by Nikki Marsh
Julian took my hand and squeezed it tightly, giving me the strength to see and accept the truth.
"I'm so sorry I hurt you, Gabbie. You didn't deserve it. And what I said is true. I do love you like a little sister. I shouldn't have encouraged you to have feelings for me. You should hate me for the rest of my days." Then he turned to Julian.
"I don't blame you for hating me, but you don't understand what it's like to have someone you love yanked away by such evil."
Julian looked at me and then at Stefan. He understood how that felt.
"I think I can, Stefan. Lucinda killed my Maman, too, when she thought Phonse spent too much time with us. I know how it feels, but that doesn't justify what you did to Gabbie. I could never hurt an innocent person."
"You're a better man than I am, Julian. Nothing surprises me when it comes to Lucinda. The ironic thing is now she acts like she hates Phonse."
"I hate the way she treats him. He doesn't deserve it," I added.
"After what I've done, neither one of you will ever trust me again. I deserve that, and I don't blame you. But I want my sister to be at peace. I want her vengeance to stop. She's been tormented for so long. I want things to go back to the way they were."
"That will never happen," I boldly avowed. I didn't want to be that gullible girl anymore.
"Has Suzanne appeared to you since then?" I asked.
"She only appeared to me once." He saw disbelief in my eyes. "I swear. She said she would come back to me after we settle all scores. I dread what she will do when she finds out I let her down. I don't want to hurt anyone."
I wanted to believe him, but I didn't trust him, not after what just happened. From what he said, or didn't say, I believed he didn't know that Suzanne possessed Maman.
I wanted to use my powers to hurt him as badly as he had hurt me. My anger was righteous, and I was justified in wanting revenge. In that moment, something changed in me though. I wanted to be the person I was meant to be more than I wanted my revenge.
In all the commotion, the Grimoire lay on the ground where Stefan had attacked me. I retrieved it and held it to my chest. When Stefan asked what it was, instead of lying, I told him I no longer trusted him about anything. That was the truth.
As we made our way out of the park, a calm replaced my anger, hurt, and fear. Julian clasped my hand, and I felt secure. I realized I would always want him in my life. When we reached the entrance, Stefan asked one more question.
"Do you know any magic that would heal my face overnight? I wouldn't want Lucinda to see me like this." We all laughed, and I told him Felicie could probably help.
✽✽✽
Felicie was none too pleased when we woke her. Seeing Stefan's and Julian's battered faces unnerved her. She weighed whether or not she should ask us about it. She leaned towards not.
"I don't want to know what mess y'all done got yourselves into. Whatever it is, I suppose it ain't going to do nothing but make Miss Lucinda crazier."
"That's why we need your help," I explained.
"But, don't you want to know what happened?" Stefan teased her.
"No indeed! The less I know the better."
"You're right, Felicie,” I said. “If Auntie sees Stefan like this, it will only make her crazier. We thought you might know some way to fix their faces fast. I could try, but it might take time, and we need to do something tonight."
A slight smile spread across Felicie's face. It was an "I told you so" grin directed at Stefan.
"You want me to work a spell, Stefan? Thought you didn't believe in that sort of thing."
"I've learned there's a lot I don't know."
"Sure, I can fix up somethin’, but it won't work overnight... maybe in a day or two, though." Felicie was delighted that we appreciated her talents.
"I'll mix up a special tonic. Y'all have to drink it tonight, hide out in your rooms tomorrow with the covers over your heads, fakin' sickness. Tomorrow, I'll make my special oil to rub on your face and hands. In case y'all hadn't noticed, y'alls fists are busted up too."
She was right. I hadn't noticed.
"After that, y'all will be good as new, as long as you leave me outa this mess."
Stefan stayed in his room the next day to avoid Lucinda and me. When he finally emerged, no evidence of the fight marred his face or hand.
I felt alone and deserted. I knew Maman and Popá didn't desert me on purpose, but that didn't lessen my loneliness. As I sat in my room thinking about all this, tears flowed down my cheeks, and a voice startled me. Popá's voice. Calling my name. I thought it would take longer for him to communicate with me.
"Popá, I miss you so."
"And I miss you and Maman so much."
The scent of orange blossoms filled the room. I felt safe again. It was before the Great Storm. Popá could pick me up. We could romp around the dusty yard again. I was that child back in Buras.
"Did you come to me because you heard my thoughts, Popá?"
"I couldn't hear your thoughts, but I felt your pain. I felt your loneliness. You will never be alone. Those who love you will never abandon you. Even when it feels like they have, even though they don't approve of everything you do, even if they have left this world, they will be with you. Do you believe me?"
"I believe anything you tell me, Popá. It's just that sometimes I'm not as strong as I should be, and sometimes I trust the wrong people."
"You have always been strong, Gabrielle. And now you are not only strong, you are also powerful. Believe in your power because it's that power that will save Maman."
"I believe in my power, Popá."
"It's time for you to use them now. It's time for you to go to battle for the soul of Maman, knowing that you will not be going into battle alone."
