by Donna Raider
Ruth placed menus on their table and eyed Jezebel warily. “What can I get you to drink?” she asked cautiously.
“Tea for us, hot chocolate for Richie. What would you like, Mother?” Leah asked.
“Tea is fine,” Jezebel snapped.
“I saw you and your band on YouTube,” Jezebel spoke guardedly to Richie.
“Yes,” the boy beamed. “We won the Maine’s Got Talent contest. It was very exciting. We performed in Radio City Music Hall in New York. I wish you could have been there.”
“Actually,” Jezebel said softly. “I was. You were very impressive. Especially your lead singer.”
Richie leaned in close to his grandmother and whispered into her ear. “Don’t tell anyone, but that was Mika. She saved our lives.”
Jezebel glared at the priest, surprised to hear the boy reaffirm her story.
“Mom and Mika are fun,” Richie laughed. “They sometimes get themselves into trouble trying to help us.”
“How so, dear?” Jezebel questioned the boy.
“Asher, you know Crazy Asher?” Jezebel nodded. “He was supposed to be our lead singer, but he fainted just as we were about to go on the stage. We were frantic and about to be disqualified when Mika agreed to do the Elvis impersonation. Everyone says she was hot,” the boy grinned. “I thought she was great.”
“Yes, she was,” Jezebel said hoarsely, recalling the pure, raw animal magnetism the singer had exuded on stage. “Great, I mean.” She couldn’t help noticing her daughter’s smirk when she glanced at her.
“We were going to the VIP reception. Mom was helping Mika change clothes for the reception when some paparazzi sneaked a picture of them,” Richie frowned. “Emily said it was typical of Mom and Mika to end up in a sex shoot. Emily isn’t always very nice to my parents. Just between you and me, Grandmother Jezebel, it did look like an ad for an “X” rated movie.”
“Sounds like that fool Emily isn’t a very nice person,” Jezebel huffed. Damn butterflies .
“Oh,” Richie watched in awe as the butterflies circled the room and flew out the door. “That is so cool.”
“I’m glad someone thinks so,” Jezebel glared at her daughter.
Ruth stopped to take their order. “The hamburgers are great here, Grandmother,” Richie offered his recommendation to Jezebel.
Grandmother , Jezebel gasped at the boy’s second use of that title, “I’ve never had a hamburger,” Jezebel smiled slightly at Richie. “A hamburger it is.”
Richie continued with his tale of his parents’ antics. “And then Mom and Mika were having dinner and sang a song at the supper club where they were dining, and someone put that on YouTube.” He leaned in again whispering in Jezebel’s ear. “It was great, but Emily said there were several long seconds of Mika drooling down the front of my mom’s dress.”
“Richie,” Leah gasped, “you have shared quite enough of Emily’s version of the Escapades of Mika and Leah .”
Richie grinned mischievously at his grandmother. “It is cool,” he continued. “You know everyone in town calls my mom and Mika the town’s power couple.”
“Is that so?” Jezebel raised a finely arched eyebrow.
“So, you did see the performance of Richie’s band in New York,” Mika leveled a questioning gaze at her mother-in-law. “How did that come about?”
Jezebel frowned, looking at the priest intently. “I rather like New York,” she answered. “I’ve been there ever since my daughter tried to kill me. It is an enchanting city, always something going on. Not like this place.” She disgustedly waved her hand to encompass the town.
“We love it here,” Leah smiled at her wife and son. “It is home.” Mika and Richie nodded in agreement.
After dinner, Leah went to speak with Ruth and Naomi about Jezebel staying at their bed and breakfast.
“No way is that crazy bitc…uh witch staying in my establishment,” Naomi howled. “Why can’t she stay with you in your mansion? You have guestrooms coming out the wazoo.”
“Yes, but we feel that she will curtail our activities,” Leah blushed, looking at Ruth for understanding. The wolf nodded her head. “I promise you; she’s harmless. I will put a containment spell around her room so she can’t get out until we come for her.”
“Come on Naomi,” Ruth came to her friend’s rescue. “Leah wouldn’t put us in danger. You know that.”
