Bonnie, Jax, and I creep along the corridor quickly. Single file down the dark hallway we move quietly, first myself, then Jax, then Bonnie. I can hear a low voice humming a tune, which I assume is Philip. Jax grabs my elbow and points at one of the closed doors. Light is shining underneath the bottom of the door and the humming seems to be loudest there.
We slide past the lit doorway and make our way over to the staircase. Carefully moving down the stairs, stepping lightly, so as not to have a board creak we almost reach the bottom. The last step screams out with a loud squeak! I open the nearest door, a coat closet that two can fit in. I shove Bonnie and Jax into the closet and tell them to stay there.
Ms. Parfon swoops around the corner and is quite surprised to see me. "Oh I thought you were Philip. What are you doing" she asks. "Um, I was on my way to the restroom" I lie. "Hmm. Why isn't Philip guarding the door? Agh, Nevermind! Just see me when you are finished" she says happily. I give her a nod and she wobbles off. "Such an odd woman! Such ill intent, but such a bubbly persona" I think to myself.
As soon as she has gone I rip open the closet door, Bonnie and Jax emerge and we find the front door. Surprisingly the front door is unlocked, and we dart outside to be rid of this horrible place. Flat open space is all that can be found several feet from the front door, but off in the near distance are some tree's parallel the river. In the moonlight of the night I can see that there is no car parked nearby.
"Where's the car?" I whisper to the others. Bonnie shakes her head and replies "Something strange is happening. There is absolutely no cell phone service out here, and for some reason we weren't able to drive past the bridge that leads to this place. We'll have to walk. What is going on Nora? Why are we sneaking around like this? she questions. "Yea Ms. Parfon put a barrier around this place but had to lift it. There's no time to explain, let's get to the river first" I say in haste.
It doesn't take long to reach the river, and once there I feel a little more at ease. The three of us take a seat by a nearby boulder and catch our breath. Nestled in the thick tree's that run along side the river, I decide that now would be a good time to catch Bonnie and Jax up. I tell them all about Philip and the horrid details of the events after they left. I told them everything about Emily trying to escape and Ms. Parfon's plans as well. Everything, except the fact that Bonnie is my daughter.
Jax is stunned and Bonnie almost shouts, "No wonder we were having trouble finding our way back! We were looking for hours but I felt we were just walking in circles. Once we were inside the house again I had a strange feeling that something was wrong." Jax chimes in "No one was on the main floor so we went to check upstairs, heard a sound coming from the room you were in, and thankfully found you." "Nora I'm so sorry this has happened to you!" Bonnie says throwing her arms around me. In return, I smile happily and hug her tightly. My sweet baby girl, my Bonnie, but now isn't the time to discuss all of that. I will save it for when we can celebrate the news.
"Hope you girls are up for some camping! I don't think it's a good idea to go wandering through the woods at night, unprepared. I think we should try to wait it out until the morning. We can get our bearings and figure out which way we should head" Jax points out. "What, and stay here, in the dark? You know it's still dangerous even here right?" Bonnie huffs.
"We don't seem to have many options currently. I think I will have to agree with Jax on this one. I would rather set up some kind of camp than to go wandering around the woods in the dark. Plus you don't know if Ms. Parfon has put some spell on the forest, we could be going in circles for hours" I explain. Once the three of us talk things through we decide to stay put until morning, and Jax volunteers to try to get a small fire started. "Don't want it to attract attention" he mentions.
Seeing as we are pretty much stuck here for the evening I decide that now is as good a time as any to tell Bonnie about my being her mother. A wave of nervousness washes over me as I think, "What if she doesn't even want me to be her mother? What if I am stuck here in 2010? How would that look...a 19 year old, with a 17 year old mother!?"
My expression must have been intriguing, because Bonnie almost shouts, "NORA!" I give a little jump and realize she had been trying to get my attention for several moments. "Are you alright? You seem deep in thought over there" she says concerned. "Oh, yes I was just thinking" I reply. "Well, Jax and I just want you to know that even though we have just met it feels like we have been friends forever, and we are here for you" Bonnie tells me. "Yes! We know you have been through a very hard time, and we will do all we can to help" Jax says.
"Thank you both so much! I felt that we've been close for a long time as well, and that's before I even knew the truth" I reply. Bonnie frowns a bit and asks, "What truth are you talking about?" Hesitantly I reply, "That you are my daughter." A shocked expression spreads over Jax's face, and Bonnie looks almost angry.
