“Romance? What does that do?” I ask, still studying the jar and its contents.
“It’s a love potion.” She smiles amorously.
“A potion?” I whisper in panic. “You make potions?”
“Mum does,” she says, casually picking up a jar herself.
“Shouldn’t you, like, warn people? Surely, they’ll all be falling in love with each other?” I say in a fluster.
She laughs. “It’s a weak version and will only work on those whose intentions are pure and reciprocal.”
“So, if someone likes someone and they like them back, it just gives them a push?” I feel calmer knowing that.
“Yeah, basically.” She pops both of the jars down.
“Oh, OK, I thought you said you’re not like Halloween witches. You really are, you know.” I laugh.
Aradia pulls a face of disgust at me then turns it into a Cheshire cat smile. “Maybe you could make a cup for Sam?”
“I don’t know him, Aradia, stop.” I blush.
“He’s been visiting your dreams though, hasn’t he?” Her eyebrow is raised, hand on hip.
I’m stood frozen, embarrassed and annoyed at her. I’m learning that I can’t escape my aunt. She really does know everything about everyone. She senses my frustration.
“Don’t be embarrassed.” She carries on sorting through her stock. “I just sensed he’s been on your mind. He’s a good-looking boy, so I don’t blame you, Harri.”
I give her the look, a look she is now getting accustomed to, so she puts her hands up in defeat.
“I’m sorry, OK? I’m just teasing. I’ll stop invading your mind.” She wiggles her fingers towards me.
“Please do! I don’t know what my power is yet, but it could be something like turning people to stone, so be careful.” I give her a playful scowl.
She holds her hands up. “OK, OK, Medusa.” She laughs which makes me laugh too. I know she doesn’t mean anything by it. And it is true. I’ve been thinking of Sam.
We spend the morning non-stop selling all the vegetables we picked fresh that morning. Granny’s tea is also a big hit with punters. Towards lunchtime our stall is looking more than half empty.
“Why don’t you go and have a look around?” Aradia suggests. “Grab some of Gloria’s cakes before they all go, so we can have some for supper.”
“Sure. I’ve had my eye on a blanket over on that lady’s stall as well.” I point to the woman I had seen earlier setting out hercushions and blankets.
“That’s Hannah. She makes so many lovely things with her sewing machine! She lives in the cottage next to the village hall with her sons and wife Lois. Really sweet family. Hannah is the village child minder. Not as a job. She is just made to be a mother so they all flock to hers.”
I walk over to Hannah’s stall. She is sharing out a bag of sweets between two little boys who have made a den under her table. She notices me looking at her blankets that she has quilted and crocheted. There’s a jade green silk quilt made from a Japanese print of a cherry blossom garden which I had seen from across the green.
“This is beautiful,” I remark stroking the silk between my fingertips.
“Thank you.” She smiles. “I have to be honest, it’s one of my favourites that I’ve made. The material is actually imported from Japan. Well, the lady at the fabric shop told me it is.”
“Wow, it is incredible. I’ve been staring at it all day. I don’t think I’m going to be able to go without it. Do you have a bag? I don’t want to spoil it.”
“Wise choice.” She nods and begins to wrap it up. “I haven’t seen you around here before. Have you moved here recently?” She pushes her blonde hair behind her ear while she looks for another bag.
“I’m visiting my family, Aradia and Cerci Chattox?”
“Ah, that’s lovely. Gosh, those two are just such sweethearts. When my Alfie was really poorly, Cerci made some soup, and I swear it was magic. My poor boy was suffering with the most awful pneumonia. Had some of Cerci’s soup and the next morning he was a different child.”
“Well, she is a good cook.” I feel nervous like I’m going to shout out, “That’s because she’s a witch,” but I don’t. Obviously. And Hannah seems happy with my response. She places my newbuy in a paper bag, and I give her the money.
