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Jealous Magic Prologue My name is, or was, Vince McGrath. I was once a 20-year-old man, but all that was taken from me by magic, yes magic. When I had left school at 18, had managed to be accepted into a very select university located just outside a large but picturesque Scottish village known as Darkhaven. Surrounded by thick Scottish woodland, Darkhaven is one of those villages where the rich have moved in, raising the property prices and forcing most of the original inhabitants out. Darkhaven is now a home for wealthy businessmen and women who like to escape from the pressure cooker of London. Very few of the native inhabitants remain in Darkhaven, and those that do earn their money working for the rich who live amongst them, or in some of the local services and shops. So far life had been good to me, I excelled at sports, I was popular and had a natural talent for science. And during my second term at Darkhaven, I had met and fallen in love with a gorgeous girl named Sarah King. The only fly in the ointment was a strange weasel like student called Gerald Magestone. Magestone had taken an instant dislike to me from the onset, while he could outperform me in the classroom; he was my inferior in almost every other way. Where I was six feet in height, he was barely five foot five. While my body was toned and well developed from exercise, sports and hard work in my father's garden, Magestone had no muscle tone whatsoever; his build was so thin as to be near emaciated. And while I mixed easily with people and had good self-confidence, Magestone found it hard to even talk to strangers. His poor social skills were made worse by his arrogance, born out of the fact that his family were the founders of Darkhaven University. Plus his father, who had died two years previously, had been the local Lord, a title he was due to inherit on his twentyfirst birthday. At first, being a sociable person, I had tried to win him over, but as time went by, it became more obvious that he would never be a friend and I soon learned to ignore him. And for two years I managed to keep my temper despite his best efforts, even when he tried to have me expelled on a falsified theft charge. I did however have the satisfaction of having him issue a public apology in front of the entire University, and pay me ?10,000 in damages. Unfortunately for me I was soon to lose everything in ways I would never have believed possible. Chapter 1, Becoming Jessica It was early summer; University would be closing for the summer holidays in two days time and the feeling of the holidays was in the air. I met Sarah after her biology class was finished and we walked down to the University Park. I always marvelled at her beauty whenever I saw her. Long midnight black wavy hair flowed from her head in a thick, luxurious torrent past her delicate rounded shoulders to halfway down her slender back. She had a perfect figure to my eyes; some would think her as slightly overweight, as her curves were more reminiscent of a forties screen goddess. Ample curves graced her form. Her breasts were as perfect as I have ever seen, not too large or too small and the ideal counterweight to her generously proportioned posterior. Her skin was olive, giving her a Latin look; her beautiful oval face was flawless. From the tip of her small delicately upturned nose, with its broad finely sculpted nostrils, across her smooth, well appointed cheeks to her beautiful emerald eyes, I could never find a trace of anything that didn't please me. Today however her normally cheerful countenance was serious, the sparkle in her eyes dulled. "Hey Sarah, what's up?" I asked. "You seem down today." "Oh, its Gerald, he's been hanging around me, and I think he spies on me when I'm in the library." "Gerald? As in Gerald Magestone?" "The very same," she said, "I thought he was harmless enough, but he's been getting creepy lately. I think he's planning something about me too." This made me angry, but I didn't want to show Sarah. I had heard rumours about Magestone and a girl who had attended Darkhaven three years before, how he had become interested in her and stalked her. For some reason she left the University and apparently with a considerable sum of money, local rumour had it that Magestone tried something and she had to be paid off. "If you want I could have words with him for you, put him right about things?" She looked at me, some of the sparkle back in her eyes. "You would? But don't hurt him, I know he's got me agitated, but I don't think he really means any harm. And be careful, there's something different about him recently." "Of course I won't, I'll merely let him know how he stands, and remind him of the legal difficulties he could get into by harassing young women." We spent the rest of the afternoon fooling about on the lawn in the University park, until we had to go to our various lectures and classes. Later that day, at roughly five pm, I saw Magestone heading out of the University grounds; he was heading towards Darkhaven House, his family home. Well, I thought it a good time for us to have words about Sarah, so I quickened my pace and caught up after allowing him enough time to get clear of the University. Coming up quickly behind him, I grabbed him by his collar and yanked him off of his feet. He yelped in shock, dropping the books he had been carrying. One in particular caught my eye, an ancient looking tome, leather-bound by the look of it. With a speed I didn't think he had, Magestone broke my grasp and snatched the book up, pretty much ignoring the other volumes. "McGrath! What is the meaning of your ape like attack?" he whined. Magestone always whined. I doubted he could use any other tone. "I wanted to get your attention, we have things to discuss, you and I." "I, McGrath, have little to discuss with an Neanderthal oaf such as yourself, now let me be about my business." He started to walk away, but I grabbed one of his skeletal arms. "I SAID we have things to discuss, you scrawny little git!" Imagine my surprise when he wheeled around and planted his foot in my groin. Down I went, and away he went, running home. As soon as I could, I got up and gave chase, quickly catching up to him as he scuttled through the House's gates. This is where things began to get weird. As soon as he saw me racing towards him, he stopped running. He placed that strange book on top of a nearby privet hedge and stood watching me approach. The house was close enough so even he could have got to it before I reached him, but he waited for me. I slowed down, sensing something strange, I wasn't to be disappointed either. "Ah, McGrath," he said in a strangely strong and self assured voice, quite unlike his usual whining tone, "I'm afraid the tables have been turned. You see, I have discovered something that will put you in your place and assure me the hand of Miss Reid." He inclined his head to the book. With his last words I decided to forgo talking to him and pound his head in. I went to leap at him, but was stopped dead in my tracks. "You see, that tome is an ancient grimoire, and do you know what, McGrath? It's magical formulae work!" I was worried now. For some reason I couldn't move. I just stood in front of Magestone, my body perfectly relaxed while my mind seethed with rage. My paralysis was so complete I couldn't speak or even move my eyes. "I have been giving this some thought, McGrath. Since I found this volume some weeks ago, you need not know where, I realised I could rid myself of your loutish working class presence once and for all. But killing you? No, that just wouldn't do. No, what I have in mind for you is something longer lasting, and doubtless humiliating for you." As he had been talking I could see his body grow slightly, his frame filled out with more muscle, becoming more defined, while