Page 62 of Surviving in Everton

“What love spell did you use in the potion you made for Harris?”

“It was nothing special. Just a run of the mill love spell. It’s in a book I have. I’ve gotten a lot of good spells from that book. My favorite spell is this controlling spell that I found in that book.”

“Must be a cool book. Think I could have a look at it?”

“Oh, yeah! That’s my favorite book! You wanna see it?”

“I would love to see your book.”

I get up and help Britney to her feet. Nodding at Nate on the way, we walk out of the bar.

“Where are we going?” She looks up at me with a smile.

“I’m taking you home. You’ve had a little too much to drink.”

“Oh, okay! You’re so sweet, Hudson.”

I nod as I gently put her in my car, making sure not to slam her head against the door like I want to because it would be on camera and I don’t want to get arrested for assault. The drive to her house is thankfully a short one, so I can get out of this car and away from her grabby hands. She keeps reaching over and touching my leg and I’m ready to be far away from this crazy bitch. I pull up to her house and help her out of the car and up the front steps.

“Hudson! Are you coming inside? Finally figure out I’m more woman thanRowen?”

“Come on Brit, you wanted to show me your book.”

“Oh! My book! Come in! Come in! I keep it in my room.” She winks at me.

Of course she does.

Chapter 26

Declan

Since I have more experience with spells and potions than the rest of the guys, I volunteered to take the directions for the dissipation potion the doctor gave us and gather all of the ingredients. As soon as school got out, I dropped the kids off with Rowen and started my search. My first stop was the flower shop for some anemone. They’re a common ingredient in potions and very versatile. Of course, Mrs. R. knew I wouldn’t be getting these for any other reason.

“What potion are you making with these, Declan?” She arches her brow at me after I ask for the flower.

I sigh. “It’s complicated, Mrs. Rosenglade.”

“Don’t you give me that, young man. You need these flowers for a potion, you better tell me what it’s for.”

There’s no getting around it, Ineedthose flowers. So I do. I tell her how Rowen’s late husband spelled her continuously for the length of their relationship. I tell her how it backfired and now Rowe is paying for it. I explain the tumor and how if we don’t get the right spells for the dissipation potion Dr. Johnston gave us, Rowe might not make it. The only thing Idon’ttell her is who we think did it.

The more I talk, the more upset she gets. She started off just being surprised, but by the time I finish, she’s down right livid.

“Who on Earth would do such a thing?! And to such a good person like my sweet Rowen. Have you found the spells used in the potion yet?”

“Hudson’s workin’ on that right now. I’m tryin’ to get the potion ready so we can mix the spells in as soon as we have them.”

“Well. Give me that list and I’ll see what I can get together for you.”

I dutifully hand over the list and watch as she carefully scans it for the ingredients.

“Good, good. A lot of cleansing herbs. The ash should be from the bark of an Ash tree. Ash wood promotes brain power, which would be helpful considering where the tumor is, as well as protection. I have a bee colony at home, you can have some of my fresh honey. Do you have any of this already? The black salt or white sage?”

“No, we don’t make potions often. This was my first spot when I saw the anemone.”

“Well, you came to the right spot, boy. I’ll get you all taken care of. Can’t have my girl getting worse. Who knows what that magic is doing to her.” She shakes her head as she leaves me standing in the front room.

Well, okay then. I guess I came to the right place.

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