by Sarah Belle
I park my car three streets over and walk the distance to the gates. I just have to see for myself that it’s actually going ahead. That it’s real. Then my drive home will consist of me crying my heart out and listening to heart-wrenching songs about loves lost and growing old alone. Then Majique will cast her spell, which will mark the commencement of my new life. The one without Aiden.
Yet again, my small stature comes in handy, allowing me to duck and weave, push and slip my way to the front of the gates. The grounds, which put the Royal Botanical Gardens to shame, are decked out with a huge white marquee, connected to the main house by a long walkway lined by hundreds of white rose bushes. Classical music wafts out. Although it’s impossible to see anyone, the event sounds as though it’s getting underway if the murmur of guests’ voices is anything to go by.
We wait, us media groupies, for a good 30 minutes, until the music changes to the bridal waltz. Suddenly, 12 little flower girls come walking along the pathway, sprinkling flower petals in their wake. Following them are eight bridesmaids. Finally, the bride herself, Geneva, takes the arm of her father and begins her journey into the marquee.
She’s dressed in a white dress too hard to see without a telephoto lens. It takes only a minute for her to reach the marquee and be out of sight.
My stomach rolls like a tumble dryer, there’s an ache in the back of my throat and tears well in my eyes. This is it. The last moment has arrived. Within minutes, it will all be over. Mrs Geneva St. James will have caught and married my fiancé.
I wait, just in case Aiden changes his mind and comes running out of the marquee and makes a bid for freedom, but 30 minutes later, the bells in the front centre tower of the mansion come to life as they chime in the beginning of a new marriage.
The media throng almost climb over each other, trying to get photos, which makes my journey away from the gate that little bit more challenging. Eventually, I fight my way to the street and resume the walk back to my car.
Tears stream down my face and huge, raw sobs escape me. If people are looking at me and wondering what’s wrong with that emotionally unstable woman, I don’t care. I just don’t care. He’s gone. It’s over.
* * *
‘Yes, I’m sure,’ I say to Majique. ‘Charge me for it and let’s get it over and done with. What do I need?’ Apart from another $700.
‘The same as before, but a photo of yourself instead. I’ve emailed you the spell, which you can cast yourself.’
‘So it will work, definitely? I won’t spend the rest of my life pining over Aiden?’
‘He will be gone from your memory completely. I will cast a special spell for you to ensure that. Are you really sure this is what you want?’ she asks.
‘Without a doubt.’
‘Alright then, there is no charge for this one, Lou. This spell is on me. You won’t even remember you cast a spell. It will be as if this new life has been yours all along. You won’t remember the relationship with Hunter, working at the bank, your teaching career prior to the spell, your cottage or Aiden. Good luck, sweet girl. May the white magic protect and bless you.’
Mel walks into my bedroom just after we finish our phone conversation.
‘I’m going to do it,’ I say.
‘Are you sure?’
‘Yep, it’s the only way.’
‘But what if something goes wrong and you’re turned into a different person or you can’t remember anything afterwards?’
‘Majique said the current moon is a safe one, that the only reason the other spell went awry is because of the Black Moon. It’s going to be okay,’ I say, trying to allay her fears.
‘I don’t know, Lou. It’s a big risk if something goes wrong, you know?’
I hold her hand. ‘Nothing will go wrong. And even if it does, I won’t remember it!’
She gives me a ‘not funny’ look.
‘Joking!’ I say. ‘It’s dark outside now, I’m going to do it and go to bed. Not sure about you but my energy has run out!’
‘It’s been a busy week, for sure. Do you need me to do anything?’
‘Other than for you to never mention Aiden, my previous life, Hunter or this entire fiasco again, no thanks.’
‘Not ever?’
‘Nope. Majique is casting a special spell to wipe the entire incident from my memory, as a backup. She’s doing it tonight. This last week will be gone in my mind.’
‘What about when he gets divorced, or if we bump into him in the street? Can I mention him then?’
