Hallow's: Witch's Brew

Three

Goon des Garcons- Smells Like Revolution

Vines cover the most of the stone on the outside. The two-story cottage has never been more beautiful. My old bike is sitting near the entrance. The basket is filled with moss and pretty purple trumpet bells. The vines have taken over the wheels and pedals. My flowers look amazing. Being here is surreal. I had given up coming back here ten years ago when I swore I'd never return. 

The broken stone pathway leads me up to the front door. I place my hands on the stone archway needing to make sure this is real. I stare at the wooden door with the Tiffany stained glass a bit longer. I place my shaking hand on the iron knob to open the door. 

The smell of creamy potato stew instantly surrounds me. My mouth fills with saliva and I have to swallow. I think I had a little too much schnapps. I'm feeling sentimental and not in the I just got dumped kind of way. 

I step inside and once again I am transported back to my childhood. The stone kitchen looks exactly how I remember it. From the ugly orange curtains that don't cover the entire arch of the window to the glossy birch cabinet my great-great-grandfather built for my great-great-grandmother. 

The right side of the cottage that leads out into the greenhouse is empty with the exception of the washer and dryer by the door and the vast collection of books my family had hoarded over the last two hundred years. It used to be my Grandma's sewing area. Mom must have moved all things out after I left. I could never bring myself to do it. This is where I hid away the last years of my life here in Ghostgrove. 

The left side of the cottage is where the living room should be. For now, there are just two plastic tables and a bunch of folding chairs housing my family. Celest is starting a fire in the chimney. I can hear the water running in the only bathroom. 

"Aren't you like one of the world's first Witch Bitch Billionaires?" Celest scoffs when I tap on the bathroom door. 

"I'll be out in a minute," Zuri calls back. 

"Something like that," I shrug. 

"And you look like that?" she scoffs at me again. She stands up when I push off the bathroom door frame. 

"Here we go," Quinn smacks Pepper rapidly. 

"We haven't been home in twelve years and you two fucks want to fight?" Mom glares at the two of us as she puts a pot in the center of the table. "Zurania, you've been in there long enough. Others want to use the bathroom as well," 

"Yes, Mommy," she calls back.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" Celest ignores mom. "You made your choice a long time ago. You should-" 

"Celestia!" Mom cuts her off. 

"Why is she here, Mom? Why would you accept her here after the way she embarrassed us all in front of the entire Coven?" Celest demands. 

"I called her here," Zuri opens the bathroom door. "I needed her and she didn't hesitate to pick me up. You didn't even call me back to see if I were okay," 

"What are you talking about?" Celest scoffs. 

"Sit. All of you. Dinner is ready," Mom motions to the table. Everyone takes a seat. 

"Sit with me," Zuri pulls out the chair next to her and taps it. 

"How's Jessica boys?" Mom asks breaking the awkward silence. 

"Who's Jessica?" Celest asks. 

"Their girlfriend. They've been dating for three years," I answer when Mom hands me a bowl of my favorite chowder. I reach for a freshly baked dinner roll.