Spell Checked

by C. G. Powell

  "Is that why I was adopted?" It was a prospect that left Mae a bit unnerved.

  "Mae, in your case it was just chance that you were adopted. As of now the Council knows nothing of you, excluding myself. You are unlike any witch I have known," Meredith confessed. "There are a few traits we witches have. We are at one with nature and tend to protect it. We like peace and harmony in all things, at least most of us do. I can't speak for Aidan on that; he marches to the beat of his own drum." She turned and looked at him, waiting for him to make a snide remark in response.

  "Mere, we can't all be perfect, what's the fun in that? You know peace has never been in my nature," he reminded her.

  "Almost two thousand years later and Loki is still rearing his ugly head," Meredith said as if to insult Aidan.

  Thinking back to the time when he had been the Norse god of mischief. "Once a trickster, always a trickster," Aidan laughed.

  "Since you enjoy strife so much, you can tell Mae and Gemma about the infamous Vampire-Witch Wars," Meredith smiled, as she sat down.

  Aidan didn’t even bother to stand as he explained their violent past. "The vampires knew that if they did not keep the witch population in check, their kind would cease to exist. Over the millennia, they have done many things to ensure their own survival. As the gods of Egypt, Greece, Rome, India, and Syria, they commanded the people to conquer other civilizations. Sometimes they would send plagues, but eventually they used religion. The Crusades and the Spanish Inquisition existed purely to cull the witch population. Their last attempt was in Salem during the settling of the new world. Vampires wanted to create a witch free country. That plan failed especially after they realized that the indigenous population was more Nauss than the people that came over from Europe. After that, I think they just gave up. Does that sound right, Beck?" Aidan looked for Beck’s approval.

  "Yes, I would say that is it in a nut shell. Although giving up is not exactly what happened. We have just been preoccupied these last few hundred years," Beck corrected Aidan.

  "Preoccupied with what?" Mae asked.

  "Technology. Vampires are the inventors of technology and science. Da Vinci, Franklin, Einstein and Tesla were all vampires."

  "Steven Hawking?” Mae added.

  Beck laughed, "No, Hawking is just a genius. We cannot take credit for his work."

  "I think we could all use a break about now. It's a lot to absorb in one day, wouldn’t you agree Mae?" Meredith asked.

  Everyone meandered into the kitchen for lunch. Aidan and Gemma were chatting about sleeping arrangements for the upcoming night and Beck was pulling food out of the fridge to make sandwiches. "How are you feeling? Are the muscle relaxants working for you?" Meredith inquired.

  "I didn't need the muscle relaxants. I feel great," Mae answered as she stood next to Beck and began making herself a sandwich.

  Meredith was amazed at how fast Mae healed. Even Aidan was complaining earlier about still being in pain from Mae's backlash. "I’m glad to hear you recovered. After lunch, I need to go over some rules and courtesies regarding your telepathic abilities. Plus, I still have to go home and pack for tomorrows move to Lough Currane.”

  “Why are we moving to Lough Currane?” Mae asked.

  “Beck has a house there and felt we needed more space. In addition, it is secluded and surrounded by nature, which is exactly what Aidan and I need to train you,” Meredith stated as she pulled down some glasses from the cupboard for them to use.

  “Will we get the chance to see some of the sights along the way?” Mae asked, before taking a bite out of her sandwich and joining everyone else at the kitchen table.

  “Beck mentioned taking the coastal route there; that way you get a chance to see some of the beauty of Ireland. If I were you, I would make him stop in Waterford and check out the crystal factory. I think you and Gemma would enjoy that,” Meredith suggested, pouring everyone a glass of iced tea.

