On the way down to the boat Charlotte scarcely heard the swamp noises. She didn't see the blood red moon stare down at her. She thought about Kenny, how happy they would be. She'd missed a period; maybe they'd have a family. Charlotte didn't think about snakes or monsters. She pictured life with Kenny. Their kids would have his deep brown eyes and chocolate skin. The next night, Charlotte set her table for three: the blonde named Allison, Kenny and herself. They were going to have dinner together, at her invitation. Allison, next door, hesitated at first but changed her mind when she found out Kenny would be there.

"Give me minute," Allison said. "I need to grab my keys. You go ahead."

Charlotte forced a smile. "Take your time, honey. We'll be there when you're ready. I have to check on dinner anyway."

When Allison arrived, dinner was over-done. Kenny jumped up from the couch to help her through the door and up to the table.

"Hey, Kenny. Thanks for the help last night. I just couldn't get that pesky chair out of the car."

"No problem. You need one of those vans with the lift thing."

"Yeah? Money. My telemarketing job doesn't pay enough for that."

"Well who knows?" Kenny said. "Maybe your luck will change."

Kenny and Allison dominated the conversation all through dinner. Charlotte bided her time. Once everyone had the potion, Kenny would realize who he really loved and Allison wouldn't be a threat any more.

As soon as they finished, Charlotte cleared the table and brought out the doctored wine and wine glasses. She put a glass in front of each of them. She poured a generous serving for Kenny and some into her own glass. Charlotte moved the bottle toward Allison.

"Oh. None for me thanks. If I get dizzy I have trouble steering."

Panic surged through her body. It was already 11:45pm. Kenny stepped in. "Come on, kid. You need to have some fun. I'll help you back home. It will be all right."

"OK. But just a little please."

Charlotte poured the wine and looked at the clock. "Quick, let's make a toast, to all of us, friends forever."

Charlotte watched to make sure Kenny and Allison both drank. She drained her own glass and sat down, hard in a chair. The room tilted. She dropped her glass.

I guess I drank too fast. I'd better take a deep breath. She closed her eyes only to feel the room spin away and back. She opened her eyes. It was worse. Standing in front of Charlotte was-herself. She watched her body walk over to Kenny and grab his hand, grinning.

She tried to stand up but she was made of stone. She looked down at the wheelchair that held her prisoner and back up at the man she loved.

Kenny grinned at her and then at the Charlotte standing by his side. "See, Allison, he said to the woman next to him. "I told you Auntie Mam would help us."