‘Nope, whatever will be will be. My days of interfering with fate end tonight.’
‘I guess that’s a good move,’ she says.
‘Do you want to know about what happens with the bank merger?’
‘No. I’ve done my best to bring Amelia down to take over so Aiden can put his plan forward, but whatever happens after that is beyond my control. I’ve let it go.’
‘Sounds like you’ve really thought this through. I can’t say anything to change your mind?’
‘No, this is the best thing for me to do.’
‘I’m sorry, Lou. If the spell was my idea then I am to blame for this, not you,’ she says as tears start to roll down her face.
I move closer to Mel and take her hand in mine. ‘Mel, you brought the spell to my attention, but I am the one who chose to go ahead with it. I am the one who didn’t tell her fiancé the truth. You have nothing to be sorry for.’
She wipes her tears and gives a tiny smile.
‘Besides, you are the bestest friend I could ever ask for. The bestest sister in-law! I couldn’t be happier that you married my brother, because now we really are sisters.’
‘We always were sisters,’ she says, more tears falling.
We hug and both have a little cry.
‘I love you and am so grateful to have you as my best friend,’ I say.
She smiles and springs more tears.
‘I just wanted to tell you that in case I slip into the world in-between worlds tonight and you never hear from me again.’
‘Lou!’ she cries, hitting me on the arm. ‘Don’t say that!’
‘Just joking,’ I laugh. ‘Now, off to bed you go. My brother is probably missing you, seeing as I’ve monopolised all your attention this week.’
‘You don’t need me to help you cast the spell?’
‘I have to do the casting so that the energies aren’t mixed. You go back out to Ben, enjoy your night and I’ll see you in the morning, a brand-new me!’
‘A brand-new you,’ she says with a tear in her eye. ‘I so wish this had worked out differently for you, Lou. It doesn’t seem fair.’
‘Yeah, me too. Love doesn’t value social standing or money, or whether someone else thinks you are good enough to be loved. It only values purity and sincerity. I won’t make that mistake again.’
‘I won’t let you. You’re a Mudder, remember!’
We laugh, hug and say our goodnights.
* * *
An hour later, it’s near midnight. Everyone’s asleep and all images of Aiden have been cleared from my computer. There’s nothing to remind me of him, or raise any questions as to why there is a photo of such a honey on my laptop. Nothing. Zilch. The only place he exists for me now is in my mind. But that won’t be for long.
Out on the back patio, I set up the spell stuff. There is no breeze tonight and the stars are out in their glory, shining and twinkling away as though they don’t have a care in the world. The air is mild, summer is around the corner and the nights are not so chilly any more. All in all, it’s a gorgeous night for a spell.
There’s one last little cry over Aiden and all that has been lost, and a little smile at everything I’ve gained— Mel and Ben’s marriage, and Mum and Dad’s good health and happiness in their retirement. I am truly happy that, for my family, life is great. Mine will be great again too, starting tomorrow with no memory of Aiden, or my colossal stuff-up.
I rewind the clock and hold it against my chest
.
‘Take away the memory of you,
My sweet love that was so true.
Take away the memory of us,
Leave me with no thought of lust.’
I rewind the clock back further.
‘Your face in my mind nevermore,
On our love, I close the door.
To start afresh, a life brand new,
Banish all my memories of you.’
I rewind the clock back even further
‘Powers above, please heal my heart,
And give me now a fresh start.
My love for you will disappear,
You are no longer the one I hold dear.’
Once again, I open my palms to the stars, ‘Please, please, let me forget the past and find true love again.’
Minutes later, in the comfort of my bed, in the dark, sleep overtakes me. The night is filled with vivid dreams, mostly about when Aiden and I met at the fun run. This time, though, he didn’t come back to help me across the finishing line, we didn’t fall in love or get engaged. This time, I finished the race by myself, and went home alone.
