Cadenbury Town Does Halloween (Cadenbury Town #7)

Chapter 23

CHAPTER 23

I ’m tired when I wake up the next morning. The rest of the evening was fun and thankfully nothing further happened. We gave out all the soup which everyone loved. I wasn’t the only one who enjoyed cackling around the cauldron, even if some of the witchlings did grumble.

It’s true what Molly is always saying about working together to make soups and things. Sure, we did use magic but still, we bonded.

Ma enjoyed herself as well, and happily handed out soup and chatted with everyone. Much like Pa, Ma loves living in Cadenbury. Sure, she struggles with magic, but she hasn’t blown anything up yet or turned Pa into a toad so it’s all good and she did inspire the dancing clothes room.

After we finished the soup, Pa came back with Nora and the boys. Nora was being carried by Pa, as she was fast asleep against his shoulder. The boys were laughing and joking with him.

Enoch spied Ebby and Sly. “We had so much fun,” he said rushing over, “John took us on so many rides and we had hotdogs but he wouldn’t let us have any candy floss because we had hot donuts when we first got there. The spinning tea cups were fun and we went forwards and backwards. But... are you both okay? Did the dark witches do something again?”

Ebby and Sly laughed at him.

“The dark witches made the skeletons and ghosts come alive, plus some killer dolls, but they were all stopped and peace restored,” Sly told him.

“Thank you, John,” Ebby said to Pa.

“Think nothing of it, we all had fun. I’m sure there are other things I can do with the boys.” Pa replied.

“Really?” Xander asked, looking at him happily.

“Yep, really,” he replied, touching his shoulder.

“Thank you,” Xander said.

“Here John let me take her,” Nix said, holding his hands out to take his sister.

Pa gently handed her over. “I didn’t think when I took them on the tea cups, but when we got off she said her head was hurting, she fell asleep not long after that.”

“She’ll be fine in the morning, don’t worry,” Nix said, trying to reassure him. “I’ll take her home.”

“I drove you Nix, I’ll come with you and drive you home,” Sal said.

Then Cam and Jude came walking over, straightening their clothes. They were playing, I mean guarding the haunted walk.

“We’ll both come with you,” Jude said.

“The haunted walk was dark magic-free tonight,” Cam told us.

“It was all centred on the haunted house this evening,” Sal said. “We’ll tell you all about it in the car. Night folks, see you at breakfast.”

As they walked off, I heard Jude ask about Connie. Emily took her home a few hours ago, hopefully, the little princess will be fast asleep.

My parents decided to go home and we all broke up after that. We used magic to get rid of the cauldron, table and supplies and all went off in different directions.

Adhan and I walked the haunted walk together, which was fun and uneventful. Except for seeing Mollyanne walking the woods handing out red apples.

The holograms were all back in working order and we had fun watching them. We didn’t rush the walk, but slowly strolled through it, hand in hand and yes, I was still in my witch outfit, which those we encountered laughed at. Not that I cared. It was about time we dressed as witches.

We finished our evening by looking at the carved pumpkins, some of them were incredibly detailed. I pity the person who has to pick the winners.

I feel Adhan kiss my cheek and open an eye to see him dressed and sitting on the side of the bed.

“You’re up already?” I ask, opening my other eye and lifting my head so I can kiss him.

Adhan bends his head and kisses me again. I move around so I can wrap my arms around him.

Finally, we pull back.

“You were sound asleep, you slept through the alarm. Alfred is opening the shop today, so I let you sleep in.”

“My hero, it would have been more fun if you’d stayed in bed as well,” I point out to him.

Adhan laughs. “True, but I’ve things I need to do today. Plus, I’m meeting Sly and Ebby to go over the sale of the house.”

“It will be good for them to move here. I think we’re all excited to see Ebby’s chocolate creations.”

“No one more so than Alfred.”

I laugh as I sit up. “That’s true.”

Adhan moves and it’s only then I realise there is a food tray on the bed.

“You brought me breakfast in bed?’

He nods and picks the tray up, putting it on my lap. “I did. I thought you deserved it.”

“Thanks, babe. You’re the best,” I tell him with a grin.

“I know,” he says laughing as he stands up and drops a kiss on my head. “See you later.”

And just like that Adhan is gone. I sigh as I reach for my coffee mug and take a sip, my mind thinking about tonight and the fair. I wonder what the dark witches are planning and who is behind this. I try and remember the information Sal gave us about the dark witch families.

There is Beltazar Eastwood who is currently in stasis. Malcolm Ashwood who is dead. Tarek Jolliffe who is dead. Sal Edenwood. Justice Jackson-Stone from the Bannister line and Sylvester Sherwood. Apart from Sal and Justice, none of the Edenwoods or Bannisters have any magic left.

Which leaves one line. The Simmonite line. Ambrose Simmonite, who we don’t think we’ve met yet. We did think we had come across him before, but that was when Callum’s memories had been messed with. At least I hope we only have the Simmonite line to deal with and not someone from the Eastwood, Ashwood or Jolliffe line, bent on revenge.

