by T. A. Foster
I hadn’t been this nervous performing a Time Spell since the day I had to follow Simone and her bag of diamonds. Nothing had been the same since that Vegas trip. It was unlikely they ever would be again. The past year had yielded more mystifying magic and heartbreak than I had every walked through. I had unleashed something in myself that I didn’t know existed, and that kind of knowledge and power couldn’t be undone.
I tried to prepare myself for what it would be like to see Gigi again. Although, she would be young and in love with Leo. It was unlikely that she would be thinking of having a nosey granddaughter. Maybe I could try to think of her like any of my other characters: Josette or Simone. I winced, hoping I didn’t encounter any Simone behavior. I didn’t think I could handle that.
My trip to the library had proven successful. I had an address for Hattie’s party, along with the perfect place to perform the Time Spell. Adjacent to the hotel was a movie theater, popular in the fifties. The hotel had renovated the historic location and converted it into ballroom space. As long as there were no evening conferences scheduled, I should be able to travel from one of the theater’s closets and arrive on April 23, 1949.
I walked along the corridor that connected the famous theater to the hotel. It was quiet in the hallway. I pushed open one of the ballroom doors and searched for one of the original closets. The exterior walls of the building were most likely to be authentic.
I spotted a door at the far end of the room. I checked over my shoulder before crossing the conference floor. I pulled on the handle. Inside were an overhead projector, an assortment of extension chords, and a rolling cart. The back wall was brick, and although the surrounding walls were painted, it still had what looked like the original crumbling façade. I hoped this was the right choice. After making sure no one had entered the room after me, I took one more sweep of the space, and then closed the closet door behind me. I pushed the rolling cart to the side so I could focus on the bricks. It was a tight squeeze, but I only needed enough room to perform my Fade Spell. Tonight, I would have to incorporate a double Fade. Following witches was tricky. They would be able to spot my glittery form a mile away if I didn’t coat it with another layer. I never liked the double Fade. It wasn’t nearly as pretty as the original spell.
I inhaled a long breath, filling my lungs until they couldn’t take in any more air. I closed my eyes and felt my chest lower as the breath passed through my lips. If I could clear my mind, maybe I could clear out some of the nerves that were gripping me.
I reached my hands over my head, touched my palms together, and whispered, “Fade.”
I waited while the spell wrapped around my body, making me shimmer from head to toe with glittery particles. Next, I called for the second layer.
“Double.” I frowned as the glitter was covered in a white coating, making me look more like a ghost.
I wasn’t sure if I was truly ready for what I was about to do, but I didn’t see what other options I had. The link to my Laurel roots was in 1949; the link to Finn’s quest was in 1949. I was going to 1949. I faced the brick wall and pointed.
“Unfold.” I watched the ripples take hold and wave over the wall until there was a curtain wide enough for me to pass through.
I arched my shoulders, separated the seam, and stepped into the cold tunnel that would deliver me to my grandmother’s secret life.
Sullen’s Grove, 2002
I COULD feel her grasp tighten on either side of my shoulders. I’m not sure who was more nervous, Gigi or me. The faces gathered around the table were locked on us, waiting to hear what my gift spell was. The only reason I hadn’t chewed through my bottom lip was, because I didn’t want to ruin my pink lip gloss. It was one of my sweet sixteen presents I purchased after the nail spa.
I smiled at Mama, Daddy, and Ian as if that would somehow build up my courage. Mama always looked composed no matter what the circumstances, and Daddy didn’t let things throw him off balance. I’m not sure how I missed out on inheriting those calm genes, but it had skipped me. I was more nervous now than in all my sixteen years combined.
“You ready?” my grandmother whispered in my ear.
I nodded my head out of customary habit. I wasn’t ready for any of this.
Her fingers pressed into my upper arms. “Ivy Grace, on this very special night. The night of your sixteenth birthday…”
How could she drag it out like this? I thought I might throw up.
“I want to welcome you into the next phase of your magical life. Nothing makes me happier than to tell you…you are a Traveler.”
My heart stopped in mid-beat. I had been given one of the best gifts I could possibly imagine. I would actually be able to leave any place I was in and go somewhere else. This was crazy good news.
My mother started clapping and made her way from around the table to hug me. “Honey, I’m so proud of you.”
“Thanks, Mama.”
Daddy wrapped me in his big arms. “Congratulations, little Traveler.”
“Thanks, Daddy.”
“If I didn’t know better, I might think your grandmother had something to do with this gift selection.” He eyed her over my head.
“Richard, I did no such thing.” She scoffed. “Gift spells are out of my realm.” She picked up a set of cake forks and lined them across the buffet.
I had to admit my grandmother did look especially pleased with herself. I had always envied her traveling abilities. She would often tell me about trips she would take. I didn’t know it until this moment how badly I had wanted this exact gift. It was perfect.
Aunt Pansy, Holly, and Ian gave me hugs before Gigi pulled me to the side. She called to my father. “Richard, why don’t you and Violet cut the cake? I need to speak to Ivy for a moment. I have a gift for her.”
“Certainly.” My father picked up the silver cake slicer and began tackling my birthday cake.