I tell them both what Ms. Parfon explained to me, when I was back at the house. Bonnie puts her hands on her hips and frowns, "I don't believe a word that old witch says. I love my parents, the Richardson's. They have been there for me since before I could even speak. They have never mentioned that I was adopted. Nora I consider you a friend, but I can't just turn my back on everything I have ever known." Jax whispers, "Bon..." and shakes his head, as if to tell her to stop."
"No Jax! I just...this is overwhelming! I'm supposed to believe my whole life is a complete lie based on a crazy old witch, and a girl we just met?" Bonnie fumes. "How long have I known you Bonnie? A long ass time, that's how long! All the while you mention things like you and your parents having opposite idea's about almost everything. They just don't seem to understand your personality, and I mean c'mon Bon no one in your family has that gorgeous hair color. Maybe Nora is telling the truth?" Jax says.
Bonnie and Jax continue arguing back and forth, and I begin to feel uneasy. I should have waited to talk to her about it. What if she hates me, and they just abandoned me here in the woods. Everything just becomes too much, and I decide to sneak away. Walking through the woods tears flow down my cheeks. I have finally found my daughter, and she wants nothing to do with me. Who knows how far I walked, maybe I was just walking in circles, all I know is that my stomach was growling angrily.
Drying my eyes, I notice a small berry bush nearby, and grab a few. Delicious, wild strawberries! I sit munching on the berries, feeling much better indeed. Perhaps I acted in haste rushing off. It is a lot to process, maybe that was just Bonnie's initial reaction. At any rate I'd do better sticking with a group instead of out here on my own. "It's settled then, I'll go back" I think aloud. Grabbing a few more berries for the walk back I suddenly see what looks like a face peering at me from around the bush. I gasp and jump back but it puts a finger to its' mouth motioning me to be quiet. The figure steps out of the bushes and I can't believe my eyes.
Unable to speak, I simply stand staring at Ms. Parfon. My heart sinks to the bottom of my stomach, my head is screaming for answers to why all of this is happening. "Haven't I been through enough?" I wonder to myself, "When will all of this trouble end?" Thinking back over my life, of all the hardships, the tragedy, and the mean-spirited people I've encountered makes me wonder if I've been cursed or something. The few blessings in my life have been torn away from me, and in my efforts to find my way back to one of them I find myself attacked and hopeless of escape.
"Now we almost have the potion ready dear" Ms. Parfon announces. Finally finding my words again, I manage to say, "B-but if you've trapped me here why are you still making a potion to help me?" She laughs and replies, "Now what makes you think I would do such a thing? This potion is for that of the mind, one that will allow me to have a very loyal assistant. One that is obedient."
Ms. Parfon adds more ingredients to the potion and stirs it around with her large wooden spoon. The smell coming from the cauldron is putrid and I can hardly bare it. "Ooo, we are getting close. Not so long now" she mutters. "It's perfect don't you see? No one knows you, no one will be looking for you. I can send you to town to get supplies for me and no one will be the wiser!" she laughs wildly.
I snap, "But there are people that know me, and there are people that will be looking for me!" Ms. Parfon whips around swiftly to face me, and her lip curls into a disgustingly sweet smile. "Oh yes the little friends you met yesterday. Once they realize that they can't find you, they'll give up and go on home. Like it never even happened" she hisses.
She turns back to face the cauldron and mumbles, "Now, maybe if she knew she was your daughter she would try a little harder to find you. But, she doesn't so no harm, no foul" she giggles over the brewing potion. "WHAT!?" I shout, "What did you just say?" Suddenly Ms. Parfon looks horrified but then calms her expression. "Nora, do you like pumpkin cider? I have some made up. It's especially good for memory loss, maybe you have a cup and get your thoughts sorted out?" she offers suspiciously.
"No! I don't want your cider! I want to know what you just said, about Bonnie being my daughter!" I bark. Ms. Parfon points her long gangly finger nail at me and says, "The truth! Oh, she wants the truth. And what good will that do you deary? Ah well, you see I will tell you this because I know soon you will partake of this potion and your brain will know only what I tell it to know. So! Margo Pierce was my grandmother, she was the one that helped me with my powers.
