And Then There's Me

by Regina Sanford

  Encounter, what kind of encounter Malcom I asked. I’ll make it a point to run into her before the opening, and prepare her for my being here in town, and YOU’ being my cousin he said. You on the other hand Raven, you have to take this invitation back and give it to her, Malcom said handing me the invitation to give to Regina. We don’t want this misconstrued, if word getting out that invitations were given out and Lavenia didn’t get hers he said; Regina he continued to say, I wonder why she changed her name, Lavenia fit her, but then Regina means queen, and before I left her, she was trying to be Queen over something he added rolling his eyes.

  What a monkey wrench I said, all right I’m on it, I said putting the invitation in my dress pocket then headed to deliver the invite to Regina myself. I rehearsed what I would say to Regina, hoping that she wouldn’t attack me or be rude and hoping that I wouldn’t have to take measures if she was rude or forceful, but once in her shop, I discovered that she wasn’t even there. I gave the invitation to her assistant and got out of there so fast you’d think I used my disk. Back so soon, that was fast Malcom commented as I was coming through the door. Regina wasn’t there I said relieved. We both took a deep breath, exhaling and gathering our thoughts, looking at one another for instructions, both of us clueless on what to do next. We know that Regina is Lavenia, and where she got her help from for her amazing products, I said boldly. This much is true Malcom said with an unsure laugh and I did meet Mr. Tibbs, he was excited to get the invitation though he won’t be coming, I think it was about getting the invitation for him that was most important Malcom stated. The opening is in one week; let’s work on the public opening together Malcom suggested. I agreed however, I knew that finding Lavenia for Malcom was hard on him; I let the change in conversation take place and went with the flow. Malcom pressed in helping me prepare for the openings, and good thing too, there was a lot to do, keeping his mind off the issue of Lavenia, that would catch him soon enough. That, and the fact “Lavenia, AKA, Regina,” will have to deal with me more than she could ever imagine. We have the flyers here Malcom said holding up the flyers; however, judging from the abundance of consumers around here you may want to invest in a few days’ worth of radio time.

  Get the word out, mortal style I chimed in saying, not a bad idea Malcom, I’ll call Shilla, she seems to have the monopoly on everything else I said laughing and pulling out my cell phone. After talking to Shilla, I told Malcom that we have airtime with a local radio station for our events, and that Shilla took the advertisement statement over the phone, our commercial for our event will start running tomorrow I informed him, it’ll run for a week I said excited and holding up the flyers, what to do with these, I asked. Malcom took the flyers from me holding them up into the air. Place yourself about far and near, that all may see the light that’s here! he said throwing the flyers up into the air. The flyers disappeared, I laughed in amazement. Practical at best Malcom said, looking like half of him was present and half wasn’t, plus, his color was off, his skin was almost grey like he had no blood in him or something. Contributing his condition to his running into Lavenia, I changed the subject; the van that I want must have two doors, and must be big enough for one driver and one passenger but, small yet big enough for our cargo area and our deliveries. Do you want the logo and stars to match your sign Malcom asked? I do, I said clapping my hands together. Let’s go look at some wheels then Ra’ra, so glad auntie taught you how to drive Malcom said laughing profusely. I laughed too, that big tank was a lesson within itself I added.

  After learning to drive that thing, I think I can drive anything Malcom said. You can say that again I said, I’d better get some cash just in case we drive off with something, Eric Patton is the man with the vehicle’s I think we may just have a one stop shoot with him, he’s Shilla’s brother I said. Let’s go Malcom said excited to break any thought that he was having about Lavenia. Let’s take a ride Malcom, I suggested. You mean call a driver Malcom questioned, thinking about what I’d just said. Yeah, let’s do it, since we don’t really know where we’re going a driver would seem fitting Malcom said and searching his phone for Eric Patton’s location, then calling for a driver to pick us up.

