When Samantha wants to help Jenna, she finds out her friend is the victim of a three hundred year old family curse...and a whole lot more.

Below the attention grabbing warning, the caption read that the owner and staff at Jenna’s Jumping Jack’s Toy Store, were men masquerading as women and girls. Three very unflattering pictures were shown below the accusation with additional claims that these cross dressing individuals were no doubt pedophiles using a child friendly environment to lure their victims in. It went on to challenge every parent to boycott the store and to contact the city county council to have the store's license revoked.

Samantha stared in disbelief at the three grainy photos. It was possible these were pictures of Jenna the owner and her two employees Becky and Cathleen, but she couldn’t and wouldn't believe they were men or pedophiles.

She had taken Tabitha there many times and even met Rick, Jenna’s husband. Over tea and conversation she’d learned they were a loving couple without children of their own who opened the toy store to be near children and provide a safe and happy environment to come and play.

Becky and Cathleen were adults in stature only and the best sales girls ever as they donned children’s clothing and played with the customers as one of their own.

Every kid left with a smile and a toy, even if their parents couldn't afford one, and both customer and staff got one hundred percent satisfaction ratings

On the strength of that evidence alone, she was convinced the accusations were false, but what truly removed even a hint of doubt was her witch's intuition. Witches have a sort of sixth sense especially when it comes to danger but the only images she ever received while at the toy store were those of joy and happiness in the hearts of the adults and children there, Occasionally, she felt a hint of sadness in Jenna’s heart that she attributed to her inability to bear children, but absolutely nothing evil.

Samantha shook her head. “Who in the world could be responsible for something like this? She said aloud as she scanned the print at the bottom of the flier. When she found her answer, she was only mildly surprised. The flier was signed “The Watchdog”.

The Watchdog was a neighborhood group of busybodies who left notes on your door to remind you it was time to cut your grass, or take down yard decorations. They were aggravating, but normally harmless .. at least until now.

This was a new low, even for their president, Mrs Gladys Kravitz, Samantha’s nosey neighbor who was constantly snooping to find proof that she was anything but a normal housewife.

Samantha let out a heavy sigh, “Oh Mrs Kravitz how could you?”

“Could she what dear?”, Endora popped back in

Samantha handed her the flier. She shook her head dismissingly as she read it. “Samantha…you know I’m not normally a fan of mortals, but .. when I came to that toy shop with you, I found Jenna to be tolerable, in fact, almost pleasant. Now ..her two little helpers seemed a bit odd, but definitely harmless. No….there was no malevolence there, just three females…and …well …a hint of something else… something that couldn't possibly be there.”

“You mean like the presence of another witch?” Samantha said aloud the feelings she’d experienced herself

“You too? And here I thought maybe my witchdar was picking up ghost images.”

Samantha shook her head, “No Mother, I felt that too. It was very faint, but definitely there. I just wish I knew where or who it was coming from.”

“Well surely you don't think that Jenna or one of her two assistants are witches?

Samantha shrugged her shoulders as she took a closer look at three photos. “I don't know what to think, but the more I think about Jenna the more I feel like I've seen her picture …not this picture …but a picture of her someplace else, I just can't remember where Mother “

Endora hugged her distraught daughter, “There ..there now little one you shouldn't concern yourself with the trivial dramas of the mortal world, but…if you insist.”

A smile turned at her lips as once again she raised her cobra claw to strike. “I could turn that Kravitz woman into a ferret. I think she’d make a perfectly divine ferret.”

“Stand down Mother”, Samantha grabbed her hand and lowered it. “You’re right about one thing. This is a mortal problem, at least I think it is and I have to deal with it in a mortal way.”

“Killjoy!”, Endora huffed. “If you're going to be that way about it, I'm going back to Leonardo’s studio.”

A knock at the door and a plea by her daughter delayed her departure. “Please don’t leave just yet Mother.”

When Samantha wants to help Jenna, she finds out her friend is the victim of a three hundred year old family curse...and a whole lot more.

Samantha answered the door and much to her surprise stood Jenna, hand in hand with Becky and Cathleen who were both in costume and apparently in character as if it were a normal day at the toy store.

“Jenna…Becky…Cathleen…what a wonderful surprise. Won’t you come in?”

Jenna stepped in with her sidekicks in tow. She was a lovely woman in her mid thirties with long light brown hair and big brown eyes to match. “Thanks Samantha, I hope we didn’t stop by at a bad time?”

Sam ushered the trio from the foyer toward the living room. “Of course not, I was just talking with my mother. You remember her don’t you?”

Jenna smiled warmly, “Hi Endora. It’s nice seeing you again.”

Samantha directed them toward the sofa. “I was just about to put a pot of coffee on. Won’t you sit down and join us?”

At the sound of the word “coffee”, Becky and Cathleen looked at each other and wrinkled their noses, before regaining their smiles as they spoke in unison. “Hi Mrs Stephens. Can we play with Tabatha?”

Samantha regarded the pair, Becky with reddish brown hair in pig tails and baby blue overhauls and Cathleen with reddish blonde hair also in pigtails and pink play dress, looked and acted exactly like any other eight and six year old save for the fact they were both well over five feet tall and in their late twenties.

She responded the same as she would to any of the neighborhood kids looking for a playdate. “Well of course you girls can. She’s upstairs in her bedroom.”

After getting one adult's permission they both looked pleadingly at Jenna for hers.

She was about to smile and give it until she saw the flier on the coffee table. She closed her eyes and sighed sadly. “I’m sorry we bothered you. C’mon girls. I think we better leave.”

Samantha turned toward her mother with a puzzled look from Jenna’s sudden change in demeanor. Endora nonchalantly solved the mystery by directing her daughter's attention toward the flier.

“Wait Jenna”, she reached out and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Please don't leave. We’d like to talk to you about it and we’d like to help…that is… if you’ll let us. So…please stay Jenna…please.”

“Can't we stay Aunt Jenna? Pleeeze…” The girls lended their support to Samantha's proposition.

Jenna smiled and nodded as she took a seat on the sofa. The girls cheered and headed toward the stairs.

“Her bedroom's the first one on the right.”, Samantha called out as the pair flew up the stairs in a cloud of pigtails and giggles.

Once they were out of sight, Samantha sat down next to Jenna and then turned toward Endora. “Mother, would you mind getting us some coffee?”

Endora smiled as she raised her hand, “Of course poppet. Cream, sugar, sixteenth century brandy from King Louie the fourteenth’s private stock? He and I just shared a sifter. It’s a marvelous vintage darling.”

Samantha's eyes went wide as she shook her head and pointed left. “The coffee pot’s on the stove Mother…in the kitchen.”

Endora sighed and headed toward the kitchen. “I’ll be right back after I make the coffee.”

Samantha gave a relieved sigh as she turned toward Jenna to find her friend holding the flier and shaking her head.

“You can run, but you can't hide.” She said more to herself than to Samantha.

“Jenna…I don't believe one word of that for a minute. They have no right to circulate something like that and I want to help you do something about it.”

Jenna smiled and took Samantha's hand. “Thank you so much. You’ve been a good customer and a better friend, which is why I came over.”

Her smile drained as she paused a moment. “There’s some truth in that flier…and those photos are of us, granted they're old and a little photoshopped, but it's us, well… at least who we once lived as and I appreciate you wanting to help, but Rick and I feel the best thing to do for everyone is to just close the shop and leave.”

Tears welled in Jenna's eyes. “I just wanted to come over to say goodbye and thank you for everything. The girls and I are really going to miss you and Tabatha.”

Almost on cue, the “The Three Munchkateers” came flying down the stairway with Tabitha leading the charge.

“We’re going outside to play Mommy”, she announced with her two cohorts in hot pursuit.

Endora returned with a coffee tray, neatly dodging the “three guided miss’s” as they blew past her on their way to the back garden.

After setting the tray down, she took a seat in the chair and made eye contact with her daughter who silently told her Jenna was in trouble and might need their help.

When Samantha wants to help Jenna, she finds out her friend is the victim of a three hundred year old family curse...and a whole lot more.

Samantha poured three cups and handed one to Jenna. “Maybe it's none of my business, but I really don’t want you to close the shop and leave. Tabitha loves going there and so do most of the other kids in the neighborhood. It’s a fun, safe place and I don't care what that flier says or if those pictures are real. I really want you to stay and I'd still like to help if you’ll let me.”

Jenna sipped her coffee and then sat it down, looking first to Endora and then back to Samantha. Thank you…thank both of you, but there really isn’t anything you can do. It’s not something you can fix or change or make go away. It’s who you are. All you can do is live and accept it…even if the rest of the world can’t.”

Seeing that neither Samantha nor Endora was getting the picture, she painted it a little clearer. “I’m a male to female transsexual and so are the girls.”

Endora leaned forward. “I’m sorry dear you are a trained what?”

Samantha, who in her brief time living as a mortal had caught enough talk shows to be familiar with the term and the poor unfortunate souls who suffered from this condition.

“No Mother, she said transgender. It means she was born a girl but trapped in a boy's body.”

Samantha immediately turned to Jenna to be sure she hadn't overstepped or gotten the definition wrong The knowing smile Jenna gave her told her she had done neither.

“As far back as I can remember, I've always known I was a girl even if my body or no one else agreed. Fortunately for me, my parents eventually accepted me. Others like Cathleen and Becky… haven't been so lucky.”

Samantha's heart went out to her friend who endured a pain and struggle that no witch or warlock could ever imagine. With magic, they could change their appearance as easily as mortals change clothes, but mortals afflicted with this condition were prisoners within their own bodies and often invisible or unaccepted by the outside world.

Jenna noticed Endora discreetly looking her over. “I’m postoperative. It means I've had gender reassignment surgery, been on hormones for years, have been living as Jenna for over ten years and married to the most wonderful, loving and accepting man for over five years.”

Endora shook her head in amazement. “Well…you certainly look like any other mortal woman to me.”

When Jenna gave her a confused look at the word “mortal”, Samantha jumped in for damage control by changing the subject ever so slightly.”

“So you said Becky and Cathleen are transgender as well but not as fortunate?”