She once told me of you and your family and your little daughter Bonnie." "But the police said they found a baby drown with my mother!" I interrupt. "Did you ever see the deceased baby? You know Margo had that whole town in her pocket, they were lying Nora! The truth is Margo sent Bonnie away, to the future. The Richardson's I believe found her and raised her as their own. She, like you, has no idea of the truth. How funny that you both should be here now. What a heartwarming story of mother and daughter reunited. Oh wait, that's not how the story goes at all!" Ms. Parfon laughs.
"I have a different ending in mind. Perhaps I keep you under my spell to be my little errand girl, and Bonnie will be a present for Philip" she cunningly smiles. "You wouldn't!" I scream. Ms. Parfon whips out her wand at me and a spell shoots out, sending me flying backward, landing on my bum.
Suddenly Philip bursts into the room, "Madame it's happened again. I'm so sorry, I don't know how she keeps getting out!" he exclaims. Enraged Ms. Parfon throws the spoon she was using to stir the potion, directly at Philip. He grasps his forehead as it smacks into him. "Do you know why this keeps happening? Because, you are an idiot, that's why! I will now have to lift the barrier spell so we can find her" she snarls at him. "But Madame, if there is a barrier in place won't it keep her from leaving the grounds?" Philip asks. Ms. Parfon brings her wrist to her forehead, then looks at Philip in disbelief.
"Fool! It only prevents outsiders from entering! Perhaps I should withhold your payment collections for awhile!?" she snaps. "No Ma'am! I will find her, and she will pay, I promise!" he answers frantically. "Good! See that you do, and when you find her, bring her to me!" she says before turning back to the potion. Philip agrees and turns quickly darting from the room.
Shortly after he has left, Philip returns to Madame Parfon and I, this time with another girl like myself. Philip is firmly holding her frail body as she tries to break free. Her clothes are tattered and filthy, her face careworn though I could tell she was once beautiful. Not wanting to further upset Ms. Parfon, I decide now isn't the time for questions about the girl. "Ah, I see you've come back to us Emily. So nice of you to join us once again. This makes the third time you've tried to escape, now why would you continue to do that when you know what happens?" Ms. Parfon says slyly.
Emily stops struggling when Ms. Parfon speaks, and Philip puts her down. He then takes his place guarding the door. Emily looks at Ms. Parfon then hangs her head, not speaking. Ms. Parfon sneers with a sickening smile, "Ah well, you know the drill then. I'm sure Philip will be expecting quite a hefty payment." Emily begins to cry and with Ms. Parfon's instruction, Emily is taken away by Philip. "Wait! Take this one too!" she calls out to Philip as she grabs my arm, slinging me toward Philip and Emily.
Philip shoves Emily and I into a dark room that is empty, except for a single wooden chair. "You will learn to listen to Ms. Parfon, or there will be trouble for you!" Philip shouts at her. He slaps her, but she barely flinches. "Leave her alone!" I demand. "You should learn to keep your mouth shut Miss Nora" he replies shoving me to the ground. "I'll be back for you" he continues, "For now Miss Emily has a big payment that is due. I'll be collecting that now." He runs his hand through her hair and down her forearm as tears slide down Emily's pale gaunt cheeks.
She violently shakes her head and I lunge toward her to try to help but Philip grabs her by the leg causing her to fall as he pulls her out of the room. "Emily where is he taking you!?" I shout. He turns and chuckles, "Stupid girl, she can't speak. Madame made her a mute!" With that they leave the room and I hear the door lock behind them.
I sink to the floor and bury my face crying. The hours roll by as I look for anything I can find to break out of the room. As I sit on an old wooden chair, nearly overcome with hopelessness, I hear a soft creak and suddenly the chair collapses. Spilling out onto the floor I lay there frustrated, until an idea strikes me as I glance over at the splintered bit of wood. "I bet I could pick the lock with one of those wooden fragments" I mutter softly. Choosing a small shard of wood I work at picking the lock. Finally, success, but just then I hear voices approaching.
The door knob turns slowly and I back into the corner of the room. As the door swings open I see Bonnie and Jax poke their heads into the room. I am completely stunned to see them and dart to them when they wave me over. "What happened!?" Bonnie whispers. "Just get me out of here and I'll explain" I whisper back. "Ok follow me" Jax says quietly.
"Wait, there is another girl here! We can't just leave her!" I say under my breath. Quickly the three of us check the nearby rooms, until we hear Jax, "Psst! Over here" he says in a hushed tone. "Oh no! This poor girl!" I exclaim a little too loudly. Poor Miss Emily lay in a gray empty room, beaten and naked upon the floor. After checking for signs of life, Bonnie confirms that Emily is indeed dead. "Let's get out of here!" Bonnie says fearfully.
