Ruby's choice

The dream

I tumble to bed quickly. These long days and even longer, drunker nights are starting to stack up. It doesn’t take long for sleep to find me

High above the city, I stare down into darkness broken by twinkling lights from buildings below. I can hear a man’s voice, but it is muffled. I follow the sound, trying to get closer. “How did we miss this? I thought you checked them all, Alric? Especially one tied to a prophecy.”

Another voice stammered, “Sir, I know not how the witches hid this. She’ll need training.”

I try the door they seem to be behind. It opens into an expanse of dark nothingness. I feel myself falling. A man’s voice says, “Oh little dove, don’t forget you can fly.” My descent slows. Suddenly a pregnant woman appears with another older woman. The older woman croaks, “One will seek strength in many, but only when two become one will they know power.” A voice continues to chant this as I begin to plunge down, fear gripping my body. Four figures appear in quick succession. But I cannot see them long enough to focus. The chant stops as does my body. “Choose wisely, little girl.” And I slam down into the ground.

I wake up with a start. My body on the floor, my back covered in sweat. Just a bad dream, but I can’t shake it. Who were those men behind the door? Why was I in that high rise? One of the women looked familiar, but I can’t place it.

I pad to the kitchen for a drink of water, but it feels hot going down my throat. Nothing seems to contain my fear. A light flicks on overhead, and I startle, spilling water down my nightgown.

“Everything okay, Ruby Rue?” questions Aunt Millicent. “You aren’t easily frightened.”

“ I had a dream, and it has me spooked.”

“Tell me about it,” she commands.

And I do because Aunt Millicent is my sounding board. A bridge between my desire to please Aunt Brandy and my need to spread my wings. She may not understand my need to leave but she respects it. I think she’s the only reason Aunt Brandy didn’t curse me to spend all my days here. She may not know my deepest secrets and desires like Audrey but I know I can trust her the same. While Audrey is loud and vivacious, Aunt Millicent is quiet and wise. The difference in a Maiden and a Crone is starkly displayed in their mother-daughter duo.

“Well, it sounds like more than a dream, girlie. I’d advise seeking the elders, however, that would cause your Aunt Brandy to demand you stay home.” declared Aunt Millicent when I finished.

“Am I in danger?” I murmured softly. Trying to not sound panicked.

“I think no matter what you do, this prophecy will find a way to make you take action. Spend your months here gaining knowledge and skills. Put the work in to prepare yourself for what may come when you leave the confines of this Coven. And if you find yourself in danger, never fear to reach out. You know your family will always have your back. You better get back to bed and get a good night's rest before you go out partying again. Otherwise, those crone lines will start coming in early,” she remarks, trying to take the tension from me.

I make my way back upstairs, but instead of my bed, I head to Audrey’s room. I don’t want to be alone right now. Just laying there knowing another person is beside me soon settles my brain. Aunt Millie is right, no sense worrying about what I don’t know.

Soon enough, I’m falling and landing on the floor again.

“Audrey, that's not nice! I was finally sleeping peacefully!”

“Payback’s a b***h. Why are you in here anyway? What if I had a boy over?”

“Yeah, right. With your mom and grandma right overhead? I just couldn’t sleep. You know I hate being alone.”

“Yet you can’t wait to leave us all behind.”

“Not true. I hate the thought of leaving you behind, but you have to live your life. Do you really want to go?”

“I don’t know. Part of me wants to experience life before I settle down, but I also know you might need space. I’m only going to a two-year college. Maybe I’ll join you before I find myself married off to some poor sap.”

“Don’t feel bad if you need out for a bit. Seeing the world outside this mountain haven will only help your future. I really wish I could get out of these three months but I am not looking for an Aunt Brandy hex or curse. She’s malevolent enough for it to be a doozy and creative enough to ruin my life with it.”

“I heard that!” Aunt Brandy bellows as she barges in. Arms folded looking for battle but she cracks quickly. Grinning wildly, “Never cross a crone, we lool like sweet old ladies but we’re full of spite.”

I school my features into the most innocent look I can muster. “And that’s why I am glad your on my side.”

“Quit sucking up. I just came to give you your graduation gift. I assume you are gonna want cash for this weekend’s last hurrah? I also added a couple of outfits.” She responds as she hands me a bag.

“You know me so well!”

“I love you and be safe.”

“I’ll be with Petra and Fi. Nothing will happen.”

“While I love them and I know they’d protect you. I, also know the shenanigans y’all get up to. So be smart.”

I blow them both a kiss as I head out the door to my bright blue Pontiac Grand Prix. It’s a two seater made for the highway. I’ll probably have a ticket to pay after this weekend unless I can sweet talk a cop. I head to pick up Petra first. He climbs in the back. Poor guy has to fold into my back seat but he’s enough of a southern gentleman not to make Fi have to climb back there. Fi pops in the front seat ready for action. She starts up our club playlist immediately. Already getting into the party vibe. We cruise south along the highway. We pull into the spa parking lot a half hour later.

The spa is set against a lush garden oasis. Clearly an earth elemental has a hand on this property. Set in the middle of the city but feels of fresh air and sunshine. Inside, the lobby is sparkling white marble floors and counters set against chocolate brown walls with a waterfall feature behind the counter. Cold lemon water is in the carafe with plastic cups ready for use. Soft nature sounds play overhead. I can feel the tension melting before we even get to the spa. We’ve chosen to spend time in the sauna first. Followed by a massage with facial, manicure, and pedicure. Once we are in the sauna, I decide to tell them about my dream.

“Wow looks like we are set for an adventure if Millie is right.” Fi concedes.

“I can’t wait to meet all these men.” gushes Petra

“Really Petra? Always looking for your next conquest. Save some for the rest of us.” I tease.

“Aww jealous of natural s*x appeal, Ruby rue? But seriously, you said you felt like you knew the pregnant woman. Do you think it couldv’e been your mom? Think Millie and Brandy know more about this prophecy than they say.” questions Petra

“Honestly I hadn’t thought about that. I was so afraid of the falling feeling and who the first guy was. He was so powerful it felt like I was truly there. His voice was so compelling.” I shudder at the power I felt in his voice. Not sure I want an enemy of that person but not sure I’d be capable of making such a friend either.

“Either way, let’s enjoy tonight and we’ll focus on solving puzzles and protecting Ruby’s life next week.”

“You are right, it’s just been hard to shake it and I have so many questions. Time for me to go spoil myself until my mind goes numb.”

“That a girl”