Chapter. 42

Diana was getting used to living with witches. She was always the first awake, the first to shower, and even coaxed Anna to give her a high five as she tagged her into the bathroom. Agnes had made a point of arriving at the Couper house even earlier just so she’d have a proper cooked breakfast ready for Diana when she descended to the kitchen. Diana looked forward to breakfast time, as it was the one time of day everyone sat together. The didn’t sync up to actually eat together though. As Diana sat down to her scrambled eggs and beans on toast with a cup of tea (Agnes didn’t seem to believe in coffee), the old hand would go upstairs to dress Anna in something expensive and powerful. Usually chiffon and a nude or pastel colour. They would return to have their breakfast and Diana would nurse her cup of tea as they ate.

For the last five years all she had wanted was this domestic normalcy. She couldn’t believe how reluctant she was to this arrangement. Well, I had good reason to be suspicious. They magically kidnapped me and I thought, like any normal person, that witchcraft wasn’t real so they were all looney. She smirked to herself and enjoyed the way Anna spoke aloud her misgivings over a meeting she had with an investor over renovations she wanted to get pushed through for the youth centre in town. Something about ‘it’s easier to draw magic from that man than money, and he’s barely capable of sparks’.

The blissful family gathering always seemed to come to an abrupt end. Anna would declare she had to hurry up and Agnes bounced around gathering the Bentley keys and her own list of things to do as they headed out.

“Sorry I haven’t got time to dress you today dear. I’ve made you a picnic platter in the fridge and I’ll be back in time for dinner.” Agnes called from over her shoulder as they headed to the front door. “If you need anything in the mean time my number is on the fridge with the emergency contacts.”

“Oh, hang on!” Diana pushed up from the table to call after them. “Anna Agnes wait!” They dug their heals in, Anna’s lacy gloved hand held the door knob and they both looked back towards Diana. She joined them in the entrance hallway and put her hands together. “Erm, I really don’t want to be a nag, but could I please have a cell phone? Or some money to buy one? It doesn’t need to be fancy. Just able to call and text so I can job hunt and call if I need to on the go. I’d like to go out again today so…?”

“Oh yes of course.” Anna chuckled and walked back towards her sister. By the time she reached her she had her purse open and a black credit card. “Please don’t get yourself a basic model. Money isn’t an issue. We witches have always been good at alchemy, and with so many gold to cash companies these days, we’re always flush. That, and the Coupers especially are well invested.” She giggled and placed the card into Diana’s hands. It felt heavier than it really was as she imagined how many 0s were on the darn piece of plastic. “Why not go shopping and spoil yourself a little? See you tonight Diana!”

Thud.

The door shut and Diana was stood in the hallway with her sister’s credit card in her hands. She stared at it as she walked back upstairs. Diana placed it onto the orange bedcover and kept glancing at it as she got dressed the old fashioned way. Trainers, jeans and long sleeved black turtleneck jumper to protect her from the chill. She brushed her slightly damp hair and sat in front of the mirror.

A flash of a long braid clutched in the fist of her 12 year old self’s hand chilled her. Diana decided to forgo plaiting her hair and brushed it high up into a ponytail instead. She used a hair dryer on the length of it and decided head straight out. Sitting around the Couper house made her a bit stir crazy. She also didn’t want to go into her mother’s study for the first time since the shadow beast attacked her in there without her sister around. So that was a job for this evening.

Diana locked up behind her and walked into town with the credit card clutched tightly in her hand. I am only going to buy things I need, and I’m going to keep the receipts so I can pay Anna back once I’m earning a wage. She put a mental list together of what she would classify as ‘essential’.

1, I need a handbag. Something to put my phone and keys in when I go to work and I can fit in a locker.

2, I need a cell. To keep in touch with Anna and for work.

3, The spa day might be kind of nice, but I hear those places make you take your clothes off and wear one of their robes. I better get a swimming costume or something to wear under it. I’m not going nude. Especially if there’s a chance I could work there afterwards.

The first store she walked into was an accessory store and it was a normal shopping experience. No one spoke to her until she wanted to pay. She picked up a plain leather black handbag what had a thick strap and a medium sized bag. It was practical and it would go with any outfit. $20. Not bad. I can easily pay Anna back for this.

Store number 2 was a clothing store and she was greeted by a cheery assistant as she arrived. Just the usual ‘good morning, can I help you find what you’re looking for today’ pleasantries. Diana asked for directions to the swimwear and she again was very practical with her approach. She wasn’t going on holiday and she wasn’t buying a costume with the aim of showing off her assets or drawing anyone’s eye. A regular black costume with grey panels on the side that had a relatively high neckline and full coverage on her backside would do nicely. It was also in the sale of $15, which drew her eye to it in the first place. Running total of debt $35. Easily repaid once I get my first paycheque.

The third store was less straight forward. She was pounced upon the second she walked into the phone store and bombarded with questions she didn’t know how to answer. What data package was she looking for? Did she need a roaming plan? Did she need the business synchronicity of-

That’s where Diana stopped following. She smiled, though it was strained and put up her hands.