I think about this all through my breakfast and my lonely shower, which I rush as there is no point lingering in there if I’m on my own.

I dress and then carry my breakfast tray out of the bedroom. I see Cassie in the hallway. “Hey Cas.”

He turns and smiles. “Morning. I heard you guys had fun last night. Temp said he’s adding ghosts, skeletons and creepy dolls to the website.”

I grin. “The best part is, everyone is enjoying what the dark witches are doing. We’re converging on the fair tonight in case the dark witches send something their way.”

“I’m sure Madam Cleo would have protected them.”

I nod. “Elliot said they were protected but you know dark magic, it can creep in anywhere,” I pause and look at Cassie. “You okay?”

Cassie sighs. “I guess. Worried about Sion.”

“I can understand that, but there’s something else. We can go into my lounge and chat if you want,” I offer.

“It’s okay, but thanks. I’m going to sit with Sion, he’s still laid up.”

“Can I get you guys anything?”

“No thanks, we’ve got everything we need. I’ll catch you later Ernest.”

I watch as he walks to Sion’s room and goes inside.

I make my way downstairs and sort out my breakfast things and then pull my phone out of my pocket and message Titus and Temp, saying I was worried about Cassie.

I get a message straight back from Titus saying he’d chat with Cassie later.

I’m just leaving the house when Temp replies saying the same thing.

I decided to walk to work today and I’m halfway there cursing myself for not wearing a scarf or gloves. I shove my hands in my coat pockets, hoping that would warm them up. I can’t believe how cold it is today. I look up at the sky and the clouds look foreboding, as in ‘I’m about to dump five feet of snow on you’. Okay, maybe not, and there was no snow in the weather forecast, but still, this is English weather, so you never know.

I’m a frozen popsicle by the time I reach the shop. I walk in, Alfred is serving a customer and Pa is putting a book on the shelf.

He smiles when he looks up and sees me and I walk over to him and wrap my cold self around him.

Pa jumps back and away. “You’re frozen, don’t touch me.”

“Pa really? You’re supposed to hug me warm. You used to do that,” I gripe out, dropping my arms.

“You were little and cute and knew no better. Now you’re older, not so cute and Adhan is your personal heater.”

“But he’s not here,” I point out.

“Tough,” Pa the heartless says.

“Fine, I’m going for coffee and not getting you one,” I say, stomping away. “And I still am cute, dammit.”

“Not with that red face you’re not, and your nose is so red you could lead reindeers,” Pa shouts back.

Alfred the annoying puppy is laughing his fool head off, mind you so is the customer.

I ignore them both and walk into the bookshop. I spy Callum. “Save me Cal, I’m a frozen popsicle.”

Callum laughs. “I’ll get you a large latte, also do you want a hot scone? They are literally just out of the oven.”

“So, so, yes, thanks Cal,” I look around for Clarence.

“He’s at home, Molly called on him this morning. I left them chatting.”

“Good. Molly will help him. Also, no more cake for Pa today. He’s mean and doesn’t deserve any yummy goodness.” I say, taking my coat off and sitting at an empty table.

Callum laughs and gets my order ready.

I look around the bookshop. There is a meeting going on in one corner and I wave to them and look back round as Justice and Sal walk in. I’m sat on a table of four, so they come and sit with me, just as Callum brings my latte and a massive fruit scone over, with a pot of jam and cream.

“Oh, that looks lovely Cal. Can I have one?” Sal asks.

“Me too,” Justice says.

Cal grins. “Yep, and the best part is, they are just out of the oven.”

“Nice, and our normal drinks please Cal,” Sal says.

“On it,” Callum says, walking away.

“So, what’s new brothers?” I ask them, cutting into my scone.

“Nothing much,” Sal says. “Our lives are boring.”

Justice and I both stare at him.

“Boring? Are you mad?” I ask him, putting my knife and scone down. “Justice, check his forehead in case he’s got a fever or something.”

Justice puts his hand against Sal’s forehead. “It feels normal.”

“Maybe the heat from the furnace has addled his brain,” I say, trying to find a reason for Sal’s madness.

“Are you sick Sal?” Cal asks, as he reaches our table carrying a tray and handing Sal and Justice their order.

“Either sick or mad,” I reply to Cal.

“Sal?” Callum queries, looking worried.

“I’m fine. Ernest asked what was new and I said nothing, our lives are boring.”

“Are you mad?” Cal asks him. “Should I call Jude?”

“You probably should. Maybe Sal would be better off at home,” Justice says.

“Do you think Nix has gone mad as well? One of us should check on him,” Cal says.

We ignore Sal who's trying to reassure us he’s not suddenly gone insane, but I grab my phone and message the others anyway.

“You didn’t?” he says glaring at me.

“What? You’ve gone mad Sal, we need you better,” I say, trying to look and sound innocent. “Pa, Sal’s gone mad,” I yell loudly.

