The Darkside

Hearts

"What's wrong with them? Are they dying?" Jared asked, frightened. "It looks that way," I replied; but before I could finish what I was about to say, Jared started complaining. "But you said you would help them."

"Yes, I did; and I am going to, as soon as you stop spiralling out of control and help me," I answered. "I'm sorry, what do you want me to do?" he asked. "Go and get the parcels marked 'heart' in the freezer, put them in front of Charlie and Melissa, and move away," I said and turned to Aunt Cassie and said, "Aunt Cassie, will you help me with the healing spell?"

"Sure, honey," she replied, reaching out to hold my hand. We started chanting while Jared put the bull hearts next to Melissa and Charlie. We chanted, "Horez gez ezeza, horez gez toza."

The healing spell went on for about twenty minutes and at last, I could see their paleness disappear. They then growled and began to eat the hearts, which was not nice to witness. "Thank you both; I don't know what I would have done if you weren't here to help me," Jared said with a sigh of relief. "Oh, you're very welcome. Now, how do you feel like going heart-shopping?" I asked Jared. "What do you mean heart-shopping?" he asked. "Go to the butcher for bull hearts," I replied. "Alright, let's go," he said, walking to the door.

"Doesn't the butcher ask questions about the hearts?" Jared asked. "No, he doesn't," I replied. We soon reached the butchery. Getting out of the car, he asked, "So, he doesn't ask why you are buying so much of bull hearts?"

"No, because I buy them with the liver," I replied. "Hello, miss. The usual, I presume?" the butcher asked. "Yes, Oswald; the usual," I said, smiling. "Why the liver? Don't they only eat the hearts?" Jared whispered when Oswald went in to get the meat. "The liver is for me," I answered. "Oh, is it because you're a witch?" he asked. "What? Do you think we witches eat different food than you? Are you classing us as monsters?" I asked, annoyed. "No, I didn't mean it like that. What I meant was, maybe you need liver to help with the spells and such?" he said with a stutter, which made me laugh.

"What's so funny?" Oswald asked as he came back with the parcel. "Oh, he says that he's a vegan because he doesn't want his insides to be a graveyard like ours," I said, smiling. "Oh, that's a good one," he said, handing me the parcel of meat. As I took it, I touched his hand while reciting a fake memory spell. "Bye, Oswald," I said as Jared and I left.

On the way back, Jared turned to me and asked, "Did you put a spell on him just now?"

"I did," I replied, "But you said there was no need to," Jared said. "Well, things have changed since the police are trying to get us at all costs," I replied. "At least you don't have to go back to work with the people who think you are a criminal; something which I have to do starting tomorrow," Jared said with a sigh. "Try not to overthink it. Just go about your work as you usually do, and if there is a problem, channel me with your mind and I will help you through it," I said, reassuring him.

"Really? Can I still do that?" he asked. "Yes. I didn't remove the spell, so you still can channel me, even if I am not there with you," I said. "Well, that makes me feel much better," he replied; "thank you for everything you're doing for my brother."

"It's not just about your brother, you know that," I said. "I know, it's Melissa, too," he said. "Well, you should be thankful, after all, you tried to kill me," I said. "Oh, not that again; you will never let me forget it, would you? I know that, and I really regret my poor judgement; but you need to understand my position at the time," he said. "I know, I was just messing with you," I said, turning the car into my driveway.

As I stepped out of the car, I saw another one turn into the driveway. It looked familiar, and out came Orlando screaming, "Where's Melissa? Why isn't she answering my calls?" It was Melissa's fiancé, and I was not sure what to say. But I gathered my strength and said, "Orlando, calm down and I will explain."

"Alright, then explain why while I was away on a business conference, she stopped answering my calls and when I get back, she isn't at home or at work. Her boss said she was in the hospital in a coma and then disappeared from the hospital. Apparently, she had gotten up and walked out, or someone had kidnapped her," he said. 'Oh, great, he knows everything. Well, almost everything,' I said to myself; 'now, how am I supposed to rectify this?' I decided to use a fake memory spell. "Listen, Orlando, I will explain everything if you will just calm down," I said, laying my hand on his shoulder and reciting the spell.

Afterwards, I said, "Do you remember she said she had to attend a cousin's wedding in Singapore?" I asked. "Oh, yes; she did say that," he replied. "Well, there was some mix-up in the booking of the venue, causing a change of date for the wedding. She didn't want to come and go back again, so she stayed back. The wedding is in a week, so she will come after that," I said.

"Well, of course, I know that," he said. "Would you like to come in for a cup of tea or coffee?" I asked. "No, I have to some work to do. Maybe after Melissa gets back," he said, getting into his car. I felt at ease as he waved at us and drove off. "You were amazing," Jared said with a cheerful grin. "Oh, you have no idea how hard it is to keep doing this over and over again," I said as I walked in. Jared followed me and I dropped the parcel of meat at the sight of who was standing in the living room.