2. Amma

Chapter 2

Amma

A mma wanted to ask more questions but knew it was useless to try now. A seer always talked in riddles, and often the riddles were riddles about riddles. She gave her mother a kiss on the cheek before rushing out the back door. The heat of the morning combined with the light breeze caressed her skin, bringing peace and the feeling of belonging. She took off her sandals and dug her toes into the grass. The power tingled and flowed through her. Even the air held the smell of power, and she wondered how much stronger it would feel once everyone arrived.

"Amma."

She opened her eyes and smiled at her younger cousin. "Hey Shelly. How's your magic coming along?"

"Boring." Shelly was at that awkward age between teen and adult. Having graduated from high school at sixteen, she thought she knew all she needed to know about the world. "I talk to animals. Why couldn't I get a cool power like Grace or Joy?"

"Because the Goddess designated this power for you," Amma snapped. This was a common question asked at least once a week. "You need to stop thinking about it as something less than others. We are the voice for those with no voice."

"Still." The girl rolled her eyes and pretended to yawn.

"Stop that." Amma grabbed her shoulders and shook her. "If you don't want your power, there are ways we can bind it. Then you can go out into the world and live your life any way you want."

"I didn't say that," Shelly's eyes widened. "I never said I don't want to be a witch, I just want a better power."

"We have been blessed with one of the best powers," Amma said. "We can talk to animals, and we can influence them. I've saved many who had been trapped in forest fires by leading them to safety."

"See, I want to be able to do that."

"It took me years to learn how to use my powers." She loosened her grip on the young girl's shoulders. "With practice, you will become even better than me."

"I will practice more." Shelly straightened her shoulders. "But I doubt I will ever be the witch you are."

Amma pulled her into a hug. "Every generation is better. I have no doubt that you will surpass me." A tinkling bell flowed through the air. "I think that's our call to breakfast. I wonder what mayhem we will get into at the table." Amma slung an arm across Shelly's shoulders as they entered the house. Lily and Charlotte were putting the finishing touches on the meal.

"Did you guys need any help?" Shelly asked.

"No," Charlotte answered. "You girls go find a place at the table."

Amma dropped her arm as they passed through the kitchen to the dining hall. She had seen dining rooms in smaller homes and felt sorry for those families. Who wanted to eat in a room no bigger than a bedroom? The estate dining room was a quarter the size of a football field with a raised area used for talent shows during family celebrations, viewings when people passed beyond the veil, and showcases when people came into their powers. Already it was set up with unlit candles that represented each family branch of those who had come before. The head of each would light a candle in celebration of the powers they inherited.

While the ancestral home was open for anyone who needed a haven, only twelve called it home year around. They still used the large dining hall but set up an intimate table towards the back where a buffet sidebar, drink station, and snack table could reside. Lily always made sure everything was stocked throughout the day. The table could sit all twelve women with enough room for them to not knock elbows while eating. Lily and Charlotte sat at the two ends and the others fought over the best seats. Everyone wanted to be able to escape if food started flying.

Amma slid into a chair near the end of the table and smirked at Jo when she sauntered into the room. "You'll have to find another place to sit."

"Hmph." Jo sat across from her and crossed her arms. "This is just as good a seat, and you are right in the line of fire."

Amma threw her head back and laughed. It was a well-known fact that food fights could and would break out during meals. It had all started when Jo was around seven and decided she didn't want to eat anything green. If it was on her plate, she would throw it as far away as she could. As the others were born, the tradition stayed with a little more focus on hitting each other. "I have been practicing."

"I hope that means your magic." Rachel, Lily's second born, walked into the room and sat next to Jo. At thirty, Rachel was a beautiful, full-figured woman who loved her cargo pants, tank tops, and long manicured nails, and sported long sisterlocs. She had come into her power a little later than normal but grown into a fire witch to be reckoned with. Amma loved watching her harness fire in all its power. "I will not sit through another food fight, and I'm not cleaning up after."

"Scared to get your nails dirty?" Jo taunted.

"Yes." Rachel held her hand up and flashed her bright green and yellow nails. "I just did these, and I'd like them to last until after the first day of the celebration."

"Fine," Amma pouted. "We won't start a food fight."

"But" Shelly added, "If one is to start, there is no reason why we can't join."

"I swear." Rachel rolled her eyes.

"What did we miss?" Grace asked.

"Picking sides for the coming fight." Joy answered.

"Or we could act like the adults we are." Rachel said. "I swear, I will just take my meal in my room."

"As much as I would like a good food fight, I doubt any of us will have time to clean." Amma said. "Mom wants us to get the temporary housing set up for the early arrivals."

"Who's going to be the family chauffeur?" Rachel asked.

"I am." Everyone went quiet as Dhakiya walked in the room. She was wearing a long black dress with a veil tucked in her hair. She took a seat before looking up at them. "I'm fine everyone. I promise."

"I think we don't know what to say," Amma said.

"You all have been the best," Dhakiya said. "I think I will put the black away after today. Tina will be returning soon, and I need to be ready when she does."

"Have you heard something?" Jo leaned forward to look around Rachel.

"It is just a feeling," Dhakiya answered.

"What feeling?" Lesedi asked as she, Napita, and Poni entered the room and took their seats. The three were always together and getting into trouble. Lesedi had an affinity for crystals. She used crystals to make protection charms, enhancements, and manifestations. Napita was a green witch. She spent most of her days in the forest. She even had a tree house no one else could step foot in. Poni, whose mother was a third cousin to Lily, had passed and Lily stepped in and raised her like another daughter. She was a warrior who practiced with every weapon she could get her hands on. Her magic allowed her to move faster than was humanly possible and even freeze time.

"Tina will be joining us again," Amma answered.

"I can't wait," Napita said. "She is such an adorable soul. I felt like she was going to be a green witch like me."

"You wish," Poni growled and shouldered her aside to sit by Lesedi. "She was going to be like me . Who wouldn't want to?" Every woman present raised her hand. "Whatever." Poni gave them all a two-finger salute. "I'm loveable."

"Good, everyone's here." Lily said as she pushed a cart laden with food into the room. Charlotte followed with a cart full of drinks. "I am only going to say this once." She gave each girl a hard look. "The first one to start a food fight will have to clean it up by herself. There is too much to do today for that nuisance. Is that understood?"

"Yes ma'am," everyone said together.

"Good." She started setting the food out on the bar. "Let's eat."