A Witch's Curse

by Paul Martin

  “Yes, four will be plenty, especially since three of us are witches.”

  “Oh, that reminds me. Maggie wanted me to ask, since she and I are related, does that mean she’s a witch also?”

  “There is a good possibility she is. I knew all about your lineage, of course, so I never had a doubt in my mind you were one of us. If you like, I can test her for you?”

  “I don’t care one way or the other if Maggie is a witch. I’ll love her no matter what. Although, I think she likes the idea of being a witch. For her sake, I would appreciate if you would.”

  “Then I will. You do know there isn’t any room in the coven for any more new members?”

  “Why not?”

  “Our coven holds thirteen members only. No more and no less.”

  “You mean, after Grandmother died and you took me into the coven, I filled the vacancy she left?”

  “That’s right, my dear. I’m sorry to say, but there is the only one way we can take in a new member, when one of us passes on.”

  “Then I hope Maggie will settle for just knowing she’s a witch, provided she is one.”

  Sarah said proudly, “Being a witch is not such a bad thing.”

  “No, it’s not,” Carolyn said, just as proud.

  * * * *

  Carolyn went to work early the next day. Maggie hadn’t arrived yet, so Carolyn went to her workshop in the back and began harvesting leaves from her current herb crop. Using artificial lights and a controlled temperature, she grew herbs and certain fruits all year long. Her workshop had always been her fortress of solitude, and to Carolyn, getting her hands dirty in the rich, earthy loam was only part of the fun.

  The pungent aromas of herbs and spices never failed to transport her to a magical forest where anything could happen. People always told her all of her fingers were green, not just her thumbs. Some even referred to her as the Plant Doctor. If they had a sick favorite plant, she's the one they came to.

  Today, doing what she loved the most in life, only served to increase her happiness. Soon, her beloved Caleb would be free from the spell Caroline unjustly placed on him, and they would be together forever and ever. Nothing would be able to keep them apart then.

  The front door's tinkling alerted Carolyn to someone entering the store. Brushing dirt from her hands, she went to greet whoever arrived, expecting to find Maggie, and was surprised to find Chief Rose, hat in hand, standing at the front counter.

  “Good morning, Chief.”

  “Morning, Miss Waters. You’re looking very chipper today.”

  “Thank you, Chief. I am. How can I help you?”

  “I received some news this afternoon I thought I should deliver in person.”

  “Sounds ominous.”

  “Nothing to cause alarm, however, I doubt if you will like what I’m going to say. The judge ruled Hargrove isn’t competent to stand trial and ordered him to a psychiatric center for treatment. Only when, or if, he’s ever found competent again, will he stand trial for embezzlement, breaking and entering, attempted murder, and several other charges.”

  “Actually, Chief, I feel sorry for the poor man. I hope he gets better. I do thank you for stopping by to tell me. Is there anything else I can help you with?”

  “You are much too forgiving, Miss Waters. I don’t know if I would be as charitable in a reversed situation. Have a good day,” he said with a tip of his hat.

  “Thank you again, Chief,” she called to him as he left the store.

  A moment later, the bell chimed again as Maggie came in. “Hi, Cuz. What did the fuzz want?”

  “Hi, Mags. Chief Rose isn’t fuzz. He’s a nice man. He came to tell me Mr. Hargrove has been put into an asylum.”

  “Serves him right.”

  “No, he shouldn‘t be in an asylum. Jail? Yes, but not an asylum. It is my fault he’s in there. If I hadn’t called Caleb-”

  “You’d be dead, just like your grandmother. Maybe he killed her too?” Maggie said.

  “I highly doubt he did. Grandmother died from cancer. All Hargrove tried to do is scare me to make me want to move out.”

  “So why were his hands around your throat? Don‘t blame yourself, Cuz. He asked for everything he got when he tried to kill you.”

  “Let’s not talk about him anymore. I want to tell you what I found yesterday.”

  Maggie’s eyes lit. “What?”

  “I found out how Ellie got into the library without needing a key.”

  “You did? How?”

  “She used a secret passageway.”

  “Cool. And you found one?”

  “Actually, I found them all. The house is practically the Catacombs. There are secret doors and passageways all through the house.”

