Some were sealed with transparent nylon. Zoe held the Witchology explored and started skimming over the contents. Her fingers trailed from Tarot cards, Magic spells, Incantations to personal strength and casting a ritual. Before she could skim further she heard Sandy call out for her. She couldn’t risk getting caught red-handed with a witchcraft book. It would look suspicious, paranoia or not she was not ready for dubitable glances. Peculiarly not from someone who had no idea about the craft. And since she was not in school, she couldn’t lie it’s a term paper. She quickly returned the book and her face was onto the self-help and relationship aid shelf. She heard footsteps enclosing and the closest book to her reach was how to satisfy your partner. Thoughtlessly she grabbed it immediately then opened a random page which had an intimate depiction.
She swallowed unconsciously and blushed all together when Sandy walked on her. Sandy blushed along and blinked numerously to the encounter. Subsequently the awkward moment took effect.
“Uhumh…I thought you…you…am are you still interested in historical romances?” Sandy stammered
Zoe felt her face flood with embarrassment; inwardly she was hoping Sandy was not the judgmental kind.
“Sure, sure, this one had an eye catching title, very alluring by the way. Can, can I take a look at that?” she smiled abashedly, not really having a reason for her defensive blabbers. She was neither accused nor had she done anything wrong. Hitherto she was the sagacious one.
Sandy smiled uncomfortably, not knowing what to reply. At that moment Zoe was almost certain the bulletin will find its way to her dear mother.
“Here, it is a beautiful book based on the war period.”
She took the book still holding on to the cover up. Am an adult for God sakes, this shouldn’t be so awkward.
It had an interesting synopsis and a descent cover which was an added fillip.
“Thank you so much, I will take it” she said while returning the cover up to its rightful place.
She paid for her most recent possession and cheered for ending the humiliation when she got back in her car.
Zoe signed heavily and shrugged. What is wrong with me? Why did I blabber like that! It was so guilty like.
“Aarrgh” she groaned driving towards phase two of an anticipated humiliation.
She got home safe musing over her eventful day. A smile stretched on her lips when she saw Carol’s wagon on the driveway. That partially meant there would be something mouthwatering to fill her empty stomach. At times she would find herself wondering how liable it would have been for them if Carol was not a passionate cook. She herself was mediocre in the art and Zack had yet no idea what a whisk was. They would have probably been regulars at Jose’s dinner.
Zoe’s feet hastened inside with her novel clenched to her chest. She found her mother by the kitchen counter looking not very welcoming. She must have been on the phone, because she was clinging to hers like a chalk.
“How to satisfy your partner Zoe? Seriously?” she squalled.
“Great! How about, hello daughter, how was your day? Then you can start interrogating.” Zoe retorted.
“I don’t even want to think about the person who is behind you reading those titles. But what bothers me the most this minute, is the fact that you cheated and I am disappointed that you lied to my face.” she shouted.
Zoe expected a little reaction but this was too much. Way above her anticipation. She never though her mother distrusted her to that extent. It was simply heartbreaking.
“When did I do that mom? About the book I am only human, It’s not like I did anything wrong. It. Is. Just. A. book! Jeez mom, when did it become such a crime to look at a book in a freaking book store? Didn’t it cross your mind that it was just honest curiosity and for God sakes I am old enough!” Zoe cried, she could feel here hands shake with growing anger.
“No way, you have no right to lie to me just because you are eighteen Zoe, I am still your mother and I look out for your wellbeing no matter the age. I did not deny you having boyfriends. What I can’t tolerate is you lying to me.” She ranted on.
Zoe was hurt by the accusations that had no truth or substance. She never knew her mother could be so inconsiderate and over reactive to those kinda ridiculous allegations.
“And what lie are you talking about mom?” Zoe fumed.
Zoe was sulked in her bewilderment. It was unbelievable. She watched as Carol rushed into the kitchen and returned with a big bouquet of roses. Not the ordinary red but beautiful rare white on red roses.
“How do you explain these? Huh” Carol dropped the roses on her hands.
“What? who brought these?” Zoe asked with genuine surprise.
“I should be asking you.”
A card was tucked in between the fresh petals. She placed the bouquet carefully on the counter and read the note. It was written by a blue pen and the handwriting was neat and decipherable.
Dear Zoe.
A wise friend once told me,
“Forgiving is an asset to the giver and a liability to the receiver.
With it the bestower gains wisdom and strength while as
The recipient is burdened with guilt and hope for redemption.”
Hoping to be forgiven and asking for your hand in friendship.
Josh Mickels.
Pls call me +99634532
“What the….” Zoe cursed. She was beyond stupefaction.
“Unbelievable.” she mumbled.
Carol watched as her daughter display a sincere astonishment. It was either that or Hollywood was missing out on a-could be award winning actress. Carol wanted to know whatever the cause of their dissonance was. Scrutinizing at Zoe’s composure, she had to let herself be heard or else she would surely be disregarded.
“Am waiting.” She said. Holding her daughter’s confused gaze with her eyes.
“Didn’t you read it?”
“No. I’m not that nosy.”
“Clearly.” the reply had more to it than meets the ear.
