Page 5 of Spellbound & Speechless
Chapter 2
Aspen
This iswhere I grew up. It looks the same now, but… different. From the outside, it’s like no time has passed. The same weathered, faded red paint coats the home. The porch swing out front is ungreased, squeaking as it blows in the wind. The wind chimes are still loud enough to chase off malevolent spirits.
I’m home again. These sounds once lulled me to sleep on blustery nights.
The inside is what has changed. Herbs and incense still hit my nose, as they always have, musky and aromatic. Most of Mom’s spirit remains, but her old knitting projects and books must have been packed away. There’s a new painting in the living room—likely picked by Laurel, considering the strange colors and shapes.
I tilt my head to the side, trying to understand what I’m looking at. Her taste has always been eclectic.
A chill runs through the house. It looks like no one has started a fire today, and of my sisters, I’m the only one who doesn’t know how to do the job. Perhaps if I had stuck around longer, Mom would have taught me.
I rub my hands together, hoping someone will get the hint.
Rowan breezes through the house. Why shouldn’t she? It’sherhome. My sisters are all perfectly comfortable here. I’m the one who is a guest.
I could follow her, but Timber catches my attention first. He lets out a low whine, lifting his head as I sit beside him on the couch.
“There’s my good boy.” I rub my hands along the dog’s golden fur. “I missed you.”
“We missedyou.” Juniper stands in the doorway and crosses her arms. The rest of our sisters pile up behind her.
“Juni!” I cross the room and wrap my arms around my oldest sister’s shoulders. “How wonderful to see you.”
“It’s good to see you, too.” Juniper sighs and pats my back. “Why didn’t we see you sooner? Rowan says you’ve been here for days.”
Of course, Rowan already tattled on me. Typical.
“Only since the weekend.” I pull away and look at her earnestly. “I swear.”
Juniper should be easier to win over than Rowan. As the oldest sister, Juniper was always like a second mother to me. It wasn’t fair that she had to step into the role, and it’s not how I see her now, but I can only hope she still has a soft spot for me.
I need any advantage I can get.
Juniper is several inches shorter than any of us, curvier, and has piercing blue eyes, like our father’s. Her dyed, dark hair is done in the perfect blowout, and her bangs are always sleek and styled. She always wears black—a black dress, black lipstick, and impossibly dark lashes. I think each of us admires Juniper, but I cannot deny that she’sintimidating, especially with all the time that’s stretched between us.
“I’m just happy to see you.” Juniper’s shoulders slump. “You’ve missed a lot.”
“I’m sure I did. Your tavern looks great on social media!” Her tavern—the newest shop in Starbrook, a town that never changes. “I can’t wait to see it in person.”
“Mhm.” Juniper quickly brushes off my change of subject. “Let’s take a seat. It seems we have a lot to discuss.”
Do we?I gulp. Am I ready for these discussions? It doesn’t matter. I’m already here.
“I’ll put on tea!” Maple, the second oldest, beams.
Maple isalwayssmiling. She still has her natural ginger hair—she and Rowan are the only ones who do—and her plump, pink cheeks speak of a well-lived life. Jealousy pricks at the back of my mind. Maple is living out her dreams as a chef, and I’m…
Well, I’m here, and I have no idea what my dream career is. As much as I love designing clothes, it’s clear the fashion industry isn’t for me. My skin isn’t thick enough. I doubt it will ever be.
We all sit around the table. Naturally, Laurel is the last to join us. She’s the youngest sister, the eternal baby of the family. The baby and the middle sister, forever at war—that’s our story.
At least Rowan and I are best frenemies. I can’t say that about Laurel, though I hope we’re both more mature now.
My eyes widen as I take in the sight of Laurel’s hair.
“It’s… still green…” I blink.
