Forever Charmed

The Collector

Laura unlocks her front door and smiles when she sees Carmilla exactly where she left her—lounging on the couch with a book.

"Your dad left for his gala. And Gumby stopped by," she says without looking up. "Borrowed your copy of the Book of Shadows. Something about the science demony one spilling a potion on the page they need on their copy."

Laura hums in response.

"And the Elders say they're sending some more physically-adept witches out there to get rid of the fighting ring."

Laura nods and drops off the groceries in the kitchen before she heads to her bedroom to change into pajamas. She opens her bedroom door and lets out a yelp when someone is standing in there.

"Laura?" Carmilla calls out, concerned.

Mattie stands before Laura, looking annoyed.

"Uhh, it's nothing," Laura says immediately.

"You sure?"

Laura clears her throat. "Yup!"

She closes the bedroom door behind her. "A little more warning next time, please?"

Mattie rolls her eyes. "Whatever. You'd better be able to pull this off. I didn't tell you her birthday was coming, and help you set it all up, just for you to mess it up."

Laura huffs. "I've got it handled, thank you very much."

Mattie looks at her, unconvinced.

"I've got it handled," Laura insists.

"Fine," Mattie snaps.

"By the way, what were you up to that the genie you sent to me was in so much danger?" Laura asks.

Mattie frowns. "What genie?"

"This genie named Matt told me that he was helping you with something and you both wound up in over your heads and it put his life in danger. He came to me for help," Laura explains, puzzled.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Mattie says sincerely. "I'm a survivor, just like Mother. I stay in my lane to stay alive."

Laura frowns. "Uhm... okay."

Another piece to this vast puzzle.

Laura walks around Mattie and wrings her hands together nervously. "Well, anyway. Thank you. For telling me when Carm's birthday is and for going along with my idea."

Mattie shrugs. "Anything to make my lil sis happy."

Laura grins and chances giving her a carefully playful nudge. "What a softie."

Mattie brushes the spot Laura touched, wrinkling up her nose. "Tell anyone that, and I'll squish you like a grape."

She teleports out and Laura lets out a sigh.

Yeah.

She has it handled.

~*~

Laura chews on the cookie she was unable to ignore at Starbucks, quickly shoving it in her mouth when her phone rings.

"Mmhmph?"

Carmilla's chuckle rings through from the other end. "You're not gonna choke on a cookie and die on me, are you?"

Laura rolls her eyes and swallows. "Wouldn't be a bad way to go."

"Where are you, anyway?" Carmilla asks. "I orbed in and the house was horribly empty."