Zoe breathed noisily and braced herself ready for a long story time. All this time the heated conversation was thanks to Josh. How unlikely, he was the last person she expected to get juggled up in the messy dissension.
It was just midday and craziness was already peaking. She felt tired, drained and hungry. Too much thinking was taking a toll on her. She hovered around for a seat before she could begin her fairy tale gone bad.
Carol was still supporting her frame on the kitchen counter. She watched Zoe with interest as she sat in the kitchen table looking confused.
“Do you remember Josh Mickels?”
Carol looked up as she recalled then replied “Isn’t he the boy you have a poster of in your room?”
“Past tense mom, Had a poster. Yeah that was him.” She directed her gaze to the bouquet.
Carol eyes flickered and her brows pulled up. “Why?”
“I had a tiny crush on him when he was in Doomsberg high.”
“Is that the same Josh? The cute humble kid?” her eyes were narrowed with unexpected realization.
“Not very humble these days but yes mom, what did you think?”
“I just never thought he would be a…model, he was always too naïve. And he has really changed, that’s why it never crossed my mind.”
“Well he has changed. So I saw him again two days ago and it didn’t go too well. I guess that is why he is apologizing and asking for my friendship.” Carol walked to the table for the note.
“May I?”
“Sure.” she replied not really caring.
Carol read it through “that’s very humble and tenable if you ask me.” she looked impressed.
“Yeah right, you have no idea. That is a wolf in sheep’s skin”
“Coming from the girl who not very long ago told me that everyone had baggage and needed opportunities to show people their goodness n-”
Zoe interrupted “It’s not the same thing, he has become different, it’s like he is a new person all t
ogether.”
“The more reason to forgive him. The words he wrote you are very true you know.”
“You know what the problem is? you have such a sweet childhood memory of him and I have the grownup stuck up, snobby version of him.” She said aggravated.
“Are you sure you are not exaggerating honey?” her voice was back to the velvet melody she was accustomed to.
“Very sure.” she felt sure.
Carol observed her closely. “What did he really do to you?” she inquired.
Zoe gave the un-detailed version of the real story. Cutting of some sentences like “how can I do you?” and choosing her words very carefully. While on it she wondered why she couldn’t just say it as plain and disappointing as it was.
“Wow! that is not very entertaining. But honey I believe his career is a tough one and for one so good looking and young it’s easy to stray. Nevertheless it doesn’t count for his current behavior. Although I hope the innocence he once had wouldn’t be gone for good. It must be there somewhere. And since he has specified that it’s your friendship he is after, I think it’s okay to see how it goes. You can never have enough friends. And no offence darling you don’t have many of them either.”
“None taken.” She signed and pulled the paper to her eyes then stared at the number.
“I will think about it.” she promised.
“Good.” Carol paused then said “Sorry about shouting earlier.”
“I understand.” And she did, considering the cute evidence lying on the table.
“Alright then. First put those lovely flowers in a vase then come over and help me out in the kitchen…we are cooking shrimp and gumbo.”
“Did I hear A we and help?”
“I can always change my mind?”
“Right away maam.” she giggled.
What a Carol way of making amends.
As dusk was about to break through, Zoe’s mind was fantasizing about how beautiful the pictures she was going to take would turn out. If only the weather she was witnessing would keep it’s end of the bargain. She watched through her window shade as the multi colored skylight heightened her spirits. It was a mix of sun-ish yellow, white and a blue that was turning to violet. In regards to the awe she was feeling, she decided not to take heed on her mother’s warnings.
Carol had been persisted about her not going to any dangerous location, but her mind was in desolated dangerous locations. She drove up to Palm Street. It was a dangerous street in Doomsberg which was largely avoided by anyone who was in their right mind.
In the far end of the street, there was a tall abandoned building that would serve her purpose for the life threatening visit. She wanted her pictures taken from high elevation, close to the sky and a distinctive environment that would produce an overwhelming view.
Regardless of irritating glances she faced on her way, Zoe got to the location unharmed. She got out of the car, made sure all doors were closed and windows were up. She looked up at the twelve story walkup but her enthusiasm didn’t diminish. She walked through the narrow alley with music playing in her ears totally disconnected to the world around her. She got in the building and jogged her way up the numerous stairs.
By the time she made it to the roof top terrace, she was gasping for breath and her legs were screaming at her. Spikes of pain and fatigue jolted up and down her legs. She breathed out noisily and had to promise herself to spare time for real jogging. Heat from the exertion saw her getting rid of her cardigan and was left with a spagetti top. She wrapped the cardigan around her waist and tied it with a tight knot for support.
Her camera was left hanging above her cotton top below the Channeler necklace. It had proved useful when she was not having it on. This time she decided there won’t be explaining to do if she went through the same ordeal. Not like she was planning to get into trouble but going to Palm Street was already enough trouble.
Despite all the danger she was surrounded by, Zoe was overwhelmed by the breathtaking view and mesmerizing breath of fresh air. The breeze smoothly crushed over her skin and she felt good to be alive, it momentarily washed her worries away.
She loved Doomsberg no matter what.
It was a sudden but heartfelt realization that was true, at least for the moment. She closed her eyes, opened her arms and airily felt like a little princess on a castle tower.
