Free Ollie, Ollie Hex 'n Free by Liz Schulte

can’t live like this.”
    Leslie closed her book. “What do you want to do?”
    “I want to leave. Today, like we planned. And Sy’s going to help us.”
    “I shouldn’t have gotten involved, should I?” He picked up two boxes. “Do you have a house?”
    “Selene is renting me her grandma’s.”
    He walked out of the room with the boxes. I grabbed the next one and Leslie took another. We went outside, but he was already gone. We stacked the boxes next to where he had been and went to get more. Within ten minutes, all of my stuff was gone. I did one last sweep of the room to make sure I hadn’t forgotten anything and scooped up Stewie before I went back to Sy and Leslie who were waiting.
    “You sure you don’t want to wait? At least tell Selene?” Sy asked.
    I took one last look at the castle. I’d never forget my time here, but I had to leave before every last memory was tarnished. “She’ll know where I am.”
     
    ****
     
    “You’d think I’d be used to it by now,” I said, my head between my knees on the porch. Magically transporting was the worst. It was like drinking a bottle of whiskey and being put on a merry-go-round that was being pushed by Superman.
    Leslie laughed at me (bitch) and I flipped her off.
    “So this is where you’re going to live?” Sy asked, coming back out to the porch. “Kind of remote.”
    “It’s right by town,” I said, forcing myself upright. “Selene grew up here.”
    “It’s more of a village,” he said, looking around. “I just can’t picture her here.”
    “It’s pretty. It’s near the beach and walking distance to the shops and restaurant. I like it,” Leslie said.
    “Wanna be my roommate?” I asked.
    “I wish, but I need things, like a job.” Leslie pulled her hair over her shoulder. “Speaking of jobs, what are you going to do?”
    “I’m going to open a store. You know how Selene sold candles with spells in her yoga studio? Something like that—but no yoga. It’s what I’m good at. I want a magic, new age novelty store type thing. I think people will like it and what better way to find other witches than a place where they can buy supplies.” I stood up. “We could be partners. It’ll be fun.”
    She nodded a little. “Let me think about it.”
    “Great. Now all we need is money.” I made a face and laughed. I didn’t need to worry about the store now. Getting settled in was enough. “Thanks for helping, Sy. Can I get you a drink?”
    “I’m good,” he said.
    “I bet you are.” I nudged him with a smile.
    He winked, his eyes darkening slightly. He went to the porch swing and sat, legs wide apart, arms stretched out across the back. Such a guy. “I think your store’s a good idea. If you need a silent partner, let me know.”
    My mouth fell open. “Are you serious?”
    He stared out at the grass growing up through the sand and the water stretched out in the distance beyond that. “While I stand by my opinion that this town is way too small for you to have any fun, I think the store could work. I can see the opportunity. Plus it could have other uses for me.”
    “You know by silent partner we’re talking money, right?”
    He laughed. “I am aware.”
    “What will you call it?” Leslie asked.
    “I haven’t thought about it. How about Kat-tastic!?” I flashed my hands on either side of my face. “Jazz hands.”
    “We agreed you’d wait to leave,” Selene said, appearing at the bottom of the steps. “I didn’t know. I’m sorry you were singled out, but come back. Come home.”
    I shook my head, still riding the emotional high from planning my future. “I am home.” Selene didn’t look convinced. “It’s okay—and they’re right. We don’t belong there and nothing is going to change that. This is our home.”
    “You know I can’t accept that.” Selene got that stubborn look in her eye. “You guys will always belong wherever I am, and I won’t live somewhere that doesn’t accept that. Especially not