The Mayor, the Witch, and the Lumberjack - Chapter 1

Instructions

Varona sighed as she watched. The mayor, Louis, anxiously tapped his nails on the table, mumbling nervously to himself. “Well, I could…” He mused quietly. “But definitely not without his consent. O-or without telling him what I am… argh, but what if he *hates* me for it? … I do hate lying to him though… and he hasn't ever seemed aggressive about this kind of thing…” “Louis.” Varona grabbed his hand, shoving him out of his thoughts. Her black eyes pierced through his gaze, the younger sister standing over her older brother. “You are overthinking this.” Varona slid into the seat across from him. “You love this boy, right?” Slowly, Louis nodded. “And he's sick, so you want to help him?” He nodded again. “Then *help* him. I've seen the way he stares at you, and the way people stare at him: he isn't going to have the heart to hate you for being different.” Her brother tilted his head slightly, deep in consideration. He seemed to almost agree before shaking his head. “Nope. Nope. Too risky. Absolutely not.” Varona groaned in annoyance. “Say he *doesn't* hate me,” Louis continued, standing up and beginning to pace. “Say he *does* accept me like this. What if someone else finds out? Someone could overhear, and then all of a sudden, the town is arming itself with stakes and silver!” “You are *paranoid* today.” Varona had dealt with this too many times, *especially* when it came to discussing the outcasted lumberjack. “Just- do it somewhere private!” “Hm…” Louis’ face scrunched up in worry. He stroked a hand through his short, chocolate-colored hair as he glanced back at Varona. Then, an idea came to mind. “Hey, Varona…” He ventured. “I'm not the *only* one with a supernatural secret…” “WHAT?!” Varona stared incredulously at her brother. “*Absolutely* not! Why should I get dragged into this issue with your little boyfriend?!” “Please!” He clasped his hands together. “Could you just *try*? If it doesn't work at all, then I *promise* I'll tell him the truth *soon*, but could you just *try*? For me?” The mayor's sister clenched her fists before sighing loudly. She grit her teeth as she glared. “*Fine*. But *just* to prove that you are freaking out over *nothing*. If he's fine with me, you'd *better* tell your little boyfriend what you are.” Louis grinned wholeheartedly, rushing to hug her. “Yes, I promise! Thank you! I owe you one!” “More like a million.” Varona couldn't help but smile as she embraced him. She could never stay mad at him for long.