We had a surprisingly good evening, and when Tim and I got up to leave, Dad got up and shook his hand.
“Thank you, Tim. Although it was inadvertent, we have intruded into your date, and you handled it very well. This has been a wonderful evening, and I believe most of the credit for that goes to you and Emily.”
“Um, well, thanks, sir.” He said, chuckling. “It has been a lot of fun, and since the object was to provide Emily with a date that was different, this seems to have been a success!”
We made our farewells and headed to Tim’s car. I was holding Tim’s hand in mine and I squeezed it-just a little-and smiled. “It has been a fantastic date, Tim, and there is only one small problem, now.”
“Problem? What problem?” He almost looked panicked.
“How do you plan to top it on the next date?” I said with a smile.
“Give me a chance, Emily. I’ll find someway to top this!” He promised, chuckling.
I was more than willing to let him try! He opened the door so that I could get into the car, then he walked around and got behind the wheel. We headed out towards my house. It was only 10:30, and I knew he had every intention of stopping and-Ahem!-“talking” for a while.
We were on the main road when it happened. I saw the buck as it came running across a field toward the highway. I turned to warn Tim.
“There’s a large buck, running towards us.”
“Thanks, I see him.”
He started to slow down, but what neither of us had seen was the doe, standing next to the road. Something, probably the buck, spooked her and she jumped onto the roadway almost directly in front of us. Tim slammed on the brakes, and we began to slide sideways, and my side rushed toward the doe.
I had no time to think, only react. I teleported both deer across the highway and “reached out” grabbing Tim’s car and bringing it to a halt, while cushioning Tim and I from the sudden stop. We sat there, trying to catch our breath, while our hearts slowly came down to a normal speed. Mentally, I was pulling any free magic back into my body, but I knew I was in trouble.
“Holy sh-How did you do that?” Tim asked. Oh, how I wish I had knocked him out before I did my stuff, but it was too late. Crap.
“Tim, find us a place to talk privately, please. Understand, I’m going to be in a lot of trouble because of this, but I will be absolutely honest about it, as soon as we park, okay?”
He nodded, but I could see in his racing thoughts that he was confused and worried. We parked in the trees by my house, and I settled back in my seat. The only thing keeping me from freaking out was my vision that Tim and I were destined to be together. Still, this was going to be difficult.
I took a deep, calming breath. Here goes nothing, I thought.
“I don’t know how to say this, except to be completely honest with you and almost brutally direct. I would have preferred to have the chance to ease you into this, but that option’s gone, now.
Tim, I’m a witch. Because of a mutation many, many generations ago, the women of a small group of families have developed the ability to manipulate things-to perform magic.” I watched, both with my eyes and my mind, to see how Tim was dealing with it. So far, he seemed to be fairly relaxed. He was holding my hand, so I knew he wasn’t freaking out too much.
“There are a lot of rules about using magic, both for our protection and to limit the exposure of magic to the world. I was planning to tell you about me after we got to know each other better, and I hope I’ll still have a chance to get to know you. I realize this is a shock, but please, believe me, we aren’t anything like what the stories say.”
“I know that the stories got at least one thing wrong. You’re not ugly, and I don’t think you’re evil. I don’t know how I know it, but I know I can trust you. Thank you for being honest with me.”
“Umm, about that...” Oh, God. I knew I had to, but this would be very, very hard. “I’m very afraid of what you will say about this, but I promised to be honest. I’ll understand if you hate me after this, I mean, I’ll be very sad and disappointed, but I will understand.
“I’ve actually only been like this for a short time. It was purely an accident that this happened to me, but it did, it’s permanent and complete. I was very different from the way you see me until recently.”
He smiled. “What, were you an ugly old crone?”
“Worse.” I said, closing my eyes against the tears, but I couldn’t hold them all back. “Tim, I used to be a guy.”
He laughed at first, but when he saw my tears, he stopped. “You’re serious?”
“Yeah.” God, I must look awful! “There’s something called ‘wild magic’ and it was attracted to me, because someone had previously cast a spell on me. It hit me like a bolt of lightning, and I woke up a few days later, looking like this. It isn’t just how I look, it’s a complete change. I am a real girl, with all the feelings, fears and periods that go with it. I didn’t think I would ever find guys attractive, but then I met you, and...”
“I remember that,” he said quietly. “You were so withdrawn at first, I thought that maybe you might have been on something, and then, when I saw some of the guys were hassling you, I felt a pull, like I had to step in. Did you do that?”
