by Lauren Helms
Murderous.
If looks could kill, I'd be six feet under. She steps a tad closer to me.
"You … do not get to ask about him. You do not get to bring him up. Ever. Do not ever speak about him, or the past, to me or anyone." Her voice is so low it makes my skin prickle.
"Uh, OK." I gulp. This evil clone Gia is scary as shit.
She takes a step back, then turns to leave the kitchen.
Then as her words register, I realize.
"They don't know, do they?"
She stops. Looks over her shoulder at me. Instead of anger, guilt clouds her eyes.
"No," she says, and walks away.
Chapter Six
Gia
I'm still in a funk. It’s been two days since my mom's email and my first real conversation slash argument slash almost-smackdown with Simon. I'm rattled. Still.
My date that night was wrecked from the start. I was 15 minutes late. I loathe being late. I was in a shitty mood. I didn't laugh at any of the poor guy’s lame jokes and I fought several eye rolls.
Thankfully, I came home to an empty apartment. Morgan was out with Dex and the gang. So, I knew I would be alone. The last thing I wanted was Morgan to grill me on my date and why I came home early. That would have led her to ask what was really wrong.
I'm lounging on the couch, catching up on the shows on the DVR when Ruby jumps on me.
"Umph." A laugh escapes me. "What are you doing?"
"I've got you trapped. You can't get away. Now I'm going to question you about your conversation with Simon the other day," she says confidently.
I groan. "You know, I can get away if I really wanted to, and how do you even know about this conversation?"
"Word gets around." She shrugs.
I just blink at her.
"When two people in the same group of friends, who so outwardly don't get along suddenly have a conversation, it's the equivalent of breaking news. Come on, Miss Hollywood reporter. You should know this," Ruby says, frankly.
I can't help laughing.
"Well, here's my official statement."
"Wait, so this is on the record?" she cuts in.
"Yes. That's what an official statement means, dummy." I'm lying on my side, I smack her on the leg with the arm I'm not lying on.
"OK, I'm listening ...," she muses. I roll my eyes.
"It wasn't a conversation. It was him getting a drink and me doing dishes. Him getting in my way and me telling him to mind his business. You can get off me now." I try to buck her off, but she doesn't move.
"But why was he in your way, and what business of yours did he want to get into?" She asks this almost suggestively.
"Nope. No more questions. There wasn't a real conversation. You got the official statement. Get off and let it go."
She harrumphs and then jumps off.
"Gia. You are impossible sometimes. We all know something more is going on between the two of you. I just wish you'd trust Morgan and me enough to share it with us," Ruby says with defeat.
Well, dang it. Now I feel bad. I do trust them. But I don't think I can tell them bits and pieces of my history without telling them all of it. Talking about Simon, and how we used to be, will make me want things I know I can't have.
I sigh.
"Rube, I do trust you and Morgan. You two are like my sisters. But, really. You know everything important. Everything else is irrelevant."
She studies me for a beat. Her soft red hair up in a messy bun brings out all her features. Her full lips pout briefly and then she smiles at me. She flops into the chair.
I can tell by her face that she has accepted defeat and is moving on. For now. Morgan enters from her room, looking quite happy.
"So, what are we doing today, ladies?"
I start to sit up on the couch as Ruby casually answers her.
"Well, I made us an appointment. So, we actually need to leave in a few."
Hmm. She looks like the cat that ate the canary.
"And where, pray tell, are we going?" I question.
She sucks in a breath, looking ready to burst.
"We are going to see a palm reader. Yay!"
What? Uh, no.
"Oh, really? I've always wanted to go to a fortune teller, but you know, just for the experience," Morgan says as she sits down beside me.
Ruby leans forward with excitement but I cut in first.
"Yeah, I'm not going to go see a palm reader."
Ruby rolls her eyes as Morgan asks why.
"Because I think it’s a scam and I don't really feel like wasting my money."
Morgan contemplates this, and Ruby just rolls her eyes.
"OK. First of all, it's not a scam. Well, sometimes it might be, but the place we are going to is known for having legit readers. And second, is it really a waste of money if the three of us get some quality girl time and have some fun and laughs?"
She has a point, it could be a good idea to just make fun of it all. They can both tell I'm about to give in, and Morgan throws an arm around me. Ruby just smirks again.
"Fine. I guess you’re right. But don't expect me to believe anything out of her mouth."
Ruby claps her hands together as she jumps out of the chair.
"Well, we've gotta be there in like thirty minutes, so let's get this show on the road!"
~~~
Crossing the street, the first thing I notice is the scent of patchouli and lavender. I don't mind the smell, but I'm immediately aware that we are about to be engulfed in a cloud of hippie fragrances. There are a couple of clothes racks placed outside near the doors. The signs placed above the circular racks read "Sidewalk Sale." I hear Ruby comment about loving a good sale and I smile to myself because this clothing is nowhere close to her style.
Like walking into a fog, the clarity of air changes as we step foot into the store. They must be pumping the patchouli through the vents, while the smooth, relaxing voice of Nora Jones plays softly through the speakers. I push my sunglasses to my head and take in the darkly lit storefront.
