Applebottom Magic: Paranormal Romance Read online

  Applebottom Magic

  A Slapstick Naughty Paranormal Romance

  S. CINDERS

  Applebottom Magic © 2016 S. Cinders

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

  NOTE: MATURE

  Applebottom Magic

  A Slapstick Naughty Paranormal Romance

  S. CINDERS

  Applebottom Magic © 2016 S. Cinders

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher - S. Cinders, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.

  Applebottom Magic © 2016 S. Cinders

  CHAPTER 1 -Apple

  "Nana—this sucks! It’s way too hot to be going to the Grand Canyon in the summer!" Ok, so maybe I had resorted to whining, and just maybe I had a bad attitude about going to the Grand Canyon for our family vacation.

  But seriously, of all the places we could go, why on this earth did Nana pick Arizona?

  When she talked about taking a family trip I suggested New York where we could go to Times Square and see a show on Broadway. Or if that didn't tickle her fancy, I suggested Universal Studios in Orlando. I had seen the commercials that they have just finished the second section of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I am a huge Harry Potter fan, but no, Nana wouldn't hear of it. Who doesn't want to cuddle up with some butterbeer and look for some house elves?

  "This is your history sugarplum." She said absentmindedly as she packed her dusty old carpetbag.

  I think that she has had it for as long as she's been alive. That thing stinks to high heaven, but she won't part from it. I refused to store anything of mine in it or even near it.

  "Nana, what 17-year-old girl do you possibly know, who would want to travel three days in a car in the middle of July, to go to some dusty old mountains? It's supposed to be 114 degrees! We are probably going to die!!" I pleaded, but she shook her head at me smiling.

  "Silly girl, no Applebottom has ever died from a little sun." She's killing me here and like I said, there is always a first.

  Applebottom, that's our last name and trust me I've heard all the jokes possible about it. The kids in elementary were merciless in their teasing. If you add in my first name it's positively criminal.

  A boy in the fourth grade, Shawn Brown, started calling me Apple.

  Sadly, this was an improvement on my first name, and it kind of stuck after that. Now pretty much everyone called me Apple.

  This was a huge relief from 'Big-bottom', 'Flat-bottom', 'Rock-bottom', and the worst 'Hairy-bottom'.

  Oh yeah, I forgot to say, that's my given name, Henrietta Prudence Applebottom.

  I was not overly popular, for obvious reasons.

  We have spent the last 21 hours, 11 minutes and 45... no 46 seconds riding in Nana's old Volkswagen Beetle, without air conditioning no less.

  "I seriously could open a swimming pool with the sweat from my armpits," I grumbled.

  "That would be lovely dear." Nana replied.

  Did I mention that Nana was pretty much deaf when she wanted to be? I love the woman don't get me wrong.

  I guess my parents ditched me on her front step when I was an infant. I am her son Richard's daughter, but as far as I'm concerned, I have no memory of either parent. Nana has been my only family my entire life.

  So even though she can be a touch eccentric and a lot maddening at times, I am still and always will be deeply loyal to her.

  "Who are these people we are supposed to be meeting up with there?" I asked watching the skyline as we passed huge boulders and massive mountains that the road seemed to be put right in the middle of.

  "Just a few friends of mine dear," Nana replied, "Sally Raymond and Jessica Street are their names. We used to cause quite a raucous in our day."

  I had a difficult time suppressing a smile, the thought of my tiny old Nana being a rebel was just too funny. I glanced over at her and saw that she had a similar grin on her face.

  We finally arrived around 9:30 that night. As Nana pulled up the car to the cabin I turned my head with raised eyebrows. "We do have indoor plumbing?" I asked panicked.

  "Of course, we do dear! Don't fret so much."

  I let out a sigh of relief, thank heavens.

  Just as soon as we opened the trunk to get the bags, the front door to the cabin burst open and two elderly ladies came running, surprisingly nimble, straight for us.

  "Gladys!" They cried in unison, and hugged Nana close.

  "It's been far too long" one said and the other added, "You don't know how we've missed you!"

  Turning and noticing me they rushed over and hugged me as well. Seriously, did these women work out? They about squeezed the life out of me and they are two old women wearing matching valor pantsuits.

  They stepped back beaming at me. The taller one said, "She's just lovely Gladys! Just like you were at that age, I am Sally dear, and this is my twin sister Jessica."

  "I'm very pleased to meet you." I replied noting that even though they were twins and dressed alike, they really didn't look identical. Sally had long white hair that she had up in a high ponytail. Her skin glowed and she looked to be a few years younger than her sister.

  Jessica was shorter and plumper. She had age lines on her face and a slight slump to her shoulders. She had blue hair, and I don't mean old lady blue hair, it was almost electric blue, cut in a short bob. Definitely from a bottle, but she was still lovely to look at. They both actually reminded me quite a bit of Nana.

  I looked from my grandmother and back into their faces. "Are you related to Nana?" I asked.

  Nana looked at my guilty and Jessica chuckled, "Looks like we are busted.”

  CHAPTER 2- Apple

  "What is she talking about?" I asked Nana. Walking over to where she was standing and taking her stinky carpet bag.