  Mae’s mind was running a thousand miles per hour as she mulled over everything. She began to wonder exactly what Beck did for a living. It was obvious that he had money, at least enough for a Georgian townhouse in Dublin, a house in the country, (most likely a vacation home), and a Bentley with a driver. It seemed a bit exorbitant for someone who worked in the space technology field. Other than that, lunch was unremarkable.

  ~~~***~~~

  Gemma was in her room sorting through her things and repacking when Mae walked in. “You got a minute?” she asked in a somewhat concerned tone.

  “Mae, I always have time for you. What’s on your mind?” Gemma sat on the bed and patted the seat next to her, gesturing for Mae to sit.

  Mae sat down and sighed, “How can you be so calm and accepting of all of this? You didn’t even blink at the mention of Beck being a ten thousand year old vampire! So needless to say, I’m a bit concerned!”

  “I wasn’t kidding when I said Aidan told me everything and I do mean everything. We were up for hours last night,” Gemma sighed, thinking back to last night’s wild tryst.

  “Yeah…about that, did Aidan tell you that Beck put a spell on you?” Mae started to play with her hair out of nervousness.

  “He told me about Beck’s bewitchment, but it was the love spell you put on Aidan that surprised me,” Gemma said with a grin.

  Mae stopped fidgeting and rolled her eyes. “I’m sorry about that. God, I hope you are not mad at me, Meredith thought it would help you get over Beck’s spell quicker if you had an overly willing partner. I think she just has it in for Aidan,” Mae laughed.

  “I should thank you. Last night was amazing and somewhat disappointing at the same time. No matter what Aidan did, it was not satisfying, at least not until Beck’s spell started to wear off and by that time, I think we were both too exhausted to enjoy it,” Gemma laughed. “One day I would like to know what it is really like to be bitten, because if that was just an unsatisfying sample…The real thing must be incredible!” Gemma exclaimed, excitement lacing her voice.

  “Last night was a bit crazy wasn’t it?” Mae sighed. “Well, I’m glad you’re not completely pissed at me.” Gemma hugged her then went back to repacking. “I need to get back downstairs. Meredith has another lesson for me,” she said reluctantly before leaving.

  Meredith was waiting for Mae in the living room. She sat in an upholstered chair by the fireplace and Mae took the adjacent chair.

  Meredith smiled, “I know it seems like a lot is being thrown at you right now, nevertheless this lesson can’t wait. Witches and vampires are telepathic, so we have certain courtesies and rules that we follow. You may not realize it, but you are broadcasting your thoughts and emotions to everyone in this house except Gemma. We have been doing our best to block you out, but sometimes your emotions scream out like a siren."

  "Oh my God, I am so sorry. I had no idea," Mae’s face turned red with embarrassment.

  "There is nothing to be embarrassed about Mae. We understand you were not raised as we were. Otherwise, you would have known from childhood the proper protocol," Meredith explained.

  Mae wondered how much of her thoughts were heard. “Crap! I hope Aidan and Beck did not know I was attracted to both of them,” she thought. At this point it didn’t matter, the damage was already done.

  "I think Beck can explain this to you better than I can. Let me get him," said Meredith before she walked into the kitchen to talk to Beck.

  Beck had been in the kitchen on his laptop. He stopped what he was doing and met Mae by the fireplace. "Looks like I am in charge of this lesson," he smiled.

  Mae’s eyes glazed over as she became mesmerized by Beck’s dazzling smile. "Are vampires able to talk to witches telepathically?" she inquired, clinging to some vestige of reality.

  "Yes, telepathy seems like the only thing we have in common. How much do you know about computers?" he asked, getting comfortable in his chair.

  "Computers are my life! In fact I feel lost not having mine on this trip. I set up networks and program routers for a living, s
o I should be able to understand whatever you throw at me," she proudly answered.

  "Good...then this lesson should be easy. When you broadcast your thoughts and emotions, it is similar to a public wireless router set to beacon. What you need to do is turn the beacon off mentally. Just think of how you would set up a wireless router. Now give it a try."

  Mae imagined the steps she used to program a router. She never thought of her mind as a network, but it made complete sense. From Gemma's room they could hear Aidan yell, "Thank God, silence at last."

  "Aidan, don't be such an ass!" Meredith yelled back from the kitchen.