"I'll go check us in," Ruby says to us as Morgan browses through a collection of handbags. I lean in toward Morgan.
"Are we really doing this?" I whisper.
"Yes. It will be fun," she chuckles at me.
"Hmm-kay. If you say so. I feel like I should be hugging a tree right now." She jabs my ribs with her elbow.
"Stereotyping much?" she tsks.
I laugh and move on toward the jewelry.
"OK, it's going to be about five minutes," Ruby lets me know as she checks out the same triangular earrings I'm looking at.
"Oh, those remind me of Link."
"I'm sorry, what? How do earrings remind you of Link?" I ask, dumbfounded.
"No, not that Link. Link as in Link from Zelda," she giggles at me.
I just stare at her. She sighs back at me.
"The Legend of Zelda? It looks like the Triforce symbol, only one of the most important aspects of the Zelda universe."
"Oh, OK. Because most people know that," I say, blinking slowly.
"Ooh, what are we looking at?" Morgan leans in over my shoulder to see the earrings I'm holding.
"Apparently, these earrings remind Rube of Link," I say, trying to stay serious. Ruby rolls her green eyes as Morgan gives us a sweet-as-honey smile.
"Aww, you’re thinking about Link? I can't really picture him wearing these though."
I can't help but snort. And Morgan just looks on with innocence.
"Oh my God," Ruby huffs.
Whatever she is about to say next is cut off by her name being called from the back of the store.
"Ah, saved by the bell," I mutter. She shoots a glare at me as she turns and beckons us to follow her.
Ugh, here we go.
Chapter Seven
Gia
Why am I doing this … again?
I really don't want to. But really, what can the harm be? I don't believe in this shit.
Right?
&nb
sp; But, what if—? No. Nope. There is no way this palm reader chick is legit. There is no way she is going to say anything about him. So, I should just chill out about it.
I try to put myself at ease when I hear the lady behind the counter tell us that, since we are going in as a group, we get a discount. However, we have to pay now and there are no refunds.
Well, that's promising. I fish out the $25 from my wallet and hand it over anyway.
The clerk leads us back into the hall behind the counter. We pass some fitting rooms and then she knocks at a half-open door where I hear a voice. The clerk smiles and tells us to go on in.
I'm the last to enter the darkened room. I don't know what I was expecting, but the room is bare except for a square card table with two folding chairs placed on opposite sides. There is a lady in a long, flowy skirt who is setting up two folding chairs near the wall. I notice how empty and chilly it is in the room, which convinces me that at least this isn't an elaborate scheme.
"Ladies. Please, please have a seat," she says with a warm smile. She looks a lot younger than I had expected. She's probably only in her late 20s, maybe early 30s. Only a bit older than us.
Ruby takes the seat at the table; Morgan and I take the ones by the wall.
"Hi, I'm so glad you ladies are here today. I woke up with an excellent feeling about today, so I'm very happy to have you girls here. Oh, I'm Marci, by the way." She stays standing near her own chair as she introduces herself. I notice that behind her chair is a small coffee table that holds a salt lamp and iPod docking station. She leans over and turns down the soft instrumental music that I hadn’t even noticed was playing until now.
It's so quiet you can hear almost every shift of clothing as we wait for her to take her seat and get situated. She looks slowly and sweetly at each of us, giving a warm smile to each of us as she makes eye contact. It's a bit awkward but, at the same time, reassuring. She seems like a genuine person … she could also be an excellent actress.
She focuses her attention on Ruby as I feel Morgan’s elbow press into my side. I turn my head slightly because it feels like anything I do will be a disruption. My gaze briefly meets Morgan's. I notice she is pressing her lips into a tight line, and I can tell she is trying not to laugh.
At least I'm not the only one thinking this lady is probably cray-cray.
"You must be Ruby," Marci says.
"Yes, oh, wow, how did you know?" she asks in astonishment.
"I saw you check in, you stated your name."
I can't help it, but I snort a laugh as Marci just warmly smiles at Ruby.
Ruby turns and glares at me.
"Can I have your dominant hand, please?"
Ruby turns back to Marci and thrusts out her right hand. Marci gently takes her hand in both of hers. She stares at it for several long seconds before she speaks. Marci chuckles to herself but doesn't say anything.
I notice Ruby, who is always moving, sits as still as stone.
"Ah, yes. I can tell, you are a feisty one."
Morgan giggles and I can't hold back my smile as Ruby's eyebrow lifts. Marci continues speaking.
"See, the palm of your hand contains several lines which allow me to see several aspects of your life. I can tell from your lifeline that you've had a good life, and you will continue to have one, albeit with a few bumps and stumbles along the way."
Meh, I call bull. This is easy, generic, fortune-teller bullshit. I'm about to scoff when she speaks again.
"I do see a boy. He gives you a run for your money." She starts to laugh again. "You hold on to that one. Don't chase him away," she says, matter-of-factly.
Interesting. Even in the dim lighting, I can make out a blush creeping up Ruby's cheeks. Marci goes on to tell Ruby about more generic predictions that I’m sure most people want to hear. She tells her about an advancement that is coming her way, and that there will come a time when she will question herself.
