Im a little early today but well.. This Chapter.. Is Over Twice as long as most the others. There's only one other in the 2k mark. (I think chapter 3/4) Normally I aim for 1k odd in all my Writing. It's a comfortable mark for me. But every now and again, I just can't stop.
(PS: Im currently Writing Chapter 25 as im posting this!)
Philinda4EVA: I know, shes sooooo mean! Anyway, the chapter i know you've been waiting for.
Enjoy!
Chapter 22: Hiccup and Pipsqueak.
Hecate had tried to keep her nerves in cheek all day. She didn't know what was more nerve wracking. Leaving the castle, or seeing Pippa. She tried to convince herself it was leaving the castle. But the moment they pulled up, and she saw the Pink Witch smiley as ever waiting for them, she knew it was Her.
Mildred and Hecate landed with ease, While Pippa Ran up to them, Giving Hecate an engulfing hug. "Oh it's so good to see you both!" She let go of Hecate to wrap her arms around Mildred. "I'm so glad you could make it"
She moved back, her hands brought up in front of her, as if praying. "Thank you for your invite, Pippa". Hecate spoke in a low tone, not trusting herself to speak any louder.
"Oh hush! You know you're welcome any time, Hiccup!" Her little nickname made Mildred giggle slightly. She thought it was Awfully cute.. But that just earned her a Hardbroom Stare down.
"Do come in!" Pippa Ushered her guests inside. The Main entrance had loads of flags of the school, and a grand staircase. "Iv Assigned a student to look after you tomorrow, Mildred. She'll come and collect you just in time for Breakfast, and will stick with you throughout the day!"
"Thank you, Miss Pentangle!" Mildred seemed surprised she'd been given such thought.
"Oh it's no worry, Darling!" Miss Pentangle placed her arm around Mildred's Shoulder. "You're a guest! It's only right." She walked Mildred up the stairs, Hecate following in toe. Truthfully, Hecate admired how much Pippa cared. Not just for the general welfare of her students. But also for Mildred.
They went up a few flights of stairs, Before coming to a long Hallway. "You'll be in the Teacher's Corridor, I do hope that's alright." it was more aimed at Mildred, than Hecate. Given that Mildred wasn't a teacher.
"That's fine, Pippa" Hecate confirmed for them, giving her friend a polite smile. She didn't often smile at people, but for Pippa she would make the exception. Pippa gave an enthusiastic nod as she opened up one of the doors. The Staff Quarters weren't as big as those in Cackles. It was a room with a bed, draws, small bookshelf, tiny coffee table, a seat and sofa. There was also an on suit. But it certainly wasn't as big, nore did they get guest rooms within it. Hecate supposed that's because not many Teachers kept Guests, or Children within their rooms.
"This is you, Mildred." Pippa Announced before stepping out. Hecate stayed behind for a moment.
"I trust you'll be fine." She asked as she took out the shrinked suitcase, placing it down before saying "For you to not overflow, I need you now to grow!" The Case went back to its original size.
"Thank you, Miss Hardbroom." Mildred announced as her teacher left, closing the door behind her. Standing waiting for her in the hallway was pipps.
"Care for some tea, hecate?" Her cheerful demeanour seemed to slip. She was still smiling, but she seemed nervous. Hecate nodded, Paying only the slightest of attention when Pippa pointed out her own room for the next two nights.
Soon, she was invited into the headmaster's chambers. It wasn't as.. Bright.. As she expected. It had pale purple walls, reminding Hecate of a lilac. With White Furnishing, and soft pink decor. Truthfully, Hecate had been expecting neon pinks everywhere. Not a light and airy room. Yet, it fitted Pippa to a T.
Hecate sat down onto the couch, while pippa brought over some tea for the pair. She didn't need to ask what Hecate wanted. She made her tea, with just a splash of Milk and No sugar. Her own being made with three spoonfuls and plenty of Milk. It seems they were destined to be opposites in many ways. Something Hecate was finding more and more, that she didn't mind.
