We Faced a Goddess

We reached the mall and Aunt Paige practically jogged to where she was going. It was rather impressive considering she was in high heels. There was a really cute dress shop just down the way from Ambrus’ store. Aunt Paige was so happy to be shopping. It was really nice to see her smile.

Aunt Paige is surprisingly good at finding people’s style. She told me she wanted to be a fashion major but dropped out of college to join a band. It wasn’t so bad. She still got royalties from an old song and she still knew a lot about clothing and styles.

Within minutes of being in the store Aunt Paige showed me a beautiful column dress with a sweetheart neckline. It was purple with black lace. Best part, it actually fit me. Most of the time things that I absolutely loved were too small for me. Having it fit was just wonderful.

“Keres,” Aunt Paige started, “are you going to get a dress?”

“I don’t really think I have the money for a new gown right now.” Keres said.

“Keres, you’re like family. It’s on me. Let me pick one out for you. If you like it and it fits we’ll get it okay?” Aunt Paige waited for a response. Finally, Keres smiled and nodded.

Aunt Paige returned to us with a lovely ball gown. The bodice was black but the skirt faded to white with beautiful black designs on the bottom. When she tried it on she was even more beautiful. Her dark skin and light hair matched the dress perfectly. She was just… wow.

We got the dresses and separated from Aunt Paige for a bit so we could go to Ambrus’ book shop. Ambrus wasn’t working, but there were other staff members. Everyone in the shop had some sort of gift. Ambrus made the place hidden to those who didn’t have any supernatural or psychic abilities. I kept looking at the cashier over my shoulder because he looked very familiar.

“Keres,” I whispered.

“Yeah Bonnie?” Keres responded quietly.

“Does the cashier look familiar?” I asked.

“Well, of course. I come here a lot.”

“No, I mean like, doesn’t he go to our school or something?” Keres stopped and stared at the cashier.

“That’s why I knew him!” She said loudly causing everyone to look at her. She laughed nervously. “Sorry, realization hit me.” Everyone went back to what they were doing. “He’s from two of our classes.”

“Oh my gosh, you’re right…” I stated. The cashier was in our first and last periods. This was the perfect opportunity to make a new friend. The place wasn’t very busy so we decided to talk to him.

“Can I help you with anything, ladies?” He politely asked. His skin was very pale and his light eyes were hidden behind circle glasses. To top it off he had blue shoulder length hair under a black and white striped beanie. He looked exactly like the kind of hipster that would work in an underground spirit book shop.

“You go to our school, right?” I asked up front.

“I believe do. I figured Keres here would have some sort of supernatural involvement but you, Bonnibelle?” Obviously, he knew us.

“It shocked me too.” I laughed. “You know our names?”

“I pay attention to everything. I know every name of every kid in our class.” He kind of smiled to himself. “Oh, I’m Erik. I’m that really weird kid in class that talks no one except the spirits.” Keres lit up.

“You can talk to spirits?” She asked excitedly.

“Yes, I can.” He said almost taking a step backwards as if frightened by Keres.

“Can you help me? That is literally the only thing I need to learn how to do.” I thought Keres was going to jump over the counter and beg Erik to help her. This poor guy looked so scared.

“I guess I can try. I don’t know?” Erik’s voice shook a little. He adjusted his glasses and cleared his throat.

“Keres, calm down some. Sorry Erik, she’s just very excited about talking to the other side and stuff.” Erik seemed to relax some as I spoke to him.

“Alright,” Keres took a breath, “your shift ends at one.” Erik looked to me confused as if looking for clarification as to how Keres knew when he got off.

“Her dad owns the store,” I said to reassure Erik, “and she can sometimes see the future.” Erik nodded and turned back to Keres.

“Come to my house later, I want to talk to you.” Keres eagerly said.

“I’ll be there too if that puts you at ease.” I added.

“Um, sure. Why not,” he sighed, “My mom will be happy to get me out of the house and with people in a social setting.”

“Cool!” Keres squeaked. She wrote down her address and gave it to Erik. “See you later!” Keres dragged me out of the store. We met up with Aunt Paige and headed home.