# A Cat's Tale

## ====Chapter One====

It was the meowing of the cat that first got my attention. It was the girl standing under the tree looking up at the meowing cat that received my second attention. And third. I probably would have stood there gawking all day if the very real distress in her voice hadn't diverted my attention.

"Loki, come down! You know you don't like heights."

A cat that didn't like heights? Now there was a new one on me. I did have to agree though that the cat really was looking miserable up in the tree. Despite the furry face, this cat's demeanor was 'Get me out of this. NOW!'. Now, I'm a dog person, but no way could I ignore this pretty girl's plight. I always was a sucker for a damsel in distress. Even one with a hissing black cat.

I went to stand next to her. "Hi. I'm Adam. Adam Williams. Need a hand?"

That was when I was introduced to the most gorgeous pair of slate gray eyes I'd ever seen. These were the kind of eyes that poets wrote about. As a newspaper man (feature writer in the school paper thank you), I was used to cataloging things. No way would I be able to catalog her eyes. They seemed to shift colors with every thought or passing breeze. Always gray, but first with hints of blue and then green peeking out of their depths.

I must have been standing there with a very stupid look on my face for longer than I realized. Next thing I was aware of was the amused look on this girl's face. I know my face colored a bit - a curse of my Irish heritage and fair skin - so there was no way I was getting out of this gracefully. Thankfully she took pity on me.

"Miranda Evans," she offered. "That rascal in the tree is Loki. He doesn't like heights, but every once in a while he tries to climb something and then gets stuck. The problem is that I can't climb up after him." The last was said with a nod toward her left arm, which I finally noticed was sporting a cast.

I just winced and nodded. Having broken my own arm a couple of years back, I could sympathize. There wasn't much you could do with an arm in a cast.

"Never fear, fair damsel," I cracked, "I'm happy to help. I was the champion tree climber in Mrs. Fisk's 3rd grade class. Well, until Emily Morrison moved to town."

I winked at Miranda. "She knocked me out of the neighborhood tree house and took both my pride and my title all at the same time."

Miranda finally smiled at that. "I don't think Loki will knock you out of the tree, but if you can get him down from there, you will certainly be my champion."

"Now what guy can resist an offer like that?" Certainly not me.

It was over in a matter of minutes. Thankfully the tree Loki had decided to climb was a fairly small one and I had no problem hooking my arms over a limb and swinging aboard. Loki hadn't retreated very far up the tree yet, but was watching my moves with an almost comical look of surprise. Guess he didn't expect a nerd would know how to climb a tree.

Look, I cultivate the studious newspaper geek bit carefully. But it wasn't the sum total of my existence. When I was 5 my Mom decided to enroll me in gymnastics. I loved it. 3 days a week I was allowed to go run, tumble and bounce around to my hearts content. (I was 5, you know.) My Mom received the benefit of a son who burned off all his excess energy in gymnastics class and NOT in her house. By the time I was old enough to realize that gymnastics was not considered a manly sport, I was hooked. I was also really good.

Not many people in town knew this about me. I'd outgrown the local coaches' skills years before and had been taking my coaching in a town over an hour away. Even people who'd grown up with me were oblivious.

It did make getting an acrophobic cat out of a tree a snap though.

I handed the still silent cat off to Miranda before jumping to the ground. Both cat and girl eyed me curiously while I dusted bits of bark off my palms and jeans. The cat was the first to break the silence with a chirruping meow. Miranda responded as if answering a question.

"That's what I want to know. How did you manage to do that so...so...gracefully?"

I laughed at that. "You should see me on the dance floor." I executed a couple steps.

Thankfully Miranda laughed at that and let it go. We chatted for a few minutes more and I discovered that her and her family (1 mom, 1 dad, and 1 brother) had just moved to Fairview. In fact, she had been unpacking when Loki snuck out the back door to test his tree climbing skills.

"Actually, I had best get back." Miranda looked at the cat now peacefully dozing in her arms before glancing back up.

I was wondering how to work the conversation around to seeing her again when she beat me to the punch.

"Um, since I'm new in town, I was wondering if you would mind showing me the town." Miranda just stood there looking at me while my brain emptied.

"YES!" I stood there a second, sheepish. "Uh...was that too enthusiastic, do you think?"