Bonnie plops a large bag at the front door and pops into her bedroom to see if Jax is ready to take off. Thinking we were about to leave I stand near the entrance of the house and see the two conversing in her room through the half open bedroom door. "I think so Bon, just need to stop by the store to pick up a few things for the trip. Mainly I think a quick oil change is in order" he mentions. "Oh my gosh Jax! You still haven't done that yet!? What if your car just burns up? Bonnie scolds placing her hands on her hips. Jax grins and playfully pulls her close. "Ah gimme a break babe, you know I always get it taken care of" he replies before kissing her.
Bonnie giggles and tells Jax to come on as they both head for the door. Quickly glancing away and pretending to be interested in a painting on the wall I turn and say, "Ok, I am ready when you are." Bonnie and Jax explain that there is to be a quick stop before we start our little journey, and then we'll be on our way.
Jax leads Bonnie and I out to a very strange motor car. Sleek design and shiny silver paint coats the car, while a black leather interior gives the car a luxurious feeling. As we climb in and begin our journey to Ms. Parfon's I relax in the back seat enjoying the beautiful scenery of the French countryside.
Hours later, the car turns down a long gravel lane surrounded by a thick forest. We reach a clearing where we approach a home that sits next to a stream, and Jax announces that we've arrived. Climbing out of the car, Bonnie turns to me and says softly, "Let us talk to her, we will explain everything." "Ok, but what exactly can she do to help?" I ask whispering. Bonnie shakes her head, "We don't know if she can, but she would be the only one we know who could. Let's see what she has to say, ok? Don't worry we'll get it all figured out."
Bonnie gives a rapid knock on the door and a woman opens the door. She was wearing a flowing colorful dress and gaudy jewelry, smiling brightly she almost shouted, "Well hey there! C'mon in!" Jax, Bonnie and I follow her into her home which almost has an eerie feeling about it.
"Thank you for coming, and welcome to Madame Parfon's house of inquest and discovery. What do you lovelies need?" Ms. Parfon inquires. Jax and Bonnie slowly begin telling her of my tale and she seems quite interested. When Bonnie reaches the part about Margo possibly being a witch Ms. Parfon gets very flustered and leaves the room.
"What is going on?" I ask Jax softly. "Her mother murdered her whole family, blamed it on a witch.." he answers. "Oh my goodness! How dreadful, how ever was she spared?" I exclaim. "Shh, keep your voice down please. She was able to heal from her wounds but was kept in the hospital for quite some time" he answers. "Guys, she's coming back" Bonnie says.
"You need to go. I don't tolerate people coming to my home and making a mockery of me! All this talk of witches! It's bullshit, there are no such things as witches, just the mentally unstable and their fabrications" Ms. Parfon says raising her voice. "We're sorry Ms. Parfon, but we're telling the truth. We only came here because you're the only person we could think of that could help" Bonnie tries to reason. Ms. Parfon throws her hands into the air and snaps, "FINE! Have a seat, but if I find out you are lying to me, you'll be sorry."
Everyone takes a seat around a large wooden table and Ms. Parfon closes her eyes. "Now tell me every specific from when Margo entered the woods to meet you" says Ms. Parfon. Bonnie gives me a nod and I tell them everything I can remember. Opening her eyes Ms. Parfon breathes out slowly and sits in silence for a moment. Bonnie exchanges looks with Jax, who shrugs uncertainly. "I believe your story" Ms. Parfon says softly looking at each of us. "Then why did you get so upset? Jax says frustrated. "I have a reputation to protect! What kind of business would I be getting if people thought I believed this type of thing? Or that I myself am a witch. I don't wanna be sent to the nut house, ya know!?" Ms. Parfon retorts.
"Lucky for you I know the spell that she used and I am willing to help you, but I will have to brew up a potion for you. It won't come cheap, I'll need at least 2 by this evening. Come back when you have it and I will begin working on the potion" she tells us. "Already gotcha covered" Jax tells her and lays $2000 dollars on the table. "Jax, you don't need to do that" I say, but Bonnie shoots me a look and shakes her head. "Done. I will call you when it's ready, make yourselves at home. I will return shortly" Ms. Parfon says.