Jenna looked toward the open sliding door that her two “nieces” had escaped only minutes ago. “Yes…they are transsexual but they haven’t had any gender changing surgeries yet and unfortunately like many of my gender challenged brothers and sisters, their families weren’t supportive. Both have been abused and homeless. Cathleen's parents had her institutionalized until she was 18 and Becky tried to commit suicide when she was 20.”

Even Endora was touched by the heartbreaking stories of these tortured souls, but puzzled by the odd behavior of Jenna’s two friends. “Forgive my dear, but I notice Becky and Cathleen seem well …a little different. They call you Aunt Jenna and we'll…act and dress like children whenever I’ve seen them. Is this some symptom of this trans thingy you have or…are they just disturbed?”

“Mother!” Samantha scolded her for the callous remark.

“It’s alright Samantha, really it is.” Jenna quickly calmed her as Endora threw up her hands as if to say, ‘What did I do?’

“It’s a valid question and yes, I guess you could say it's a symptom or well… part of the pain and loss you feel in being transgender.”

Seeing neither Endora nor Samantha was truly grasping the concept she explained a bit more in depth. “When I was four or five I knew in my heart I was a little girl but I also knew I looked like a little boy and I had to act and dress and behave like a little boy, so that little girl within me never got to learn and play and be recognized and loved. When I started transitioning at eighteen, I had to learn to live as a young woman without ever living as a little girl. It’s almost like building a house from the second story up. It was difficult, but I was able to make some peace with all I never got to do and embraced what I could do. With those like Cathleen and Becky however, that little girl in them is a stubborn Irish one and she refused to grow up until she got the childhood she deserved.”

Samantha was starting to get the picture, “So…dressing as they do and playing is sort of a way to let that little girl out to at least have a small piece of the life she was denied?”

Jenna sipped her coffee and nodded, “Yes…it’s just them being who they really are without their bodies getting in the way and yes they can function as adults when they have to, but they are only alive and happy when their girls and I've always treated them that way ever since the first day we met in the chatroom.”

“Chatroom?”. Endora raised an eyebrow

“It’s a safe place where others like us can go and talk, share resources, and give moral support. I met Becky and Cathleen there and we started talking regularly. Six months later, Rick and I met them in person and well…they've been living with us ever since and being their true selves as much as possible.”

Samantha’s eyes misted. Oh Jenna, you and Rick are so wonderful for doing that. I can't imagine how much joy you've given them.”

Jenna smiled warmly, “I think they've given us more than we've ever been able to give them. Another side effect or symptom of being a transgender woman is not being able to bear children. When they came into our life, it helped fill a hole in our hearts that I thought would always be a bottomless pit.”

Jenna's gaze drifted toward the patio doors as she sighed wistfully. “I just wish I could make their bodies match their heart and souls.”

Samantha offered her a sympathetic hug, her own heart breaking both for Jenna’s pain at being unable to grant the girl's wish and her own pain at knowing she had the magic to grant it but couldn’t because she had sworn to live as a mortal,even if she had fallen off the wagon a few times

When Samantha wants to help Jenna, she finds out her friend is the victim of a three hundred year old family curse...and a whole lot more.

Outside in the back garden the mood was lighter as three girls laughed and giggled as they chased each other around the yard. Play being the true equalizer, their differences in ages and size had no dominion, save for Becky and Cathleen’s inability to wiggle as easily as Tabitha through the tunnels on the playset.

The girls moved from game to game before finally settling on the swing set. Cathleen and Tabitha swung while Becky alternated pushing them. Seeing there was an open swing Tabitha told Becky to come swing too.

Becky looked wistfully at the empty swing. The little girl wanted to but the adult could see the swing was already bowing under the weight of a child and an adult. It couldn’t stand the additional weight of a child in an adults body

“I can't Tabatha”, she sighed sadly. “I’m too big. I don’t wanna bust it “

Cathleen seeing her sisters sadness immediately jumped off the swing and offered Becky a turn which she happily accepted

With their batteries recharged after swinging, another round of tag ensued as giggles and squeals once again reigned supreme

Outside the Stephens house stood Gladys Kravitz with an empty measuring cup in hand and an overabundance of curiosity after watching Jenna and her two strange friends go inside. She knew those freaks were up to no good and she wasn’t a bit surprised they were visiting that strange Mrs Stephens.

As she headed toward the door she was hopeful that this would be the time she might get the proof she needed to finally show her husband Abner and the rest of the world that her neighbor was anything but a normal young housewife

She was about to knock on the door under the guise of needing a cup of sugar when voices from the back garden drew her attention. She immediately recognized Tabitha the young Stephens girl but the other two sounded more adult like than child which raised her curiosity.

Quietly slipping along the side of the house, she continued until she found a small peep hole in the privacy fence about head high. Closing one eye she used the other to satisfy her curiosity.

The girls had just finished a spirited game of hopscotch and were contemplating on whether to go in and get a drink and a snack or to stay and play.

Tabitha stood between her two friends and gazed up at them. “You two sure are tall kids.”

Cathleen and Becky looked at each other and sighed sadly. “We know.”

Tabitha then grinned, “But you’re really not that big at all are you?”

Immediately the pair of frowns turned upside down as the innocent child could see clearly what most adults were blind to.

Cathleen and Becky knelt down to Tabitha level and gave her a hug. When it broke, Tabitha asked them the next very logical question for a five year old. “Do you like being tall?”

Cathleen looked at Becky who answered for both of them. “No…not very much. We wish we could be the same size as you more than anything in the whole world, but we can't …so do you wanna play some more?”

Tabitha smiled and nodded as her blue eyes sparkled and two little fingers twitched her nose.

Samantha jumped up and ran to the window when she heard the familiar scream. Sure enough it was Mrs Kravitz running across her yard and heading home screaming “Abner!”, at the top of her lungs.

She rolled her eyes and thought, “What now and did she really want to know?” Honestly…she didn’t, so she returned to Endora and Jenna and the conversation they were having, figuring sooner or later she’d be seeing Mrs Kravitz again.

When Samantha wants to help Jenna, she finds out her friend is the victim of a three hundred year old family curse...and a whole lot more.

“Jenna…I really wish you would stay.”. Her attention turned toward the flier on the coffee table. “You can’t let a few small minded people and a little bad luck ruin what you’ve built here.”

Jenna chuckled when Samantha mentioned bad luck. “Bad luck…is something the Stewart women have been living with for over 300 years.”

When she saw the puzzled expression on Samantha and Endoras’s face, she topped off everyone's coffee and explained that Stewart was her maiden family name and misfortune had fallen on her female ancestors as far back as she could trace the family tree. Most Stewart women died before reaching sixty and nearly all had endured lives filled with poor health, unhappiness, and numerous misfortunes. To Jenna, having been born a female in a male's body was just another chapter in the family tradition.

Jenna finished her tale with a heartfelt smile, “Some might say being transsexual was just another misfortune but if that's what I had to endure to be blessed with a wonderful husband and two girls then I think I’m the first Stewart woman to beat Rebecca’s Curse.”

Both Endora's and Samantha's eyes went wide as they looked at each other and said in unison, “Rebecca’s Curse?”

Seeing their interest Jenna continued the story. “It’s just an old wives tale that's been passed down for over three hundred years, but the story goes that my great ..great…great…well you get the point, grandmother, Rebecca Anne Stewart was a witch. I mean a real spell slinging, cauldron stirring, broom riding witch who fell in love with a mortal man and married him. Well …evidently witches aren’t allowed to marry mortals so when this Witches Council found out about it, they demanded she annul the marriage and never see him again. Rebecca refused their demand and when they threatened to take her powers, she renounced them and spent the rest of her life as a mortal, but that's not the end of the story. It seems the Witches Council didn't take too kindly to Rebecca telling them to stick those powers where the sun don’t shine and placed a curse on her daughters and every Stewart woman to follow.”

When Jenna finished her tale she looked at her two friends who sat quietly and ashen faced as if they’d seen the ghost of Rebecca Anne Stewart herself. “It’s just a silly story. I mean everyone knows there’s no such thing as witches, but…”

She opened the top two buttons of her blouse to reveal an old locket which she opened to reveal a small portrait “This was supposed to have belonged to Rebecca’s daughter and the picture within is Rebecca herself. Over the years it survived wars, disease, and even the sinking of the Titanic, to be passed on along with the curse to the next Stewart woman. My mother passed it on to me when I had my surgery, but I guess that means the curse dies with me since I don't have a baby maker, but as I said, it’s just a story because everyone knows there’s no such thing as curses and there’s no such thing as witches.”

When Samantha wants to help Jenna, she finds out her friend is the victim of a three hundred year old family curse...and a whole lot more.

Samantha and Endora exchanged knowing glances that said they had put the clues together. That faint sense of witchcraft they both had experienced was trivial by itself, but when Jenna name dropped Rebecca Anne Stewart as an ancestor, it raised suspicions. The locket and its picture removed all doubt. The conclusion was totally incredible, absolutely unbelievable and yet completely undeniable. The only question now that remains was how in the world do you tell Jenna that there really are witches, that she was the direct descendant of one of the most famous or infamous, depending on your point of view, witches ever and …as a result, was a witch herself?

Samantha had no idea what the best way was or even if there was a best way, but she had to do it and she had to do it now.

“Jenna.. I…well…that is Mother and I…have something to tell you. Now, I know it’s going to sound crazy and you aren’t going to believe it, but I promise you it’s the truth… witches honor.”. Samantha raised two fingers and made a peace sign just below her nose.

“Oh for Pete’s sake Samantha”, Endora’s patience having run out. “You’re making this worse than the Spanish Inquisition , and I should know, I was there.”

Endora moved from the chair to sit beside Jenna. “It’s all very simple dear. You see…I’m a witch…Samantha's a witch and believe it or not.. you're a witch too.”

Jenna looked to Samantha who smiled and nodded in agreement and then back to Endora.

Samantha waited for that look of confusion or disbelief, but neither came as Jenna calmly considered their confession before finally arriving at a conclusion. “You two certainly fooled me. I never would've guessed you two were into Wicca and tarot cards and such. And… I admit I’ve always been drawn to magic and am honored you would want to include me in your circle but in all honesty, I’m just too self conscious to dance naked around a fire with a dozen other women chanting.”

