YOU'RE ALL MINE - ch 13

YOU’RE ALL MINE - ch 13

(the magic of Midnight)

^ ^

“Come on, Mia!” the precocious feline meowed. “I want to go for a ride! Come on, let’s go. We can ride the ley down to the pier and see what the boats bring in.”

“Midnight, no! Two reasons: number one, I have to water the plants in the greenhouse and pullout any sprouting weeds; number two, and this is the most important, I promised Aintin I wouldn’t go without her until I felt more experienced, and right now, I feel like I’m still learning.”

The cat persisted. “Mia, you’re learning spells. Spell your garden to water and weed itself. The spell yourself with more confidence. I know you can do it!”

“Midnight, you’re supposed to stop me from doing anything impulsive and yet, here you are, instigating me to do just that. There’s fish for you in the refrigerator. Mom brought it home last night after she left the clinic. And no, I’m not going to spell my garden or me. However, you are tempting me to put a spell on you! Now, knock it off or I’ll ask Uncle Ian if he as a small cat cage I can put you in.”

The cat opened her eyes wide and screeched, “Mia, you wouldn’t dare!” Then, she lowered her head a bit and almost whispered, “Would you?”

Mia won her fight not to laugh when she said, “Midnight, don’t tempt me! Now, before we begin taking care of the vegetables, I’m picking a few flowers to place on the memorial stone for Mo deas. Are you coming? Or do you plan to sulk all morning?”

While Midnight wasn’t too happy with Mia’s rebuke, she knew she was right. She just wasn’t ready to admit it.

After placing the small bouquet on Mo deas’ little memorial, Mia stood, wiped the tears from her cheeks, and walked to her green house. Midnight followed somberly but murmured, “I know how you feel, Mia. I miss her, too.”

Mia stopped, knelt, and picked up her familiar. “Oh, Midnight. She didn’t deserve to suffer but we both know she’s at peace. Because of you, I understand. She was my younger self, and you’re my growing stage. Every now and then, I forget how old you really are.”

“I know, mo ghra. I look like I’m only two but in relation to human years, I’m 24, but I certainly don’t feel that old.”

Mia smiled and replied, “And you sure don’t act that old, either. Let’s go take care of the greenhouse plants, then I’ll ask Aintin if she’ll take a ride with us. When we were in the gift shop in Dunlavin a few weeks ago, I saw something I think Adrian might like. Her birthday’s coming up.”

“Mia, I have a better idea. Instead of buying her a gift, make one. Maybe a small amulet to wear on her wrist with a protection spell. You can ask your aunt to help you. I think it would mean more than just buying something.”

Mia hugged Midnight and chuckled. “You know, cat! I’m really glad I have you around. That’s a wonderful idea! Let’s go finish the greenhouse, then we’ll fly to Aintin’s house.”

Midnight wanted to suggest they jump a line but decided to stay quiet. Mia, having a feeling what Midnight was thinking, thought to herself, “good choice, cat!”

^ ^

With the weeding and watering finally finished, Mia wrapped her papoose on her back, picked up her spell book and said, “Okay, Midnight, hop in.”

Within seconds they were standing at Finola’s front door. Before she had time to knock, the door swung open and Finola said, “Hello, mo stor. Come in. I’ve been behaving and not watching you in my mirror so what brings you to your old auntie?”

As Mia entered the old cottage and placed the papoose on the worn but comfortable sofa, she answered her aunt. “Remember Adrian? My friend who’d been hurt on the beach?” Before Finola could answer, Mia continued, “Her birthday is coming up in two weeks and I wanted to get her something special. I guess out of all the friends I have, she’s the one who I feel the closest to. So, anyway, I was thinking of going to the Dunlavin gift shop, but Midnight had a better idea.”

“Mia, my darling, take a breath. Have a sip of lemonade. I think I have an idea what you’re going to say. Rather than buy something, you want to make something. Is that right?”

Mia smiled and responded, “Yes. I’m thinking some kind of friendship bracelet.” Then Mia looked sheepishly at her great aunt and finished, “Then, maybe we could put a protection spell on it. Adrian is really such a klutz. Aintin? What’s your opinion?”

Finola walked over to wear Mia was sitting and wrapped her arms around the girl. “I think it’s a marvelous idea.” Stepping back and looking deep into Mia’s eyes, she asked knowingly, “Do you by any chance have a spell in mind?”

“Well, Aintin, I read your book and read it again, specifically looking for a protection spell that could be used with an amulet. I found one but it was more for a little kid. Adrian is fifteen, so I modified it.”

“Ah, my stor, you’re learning. Let’s hear it.”

Mia closed her eyes to concentrate on what she memorized.

“Safe and protected, my friend will be

From now and to eternity.

Goddess, our mother, watch over my friend

From now until the very end.

Keep her safe from threat or harm

With the power of this very charm.

Protect her when she’s not with me.

So I desire it. So mote it be.”

Finola, sat slowly on the wooden stool near her table and while her eyes filled with happy and proud tears, she said, “Oh, mo ghra. What a beautiful spell. And right from your heart. It’s perfect and yes, it will definitely work. Now, let’s go into my little workshop and pick out the gemstones we need for her bracelet.”

They stood and walked into the small, nearby room.