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4th Annual Halloween Contest 2001 "Hocus Pocus" - First Place by Karen Pablos (Kaz)

She looked to the full moon, which hung low in the heavens. Rising slowly it danced its reflection teasingly upon the calm salt waters and for a time she was lost within its hypnotic ballet. The sea however soon bid her wake for it gently kissed the beach about her toes and with each soft ripple it whispered its ancient secrets to its constant friend, the sand.

Tucking her hair behind her ears she sat cross-legged at the water's edge, enjoying the smell of the ocean, waiting patiently for the moon to rise higher into the heavens. The natural elements all around her calmed her and helped her to concentrate. All in all it was a good night for making magic.

Carefully removing a select few items from the small purple velvet bag she arranged them before her on the sand. Talking in slow rhymed sentences she held a picture close to her heart before burying it deeply between her legs. With a firm voice she spoke six times to the full moon before rising and walking back to her car.

#

Tiffany strolled along Hazel's garden path smiling at the array of herbs, which were busy growing outside the ornate small paned kitchen window. She stopped to enjoy the aroma of fresh mint and lemon balm. It always amazed her how her friend could grow so much out of season.

'You're really getting into this witchcraft stuff, aren't you?' Picking a lemon leaf Tiffany pierced it with her nail and rubbed its sap over her wrists. The scent was cool and refreshing and unsurprisingly she felt her mouth water.

'Every good witch uses fresh herbs, Tiffy, besides they're good to cook with too.'
She smiled in amusement. 'And just what do your neighbours think about you chanting "Hocus Pocus" and running around the garden stark naked in the middle of the night?'
Hazel stopped and held her hips in reprise. Tiffany simply grinned lopsidedly and with a shrug continued, 'Besides don't you get cold?' Lifting her head she gazed up to the clear blue October skies, skies that brought the promise of cold weather and shivered.
Brows raised Hazel looked disapprovingly to her. 'Honestly, Tiffy what are you like? It's not the middle of the night. It's called "The Witching Hour" and I shan't be doing anything like that for at least another year. I'm still an apprentice, as you know.' Brushing past Tiffany she pushed her kindly and opened the barn door with lead to her small kitchen.

'Come on in ye of little faith,' she winked, 'and I'll make you a cuppa.'

As usual when entering the kitchen Tiffany came face to face with a large vibrant calendar which hung habitually for good luck, or so Hazel claimed, by the main parlour door. The fact her friend both worked for and adored the man depicted in each picture seemed not to enter the equation. Unlike her cluttered kitchen walls each one adored with colourful jars, talismans, aprons and many an unusual cooking utensil, this prized wall, this calendar wall, was cherished and litter free.

Tiffany imagined Hazel standing naked before the glossy pages, waiting patiently for the midnight chimes to ring in each new month before flipping the page over and ogling Steve's face once more. If nothing else Hazel was a creature of habit.

'Did you do that silly love spell after all, Hazel?' She asked, still staring at the handsome man's face depicted for October's enjoyment. With a pumpkin held securely in his hand the man smiled sightlessly back at her and for a moment Tiffany felt unsure if he smiled out of foolishness or for the love of looking daft.

'Silly? Magic is far from silly. It's an art.' She chastised in good nature. 'And besides I did, but it's not going too well,' she replied, solemnly. Placing her freshly picked herbs in the sink she dried her hands on a cloth. 'I've tried every spell I can think of but he just doesn't seem to respond to any of them.'

Tiffany wanted to laugh yet stopped when she saw the hurt in her friends' ivy green eyes. 'Hazel, have you tried just talking to him?'

The tall elegant woman walked over to her beloved calendar. Rising her long agile finger she ran it lovingly along his one dimension face, her finger following his prominent jawbone and dusted sun-kissed stubble.

'Tiffy, I'm his personal assistant. I talk to him every day and every day he sees straight through me.' Still looking at her calendar she add, 'He is gorgeous isn't he Tiffy?'
Vexed Tiffany chose not to answer the question. Instead she replied, 'Why don't you try to get his attention some other way? I mean, you've often told me he's very polite and charming. I'm sure if you tried to strike up a conversation....'

'Tried it Tiffy but he wasn't impressed.' Hazel signed deeply. 'If only he'd smile at me the way he smiles for his leading ladies.' They stood staring at the calendar. 'He has a wonderful smile, Tiffy. See how his whole face lights up when he smiles? If I wasn't such an ugly duckling he'd smile for me like that to.'