Miranda just laughed and leaned over the cat in her arms to give me a peck on the cheek. "Thanks. Why don't you come by tomorrow afternoon? We should have most of the unpacking done by then. At the very least, I'll be grateful for a break. I live in the old white Victorian on the end of the street." She gave a nod with her head to indicate which end of the street.

She needn't have bothered. EVERYONE knew that house.

"Aaah. You're the ones who bought the old Stone Sister house. Everyone was wondering."

The Stone Sister house was a landmark in our town. Velma and Veronica Stone were spinster sisters who lived together their entire lives. They were really sweet old ladies, but a little eccentric. Rumor had it that they were witches. Whenever they were confronted with that particular piece of gossip, they would just laugh and say that they hadn't gotten to the section in their spell book on transforming boys into toads just yet.

"Yes, Mom and Dad bought it from a pair of sisters. Did you know them?"

"Faintly. No one really knew them well. If you know what I mean. But they seemed like personable ladies. The Historic Society was heartbroken when the Velma and Veronica decided to sell and take a cruise around the world." I winked at Miranda. "Apparently the sisters were the driving force of their annual fundraiser."

That got a chuckle from Miranda and Loki even opened one eye to stare.

"I have to go before Mom puts the family curse on me for deserting her. I'll see you around 2 tomorrow, okay?" Miranda started to walk away before quickly turning around and heading back toward me.

She leaned in close and gave me another whisper soft kiss on my cheek. "Thank you for rescuing Loki." Then she was gone.

===Chapter Two===

The rest of the summer passed more quickly than I would have thought possible. I had gymnastics meets at least every couple of weeks and my training was stepped up to 4 days a week. I also had Miranda.

Miranda was a bundle of curiosity and humor. She had a twisted sense of humor that could leave me breathless. After she started meeting some of the people in town (courtesy of our frequent strolls together), she would start making observations about them. I think I learned more about the town I'd grown up in from her observations than I had during the 16 years I'd lived there.

We got along famously and I had to admit that I liked her more than just as a friend. I have no idea how Miranda felt. She was fun. She was bubbly. She was an all around great friend. But, other than those kisses on the cheek after I rescued Loki, there was no sign that she wanted more.

I'll admit that I was afraid. I'd never had a girlfriend before. Courtesy of a gymnastic assistant a couple of years ago, I wasn't a virgin. But I wasn't Don Juan either. Kathy was 16 to my 14 and, for some reason, picked me to help her lose her virginity. We shared mutual time together whenever we could for the next year. It was sweet, but it was never more than just physical release for either of us. I hadn't bothered repeating the experience since then.

I think I was also afraid that once school started, Miranda would find someone else. Someone who didn't disappear several days a week. With her body and personality, the guys would be crawling all over her. She could have the pick of the litter. And while my gymnastics had given me a more than adequate musculature, I was still a bit of the geek. No way would she want to stick around.

It was with that thought in mind that I started school in August. Starting school also meant the return to the newsroom. Well, in actuality it was the French classroom, but it doubled as our news and journalism class. Outside of gymnastics, I had a real passion for writing.

I wasn't stupid. Most gymnasts are in their teens for a reason. It's not a matter of if you're going to get injured; it's a matter of how many times and what type of injury. A young body tends to heal faster. But the human body can only take so much abuse before it gives up. I was lucky that I was a male gymnast. Our best years were usually between 15 and 19 since it takes time and a minimal maturity to build the strength necessary to perform. Women gymnasts were considered over-the-hill by the age of 15.

No way was I going to let myself become a broken 19 year old with no prospects for a future. Writing was my passion and, hopefully, future vocation. It was also my refuge whenever I was depressed. To my surprise, I never needed it.

The guys did flock to Miranda - just as I knew they would. But Miranda didn't seem to show any preference and instead continued to hang around me. We didn't have any classes together, but we ate lunch together. She even took to hanging out in the newsroom with me when I had to stay late. I just figured she hadn't found anyone that tickled her fancy. Boy was I clueless.

===Chapter Three===

"I want you to take me to the football game on Friday."

I looked up from the article I was working on to stare at Miranda. She had perched herself on the end of a desk and was sitting with her chin in her hands just looking at me. My eyes swung around the room to see if anyone else had been the object of that request. The room was empty. Sort of like my head.

"Huh?" was my witty rejoinder.