Chapter 18
One year later…
My Grade Two class is driving me nuts today. It’s a high north wind and a warmer-than-usual day for spring, the perfect weather combination to turn gorgeous little munchkins into utter trolls. On the positive side, their parents are due to pick them up in a few minutes, and then I will be free for the weekend!
Except for the twilight fun run around Albert Park Lake. One of my kids has a little brother, Andreas, who is battling congenital heart disease. Our entire teaching staff is joining in the fun run to raise money for the charity that helps out families in their time of need. Even Mel, who is eight months pregnant, is doing it! Hers will be more of a waddle than a run, though.
In the last year I’ve saved every cent possible and have been doing tutoring out of hours for some extra cash. Now I have enough for a deposit on a house. My weekends are spent driving around the suburbs that appeal to me in search of the perfect house. It’s been narrowed down to three houses, but one in particular really inspires me. It’s run-down and in desperate need of work, but Dad says he’s bored with retirement and would love to spend his days renovating it with me. It’s in the leafy suburb of Briar Hill and is the house in the street that is most in need of love. I think we make a perfect match. There’s something so familiar about it, that it’s a bit spooky. A bit of déjà vu!
‘Are you ready?’ Mel asks as she enters my classroom.
‘Ready to run five kilometres you mean? No!’ I laugh.
‘That’s right, I forgot about you running like a duck.’
‘Three words for you, my favourite sister in-law—pot, kettle, black.’
Mel laughs. ‘At least I have a legitimate reason for waddling! MelBen Junior is nearly ready to come out and meet everyone. Jeez, I know my bladder is sure as Hell ready for this baby to be ejected from my uterus. I won’t miss peeing 30 times a day, that’s for sure!’
‘No, I’m sure cracked nipples, engorged breasts and sleepless nights will be much better than regular peeing!’
She slaps my upper arm, smiles and them links her arm in mine. ‘Come on, let’s go.’
* * *
The fun run is huge. Hundreds of people have turned out in support of the charity and lots of other schools in our area have joined us in dressing as fairies. Mel has had to stop due to overheating and is currently sitting under a tree, drinking a cold lemonade and being fussed over by every mother from our school.
I am only 500 metres from the finishing line. It’s tough, and an infinite struggle, seeing as running isn’t a natural movement to me, but it’s for a good cause. Most of the participants have finished, except me and a few others.
The crowd is cheering those of us on the last lap when suddenly, from nowhere, this gorgeous guy runs up beside me. I mean seriously gorgeous, movie-star-crossed-with-the-boy-next-door kind of gorgeous. He’s tall and lean, and looks as though he does a lot of running because his legs are chiselled muscle.
I do my best not to drool, but it’s kinda hard.
‘Hey,’ he says. ‘Mind if I cross the finishing line with you?’
Mister, you could cross any line with me. My loins are quivering.
He looks at me, clearly awaiting an answer, which I will give, as soon as my brain and mouth are reconnected. Speak, Lou, speak!
‘Ah, no. Sure, that would be great.’ I smile, probably a scary, goofy kind of smile like Forrest Gump.
‘Good,’ he says.
‘Can I ask why though?’
His honey-coloured eyes smile just as much as his adorable mouth.
‘I can’t resist a woman in silver glitter fairy wings, with matching hair and a large red clown nose who runs like a duck.’
Did he say I run like a duck? It seems to be the general consensus, but come on!
‘It looks like I need help, is that what you’re saying? Think carefully before you answer though, I have a black belt in macramé, you know.’
He laughs.
‘You know what macramé is?’ I ask. He is a man, after all.
‘I’m a teacher, of course I know what macramé is!’
‘Oh! What year do you teach?’
‘Six, although I’ve only just graduated, this is my first term teaching, so I’m still on my L-plates.’
Before I know it, we’ve crossed the line and my fun run is over. But all that interests me is this sexy creature who has appeared out of nowhere and taken an interest in me. Must be my lucky day! We stop at the drinks table and he gets one for both of us.
Mel comes waddling over. ‘Well done!’ she says.
