The Darkside

Lacuna

I told everyone I'd stay with Melissa so that they could get some rest. I couldn't sleep, knowing she could awaken needing my help at any time. But it was not long after that my eyes grew heavy.

I woke up to sobbing and saw Melissa clutching her stomach as tears rolled down her cheeks.

"Don't worry, sis... I'll keep looking for a way to undo this, and if that doesn't work, I'll be your surrogate when you're ready to have a child," I said, stroking her arm.

"Thanks, sis... I'm okay, this pain will pass," she replied.

"Oh, you're awake. Thank God," Aunt Cassie said as she walked in.

"Yes, you had us all worried," Arya said.

"Do you need anything right now?" Anastasia asked, putting her arm around Melissa.

"I have my sisters around me, and that's all I need," she replied.

"Why don't you go upstairs and get some rest? I'll bring you some food," Aunt Cassie said.

Melissa agreed and went upstairs without any protest.

I knew she was in pain, but had no idea how to help her. I went to the grimoire and looked for spells, but found nothing. I wondered if there was something Brian could do; but, if he did, he would've told us in the first place.

'Maybe Hazel could help us. She has more knowledge of potions and herbs than us.'

"Octavia, where are you rushing off to?" Aunt Cassie asked.

"I'll be back soon," I said. I didn't want to get everyone's hopes up on a hunch.

When I arrived at the potions shop, Hazel wasn't at the counter. There were a girl and a boy in their early teens in the shop. They greeted me with a smile and asked what I wanted.

"Is Hazel around? I need to talk to her."

Hazel wasn't married, nor did she have any kids, so I wondered if they were her niece and nephew.

"She went out to get herbs, but she should be back soon. Can we help you with anything?" the girl asked.

"Thanks, but I need Hazel herself for this. It's a serious matter."

I was there for about half an hour before Hazel arrived with bags full of herbs.

"Hi, Octavia," she said, dropping the stuff on the counter. "Have you been here long?"

"Can we speak in private? I need your help in a very important and personal matter."

"Sure, why don't we go to the back?"

I explained my predicament and asked if she had any knowledge of a fertility spell that could help Melissa. She was shocked and speechless.

She promised to check her mother's potion books and let me know. I thanked her and left feeling hopeful yet scared. When I arrived home, all except Melissa were seated in the veranda, waiting for me.

"Whatever you think I did, I didn't do it," I said.

"Where did you go in a hurry?" Aunt Cassie asked.

"Where's Melissa, is she upstairs?"

"Yes, she's upstairs. Now, what's the secret?"

I told them what happened and asked them to keep it a secret, and not long after, Melissa walked into the room calling out to us.

"Why are you all gathered here?" she asked, but right then, Brian appeared.