Strings of Fate

Cam 20- Numbers and noticing

The next morning I wake up to about fifty missed calls from my mother and grandmother as well as calls from an unknown number. I’d bet anything the unknown calls are from Simon. I’m sure my family gave my number to him since they happily gave him my workplace. I guess it’s a good thing I haven’t told them where I live although it’s probably only a matter of time. I groan and bury my head in my pillows as my phone starts to ring again. I know I didn’t want to cut them off entirely, but maybe it is time to start thinking about changing my phone number after all. I still know where they live. It’s not like I couldn’t track them down if I wanted to. But no, unless I choose to completely cut them off and move away, far away, they will be able to track me down eventually and they’re just stubborn enough to do it. I drag myself out of bed and hop into the shower. I end up taking some extra time with my hair and

makeup today, styling my waves carefully and applying more makeup than I usually bother with because I look just as exhausted as I feel and even if I don’t agree with her about everything I always did like my grandmother’s advice when it comes to bad days. Control what I can. Which basically just means myself. I might be exhausted but that doesn’t mean I need to LOOK like a mess. It’s amazing the difference that the confidence gained from taking a little extra time to get ready can actually make and how much easier it can make a day feel. I have to get to work early today because I’m expecting a delivery. I drag myself out of my house, shove headphones on and head to work listening to my playlist. Maybe if I play the music loud enough, I can drown out my own thoughts, specifically the voices of my mother and grandmother that seem to be permanently stuck in my brain.

I sort out the delivery then go to hang out in my work room. I should probably do something productive or useful, but I just don’t feel like it. I end up sitting on the bench in my work room, scrolling through my phone and reading the messages my family

sent.

Mum- Did you get a chance to talk to Simon? He said he was going to track you down! See, I told you he hasn’t given up on you yet.

Mum- Honey? How did it go? I know it’s been a few years but he hasn’t changed. He’s still very handsome, isn’t he? Not to mention he has THREE Witch sisters. Imagine that. Three new Witches to add to the coven! Plus it shows they have plenty of magic in their blood. You’re practically guaranteed magical children. He’s perfect!

Grandma- Your mother and I have spent a lot of time setting this up for you. Don’t waste the chance. You won’t find a better match.

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Cam 20- Numbers and noticing

perfectly and you drive him away! And what’s this Simon is telling me about some Incubus boyfriend? I have assured him that he misunderstood the

What the hell is going on here? I was promised an explanation and now you won’t

I don’t care what you’re doing. You need to call

me? Answer

regret my makeup after all because I am about two seconds away from crying and raccoon eyes are not a good look. I hear a tapping sound at the front of the building which jerks met out of my thoughts. Who is it? I already received the delivery and the bar doesn’t open for a few hours yet. I’m halfway to the door when I freeze in place. What if it’s Simon again? Or worse, my grandmother? The door rattles again and I’m about to dart back into my work. room to pretend I’m not here

come in or are you really going to make me wait out here until you open?” Harry speaks loud enough that I suspect the entire street can hear him.

the door and

to announce your presence

shrugs.

was I meant to get your attention? It’s not like I can call you since you keep refusing to

a smile.

picture? All of those things. would be a nice change from the constant harassment I’m getting now. Harry immediately enters it into his phone and calls me, except I left

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20- Numbers and noticing

you can call me when you want to test potions, or if you need someone to walk you home, or if you just want company. Really you should just call me. I don’t care why.”

save your number.” I agree.