Calista’s hand trembled as the match dragged against the box causing it to burst into flame.
The two pink candles, one representing him, one her, were set on the table facing the southern windows overlooking the street below. Taking a deep breath, she lit them.
Was she making the right choice?
Tonight had to be the night even if only to say goodbye. She knew what she had to do. She had to get him back even if it was just for one night.
How could one person hurt so much, she thought. Everyone had told her time healed some of the pain. But after nine months, she still felt her heart had been ripped from her body leaving a gaping hole.
Calista sat weeping over Lachlan’s picture. Halloween had always been their special night. Her friend Lucy had introduced them at one of her parties five years ago. They had complimented each other even then, Lachlan had come dressed as a vampire and Calista as Buffy the vampire slayer. Over the years they had shared a closeness few people ever experience.
Closing her eyes she let her mind drift to happier times. Flashbacks of past moments together, watching a movie, moonlit walks, picnics shared, romantic dinners, holding hands. The tingling feeling of having Lachlan’s body near hers. Lying with him inside her.
Calista had set the room as Lucy had suggested. Smells of coriander, dill and lavender filled the room. Next the other candles were positioned: red in the south corner, green in the north, in the east yellow, finishing with blue in the west.
“Beautiful goddess, powerful god, hear my prayers. Lords of flame and fire, ignite my desire.” Calista chanted this three times.
“If this is meant to be, please bring Lachlan back to me.”
She hardly dared to breathe, would he come to her? Would the spell work? She could only hope.
Sounds of footsteps in the hall outside filled her ears, stopping in front of the closed door. The doorknob slowly turned. Calista, afraid to turn and look, squeezed her eyes shut. What if it wasn’t Lachlan? The door squeaked in protest as it opened as if trying to keep the being from entering. A new smell filled the room, slightly musty but with the familiar smell of his aftershave. A cold chill ran up her spine.
Could Calista trust her instincts? Had Lachlan really come back to her?