  The driver was there in no time and the drive to the car dealer was quiet, I could tell that Malcom was in another world. I thought to myself, Regina must’ve had some hold on Malcom for him to teach her how to make potions, and call on the underworlds like that, in addition leaving her with all that money judging from her shop he left her set and with products that is bound to attract the mortals taste, I thought to myself; But wait! in order for her to use the powers to that extent, he would have to mix bloods with her, I looked at Malcom as he stared out the window, no way would I ask him if he did or not! As tempting as it was-the driver gave notice, Patton’s Dealership coming up my fine people. I look out the car window to see cars as far as my eyes could travel, if we can’t find a van here, I said laughing at how big the selection was as the driver pulled on the lot, and Malcom and I exited the car. Thank you my man, Malcom said paying the driver. Should I wait sir or would you like to schedule a time for me to come back to pick you both up the driver offered. That won’t be necessary Malcom told the driver thanking him for our ride.

  This place! Oh my gosh! I said excited about getting my very first set of wheels, this will keep us both busy for a while I thought as we walked the car lot looking to make a purchase; all of a sudden, Malcom stopped dead in his tracks, he turned and looked at me. I was in love with Lavenia Raven, and I thought that she was the girl for me, I knew that she was he said as if he still believed it. The first few months was the best days of my life, being out on my own for a while then meeting what I would soon find to be a sleeping viper. After we moved in together Raven, everything was fine until I mixed bloods Malcom finally confessed it to me. It changed her Raven he said, she became hard, cold, and tainted, he said holding his head in his hands. All I could do was hug him and listen. If only I’d listened to my dad about mortal women and mixing bloods he said hating himself. Malcom, it’s done, you loved her and thought that she was your mate for life I said trying to reassure him.

  Seeing Lavenia again was bound to happen Malcom, that’s if you decide to give living among them another go I said hugging him even tighter. Right, I’ve been avoiding that for a while now Ra’ra, until you cast your pop start spell that is, awakening me to your side he said smiling. There it is, a smile in the mist of adversity I said smiling back at him, Malcom, we will get through this I promised, we’ll cross that bridge together, you are not alone and I will not judge you or let anyone else judge you I told him! I also promise him that I will not get mad with Regina or try to debone her. I will understand that she is now part of our blood like it or not, and I will no matter how hard it may become; I will hold my peace with her until! I said closing my eyes.

  Until, Malcom questioned. Until she becomes a threat, Malcom, she was mean to me when I arrived, just nasty, I don’t know why she’s so cold because the woman I meet is nothing like the woman you said you fell in love with, but I assure you, I will be kind, I swore to him.

  All right Raven, I want something from you, now that we are on this rollercoaster, he said looking at me. I remained quiet. I know there’s a way for me to cleanse Lavenia of my blood, undo what I joined with the two of us, and return her back to herself he said. Cleanse her of your blood, I repeated, I don’t know that much about it but what little I do know, she may not even remember you anymore Malcom, and if there is anything left of Lavenia, inside that body; judging from how Regina treated me I told him, there may not be, but if there is, it might be redirected; depending on how much of Lavenia is left I reminded him, but again, I know enough to get us both in trouble I stated. I’m guessing that’s why she changed her name to Regina, and anyways neither you or me know anything about it Malcom I kept reminding him of that fact. I know that Raven! He shouted, as if I’d just taken away any hope that he did have.

  Malcom, you’ll have to be
skin close to do it I told him, trying to be understanding. I know that Raven, don’t you think I know this! he said loudly, and then apologized for raising his voice to me. You don’t have to apologize to me Malcom, I love you I said smiling, we will get through this, I will be with you no matter what comes I assured him. Malcom grabbed me and held me tightly. Thank you Raven he whispered in my ear. We have but to make the potion, then get her to drink it while she’s in my arms Malcom said, sounding unsure of what he’d just said. That is the task I said, I know you can do it Malcom, it’ll be okay besides, you only have to do it once right I chimed. Once and only once, he confirmed. Anything I can help you two find a voice said breaking the topic of our discussion. We both turned to see a car dealer approaching on a golf cart and not just any car dealer, Eric Patton himself pulling his cart alongside of us with his name written across the said of the cart, extending his hand as he exited the cart. You must be Raven he said to me, Shilla described you to a tee, Eric said shaking my hand then looking at Malcom. I cleared my throat, yes, I’m Raven, this is my cousin Malcom I said. You need a two seat cargo minivan correct, jump in, let’s take a ride and see if we can’t make that happen Eric said jumping back in the cart. Malcom and I boarded the cart looking at one another and nodding with assurance that the situation with Lavenia would be over soon. We looked at so many vans, then finally found what I wanted, exact size, pearl in color and the style, driver seat, passenger seat, cargo in back not big, just right, we closed the deal on the van. Looks like you found what you came for Raven Eric told me, and to sweeten the deal, I’m going to let you drive one just like the one you just bought for a few days, with your upgrades, your van will be ready for pickup in a couple of days Eric confirmed.

