MIDNIGHT MAGIC - ch 25

MIDNIGHT MAGIC – ch 25

Julie

(*)(*)(*)

Finola and Julie walked back inside the house. While Finola wore a satisfied smile, Julie’s grin seemed as though it tried to stretch across her entire face. She tried to hide her giddiness but didn’t do such a great job of it. Mia looked at her friend and subtly nodded. Everyone else, not sure of what was about to happen, but knowing Finola’s sense of humor, looked bemused.

When Julie sat again beside Mickey, she looked lovingly in his eyes and asked, “Mickey, will you build me a bench to put under a tree? Would you at least think about it?”

He grasped her hands and curiously asked, “Jules, is that all you want? A bench? Under a tree?”

Her eyes misted and she nodded a yes. Anger flared in Tony’s eyes as he watched Mickey lean towards Julie and gently kiss her lips.

“Brian,” Finola started to ask, “did you refresh our guest?”

Ian stood before Brian could answer. “Yes, he did, Auntie but I was just about to give him more.”

As she began to laugh, he picked up the water jug that sat near the sink and dumped the contents of it on Tony’s head. He explained, “Auntie, I can’t say that I know much about our heritage and while I want and intend to learn more about it, I completely understand the “harm none” phrase. Since I can’t beat him senseless, this humiliation is the best I could think of.”

Between Julie’s bursts of laughter, she replied, “Dad, I can think of a much better place to have poured the water.”

No one, except Finola, Mickey, and Mia expected this comment from the shy young woman. As they all laughed, the angry heat that was evident in Tony’s eyes could have steamed the entire room. No one was fazed by it.

Julie said, “Aintin, I think it’s time; don’t you?”

“Yes, mo stor. Are you ready, Tony to meet your fate?”

His eyes snapped in her direction but as he tried to snarl out a curt response, realized that the silence spell was still very potent.

“Liz, please grab the pen and paper you’ll find in the upper right-hand drawer and write down everything Tony says.”

As soon as Liz returned to her seat, Finola began.

“Tony, first things first. I want the names, approximate ages, and descriptions of every woman, young and old that’s confined in your ‘house of women,’ and remember, you are forbidden to leave any name off the list.”

He recalled each one with acute accuracy.

“Analiese Doyle, age 23, black hair, green eyes. We called her Ana.

Liz Waters, 20, blonde hair, blue eyes.

Ali Hale, 21, blonde hair, hazel eyes.

Sybil Verne, 28, brown hair, hazel eyes.

Abby Maurer, 20, black hair, blue eyes.

Mary Green, 21, red hair, green eyes.

Laura Green, 21, red hair, green eyes - and yes, they are identical twins.

Annora Sutter, 19, black hair, deep brown eyes.

And of course, Julie, here. But she didn’t have red hair when I had her. I liked her blonde hair better. Once I get her home, she’ll go back to being blonde. Won’t you, babe?”

Finola chuckled and asked, “Tony, you still have no idea, do you? Oh, never mind. Our Julie is married now and has absolutely no ties to you. I know you’re fighting the spell I placed on you but believe me, once you leave this house, you will never again be interested in owning any woman. Now, let’s get on with this before I dump more than a pitcher of water on your head.”

Mickey squeezed Julie’s hand. “Honey, don’t misunderstand me but trust me when I say, I don’t ever want to let you go. As long as you’re willing, I’d be happy to spend the rest of my life with you.”

They heard Tony growl and knew he was trying to say something inappropriate, but Finola’s spell wouldn’t allow it.

“Okay, then, Tony, pay close attention to what I’m about to say, for this will be your fate and that of any man like you that you touch. Let’s begin!”

She placed her left palm on his shoulder and although he tried to wriggle from under it, found he was powerless to do so.

“Tony!

You’ll meet a young woman whose name I won’t say.

Without nary a thought, you’ll give your heart away.

You’ll hunger each hour until, once again, you meet.

You’ll beg, and you’ll plead, and grovel at her feet.

But she’ll never love you and will keep you at bay.

You’ll be under her spell and will do all she might say.

With every slap or disparaging word,

You’ll remember this day and all that you heard.

The memory of how you treated women before,

Will be ever present and become things you abhor.

You’ll find that your new love will now treat you the same,

And cause you to sadly recall each woman’s name.

You’ll gladly repent but now it’s too late.

The way you treated women, will now be your fate.

Your future, you see, has been set in stone.

Once I release you, you’ll be free to go home.

But heed my warning, your soul won’t be free.

This is my command! So, mote it be!”

She eased her hand from his shoulder and asked, “Before I release you, do you have anything to say?”

He tried to move but was still bound to the chair. However, he cried out, “Julie, Julie, I’m so sorry! I know I meant to hurt you, but I was so wrong. Can you ever forgive me? Please?”

Julie stood, walked slowly to stand before him. Her voice was soft but steady. “Tony, if I hold a grudge against you, that means that you matter to me. You don’t! That grudge would live inside me and fester like an incurable disease. I refuse to live the rest of my life with the memory of you. I can’t forgive you only because, to me, forgiveness is an emotion and any emotion I once had for you, is now dead.”

She turned and walked away and took her place next to her husband.