by Marnie Cate
In contrast her stand was a spectacular presentation with small twinkling lights and soft music that welcomed you to come shop. Once you entered, you could get lost staring at the detail of the ivy vines and small flowers that were carved into the chestnut wood. When you finally were ready to shop, there was a variety of homemade items to buy. There were shelves filled with bottles of tonics and elixirs, deep bins for the breads and pastries and a rack for dried herbs. It always felt full of magic to me when I was a child and as I began unloading Gram's merchandise, I felt the same feeling return.
Once everything was set up, Meg said, “I have a present for you, Mara.”
I carefully opened the pink tissue paper that she had used to wrap the gift. Inside I found a yellow paper sign with the words in Meg's childlike handwriting.
Sister for Sale, Beware, her screams at night may give you fright.
Taking her mock price tag from me by the attached purple ribbon, she said, “Now put this on so we can see if we have any takers.” Picking her up and tickling her, we laughed until she pleaded for me to stop.
“Now what will you do if there are takers on your sale?” I asked.
“Hmm, we may need to rethink this.” she said seriously. “We won't sell you this time.”
Laughing, I picked her up again and spun her around.
“I see you girls are already up to mischief,” Cole said, as he joined us. “It looks like Meg has put you up for sale.” Turning seriously towards Meg, he asked, “Will you trade me Mara for two scoops of ice cream?”
“Make it three and you have a deal!” Meg exclaimed.
“Wait,” I said. “You just said that you weren't going to sell me!”
“Right but he made a really good offer,” she smirked.
The rest of the morning was busy with customers and trying to keep Meg amused. By two o'clock, the crowds had died down and most people went home to rest before the evening's events. We snacked on the picnic lunch Gram had brought and watched Meg practice her dance. Looking around the stand, I smiled. We had already sold out of many items. Before the night was over, we would have little to take home.
As the sun began to set, some of the shops began to close in anticipation of the night activities. We boxed up the small amount that we had not sold. While Cole loaded the truck, Gram and I prepared Meg for her performance. Removing the braids from her hair had left soft curls. Gram piled the curls high on Meg's head and twisted a band of baby pink roses across the top of her head. Meg's costume was a long-sleeved blue and white velvet dress that had a short skirt that puffed out with layers of white ruffles. Her knee-high white socks sparkled with a soft silvery glitter.
As I laced up her soft black dance shoes, she whispered to me, “What if I forget my steps, Mar. I am so scared I am going to forget and embarrass myself.”
Taking her face in my hands, I whispered back, “When I went onstage for my first dance, I was so scared too. But, Gram said something to me. She told me that the moon was watching with an open heart and a smile. It would be looking at my eyes not my feet. The moon would feel the love I sent her. And you know what happened? I danced for the moon and if I missed any steps, I did not notice. So dance for the moon, Meg, just dance for the moon.”
Wrapping her arms around me, I held her for a long time. My little sister was growing up before my eyes and all I wanted to do was to hold on to her and keep her safe.
The warm feeling I had did not last. I suddenly felt a coldness around me and I turned to see where it was coming from. Standing in front of my grandmother was a woman who, from the way my grandmother glared at her, was not a friend.
“Mae, it has been such a long time. What a nice surprise to see you still running your little stand,” she said icily, as she looked around at our store clearly unimpressed.
“You know as well as I do, Blanche, that this is not a surprise. I am sure if you are here that you are up to no good,” Gram coldly responded to the woman. “Why don't you crawl back up the mountain you came from?”
“I see time has not made you any smarter, Mae. I just came to see the lunar festivities. I was told that one of my new granddaughters would be performing her first Lunar Dance. Since the girls will soon be coming to live with us, I thought it would be nice for me to show my support,” she said, with a smile on her face that didn't quite hide the contempt that she obviously felt towards us.
