Page 25 of The Book of Unwritten Stories

‘I have lost it; I am having a breakdown. I should probably go and see my doctor or maybe urgent care for a psych analysis,’ she whispered to herself.

The book was no longer sparking those tiny red sparks of electricity, and she felt her mouth go dry as she realised that she was in a predicament not totally of her own doing and she had no idea how to get out of it.

NINETEEN

Dora and Sephy walked back up Essex Street arm in arm. If Dora wasn’t mistaken her aunt was a little bit tipsy off the vodka. Although the amount of vodka that went into her famous black magic cocktail was more than the double shot they’d had in The Tavern.

As they passed Salem Bespoke Boutique, Dora stopped. In the window was the most amazing selection of beautiful velvet witch hats in black, purple and even a white one. Each one was hand decorated and they were all different designs.

‘I fear we need one of these each. It seems only fitting that we should actually have the matching attire.’

Sephy who was staring at the white hat turned to Dora. ‘You fear we should wear witch hats and have matching attire? Where on earth did that come from, Dora?’

Dora hesitated to say. It seemed the longer she spent in Salem, the more she reverted to how she was in a previous life, and she didn’t know if that was a good or bad thing.

‘Why not, come on. Everyone who lives in this little city knows who you and Lenny are; it’s pretty obvious we’re witches. I think we should dress up on Halloween and wear a hat and cape; you know for when we hand out candy to the kids. I am so excited to do this. I think my heart might burst with it all and I’ll die anyway.’

‘Lenny would die, dear; she is not the witch hat wearing type of woman. As for you, I think the dying too soon this time you have managed to escape it, which is just wonderful.’

‘I hope so but think how much fun it could be. Why are we still hiding who we are after all this time, after we – fingers crossed – banished Corwin to the light? Surely, we have nothing to hide. Haven’t we done that lifetime after lifetime? Should we not be embracing our witchy side? Did you hear they’re making a Practical Magic Two? If it’s good enough for Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman to celebrate being witches, it’s good enough for the English women.’

Sephy turned to Dora and smiled. ‘I refuse to jump off the roof of the house; the neighbours would never speak to me again. You’re right, though, let’s do it. Stephanie will make us our own hats as individual as we are. If you manage to get Lenny to wear one on Halloween, I shall be most impressed, Dora.’

* * *

They went into the shop which was still busy despite it almost being closing time. Inside it was full of beautiful witchy knick-knacks, everything a closet witch needed. There was a store room at the back with a stable door – the bottom half closed, the top open. Sephy walked straight towards it.

‘Boo.’

The woman sitting at the workbench was surrounded by hats and boxes upon boxes of adornments, ribbons of every colour and material. It was a crafter’s dream, Dora was in love.

‘Sephy, how are you? Come in.’

She opened the door so they could walk inside. ‘Stephanie, have you met my beautiful niece, Dora? She’s from London.’

Stephanie pulled Sephy in for a hug, then turned to Dora and did the same. Dora felt herself melt into her arms; some people just beamed kindness and Stephanie certainly did. She was a good person and that radiated from her in waves.

‘No, but I’m so happy to finally meet you. Ambrose has never stopped talking about you, Dora, he’s smitten.’

Dora’s cheeks burned hot pink. ‘He does, oh wow. That’s kind of embarrassing. Does everyone know Ambrose?’

Stephanie shook her head. ‘No, it’s not embarrassing, he’s the sweetest. It’s adorable, and yes almost everyone along Essex Street knows him. He’s always ready to help whenever we need it. Now, how can I help you, ladies?’

‘Dora would like to purchase three of your stunning hats.’

Stephanie’s smile spread from ear to ear. ‘Oh, yes, finally. I have been waiting for this moment since I opened the shop.’ She clapped her hands in delight.

Sephy took hold of her hands. ‘You have, dear, really? You’ve been waiting for us to buy some? Why didn’t you just say?’

‘Not buy them, but to, you know…’ She paused, scrunching her face up. ‘How do I put this without sounding awful?’

‘I find it’s best to just say it, dear, people can take it as they want.’

She nodded. ‘For you to come out of the witch’s closet.’

Sephy’s eyes widened so much Dora thought they may pop out of her head.

‘I have an apothecary, I wear a cloak, I read tarot, I have been making spells for as long as I could mix potions together. I am not to my knowledge in the closet.’