"I want you to take me to the football game on Friday. It's the first home game of the season."

Nope. I saw her lips move that time, so I knew I wasn't imagining things. I had no idea why Miranda would want me of all people to take her to a football game, but I wasn't one to question a gift from the gods.

I attempted to collect my cool before answering. Nothing turns off a girl like drooling, I've heard. "Are you sure you want to go with me?"

Damn. I blew it. I had the chance and I blew it. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

Miranda took a deep breath. "Adam, I have been waiting 3 months now for you to ask me out. I finally realized that I could still be waiting when I was an old maid if I didn't take the initiative."

My jaw hit the desk when I heard that.

"So I want to know if you'd like to take me out...on a date...Friday. I figured the football game was as good a place to go as anywhere else." Miranda stopped and just looked at me expectantly.

I was floored. "Miranda, I never knew you wanted me to ask you out. I thought you just wanted us to be friends."

At that, she got off the desk and stalked over to me. I don't care what the medical doctors say; an angry 5'4" woman can grow a foot when she is looming over you.

"Adam Williams! I have done everything but tear off my clothes in front of you trying to give you hints. Now do you want to go out with me or not?" The last was practically a wail, but I finally got the hint.

I smiled at Miranda slowly. "I'd love to take you out to the football game on Friday."

A meek "Oh, okay" was the only response Miranda gave before turning around and heading for the door.

She had almost made it to the door when I stopped her with a truth of my own.

"I've wanted you for 3 months too."

When I saw her turn with the start of a smile on her lips, I couldn't resist adding, "But if you want to tear off your clothes, please feel free."

I heard her giggling down the hall.

===Chapter Four===

I picked Miranda up at 6pm for the football game. When she answered the door, I admit that my brain froze. I was in awe that this creature would want ME. She was dressed casually since we were going to a high school football game. Although the way she filled out her shorts created anything but a casual interest in me. The woman had LEGS!

I was never much of a football fan, but I must admit that I had a great time. Part of it was because Miranda obviously WAS a fan. She was screaming her head off after every play. After one particularly loud outburst, the guy in the bleacher row behind us patted her on the back and told her that it would be okay. Miranda just smiled at me sheepishly and sat back down. It was the most normal thing in the world for me to put my arm around her and hug her to me.

There was no way that I was able to keep my arm around her the entire game. Not with her jumping up and down like a jack-in-the-box. But after that, Miranda would grab and hold tight to my hand every time she managed to sit back down. I loved it.

Dinner was nothing fancy, just some hot dogs grabbed from the concession stand at the game. Miranda didn't seem to mind though. We ate our dogs during half time and talked about minor inconsequential things.

By the time I got Miranda home, I was half in love. For her part, Miranda was slightly windblown and the tip of her nose was red from sitting out in the sun. She was also beaming from ear to ear. That's when I kissed her.

It was the tentative kiss of a new relationship. There was no tongue involved, just warm breath and moist lips. I felt it in my belly. But I kept my touch confined to only our lips and pulled back way before I was ready.

The look in her eyes stayed with me the rest of the night.

Being with Miranda was more fun than I ever thought possible. We went to a few more football games since it was obvious (to me and the people in the bleachers) that Miranda loved football. I also finally told her about my gymnastics.

If you think it's odd that I hadn't told her before now, you just don't understand the prejudice some people can have. Most people had at least one of two stereotypes of gymnasts. They figure we are all gay or on steroids. Most people believe both.

I don't do drugs. Period. No way was I going to take a chance on my health or my eligibility. And despite the fact that I can probably bench press most of our school's football team, I'm considered a pansy because I'm a gymnast. Where's the logic in that, I ask you.

I tried to explain all of this to Miranda. I give her credit. Her only question was if she could come watch a practice. I never practiced better than when she was sitting at the side of the mats watching me.

No doubt about it. I was in love.

===Chapter Five===

The only time I was uneasy was around Miranda's brother, Mitchell. Her twin brother. He was never overtly rude, but I could sense his disapproval every time we met. Once I even walked in while Mitchell was arguing with Miranda. I heard him yell, "He's not your kind" before Miranda shushed him.

Quite honestly, I was confused by it. I wasn't the greatest catch in the world, but I also wasn't anything Miranda should be ashamed of. Miranda explained it away as Mitchell's protectiveness. Just what he was protecting her against, I was afraid to ask.