The woman was tall with short silver hair that was smartly styled and she wore dark eye makeup and deep red lipstick. She appeared to be the same age as Gram but looked as if she had never done a day's work in her life. Her black dress was long and tight with a deep slit up the right thigh. On most women her age, a dress like that would seem ridiculous. But she wore this dress obviously made for a much younger woman and surprisingly it looked stunning on her.
“You will have nothing to do with those girls,” Gram spat back at Blanche. Small flames of fire began to spark from her hands. “I suggest you leave and take your machinations elsewhere.”
Looking at my grandmother with pity in her eyes, she twirled the silver snake ring she had on her pinky finger and said, “You never seem to learn that you cannot insult my family and get away with it. What a joy it will be to take away another of yours.”
Turning on her heels, she called back to us, “Goodbye, girls. I will see you soon.”
Confused by the conversation, Meg held me tighter. “What was that lady talking about?”
“Never mind her,” I said as I tried to pull Meg's attention from her. “Just another mountain crazy coming to stir up trouble. Full moons can do that, remember? Stay here while I get some lipstick from my bag. You need a little color for the stage.”
Grabbing my bag, I whispered to Gram, “Bring Meg the potion. I am going to finish getting her ready. Would it be safe to assume that woman is Cedric Drygen's mother?”
Nodding, Gram sat down on the small stool and sighed, “I'll be over in a minute. I just need to compose myself.” Kissing Gram on the head, I left her to her thoughts.
Stopping, I looked back at her and whispered, “Goddess, please protect my family.”
With the final touches, Meg looked even more beautiful. A whistle came from the entryway, “Who is this little angel before me and what has she done with Meg? Stand up and give me a twirl,” Cole said.
Twirling around, she beamed at his praise. “Nice, nice but something is wrong. I must say that there is one thing missing.”
The smile from her face quickly turned into a worried frown. Hesitantly she asked, “What? What is missing?”
Walking around her as if inspecting her closely, he began, “Well the outfit is perfect. Yes, very nice. Your hair is lovely thanks to the fine talents of Gram. Yes, Mara has done a nice job on your makeup but something is just well…,” he stopped, as if trying to think of the word. “Something is just missing.”
“What!” Meg exclaimed. “What is missing?”
With a smile, he held out his hand holding a small velvet box.
“Go on, open it,” he said. He winked at me as we all watched her open the box.
Nestled in the white satin of the box was a small silver chain that held a silver heart with a deep blue moon in the middle.
“It is beautiful,” she said softly, as she stared at it.
“Well, let's see how it looks on you,” Cole said, as he put the necklace on her. “Yes, now I can say you are the prettiest dancer at the festival.”
“Isn't it pretty, Gram?” Meg said to our grandmother, as she joined us. “Cole gave it to me.”
“What a nice gift.” Gram smiled, “I have another present for you.”
When she opened her hands, Bay sat with a big smile on her face.
“Bay!” Meg exclaimed. “I thought you were going away.”
“Now how could I miss your first dance? I taught you everything you know,” she replied. “And most importantly, I had to be here for your first drink of moon water.”
Holding the small vi
al that I had prepared this morning, she held it out for Meg to take, “Drink this and let me know what you think.”
“Wait,” I said, as I took the vial from Bay. “Meg, this is not exactly moon water. It is a potion that will make you forget everything you know about the magic around us and inside you.”
With a sad look, she asked, “Mara, why would you want me to forget about the magic?” Turning to Gram, she held out her little hand and said, “Gram, do you want me to forget too?”
“Meg, when Mara was a few years younger than you, I did not give her the choice that she is giving you. Instead, I took the magic away from her. You will understand better when you are older but we are responsible for protecting this gift. Sometimes the best way to do that is by taking away the knowledge that we have of it.”
Taking Meg and me by the hand, she continued, “It is your choice, Meg.”
“You can make the decision and I will support you,” I said, as I took her hand.
“Will it be gone forever?” Meg asked.
“No,” I said. “It will not be gone forever and I promise you that the minute Gram and I feel that it will be safe for you. You will have all of your memories back. Please trust us.”