When she began taking random pictures, her camera couldn’t stop clicking. The view was perfect. There were a lot of palm trees growing in a disorganized order. Every angle she took and side she explored was catchy. The buildings around her were not very classy but had a classic story to tell on her films. They were mostly old and unattended. At the front was a playground that looked like a basketball ground. The artistic graffiti on the walls of neighboring buildings were calling out for attention, which she was gladly going to give. There were few people walking around but none of them looked as dangerous. As if she could tell from looking at them on a roof top.
At a far distance she could see the glistening ocean and a threatening dusky sky making a point on her. It would get dark any time from then. She took a picture of the thrilling horizon and forgot about keeping time.
In between shots she heard hilarious motorbike noises and rushed to the parapet for closer view. There were two black guys. Each one had a bike and they looked like they were headed toward her ride. Before she could lose her car to a bunch of narcotic gangsters she bellowed from the roof top.
“Hey leave that alone” she snarled.
The guys looked up at her, and smiled cruelly. One guy beckoned her to go down to them.
“Tough chick huh? come down baby, les talk bidness” he yelled.
Zoe had no doubt that she was running towards deep trouble. Despite that, she was not about to give up her newest ride without a fight.
She ran down the stairs three at a time until she was in the ground floor. She was clinging to her camera by the shoulder like a backpack strap. She could feel fear encircling her, overwhelming uncontrollable fear. Her hands begun to feel damp and her heart beat double the usual speed.
Zoe closed her eyes, braced herself for the unpleasantness she was walking into. She breathed in and out then announced her presence by small foot flaps. They looked young, tough and dangerous, with huge dark muscles and numerous tattoos. She noticed a pistol over a sheath on one and a portable knife on the other. All that she had was pepper spray which was somewhere in her purse, and sad enough it was in the car. Her knees felt weak for a second before her mind remembered her new identity. If she had any element of witchcraft that should be the perfect time to summon it to the surface.
“What do you want?” She called out. Her voice echo came out better than she expected. It was strong and commanding.
They had parked their motorbikes beside her car. One stood staring at her while smoking a cigarette and calling out the shots while the other was busy inspecting her ride.
“We want so much from you baby. Give a homeboy some credit…I have good taste in women, so I don’t think you would be lonely tonight and that ride isn’t very bad either.”
“I am sure you do. But you don’t know what you are getting yourself into so just go away. I won’t report anything to the police.”
“Why should you even call them if we go away?” he and his friend laughed annoyingly.
6. LONELINESS
By then they were ten feet apart, a favorable distance for her but clearly not for them. She spied around for a glimpse of hope but there was no sign of anyone else on sight. The street was deserted. Screaming for help would do her no good than cause a painful throat. In front of her was a fence for the basket ball court. Beside her were two empty buildings. Darkness was seeping in and so were the attackers. The guy who had been inspecting her car, moved around to murmur something to his comrade, who inhaled some more nicotine or whatever it was he was smoking, and then blew the smoke crudely through his nose. Staring straight at him she felt her tummy betray her.
Zoe tried to swallow but there was nothing to swallow, her mouth was dry. She then closed her eyes, breathed in and out as calmly as her nerves could let her and impelled her mind to concentrate on pushing them away from her. In the process she heard distant footfalls closing in on her, but didn’t want to be daunted by them.
She was taking a huge leap of faith.
Zoe kept meditating, then it felt like she was in another place all together. Her fear was gone and her body felt powerful. She opened her eyes and saw the men three feet away with ominous smirks on their faces.
The pendant on her chest began gleaming. She smiled back at them struttingly, rubbed the dampness of her palm against her jeans and directed the energy she channeled towards them. Their faces were hilarious and they were gawking at her. It was like they were seeing a crazy person make a joke of themselves.
A supernatural force pushed through her hands and caused the guys to get thrown twelve feet from where she stood. They landed and slid against their rides with a smash that could account for a broken rib or two. She winced after seeing her collateral damage which was gradually followed by numerous shrieks and snarls.
She glared at her hands in disbelief. I have had really done that?! She finally believed and succeeded in channeling her virgin powers.
It was crystal clear that she definitely was a wizard.
Zoe ran to her car and drove away leaving gravel bobbing up and down the tarmac. She stormed away fast not wanting to be there any other second. When she got to a peaceful neighborhood she stopped and then parked it on the roadside.
She sighed and looked down at her fingers then turned to her palms. They were no longer damp but they were shaking. Her body was in turmoil of mixed feelings. She was amazed, scared and shaken. She actually did it, she made it.
Zoe pulled out the pendant from her top, and then refreshed her memory from the scene minutes ago. The pendant had been gleaming. Why did it do that? Was it supposed to do that when she channeled her powers? Bad enough the guys had witnessed everything and she hoped they had enough baggage not to report her. Or they probably think it’s some sick joke of a female copycat of Robert Downey Jr., with a glistening iron heart. Ooh darn it they could not! They can’t see the chain, they were not witches. She almost applauded when she remember that glorious detail. Hopefully the police would think they are crazy. Probing further into the subject just got her jittery.
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