A Witch Like No Other

by Makala Thomas

  Baby Julian snuggled into her, Dreamer wiping his tears away.

  “And why were you asleep when the child was awake?” demanded Paul, and Dreamer scowled at him.

  “Papa, Baby Julian fell asleep before I did. He must have woken as soon as he realised I wasn’t speaking anymore.”

  “Hmm,” Paul said. “Well, I think you should call Ted and find out what’s going on with him and his assistant. Why did he kiss her today?”

  “Let him call me,” Dreamer answered. “If he’s the man I think he is, he’ll call and explain everything.”

  * * *

  As soon as Pandora and Marlon left for college the next day, Ted picked up the house phone drowsily as thoughts raced through his head.

  Dreamer knew about Brandy. He knew she knew, he could feel it in the air.

  “Hello, good morning.”

  “Dream?”

  Silence.

  “Dreamer, please,” Ted said desperately. “I need to talk to you.”

  “There’s nothing to talk about,” Dreamer said coolly. “Or is there?”

  “Well… if you’ve forgotten it I don’t need to bring it up again.”

  Dreamer smiled as she held the phone to her ear, Baby Julian on her hip.

  “Yes, I’ve forgotten it. I’ve already forgiven you and forgotten it.”

  “Good. Can I see you?”

  “Sure, drive up when you’re ready.”

  “I cant,” said Ted. He could just about stand up. “I’m not up to driving.”

  “Then… I’ll teleport with the baby.”

  “Ok.”

  “See you in half an hour.”

  “Bye.”

  * * *

  Dreamer appeared in the living room, expecting to see Ted on the sofa. He wasn’t there.

  “Ted?”

  Silence.

  Baby Julian hung onto her tightly, looking around curiously.

  “Mummy, where we is?”

  “Ted’s house, baby. Ted,” called Dreamer, and a quiet voice said “I’m in the kitchen.”

  Dreamer hesitated, then she stepped into the kitchen.

  It was dark in there, the blinds shut tight, the lights off.

  Ted sat at the kitchen table, head in his hands.

  Dreamer stepped back out, placing Baby Julian in the living room.

  “Stay here, baby. Play with Bear.”

  Baby Julian sat slowly, holding his teddy.

  Dreamer entered the kitchen, pulling the doors closed behind her. Hesitantly looking at Ted first, she pulled the blinds open.

  Sunlight flooded the kitchen, Ted wincing.

  Dreamer stared at him. He looked withdrawn, his chocolate skin pasty looking. His eyes had dark circles under them.

  “Have you been up all night?”

  “Yes.” His voice was ragged. “I’ve been up all night receiving calls from Brandy Shakes, worrying about how I’d tell you about her, wondering how far she’ll go to make me hers, and scared stiff she’ll ruin our relationship.”

  Dreamer didn’t know what to say. She thought at first she’d attack him left, right and centre to ventilate her anger at his weakness. His weakening at the first woman who dared move to him when she knew very well who and what Dreamer was, but she hated seeing him like that.

  “She wont ruin our relationship,” she said gently. “I promise.”

  “What am I going to do? I cant face her everyday.”

  “I know,” said Dreamer mischievously. “Where would you like her to go, Teddy? What do you wish happen to her when you go to work?”

  “I’d rather she move to another office,” sighed Ted. “It’s better she’s Caroline’s assistant- they hate each other. I wish that was possible-”

  Dreamer smirked, pulling out her golden wand.

  “Your wish is my command.”

  * * *

  “Don’t go,” Ted mumbled against his pillow, as Dreamer pulled his duvet over his shoulders. “I want to see you when I wake up…”

  “You will,” she assured him, Baby Julian giggling in her arms.

  “Night-night, Teddy!”

  “Day-day, Julian,” yawned Ted, and Dreamer laughed.

  * * *

  Dreamer noticed an envelope on the living room table, a sealed envelope with her name on.

  “For moi?” she said amusedly, picking up the envelope.

  She held it to her close to her face, inhaling deeply. Drinking in the answers to her curiosity about who sent the letter.

  Pandora’s hands have been on it… Dreamer inhaled her child’s strong feelings for James Henbit. Her love for her family. Her not-so-sure feelings towards Baby Julian and his arriving practically out of nowhere, changing things. And another person’s emotions… a stranger’s.

  A male stranger’s.

  Dreamer frowned, looking at the envelope. He wasn’t a person who was just sending her a regular appointment. The envelope reeked of lust aimed directly at her, lust which began before she was murdered and grew stronger over the years. Lust so strong it made her eyes water.

  “Goodness,” she murmured. “Who is this man?”

  Baby Julian shivered in his sleep, Dreamer conjuring his baby blanket and spreading it over him as he dreamt on Ted’s sofa.

  Then she opened the letter.

  * * *

  James lifted Pandora high in the air, swinging her around. Pandora squealed like a little girl, her hands on his shoulders.

  “James, put me down!”