  Sweet! Thanks Eric, I said shaking his hand and signing the paperwork. The loaner is outside Raven, here are the keys. You’ll receive a call when your van is ready for pickup Eric Said, standing and showing me and Malcom to the front entrance. That was easy Malcom said getting into the loaner van. Cash makes everything go faster I said, I really like the way it drives too, I am so excited I could burst I exclaimed trying not to be over excited. Malcom smiled but I could tell this thing with Lavenia was weighing heavy on him. I didn’t say anything, and the silence proved to be what we needed to break the mood that Malcom was in. Raven, he said with a questioning tone. Malcom, I said inviting him to ask or tell me anything. I have to tell you everything, I think now is the time to tell you he said, but don’t say anything until I finish he instructed. I nodded my head with understanding and pretended to lock my mouth and throw away the key. I haven’t been out on my own because at times I’m not well, not sick, just not well, not all the time but sometimes, like using powers take a toll he confessed. I tried to keep my eyes from widening, I thought he would tell me that he’s dying next, but I remained silent and continue driving. After I moved out and left Lavenia, it’s like I’m dying every day, inside, like weak and sometimes it takes all of my strength to cast a spell, almost like, I have to build up the strength or something he said, I can’t explain it. A few months after I moved out from Lavenia’s it started happening but, recently it’s been getting worse and worse he added, after I made the marquee for you I thought I was going to die for sure he said, I felt better the next day but I have to say, that was the worse yet he added. I think that when we get home we should go see mother I offered. You can’t go see her until your probation to be on your own is up Raven! Unless it’s an emergency, besides, auntie will come see you in a couple of weeks he reminded me. Malcom, if this isn’t an emergency I don’t know what is. When we get home we’ll go see mother and tell her what you did with Lavenia, and see what we’ve missed Malcom, because it sounds like we’ve missed something I insisted, I told him I know enough to be dangerous and his knowledge and mine put together could be catastrophic, I tried to convinced him, telling him we have to confide in mother I said

  I love the way you keep saying “we” Ra’ra, okay, if you insist he agreed finally. We continued home, I was so relieved that we were going to get mother involved, pulling into my private parking space Malcom popped out of the van, he started rubbing his hands over the van. I got out of the van to see what he was up too. Malcom had decorated the van with our logo and on the hood of the van, the black kitty that seemed to be the main attraction sat looking around as if guarding the van and its contents. Beautiful, I said turning to look at Malcom but I didn’t see him. I walked around to the other side of the van and there he was, laying on the ground! Out cold! MALCOM! I shouted trying to revive him and to no avail. I looked around to make sure no one had seen us. I closed my eyes and imagined Malcom laying on the oversized couch upstairs. I opened my eyes to see that it worked, his body was gone, excited, I ran upstairs to find Malcom still out cold. I summoned mother and fast!