his skin lost that pasty corpse-like pallor, becoming healthier. Soon he had become an idealised version of himself; he looked to be equal to my six feet in height. Even his movements were more confident, while I felt weaker, somehow drained. Even my clothing seemed somehow baggier, ill fitting on my body. "You don't have a hope, McGrath, you boorish prig. I have knowledge that allows me to shape reality around me, as you can see. Follow me, your turn is about to come." Suddenly I began moving, following Magestone like some dog as he led me up to the house. He took me through the house, up to the first floor and into a large bedroom, decorated in soft pastels. Dolls, stuffed toys and other girlish items populated the room, and on the bed, in pride of place, lay a small Teddy bear. "Welcome to your new home, McGrath, now turn and face the mirror." I was really scared by this point, just what was this madman planning, and why had he told me that this room, obviously a little girl's room was to be my new home? Unable to resist his commands, I turned and stared into a full-length mirror that was affixed to the door of a wardrobe. My reflection was my first shock. Gone were my hard won muscles, my body was now thin and undeveloped, where once my skin had a healthy colouring; it was now a sickly pale, as if I had rarely been out in the open sunshine. Somehow Magestone had stolen my strength and health, but this was nothing to what was to come. As I stared at my reflection, I could see myself begin to shrink, slowly at first, but with increasing speed. And as I shrank other changes took place, my face was remodelling itself, and I watched and felt the bones and flesh shift painlessly, as my face changed, until a stranger's face gazed out of the mirror at me. I watched in fearful amazement as my green eyes turned sky blue and my close-cropped dark brown hair shifted to golden blonde and cascaded over my now slender shoulders. My clothes hid the rest of the changes, but I could feel my manhood slowly contract, pulling itself inside my body and taking my testicles with it. And still I shrunk. Now I could see my new face in the right context, I had the cute button nose, big sky blue eyes and innocent rosebud lips of a pretty little girl. I could feel my body beneath my grossly oversized clothes. It was real! Magestone had transformed me into a little girl. I couldn't have been much more than five years old! I felt weak, helpless and very afraid. Magestone moved behind me, towering over my tiny body. My head was a few inches lower than his belt buckle. Looking down at me he muttered to himself, "No, no. This won't do at all." Suddenly my clothes began to shift. Scared and unable to move, all I could do was watch as my old male clothing rippled and transformed, pulling itself up my tiny body until I was clothed in a pale pink summer dress, matching socks and maryjanes. Then my hair began to move, soft pink ribbons appeared and soon my blonde hair was neatly arranged in long bunches either side of my head, held in place by the ribbons. The rest flowed down my back, completing the image of an innocent five year-old girl. "There! All done," Magestone said, obviously delighted with his handiwork. "Face me," he commanded, and unwillingly I obeyed. I had to really crane my neck to meet his gaze, but as I did, I was transfixed, mesmerised. Magestone grinned down at me, obviously pleased with his handiwork. "In case you're wondering, the spell I used has not merely altered your body, it has reshaped reality. Now the world knows you as a five year old little girl. And tomorrow the body of Vince McGrath will be found near the main road, apparently hit by a car and left to die." He smiled down at me, drinking in my misery. "From this moment on you will think of yourself as Jessica Magestone, you are now my five year old half-sister. Although I allow you to retain the memories of your past life, you will think and act exactly like the little girl you now are. Everyone knows you are sweet little Jessica now, so if you try to tell anyone what has happened to you, they'll only think it the over active imagination of a little girl." As he spoke I felt something in my mind change. I tried to think of myself as Vince McGrath, but I couldn't. Even though I could remember being a man, I could only think of myself as five year-old Jessica Magestone. As this realisation sunk in, I felt tears well up in my eyes as Magestone looked down at me in triumph. "Now, tell me who you are, and who I am." I tried to tell him I was Vince McGrath and he was a sick little creep, but all I could say was what he wanted me to. "I'm Jessica, you're my big brother Gerald," I said, cringing inside at my cute little voice. "And you like being a little girl, don't you?" Again my mind betrayed me and I nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, Gerald, girls are better than smelly little boys." Laughing Magestone said, "That's a good little girl. Here, I have a lollipop for you." Suddenly I found I could move, but as much as I wanted to hit Magestone then, I knew I'd regret it, I had to bide my time. "Thank you Gerald," I said smiling up at him, even as my mind was going frantic with the enormity of what he had done to me. Reaching up I took the proffered lollipop and promptly began sucking on it happily, enjoying the sweet fruity flavour, despite myself. "My, but you are a pretty little girl, aren't you," he said, grinning down at me. His comment made me blush with embarrassment, but I also felt a touch of pride at his words, pleased that I was a pretty little girl. "Come along Jessica, I'm sure mother doesn't want you staying up here all day playing with your dolls," Magestone said, a note of cruel amusement in his voice. "Okay, but I want to bring Teddy too," I said, climbing onto my bed to grab the stuffed bear, feeling a childish sense of security in holding the stuffed animal. Burning inside with humiliation, I could feel Magestone's amusement at my girlish actions. Taking my tiny hand in his huge one, he left my bedroom, walking down the hallway, with me skipping along beside him just like the little girl I was rapidly becoming as the changes in my mind caught up with my body. As we walked Magestone said, "With you no longer an obstacle, and myself with my newfound strengths and social skills, I will soon have Miss King's affection, and you will have to watch as I woo her and perhaps marry her." I looked up at him, my stomach churning with emotions and tears once again in my eyes. "No Gerald, I don't want to be a little girl. Please turn me back. Why are you being so cruel to me?" I said in my cute girlish voice, tears streaming down my face. In a snarling voice Magestone said, "Because I have the power, my dear little Jessica, I have the power. And you had everything I wanted, strength, confidence and above all, Miss King. Now I have your strengths and soon I will have Sarah, while you have the life of a little girl. "Just thank your lucky stars that I did not act upon my first idea, or you would find yourself as one of the village whores, or would you prefer that, my dear?" I swallowed hard and shook my head, terrified that he would carry out his threat right then and there. "I thought not. Now dry your eyes. We don't want you seeing mummy all teary eyed, do we?" He produced a silk handkerchief and wiped my eyes dry, then made me blow my nose, just like any adult does to small children. "Now come along, Jessica, and let's have no more of your nonsense." Again he took my hand and led me through the house, and again, I skipped along beside him, just like any other little girl. He took me to the patio at the rear of the house. And sitting reading on a sun lounger was a beautiful woman. She couldn't have been more than thirty-six, her golden hair was the same shade as mine now was, and tumbled