"So.." Pippa started as she sat down. "Im.. Very Happy that you've come here." Hecate could see that, if Pippa's rosey cheeks and beaming smile was anything to go by. Truthfully, Hecate hadn't seen her this happy in years. "I was almost worried you'd change your mind last minute." Hecate had thought of it. Honestly, everything was just a bit nerve wracking. But, She wouldn't let Mildred and Pippa down. One she could do, but not both. Come to think of it, Hecate was suddenly feeling very outnumbered. No telling what those two could convince her of when put together.
"Well, I'm here. I take it, there's a plan for tomorrow?" Hecate asked, ever the practical.
"Yes, there is! Iv Assigned Andrea to help Mildred during the school day. They'll have moden chanting in the morning, followed by your lesson on traditional potions. Then, they'll be a half lesson in there form rooms, each teacher has something separate planned." Pippa took a sip of her drink, rightfully so seeing as she was going as fast as a train. "As said, your lesson is second, It's up to you what you do during the first half..Perhaps Contact Cackles?"
Pippa watched as what colour was left on Hecate's face drained. That's right, she'd left cackles to fend for themselves. "I bet you're worried sick.." Pippa patted Hecate's knee, not that she noticed much. She was too busy thinking about how she should be worried.
"Yes, Of Course. I'll Mirror Miss Cackle tomorrow, and check in." Hecate Confirmed, Trying her best not to show how little she'd actually been worried at that moment. Pippa seemed far too pleased with herself.
"Wonderful. Everyone will be getting ready after the last lesson.. Then.. the Hall opens at Six for the party!" Pippa Finished her explanation, taking yet another sip of her drink. Hecate took this chance to pick up her own cup, taking a long sip.
A Comfortable Silence filled the room. Things had been.. Awkward between the two since they reconnected. Despite the problems of the past, there had been hidden words that the two had yet to work out. Feelings that had yet to be dished out. Hecate knew this was on her. Pippa was very comfortable with Talking about her feelings. But she was.. Closed off with hers.
She wished there was a way she could tell Pippa all her thoughts and feelings.. But everything she looked at, she clammed up. She couldn't explain it. Pippa was like a shining sun, bringing joy and good times everywhere she went. She was beautiful. Hecate thought she was beautiful. Perfectly styled hair, and an outgoing fashion sense. It was no wonder she was the popular one in their year. Even now, she was the glamorous one. Hecate on multiple occasions, had heard students talking about how wonderful Pippa was.
Meanwhile, Hecate was nothing like that. She was the tall gangly one, coated in darkness. Sure to bring rain wherever she went. She was Strict, and Moody. The Highlight of her week is chess. She knew that if anyone had a choice, they'd always choose Pippa. It hurt, but Hecate could never change who she was, not really. She was far to set in her ways now. And even if she could, she'd still never be able to match Pippa's brilliance.
Something about Pippa's last visit stirred something in her. 'I only ever wanted to be like you'. The Idea of such an envied witch seeking to be like her, was shocking to say the least. She'd assumed it was due to her power levels. She's surprised everyone by being able to transfer at Thirteen. It wasn't all that common. Unfortunately, The Confinement also limited her powers. She could still zip around the school, but even that had its limits. It felt a little weird now, having her full power back. She felt like nothing was off limits. Now, That was something to be envious of. She couldn't think of anything else that would warrant it however. The only thing about Pippa she could ever do with less of.. Was the pink. But that was more of a personal preference than anything else.
"Hiccup..?" Pippa looked at Hecate, Who had apparently been staring quite intensely at her. Hecate looked away instantly, taking a sip of her drink.
"I'm quite fine, Pipsqueak. I assure you." Hecate used the nickname as little as possible. It was rather childish, But Pippa loved it. She only really used it when poking fun, or to calm Pippa for whatever reason. "Although, I should really be going to Bed, It'll be a long day tomorrow." She made a move to get up, only to be stopped by Pippa's hand.
"Before you leave.. There's something I wanted to ask you." Hecate sat back, looking at Pippa. Whatever it was she wanted to ask, Hecate only hoped she'd be fast about it. Not because she wanted to leave, but because her heart was beating twice as fast as it should be. "What's your plans for the summer..?" Of all the Questions she could have asked, that was not one that Hecate had been expecting, and yet she didn't know what to expect! But it wasnt that.
