trust us.”
“I trust you,” Meg said.
Gram pulled us both into her arms and hugged us tightly. Releasing us, she
took the vial from me and handed it to Meg. “Cosain an draíocht.”
As if she understood, Meg nodded and took the top off the bottle. “Protect the magic,” she replied and took a small sip. Within seconds, a big grin covered
her face. “Yum,” she said before drinking the rest in one big gulp.
“Come, rest for a minute. You want to save your energy for the dance.”
Sleepily, Meg fell into my arms. I felt tears running down my cheeks as I held her. “I'm sorry, Meg. This is the only way I know for you to be kept safe.”
Gram took my sister from me. My grandmother cradled Meg as she sang
softly to her, just as she had done with me. Quietly, she told me, “We'll refill the
vial later. For now, just place it in the silver pouch inside my bag. There is another potion in the red pouch.”
Though she said nothing further, I knew from the look she gave me what
Gram thought I should do. Taking a deep breath, I prepared myself for what would come next. “Cole, let's go for a walk."
We walked by the different stands and looked at their merchandise. Anything you could think of could be found. The different smells filled the air. Ostrich burgers, popcorn, fresh fudge, and a variety of pickled items mixed with the various perfumes and craft smells.
When we reached a quiet area away from the people, we sat down on a
bench.
Cole said, “I know why we’re here. Hand me the vial. I'll drink the potion,
too.”
I started to speak, but he stopped me. “I know too much. You don't have to
explain.”
As he put the drink to his lips, I instantly knew this was the wrong decision.
"Wait!" I cried, ripping the vial out of this hand. “No, you can't drink this. I need you. Maybe I'm being selfish, but I would be lying to you every day of our
life together if you drink this.”
“I would do anything for you." Cole took the potion back. “I'll keep it with
me. If I feel that you all would be safer with me not remembering, I'll gladly drink it. Just make sure I never forget you.”
Wrapping my arms around him, I whispered, “I love you, Cole.”
“I'm proud of you for letting Meg make the decision on her own,” he said. “I
understand why the Goddess has blessed your family. You are three amazing women.” Cole laughed and corrected himself, “Well, two women and a girl.”
Snuggling back into his arms, I sighed. I felt so lucky to be with Cole, and no
dark thoughts of doubt could even sneak into our moment of peace. Gram was
right; I needed to listen to my heart.
For a while, we just sat on the bench, staring at the sky, and enjoying the moment.
We cannot stay in this moment forever, I begrudgingly thought.
As if he read my mind, Cole jumped up. “We should start back to check on
Meg and Gram.”
Cole and I didn't discuss the reason why we had gone on the walk anymore. I
felt at ease with the decision we had made. Hand-in-hand, we walked by the shops that were still open, pointing out things we thought would make a nice wedding gift.
“Honestly, Cole.” I laughed as he tried on the most outrageous top hat. The
black atrocity was a model of a fifty-story building, complete with glass