Naomi shook her head as if not agreeing. “Okay, Ruth put her in number four. If she burns my establishment to the ground, you are going to rebuild it,” she glared at the mayor.
“I will. I promise,” Leah vowed. “Thank you.”
As they escorted Jezebel to her room, Leah waved her hand slightly and filled the room with things her mother would need during her stay: pajamas, soap, nice towels, washcloths, toothpaste, and toothbrush. She materialized several stylish pantsuits and a light jacket into the closet. She also completely redecorated the room.
“I don’t want to stay here,” Jezebel whined as they led her to her room. “Why can’t I stay in the mansion? I just want to spend time with my little girl.”
As do I , Mika thought.
“Nice try, Mother,” Leah said stiltedly. “We both know you only want to stay at the mansion so you can interfere with my wife and me.”
“You are a hateful, spiteful…,” Jezebel snapped her mouth shut as a long stream of butterflies flowed from her lips.
“I believe you will find everything you need here,” Leah unlocked the door and stood aside for her mother to enter.
Jezebel was surprised at the beautiful décor of the room. It looked like something Leah would do. Of course, she would never let her daughter know how much she admired her flair for interior decorating. Jezebel preened in the full-length mirror and glared at her daughter.
“This is hardly fitting for a queen,” Jezebel said carefully, trying to keep the butterflies at bay.
“I don’t intend to stay here, Mother,” Leah smiled impishly. “This is for you.” She turned on her heels and locked the door. As her mother began to rant and butterflies emerged from under the door, Leah cast a containment spell around the room.
##
Richie was full of questions about Jezebel, as they returned home. “What are you going to do with her?” He asked his mother. “Where will she live? Is she as evil as people say, even more evil than Mr. Legion? But you are stronger than she is because you now have good magic? You are a Christian, is that why you are now stronger than she?”
“Son, that’s a lot of questions to bombard your mother,” Mika smiled at the boy. “How about we forget about Jezebel right now and have a family movie night?”
“Great,” Richie grinned.
“Richie,” Leah spoke seriously, “don’t mention the babies to Jezebel. I don’t trust her.”
##
Ritchie ran into the TV room ahead of his parents. Leah leaned heavily against her wife. “Thank you for your patience with mother,” she tiptoed to reach Mika’s lips then relaxed as the blonde bent to kiss her lovingly. “I think I’ll take a shower. Do you and Richie mind starting without me?”
“Of course, we do,” Mika murmured, “but we’ll live. We’ll make popcorn and get our drinks ready. “I bet we find a way to entertain ourselves until our favorite girl joins us.”
Mika caught Leah’s eye as she started up the stairs, “Don’t worry, honey” she smiled reassuringly. “We can handle Jezebel.”
Leah’s eyes glistened as she nodded her head. She knew that Mika was right. She had discovered that her little family could handle anything.
##
Mika and Richie slid into their booth as Leah went upstairs to get Jezebel. Jezebel was dressed and waiting for her daughter. “It’s about time you showed up to fetch me,” the older woman barked. “A person could starve to death here.” She was relieved to see no butterflies escape her mouth. She was learning to be just antagonistic enough, but not too much, to keep the vile insects from appearing.
M
ika and Richie rose as the two women entered the room. Both looked very elegant. Mika could see where her wife inherited her regal posture.
“Gloria Thomas is conducting the services this morning,” the priest smiled at the two women. “Jezebel, my family and I will be attending church right after breakfast. We would love to have you join us.”
“Are you stupid or are you just acting that way?” The old witch shrieked as a multitude of butterflies poured from her lips.
She inhaled deeply trying to gain control of her vicious temper. “Priest,” Jezebel spit out, “I would burst into flames if I set foot inside a church. Even one you lead.” Butterflies and more butterflies. Obviously, she’d crossed the line.
“No problem,” Mika smiled. “You enjoy the morning, and we’ll meet you back here for lunch.”
“You’re just going to leave me alone?” Jezebel asked guardedly.
“Yes, Mother,” Leah sighed. “Please try not to alienate the town’s people.”