  Mae smiled at Beck, "I guess that worked," relieved to have some privacy once again.

  "Well done Mae. Next, we are going to speak to each other mentally without turning on your beacon, that way we can keep our conversation private. This time I want you to imagine a firewall. You can let in what you want and keep out the rest. When someone wants to talk, you will feel a small nudge or tap in your mind. Just like a computer’s IP address in a network. The way each person taps feels different. You can either except their request or block it. I am going to try to talk to you telepathically. After I tap, open a hole in the wall for my thoughts to pass through." Beck reached out to Mae’s mind.

  Within seconds, she could feel a sort of tingly tap in her mind and imagined a hole in the wall she had built to block her thoughts.

  Mae. She could hear Beck. All you have to do is talk back to me in thought.

  Is it really as simple as this, Beck? she replied.

  Only to those of us who have the power to do it.

  Mae closed the hole in her wall, ending the conversation. "How do I initiate the conversation?" she asked with excitement.

  "Just imagine going up to their wall and tapping on it," Beck replied.

  Am I doing this right?

  You are doing it perfectly. Beck was astounded at how fast Mae picked up things. Her tap was so different. It was like the heated touch of a lover instead of the way one would tap a friend to get their attention. He wondered if Helen was the reason for Mae’s unique mental finesse.

  “It appears we are finished already, unless Meredith has something else for you.” Beck announced loud enough for Meredith to hear in the kitchen.

  Meredith walked back into the living room where Beck and Mae were sitting. “I have nothing else for her today. I’m leaving here in a few minutes. I need to go home and pack. Is there anything you need while I’m out?” she asked.

  Beck put his fist under his chin in thought, then replied, “Since you are offering, can you stop by my office and pick up a few things for me? I have to take care of some business here and do not have time to do it myself.”

  “No problem, which office?” Meredith inquired.

  “The downtown headquarters, I will have my assistant Monica, get everything ready and have it at the security desk for you to pick up. Thank you Mere,” he replied, before walking back to his computer in the kitchen.

  “You’re welcome. How about you, Mae, need anything?” Meredith politely asked.

  “I’m good, thank you,” Mae answered, not wanting to impose on Meredith’s generosity.

  “Then I’m off…I will see everyone this evening, Call me if you think of anything you need.”

  That reminded Mae that her cell phone would not work here and at some point soon she would have to do something about it. It made her uncomfortable not having a working cell phone. Mae walked up to where Beck was sitting.

  “Can you go outside during the day? Or is that just another misconception about vampires,” she asked.

  “Yes, but only for limited amounts of time,” Beck replied, enjoying Mae’s curiosity.

  “I guess you don’t spend much time at the beach,” she needlessly commented, attempting to make small talk. “Is there a place we can sit outside? I could use some fresh air,” Mae asked.

  “There is a patio out back. I could use some fresh air too,” Beck said, giving her his arm.

  They walked out the back door to a small stone patio with a vine-covered pergola, surrounded by flowers and shrubs. The cushioned wicker furniture added to its coziness. They sat next to one another on a small couch with blue and white cushions.

  “I know you told me you work in the space technology field, but I don’t think you were being completely honest with me,” Mae accused him with a laugh, not wanting to corner him with a direct question.

  “I guess there is a little more to it than just that….In truth, I own a couple of aerospace companies and a medical research lab,” Beck confessed. “I did not want to bore you with details and because people act different around you if they know you have money,” he honestly replied.

  Mae leaned back against the pillows behind her. “I can’t deny the truth in that. What do you like to do for fun?” she questioned.

  “I like to do Sudoku puzzles, martial arts…but I am obsessed with computer video games,” he replied with a smile.

  Mae laughed when he said video games. He just did not seem the type to spend the day geeking out on the computer. “It seems we have much in common, Beck. I love Sudoku, know some Tahtib, but prefer shopping, and Diablo is my sick little obsession. Don’t tell Gemma that last part, she thinks it’s unladylike.” She whispered the last part to him as if to keep Gemma from hearing.

