Page 13 of Impractical Magic

“Oh, my dear Luna,” snarked Delilah, “you must realize that our sister doesn’t think witches do actual work. Only non-magical work qualifies as work.”

“Nooo,” Scarlett groaned, “that’s not what I meant.”

Buddy Holly appeared at the table out of nowhere, demanding, “Do you want the goddamn five-dollar shake or not?!”

Scarlett put her head in her hands. “Oh my God, what a madhouse.”

Mama sighed. “Let’s have some more wine.”

Chapter 5: The Golden Hour of Our Discontent

After dinner, Luna suggested they take a stroll around downtown—stretch their legs, maybe find dessert somewhere. Scarlett eagerly agreed; she was one part eager to get a look at Oak Haven, and three parts eager to get away from the stifling glare of her mother.

The setting sun cast long shadows across Oak Haven’s cobblestone streets as the three sisters embarked on their outing. Now and then, a crisp breeze sent showers of crimson and gold leaves swirling all around them. Scarlett was happy to find that the town’s scented air wasn’t completely lost—now and again she picked up the familiar hints of cinnamon, apple cider, and woodsmoke. On Main Street, tiny lights twinkled merrily across all the doorways, casting a warm glow all around. Every shop window was a miniature fall-themed wonderland—yes, the gourds were noticeably absent, but in their place were charmingly costumed scarecrows, standing guard amidst colorful displays of Indian corn.

“Isn’t it glorious?” Luna twirled beneath a canopy of amber leaves. “Autumn is the most magical time in Oak Haven. I always feel terrible when I can’t get back for a visit this time of year.”

“Agreed,” Scarlett said. “It’s like a storybook.” She had missed this place terribly. The familiar sights and sounds of her hometown, the energy that pulsed through the air. She had sorely missed her sisters, too.

“The place looks like crap.” Delilah could always be relied upon for a bracing dose of reality. “It’s not even close to normal. The magic isn’t working correctly and if you two weren’t blinded by nostalgia, you’d see the signs everywhere. The bar is so low, a muggle could stumble over it.”

“We haven’t forgotten, Del,” Luna said soothingly. “We’re just trying to appreciate what’s in front of us, is all.”

Maybe Delilah is right, maybe I have set my standards to “muggle,” Scarlett thought. But the autumnal vibe tugged at her heart regardless.

As they passed the bakery, Knead for Magic, the aromas of cider donuts and powdered sugar were overwhelming . . . and irresistible.

“C’mon!” Luna grabbed her sisters by the arm and dragged them to the door. “Dessert time!”

Delilah groaned. “How can you eat, after that meal we just had?”

“Always room for a sweet treat, Del. Come on.”

“No.” Delilah stomped her foot. “No, we’re not going in. I absolutely forbid it.”

***

Five minutes later, the sisters emerged from the bakery with three coffees and a bag of pumpkin beignets.

“I have visited so many places,” Luna said, still chewing. “And I have never found anything like this.”

“Come on,” said Delilah, “let’s head for the green.”

As they walked, Scarlett asked Luna about all those places she’d visited. “Couldn’t help noticing that I got the full Kelly Melrose interrogation about my job over dinner, and you got off scot-free. So tell us, world traveler and scholar of magic, what have you seen?”

“Oh, where to even begin . . .” she said wistfully. “It’s so inspiring to see how many different magic systems there are in the world. No community is the same as any other. I spent time with a coven whose magic was based on intricate finger and hand positions, like a secret sign language. I studied a whole other magic system that’s incantation-based, and the spells require these amazing concoctions of herbs. Totally different from Oak Haven where our magic is innate—it can’t be taught, only channeled. We use our thoughts to focus the power of the oaks. It’s all based on intent and concentration.”

“Exactly.” Delilah added, “That’s why Scarlett is so bad at it.”

“Haaaaaa ha ha, up yours.” But Scarlett couldn’t be mad. She’s right. I’ve always been lousy at the focus part. That’s precisely why everything went so wrong back then.

“You’re not bad at it, Scar,” Luna argued. “You probably just need to meditate more. Or try yoga, I don’t know. Anyway, there are so many magic systems—you’d never believe it. I’ve visited places that derive all their power from the community’s ancestors. Or take the Azores—their magic is derived from the water that’s all around them. There’s even a magical community in England centered around children with magic wands.”

Delilah groaned loudly. “How can I forget? Those kids stayed at the inn one time—they were here on some kind of wizard-school field trip? It’s a pointing-and-shouting school of magic. They’re very loud.”

“I don’t get it,” said Scarlett. “You keep saying ‘kids,’ but you mean girls, right?”

“No, there were boys, too. In fact, the boys were the loudest.”