The Good Witches New Life

Laura's Choice

Wind tickled Laura's red hair and she breathed in the salty breeze. The sun set sprinkled the bay with light and in the distance she could see an ocean storm headed for land. Lightening flashed and several minutes later thunder followed. Not loudly, but enough to let her know she should soon head back to the home where she, her husband Kwai Chang, and their young son Peter lived.

Part of her wanted to stay, to experience the storm, which echoed her own emotions. Anything than face the truth her doctor had told her. Soon she'd have to share it with the man who meant more to her than anyone else, except her son who meant everything.

It wasn't fair. Not when she had so much to live for.

She turned to leave when she noticed the couple. The dark haired man and the beautiful woman strolled along the hill, hand in hand. Laura had seen them before. They lived in the Victorian mansion not far away. They always dressed well, as if wealth were the norm and they'd never known want.

There was no envy in her. Just a longing to keep experiencing the love she'd waited for and now would lose.

"Hello."

Her head jerked up. How had the couple reached her so quickly? They normally went on down the hill and walked along the beach.

"You seem sad," the woman said. Short dark hair framed her face and her accent wasn't American.

"I am." No harm in telling the truth.

She noticed the man sniffed and then shot a look at the woman. She nodded and reached out to touch Laura's arm. "If you ever need to talk, my name is Lillie."

Laura knew she'd never intrude on them. How could she speak to someone who had nothing in common with her?

The man's finger lightly traced her face. "You are quite lovely."

She took a step back. "I'm married."

He nodded. "I've seen you with your husband and son." His handsome face shadowed, accenting his olive complexion, black hair and eyes. "It's always good to have a strong legacy."

Why did she sense they knew she was dying? It frightened Laura and she instinctively stepped backwards.

Lillie spoke, "We won't hurt you. Come, Julian." She tugged his arm. "We don't want to be late."

Julian offered Laura a warm smile. "My door is always open." Taking his companion's hand they left her.

Shaking and frightened, Laura returned to her husband. He sat on the living room floor, playing with Peter, who clapped his hands and giggled. The sight warmed her heart and dispelled the last of her fear.

"Are you all right?" her husband asked, his brown eyes reflecting his concern.

"Fine," she lied. "What do you want for dinner?"

"Leftovers are fine."

She smiled. Kwai Chang never complained when she cooked leftovers. They'd had vegetable soup the night before and with the storm blowing in, it would be the best thing to eat. She hurried into the small kitchen, tossing the leftovers into a pan to warm it up. She found some bread and toasted it in the oven.

Her husband joined her at the table, giving Peter a few pieces of fruit. The youngster pushed it around, more of it getting on the floor and in his hair than in his mouth.