Relaxing in the living room, Bonnie, Jax, and I talk excitedly about Ms. Parfon's potion. "Thank you so very much both of you. Let me pay you back somehow" I tell them, but they respectfully refuse. "Well I'm gonna see if I can find a snack to cook up. Be back in a jiffy" Bonnie says jumping off the sofa. Jax and I watch the television, and he excitedly tells me about television nowadays. Bonnie returns rather quickly looking flustered. "Why Bonnie, what's wrong" I ask. "I think we have a problem. I just overheard Ms. Parfon on the phone, she was laughing and talking about how we don't know what we've gotten ourselves into. She told whoever it was how could we not know that Margo was a cousin or something. I just don't know if we should trust her..." Bonnie states.
Uncertainty fills me and I agree with Bonnie, "I don't think we should either." "You girls have been watchin' too many movies. I'm sure everything will be alright. Ms. Parfon has helped alot of people. Why don't we grab something to eat and return to see what she has to say" Jax offers. "Ready to go!" Bonnie states. "Where are you all headed off to? I haven't completed the potion yet" Ms. Parfon asks as she comes around the corner. "Off to get a bite to eat while you finish up the potion for Nora" Jax states. "Why don't you and Bonnie run along and pick up something to eat for everyone. I need Nora here to help me with the potion. She'll be just fine, the groundsman Philip will be here soon to keep an eye on things. We agree and with that Bonnie and Jax take off to pick up some food.
Wandering around the house, I peek into a room that contains an interesting collection of moths and butterflies. I hear the door creek and before I am able to turn around, someone places their hand over my mouth. "Shhh don't scream, although this far out I don't think anyone would here you" says a low deep voice. Turning me to face him a large burly man stands before me and I struggle to break from his grip. "Now Miss Nora I don't think that's gonna do you any good" he says loosening his belt. "No! No! No!" I try to shout, but it only comes out as muffled noise through my covered mouth.
The large man suddenly backhands me across the face, sending me to the floor only half coherent. Ms. Parfon says you require an elaborate potion, she and I have an agreement, but unfortunately for you it requires more than money. So we can do this the easy way, or the hard way" he bellows at me. Scrambling to get to my feet he pins me down as he leans down and places a large bit of tape across my mouth. "The hard way it is then" he grins. Violently undressing me he forces himself upon me as I try to scream. I close my eyes and try to endure it until it's over, but he strikes me again and demands that I keep my eyes open. Tears stream down my cheeks as muffled screams try to break through the tape across my mouth. He smiles wickedly as he presses firmly against me. He slows then whispers in my ear viciously "You speak of this, and you die."
Rising he buckles his belt and runs a hand through his hair. With one swift pull he rips the tape from my mouth and demands that I dress and follow him. Sobbing I pull my clothes back on and get to my feet. "Stop that crying! Now let's go!" he growls. Quickly I wipe my face and try to silence my crying. Following the man downstairs to the basement we find Ms. Parfon stirring a large caldron. "Ah, Philip! Good to see you, did you collect your payment?" Ms. Parfon asks. "Yes Ma'am, I did indeed" Philip says in a snarky manner grabbing my bottom firmly with one hand. I move away from him quickly and take a seat in a nearby chair folding my arms unhappily. "Wonderful! Though if this potion becomes any more difficult the price just might increase!" she laughs slightly. Philip smiles and tells her to come find him if she needs anything.
"Ms. Parfon do you know what just-" I begin but she cuts me off. "Tsk tsk tsk you would do well to follow Philip's instructions. I'd hate for such a beautiful girl to meet such a bitter end so quickly" she says, not taking her eyes off the potion. "I think when Bonnie and Jax return we should take our leave. You can keep the money, and you don't even have to finish the potion" I suggest. "Hah silly girl, those two will never be able to find this place again, now that the enchantment is in place" she says almost laughing.
The lavender smell is becoming sickening as I notice a small container with liquid in it. The scent seems to be pouring from the container. I lean down to read the engraved label, and think to myself "What is scentsy?" I just want to get out of here, back to Freddie, Betsie, and the Warner's. I turn leaving the room, to find the front door. More strange decor fills the parlor and I am feeling quite overwhelmed trying to make sense of it all. Then I see the front door and dash towards it.
