Black Magic Women

77

"Good morning!" Hilda chirped as soon as she laid eyes upon Zelda and Mary, who half hid behind Zelda, their hands still intertwined. Zelda wanted to try to separate them, not wanting her family to see the small gesture of affection but understanding Mary's situation, she didn't.

"Good morning," Mary repeated quietly, not wanting to be rude, while Zelda just plainly ignored her sister, not having had enough caffeine for her good mood. The world could end and that woman would still smile as bright as ever, or that's what Zelda thought whenever she was in a bad mood.

"Sit down. I'll get two more plates," Hilda said and sprung to life, doing what she does best. Taking care of people.

The two of them sat down at the set breakfast table, Mary refusing to let go of Zelda's hand. Sabrina, who was sitting at the other side of the table didn't even look at them, pretending to be busy with one of her school books. But Zelda didn't miss the face Sabrina pulled once the two of them settled into their seats.

"Here. Have some of this," Hilda said and pushed two plates into their direction and Mary took some food reluctantly, while Zelda was more confident. It was her family after all. She was welcomed and accepted by everyone, unlike Mary, who was shifting uncomfortably in her seat.

"Did you sleep well?" Hilda asked and Mary stayed silent, not wanting to raise any extra attention. Zelda knew this was unlike Mary, who always spoke too much for her own good and so she tried to urge her to talk a bit.

Say something. She won't kill you.

What if she does?

Zelda shot her one of her famous eyebrow raises and Mary just adverted her gaze before she found the courage to speak.

"Quite well. You came home late last night, Sabrina? Did anything exciting happen?" the brunette asked and Sabrina finally looked up from her books, acknowledging their presence.

"Yes, I did and I don't know why that would be any of your business. You have inserted yourself into my life quite enough, don't you think?" Sabrina said coldly and Mary swallowed the lump growing inside of her throat.

Zelda wanted to say something, wanted to defend Mary but she knew that it was Sabrina's right to behave this way. Their bond made it hard for her to stay still when the source of Mary's obvious distress was sitting right in front of her but she managed by stuffing food into her mouth elegantly.

It was as if she physically needed to jump to her aid. It was an instinct she could only suppress for Lord knows how long.

"I'm sorry," Mary said and Zelda could hear the flow of the tears that were threatening to spill from the brunette's overflowing eyes.

"For what exactly? For lying to me the entire time, for betraying me or for killing people that I loved?" Sabrina spat and Zelda bit her tongue to stay silent. It was not her war to fight and as much as she wanted to, she couldn't help Mary win Sabrina over. She would have to do that on her own.

"For all of it," Mary whispered and put down her fork in order to wipe away the one tear she didn't quite manage to hold in, still refusing to let go of Zelda's hand underneath the table.

"Mhh. I don't believe you," Sabrina said and leaned across the table.

"I mean it with all my heart," Mary said and hoped that Sabrina would find it within herself to forgive her but what it took was time.

"Not good enough," the young witch said and slammed her books shut, making Mary jump in her seat.

"What is this horrendous smell?" She complained, pulling another face.