Those sat in the tearoom look our way and smile. Pretty much the whole town is used to us by now. I mean we do try and include the town in everything, why should we hog all the madness or our moments?

“I’m not surprised being friends with you,” my Pa shouts back.

I hear Alfred laughing again, mind you, so is everyone else now.

“Nice Pa, I’m telling Ma.”

Pa walks closer to the tearoom. “Son, your Ma already knows you drive people mad. Why do you think she was out of the house so much while you were growing up?”

I gasp. “Nice Pa. See if I buy you anything for your birthday.”

Suddenly Jude, Temp and Elaine rush into the tearoom.

“What’s wrong Dark?” Jude asks squatting down next to Sal and touching his forehead.

Sal huffs. “Nothing’s wrong,” he starts to say when Nix comes rushing in.

I see Alfred stood by the tearoom counter chuckling.

“You’re sick, thank goodness Justice, Elaine and Temp are here. Do you need to go home? Cam and I can look after Connie so she doesn’t get sick too,” he says.

Sal looks at me and frowns. “I hate you so much right now.”

Justice and I laugh as Adhan walks in with Ebby, Sly and the boys.

He looks at all of us. “What’s wrong?”

“Sal’s sick,” Jude says, just as Cal, Justice and I say, “Sal’s gone mad,” and Sal says, “Nothing’s wrong.”

“I’m confused,” Adhan says, looking around.

“It’s easy to explain Adhan,” my Pa says, walking closer. “Being friends with Ernest has sent Sal mad.”

“I’m taking my cottage back,” I say to Pa while the others laugh.

“Course you are,” Pa replies, pretty sure that’s his, ‘I don’t believe you’ tone.

“Don’t you have books to shelve?” I say to him.

“Nope, I’ve done my pile, the rest is for you,” Pa replies, before walking back into the bookshop, Alfred at his side.

“So, what’s really going on?” Adhan asks.

“Gah,” Sal says. “Ernest asked what was new and I said nothing, that our lives were boring.”

“Have you gone mad?” Titus asks, walking into the tearoom and joining us.

“That’s what we said,” Justice tells him.

“Wait, you think life is boring? Do you not like working with me?” Nix asks. I see him biting the inside of his cheek, I think he’s trying not to laugh.

“Oh no I really do, honestly, it’s the most fun I’ve ever had in a job,” Sal replies sounding and looking panicked, he pauses. “I hate you so much right now as well.”

Nix bursts out laughing. “The look on your face.”

“You guys suck,” Sal gripes out.

Everyone laughs and Adhan looks at the brothers. “So a normal day then. Let’s grab a table and bring it over.”

In the end, we needed an extra two tables and we’re all sat laughing, joking and eating yummy cakes. I should rush and go start my day, but I don’t - I’m enjoying being sat here with my family and new friends just chatting about this and that.

“Do you boys have something planned today?” Nix asks Xander and Enoch.

They look at their brother.

Ebby shakes his head. “No, the only plan we had was to meet Adhan and then tonight help protect the fair.”

“Xander, Enoch, would you like to come and spend the afternoon with Sal and me? We can show you how to blow and mould glass,” Nix offers.

“Really?” Xander asks, smiling.

“Yep. If your brothers say it’s okay, Sal and I will be there the whole time and protect you if needed,” Nix reassures them.

Enoch looks at Ebby and Sly. “Can we please?”

Ebby smiles and nods before looking at Nix. “I think that’s a yes from the boys. If you’re sure. Sly and I will be around town if you need us.”

“Yep I’m sure and it will be fun,” Nix says downing the last of his drink. “Just come into the shop when you’re done here and then we can show you how to work with glass.”

“We will, thank you Nix,” Xander says happily. He looked at Ebby and Sly. “I’m glad we're staying here.”

Sly touches his shoulder. “Us too.”

“Did you get everything sorted out?” I ask them.

They nod. “Yep. Adhan had all the paperwork, surveyors reports etc. ready, we’ve had a quick look through it, but we’ll read it properly later. We’re doing the process via private sale, so we need to pop to the bank on Monday and transfer the money over and then we can start moving in,” Ebby says.

“If you need a hand moving your things in, let us know and we can all help you,” Justice says, finishing his drink. “I’ve got to run or I’ll be late. See you all later.” He says standing and picking up his bag. He looks at Cal. “Your scone was amazing. Put everything on my tab,” and with that he’s gone.

Clarence and Cal are awesome, they let us keep tabs open that we pay weekly. I’m not sure other tearooms do that, but then Cal and Clarence are family.

“Do you have much in storage?” I ask the brothers.

Sly laughs as the others groan.

“Yeah, we have two large storage units filled with furniture and our personal stuff,” Sly says.

“Plus, all the things we fell in love with along the way. There shouldn’t be too much that we’ll have to buy,” Ebby said.

“We have a large van we can use for the bigger things, and can all bring our cars to help,” Adhan says.

Ebby nods. “Thank you. Your help will be much appreciated.”