Annabel hung up, anger and sorrow making her gifted magic writhe dangerously. She didn't want to hear another word of spiteful rhetoric from her mother's mouth, lest she do something truly stupid. Bartholomew was already gnashing his little teeth that anyone would dare say such things to her.
Immi stood up and wrapped her slender arms around Annabel's neck. She snuggled close, trying to pour all the love and comfort she could into her Mistress.
"It will be okay," she whispered against the long strands of Annabel's chestnut hair. "We'll find just the right beach, it will be perfect. We'll all be there for you, Annabel."
"I know," Annabel choked, more warm tears beginning to trickle down her cheeks. "I know I needed to say that, but why can't they just be good people?"
"People are just p