Annoyed Tiffany took Hazel by the hand and led her to the hallway mirror. Without surprise it hung well positioned to gather the power of the moonshine, which reflect on cloudless nights through the large patio window.

'Look at yourself, Hazel!' She almost yelled. 'You're beautiful and far from an ugly duckling. If he can't see you then it's his loss, besides he's paid to smile for his leading ladies. When he smiles at you, it will be from his heart and not his wallet, that much I promise you.'

Hazel looked though their reflections into her friends' warm brown eyes. 'You have such a way with words.' She said with a grin. She stood staring at herself for a moment. 'Maybe I'll work some magic on myself tonight. What do you think? I could do with a bit of spit and polish.'

'That's the spirit, Hazel,' Tiffany replied with a grin.

'Yeah...I think I'll try something on myself. Something that will help him to notice me.'

She smiled as she toyed with her ideas.

#

That evening she sat alone in her candle-lit room reading through her ancient book of spells.

'I need something to attract his attention,' she murmured to herself. Closing her eyes she thought of his face and the calendar she so loved. 'Something so strong he'll have to sit up and take notice of it,' she sighed to Zachory Binx, her familiar.

The loyal black cat looked up from her lap and purred in contentment. She ran her fingers over his ebony coat, the feel of his fur silken upon her skin and was quiet for a few minutes, seeking guidance from her own unseen natural forces.

'I've got it!' She said with a grin. 'Crowned in smiles, a spell for seductive beauty'. That should do the trick!'

Zachory stretched and purred in agreement.

#

Hazel woke the next morning and showered ready for work. Swapping her customary jeans and T-Shirt for a shorter length skirt and jacket she looked at her cat sleeping soundly upon her bed.

'Well, it's a shame to waste them.' She couldn't remember the last time she'd worn a skirt and with slight concern she brushed the few creases out from its fabric; trying to remember the last time it saw the light of day. 'After all, they cost a fortune.' If her cat was impressed with her appearance he hide it well for he continued to sleep undisturbed. Checking her attire she walked along the narrow corridor towards the front door before taking one last glance at her reflection in the hallway mirror.

'Maybe just a hint of make-up and a dab of perfume,' she murmured and returned hurriedly to the bathroom.

#

Gliding into his dressing room Hazel bid her good mornings in her customary manner before handing him his mug of tea and detailing his morning schedule.

'Mr. Williams has called again and you have a custom fitting in 15 minutes Steve.'

As she spoke she paced the room, her pen held in her fingers dexterously ticking of each item on her agenda. 'Next years calendar shots need to be completed and don't forget you have a dinner date this afternoon with the head of finance.'

Steve was unusually quiet and on looking in his direction she discovered her boss was sat up right looking intently at her. His chocolate brown almond eyes rest heavily upon her legs the weight of which made her nervous.

'Are you OK, sir?' She asked worriedly. He'd gone awfully pale.

'You look, nice,' he replied. Hazel couldn't help but notice he'd turned crimson.

'I look nice?' She mimicked whilst feeling her face redden to match his.

'Yeah,' he smiled. 'You look nice, Hazel.'

#

'Tiffy it's worked!' Hazel almost screamed in excitement down the phone. 'I did a rejuvenating spell last night and today he's not taken his eyes off me!'

Tiffany smiled and shook her head in amusement. 'What are you like, Hazel! I'm sure he's noticed you before; he's probably just never had the nerve to talk to you. Men get tongue-tied too, you know!'

'Oh no, Tiffy.' Hazel replied excitedly. 'This is definitely magic. He's followed me around all day, like a little lost puppy, he's even asked me out to dinner.'

Tiffany smiled for Hazel; pleased her wish had finally come true. 'Well what on earth are you talking to me for? You should be spending all evening getting ready. Bathing in rose petals or whatever it is you witches do.'

#

She sat in the restaurant feeling very uncomfortable and very out of place. She was unsure which piece of cutlery she should be using or even if she was drinking from the correct glass. She wanted to impress him but instead felt sure she was making a complete fool of herself.

He looked at her from across the table and smiled that wonderful smile.

'You OK?' As always, conversation came easily to him. He looked at the array of cutlery about her and smiled. 'Just start from the outside and work your way in,' he laughed.

'Oh.... right,' she replied shyly, taking a fork from the table.

'Do you like it here?'

