by Scott Kujawa
She was enjoying being with Olivia even though the two of them had only just met. It was nice to be outside and being with someone who Alex could joke with, talk with since Olivia spent some of her free time playing in a group who did table-top gaming even if that was not something that Alex had an interest in, even if the idea of playing in a gaming group sounded like it could be fun and entertaining.
It was late afternoon on Saturday when she walked by a tent that caught her interest. She wasn't sure if it was the two gypsy's inside that first drew her, or the advertisement of getting her fortune told, or just the idea that maybe the women inside could speak with the dead. Still, she stepped inside when one of the women saw who was coming into the tent and seemed to escape out of one of the sides, causing the woman inside of the tent to laugh a deep laugh while shaking her head.
“Uh… um…,” Alex said with surprise.
“She needed to use the facilities.”
“Oh, right.” Alex wasn't sure if that was the truth or not, but it sounded like something that was possible, so she let it go. “Anyhow, do you have time for a reading or whatever?”
“Sunny.”
Alex was just about to sit down across from the woman when she heard that and instead Alex looked at the woman who spoke. “Pardon?”
“That's my name, and you're Alexandria.”
“Oh.” Then her eyes went wide as Alex realized what else had been said. “How did you know?”
“The spirits told me, of course.”
“Right,” Alex added, finally sitting down now that Sunny had also taken a seat. “The spirits. I should have realized.”
“Indeed. So what can I do for you, Alexandria? What answers do you seek? Do you want to know about love? Or finances? Or health?”
Now feeling like she shouldn't have come in here, Alex was quiet for while she stared at Sunny. Alex still wanted to know how Sunny knew her name! At last, Alex spoke, “I don't know. How about you surprise me again by telling me something I think I want to know.”
“Surprise you,” Sunny repeated before she grinned across the table at Alexandria. It was only seconds later that Alex felt the woman holding onto her wrist and tilting Alex's hand upwards so that Sunny could peer at the lines of the palms of Alex's hands. Sunny didn't need to look at those lines, but it was all part of the act, so she didn't tell Alex that Sunny did not understand what those lines meant. As Sunny explained to Christie, all Sunny could do was hear and see those that passed beyond this reality.
Sunny's gray eyes opened wide after a few moments, once she quieted her thoughts some and connect with anyone that might be around Alexandria. Sunny received a surprise once she did that because there was a long line of ancestors that seemed to stretch out around Alexandria. “Oh my spirits,” Sunny mumbled, causing Alex to look at the woman with a wondering expression. “Um,” Sunny added before she got herself under some control. “There are many people around you.”
“Really?” Alex asked, her tone filled with wonder even if she was a little skeptical about what was happening in this tent.
“Yes, really. However, there are two women and two men that seem to be the ones who are organizing everyone and giving me the words of all of those that want to say something to you.”
“Huh. Maybe they are my grandparents.”
Sunny nodded. “I think you're right. Anyhow, the first thing they want me to tell you is that they feel it's time for you to find someone to settle down with now that your dream of starting the video game company is flourishing. They also tell me they feel you spend too much time working on the game and the company. They feel you should cut back on the amount of time you're at the company, or at least take some vacations.”
Alex continued to look at this woman that was dressed like a gypsy until Alex smiled and shrugged. “I can't say that bit of information is false, but I'll keep it in mind. At least the idea of having a vacation or two.”
Sunny laughed as she listened some more, looking into Alex's eyes as she heard something more, which caused Sunny started to bite her lip since she wasn't sure if she wanted to say what she was hearing. “They are also telling me they are sending energy to your sister because they also want her to find a partner… eh… er… um… maybe more than one partner in her case. They say that Melody is the type of person who could have a relationship with more than one partner at a time, as long as all of them were honest with each other and worked out some rules.”
“Oh,” Alex said, not being sure how she should take that news. “I… guess that's true.”
“The last thing I have to tell you is that your ancestors are telling me you and I will meet again, soon.”
Alex continued to give Sunny an expression filled with skepticism, but also an expression that wondered if what she was being told could happen. In the end, she only smiled a slight smile and said, “All right. Well, I might believe what you've told me if the two of us meet again as you say we will.”
Once Alex figured that their meeting was finished, she paid what she thought the reading was worth and dropped more money into the tip jar just because she felt like it was something she should do. Keeping Sunny's words in her mind, Alex wove among the people at the faire until she found Olivia and spent the rest of the time at the day with her.
*****
Christie blinked at Sunny, giving her friend a stare that someone would give to the person they thought was crazy. “You want me to do what?” Christie asked again.
“Let me dress you up like a wench and be my assistant at the faire.”
“Are you crazy!? Why would you ask me to do something like that?”
“Because I need an assistant and you'll love it. Come on, Christie. Please?”
Christie sighed. “All right, all right. I guess I -”
Feeling Sunny wrap her into a hug, Christie rocked back on her feet. “Thank you, thank you, thank you,” she heard Sunny repeat over again while being hugged by her roommate.