I mean. Don't we all question ourselves? Ruby is a pretty confident person though.
Still, Marci could just be really good at reading a room.
She leans back and looks at us all again.
"I'm sorry. But, this just makes me so happy. This doesn't often happen, at least not for me. But you girls ... I can feel your souls. And I want to tell you, the three of you … well, you all were sisters in another life."
Oh my God.
Morgan elbows me. Uh, did I say that out loud?
"Really, it's just so special that your souls are together again." She leans back in her chair and sighs dreamily. "I just love being in the presence of souls who find each other over and over again."
OK, it's official. This chick is cuckoo and not for Cocoa Puffs.
"Alright, who's next?" she asks happily.
"Hmm, I guess I'll go next." Morgan stands to switch seats with Ruby.
This round goes much the same as Ruby's did. She tells her that the person she lost is still with her when it counts, which totally baffles me. Didn't she watch Casper? The mom was never a ghost because she didn't have unfinished business. So, how could this woman possibly know that Morgan's mom passed away years ago and is "with her." Lucky guess.
She also tells Morgan that she has made it through a rough year, but the payoff will result in an essential question by someone she very much loves.
Again. We all know it's just a matter of time before Dex asks her to marry him. You can read it all over her face that she is madly in love.
This palm reader crap is for the birds.
Before I know it, I'm in the hot seat. While I'm not a believer, I'm kind of nervous to hear what B.S. she will pull from thin air. But it seems that I have to wait because Marci just stares at me.
Then she smiles.
"After hearing the past thirty minutes, you've sat here, taking this all in and rolling those eyes. Biting back your smirks. You don't believe in this stuff, so why are you here, Gia?" Her tone is challenging.
I wasn't expecting her to call me out, so I clear my throat to buy myself a second.
"No, I have a hard time believing in this stuff when it's so obviously been exposed through the media as a sham," I state confidently. "I'm here because my best friends wanted to come."
She squints her eyes a little and studies me for a beat longer.
"Or, maybe you’ve already chosen not to believe because you are afraid of what I might say."
Gulp. Is it just me or is it getting hot in here?
I steal a glance to my right. I swear, Morgan and Ruby are at the edge of their seats, anticipating what’s going to happen next.
"Umm," is all I can get out. All traces of confidence have been wiped from existence.
"Well, I can see why you'd be scared. There is a shadow looming and, girl, it’s fixin' to storm. You’d better be alright with change, because you won't be able to get rid of it."
"Jeesh, give me the bad news, Doc," I mutter.
She tsks and suddenly lets go of my hand, which I had forgotten she’d had in her grasp.
"The good news is that your soulmate is ready and waiting to help you through this. Just don't be a stubborn mule about it."
What the frack? I didn't realize she was Southern until she gave me this tongue lashing. One I don't think I deserved. But, fine, I get it. I was bringing down the vibe.
"Ladies, it was so very nice to meet you, but your time is up." She stands and turns to the small table behind her and studies a book.
Morgan and Ruby are up and to the door as I push in my chair, still unsure of what just happened.
Before I get even two steps toward the door, I'm yanked to a stop.
Marci has a hold of my arm and there is fire in her eyes. She hisses at me.
“Because I was trying to show you some common decency, I didn't mention in front of your friends the dark, not-so-nice half of you. The part of yourself that you hide so fiercely is about to shake things up. So, you better start preparing for that. He's not going to make it easy on you."
And with that she drops my arm, pushes me the rest of the way out of the room, and shuts the door.
I stand there, flabbergasted at her confession, staring at the now closed door.
How did she know? I have a twin and he's definitely a dark, not-so-nice version of me.
"Hey, Gia. You coming?"
Morgan stands quietly at the end of the hall, a look of concern etched on her face. I shake off the chills I just got as I mutter yes and head down the hall. As I pass, she starts to say something, but I lift a hand.
"No. Let’s not."
I know she was about to ask if I wanted to talk about it. But I can't. Not now at least. I need to wrap my head around the fact that Marci just told me that my twin—that no one is aware of—is about to fuck my life up to the extreme.
Not to mention the fact that I've got the soulmate comment to deal with. Ruby is going to be all over that one.
Chapter Eight
Simon
Then
It's been four days since Gia found out she was moving.
We are sitting up in our too-small-for-us tree house. I don't know why we are up here, but this is where I found her.
"I'm going to miss this place," she says with a sigh and leans her head on my shoulder.
"Yeah. Me too," I mutter. She snorts at that.
"Si, you're not the one leaving. Plus, the tree house is in your backyard. How are you going to miss it?" She lifts her eyebrows at me. I shrug.
"Well, since it's not really cool to hang out in tree houses at sixteen, I doubt I’ll come up here much after you leave."
She lifts her head; a look of concern etches her face.
"You don't plan on coming to our spot anymore?"
I study her, trying to figure out why she is starting to freak out.
"Simon, this is our spot. You can't abandon it."
I try to hold in the chuckle, but she must see the laughter in my eyes because her eyes narrow.
"This is not funny. Why are you laughing?"
"Because you are getting upset on behalf of a tree house."
"I'm getting upset because I won't be able to come up here anymore and you’re just going to walk away from us!"