  Disappointment laced Maggie’s reply, “I guess you won’t be having a séance then?”

  “Yes, we will. We decided not to call Ellie, we’re going to summon Caroline directly and make her remove Caleb’s spell since we discovered the evidence we need to prove his innocence.”

  “Do you think she will?”

  “She better,” Carolyn said firmly.

  “So, when is this big event?”

  “Midnight on Halloween, All Hallows Eve. Why don’t you come home with me after work that night and I’ll make dinner for us?”

  “Okay. Good thing the costume party is the night before. I bought a killer outfit and I’d hate missing the look on all the guy’s faces when I come strutting in,” Maggie said, swinging her hips in a provocative manner.

  Carolyn laughed. “Maggie you’re terrible!”

  “As Mae West once said, ‘When I’m good, I’m good, when I’m bad, I’m even better’.”

  “No arguments here.”

  Chapter Seven

  Waiting for the next few days to pass took a toll on Carolyn. She truly felt Caleb’s nightly visits saved her from becoming a complete basket case. Not even her workshop helped sooth the uneasy feelings plaguing her.

  “Good night, Mags. Have fun at the party tonight.”

  “Are you sure you don’t want to come with me? A night of booze and debauchery will do you a world of good.”

  “As much fun as a party sounds, I think I’ll pass.”

  “You don’t know what you’re missing,” Maggie said as she left for the day.

  Carolyn smiled and waved good night to her cousin. Locking up, she went to her car, an old V-dub convertible, and paused to look at the night sky. Black clouds shrouded the bright, full moon. Zipping her jacket against a sudden chill, Carolyn started her car. Purple People Eater by Sheb Wooley played on the local radio station.

  The nearer she came to her house, the more on edge she became. Carolyn sensed a coven member projecting a deep sense of worry and concern; only she couldn't identify the woman. Believing the troubled emotions she picked up might be coming from Sarah, Carolyn turned into her neighbor’s driveway. The instant Sarah opened her door Carolyn knew Sarah wasn’t the one she sensed, although, the feeling of anxiety persisted. Apologizing for stopping in unannounced, Carolyn made the excuse of wanting to see how Sarah was doing. Sarah told her she was perfectly fine and had noticed Adele pulling into Carolyn’s driveway a few minutes earlier.

  Carolyn thanked her, got back into her car, and drove across the street to her own house. Adele’s car sat in front while Adele stood waiting on the porch. Stepping from her car, Carolyn ran up the steps. “Adele, what’s wrong?”

  “I’m not sure. Can we talk inside?”

  “Of course. Come in.”

  Carolyn put water on to make tea then joined Adele at the kitchen table. “Something is bothering you. Is it the séance tomorrow?”

  “Yes and no. I’ve been talking with Sarah.” Adele shifted in her chair, obviously struggling with something. “Normally, I don’t like to pry, but in this case, I feel I better. Sarah tells me you’re in love with Caleb?”

  “Yes, I am. I’ve never felt like this with any man before. Just my luck, he happens to be a ghost.”

/>   Adele rested her clasped fingers on the table. “What do you think will happen after the séance tomorrow night…provided we are successful?”

  “We must be! I can’t let Caleb wonder this house, alone, century after century. I can’t imagine anything crueler should we fail. He’s a good man, an honorable man. Caroline had to know what he was like, and yet, she became so obsessed with him cheating on her. Why?”

  Adele nodded. “I see. Naturally, you want to help him, but Caroline’s motives aside, are you willing to give him up?”

  Carolyn’s heart stopped. “Give him up? Are you crazy?”

  “Caleb Harrison died three hundred years ago and has been bound to this house ever since by Caroline’s revenge. If we do free him from the curse Caroline put on him, he’ll be able to pass on like nature intends. I don't believe he will have any choice, as much as he may want to stay with you. At least, that is what I believe will happen. The magic you’re expecting is beyond my experience.”

  Horrified at what Adele said, Carolyn asked, “You mean, the only way I can keep him, is to not break the curse? Why don't I just curse him myself?”