She sighed. Was it that easy to see how uncomfortable she felt? 'I'm a bit shell-shocked actually,' she babbled over the echoing melody of the nearby harp. She hated the harp; it made her teeth go on edge. 'I wasn't expecting anything quite so, up-market. I'm more your "Joe's Cafe" type of person'.

'Only the best for you Hazel,' he replied a smile she'd grown to love. Reaching over the table he took her hand in his. 'I can't understand why I never asked you out before.' She watched as locks of red hair each one the colour of burnt amber fell over his handsome brow. 'I should go get my eyes checked.' Sighing with pleasure he stared lovingly at Hazel.

She glanced from his deep brown eyes to the packed restaurant about her and the many faces staring back in interest. To her horror it hadn't been long before Steven had been recognised and in shyness she pulled her hand from his and coughed.

'Your chicken is getting cold,' she point out with her fork. His gaze was making her feel nervous.

'Let it,' he replied, still not taking his eyes off her. 'I have no stomach to eat. Besides', he yelled with a mischievous grin 'I'M LOVE SICK!'

He laughed out loud. Hazel openly blushed. The many curious faces looked on, each one eager for a scandal and for a moment Hazel thought she saw the flash of a camera glare from somewhere nearby.

The attention he'd poured over her all day flattered her immensely yet she'd felt pangs of guilt. He didn't belong to her she knew that. She'd deceived him, terribly.

He shouldn't be here with me. The first rule in magic was not to trick. 'Maybe we should go?' Unnerved she began to gather her belongings. This had been a bad idea. She should never have agreed to come to such a public place with a person as famous as Steven.

'Your wish is my command...my lady,' he rushed around the table beating the waiter and slowly moved the chair aside as she stood. As they walked out of the restaurant and into the night's welcoming fresh breeze Hazel was only too aware of the stares from curious onlookers. This was going to be a long night.

#

The following week Hazel sat opposite Tiffany eating their shared lunch. 'Tiffy, it's not going too well, not too well at all.'

Tiffany looked surprised. 'What? But you saw him most of last week and every day this week? What on earth's happened?'

'I just feel so bad. Plus he keeps, well; he just keeps looking at me, weirdly. Like I'm the first woman he's seen in years.'

Tiffany huffed in disbelief. 'Don't know what you're complaining about. It sounds like he's got it bad for you.'

Hazel watched quietly as her friend fought aimlessly with a disobedient napkin, which took it upon itself to dance upon a sudden gust of wind, and on raising her eyes she found her friends waiting for her.

'Tiffany, last night after he dropped me home he told me he was falling in love with me.' She laughed with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. 'We talked for hours. It's what I've always wanted but I feel so bad. I should never have used a spell on him.'

Tiffany looked to the heavens for guidance. 'Hazel it's you and not the spell that's doing the magic here. You're sweeping him of his feet without the use of your broom.' She smiled at her own humour and grabbed once more at her napkin.

'Do you think so? I can't help but think that maybe it's the spell? That I've tricked him into liking me.'

'Hazel magic doesn't work.' Tiffany laughed at her friend. 'Take my word for it. Those "old-wives-tales" are nonsense, now come on,' she placed a protective arm around her friend's shoulders. 'Steve likes you for you and not because of some mumbo jumbo you've concocted.' She teasingly pulled a mocking face at Hazel but felt saddened to see her friend still worry. 'OK listen; you yourself know that the spells only last a short while, so it'll probably wear off soon. Just enjoy the attention whilst you've got it. After all, he'll probably dump you next week.' She winked as she poured Hazel another coffee.

#

Later that day, Hazel rearranged her suit and took several deep breaths before nervously tapping on his trailer door. The "Halloween Special Chilling Tales Show", of which Steven was the host, had wrapped a short while earlier and after the long tedious day Hazel longed to go home. She hadn't been looking forward to this afternoon and ignored the desire to rub her tired eyes. Staying awake talking with him until 2am the previous morning had worn her out. She adored Steve and felt terrible for tricking him yet even through the deception she still longed to be with him. It was only after they had said their goodnights and she had given up the want to explain to herself the reasons why she was stupid enough to place a spell on him had her guilty conscious allowed her to sleep. Guilt had a way of keeping you awake and with a yawn she stood waiting for a reply to her knock but none where forth coming. Raising a hand she lightly tapped again.
Maybe he's taken off? She turned and was about to leave when she heard her name being called out. Without surprise Hazel felt her heavy heart lift as she watched Steve running towards her, several dozen red roses held tightly in his arms.