Endora sighed and shook her head while Samantha decided to take another shot at it. “Jenna…we’re not that kind of witch. We’re witches like Rebecca Anne Stewart, you know …those spell slinging, calderon stirring, broom riding type witches? And ummm….you're a member of the club.”

“You two can’t be serious.” Jenna laughed nervously. “I mean you’re joking… right?”

Samantha shook her head. “I’m afraid not.

Endora noticed Jenna's deer in the headlights look. “Little one, I think it's time to show Jenna The Book.”

When Samantha wants to help Jenna, she finds out her friend is the victim of a three hundred year old family curse...and a whole lot more.

Samantha nodded in agreement and with a twitch of her nose, a large black leather bound book suddenly appeared. Jenna’s eyes went wide as she watched the book hover a few inches above the coffee table. She wanted to ask how she did it, but she was afraid she might actually tell her.

Endora waved her hand and the book started slowly turning its pages. “It’s sort of the Who’s Who of Witches and Warlocks “
.
Jenna watched in amazement as the pages turned at Endora's command, until Samantha raised her hand to stop them. When they did, she drew Jenna’s attention to a picture.

“Oh my stars”, Jenna gasped when she saw a familiar face and name below it. “That’s the same picture of Rebecca Anne Stewart that’s in my locket… but… that means…she really was a witch… I mean a real witch?”

Endora rolled her eyes, “I think she’s finally getting it.”

Samantha took Jenna’s hand. “Yes…she was a real witch… just like Mother… just like me…and…just… like… you.”

Jenna shook her head, “Okay…maybe…maybe… you and Endora are real witches and so was Rebecca Anne but I’m not a witch. I mean I kind of think I would know if I had magic powers.”

Jenna chuckled, “Trust me…if I was a witch I probably would've turned a few haters into frogs by now.”

“No dear”, Endora gently corrected her. “I wasn't sure at first, but I am now. You are most definitely a witch.”

Endora reached out and gently ran her fingers over the engraved images on Jenna's locket. “Your powers …and probably the powers of every other daughter of Rebecca Anne Stewart have been… well …suspended you might say “

Jenna thought for a moment and then sighed, “I’m sorry, but …I don’t see how you know I’m a witch even if Rebecca was and what do you mean by suspended?”

Endora looked at Samantha. “Perhaps you need to tell her the whole story.”

When Samantha wants to help Jenna, she finds out her friend is the victim of a three hundred year old family curse...and a whole lot more.

Samantha took a sip of coffee while she gathered her thoughts. “Well…witches have sort of a sixth sense when it comes to recognizing other witches. We call it witchdar and ummm …well… you made mine go bleep whenever I came to the toy store, but…it was so faint that I thought it was a ghost reading, but then I realized it was because your powers were suspended.”

Jenna shook her head and reached for her cup. “But how do you know they are suspended?’

Endora leaned forward and pointed toward Jenna's locket. “My dear, that's no ordinary jewelry you're wearing. Do you see the engraving on the front? The crown surrounded by three stars? That is the symbol of the Witches Council. Now if the symbol had been right side up, this locket would've brought the wearer good fortune, protection and strength of powers…however, yours is upside down which means loss or suspension of powers and misfortune.”

“The Curse of Rebecca Anne Stewart!”Jenna blurted out as finally she was starting to put the pieces together.

Samantha picked up where her mother had left off. “It would also explain how the necklace survived the Titanic and returned to the next daughter. It has a built in homing device of sorts which will always lead it to its next target.”

Jenna held the locket in her hand and shook her head, “So all along it was this locket, passed down from generation to generation that kept the curse alive, but one thing bothers me. Rebecca’s powers were never suspended or taken. She gave them up freely when she married a mortal.”

Jenna chuckled lightly. “Wow…this Witches Council must’ve really been mad to curse an entire bloodline just because one witch three hundred years ago turned in her broom when she fell in love with a mortal. I mean I've heard of holding a grudge, but this is ridiculous.”

“I agree!”. Samantha seconded her opinion. “And .. I’ll tell you something else. The story that was passed on to you is a different one than the one recorded in The Book.”

When Samantha wants to help Jenna, she finds out her friend is the victim of a three hundred year old family curse...and a whole lot more.

She drew Jenna’s attention to the book still hovering above the table. “See…look here. It says that the Witches Council eventually agreed to let Rebecca Anne marry a mortal, but she had to agree to use her magic discreetly for fear of another Salem. Unfortunately she was unable to resist using her magic, which drew attention to sister witches and caused some to be burned at the stake. As a result, the Council stripped her of her powers and forbade any other witches or warlocks to marry a mortal …well … at least until I came along.”

Jenna’s eyes went wide. “Oh my stars.. you must be kidding “

“I wish she was “, Endora quipped dryly.

“Nope, I’m not. Rebecca Anne Stewart was the first witch to marry a mortal. Three hundred years later, I became the second and the Council hasn’t been too thrilled with my decision either “

“They aren’t the only one.”, Endora rolled her eyes

Samantha ignored the barb as something far more serious suddenly occurred to her. “Mother.. either Jenna’s account of Rebecca's story is true or the version in The Black Book is true. One of them has to be wrong “

Endora rose from her chair. “If you're insinuating that Queen Tichiba and the Council falsified an entry into the Book, you must be joking or ill. If it's a joke…leave those to your Uncle Arthur. If you're ill, I’ll fetch Doctor Bombay “

“No Mother, it’s neither, but how do you explain the locket? It came from the Council and it's not mentioned in the account from The Book.”

Endora shrugged her shoulders, but Samantha wasn't about to let it go that easily. “Jenna shouldn't have to suffer from a choice made three hundred years before she was born and what about Tabatha? Is there a locket waiting for her when I die…and again for her daughter and her daughter's daughter? I’m going to ask to address the Witches Council.

Endora started to protest when Jenna stood up and grabbed her purse. “Samantha, Endora…thank you for the coffee and for sharing everything with me but I should probably round up the girls and get going.and I wish you luck with your Council meeting.”

“Wait Jenna”, Samantha tried to stop her. “Hasn’t anything we've shared with you changed your mind or how you feel?”

Jenna stood quietly for a moment, her nails drumming the side of her purse. “Honestly, I don't know. It's just so much to take in that I’m not sure what to think about all this. I mean when it comes right down to it, it doesn't matter whether I'm a witch with suspended powers or not a witch, it doesn’t really matter what happened three hundred years ago. It won't change the fact that the girls and I are transsexuals, that I will never carry a life within me or that the girls will never get to be little girls in body to match their hearts and souls. It will never change the fact that there are people out there who hate us and have never met us and it won't change the fact that we have to close the toy store and move on. I’m sorry.. I really am. I don't mean to sound ungrateful, but even after everything you've told me and the locket and the floating book, I just don't think it matters and I don't know if I can honestly believe witches and witchcraft are real.”

Endora, her patience finally taxed to the limit, stood up and raised her hands “Enough of this! Samantha, I tried it your way, but now we're doing it mine. Jenna my dear, what you need is a little demonstration of the power of witchcraft.”

Samantha's eyes went wide. “Mother, what are you going to do?”

“What I should've done already.”

Endora paused in thought for a moment, “Now let’s see…”.

A sly smile turned at her lips, “Why don't I bring Derwood here and I will change him into any animal you want…as many times as you want…until we've convinced you that witches and witchcraft are real and don't worry my dear I'm willing to do it as many times as it takes."

“Mother, don't you dare”, Samantha scolded her.

Endora huffed, “I’m only trying to help Jenna and I would've changed him back to Dorkus…eventually.”

Samantha:shook her head and turned her attention back to Jenna. Her heart went out to her troubled friend as she contemplated whether or not she should do a little nose wiggle magic herself to prove beyond a shadow of doubt that witches were real but as Jenna had said, “Would it really matter?”

When Samantha wants to help Jenna, she finds out her friend is the victim of a three hundred year old family curse...and a whole lot more.

Samantha's quandary was left unanswered as the decision was made for her by three giggling girls who came bouncing through the patio doors on a run.

It was the same three girls who’d left to play outside less than an hour ago, but two of them looked dramatically different on their return. Becky was leading the rug rat pack, followed by Cathleen with Tabitha bringing up the rear. All three were dressed the same as when they left, but Becky and Cathleen had been given an age and gender magic makeover, and finally heart, spirit and body were one

“Aunt Jenna!...Aunt Jenna!”, the newly minted girls squealed as they mobbed the awestruck woman

“Look…look!”Becky bounced in front of her with energy and joy overflowing "I'm a real kid. I’m a real girl!.”

“Me too! “Me too!”, shouted Cathleen, the second perfect pigtailed princess.

Jenna looked from smiling face to smiling face. Her mind told her this was impossible, but when she looked into their eyes, her heart knew the truth beyond the boundaries of accepted knowledge.

With joy overflowing in tears, she opened her arms to them and they poured in. The three who had clung together during some dark times were one in the joy that can only come from the impossible made possible.

Assuming this transformation had been Samantha’s handy work, she smiled at her through tears, “Thank you…thank you for giving the girls their dream. I…I’m convinced. Witches are definitely real!”

Becky pulled back from the embrace, “But Aunt Jenna…Mrs. Stephens didn’t fix us.”

“Tabitha did!” Cathleen pointed to the junior spell slinger standing in front of her mother.

Samantha shook her head as she gave her daughter a disapproving look. “Young lady, how could you?”

“I’ll tell you how”, Endora swooped in and collected her granddaughter in a hug. “She’s a very talented little witch. That's how.”

“Mother…you're not helping.”, Samantha scolded her but Endora was having none of it

“Hush Samantha…you’ll stunt her growth.”

Endora smiled lovingly as she touched her granddaughter's powerful button nose. “Now tell Grandma the truth. Did you change them with two separate spells or with one big one?”

Tabitha smiled proudly, “I did it with one and it was easy too.”

“A double? And at your age too! Why…your mother wasn't doing doubles until she was almost seven.”

“Speaking of your mother.”, Samantha transferred the bundle to her own arms and gave her daughter her best stern mommy face. “Your mother told you no more magic without permission. What do you have to say for yourself young lady?”