##
Jezebel looked around the diner. Most of the town’s people were at church. A few former foot soldiers were eating breakfast. They wouldn’t make very good allies , she thought. Too stupid to follow instructions.
“More coffee?” Ruth cautiously approached the old witch.
“Yes, please,” Jezebel was on her best behavior. She eyed the former wolf as Ruth filled her cup.
“Tell me Ruth,” Jezebel smiled her sweetest smile, “is my daughter well liked now?”
“Very much,” Ruth smiled. “She and Mika are the leaders in our town. Even Samson and Delilah defer to them on everything.”
“The town appears to be thriving,” Jezebel sipped her coffee.
“It is,” Ruth agreed. “The mayor is very careful about whom she allows into our town. She and Legion own all the undeveloped lands. Anyone desiring to open a business or live in our town must meet with her approval. She also requires approval by the city council. Of course, the council always votes with Leah. We all trust her.”
“Does she approve businesses Legion wants in the town?”
“Not usually,” the waitress said. “He keeps trying to bring in smutty businesses, like tattoo parlors, strip clubs, XXX-rated, adult bookstores. That kind of thing.”
“Hum, I am surprised she is so protective,” Jezebel said thoughtfully. “She seldom showed that side of herself when she was queen of Judah.”
“She’s a different person now. Perhaps she has a better influence in her life now.” Ruth smiled knowingly. “She is very wonderful. She is particularly protective of the children. With Richie and the…” Ruth trailed off, not sure if Leah wanted Jezebel to know about the twins. One could never be too careful with the old witch.
“And the…, what,” Jezebel encouraged Ruth to finish her sentence.
“…other children of our town, she works very hard to improve education and provide proper entertainment establishments.”
“Such as?” Jezebel raised a quizzical eyebrow.
“She and Mika have been the driving force behind our bowling teams, bowling alley, roller skating rink, ice skating rink, baseball team, baseball field, church children’s choir. The church, the Town Hall, and the diner are the centers of all our functions. The mayor personally funded the reopening of the library and complete renovation. They were the driving force behind the new women’s shelter.” Ruth explained proudly. “This is a great town in which to raise children.”
“How long has my daughter been married to the priest,” Jezebel asked.
“Four years in June,” Ruth answered.
“Do they get along well?” Jezebel queried.
“Oh, yes!” Ruth said emphatically. “I have never seen two people so much in love. I hope to someday have what they have together.”
“Yet their union has produced no offspring,” Jezebel pouted as if she were disappointed. “I’d rather enjoy being a grandmother.”
Ruth was smart enough to know she was being pumped for information. “Excuse me,” she said politely, “I have other customers to wait on.”
“Of course, dear,” Jezebel stood. “I think I’ll take a walk around your wonderful little town.”
##
“Hello, my beauty,” Legion greeted his former lover as Jezebel entered his shop. “What a pleasant surprise.”
“Legion, darling” Jezebel raised an eyebrow, “You didn’t tell me just how powerful my daughter has become.”
“Her power has increased considerably,” Legion smirked, “but nothing compared to yours, my dear.”
“Of course, not,” Jezebel didn’t want to reveal how powerless she was.
“How did she take your return from the dead?” Legion giggled.
“Very calmly,” Jezebel mused, “almost as if she weren’t at all surprised.”
“She probably thinks she is stronger than you,” Legion sneered. “It’s about time she got her comeuppance.”
“What did you think of her little surprise?” the imp watched the witch closely to gauge her response to his question.
“Which one?” Jezebel shrugged nonchalantly.
“You don’t know, do you?” He began to circle the witch like a tiger closing in on wounded prey.
“Of course, I know, you, idiot,” Jezebel railed. Butterflies filled the shop. She slapped her hand over her mouth.
“What the…?” Legion started giggling uncontrollably. “She is stronger than you. She has cast a spell on you. Butterflies. Did she strip you of your powers too?”
Jezebel glared at the wretched little man. If she had possessed her powers, she would have turned him into a stinkbug.