  “If you truly love Caleb and want what is best for him, then you must break Caroline's curse, no matter the cost to you. Carolyn, my dear, sweet sister, I didn’t want you to get your hopes up only to suffer when they are dashed.”

  Too late. My hopes won’t be what are dashed, only my heart. I don’t think I can live without Caleb. I would rather die.

  Adele covered Carolyn’s hands with her own, and Carolyn could sense the love and concern pouring from Adele’s heart. “Think about what I’ve told you and promise me you won’t do anything rash. We’ll talk again tomorrow before the séance.”

  Carolyn fought to control the rising flood in her eyes, swallowing the lump lodged in her throat, and said, “I promise.”

  Adele patted her hand. “I’ll let myself out.”

  Carolyn barely noticed. What will I do without Caleb? I love him so much. Do I own the right to ask him to stay with me? No, I don’t. I’d feel guilty the rest of my life if I did. He’s suffered for three hundred years already. I won’t add more for him to endure. Damn you, Aunt Caroline!

  Her plans to decorate the house for All Hallows Eve forgotten, Carolyn wandered from room to room, searching her mind and soul for an answer, a way around this conundrum. As a child, her mother always taught her to do the right thing, no matter how hard the consequences. Except, she'd noticed, her mother hadn’t always heeded her own advice. Carolyn often thought her mother a bit hypocritical and so far, had been able to resist the temptation herself. This will be the hardest decision she’s ever faced, and yet, she knew she already made her choice. The only choice possible.

  Near midnight, Carolyn climbed the stairs to turn in for the night, her last with Caleb. A hot bath laced with scented oils eased her tense muscles. Wanting to look her best for him, she applied her makeup with care then used her grandmother’s silver combs to hold her long, black hair off her shoulders. Lastly, she donned black silk hose with garters and a slinky black dress, which left very little to the imagination, her one concession to Maggie's constant urging to spice up her wardrobe.

  Tonight, she decided, they would make love in the bedroom and not by the fountain. Tonight would also be while awake, not while dreaming. She daubed Shalimar behind her ears, a trace down her throat and a drop between her breasts. Going into the bedroom, Carolyn lit every candle she had, turned off the lights, and switched on her CD player. Ready as she would ever be, Carolyn stood at the foot of the bed, leaned seductively against a bedpost, and called to him, “Caleb, my love.”

  Before she could blink, Caleb stood framed in the doorway. His easy smile took the breath from her lungs.

  How can I possibly give you up, my darling? Is this what Caroline felt when she decided to poison him; that she did not want to live without him either?

  Bolstering her resolve, Carolyn reached a hand out to Caleb. He stepped closer, placing a single, perfect, red rose in her hand, and as if reading her thoughts, he said, “Let us make love as if this is our last night together.”

  Carolyn’s reply caught in her throat, unable to tear her eyes from his, she swallowed hard and said, “Will you dance with me?”

  Caleb took a half step back and bowed formally to her, Carolyn curtsied in return. The CD player changed discs and Barry White began singing, Never, Never Going to Give You Up. The lyrics filled the room and tore her heart apart.

  Wordlessly, Caleb took her right hand in his, putting his other arm around her waist as they began swaying to the tempo, their bodies pressed tightly together, and his firm hand gently stroking her bare back. Carolyn rested her head on his chest to prevent him from seeing the tears in her eyes.

  “My darling, Carolyn, once I am freed from this curse we will celebrate many nights like this. We will dine, dance, and make tender love all night.”

  “What about the days?”

  “The days too, my love,” Caleb replied, kissing the hair on her head.

  Carolyn turned to gaze into his eyes. “Yes, my darling, we will love each other all the days and nights. We will never be apart again.”

  Caleb’s mouth covered hers in a searing kiss. His tongue prodded her lips until she parted them, allowing his tongue to enter her mouth and find hers. Caleb pulled her closer to him, crushing her in his passion, and Carolyn thrust her hips into his, his hard erection pressed against her belly, igniting a fire inside.

  Caleb removed the combs holding Carolyn’s hair, allowing her silken waves to fall gracefully about her shoulders as she unbuttoned his shirt and ran her hands along his muscled chest. Her fingers brushed his nipples, making them hard and erect, and Caleb intertwined his fingers in her hair, tilting her head back.

