by Nikki Marsh
"You want me to be his consolation prize?" We both laughed, but he didn't deny it.
"We are good friends, but I only see him when we practice, except today. Today we went to the cemetery together."
Stefan thought for a minute.
"Right! I forgot. He goes there every year on the anniversary of his Maman's death. He's never asked me to go with him. You must be special."
"He asked me because I arrived early as he was walking out the door."
Beau interrupted us when he arrived and sat down at the piano.
"Enough about Julian. Let's get our practice started. We will dance until I am sufficiently prepared to glide Emilie around the ballroom doing no bodily harm to anyone."
Whirling around the room in his arms excited me. It didn't matter that I was only a substitute for Emilie.
Stefan excused himself to tell Brigitte goodnight, leaving me alone in the parlor. I had a lot to think about. I worried about Maman. Even Brigitte had joined us for a while. But not Maman. I wondered how my friendship with Julian would change if he found out I had experimented on him. Mostly, I worried that I was reading too much into the attention he showed me. After a few minutes, I sank deeper into the cushioned chair and, despite not meaning to, I drifted off to another land.
✽✽✽
I awoke to find myself in a forest where ancient trees dwarfed smaller pine, berry and nut trees below. Their massive roots sheltered small animals scurrying around. Dark green moss and fallen leaves in every shade of brown, green, and gold created a lush carpet. Sunlight streamed through the breaks in the laced canopy above. The fragrance of the forest reminded me of the smoky incense from Miss Marie's laboratory.
From behind one of these trees, a tall man with cinnamon-colored skin emerged. He wore a deerskin breechcloth, a belt, and intricate beaded moccasins. His long black hair fell loosely down his back with only a leather headband keeping it from his face.
"Halito." He addressed me.
"Halito," I responded.
"I am Pisatuntema, your Indian Spirit Guide and distant ancestor. I will share the knowledge our forefathers have passed down to us from the time our ancestors hunted animals that no longer exist. If you are ready to learn, come with me."
We walked deep into the forest as he shared beliefs about the creation of the world and our place in it. Aba, the Great Spirit, created us from a sacred spot high in the mountains of the earth, and gave us dominion over every living thing. The earth gave us life, and it is our mother. She is holy. The earth is holy.
Nature is our teacher, and it is by living in harmony with her we find the magic in everything. My Native ancestors revered everything from the mighty sound of thunder to the quiet whispers of the waters. I listened and learned.
He shared knowledge about rituals, shadow beings, birds with mystical powers, and the little people who live in the forests. He taught me about powerful plants and herbs and how to extract power from rocks, trees, water, plants - everything in nature. I learned their most important natural elements like cedar for prayer and banishing evil spirits, sage for wisdom, tobacco for power, and Sweetgrass for purification and harmony.
It seemed like I spent weeks and weeks with Pisatuntema in the deep forest. I worried how I would ever remember all he taught me.
"I'm worried, Pisatuntema. How will I ever remember all you have taught me." He smiled.
"When Aba brought you here, he expanded your mind so you can store infinite knowledge. You will use this information when you need it."
"How?"
"Just close your eyes and call my name. Everything you learned will come to you."
We spent the last day of my journey at an Enchanted Lake that changed its colors from pale blue in the morning to violet in the afternoon, to sapphire in the evening. Fish, fowl, reptiles, and even larger animals, like bears and buffalo, shared the waters in harmony. It was a mighty sight to behold.
"Before you return to your world, take these for protection and courage."
Pisatuntema placed a strand of wolf teeth in my hands.
"I will treasure this Gift. It will remind me of you and my journey here."
"It's time to step into the water. Aba will return you to your
I woke up alone in the parlor, and everyone was in bed. I was sorry my dream had ended. As I arose from the chair, I heard a faint thump. I looked down, astonished by the sight of the strand of wolf teeth which had fallen from my neck. It wasn’t a dream or my imagination. The necklace was proof of that. I had been transported to a magical place. I picked up the necklace and hid it under my mattress until the time came for me to use it. I had no idea when that might be.
