Against The Odds

by Senna Fisher

  “You see what I put up with. He inspects all my patients and their parents. I think I should go and check out those offices of his. There are a lot of pretty, young women there. That is what I will do.”

  “My pleasure, come and have a look. You will be disappointed though. They think I’m awful, so they avoid me. I am the big bad wolf, because I just don’t seem to have much time for them. They will probably sympathize with you, thinking how hard it must be on you to put up with me.”

  “I have to find out about that. Anyway. I had a strange call this morning. From Zane.”

  “What did nosy parker want?”

  “I’m not sure. But he wanted to know something, but could not bring himself to ask. I told him you were behaving wonderfully and he seemed a bit disappointed.”

  “I know, he told me that I was not suitable for you, that you are a class act.”

  He was laughing. “You should have seen his face when he saw us together that weekend. His eyes battled to stay in his head. We are just too interesting for him.”

  “I know. I wish I could say something ridiculous, so he would have some gossip, but I always forget.”

  “Tell him you are witch and that Clayton is under your spell. That will sort him out.”

  Rowena said.

  “Yes, that has worked for us. Once, a prying neighbor was obsessed with Rowena and me. Once we told her that, she did not come near us again. She was too scared. She moved onto the other neighbors and unfortunately for her, that couple and their daughter are serious, practicing witches.”

  They were laughing as they made their way. Then Rowena spoke quietly.

  “There, to the left, that clearing. That is where we are going.”

  Clayton and Rebecca could not see much, but could see, just on the edge of the clearing, an array of flowers, swaying gently with the wind.

  “Okay, let the games begin.” George said.

  He unhooked the bag from his back and started taking out jars and candles. The old couple was used to making magic together and they worked quietly while they sprinkled herbs on the ground and lit large white candles. Clayton was holding Rebecca and watching in fascination. He had never seen a ritual before and he liked the way it made him feel. Rowena called them into the circles of candles and they stood together, all four of them holding hands. They stood like this for a while, while Rowena was invoking all sorts of people for protection. Clayton had no clue who they were, but thought, if they can protect us, all the better.

  Then Rowena said. “Okay, let us invoke the light.”

  Clayton touched Rebecca’s back and slowly moved his hands until they were on the butterfly. As he placed his mark on it, the light started. It was faint at first, but grew stronger as they stood. Then George placed his hand on Rowena’s ring and their light shot into the air. When they had enough energy, the two Protectors, with their hands, guided the light, gently, until their long beams of light touched.

  Be gone, Darkness, there is nothing for you here.

  The women chanted in unison, over and over. Then suddenly, they heard the sound of breaking glass and the shrieking. It was just a whimper and the sound was not loud or strong.

  Then Rowena said, in a large clear voice:

  Power of the light

  Burning bold and Bright

  Banish forever the Angel of Darkness and Pain

  That all so affected, in joy and happiness, may regain and retain

  Their power of love and power of light

  Power of the Light

  Bring to my sight

  The token of the binding of Portia McGuire

  So that it may be buried to retire

  The Curse of the Darkness is now unbound and apart taken

  By the energy of the power of love unshaken

  Let its power to drained, maimed and extracted

  At this moment, by the power of the two Protectors, together contracted

  By the power of love and energy

  So mote it be.

  They stood there, two bright beams of light, fused together at the top like a triangle. Nobody spoke and Clayton could feel Rebecca wavering.

  “I love you, Rebecca.”

  “I love you, Clayton, very, very much.” She took her cue quickly.

  Rowena and George did the same and they heard a swishing sound and there, through the light, pieces of long brown hair tumbled to the earth. After a while, they all settled on the floor and in one flash of light, all the threads of the hair were bound together, as if by a ribbon.

  “Okay, slowly, release your light.”

  Clayton removed his hand from Rebecca and she turned to him and they held each other, unable to speak. Rowena and George released the light and George fell to the ground.

  “George, George! Not now. Wake up! Wake up!”

  Rowena was screaming at him.

  Clayton went over to him, “George, I need you now, more than ever. Turn back now. There is nothing in those passages. Rowena is here. Turn back.”

  And he took his right hand and rubbed him gently across the heart.

  “Clayton, my boy, I love you, but not that much.”

  Clayton looked at him and he winked.

  “He is okay.”

  Clayton said with relief, as George laughed. There he was lying on the ground, laughing his head off at Clayton’s shocked horror, at his wife and daughter’s tears. They had no sense of humor. All he had done was gone down to regain some of his energy. He had seen the dark passage and knowing Rebecca’s experience, he had turned back immediately. Or so he wanted to believe. They never discussed it again. Clayton knew what had happened. He had been there when it happened to Rebecca. Okay, he does not want to talk about it. Fine by me, he thought.

  They drove silently to Rowena and George’s house. It was an anti-climax. Clayton was been all prepared to have his back stripped and Rebecca to die. They had survived, and as Nana had said, it had been relatively easy.

  They sat on the patio having a drink.

  “Is it really over?”

  “Yes, I think so. I have buried the hair in my garden. At least I know it is safe there.”