With the exception of Mitchell's obvious dislike, everyone else accepted Miranda and I as a couple with few questions. I had very few friends since I had such a busy extracurricular schedule, but they were all the staunch loyal type. My friend Alex joked that had he known babes like Miranda went for geeks, he would have invested in pocket protectors years ago. I really laughed when Miranda informed him that it wasn't my pocket that needed protection.

That earned her a long kiss. As punishment or a promise, I'm still not sure.

Miranda's kisses were out of this world. Every time I kissed her it was like someone had set fire to my nerve endings. My lips would start to tingle and my blood changed to fire. There was nothing tentative about our kisses now. I wanted her so badly I hurt with it. But I also loved her which meant that I would do anything to make sure she was never hurt. So I reined in my libido and gave it a good talking to. It didn't work, but I sure felt virtuous for a while.

For a while.

Due to a teacher in-service, we found ourselves at the end of October with a rare Thursday to ourselves. No school, no gymnastics, no parents, no nothing but time for us. I think it was Miranda's idea to stay at home. We played a couple of games of chess before Miranda got tired of being beat and suggested dancing.

Have I mentioned that I love to dance? Particularly with Miranda. Most girls grab you in a chokehold and have to be dragged around the dance floor. Not Miranda. She snuggled close during the slow songs, but kept her weight on her own feet and followed my signals as if she were reading my mind. Dancing with Miranda was better than sex with most other girls.

I used my hand at her back to press her closer while we swayed to the beat. I'm not sure what made it pop out of my mouth at that particular moment, but I never regretted saying it.

"I love you, Miranda."

I was shocked when I heard a soft sob, quickly controlled. Pulling back, I tipped up her face. Her eyes were filled with tears and I started to panic. Maybe it was too much too soon. We had only been dating a little over a month after all.

"Honey, I'm sorry. What's wrong? Whatever it is, I'm sorry. Are you okay?" I knew I was babbling.

Miranda gave one more watery sniff. "I'm fine. I love you too, Adam."

Finally I started to relax. Until she drew back and punched me in the shoulder. I knew it had to hurt her more than it did me, but I smiled at the incongruity of being beat up while someone told me they loved me.

"Why'd you go and hit me? I thought you loved me."

Miranda didn't answer all at once. She looked toward the door. "Loki, would you give us some privacy, please?" Finally she looked back at me.

"You always hurt the ones you love, Adam. Besides, it was about time you told me!" Miranda was getting her composure and spunk back. God did I love this woman. She could still floor me though.

"NOW will you finally make love to me?"

What'd I tell you? I was completely speechless. Good thing words were not what Miranda was looking for.

Her eyes were telling me everything I needed to know about how much she wanted this, so I wasted no time in bending down to kiss her.

Miranda's lips were always so sweet. As soon as my lips touched hers I felt that powerful tingle that always accompanied our kisses. I would know Miranda blindfolded based on that kiss.

Her lips plucked at mine as I slowly rubbed my lips over hers. I wasn't actually kissing her, just letting her feel our mingled heat and the friction of skin rubbing against skin. She must have enjoyed it because her hands started a restless sweep against my back. I was not going to be rushed, however. I was going to wring every drop of pleasure out of this, for myself and for Miranda.

While my lips started a slow nibble, I let my hand push up under Miranda's blouse. Her skin was warm and firm and felt better than I had imagined. I just let my hand make slow circles across her back while I continued to savor the press of her mouth.

Eventually, that wasn't enough any more. When Miranda sighed into my mouth, I took advantage. I began to lick the inside of her lips, gradually deepening my penetration. Miranda was making little mewling noises in the back of her throat that spurred me on. My tongue was now tangling around hers and both of us were starting to pant.

I wasn't truly conscious of what I was doing at this point. I was following my instincts and playing out several of my recent fantasies. That's how my hands found her breasts. I let the backs of my hands brush over her nipples before cupping the underside of her tits and just squeezing gently. I could feel the shockwave that rolled through Miranda when I started to tug on her nipples. I couldn't let that go without an acknowledgement.