‘Thanks, not too bad for a duck,’ I say. ‘Although I did have my new friend helping me,’ I motion to Mr Sexy next to me.
He turns around, hands me a drink and Mel nearly chokes. Her eyeballs literally bulge out of their sockets and her mouth falls open.
‘Mel? Are you alright?’ I ask. ‘You’re not going into labour are you?’
‘I…ahh…umm…’
‘Mel?’
She continues to stare at my new friend, her expression looks exactly how I feel. He is H.O.T., although hopefully I am more discreet at showing my admiration of his genetic blessings.
‘Are you alright? Speak to me. Are you having the baby?’ I ask, louder.
‘No…no…not right now. I’m just…sure I’ve seen you somewhere before,’ she says to him.
He looks at the ground, his skin flushing slightly.
‘Yeah, I was in the papers about a year ago,’ he says.
‘No kidding, why was that?’ says Mel, who seems to have composed herself again to the point she is able to ask quite probing questions.
I look between the two of them, Mel Hell-bent on getting her answer and my new friend cringing at having to provide it.
‘You don’t have to answer Mel’s questions,’ I say. ‘She’s pregnant, you know, a bit hormonal. She’s not normally this pushy.’
I give Mel the look that says, ‘ruin this for me and I’ll kill you’, but she pays no attention.
‘That’s alright,’ he says. ‘I was known as “the disposable groom” in the gossip columns. My then-fiancée decided to dump me on the eve of our wedding and replace me with another man.’
Was she insane? Who, on God’s earth, would trade this magnificent specimen in for another man?
Mel is nodding, wisely. Smiling, in fact. What is wrong with her?
‘Oh! That’s awful!’ I say.
‘It was at the time. I caught them together the night before, in his hospital room. That’s when they revealed their plans and suddenly, I was dumped.’
‘Oh, how awful!’ It’s like something out of a bad soap opera.’
He laughs a little.
‘So, what happened then?’ Mel asks.
‘Mel! I’m sure he doesn’t want to relive it all over again,’ I say to her. ‘Don’t answer her questions, rea
lly.’
‘It’s okay. They got married the next day, but I found out she only wanted to marry me in order to get back into her grandfather’s will. He’d told her that unless she settled down, he would cut her out of his will,’ he says.
A gasp escapes me, as my hand flies up to my mouth. ‘No!’
‘So, what happened?’ Mel presses.
‘Funny thing is, she was intending to marry to get back in the will, and then get divorced as soon as the old fella died of cancer.’
‘Why is that funny?’ I ask.
‘Because they found out that what they thought was cancer was actually a benign tumour that has since been removed. He’s probably going to live for another 20 years!’ he laughs.
Mel bursts out laughing.
‘So, they’re stuck together then?’ I ask, clarifying the situation.
He nods. ‘Yep, made for each other. Both cheating, lying, arrogant snobs. Perfectly suited. Apparently they’re already driving each other insane, but if they divorce, she’s out of the will, which means he’ll lose his share of it as well.’
‘Sounds like it was a lucky escape for you, then?’ Mel asks.
‘It sure was,’ he says.
‘What made you go to the hospital room the night before?’ Mel probes. ‘I mean, did you know this other man? Was he your friend?’
Why would she ask so many questions?
‘Strangely, no, he wasn’t a friend. Quite the opposite, actually. I’ve thought about it so many times and still don’t know why I went in to see him,’ he says.
‘Perhaps it just wasn’t meant to be,’ I say.
‘Definitely not. It would have been the biggest mistake of my life.’
‘And then you…?’ Mel continues. Jeez, is she working undercover for Sixty Minutes or something?
‘I took a redundancy package from work, went back to Uni to study teaching and, well, here I am.’
‘Yes, here you are,’ I say, smiling. ‘Every handsome bit of you.’
Shit! Please tell me that was internal monologue only? Mel bursts out laughing again, and he looks mildly uncomfortable, but holds my gaze.