Christmas in Clearwater: A Clearwater Witches Tale by Madeline Freeman

Author:Madeline Freeman [Freeman, Madeline]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Laurealinde Publishing LLC

Chapter Thirteen

Owen’s parents and his brother and sister sit in silence, staring at Owen, but not seeing him. Sophia’s eyes flick to the wall where Crystal and Lexie are using magic to repair the damage caused by rogue spells, but she turns her attention back to her brother almost immediately, the color draining from her face.

My heart twists. Maybe I don’t blame him for wanting to keep them in the dark about all of this.

Jennifer recovers first. “You were just going to let us believe a lie? For how long?”

Owen winces and I squeeze his hand.

Jennifer glances at our linked hands before turning her eyes on me. “I assume your family knows.” She exhales, pressing a hand to her face. “The food. I knew I wasn’t crazy. Did you do that, or is Jodi a magical psychic, too?”

The corners of my mouth twitch into a smile and I work to school them. “Jodi’s a witch, yes.”

Owen’s father harrumphs and crosses his arms over his chest, but when Sophia burrows into his side, he wraps them around her instead.

“And your parents?” Jennifer presses.

I shake my head. “Neither of them have any abilities. But they know about me. And Owen.” Light flashes in my periphery as Lexie works to remove a scorch mark from the wall to my right. “And the rest of them.”

Logan clears his throat. “So you’re not in an exchange program.”

My heart aches for Owen’s brother. I can tell from the look in his eyes he’s grasping for some kind of normalcy. I rub at my wrist, the aventurine beads digging into my skin. This is my fault.

Bridget calls my name as Owen walks his family through the details of our deception. I squeeze his hand once more before crossing the room to Bridget and Anya.

“Thanks for coming,” I say, nodding at the older woman.

“Of course,” Anya murmurs.

Bridget stretches her back. “We took care of all of Logan’s friends. They’re on their way home, convinced the party got broken up when you and Sasha got into a fight about Fox.” She grimaces. “Sorry for that. It was the only cover story I could come up with.”

I wave away her concern. “It’s fine. Thank you.”

Bridget raises her chin toward the Marshes. “What about them?”

I glance back at Owen, who’s hugging his little sister. “I’m not sure.”

“It might be best if they know,” Anya says. “Owen’s ‘study abroad’ story will only keep for so long, and then he’ll have to come up with another lie to tell them.”

An hour ago, I would have argued that they weren’t any better off knowing the truth, but now I’m not so sure. Even if none of them have abilities, it’s better to be prepared for all possibilities than to be taken unaware.

My phone buzzes in my back pocket and I pull it out to see who’s calling. When Jared’s name flashes on the screen, I excuse myself and wave for Owen before heading out into the hallway.

The phone is on its third ring before I pick up.

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