about her shoulders as she reclined. Even from the doorway to the patio I could see her face clearly, and took note of how my own face closely mirrored hers. Surely this couldn't be Magestone's mother. Then I remembered; Magestone's mother had died when he was ten and his father had married his twenty six year old aide, Jennifer Rowan. There had been quite a scandal about it back then, I remember hearing about it on the national news. From what I had heard when I came to Darkhaven, Magestone's mother had been ill with cancer for years, and at the end she had told his father to marry soon after her death. Apparently she had even suggested his aide, information that had never made it to the national press. And they hounded the couple for six or seven years. As we came out onto the patio, Jennifer looked up, seeing Magestone first; a flash of distaste quickly crossed her face, a look that Magestone apparently missed completely. Then she saw me and her face lit up with a huge smile. As she smiled at me, I felt a deep connection with her, something that Magestone had planted in my mind no doubt, but still a very real thing. I knew instinctively that this woman was now my mother and she would always keep me safe. My new emotions overriding my mind, I let go of Magestone's hand and ran over to Jennifer, unable and unwilling to remove the huge smile on my face. "And how's Mummy's little angel?" she asked me, in that voice reserved for a favourite child. "I'm okay, Mummy," came my reply. Jennifer, my new mother, picked me up and sat me on her knee, giving me a warm hug and kissing my forehead. And at that very moment I felt something fade in my mind. Instinctively I knew that the last vestiges of Vince McGrath had been purged from me, apart from the memories of my former life; I was now completely Jessica Magestone, and if I were ever to hope of a return to my old life, I had to find and decipher Magestone's grimoire. These thoughts filled me with a kind of panicky fear that quickly faded as I basked in the presence of my new mother. Jennifer must have sensed this in me, because she looked down at me and asked, "Is something wrong Jessie? Has Gerald been cruel to you?" I glanced over to Magestone, who gave me a warning glance that I'm certain Jennifer missed and replied, "No Mummy, I was just playing with my dollies and Gerald said I should come and play outside." "Well, you just sit with Mummy, it's nearly seven o'clock, and it will soon be time for little girls like you to be in bed." And she was right too, I was exhausted as I sat there, I could feel myself becoming drowsier. As I lay in her lap I listened to her talking to Magestone, as I slowly drifted off to sleep. It was obvious, even to my five year-old mind, that she didn't care much for her stepson, but he obviously doted on her and was more than a little afraid of her too. "Are you sure you haven't been tormenting her, Gerald? Don't deny that you don't. You've been seen by the servants on a few occasions making her cry." "I, well, that is, not on this occasion, Mother. I have been a good older brother; I even gave her a lollipop before bringing her down to you." "Harrumph, I bet it was a bribe to stop her from crying before you brought her down." As they talked I drifted of to sleep, lulled by the security of my new mother's presence. Chapter 2 A new Life Sunlight streaming through pastel pink curtains woke me; drowsily I lay there, glad that my insane nightmare was over, and then I felt the teddy bear I still held in my tiny arms, and the sensation of my long blonde hair moving with my head. It was all true! I was the victim of Magestone's insane jealousy of me; and I was now trapped in the identity and body of his five year-old half sister. My five year-old mind was overcome with the sorrow of my loss, and I began to cry like the little girl I was. Hearing the door opening, I looked up, my weeping subsiding slightly. A young woman entered my room. She was wearing a traditional English nanny's uniform that did little to hide her well-proportioned figure; if I had still been my old male self, she would have aroused me, but as I was, I only saw her as a source of comfort. "Why the tears, Princess? Did you have a nasty nightmare?" she asked me, sympathy flowing from her. I really wanted to tell her the truth, ask her for help, but I knew she just wouldn't believe me. It seemed like Magestone had been telling the truth when he said he could alter reality around him. Besides his magic had robbed me of an adult vocabulary. So I simply nodded and said yes. "Well, don't you fret, Princess. Fiona's here now and I'll chase all those nasty dreams away," she said, thankfully giving me her name. Fiona lifted me gently out of my bed and held me to her and rocked me until my sobs subsided. "There, there, Princess. Those nasty dreams can't hurt you. Now let's give you your morning bath and get you ready for infant school." Fiona carried me from my room to the bathroom, humming a song as she walked. Feeling safe in her arms, I dozed, waking again as she tickled my feet to wake me. Giggling I looked around. The bathroom we were in was big enough to fit the front room of my former parent's house in. It had a definite feminine feel to it, obviously designed by or for a woman. The bath itself was a white porcelain tub, circular in shape and crowned by gold plated taps. The whole room screamed wealth and status. Setting me down on the floor Fiona removed my nightclothes and ran a bath for me, leaving me to see my new body for the first time. Gazing into the mirror showed me with absolute certainty that I was not Vince McGrath anymore. There was no trace of anything even slightly male about my tiny shape, and my face was a five year old version of Jennifer's; and even I could recognise that it was a little girl who looked out of my eyes. I was distracted from my inspection when Fiona picked me up and with a good-natured shout of whee put me in the bath. Quickly and thoroughly bathing me, Fiona then played with me, splashing me with water and playing with my bath toys. After a half hour of fun, which raised my spirits totally, she lifted me out and dried me off, using a hair dryer on my long golden hair. Finally declaring herself satisfied with my cleanliness, she wrapped me in a tiny pink bathrobe and walked me back to my bedroom, with me skipping happily along beside her. In the space of an hour I had formed a deep attachment to this woman, I knew I could trust her with my safety as much as I could Jennifer. She dressed me in a pink and white stripped dress and white socks, and then had me sit on the chair in front of my vanity mirror. "Now then young lady," she said in a mock serious voice that had me giggling, "how would you like your hair today?" "Can you do it like it was yesterday, Fiona?" I asked, wanting to make a good impression on her. She smiled and nodded, combing my hair out, then arranging it before using some pink ribbons to hold the bunches in place. As she was finishing up we heard the unmistakable sound of Magestone walking down the hallway to the bathroom. I caught a distasteful look on Fiona's face as she looked towards the door. "Fiona, don't you like Gerald?" I asked; hating the cute little voice that Magestone had given me. "Never you mind your pretty little head, princess," she replied, smiling at me. Sensing I had a possible ally in Fiona, I pressed the point. "It's okay, Fiona, I won't tell on you," I said and then whispered to her, "I think Gerald is scary." "You do not, you little fibber!" she said, laughing. "I do, he's nasty to me, and sometimes he makes me cry." She looked at me, considering for a moment, then smiled again and said, "Alright, Princess. But this is our secret. I don't like your half brother. He has nastiness in him that makes me feel bad, and I don't think he is to be trusted." "Mummy