Tabitha sighed and frowned, “I’m sorry Mommy, but… but”, suddenly her frown turned upside down. ‘Mommy they're not like Irving…they really are kids just like me and I fixed them.”

Irving had been an adult client of Darrin's that Tabitha turned into a little boy when she’d heard him lament the loss of his childhood days, Of course he was truly an adult and had Samantha change him back.

“See Mommy see”, she pointed to her playmates, “Now that I growed them little, they're having fun and they aren't sad no more.”

When Samantha wants to help Jenna, she finds out her friend is the victim of a three hundred year old family curse...and a whole lot more.

Mother and daughter watched as Cathleen attempted a cartwheel that downgraded to a roundoff which eventually ended in a butt flop that had both her and Jenna laughing.

Samantha scanned the room for Becky and found her standing in front of the full length mirror staring at her new self, turning from side to side to see every angle. Her fingers gently brushed her nose and lips and then traced her jawline, before gently tugging on a pigtail.

Samantha felt like an intruder in a very private moment for her friend. She could only imagine the gambit of emotions Becky was feeling after years of being an invisible little girl, crying herself to sleep each night praying for a chance to be seen, to be heard, to be loved and to live and grow the same as any other child..Afraid she would die without ever having lived

Samantha's thoughts drifted back to Jenna sharing how Becky had been driven to suicide for the want of something most women are given before birth and take for granted everyday: a female body to match their heart and soul.

As Samantha watched a smile slowly turn on Becky’s lips, she knew it came from a release and pure joy: the release from a lifetime sentence in a body prison, a release from hanging on, holding back and half measures and the joy of finally seeing her true reflection and finding herself in a world where everything was two feet taller and yet just the right size, the joy of being just an ordinary goofy little girl, instead of a special brave one Finally, she was no longer just existing, she was living.

When Becky finally left the mirror she spread her arms and flew on the wings of that pure joy until she landed in her Aunt Jenna’s arms, Samantha was certain no magic spell ever cast by any witch was more powerful than the one cast from the heart and the nose of her five year old daughter

“Mommy“, Tabitha’s plea returned her attention to the child in her own arms. “I…I just wanted them to be happy and not stuck no more, but if I did bad Mommy I’m really sorry.” Tears welled in Tabitha's eyes as she laid her head on Samantha’s chest.”

Samantha’s own eyes misted as her heart was touched by her daughter's love, innocence and empathy. She gently raised Tabitha's fallen chin. “You didn’t do bad, baby. You did good, you did very good, and I’m so proud of you, but…next time …ask Mommy first. Okay?”

Tabitha smiled and placed her nose between a tiny finger peace sign. “I will Mommy. I promise. Witches honor!”

Tabitha sealed the deal with a kiss and then begged to be released from her mommy's clutches to recreate “TheThree Munchkateers “, Seconds later the girls were playing a spirited game of tag with Endora as the unwilling base.

Jenna walked over to Samantha. Struggling to find the words to thank her and Tabitha for a gift beyond her dreams. In the end, she stayed silent and expressed it with a heartfelt hug.

When she broke the embrace she wiped her eyes and smiled. “How…how in the world can I thank you for such a gift? The girls get to grow up and live just like any other girl.”

Suddenly her smile drained, “Ummm ..they do get to grow up right? I mean this isn’t going to wear off tomorrow or something is it?”

Samantha giggled, “No …it won’t wear off tomorrow, just a little bit everyday until they hit their terrible teens and then heaven help you and Rick “

Jenna laughed, “Samantha.. I’m a true believer in witches and witchcraft. Cross my heart”

She started to make the cross sign on her chest but stopped and made the v sign below her nose. “I mean Witches honor.”

Both women giggled and then watched the girls play until Jenna let out a relieved sigh. “Well… I think I can say without a shadow of doubt that the Curse of Rebecca Anne Stewart is finally broken.”

With her words still in the air, a loud clap of thunder shook the living room.

Endora looked upward and sighed “I wouldn't be so sure of that Jenna “

When Samantha wants to help Jenna, she finds out her friend is the victim of a three hundred year old family curse...and a whole lot more.

A second clap of thunder sent the girls running behind Jenna. Samantha in turn, gave Endora a puzzled look.

The elder witch raised an eyebrow. “That meeting you wanted with the Witches Council? I think you're about to get it.”

As a huge cloud of smoke filled the living room, Samantha groaned, “Ohhh… boy.”.

Once the cloud dissipated, the cozy living room setting was replaced by a panel of three elder witches and a fourth witch wearing a crown.

Endora and Samantha curtsied in the presence of Queen Tichiba while Jenna and the girls stood still and silent.

“Arise …arise…”. Tichiba waved her hand. “We shan't stand on ceremony.”

The Queen nodded at Endora. “It's always nice seeing you again, Endora. Do tell Leonardo I’m still waiting for the painting I posed for.”

She then reached out and took Samantha's hand. “Hello dear, it's so good to see you again. We missed you at the last coven meeting.”

Samantha gave her a sheepish look. “Well…”

Tichiba patted her hand and smiled. “Oh I know I should be cross with you but you've always been a favorite of the court.”

“And little Tabitha”, she lowered her gaze. “My how you’ve grown since the last time we've seen you. I trust your mother has been instructing you in the proper use of your powers?”

Tabitha nodded. “Yes ma’am. I did a double today.”

Samantha's eyes went wide as she shook her head and frowned. Fortunately her boast went unnoticed as Tichiba turned away.

She waved her hand toward the three seated witches. “Of course you remember the ladies of the Council “

Samantha nodded and smiled. “Aunt Hagatha, Cassandra, Echantra… always a pleasure to see you. Welcome to my humble home.”

Cassandra raised an eyebrow as she regarded the furnishings. “Well…it's definitely humble but I suppose that is to be expected when a witch lowers herself to a mortal existence.”

“Now Cassandra,” Tichiba lightly admonished her. “We shall have none of that. We are guests in Samantha's home and we shall act accordingly. She asked for a meeting. We had an opening when the Sanderson Sisters rescheduled until Halloween, so here we are. Now…my dear, why have you summoned us here for a …”

Her voice trailed off as she noticed Jenna and the girls standing across the room. Her demeanor changed immediately. “Samantha …why is a daughter of the house of Rebecca Anne Stewart here? This court does not favor the descendant of a renegade anarchist witch!”

Chapter Fourteen
Lilypads and Patience

Samantha's demeanor changed to match the Queen’s. “Jenna is my friend and if you're talking about Rebecca Anne’s marriage to a mortal then that makes me a renegade anarchist, first generation.”

“Now Samantha”, Tichiba softened her tone. “You’re different. We still have faith you will come to your senses and leave this ummm…what was his name? Darius?”

“Dagwood”, Endora incorrectly corrected her.

Samantha sighed, “It’s Darrin, and I love him just as Rebecca Anne loved her man and if that means you strip me of my powers so be it, but what you did to Jenna and the rest of Rebecca’s descendants was cruel and well… makes me ashamed to call myself a witch.”

Endora gasped and the Council glared at Samantha as another blast of thunder rocked the living room. Even Tichiba’s patience was strained.

“Samantha”, the Queen gave her a stern look. “We have sent witches and warlocks home on lilypads for such comments, but…we shall attribute such an outburst to your prolonged contact with mortals: however, our patience has limits.”

She then turned her attention to Jenna and the girls. “If you are here to address this council you will be given a chance to make a statement but choose thy words carefully when you do.”

Jenna nodded as the girls clung to her like limpets. As Tichiba turned her attention back to Samantha, her voice softened, “Now dear, tell us what has upset you so?”

Samantha hesitated before answering, She smiled reassuringly at Jenna and the girls and then at her mother before starting, when she did, she addressed both Queen and Council. “Ever since I was a little girl, I looked up to each of you. I admired you. I respected you. I trusted you and well… for the most part obeyed you and even when I disagreed with you, I knew you did what you did because you believed it was in the best interest of us all.”

Tichiba raised an eyebrow, “And has that changed somehow?”

Samantha sighed, “Honestly, I don’t know what to think, but I do know that Jenna wears a locket that bears this Council’s seal and she doesn't deserve the curse it carries from a choice Rebecca Anne Stewart made three hundred years ago. I know the story in The Book is incomplete and inaccurate but what I don't know is…why?”

Hagatha shook her head as she looked at the Queen. “I always knew this day would come. Sooner or later someone was bound to ask questions.”

Chapter Fifteen
Memories of Salem

Cassandra nodded in agreement. “I did say at the time I thought the curse was too strong a measure.”

Tichiba however, did not share their remorse. “Strong measures were needed then or maybe you two have forgotten Salem and the rest of our sisters who lost their lives at the hands of mortals?”

Seeing the confused look on Samantha's face she took her hand and gently brushed her cheek. “You were too young to remember how the world was when Rebecca Anne came to us to ask for our blessing in her marriage to a mortal. The flames from Salem still smoldered in our hearts. Mortals were then and still are… lying savages with hate in their hearts. They fear and hate anything or anyone different. Look at their history! It’s littered with it! They cannot be trusted and any attempt to coexist with them in the mortal world will end in death and destruction which is why we forbade her to marry and why we should've forbidden you.”

“I take it Rebecca Anne didn't share your opinion of mortals?”

Tichiba shook her head. “No…like you she was strong willed and too much in what she thought was love to listen to reason. She couldn't see he would only break her heart and expose her as a witch, starting the Salem craze all over again.”

Samantha could see the pain in Tichiba’s eyes which touched her own heart. “She didn’t have her powers stripped did she? She gave them up freely, just as I would for my love so I understand why she did what she did but I still don't understand why the account in The Book doesn't tell the true story or why this Council cursed Rebecca Anne’s descendants.”

Tichiba let out a heavy sigh, “What you don't know is that Rebecca Anne was not alone. There were others who sought our blessings to join with mortals and others who were sympathetic to her choice. We had to act strongly and …we decided to alter the facts and leave a few out of The Book lest she become a martyr. The locket and curse were kept secret so that any witch reading the accounts of her descendants would think fate had punished them for her transgressions and dissuade any other witch from making the same mistake. And .. it worked for nearly three hundred years…that is… until you came before us wanting to marry….ummm…what’s his name? Dorian?”

