Crossroads

Elaine shivered, rubbing the wet arms of her thread bare denim jacket as she stood under the awning of the Catholic Church on west 2nd street. The rain was not letting up; in fact it seemed to grow worse, the downpour hungry to soak Elaine to the bone again. Stooping to retrieve her Starbuck’s mocha latte, Elaine’s purse swung down with uncanny aim, knocking the cup over and bouncing down the steps. The lid flew free and the steaming liquid within was quickly cooled and diluted by the rain. Clutching her hand into a shaking fist, a sliver of anger escaped her lips. “Fu-blast it!”

As if on cue, lightning lit the sky with a quick flash. The street light on the corner blew out in a shower of sparks. Wincing, Elaine chewed her lip apologetically. Events like this were all too common when she grew emotional. The price she paid for being a witch, a self styled wild witch at that. Pausing to retie her sneakers Elaine dashed into the rain once again. With the rain nearly flooding the street the bus home would be delayed if not canceled. Running from one awing to the next, Elaine sputtered the water that trailed from her hair to her face. Up the street she spied a broad porch that looked free from the downpour. Sprinting up the ramp Elaine regained her breath, brushing wet hair back. The porch she stood on was connected to a shop of some sort. Its lights were still on but the red neon sign blared ‘CLOSED’.

Rain spattered the railing of the porch, droplets cascading over a simple chalk board left leaning upon the porch side. Moving closer, Elaine picked up the board, its blue chalk streaking most of the message it bore. Still she could make out the words ‘Today’s reader…’ It occurred to Elaine that this was a metaphysical shop. Setting the sign down next to the door, she looked up blinking in surprise; the red neon sign flickered and buzzed reading ‘OPEN’.

Gingerly Elaine turned the handle of the door, pushing it open. Music filled the air, yet not the kind one would expect from such a shop. Not the tranquil chanting and flittering harp music often found with new age stores. AC/DC’s ‘Back in Black’ came from speakers housed in the corners of the store. The establishment was quite the contrast to the music being played. It had a very light an airy décor. Racks covered the walls, lined with candles, books, jewelry some of which at first glance looked hand made. Glass cases housed more jewelry, wands and an assortment of divination tools. The place looked crowded with the placement of the displays. The shopkeeper was no where to be seen.

Closing the door behind her, Elaine jumped as something tapped her arm just below the shoulder. Snapping her head in the direction of the touch Elaine found the source belonged to a mop that had been propped near the door. Frowning she set it back against the wall. “Hello? Anyone here?” Elaine called out curiously.

Taking a step further into the shop, the mop fell once again, its handle barring her path. Looking down Elaine could see the growing puddle as water dripped from her clothing. Picking up the mop, Elaine briskly dabbed at the small pool with the cleaning instrument. Once she finished Elaine reset the mop against the wall once again. Warily she backed away from it, snapping a finger to point at the mop almost daring it to move again. Unseen wind stirred the air, gentle and warm. Perhaps the heater kicked on, Elaine thought to herself. Setting her purse upon one of the glass display cases Elaine perused the shelves.

Elaine reasoned that this was one of those ‘love and light’ shops. Angel everything, and positivity to the point it would make a real witch ill. She did find such things, yet they were mixed in with some surprising products. Hex candles, justice tapers, skeletal tarot decks, and a few more items that were in direct contradiction to her initial assessment. Casting a look about, still not seeing the shopkeeper Elaine took down one of the hex candles and moved to place it in her purse. Theft was something she was not proud of, but it was a growing habit due to not having a job or money.

Above Elaine a witches ball fell, dislodged from its hook in the ceiling. Instinctively she moved to catch the falling object, her fingertips brushing the smooth glass. Bouncing the globe from hand to hand, she let go of the candle, and fumbled with the glass sphere. Finally getting a grip upon it, Elaine sighed with relief and set the glittering ball upon the display case next to her purse. Stooping down she scouted for the dropped candle, looking under the cases, hunting along the floor. The cases were flush with the floor so it couldn’t have rolled under them.

Scratching her head, Elaine turned back to the shelf that held the candles; the empty space from where she had taken the candle was filled with the very object of her attempted theft. Startled, Elaine swallowed hard, eyes growing wide. The unseen air stirred the wind chimes near the window, clinking with what Elaine swore was laughter. Bewildered and more than slightly unsettled Elaine froze as her ears registered a yawn from the counter.

Sitting behind the counter was a man who appeared ageless. His features were filled with bored humor, dark hair similar to her own tucked under a heavily sun beaten fedora of gray. Leaning over the register, the man was posed as if he had been there all along. “Welcome to Crossroads. How can I help you, child of fire and night?”

Elaine recovered quickly, “I…I am just looking.” Pointing to the witches ball, “Um, that fell down.”

The man behind the counter arched a brow, as he studied Elaine. A smirk coiled from the corner of his mouth. “Yes, I see. Balls are always dropping around here, brass or glass. If you need something let me know, Elaine.”

Elaine felt a chill race up her spine, how did he know her name? Rubbing her forehead feeling warmth just between her eyes, Elaine peered at the man. The longer she looked the stranger he appeared. He continued to wear the bored expression, his eyes alight with humor and she noticed the man had yet to turn his gaze away or even blink. “Uhhh thanks. I’ll let you know…Mr. What was your name?”

Running a thumb over the brim of his fedora the man introduced himself, his voice growing rich and fluid. “Greymere Wanderson. You can call me Grey.”
Elaine wanted to leave; the shop was strange even for her. Still there was a wonder that prodded her to stay. Bobbing her head Elaine ducked between a pair of racks. Her mind became flooded with questions. Normal people would remark about the weather, or offer more in depth assistance trying to sell something. Yet the man did neither of those things, perhaps he assumed she knew what she was looking for. Checking the time, Elaine noted it was passed the closing hour for the store, yet Grey gave no sign of wanting her to hurry. He knew her name, and he called her something. A child of fire and ice?