I yank open the front door quickly, but stand in awe at what I see in front of me. Daylight shines on a busy side walk just outside the threshold, and an even busier street with the strangest vehicles I have ever seen zooming down the road. A young woman walks past me in slightly more than her underclothes and I let out a gasp. I notice a man standing next to me and it appears he is trying to talk to me because he asks "Are you going tonight?" Uncertainly I say, "I'm sorry but I don't understand." "Hold on a minute James, some crazy lady is trying to talk to me" he says. "Sorry lady, I'm on the phone" he tells me and walks off. "On the phone!?" I call after him, "How can you be on the phone when you are outdoors?"
All of the people are wearing the strangest clothes, and ladies wearing pants. "Well, I never.." I say aloud. I just don't understand what is happening, and feel myself becoming light headed. Just as I am about to pass out, I feel someone's arm's grasping my shoulders, pulling me back into the building.
Resting on a sofa I see a beautiful young lady with bouncy auburn hair and bright green eyes looking at me. Her face is sprinkled with many freckles and her skin seems to radiate beauty. "Are you alright? What were you doing in my house?" she asks.
"I...I don't know. I would tell you what happened, but you will think I've lost my marbles" I manage to say. The young lady reassures me and asks that I simply tell her what has happened. I explain about the heated argument and the strange events that followed it. The girl gasps "Oh my gosh! That's horrible, but how? How could this happen?" she asks staring at me. "I have no idea, could witches really exist? If so, where has she sent me!?" I ask. The girl takes a deep breath and then slightly giggles as she says, "Ok let's slow down, we'll figure this out. I don't even know your name or age or anything!" "Oh, right. I'm 18 and my name is Nora Warner, and you are?" I reply sitting up on the sofa. "My name is Bonnie Richardson and I'm 20 she tells me.
My eyes begin to sting, and I can feel tears forming at the sound of the name Bonnie. "I had a daughter named Bonnie..." I say almost in a whisper. The tears come pouring out and Bonnie Richardson hands me a tissue. "You've been through a horrible time, why don't you try to rest a bit. When you wake up we can get a bite to eat and sort this all out ok?" she offers. I nod in agreement, and lay down on the sofa.
Hours later I awake to the smell of something delicious cooking. I find my way over to the kitchen where I find Bonnie cooking up some food. "Well good morning! Or, afternoon I should say. You must have been tired to sleep so long. How are you feeling?" she asks. "I'm feeling fine, just confused still. I miss Freddie, and Betsie, and my in-laws. I wonder if I might give them a call?" I ask. After making a few calls, I'm no better off, none of the numbers were working.
"I could take you to your old house if you like? Where do you live?" Ms. Richardson asks me. Bonnie goes over to her desk and takes a seat. In front of her sits a small black box, and another flat one with a series of buttons that are marked with the letters of the alphabet. "What in the world? What is that?" I blurt out. Bonnie turns and gives me a strange look. "You mean to tell me you've never seen a computer before? Where have you been hiding! They have only been around for a couple decades" she says.
Staring blankly at her, she realizes that I actually haven't seen a computer. Surely by now she must think I've lost my wits. She glances down slightly then asks, "You're seriously, aren't you?" I nod and she continues well that could take quite awhile to explain. For now I will tell you that this is a device that allows me to look up addresses of people, and see it on a map." "Gee whiz! That's amazing! How truly convenient, let's get to it" I exclaim. "Yea...gee whiz. You're a funny girl Nora, I haven't heard someone say gee whiz in a long time" she says in a friendly manner. I shrug and respond, "Why it's just what folks say."
"Alright, let's have that address. I'm going to check mapquest, and see where it's located" she says as she presses the alphabet buttons rapidly. "246 Streamside Lane" I tell her. "So, I just put in your address and..." she begins to say. "Is, everything alright?" I wonder aloud. Bonnie stands turning and faces me with a strange look upon her face. "You're a long way from home Nora" she says bewildered. I lean down to look at the computer screen, to see what she was looking at. I gulp and scan the computer screen for more information to confirm it is correct. Then I let out a gasp of surprise at my findings. Bonnie states, "Yea I don't know how that is pos-" "Is this correct?" I say loudly, "What year is it!?" Bonnie raises her eyebrow and replies, "Yes it's right, it's 2017. Why?"
I feel myself collapsing to the floor, but Bonnie grabs me just in time and helps me to the floor to have a seat. "That can't be right. It's 1945" I say breathlessly. She gives me a cool cloth for my head and we discuss the matter for the next few hours. We swap stories of things of her time and mine, and we come to a conclusion, a very bizarre conclusion. Margo truly must be a witch after all, and has somehow managed to send me through time to another land. Bonnie and I agreed that we should keep this to ourselves so I wouldn't be shoved into some mental asylum. "Well she wasn't lying when she said she would send me far away, I'll give her that" I say trying to find humor in this outlandish circumstance.
