The Childe (13 page)

“That’s our flagpole, maypole, and anything else we need it to be,” Miss Amaya explained. “At Christmas, a metal frame in the shape of fir tree is placed there. Then it’s decorated with lights and ornaments. It’s so magical! People from all over come to admire it. We wouldn’t dream of using a real tree though. As cutting one down to last for a month would just be selfish,” she said smiling.

“Here’s our shopping district, my favorite part,” Miss Amaya gushed, her arms outstretched wide. Every store had a huge window in front displaying their wares. No two windows were the same shape or size. “On the left we have
HAROLD’S ODDITIES
. He’s such a cute little man. There’s
SOLFLOWER
to our right, which sells the most unique exotic plants! Over there is
THE PLACID COW
and
GOSSAMER’S SPELL SHOP
.” Miss Amaya placed her hand on her chin, deep in thought. “Oh! Speaking of
GOSSAMER’S
! I need to run in there for a minute. You can come if you like, or you could just wander around for a bit.”

“That store sounds interesting,” Cat stated, pointing to
FULL MOON RISING
, which was next door to
GOSSAMER’S
.

“Okay, well enjoy. I shouldn’t be long. See you in a bit,” Miss Amaya said smiling at her.

Upon entering through the light blue door of
FULL MOON RISING
, Cat was greeted by a tall, slender woman dressed in a gown that could only be described as breathtaking. It was brilliant white with small full moons woven into the fabric.

“Good morning young lady, welcome to
FULL MOON RISING
. If you need any help, don’t hesitate to ask,” she said smiling at Cat, her soothing voice enveloping her.

“Thank you,” she said returning her smile. Walking deeper into the store, she noticed on one wall there were shelves full of moons that were displayed in every way possible. Mini paintings, desktop stands with moons resting on them, moon globes, and moon posters. On the other side of the store she saw several cabinets full of books. Walking over she glanced at the titles.
HOW THE MOON AFFECTS YOUR MOOD
,
THE MOON ENCYCLOPEDIA
,
HOW TO READ THE MOON
and
THE TRUTH ABOUT WEREWOLVES AND FULL MOONS
.

“Find anything interesting Cat?” Miss Amaya asked peering over her shoulder.

“This store is amazing! I didn’t know there was this much information about the moon!” she replied.

“Blessed be Amaya. Is this lovely young lady with you?”

“Yes Miranda, this is Cat Colvin, a student and a friend of mine. Cat, this is Miranda, the owner of this wonderful store,” Miss Amaya said putting her arm around Cat.

“I’m so delighted to meet you Cat! You’ve picked a great day to visit us. The festival this year is the largest we’ve ever had. It’s true that the world is shifting and more people are finding their light.” Miranda’s warm soothing voice washed over Cat.

“Well, we must be going Miranda. As you said there is lots to do today. Give my love to your mother. Blessed be. Now, it’s off to see Gretchen,” she announced, leading Cat out of the store.

Looking up at the sky, Cat noticed ominous looking clouds in the distance. “Looks like we’re going to have a typical wet and gloomy Astoria day.”

“No we won’t. It wouldn’t dare rain on the festival. A fair sunny day was ordered and that’s what we shall have,” Miss Amaya replied with a grin as she kept on walking. Cat stood looking at her retreating back, and then at the black clouds.
I guess only time will tell,
Cat thought, hurrying to catch up with her.

At the end of the street stood the most unique shop Cat had seen thus far. It was painted lavender and the front door was painted a dark purple. Two huge pots, overflowing with beautiful flowers in all shades of blue, were nestled on either side of the stairs leading up to the door. To the left of the door was a large window surrounded by purple flowered bougainvillea vines. A sign that read “
THE PURPLE DOOR
”, hung on the awning just above the door.

The soft tinkling of bells and a delightful fragrance greeted them as Miss Amaya opened the door. “Ah, incense. Oil of Nag Champa to be exact. Gretchen’s favorite scent,” she said escorting Cat through the doorway. Standing in the large room, Cat’s eyes took in the sights before her. Though every corner of the store was packed with merchandise, it didn’t feel cramped or crowded.
Holy crap! I’ve never seen this much stuff in one place before! I bet I could come back over and over, and see something different every time!
She thought.

A large white falcon sitting on an antique wooden perch located at the back of the store, stretched it wings and let out a screech.

“What have I told you about using your inside voice to greet our customers? Someday you’ll give someone a heart attack!” A slender woman with long silver hair reprimanded, smoothing down the bird’s feathers.