  “Your love has given me life,” he breathed.

  “You are my life,” Carolyn said in return.

  Wrapping her arms around his neck, Carolyn pulled him down to her to kiss him, unleashing all stored emotions. Caleb responded in kind, hands fumbling with the dress’ zipper. With a smile, Carolyn stepped away from Caleb, unzipped the dress for him, and allowed the slinky garment to drift gracefully to the floor, forming an inky pool at her feet.

  Carolyn blushed as she reminded herself this was not a dream, and except for her stockings, she stood naked, an arm's length away from the man she loved. Making love under a blanket or in total darkness was one thing, but standing completely naked in front of a new lover for the first time is never easy. What if he thinks I'm fat or ugly with my clothes off? Will he be turned on or off by my butterfly tattoo? Will he still love me?

  Her embarrassment quickly dissipated when Caleb removed his shirt and pants, his swollen cock revealed his intentions. Getting down on her knees, Carolyn ran her hands up Caleb’s rock solid thighs while swirling her tongue around the head of his ever-growing cock then taking his length into her mouth. The salty taste of his pre-cum only made her want more.

  Gliding her hands up to his washboard stomach, she felt his muscles tighten in response to her ministrations. Her head bobbed up and down while her lips and tongue slid along his throbbing shaft. Moving one hand to cup his full ball sack, she heard Caleb moan in tense delight, his breath now ragged gasps.

  Not wanting him to release just yet, Carolyn began kissing up his stomach and chest, pausing to kiss and lick each nipple before continuing to his waiting lips. His hands cupped her ass and he lifted her.

  Holding her tight, Caleb spun her round and round before flopping her onto the bed, her legs dangling off the side. He got down on his knees, lifted one of her legs, and removed her stocking. Taking her other leg, he slowly rolled the stocking down, his fingertips leaving a trail of fire along her flesh. With her stockings off, Caleb kissed and nibbled on her toes. His kisses soon traveled to her calf and behind her knee. Placing both legs on his broad shoulders, Caleb alternately kissed and ran his tongue along her inner thighs.

  Carolyn clenched the blanket in he
r fists as bolts of lightning shot through her body. Beads of sweat dotted her face as she eagerly awaited his arrival at her prize. His tongue licked the sides of her mound as his hand covered her hot pussy, then he continued to kiss back up to her waiting breasts.

  Carolyn’s heart pounded like a steam locomotive on steroids, her fingers clawing at his broad back. A deep, guttural moan escaped her throat as his fingers spread open her wet folds and stroked her vaginal opening. Caleb moved back to tenderly kiss those opened lips, a finger slowly drawing a circle on her swollen clit, engorging the bud even further.

  His other hand repeatedly grazed her skin from her thigh to a breast and back down again. The circle his finger made on her clit became faster and firmer while Carolyn’s breathing grew hotter and faster.

  More moans escaped her lips as Caleb put two fingers inside her. He curled those fingers and made a come-hither motion along her velvety walls, driving her to even greater heights of ecstasy. Her clit pressed between his lips, his tongue massaging slow circles was nothing short of pure heaven. Carolyn closed her eyes, arched her back, and squirted her release.

  Caleb lifted his face, his lips and chin drenched with her juice. A slow lick of his tongue across his full lips made him grin broadly. “I love the taste of your sweet nectar,” he said, climbing back to her face and lips. “I love every inch of you.”

  Carolyn licked his lips then kissed him. Caleb, my love. How can I live without you? I need you. Goddesses, please help me find a way.

  Caleb rubbed his length along Carolyn’s aching mound, making her forget everything else. She spread her legs further apart, inviting him in, but his cock continued teasing her, and his hot breath on her neck further excited Carolyn to the point she couldn’t wait a second longer for him to be inside her.

  Twisting around, Carolyn rose to her hands and knees and wiggled her ass in his face. “You want some? Come and take me, big boy,” she teased.

  “I like the way you think in this century,” Caleb said, answering her challenge. Climbing to his knees, he placed the tip of his cock at the entrance to her wet pussy. Placing his hands on her hips, he yanked her to him, his stiff cock painfully ramming all the way into her.