Ch. 21.3 — “What is it?” Janine asked.
“We know who you really are.”
After a long hesitation, Col told Janine the sad tale of her Name Day. “We never did find out who really cursed you. When you came to us two years ago, we thought it was a chance to make things right. We wanted to tell you the truth, but we couldn’t bear the thought of you being angry and going away. So… we just kept putting it off. Will you forgive us?”
Janine sighed. “Of course I forgive you. I guess deep down I always knew who you were. After all, how many wizard/witch couples with the nicknames of Col and Bee could there be? Colin and Bernice. Ha. The thing that stumped me was how young you are.”
Col laughed. “We used to wear our “old people” disguises when we went to name day celebrations. After all, people expect someone who looks wise enough to dispense gifts.”
Janine knew there was nothing to be done about her warts. The name day gifts were irrevocable. At least she had the mask Bee had made for her. With it, she looked just like any other girl. She could venture out in the world.
Janine lifted up her head and smiled. “You’ve shown me true kindness and love, and you’ve taught me that what’s on the inside of a person is more important than their appearance.”
Bee hugged her. “We know the bare facts of your life, but we’d like to hear the whole story from your point of view, if you don’t mind.”
Janine sat down and poured another cup of tea for each of them. This story was going to take a long time.
Carol Nicolas 