Mathilda, SuperWitch (Mathilda's Book of Shadows #1)(94)

So I worked all the time and when I wasn’t working I was creating and researching in my Tower Room, pottering in the greenhouse, trying new recipes in the kitchen, at lessons with one of the coven, sunbathing if there was even the slightest hint of rays to be caught or meditating at my tree.

In the meantime, Su was putting her network of friends to work.

Thank goddess for a quasi-criminal sister.

9 September

Today I was summoned to Mavis’s Magic Room.

“What’s going on?” she asked even before I could grab a custard cream and sit down.

I tried innocence.

“What?”

She didn’t say a word.

“What?” I repeated.

She studied me.

“What?!” This time it was louder.

“You need a vacation. I’ll send you and Ash –”

“No!”

Her eyes widened.

“Oh, well that’s a surprise… you and Aidan then –”

“No, no, no… I don’t need a vacation.” I had to think fast. “I need a mini-break.” Oo, that’s a good idea. “I need a manicure. A facial. A massage. I need a sauna, a Jacuzzi, at least a swimming pool. I need a Johnny Depp marathon starting with Edward Scissorhands and ending with Pirates of the Caribbean. That’s the closest I want to come to testosterone for days.”

I’d hit on something believable.

Mavis nodded.

“I see,” she said.

“I want time without magic,” I was on a roll, “without incense up my nose and the War of the Supernatural World breathing down my neck. I want to feel safe without someone watching me every second of the day. Can you do that?”

“I think something can be arranged.”

“Good.”

“Do you want Josie and Rory with you?”

“Of course.”

“I’ll see to it,” she decreed.

I’d bought some time.

Shoo.

But now what do I do?

13 September

Am in a lovely spa on the banks of Loch Lomand outside Glasgow (which happens to be birthplace of delicious Gerard Butler (Glasgow that is, not Loch Lomand) so already happy place as any birthplace of hot guy had happy aura attached as everyone knew but hot guy as hot as Gerard Butler meant aura stretched to Loch Lomand and therefore I was rethinking theme of movie marathon I intended to have).

Am also trying to find something for an eight year old boy to do and trying to convince myself that not everyone around me was a secret agent here to watch me and report back or worse, kill me and drag my lifeless body into the lake.

Yes, paranoia had set in. If Aidan and Ash could (potentially) betray me then anyone could be an enemy.

Mavis agreed that I should “spirit away” and not tell Ash or Aidan where I’d gone or they’d want to follow me so she made this so.

Upon turning on my mobile after arriving at the spa, this is what I got:

First ring (Aidan): “What are you playing at?” (This was said somewhat tersely therefore very, very pissed-offedly.)

Second ring (Ash): “Where the hell are you?” Pause while he read my mind. “I’ll be there in two hours.”

Ack!

Obviously location popped into my head and communicated itself via mind-meld.

Mavis must have worked her mojo because they both stayed away (so far, now over the two hour mark and no sign and I was hoping Gerard Butler Happy Aura would keep me safe rather than communicate exact position to his hot guy brethren.)

* * * * *

Now over three hour mark.

Mavis mojo worked.

Whew.

* * * * *

Later:

Had aromatherapy facial all lavenders and bergamots.

Then had this bizarre and wonderful treatment where they put hot stones down my spine.

Then they took away stones and wrapped me like a mummy in lovely smelling stuff.

Then they rubbed down my body with gigantic loofahs and lubed me up with creamy body moisturizer.

Then they sent me back to my room in a terrycloth robe with a towel wrapped around my head, shuffling on my fluffy white slippers like a zombie.

Found bed, fell face first on it and used magic to record this miraculous instant of pure peace and tranquility in my Book of Shadows.

Mm.

Mm.

Must sleep.

14 September

Am free.

Have had nothing but fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins since arrival yesterday.

Did yoga early morning in large class of women who I hope did not notice Rory and his little friend making fun of us outside the arched windows that give a fabulous view of the lake.

(Rory’s made friends with some woman’s nine year old daughter who was also hanging about moping. Since then, they’ve been thick as thieves and causing mayhem wherever they go. Good times.)

Am healthy and happy and thinking I may give up caffeine and refined sugars for good as am sure I have found inner peace and enlightenment through clean and wholesome living.

* * * * *

Later:

Have had healthy lunch, a wee trek around the Loch and a two hour massage.

Afterwards, sat in sauna with other women and realized they are not all spies or informants, they are my friends and they love me.

Then sat in my room with Josie.

We drank little bottles of Moet et Chandon through straws and watched Eastenders together.