Witch & Curse by Nancy Holder, Debbie Viguié Read Free Book Online Page A

Mom and Dad fight for the rest of their lives
, she thought fiercely.
    â€œIt’s a mistake, right?” she blurted. “It’s not them.”
    â€œI saw them, sweetheart,” Barbara said firmly, caressing Holly’s cheek. “I identified them.”
    Holly was amazed at the fresh wash of grief and despair that overtook her. She had had no idea that people could hurt this badly. She thought again of Janna and was deeply ashamed of herself.
    Maybe God is paying me back for being such a bitch
, she thought.
    After Holly quieted, Barbara turned to the stranger and said, “I’m Barbara Davis-Chin. Holly’s best friend’s mother.” She was amazingly composed.
    â€œI’m Holly’s aunt, Marie-Claire,” the other woman said. Her smile was watery weak and sad. “I guess Danny never mentioned me. Apparently he had listed me as next of kin.”
    Barbara made a moue of apology, then turned her attention to Holly. “Sweetie,” she said, “your mom asked me to look after you if anything ever happened to her. Did you know that?”
    Holly wasn’t surprised, but still she said, “No.”
    Barbara nodded. She reached forward and trailed her fingertips over Holly’s corkscrew curls. “I’ve watched you grow up,” she said softly.
    Holly glanced at her newly discovered aunt. “My dad wanted me to live with her.”
    â€œYes, about that . . . ,” Barbara began.
    The woman stepped forward and cut in, “Holly, if you have someone you want to stay with, that’s all right.” She smiled at them both. “I certainly don’t want Holly to come to Seattle against her will.”
    For a moment, Holly was stung. It was obvious her aunt didn’t want her. Then her more adult self kicked in; who would want a third high school student in thehouse? Marie-Claire’s family had their own lives, and she was a total stranger. Besides, she wanted to stay in San Francisco for her senior year.
    â€œOf course, if you want to come to Seattle,” Aunt Marie-Claire added, “you’re more than welcome.” She laid a reassuring hand on Holly’s forearm. “I’d love to get to know Danny’s daughter.” Her eyes softened. “I missed him, all those years.”
    â€œWe can talk about all this later,” Barbara suggested. “Holly needs to think things over.”
    â€œNo,” Holly said. She colored at the panicked tone in her voice. “I’d like to stay with you, Barbara. If it’s really okay.”
    â€œOh, sweetheart, it’s more than okay.” Barbara put her arms around her. “It’s what I’d like, too. That house is going to be awfully empty without . . . without Tina.”
    â€œOkay, then.” Marie-Claire pressed her hands together. She said to Barbara, “I’d like to go back to . . . home with you both and help with the . . . arrangements.”
    The funerals
, Holly translated, feeling a little sick again.
Oh, my God, I’m an orphan. My parents are dead. I have no brothers or sisters
.
    â€œHolly?” Marie-Claire said.
    Both women looked at her. Holly shook her head. “I’m tired.” She touched her forehead and sighed. “Just really tired.”
    â€œShe needs her rest,” a nurse announced as she bustled in. “She’s had enough visiting for now.”
    Barbara moved away from Holly’s bed. She said to Holly’s aunt, “Let’s get some coffee, all right?”
    In unison, they smiled at Holly, then picked up their purses and walked out of the room. Barbara was very much the counterculture San Franciscan, Marie-Claire the upscale fashion trender.
    She must be rich
, Holly thought. Then for the first time, she realized,
I’m rich, now, too
.
    The nurse said, “You’re all wound up. I’m going to ask the doctor to prescribe something for you to sleep.”
    â€œNo,”