  “Say I can come to yours,” James replied, laughing. “Your Dad wont mind me coming.”

  “You wear Dad out- he didn’t sleep well last night. If you come over-”

  “I wont even speak to him. I’ll just go up to your room.”

  “You’re not allowed in my room,” said Pandora breathlessly, and James smiled at her.

  “Fine, I’ll pretend I’m going up to Marlon’s room, and slip in yours.”

  “Well… Marlon wont appreciate you coming in my room either.”

  James pouted. “Do you always have to crush my ideas, Pandora?”

  Pandora immediately disentangled herself from his strong arms, hurt.

  “I didn’t mean to, I’m just saying that they’ve got boundaries.”

  “Like I don’t know already.”

  Then, seeing the look on her face, he softened.

  “Don’t look like that, Pan. I didn’t mean to get grouchy.”

  Pandora shrugged. “It’s ok.”

  “You don’t always have to pretend you don’t care, you know.” James took her hand. “Sometimes you should let your feelings out.”

  “Not always.”

  “Why not?”

  They walked towards the lake, holding hands.

  “Because sometimes you have to keep things to yourself.”

  “You can tell me anything, Pandora.”

  “Fine,” she said amusedly. “You look like an idiot wearing your hat back to front all the time, and I hate it when you stare at my mother like she’s the only one in the frickin’ room. You stink like a sewer after you play football, and I don’t bother coming near you until late, because at least I know you’ve showered by then. I always wonder if you’re bisexual, because you’re amazing with me but the way you act with my brother is a bit worrying. And-”

  “All right, I get it,” grumbled James, and she burst out laughing.

  “So I do keep it to myself. Can I have a kiss?”

  “No.”

  Still, he lowered his mouth to hers, Pandora’s arms curving around his neck.

  * * *

  Holding Baby Julian in one arm, Dreamer stared at the clinic.

  “No go, Mummy.” Julian looked up at her. “Peas?”

  Dreamer nodded, saying “We’ll call Miriam out, then.”

  Everyone inside was already alert at the appearance of Dreamer Black, Miriam hurriedly rushing out of her office and crashing into Tony.

  Splash!

  “Damn it, Miriam! Watch where yo
u’re going!” he said angrily, staring down at the coffee stain on his crisp white shirt.

  Dreamer watched him amusedly as he cursed, trying to rub it out. Walking into the clinic with Baby Julian clinging to her like a monkey, she said “Miriam, there was no need to run to me like that.”

  Miriam smiled as she kissed Dreamer on the cheek, then the baby.

  “How have you been, Dreamer? It’s been ages!”

  “Only a month,” smiled Dreamer, and Miriam’s smile grew.

  “Is everything all right now? The living arrangements, I mean.”

  Dreamer nodded, smiling. “Marlon and Pandora are with me and Julian every second weekend, and I may go to theirs in the first if I feel like it.”

  “Excellent,” beamed Miriam. “So I’m sure Pandora truly doesn’t need to come back to the clinic?”

  “Nonsense,” said Tony from behind her, making her jump. “We mustn’t jump to conclusions, Miriam-”

  “I take it you are Antonio?” Dreamer asked smoothly, and Tony looked at her. It took a lot not to inhale at the sight. She was beautiful.

  Dreamer smirked, knowing what he was thinking. Tony nodded, holding out a hand as he said “That’s me. Alice, my daughter, is a friend of Pandora’s-”

  “I’m quite aware of that.”

  “Oh.” Nervous, Tony ran a hand through his hair. “Well… uh…”

  “Come in, Dreamer,” Miriam said quickly. “You haven’t seen the clinic yet.”

  “I doubt it will interest me,” Dreamer answered, making her pout.

  “You’ve gone all posh in less than five minutes.”

  “I’m just wondering why Antonio sent me a letter to discuss the wellbeing of my daughter,” Dreamer answered with a shrug. “He could discuss with you, not me, if she still needs to come here.”

  “True,” said Miriam curiously, looking at Tony. “Why didn’t you just ask me, Tony?”

  “I- um… Well, I thought-”

  Dreamer smiled as she watched him struggle to answer her best friend.

  “Would you like to talk to me in your office, Antonio?”

  “Yes,” he said quickly. “Please.”

  “All right. Miriam? Will you wait here?”

  “I have another client due in ten minutes, Dreamer.” Miriam smiled apologetically. “Can I visit you this evening?”

  “If you like. I’ll see you later.”

  Dreamer followed Tony into his office, Tony taking a deep breath as he closed the door behind her.

  * * *

  “Antonio-”

  “Please, call me Tony.”

  The man acted laid back but Dreamer knew he was nervous. She smiled at him as she said “Tony, then. Why didn’t you just ask Miriam about my daughter?”

  “I couldn’t wait any- I mean… I had to meet you.”

  “I can tell,” Dreamer answered, amused. Baby Julian sat on her lap quietly, sucking his dummy as he looked at Tony curiously. Tony fidgeted a little, then Dreamer said “So, Tony. Why were you so anxious to meet me?”

