Chapter 5

Marcia was in a small restaurant nest to the sea. Across from her sat Silas Heap. Since he had asked her out, her life had taken a new meaning. All of him was charming: from his blond curly hair to his black shoes; from his warm hazel eyes to the undone top button of his white shirt, partly hidden under a black blazer.

"You look beautiful!" was the first thing he had said when he had seen her simple indigo dress. It was not fancy in anyway but Marcia had a way of looking dignified in any outfit she chose to wear.

"So tell me about yourself." Began Silas, his tone a little hesitant. His date smiled; it was nice to see he was as nervous as she was.

"Well I was born in the port, my mother was a model and my father a professional fashion designer so I think you can guess how they met. I was born by accident and my parents had not wanted me. They were even more disappointed when they understood I would never be a model for, although I had my mother's height that was about all I had inherited from her."

Marcia suddenly realised that she was babbling and was about to apologise when she saw something in her attentive listener's look. He had not just been trying to make conversation, he was genuinely interested. She could tell he actually cared for – no adored her; possibly as much as she adored him. It was a sweet feeling to be loved and the young girl continued more confidently:

"I went to the local primary school and did the same for the first three years of my secondary tutoring. Then I decided I wanted to be a wizard and, to prove to my parents that I wasn't as worthless that they seemed to believe, I settled my goals for the extraordinary wizard position. Then I moved here and I work extra at The Rose Café from five to six thirty to pay for the small apartment that I rent in the ramblings which you saw last night.

"Anyways, what about you?"

Silas was stupefied. Passionate, charming, determined, ambitious, beautiful, wacky; she was perfect!

"Oh well you know, my life's gonna sound really boring compared to yours…" he joked.

Marcia laughed – the boy was just plain wonderful!

"I was born here. My father is a shape shifter and my mother a normal housewife. I have six brothers all of which specialised in Magyk and I'm expected to do the same." He saw those lovely blue eyes widen in surprise.

"Six brothers!? So you're a—"

"Seventh son, yes." He concluded. "But I am really untalented!"

"I'm sure that's not true! Everybody has a skill somewhere!"

"Yea…My aunt who's a white witch in the Marram Marshes says my talent is emptying other people's fridges." Confessed Silas with a smile. Marcia giggled.

Their conversation was interrupted by a server in a red costume which matched the table, who came to ask if they had chosen their meals. They ordered quickly and spent the next 15 minutes chatting about this and that. When their dinner arrived, Marcia dug enthusiastically in her Pasta Carbonara – it was delicious! Silas was enjoying a plate of Spaghetti Bolognese.

"Is it good?" she asked between two mouthfuls

"Oh yea it's great!" he seemed to consider for a second.

"Do…do you want a bite?" he finally offered shyly.

"Sure!" she answered, flashing a grin.

After they had finished their pasta – and quite a lot of each other's – they ordered two chocolate cakes for dessert.

Marcia faked an interest in the brochure in the middle of the table and took the opportunity to leave her hand there. Silas got the hint and placed rougher one on top. Her fingers were slim and soft. As their gazes crossed there was such love, such passion that Silas, though he had promised himself he would go steady, closed the space between them and got a full taste of her mouth. Marcia, who had made the same resolution, surprised herself by deepening the kiss.

The blissful moment was interrupted by the young server, carrying their desserts, who cleared his throat awkwardly.

"Oh yes thank you!" they said at the same time and Marcia decided that, no matter what, she would never disturb couple at her own café.

*****

While Marcia was thinking of the past, Septimus was thinking of her. What would she be doing without him? Did she mind? Was she enjoying her time without him? The boy sat down on a bench along Wizard Way and tried to order his thoughts. He wasn't Marcia's apprentice anymore, he was in a fight with his parents, and he had been so selfish, that he had occupied Jenna's attention for the whole evening without thinking of Beetle who would have loved to talk to her. Just as he had reached the conclusion that things couldn't get any worst, Alther landed next to him.

"Alther?"

"Septimus, you must come quickly! Please it's about Marcia!

"Oh my god Alther I promise it wasn't my decision to stop being her apprentice—"

"What do you mean? Wait we don't have time for this! I think she is really unwell. You see, a long time ago, I helped her cast a spell that automatically locks her rooms if she wants them locked but is too unwell to use Magyk at on the spot."

"Well yes but if she didn't want anyone to come in…"

"For god's sake Septimus! You know Marcia! She wouldn't someone to come in and see her throwing up all over the floor would she?" snapped Alther who was getting impatient.

"OK. Is there anything I can do?"

"Actually there is. Only someone who really cares about Marcia can enter. Now, I would go myself but the person has to be living."

"All right I'll go." concluded Septimus as he broke into a sprint. Alther floated contentedly away.

"No wait Septimus WAIT!"

The boy halted and almost ran into Jenna.

"Sep! Sep, oh Sep!" she sobbed. "Please come over, it's Mum. She needs to see you!"

"Yes Jen but Marcia—"

"Septimus forget Marcia! Mum's dying!"

He panicked – Marcia or Sarah? Marcia or Sarah?

But inside, he knew what he had to do: family first!

AN: Thanks to all those who are reading this story! :)