Rounding the corner Elaine spied a closed curtain, ever curious she drew the curtain back revealing a reader’s alcove. A small round table draped in black velvet took up the majority of the room. Upon the table rested a small shabbily worn folded card sign that read ‘Free Readings.’ Seated at the table was the man from the counter, Grey who was looking at Elaine expectantly. Closing her gaping mouth, Elaine looked to the now empty counter then back to Grey. How did he get by her?

Grey’s expression reverted back to bored amusement. “You have a question?”

Motioning with a finger Elaine pointed back to the counter, growing even more confused. “Weren’t you just…at the counter? How do you know my name? What is this place?”

Grey sighed, answering the questions mock exasperation. “I was at the counter, now I am here. Your name is embroidered on your jacket. This is Crossroads, as I told you earlier. Is that all you want to ask me? Or perhaps you have a real question?”

Elaine felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment and anger. Gripping the chair Elaine sat down across from Grey. Setting her jaw Elaine was determined to gain a handle on the situation. “Fine. Why am I here?”

Grey’s eyes glittered as he picked a piece of lint off the velvet table cloth, moving his hand back revealing a single card face down. “Now that is quite a complicated and appropriate question. The simple answer would be the rain drove you here. Yet I don’t think the rain drove you to try and steal from this humble shop.” Grey teased, though his expression portrayed the same boredom as before.

Before Elaine could protest her false innocence Grey pressed on. “The reason you are here child of fire and night is in the card before you.”

Elaine frowned, “One card? I only get one card? You are going to answer this supposed complicated question with a single card? Where are the other cards? Don’t I get to shuffle? I mean there is a ritual to these sorts of things.”

Grey finally smiled slightly, “My, my, my. Such fire. Yes, you only get one card. Yes, it will answer the question. The other cards have already been used. No, you don’t get to shuffle unless you have figured out a way to mix a single card. I would enjoy seeing that trick if you ever figure it out.”

Shifting the subject, Elaine huffed. “You called me a thief.”

“And you failed to deny it, what is your point?”

Crossing her arms, Elaine grumbled softly. “Well it was rude.”

“So is stealing. Do you want to see your card or not? I can understand if you are afraid.”

Afraid? Elaine took the bait immediately. Flipping the card herself she glared at Grey. “You know for a reader you are an asshole.”

Grey snorted, grinning widely as he considered Elaine. Picking up the card and flitting it between his fingers he considered the object. “Ah your card is the Witches Pyramid. To know. To will. To dare. To keep silent. Opportunity knocks, swiftly. A chance to learn. Maybe smooth out those rough edges of your character with some practical experience.”

Elaine felt her pride rise defensively, her voice growing irritated. “I’ve been a witch for over a dozen years! I know what I am doing! I probably know more about the craft than you do. I don’t need a lecture about the pyramid. What I really need is a job, if that is this opportunity you are talking about then when and where is it?”

Grey palmed the card, and splayed his fingers making the card seemingly disappear. Elaine was determined to look unimpressed by the obvious sleight of hand though she could see no place the card could hide from her gaze, yet it did.

Smiling easily Grey sighed, “Well then masterful witch of a dozen years. The card told you opportunity would be soon. Do you intend to pay for this reading with cash or credit card?”

Elaine laughed shaking her head before pointing at the table. “Pay? Your sign clearly says…” Elaine found herself gawking, seeing the sign on the table now read ‘No Free Readings.’

Stretching with a yawn Grey arched a brow. “Problem?” Grey said with barely hidden amusement.

“But the sign…it said…uh.”

Tipping his hat low over his brow Grey looked at the sign on the table, “I know. I know it’s worn and in need of replacement. I imagine someone will have to make a new one. But back to your payment, cash or credit?”

Elaine slumped her shoulders, murmuring. “I don’t have any money. If you can give me a few days I can come up with something.”

Folding his hands on the table Grey watched Elaine. “I appreciate it, however that is in the future this is the now.”

Elaine battled with her conscience on the matter; she did try to steal from the shop, and now had no way to pay for the reading as terrible as it was. Grey cleared his throat, causing Elaine to look upon him. “Perhaps we can meet in the middle and we can both walk away satisfied.”

“How?”

Grey held out a closed fist to Elaine. Cupping her hand Elaine felt the man drop something in her palm. A key, brass worn from years of use, nestled in her hand. “What is this?” Elaine asked chewing her lip.

Grey rose from the table, “Opportunity. Store opens at ten in the morning to six in the evening, Tuesday to Sunday. The shop gets twenty percent of your profits from readings. Water the plants every day. Feed the dragons twice a day, once when you get here and once when you are about to leave. If the gnomes get out, check the side alley. They are always trying to tame the local stray cats. Dry mop the shop at the end of every day. Rotate the bells now and then, the shop likes that.”

Gaping, Elaine followed Grey in shock. “What. Wait! Dragons? Gnomes? You just gave me a key to the shop? Just like that?”

Chuckling, Grey rolled his shoulders putting on a ratty trench coat. “Just like that.”

“But…why?”

Grey shook his head, “You got a good grasp of two sides of the pyramid. I am showing you a third side by living example. To dare.”

“Why me?” Elaine said with a near panicked shrill.

Striding out the front door, Grey called over his shoulder. “That would be in the fourth side of the pyramid.”

Elaine stood nearly stunned, having followed Grey out to the porch where she quickly lost sight of the man in the darkened night. “Wha… Where are you going?” Seeing that she would get no answer, Elaine looked at the key in her hand then back to the shop. The door to the shop slowly opened, welcoming Elaine.