  "Let's not stand about out here," Sally said cheerfully, "Let's get inside where it's cooler and we can talk. I'm sure Gladys never got that AC fixed on her bug."

  "Who needs AC when you can roll down some windows?" Nana said snatching her bag back. "Come along child, we have much to discuss."

  The outside of the cabin was deceptive, the interior was gorgeous. Wide plank oak floors, luxurious carpets, large cream couches and a large roaring fireplace. But it wasn't hot, it was deliciously cool. I sank down onto the nearest couch, closed my eyes and sighed, I could get used to this.

  "It's good to be home," I heard Nana say, as the older women wandered over to the kitchen to make tea.

  Stainless steel appliances, grey quartz counter tops and large oak cabinets lined the walls and large island. I glanced over and noticed that they were drinking their tea, but I didn't see anyone put the kettle on. Perhaps they had it ready before hand?

  "Apple dear," Nana called to me, yes even she called me Apple, much to my delight. "Please come over here to the table and have a chat."

  I felt a little nervous, I'm not sure why. They had been nothing but nice to me and my Nana seemed to adore these women. Still I was hesitant to come over. Slowly I made my way trying to take in every bit of opulence that their home exhibited.

  "Thank you, Sugarplum," Nana said as I pulled out a chair next to her and had a seat. "Child, there are some things in this family that you need to know."

  "Ok," I gulped.

  "These are my sisters, they are both widows."

  "But," I interrupted, “I don't understand. Why would you hide your sisters from me?"

  "Oh, no dear," Nana rushed t
o comfort me, "I wasn't hiding them from you, I was protecting you."

  "I don't understand." I felt more irritated and nervous than ever, "Why?"

  Nana sighed and Sally leaned over and spoke, "Just spit it out Gladys, she can handle it."

  My eyes swung from Sally back to Nana, who looked to be gathering her courage. "Apple, my sisters and I are not exactly as we appear to be. There isn’t an easy way to say this dear, but I need to tell you that we are witches."

  "Is this a joke because I wanted to go to Harry Potter world? Seriously I am so angry that you would throw that in my face." I muttered feeling wounded.

  "We really are witches Apple, I know that it’s difficult to believe but if you just see some magic you will understand better." Jessica murmured patting my hand.

  She motioned to her hair and clothing. "This is not our true form, but one that we adopted so as not to startle you at first."

  I was plenty startled. "Am I supposed to believe that I am a witch as well?"

  "You are getting a little ahead of yourself," Nana replied, "The answer is no, not yet, but you will be on your eighteenth birthday next week."

  "Let's just reveal ourselves," Sally told her sisters, "She's not going to believe us until she sees a bit of magic."

  They nodded in unison and yes it was freaky. With a small muttered incantation, they began to change right before my eyes.

  Sally's hair still in a ponytail turned a honey blond, her spine straightened and the lines on her face disappeared. Her figure was vastly different as well; she could have posed for a swim suit commercial.

  Jessica's short blue bob lengthened in the front into an A line cut, her wrinkled skin was flawless and her smile could have lit up the room. Her hunch was gone and in its stead, was a beautiful young woman.

  Nana's transformation was the greatest to me of all. Perhaps it's because I have lived with her my entire life, but I was stunned.

  Nana had auburn curls that glided half way down her back. The perkiest boobs I have ever seen and a killer body.

  What the hell?

  "I must be dreaming," I muttered pinching my cheeks. Ouch! Yep, I'm awake.

  Sitting around me were three of the most beautiful women I've ever seen. And to make matters worse they really didn't seem that much older than I am.

  "How can this be?" I asked.

  "That my girl is quite the story." Sally replied and Jessica shortly after added, "it's late, are you sure you don't want to go to bed and we can talk about all of this tomorrow."

  I had absolutely no desire to go to bed. But before I could protest Nana had me out of my chair and was ushering me to the bedroom reserved for me.

  "Just rest sugarplum, we can talk more in the morning." She kissed my forehead and in that action, she reminded me that she really was my Nana, despite her appearance.

  I looked at the bedroom and was astounded at the gorgeous room.

  It was painted sage green with a huge cream headboard and plush cream carpets. It was a room for a princess.

  I really thought I'd be up half the night, but as soon as I hit the pillow I felt the exhaustion of the long drive. A few moments later I was asleep.

  CHAPTER 3- Apple

  I awoke to the sound of laughter. For a moment, I thought I was still in my room in the city, but then I felt the silky-smooth sheets not my usual cotton ones and opened my eyes to the opulent bedroom.

  I got up and took a tank and shorts into the adjoining bathroom. Even the shower seemed magical, and the body wash was the best thing I've ever smelled.

  I felt like Alice down the rabbit hole.

  After dressing I combed my blond hair and left it to dry on its own.

  Cracking the door to my room I looked out into the kitchen.

  "Sleeping Beauty awakens!" Nana said coming over to give me a hug.

  I smiled at her little joke. It was going to take time to get used to hearing my old Nana's voice coming out of this beautiful young woman.

  "Are you hungry?" Sally asked.

  "Not really," I replied just as my stomach let out a loud growl.