"First things first, if you're going to be in 2017 you need to look the part" Bonnie states. "We will get this figured out, but in the meantime you'll look a lot less conspicuous in some other clothes. Follow me" she says and begins up the large spiral staircase leading upstairs. In her room she digs through dresser drawers and a large closet, searching for clothes. "Aha! This will be perfect, try it on" she says excitedly, handing me some clothing. Once I have everything on, and in the proper way (I had some trouble figuring out how some of it goes on), Bonnie suggests that we do my hair. "I've always had a well kept hair do" I tell her. "Yes, I'm sure you do, but in 2017 no one wears their hair like that" she tells me giggling a little. I chuckle and express that everything is so strange to me, and it takes some adjusting. "There now, all done!" Bonnie says as she turns me toward the mirror.
I stand in front of the mirror in awe. I look like a different person, these clothes, this hair, it's almost comical. "I feel ridiculous Bonnie. I don't know how I feel about the length of this skirt. Won't people think I'm some kind of brazen hussy? Pardon me for being so bold, but you are wearing pants! Imagine a lady in pants" I tell her. Bonnie laughs, "You must mean promiscuous, and no, I have dressed you pretty modestly. Aw, c'mon you look great. It's just how people dress nowadays. Lot's of women wear pants" Astounded I repeat, "Modest. This is modest?" "I wouldn't worry about it too much Nora. Hey! How about I make you something to eat, I know I'm hungry! Bonnie suggests changing the subject.
As Bonnie and I are about to eat the meal she has prepared, a song begins to play. "Sorry I've got to take this Nora, it's my boyfriend" Bonnie says and pulls a small black box from her pocket. "Hello? Hey sweetness...I just haven't had time to call you. Yes, I have been with a friend of mine. You don't know her, she's a new friend. Of course! Tomorrow would be fine babe. Ok see ya then. Big kiss" Bonnie chats. "Must be some sort of portable phone! My word! I don't know if I am ready for all these modern inventions, there is so much to learn" I think to myself as I eat. "That was my boyfriend Jax. He was wondering if I wanted to hang out tomorrow. He will probably come over early. I think it will be ok to tell him what's going on, if you are ok with that" Bonnie asks. I agree and we both take our plates to the kitchen. After cleaning up the kitchen I decide to do some reading while Bonnie takes a bath. She shows me to the guest room and I turn in for the night.
Next morning I hear voices coming from the living room. After I dress, I join Bonnie and her boyfriend Jax, who are lounging on the sofa. "Oh good morning! Hope you slept well" Bonnie greets. Jax rises to his feet and extends a hand politely. "Hey there! I'm Jax, you must be Nora?" he asks with a large smile on his face. I smile and politely shake his hand. "Pleasure. I slept just fine Bonnie, thank you" I tell them.
Jax heads into the kitchen and calls out, "Anyone for a coffee?" Bonnie and I both agree and Jax raises a mug into the air and with a grin he replies, "Two coffee's comin' up!" As I take a seat next to Bonnie and discuss the situation, she leans over and whispers, "He's all caught up, don't worry, he won't say anything. Might even be able to help actually" she tells me. "Oh really how can he-" I start but Jax interrupts me. "How can who, what?" he chuckles passing out the coffee's. "I was just telling Nora that you might be able to help her" Bonnie interjects.
"Bonnie told me about your predicament. I think I may know someone who can help, but it's kinda pricey, and it's.. um .. a little strange. Well, Ms. Parfon is anyhow, but she's helped alot of people with odd circumstances. Thought we might give her a try if you're up for it?" Jax explains. Bonnie chimes in, "She's a a little cuckoo, but I agree with Jax though, not alot of options for the situation you're in. It's up to you though." Feeling slightly nervous, I'm not sure I should go see this woman. "I mean what if I end up worse off than I am now? On the other hand, I don't know how much worse it could be getting sent through time and space to another state" I think to myself. I decide that it would be a good idea to at least try and tell Bonnie and Jax I'm in. "That settles that then. Ready to take off?" Jax says standing up. "I'll get everything ready to go" Bonnie says and parts the room to gather up some belongings.
