A New Meaning to the Night

Chapter Five: Graduation

When they were alone, Kaitlyn looked at Rebecca with a frown. "You've already written a spell for this."

Laying a hand on her granddaughter's cool forehead, Rebecca nodded. "I was afraid something like this was going to happen the second she came back to tell us she'd talked to them. We'll need to speak with Cori to determine if we need to cast a spell on her as well, but I suspect she will keep our secret to keep Sam safe."

"We should've done it sooner."

Rebecca ignored the accusing tone and looked down at Sam. "She will be out for the next few days as her body heals. The spells should speed it up, however she's been very badly hurt. With all of the spellcasting we've done today, we should wait until tomorrow to cast it. It will take both of us."

"Mom," Kaitlyn's voice broke as she spoke, and her eyes were filled with tears, "she could have been killed tonight."

Rebecca wrapped her daughter in a hug and held onto her in a way she hadn't been able to in nearly twenty years. "There are so many nights I thought the same thing when you ran off to be a Slayer. And when you married Derek. Even now, when you're not here, I think it. But you're still here, and so is she. We can delay the danger, but neither of us can stop it completely. Now go take care of those werewolves."

Swallowing, Kaitlyn nodded and pulled away, vengeance flashing briefly in her eyes. "Yes. They'll have a lot to answer for."

***

"You want me to lie to her." Cori shifted uncomfortably from one foot to the other and looked from Rebecca to Sam's sleeping form. "For the next three years."

Rebecca placed a reassuring hand on Cori's shoulder, smiling gently. "You're not going to lie. She's not going to bring any of it up because she's not going to remember. She's in danger for as long as she knows and remains mortal. This is the only way to keep her safe. Look at her, Cori. This wouldn't have happened if she had stayed out of that world."

Cori bit her lip, torn between loyalty and concern. "This is the only way to keep her safe?"

"This is the best way to keep her safe," Kaitlyn corrected, leaning against her daughter's bedroom doorframe.

Swallowing, Cori nodded, "I swear I won't tell her. I don't want this kind of thing to happen again."

"Thank you, Cori. Sam will be fine by Friday for Graduation. The past week will be a bit hazy for her. It'll be best if you don't bring it up so she doesn't try to remember it too hard. The two of you will be all set to leave as planned, alright?" Rebecca smiled reassuringly, but she knew Cori was having difficulty seeing her childhood best friend lying there so still.

Cori nodded again and turned toward the door. "I'll see you soon."

When she walked out, Kaitlyn stepped all the way in. "We need to do the spell now. Did you mix that potion?"

Rebecca nodded and pulled the potion in question out of her pocket. Uncorking it, she put it to Sam's lips as Kaitlyn lifted her head. Together, they began to recite the spell. 

"The things you've learned you must forget.

The time's not come to learn it yet.

When you turn but twenty-one,

the spell we've cast will be undone." 

Sam coughed for a minute, but her eyes didn't open. They wouldn't know for certain if it had worked until she spoke.

***