Witchy Woman.

" 'Twas all a tale of Kismet, her one true love finally met...." Rochelle was trying to write a light romance, with some magical love potions and bewitching spells changing the progress of true love. She hoped it would appeal to her age group of fiction fans, purely for a chick market. Rochelle was well aware that males preferred a graphic, hands on approach for a chick, whereas the young woman expected timeless texts and hearts emojis from their males, with flowers and promises with dutiful phone chats.

"Maybe I have dud expectations of Todd," she told herself and Silky, her old labrador quietly delighting in sprawling on Rochelle's bed, again. Meanwhile, back as secondary college, the old widow librarian was beaming with pleasure. Mrs. Haggle could barely wait to share her good news. "Rochelle, here are the advance copies of your book. I am arranging a book launch in my nephew's bookstore across town. He has a section there especially devoted to magic. He is anticipating this new contribution to our genre. His name is Arlo. First, clear this with your parents, and decide on the invitation list."

Rochelle's parents were astounded that their plumpish, strange offspring had a book published, by a well regarded publishing firm in the big city. So they agreed to attend her book launch at 'Book Shop, One Stop.' This was the name of Arlo's book store. Rochelle and Bronte sat down for several lunchtimes in the library to address invitations. The other two members of the student group known as Wizard Enterprises seemed vaguely miffed about this epic book by Rochelle. Jarryd said he had a date that night, and the dark haired teen of mystery, Todd, only muttered, "Might have something else on."

Rochelle was used to being unnoticed by Todd, he was such a cool dude. She thought she might try casting another love spell, to see if she could make Todd look at her with steady romance on his mind. He was a bit like that, magic wizardry was only one of his interests. He did not seem to take anything too seriously, coasting through his days and talents with a relaxed attitude. She and Bronte had a chinwag one day. "Maybe Todd is not ready to date," Bronte suggested.

Rochelle agreed, "He does take my abilities for granted, What would Todd do if Arlo started chasing me cause I can put a spell on him? He couldbe my new one, an older man. That can be my plan!"

Bronte looked very doubtful, but asked that vitally important question, "What are you going to wear?" The book launch of Rochelle's epic, but very readable literature, "Peace, Love and Witchy Dust" was going to require some serious shopping for frocks and shoes. Then there were all the other details to arrange, such as nibbles and drinks, cocktails, book signing to be arranged. Plus a light sound tracks of typically ooky and mysterious music, floating over the book store. Subdued lighting would be necessary. The two teenagers closed their eyes and had dreamy thoughts about what they imagined a book launch would hold for their evening of fun.

Rochelle proudly decided that she would definitely hurl a love spell at an older man. Arlo would do. As he was in Mrs. Haggle's family tapestry, anything could happen. At night, by her trusty torchlight, she found a photo of that notable Arlo Haggle, used her magic hands and sent him a spellbinding love and kissie heart song. She imagined blowing him kisses across town, and hoped firing up Arlo would make Todd envious. What the heck? Arlo might not be quite as wrinkled as he appeared. Mind you, his aunty Mrs. Haggle was 300 years old. So that made Arlo totally an eligible older bachelor. It was well known around the teenage chick scene that older males preferred dewy faced teens. Naughty men.

Despite their age difference, Rochelle clutched her pink rose crystal, shaped like a heart. Very romantically, she cast this enchantment for a mature lover.

"I whisper to his heart,

Arlo, don't let us be apart,

Bring to me the love I yearn,

Let us find the love we've earned,

Be loving, keen and kind,

Beautiful love on your mind,

I beseech these spirits grand,

Heed this spell of a woman....."

Well, she was nearly mature enough by now to be classified as an attractive woman. Rochelle snuggled under her blankets, and was soon asleep, sure that if this spell was effective, Arlo would come running to her heart. He was such a hotty.

But Arlo in person was not that appealing to the modern babe. Lots of reasons he was still a bachelor. When Rochelle and her parents met him to arrange final details for the book launching party, he was a bit withdrawn, not that interested.

"I'm only doing this as a favour to my aunty. But well done on your book anyway, keep on writing."

Rochelle did wonder why her spell to make Arlo her suitor was not working. She privately thought he was impressive, a book lover after her own nature, with a store of great books to browse. Being still a learner witchy woman, she had cast another blooper. Rochelle had fallen in love with Arlo, despite his smelly foot odour. Her swooning glances were totally disregarded. She gazed with longing at his hands, and slightly wrinkled lips. Hoping for at least a kiss on her cheek, she leaned in and tried to look like a stud magnet.

"I cannot wait for us to meet again, under party lights." She flapped her eyelashes dramatically, breathing a bit heavy. Would it be too much to kiss him first, or would that be inappropriate?

Her face glowing with her new love interest, she went home to wait for this classic book launching party. She was even going to sign copies of her book. An author in the old hometown, a success story at last, even if she was still dateless, still yearning for Arlo or Todd. Neither of them showed even a squinch of romance. Maybe her true love and potential soul mate was still some real man she had never met, as yet.

Rochelle definitely wanted to learn from real life, she was suddenly in a hurry to grow up. Her mother had forked over for a lovely little frock, and semi high heel shoes, a relaxing pampering session at a beautician. Rochelle was aiming at the sophisticated look about town. She still did not know why her love spells kept on backfiring on her, but she was developing her bewitching charms.

Party night arrived, but the crowd was a bit disappointing. Rochelle's book sold a few copies to her pals from her class, and to some weird looking folk who had been invited by Arlo. The food was great, much appreciated. Soon only crumbs were left on the platters. Rochelle and Mrs. Haggle were both a bit puzzled why Todd and Jarryd never showed up, but she decided to gloss over that. She would say no more about it.

Suddenly, in the darkened night, Todd swept in on a broom, with Jarryd trailing behind him. Rochelle had not realised her love spell had snared Todd instead of Arlo, who had not even noticed he was supposed to be bewitched. Todd had also dyed his hair bright orange. Rochelle did a double take, and was prepared not to fuss over hair colourant. Todd flung his arms around her, big hugging followed, as he said, "So proud of our hometown author, witchy woman." Snogging ensued, and Rochelle stopped casting lovelorn puppy glances at Arlo.

Her parents were suitably stunned, as Jarryd and Bronte stood smiling, arms permanently around each other. Rochelle was thrilled. Todd whispered, "You got me, witchy woman. What a witch you are! You are there!"