Chapter Ten
The Sweetheart Ball
I spent most of the next day preparing for the ball, fantasizing about how the evening would turn out. I played out every scene in my head. Scene I, I walk into the room on the arm of Julian, more beautiful than Stefan ever imagined. All eyes turn to me, the exotic girl with green eyes, the girl who doesn't travel in their social circle. Stefan sees me in a new light, a romantic light. My alluring smile and seductive eyes signal him to come to me. Scene II, he takes me in his arms, and we dance as if we are one. Everyone else fades away. Emilie, powerless to do anything, sees that Stefan belongs to me. Scene III, Julian escorts Emilie home, leaving Stefan and me to share our first kiss and make promises to each other.
I played these scenes repeatedly in my head until I convinced myself I had to do something to make it happen. Try something. Try anything to make him see me the way he saw Emilie. My fledging skills weren't strong enough to make him love me, but my experiment on Julian proved I could do something to Emilie, something to make her unattractive to him.
After breakfast, I modeled my improved hand-me-down gown to Auntie, Brigitte, and Maman in her room. The seamstress had removed most of the ruffles, changed the buttons, and added simple lace and ribbon. I liked it a lot.
"You're beautiful, Gabbie. The dress turned out perfect!"
"Thank you, Brigitte. I'm so sorry you won't be there to stop me from making a fool of myself."
We laughed. Brigitte put on a brave face, but her eyes betrayed her. I wasn't sure if what I saw was sadness or hopelessness.
"I don't think there's much of a chance you'll do that. I understand Grann included some etiquette lessons as a bonus," she smiled.
"That's what makes me so nervous, Brigitte. Rules. There are rules about everything. Rules about talking too loudly, crossing the room unescorted, waiting for an introduction before speaking to a gentleman, refusing a request to dance, and don't forget proper table manners for the supper! See what I mean. It's a lot to remember!"
"I'm sure Julian won't leave your side the entire evening, so you'll be in good hands."
She said nothing about Stefan being there to help me.
Felicie helped me wash my hair, but Auntie insisted on combing and styling it herself. She said she needed to tame my unruly locks, and young ladies wore fancy, elegant hair styles to balls. I agreed. In my fantasy, my hair was exquisite.
Auntie tortured me combing out the tangles. When she succeeded, she applied perfumed pomade and pulled it back as tight as possible. She tied it with a piece of cord and covered it with a ribbon before curling it. She left a few curly tendrils hanging loose. Before she finished, Auntie inspected her creation from every angle. When she ran her finger around my right ear. I pulled away, but she pulled me back.
"How long have you had that hole over your ear?"
I had to think fast. I didn't know if she knew what it meant or not. Instinctively, I lied.
"What hole?"
"The hole I am touching now. Can't you feel it?" I fingered the hole as if I had never noticed it before.
"That's not a hole. It's a bump I get sometimes, but it always goes away in a few days. It doesn't hurt."
"What has your Maman said about it?"
"Nothing. She hasn't combed my hair since I was little."
She moved in for a closer look, "You're right. It's only a little bump."
Auntie lied as well as I did. She knew it was a hole, but she didn't let on. I hoped I convinced her I didn't know what it meant.
✽✽✽
I never imagined a room as beautiful as the ballroom. It sparkled. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling. Mirrors on the walls reflected the brilliant light. Portraits of prominent people, including Granpopá, hung on the walls in the hallway and up the winding stairs. Beautiful flowers decorated every table and stand.
The setting overwhelmed me. I didn't feel elegant now, not like the fashionable girls floating around the room. Not like in my fantasy. Julian sensed my uneasiness and tried to make me feel better."
"Gabbie, you're beautiful. This will be a wonderful evening - for both of us." He convinced me I had nothing to worry about. Stefan and Emilie had not arrived yet. In my fantasy, Stefan arrived before my grand entrance.