I followed my grandmother down the hall to the back of the house, where her room was tucked in the corner. When I was a little girl, I would sneak in here and try on her jewelry. It was like a magical jewelry store to me.
She pointed to the edge of her bed for me to sit before turning to her vanity. Her jewelry chest stood to the right of it. She had the most beautiful collection of brooches, bracelets, necklaces, and rings. My grandfather knew she had a thing for sparkly accessories. There was no doubt I had inherited that gene, I thought as I watched the lamplight bounce off my glitter heels.
I watched as she sorted through several pieces in front of the mirror. I looked around for a wrapped gift, but didn’t see anything.
“Ivy, I have something special for you.” She crossed the room, empty-handed. “There are many Travelers in our world, and they spend years working on this spell. It’s certainly one of the hardest to master. There are so many parts you have to accomplish before you can even vanish.” She counted on her fingers. “First, you have to Fade, then form the seam, and then of course you must adhere to certain traveling rules. Really, it’s quite complex in all of its stages.”
I had never thought of the spell this way before. I assumed my grandmother would poof herself in and out of a room whenever she wanted. I hadn’t been allowed to see it.
“Are you saying you think it’s too hard for me?” Apparently, I was going to have to keep studying if I wanted to be able to use my gift.
“No, no, no. Don’t ever think that. This is a special gift.” She looked at the bedroom door. “But, I can help you with it. I know for certain you’ll be quite good at it.”
I wasn’t following her. The news about my gift spell still hadn’t fully registered.
“It took me many years, and yes, you will have to practice to achieve the full power of the spell, but this will help.”
I looked at what she revealed in her palm. It was her sapphire ring. The cluster of diamonds surrounding it lifted the blue stone on a pedestal. It was breathtaking.
I shook my head. “Gigi, I can’t take your ring.”
/> “Of course you can.” She held it toward me. “I’m not the one who needs it anymore. My traveling is over.”
I held the stones between my fingers. I had admired this ring since I was old enough to say “ring.” It was by far my favorite from her collection.
“Try it on,” she urged.
I slipped it over my ring finger until it settled above my knuckle.
“It’s perfect.” She smiled. “Every Traveler needs something special from their ancestors to travel. I hope this ring brings you happiness and good fortune, my dear.”
I admired the ring on my hand and grinned. “I still can’t believe you’re giving me this ring. It has to be your favorite.” I searched her eyes for more answers.
She sat beside me on the bed. “And because it is my favorite, it will be able to anchor you and protect you more than anything else you could possess. It’s my gift to you, but it’s a gift to me too, knowing it will protect you.” She squeezed me against her. “Happy birthday.”
The blue stone flickered from a nearby candle, as if it was humming. There was magic in the stone, deep and pure. At sixteen, I didn’t know what any of that meant, only that I had received the most beautiful birthday gift I could ever dream of.
Charleston, 1949
I rubbed my arms trying to shake the chill that settled on my skin from the seam. I never knew why it was so cold. No matter how many times I traveled, I never got used to it.
The closet looked practically the same, but instead of presentation equipment, there were mops and buckets. I tilted my ear toward the door, straining to hear outside noises. I thought I heard the muffle sounds of a movie.
I turned the handle and pressed against the door, moving it inches at a time until I knew the hallway was clear. I sighed, grateful I had chosen a location that would allow me to Time Spell undetected.
The theater erupted in laughter and I scurried toward the exit. I stopped short of the door as I heard the bang-bang sounds from the movie. What were the chances there would be a western playing? Well, at least I hadn’t completely ignored all of Jack’s suggestions. I pushed on the door, eager to avoid getting caught in the theater patron traffic.
I made sure I gave myself plenty of time to get to Hattie’s engagement party. I would have to fly from the theater since it was a mile from the party. Sensible shoes or not, that was too far to walk and stay hidden.
Charleston in 1949 didn’t look much different from the Charleston I had just left. The streets were cobblestone, and the historic buildings had been a part of the city for over a century.
I walked past the edge of the theater to the corner of the street. For a moment, I forgot about all the reasons I was nervous and breathed in the spring Charleston night. I watched as a couple held hands and crossed the street in front of me. Something in the air felt magical, as if the city was alive with a love spell.
I stifled a giggle, thinking about my grandmother’s journal entries. She had felt the magic of the spring, but I had a feeling it had more to do with Leo than anything else. Maybe love was always like that. It made us feel like every nerve and pulse in our bodies was infused with such bliss that we couldn’t even describe the feeling with words. I had felt it, and right now, I missed it.
I closed my eyes, tucked my arms across my chest, and leapt into the air. I loved soaring upward like this, with the air rushing past me and the strength I had surging in my legs. Eventually, I slowed and leveled my flight so I could take in the street names below me. I was looking for Loblolly and Magnolia. According to the news article I found on the Society Page, the dance was held at a country club on the outer edges of town.
Before I spotted the club, I could see a line of cars. They wound along the driveway and along the block leading toward the club. It looked more like a movie premiere and less like an engagement celebration. I landed in the grass near the side of the main entrance.
