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The Gift

Richard's (FA) Storyline, Chapter 3.5

copyright comidacomida 2018

His rather blasé service as translator came to an abrupt end as his feathers puffed up and he asked his questions to those assembled. Phillip scooted closer and rubbed his head almost against my shoulder, pantomiming the familiar gesture without actually being able to touch me and he started purring audibly. "Richard can, because he is special. He is going to be a powerful Warlock. OUR powerful Warlock."

Jack's scowl was immediate. "That is still up for debate-- Raven, tell the Jackal that without him around I will not be able to limit the plans of these two."

The Raven smirked, at least, I THINK that's what he did. "I'd think that would be a matter of what your Seer wants, Gryphon."

All eyes suddenly turned on me, including Stephanie's. I looked at her spirits and at Anapa, then to Jack, then the Cats. I hadn't really expected to be put on the spot, but the Raven had made a valid point. Taking a deep breath, I realized that it was probably a long time coming and the best thing was to respect it. Smiling at the Jackal and Stephanie I addressed the situation as best I could through the phone. "I understand, and I'm not going to beg for you to stick with it... but I hope she knows how lucky she is having you there for her."

The Raven stared at me for a moment, his feathers puffing up. In the end, Stephanie had to clear her throat and speak under her breath so quietly that I was barely able to hear it. "Kyle, I think that's something Anapa would like to know."

The feathery Spirit quickly regained his composure and spoke to the Jackal, presumably to translate my words. Anapa's ears raised and his eyes gleamed a soft purple. Stepping closer to the table, he rested a paw atop it, bowed his head and said in heavily accented English. "I thank yoo, Seer."

Something about the title he'd chosen for me felt a little less personal than his Coptic word for 'Priest', but it also seemed a little more suitable, especially because I'd come to the conclusion that he'd settled on being connected to Stephanie rather than me. Honestly, I felt a little let down, as if I couldn't measure up to his exacting standards but, as I sat there quietly, phone still held up to my ear, I came to the realization that it was okay. I'd made a choice and he'd made a choice and it was probably better for the both of us. With nothing more I could add to the conversation, I said the last reasonable thing I could think of into the phone. "Goodbye."

I put the cell away and Stephanie spoke calmly. "Are you okay?"

It was a direct question from her, and more meaningful than if a random stranger had asked it after hearing just one side of a conversation because, after all, she'd heard everything. After a long pause I nodded. "Yeah... just life changes and all. I think my friend'll be fine though. Thank you."

A random person listening in wouldn't understand half of the meaning of what was being related but, after all, that was the entire point. Stephanie, on the other hand, did. I could tell by her expression that she felt sorry for me which, in a way was insulting like the way the first place winner of a marathon might feel sorry for the runners up but, I preferred to look at it in a different light: she was more than just sympathetic-- she was empathetic.

It's hard to say why, but I had the feeling that she'd experienced loss far worse than being looked over by a potential Spirit partner. Her words said more than their meaning. "Well... if you ever want to talk, I'm usually here most Sundays and Wednesdays."

Having found Anapa and discovered the reason for his disappearance there really wasn't any reason for me to stay at the coffee shop. I nodded, standing up. "Well, it was nice meeting you, Stephanie."

She nodded with a half-smile. "You too, Richard."

I left, feeling a little uncomfortable about the way the lady behind the counter stared at me on my way out... until I realized that I'd walked into the coffee shot, chatted up a complete stranger, and then departed without ordering anything to drink. I was okay after a few steps anyway, I mean, considering a small coffee was $3.50 I would leave been crazier to actually order something rather than leave. My sanity, however, was called into question before I was even a block away thanks to Sabrina. "What are you THINKING, Richard?"

Apparently Phillip agreed. "You just walked out on her!"

There wasn't anyone near me on the sidewalk so I felt comfortable speaking my question. "What else should I have done?"

Both Cats almost shouted when they replied in unison. "Got her number!"

Jack was quick to come to my defense. "The time was not right and, aside from that, methinks they both have life issues to focus on before a relationship."

Sabrina let out a long sigh. "Life issues will be there no matter the time."

Phillip wasn't quite as diplomatic. "You probably just don't want the competition for his affections, Gryphon."

I'm not sure whether Jack blushed more or I did. I think the Cat was ready for Jack to object to his cajoling, but he probably didn't expect it from me. "First of all, Phillip, Jack was HELPING me find Anapa, and second, I don't know how Spirits handle interpersonal relationships, but among Humans accusing someone of something like that is rude."

Sabrina elbowed Phillip. "Among Spirits too."

The male Cat rubbed his ribs and he took a step away from the female. "Yeah... unless it's true. What do you think'll happen to us if Jack starts flexing his muscles and spreading his wings."

I didn't really appreciate the Cat's assessment. "And what's that supposed to mean?"

The voice of a kid spoke up from off to my right. "It's a raffle. Just $2 to enter!"

I'd been so engrossed in the Spirits I hadn't even noticed that a group of middle schoolers were seated at a folding table on the street corner. I quickly covered up my mistake of talking to the Spirits in public by examining their sign which read simply: ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN. I didn't really have any intention of entering into a drawing but I figured I should probably feign some amount of interest since I'd apparently asked about it. "Two dollars... okay. So what's the prize?"

Another middle schooler stood up and held out a flier. "A packet of ten free movie tickets that you can use any time in the next 11 months!"

I accepted the flier and looked over the offer. While ten trips to the theater was well worth $2 I realized I wasn't exactly buying them... I was entering for a chance to WIN them, and I've never been much for gambling. I handed the flier back. "No thanks. The tickets are only good for daytime viewings and I have classes."

The little salesman that called me over wasn't to be outdone. "Well, you can always see a movie or two when classes get out... you know... winter or spring break or whatever."

They made a good point, but I still wasn't interested in spending the money on a CHANCE to get tickets. "Nah. I'll pass. Thanks though."

I left the middle schoolers behind as I continued home. Sabrina glanced over her shoulder as we walked away. "You know... a movie DOES sound kinda fun."

It really wasn't something I wanted to hear. Sighing, I stuffed my hands into my pockets and hoped my body language would help them get the picture. Thankfully, Jack calmed things down. "Funds are tight right now, and Richard is watching his spending."

Phillip did the exact opposite of helping. "Well, going to the movies with US would be a good deal! None of the three of us need a ticket, so it's like seeing a movie for a fourth the price!"

I was as adamant as I'd been with the middle schoolers. "No movie."

Sabrina was not to be discouraged. "Well... you have television, right? Maybe we could do a movie night at your place if something good is showing on a cable channel."

I was also not about to give up. "I don't have cable."

Neither, apparently was Phillip. "DVD?"

Jack, once again, came to my rescue. "The next night Richard has free will be spent with me. We will be going out. Is that not right, my boy?"

Considering the fact that I liked that idea PLUS it would give me a suitable escape from the Cats' incessant suggestion he didn't exactly have to twist my arm. "Right. Jack and I are going out tomorrow. Just us."

Phillip mumbled under his breath. "See, Abby? We're the next to go."

I ignored the statement, focusing instead on the joy of watching Jack trying in vain to take hold of my hand as we walked. Each time he attempted it his talon passed through my fingers, and, when he didn't give up, I smiled. My smile widened when, on the fourth try, he actually succeeded.