'Hazel,' he looked down at the flowers in his arms. 'I brought you these.' He gently handed her the sweetly scented roses.

Hazel ogled the flowers in amazement. 'Steve, I don't know quite what to say.'
Steve smiled confidently and ran his hands through his autumn red hair. Taking her by the hand he opened the door to his trailer and guide her within.

'I didn't know which flowers you liked so I ordered everything in the shop,' with a flick of the head he motioned to the vibrant room, 'and had them delivered here for you.'
Hazel stood in silence for what seemed an eternity. She couldn't let this continue. She couldn't deceive him this way. She felt sure she had to tell him everything. As her mind raced, she stood and stared at the beautiful flowers. Just how was she supposed to tell him that she was a witch? How could she possibly begin to explain the only reason he'd fallen in love with her was due to a spell she'd selfishly placed on him? She'd imprisoned him. And besides, once told, she felt sure he'd fall around laughing.

He'll laugh at you then throw you out of this trailer. You're probably be sacked too. But knowing things must be put right she sighed aloud and inwardly grasped for the right words. Finally she turned and looked at him.

'Look, this is all very, flattering. The last few weeks have been, wonderful, but Steve I can't possibly accept the flowers.' There, she'd said it and now she wished she hadn't.

He looked shocked, and tried to speak, but Hazel raised her hand to silence him. 'I also have a huge confession to make.' She paused again, pondering over the correct words to use. His eyes told her to stop but her heart told her to confess. This was not how it was supposed to be.

'Look, this isn't going to work. I tricked you into liking me, that was, is, something I feel bad about.' She lowered her head in shame. She couldn't bear the hurt look in his eyes.
Steve remained silent for a moment. 'Tricked me?' His voice was barely a whisper.
If only it wasn't this way. If only she could turn the clock back. If only he'd liked her before she'd used the spell. Hazel suddenly felt completely humiliated. 'I used a spell to make you fall in love with me,' once begun she found the words cascade freely over her lips. 'I know I shouldn't have. The first rule of magic is not to trick.'

'Magic?' He looked confused. 'Hazel, what on earth are you talking about?' Perplexed he narrowed his deep brown eyes and rubbed at his Billy goat beard.

Exhausted Hazel sat heavily upon the settee and began to tell him everything. As the words passed over her tongue she felt her spirits lift. Relief spread over her body, washing the guilt away.

'I know it sounds stupid Steve but I can't go on knowing you only like me because I placed a love spell on you.'

Hunched at the shoulder, his large hulk furrowed in thought he sat next to her looking to her with questioning eyes. She was beginning to feel confused. Why wasn't he annoyed?
'When did you place this so called spell on me?' He slid across the settee towards her. 'I want to know exactly when you made the spell?'

'Thursday. It was a rejuvenating spell. It made you sit up and take notice of me.'
Steve began to laugh out loud yet on seeing the hurt in her eyes he quickly regained his composure. 'Hocus Pocus at Halloween? He asked yet did not wait for her reply. 'Well it didn't work.' He still chuckled despite his efforts to refrain. 'Hazel, I've liked you since you first came to work for me,' he replied, smiling as the confusion spread brazenly across Hazel's face. 'It didn't take any spell to help me fall for you.'

'But,' she suddenly felt overwhelmed. 'But you asked me out the day after I made the spell. It all made sense Steve.'

'Sense? Oh come on Hazel. Magic spells?' He tut teasingly, 'It's nothing but pure coincidence.'

She smiled as he leaned forward to kiss her.

#

The sand felt luxuriously soft and warm between her toes. She sat alone on the empty beach and marvelled at the sun as it set behind the waves and for a moment as its golden rays touched the cool water her mind imagined she could hear it hiss. Watching the last sunbeams skip along the calm waves she felt the magic all around her. It was a good night for making magic. Carefully opening a small purple velvet bag she removed two pictures, tied together with delicate red ribbon.

'Now to finish a spell first begun several weeks ago,' she whispered to herself whilst already digging a hole in the warm sand.

She gazed at the faces imprinted on the pictures before holding them closely to her heart. Murmuring slow rhymed words she placed Steve and Hazel's entwined pictures in the damp hole and covered them with the still warm sand.

Rising from the sand Tiffany gathered her velvet bag and walked slowly back along the peaceful beach.

'Well,' she said aloud, the delicate tones of her voice echoing about the dark shoreline. 'Some things are left to fate while others need a bit of a push.'

With that she walked away from the lovers buried in the sand.

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