The Magick Shop Place

Lily takes Sydney downtown

Lily stirred and opened her eyes. “Was I just asleep in a dream?” She thought to herself.

“You’re awake!” He smiled at her. Sydney was right by her side and gave her a look that he was practically eager to see Lily. “Yeah I suppose, Last thing I remember we were watching the stars together.”

“I guess sleeping makes you sleepy.” He chuckled at himself. ‘So is there something you would like to do today? You can go anywhere and do anything.” She had to think about that one. “if I were to wield the world around me, what would I wish to experience?” She asked herself. “I’d love to show you my city.” She looked to him for a reaction. “I’d love to see it.” Sydney replied quickly with a smile.

Lily stood up and began to concentrate on visualizing Seattle. She closed her eyes and imagined riding a city bus, just the way she was used to traveling. And when she opened her eyes not only was everything now familiar, but Sydney was with her too. The smells, the feeling of the fabric underneath from the seat, the trees in the windows as the bus sped on I-5, interstate 5, one of the biggest interstates on the west coast. The city of Seattle was just in front of the horizon. We couldn’t see the space needle from this direction, but the view was still breath taking. She showed Sydney the beautiful painted murals on the walls on buildings as they rode by. “Most of these pieces have been up here for years.” Lily smiled. “My friends and I took this bus all the time, just to get closer to the big buildings and lively city. It was an escape from our slightly ghetto neighborhood.” It was hard for Lily to call her childhood home ghetto, it did not used to be, but SeaTac has been going downhill every year.

And just like that they were now passing through Chinatown and approaching Pioneer Square. Their destination was going to be west lake center mall, the final stop before getting off. Once we were off the bus we looked around the underground tunnel. Still beautiful artwork on the walls, there were also artistic tile artwork all carefully placed. “I’m taking you to the famous Pike Place Market.” Lily smiled at Sydney. Soon they were up the escalators and on street level. To the left was the west lake center mall, and just across the street from there was a vacant area with a walk-in water fountain and open space. People were everywhere, walking in and out of the Starbucks, heads bobbing along the sidewalks. Suddenly Lily was filled with joy, now this was a sight to be had. The walk was a few blocks up the street. Lily averted her eyes instinctually while passing the McDonald’s to the left on Pike Street, it was notorious for drugs and violent activity. There were always cops watching and approaching that area. We finally made it to the road laid with bricks. The bricks were wet from recent rain, same as it ever was. She looked up at the massive, illuminated sign. “Pike Place Market” the stuff of postcards and tshirts. The shops were open with less of a crowd than usual. The smell of fresh caught seafood lingered in the air. The most famous catch each day was of salmon. They walked casually passing by tables with handmade jewelry, dangling displaying necklaces with charms like the tree of life, pot leafs and evil eyes. There was even handmade leather belts laid carefully on a couple tables. “There’s 6 levels to this place.” Lily grabbed Sydney’s hand and took a left down a ramp to the second floor. The architecture was as old as the city itself. This level had wooden flooring, clearly worn out by the millions of people in and out of this place. There was a luggage store, must be good business considering they have been there for several years. But what always interested her was the location right next to the luggage store, the magic shop. “I never had any money when I came in here. But I have always loved this place.” Lily and Sydney stepped inside. There were posters, books, tarot cards and crystal balls, all the stuff that made Lily giddy. The store was cozy in size, the shop keeper had not noticed them yet. In the far-right corner of the place stood a locked glass case, Lily stepped closer to peer inside. There sat the tarot and oracle decks, she marveled at them, especially the artwork on the front of the boxes and it was then that the worker greeted them. “Ah, you’ve noticed our tarot collection.” The older man stood with a cane called out to the two from behind the register. He was average height, slick backed white hair with a thick mustache to match. “I’ve always wanted to read tarot cards.” Lily said with a big smile. The man grinned.” Well then, you’ve come to the right place.” He shuffled his way over to them and the locked case. He fumbled in his pocket and pulled out a set of keys. “Which one tickles your fancy sweetheart?” They were all exquisite, suddenly she felt the pressure and began to blush. First, she noticed the classic Rider-Waite deck, but she always thought they were too plain. Next to them though, was a steampunk theme, beyond that were faerie and mermaid oracle decks. Then there were some decks that looked slightly scary. “Those would just cloud my mind from the nature of those cards.” She thought to herself. That is when she spotted a little further to the right, she saw the perfect deck. It read on the front of the box, “Spell-casters tarot.”

“Looks like she found the one. I’ll buy it for her.” Sydney said with his big smile. Lily turned to look at Sydney with shock. “Consider it a gift, Lily.” He gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze. “I, thank you, that means a lot.” She said not knowing what else to say.

“Happy to do it.” Sydney said, still smiling.

The man bowed and gestured to the register while grabbing the box out of the case and locking it once more.

“30 dollars even my boy.” Sydney reached into his now denim jean pockets and magically appeared two twenties. “Keep the change, friend.” The man smiled then leaned into Lily and whispered. “Just remember Lily. You have to wake up. Your friends are in danger.” The man then leaned back and sat on his chair once more. “You two have a great day and take care.” Lily stood for a long moment, stunned. This was her dream after all. “But what did he mean by my friends are in danger? And how would my dreams know to tell me that unless I knew they were in danger?” Lily asked herself. They walked out the shop and although Sydney has just made a sweet gesture, she felt herself shaking and wide eyed. Sydney broke her trance. “I’ve enjoyed you showing me around, consider this a token of gratitude.” His dark eyes hit the light making them glow a bright brown, staring into mine. He presence made her heart warm and she couldn’t help but smile back. “So now where to?”

“Let’s go to the pier, there’s a big one that my friends go to smoke weed and play hacky sack.” She reminisced at this. “Shall we?” Sydney took Lily’s hand and now she was blushing again.