Cat stared in amazement as the falcon turned its head and winked at her while making a grumbling noise.
That bird looks like the one I saw outside my bedroom window. Weird. Nah it couldn’t be.
The bird winked at her again and Cat’s eye grew wide with surprise.

“Namaste, Amaya! I’m so happy you’re here!” The woman exclaimed, moving forward to greet them, her hands extended. Her face was ageless, her skin radiant and clear. Her eyes were a beautiful ice blue.
I could’ve sworn her eyes were just silver. Did they change color?
Cat thought.

“Namaste, Gretchen!” Miss Amaya said accepting her hug.

“Amaya, it’s been so long, I’ve truly missed you. So this is the young lady you were telling me about when you called last night, huh? Gretchen asked, looking toward Cat. “She looks like a Catherine but I’ll call her Cat like her friends do. With your permission of course,” Gretchen said, her silver eyes looking into Cat’s.

“Of course you may…I mean that would be fine.”
Of course you may? Where did that come from? And her eyes are silver again, what the heck?
Cat thought.

“Wonderful! Aylah! Come out and meet our guest.”

Another slender woman walked through the beaded curtain at the back of the store. She was dressed the same as Gretchen but her hair was a dark chestnut brown with eyes to match. “Welcome. Amaya, so lovely to see you,” she said quietly, hugging her.

Hey! Where did that bird go? It was just there! I would’ve seen it fly away!
Cat thought, looking at the empty perch.

“Ladies, please have a seat through here,” Gretchen said while gesturing to an open door at the side of the shop. The room was softly lit by sculpted metal sconces on the wall. A large round table stood in the middle of the room with a dark purple drape covering it. In the center of the table sat a huge crystal, a soft warm light glowing from within.

“Please Cat, Amaya, make yourself at home”, Gretchen said pointing to the chairs surrounding the table. “Okay, let’s get started. Now Cat, I believe you recently met Madame Nadja?” Gretchen smiled at her and then quickly frowned, turning to look behind her. “Thank you Spirit, my memory is just fine. In fact, just hang on ‘til I need you okay.” Gretchen turned back around. “Now, where were we? Yes, Madame Nadja, at the annual carnival. I know her well. She read the Tarot for you, correct?” Cat nodded. “I sense you have a few questions about the cards you drew. What do you mean she was not told the truth?” Gretchen asked, frowning again, looking over her shoulder. “I know, I know! She’s a child but she needs guidance! So Spirit, please be quiet!” Facing Cat again she grimaced. Realizing what she was doing, she placed a wide smile on her face.

Cat sat fascinated.
Who was she talking to? There’s definitely no one behind her,
she thought.

“SSSSSSHHH! Please I’m trying to talk to Cat! Go and take a break why don’t you!” Cat stared at the spot where Gretchen was looking at and again saw nothing. She smiled, amused at the eccentricities of the woman in front of her. “Now,” Gretchen said looking at Cat again. “The card you were most intrigued by was the third one, correct?” Cat nodded again. “Nadja told you about the first two, how a tragedy happened in your past but now things are much better. Quit poking me spirit, I know what I’m doing. Imbecile! Now I’ve lost my train of thought again! Oh yeah, about the present, she said watch out for others around you. The third…oh, I see…the Death card. Now dear, it doesn’t necessarily mean doom and gloom or even real death. Nadja told you that you have a bright future ahead of you…hmm.” Gretchen placed her hands on the large crystal and took a deep breath, her brow creasing. The crystal’s glow intensified, the light pulsating, almost as if it were responding to her heartbeat. After a few seconds, Gretchen sat back in her chair, her comforting smile back on her face.

“Now Cat, I know you’re aware that she was a little untruthful about this card. And truth be told, she’s right about a bright future. But as with everything else in life, changes occur. We are put on this Earth to make our own choices and write our own paths. Actions you take today will affect tomorrow no matter how insignificant or trivial they seem to you…”

“
Tell her about her sixteenth year
,” a ghostly voice whispered to Gretchen interrupting her. She groaned angrily and frowned. Turning away from Cat and Miss Amaya, she shook her finger and looked as if she was furiously whispering with someone behind her again. She faced them regaining her composure.