  "More like starving!" Jessica laughed and I blushed.

  "Maybe I could eat a little something," I said sheepishly.

  As I sat down to the best French toast I've ever eaten the women gathered around me.

  "So, are you like my cousins or aunts or what?" I asked between mouthfuls.

  Nana, clucked in disapproval. Yep, despite the new hot body she was most my Nana.

  "Don't talk with your mouthful." She chided.

  "We are technically your great aunts, but more importantly we are your coven." Jessica said with her mouth just as stuffed as mine had been.

  "Well, we can see where she got her table manners from." Sally teased.

  "Apple dear, did you notice when we arrived how the cabin appeared?" Nana asked.

  I thought about last night, "It seemed really small and kind of run down. I was worried there wouldn't be indoor plumbing."

  "That's my handy work! I wove a spell of concealment over our home. So, the world sees an old abandoned cabin." Sally replied.

  "If they even get this far," Jessica added. "There are loads of spells to send people away if they even get remotely close. They will suddenly remember they didn't shut off the iron or something similar."

  "So why haven't I met any of you before now? Nana, I still don't understand why you hid all this from me? Wouldn't having magic make our lives easier?" I felt hurt, "Don't you trust me?"

  "I couldn't Apple," she looked into my eyes. "I had to protect you, let you grow up without worry. With this power, there comes great responsibility."

  "I still don't understand." I looked at these women so alike yet so different.

  "We need to start at the beginning," Sally decided and her sisters nodded in agreement.

  "Apple, witches live very long lives. My sisters and I are indeed very, very old. We are hundreds of years old.

  Our father was a warlock, and in those times, the magical world ruled the land. We had a beautiful home surrounded by rolling hills and a glittering lake.

  Our mother was human and our father loved her dearly. He wanted more than anything to extend her life so she could be with him always. Magical beings may live centuries, but as you know, mortals do not.

  Sadly, there was another warlock who hated our father. He was jealous of all the land our father ruled over and he lusted after our mother.

  One night when mother was out speaking with the Magical COW..."

  I broke her off in disbelief, "Magical cow?!"

  "Not a real cow silly girl!" Nana chuckled. "COW stands for Commanding Oppositional Warlock, much like a police officer in the normal world."

  "I thought I was telling the story," Sally scolded playfully. Nana nodded her head and pretended to zip her lips closed.

  "Anyhow, the Magical COW had been investigating a claim that father was treating his people unfairly. Mother had been out speaking with him when a great and terrible scream erupted from the lake.

  Mother ran toward it, as she neared the lake she saw an infant floating in a crate.

  The crate wasn't very sturdy and the child's blankets were already getting wet.

  Without thought she dashed into the water. But it was all a ruse. There wasn't any baby, it was an illusion conjured by a villain so evil he would take the life of our mother, just to hurt father."

  Sally sat quietly for a moment with unshed tears in her eyes. "Excuse me," she said brokenly as a few tears escaped and rolled down her perfect cheek. "I haven't spoken of this is a very long time."

  Jessica looking equally upset patted her sister's hand. "Mother drown that night. We were ten years old, and Gladys was seven. Life changed dramatically after that terrible event."

  Nana quietly spoke up "I remember his face when he heard. He hadn't been home, and I don't remember why. But his anguish and grief were permanently etched into my mind."

  "I feel as if we lost both parents that ter
rible night." Jessica added.

  Sally wiped her tears away, "Father was desolate, crazed even. He felt that he could still save her, raise her from the dead."

  "He killed the Magical COW in cold blood." Jessica whispered, "I saw it. Father said that he hadn't done anything to save mother, so he didn't deserve to live."

  Sally nodded, "He then searched out his enemy, and killed him. But it wasn't in a noble fashion and he killed him directly in front of his family."

  Nana hung her head, "It wasn't like my father. You must understand that he had been a good wizard. But we couldn't reason with him. For the first time, I was terrified of my own parent. I was only 7 and had just lost my mother. But he was too wrapped up in his own grief to even contemplate the horror we were living with."

  "He said that he had no reason to live without her." Jessica stared into her tea cup and then looked into my eyes. "We, my sisters and I, weren't reason enough for him to live. Who does that to a child?

  There are repercussions when one takes their own life, especially a witch or a wizard. Terrible things happen and often those left behind are forced to deal with the aftermath."

  Sally continued, "There was a terrible storm, the water in the lake was coming in great waves, almost like the ocean. The land groaned and creaked like a living being waiting to burst from beneath the earth's crust.

  Father took the family wand and pointed it straight at his heart. He uttered something, I don't know what, and I was too far away to hear. But I saw the light leave his eyes. I knew he was dead."

  "What happened next still boggles the mind. Our mother's ghost appeared before us. We had been hiding near the cellars at the back of the house, yet she knew right where to find us. She said, 'My darling girls, you must be brave now.'

  'Because of your father's choice to desert this land you girls will be tasked to guard and protect it. I know you are scared, but I know, you will be the grandest guardians this place has ever seen. I love each of you. Please don't make the mistakes that we did. Life won't be easy, but it's a precious gift, never to be wasted.'