The sweet fragrance of oranges subsided, and as his voice faded, I heard him say, "I love you, Gabrielle. I will always be with you."
Chapter Twenty-Three
Journey's End
The next morning, I retrieved the Grimoire from the bottom of the armoire where I had hidden it the night before. When I opened it, my heart sank. Creole! I didn't understand it and panicked. I had to get it to Miss Marie right away. She would know what to do.
By the time I reached her house, my heart pounded so hard I thought she could hear it. I showed her the Grimoire.
"I can't read it. It's Creole, isn't it?" Just being with her tempered my panic.
"Sure. You've heard it before."
"Yes. I understand it a little, but I can't read it! Can you?" I pointed to the first page.
“Enskripsyon”
After suggesting I take a deep breath and calm down, she translated it.
Inscription
Words are powerful.
This Grimoire is made of words.
Ancient Words. Sacred Words. Words of Wisdom. Words of our Ancestors.
The world itself was created with Words. The Words were spoken by the Gran Met who gave man the world, and He gave man the Gift of Words.
We can use Words for good or for evil, to create or to destroy, to love or to hate.
We can use Words to call on our ancestors and summon their strength for good or for evil, to create or to destroy, to love or hate.
Use the Words in this Grimoire to do good, to create, and to love."
I grew impatient.
"Time is running out. I don't have enough time to learn Creole. Can you find the words I need to expel Suzanne's spirit from Maman and translate them for me?"
Miss Marie turned the page, but when she did, the writing disappeared. The pages were blank.
"What is happening?"
Miss Marie explained that she couldn't read past the inscription because the Grimoire wasn't meant for her. I wanted to cry, but I didn't have time to feel sorry for myself. I had to think of something fast.
She spoke in her quiet, confident way, "Look to the inscription for the help you need. The answer is in the inscription."
When she repeated the in
scription, I understood what I had to do.
"I must call out to my ancestors. I must use words that speak to them."
She beamed with pride.
I closed my eyes and called on my ancestors to help me understand the words in the book.
Wise ancestors help me read
The words of wisdom that I need.
Your words will make a difference.
Cast away my ignorance.
Grant my eyes the skill to see.
Wise ancestors hear my plea."
When I opened my eyes, I could read the words as easily as I could read any book.
Miss Marie nodded her approval. I knew I could save Maman.
We spent the rest of the day pouring over the Grimoire. Looking for the right words. Making the magical elements I needed. Devising a plan to free Maman. Before I left, I thanked Miss Marie for all she had done for me. I asked her to keep the Grimoire in a safe place.
"You will come to our ‘Tout Ju Sen Yo’ luncheon tomorrow, won't you?"
"No way I would miss it!'
This wise old woman was my lodestone. She’d taught me to believe in my Gift. She’d taught me how to use it. She’d taught me to act despite my fears. She’d taught me to believe in myself. She had shown me I could be courageous.
When I got home, I found Maman alone in the small parlor. I didn't want to talk to her but, if I didn't, Suzanne might become suspicious.
"Why are you sitting in the dark, Maman?"
"Just resting, gathering my thoughts."
"About what?"
"About everything I have lost."
"You haven't lost everything. You still have me."
She smiled. I didn't know if I was speaking to Maman or Suzanne. Both had suffered great losses.
After some small talk, Uncle Phonse arrived home, and Maman joined him in the dining room, leaving me alone.
Sitting in the darkness, memories of my first time in this room rushed in. Granpopá had looked like a stuffed pig. Birds had flown off the carpet. Flowers came to life. I had hoped I would never have to return to this strange house. That was the day I first met fear, the day it became part of my life.
Things were different now. Maman changed. I changed. Everyone in this house changed, but I wanted my old Maman back. I prepared myself to do whatever necessary to make that happen. Auntie no longer scared me, nor did Suzanne, nor did my extraordinary Gift. I was ready.
✽✽✽
The following day was Tout Jou Sen Yo, a holy day when families attended mass and visited cemeteries to honor their dead. Our family and friends attended mass together. After mass, for the second time, I received the sacrament of Baptism. Uncle Phonse stood up as my Godfather, and I asked Grann to be my Godmother. I wanted her to be a part of my family. Felicie prepared a small luncheon at home to mark the occasion. Later, we visited the cemetery to decorate the graves of our lost ones and tend to the family vaults. Our group included Auntie, Uncle, Maman, Felicie, Neni, Beau, Stefan, Papa Jean, Julian, and Grann. This year would be especially hard on Lucinda because of Brigitte, so she invited Papa Jean.
At the cemetery, each of us visited our own family graves and crypts. We planned to meet at our crypt for a candle-lit service at dusk. As the sun set, the cemetery emptied and darkened, except for the light of the full moon. The scent of fresh flowers deposited on the graves of loved ones permeated the air. Once everyone had finished taking care of their family crypts, we assembled at ours. One by one, each of us said a few words and lit a white candle in memory of our loved ones. Lucinda surprised us as she remained silent, left speechless by the sorrow of the day. I almost felt sorry for her.
The evening bell tolled through the cemetery signaling the fall of night. This was my sign to begin. According to the Grimoire, evil spirits despised loud bells.