“No, honest! I didn’t even know you were there until you told them to move.” My tears started again. “I’d better go, Tim. I hope you can forgive me, but I can see how it would be hard to trust me.”
I got out of the car, but I hadn’t even made it 10 feet when he ran in front of me.
“That’s not fair! You have to give me my chance to say something, please?”
I just stood there crying for a few minutes, before I finally nodded.
“Okay, I'm very surprised by this, I’ll admit. It’s just-It’s not exactly something I would have expected.” I just waited for him to tell me how sorry he was, but it was more than he could handle, or something like that. I just hoped he wouldn't hit me.
“Emily, I know we haven’t gone out very much but...I think I love you.”
I think I must have passed out, because the next thing I remember was Tim, kneeling on the ground and holding me, stroking my hair. “Emily, are you all right?”
“I’m not sure. Was it a dream, or did you really say-“
“I love you, Emily. At least, I’m pretty sure that’s what this is. You make me feel so... different, I guess, like sometimes I just don’t want to breathe. I dream about you, I think of you all the time, and my heart makes weird jumps every time I see you. I don’t know how else to explain it, Em.”
“Heartburn,” I said, almost without thinking. “I'm sure Alka Setzer will fix that right up.”
He laughed. “You’re a nut, you know that, right? I never know what you’re going to say, but I love everything that you do say! Remember how you chewed me out for putting myself down? My heart almost burst out of my chest when you told me what you thought of me. I-I almost proposed right then.”
“Now that would have been silly! I figured we’d need at least four dates before you proposed, otherwise I’d look pretty easy when I tell you I would be proud to marry such a wonderful guy.”
We both started to laugh, but then Tim looked at me. “Uhm, did we just, uh, get engaged?”
“I sorta felt like it, didn’t it? H-how would you feel about that?” I asked, hopefully.
He kissed me, and we laughed and kissed again. He looked at me, and his eyes...Wow.
“I love you, Emily Randall.”
“Oh, I love you so much!” I said. I hugged and kissed him, then we stood up and walked back to the car. “You do realize you’re never going to top this date, right?”
“Hmmm. Maybe not right away, but I have every intention of surprising you as much as you surprise me.”
We both laughed. “Tim, I really do love you, but how do we tell people we’re engaged? Everyone is going to think we’re just being silly, and that it will never last.”
“Not my parents. I’ve already told them that I’m going to marry you, and they know I’m completely serious, so this won’t surprise them at all. Now, we do have a lot to discuss, so what’s your schedule like tomorrow?”
“I don’t think I have anything planned...why?”
“So how about a longer date? Maybe go someplace private for a picnic and a lot of talking? I have several questions, like did you have powers when you were Gabe?”
“But I...”
“You used to be a guy that lived at the Randall’s, right? Honey, it’s not real hard to figure that one out.”
“No, I guess it wouldn’t be, would it? Are you okay with that?”
“I proposed, right? I love you, Emily. Now, and forever.”
I was tearing up again, but they were happy tears.
“I’ll pick you up at 9 in the morning, if that’s all right?”
I nodded. “I have some cash, maybe we can...”
“Not to sound like some macho he-man, Em, but I have a lot of money, don’t even worry about it.”
I looked at Tim and smiled.
“Timothy Davies, I want to know how you did it.”
“Uh...did what?”
“I may be a witch,” I said, as I touched his cheek. “But you’ve cast a spell on me.”
He blushed, and held my hand.
“If I didn’t before, I believe in magic, now.” He said, looking at me. "It's either that, or miracles."
Y’know, it’ll be good to get out of the house tomorrow. Mom and Dad are going to FREAK...
But I’m gonna be smiling all night.
Comments
Well, uhm...
Once again, this is not the chapter I had planned on posting. I had actually planned to focus on their relationship in the next arc, but, as I've said, this is a character driven story. That changes everything, for me. This chapter almost wrote itself, it was so easy, contrary to my usual chapters, which have to be edited and coaxed to do what I want. I guess my muse has issues.
I will be getting back to the mystery part of the story, but, like real life, things don't go the way I like sometimes. I think the next chapter will have some more clues. I want to create some openings in the story for clues in the questions Tim asks Emily. Now I have to figure out what questions he would have!
Suggestions are welcome!
Thanks for reading. No please don't send any violent trans-cat-mega-tomboys! I'll be good, I promise!
Wren :-)
No-one needs to SEND me,
I'm already here...