doesn't like Gerald either," I said, sharing something Fiona probably already knew. "Oh, I know that, Princess, your Mummy doesn't hide her feelings about Gerald" I smiled inwardly. I had my ally. While my mother would always protect me, she couldn't be there all the time. Fiona would as a nanny always be near me, perhaps I could use her protection to find a way to regain my old life? "There, all done," she said; helping me down off the chair I had been sitting on. Selecting a bright red pair of maryjanes she quickly put them on my feet, securing them to my comfort and then took me by the hand down to the dining hall for breakfast. As we sat to eat breakfast, Jennifer fussed over me, telling me how pretty I was and making me laugh with silly jokes. Magestone on the other hand cast me hateful glances, obviously detesting the fact that I was happily the centre of attention. Had he left my mind intact, he would have thoroughly succeeded in making me miserable. But with the mind of a five year old girl, I was quick to recover my spirits. Breakfast done it was time for me to be taken to my infant school. I was nervous about going, but was successful in hiding it. Kissing Jennifer and Magestone goodbye, an action I knew he had forced me to do, I followed Fiona out to the front of the house and she placed me in a child seat attached to the back seats of a light blue Renault Laguna Hatchback. And we set off, driving out of the House grounds and down the main road into Darkhaven village. Being a five year old girl, my view of the world outside the car was limited by my height. But, as we drove down the main road, I saw the unmistakable sight of an ambulance parked up on the opposite side of the forested road. As we came closer, Fiona slowed down to pass the ambulance and I strained to see the scene. The Ambulance crew were lifting the body of a man on the gurney. He was obviously dead; blood covered his chest and the side of his head. His head shifted as he was moved, giving me a clear view of his face, and my heart froze in my chest. I was looking straight into my own dead eyes. Despite the blood and smashed in cheek, I still recognised my old male face. The corpse even had the same clothes I had been wearing yesterday. I felt sick to my stomach. I was truly dead as Vince McGrath now. As far as the world was concerned, I had been the victim of a hit and run driver. I tried to hold in my tears, but I couldn't, and I began to cry, mourning the loss of my old life, everything I had been or had. Fiona stopped the car after the ambulance was out of sight and took me out of the child seat, holding me in her arms and rocking me gently, until my tears subsided. "There, there, Princess. I know. The poor man is in heaven with Jesus now. Don't you fret," Fiona said, soothing me with her voice. It was at that exact moment that I began to truly hate Magestone, not just for what he had done to me, but to my parents, family and friends too. No matter what I had to do, I would find a way of exposing him for what he was and taking my revenge upon him. Drying my eyes and kissing me on the forehead, Fiona asked me if I wanted to go home. I told her no. So she put me back in my child seat and we continued on to Darkhaven village. Arriving at the village infant school Fiona helped me out of the car and took me by the hand and led me through the main gate. Darkhaven village infant school was larger than I expected. As we walked through the playground some of the girls and one or two of the boys waved or said hello to me. Not knowing any of their names I could just wave back and smile shyly. Seeing the world with the mind of a five year old girl, I felt the nervousness of starting a new school for the second time that day and clung to Fiona for security. She smiled down at me and ruffled my hair, making me feel a little better. We arrived outside the Head Master's office and Fiona told me to wait outside while she talked with Mr Darby, who I assumed to be the Head Mistress. While Fiona was in the office I looked at my surroundings. The hallway was gigantic to me; the walls were painted in soft blue and white with friendly looking animal pictures and cartoon characters. There were a number of classroom doors in the hallway, their handles set at a height I could easily reach. Low hung coat hooks were fixed to the wall, empty for the most part, this being summer. As I stood looking around, I was shoved from behind and went sprawling on the floor. I could feel the tears welling up inside me, my child's mind reacting to the sudden shock, until I heard the laughter. Standing up I saw two boys. One was a skinny kid, about my height, but the other one was huge. He was easily a foot taller than his friend or me, my head was level with his chest, so I had to look up slightly to meet his gaze. Hard brown eyes stared at me from a chubby and mean spirited face as he said, "Look Jessica is going to cry!" That did it, I may have been given the mind and body of a five year old girl, but my personality was still very much the same. I decided I was going to give this overgrown bully the beating he deserved, and I still remembered my lifetime of experience with fights. Before I got the chance, however, the door to the Head Master's office opened and a large imposing man appeared, accompanied by Fiona. Even the bully and his friend shut up, this was obviously Mr Darby, a man in his forties, by his look. Dressed in a no nonsense suit he exuded authority. As a man I would have felt it, as a little girl, he was overpowering to me. "What is the meaning of this unseemly behaviour outside of my office?" he asked in a loud and obviously angry voice. I could see the huge boy and his companion pale visibly at his anger, even I felt shaken by it. A girl who I hadn't noticed before said, "Mr Darby, Angus and Peter pushed Jessica over." "Thank you Melissa, you run along now," Mr Darby told the girl in a much softer tone. Mr Darby turned to the bully and his friend. "Now! What have you two to say for yourself?" he demanded of them in a commanding tone. Both of the boys bowed their heads, trying to hide their humiliation. They were drawing a crowd of children, I could hear them talking and snickering amongst themselves. "Don't you think it's cowardly for two seven-year old boys to bully a five year old girl?" he asked them, causing both boys to blush with humiliation and me to grin at them in triumph. Receiving no immediate answer Mr Darby said, "Jessica has had a nasty experience this morning, and you young hooligans decide to make her morning a little worse." Sighing he finished with, "You two little monsters will come to my office after school and I shall have your parents in to hear about your shameful behaviour, but for now I think you should both apologise to Jessica and ask for her forgiveness, now!" Swallowing hard the smaller of the two mumbled his apology and asked for my forgiveness, the larger boy gave me a vicious look that held the promise of more to come, but even he offered his apology, even though it sounded like he had to force the words out of his mouth. I accepted their apologies, grinning triumphantly at them, and they fled down the hallway towards the playground, the laughter of the other children following them. As the children dispersed Fiona and Mr Darby took me into the office and sat me down on a sofa, Fiona sitting beside me. Mr Darby returned to his desk and looked at me with concern visible on his face. "Well, Jessica. You had a nasty experience earlier this morning, I hear. Are you sure you don't want to go back home?" he asked me. "No thank you Mr Darby, I want to come to school," I replied, my voice still showing all the emotion I had experienced that morning. He and Fiona exchanged glances, then he smiled down at me and said, "Well, you're a brave little girl, you run along and play now, the