“What house?” Gothel looked around, trying to find the house. The last time the odd sisters had visited, they spoke of the mysterious house, but she had been too exhausted to remark that she didn’t know what they were talking about. This time it just seemed ridiculous, like everything else. Lost sisters. Dragon-fairy witches. Invisible houses. She was at her wit’s end with the sisters.
“Calm yourself, Gothel! Really, now. Such uncharitable thoughts,” said Ruby.
“Our house is right there,” said Lucinda, pointing at it as if Gothel were clearly out of her mind.
“I don’t see a house, Lucinda. You are always talking about a house, but I’ve never seen it.”
The odd sisters had worried looks on their faces.
“What? What is it?”
“We’re not sure,” said Lucinda. “Come with us.”
They took Gothel by the hand and led her to their house, which was only a few feet away.
From her pocket Lucinda took a pouch that contained a powder the color of sapphires. “Here, put your hand out.” Lucinda poured a bit of powder onto Gothel’s hand. “Now blow, in that direction.”
When Gothel blew the powder into the air, the house started to materialize before her eyes. She couldn’t help gasping at having the front door right before her nose. “Can anyone else see this house?”
The odd sisters laughed. “No, just us, and any other witches that may happen by. But I think Jacob chose this place for its lack of magical beings. I don’t think we have to worry about any unwanted visitors knocking on our door.”
Gothel seemed to be taking something in. “So I’m not magical, am I?” she said as they walked into the odd sisters’ house. To the right was the living room, with a large fireplace flanked by two enormous black onyx ravens, and to the left was a cozy sunlit kitchen with a black-and-white checkered floor and a large round window.
The odd sisters gave her a sad look. “You still have the power of the rapunzel flower,” said Lucinda. They could see the endless wildflower field from the window. “Jacob chose a good hiding place for it here. I doubt anyone would find it even if they came looking for it.”
“Anyone can use the power of the rapunzel flower! I’m not a witch! I’m not magical!”
“Maybe the blood just needs time to take effect,” said Ruby.
“Yes, Gothel, try not to worry! You’re a witch in your heart!” said Martha.
“But I’m not! I’m not a witch! I’m not even queen of my lands! I have no lands. I have no sisters! I have nothing!”
“You have us!” said Lucinda. She turned to Ruby and asked, “Will you make us some tea, dear? Gothel is very upset.”
“Yes! Of course!” said Ruby, rushing to the stove to put on the kettle and knocking a cake tin that was sitting on the counter onto the floor, making a terrible clamor. “Don’t worry! The cake is fine!”
“Oh good! I was really looking forward to having some cake!” said Martha.
Gothel shot them the evil eye. “Never mind the cake!” she snapped.
“Well, it really is very good cake. It’s our friend’s special walnut cake. She baked it for us!” said Martha.
Lucinda gave her sisters a look. “Stop talking about the cake, you’re driving Gothel mad with all this cake talk!?
?? Then she took Gothel’s hand in hers and said, “Don’t you worry, Gothel! We consider you a sister. You know we do! It’s not your fault you were denied your inheritance. It’s not your fault your ancestors didn’t pass down their powers and knowledge.”
“Do you really think of me as a sister?” asked Gothel.
“We do!” said Martha, looking at her sisters for reassurance. “Don’t we, Ruby?”
“Yes! Of course we do!” said Ruby as she was nervously fumbling for a cup for Gothel’s tea.
“Do you think there is some kind of spell you could do? Something that would really make us sisters? Something that would let me share your powers?” asked Gothel. She could only imagine how she looked to the sisters. Sad and pathetic. Pleading. She hated herself for even asking them.
The sisters looked at each other nervously. “Oh, Gothel, I wish we could, but I’m afraid it’s impossible,” they all said together.
“I see!” she said, getting up from her seat and going to leave.