Please be assured, I'm only violent when there's a good reason for it. :)
Who was it that was polishing their sword?
S'okay, I'm just having some fun! For some reason, I'm in an extremely good mood today. Be ready for a long episode for number 30-it's already as long as my usual chapters, and there's a lot of story in my head to write yet!
Wren
Oh,
that was probably me. A kitty without sharp teeth and claws has to ...improvise.
Very cute
I always enjoy seeing a story where things go exactly how I want them to. Sure, it's admittedly a little silly and unrealistic, but it's also very heartwarming and romantic, which to me are just as important if not more so than realism.
Her parents ARE going to freak, but I doubt it will be as bad as she expects considering what they know of her future visions already. After all, this was inevitable.
Melanie E.
Okay, there a few parts where it's obviously fantasy
I mean, come on, a teenaged girl who gets along with her parents? Yah, shooore, as the Swedish Chef would say. Still, I want to keep it kind of realistic. I think a story is much better when you can imagine yourself in the story, and I hope I'm finally starting to get there!
Wren
Great story
Great Story!!! I don't know what else to say but great story!
Hugs
Vivien
Thanks!
You give me confidence (and I need it!). All I want to do is tell a good story, and entertain y'all for a little while. Thank you for reading, and especially for commenting!
Wren
Wild Magic 29
Did somebody arrange for this to happen?
May Your Light Forever Shine
Nope. But...
There are going to be issues for them, especially regarding the mystery. Tim is a very strong person, very confident and secure in himself. I hope I showed that with this chapter. He's very careful and protective around Emily, but he can stand on his own and handle problems.
It takes a man who is secure in his own manhood to deal with someone that was so recently a guy. If you can tell, I like Tim-a lot. There are some interesting times in store, but they can handle it-I hope!
Wren
Does that make-
Tim, Darren and her Mom Endora? :)
hugs
Grover
That did occur to me
After I posted this, I re read it (okay, I'm obsessive, what can I say?) and I noticed the bewitched similarities, but honest, that wasn't even in my thoughts when I wrote it!
But no, Tim is no Darren, this much I know, and as they get further into the relationship, they'll-No, that's for another day. Sorry!
Wren
“But you’ve cast a spell on me.â€
Wow. I didn't see that coming - Wrong! I totally saw that coming!
Just kidding hon. This was an amazing, wonderful chapter. I'm liking Tim a lot. I'm just hoping we dont find out this was all a set-up ....
Braces for the eruption of
Braces for the eruption of Mt.St. Mom n Dad this news although good will definitely shock lets hope grandma's heart is up to it.
Great story Wren, thanks for sharing.
Lizzie :)
Bailey's Angel
The Godmother :p
Great chapter
This is a great chapter. It may not have been planned but it fit.
I was wondering how long she could hide the magic from such a close boyfriend. As a way to have it revealed, this was a great one. The way Tim was taking it, I was prepared for him to reveal that his mother was a witch, but Grandma would have known that and made Tim much more of a target of suspicion.
I am not sure the parents and grandmother will be mad at her as much for using the magic as they will be for getting engaged. As for telling Tim, both Grandma and Mom had to tell their boyfriends/husbands at some point, and I assume they told them before the wedding. Now you just have to figure out what the procedures are in this community for a witch telling her future husband such things. - - - Good Luck.
Keep Smiling, Keep Writing
Teek
"You've Cast a Spell on Me..."
Wasn't there still a good possibility that SOMEONE cast a spell to put the two of them in love together? If so, it's probably real on Emily's side by now, since it's happening even when she's home or wearing the ring outside.
Tim, on the other hand, to the best of our knowledge, has no resistance to such things.
If that's true, we won't know how Tim really feels about sharing his life with the former Gabe until the spell is removed, if that ever were to happen. Not that he'd necessarily feel any different about it, but like just about anyone, he'd most likely be awfully upset that someone had been playing around with his emotions. And it'd be tough for him to trust Emily after that, even if he's sure she didn't do it herself, since being around her clearly puts him at risk, especially from her mother and grandmother.
(The Endora syndrome, mentioned earlier in the comments. But in this case, it's not that they'll be opposed to the union, but that they won't resist making "improvements" to him -- from their standpoint and not necessarily his.)
And under those circumstances it probably won't be lost on him that his marriage proposal was preceded by a date where her mother and grandmother, thanks to "coincidence", had plenty of time and proximity to him that they could use manipulate him.
