this party started,” Grandma prompts.
The dining table is filled with drinks and eatables. Everyone drops their gifts on the sideboard… everyone except me. I want to personally hand deliver my gift and since it is small, I slip the box in one of my apron’s side pockets. Then fill my plate with yummies and settle into the front room near the fire. As does everyone else. We eat, tell stories, and giggle a lot. Bastian joins the group and hangs at the outer edge, keeping a close eye on the food as it moves from plates to mouths.
An unopened letter addressed to Miri sits on the coffee table. I recognize the writing as Phillip’s. I wonder if it is the letter he’d told me about. His gift to Miri. His share of memories, emotions, and promises.
“What are Phillip and the guys doing tonight?” I ask, shifting my attention from the letter to my sister.
Miri’s fingers drift to her neck and rub against her necklace. A Valentine’s Day gift from Phillip. Two, tiny intertwined gold hearts. “No idea, but I suspect, absolutely no good. Several of the guys from the fire house hinted at a few wild adventures.”
“Like a last big hurrah?” I ask. “At least they have Michael with them.”
“I haven’t yet decided if that is a good or a bad thing.” Her smile betrays her true feelings on the matter. She’s glad for his presence.
The house lights blink to full illumination and everyone cheers.
“And just like that, balance is restored,” Jeanna chimes.
“I wouldn’t go quite that far as to call the lights coming back on a restoration of balance.” James frowns.
Luna glances from person to person within our circle, her gaze landing on Miri. “Do you have any other friends coming?”
“Nah,” Miri says. “I prefer not to take chances, subjecting my few non-magickal friends to a house full of witches. Too many things could develop that I’d have a difficult time explaining.”
“Oh.” Luna turns to me, whispers, “But doesn’t she want her friends here?”
“Apparently not,” I say.
Outside, the wind howls, and Luna shivers. Grants me a nervous smile. I reach over and squeeze her hand.
“Now that we have proper lighting… and electricity… it’s time to start the fun.” Miri points to the collection of manicure essentials. Bottles of nail polish, nail files, remover and cotton balls. She jumps up and moves to the television, pops in a VHS, and starts the movie Ghost.
“An uplifting movie choice to celebrate your upcoming nuptials,” I say with a tinge of sarcasm.
“It’s about love transcending death,” she says. “How is that a bad thing?”
“She’s not wrong,” James says of my sister and snags a black nail polish from the table.
“Let’s keep everything positive here,” Mom interjects and sets a tray of champagne flutes filled with sparkling cider on the table.
I collect two glasses and hand one to Luna. “To new and, hopefully, long-lasting relationships.” I tap my glass against hers.
“I’ll drink to that,” she says and takes a sip.
As a group, we toast to a long and loving marriage for Miri and Phillip, then get busy painting our nails and socializing over the movie. Luna paints my nails blue, and I paint hers purple. Add tiny heart appliques. Miri’s nails are painted a pearlescent white. Jeanna adds tiny rhinestones in the shape of a flower on Miri’s wedding ring finger. Mom and Grandma both paint their nails silver, to complement their mother and grandmother-of-the-bride attire to be worn on Saturday.
When everyone’s nails have been painted and conversations have dwindled, we watch the conclusion of the movie in profound silence. Witness intense emotion shine through the veil of life, and work to protect loved ones from the beyond.
The phone rings.
Everyone jumps. Mom grabs the receiver and answers the call. “Luna, it’s for you.” She holds the phone out. “It’s your mother.”
Luna rises from her seat, and Miri pauses the movie. “You don’t need to do that. You should all keep watching,” Luna says and crosses the room, accepts the phone from my mom. “Mom?” she says into the receiver. “Is everything alright?” Luna’s expression changes and my skin prickles.
Bastian stands on his hind legs and stares past the group toward something unseen. Miri’s gaze shifts to the front window. “Something isn’t right,” she murmurs, stands and crosses the room.
“What was it I said about bad omens?” James whispers. Jeanna slaps her arm across his chest, stopping him short.
“What is it, Miri?” I jump to her side, glance back at Luna.
Luna’s mouth drops open, and her hold on the phone drifts away from her ear. Her gaze darts to the window Miri approaches.
“I have a seriously bad vibe racing through my blood,” James says.
Grandma pushes to a stand, and Mom steps beside her, as if their closeness adds strength and confidence to the situation.
Miri yanks back the curtains.
Standing in front of the house, in the pouring rain, is Luna’s mom with Chuks the bokor. White skull paint holds to his face, running only slightly, and he holds a dark brick to his ear. A cell phone. Several of his henchmen stand a few feet at his back.
I dash to Luna’s side and snatch the phone from her grasp.
“Belle. So pleased you decided to join the conversation. I received your note,” he says. “No one. Absolutely no one. Tells me what to do. You do not try to deal with me. I set the ground rules. Understand? This whole situation and your attempt to manipulate your desired end... I have to say, I’m not happy with you. Not at all, little witch,” he says. “And Mrs. Flores here is going to demonstrate just how irritated I am.” Luna’s mom raises a large knife to her neck.
“No,” Luna and I yell