Christie laughed all the time that Sunny helped her pick out an outfit that complimented the one that Sunny wore all the time when Sunny wanted to look the part of a mystical gypsy. Both of the women wore skirts that had beads and other adornments on them. On their feet were boots. A corset wrapped around their chests and over those garments were loose blouses. Each of the women also covered their hair was more scarves, and the ends of the scarves trailed down the back of their heads and their backs.
“Miss Alexandria is here at the faire!” Christie stated in a low tone as she thrust her way past the opening of the tent, looking at Sunny with a looked of terror.
“What?”
Christie let out a deep breath, still staring at Sunny with the same expression that hadn't changed, since her friend seemed not to understand what Christie had said. “Sunny! Miss Alexandria is here at the faire!” Christie stated again with a little more force.
“Are you kidding me? Is she here? Are you sure it's her? Did it appear like she was with someone? The spirits sure seem to have a sense of humor when it comes to the two of you, having the two of you keep meeting like this without either of you getting together.” Sunny laughed after saying that last bit, which only made Christie stare at her friend with an even harder look.
“It's not funny, Sunny! What do I do if she comes in here or if I bump into her?”
“You say hi? What's so hard about that?”
Making a frustrated sound, Christie dropped into the chair she had claimed when she needed to stay out of Sunny's way. “It is, all right? I get so tongue-tied whenever I see her.”
“Christie,” Sunny answered, her tone comforting. “It'll be fine.”
“Okay… if you say so.”
Not wanting to run into Alexandria, Christie didn't return to Sunny's tent right away, but once she stepped back inside, she saw that her roommate was giving Christie a wide smile. “What?” Christie asked as she plopped down onto the stool she left behind about an hour ago.
“Nothing. I'm happy and I'm a
mused in the way you go out of the way to make sure you don't meet up with Alexandria.”
“Sunny,” Christie said with some hurt. “Just… let it go… okay?”
The rest of the day the two stayed in the tent and each time someone came for a reading, Christie stayed on the stool she had claimed as her own, listening to the messages that Sunny gave to those that came to her to seek the words from those passed on from this reality. The more she listened, the more Christie was sure that her friend could do what Sunny claimed she could do even if Christie were still a little freaked out about that part of her friend and roommate.
Chapter Six
Stepping into the Bar & Grill, Alex continued to think this fourth date was another mistake. She was still thinking she was so going to get back at Melody for setting up an account for her on that dating site, which is what started these weekly dates. Tonight Alex was wearing black jeans to go with the white shirt she had agreed on wearing. Black ankle boots finished the outfit. Her blond hair was pulled back into a loose gathering, which was also something that Raven had requested from Alex.
“What are you doing?” she asked herself for the twelfth time. “I'm so going to kill my sister. What could it hurt, Alex? Just go out with Raven and try to have a good time.” Alex continued to search among the booths for whom she was supposed to be meeting. Even though she was talking to herself, no one gave her any strange looks due to the noise that filled the bar.
A gasp of surprise cut off her ranting to herself as a hand reached out and pulled her into the booth she was walking past. Alex almost moved to defend herself when she realized that the small, slim hand belonged to Raven. Relaxing, Alex smiled at the woman she was now sitting next to.
“Sorry about that. I called out to you but you didn't hear me, it seems. You were about to pass without noticing that I was in the booth here.”
“It's okay. You're right; I didn't notice you.” Alex left it at that since she didn't think she needed that the woman blended into the soft lighting or the dark wood that made up the booths. It had something to do with the black clothing that Raven was wearing, and her black hair that was short and spiky. Alex also took in the tribal tattoos she could see on Raven's arms, plus the piercings in her face that sometimes reflected the low lighting.
“So… hi.”
“Hey,” Alex answered, still wondering why she had agreed to this date.
“I'm glad you agreed to wear what I asked you to wear. I know that sounded like a crazy thing to ask but I felt comfortable enough with you to ask something like that.”
“You did? I … don't know what to say to that.” Alex was surprised that Raven would be that open and truthful about the strange request. “I tried to fill the request, so this was the closest that I had.”
“It's perfect. So, thank you.”
“Oh. All right then.” Alex hadn't been sure if she wanted to keep this date once the strange request had been texted to her but Alex went out on the date anyhow. They were meeting in a public place, and it wasn't that crazy of a request. That didn't mean that Alex didn't put her spin on the request.
The conversation between the two seemed to go well and with ease. When Alex realized that was happening, she smiled a little to herself and let out a small laugh. Their meal was eaten by then, and the two were relaxing at the table, losing track of the time.
“What caused you to smile and laugh?”
Alex looked across at Raven. “Oh. I don't know if I should say.”
“Come on, tell me.”
“Well…” Alex felt her cheeks heat since she was a little embarrassed now, which happened all the time. “Okay, okay,” she added, seeing the steady gaze that was being directed her way. “I thought about how easy the two of us fell into conversation. Sometimes it feels like pulling teeth when meeting someone new and things don't click.”
“Oh. That's true. There are so many times I've gone on dates or met someone new, and the conversation feels like it's stilted or rough.”