Anyway, a good chapter. I can handle waiting another chapter before the puzzle resumes if something this substantial is happening.
Eric
Yeah I feel the same. I hope
Yeah I feel the same. I hope the other witches don't get the idea it would be cool to magically manipulate him since normal humans apparently have zero resistance to mind magic. What keeps them from doing Ellie Dauber style identity death transformations to everyone they don't like?
I think you may be right about possible problems. Everyone would react negatively if you find out your so called love of your life is nothing but magic mind control and you ca't even be sure who did it. Running away from them would be the obvious reaction.
This story has quite a few so called coincidences. This may just be narrative causality or someone is playing mastermind manipulator. I personally feel that grandma is the main suspect, due to qui bono, but maybe someone else has planted a mind control spell on Emily to take her over once they offed grandma.
This is a quite nice story so far. I guess sometimes I'd prefer less teenage conversation and more progress, but it's ok as it is.
Wren, thank you for writing this captivating story,
Beyogi
But...that makes it so much easier!
I can use Teenage conversation for exposition, atmosphere and best of all...filler! Besides, it's a story about a teen girl-(I'm kind of using my daughters, 14 and 13 for help here) and they are very chatty!
Wren
honestly...
I don't really see where the problem is, I think Wren's hitting a really good balance for who her subject is. Teen girls really ARE extremely chatty. Some teen boys too, but it's not quite as widespread as it is amongst the females. Some teen girls also, might not be so chatty, but that'd be an exception and I'd darn well expect my author to tell me WHY their teen girl ISN'T chatty if they aren't!
Keep writing Wren, I think you've got one of the best serials running right now!
Abigail Drew.
Thank you, so much!
You like me! You really...like me!
All kidding aside, I don't know about best series. I love Maggies "Singing to the Moon, EoF's Season of the Witch, SaraUK's 2 series (maybe 3?), not to mention Karin Bishop's stories and Bailey's many series (okay, I have a soft spot for Snakes and Ladders). I'm anxiously awaiting Portia's new story, and what about that wonderful series, something about falling off a bike? How about Somewhere Entirely or Sarah Carrera? Or so many others?
I am honored to even be considered in that company. Thank you!
Wren
Of course I like you!
You'll have to try an awful lot harder to get me to dislike you if that's what you want? ;P
Some of what you listed I actually wouldn't categorize as a serial - Karin Bishop's stories especially. They have very well defined beginnings and endings. Haven't been reading EoF or Maggie recently, I'm afraid - I'm avoiding universe stories for now. I have enjoyed some of their past work though, and though they tend to have long runs, I still wouldn't QUITE consider them serials, there's still a set plot line that once finished, the story is finished. I've honestly not even attempted to start SaraUK's or Bailey's serials... Too easy to eat away insane amounts of time with just what I am reading already!
But yes, I would put Wild Magic together with Bike, Somewhere Else, and Sarah Carrera.
Speaking of serials and stories with long runs... I really need to get back to my own sorry attempts at prose... I'm a terrible slacker! *giggles*
Abigail Drew.
It's not the chatter itself -
It's not the chatter itself - it's a teenage girls god given right to chatter :D It's just what you fill it with. I don't really like fillers. If you need fillers, I'd suggest sub-plots, because fillers always make me want to scroll ;) On the other hand I'm not the soap opera type of person anyway, so I guess I'm a bit oversensitive :)
Another thing is that I read some fanfics that had like 4-5k word conversations and the really plotrelevant stuff was maybe 400-500 words. Makes you look for keywords and not really reading the text. I doubt that will happen here...
hm...
Maybe you just don't "get" it? I may have been pretending to be a boy during my teen years, but whenever I pulled just the topmost mask off and was around people I trusted I immediately became a complete chatterbox.
I would have to agree with you though on stories that are almost entirely comprised of words within double quotes. That's annoying. Even the worst chatterboxes have at least ten times more thoughts that never get uttered for one thing! Second, I'd like some description of what's going on around them as they're prattling away. Third, well, monologues very rarely work, so if any one single character keeps talking for more than 2 paragraphs at a time - bye!
So far though, Wren has managed to write believably about teen girls without going overboard on the double quotes either - a VERY difficult balance to strike if you ask me.
Abigail Drew.
See chapter 30
I've tried to do a lot in one chspter-seems to work, but we'll see. I hope I can keep making it as enjoyable for my readers as it is to write!
Wren
Thanks, Wren...
Glad you answered my question about compulsion in Chapter 30. I feel better now (g).
Eric