Apple pie, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, bread pudding, carrot cake, banana bread, zucchini bread, harvest cookies, brownies, and many more delicious looking desserts were displayed in all their glory on the countertop.
"Now I don't want anyone getting sick! You each can take two things to start. After that, we'll see." Mrs. Bennett was in full mom, no-nonsense mode. And when she got like this every kid within earshot listened. After she had made sure each child understood her she smiled and her calm nature returned. She had everyone a paper plate and the line began to form and move along the counter.
Jack stayed at the back and away from everyone, he'd take something after the others were done so a moving dessert didn't cause a stir. However that plan was dashed when Mrs. Bennett walked right up to him. "Do you want some dessert?"
Jack looked behind him for the person she was talking to. Even though he knew no one was there, he'd made sure to be apart from others. Looking back he stared at her and pointed to himself.
"Yes you!" Mrs. Bennett answered his silent question. "You're not going to tell me you don't like sweets are you? I saw you laughing with Jamie at his uncle's story, that was impolite by the way, anyone with your obvious energy has to like sweets. Unless… You're allergic?"
Jack quickly shook his head no.
"Then go and get yourself something." She held a paper plate out to him.
The idea of the floating plates scaring everyone stopped him from taking it.
Seeing his hesitation Mrs. Bennett's face became a mask of concerned worry. "What's wrong?" She asks her voice low. The boy in front of her remains quiet almost like he doesn't know how to talk. But that isn't true. She thinks remembering her husband having a conversation with this boy; he was the only non-family member so he must be the friend of Jamie's that Albert had bumped into.
She looked at the boy again, taking in his wind tossed white hair, well used blue hoodie, ridiculously old tan pants, and bare feet. He looked faintly familiar but she could swear she never seen him before, which was odd since Jamie always introduced his friends to her. What was his name? She heard him say it to her husband. Started with a J. Josh, no, Jup, that's not it, Jason, not quite. She continued to ponder this as the boy in front of her shifted nervously and kept looking around. Was he scared or just unsure? He still made no move to take the plate she held out to him. Maybe he is just unused to having people offer him something? His outfit did seem to scream that something was off. She racked her brain for a name. Jasper, no, Jack, wait! Jamie and his sister often talk among themselves of how they did this or that with a Jack. "Your name is Jack right?" She asked out loud, his eyes snapped back to her.
She said his name, he hadn't told her what it was, and yet she just said it. Jack staring at her eyes, there wasn't one speck of blue magic in them, so how was she seeing him? "Y… Yes." He answers.
"I knew you could talk." Mrs. Bennett said almost mockingly. Jack gives a nervous laugh. "Are you all right?"
Just then Jamie walks over. "Mom, this pie is absolutely amazing! Did you do something new?!"
Mrs. Bennett gives her son a knowing look. "It's the same recipe I've always used. You can't pull the wool over my eyes Jamie, you're after something. What is it?"
"Nothing," Jamie replied, the picture of innocence. "I just really like the pie!"
"Aha Hu?" She mumbled unbelievably. Jamie's eyes kept going to Jack and he seemed eager to talk, but obviously not with her around. Taking the hint she decided to leave the boys to it… For now.
"Here Jack." Mrs. Bennett nearly shoved the plate into his hands. "Jamie, why don't you help your friend get some dessert, two things only, I'm going to talk with your father." Then she walked away.
When she was out of listening range Jamie finally spoke. "This is amazing Jack! She not only saw you but had a conversation."
"Just like your dad." Jack confirmed.
"Was it your magic?"
"No, I checked."
"What do you think it is then?"
"I… Don't know. But I want to find out."
Jamie noticed out of the corner of his eye that the desserts were starting to dwindle. If Jack was going to join in on the sweets they had to hurry. Taking Jack by the hand Jamie steered him towards the desserts. "I wasn't just using the pie as an excuse. You got to try a piece before it's all gone. Then we'll plan our next move."
One of my favorite songs is coming up next. I'm excited to see what you all think. Thank you for all the reviews, favorets, and follows. Please keep them coming!