“Tell me what happened?” Legion became serious. He hadn’t counted on losing his strongest ally
Jezebel told him what had happened. “I want my powers back, Legion. You can help me, dear.”
Legion dragged his hand down his face. “I’m not sure I can return your powers,” he said slowly. “Her magic appears to be irreversible.”
“I can’t live with these stupid butterflies coming out of my mouth,” Jezebel screamed at him. “All magic is reversible, you fool.”
The air was thick with butterflies. Legion ran to prop open the door to his shop, allowing the insects to go outside.
“I may have a potion that will work to reverse it,” Legion began digging through drawers and shelves searching for a way to reverse Leah’s spell. “Ah, here it is,” he beamed, pulling out a tin box with multiple chambers in it. Each chamber held a different object
“Finally,” Jezebel huffed. “Get on with it.”
Legion dropped a ball of something that looked like black wax into a beaker, then covered it with a liquid from his shelve of potions. The mixture in the beaker began to sizzle and produce a foul odor.
“Here, drink this,” Legion shoved the putrid smelling potion in front of Jezebel.
“Are you out of your mind?” Jezebel raved. “I am not drinking anything that smells like shi…” A continuous ribbon of Butterflies flew from her mouth.
“Drink it!” Legion demanded in a loud voice. “Or do you want to beautify the world with lepidopterans for the rest of your miserable life?”
Jezebel snatched the beaker from his hand and gulped down the rancid liquid, gagging and gasping for breath.
“That was vile,” she gasped. “Give me a shot of bourbon.”
Legion started to pour a finger of scotch into a shot glass when the witch grabbed the bottle and chug-a-lugged it. The fire from the liquor burned all the way down to her stomach. Although it was somewhat better, the aftertaste of the potion still lingered in her mouth.
“Oh! My! God!” Jezebel was still trying to catch her breath. Between the disgusting potion and scalding liquor, she felt as if someone had poured kerosene down her throat. She hoped no one struck a match.
“Thank you, Legion,” she inhaled deeply. “You are a true friend. I knew I could count on you.”
“We have to stick together,” Legion grimaced. “Leah is
powerful. It will take both of us to defeat her. She doesn’t simply have magic. She is magic.”
“She is magic,” Jezebel looked as if someone had slapped her.
“She is with child,” Legion blurted out.
“What?” Jezebel glared at her consort in evil. “A child?”
“Yes,” Legion nodded. “It is due in June.”
“I must stay here and ingratiate myself to her,” the old witch plotted. “When she tells me, I’ll act surprised and pleased. I’ll convince her I want to be a part of the child’s life. Leah has always thought I loved her as she loves that boy, Richie. I will show her she is right.”
“Yes,” Legion hissed. “Earn her trust.”
“Love has always been her downfall,” Jezebel bared her teeth, “She is a fool. What the hell?” Jezebel gasped as black insects fell from her lips. “What have you done to me? You stupid pathetic excuse for a man.” Black insects piled up all around her.
Legion picked up one of the nasty looking things and inspected it. “Dung beetles,” he choked. “I don’t understand.”
He opened his tin box and inspected its contents. “I may have made a slight mistake, lovey,” he grimaced. “I meant to use the cleansing wax, but I picked up a dung ball instead.”
Jezebel went berserk. She threw everything she could get her hands on, cursing and ranting. “You made me drink the feces of a dung beetle. You better find a way to fix this, you imbecile,” she screamed. The shop quickly filled with dung beetles. Knee deep in the filthy insects, she kicked her way out of the shop.
She looked at her watch. She had thirty minutes to come up with a plan to rid herself of the dung beetles. If Leah had absorbed her magic, her child would be incredibly powerful. With a power like that, Jezebel could rule the world. Leah had always been a disappointment to her. Her daughter had it all; beauty, power, position, charisma, but she had never truly been pure evil. Jezebel had been forced to push her every step of the way. Jezebel was well versed in turning good to evil.
“Son of a …,” dung beetles spewed out of her mouth. You better find a way to fix this,” she hissed at Legion.”
Jezebel returned to her room and waited for her daughter. She had to speak nicely, or her daughter would know she had been to see Legion.