“I trust you,” she said, holding out her hand.
Gram pulled us both into her arms and hugged us tightly. Taking the vial from me, she handed it to Meg, “Cosain an draiocht.”
As if she understood, Meg said, “Protect the magic.”
Taking the top off and taking a small sip at first, she smiled saying, “Yum.” With a gulp, she drank it all.
Taking the vial from her, I held out my hands. “Come rest for a minute. You want to save your energy for the dance.”
As she fell into my arms and I held her, I felt tears running down my cheeks. “I am sorry, Meg. This is the only way I know that you will be kept safe.”
Taking Meg from my arms, Gram held her and sang softly to her just as she had done with me. Quietly she told me, “We will refill the vial later. For now just place it in the silver pouch in my bag. There is another potion in the red pouch in my bag.” The look she gave me told me it was my decision what steps to take next.
Taking a deep breath, I prepared myself for what would come next. “Cole, let's go for a walk,” I said, as I held out my hand to him. Taking my hand, he followed me.
We walked by the different stands and looked at their merchandise. Anything you could think of could be found. The different smells filled the air. Ostrich burgers, popcorn, fresh fudge and a variety of pickled items mixed in with the various perfumes and craft smells.
When we reached a quiet area away from the people, we sat down on a bench. Cole spoke, “I know why we are here. Hand me the vial. I will drink the potion too.”
I started to speak and he stopped me, “I know too much. You don't have to explain.”
Handing him the vial, I instantly felt this was wrong. As he put the drink to his lips, I cried, “Wait!”
Taking it from him, I said, “No, you can't drink this. I need you. Maybe I am being selfish. But, I would be lying to you every day of our life together if you drink this.”
“I would do anything for you,” he said, taking the vial from me. “I will take it with me and if at any point, I feel that you all would be safer with me not remembering I will gladly drink this. Just make sure I never forget you.”
Wrapping my arms around him, I whispered, “I love you, Cole.”
“I am proud of you for letting Meg make the decision on her own,” he responded. “I understand why the Goddess has blessed your family. You are three amazing women.”
He laughed and corrected himself, “Well, two women and a girl.”
Snuggling back in his arms, I sighed. I felt so lucky to be with Cole and no dark thoughts of doubt could even sneak into this peace. Gram was right I needed to listen to my heart. For a while, we just sat on the bench staring at the sky and enjoying the moment.
“We cannot stay in this moment forever,” I begrudgingly thought.
“We should start back to check on Meg,” Cole said, as if he read my mind.
Cole and I did not discuss the reason why we had gone on the walk anymore. Cole would be able to make the decision later if he needed too. But for now I had him fully with me and I felt at ease with the decision we had made. Hand in hand, we walked by the shops that were still open pointing out things that we thought would make a nice wedding gift.
“Honestly, Cole,” I laughed as he tried on the most outrageous top hat. The black hat was a model of a fifty-story building complete with glass windows. On top of the building, hung a large monkey, with a bride slung over its shoulder.
“There is no way I am marrying you if you wear that hat,” I exclaimed.
Sadly, he put the hat down, “For you, I will even get rid of my dreams to wear a monkey hat on our wedding day.” With a chuckle, he pulled me into his arm and softly kissed me.
Our moment of peace was interrupted by a loud shriek, “Cole! Cole Sands! Where have you been hiding yourself?”
Cole let go of me and turned to greet the loud voice. My irritation increased as I realized the owner of the screeching voice was Jessica Harvey. Jessica had always had a crush on Cole and never seemed to take the hint that he was not interested in her. Hugging him, she oohed and awed over how great he looked and how long it had been since they last saw each other.
Clearing my voice, I brought Jessica's attention off Cole and on to me. Her eyes look me up and down.
With a perturbed sigh, she said, “Hi, Marina.”
Dismissing me, she turned her attention back to Cole as she twisted her long blonde hair coyly around her finger. “You must tell me everything that you have been up to since we last saw each other, Cole. Where have you been hiding yourself?”
