Epilogue

WYNTER

ONE MONTH LATER

Pain. All I can feel is pain.

"You're doing great, Wynter, she's almost here. Deep breaths," Nan coaches as Cirrus holds my head in his lap, wiping my forehead with a damp cloth.

My mother is in the other room, offering encouragement, but blood makes her squeamish. Unless it's a sacrifice during a coven meeting of course. I think she's just enjoying flirting with Grule.

They seem to have hit it off.

Astor squeezes my hand as Sin rubs my thigh.

"We can't have her yet. The curse is still here," I wail, but it doesn't matter. Summer is stubborn and she's coming whether I'm ready or not.

An explosion of light fills the yard as the first cry from our daughter hits the room.

It couldn't have been that easy. Right?

A warmth overcomes me and I know that she's here. Melisande. She's closer to finally getting her peace.

"Cirrus, that tree that you've been trying to heal. It's completely bloomed," Grule shouts, rushing into the room, before turning right around and leaving.

"Ugh, I mean I know I'm on display right now, but my brother-in-law seeing my vagina was not on my bucket list," I whine and Cirrus laughs.

Astor stands up and moves over to the window, looking outside.

"He's right. The tree is completely healed and the yard looks healthier than ever. Does that mean that we did it? The curse is finally broken?"

Nan hands me my baby girl and I smile as tears run down my cheeks. I look at the guys and they also have an assortment of joy, and awe on their faces.

"She did. Summer Willow Nefari. She broke the curse."

FIVE YEARS LATER

I made a promise a long time ago to a lost soul who has now become one of my best friends, though he has the tendency to pop in at bad times.

I mean he's dead, but still he doesn't need to see me in compromising positions.

Walking down to the garden, he floats behind me, arguing.

"Wynter I am very thankful to have found you and I know I should cross over, but I don't want to. I have thought this through, and I can wait until you guys die."

Sin snorts, carrying August while Cirrus holds Summer's hand.

"I know, Arnie, and this breaks my heart, but you deserve to be at peace."

As we enter the garden a familiar man stands there. He looks lost and confused, but I'm hoping this will bring him some closure.

Arnie stops next to me. "Jordan," he whispers and I nod.

"Hey, thanks for meeting us here. I know you hate Spells Hollow, but it was important," I say moving closer to the broken man who's become a dear friend.

Doing some research, mainly gossiping with Mavis, who has become another grandma to my little rugrats, and is a powerful witch herself.

She told me about the tragic death of Jordan's older brother and how he took over the gas station for her late husband.

Well we suspect he died. He's been missing for many years.

"I haven't been here in a very long time. I used to come exploring with my older brother. We would get into all sorts of trouble, but it's the most fun I've ever had."

I nod and take a seat on the bench. Arnie's floating beside his brother and if he could he would have tears running down his pale cheeks.

"I'm sorry to hear about his death… Did you ever find out how he died?"

Arnie looks at me and it's not a nice look.

"Can't you see you're hurting him!" he yells at me as Jordan begins to cry.

Standing, I move over and pull Jordan into a hug. Over the years I have gotten better at them. Augie is a huge cuddler.

"I wanted to go. I should have been there, but I wasn't old enough. Arnold was five years older than me. He took care of me on the nights our parents worked late. He was the best brother a kid could have… He came here one weekend, camping with some of his friends… They were drinking and decided to explore the cliffs and go swimming. He slipped off the rocks, hit his head and fell in the water. His friend saved him and they thought he was okay, but the next morning he didn't wake up."

"I'm so sorry. If you could see him again. Talk to him. What would you say?"

Looking into my eyes he smiles. "It's true. Mona said that you were psychic. Is he here?"

He begins to spin around and I glance at Arnie.

"It's up to you," I whisper softly and he nods.

Chanting under my breath, I make him visible to everyone around us and Summer runs over to him, taking his hand.

She loves her Uncle Arnie and I know when he leaves us she will be heartbroken, but it's time.

"Hi, Jordy," Arnie mutters and Jordan spins back around. His mouth is open and his eyes are huge.

"What? How? You're dead!"

Astor steps closer to catch him in case he passes out.

"Arnie always had the power to show himself to you, but he was scared until I came along and put two and two together . But it's time for him to move on and for you to have closure."

Jordan moves closer. Summer grabs his hand and holds it too.

"I have missed you so much. Mom and Dad became shells of themselves after you died. I became a shell. Wait, what's happening?"

"He's crossing over. He's been in limbo, waiting to learn why he died and to say goodbye."

"Wynter, I…"

Arnie begins to glow a bright white. His eyes widen and I can tell he's terrified, but this is good.

"It's time, Arnie, but don't worry I'll see you again."

"It was an honor to call you my friend, Wynter Nefari," he whispers to me and I let my tears fall.

Astor comes over to me, wrapping me into his arms. This is so hard, but Arnold Abernathy is not meant to float around in limbo. He has a greater destiny ahead.

"Goodbye, Jordy, don't live in limbo, spend your days full of love and laughter. For me. I love you."

"I love you too, big bro, goodbye."

We watch as he begins to disappear, floating into the blue sky above us.

When he's gone, I smile and Sin moves closer, kissing my head.

"Thank you," Jordan says before leaving.

I nod and Cirrus claps, distracting Summer.

"Don't worry, my little raindrop. We will see him soon."

THE END

Don't worry we will see Arnold Abernathy again. Stay tuned for his story coming in 2025.

Thank you so much for reading Wicked Witch, I hope you all enjoyed Wynter's story. Please consider leaving a review. I truly love reading them and ratings help an author's career.