bell won't be ringing for a half hour yet." Smiling I said, "Thank you Mr Darby," and climbed down from the sofa and kissing Fiona goodbye I left the office and went out into the playground, determined to gain control over my nervousness. During the half hour before the bell rang I wandered aimlessly about the playground; other little girls would talk to me, asking what had happened to me this morning. I told them just what I had seen on the road, like any small child would have. This tale made me the centre of attention as the other children gathered round, wanting to hear every detail. My little conversations helped me out; I managed to find out the names of the other children and who my teacher was. For some reason Magestone, despite all his magic, had not given me the memories of Jessica's five years of life. Was this a mistake on his part, or perhaps a sign that his magic wasn't all he said it was? Finally the bell rang, and I walked with a group of girls I had found to be my school friends, who were all showing sympathy for my scary ride to school. And then we were in my class. I sat with my newfound friends and our topics of conversation ranged from children's television shows to which boy was the cutest, or the smelliest. I soon found I was losing myself in the childish conversations, joining in as readily as the other little girls. Presently our teacher, Miss Williams, entered the class and our lessons began. For the rest of the morning we were taught maths and English. To my amazement I found that I was having as much difficulty with these subjects as my classmates; I obviously had as much knowledge as any other five year old. The rest of the day at school passed with no incident, I completely lost myself, becoming a little girl in every way. I played with the other girls at playtimes, joined in their conversations and shared their jokes. For a time I totally forgot about my predicament, that is until it was time to go home. Chapter 3 Sarah Moves In I waited outside the school with the other kids to be picked up by Fiona, chatting with my friends about the day's events, but it was Magestone's Hummer that arrived instead. My heart sank as I saw him climbing out of his car and he obviously saw my dismay, because he began to grin at me. "Come along, Jessica, we haven't got all day," he called over to me. Reluctantly I approached his Hummer. Magestone stood, chafing at my lack of speed. He helped me up into the rear passenger seat, firmly securing me in a child seat and climbed back behind the wheel to drive off. I waved at the girls who were now my friends and we left the school, driving at a sedate speed back up the main road towards Darkhaven House. "Well, my dear," he said, cruelty evident in his voice, "I saw you chatting with your little friends. I think you're secretly happy that I did this to you, did you enjoy your day at school as a little girl?" "Yes Gerald," I said in a small voice. He laughed at me; and I felt totally humiliated and helpless. "This is wonderful," he said, "having my most hated enemy ensorcelled and trapped in the life of my own little sister. "Oh, you might like to know, I have spent the day consoling poor Sarah over her loss. She has agreed to spend a few days at the house. Purely to help her get over her beau's tragic death, of course," he told me in an offhand manner. "So we're going to pick her up and bring her with us. I'm sure she'll be delighted to meet you, as I'm sure you'll be overjoyed for her to see you as a pretty little girl." I felt a helpless anger fill me, almost pushing aside my humiliation as Magestone laughed at me again. Magestone drove the car past the gates leading to the house and continued on towards the university, taking the car into the residential buildings. We stopped outside of the dormitory where Sarah lived and Magestone got out of the Hummer, released me from the child seat and lifted me onto the pavement. Taking my hand he led me towards the dormitory building. I was feeling very uncomfortable about this and dragged my feet, in a childish attempt to delay the inevitable. "Oh do stop dawdling, Jessica. Pick up your feet girl," he snapped at me, irritated by my deliberately slow pace. As we approached the building, two girls came walking out of the main door. I recognised them immediately, Amanda Mason and Clair Black, two close friends of Sarah and me. Even though I knew they had no idea of who I really was, I felt incredibly embarrassed being in their presence and tried to hide behind Magestone. Of course he held me out in full view. The girls came up to us, and they were obviously just going to pass Magestone when they spotted me. They immediately came straight over, smiling at me and almost ignoring Magestone. "Oh, aren't you a pretty little girl, what's your name, sweetheart?" Amanda asked me. I was so embarrassed I couldn't respond, and tried again to hide. "Awww, she's shy," cooed Clair, beaming at me in the way women do with small children. Without even glancing at him Amanda asked Magestone, "Who is she? She's adorable." What was making this situation worse for me was that before I had met Sarah I had dated Amanda, and now all I was as far as she was concerned was a pretty little girl. "This is my half sister Jessica, say hello to Amanda, Jessica." Magestone was well aware of my history with Amanda and I could feel his amusement at my humiliation flowing out of him like a noxious gas. Looking at my feet and trying to hide unsuccessfully behind Magestone, I mumbled a hello. "You're a very pretty little girl, Jessica," Amanda told me, unknowingly making me feel even worse, "how old are you?" "I'm five," I mumbled. "You're so cute," Clair said, joining in with Amanda, "I like your hair." "Thank you," I said, feeling mortified. "Do you have a boyfriend yet, Jessica?" Clair asked, making me blush furiously with embarrassment. "Don't be daft, Clair, she's only five," Amanda said. "Well, they grow up fast these days," Clair responded. "Jessica still thinks boys are nasty, ladies. She's still too young to be interested in such things." Amanda, still looking at me and smiling said, "You're right, Gerald. But I bet she'll have the boys falling over themselves to go out with her when she's older." "Oh, of that I have no doubt, ladies. She's the very image of her mother when she was this age," Magestone replied, ruffling my hair. Their comments made me blush again, and I kept my head down trying to hide my embarrassment. Clair said, "Well, we have to be going. Gerald, it was nice to see you." Then she looked down at me and said, "And it was nice to meet you, Jessica, goodbye sweetheart." And both Amanda and Clair bent down to kiss me on the cheek, both commenting on how cute I was. Magestone said his goodbyes to the two women and watched them walk off. When he was sure they were out of earshot he looked down at me and in a derisive tone said, "Well now, Jessica, I expect that was quite unpleasant for you. But never fear, there is far worse to come, oh yes." He then led me into the dormitory building and up to the reception. The main foyer of the dormitory was busy with people moving out to go home for the holidays or just relaxing. People wandering in and out, or sitting watching TV. Almost everybody I saw was someone I knew and I desperately hoped that I wouldn't have to endure another experience like the one outside. I couldn't overhear what Magestone was saying, but after about a minute of talking he tugged my hand and said, "Come along, Jessica." Then he led me up the stairs and straight to Sarah's dorm room. Magestone knocked upon the door and waited. After a few seconds the door was opened by Sarah. She looked as though she had been crying. Here eyelids were red and puffy, and tear stains streaked her cheeks. She smiled weakly at Magestone and invited us in. She knelt down before me