The old lady stood in my kitchen expressionless. BeeBee wasn't coughing and Reggie wasn't running in here. I bent down to the floor and started picking up the shards of glass, "Don't take away my wish, please. I'll do anything to keep them as my friends." I murmured softly.

The witch gave a little laugh, "Anything, really?"

"Yes, I would. I don't even want to be popular anymore, I just want to have friends." I looked up at her, "Please."

She gave a sympathetic smile, "But Wilma, you messed up, you made a mistake. Consequences come with mistakes. Wilma, don't pick up the glass, it's a waste of time."

I ignored the old lady and continued to pick up the pieces. They were like my heart that was slowly breaking, because I knew that the witch wouldn't listen. She seemed nice, but stubborn, kind, but unforgiving. "I fixed my mistake ma'am, we're all Claverfordians, forever and always."

She tapped her chin thoughtfully, "Hm, I suppose you did. You do still appear to be a Claverfordian, not any taller, not any maturer. But, in addition to extending your wish with wordplay, you have to do two favors for me."

My heart started beating rapidly, "Really? I can keep my friends?"

"All spells must end eventually, but they will remain your friends if, and only if, you tell them the truth-"

"I've tried to, they just don't listen! They insist that I'm crazy and that they like me for me, not because of some 'spell'."

"Wilma, please don't interrupt. Just tell your close friends the truth, you don't have to tell everyone, this time they will listen, they will see the truth of it. Also, the next time you see me-"

"I have to help you again?"

"Don't interrupt again, Wilma, it's extremely rude. And no, the next time you see me, you must go to the nearest person and tell them of your experience, share the knowledge so the world will be a better place." I smiled hugely and nodded my head. "Everyone will continue to like you, but for you, like they've known you for years, and they're your very best friend. Now, hurry and take that water to BeeBee before she chokes to death.

I turned around to get another glass out of the cabinet, "Thank you so mu-" I turned back towards her but she was gone.