Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Chapter 148 - How?

When Delia walked in and saw Jewel's 'condition' she was shocked. "Jewel! Why didn't you tell us you were pregnant? This is wonderful news. But, we would never have left the kids with you. We could have had Corrie watch them! How far along are you?"

"Exactly why I didn't tell you. I wanted to take care of my brother and sisters. Cheyenne and Stone love each other and that little Mira is so cute! Our baby is due in 3 months. Just before Angie graduates."



Jewel nervously offered Newt a drink when they came in. She was shocked at his appearance having expected a much older man and couldn't help asking him, "How are you so young? How is that possible? The sleeping spell. That is why isn't it?”

Delia gasped, “How did you know about that?"

Cordell shot a glare at Donnovan, “I told Donnovan why we were going to Moonlight Falls and I suppose he filled in Jewel.”

Jewel glared at her mother, “Donnovan and I don't keep secrets from one another. So, Mom, it was the sleeping spell. Tell me the rest. My grandmother was a fairy. How did she die? Why was Newt under a sleeping spell to begin with?”
Delia started, “Jewel, it's complicated…”

“Stop trying to protect me! I have been lied to my whole life. It's time for the truth.”


Dee spoke up softly. “Let me do this Delia. Jewel, all of this started with me and Niall 200 years ago…” Dee went on to tell Newt and Adele’s story while everyone gathered around the couch.

Jewel looked at her mother. “So Cordell was right, you are almost 200 years old. Mom, have you and Cordell always been together? Of course you haven't. He isn't my real father. God...there is so much more to this.”

Donnovan spoke up and asked, “Why are you really here Newt? It's more than just to meet your family. I can sense the tension in the air. If it was just one big family reunion everyone would be happy and relaxed. This is about Adele isn't it?”

Newt who had been quiet during the exchange jerked his head up and said, “Yes Donnovan. I want the chance to see her again. If it were Jewel, you would do the same.”

Donnovan said, “The binding ritual…shit.”

Dee perked up. “Donnovan, you know how to perform the ritual?”

“Yes, but it isn't that simple. I can't perform the ritual. I am not powerful enough to do it for any other than a blood relative.” Then he looked at Delia, “You have her urn. That is why you are here. The ritual requires a philosopher’s stone and one that has been bewitched. Let me guess, you have that too. Dee, are you going to attempt it? I figure you meet the requirements.”
Dee replied sadly, “I am afraid I am not a powerful enough sorceress. If I were to bind Adele’s ghost, I don't think I would survive. It would be a life for a life, but Delia could probably do it, she is very strong, if Cordell would allow it.”

Jewel gasped and got up and walked over to Donnovan, “Donnovan! I should do this. Dee is not strong enough and Mom is human so she can't do this. You said I am more powerful than you and you are very strong. Couldn't I do this?”

“No!” said Cordell, Delia and Donnovan in unison.

Jewel ignored their comments and looked at Dee, “I could do this couldn't I?”

Delia walked over to her and said, “You will not. You are pregnant. There is no way I am letting you put yourself and your child at risk.”

“What about after the baby is born?”

Once again there was a chorus of ‘No’.

Newt stood up and spoke again, “I want to tell Adele I am sorry but it isn't just about conjuring her ghost for us to apologize. I would never put anyone in harms way to ease my conscience. Jewel, Delia has the power to resurrect Adele should we be able conjure her ghost via the binding ritual. So you see it is more than a chance to just say we are sorry. It is to right a wrong that was done 200 years ago. Donnovan, Cordell, Delia if it was the one you loved wouldn't you do the same?”

Delia spoke, “Newt, I do love my mother and I want to help you but not at the risk of my daughter’s life.”

Dee then said, “I am sure that Jewel can do this with no risk. But not until her child is born. We will wait and that will give us time to prepare. Donnovan, I know your bloodline is strong. And you are sure Jewel has even greater power than you?”

“It doesn't matter Dee. She isn't doing this…” replied Donnovan.

Jewel put her hand on Donnovan’s arm looking at how defeated Newt looked. “Baby, wait. Let's not make that decision yet. We have a couple of months to figure it out.” Then looking at her mother, she continued, “And now is a good time as any to let go of another secret. Who is my real father?”