and with a sad smile she said, "Hello, I'm Sarah, you must be Gerald's little sister, Jessica. He told me all about you, but he didn't say how pretty you are." Forcing down the humiliation of having my girlfriend seeing me as a five year old girl, I nodded and asked her why she had been crying, although I knew the answer well enough. She said that her boyfriend had been run over by someone in a car and now he was in heaven. Not saying anything else, I hugged her with true sympathy, catching a flash of amusement on Magestone's face as I did so. My heart went out to her. I only wished I could tell her of the cruel trick Magestone had played on reality itself, that I was Vince and I wasn't dead. But I knew all she'd hear was the fanciful imaginings of a five year old girl. So I kept quiet and let the grown-ups talk. Sarah smiled at me and asked if I would like to watch some cartoons while she talked with Magestone. Knowing I had little choice in the matter, I said yes. Sarah smiled at me and said, "Well I bought a Princess Barbie DVD for my niece, she's five too. I don't think she'll mind a good little girl like you watching her DVD first." Cringing inside at the way she spoke to me, and the prospect of having to sit and endure a little girl's movie, I nonetheless smiled at her and said thank you. She turned on the TV and put the DVD in the player. While she was setting up the movie for me to watch, she said, "Me and Gerald have to put some of my things in his car, and have a chat about stuff. You watch the telly and be a good little girl for me?" I nodded and said thank you again, even though I had no intention of watching the damned thing when they weren't around. However, things didn't happen the way I wanted them. Instead of becoming quickly bored with the inanely childish storyline and overly cute characters, I fund myself becoming enthralled by the movie and sat rapt for the whole hour and thirty minutes, feeling disappointed when the film was over. Sarah and Magestone came back into the dorm room and Magestone sat down beside me. He said, "Jessica, Sarah is coming to live with us for the summer holidays, so you will have to be on your best behaviour and don't bother her with your silly games too much." I looked up at Sarah, she'd obviously been crying again, but when she smiled at me she didn't seem as sad. Not trusting myself to speak, all I could do was nod my head in response to Magestone. Fifteen minutes later we were back at Darkhaven House. Magestone had some servants take Sarah's bags up to a guest room and I walked in between them, each holding one of my hands. I kept talking to Sarah, asking her questions I already knew the answers to in an attempt to keep her mind of her grief over my magically faked death. She seemed to appreciate the distraction and we chatted about nonsensical stuff as we went into the house. Entering the family room I spotted Fiona and Jennifer sitting on a georgian style sofa, drinking tea and talking. As soon as I saw her my five year old emotions took over and I ran up to her. "Mummy!" I shouted and mindful of the hot cup of tea in her hands, hugged her. Behind me I heard Sarah remark how adorable I was. But it didn't bother me at that point, I was firmly under the control of my little girl's mind. Magestone introduced Sarah to Jennifer and Fiona, who, while they greeted Magestone with a familiar contempt, welcomed Sarah into the house. Then Magestone suggested that he should show Sarah her room, and led her out of the family room and upstairs. Then Jennifer turned her attention to me. Putting her tea down she picked me up and sat me on her lap. "I hear you had a nasty shock this morning, darling," she said. I nodded and told her all about it, becoming tearful as I relived the incident. Naturally Jennifer mistook my distress as a delayed shock to the scene I had witnessed and hugged me close to her, whispering soothing words in my ear. After Jennifer was sure I was feeling better she suggested I go and show Sarah my bedroom. I beamed at her and kissed her cheek, then scrambled off of her knee and raced upstairs. I found Sarah and Magestone quickly, just as if I knew the house like it had been my home for my life. They were in one of the south bedrooms. As I walked in it looked as if Magestone was getting ready to make his move on Sarah. They were sitting on the bed, talking and drawing closer to each other. I knew I had to break the moment. "Sarah," I almost shouted with girlish excitement, "Mummy asked me to show you my bedroom." I grabbed her hand and began to lead her out of the guest room and along the corridor. "Jessica," Magestone said, irritated at my interruption, "it's quite rude, not to mention unladylike, to interrupt a private conversation." "But Mummy said..." "Mother would likely have imagined you would be polite enough to wait until we had finished talking, young lady," he said in that tone reserved for disobedient children. His tone of voice and his size were more than enough to dominate me, and I lapsed into silence. Then Sarah spoke up, "Gerald, she's only a child, and she's your little sister. For god's sake show some latitude." Magestone stopped talking before the words could reach his mouth. He looked like all his responses and comments had jammed in his throat, blocking it so no words could get through. Sarah smiled down at me and said, "Come on then, Jessie, I'd love to see your room." When my back was turned to Magestone I grinned at my little victory and hoped he wouldn't take it out on Sarah, or me, for that matter. Sarah looked back at Magestone and said, "Oh, Gerald. I think you left one of my cases in your car, be a darling and fetch it for me, would you?" Magestone eagerly took the offered bone and hurried to get the missing case. For all his stolen social skills, he still didn't have a clue. Despite having the mind of a five year old girl, or maybe because I had a girl's mind, I still knew that Sarah had sent him after the case to be rid of him, he still had no chance of dating her. I happily skipped along beside Sarah, taking her back down the corridor to my room, exited to be with her again, even if I was a little girl and she thought me dead. Once inside my room I began showing her my dolls and animals, somehow I knew all about them, what their names were, which one liked which and who were enemies. I thought about this for a second, but dismissed it as unimportant, as children do. While I was opening my doll's house for Sarah, I failed to notice her get up and lock the door, being too distracted by my dolls. When she knelt down beside me, she looked at me with a strange expression on her face. Worried that Magestone might have interfered with her mind, I nervously asked, "What's wrong Sarah?" Her expression turned into a mixture of sympathy and sadness, "Oh Vince," she said, "is it really you in there?" Her words hit me like a hammer to the back of my head. I just stared at her in shock. Then she took me in her arms and hugged me tight, almost stopping me from breathing. "Oh my poor baby," she said, almost crying, "this is almost worse than if you were really dead. I thought he was a madman, but he was telling me the truth." "How did you know? Who told you?" I asked, amazed that she knew who I was. She took a deep breath, kissed me on the forehead, and said, "Last night, I think it was about six O'clock, I was in my room, studying." She smiled weakly at me and continued, "Well, all of a sudden the lights dimmed down, and when they came back on there was this man standing in front of me. All dressed in this pale white robe, like a druid or something. I nearly died on the spot. As it was, I jumped back so hard, I tripped over my chair, I would have smacked my head off the fireplace, but he stopped me falling, with a wave of his hand." She paused, collecting her thoughts. "Well, I was in