I hoped this would help me expel Suzanne. I turned to Julian and nodded, letting him know the time had come to confront Suzanne. He edged his way closer to Lucinda so he could stop her in case she interfered with me. Everything I had ever done, everything I had ever learned, every emotion I had ever felt, and every fear I had ever faced led me to this moment. This was my moment, my time. If I failed now, evil would win. I vowed not to let that happen.
Chapter Twenty-Four
The Juju Girl
Underneath my plain black cloak, I wore a garment specially made by Miss Marie. It had everything I needed for the ritual.
It was now my turn to speak. I dropped my white candle and pulled out one I had made the day before using a formula from the Grimoire. As I lit it, frankincense infused the air with its pungent odor. I looked at Maman and called out the name of Suzanne three times. Each time my voice grew stronger and louder, ending in a frightening outcry. All eyes turned to me, fear now occupying the space where serenity had dwelled only minutes ago. Only Julian and Uncle Phonse focused their stares elsewhere. Uncle Phonse, hoping to see Suzanne once more, searched Maman's face for any sign of recognition. Julian looked at me, smiled at me, acknowledging my power, giving me the confidence to proceed.
Within this place
Within this time
A Spirit owns my Maman's mind
And dwells within a body pure
Which cannot evil long endure.
Guardians of the Spirit realm,
Hear and guide my plea.
Release Suzanne, who dwells inside
Out to confront me.
When I finished, a low, threatening growl emanated from Maman. Suzanne had heard me. I proceeded with the Scripture of Accusations from Proverbs 6:16-19.
These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood. A heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
Suzanne's wails blended with faraway sounds of howling wolves and the cries from the souls who dwelled within this place. The wind picked up and swirled around us, blowing in leaves of magic. Panic saturated the air. Felicie covered her eyes, and Neni pulled her into her arms. Beau covered his ears. Uncle Phonse and Stefan dropped to their knees. Auntie crept closer to me, but Julian stood firm and unafraid, and he held her back. My candle turned into a fiery torch. I pointed it at Suzanne and accused her.
"Suzanne, you have shed the innocent blood of Brigitte, and you possess the body of a righteous woman. Your tongue has lied to those who love you. You have devised wicked plans of revenge. You have used your own kin to sow mischief and discord."
The fiery torch ignited a circle of fire around me. That was my sign to sprinkle it with the Powder of Courage I made using the formula in the Grimoire. As the fire flared and then smoldered, I inhaled the smoke, and it strengthened my resolve.
"I command you to come out, Suzanne."
I didn't recognize my voice. It sounded deeper and demanding. Maman's face twisted into a grotesque configuration, her features scrambled. Spit drooled from the corners of her mouth. Her body emitted an overpowering stench.
After several minutes, she prowled around me like a lion about to jump on its prey. Suzanne had not abandoned Maman's body. I heard the others whispering prayers for me.
For an instant, my heart pulsed in my ears, my breathing became labored, and my stomach twisted into a knot, but I would not allow fear to consume me now. I took another whiff of air laden with the smoke of Courage and fear left me.
Suzanne began hissing like a snake before she spoke.
"Yes, I have lied. Yes, I have sown discord. Yes, I have spilled innocent blood. I don't deny it."
She faced the others with defiance. "My anger is righteous! Lucinda and Aimee stole my life. They stole everything I loved. They killed me."
She moved closer to Uncle Phonse. Bewildered by what he saw, he backed away.
I continued by acknowledging her righteous anger. I wanted her to recognize my fairness to her. For the exorcism to work, I had to alig
n her to me.
Evil deeds were done to you.
You did no wrong. You loved so true.
Your vengeful heart is understood,
But blocks you from Eternal Good.
I reached inside my cloak and pulled out Nashoba's necklace. I held it in front of her to draw out her spirit. Then I placed it around my neck.
Leave the darkness.
Embrace the light.
Save your soul
From Evil's blight.
Suzanne battled against it. Maman's body flailed and contorted, thrashing around on the ground, yelling as if she were in pain. I steeled myself. I hated hurting Maman, but she had to go through this to be free of Suzanne.
Once she calmed down, she got up to confront Lucinda.
"I hurt you like you hurt me. You are an evildoer. I took the life of the person you loved the most. You took away the person I loved most."
Uncle Phonse inched his way forward.
"What are you saying, Suzanne?" He now understood he was speaking to Suzanne.
"I'm saying they killed me so Lucinda could be with you. They took me from you."
Phonse turned to Lucinda, searching her face. He looked into her eyes, waited for a denial, but he saw Suzanne spoke the truth. He turned back to Suzanne.
"You must know, Suzanne, I had no part in this, don't you? I loved you so much. I could never hurt you. I never wanted to leave you."
A glimmer of hope flashed over Suzanne's face when she heard his words. It quickly faded as Uncle Phonse continued.
"I understand your anger. What I don't understand is how you could hurt me so much. How could you kill my little angel, the person in the world I loved so much? She was innocent."
He hung his head in sorrow and sobbed.