I try to figure out where this is going. “So why am I stupid then?”
“Because, my darling, I love my family more than anything and I will stop at nothing to get what I want. And you, Harriet, you will marry Gregory, and you will return to London and live the life that you are meant to live.” She is so matter of fact, like my feelings are just something she can personally adjust.
“Right, so I just do what you say, right?”
“Yes, darling.” Don’t be fooled by the darling, it’s wrapped in poison.
“And if I don’t?”
“I have the power to completely ruin you all. Your father’s business, your mother’s name, I will even come after your newfound family out there in the forest. Darling, I know what you all are.” She pauses for a moment. “Now you understand the importance of marrying my son. Our family needs the power that flows within you.”
“How did you—”
She cuts me off quick, her tone dark and sinister. “I’m a force to be reckoned with, Harriet. Now I’m not awful. I understand time helps heal the heart, so I am giving you time. You have until the Winter Wonderland Ball at the end of November. If you do not show, I’ll know you’ve made the choice to ruin your own family. As for telling people where you are, that will be our little secret. I’ve told everyone you’re selflessly giving your time to the less fortunate in the countryside. How lovely of my futuredaughter-in-law.” The sarcasm in her voice makes my stomach turn. “I can wipe out your family with one phone call. But you have the chance to let them carry on with their pathetic lives while you join my family in greatness. Now, are we clear?”
I become dizzy with everything she has just poured through the phone like a plague.
“You can’t just blackmail me to marry your son,” I whisper with my broken voice.
“Oh, sweet girl, here’s the stupid side again. I can and I will. Enjoy your break, sweetie. Good day.”
She hangs up the phone. My stomach hits the floor. How does she know our secret? How does she know where I am?
I feel sick. I put my mouth over my hand and grab my abdomen. I grab the water on the bedside table and swig it, trying to push the nausea down back into the pit of my stomach.
There’s a light knock at the door.
“You OK in there?” shouts Aradia from the other side.
“Yeah, fine,” I croak, trying to compose myself.
“Can I come in?”
“Er, one moment, I’m just changing.” I throw my phone into my coat pocket and brush myself down. “Come in.” I stand there, smiling.
She looks me up and down. “What’s happened?”
“Nothing. Why would have anything happened?” I brush my hair behind my ears and continue with the smile. Fairly sure it’s not working.
“Harri. It’s written all over your face and your mind is going a thousand times an hour. The energy in here is crazy.” She looks around the room and back at me.
My shoulders slump and I fall back onto the bed to sit. My hands cover my face as panic sets in, and tears start to fall.
“Greg’s mum called and asked me to get back with him,” I wail from under my hands.
“Well, she sounds delightful,” my aunt says ironically and joins me on the bed with her arm around my shoulder. I lean into her.
“She said, she…” I struggle to get my words out between the desperate breaths and tears and snot. I don’t want to tell her that our secret might be in jeopardy if I don’t go home and marry Greg. So, I keep it to myself. “She’s just awful.” I sigh.
“She sounds it, poppet.” She pulls me in closer. “Sounds like you got a lucky escape from that family.”
I laugh awkwardly through the tears. “I know, right?”
“Look, I’m going for a walk to collect some bits in the forest for some more potions to take tomorrow. Want to come with me? Could start teaching you what goes into what? Could grab a coffee from Gloria’s on the way?” She uses her hanky to wipe away my messy face. “Might be good to take your mind off everything?”
I sniffle and nod. A walk might be nice otherwise I’ll sit here and just sob. “That’d be good. Thanks, Aunt Aradia.” I let out a large breath and try to compose myself.
“A problem shared is a problem halved. I know we haven’t been there in the past but we’re here now.” She pats my back. “I suggest, though, a quick face wash. You do look like shit, Harri.” She smiles and sticks her tongue out making me hiccup with a small laugh.
