Enchanted Secrets by Kristen Middleton Page A

a metal chair and looked around the cluttered room, eyeing the boxes now with a new respect. Who knew what kind of magic was hidden in all of this cardboard?
    “Okay,” said Tyler. He was holding a five -by-seven picture frame but I couldn’t see the picture. “I have something to show you and it’s quite possible that you’ve seen it before. However, something tells me you haven’t.”
    I took a deep breath . “Okay.”
    He handed me the picture frame and I stared at it in confusion. It was an older picture of two little girls, around five or six, and they were obviously twins.
    “I don’t understand,” I said looking up at him.
    “Look closely at the picture. Doesn’t it remind you of someone?”
    There was indeed something familiar about the girls. I couldn’t quite place my finger on it.
    “Look at the shape of their noses and the fullness of their lips. Ignore the color of their hair, she’ s obviously changed it. That’s to be expected.”
    I nodded. Both girls had luxurious red hair. Their eyes were a dark blue with a catlike slant. “They’re certainly cute,” I said. Then something clicked and the blood rushed to my ears.
    “Yes?” he asked, prodding me.
    I looked at him in shock. “It’s my mother!”
    Tyler smiled. “Bingo.”
    I shook my head. “But she’s not a twin. My mom told me that she was an only child.”
    He shrugged . “I would too if my twin sister was a ruthless and evil witch.”
    “ Excuse me?”
    “ Your aunt Vivian and your mother are very powerful witches.”
    I stared at him for a few seconds and then burst out laughing.
    His eyes narrowed. “Well, I’m glad you’re amused, but it’s the truth, and believe me, there’s nothing funny about Vivian.”
    I wiped away the tears from my face . “Okay, that’s enough. Quit messing with my mind, Tyler.”
    “He’s not messing with you , at all,” interrupted Rebecca, closing the door behind her. “Your mother is a twin and she’s also a witch. I should know, we used to be best friends.
    “I don’t understand,” I mumbled, looking at each of them, “My mom? You seriously expect me to believe that she’s a witch?”
    Rebecca smiled sadly and then pulled out another folding chair. She sat down next to me and looked at her son. “Tyler, go mind the store for a little while please.”
    He nodded and left us alone.
    She reached over and took my hand in hers. “It’s probably not my place to tell you this information, and I’m sure your mother will be furious when she finds out. But Tyler and I, well, we didn’t have any other choice.”
    I stared into her eyes. “ I just don’t understand. Why would she hide all of this from us?”
    Rebecca sighed. “Because of Vivian. Her sister is one of the most vicious sorceresses in the world. She’s cruel, evil, and will stop at nothing to get what she wants.”
    A shiver went up my spine. “Well, what does she want?”
    “She wants your mother’s power all for herself. You see, when you’re a witch and a twin one at that, it makes for a very powerful combination. In fact, when one of them dies, the other inherits the other’s magic.”
    “And my mother’s sis ter, my…aunt… wants her dead, so she can be more powerful?”
    She nodded. “Vivian has been looking for your mother, Adrianne, for the last twenty years.
    I raised my eyebrows. “Adrianne? My mother’s name is Holly.”
    “ Dear, Holly is your mother’s middle name,” said Rebecca, softly.
    “Okay, this getting too deep for me,” I said, standing up. “I need to go home and talk to her.”
    “Wait,” said Rebecca. “I’m sure your mom has kept this from you and your sister, to keep you safe. It’s very dangerous for all of you right now. Especially since…”
    “What?”
    The f ear in her eyes made my pulse race. “Vivian knows your mom is here, in Bayport, and she’ll do anything to find her, even if it means using you or your sister, Kala.”
    I bit the side of my lip. “You