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Kathleen Wells was preparing for company, though the guest list was a mystery. Her interdimensional house gleamed, and the kitchen was filled with the smell of fresh coffee and a warm coffee cake cooling on the counter. Everything looked ordinary enough, yet the whole setup held one quirk: she had no idea who was coming. The Ancients of the Ghost Zone had arranged this coffee date but hadn’t told her the visitor's identity. She just hoped for good company.
At five minutes to three, Kathleen checked her reflection in the hallway mirror. She wasn’t one to fuss over appearances, but she still wanted to look presentable. Her auburn hair was pulled into a French braid, accented with fresh lilacs that matched her short-sleeved lilac shirt. White pants and simple black flats completed her look.
Right on time, there was a knock at the door. Kathleen took a steadying breath and opened it, smiling in welcome at the sight of her guest—a striking woman with waist-length auburn and plum hair, dressed in a chartreuse short-sleeved shirt, blush pink trousers, and earthy sandals.
“Hello!” the woman greeted warmly. “My name is Magdalene Masters, but you can call me Mag. The Ancients sent me a note saying we were supposed to… bond?” She gave a little shrug, looking as curious as Kathleen felt.
“Nice to meet you, Mag. I’m Kathleen Wells. I got the same sort of message! Come in, please—I just made coffee and coffee cake.”
“That sounds lovely, thank you.” Mag stepped inside, her gaze sweeping the cozy space. “Your home is beautiful,” she complimented with a warm smile.
Kathleen blushed. “Thank you. It’s a modest place, but it has the unique ability to connect different realities. How about your home?”
“I live in a castle with my husband and three kids. When we moved in, I told him I’d be handling the decorating,” Mag chuckled. “He’s a die-hard Packers fan, and I knew he’d have the whole place decked out in green and gold if he had his way.”
Kathleen laughed as she led Mag into the kitchen. “I take it he didn’t mind too much?”
“Oh, he got the foyer and his man cave—it was a compromise,” Mag said with a grin as they took their seats. “But I made sure the rest of the place feels like home: fresh flowers, symbols of our faith, and a warm vibe throughout.”
Kathleen poured coffee for both of them and offered Mag a slice of coffee cake. “I love that. Creating a welcoming space is so important. I haven’t had the chance to decorate like that myself—I have two ex-husbands, Robert Jackson and Alexei Petrov. But technically, we weren’t actually married. We were created by the Ancients to help Danny Fenton and Ceci Masters connect without attracting suspicion.”
Mag took a thoughtful bite of cake, nodding. “I’ve met Ceci—a smart, grounded young woman. Funny to think that in another reality, my only son is the child of my husband’s old friends, Jack and Maddie Fenton.”
Kathleen tilted her head, interested. “In my reality, Maddie’s my third cousin. We get along fine. I’m guessing the Maddie in your world isn’t so friendly?”
Mag chuckled darkly. “Not exactly. Jack and Maddie are in separate prisons where I’m from. They were deemed a danger to society because of all the laws they broke hunting ghosts.”
“Oh my… That’s more than I expected,” Kathleen said, wide-eyed.
“It’s strange to think about, but that’s the multiverse for you,” Mag said, shrugging. “Thousands of realities, with different versions of everyone and everything.”
Kathleen nodded. “That’s true, and fascinating. So, tell me about yourself. What do you enjoy doing?”
Mag smiled. “I’m passionate about gardening and playing the piano, and I’m a devoted Christian. Faith is central to our family. I’ve read the Bible so many times I could probably recite parts by heart.”
“Wow, that’s impressive,” Kathleen said, truly intrigued. “That must’ve taken a lot of dedication.”
“It has, but it’s a priority for us,” Mag replied. “We study scripture together a few times a week. But I don’t judge others for their beliefs. My best friend Leta, for instance, is a biracial Jewish woman.”
Kathleen looked intrigued. “Biracial?”
“Her dad’s African American, and her mom’s white and Jewish. They’ve always been supportive of her, and they accepted her sexuality from the start. Leta’s a wonderful person—she owns a new-age magic shop and is all about crystals and mythology. Her business is booming.”
“Leta sounds amazing. I love hearing about people who just let others be themselves,” Kathleen said, then nodded at the cake. “What about cooking? Are you a fan?”
Mag laughed, shaking her head. “We hire cooks, actually. Our family’s food needs are unique—ghostly and human, mixed. Plus, my kids and I all have chronic anemia and immune system issues, so we’re careful with nutrition.”
Kathleen’s brows lifted. “That sounds intense. How did you become half-ghost?”
“Long story short, it happened during a hospital stay. I was really sick and needed a bone marrow transplant. My husband, Vlad, was a match. Through that process, I ended up a half-ghost.”
Kathleen shook her head, amazed. “That’s wilder than getting zapped by a malfunctioning portal!”
“Isn’t it?” Mag agreed with a smile. “I take it you’re fully human?”
“I am,” Kathleen said, a touch proudly. “I’m an advice columnist, and I also run a popular blog. It’s simple, but I love it. I consider all five of my kids family, even if we’re not related by blood.”
Mag’s expression softened. “Family is about love, not just blood. Well, it’s nearly 4:30. I should probably get back. I hope the Ancients arrange another coffee date for us soon.”
Kathleen walked her to the door. “I’d love that. Take care, Mag.”
“You too, Kathleen,” Mag replied before slipping back through the interdimensional doorway.