I couldn’t get him off my mind. The open journal in front of me contained images of him, fantasy doodles one might say. The lined pages were filled with scribbles and I was patiently waiting for a chance to go across the street to see Peter. That wouldn’t happen until four. It was only twelve. The door opened and the top hit the bell, signaling my welcome.
“Welcome to Benson Books and Antiques. What can I help you with?” I slid the book across the counter next to the register. The register was an antique itself and it made sure that nobody stole any of the goods. Let’s just say the money machine had a mind of its own.
“I was just looking around.” The skinny framed boy poked around the store, sliding his hands along the shelves. I kept my eye on him to make sure he didn’t knock anything over. People had a habit of just walking in here and just throwing things on the ground. I will never understand.
“Let me know if you need anything.”
“Actually, there is.” This is what I was waiting for. “Um. I don’t know if there is anything you have that might be cursed or something. I want to get back at a bully to scare him or something and a cursed object that might fuck up his life a little bit is the perfect thing.” He kept his hands in his pockets. “I don’t know. I’m just rambling about this cursed object. No one really believes in curses. Do you?” I held my hand up and motioned with it for him to follow me. I took him to the middle of the store where the snow globes were. I remember the broken one from the other day and tried to forget it for a moment. All I had to do was pick one out and curse it myself. I had a book in the back that would help me. My fingers lightly touched each one as I picked out the perfect one and then I found it. It was black and the glass contained a broken chair. I picked it up and took it to the back, leaving the customer where he was to look around. The spines of the books were color coded and I pulled the one on the farthest right. The black one.
“Just a second.” I said, flipping the pages to the appropriate one. I recited the quick spell and waved my hands over the glass. My fingertips tingles as the chair inside of the globe lit up. I smiled and walked out to the guy who was eager to get back at the bully.
“Yes?”
“Have him accidentally break this or break it in his home and every chair he sits in will break before he gets up. I know it’s a difficult task but if you really want to get him back, it’s worth it.” I brought it over to the counter and flipped over the globe. The faded sticker on the bottom said it was twenty dollars but I asked for eight. He gladly gave me the cash and left with the paper wrapped curse. As I closed the register my finger got caught in the drawer and I pulled it away as it closed by itself. “Hey, I was trying to be nice.” I sucked on my finger and looked across the street at the parking lot. I noticed a figure throwing a football with one of his buddies. It was Peter.
I locked up the store after switching the sign in the front to let people know I would be back in half an hour. I’m sure it would be less time than that. I walked across the street and waved at Peter who pretended not to notice me. Two other guys came out from behind a car. They must have been apart of his posse or something.
“What’s up?” Peter asked, throwing the ball. He was shirtless and I couldn’t help but admire his toned physique. He sure knew how to keep up appearances.
“Just on a short break. I was wondering if we could talk?” I asked. His friends weren’t bothered by me. It’s not like this was high school or anything. Peter looked at me and then continued to throw the ball.
“Why? I don’t even know you.” He caught the ball.
“What? Well, I know but I wanted to talk about the kiss.” I tried to trail off so the others wouldn’t hear.
“What kiss? The fuck are you talking about?” He eyed me and I could tell he was uncomfortable.
“Oh. I see. Well, I guess I was mistaken. Must have been someone who looked a lot like you who came into the store yesterday with some doubt about his relationship and then kissed me out of the fucking blue.” I think I had enough sarcasm. I started to walk away after the silence and then the guys left. I crossed the street and started unlocking the door when I felt a hand on my shoulder.
“Hey, I didn’t mean that. I’m just not sure about what happened and I have all of these weird feelings about you and what you did to me. It felt so good, especially when you phased - “
“Wait, what?” I interrupted him. “Phased? What are you talking about.” There was no way that he remember what happened.
“Yeah, you took over my body and it was the most amazing feeling in the world. I would ask you to do it again but I’m not even sure it was a real event.” He brushed his hand through his hair and scoffed. “Never mind. I think I’m going to head off. This was a nice chat.”
“Wait. It’s true. I have this talent.” I looked both ways before stepping closer to him and sliding my hand inside of his chest. I quickly pulled it out and he gasped before his breathing returned to normal. “I don’t think this is the time to talk about it though. Would you want to get some coffee or something? Maybe go for a stroll?” I was so ready for him to say no.
“Sure.” Well that went differently.
“Awesome.” I bounced on my toes as the door unlocked. “So, tomorrow after work? There’s a coffee shop by the bridge. Not a lot of people go to it so it’s pretty secluded in case you didn’t want to see your friends.”
“Sounds good. Tomorrow then. Four?”
“Four it is.” I smiled as I slid inside of the shop, leaning against the door. Was I excited? Could I even consider this a date? We’ll just have to wait and see, won’t we?
Comments