Back in Year 8, Alice boldly announced to her mates that Tom would absolutely, without a doubt, be her husband one day.
None of her friends dared argue. For good reason, tooAlices gran had a reputation in their village as something of a witch. No one wanted to end up with warts or a suspicious rash. Meanwhile, Alice would occasionally visit her gran for mystical tips, though mostly she just plodded around the town, convinced she was learning the secret art of getting what she wanted. (Spoiler: she mostly got grounded.)
As for Tom? Tom couldnt have cared less about Alices magical plans. He spent all his afternoons in the garden with Emily. Emily had used a wheelchair since she was a little girl. She was gentle, funny, and knew more about books than anyone else at school. Somehow, Emily had completely bewitched Tomnot that Alices gran would approve of the metaphor. Tom and Emily spent nearly every moment together for years, regardless of what drama brewed around them.
One grey Tuesday, Tom was headed out to see Emily when Alice plonked herself right in his way.
All right, Tom, Alice said, all breezy nonchalance.
Hi, Alice, Tom replied, attempting an escape route around her.
Fancy a walk round the town? She cocked an eyebrow.
Absolutely not today. Sorry, Tom answered, already glancing past her.
Alice gritted her teeth as Tom breezed past, joining Emily, who welcomed him with a bright smile. They burst out laughing at something only they understood. A wave of jealousy splashed over Alices insides; later, she had herself a proper dramatic cry when nobody was looking.
Time ticked on. Tom now pushed Emilys chair down to the river, through the woods, or across fields speckled with daisies. They seemed endlessly content in each others company.
Alice reinvented herself as a striking brunette, slim and elegant. Boys stumbled over their own feet gawking at her, yet Tom always seemed to have only eyes for Emily. Their feelings had deepened; no more kiddie crushes, but real, grown-up love.
Just when you thought Alice might give up, she blocked Toms path yet again.
All right, Tom. Off to dote on your wheely mate, are you? Whats she got that I havent? Why settle for her when you could marry me? Ive been in love with you since school, you know.
I know, Tom said, but I love Emily.
Whats she got that I dont, that legless chicken?
No idea. I just know shes better. No doubt about it.
Listen, Tom, Alice dropped her voice, it wouldnt even take proper magic to make you love me. My grans got more power than a Blackpool amusements slot machine! But honestly, I want you to love me for me. So what will it take? Tell me. Ill do anything.
Tom stopped, then turned to her. Get Emily walking. If you manage that, Ill marry you.
So Alice started turning up at Emilys every morning, not leaving until late at night. Toms time with Emily vanished; oddly, Emily didnt mind. She followed Alices instructions without complaintdowning potions, slathering on creams, even doing extra exercises until she was knackered.
Watching Alices devotion, Tom couldnt help but marvelshe really would do anything for him.
Four months and a small fortune (and half the contents of Boots) later, Tom headed to the garden as usual. He realised most of the neighbours had assembled, watching from their windows and balconies.
Alice was holding Emilys hands, guiding her away from the wheelchair. Together, they managed several trembling steps. All three of themAlice, Emily, and Tomwere grinning like lottery winners. Alice and Emily, exhausted and delighted, collapsed onto a bench.
Tom approached, still open-mouthed from surprise.
Tom, can I have a word? Alice said quietly, stepping aside.
He sidled over.
Whats up? Is it time? he asked, nervously.
What time? Alice said.
Wedding time? Tom mumbled.
Alice burst out laughing. Oh, Tom. Dont be daft. I just wanted to say sorry for being a pain. Magic is useless against loveturns out, you cant conjure up real feelings.
Honestly, magic cant do much, unless people want it to.
These days, Emily and Alice are the best of friends. Emily and Tom had a daughter. Alice ended up with a boyfriend she can barely tolerateno one ever sees him, though she claims hes a pilot. (Rumour has it hes still circling somewhere above Manchester.)When Alices mysterious boyfriend does appear (once a year, precisely on Pancake Day), he always brings a new, outlandish souvenira snow globe from Singapore, a tattered aeronautical chart scribbled with recipes for love potions. The village kids crowd round to hear his stories, while Alice stands at the edge of the green, laughing louder than everyone else as if daring the world to doubt her happiness.
Sometimes, late on summer evenings, the three friends still meet at the riverbank, Emilys daughter hugging her knees in the grass, fireflies blinking like tiny lanterns. Tom holds Emilys hand, Alice leans back on her elbows, and the air is thick with secrets, hope, and something that needs no magic at all: belonging.
If you ever wander through their village, you might hear Alices cackle echoing across the fields, see Emily stretching her legs beside the water, or spot Tom, still completely smitten. Some people say Grans house glows blue on especially starry nights, but Alice will only wink and say, Its just the old telly, honest.
And as for magicwell, it turns out the most powerful kind is letting yourself be part of someone elses story, and loving the whole messy, glorious tale so much youd never dream of changing a single word.