“Who…oh you mean Dillweed?”. Endora couldn't resist.

“It’s Darrin”, Samantha gently corrected her. “And…I admit, three hundred years ago, many mortals were frightened and prejudiced and maybe you all did what you thought was best, but…well…I think you were wrong then and wrong now. Mortals don't burn witches anymore. Mixed marriages of all types are commonplace and most mortals aren't fearful and prejudiced anymore…but even if some still are …it wasn’t Rebecca Anne’s fault then and it's not Jenna’s fault now.”

Chapter Sixteen
Mother To The Rescue…Sort Of

“Samantha my dear”, Tichiba sought to soothe Samantha's ruffled feathers. “It’s all a moot point now. Jenna is the last daughter of the Stewart house. The curse ends here.”

“Does it?”. Samantha pulled her daughter toward her. “What about Tabitha? After I’m gone will she get a locket and a curse? Will she be the next example, the next sacrifice for the good of all witches?”

“No she won't!”Endora joined her daughter, taking Tabitha’s other hand. “All of you know that no one was more against my daughter marrying a mortal than I was. She could've had any young warlock she wanted, but she chose…”.

She paused for a moment as if something was caught in her throat before spiting out,“Darrin.. now he’s certainly nothing to look at, and he’s not very smart and the things he makes her endure living like some mortal are positively barbaric, why just the other day he made her ..”

“Mother!”Samantha cut her off. “Maybe you should get to the part where you're helping?”

Endora nodded before starting again. “Yes…he’s a mortal, yes he has his faults and yes ..perhaps Samantha could've done better, but she could've done far worse too. And I’ll tell you something else…I've hit that boy with about every spell I’ve got . I've turned him into everything from a monkey to a mountain goat and he keeps coming back for more. Now he’s either the stupidest mortal to ever live or… he loves Samantha and Tabitha like no other. Either way, he makes them very happy and that's all that really matters to me.”

Endora looked at each face on the council before going eye to eye with the queen. “He’s my son-in-law and I will stand against anyone, even this council, who would hurt him, my daughter or my granddaughter.”

Samantha leaned over and gave Endora a peck on the cheek. “Thanks Mother.”

She then turned her attention back to Tichiba and the Council, bracing herself for the storm about to be unleashed but no thunder came, only the voice of Enchantra who had yet to speak until now

“Enough!”, she shouted and stood as all eyes turned to her. “This has gone too far. Tichiba, you’ve gone too far “

Chapter Seventeen
Armando

“Enchantra, be quiet!”Hagatha warned her.

Enchantra dismissed her, “No, I won't. I stood by quietly three hundred years ago when this Council passed judgement on an innocent witch and her descendants. I won't do it again. No more secrets, no more lies. It’s time to face the truth, Tichiba.”

Samantha looked to the Queen who suddenly looked weak and ashen faced. Cassandra begged Enchantra to stop, but truth was a runaway train now. “Rebecca Anne Stewart was not the first witch who wanted to marry a mortal. A young witch some five hundred years earlier asked her father, the King, for his permission to marry a young handsome mortal man from Aragon, or Spain as you call it now. His name was ..”

“Armando”, Tichiba said the name breathlessly and with a look of fond remembrance and pain in her misting eyes. “He was tall, dark and handsome and it was love at first sight. I begged my father to let us marry, but he refused because Armando was not just a mortal, but a poor peasant boy and I was in line to be Queen. When I told my father I would give up everything for him, he called me foolish and then proved it.”

Her pain touched Samantha's heart “You don’t have to say anything else. I think I understand.”

“No”, Tichiba waved her off. “Enchantra was right. This is not a time for silence. It's time for the truth.”

Tichiba went on to tell them that her father offered her a deal. He would meet Armando while she stood nearby invisible. He would offer him riches and power to never see her again. If he refused, then her father would consent to the marriage but if he accepted, she had to agree to never see him again. Tichiba, so sure of Armando's love, agreed to the terms, but then had her heart broken when Armando traded her love for a bag of gold and then demanded a second bag or he would out her as a witch should she ever return.

Tichiba shook her head and sighed,“For five hundred years I carried that pain, that loss and that anger.”

“And then Rebecca Anne came before you as you had your father”, Samantha connected the dots

“Yes, and as queen, I had to protect her like my father did me. I offered him everything, but he wouldn't be bought and she wouldn't give him up. Even when we stripped her of her powers and gave her a mortal life span, they loved each other until the end.”

“Even the curse we placed on her daughters could not stop true love”, Enchantra continued for her. For three hundred years through illness, misfortune and calamity, love always found a way in each generation, including this one. It’s time for everyone to stop suffering and as I once heard some young mortals say, ‘Make like Elsa, and let…it …go!’”

Chapter Eighteen
Witches Honor

Tichiba nodded and tried to collect herself. She was shaken and both physically and emotionally spent. “All those years, I told myself I was doing this to protect but all I did was punish.”

She shook her head and then looked at Samantha and Jenna. “As Queen, we do not say we're sorry, but as a foolish old witch who was once a foolish young witch, we are sorry we let our own suffering cause us to make others suffer. We …no…I was wrong. You say all mortals are not like Armando. Well…if that's true and mortals have changed…then… so can we.”

Taking Samantha's hand in hers. “We will still be watching your mortal marriage and your training for Tabitha as we will any witch who marries a mortal, especially a witch who one day I hope will wear this crown, but curses and trials and this Council's prejudice is over.”

Tichiba raised the V sign below her nose as did the other members of the Council as they said in unison, “Witches Honor.”

Samantha leaned over and gave the Queen a light peck on the cheek. "It took a wise witch and a brave queen to do what you just did. Thank you."

Tichiba patted her hand. "No Samantha, thank you."

Turning her attentions to Jenna and the girls
She motioned them to come closer. She asked Becky and Cathleen to come before her first. Getting reassurance from Jenna, they timidly approached the Queen.

Tichiba looked them up and down. “Very nice work Tabitha, and it’s a double too? We are impressed. Why.. your mother was almost eight before she could do a double.”

“”Seven”, Endora corrected her.

“Actually I was six”, Samantha set the record straight

Chapter Nineteen
From The Mouth Of Babes

Tichiba finally addressed Becky and Cathleen. “I suppose you two would like to remain in these bodies that Tabitha has given you and…I also suppose you wish to live with Jenna and her husband as their children?”

Cathleen first looked to Becky who smiled and nodded before they addressed the Queen in unison. “Yes please.”

Tichiba smiled at them. She knew that despite all appearances to the contrary their adult minds, while relegated to the back seat, were still very much aware of what was going on around them and what was at stake.

“You both may speak freely if you wish to address the Council. I promise you that you will not be harmed, so if there’s something you wish to say or want, now is the time.”

Tichiba and the rest of the Council watched as the girls whispered to each other, before Becky agreed to speak for them both. “We don't want nothing for ourselves cause now we gotted everything we ever wanted, but we want something for you “

“”For me?”, the Queen’s puzzlement matched that of the other three ladies of the Council.

“Uh huh”, Cathleen finally found the courage to speak. “Cause you been cranky…kinda likes I get whens I don't take my nap.. so we thinks you should takes your nap and then when you gets up you will be all happy again “

Tichiba knelt down to munchkin level. “Thank you girls and Cathleen…maybe I do need a good nap, but I promise you I will try to be a good witch from now on.”

She raised the V to beneath her nose. “Witches honor.”

“There's something else too”, Becky was quick to add. “Please don't punish Aunt Jenna no more.”

“Yeah it’s not nice to cuss people.” Cathleen waved her finger at the Queen.

Becky giggled, “It’s not cuss… it’s curse.”

“Oh…”, Cathleen pouted, “Well …don't do neither one.then.”

The senior pigtailed princess rolled her eyes. “Like we was saying, please don't be mean with Aunt Jenna no more cause she's bout the nicest person in the whole world and she don't ever do nothin bad or ever be mean and …and she loves us like littles even when we was bigs “

Cathleen nodded and jumped in. “And she takes really good cares of us and Uncle Rick too cause he's been sick awful bad.”

Chapter Twenty
A Child's Plea

Samantha, like the rest of the witches did not miss the implication of Cathleen's words. “Jenna, what's wrong with Rick?”

“Her mate is dying of a mortal illness called cancer”, Cassandra answered for her

“Oh no Jenna, I thought he was in remission.”

Jenna stepped forward. “He was, but it came back and this time treatment’s not an option. They're saying six months, possibly a year, which is one of the reasons we opened the toy store. He wanted to be around kids and share a little joy for as long as we could.”

Samantha went to her friend and hugged her as the Council was visibly touched by the tragedy.

Cathleen whispered in Beckys’s ear which made the older ask the younger if she was sure. When she nodded, Becky entered the plea from both of them.

“Miss Queen ma’am, you said if they was any thing we wanted we should ask and not be afraid. Well…me and Cathleen want something.”

She paused for a moment and then seeing a look of encouragement from Tichiba continued. “We want you to use a magic spell or a potion or something and make Uncle Rick not sick no more and …we will even give back our magic spell and be bigs again and…and we won't cry or ever ask to be littles no more. We promise! So please…please we don't want Uncle Rick to die.”

Cathleen latched on to Tichiba and let a hug speak for her.

Every heart was touched by the girl’s selfless plea and none more than Tichiba as she wiped a tear from her eye when she broke the embrace.

Rather than answer the girl’s plea directly, she gathered herself and called Jenna. “Daughter of the House of Stewart, stand before the Queen and Council.”

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.”

Tichiba smiled at Jenna. “We will honor your request, but know this… just as you have always been a woman, even when you were without the body to prove it, so are you a witch, even without the powers that come with it. There is no spell nor curse in this existence that can truly change who we are. We will give you the mortal life span and we will hold your powers for you until you are ready to claim them as part of who you are.”

Tichiba took Jenna's hand in hers. “Just because one foolish witch abused the gift she was given, doesn't mean you will make the same mistakes. You are far wiser than you think my dear. When you feel you are ready to embrace your heritage, you need but ask and it will be given “

Jenna squeezed her hand and thanked her. Tichiba then called to the ladies of the Council “Witches…we four invoked the curse, we four must remove it.”