  Surprised, Beck said, “You play Diablo…that is what I play! And I am amazed you know Tahtib, I thought the ancient art of Egyptian stick fighting was lost.” Beck remembered his days as the Egyptian God, Sobek, when Tahtib had been one of his favorite pastimes.

  "I'm surprised you have even heard of it. What else do you like?" she asked, curious to know what more she and Beck had in common.

  "Let me see, I like the color blue, Japanese food, and playing the piano. How about you?" he asked, getting more comfortable next to her.

  "Green is my favorite color, Mexican food and although music is not my thing, since I can't play anything, I do like to listen," she replied.

  "Now it is my turn to ask you a question," Beck announced playfully. "Tell me about your family, any brothers or sisters?"

  Sadness replaced any smile that had been on Mae’s face seconds before. "I was adopted at birth and know nothing about my biological parents. My adoptive parents didn’t seem to have any family. I grew up without aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents or siblings. Four years ago, my parents both died in an auto accident. It was a month before I graduated college. It’s the reason why I’m so close to Gemma. She is all I have left in this world. We met in middle school shortly after her mother died. Her father owns a large marketing firm and traveled often so Gemma practically lived with us until we went to college together. She is my sister," Mae said, trying to control her emotions.

  Beck reached out and held her hand, trying to comfort her. "I am sorry, Mae," he said, letting go of her hand as he slipped his arm around her shoulders, drawing her into a close embrace.

  Tears started to fall. Mae couldn’t control the emotions that had been bottled up all these years. It was the first time she had opened up to anyone. Not even Gemma knew how lonely she had become. Mae just sat there and cried in Beck's arms.

  "Go ahead and let it all out Mae. I understand what it's like to be alone," Beck whispered.

  Beck began to wonder about Mae's adoptive parents and what were they hiding. People do not distance themselves like that, without reason. It was something he would have to look into, one more piece to the puzzle of Mae.

  After a few minutes, Mae regained her composure, but felt a little guilty for unloading her feelings on a man she just met. Beck still had his arms around her as if giving comfort to a grieving child. He finally let go of his embrace, moving her hair away from her eyes and wiping the last of Mae’s tears gently with his thumbs, while cupping her face.

  Mae’s emotions hit a raw nerve with Beck. He would do anything to take that pain from her and see her happy. However, he was already at odds with his conscience and knew he
should not get too close to her….It would only make things worse when Helen returned and Mae ceased to exist.

  They sat there holding hands, enjoying the quiet. Aidan and Gemma soon joined them on the patio with a bottle of wine and some glasses.

  “Mae, what’s with the little creeper around your neck?” Aidan asked, pointing to the red and white bug pendant she wore around her neck.

  Gemma elbowed Aidan hard in the chest. “Mae’s mom gave that to her the summer before she died. Tell him the bug story, Mae….I love this story.” Gemma sighed, wishing she had a story like this of her own.

  “My parents and I were vacationing in St. Thomas. We were shopping and my mom saw this bug pendant. She said it reminded her of when I was little because she and Dad called me their little love bug, so she bought it for me. Even though it’s just rhinestones and plated brass, it is my most prized possession and I never take it off.” Mae smiled, remembering the good times she enjoyed before their death.

  Beck quickly changed the subject from Mae’s family so as not to upset her. “Is everybody ready for tomorrow’s move? I hear the water at the Lough is still warm enough to swim in without getting hypothermic.”

  “You still plan on driving the coastal route, Beck?” Aidan had plans of his own that did not involve taking the long way to Lough Currane.

  “Yes, plus a stop at the crystal factory in Waterford, the Heritage Center in Cobh, a picnic lunch on the coast, and an early dinner at O’Donnabhainn’s. Did you have something else in mind?” Beck questioned.

  “Gemma and I will follow you as far as Waterford. But after the tour, we’re driving directly to Killarney, so Gemma can do a little shopping.”

  Mae wanted Gemma to ride with her so she asked, “Are you sure you don’t want to see the coast with us, Gemma, you don’t have to ride with Aidan.”

  “Thank you…but no, I prefer to do a little therapeutic shopping before we get to Beck’s house,” Gemma replied.