I watched as couples nodded and greeted each other outside of the country club. The dresses the girls wore were stunning. Bright blue, pink, and yellow skirts flounced as the women climbed the steps on the arms of their dates, pausing to have their pictures taken. I didn’t see my grandmother anywhere, so I decided to enter the party in case she had arrived early with Leo.
As soon as I saw a doorman open the door, I scurried inside before the next set of guests could make it through the doors. I followed the crowd to the ballroom. There was a big band playing on the stage. The woman singing reminded me of the musicals my grandmother and I used to watch together with Rosemary Clooney or Debbie Reynolds. It felt like this was something straight out of a classic movie. Eddie Fisher could walk through the door any minute.
I leaned against a pillar, far enough away from the crowd I could see the entire dance floor. The couples swayed and twirled while the band played. Then I spotted honey-blond hair, swept to the side and pinned with blue flowers. The dress was deep blue. I held my breath, waiting for her partner to spin her around so I could see her face. His cheek was pressed against her ear, and he whispered something to her. Her head flew back with laughter as he spun her in the middle of the dance floor.
I clutched my arms to steady my hands, but it did nothing to slow the nervousness welling inside me. My grandmother was dancing right here, only yards away from me, and I couldn’t talk to her. I couldn’t hug her or tell her how beautiful she looked in her blue dress. This Time Spell may have been the hardest of my life. I turned just in time to dodge a man, getting ready to lean into the column next to me. I dropped to the floor and crawled to the other side.
By the time I stood from my crouched position, I lost them. The band stopped playing to introduce Hattie’s father, Mr. Trad, on the stage. Everyone gathered and moved closer. I searched for Leo and my grandmother, but they weren’t on the dance floor with everyone else. I stood on my toes and peered over the bobbing heads. They were gone.
“THANK YOU so much for making this such a special night for our dear Hattie.” Mr. Trad spoke into the microphone. I searched the perimeter, hoping Gigi and Leo were somewhere in the room. The country club was so enormous that it would take forever to track them.
On the other side of the buffet line, I saw a door close. I was sure it could be a waiter, but it was the only movement in the room. All eyes were on Mr. Trad. I raced to the serving table, checked behind me, and then opened the door as little as possible before slipping through.
The hall was lined with serving trays and carts. I hurried forward, hearing whispers ahead. I tried to run softly, but I was so anxious I would lose them that I was almost in a full heel-to-toe sprint.
“Don’t you think they’ll notice we left the party?”
“Not at all. They’re all too busy congratulating Hattie and Ernest.” The man’s voice paused. “Of course, I would notice the second you were out of my sight.”
I heard a light giggle. It had to be them. If I turned the corner, I should be able to see them, but my hands started shaking again. I wasn’t quite ready to see her so close.
“Leo, you always say things that make me blush.”
“That’s because I love how your cheeks look when they glow.”
I heard her swat him. “You can’t talk about glowing.”
He laughed. “Ok, we’ll talk about it later.”
I rolled my eyes. There was no way this man wasn’t related to Finn.
“Darling, I could dance with you all night, but we need to go before we miss our opportunity. The council was very specific about our meeting time. Moon phases and all that jazz.”
Apparently, she agreed because when I peeked around the corner, they were walking toward the back exit of the country club. I tried to keep enough space between us so they wouldn’t sense me. I had never Time Spelled around witches, and I had no idea how much of my energy they would be able to detect. Although, watching them, it seemed the only thing they noticed was the other.
Leo held the door for her, and took her hand as she descended the stairs. If I didn’
t know they were on some kind of mission for the council, I would have thought they were skipping out of the party early to be alone. They walked to a parked car, and Leo shuttled her into the passenger side before hopping behind the wheel and easing the car onto Magnolia Road.
The only way to keep up with them was from the sky. I sprang upward and flew close behind. They were headed east, toward the harbor. Leo sped up the straighter the road became, and it was hard for me to match his acceleration.
Finally, the car slowed along the harbor, and he pulled into a park. I hovered overhead, waiting to see what their next move would be. Lily opened her door and stood outside the car. I noticed she was no longer wearing the dazzling blue dress. Her pants and shirt were black; her hair was pulled up in a bun.
Leo walked toward her. He had also shed his engagement party clothes. There were so many advantages to being witches.
They planted their backs against each other, scanned the parking lot, and then performed a Fade Spell, until each one was covered in the glittery dust that made them invisible to humans. Something about the way they performed the spell made me think this wasn’t the first time they shared magic with each other. My grandmother shot straight up, and Leo followed. They were headed out over the harbor, and I was right behind them.
The air was cooler over the water than in the city. I couldn’t imagine where they were flying. Civilization and the lights of the city were behind us. I circled near them as they slowed. We were maybe a mile from the Charleston harbor, and just in front of us was a dark land mass. I didn’t remember seeing an island here before.
“Do you think they’ll detect us if we get much closer?” my grandmother asked.
“I think we can fly in for a better view, but don’t worry, I won’t let anything happen to you.” Leo clutched at her hand.
“Oh, I wasn’t worried about me.” She winked then darted ahead.
“Lily, wait!” Leo tried to keep his shout to a whisper, but he was fighting the winds at this altitude.