Hagatha, Cassandra and Enchantra all stood and extended their right hands toward Jenna while Tichiba laid hers on Jenna’s locket. As Tichiba had before, the four ladies closed their eyes and spoke in whispers. A loud clap of thunder shook the room and then the Queen pulled her hand away, proclaiming, “It is done.”

Jenna started to thank them but suddenly gasped and grabbed her stomach, doubling over in pain. Becky and Cathleen immediately ran to her side.

Samantha started to join them but Tichiba stopped her. “Wait, it will pass in a moment. I promise you.”

Jenna recovered quickly but was obviously confused and looked to Tichiba for the answer.

“Jenna, as I said, when the curse was removed, all things would be as they were supposed to be. This includes you being a woman in mind, soul and…body. We apologize for the temporary discomfort but as mortals often say ‘No pain…No gain.’ You are now a daughter of the house in every way.”

Jenna didn't really physically feel any different once the pain subsided, but like Becky had before her she wondered how different she now looked.

Tichiba could read the quandary in her eyes. “Despite your internal changes, your appearance has not changed, but it will change a little, both subtlety and over time to give both you and the mortal world you live in time to adapt…however, one change is immediate. Not only have you changed but the girls have as well. We have altered history to make you the girl's biological mother meaning the house of Stewart lives on and… you have two little witches on your hands.”

Jenna’s eyes went wide as Tichiba laughed. “Don't worry child, their powers and those of any additional children you may have will be like your powers, temporarily suspended until they are of an age of consent or you are ready to accept your own powers.”

The girls ran to Tabitha to celebrate their membership to the club even if they couldn't nose wiggle up a spell just yet. Jenna rubbed her tummy and smiled at the thought of additional children. “Thank you…thank you for everything. I don't know what to say.”

“No my dear, thank you …thank all of you “

Tichiba turned her attention to Endora, “Don't forget to tell Leonardo I want my painting. Sometimes, I think he was just trying to get me in the nude.”

She then turned to Samantha and said with a wink. “And I expect to see you at the next coven meeting.. or else. Oh, and bring Jenna along if she will come, she cannot very well embrace her heritage until she learns it.”

Samantha and Jenna nodded, each giving a half curtsey and saying in unison,“Yes my Queen.”

“Tichiba looked to the Council, “And where are we off to now?”

Enchantra snapped her fingers and a scroll appeared before her. “We have a meeting with the Wicked Witch of the West who wants to file a wrongful death suit against Dorothy of Kansas in the death of her sister and she’s suing for damages including the return of a set of ruby slippers.”

Tichiba sighed and rolled her eyes, “These things always get messy. I wish they would just take this to Judge Wampner’s Court, but I guess we're off to see the Wizard.”

With a wave of her hand and a clap of thunder, Queen and.Council disappeared in a cloud of smoke

Endora coughed and waved the smoke from her face. “They do love making grand exits don't they?”

The girls, seemingly taking everything in stride, were already huddled with Tabitha debating the pros and cons of freeze tag versus hide and seek

Samantha giggled and then went to Jenna who looked like she needed something a little stronger than another cup of coffee.

“Jenna, are you okay?”

“Hmmm …I'm sorry. What did you say Samantha?”. The fog finally lifted from the room and Jenna.

Samantha directed her to the sofa and sat down beside her. Jenna blew out a breath. “If I hadn't seen all this with my own eyes, I would never have believed it.”

“Well…it is a lot to take in but you're happy right?”

Jenna smiled wide as she took Samantha's hand, “Girl, I've never been so happy in all my life. My girls get to be …well…my girls …in every way. It’s everything I ever wanted for them and for me and who knows”, she paused as her cheeks blushed, “maybe Rick and I can give them a little brother or sister to play with.”

Suddenly her eyes went wide, “Rick! Oh my stars! How do I tell Rick about all this?”

Jenna shook her head and blew out a breath. “I thought it was difficult telling him I was transgender, how in the world do I tell him I got an upgrade to biological female, that I’m a witch, currently decommissioned, but still a bonafide spell slinger, oh and for good measure, honey I shrunk the girls, welcome to full blown parenthood.”

Samantha giggled, “Well…maybe a little at a time, because don't forget …now…you and Rick have time.”

Tears threatened in Jenna's eyes. “Yes, yes thank heavens and the Witches Council we do.”

Jenna chuckled, “Honestly, I feel like Lucy Ricardo because Rick is gonna say, “Jenna, you got a lot of splanin to do.”

“Speaking of which”, she quickly added. “How did you tell Darrin that you were a witch? Did he take it well?”

“Dumbo took it like everything else he does.”, Endora popped in. “he stumbled and fumbled and made a complete horse's…”

“Mother!”, Samantha cut her off and then stood up and gave her a hug and a kiss.

“What on Earth was that for?” Endora gave her a confused look.

Samantha smiled lovingly, “That's for what you said about Darrin at the Witches Council, well…at least most of what you said. I always knew you really cared for him.”

Endora huffed, “I do not. I couldn't care less about that little toad. I only said what I said for yours and Tabitha’s benefit and nothing more. If you doubt me…the next time I see Dumbo I’ll be more than happy to prove it “

“Okay Mother, whatever you say” Samantha smiled and winked. “Don’t worry, I will never tell him. It’ll be our secret”

Endora’s eyes narrowed as she scowled, “Samantha if you’re going to insult me like that then I'm leaving. Marie Antoinette invited me for tea and cake. Chao!”

With a wave of her hand she was gone as both Samantha and Jenna were reduced to giggles.

After a good laugh, reality sat back in for Jenna. “Samantha, there are still a few things I’m really worried about.”

Remembering she could cheat now in front of Jenna, she nose twitched their cups to warm the coffee, “Such as?”

“How am I going to explain to my mother she’s an instant grandmother of a six and an eight year old, with the possibility of her former son, now daughter in every way adding to the brood? And…how do we explain Rick’s total remission to the medical community without getting an extended stay in the psyche ward or at a medical research facility?”

Samantha thought for a moment. “I'm not sure but …I’ve been married to Darrin for nearly six years and if I told you all things that have happened, of all the times my family has wreaked magic and mayhem in our lives, you would never believe that we would still be here at Morning Glory Circle living an almost normal mortal existence, but we are and it's because
somehow…some way these things always find a way of working out and I’m sure it'll be the same for you and your family. Speaking of family, I can't wait for you to meet most of mine, especially my Aunt Clara. She's just the sweetest dearest thing. You're going to love her, but you might have to watch your door knobs.”

Jenna gave her an odd look and laughed, “She sounds wonderful and maybe you're right …maybe I’m just going to have to have a little faith that everything will work out somehow, you know … cross bridges when I come to them and hope I don’t have to jump the Grand Canyon.”

Samantha gave her a hug. “And you can always count on me to help or to be a babysitter anytime you and Rick want to work on number three.”

Jenna blushed and giggled, “Thanks I will keep that in mind and I'm going to keep something else in mind too.”

Samantha leaned forward and whispered, “What’s that?”

Jenna leaned in, “It’s never going to be boring is it?”

Samantha made the V sign beneath her nose.”Not for one minute…witches honor “

Both women suddenly broke out in much needed laughter as they reached for their coffee cups.

Across the room, the girls were taking a break after Cathleen had won the last round of hide and seek. Tabitha smiled at Becky, “Are you happy now?”

Becky smiled big, “Uh huh, I’m so…happy!”

“Are you scared or sad bout wakin up tomorrow and not memberin no more that you used to be big?”

Becky shook her head, “Nopers, cause we got Aunt Jen…I mean a mom and dad who will take care of us…and we get to be littles …and we'll …I don't wanna really remember all the other stuff tomorrow. I just want to remember it right now so I can be thankful for how lucky me and Cathleen are. And besides …I’m eight years old, so I’m not scared of nothin!”

Suddenly, Cathleen jumped out of her hiding place with a loud lion’s roar which sent Brave Becky and Tabitha running and screaming with Cathleen in hot pursuit.

Jenna sipped her coffee and smiled as she watched the girls play. Turning back to Samantha she said with a contented sigh. “I honestly think I can say that all’s well that ends well “

The smile evaporated when she noticed the flier on the coffee table. “Well .. almost everything.”

She picked up the flier, “After all of this, it looks like we're still going to have to close the store and say goodbye. I mean, even with me no longer being transgender and the girls…well being the girls…I’m afraid it won't make any difference. They’ll find something else to attack us with. It’s been my experience that people like that rarely ever give up “

Samantha patted her hand, “Don't worry Jenna. Like I’ve been telling you, things like this always find a way of working out “

“Honey, I’m home!”, came a familiar song as the front door opened to reveal Darrin with a guest in tow.

Samantha was up in a flash to greet her husband with a peck and the guest with a smile.

Darrin quickly made the introductions, “Mr. McCoy, this is my wife Samantha. Samantha …this is Jack Mc Coy. He’s one of the partners in the law firm we're representing…or hope we can represent.”

Samantha extended her hand. “It’s a wepleasure to meet you Mr McCoy.”

The tall older gentleman with salt and pepper hair, took her hand and grasped it gently, “Please call me Jack and please excuse this unannounced intrusion. I sort of bullied your husband here for a lunch invitation under the guise of saying I was tired of eating in restaurants and hotels, but truth be told, when he told me about you and your daughter, I really wanted to meet you both. I’m big on family and that's important to me when I decide who I want to do business with.”

Jack noticed the young woman seated on the couch. “Oh, I'm sorry I didn't realize you had company. If I've come at a bad time we can go somewhere else and grab a bite.”

Samantha quickly locked her arm in his and led him to the living room. “You certainly will not and you've come at the perfect time.”

Samantha introduced Jack and Jenna and then told Darrin if he’d like to take Jack into his study she would bring them a drink and some lunch. Jenna of course offered to lend a hand as they headed toward the kitchen

Darrin was showing Jack the way to the den when their guest stopped and looked around. “I was hoping to meet little Tabitha if she was here. I love kids and my daughter lives out of state and I hardly ever get to see my grandkids.”

Samantha looked toward the patio doors, “Well, I think Tabitha and the girls went outside to play.”

