The Plan
Madam Barrington’s tea kettle whistled on the stove. She went to the stove and pulled it off. She sat the antique kettle on the tea cart beside the flowery cups and wheeled the cart into the sitting room. “I made Earl Grey tea and lemon scones.” She announced to her familiar guests. Lily looked up from the magical casting book she was showing to her half-brother Jamie, who was just beginning his wizardly journey. She smiled warmly at her friend and mentor.
“Sounds marvelous.” Lily said. She stood and went to the library and returned the book to its place.
“I’ll get Sir Kipling some milk.” Jamie said out loud to no one in particular.
Freda Lily and Jamie’s mom sat in a wing chair talking quietly with Sebastian. They both quieted and looked ready for the afternoon snack. Madam Barrington passed out cups and saucers to everyone still in the room. Sir Kipling the magical cat gracefully jumped down from the spot where he’d been laying near Lily to receive his treat in the kitchen.
Sebastian could barely contain himself from biting into the still warm scone. He was buzzing inside from the news he had. He was waiting to share the news when it was just him and Lily. Jamie reappeared and took his seat next to Lily on the couch. Madam Ethel Barrington sat in her rocker.
“Thank you for being our host” Freda said to Ethel. They were dear friends that had grown closer since the unraveling of The Le Fey family (Lily’s Biological father and Freda’s first husband) and how all the darkness had come to light. Unfortunately it had cost her family a daughter and their home. Freda looked heavenly at the thought of Becca. She inhaled the scent of Earl grey tea.
“It is truly my pleasure,” Ethel replied smiling at Freda. “It has been great seeing how far Jamie has come in his abilities. You have been teaching him well.”
“Mom is boring, “Jamie interjected
“I’m Thorough. Slow and steady win the race” Freda recited. She managed to stifle her laugh down with a drink of tea. She had added milk, honey and a touch of sugar to make it a London fog Latte.
Sir Kipling had rejoined the group. He sat in the middle of the sunspot the window was throwing onto the hardwood floor closest to Sebastian. He was cleaning his face with his paw. The glowing gold letters shifted into all to see. THANK YOU JAMIE FOR NOT LETTING ME WASTE AWAY. They read before the vanished almost as quickly as they appeared.
Sebastian had been quietly stuffing his second scone down but he could not help it. He laughed at Sir Kipling’s commentary. His great Aunt glanced over her tea cup at him but said nothing. She was becoming soft he thought to himself.
Lily smoothed her cotton skirt with both hands and looked down at Sir Kipling and responded “You could eat yourself into oblivion and still think it wasn’t enough.” She reached for the tea cup. She loved the way the cup warmed her hands and the tea it’s self could warm her soul. It was like comfort food to her. They all had been through so much. It had brought her and Sebastian so close too; at first everything tried to tear them apart. She was forever grateful for him. She stole a side glance at him and he caught her and it made her blush. She quickly glanced away.
“The rebuilding of the home is going slow but steady” Freda reported to everyone. The family farm had been destroyed thanks to demons.
“That is good news.” Sebastian replied trying to draw his attention from Lily looking at him like that. He was likely to reach across the space between them and take her lips to his like he so desperately wanted to.
Later after tea Lily took Jamie out to the yard to practice his magic. He was excited to show her what he had been learning. Sir Kipling joined them outside. He sat under the rose bushes that were in full bloom. It was a warm day in Atlanta but not too humid. Lily quickly summoned the source and it came easily to her she sighed inwardly glad that as time passes it seemed more easily accessible each time. She spoke the words of Enkinim to cast a spell of containment for Jamie to practice in. She set the parameters and marked them with yard stakes that rose from the ground.
“Thanks Lily” Jamie said excitedly. He had been looking forward to showing her what he had learned. He hoped one day to be included in the adventures that she and Sebastian went on instead of being seen as a liability. He stepped into the center. He gathered his wits about him and reached inward to feel the Source flowing. Once there he quietly spoke the Enkinim and brought forth a light orb it hovered between him and Lily.
“Are you able to send it forth?” Lily asked him.
He nodded yes and then motioned with his hands that he wanted the orb to move to the corner to the left in front of him. It went no problem. He then showed her that he could set the parameters to have the orb track him as he moved about the containment spell.
BORING. The gold letters read. Lily gasped then said “Kip for what he did know and now knows Jamie is improving greatly. Not all of us can lick ancient artifacts and become enchanted like some.” Lily did not need the gold letters to know what her fearless cat was thinking. They had been added to aide him when he was trying to get others to listen. He had helped save them in more than one way.
Jamie giggled and said “Sis I appreciate you sticking up for me but I agree with him.” He called the orb back to him before having it disappear. I want to learn battle magic, how to make a construct.” His eyes appeared bright and wandering past Lily dreaming of the day.
A couple days later Sebastian and Lily were hanging out at her house.
Sebastian stuffed another bite cookie into his mouth. Lily sat idly. “What’s your idea?” she asked him. “We go away for the weekend, the three of us.” He glanced at Sir Kipling sunbathing in the sun spot.
Lily was honestly surprised. She bought herself some time by taking a sip of tea. The warmth brought her comfort. “Any ideas where we should go?”
“Certainly, I thought we could go to Cumberland Island Park. They have a beautiful inn we can stay at. The coast is beautiful this time of year. After everything you’ve been through” He caught the glare of Lily’s eyes and he continued “we’ve been through I thought we could sneak away for a few days and relax.” Sebastian reached to take Lily’s hand and stroked her palm. His thumb brushed against the charm bracelet he gifted her.
Lily looked at Sebastian, she appreciated his thoughtfulness. She nodded her head yes and threw her arms around him. Sir Kipling rose into a sitting position and sauntered near their feet. His gold letters rose above his head THEY BETTER SERVE WARM MILK.
Lily rolled her eyes. He always got what he wanted so there wasn’t much use to lecture him.
Sebastian reached down and petted his head behind his ear where he liked it.
“I’ve already talked to them about you and they are very excited”.
Lily asked “already talked to them about Kipling? You have it all planned out? What if I would have said no?”
“I wasn’t going to take no for an answer” he said coolly. We leave Friday morning.”
That gave her four days to prepare. She would need to pack. Get things in order at Agnes Scott College where she worked. Sir Kipling rubbed against both their legs. Then hopped into her lap.
“It sounds wonderful.”