shock, I can tell you. But he placed me back on my chair, then he told me not to be afraid. His voice calmed me instantly, it was amazing!" "And then what?" I asked, my childish mind becoming impatient with the delays. "Oh, well he told me that Gerald had found a book he shouldn't have, a magic book. His father had it hidden in a secret room somewhere in the University library because he didn't want Gerald to inherit it. He knew his son was too unstable to have access to the book's power. But he did find it, and by accident, too." She paused for breath and I looked at her, impatiently, waiting for her to continue. "Well, he told me what Gerald had done to you. At first I didn't believe him, and was about to tell him as much. But he SHOWED me. He simply touched my temples and it was as if I were standing in the mirror, watching you change. "When he had shown me, he told me that he belonged to one of two families that were charged by Charlemagne himself to keep the book safe, because it can't be destroyed. He said that you were his first victim, and also that he had killed a tramp with the book's magic to falsify your death." "Vince, he told me that we have to get the book from him, that way his magic will desert him and they can deal with him." I was intensely interested in the man Sarah had spoke of and asked her what he looked like. As she described the robed man I stared at her, shocked. The man she was describing was Mr Darby, my infant school Headmaster. Chapter 4 The Guardians of the Book I sat there, in front of my doll's house staring up at Sarah for what seemed an eternity. The thought that my nightmare could be over sometime soon, that Sarah knew who I was, that I wasn't dead and a chance to exact some measure of justice from Magestone whirled around in my mind. The sound of someone coming down the corridor snapped me from my thoughts. Sarah jumped up and went to unlock the door. She barely had time to return to my side when Magestone entered the room. I pretended to show Sarah where my dolls lived, glancing up at Magestone and faking a smile. Returning my smile he turned to Sarah and asked, "Would you mind if we step into the hallway and talk, Sarah?" Giving me a quick look Sarah nodded and stood up. Magestone looked at me and said, "You wait here, Jessica. Play with your dolls while the grown ups talk." Although he said it in a pleasant voice, I knew he was enjoying reminding me of my new status as a little girl, and his power over me. So they stepped out into the hallway and spoke in low voices. Magestone kept the door open and cast the occasional glance at me. I had no choice but to play with my dolls while they talked. And as I did I quickly became absorbed with my toys, losing all interest in Sarah and Magestone. Just like my day at infant school, I was perfectly happy doing little girl's things. Deep within me I knew that the transformation of my mind into a true five year old girl's was completed when I had seen my dead body being placed on the ambulance gurney this morning. In a lot of ways Vince McGrath was truly dead. In the background Magestone and Sarah talked. I could hear them, but I was more interested in my dolls house. That is, until I heard Sarah say, "Gerald, No!" in a loud voice. I looked up. Magestone was trying to force a kiss from her. Sarah was struggling vainly against him and swearing at him loudly. He cut off her yells by clamping his mouth over hers and pinning her against the door jamb. Anger flooded me and I jumped up, my dolls forgotten. Running over to them, I kicked Magestone hard. My maryjanes cracking against his shinbone audibly. "LEAVE HER ALONE!" I yelled at the top of my tiny voice. Magestone shrieked in pain and clutched at his wounded shin, hopping on one foot. Sarah backed away into my bedroom, watching him fearfully. "YOU!" he growled, releasing his injured leg and advancing on me. "Even now, even as you now are, you still stand in my way!" I backed away from him, terrified of what he could do to me. Then I felt Sarah behind me, her hands rested on my shoulders for a second, then she stepped in front of me. "What are you going to do, Gerald? Are you going to beat a helpless little girl? You're not a man, you're scum!" Peeking out from behind Sarah I saw Magestone stop his advance and stand in front of Sarah, speechless with rage, his face red and veined. "Yes, Gerald, what ARE you going to do?" It was Jennifer's voice. Stepping out from behind Sarah, I saw Jennifer, Fiona and some of the house staff I had not yet met, but somehow knew very well. Giving Magestone a wide berth I ran to Jennifer, teary eyed and hugged her tightly, my eyes tight shut as I cried softly with relief. I felt her hand stroking my hair, calming me. She spoke to Magestone again, saying, "Well, Gerald, you have two choices now. Either you can go now and move into the guest cottage in the village, or I can call the police and have you arrested for attempted rape and for threatening my daughter with violence. As you can see, they have several witnesses." "But Mother," he began, returning to his whining tone. "Don't you mother me, you spineless worm. Your father was always afraid this day would come. So he left me the power to veto your inheritance in part, or in full. Including the title. "Well, you have helped me reach a decision. As soon as you leave, I'm going straight on the phone to my lawyers. I'm taking the title from you. When Jessica is old enough, she will inherit it, and all title to your father's lands. Be grateful I'm leaving you with your trust fund." There was complete silence for what seemed like forever, then Magestone spoke, "Very well, Mother, I...." "That's Lady Darkhaven to you, Gerald," Jennifer said, in a voice as cold as an arctic wind. I looked up at Magestone from the safety of my mother's embrace. He looked like he had been kicked in the groin. His face was pale and sweat beaded his forehead. Slowly he regained his composure and continued, "Lady Darkhaven then. If you would allow me to collect some items from my room, I shall be on my way." He made to leave, but Jennifer said, "No. First you will apologise to both Miss King and to Jessica, then James and Martin will escort you to your car, you are not a part of this family any longer, Gerald, nor are you welcome in my home any longer." Gathering his courage, Magestone turned to Sarah and, in a shaky voice said, "Miss King, I humbly apologise for my inexcusable behaviour. I know there is absolutely no excuse for what I did, and I only hope you can find it in your heart to, if not forgive me, then merely accept my apology." Sarah took a deep breath, fear still evident in her eyes and nodded silently. "Jessica," he said to me, "I apologise for frightening you. And for trying to hurt you, would you accept my apology?" Frowning at him, I stuck out my tongue, childishly showing my contempt of him, and earning a sharp smack on my rear. "Jessica!" Jennifer said in that shocked tone parents use when a young child does something they shouldn't. "That's very rude! Not to mention unladylike, now remember your manners," she told me. Looking down at my feet I mumbled I was sorry and said I accepted Magestone's apology. Jennifer moved me aside and made room for Magestone to pass us. James and Martin, two large and powerfully built men, each took an arm and half carried him down the hall and out of the house. Picking me up Jennifer smiled at me and kissed my forehead, then took a handkerchief and dried my face. "My poor little angel," she said to me. "Well, he's gone now and he can't hurt you anymore." Turning to Sarah she said, "I'm sorry about Gerald's actions, and I'm very grateful that you were prepared to protect my daughter, Miss King. You're quite welcome to stay as long as you wish. In fact I'd advise you to. It wouldn't be safe for you to return to the dormitories for a