It had felt like a dagger stabbed his heart. Pips had stood up quickly when she asked him that question. She had called for Mother, who came instantly.

"Who is he?" Crysta asked her. "Why is he in bed with me?"

"Crysta, love, he's supposed to be," Mother laughed, not catching on right away.

"No," Crysta said slowly. "No he's not. I don't even know who he is." Mother was stunned. She turned to Pips, who looked equally confused and distraught.

"You better leave, son," she told him. He opened his mouth to object, but her face told him otherwise. He left right away. She turned back to her daughter.

"Crysta," she said. "What do you remember?"

"I remember my family. You, Father, Lily, and Fern. I remember Sandy and Wil. I remember Batty. I know I'm a mage. I know I help children grow things. I know who I am, but I don't know who he is," she said.

"Oh dear," Mother said under her breath. She knew exactly what Julian had done to her now.

"And Rose?" she prompted.

"I don't know a Rose," Crysta answered truthfully. She looked confused.

"It's okay, love. Lie back down and relax. I'll get Lily to come in soon," Mother said. She went down to find Pips pacing the common room.

"What the hell?" Pips demanded.
"Julian," Mother replied. "He's put a spell on her. She remembers everything and everyone except you and Rose."

"You have got to be kidding. This can't be happening!" he shouted.

"Getting upset won't help the situation. You need to leave here right now. We can't upset her or tell her what happened. It will only confuse and hurt her. Pips, trust me, she will remember you eventually. She has to."

"Is that a guarantee?" he asked her.

"No," she admitted, "but for now, this is what we need to do." He looked like he was about to cry. Mother felt very sorry for him. She watched him leave with a heaviness in her heart. This was going to be a long road ahead.

Later in the day...

"I can't believe she doesn't know him!" Fern whispered to Lily. "How could she not remember him?"

"It's a spell. Who knows how long it will last. Might be forever," Lily added.

"She'll fall in love with him again, won't she? She has to," Fern answered for herself. She patted her lower belly. She had told her parents. At first it was an uproar from Father, but eventually he came around. He was empathetic about her situation.

"It doesn't mean I'm pleased," he had said gruffly, "but you can relax. I won't kill you."

"Ash!" Mother had exclaimed, swatting him. She had been thrilled. Fern just wished Sandy could have been there. He would have loved this. Lily left her now, wandering and looking for Wil. When she found him, she suddenly felt shy.

"Hey," he said, smiling. She smiled back.

"Hey."

"So. We have a moment I guess. Did you want to...?"

"Only if you do," she cut in.

"I do," he nodded solemnly. Lily felt embarrassed suddenly.

"Okay," she started. "I've been thinking, and I think maybe we could try it."

"Really?" he asked. His face lit up.

"Yes," she answered.

"You're sure?" he double checked. She nodded, laughing.

"I can't believe it!" he crowed. He swept her into his arms and planted one on her right there.

"Wil!" she scolded after. He grinned down at her.

"Sorry," he said. "I couldn't resist."

"I want to take things slow," she told him. "Let's start by spending more time together first. Is that okay with you?"

"Yes," he said. "I'll take it. Lily, you won't regret it."

"I know I won't," she said softly, touching his cheek.

Pips' home...

He was in anguish. He was angry. He couldn't believe this was happening to him. How could she not remember him? He didn't know what to do. Was he to get her to fall in love with him all over again? It had been difficult the first time. This time, however, there were no obstacles besides her memory loss. He would be persistent. He'd be her best friend. He'd find a way to get her to remember. He had to. He just couldn't picture life without her in it as his partner.

In the forest...

He opened his eyes. Things were a little blurry, but he could make out certain things. He noticed he was lying on something soft. He felt his chest and found the wound that took him down. He groaned as he tried to sit up. He gave up after a while. The struggle wasn't worth it. He wondered where he was. Nothing seemed familiar. He thought about his love and wondered if she was sad. He wondered why it was so hard for him to get up. Then he heard someone at the entrance. He turned to look, but it was all a blur. He tried to speak but he couldn't.

"It'll pass," a voice told him reassuringly. "Good to see you're awake. About time." The person came closer to him, and suddenly she was very clear in his vision. He gave her a weak smile.

"Hi, Sandy," Rose said cheerfully. "Welcome back."

To be continued...

This is where I leave you! Don't worry. I have a whole other story planned. Thank you for reading, and please review so I can hear your thoughts/suggestions!