“No,” I say quickly. I don’t know if Emma told him about the memorabilia box fiasco, but either way I am in no condition for one of his monologue-style hangouts. He tilts his head, and for a moment I’m nervous that he’s going to insist, but then there’s an excited burst of applause from the TV and he practically dives for the couch.

I have my hand on the door when my new phone beeps in my pocket and Simon calls, “Mason, that’s Willow’s number. Her mom texted me. You’re on for tomorrow.”

– 19 – Willow

As soon as I finish my last heavenly crumb of kouign-amann, Marigold whisks my plate away. Poppy called her the baby of the family, and I get it. Not only does she clearly love attention, she has a shocking amount of energy. She’s been hovering around me like a mosquito. “Finally. Now the fun can really begin.” Her eyes are bright and sparkly, and I feel a twinge of excitement/fear in my chest.

“What fun?”

Marigold raises one eyebrow. “The moon ceremony, of course. Now, out you go.”

I’m hustled outside, where I find several cushions positioned around a clay bowl. A small wooden altar has been set up with crystals, bundles of dried herbs, candles, and a deck of cards.

I choose a purple cushion and Poppy hands me a glass jar of water. “Moon water. Drink up!”

I settle myself into the cushion and take a sip of moon water, which turns out to be regular water.

“Good, right?” Poppy asks. “I charged it during that last full moon.”

“Delicious,” I say, hiding a smile. It’s dark and peaceful in the backyard, the moon quiet and unassuming above us. The aunts settle themselves in their cushions, then the three of them close their eyes in unison, taking long, even breaths.

It’s so quiet, I don’t dare move. Finally, Violet opens her eyes. “I’ll open our circle. Goddesses, sisters, witches. We gather under Mother Moon and ask her for insight and clarity. We call in the elements of earth, fire, water, and air, and ask that our circle will be protected.”

She pauses a moment, then Marigold pulls out a lighter and lights three candles on the altar. Sitting in the dark with these three women is the best kind of weird, and for a moment I feel my shoulders relax.

Then Violet turns to me. “Now, Willow. You did sneak into the house and find the Book of Shadows, didn’t you?”

I nearly choke on my moon water. “Um… well, you see, the thing is—”

“Of course she did!” Marigold says. “Bell women have never relied on asking permission. They do what needs to be done! Willow is no exception.”

The aunts are like the ultimate hype-women. Excitement bubbles through me, sending my voice bursting out of me. “You’re really going to tell me about it?”