I stepped back slightly from Miranda, but before she could say anything, I had her shirt up and over her head. Half a second later, my shirt followed. My hands immediately found their way back to Miranda's tits while my lips found her erect nipples. I continued to rub the underside and sides of her breasts while I let my teeth tug her nipples. When she gasped, I let go and gave a quick bat to each nipple with my tongue before pulling as much as I could into my mouth and suckling. By her arched back and moans, Miranda approved.

Miranda's obvious enjoyment was setting me on fire. I wanted her so badly I was about to cum in my pants. I almost cried when Miranda pulled my head away. She was on a mission though. That much was obvious with how quickly she managed to discard her pants and panties. Then her fingers found the zipper to my jeans.

I had to stop her. No way would I last if she touched me.

"Not yet," was all I managed to choke out.

I don't know if she understood, but Miranda looked into my face and nodded slightly. I pulled her into my arms and both of us gasped at the feel of her nipples against my chest. Experimentally, I started a slow slide across her chest while lowering her to the floor.

I knew I wouldn't last long, so I wanted to make sure that Miranda got off first. With that thought in mind, I resumed my attention of her breasts. My hand, however, had made its way to her cunt lips. I ran my fingers up and down gently just trying to find out how ready Miranda was. Boy was she ready. I was surprised at how much moisture had already gathered. But I wanted more.

I started by running my fingers up and down the outside of her cunt with an occasional swipe over her clit. Every time I hit it, Miranda squealed. Eventually my finger was poised directly over her clit and I was rubbing in tiny circles while continuing to suck strongly on her tits. It didn't take long.

Miranda came with a loud shout and fingers clenched in my hair. That was my cue. I shucked my jeans as fast as I could only taking the time to grab a condom out of my wallet and slide it on.

I pushed into her as slowly as I could. She was as tight as I could wish and I knew I wouldn't last long in her heat. When I finally bottomed out, I lowered myself onto Miranda and held still. I plucked gently at her lips until she moaned. Pulling my head back a fraction of an inch, I whispered against her mouth, "I love you, Miranda.".

That was when I started thrusting. Long hard strokes that I couldn't have controlled if I wanted to. It only took 4 strokes before I felt the cum starting to boil in my nuts. Quickly I reached down and took Miranda's clit between my fingers. I squeezed gently just once and she went off with another shout. The feel of her cunt walls massaging my cock was too much. Way, way too much and I too gave a shout as I felt myself begin to cum.

===Chapter Six===

I had never felt better in my life. And I didn't just mean the sex. In actuality, it felt really good to just have her in my arms (naked didn't hurt). I loved her and that made what we just shared more than just physical. I was content all the way to my soul.

"I love you, Adam."

"I love you too, Miranda. I don't do that with just anyone, you know." I couldn't help it. I felt lighthearted.

Instead of laughing, Miranda just continued to run her hands over my chest. Feeling concerned, I tipped her face up to examine her eyes.

"Honey, are you okay with what happened? Did I hurt you?"

"Not at all," came the quick response.

There was still something in her eyes though that bothered me. I didn't think I had hurt her, but I couldn't help but feel that something was going on in that brain that wasn't good.

"Miranda..."

"Adam," she cut me off. "I have something I have to tell you. A sort of secret. But I can't do it right now. Right now I just want to enjoy THIS."

She looked up at me with a silent plea in her eyes. "Adam, it's nothing bad or illegal, but it IS very hard for me to say. Because I love you it's only right that I share every part of me with you."

I couldn't begin to think what would cause such a declaration. I did not think that she was cheating on me. Miranda wasn't the type. What it could be, I had no idea. All I could do was offer my support.

"Okay, Miranda. Tell me when you're ready. But I want you to remember that I love you. Which means I love all the parts of you. Nothing you can say will change that."

It was whispered against my chest, but I heard the tiny voice say, "We'll see."

She WOULD see. I would make sure of it. I made that vow while cuddling Miranda closer to my side.

===Chapter Seven===

We must have dozed there on the rug in Miranda's living room because we only woke up 20 minutes before her parents were due to arrive back home. I was glad to see whatever melancholy had gripped Miranda before appeared to be gone. She still seemed a bit preoccupied, but managed to laugh when I joked about finding a bed next time.

Miranda just stuck her tongue out at me. "I'm the one with rug burns on my ass, handsome. Next time we either get a bed or YOU get to be on bottom."

