As Long as Somebody Loves You

Chapter Eighteen

Five years passed with the blink of an eye. And true to Susan's words, I was beginning to transform after I embraced humanity for what it was. Not as witch, but as woman. I thought I would hate the process, but to my surprise, it was really rather... comfortable.

I had to tell the other witches of course. One night I called an emergency meeting where I told them everything, including what happened at the banquet. Although I left out my affair with Demetri, they still took it as a large offense. (Not that they would've said anything against it if I did). I announced that I was relinquishing my title as their leader, and as I expected, they were all extremely shocked. They preened at me with widened eyes, wondering what could've possibly possessed me to say such a thing.

"But your grandness! What about the children?! We can't get rid of them on our own!"

"Yes, what will we do without your expertise? We're nothing without your guidance! Nothing!"

"What if they hunt us like weasels!? Who will lead us out of trouble if we get exposed again?"

They horded me with questions, turning the entire meeting into a loud dispute. Each one was worried about something happening. They worried about humans, they worried about spells, curses, and additional things that no longer mattered to me. Some tried to flatter me to convince me otherwise. When I spoke again, my firm voice was enough to silence each and every one of their voices. "ENOUGH! My decision is final. After I walk out of this room, you will never hear from me ever again. Now," I paused to take on a softer tone, "I must be honest with all of you. I didn't expect this to happen. I wish I could tell you why I am leaving, but if I do, somebody else might get hurt." When I said that, they all refused to look me in the eye. It was as if they were all disappointed with themselves, fretting that I would hurt one of them if they tried to stop me. I lightened the mood by smiling at all of them, "I'm sorry if it seemed like for a moment I would forget about all of you. After all, since you've all been so loyal to me for centuries I often forget to show my appreciation for all of you. But you don't need to fear me any longer, for Vivien will take my place as the next grand high witch. She will be your leader, and I promise you, she will lead with something I've just learned of: compassion."

There were gasps everywhere. Vivien's face went whiter than a ghost. She called for me over the hustling of the others, but they all surrounded her with several questions and additional words of praise. Her violet eyes met mine for a moment, newfound understanding echoing between us. It was in those brief moments that I simply nodded my head at her as if to say, farewell my friend. Farewell.

And with that, I never looked back. Where the world of witches went was beyond me, for it was now out of my control. And unless one of them tried to disturb my happiness, I wouldn't dare intervene.

It took some adjusting at first. Not just for me, but also for Demetri. After the incident at the banquet, he had no choice but to close his business for good. That snotty man, Rhett Garrison gave him a hard time on just about every other job application he attempted to re-apply in the workplace of New York's finest philanthropists. It wasn't until Demetri realized that he didn't need a boring office life to keep him occupied. Instead, with my expertise and support, he was able to open up an art studio dedicated entirely to modern impressionism. And although we were worried about stability at first, money proved to be no issue. In fact, I remember a very specific portrait that sold for over five thousand dollars by the end of the first year.

It was a beautiful building with large exhibits and colorful displays, nothing like the busy office that Demetri constantly suffocated himself with. I helped Susan create the new tradition of hosting his birthday party right there in the gallery. I met so many good people, so many faces I'd learn to call family. They showed up every year with plates of homecooked food, key lime pie, art supplies, key lime pie... It was the first few years in which I discovered the delight of celebrating somebody that wasn't me. And while I might've lost my keen sense of smell, it was worth it when I saw Liam taking his first steps across that tiled floor in the lobby.