Part 11 (1/2)

He laughed. Kate was hurt. She hadnt really expected Kyle to understand everything she was telling him, but she certainly hadnt expected him to react so disdainfully. He was treating her news as if it were some kind of joke.

Kyle, this is really important to me, she said. Ive gone through a lot to get Mom and Dad to understand that. For crying out loud, they even sent me to a shrink.

And I dont blame them, Kyle retorted. Kate, Im sorry theyre not letting you see Tyler, he said.

But I cant say that I blame them. The guy may be nice, but if he thinks hes a witch hes not entirely there upstairs, you know?

What would you know about it? snapped Kate. How many Wiccans do you even know?

A few, Kyle said. Theres a group of them at school. They hold these monthly rituals and theyre always protesting something or trying to save the trees or whatever. Theyre freaky. One of them is in my American Lit cla.s.s. She wears black all the time and doesnt shave her legs.

No! Kate said, feigning shock. Hairy legs? Burn her at the stake!

Laugh if you want to, Kyle said. Im just saying theyre freaky.

Well, youve met Tyler, replied Kate. Is he freaky?

If he thinks hes a witch, he is, Kyle answered.

You didnt know that before, argued Kate. Did you think he was freaky before that?

No, Kyle admitted. But I didnt think that sportscaster on channel seven was freaky, either, until they found the bodies in his cellar.

Tyler didnt kill anyone, said Kate exasperatedly. He just practices a religion that you dont understand.

Religion, scoffed Kyle.

Look, Kate said, Id really love to sit here and educate you about Wicca, but I really dont have *

time. Are you going to help me or not?

Kyle looked at his sister. You know I love you, he said. And normally Id be all over any attempt at overruling Mom and Dad. But I have to tell you, Kate, I think I agree with them about this one.

Kates heart sank. Shed been counting on Kyles help. It hadnt even occurred to her that he might side with her parents. Shed expected there to be some misunderstandings on his part, but his total refusal to take Wicca seriously was something she hadnt counted on. All she could do was stare at him.

Im sorry, he said, noting her expression.

Not as sorry as I am, said Kate, getting up and walking out of the kitchen.

Where are you going? Kyle called after her.

Out, said Kate. Tell Mom Ill be home after cla.s.s. And no, I dont need a ride. Ill just take my broom.

She s.n.a.t.c.hed her jacket from the hook by the front door and left, pulling it on as she stormed down the sidewalk. Her anger was bubbling over, and she wanted to get away from Kyle before she said something she might regret later. She really did love her brother, and she understood that he didnt know what Wicca was really about. But hed hurt her, both by mocking her involvement in witchcraft and by acting as if he was older and wiser than she was and therefore knew what was best for her.

She caught the bus going downtown and arrived at Crones Circle well before the start of cla.s.s. She walked in and was surprised and delighted to see Tyler there. When he saw her come in, he walked over to her.

What are you doing here? he asked.

Its nice to see you, too, said Kate, taken aback by his tone of voice.

Thats not what I mean, said Tyler. I meant cla.s.s doesnt start for another hour.

Were you timing your visit so you would miss me or something? joked Kate.

Tyler laughed. Why would I do that? he asked. I just came to bring Sophia something from my mother.

Then fate brought us together, Kate said. Although who knew fate looked like my big, stupid bear of a brother?

Your brother? Tyler said. What does he have to do with anything?

Kate sighed. I was trying to enlist his help in loosening my parents up about us, she explained. I thought with him here for the holiday and all we could get my parents to change their minds about our seeing one another.

I see, Tyler said. And he didnt like this idea?

Kate shook her head. He wasnt wild about it, she said. So I left and came here. I needed to be *

around people who actually know something about Wicca. Im tired of being the only pagan in the family. She smiled. Plus, I got to see you.

She leaned up and kissed Tyler. When she pulled away she looked at him curiously. Is something wrong? she asked.

No, Tyler said. Why?

Because you seemed about as excited by that kiss as you would be if Simeon kissed you, said Kate, nodding at the big gray cat who was the mascot of Crones Circle and who was sleeping on the counter behind them.

Im very excited about seeing you, Tyler said.

Okay, said Kate doubtfully.

But I have to go, continued Tyler. Im late. Im sorry.

Kate groaned. Our weekly ten minutes and youre cutting it short by five, she remarked.

Im really sorry, Tyler told her. But my mother is expecting me home. Well talk soon, okay?

Yeah, Kate said. Ill write you letters and have Annie smuggle them to you.

Ive really got to go now, Tyler said. He picked up a bag that was sitting on the counter and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. Bye.

He left the store, walking quickly. Kate, watching him go, said, Bye. I love you. But the door had already shut and Tyler was gone.

Aaaaahhhhhh, Kate said. This sucks!

Bad day? asked Sophia, appearing from the rear of the store. She was carrying a small box, which she set on the counter and opened with a small knife.