"Can't I just stay home?" Dani asked for the umpteenth time that morning even as she slipped her small feet into her new purple socks. They matched her purple leggings which she now wore along with her pink t-shirt and denim jumper. The outfit had been picked out by her mother despite her protests.
Also for the umpteenth time, her mother answered patiently. "No, sweetie. I already told you it would look too odd if your sisters went to school without you. Don't worry. Your actual schooling will continue at home along with your witch training. Beth has agreed to help out with that as well. It's a great opportunity."
Sighing, Dani turned to the bedroom door. Her sisters had already gotten dressed and gone to the kitchen for a snack. "Mom, do you really trust her? I think she's up to something with all this. She's using us, I'm sure of it."
Julie thought for a moment. "Well, to be honest, that's pretty typical for a witch. In the magic world, power is everything, though there are checks and balances, of course. For a witch like Beth, scheming's probably second nature. So, in a way, no. I don't trust her completely. And I don't think she'd want us to." She paused to run a hand through Dani's soft hair, smiling. "Congratulations, honey. You've grasped something important before any of your sisters."
The girl grimaced. To be honest, this did not make her feel much better, but at least, she was not alone in her caution.
Soon, the quadruplets were taken to school. Everyone greeted them like all was normal thanks to more tweaks to reality. Patty immediately went off to play with the girls, accompanied by Beth who had slipped effortlessly into her child persona.
Standing in the classroom, Dani stared about her nervously. Suddenly, she felt a hand close around her own and turned. There was Kat, looking just as nervous and lost as she. It struck Dani that for the first time ever, she was on the same wavelength as her sister. Gently, she gave Kat's hand a squeeze. Then, the teacher arrived, and class began.