"I'll be spending it the same way I do every summer. At Cackles, re-orginishing every cupboard left unlocked." It was only partly a joke. Ada had started locking cupboards she didn't want Hecate sorting. Hecate did so anyway. "With Mildred there, I suppose I'll have to find something to keep her occupied. She.. Has two friends sleeping over for one night."
"Cackles doesn't really seem like the place a young girl should be spending her holidays at.. I was thinking.." Pippa was Nervous, Wringing her hands together on her lap now. "That perhaps the two of you would like to spend it at my Summer house down south." Pippa Looked away briefly before continuing "With me, Of Course. Mildred's Friends can still come over, maybe for a weekend.."
Before Hecate had time to say anything. "There's a lake nearby, Loads of woods, a town not too far away.. Plenty for a young girl or three to do." She was trying to convince her, And it was working.
Hecate, in a surprisingly sweet moment, placed a hand over Pippa. "If it's all the same to you.." She started. "I'll think about it, and Talk to Mildred." It was only right that she went through the pros and cons. And talked to Mildred, to make sure she was okay with sharing the summer with Miss Pentangle.
So far, the only Cons that she could think of were 'lack of time to sort' and 'away from cackles'. Unfortunately, that second one was also on her Pros list.
"Oh, Well of course!" Pippa smiled once more. It wasn't a straight up No, and that was good enough for her. "Well, I shouldn't keep you." As much as she probably would have liked to.
Hecate stood and walked to the door, Pippa following. "Goodnight, Pippa."
"Good night, Hecate." Pippa replied.
It felt like the moment was missing something. Maybe a hug? No, That felt awkward. A Cheek Kiss? Maybe.. In the end, hecate settled on a very embarrassing nod, before walking towards her own room, She stopped before it and instead went over to Mildreds, Gently knocking on the door. "Come in!" The Voice yelled from the other side.
Hecate opened the door to spot Mildred already in bed, but happily on her Maglet. Her face practically lit up at seeing Hecate. "All is well, I assume?" She closed the door behind her and moved to sit on the side of the girl's bed.
"Yep. Maud and Enid are very jealous.." She had a devious glint in her eye as she gave her normal cheeky smile. Prompting just the tiniest of smiles from was nice seeing that sparkle in her eyes. After everything that had happened, she had feared it had been lost. And she was sure she wasn't helping that. But, maybe her actions spoke louder than words in the end. That was a thought to ponder on later.
"Speaking of your.. Friends." As she'd brought them up. "I know you had plans for them to come over this Summer.."
"A-Are they not allowed now..?" Mildred suddenly looked rather disappointed.
"Well, We've been invited to spend the summer.. With Miss Pentangle at her Summer Home. She's also invited Maud and Enid to spend a weekend there too.." Hecate both dreaded and loved that idea. It meant the two girls were not going to be running a muck over Cackles. That was nice. There would also be another adult, one who liked teenage girls far more than her. But.. It felt odd to invite students on holiday, and on Pippa's request, for a whole weekend.
"Wait.. Really?!" Mildred livened up. "Have you accepted? Please tell me you have!" Mildred practically begged.
"Not yet.. I wanted to speak to you about it first. You may have wanted to spend the Holiday at Cackles.." Hecate knew that was a lie. She also Knew the girl liked Pippa. She just wanted someone else to make that choice for her, that way she wouldn't have to dwell on it too much herself.
"I think we should go.. It'd be nice" Mildred said. Nice.. Yes.. "Plus, You get along with Miss Pentangle." She almost wondered if the girl meant something more by that. "Please can we go.."
Hecate nodded slowly. "I'll Accept tomorrow." She stood up and pointed to the Maglet. "Don't stay up too late, Mildred." She'd somehow become accustomed to not saying the last girl's name, even if it once rolled off her tongue so well. Mildred nodded, happiness reading all over her face. Before hecate Left her to it once more, Aiming to get a good night sleep herself. Though, with her mind swirling with thoughts as it was, she doubted it.
But, one could hope.
SO MANY WORDS! That deserves a review!
