Chapter Twenty One
Thanks But No Thanks

Jenna took her place, unsure of what she was about to receive. Tichiba did not keep her in suspense long. “Jenna…I have done you a grave injustice. If you wish an apology, I am witch enough to give it. As I told the girls, you may speak freely and without fear. You may ask anything, even for your mate to be healed as the girls did.

Jenna shook her head. “Thank you, but I don't need an apology. You see, I’m just like my girls, I already have the things I want most: to live as a woman, to have friends, to see my girls happy and whole…and to have my soulmate, no matter how long I have him for.”

Enchantra stood up. “Jenna, your time with him need not be short. We have the power to heal him.”

Jenna shook her head, “No thank you, I appreciate the gesture and I am touched and proud of my girls for their offer, but neither Rick nor I could allow them to make such a sacrifice. We’ve already made peace with his passing and we plan on making the most of what time he has.”

Tichiba shook her head. “You are as stubborn as Rebecca Anne and as dedicated. And …considering all that your family has endured, I fully understand why you would be skeptical of any offer of assistance, but don't judge all witches by the acts of one foolish one. Witches have great power, but we don't buy, sell or trade life. We would never allow the girls to make such a sacrifice.”

Tichiba took Jenna's hand in hers. “There is nothing I can do for Rebecca or for your sisters before you, but I can help you…I need to help you…please let me do this Jenna.”

Samantha looked on with the rest of the witches in attendance. Queens don't ask They don't say please and they certainly don't beg, at least not until now.

Jenna overcome by emotion, could only smile through her tears and nod. Tichiba released her hand and closed her eyes. She raised a hand in the air and whispered an incantation.

“He is healed now and this time the cancer will not return.”

Jenna tried to thank her but Tichiba waved her off. “We are not finished yet with either you or the girls.”

Tichiba looked at Becky and Cathleen as she continued to speak to Jenna. “The girls may keep the gift Tabitha has given them, but I believe to truly have what they want and be what they want, the adult within must sleep until they are of age. When they awake tomorrow, they will have no memory of this or anything else from their previous life. To them, they will have always been girls and you and Rick have always been their parents. Do you consent?”

Jenna looked at the girls before answering. Cathleen whispered in Beckys's ear. “Cathleen and me wanna know if we get to call you Mommy?”

Tears welled in Jenna’s eyes. “Yes my loves. Nothing would make me happier.”

Again, Jenna nodded and again Tichiba raised her hand and whispered a few words.

When she finished she took Jenna's hand again. “There is one more thing left to do, and that is to remove the curse from the locket. When I do this, everything will be as it should have been. Your powers will be reinstated, but only a little at a time and Samantha will have to instruct you in their use. I expect to see all witches at the regular coven meetings.”.Tichiba gave her favorite truant witch a glance before continuing. “And of course, you will now have your natural life span again, meaning you will measure your life in centuries instead of years. You will finally be the witch that you should always have been

Jenna stood silently for a moment as she considered all that she was being offered and all that she'd been given already “Thank you. Thank you so much for what you've done for the girls and for Rick. You've saved three lives and I will always be grateful and while I accept the fact that I am a witch, I can't accept the powers that go with it. I realize they can do great good but I also know they can do great harm and I can't trust myself to always make the right choice. And …as for a life measured in centuries, the last thing I would ever want to do is to watch those around me that I love grow old and die. So…thank you for the offer, but no thank you. I think all the magic I need is with my husband and my girls.”