YOU'RE ALL MINE - ch 23

YOU’RE ALL MINE - ch 23

(the magic of Midnight)

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“Mia, are you ready?” her mother asked sounding almost as excited as Mia felt.

“Yes, mom. Coming!”

Morena looked at her husband and sighed, “Brian, how did our little girl grow up so fast?”

Brian leaned back in his chair and replied, “Honey, she may have started out in a baby’s body, but her mind and soul were never little. And yet, time really has flown, hasn’t it?”

“Mia, good lord, girl, make some noise when you fly down the stairs,” Morena said. Mia laughed and hugging her mother answered, “Sorry about that, mom. But wings don’t make noise. Speaking of wings, when was the last time you used yours?”

Brian laughed and muttered, “Says one elf to another.”

“Mia, did you call Tim and decline his offer?”

“Yes, I did, and I could tell by the sound of his voice, he wasn’t happy. I got the impression that he just assumed I’d just jump at the chance to date him.”

“Well, I’m glad you’re not, honey. I did some checking on him and while he might be considered the best-looking boy in the school, I heard he has a mean streak in him. I may not know him but with the stories going around, I don’t like nor trust him.”

“I felt the same way as soon as I held the card that came with the flowers. I could feel the anger in his writing. I know that sounds strange but, dad I felt it.”

She saw Midnight hang her head and start to turn away. “Midnight, did you feel anything intuitively? You’re my familiar with a strong sense of insight. You’ve been very quiet. Why?”

“Mia, mo chroi (my heart), all I felt was cold. It was almost like he was blocking me. I was afraid to say something that might not be right.”

“Hmm, that is strange.” She turned to her father, “Dad, can you do a bit more checking for me? The dance is in ten days, and I want to know what to expect when Francis and I get there.”

“I can do the same,” Morena volunteered. “There’s always some sort of injury walking into the clinic. I’ll listen carefully and if I’m lucky, find someone I can pry answers from. In the meantime, let’s get a move on. I’m sure there will be way too many dresses for you to look at.”

“Mom, I called Sheila McHenry and asked if she had any idea of the dress code for the dance. She said, it’s not formal, so that means no gowns. Just a simple party dress will do. Casual elegance is how she described it. Francis will be wearing dress pants and a jacket but not necessarily a suit and definitely not a tux.”

“I’m glad you called her. She’s on my list of people to call to check out Tim. You’re right, Mia, I also didn’t like the way he almost insisted you were going with him. It wasn’t actually an invitation, but more like a statement. I don’t trust him either.”

As they were walking to the door, they heard a familiar knock, and the door opened. Finola stood at the threshold. “I’m not going to hold you up since I know you’re on your way out but this morning, I had a very bad feeling and felt the dire urgency to come.”

“Please, Finola, come in. We always have time for tea with our favorite aunt.”

“Thank you, Morena. I’ll have a quick cup while I tell you about what I saw in my mirror.”

She sat across the table from Mia and spoke, “Morena, today, while you’re out shopping, be careful and very watchful. Young Dwyer is almost foaming at the mouth. He had already told his friends that Mia would attend the dance with him and when she turned him down, his temper was almost out of control. From what I saw in my mirror, he told everyone that he was going with the “catch of a lifetime” and then laughed.”

She looked at Brian and asked, “Brian, did you know that his father is the sole owner of the MacNamara Brewing Company?”

“Uh, no, never thought of that. Who’s MacNamara and how did Dwyer come to acquire it?

“His mother, Nora MacNamara married John Dwyer. After their wedding, upon her father’s urging, she signed the company over to her husband. Her father insisted that it needed a man to head the company, rather than a woman. John Dwyer is one of the richest men on the east coast of Ireland. His son, Tim, is a spoiled brat who was never told the word no in his entire life. There’s a saying around Wicklow: What Tim wants, Tim gets!” Be careful and watchful; and Mia? Mo ghra (my love), be very watchful at the dance and stay close to Francis.”

“Aintin? He wouldn’t harm Francis, would he?” Mia’s eyes were filled with worry.

“Mia, mo mhuirnin (my darling), honestly, there is no telling what young Dwyer might do. I know you don’t trust him. Rightfully so, but please, be very cautious of him. And I can’t stress this enough, attach yourself to Francis as if you both are glued together. If you need to use the restroom, find a girlfriend to I with you. If Francis needs to use the men’s room, stand outside the door, or better yet, go for a walk in the garden and encourage him to use a damn tree! Please, I feel trouble brewing, and I’m not liking it.”

Brian was more concerned at Finola’s warning. “Auntie, can’t you see him in your mirror?”

“Brian, he’s blocking anyone who tries to see him. There’s no easy way to say this. While he hides it well, I know beyond a doubt. He’s a witch, and not a good one. He’s been dabbling in the black arts.”

Mia rubbed her arms and said, “Mom? Dad? Aintin? I just got a very sudden chill. What is he up to?”

Then, they turned their heads as Midnight screeched.