  “Because I fell in love with you the moment I saw you, years ago.” Tony drew a deep breath. “You was at one of Ted Stone’s work gatherings. I was invited by my cousin.”

  Dreamer nodded, letting him continue.

  “You looked stunning, Dreamer. You always do.”

  “Thank you.”

  Tony shook his head. “I knew I had to meet you, right there, right then. But I was afraid.”

  “Of?” asked Dreamer, then she pouted. “Of the fact I was a witch.”

  “It was silly and I hope you forgive me. I didn’t have the guts to approach you at that party. I grew obsessed with the thought of you.”

  “I know.” Dreamer was highly amused now, Tony saying “I was always lusting after you.”

  “Doesn’t take a genius to work that out.”

  “Are… are you and Ted Stone… back together?”

  Dreamer smiled. “Would it bother you if we were?”

  Tony started to say no, then he nodded.

  Baby Julian’s stomach grumbled.

  “That’s my cue to leave,” Dreamer said, Tony startled as she stood.

  “You’re going already?”

  “I need to feed my son,” Dreamer said, looking at him. “I can always return another time and we can finish our talk then.”

  “So long I’ve waited to meet you,” Tony said hoarsely. “So long. You have no idea how much this means to me.”

  Dreamer nodded, then she left Tony’s office.

  * * *

  “Yum!” said Baby Julian happily, as Dreamer fed him some delicious spicy and cheesy mashed potato. “It nice, Mummy!”

  Ted trailed into the kitchen, yawning.

  “Dream, you’re still here? I thought you went after I fell asleep.”

  “I took a walk with Baby Julian,” Dreamer answered, smiling at him. “You look much better.”

  Ted smiled back at her. “And you look gorgeous.”

  “Thank you Teddy.”

  Baby Julian beamed at Ted. “Hello Teddy!”

  “Hey little man. You ok?”

  “Yep!”

  “Yes,” Dreamer said as she prodded him gently, and Baby Julian giggled as he shyly said “Yes.”

  “Good stuff,” smiled Ted. “Dream, how about we take him to the park?”

  “Together?” asked Dreamer, and Ted nodded. “People with think we’re a family.”

  “We are, silly.” Ted smiled at her. “Feed Baby Julian and then we can go.”

  * * *

  Pandora gazed across the lake, deep in thought as James and Marlon joked about behind her.

  “Dorwa!” shrieked a happy voice, and Pandora turned and saw her baby brother in their mother’s arms. “Dorwa!”

  Dreamer set him down, Baby Julian running to her happily. Pandora knelt with her arms held out, Baby Julian throwing himself into them. Pandora scooped him up and cuddled him close, kissing him on the forehead.

  “Hey, baby brother. You ok?”

  Julian nodded, beaming as he saw his big brother. “Marlon!”

  Marlon joined them, James calling “I’ll call you both later!”

  Pandora handed Julian over to Marlon, who hugged and kissed him as well. Some passersby smiled as they watched, some others gazing at Dreamer as she walked, Ted beside her.

  “Let’s sit by the lake,” he suggested, and Dreamer nodded.

  * * *

  Dreamer helped Baby Julian break some bread she conjured into tiny pieces, showing him how to throw them to the ducks and swans in the lake.

  Baby Julian threw the bread and clapped happily, Dreamer holding his tiny hand.

  “Look, Mummy! Look!”

  “I see it, baby.” Dreamer smiled down at her son. “Throw some more.”

  “I feed the duckies, Dorwa!” Julian beamed at his big sister as she sat, and she smiled at him. “I feed them!”

  “Dad, is Mum and Julian staying for dinner?” asked Marlon almost desperately, and Ted answered “I didn’t ask.”

  “Ask her!”

  “I will when she comes back. Let Baby Julian feed his ducks.”

  * * *

  Baby Julian ran about happily, Dreamer lifting him up and cuddling him.

  “Time to go, sweetie.”

  “Ask now!” hissed Pandora and Marlon, Ted hesitating as Dreamer neared them. “Go on, Dad!”

  “Uh… Dreamer, would you and the baby like to stay for dinner?”

  “And the night,” said Marlon quickly, and Ted slapped him on the back of the head. “Ow!”

  “You don’t have to stay the night, Dreamer,” said Ted, and Dreamer replied “I’d love to.”

  “You would?” Ted’s heart leapt as she smiled and nodded. “Really?”

  “Yes, Ted. Ready to go?”

  “Definitely!”

  * * *

  Baby Julian slept soundly, cuddling his teddy. Dreamer laid next to him, deep in thought.

  Ted watched from the doorway for
a while, then he whispered “Dreamer.”

  Dreamer looked at him. “Yes Ted?”

  “Do you fancy a hot drink before bed?”

  “Of course.”

  Dreamer stroked Julian’s curly hair as she slowly got up, joining Ted’s side. Ted took her hand, and they went downstairs.