Interrupting her desperate pleas for attention, I grabbed Cole's hand, “We have such great news, Jessica. I am sure you will be so very happy for us.”
Continuing to use my overexcited voice, I pulled Cole close to me, “Cole and I are getting married. Won't it be wonderful?”
Grabbing her hand in mine, I continued. “You could even be in the wedding. Why you could be a bridesmaid? No, wait! I have it.” Turning to Cole, I said, “Darling, wouldn't she make the best maid of honor?”
Focusing my attention back on Jessica, I said, “It will be so much fun. You can help me plan everything down to the tiniest detail. What do you think of pearl earrings? Too much? I agree.”
I continued with my ramblings of my sensational wedding until Jessica politely excused herself claiming to be meeting people. As Jessica scurried off, I called after her, “Goodbye, Jessica. I will be in touch soon. We have so much to discuss.”
Walking faster, she kept going away from us and did not look back.
Laughing, Cole asked, “My, my, did I detect a hint of jealousy?”
Pulling me back into his arms, he held me tightly. “No need for that. You are the only girl for me. Except I did appreciate her acknowledging how fantastic I look.”
“Oh Cole, you are just so dreamy,” I said, in a mock Jessica tone as I began to twirl my hair around my finger.
“Dreamy? How kind of you to notice. I would love to stay here talking about how great I am for the rest of the evening but we better head back. Meg will be performing soon,” he said, with one final kiss and we began our fast paced walk back to Gram and Meg.
Back at the stand, Meg was practicing her dance and Gram was sipping tea. “Did you have a nice nap? Are you ready to dance for the moon?” I asked, as she continued to dance.
Kissing Gram on the cheek, I whispered, “He didn't drink it. It didn't feel right.” Squeezing my hand, I knew she understood.
“I'm ready to dance. Mrs. Ward brought us some of her famous Stupid Chicken Soup. There is even some left for you and Cole.” she said cheerily.
Nothing was more comforting than Mrs. Ward's soup. The barbecue sauce flavored broth with pieces of chicken, pureed potatoes, red
peppers, garlic and fresh basil made the most unique tasting soup.
Cole and I enjoyed a bowl of soup while Meg went over the upcoming events of the evening. Gram pretended to be cleaning the stand but I could tell she was deep in thought.
I overheard Gram softly whisper, “Goddess, please give us the strength we need to face these imminently dark days.”
Cole heard her and took my hand, “It will be ok,” he said, to comfort me.
Chapter 19
Gram took Meg to wait at the stage with the rest of the young dancers. While Cole and I went to find a seat to watch the performance, a sea of dancers in silver and blue dresses with bouncing curls joined my little sister. All of the girls were anxious for the event to begin.
Once the girls were brought up onto the stage, Gram came and joined us. As the lights flashed and the music began, the dancers came out in groups of five. When Meg's group joined the stage, Cole cheered loudly. Looking down at us, Meg gave us an exaggerated wink. She jumped, twirled and danced as if she had been in the spotlight her entire life. Gram looked on with a bright smile. I squeezed her hand and she tightly held it back.
As the dance ended, a bright splash of purple and silver twirled onto the stage and leaped at heights that astonished the crowd. My mind drifted back to the dance classes when I was young. The words my teacher would call out to us rang in my ear.
“Posture, ladies, posture!” The voice from my past demanded. “Sauté, Sauté, Chassé, no! No! No! Back to the barre! We must practice the basics again!”
With a seemingly endless pirouette, my old dance instructor, Ms. Lilianna, commanded the stage. When her twirling stopped, she bellowed, “Thank you, thank you, tonight we celebrate another year of family, friendship and community. My little dancers have once again delighted me and I hope you!”
The audience clapped and cheered in agreement.
“Each year after the night's performance, one student is selected to perform the last dance.” As she said this, the dancers returned to the stage in a choreographed soft tap. In a half circle, the girls surrounded their teacher and with anticipation they waited to see if their name would be called.