On cue, the pig tail posse came running in and then stopped in their tracks when they saw the two men. Tabitha ran up to Darrin and offered him open arms. He gathered her up in a hug and was rewarded with a kiss. “Hi Daddy!”

He smiled and made introductions. “Tabitha, this Mr McCoy”.

The older man’s blue eyes twinkled,“You can call me Jack if you want or ..you can call me Grandpa Jack if you really want”.

He then turned his attention to her two co conspirators which were flanking Jenna. “And who might these two beautiful young ladies be?”

Tabitha smiled innocently, “That’s Becky and Cathleen. They were sad and too big but I fixed them and now they’re little and happy and that’s their mommy cause she don't got to be an aunt no more.”

Jack stood there, mouth open and dumbfounded for a moment before suddenly laughing. “That’s one of the things I love about kids. They have a language all their own.”

Samantha and Jenna breathed a sign of relief as Darrin gave her a puzzled look. His wife returned her patented, I’ll explain later look, before shooing the kids out to play.

Jack watched the kids leave before Darrin took him to the den. Once the two disappeared, Jenna looked at Samantha, “Is it always like this around here?”

Samantha paused in thought for a moment, “Well…no not really. Today is a slow day.” She added with a wink and a laugh that brought one from Jenna as they disappeared into the kitchen.

Twenty minutes later the ladies had served lunch to Darrin and Jack, and prepared peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for three hungry princesses in the dining room

Finally off duty, Jenna and Samantha relaxed on the sofa. Jenna was about to call Rick and check in with him when the moment was interrupted by a knock at the front door.

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Samantha looked at Jenna and shrugged her shoulders as she was not expecting anymore guests. When she opened the door she forced a smile because the face that greeted her was more pest than guest.

“Why hello Mrs. Kravitz, what a pleasant surprise and Mr. Kravitz, how nice to see you again. Won’t you both come in.”

Mr. Kravitz was the poor long suffering husband of the neighborhood busybody who was normally dragged along on his wife’s wild goose chases and witch hunts.

Normally Mrs Kravitz would come to do her snooping with an empty cup in hand and under the guise of needing some sugar, but this time she dispensed with the subterfuge and went straight to the attack.

“I saw it all Abner, plain as day, right out back”,Mrs.Kravitz declared as she pushed past Samantha with Mr. Kravitz in tow.

“Mrs. Stephens”, He apologized as usual. “I’m really sorry to barge in like this, but she’s having another one of her episodes.”

Samantha giggled, “Oh it’s alright Mr. Kravitz. I’m used to it by now.”

Gladys stepped into the living room and then stopped when she saw Jenna on the couch.

Samantha caught up with her and made the introductions, “Mr and Mrs Kravitz this is Jenna Hitch. She owns the toy store there on Shalamar Lane.”

Jenna smiled at Mr Kravitz, “It’s a pleasure to meet you" and then offered the same smile to Mrs Kravitz who refused it as she looked Jenna up and down and said with disgust, “I’m well aware of who you are.”

Mr Kravitz shook his head and looked pleadingly at Jenna, his eyes offering a silent apology for his wife's rudeness.

Samantha stepped in between the two women, still trying to keep the peace. “Mr and Mrs Kravitz, would you like a cup of coffee or maybe some tea?”

Mrs Kravitz ignored the pleasantries and then pointed toward the patio doors that lead to the back garden. “It was right there Abner, I saw the whole thing through the peep hole in the fence. One minute the Stephen’s girl was playing with those two grown weirdos from the toy store and then poof, they were gone and two little girls were standing in their place.”

At the word weirdo, Jenna’s smile evaporated and a spark lit in her eyes. Samantha tried to keep it from becoming a blaze. “Mrs Kravitz, there must be some kind of mistake. I’m sure you didn't mean what you said and I’m sure there's a reasonable explanation for what you thought you saw.”

Mrs Kravitz shook her head, “Oh, I’d like to see you explain what I saw.”

Abner sighed, “I think I have the explanation Gladys, you and your little nut job friends have been out in the sun picketing too long, so why don't we just apologize to Mrs Stephens and Mrs. Hitch, go home and I’ll get your medicine and a cold cloth.”

“No Abner! Not this time. There's been strange things happening in this house for years, and this time I’m gonna prove it.”

Mrs. Kravitz noticed the three children having lunch in the dining room and pointed at the table. “See Abner…there’s my proof. What do you have to say to that?”

He shook his head. “You're right Gladys, that’s proof alright, proof kids love peanut butter and jelly and proof I need to double your medicine dosage “

Undaunted by her husband, she dismissed him and turned to Samantha with a sly smile, “Mrs. Stephens…who are those three children?”

Samantha returned the smile and answered with her ever patient voice. “Well ..there’s my daughter Tabitha whom you know and the other two are Becky and Cathleen.”

“They're my daughters.” Jenna made her presence known with a firm protective mother's tone.

“Your daughters!”Mrs Kravitz scoffed. “You’re one of those transsexuals I've read about. People like you can't have any kids!”

“Really”,Jenna chuckled, “I guess I should call my husband and tell him, boy is he ever going to be surprised.”

Mrs. Kravitz huffed, “Look, I know what I saw. Now you and those two weird friends of yours…or whatever they are, walked in here and none of you have left. I know…I’ve been watching…so maybe you’d care to explain where they are and how those girls got here?”

Jenna’s face flushed as her blood pressure spiked. She whispered to Samantha, “If that woman says one more thing about my girls, I’m going to have to go to confession for three hours to atone for what I’m about to say and do.”

Samantha tried to calm her with a wink and a smile. “I got this. I’ve been through this many times, just stay calm and follow my lead.”

Mrs Kravitz tapped her foot impatiently, looking back and forth between Samantha and Jenna waiting for her answer

Samantha made eye contact and delivered it with her patented smile and cool and calm delivery. “Mrs Kravitz, there’s really a very simple explanation to all of this. You see, Jenna’s daughters have been spending the summer with their grandparents while Jenna and her husband have been getting the toy store up and running which is why you haven't met them before. And …since the girls were coming in on a late flight last night, I offered to pick them up for Jenna so they could have a sleepover with Tabitha.”

Mrs Kravitz looked over at Becky and Cathleen and then back to Samantha, “You really expect me to believe those two little girls rode all alone on an airplane? But …even if I did…that doesn't explain what I saw and what about those two adults I saw come here with Jenna, all dressed up like little girls? Why, I think it's perverted and positively ridiculous!”
”
“You mean Jenna's sisters, Rebecca and Cathy?.” Samantha tweaked the girls names as she continued to weave her web. “Personally, I think Jenna’s idea of having them dress up like little girls is pure advertising genius. It shows the adults that there is a kid in all of us no matter how old we are and the kids just love having a chance to play with grown ups on their level. Why I don't think McMahon and Tate could've come up with a better idea themselves.”

Mrs Kravitz was frustrated but she still wasn't backing up. “Well I saw Jenna and her so called sisters come in here this morning and I know they never left. Care to explain where they are now? If you can?”

Samantha pointed toward the kitchen, directing Mrs. Kravitz’s attention so she could wiggle her nose. “Why I most certainly can Mrs Kravitz.”

On cue, the kitchen doors swung open as a very adult “Rebecca” entered the dining room with a cookie and a glass of milk.“Someone looking for me?”

Mrs. Kravitz went pale, “But…but this can’t be …you can't be here…I …I saw you and the other one…”. Her voice trailed off as she looked from side to side. “Hey…where is the other one?”

Suddenly the doors of the pass through into the kitchen slid open to reveal the smiling face of a second familiar adult dressed in little girl fashion, “Cathy” smiled. “Somebody looking for me?”

Mrs Kravitz groaned as her knees weakened along with her case. Jenna stood in amazement as she watched Samantha weave her tale with the aid of two witchcraft created doppelgangers of adult sized Becky and Cathleen.”

Samantha's nosey neighbor was obviously shaken but determined to press on. “Well …I don't know how you did it, but I know what I saw.”

Gladys pointed toward the patio doors as she pleaded her case. “The Steven's girl was standing right out there by the playhouse talking to the two adults “, She pointed toward Rebecca and Cathy, “and then …all of the sudden poof they were gone and …and two little girls…those…little girls”, Mrs. Kravitz pointed an accusing finger toward Becky and Cathleen who were finishing the last bites of their sandwich, “magically appeared out of thin air! Now, how can you explain that?”

Rebecca smiled, “That’s easy Mrs Kravitz.” She turned toward the pass through, “Hey Cathy, bring the Show and Go when you come in here.”

Seconds later Cathy emerged carrying what looked like a small hand held movie projector and handed it to Rebecca.who held it out for all to see. “This just came into the toy store last week as a display sample. They won't be available for sale until the Christmas season, but I think they're going to be a great seller.”

Seeing a puzzled look in everyone's eyes, Cathy picked up where Rebecca left off. “It's called a Show and Go and holds up to thirty slides at one time, runs on batteries and projects images so sharp that you’d swear they were real.”

Rebecca clicked on the projector and aimed it toward the wall near the fireplace. Suddenly a very realistic picture of a lion appeared on the wall. “Mrs Kravitz, this is what you must have seen when you were looking into the back garden, because Cathy and I were out there showing the girls how it worked.”

Mrs Kravitz and the others watched as Rebecca turned the dial and started a slideshow of images which included photos of Aunt Jenna and Tabitha as well as a unicorn, a mermaid and a dinosaur.

“What’s really cool is this”, Cathy pulled an instamatic camera from her pocket. “You never run out of slides, because you can take pictures and make your own.”

Images continued to change until one of Rebecca and Cathy appeared. “There you go. I bet that's the picture you saw and then you saw this one.”

Another click of the dial and a picture of little Becky and Cathleen replaced the previous one, which made the girls giggle and all of the adults gush over how cute the girls looked wearing matching outfits with their aunties….all of the adults that is, save for Gladys Kravitz who shook her head and fumed. “I don’t believe it. This can't be what I saw. It just can’t!”²

Rebecca reached into her overall pocket and pulled out a pair of glasses with colored lenses. “Here Mrs Kravitz, put these on. They're 3D glasses. They come with the Show and Go and they really make the pictures look real.