  My guardian, my teacher my mentor I seek you, to aid me and lead me once more I beseech you. The house seemed to take a deep breath as though breathing in and then exhaling, I stood still thinking that the whole house would cave in. All of a sudden, the smell of peaches and herbs filled the air, and then I felt my mother’s presence. I am pleased to see that you need me, for a moment I thought that you would go your entire probation without my aid mother said as she descended from the ceiling. MOTHER, I yelled! I’ve never been so happy to see anyone in my life! I said hugging her for dear life, Raven what’s wrong dear come, it can’t be that bad Mother said holding me back to look at my face, its Malcom I said stepping to one side. Mother didn’t hesitate, she hurried over to Malcom looking him over, his color not very good is it, mother said looking at him from head to toe; strength has been stolen mother said taking a sharp object from her sleeve, strength has been purged, but my blood I give to you mother said cutting her arm and letting the blood drip into Malcom’s mouth. A few seconds passed, mother said well, his color is coming back this is not good Raven, this is not good at all she said in anger. Broken vain of power lost replenish now this very hour! Mother commanded shadowing Malcom with her hands. Malcom began to blink his eyes as if awakening from a long sleep. What happened? Where am I? Auntie Solidarity? Raven? What’s going on he demanded to know, trying to stand to his feet unsuccessfully. No, don’t try to stand to fast Malcom, half your wit is gone! But you already know that don’t you mother said pushing Malcom back down on the couch, and wrapping her arm with a handkerchief shed pulled from her waistband. Malcom didn’t resist, he just fell back willingly covering his face with both his hands, shaking his head from side to side like he was losing his mind or something. I just stood there covering my mouth in disbelief. There is more to this than you know Malcom, the shared blood power is a unity, a bond mother said pacing the floor. Where the two that have shared blood is together the power is extraordinary to the contrary, separation causes the power to become split and one will grow to consume the others, namely you Malcom! BECAUSE FROM THE LOOKS OF IT, YOU ARE LOSING MALCOM! WHAT WERE YOU THINKING! mother shouted, then turned her back to Malcom to regain control of her anger. We must act fast, I have four questions, the answers will be direct, and I don’t want any adlib! Mother commanded.

  1. Who

  2. Where

  3. How

  4. What, mother said sitting back waiting for the answer?

  Answer 1. Her name is Lavenia aka Regina,

  2. Her shop is close by mother, down the street actually and

  3. We haven’t gotten to how to get the two of them together yet, I said looking at mother, and 4 what she is mother, she’s a mortal I said looking at Malcom. We just realized the severity now, like you Auntie, Malcom finally chimed in able to sit up alert on the couch. I guess Lavenia is stronger than I thought Malcom confessed. Mother was so angry; I hadn’t see her this angry since uncle Maevis’s sentencing. I tried to stay silent. This has nothing to do with stronger Malcom, oh no, you don’t get it do you, you created something darker than the pits Malcom! What did you think, the two of you get together, then decide you made a mistake, so you break the blood
exchange, then she and you go your merry ways? Mother said continuing to pace the floor. Oh, let me guess, you thought that she would go back to that innocent state, that mortal that you fell in love with, even forgetting you as though you never met, as if it never happened mother said looking down at Malcom. No Malcom, mother said rolling her eyes and putting her hands on her hips. Mother took a deep breath then exhaled, who else know about this mother asked Malcom? Only Ra’ra, and I only told her today Malcom revealed to mother. Judging from your appearance Malcom the consumption of your power has reach its limits, you grow weak it grows stronger mother said sitting down and rubbing her hand as though she was trying to put together a thought. Consumption? Malcom questioned mother. Mother looked at Malcom, this is a battle for your power Malcom! She won’t be the first female to gained a warlocks power this way, but she will be the first female mortal! Bravo Malcom, a new record for our ancestral tree here among the mortals! Oh’ they will talk about this for moons! Mother continued to say, squeezing her head, and then running her hands over her hair as if trying to force a thought to produce but to no avail.

  Not if we’re careful Mother, I offered, looking at both mother and Malcom. Always the optimist, mother said placing her attention on me, I’m glad you summoned me, your hourglass is running out she said, focusing back on Malcom. First off, we have to stop her from practicing mother said, her shop, is close you said? Mother asked looking at me. Regina’s Emporium’ opposite side of my shop I confirmed. I see, we have a human, that’s mixed her blood with a warlock, AND, she is practicing wares! She will sense me, mother said shaking her head, just as she sensed you Raven, when you first arrived here in Pleasantville, knocking over her display, mother said. I just looked at her not really amazed. Ask yourself this Raven, if you landed putting away your disk first thing, as you always do, having only your luggage and a handbag, no mortal to notice your landing, then the average mortal person would think you a visitor, not a witch seeking habitation! Mother clarified.