“See! You know what I'm talking about then.” Alex bit the bottom of her lip and looked at Raven. “I have to ask. Why did you pierce your face like that?”
Raven smiled, wondering how long it would be before that question was asked. She had been surprised it had taken this long, the two of them had been talking for about two or three hours now.
“First, those aren't the only places I have piercings, but the rest of them are covered.”
“Really?” Alex couldn't stop herself from saying, feeling the redness in her cheeks return and bloom hotly this time. She pondered the idea that Raven had more of her body pierced.
“Yes, really. I also have a tattoo or two.” Raven grinned at Alex, loving the way Alex's cheeks had colored or how Alex was giving her such an interesting gaze. “As for why? I was always shy in high school, and when I first went to college, I had a roommate that decided that she wanted to get me out of my wallflower personality, so she came up with the idea we would make a wager with each other. She made me agree that the loser of the bet had to do something that the winner wanted. I lost almost every time she and I made such a wager, so I ended up having some new experiences.”
Alex gazed at Raven with wide eyes. “That sounds like something a lot of college roommates might do to their roommate.”
“Yea. It took me some time to get used to having the metal in my face or those other places, but now I've come to like the way they feel and the way they look. It makes people do a double take when they see me, or it makes me stand out.”
“Huh. Do you still have a relationship with this roommate?”
“Oh, yea. She now runs her tattoo and piercing business.”
Laughing, Alex shook her head. “Why am I not surprised to hear that!”
“You should get a tattoo. It would look great on you.”
“I… I… I don't think so.” Seeing her the way Raven grinned at her, Alex laughed even more.
“Aaaw. Well, she has temporary tattoos. Maybe that is more your thing until you get the obsession to want a real one.”
“Temporary,” Alex thought about that idea and then looked at Raven. “Let's do it!”
“Right now?”
“Sure. That is… if she's open and free to do something like that?”
“Hang on.” Alex watched Raven pull out her phone, and Alex leaned across the table to listen to half of the conversation that began once Raven's friend picked up. “Robin is free, so if you're sure?”
“I am! You talked me into it, but you have to promise to help me pick something. I don't want a tattoo that looks horrible even if it temporary.”
“I'd love too!”
Alex grinned and grabbed Raven's hand to pull her to her feet. “Great,” Alex added, her steps quick since she was excited. The whole idea had stirred her thoughts, and she fantasized about what Melody would do once she saw that her younger sister had a tattoo, or two, or more.
Stepping into the tattoo shop, Alex looked around. This experience was not something she had before, so she wasn't sure what to expect. She might also have this idea of a shop filled with shadows and gloom. Maybe she saw too many movies that had a tattoo shop that was grimy and looked like something that hadn't been taken care of.
Seeing the well-lit shop that was so clean and gleamed caused Alex's eyes go a little wide. She admired the artwork that hung on the walls, some of which were framed to show they were important pieces. Asking about those pieces, Alex heard Raven tell Alex that those few pieces had worn awards, which Alex now noticed hanging with the framed pieces.
Her gaze was still wide-eyed when she met the woman that would put the temporary pieces on her. Again Alex had notions about someone that owned a tattoo shop, and those ideals were crushed when Raven introduced Alex to Robin, her friend that owned and ran the tattoo shop. Alex smiled as she took the small hand into hers when the hand was offered. As she shook the offered hand, Alex's eyes trailed over Robin's body a second time.
“She's cute,” Ale
x heard when she paid attention to what was going on around her instead of looking at the short-haired woman whose hair was white, which matched her skin, at least the parts of her skin that weren't covered with ink. Alex lost the struggle to look into Robin's eyes, and she became absorbed in the light blue eyes.
“Hey!” Alex said with force, realizing that she was being teased as usual but this time it was by someone she had just met. Her cheeks colored since that was the reaction that always happened to her. She broke out into a wider smile to show she wasn't upset before she joined in their laughter.
When the three of them become semi serious, Alex sat down in the chair where clients sat and looked around some more before she gave Robin her full attention. “I love some of your artwork.”
“Thanks. Which ones?”
Alex waved her hand towards a few and repeated what caught her interest. “The elves since I've always been a geek for elves. However, I also love the fairy pieces you've done, and most of the fantasy images.”
“Cool. So I take it that is something you want? And where do you want the piece?”
“Oh.” Alex looked over at Raven. “I guess we didn't tell you I only want to try temporary tattoos.”
“That's cool. I can still do that and use the images you want.”
“Ah, great. Well, I think I'd like a kick ass elven female warrior or ranger on one of my upper arms. Um... I never had a tramp stamp or even thought of doing that while in college, so I think I'd like something on that part of my body. I can believe I'm reliving those college years.” Alex grinned, causing more laughter from the two friends.
“I tried to get Raven one of those, but she always refused me. As for you, I think we'll put a nice fairy down there. She'll be large enough she could take up your lower back.”
“Oh, okay. Awesome.”
“Anything else?”
“I'm not sure. How about we do those two and then I'll see if I want to let the two of you decide if this tattoo virgin needs something more. I won't argue with you if you two decide that is the case and I'll just leave myself in your hands.”