Julian and I danced our first dance of the night. We danced well together, and he put me at ease. After the next dance, it was Emilie, not me, making the grand entrance - with Stefan. All eyes turned to her, and my high opinion of myself withered and died.
The moment I laid eyes on her my spirit shattered. Those violet eyes sparkled. Her elegant pink gown put mine to shame. Loose curls fell over her shoulders, and ringlets framed her almost angelic face. My jealousy heightened. When she walked over to Julian and me, I intended to be cordial, but cold.
"I am so glad to see you again, Gabbie. You're lovely."
"Thank you. So are you, especially in that gown.”
“I’m glad you like it. It’s from Paris.” When Stefan and Julian went to get our punch, she pulled me to the side.
"I'm so ashamed of my behavior the first time we met. Stefan didn't tell me he was bringing you, and, honestly, I was a little jealous."
"Whatever for?"
"He told me about his little cousin. In my mind, I thought you were a little girl. When I saw you, I realized you were anything but. I thought you might even be a rival for his affections."
That's why she treated me so badly that day.
"That's silly, Emilie. Stefan thinks of me as a family member."
"I know that now, but I didn't that day."
"You do?"
"Yes. Stefan scolded me for the way I treated you. When I explained my behavior, he told me the same thing. He doesn't see you that way either. I hope we can be friends. I hope you will forgive me.”
Julian was right about Stefan and Emily. Then she asked about Maman.
"Losing your Popá was a great loss for both of you, I’m sure, but at least you have each other. I hope she recovers soon."
Emilie was making it difficult to dislike her, and I wanted to dislike her.
"Thanks, Emilie."
"I hope we become good friends," she added.
"Me too."
Julian and Stefan returned in time to catch the last part of our conversation. Julian cocked his head and gave me a look that said he didn't believe a word I said.
Emilie's honesty surprised me and made me feel small and spiteful. I couldn't blame her for her looks; she had nothing to do with that. Stefan liked her, but why should I blame her for his feelings? She made me regret putting a curse on her the night before.
I had gotten up at midnight. Even with my fledgling powers, I had enough knowledge and power to cast a harmless curse on Emilie, like I did with Julian. I retrieved the Magical Bat's Blood Ink I had made during a recent session with Miss Marie. I used a formula from the Book of General Spells and Knowledge, which Miss Marie gave me for my training. I kept these hidden under a loose floorboard under the carpet. I found a spell that would make her so unattractive to Stefan, he would never want her for his sweetheart.
Brigitte had slept peacefully, and I was careful not to awaken her.
I sat on the floor, opened the book and wrote the curse on a piece of brown paper like the book said.
This simple spell I wish to cast
To free my love from another's grasp.
To take away her potent hold
On the one that I hope to hold.
Make her now seem to him
Repulsive from deep within.
By sight, or sound, or smell, or taste
So foul his love fades with haste.
Her outward beauty will not bind
His heart, his soul, or his mind.
Make this spell last one night
And when it's done, remove the blight.
I folded the paper in half and half again and put it under my pillow. Sleeping on it made it more powerful. If it worked as intended, I would be free of Emilie by the end of the ball. Stefan would be free of her.
After more dancing and more small talk, I detected a slight odor emanating from Emilie's mouth... bad breath. My spell was working. I only hoped the odor wouldn't get worse and hoped no one else noticed. Stefan and Emilie glided across the dance floor, so either he didn't notice her breath, or it faded. I sighed with relief.
I danced several more dances with Julian and a few new partners. My confidence grew with each dance, even though I hadn't danced with Stefan yet. I held my own with the best dancers. I was enjoying the ball.
As we entered the dining room for a late supper, I noticed Emilie, alone near the staircase, her foul breath saturating the air in her immediate vicinity. Stefan was nowhere around. I walked over to her.