Delia spoke up, “Jewel, it doesn't matter…”

Donnovan interrupted, “Oh, but it does matter Delia...My wife - your daughter - is extremely powerful. It would be helpful to know the source of her power. I get that it is partly because she has fairy blood flowing through her veins, but Cheyenne is exhibiting signs of being even stronger than Jewel. She will one day lead a Coven. We need answers Delia, especially since Jewel is having another baby. We need to know what we are dealing with. Who is it?”

Delia looked at Cordell apologetically and said, “Troy Reynolds.”

Dee and Donnovan both gasped.

Delia was shocked at their reaction. “You know him?”

Dee said, “I know of him and his coven. He disappeared 30 years ago. Just fell off the face of the Earth. No one knew he had sired a child or Cheyenne would not be safe. They would never agree to a union between the Lucky Palms and Riverview covens. Troy was supposed to become the leader of the coven in Riverview. He had been groomed for a long time holding a powerful position in the town’s political system. They planned to own the town. They are one of the most powerful covens around. Even stronger than Donnovan's family. Everyone figured Troy decided he didn't want to be their leader and went underground.

No wonder Jewel is so strong and your children…they will be among the most powerful witches around. Jewel and Donnovan, this is a secret you must both keep. No one should ever know that Troy Reynolds is your father. He doesn't know does he … that he has a child? If so, Jewel and Donnovan's children will be at risk from the Riverview coven. They would stop at nothing to kidnap them to keep them for themselves. And Jewel and Donnovan, your lives would be in danger. I am sorry Jewel but your parents inadvertently protected you by keeping that secret.”

Jewel spoke up again, “Mother, do you know where my father is? Or, is he dead?”

“Jewel, baby, not now…can we save this for another time?” pleaded Delia.

“How, how did he die Mother?”

Cordell tried to comfort his wife and answered Jewel, “It was an accident. When your mother told him she was pregnant he thought she was just trying to trap him. He didn't believe you were his. Not until you were born but by then your Mom had already moved on, given up on a life with Troy. After you were born, he tried to take you away from your Mother. He was afraid of her, thought she was evil so he didn't even try to share custody. Of course that is the way of witches. Any children must be raised to learn to use their powers and be protected. Troy and his boyfriend kidnapped you when you were only 3 months old. Your mother asked me to help her find you. The police were doing nothing because Troy pulled strings. It took me 3 months to locate where Troy and his lover were holed up. I went to rescue you. Troy was asleep but woke up as I was leaving with you in my arms. He tried to kill me with a fire spell. Genies are immune to fire so his spell bounced off me and hit him instead. He killed himself accidentally trying to kill me. He must have never told his coven about you or they would have stopped at nothing to find you. I vowed right then I would do everything in my power to protect the child I held in my arms. I fell in love with you instantly. It took a little longer to make your mother love me. She had been hurt and I was partially responsible.”


In the corner they heard Cheyenne make a noise and everyone got quiet and looked at her. “Mom, what is going on? What are you all talking about. You are scaring me.”

Jewel ran over to hug her daughter. “Cheyenne! It's nothing. Let's get you back to bed. We can talk in the morning”

“I am not a baby anymore. Tell me,” demanded Cheyenne.

Donnovan went to help his wife with Cheyenne, "Tomorrow we will talk Chy, now off to bed. No arguments."

Cheyenne smirked but obeyed her father.


Then Donnovan said to the larger group, “The party’s over. It's time you should leave.”

Delia walked over to Jewel after Cheyenne left the room, “Baby, please understand. We didn't mean any harm. Please forgive me."

"Mother, then let me help with this," she whispered. "I am in this now. Just please never hide the truth from me again. And, Mom, I didn't tell anyone else about the 200 year thing. As far as I am concerned, Newt was asleep for 30 years. I am not sure it would make any difference to them but now that I know the danger it poses to my children I can understand your motives. We will keep my father's identity a secret.”

Donnovan put a protective arm around his wife, "Come on. You need to rest." then to the rest of the group, "I am sure you can find your way out."

Cordell put his hand on his wife's shoulder pulling her gently away from her daughter and said, "Come on Delia, we need to go. We have given them a lot to think about and Jewel does need to rest. Goodbye sweetheart. We will talk soon."

The foursome walked out quietly.




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