A Shift: Melanie's Life's Journey

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Chapter 24 the Shift

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Melanie’s mom had flown back home two days ago to pack up her house. She had found some others who could benefit from her possessions. She would donate them to women also battling their own darkness. She turned in all sorts of items to battered woman’s shelter. They could use so much magic in restarting their lives. She brought over all her extra blankets, dishes, shoes, purses, clothing, and anything she would not need in her new life. Once she had a husband and a daughter to clean after, to cook for, and now it was only her and all this stuff could be used and loved by other women. It was not magic, but it was an enormous gift to those at the shelter. She had felt lighter once all of those items were gone. The next day the truck came and packed up all her furniture she was donating. There was one room marked do not enter due to all her magical items in it, but the men picking up the furniture did not ask or seem to care. Her house was almost empty. Her girlfriend Ruth was coming, later on, to help her load the Uhaul to get her to her new brownstone. She was ready to leave her empty nest and move closer to her darling daughter and an adorable grandson. She could feel he was going to be a powerful witch and she was not so sure Melanie could handle his teachings alone. She would be there with her daughter to aid and to guide her grandson.

Melanie and Lucious were happy when they received a phone call from grandma that she was all packed up and on the road. She and Ruth were taking a trip for a few days before she moved far away from her best friend. She would be in her new place by the next weekend. She said she was turning off her phone for a few days, gave Melanie the phone number of the place she was staying at should she need her, and that she was looking forward to seeing them soon. Melanie and Lucious were so delighted to have grandma close. They never had her anywhere close before. Lucious was especially thrilled at the idea. He could show her his new preschool and she had told him she would volunteer while he was there, so he was not alone. He knew his magic made him special and he was apprehensive about going, but with grandma there he knew he would be ok.

The next sat morning there was a knock on their door. Melanie thought it was her mom and she opened it excited to see her, but it was James at the door. He looked horrible. His eyes were dark and sunken. His head was droopy, his clothes were dirty, and he had a full beard. He barely met her eyes when she said hello. She had not expected to ever see him again. Melanie asked him if he was ok, he just barely nodded his head. He said I just came to say “I was an idiot, you are the love of my life, and you except me for my sorry ass self and I should have been able to do the same. I have been reading everything I can about witchcraft. I have not slept much since we broke up. I cannot function and I had to leave the band until I could get my shit together.” Melanie said, “She was sorry to hear it, but did he need something?” He spoke in a whisper “I was hoping, well I was an asshole, I don’t deserve another shot, but if you will have me, I am still in love with you and I miss you and Lucious, even Griffin. I love you, Melanie.” Melanie just stood with her mind mad and her hurting aching. She told James she needed time. He looked like a scolded young boy but he said “Ok” and he scuttled away from the door. Melanie turned around and saw Lucious. How long had he been there? She said nonchalantly “Hi honey.” He told his mom she made a wise choice and went back to his room. She did not know what to make of his response and went to talk to him.

Melanie sat on her son’s bed and asked what he meant. He said “Mom you have always said items concerning the heart are complicated. James is complicated, but you with James is simple to figure out, but James needs time too mommy” and just like that Melanie’s little boy was acting like a smart man. She hugged him tight and loved all over him. She stayed in his room for a while building skyscrapers, airplanes, and cars. She was putting off thinking about James and her and her son knew it too, but he was ok with her playing till she figured it out. He was such a smart boy. And with his comment, she felt a shift coming in her world. Her mom would be close, her boy was growing up, and she was alone. Being alone though was not a reason to take James back. He clearly could not deal with the witch part of her and her son. It was such a huge part of who they are that Melanie thought she just needed to keep the door closed on James. At least, for now, she would keep him out of their lives. 

Oh No! A broken heart. A shift in mood. A Uhaul. Melanie faces some decisions in this chapter. I hope you enjoyed it!

Thank you for stopping by!

xo

Your storyteller/poet 

Debbie