An Angel's Ascent (6 page)

Empaths hated crowds, because unless you could shield properly your head exploded like a jack hammer was insanely attacking, and you felt like a moody bitch the entire time. When I was younger, I’d cry if I ever left my room. I was one of the lucky ones who could shield unconsciously every now and then before they hit their teens. A crowd this large though still made me want to vomit, especially without any distractions.

Inside it was nearly empty. Thank the gods and goddesses, which was odd considering that night was when they got most of their business. I went to the store I normally shopped at; Dark Beauties Attire. The private owner usually had great deals. I began the search for a suitable outfit. I hadn’t been here in months and things had drastically changed apparently, keeping up with current fashion trends.

The owner swooped in on me immediately, like a carrion bird after its prey, okay bad analogy. Usually it was crowded just enough that he couldn’t tend to every customer, just bad timing on my part.

“
Hey sexiness, can I help you?” I nearly laughed but managed to catch myself just in time. I mean I’m not judgmental, racist, or biased at all but, well, if you'd seen him. You'd be hysterical. Kind of what I pictured about southern gays by the border.

“
Not really, just checking out what’s new.” I sensed confidence and an eagerness to truly help. Most shop owners were greedy bastards.

“
Let me guess? No… no… Aha, leather and yes knee-high boots?" His voice was nasally and sort of high pitched.

“
Sure,” it was eerie how he knew me. The man was about as flamboyant as they come, that much was instantly obvious, but he could have been a little off in the head. I didn’t get psycho feelings though. More like been to way too many rave parties and taken the candy too many times, but he seemed like a genuinely nice guy, so I felt comfortable with him. Hell, I could probably get naked in front of this man, hee hee.

“
Relax, I’ve worked here for a while sister, before that I worked with the professionals. They get really bitchy and demanding so I thought, why not owns my own store right? Then I could work with the nobodies. No offense or anything,” he said gazing longingly, his t‘s sounding a lot like d‘s. I’m a busty girl for my small frame, and I was going to accentuate my best features.

“
None taken,” I smiled and took the outfits he had just hunted down, and followed him to the dressing room.

They fit almost perfectly. Very comfortable, and the Lycra made them just the right amount of stretchy so when I moved they moved with me. I liked all three so well I bought them all, along with some matching jewelry. They were all on sale so I splurged. Who wouldn’t really?

The jewelry was black and silver bangle bracelets, and a very chic necklace shaped like an angel’s wings.

One outfit was regular black leather but had different chains as belts. The corset a leather type piece with crisscrossed ties up the chest and the boots were knee high with large silver buckles around the ankles like miniature studded waist belts and chunky heels. The other two outfits were purple and black, a little leather, all with Lycra spandex to give me that poured into look. They showed a daring amount of cleavage, but when you’re blessed like me who wouldn’t want to show off these girls. Exactly what I was looking for, but I didn’t know it. They were dressy, not too risqué, and black nothing but black.

“
Thanks for your suggestion. I think you not only captured my style, but the pricing is perfect.”

“
I take it, you like all three? I rarely find an unsatisfied customer, but most women are just so demanding and picky, thinking they need undivided personal attention for over half a day.” He replied grinning insanely, pleased that I went with his suggestions. Each outfit was over three hundred, but they were not cheaply made. The thousand I just handed over made him one happy camper.

“
Yeah they’re perfect. I’m going clubbing this weekend and want to go Goth with a little professional taste, but nothing too loud. This was just way, way too perfect. A deal I simply could not resist.” I smiled back at him, happy the man was talented.

“
I took one look and knew exactly what would enhance your sexy and bring out your sense of style as well. You’re not our typical Goth teens, so I assumed something a little more would be just right. Don't take this the wrong way, but girl you could be walking the catwalk in New York with a perfect figure such as yours. Have you considered modeling or acting by chance?” he asked casually, fiddling with the counter.

“
Thank you, but no, I run a business too. Faellin Angels Realm, old downtown. It’s a very unique store that supplies new and used books, Wicca supplies, and medieval weapons and armor.” I told him, wondering why I didn’t feel freaked out by his insistent ogling. Sure I could sense his emotions but in this type of situation the feelings he was experiencing could be taken different ways. Well, maybe it was his obvious preference to the male species.

“
I’ll spread the word girlfriend, if you will in return. We have to stick together in this cruel world right, right?”

“
Absolutely, I make a very good income, so I don’t overprice.”

I paid him and then I went to get dinner. Chinese was my favorite and the one here was to die for. I always tipped a little extra for them to cook it my way. I ate quickly, enjoying my small break.

I took my bags and went to my car, thinking about the upcoming weekend and finally having some fun. I really did deserve this, I told myself. I wasn’t going to feel guilty, even if I had spent more than I’d wanted.

It was past midnight when I got home. I’d taken my time at the mall and on the drive back. I had to stop to fill up on gas and grab another energy drink or three. I was addicted; they were my coffee. So sue me. Needless calories but I ran them off within two hours.

I slept pretty well that night and actually missed the alarm. I’d decided to cut back jogging to three times a week, so I’d have more time for things like checking out my new toys.

Wednesday kept me busy enough I couldn’t focus on anything but the store. I made a good bit that day and was aware that a bank drop was in order. I use to go once a week, but I’d never been robbed so I stopped being paranoid and started only going when I had to go out for something anyway.

I rearranged my store a bit and restocked as much as I could between customers so Raven would have less to do.

Afternoon finally arrived and I decided to call my best friend and see if she wanted to stay the night with me. When she did she was always gone before I woke in the morning. I think she was just as busy as me.

Raven said she would be there about seven and would bring dinner and a movie.

