MIDNIGHT MAGIC - ch 3

MIDNIGHT MAGIC – ch 3

Julie

(*)(*)(*)

Morena walked through the front door with a bag of fish and chips for supper. Before she could ask, Mia placed her finger against her lips to indicate they should speak quietly.

Midnight meowed, “If this were any other circumstances, I’d be jumping up and down because I know my other mama has a treat in that bag for me.”

Mia picked up her familiar, and as she gently stroked the cat’s back, murmured, “I’m sure she does and thank you for understanding that this is not yet a time for celebrating your fresh fish treat.”

She hugged her mother and said, “Mom, I made Julie some tea that would help her sleep. I checked on her a few minutes ago and she’s sleeping peacefully. Dad called and said he’s on the way home. I’d already told Julie that I would tell you and dad what’s going on since she’s staying here, at least for the time being. She’s okay with that. In the meantime, the water’s still hot. I’ll make you a cup of tea.”

They heard a muffled whimper from the bedroom where Julie slept. “Mia, go! Go put a rest spell on her. She’ll need to rest.”

When Mia walked back down the stairs, she saw her father sitting next to her mother, holding her hand.

Before she began speaking, she walked to the cabinet and retrieved two small glasses. In each, she poured a small bit of Hennessey, then brought the drinks to her parents who looked at her in surprise. Her father spoke, “Mia, is it that bad?”

“No, dad, and I won’t allow it to get that bad, but I haven’t yet used my mirror. I told Julie to sleep, and when she wakes up, I’ll use it. But for now, with the permission Julie gave me, I can tell you what I know.”

Stopping periodically to have a sip of her tea, Mia finally ended Julie’s saga. Leaning forward a bit, she placed her elbows on the table, then placed her cheeks in the palms of her hands. “Well, that’s it in a nutshell.”

Morena and Brian listened in silence. Both were shocked but knew their daughter well enough to know that Mia wasn’t quite finished speaking. They waited.

She momentarily raked her fingers through her hair as she sat up straighter. “Mom, Dad, after listening to Julie, I started thinking that this is exactly what would have happened if I hadn’t seen into Tim’s soul. While Tim dabbled in black magic, it sounds like Tony is just evil. After we have supper, I’m going to use my mirror and try to see what’s he’s up to, then tomorrow, if Julie agrees, I want to take her to Aintin. With her strong powers, she would see things that are still hidden from me. I’d like to ask your opinions and advice.”

Brian spoke first. “Mia, as I speak for myself, I think your mom will have the same opinion. Julie can stay here as long as she wants.” He glanced at his wife, then looked back at Mia. “And, honey, I mean even long after the baby’s born. She and Charlotte were always your best friends and we won’t turn her away, now or ever.” His blue eyes were vibrant as he continued, “I’m so disappointed and disgusted with her parents. How could they kick out their only daughter because she made a stupid mistake? What about their grandchild-to-be? Aren’t they concerned about - what did you call the baby, ‘Baby It’? I know your mom will have things to say, but I just want you to know that Julie was, still is, and will always be considered part of this family. She stays as long as she wants to.”

He asked his wife, “Morena? This must be a joint decision so if you don’t agree, we can discuss the pros and cons, but, as I just said, this must be a joint decision.”

Morena leaned on her husband and while her eyes misted with love and happiness, she declared, “Oh, Brian, my heart, you never cease to amaze me. This is what I would have asked of you. I feel as though you read my mind and heart.”

Her smile was brilliant as she looked from her husband to her daughter. “Well, Mia, my love, looks like you’re no longer an only child. We, now have a second daughter.”

Mia rose from her chair, walked around the table, put her arms around her parents, and as her tears rolled down her cheeks, said, “Mom, Dad, I always knew you were the best. I love you both more than words can ever say. Thank you so much.”

The heard the gentle click of the upstairs door closing. “I think she’s awake. Let’s tell her together.”

One look at Julie’s face had Brian’s heart crack, and his temper want to fly out of control. He was able to control himself as she asked softly, “Julie, sweetheart, did he do that to you?”

She nodded, and fresh tears began flowing from her already swollen eyes. Brian jumped out of his seat, walked to his daughter’s friend, put his arm around her, then guided her to the chair next to Mia’s. “Sit, honey, you’re safe here.” He kissed the top of her head, then walked around the table to his own chair.

Midnight took the liberty of leaping into Julie’s lap, purr softly, and rub the top of her head under Julie’s chin. She gently hugged the cat and whispered, “Midnight, how did you know this is what I needed right now?”

“Mom, Dad,” Mia began, “why don’t you tell Jules while I set the table and quickly reheat supper?”

Morena looked lovingly at her husband. “Brian, under the circumstances, I would like for you to be the one to tell Julie.”

Knowing that she meant, since Julie was hurt emotionally by her father, and emotionally and physically by her fiancé, Brian smiled, and said, “Julie, looks like we’ve just gained another daughter. How do you feel about being a permanent part of our family?”