“Where was I? Oh yeah. So Cat, your sixteenth birthday will be arriving soon and changes will come. As in life, change is inevitable. Don’t worry please, all will be well.” Cat knew that Gretchen was trying to be positive, but still felt suspicious that she wasn’t getting the whole truth. “Do you have any questions Cat?” Cat sat there thinking she should ask about the dark figures, hearing people’s thoughts, her nightmares, and even the whole seeing the future stuff. But, at the risk of sounding crazy, she decided not to. Gretchen looked at Cat as if she knew what she was thinking and smiled, “well then, here’s my card. Call me if you can think of anything. Or better yet, have Amaya bring you back. Annie!” Gretchen called out. Cat heard a noise behind her and there stood a tiny woman with wiry black hair, matching the hair in the mole on her chin. When she smiled, two big dimples formed and her eyes almost disappeared.

“Yes, Gretchen?”

“Please give our friends a cup of chamomile tea with some honey. Oh and those little cookies that I like.” Annie left and returned seconds later with a tray in her hands. A teapot decorated with carvings of mythical creatures sat atop it along with three tea cups to match. Biting into the little cookie, Cat couldn’t decide what flavor she tasted but nevertheless thought it was delicious.

“Gretchen, I hate to interrupt, but there is a lady asking for you,” Aylah said from the doorway.

“Well, as much as I’d love to sit here all day, I must take your leave. Duty calls! So you two take your time and then come and browse.” With that Gretchen left her seat and walked out of the room.

“Cat are you okay? You haven’t said one word.” Miss Amaya looked concerned.

“Yeah, I’m okay, it’s just that…” Cat hesitated.

“What Cat? What’s on your mind?” she asked placing her hand on Cat’s shoulder.

“Oh never mind it’s silly, really…let’s go look around,” she replied as she rose from her seat, setting down her cup of tea. Miss Amaya followed her, a worried frown on her face. She wished Cat would confide in her.

Entering the main room, Gretchen called Miss Amaya to join her by the back counter. “Amaya, Cat is in real danger. We must keep a watchful eye on her. I feel bad for lying, but Madame Nadja was right to not tell her the whole truth,” she whispered, pulling Miss Amaya out of Cat’s earshot.

“I know. I sense it as well. Something dark is coming and we need to be prepared,” Miss Amaya said while looking at Cat wandering the far side of the store.

“You mustn’t tell her. We must work in the shadows and not let her become suspicious of our actions. This is something she must work through herself. This is her life path,” Gretchen continued whispering urgently. Miss Amaya nodded in full agreement.

Scanning the book shelves, Cat spied a leather-bound, ancient looking book titled
LIFE’S MYSTERIES
. Opening to the first page, she saw an image of a wizened, old woman. “Why are you bothering me?” The image cried out in dismay. “Close the door! There’s a draft!” Quickly shutting the book, she pushed it back into the vacant space. Looking around, she wondered if anyone had heard what just happened. Reddening with embarrassment, Cat realized several people around her were quietly snickering.

“Don’t worry Cat, Elspeth always does that. She doesn’t want to leave us, she’s afraid she might be sold,” Aylah explained quietly, standing beside her. “She is so old and hates change.” Running her hand along the row of books, Aylah plucked one from the shelf. “Here Cat, this is one you might like. Have a seat and look through it,” she said, pressing the book into her hands and guiding her to a large comfy chair.

Dazed, Cat sat down thinking about what she just witnessed.
Books don’t talk! Unless, maybe there’s an electronic device in it! But that book looked too old to have such a modern device! So how did it talk?
Shaking her head, she focused on the book Aylah gave her. The cover was beautifully illustrated with mythical creatures, so real that when Cat went to open it, she could have sworn they moved. “You’re losing it Cat,” she mumbled to herself. The table of contents list was long and it seemed that every creature she ever heard about was included. Reading the pages on mermaids and mermen, she felt like the author truly believed they were real.
I think I’ll get this for Uncle Aldon. He loves unusual things and this book definitely fits the bill
, she thought. Jumping up, she turned, almost running into a small elderly woman clutching an old wooden walking stick.

“Oh I’m so sorry,” Cat apologized, “I wasn’t paying attention.”

“Don’t worry sweetheart, I’m alright. I’ve lived many years. And though I may look frail, I’m still as strong as I was when I was ninety.” She looked into the women’s face, trying not to stare as she observed an extremely old woman looking back at her. The woman chuckled. “Yes dear I’m very, very old. Don’t look embarrassed, I’m not. You know, I personally know the author of that book in your hands, and I’m sure your uncle will absolutely love it.