KNOCK, KNOCK - pt 3

KNOCK KNOCK  - pt 3

 **

 Is that me or is it you?

 ***

 Belle had just placed her hand on the doorknob when her sister, Anora grabbed Belle’s arm.

 “Wait! Belle!” 

Before Anora could continue, Belle looked at her and said, “Oh, blast and damnation! Annie, I’m so sorry; I wasn’t thinking.” 

Belle knew exactly what worried her sister. “We’re going to take care of that immediately. First things first. You need a purse, well, not exactly a purse. It’s more like a sack but not too big and not like the burlap bag you have at home that you trudge in your woods with.” 

“Belle, that serves my purpose there. It carries my vegetables, fruits, herbs, and whatever else I need for food and potions. But you’re right. I can’t very well cart that around here in the city, but I don’t have another one at home. Never needed another one.” 

Taking one of her throw pillows of the couch, Belle asked, “Do you like this pattern?” 

Annie smiled. “Belle, it’s beautiful. Elves and faeries and a background of woods.” 

Belle snapped her fingers, the pillow became a bag for her sister. “I’ll put a strap on it, like the one I have on mine. It goes over your head and one shoulder. It’s called a crossbody bag.” 

She used her finger to draw a line from one side of the bag to the other and as she did, a strap appeared that matched the material of the bag. 

“Annabelle, you witch!” Annie said as she laughed. “That’s absolutely wonderful!” 

“Oh, Annie, I’m not done yet. Just three more things and we’ll be set! Well, I’m already set but then so will you be.” 

Belle picked up a paper towel and ripped it in half. With a pen, she wrote the words: forest green with elves and faeries. Then, as she held it between her hands, she said, “A wallet with money since nothing is free. So, I desire, so mote it be.” 

She handed the new leather wallet to her sister. Belle then tore off another sheet of the paper towels but this time, rather than tear it in half, she folded it a few times. In her mind, she visualized her intended image, then said, “What might be known as a traveler’s creed, A passport now in case there’s a need. And a card with a picture for a photo ID. As I wish these things, so mote them be.” 

She then handed them to her sister and said, put them in your bag. You never know when someone might ask for a piece of identification, especially since you’re new in town. And with a brogue as thick as yours? Well, better safe than sorry.” 

Anora smiled and commented, “Dear sister, you’ve thought more about what I might need than I thought was necessary. Thank you. But as for brogues, Belle, you’ve still got yours, and it’s as thick as mine.” 

“There are times when I wave it away. Well, not completely but just enough. You’d be surprised at how sexy our little brogue is to some men. Anyway, it really all depends on the circumstances and where I am at the time. So, now let’s grab some pizza, then we’ll take a stroll through the park.” 

“I’m looking forward to it, but I’ve another question.” 

Anabelle smiled. “Sister, let’s walk and talk. I have already anticipated your questions but ask away.” 

“I guess first of all, are those papers and money you’ve given me legal?” 

“Yes, my sister. All legal. Your passport, as I made it, was registered with the government. The money was produced, while by my hand, mimics the funds in the bank a few blocks away. I’d never give you anything that would cause you trouble.” 

“Alright, then. Now, after seeing your apartment, you must have a job. Where and what do you do to earn your keep?” 

They stepped off the elevator and as they walked through the hallway to the front door of the building, Anora noticed several people staring. 

“Don’t mind them, Annie.” Belle smiled as she reached for the door handle. “While they knew I had a sister, I never mentioned I had a twin. And you know there are twins then twins like us.” 

Outside, Annie commented, “Belle, it’s so loud. How can you stand it? And the motor vehicles drive so fast. It’s a wonder there aren’t people lying dead or hurt in the street.” 

“There are traffic lights to monitor the flow of traffic, and most people obey the rules. Those that don’t,? Well, that’s when they need to call for the ambulance. Now to answer your question. I’ve a small shop on the other side of the park, near the river. You’d be surprised how many people here are enthralled of witchcraft – even when they don’t either believe in it or understand it. Then there are those who are wanna-be witches. And again, there are some like us. I’ve actually met a few since I’ve been here.” 

Anora stopped and turned to look at her sister. “Belle, you mean to tell me you have real witches here in New York City?” 

Anabelle put her arm around her sister and said, “Sure and why not? I’m sure those like us are scattered throughout the world. The ones here in New York? Well, some have shared their potion ingredients with me. They’re a nice brood of witches. You’ll meet them.” 

Anora’s mouth fell open a bit wanting to say something but not knowing what to say. Eventually, she closed her mouth and allowed her sister to pull her towards Tony DiNapoli’s Pizza.