Only You

14

Tilly looked at the women, confused and scared.

"H-how do you know who I am? Did Michael send you? I know you are those witches from New Orleans."

The witches looked at each other warily.

"I saw you guys on TV! I was so excited when I found out about Stevie Nicks. I absolutely adore her, so when I found out she was an actual witch, I was amazed."

The witches looked at her surprised, not expecting this reaction. Did Michael or Ms. Mead tell her anything?

"Would you guys like to come in for a cup of tea, or coffee? The lady I live with isn't home right now, but I'm sure she wouldn't mind me giving you a drink."

"Um. Sure! I guess that would be alright." Cordelia said, cautiously.

Tilly led the three women to the kitchen table and put a kettle of water on the stove.

"I hope chamomile is okay, it's all we have right now." Tilly said as she reached for a box in the cabinets above the microwave.

"Yes, that sounds divine." Myrtle said with a small smile.

After a small silence while Tilly was preparing the cups, she sat down and joined the women.

"So, what are you doing here? New Orleans is pretty far away from here," She giggled.

Cordelia looked at Myrtle and Zoe nervously and cleared her throat.

"Well, Tilly. We have heard lots about you. A trapped spirit taken from captivity in a demonic house and receive mortality."

"Yes, Michael is very powerful, he was the one to do this to me. At first, I was upset. I knew it was unnatural, it felt wrong. But after more time passed, Michael helped me find myself again, and learn to love being alive!"

"Tilly, we understand that you have a close relationship with Michael, correct?" Cordelia questioned.

The kettle began to whistle. Tilly stood to pour the tea. With her back to the women, she responded.

"Yes. I was trapped in that home since 1973. I saw so much life and death during my time there, but the only moment of happiness I had was when I was with Michael. When he was born. I felt a connection with him. Our souls intwined. I was separated from him for a few years, and it physically pained me to be apart from him."

She passed the full mugs of tea to the three women, grabbing sugar and cream in the process.

"I hadn't felt pain in over 20 years, but being apart from him tore me in two. It wasn't until later that I found out why. We are soulmates. I know that's cliché to hear, but I was told that I was an angel from heaven sent to be with Michael. I truly believe it. How else would I be given this chance?" She smiled at the three.

"And you don't think this is strange? If Michael really loved you, he would've let you pass on, or when you received mortality, let you find family members." Zoe questioned.

Tilly sat in silence, "I don't know. I guess I never asked. Michael told me when he saved me that he needed me. He couldn't do anything without me. Maybe that's why?"

"Don't you think at all that that isn't selfish of him? He is out and about learning about new things, while you are trapped yet again in another home, doing whatever is asked of you." Zoe questioned.

"I-I don't know. It just feels like the right thing to do. Ms. Mead and Michael have always treated me kindly and have taken care of me. Why are you asking me these things? How do you know them?" Tilly asked accusingly.

"Tilly, Ms. Mead, and Michael have done something awful. A few nights ago, Mead murdered one of Michaels instructors, we believe at the request of Michael. Did you know about this?" Cordelia firmly asked her.

Tilly swallowed the knot in her throat, why did Ms. Mead keep this from her? What was Michael really doing?

"No. Ms. Mead told me that Michael was going to this school to excel and control his powers. Ms. Mead was constantly leaving at night, but she always told me it was for "ritualistic" reasons. I had no idea that they did any of this. Not that I'm surprised."

"What do you mean Tilly? Is this usual?"

"Well, I love Michael, with all of my heart. But he has this darkness within him. Uncontrollable at times, and Ms. Mead encourages it, and helps him fulfil his darkest wishes."

Tilly was shocked and scared but refused to tell the witches his true parentage and what Ms. Mead really meant to them and what she did for them.

"Tilly. Are you okay with all of this?" Cordelia put her hand on top of the curly haired girl's hand.

Tears welled up in her eyes. "No." She whispered. "I love him so much, but he terrifies me. He is so powerful. I never fear for myself, but for others. I've seen what he can do, and it is terrifying."

Cordelia finally got to her, "Tilly, do you want to get away from all of this?"

She nodded, wiping the tears from her face. "I want to go home. As horrible as it sounds, I miss the house. My family is there, but I love Michael so much. He won't let me go back, and I can't abandon him. He's done so much for me."

"If you come with us, I promise, everything will be okay. We can get you back home." Myrtle finally spoke up.

"You don't understand! Even if you did take me home, he would come for me. We are bonded, I will always be attached to him, and in some ways I'm okay with it, I've learned to love him more than I fear him. "

"Tilly, you are a vital part of stopping Michael. Come with us and we will help you the best we can." Cordelia said.

"I'm sorry. I-I can't do it. I think you guys should leave. I don't want you guys to get hurt. Please."

The witches were silent for a moment but stood up.

"We understand, we will get going."

Tilly walked with them to the door. "I'm sorry. I wish I could help you more, but I can't betray him like that. I really do love him."

"It's alright my dear, we understand. "Cordelia looked at her with a sad smile, before waving her hand in front of Tilly's face, knocking her out.