Page 9 of How To Summon A Memory
I love my grandmother, I truly do. But there’s something I’ve never told Florence. The reason I’m so damn stupidly powerful and why I need to be married or otherwise bound to someone before I turn twenty-five. And I’m not sure I can forgive my grandmother for it.
“I want to test my theory.”
“Tonight?”
“Yep.” I push off the bed and strip off my shirt at the same time. “That way we know now if it works and we can enjoy my birthday even more.”
“And how will we sneak out for your birthday?”
“We’ll create a distraction at the university.”
“So you’ve thought of everything.” Florence grins as they follow me down the hall.
“Of course.” I wink as I slide into the bathroom.
Ethan—Age9
“What do you mean, I have to marry a girl?” I ask.
“You like Florence, right?” Memaw says as she pushes me towards the dining room.
“Yeah.” I dig my heels into the carpet, trying to stop.
“Ethan, my sweet grandbaby, please cooperate.”
“Why?” I cross my arms and pout. I just wanna go play in the rain, but papa says playing in the rain is bad.
“Because I gave up everything to give you power. The least you can do is what I ask.” Memaw smooths down my collar and I drop my arms.
“How long do I have to be married to a girl for because I like someone else more? A lot more.” But I keep quiet that it’s my friend Liam. Papa didn’t like it when I said I wanted to cuddle Superman because he looks cuddly. I don’t think he likes that I like boys instead of girls.
“Sweetie, you have to marry Florence forever. You have to have lots of little babies too.”
“Ew. I don’t like babies.”
“You’re practically still a baby yourself, Ethan. Come on. It’s not so bad to marry someone you don’t love.” Memaw tugs my hand, and I don’t wanna go. Tears well in my eyes.
“I do love Florence. She’s my bestest best friend in the whole wide world.”
“See, it’s a good match.” Memaw pats my cheek and my hands fist.
“No! Florry wants a pet dog and to live in the forest. I don’t even want a pet. I want my books and that’s it.” I stomp my foot.
Memaw rears to face me again, and her face is scrunched in her angry look that scares me.“Listen here. I gave up my soul years before you were born, just to have a grandchild that was stronger than either of my idiot sons. I will not let you squander that sacrifice nor end the Speller line. You will marry Florence and you will produce heirs. Spellers will rule the tri-state covens for generations to come and it starts with you.” Her grip on my hand tightens, and she drags me to the dining room.
“No. Let me go!”
“Ethan!” Florence runs to us and embraces me. She’s two years older than I am, but we’ve been inseparable since we’ve met. “I don’t want to marry you.” Tears stream down her face. “I don’t wanna marry anyone. But if I must, then I’m glad it’s you.”
“Good riddance. The two of you always bring drama into everything, don’t you?” Florence’s dad says behind her.
“Maybe,” Florence says as she releases me and turns towards the man. “If you let us have any choice in our lives, it’d be different. But you both want power.”
I squeeze her hand. “I’ll find a way out of this and you can’t stop me.”
“Exactly. We won’t cooperate.”
Her dad pinches the bridge of his nose. “You two are ridiculous. We’re having the formal announcement in the coven papers this weekend. And we’ll have a formal engagement party when you’re older. If you’re not on your best behaviors until then, you’ll be sorry.”