We were back on the couch (fully clothed, darn it!) in an intense debate over Halloween costumes by the time her parents got home. I was for them while Miranda thought they were tacky. Halloween was the next night and we had been invited to my friend Alex's house for his annual Halloween party. Costumes were optional, but most people caught the spirit and dressed up. I was just trying to convince her to go as Little Orphan Annie so that I could dress up as Daddy Warbucks when her parents walked in.

I wasn't thinking about costumes though as I drove home. I was still mulling over Miranda's earlier words. My mind was trying to figure out what sort of secret a 16 year old could have that could be so terrible. I fell asleep trying to puzzle it out.

The next morning dawned clear and cold. Perfect Halloween weather. I dressed in old sweats as I got ready for my morning jog. 1 mile before school kept me in shape and woke my brain up. I didn't drink coffee so I needed something to clear the cobwebs before hitting the hallowed halls of school. Thank God it was Friday.

My normal route took me right past Miranda's house. Well, it didn't used to, but once we started dating, I changed my route slightly. Miranda knew when I ran and generally gave me a wave from the front porch as I jogged past her house.

I'll admit to being distracted while I ran. My mind was still wrestling with Miranda and her cryptic comments, with major interruptions of how it felt being inside of her. I really wanted to repeat the experience again. Soon.

My distraction is probably why I never heard the car. I did hear the scream a split second before I felt the impact against my back. Then I was flying through the air and at the ground. I never felt my body hit the ground.

For that matter, I didn't really feel anything at all.

I must have passed out for a brief time. The next thing I knew, Miranda was bending over me crying. She kept touching my face with her fingertips and sobbing. I couldn't make out her words other than my name over and over. I tried to smile at her, but before I could try the world turned gray again.

I could have only been out a few seconds when I surfaced again. Mitchell was running up to Miranda. When he saw me, he went white. Guess that told me what kind of condition I was in.

I'm still not sure if I really saw what I saw next or if it was some sort of delusion.

Mitchell didn't waste any time on checking my injuries. He turned to Miranda and slapped her. Hard. Even in my semi-numb state, I was outraged. Miranda was shocked out of her tears.

Mitchell grabbed her shoulders and started talking. Fast. "Miranda, snap out of it. If you don't do something, he's going to die. You have to concentrate. If you can't be calm at least be calmer. You have to do it. NOW."

Miranda just nodded her head while trying to take a deep breath.

Mitchell continued talking. "Mir, I'll help you as much as I can, but you know I'm not as good at this."

By this point, Miranda was much more in control of herself. Tears still coursed silently down her face, but she was no longer on the edge.

Kneeling down next to me, Miranda held her hand out to her brother and kept her eyes on my face. "Just let me borrow the essence."

My world was still sliding in and out of focus when the chanting started in my brain. It was primal and earthy and demanded a response. It spoke in the voice of Miranda.

The chanting never ceased, but it was overshadowed when all of my nerve endings came to life. Pain such as I had never felt before blazed across my body. I would have screamed, but the pain and the chanting stole my voice. The pain lasted for several lifetimes before a golden warmth - such as with the sun coming out on a cloudy day - started to wash over me. My muscles went limp. And still the chanting went on.

I came to just as Miranda slumped across me.

I started to sit up in panic, but stopped when my muscles screamed in protest. Having strained myself in gymnastics practice several times, I knew that slow and steady were the key words. Of course, Mitchell's hands on my shoulders also had something to do with why I stayed on the ground.

Seeing the panic in my eyes, Mitchell acquiesced enough to tell me, "She's okay. Just exhausted."

I would have followed up with a question, but again, Mitchell beat me to it.

"I'll explain everything, but we need to get both of you inside. We're starting to attract attention."

I looked around and could see a few curious glances our way. I did agree that we needed to get inside. Besides, I was worried about Miranda.

Mitchell helped me to my feet before scooping Miranda up gently. Even though he was her brother, I still felt a quick twinge of jealousy that he was the one carrying her.

===Chapter Eight===

I held the door while Mitchell carried Miranda inside their house. He was met by the anxious questions of both parents. I could barely stand up so I just continued to hold the doorframe while Mitchell deflected his parent's concern.

I would probably still be there if Mr. Evans hadn't helped me into a chair in the living room. As it was, I only briefly heard Mitchell give an account of what happened. My mind stalled at the words "fatal hit and run" and I looked up.

