Gaia looked across the kitchen table at Alanna, remembering the anxiety when she helped Morgan through the same process. She'd help her too. Reaching into her pocket and pulled out the lapis lazuli bracelet. Seeing her bacon was good for a couple of minutes, she went around and stood behind her, looking at the questions she was studying.

"Grammie, I'll never remember all of this."

"You might not believe it, but you're going to do just fine. I remember when Morgan was sitting in my kitchen, looking just like you, trying to remember answers to things that didn't make much sense. I gave her this. She wanted me to give it to you. The bracelet is made of ancient lapis, it has been in our family for a very long time, generations of women have worn it to help them through rites of passage. It's yours for now, and you'll end up passing it along when the time comes."

"This isn't a ritual though," Alanna slipped the bracelet over her right hand. "It makes me feel calmer," she said adding, "It's gorgeous, you don't see lapis lazuli this deep blue very often anymore, what are the other crystals?"

"There's sodalite," Gaia pointed, "That's rose quartz, the other one is moonstone, which is both a healer's stone, and a calming one. Lapis isn't a calming stone, but it helps you think clearly and express yourself. This set of crystals came into our family in Ireland, over a thousand years ago. We've had many talented witches in our line since."

"I promise I'll take loving care of it." Allana was surprised to find out how long their family went back, and how many were talented. "What happened with Grandma? Why was she left out?"

"Every now and then, being a witch, skips children for no reason anyone can think of. My daughter is a soul who needed to learn some lessons that can't be acquired when you're a witch. She's figured them out now. Did you help her along the way?"

"I didn't know what I was doing, but when we went to the zoo, that day, I held her hand. She was so broken, Grammie, she hurt so much. Grandpa isn't ever going to come back, so I loved her, because she's Grandma. That's all I thought I did."

"You know better now. I'm proud of the work you've put in. Was that when you really started to feel broken hearts and minds?"

"Yeah, I didn't like it much either. Sometimes the hurts out there screw with my head. Dad taught me how to block, he says the thoughts that stray into his mind drive him crazy when he forgets to."

Gaia made and instant change of plans. She knew the love of her life would understand.

"I think Harry and I are going to stay for a few weeks. There's nothing pressing at home and we've got what we need with us. Would you like that?"

Alanna popped up and threw her arms around Gaia and squeezed her in a bear hug.

"Please, please, please.... I hate being out here alone when Dad's gone, especially since Auntie Morgan has to be away too. She's going on another trip starting Monday to go talk to more families. I was going to be alone again; because Dad is springing a trap on some terrorist or other."

"Okay then, I think we need to do some basic spell work too, you need to be able to cast protection and warding spells. We'll be staying for a while."

Harry came into the kitchen sniffing like a bloodhound. A huge grin split his homely face.

"Do I smell bacon? Of course, I do!"

He sauntered across to the stove and snugged his wife to him. She bent down and kissed his upturned face.

"Anything I can do for you?" His emerald green eyes twinkled as he spoke.

"Just set the table love. And maybe you can squeeze the oranges, Alanna?"

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Gaia dropped Alanna at the DMV office.

"You've got this. Take a few deep breaths before you start. Block like your dad taught you, and focus. You've got the bracelet, and yes this is a rite, every teenager goes through it sooner or later, you're a couple of months late."

"Breathe, block, focus," Alanna repeated. "I know, Grammie, my friends at school have been bugging me to get it over with. It feels right now. I'll see you inside."

Gaia went down the street to park, it seemed everyone in Billings was trying to get something done, she hoped it wouldn't be too much of a wait. Hurrying back, she found Alanna close to the front of a line and realized the staff had separated testing from license and title problems. Thank the good Goddess. Alanna had enough trouble with crowded situations without having to wait. She caught up with her and gave her a quick half hug.

"We're next. You go do the test; I'll take care of the fees. When you come back, you'll have your learner's permit."

Alanna came back from the testing booth, bouncing with excitement, "Aced it, why was I so worried? What's next?"

"We get your picture taken and they give you a temporary paper license, the official ID card will come in the mail. We need to get back in the line."

"Do I get to drive home?"

"Not before we do some basics in an empty parking lot, you'll have to wait till we get out to the college, I saw some wide-open lots there on our way in. Once I'm satisfied that you understand how everything works, you can drive home."

They finished up the paperwork and headed out.