Chapter 3 - Start of a Magical Gift

It's been a week since Matilda saw the creature on her windowsill and ever since, could not take her mind off of it. She had no clue how it ended up in front of her, but she was more concerned about where it had gone. It hadn't visited her since and it sort of caused her to feel wretched. "Matilda!" Mr.Brown called from the kitchen. "The Bennets from next door invited us for lunch!" He beamed. She could tell he was excited - excited to meet the new neighbors more than she was. She dreaded meeting new people, it just wasn't her thing. As she walked closer, she noticed he had put together a Tupperware for an apple pie he had made. She never saw this side of him.

"You made them pie?" Her question came off as if she was surprised, which she was. "Of course! Food is the way to friendship!" He acted differently today. Just last week, he was grieving over the photos of his wife and now, he's baking. She didn't know how to feel about this random and quick change. He was frenetic and had loads of energy that happened randomly. "Who are the Bennets and why are you making it seem like they're special?" He let out a deep sigh. "I've been stuck in this house, unpacking everything. It's time, as a grown man that I am, go out and make new friends."

He was quite serious - enough to stop Matilda from laughing. He had been stuck inside the house while she was busy wandering around Wigston. "Come, come." He hurried her out of the house, locking the door behind him. The Bennets were next door, all they had to do was close their gate, take three steps and open theirs and they would reach their destination. The front of their house had beautifully planted flowers and a small garden to the right. Since it was September, it was getting colder and that meant Halloween was coming up. Pumpkins were aligned on each step of the stairs. Some were carved while others just sat for decoration. Matilda wanted to gibe at the overbearing sight beyond her but Mr.Brown gently pushed her up the steps. He rang the doorbell which played annoying music that seemed to play throughout the house.

A lady, about three inches taller than Matilda opened the door. She had red hair that reached to her elbows and blue eyes that managed to sparkle. She had a smile that showed off two dimples. She reminded Matilda of Ariel, the little mermaid. "Hi, Mr.Brown. Thank you for coming." She had a soft voice, one that Matilda almost loved. A man walked up behind her, his black and wavy hair was shinning under the sun. A strand of hair dangled over his forehead. "Well isn't it the Browns! Come on in, don't be shy!" He greeted them with glee as he took their coats, hanging them on the coat hangers.

Mr.Brown handed over the Tupperware, with a smile on his face. "I've made apple pie. It's my first time baking and I surely didn't want to come empty-handed."

"Thank you, Mr.Brown. That was so sweet of you." She took the Tupperware to the kitchen while Matilda felt a nudge in her rib. "Introduce yourself to the Bennets." He muttered. Rolling her eyes, she lazily dragged her feet towards the kitchen, where Ms.Bennet was cutting a piece of the pie. The kitchen was painted mint green and white and the counters were plain. Covered with sweets that smelled homemade. "Our daughter should be coming down soon. She liked to properly introduce herself." Mr.Bennet chuckled.

"Tea, anyone?"

"I'd love some," Matilda spoke, giving Ms.Bennet a smile. Her dad looked puzzled. "You drink tea? Since when?" Turning around, she placed a hand on his shoulder. "Remember when Mom would give me tea when I was younger? Since then." She laughs as she followed Ms.Bennet to the table.

"Sorry for the wait!"

A girl jogged down the stairs, making eye contact with Matilda. Her eyes widened as she glanced over at Ms.Bennet who was communicating with her silently, telling her to remain calm. She had short black hair with loose curls, her skin was pale and her eyes were emerald. She wore black eyeliner. "Carla?"

The girl chuckled as she walked up to Matilda, reaching her hand out. "No, I'm Bria. Her twin sister."

"Really? She never mentioned a twin sister." Matilda muttered, shaking Bria's hand. She wished Carla was here so she had someone to talk to. She somehow couldn't take her eyes off of Bria and tried to convince herself that this was Carla dressed differently. "She's on a trip and won't be back for another few days," Bria mentioned, somehow able to tell what Matilda was thinking. Sighing, she took the teacup Ms.Bennet had given her. "Didn't mention that either."

"It's probably important and personal to her. Carla usually doesn't disclose the information if it's a mission."

Matilda must not know

"Must not know what?" Matilda asked, taking a sip of her tea. Ms.Bennet glanced over at her husband, eyes widened but Matilda didn't notice the quick reaction. "I didn't say anything, dear." Mr.Brown didn't catch onto what was happening, instead, he was busy downing the tea. Bria suggested everyone take their seats and enjoy lunch. She had pulled Matilda into conversations regarding the move, what the town had to offer and most of all - boys.

Lunch lasted a little longer than Matilda had expected, Mr.Bennet kept pulling Mr.Brown into conversations after conversations which left her and Bria bored enough to casually flee the table. Bria led Matilda up the stairs and into a bedroom on the left. Her room was painted pink and the bedset almost symbolized royalty, a few pieces of furniture were painted white. You'd think they weren't fond of bright colors like pink, but Bria sure proved Matilda wrong.

Bria showed Matilda her closet and inside hung blouses and work pants. "You know, the first impression I had of your room, I'd expect your closet to look the same," Matilda commented, laughing along with Bria. "To be honest, I didn't pick this color. Whoever lived here before really had a thing for pink. I'm more of a blue person but my parents told me to wait until the weekend to paint."

"Thank God for paint, right?"

"Yes, indeed. So, how are you liking Wigston so far?" Bria asked, hopping onto her bed. "It seems quiet and pretty but I haven't done much for my opinion to change."

Bria nods.

There's so much to do, but you can't know.

"Huh?"

"What?" Bria creased her eyebrows in confusion. "What can't I know?" Matilda asked, rubbing her hearing aid. "I don't know what you're talking about," Bria stands up. "Well, I haven't seen much Wigston has to offer, I don't suppose you have any suggestions for me?" Matilda asked, fiddling with her fingers. She looked up to see Bria grinning at her. "I've been waiting for someone to ask me." She walked over to her desk, opened the drawer, and pulled out a notebook. Taking a seat next to Matilda, she began writing a few things.

"I wrote down a few of my favorite places to go. I also listed my favorite cafe and bookstore." Bria runs her finger down the list as Matilda glances at it. "I don't know if you like coffee and books but these places are worth the visit." By the look on Bria's face and the tone of her voice, Matilda couldn't disappoint her.

"I've been meaning to visit a coffee place I saw a few blocks away-..."

"Um, no. This coffee shop is the only acceptable place to go. It's addictive and will draw you in." Bria explained, her eyes widening. Matilda swore her eyes were going to pop out. She then takes a seat in her chair while Matilda scans the list. "So, have you found home yet?" She closely examines the look on Matilda's face while she waits for an answer.

"Haven't decided on what to call home.." There was a burning silence that lasted for a while, "But I have a feeling I'll find a thing or two to do while I'm here."