  “How did they get a piece of Portia’s hair? It seems a lot of hair for her not to notice.” Clayton said.

  “They were friends. She properly offered to style it, I guess. I don’t know.” Rowena replied.

  “Does this mean we will be ‘normal’ now?” Rebecca asked and Clayton’s eyes flashed at her.

  “Sweetpea, you have always been normal. But I think you are asking whether you can talk to Clayton in his head. Well, Rowena and I were just making after dinner plans just now, so I guess so.”

  “I have a confession to make.” Rowena said sweetly. Clayton rolled his eyes. Like mother like daughter.

  “When I thought of how to unbind the spell, I was told to use as much of it as possible. I did slip in a small little bonus to us. Remember I said ‘may regain and retain their power of love and power of light’? What did you think I meant?”

  “Mother, you didn’t.”

  “I don’t understand. What?” Clayton and George were confused.

  “I figured since you men have been so generous and given up so much to protect us, you needed a big, fat reward. George has been wondering around the house sulking, saying he would lose his power to ...well, shall I say, his special sexual powers. I added retain.....the power of light. I did not need that, but I figured, why not? Let them keep their powers, after all, they earned them.”

  The men looked at each other and laughed. They had spoken on the phone on many occasions about how hard it would be to play by the rules again. They had quite enjoyed the games they could play as Protectors.

  “I don’t believe it. Why didn’t you tell us?”

  “Because that is all you would have been thinking about. It was too risky. I couldn’t afford to take the chance that you would focus on your selfish manly needs.”

  “Rowena, you are wicked. You watched me tortured, thin
king how I would actually have to speak to you? You let me go through all that?”

  “Yes, my dear. But I think you should thank me, not shout at me.”

  “Clayton please. Mother, what have you done? You should have stripped them of everything.”

  “No, Princess, your mother is right. I like my compensation. It is most delightful. Thank you very much Rowena.” He was beaming.

  “I think we should all go to bed now, seeing we worked so hard tonight. Rowena, George, good night. Princess, come, let me take you to bed.”

  He held out his hand and she went to him quickly, for fear of what terrible comment her father would make. He just laughed and said, “Rowena, you know what? When I said I loved you out there in the dark, in the middle of nowhere, I think I actually meant it.”

  Rebecca complained bitterly as Clayton woke her up at five in the morning. They had to get back to work and he had an appointment at nine.

  “Clayton, please, let me sleep. Leave me behind. I will get home later. Please, leave me alone.”

  “Rebecca, you are coming home with me. I am going to get you coffee and if you are not awake, I promise I will get back and shock you, understand?”

  “Go away, arrogant swine.”

  When he came back with the coffee, she was sitting upright, glaring at him.

  “That’s better. Now, coffee and get ready. We have to leave soon. Your parents are already wondering the around the garden. They are talking to butterflies. What does that mean?”

  “They are making a wish. Who knows? Don’t talk to me. I am asleep.”

  Clayton was ready fast and he sat on the bed, monitoring her. He knew if he left she would just go back to bed.

  She reluctantly dragged herself around, glaring at him occasionally.

  Arrogant swine!

  Get dressed, Rebecca!

  Hhhggghhhhh!

  Get dressed, Rebecca!

  When they eventually got downstairs, her mood had improved and Clayton gave her a hard pat on her bottom.

  “That’s my girl.”

  “Piss off or I will torture you at work, in your appointments.”

  He just laughed.

  George was sitting in the kitchen, eating furiously.

  “I am starving. That old crone really makes me work so hard.”

  “I know the feeling.” Clayton laughed, as he gobbled a sandwich.

  “George, I need to ask you something, privately.”

  “Dad, if you teach him any funny tricks, I swear I will tell Mum to stop having sex with you.”

  They ignored her and went outside. George was laughing and laughing. They spoke softly.

  “Clayton wants to know if he can make love to you with his mind. George has just told him to he has to wait for you to initiate and then he can do it too. Clayton is telling your father that you torture him and he wants to pay you back. George says he can’t, he must just enjoy.”

  “Mum, how do you know?”

  “I am reading their lips.”

  “Oh Mum, you are wonderful. Just for that, I will deal with him, when he least expects it.”

  They left soon afterwards and Rebecca wanted to sleep again.

  “Are you tired?”

  “Of course, that light really drains me. Also, you were hardly a gentleman last night.”

  “Go to sleep. You did not complain last night. Anyway, you came straight to my bedroom. You did not need an invitation. Sleep so I can think.”

  Clayton felt relieved that they had performed the ritual last night. But he was still worried about Double J and Rebecca. How could they be sure that it was over? He wondered how they would know. He phoned their house.

  “Clay darling, where have you been? We phoned last night and this morning.”

  “Why, Jackie, what’s wrong?”

  “Nothing, I don’t know. Is Rebecca with you?”

  “Yes, but she is sleeping. Jackie, what is the problem?”

  “Your butterfly came last night, in my dreams. It was complete and it fluttered around my tummy. Then it left. I didn’t feel scared, but when I told Jono, he went berserk.”