while, Gerald has an unhealthy mind and is quite vindictive." Sarah relaxed visibly, and after a few moments she said, "Please, call me Sarah. And thank you, I'd love to stay for as long as I'm welcome." We spent the remainder of the evening in the family room, the adults talking while I watched Playhouse Disney. I had been badly shaken by the events in my room, and couldn't shake all my fear. When seven o'clock came round, Fiona took me for my evening bath, trying unsuccessfully to lay my fears to rest while she bathed me. Dressed in a pink night dress I returned to the family room to say goodnight to Jennifer and Sarah, but I was that shaken, I refused to go to bed, crying and pleading to be allowed to stay with them. After my outburst Jennifer relented and I was allowed to stay downstairs. It wasn't long before I drifted in and out of sleep, feeling safe with my mother, Fiona and Sarah nearby to protect me. I was awoken by Jennifer gently shaking me and softly calling my name. Drowsily I looked up at her, still in the family room, but the TV had been turned off and Sarah was looking at me with a somewhat amused look on her face. "It's time to go to bed Angel," she said to me gently. "I'm scared, Mummy," I said. "Can I sleep in your bed?" I caught Sarah stifling a chuckle, but I didn't care. I was a scared little girl who wanted her mummy. "Of course, Sweetheart," Jennifer said, picking me up. Holding me in her arms she turned to Sarah and said goodnight, then carried me up the stairs and across the hallway to the master bedroom. Her bedroom was maintained in a classic style. Oak panelling adorned the walls, while one or two portraits were hung to add variety. The furnishings were all georgian or regency pieces, while a deep-pile red carpet covered the floor. The centre of the room was dominated by a four poster bed made of oak, with a pink silk canopy and curtains. She placed me in the bed and pulled the pink silken sheets up to my chin, while she got herself ready for bed. Smiling at her and feeling safe and protected I drifted off into an untroubled sleep. Someone shaking me gently roused me from my sleep. Drowsily I opened my eyes. Jennifer was standing over me. "Good morning, Sweetheart," she said to me, making me smile. "Good morning, Mummy," I replied yawning. "Well," She said, "since Fiona has the day off Mummy is going to bath you and get you dressed. Then we can watch cartoons together until it's time for Mummy to take you over to Rachel's house." I was momentarily confused until I remembered it was Saturday, and Rachel, apparently my best friend, was having her sixth birthday today. "But Mummy," I said, "I haven't got Rachel a present." Jennifer smiled down at me and picking me up said, "Well, it's a good job Mummy went into Edinburgh with Fiona yesterday, isn't it?" I smiled and kissed Jennifer, happy that she had bought my gift to Rachel. But I was more concerned with searching Magestone's room. That grimoire had to be in there, somewhere. As Jennifer took me to the bathroom Sarah emerged from her room, still drowsy with sleep. Noticing Jennifer and me she brightened up and said good morning. Jennifer put me down while they chatted. I stood and waited for Jennifer, my attention wandering, Sarah's hand ruffling my hair, bringing me back from my daydreaming. Smiling down at me she said, "Enjoy your bath, Jessica," and wandered down the hall. Bathed and clothed in a soft yellow party dress Jennifer arranged my hair in long loose pigtails which fell over my chest, securing them with some pink ribbons. Taking me downstairs Jennifer sat me in the family room to watch cartoons. While she left me to contact the family solicitor and have Magestone taken out of his father's will. I had planned on waiting until she was deeply engrossed in her conversation and then sneaking up into Magestone's room to search for the book. After five minutes of Dexter's Lab, I figured Jennifer would be distracted enough for me to sneak up. Climbing down from the sofa, I cracked open the door leading into the hall and checked. Jennifer had her back to me. Easing the door open I snuck up the stairs and crept along the hallway until I came to Magestone's room. Reaching up I tried the handle. As luck would have it the door was unlocked. Gingerly I opened the door and entered his room. Thick burgundy curtains shut out most of the sunlight, bathing the room in a dull reddish light. The only decorations on the wall were certificates from his public school days in Harrow, awards for academic achievements and a chart of the solar system. At least three bookshelves lined one wall and two bookcases stood upon some drawers. A PC sat in the corner of the room on an expensive looking computer desk, by the look of it, it was state of the art. I began my search, looking under his bed, lifting rugs and examining the books, as well as I could. Nothing caught my eye. That left his wardrobe. Opening it wasn't easy for a five year old girl, but I managed, needing to drag the chair at the computer desk over so I could reach the lock. Climbing down from the chair I opened the door and searched, eventually discovering a false bottom. Now if I could work out how to open it. But I had ran out of time. I could hear Jennifer shouting my name from downstairs. I hurriedly clambered out of the wardrobe, shutting the door and ran out of the room into the bathroom. When I heard footsteps on the stairs I flushed the loo and pulled my stool over to the washbasin, and made a play of washing my hands, just as Jennifer walked in "Jessica," she said, sternly, "have you been in Gerald's room?" "No Mummy," I said, keeping my back to her. "Oh? Well why is your party dress dirty?" I blushed, embarrassed at being caught in a lie by my mother, and thinking fast I said, "I'm sorry, Mummy. But I only wanted to look. Gerald never let me in his room before, but he could come into mine whenever he wanted." She looked at me, sternly and I looked back at her, mustering all the cuteness I could into my look. It must have worked, because her face softened and she said, "Oh well, he doesn't live here anymore. When you get back from Rachel's party, we can look in there together. But right now we're going to have to get you out of that dirty dress." We marched into my room and Jennifer picked out a light pink dress and matching shoes for me. Then she undressed me and put me in the fresh dress and placed the shoes on my tiny feet. Jennifer led me downstairs where we met Sarah who was coming from the kitchen. She smiled when she saw us. I still felt a twinge of humiliation at her seeing me as a little girl, but much less than before. "And what are you all dressed up for, Jessica?" she asked, using that tone adults always use for small children. Jennifer replied for me, "Oh, Jessica is going to a friend's sixth birthday party today." "She looks so sweet in that dress," Sarah said, making me blush with embarrassment. I knew she was finding my predicament amusing and gave her an angry look. "Well," she said, "it should take her mind off last night's incident with Gerald." Jessica nodded and replied, "Kids are pretty good at bouncing back from stuff like that. I'm just glad he didn't hurt her." Sarah reached down and ruffled my hair and said, "I hope you have a wonderful time at your friend's party, Jessica. I'll just be here all day by myself, so I'll have to find a book to read." The way she emphasised the word book was obviously to let me know she intended to search for Magestone's grimoire. I smiled at her and gave her a quick hug and then Jennifer said, "Well, we must be going, it may be fashionable for adults to be late, but not five year old girls." Jennifer took me into the kitchen and retrieved a parcel from one of the higher cupboards. It was large, rectangular and wrapped in bright paper with unicorns and faeries printed on it