Samantha giggled, “See Mrs. Kravitz…it wasn't magic, it was just Mattel."

Jenna and Mr Kravitz laughed, but Gladys was neither amused nor convinced. “You all aren't fooling me. There’s something going on here because I know what I saw.”

“And I know what I heard”, a fresh voice entered the conversation, “which is more than enough

All eyes turned left to see Mr. McCoy with Darrin at his side.

”Please forgive me for intruding in a private matter, but I couldn't help but overhear and I think I might be of some assistance here, if you will allow me. “.

He crossed the room and stopped in front of Mrs.Kravitz and offered his hand. “I don't think we've been introduced. My name is Jack McCoy. I’m a lawyer, well mostly corporate law, but in my younger days I worked for the prosecutors office so I know a little something about criminal law here and I think we have a real case.”

Mrs. Kravitz’s eyes lit up as shook his hand with enthusiasm. She then directed a smirk toward Samantha and Jenna before turning back to Mr Mc Coy. “You really think we do?”

“Oh absolutely”, he winked discreetly at Samantha and Jenna.

Suddenly,he began pacing the room like a trial attorney. “Now let's review the facts shall we?”. He paused for effect and then laid his foundation “Mrs. Kravitz observed the subjects entering this residence. Is that true Mrs Kravitz?”

“Oh yes, I saw them alright.”, she was quick to testify and quick to add, "I'm always watching from my window. I don't miss a thing.”

The attorney nodded and continued pacing. “Must be hard though to see what's going on from all the way across the street?”

“Not for me! I've got binoculars. I can see right in their windows.”

“I see, but in this incident you didn't need binoculars did you? You walked right across the street, into their yard, along the side of their house and peeked through a hole in their fence to watch their five year old daughter playing in their backyard. Would that be an accurate summation of your activities?”

Mrs Kravitz nodded. “Yes sir, that's exactly how it happened.”

“And I’m sure that's not the first time you've witnessed such strange going ons?”

“Oh no”, Mrs Kravitz boasted. “I've seen loads of others. Why, I was looking in the kitchen window one time when I saw her mother suddenly…”

“Thank you Mrs Kravitz”, Mr. McCoy cut her off. “You've been very helpful “

“Do you think we have a case?” Mrs Kravitz asked hopefully.

Jack gave her his best shark smile. “I’m sure we do and I’m willing to take it on pro bono just for the joy of prosecuting people like this.”

Jack stopped and made direct eye contact with Mrs Kravitz. His voice lowered to just above a whisper, “And… I think we both know the kind of people I’m talking about don't we Gladys? I may call you Gladys mayn’t I?”

The Star witness nodded and blushed before smiling triumphantly at Jenna and Samantha

Jack then stepped back and finished his summation. “Well… seems to me that in light of this mountain of damaging evidence, there is only one question left and that would be if Mrs Stephens and Mrs Hitch would like to prefer charges against you …Gladys.”

Saying Mrs. Kravitz was knocked for six would be an understatement. Her eyes went wide in disbelief of what her ears heard. Her mouth opened to protest, but she could only manage a feeble stutter, “A…a…against mmm…mmm…me?

“Oh yes Mrs. Kravitz and you’ve run up quite an impressive list. Now, let's see… how does stalking, trespassing and invasion of privacy sound for starters? And what did I hear you call Mrs. Hitch and her associates? Wasn't that something like weirdos, freaks, perverts? Well ..now we can add defamation of character and slander to the list but let's not stop there.”

Jack reached down and picked up the flier and shook it in front of her. “This is pure gold Mrs Kravitz…we have libel…harassment…discrimination…pictures published without license to do so, illegal distribution and I’m pretty sure I can get this prosecuted as a hate crime. That’s always good for the maximum sentence, throw in the fact that you have willingly admitted to these charges really helps my case but my ace in the hole Mrs. Kravitz is you watching a five year old little girl through a peep hole. Oh baby …jack pot! Why with a sympathetic judge and a jury with some young mothers I can get you twenty years, maybe even more …and I guarantee you won't be lonely in prison, pedophiles are very popular inmates.”

Mrs Kraviitz was on the verge of hysteria as she pleaded, “But …but don't you understand I was doing what I did to protect the children!”

Jacks eyes squinted as his voice lowered, “So am I Mrs. Kravitz. So am I.”

Completely destroyed on the witness stand, she burst into tears and ran toward her husband screaming hysterically. “Abner! Abner!”

Jack walked over to Jenna and Samantha with a triumphant smile “Like I said ladies, it’s all up to you. Just say the word and I’ll start the proceedings.”

Jenna and Samantha looked at each other in amazement from the shark attack they’d just witnessed and then looked over at Mrs. Kravitz cowering in her husband's arms.

Mr Kravitz led his trembling wife to the couch. “Gladys, I’m going to tell you something I should have said a long time ago. Sit down and shut up!”

Staring wide eyed at her usually docile husband she obeyed immediately. He pointed toward Samantha, “You've been snooping and harassing this nice young woman since the day she moved in”, He stopped a moment and picked up the flier from the coffee table and shook it in her face like an owner showing his dog a chewed shoe. “But you really did it this time didn't you? I knew sooner or later you and your neighborhood Nazis would go too far.”

He shook his head in disgust as his wife buried her face in her.hands and sobbed. Jenna and Samantha watched as Mr Kravitz slowly walked over to join them and Mr McCoy. “Mrs Stephens, Mrs Hitch, please accept my apologies for my wife's behavior. Look there's no excuse for what my wife's done, but there’s an explanation: she’s a nut job, but she's my nut job and while I've dreamed of a twenty year vacation away from her, I think it would be cruel and unusual punishment for any cellmate she got, so is there any way you can find it in your hearts to not take this to court? I promise you I will keep her leashed, muzzled and medicated from now on.”

“I think I can suggest an out of court settlement”, Mr McCoy offered, “that is… if the ladies are agreeable?”

Twenty minutes later a mutual agreement was reached by all parties that included a public apology to Jenna and Rick, a door to door recall of every flier handed out, replacing it with by a flier from Jenna's Jumping Jack's Toy Store announcing a grand reopening.The Watchdog Club was officially disbanded and Mrs Kravitz’s binoculars were confiscated until further notice...

A very subdued Gladys Kravitz, personally apologized to everyone, promising if she ever knocked on the Stephens door again, it would be because she really did need a cup of sugar.

Mr Kravitz was leading his wife to the door when Jack stopped them. “Mrs Kravitz, you did have one thing right.”

For a moment, a hint of a smile turned her lips. Jack grinned with a twinkle in his eyes. “Those girls didn't make that airplane trip alone. I was with them. You see…They're my grandchildren just as Jenna and her sisters are my daughters…and I just love spending time with them, so I'm sure you will see me again real soon.”

A very pale Gladys Kravitz gave a weak smile, “I’m looking forward to it”, and then clutched her husband's arm, “Abner, take me home. I need to lay down.”

Once the door closed behind them, Jack, Jenna, Samantha and even Darrin had a good laugh. Jenna winked at Jack, “Thanks for all your help ..Dad.”

Jack laughed, “I’m sorry. I hope you weren't offended by me claiming to be your father and the girls' grandfather, but I just couldn't help myself. I love kids and I don't suffer bullies or bigots gladly.”

Jenna leaned over and gave him a light peck on the cheek. “I’m not the least bit offended. My father passed away some time ago and in many ways you remind me of him. Now ..as far as the girls are concerned. I would say that’s up to them.”

She looked over at the dining room table, “Becky…Cathleen…How would you feel about Mr McCoy being your Grandpa Jack?”

The girls bounced off their chairs and squealed “Grandpa Jack!”, as they swarmed him in a sea of pb and J hugs and kisses.

Samantha giggled, “Jack…I think you've been adopted.”

Reluctantly Jack pried himself away to go with Darrin to retrieve his briefcase from the den. Once they disappeared, Samantha looked both ways and with a twitch of her nose said goodbye to the adult-sized Becky and Cathleen, hoping the next time she saw a version of them would be in about twenty years.

Moments later Jack and Darrin were at the door preparing to leave.

“It’s been a real pleasure ladies”, Jack said with a smile and a wave.

Jenna and Samantha had no attention of letting him off that easily as they caught him at the door, each giving him their thanks and a final hug

As Darrin shut the door behind them, he gave Samantha a quick look that said she, like Jenna, was going to have some splanin to do tonight.

Once the door shut, Jenna shivered. “That's an odd feeling. I just got all tingly for some reason.”

Samantha closed her eyes for a moment and then got a puzzled look. “Me too, but it wasn't as much tingly as it was…”

Her voice trailed off and her eyes grew wide as she finished the sentence. “a bleep on my witchdar!”

Jenna’s expression matched Samantha's. “You don’t think Jack…’

Both women ran to the living room window to catch a glimpse of what couldn’t possibly be. Jack was just getting into the car when he suddenly stopped and turned toward the living room window. He winked at them both and then disappeared into the car. Samantha and Jenna silently watched Darrin drive away.

Samantha closed the drapes and looked at Jenna, “He could be a witch …errr…warlock or he could just be a very nice man. Could've been a ghost reading or a witch nearby. Sometimes witchdar can be a little wonky.”

Jenna shrugged her shoulders, “Guess we’ll never know for sure.”

Suddenly, Samantha felt a tug on her dress and looked down to see Tabitha wearing a peanut butter and jelly facial.

Kneeling down she brushed a few crumbs from her cheek. “Is everything alright?”

Tabitha nodded, “Yes Mommy. Is Grandpa Jack gone?”

Samantha frowned slightly, “I’m afraid so”

Tabitha sighed, Oh…okay Mommy.”

She turned to rejoin Becky and Cathleen, then stopped to look back at Samantha. “Mommy, did you know Grandpa Jack’s a witch?”

Samantha, still at toddler level,stole a dab of jelly off Tabitha’s cheek and dotted her nose as she deadpanned, “Now Tabitha, we all know there’s no such thing as witches right?”

Jenna placed her hand over her mouth as Tabitha gave her mother a confused look before rolling her eyes and then running off to join Becky and Cathleen.

Once she disappeared around the corner, Samantha looked at Jenna and then both women fell to their knees, bursting into some much needed laughter.

Hugs