Saturday rolls around the corner, and Issac punches the number to Rowen's landline in hopes that the other boy would be free. After a lengthy dial tone, a older man's voice eventually drifts through the speaker. "Hello? You've reached John Hill."
"Hi Mr. Hill, this is Issac Anderson. Is Rowen home?"
"Anderson? Isn't Rowen with you?"
Oops. Rowen must have used him as an excuse to slip out today. "...Oh. Um, sorry. Yeah, we were supposed to meet up at my place, but he must have headed directly to the library. Bye!"
Issac broke out in a cold sweat, hoping that he didn't blow Rowen's cover. Taking a wild guess on where Rowen might be, Issac's hunch is proven right as he spots Rowen's bike parked outside the Witches' Brew. The weather was growing colder, and the once red and golden leaves were starting to fall from the trees. His newly cleaned and repaired necklace rested on the inside of his sweater, just like he knew Rowen's was. Ever since the rabbit girl woke up, Circe has been playing attentive babysitter and tutor. To the trio's surprise, the rabbit girl was surprisingly capable. For the first few days, the girl refused to let anyone but Circe approach her, but she was slowly starting to warm up to Issac and Rowen. Practicing magic with Rowen after school was now the highlight of Issac's day. It felt nice to share a secret that only the two of them knew.
Like most days, this particular Saturday evening is a quiet afternoon for the Witches' Brew.
"Hey, Circe!" Issac greets as he enters the storage room. Circe is sitting with Alice on the floor, and the two of them are surrounded by various jars and boxes. Rowen is bent over dutifully over the workbench, reading intently.
"Alice, this is a clover flower," Circe explains as she hands the dried plant to the albino girl.
Alice takes the plant for closer inspection. "Hmm. I like the smell."
"You do?" Circe asks with a soft look in her eyes. "Well, I'm not surprised. Which scent did you like more? Lavender or clover?"
At Alice's hesitation, Circe laughs. "Don't worry Alice, it's not a test. Just be honest."
"...I like the clover flowers better?" Despite Circe claiming otherwise, Alice couldn't help but feel she had chosen the 'correct' answer when Circe practically melts with joy.
"What a coincidence. So did she," Circe recalls fondly. "Well, if that's the case, how would you like for me to draw you a bath with clover flower essence later today?"
"Okay!" Alice agrees enthusiastically.
"And to think I almost burned you alive," Circe coos as she pinches Alice's soft cheeks.
Finally noticing Issac's presence, Alice calls out, "Blondie is here to see the brat!"
Rowen scowls while Issac laughs.
"Alice," Rowen grumbles. "I know you know our names. Quit playing dumb."
Alice tilts her head innocently, but Rowen swears he sees a mischievous glint in her eyes.
"Don't worry, Rowen, she'll get it eventually," Issac reassures with a hearty laugh.
"I've been thinking lately...do you two want to learn how to bind your own books?" Circe asks the two apprentice spellcasters. She pulls out a black leather tome from some impossible place inside the sleeve of her robe.
"This is the latest volume I made. I think I have a couple of potion recipes I stole from the Grand Covens in here somewhere. Feel free to take a peak."
Rowen nearly trips over himself in excitement as he rushes over to take the offered book. He was so eager, he didn't even seem annoyed when he responded, "Thanks Great Witch Circe, Master of the Coven of Space Weaving!"
YOU ARE READING
Cloverfield Magic
Teen FictionIssac Anderson and his parents move into a quaint little town to escape a troubled past, but Cloverfield is not what it seems. It's not long before Issac finds himself in the center of a century-old plot packed to the brim with eccentric spellcaster...