That night I took the time to do my nails and condition my hair, actually glad for her company. Raven was a little better at painting nails, hence she was my beautician. She had my favorite color and refused to cough up where she got it. One less thing to do before Saturday, I thought to myself.

We chit chatted as most girls did, not about sex really, since I was lacking in that department.

We talked about Friday and how things were in the shop. She was excited for me, and I could feel she was slightly jealous I was going with Michael.

It wasn’t long though before I went to bed, because once again, I had to be up really early. This week was so far better than usual, at least money wise.

A nightmare woke me around five, and I got up, groaning. I did my routine with a passion, trying to forget the awful dream. It started out great. A guy rescued me from boredom and when the bad guy came in my new boyfriend roasted him. Then the bad guy’s boss made an appearance and killed my lover. I was devastated to the point I stomped the guy's ass every which way I could, throwing fire and lightning bolts and kicking him a mean ten feet. I was reading paranormal again, and it showed.

When I came back from jogging, Raven had left to do what she does.

Thursday flew by as it normally did and my phone rang off the hook. If it wasn’t some salesman, award agency, or wrong number, it was whether I carried satanic items or the devil's bible. I was a witch people, not Satanist. Get your religions straight. Maybe I should post a sign or something.

“
Faellin Angels Realm, this is Angel. How can I help you??” The irritation was plain in my voice, after the fiftieth call that day, so when Michael’s voice came through I kicked myself.

“
Oh, I um... I’m sorry I called... at such a bad time...”

“
No its fine I’ve been really busy, and I’m beginning to get a migraine. What’s up?” I asked sweetly, even for me.

“
I just wanted to make sure you’re still going with me. Plans change sometimes I know. If you’re busy we can go some other time, I think the Undead Ones are playing Saturday...”

“
Michael, honey, I’m still going. It's fine. Quit freaking out on me. I actually bought some new clothes last night, and I downloaded some of their music. They are good,” I hated interrupting him, but when he is nervous he stutters and tries to run from everything. I should be more patient of course, but when dealing with people it just wasn’t possible sometimes. I guess it is called poor people skills.

“
Oh good, that’s great,” he breathed a sigh of relief.

“
I got Raven to close for me. Actually, I decided to go Saturday too. I can probably get us in for free as well.”

“
I was going to pay for you since I asked, but if you can get us in free...” He sounded kind of let down, probably because he thought if he paid it would seem like a date or something. Men, beneath the thin armor were scared boys… and I do mean all men.

“
Yeah I know Frank. He’s a customer of mine. He orders a lot of stuff. So you want to join me Saturday as well?” I asked while ringing Jason, a regular customer, up.

“
Yeah that’s great, I always go Saturdays. I help with the bands and get free drinks all night.”

“
I haven't been in so long I’m sure it’s changed.” I dropped another hundred in the safe.

“
Yeah about six months ago it expanded and is three stories now, and has a larger stage. They serve everything currently. Normally, I couldn’t get in, but I worked for them before they got their license.”

“
I hate to go but I just got some customers, so I’ll see you tomorrow right?” I asked him.

“
Seven. Later.” He hung up and I put the phone down.

The two girls who came in were new, so I approached them and asked if I could help. They were feeling unsure of what to get, apprehensive. They were probably here on a dare seeing as they were both uncomfortable and looked out of place.

“
Yeah we uh, were curious. We were told a witch ran the store, and that you could, um, buy cool stuff here and order anything.” This was interrupted randomly with giggles, elfin hell, how I hated giggling teenage girls. I think I skipped that phase, at least I hope so.

I tried not to roll my eyes. It was so hard but I finally managed it. Try not to judge, try not to judge, try not to judge, I told myself.

“
Yep, I am and I do sell cool stuff. If you’re really interested in the occult I suggest you read these books and let me know if you have questions.” I gave them my standard introduction to magic.

“
How much?” the second girl asked. I could sense neither of these girls had the power nor were they really interested in it. I could still take their money though. I was not a thief. They’d get their money’s worth.

“
I’ll make you a deal. I’ll throw in a third book for the price of these two. It has some unique love spells. They are easy to conjure and all you need is basic household supplies. Of course, it’s better to buy the items here that are better suited, especially if you want better results, but you two would be quite satisfied.”

I had set up a system so that everything had a color dot and on sight, I would know the price. I could make bargains and know if I was cheating myself or not.

The two girls counted their cash. I counted thirty dollars. Altogether, the books were twenty-five, and the first two was eighteen dollars and some change.

“
Twenty three dollars and seventy-five cents total. We also have a sale on ritual candles buy one get one free. They make better candles than the scented ones, and they are cheap.” Yeah so I fibbed but hey, I could change my own prices. The girls nodded and smiled.

I made some money, and they were happy. I gave them safe books that had nothing more than chants. The candles were to focus your energy more or less and without the power, they wouldn’t get results anyway. They were looking for something to happen and there’s a chance of coincidence. Expecting something usually brought results of any kind.

The next few customers just looked around. Someone bought a crystal necklace and the other a few candles. Then some men came in to look at my armor. My new one was pure décor, and the other was four hundred bucks or so plus tax.

They bought it, and I made a little over six hundred after the armor and sword they purchased. They got it dismantled and out of my store in thirty minutes. I was amazed because the men who delivered it to the store took nearly an hour just to move the boxes less than fifty feet, no assembling or anything.

The next hour was slow, so I took a short lunch break and went ahead and started on my paperwork since I’d be busy the next two days going to the club. I called Raven, and she agreed to work the store all day Saturday for me too. She had her own key, and was a great help. I even paid her cash. I normally didn’t let people work for me. She was happy with the arrangement, and it benefited me as well. I couldn’t put her on a payroll because she might work two days a week or once a month. She’d call and check in if she needed some cash, or I’d call her. She came in once a month to buy some things and hang out.