Hallow's: Witch's Brew

Two

Bad Omens- Bad Decisions

Mom's eyes scan me before she goes over to my sister. She tells her to go inside and Zuri agrees right away. I climb into the back seat lifting Aldrick's body. She opens the door behind me and hands me the black body bag. I slip it over his body and then roll him over with her help. She pulls him out dropping him on the gravel. I climb out and shut the door behind me. 

"Take his feet," she instructs and pulls him up again. I do as she asks. 

"Flora," we both stop and look back at Mrs. Moore. 

"Hey, Babs," Mom gives her a nod. 

"Is that Gaz?" the old crone beams. 

"Hello, Mrs. Moore," I greet her. 

"I told you she would come back," she waves fondly. "Welcome home, Gastly," 

"Thank you, Mrs. Moore," I nod awkwardly. 

"I won't keep you," she says looking down at the body bag with a wide grin. "Hell stones," she laughs. "Looks like fun just walked back in Ghostgrove," 

"Go," Mom says as soon as she's out of sight. 

The cottage is the most beautiful place I've ever seen and that remains true to this day. My body reacts to the flowers and plants surrounding the house. The outside is exactly as I left it. Sixteen-year-old me was in love with flowers. I planted them along the pathway that leads into the back yard and Mother has been looking after them. 

The black orchids look divine against the bright red tulips. I thought it would look so pretty to plant them next to one another. It took me forever to prepare the soil. The Daisy vines I bred with my Grandmother now cover the entire arch along the walkway to the backyard. This place has only gotten more beautiful in my absence. 

"I set up your cauldron in the tool space," she says while kicking open the wooden door.

This was my favorite spot when I was little. I'd do my homework here. I'd work on potions here for hours. My workstations are still set up. We drop the body next to the massive cauldron my Grandmother left for me. 

"Thank you," I say looking up at her. She comes around and pulls the hoodie off my head. She removes my glasses and stuffs them into my front pocket. 

"You're very thin, Gastly," she says tucking my hair behind my ears. "You don't look well," 

"I can't remember the last time I felt well," I admit. Her expression softens as she cups my face. My eyes get hot with tears and I just blink them away pulling away from her. 

"Okay," she wipes her nose on the back of her hand. "I deserve that," 

"You were right," I clear my throat and swallow the knot threatening to choke me. 

"No," she shakes her head.

"He did everything you said he would," 

"It doesn't mean I was right," she takes my hand. "I'll leave you to your thoughts. I'm making your favorite. Potato chowder. Is it still your favorite or do you favor something more fancy now? Hmm? Lobster chowder?" 

"It's still my favorite," I smile. "But adding lobster to it is top tier," 

"Maybe you can buy some later and I'll make it for you," she grins and turns to leave. 

"Mom," I reach for her. She stops to look back at me. "I missed you," 

"I missed you too, Gaz. So much," she squeezes my hand. A stray tear streams down my cheek. She smiles and wipes it away. "Don't take too long. Dinner will be ready soon,"