Eudora Addams hunched over her black cauldron, the bubbling liquid changing color as she recited her spell.
"He who drinks of thee shall have until the count of three to see
The heart shall not be deceived, the eyes should not be believed
If still he takes his wealth for granted, the drinker shall wake empty handed"
With each repetition of the verses, the potion began to glow taking on the power in her words. Thick bubbles poured over the ancient cauldron, emitting a seductively sweet aroma as they popped. Eudora continued to chant until the glowing liquid stopped changing colors and instead became a pulsating plum color.
"Perfect!" Eudora whispered to herself as the potion's glow began to die. As she reached for the vials she needed to bottle the potion, a loud crash broke her concentration.
"What was that?" She called out. Two young voices answered back a quick "Nothing!" in unison. Eudora rushed out of the kitchen, knowing full well that they were lying.
As Eudora was investigating what family heirloom the children destroyed, Gomez wandered into the kitchen.
"Mama?"
With no sign of his mother, Gomez was heading back out of the kitchen when his nose was assaulted by the enticing scent of the potion. Not one to resist temptation, Gomez took a ladle full of the dark purple liquid and brought it to his lips. Eudora appeared in the doorway just as the potion slid down her son's throat.
"Gomez, No!" She rushed towards him, but she was too late the magic had already taken its hold.
Gomez opened his eyes to find himself laying on the hard kitchen floor suffering from terrible indigestion. Pulling himself up, Gomez looked around the room. Nothing seemed out of place, so he assumed it was just a bad reaction to Mama's broth.
"You're in the wrong room, you should be in the library." Mama swept passed him as she said it, carrying a tray of miniature zebra burgers. Gomez smiled at the sight, knowing that those little patties were on their way to Cleopatra. Since Mama didn't give him a second glance, Gomez shrugged and headed to the library.
The door was ajar, leaving Gomez suspicious that Morticia or the children were up to something. Pushing on the door, Gomez smiled with expectation.
"Come in, Come in!" A voice boomed.
Gomez glanced around the room, but only found a strange man sitting behind the large desk.
"Can I help you?" Gomez asked, thinking he would receive an explanation about who the man was. Instead, he was met with a booming laugh.
"You sure know how to land a job! What's your name, old sport?"
Gomez was so confused, he didn't know how to answer. The man let out another booming laugh.
"That's good! I like a quiet butler, but I do need to call you something."
"Butler?" Gomez finally started to piece things together. "Oh no, Lurch…"
"Lurch sent you? Well, if you didn't have the job before you certainly do now! We'll miss him dearly, but if he recommended you as his replacement then we shall be in good hands. Now, what is your name?"
"I'm Gomez.." Before he could say his last name, he heard her voice and suddenly nothing else mattered.
"Darling?" she called from the hall.
"In here, my pet." The man answered. Gomez turned towards the door, not enjoying whatever prank was being played on him. His breath caught in his throat as she appeared. There was no question that it was Morticia, but she looked completely different. Her thick ebony tresses were pulled up in an intricate chignon, not a strand loose or a familiar curl laying on her breast. The gown that drove him wild since their wedding day was gone, replaced by an ankle length black dress with buttons all down the front and a stiff white collar.
"My love, meet our new butler, Gomez. This is Mrs. Addams."
Gomez just stared at her, waiting for her to crack into a smile and break the charade.
"Enchanté" Her hand was outstretched, and she spoke French so naturally Gomez began to adorn her with kisses. His lips were on her fingers then her hand, but then her flesh was suddenly taken away. "Edgar darling, the children want you to come see their play."
"Of course, my pet. Let me finish getting Gomez situated, and I will be right there." Morticia gave them both a slight smile before leaving the library. Gomez's eyes were glued to her form, watching every step with hope that she'd turn back around.
"Now, Gomez if you'll follow me." Edgar said as he left the library. Not sure what else to do, Gomez followed.