"I am really famished, Gabbie. I haven't eaten all day. I hope the food is good. Have you seen Stefan? I seem to have lost him." I could barely stand the stench.
Julian pulled me to the side. "We should meet new friends, Gabbie, and not stick so closely to Stefan and Emilie." I eyed him with suspicion.
"Are you saying that because you want me to meet new friends, or are you saying that for another reason?" He looked down at the floor.
"You got me, Gabbie. It's Emilie. It's her breath. Stefan is hiding from her."
"What did he say?"
"He needed a breath of fresh air. You must have noticed it too." I ignored this remark.
"If Stefan doesn't appear soon, you must escort both of us into the dining room."
Scanning the faces of people near us, I realized everyone picked up on the odor. I only intended for the spell to affect Stefan, not anyone else. I hated myself for cursing her. I wanted to go home and tear up the curse to end it, but Julian wanted to stay. I hoped she didn't realize her breath was so awful. I wanted to do something.
"Julian, it's okay if you don't want to be around her. Just escort us in and then you and Stefan can mingle with the other guests. I'll stick with Emilie. She hasn't eaten all day."
"Why would you do that when you don't even like her that much?"
"I feel bad for her."
"You're a good person, Gabbie."
"No, I'm not."
"You are. Nobody else can stand to be around her. I'll bet as soon as we enter the dining room, there will be a mass exodus of diners." Julian was right.
The ball was a nightmare for Emilie. I walked over to her without a plan but determined to stand with her for the rest of the evening. As soon as I reached her, she grabbed my hand.
"I'm so glad you’re here to talk to me, Gabbie. You're the only one who will. As soon as I start a conversation, everyone makes excuses and walks away. I don't understand. I wonder if someone has started a vicious rumor or something?" She was on the brink of tears.
Should I tell her about her breath, tell her why no one talked to her? I didn't know what to do, so I took the coward's way out and did nothing. Stefan attempted to show some consideration when he finally turned up, but he didn't do a very good job. Julian did only a little better. At least he asked her if she wanted something to drink several times.
For the rest of the evening, no one danced with the beautiful Emilie Duvalier. No one talked to her. No one wanted to be near her. I had done this to her. I would not abandon her now. By the end of the ball, everyone had noticed her
bad breath. Stefan confided in Julian how much he dreaded the carriage ride home with her.
My curse had worked. I got what I asked for. Stefan wanted nothing to do with Emilie, but I felt horrible. The curse would end at midnight, but I had no idea how I would ever right the wrong I had done to her.
When I got home, Felicie stood by the front door, arms folded, eyes glaring, tapping her foot on the doorstep. Though she didn’t utter a word, her behavior told me I disappointed her. She found evidence of the curse under my pillow when she turned back my covers. She knew Emilie was my target. My guilt stopped me from trying to explain myself. No explanation would change anything. I simply said good night and went to bed.
✽✽✽
The next morning, we had breakfast a little later than usual. Maman joined us, wanting to hear all about the ball. I told her Julian and I had a wonderful time dancing much of the evening. Stefan relayed the unfortunate turn of events with Emilie.
"I can't describe how putrid her breath was. It almost sickened me. It's odd that it never was before."
Uncle Phonse gave Stefan a stern glance and expressed his disappointment that Stefan had not fulfilled his duties as her escort, despite the circumstances.
"Find a way to make it up to her, Stefan," he ordered. "That's all there is to it."
"I suppose I will."
In defense of Stefan, I chimed in.
"Uncle, it wasn't only Stefan. Nobody wanted to be anywhere near her."
"All the more reason for Stefan to have stayed by her side." Uncle Phonse repeated his disappointment.
Stefan regretted disappointing Uncle Phonse. After a few minutes of awkward silence, he looked at me.
"Gabbie, you were awfully nice to her, though, sticking by her side when everyone else abandoned her. I admire you for doing that."
"I don't deserve anyone's admiration."