Chapter 18 - New Beginnings

It felt so good to finally be tossing my diploma! After what felt like centuries of studying for my degree, I earned a first in alchemy. Becca and I were going to try and start a daycare soon, but selling the odd potion here and there would surely help finance a few things.

'I'm so proud of you, Darling!' Mum gushed as she patted my cheek. I blushed.
'Thanks! It feels pretty cool. I'm looking forward to getting into the world of work and maybe settling down!'
She smiled fondly. She'd been finding the whole process of me growing up pretty difficult. I think Dad was worried too, though he seems to be hiding it better.

As a graduation gift, Cescie had found and captured a raven for me. I called him Edgar; after Edgar Allen Poe. He was really rather friendly, and enjoyed sitting on people's shoulders.

Celeste's birthday was not long after mine and she decided she wanted to become a freelance writer straight away rather than spending three more years in further education.

She said goodbye to her room, which Hazel was to inherit, and packed her things into a suitcase. Mum was even more concerned about Cescie than about me. She went on a huge shopping trip to get everything Celeste could ever need or want for in her new house, despite the fact she was only moving down the road.

Rosie watched her leave in the new car she'd been given by Great Aunt Adeline for her birthday.

Her new house was a quaint little two bedroom. Rickey, who now had a job as a police officer, would be moving in within the week.

Mum and Dad had been able to buy the house for her. Our money troubles were well behind us since our grandparents' inheritance fund was quite substantial, not to mention the fact that both my parents had recently been promoted.

My little potion business was doing fairly well. My godfather, Branch had ordered a love potion for his big date night.

I had been trying to brew said potion, but I must have added a wrong ingredient because the liquid seemed to have a strange, orange glow.

I decided to test it out on Hatty. She was more than happy to give it a go.

To my surprise, Hatty was suddenly swathed in hundreds of violet bubbles the moment the potion touched her lips. When they dispersed, an oddly dressed, but pretty woman was standing there with an inane smile on her face.
'Hatty?' I stuttered.
'Jas! It's me, I'm finally a real person!' She giggled in delight.

'Oh my word...' I breathed as I placed my hand on her shoulder to make sure I wasn't seeing things. She smiled and lent in closer so I could get a better look. Her eyes were a stunning turquoise, though they appeared to change colour in the light. She cocked her head to one side and gave a mischievous grin.

Without warning, she lent in and kissed me hard on the lips. I was so surprised I didn't think to pull away. She stepped back and laughed, 'So that's what it feels like!'
Horrified, I backed out of the room and ran downstairs.

When I reached the hall my phone began to ring. The caller ID showed it was Becca. I answered.
'What do you want?' I spluttered nervously into the phone.
'Whoa there, and a hello to you too! I just wanted to say hi!'
'Oh, sorry Sweetie. It's been a stressful day.' I sighed, I could feel the guilt rising inside me.
'Aw, miss your sister?'
'Yeah, something like that. Listen, can I call you back? There's something I need to do quickly.'
'Sure thing. Don't take too long, Darling. Love you.'
'Love you too.'

'Stupid, stupid, stupid,' I thought as I raced around the house to find Hatty, who had apparently left my room.

She didn't take it well when I told her she had to leave. I know it sounds cruel but I couldn't risk anything romantic happening with her again.

When she left I picked up my phone and dialled Becca's number.
'Helloooo?' She crooned.
'Hey. Listen Honey, do you think we could meet up?'
'What, now? It's coming up to one in the morning.'
'I know I just... need you I guess.'
'Aw, okay Love. Shall I come over?'
A thought struck me. 'Actually, no. Meet me at Rocky point.'