Kettle Black—my parents’ dream, the place Jessa and I basically grew up in, the place where we spent more of our time than any other place in Tres Búhos—is gone.
I look around the apartment, taking in the award-winning decor, the stunning views, the beautiful artwork. I think about Dr. Devane and Anna Trello, the professor, Kirin, Baz, the other students. I think about the campus shops and the cafés and the karaoke, sans Jessa.
I think about that day up on the Grande, lighting my palo santo, paging through Mom’s grimoire, still trying to convince myself that I could live a normal, mundane existence.
Funny how much your life can change in a week.
“I’m so sorry, Stevie. I hate that it’s come to this. I hate that you’re all the way over there and I’m here and I can’t even hug you.”
“Good thing you’re so extra I can feel the love all the way over here.” I smile, drying my own tears. “Thank you for trying.”
“I’ve got all the T-shirts and stuff, the memorabilia. I’m going to hang on to it for you, okay?”
I nod. “What are you going to do for work? For a roommate?”
Jessa blows a breath into her bangs, looking up at the ceiling to keep the fresh tears at bay. “I’ve decided to go back home. To Mexico.”
The news is shocking, in the way that sudden change is. But it’s not surprising—not really. She always talked about going back. If it wasn’t for my parents’ death, I think she would’ve returned soon after high school, gone to college there, built a life close to her big, boisterousfamilia. But then the accident happened and I was such a mess and she just… she simply refused to leave my side. Even after I was able to function again, to work, to go places other than our “estate” and the cemetery, she still refused to leave.
“You’re my wifey, loca,” she used to say. “Stop trying to get rid of me.”
“I’m happy for you,” I say now. “I feel like this was meant to happen. Maybe not exactly this way, but… I don’t know. Sometimes things have to blow up in your face in order for you to find the good shit underneath.”
“If you say so, Confucius.” Jessa laughs, and I can’t help but crack up, too.
“I think… I think this is going to be good for both of us,” I tell her. “Not that I love the idea of you being in a totally different country from me, but still.”
“Country? Girl, you’re basically in another dimension!”
“We’re just going to have to figure out an alternating schedule for vacation visits. Because you have got to see this place.”
With the serious stuff behind us, I grab my box of crackers and take her on a full video tour, walking her through each room, posing in the soaking tub, showing her the views and the dishes and the little cactus- and star-shaped soaps in the soap dish. I show her the bedroom I’m reserving for her, and the paintings of the four Tarot aces that hang over my bed, telling me to treat each new day like the blessing that it is.
And then, when I’ve covered every square inch and flicked every switch and played with the cards and games in the living room, Jessa says, “I want to see what’s in your dresser.”
“Nothing. I haven’t gone shopping yet.”
“I think you should check anyway. Top drawer, maybe?”
“What are you up to?”
“Who,me?”
Laughing, I head into the bedroom and pull open the top drawer.
“Looks like a few T-shirts and leggings, some underwear… I guess they got me a few things to hold me over until I can get over to the shops.”
“Okay, try the second drawer then.”
I do as she asks, sliding open the next drawer.
And there, nestled in tissue paper, is my mother’s grimoire.
I gasp, my hand flying to my mouth. “But… how did…”
“After they took you away that day,” she says, “I hid it. I didn’t know what the hell was happening, but something told me to keep that book safe. When more cops showed up later to search for evidence of your so-called crimes, I was glad I’d listened to that little voice inside. Anyway, when Kirin told me they were going to basically smuggle you into the Academy, I asked him to give it to you.”
“That was… sweet of him. And you. And just… wow. I don’t know what to say.”
