Page 130 of How to Flirt with a Witch

Her big eyes widen. “But the Madsens—”

“Are finished with me,” I say. I made my stance clear to Freddie, and he made it clear that he’s done asking me to join him.

Voices hum around the corner, and my heart jumps. I don’t want to face anyone else right now.

“Come on.” I wave the kids over, positioning myself beneath the clock.

They exchange a look, then nod, moving to stand on either side of me.

I let out a breath of relief, grateful I don’t have to endure a confrontation.

The hall blurs, my ears popping, and they lift me into the chilly wind of an ordinary Vancouver evening. As their hands fall away, I stumble for balance on the cobblestones, the harsh street lights replacing the warm glow of CSAMM’s halls.

There’s no sign of the world I’m leaving, only the clock billowing steam into the inky sky. It begins to play a familiar tune—the Westminster Chime melody, its long, haunting whistles signaling eight o’clock.

I square my shoulders and tighten my grip on the kennel and suitcase.

Time to find out where I belong in this city… and leave CSAMM behind forever.

For the next two weeks, I go to class and occupy my rented suite like I was meant to do all along. I ignore Natalie’s calls and instead text her to tell her I’m fine, and eventually, she stops checking. I sink back into my old life, the gutter runoff pattering on the walkway outside the window, my diffuser working to mask the musty smell, and my stack of textbooks on quick rotation on my desk as midterms approach.

But even with Ethel’s company, the lifeless basement is colder and lonelier than I remember. This place isn’t home—it never was.

Sitting in my lectures, surrounded by unfamiliar faces, I feel like a stranger in my own life. Despite my efforts to balance everything, I’m behind in coursework, which feels dull compared to the world of magic and curses. Any connections I made last term have withered, and I haven’t talked to Hazel in weeks.

Lying awake each night, wishing for Natalie’s warmth beside me, I’ve never felt more alone. I’d be happier if I never met Natalie or found out about CSAMM… Or if I never moved away from home in the first place.

The Wednesday before reading week, as I’m studying at my desk with Ethel on my lap, my phone beeps with a text.

I blink at it. It’s the group chat with Clayton and the others living on campus.

Clayton

Hey all! Drinks on Friday?

My heart lifts with the first glimmer of hope in a while. I assumed they’d given up on me. But maybe I’m still part of the group, even if I don’t feel like it.

Johnny

Works for me

I hesitate. What will they think if I suddenly talk to them again after being silent for the entire month since New Year’s?

Well, nothing to lose.

Katie

I’m in

I stare at the chat, holding my breath for their response.

Andrea

Katie!!!!

Mo

Whoa, has Katie risen from the dead?