Chapter 23

Tabitha stirred under the bedsheets, a sleepy smile playing on her lips as she savored the quiet moment of relief and satisfaction. The events of the past few months seemed like a distant dream, the conflict resolved, and a new chapter unfolding in her life here in Whispering Pines.

The bedroom door creaked open, and Bram entered, balancing a tray laden with steaming mugs and a plate piled high with buttery croissants. "Good morning, sunshine," he grinned, setting the tray on the nightstand before leaning in to plant a soft kiss on her forehead.

Tabitha laughed, running a hand through her tangled curls. "Good morning to you too, handsome. Though I'm not sure ‘sunshine' is the right word for this mess," she gestured to her wild bedhead.

Bram's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Are you kidding? I think it's adorable. In fact, I think you should wear it like that more often."

She swatted at him playfully, then reached for a croissant. As she took a bite, a thought occurred to her. "Bram, I've been thinking...what if I moved in with you? Officially, I mean. I'd like to give my grandmother's house to Ophelia, so she can have a fresh start here in Whispering Falls."

Bram's face lit up, his excitement palpable. "Really? You want to move in with me? I'd love that. Having you in my arms every day, every night..." He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively, making Tabitha dissolve into giggles.

"Easy there, bear," she teased. "Let's take it one step at a time. But, yes, I'd love to start this new chapter with you."

After finishing their breakfast, they decided to head out to Molly's bakery for a change of scenery. The little bell above the door jingled merrily as they entered, and the aroma of freshly baked bread and cinnamon enveloped them like a warm hug.

Molly looked up from behind the counter, her face breaking into a wide smile. "Well, if it isn't my favorite couple. What can I get for you two lovebirds today?"

Tabitha and Bram placed their orders and settled into a cozy corner booth. As they sipped their coffee, Molly joined them, wiping her hands on her apron.

"I met your sister Ophelia the other day," Molly said. "What a sweetheart. We hit it off right away. I've invited her to join our next girls' night. Before we know it, the event will need a new place to host, my apartment is getting kind of crammed with all of us."

Tabitha felt a surge of gratitude toward her friend. "Molly, that's so wonderful of you. Thank you for helping Ophelia feel welcome here. It means the world to me."

Molly waved a hand dismissively. "Oh, hush. It's my pleasure. We're all family here in Whispering Pines."

As they chatted, the conversation turned to their plans for the future. Tabitha and Bram shared their idea of using the Celestial Chalice and their experiences to benefit the town by establishing a community center that would combine magic and shifter culture.

"I think that's a fantastic idea," Molly said, her eyes shining with excitement. "This town could use a place where everyone can come together and learn from each other."

Later that day, Tabitha and Ophelia met at the town hall to finalize the inheritance of their grandmother's property. With a lump in her throat, Tabitha turned to her sister.

"Ophelia, I want you to have the house. Grandmother never gave up on us, and I want you to have a piece of her love to call your own."

Tears glistened in Ophelia's eyes as she pulled Tabitha into a tight hug. "Thank you," she whispered. "For everything."

With the paperwork signed, they stepped out into the sunlight, arms linked, ready to face the future together.

That evening, Tabitha and Bram hosted a town hall meeting to announce their plans for the community center. As Tabitha stood at the podium, looking out at the sea of familiar faces, she felt a swell of love and pride.

"With the generous fund left by my grandmother earmarked for community involvement, we plan to create a space that celebrates our unique blend of magic and shifter heritage. There will be workshops on magical education, a safe space for shifters, and a new headquarters for town defense."

The room erupted in applause with people jumping to their feet to offer donations of time, skills, and resources. Tabitha's heart soared, seeing the enthusiasm and support of her fellow residents.

In the days that followed, they visited the local school to introduce a new program for young witches and shifters, aiming to foster early education and integration. They spent an afternoon planning the renovation of the brewery to include a community hall, consulting with Vincent Shaw, the town's mechanic and tinkerer, for innovative, magically enhanced structural designs.

Tabitha sather favorite circular booth at the Lone Wolf drinking a cup of coffee when Ophelia arrived.

"Hey!" Tabitha greeted her sister with a hug.

"Hi," Ophelia hugged her back shyly. "Thanks for meeting me."

"Sure, you know you can just come to my house and hang out, right?"

Ophelia shrugged. "I wanted to tell you that I found a place I'll be going to for therapy."

"You're leaving?"

Ophelia nodded, her gaze torn. Tabitha still couldn't believe she had a twin sister. It was like looking into a mirror-image of herself. A very confused and scared image of herself.

"I think it's best if I can get some help dealing with the left over emotions I have from our parents abandoning me."

Tabitha's heart wrenched at her twin's words. "You know that I would have never left your side and would've searched for you if I knew. You know that right?"

Ophelia finally smiled. "I know. I can feel your love for me. It's why I want to get help." She bit her lip and once again looked skittish. "I don't want you to think I'm holding anything against you. I just have a lot I want to get rid of. I would love to be able to have a better sister relationship with you."

Tabitha squeezed Ophelia's hand. "You're sure about this?"

Ophelia nodded again. "Yes. I think so. I want to feel less angry. Less hurt. Less everything and more open to our sister bond."

"It's okay for you to feel how you feel, you know that, right?"

She grinned. "Yeah. But I don't like negative emotions. I lived in them for too long. I want to live in happiness now."

"Okay. But if you need me, just call me." Tabitha eyed her twin. "You will call me right?"

"I will call you and check in and tell you all about my therapy."

"Thank you." She scooted over to her sister's side and hugged her. "I'm always going to be here for you. I know you were alone for a long time, but I'm here now. You're not alone."

Ophelia lay her head on Tabitha's shoulder. It was the first gesture of closeness she'd taken and it made Tabitha's heart fill with joy.

"I know that. I'll be back soon. And then I will be the best sister I can be."

Tabitha sighed. "I just want you to be you."

"Thank you."

"Don't thank me, Ophelia. I love you. You're my twin. I feel your emotions. You feel mine."

"I know. That's why I'm thanking you. I can feel how much you love me. It's really nice."

Tabitha's eyes filled with tears. She'd never forgive her parents for abandoning her sister, but she'd try to make it up to Ophelia by being there for her from now on.