Page 105 of Under Your Spell

As Lil’s and Serena’s personal and professional circles grew, so did Lil-Fest. Now there’s a real stage with enormous speakers, a line-up of whatever bands are in town at the time and want to come and hang out – some big names, some up-and-coming artists – a variety of food trucks and usually a couple of hundred guests.

The trees are strewn with fairy lights and handmade dreamcatchers, and this year one of Lil’s mates is running yoga sessions in a small yurt that appeared overnight. We still cover ourselves in glitter, but the cheap cider has been swapped out for organic IPAs and cocktails in jam jars. Some years we do it in the rain and the mud (which Lil claims is actually more authentic), but today it’s dry and warm, though there are several ominous-looking clouds on the horizon.

Given my aversion to live music, I have, in the past, spent as much of Lil-Fest as possible hanging out in the kitchen, or even sneaking off to my room, but this year I might actually make it down to the stage, might listen to some of the bands play. It’s been a long summer and a lot of things have changed.

It’s late afternoon and I’m sitting in a little alcove by the pond, watching guests file from the other end of the house down to the meadow where the stage is set up, psyching myself up to go and join them. My sisters appear at my side. Serena is holding a crown of sunflowers which she lays on my head. Lil hands me a pair of fairy wings. After I mentioned Hannah’s to her she ordered them for all of us in an adult size especially for this event. Serena’s are black and spiky, making her look like a vampire bride, and that is the only reason she has agreed to this.

‘Good turnout this year,’ I say, squinting out at the growing crowd as a young girl with a guitar sings wistfully into the microphone. ‘Are you going to play?’

Lil’s cheeks are rosy. She’s wearing her own sunflower crown and it’s a little crooked. ‘Yep, soon I think because I keep drinking those pink drinks Ava mixed that taste like juice but they’re making things a bit…’ She pinches her thumb and forefinger together thoughtfully and I have no idea what the gesture is supposed to mean.

‘She’s already pissed,’ Serena translates.

‘Where are Bee and Henry?’ I ask.

‘Bee’s at work but she might come by later,’ Serena says with extremely practised nonchalance, and Lil and I exchange a look of amusement.

‘Henry’s coming later too,’ Lil says. ‘I’m pretty sure he’s going to propose tonight.’

‘What?!’ Serena and I shriek in one voice.

‘I know. Isn’t it lovely?’ Lil glows softly, suddenly angelic and alight with love. I blink, but I think actually it’s just the sun hitting her body glitter. That and the wings.

‘I found the ring last week – he’s the worst at keeping secrets,’ she says fondly, ‘and he was a nervous wreck all morning. I just wish he’d ask me so I could put him out of his misery.’

‘You’re going to say yes?’ Serena asks, stunned.

‘Of course I am.’ Lil is serene. ‘He’s it for me. I knew it the second we met. Just like I wished for.’

Serena makes a harrumphing sound.

‘That’s wonderful,’ I say, the words clogged with tears. ‘I’m so happy for you, Lil. Henry is the sweetest and he loves you so much.’

‘I know,’ Lil says, totally secure. Then a frown flickers over her face. ‘Speaking of big, soulmate love…’

‘Yes, I’ve been thinking about that too,’ I interrupt her. ‘Big love, the unconditional, whole-hearted, soulmate kind. That’s what you said, isn’t it?’

‘Yes,’ Lil nods while Serena makes fake barfing sounds.

‘I had an epiphany the other day, in therapy,’ I say, smiling at the memory. ‘I mean, I’ve been having them all over the place recently, but I realized the other day that whatever happens, there’s one thing I can count on: I already have that love. I have my soulmates, the ones who’ll be there no matter what, who love me unconditionally. It’s you two. You’ve always been there. No wish required.’

There’s a stunned silence for a second as my sisters just look at me, then Lil makes a sort of wailing noise and throws her arms around my neck. Her hot tears hit my skin. ‘I love you, sweet Clementine,’ she whispers.

‘Honestly,’ Serena huffs, furiously trying to avoid eye contact, ‘you two are so dramatic.’ But she can’t hide her sniffle, and Lil and I haul her in for a long and – thanks to three pairs of fairy wings – uncomfortable hug.

When we disengage, Lil looks determined. ‘I think the three of us need to talk about Theo.’ The words make me start.

‘I thought we were going to wait.’ Serena scowls at her.

My eyes dart between them. ‘What are you two up to?’ I ask.

Serena continues to glare at Lil, who looks unrepentant.

‘We have something to tell you,’ Serena says slowly. ‘But I’m not sure this is the right time.’

‘That’s not ominous at all,’ I grumble. ‘Now you have to tell me.’

‘It can wait,’ Serena says firmly.