  “Oh Jackie, I guess it was just trying to comfort you. You have been so worried about things going wrong. If it was complete, then that is definitely a sign that things are alright. Relax. It was just comforting you.”

  Rebecca was fully awake now.

  “Jackie, are you alright?”

  “Yes, just that Jono is now pissed off. He keeps saying ‘what does it mean that you have taken over Clayton’s butterfly? Will we have the same problems?’ Over and over again.”

  “Oh Jackie, you know how logical Jono is. He wants things neat and tidy. I’m sure it is alright, as Clayton says, just for comfort. Anyway, you are so close to Clayton, it just wants to help. Tell Jono to relax. Where is he?”

  “He left just now. I think he was hoping to see Clayton to make himself feel better.”

  “I will calm him down. I am on my way to work now, okay? We will pop over tonight for a drink. See you later.”

  “So, not sleeping?”

  “How can I? You are always on the phone.”

  “Ouch, grouch. Are you busy today?”

  “Not really. I have two appointments, and I thought I would get some other stuff done.”

  “Try and go home and get some sleep.”

  Rebecca left work midday and slept the whole afternoon and by the time Clayton came home, she was feeling freshened and in a much better mood.

  *****

  1Chapter 30

  Clayton paced up and down the maternity ward. The hair on the back of his neck was standing up and his eyes were icy blue. He could not bear the waiting. What is taking so long? If there were any complications or problems with this baby he would go to the mountain and rip that creature’s heart out. He would do so with his bare hands. Where is Rebecca anyway? He had phoned her a long time ago to tell her that Jackie had gone into labor. He was pacing, a furious and agitated man. The nurses who walked pass felt sorry for the mother, married to such a ferocious man. He heard the door on the end of the passage open and Jonathan stepped out. Jonathan stopped. Oh no, does he have to do that tiger thing now? In the hospital, when J just had a baby? He was wondering if Rebecca was okay, but just then, she came through the door and rushed to Clayton. She touched his shoulder and he turned.

  Clayton, what’s wrong?

  Nothing, where were you?

  I got held up - long story. Is something wrong?

  No, but if there is, I swear I will kill that thing myself.

  Clayton, please, calm down before you scare the whole hospital off.

  She leaned over him and kissed him.

  “Now, will you please try and calm down?”

  “Yes, Clayton. This is not the time for one of your tiger tricks.”

  “Jono, is everything okay?” His eyes were still icy blue.

  “Yes, we have a bouncing baby girl. She is beautiful, magnificent.”

  “Is J okay?”

  “Of course. Clayton, what is the matter?”

  “Nothing, I was just worried, that’s all. I need to see them Jono, please, now.”

  “Will you stop behaving like a tiger first? Gosh, Clayton, relax.”

  They went into the ward and there was Jackie, looking drawn and tired, but laughing joyously when she saw them.

  “Oh hello. I am so happy.”

  Clayton rushed to her and hugged her. “Are you okay?”

  “Of course. There is our little girl.”

  The baby was lying in the cot, wrapped tightly in a blanket.

  Clayton went straight to the cot and lifted the baby out. He held her gently, looking at her face. It was as if he was inspecting her. Then he looked at Rebecca

  Thank God, there is nothing. She is fine.

  “She is so beautiful, Double J. Congratulations.”

  Rebecca was crying and Clayton went to her.

  “It’s okay. It’s all over, Princess. It’s okay. They h
ave a beautiful girl, just as you thought.”

  “Excuse me, you two, but this is my moment, okay? I am the one who did all the work.” Jackie was laughing.

  “It is a good thing this is not your baby, because the way you are acting, you would not cope in a million years.”

  “Sorry Jackie. We have been so worried, you know.”

  She hugged both of them and simply peeked at the baby.

  “Jackie, how do you feel?”

  “Absolutely fabulous. And Jono, he is beaming with glee. Look what I have done, he told the nurse. But I am also so tired.”

  When they were leaving the hospital, Jonathan said. “You need to tell me something, don’t you?”

  “Yes, but it is all fine. Go and keep your family company. Come over later to get some food and we will talk.”

  ~ ~ ~ ~

  Jonathan just stared at them. He had always known that something would go wrong. He had felt it right from the beginning. How strange Jackie had been, how weird he had been. He had known that they were tied to Clayton in some odd way, but he never imagined his own precious daughter, not yet even born, would be the target of an assault.

  “But Clayton, how do you know it is okay?”

  “We destroyed it, Jono. It was still weak, so it was relatively easy. We made sure of that. We could not take the chance that it would live with her. We made sure.”

  “Then why were you behaving like a tiger?”

  “Because I was thinking, if there is a hint of trouble, I was ready for warfare. I had to ready, to be sure. But when I held her, I knew. It was my own anxiety, really. I am absolutely sure.”

  “Are you telling me we had a baby because of some curse?”

  “No, your baby has nothing to do with the curse. It simply saw a link to us and used the opportunity. It was a simple question of timing. It was getting weaker and just trying to ‘stay in circulation’. Your baby was simply an opportunity.”