"What?" I croaked. Swallowing, I tried again. "What did you say?"

Mitchell just sighed deeply and pinched the bridge of his nose. Before I could demand an explanation, he looked into my eyes. What I saw kept me silent.

"Adam, you were hit by a car. A hit and run actually as the driver didn't bother to stick around and see how you were. It was a fatal accident. In fact, if it hadn't been for Miranda, you WOULD have died."

Mitchell glanced back at Miranda now spread out on the sofa. My eyes too traced her features before I was once again caught by Mitchell's words. Mr. and Mrs. Evans just sat silently with a sad look in their eyes.

"I saw your injuries. You were lying more twisted than a carnival pretzel. You also had blood running out of your nose and mouth." I dabbed at my mouth coming away with a handful of blood. He continued a little more gently, "You would not have survived."

"But...how?" It was all I could say.

It was Mrs. Evans who answered this time. "Because Miranda is a witch. Specifically she is a healing witch. She can't heal herself, but when she concentrates, she can help those who have been hurt."

Oddly enough, I looked to Mitchell for confirmation that this wasn't just a crazy dream.

He nodded. "It's true. We all have the power, but it comes in different forms for every witch. Miranda heals. I have the sight. Although not always perfectly." He glanced again at Miranda and fell silent.

My mind was spinning. This was a lot to try to digest all at once. "I'm not sure I can believe all of this."

"You have no choice!" The bite was back in Mitchell's voice. "You can try to deny the facts, but there they are. Pandora's box has been opened and you can't wish away the results."

I decided to ask something else. "What about Miranda? What's wrong with her?"

Again, it was Mrs. Evans who answered my question. "She's recuperating. In order to heal you, she had to pass a lot of her own energy to you. Sleep is the best way to recover what has been lost."

I started to stand and cross to Miranda when Mitchell's next words stopped me cold.

"Adam. I think you should go home now."

"No." No way was I being shoved out the door after a revelation like that.

"Adam." I turned at the tone in his voice. "You should go home. Miranda needs sleep to recover. YOU need sleep to recover. You also need to figure out how you feel about all of this. And after that, you need to figure out how you feel about Miranda. Being a witch is not just what she does, but who she is. You have to decide if you can deal with that part of her. Go home."

My shoulders slumped and I acknowledged that he was right.

Mr. Evans drove me home (I was in no mood to walk). My parents had already left for work, so I just went straight to bed for several hours of sleep. Oddly enough, the last thing I thought of before falling into a dreamless sleep was the look in Miranda's eyes when we made love.

I woke again several hours later feeling almost human and hungry enough to eat a bear. After a quick sandwich eaten while standing at the sink, I went over everything that had happened. Everything I had heard. I still didn't know what to think of it all. Witches. In this day and age.

Witches were something you read about in fairy tales. Not your girlfriend. The problem was I had the proof that Mitchell was telling the truth. I liked to think that I was a fairly rational animal. I didn't want to be the yokel who claimed there were no such things as bears when confronted with a grizzly.

So there were real live, honest to goodness, spell casting witches in the world. Okay. So what? What does it really matter? This wasn't a fairy tale and I didn't have to worry that my girlfriend was going to lure me into her oversized oven.

That's when my mind finally started clicking. I was right. This wasn't a fairy tale. This was life. My girlfriend, who just happened to be a witch, had just saved my life. More importantly, she WAS my life. I was more alive and more glad to be alive when I was around her. THAT was what mattered.

My resolved firmed; I walked out the door and headed to Miranda's.

===Chapter Nine===

I didn't bother knocking on the door. I just opened it and walked right in. Mitchell happened to be standing there when I barged in. I looked him straight in the eye.

"I don't really care if your sister is a witch. I love her. I will probably always love her. THAT is what's important."

I never waited for his response, but instead just pushed past him to see Miranda sitting up on the sofa, her eyes trained on the hallway where I was standing. She looked a little shell-shocked.

I walked over and kneeled down at her side. Reaching up, I pushed her hair behind one ear and looked deep into her eyes.

"I love you, Miranda." It was all I could say. It was everything I had to offer.

With a loud sniffle, Miranda launched herself into my arms, tumbling us backwards. In between tiny kisses pressed to my face I heard her say, "I love you too, Adam."

Sometimes that's the best magic of all. Happy Halloween to me.