The Salem Concord Book 1: Interview for a Wizard
Page 32
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Jesse was starving. His stomach kept reminding him that it wanted to be fed, but Jesse didn’t want to go out for lunch until all the morning orders were ready for UPS to pick up. There was also something about being busy that kept Jesse from letting his mind wander and dwell on the tensions of the last few days. He enjoyed working. He found comfort in the satisfying smiles of customers after finding the perfect costume. Alivan’s Wizards and Witches Corner Store was the one stop spot for would-be wizards and witches.
Jesse sat back and stretched, “Maybe,” he spoke to himself, “I’ll open a small coffee counter and really pack in a crowd. Start a wizard and witch club, and have weekly meetings.”
Jesse smiled. He closed his eyes, and breathed. He felt his hands up to his shoulders and then his ears, then nose, then chin. He felt his entire head, and his neck. He moved down to his chest, and back. He could feel the distance between his shoulders. He was aware of his entire upper body, and the space it occupied.
Jesse didn’t realize that half an hour passed while performing the Excerises. His mind was clear. His thoughts were quiet. He was aware of his upper body mass without touching it. Then the bell rang, and the UPS man came in. Jesse shifted in his seat. He was hoping that the deliveryman didn’t see him performing the Excerises. In no time, Jesse was signing for the pickup, and the UPS man left. He loaded all the packages into his truck and drove away in a hurry. It was then that Jesse noticed that there were no deliveries, and remembered that there were no deliveries yesterday. He wasn’t sure what to make of it or why he even found it concerning.
Jesse knew he was well overdue for lunch when his belly grumbled like a boulder rolling down a hill. He stood to leave, and then he remembered. It was Friday, lunchtime, and payday. On a typical Friday, Jesse would go out to the Deli for lunch and find his paycheck waiting for him when he returned on his desk. He never questioned how it got there, he was just happy to get paid. But this time it was different. This time he was curious. This time he wanted to meet the man behind the paycheck. So he decided to wait. He wasn’t going out to lunch. He was going to wait. He struggled with the idea because he wanted very much to see Cindy. He wanted to invite her to the Halloween festival tomorrow night. He paced the floor pulling back on his hair debating his options, but he felt a strong responsibility to the wizard. So he chose to wait.
It was well past lunchtime, and Jesse still hadn’t received his paycheck, or the extra bonus that was promised. Hungry, impatient and frustrated, he rose from his seat, and walked around the store deliberately taking a break from the mundane routine of taking orders. He checked the hats, and re-adjusted them. He folded a few scarves that were misplaced by a woman who was looking for a scarf to match her costume. He slowly passed the crystal ball, and gazed inside. He only saw his reflection looking back at him, distorted with a large nose, tiny eyes and ears that sprang out to the sides like that of an elf. He recalled the events of the crystal ball and the six mysterious men, and how one was missing, the one called Lord Bane. He considered the “interview” and what kind of questioning they would ask of someone requesting to join the Secret Society of Seven Sorcerers. His mind raced on wondering what kind of person they were willing to hire. What kind of experience or education would be required? Jesse shrugged, and went to the brooms. He stood for a moment and faced the wall. There were all types of brooms, from new beginners to experienced racers. The Stealth was the latest and fastest model in the country. The description on its tag bragged about its abilities. Jesse took it in his hands. “What if you could fly on a broom?” he asked himself. It’s no different from riding a bike, he thought. He remembered the conversation he experienced with Beifar the first day they met. The wizard was impressed with the Stealth.
Jesse took the slick broom and placed it between his legs. He first sat on the shaft, but remembered the wizard’s instructions. He pulled back, and sat on the fine groomed dry stalk. “This is the saddle.” He whispered. The bristles felt softer compared to the wooden rod. “I could do this,” he continued, “if I really believe…I could do this.” He imagined himself lifting off the ground and soaring out of the store. He leaned to the right, and the broom turned with him. He leaned to the left and it followed his command. Then he felt the need for speed, and leaned forward. Jesse imagined that he was gliding through the clouds. Still leaning low, he pulled back on the shaft and like a roller coaster, caused the broom to loop in the air and level off. “This would be so cool.” Reality suddenly hit as he glanced around hoping no one was peeking through one of the many windows. That would have been embarrassing. He stopped pretending and returned the broom to its place on the wall rack. “I would have to see someone do it first.”
Then he turned and went to the wand counter. He looked at the wands on display. They were very handsome. Each wand boasted of its magical identities; unicorn hair, phoenix feather or a pinch of fairy dust, just to name a few. Jesse leaned back, “Wands are not that cool. I prefer a staff.” He turned and went back to his desk.
He smiled as he glanced around the room. Jesse realized that Alivan’s Wizards and Witches Corner Store harbored a different meaning for him ever since the wizard Beifar entered his life. This was not just another store, another job, and a place to get away and think. Alivan’s Wizards and Witches Corner Store was a key to another world. It opened the way to excitement and magic he never dreamed possible. It was also a place that made temporary dreams come true for Folks wanting to live out their imagination one night a year. Kids were able to still experience the innocence of childhood, and adults revive the kids that lived deep down inside. Jesse patted the crystal ball as he passed, “This is a good place to work.”
The orb began to shift and swirl. The mist spun and formed the shape of a seven-headed dragon. Jesse didn’t remove his hand from the crystal ball. His curiosity took the best of him, and he held on. The dragon slowly vanished and there was only darkness. Jesse gazed into the crystal ball and saw no one inside. “Interview?” he heard coming from the crystal ball. Jesse thought for a moment.
“Yes?” He finally said.
The crystal ball turned cold. “Submit your deed.”
Jesse looked confused. “You mean my résumé?”
“Submit your deed.” The demanding voice said slowly sending shivers up Jesse’s back. He was tempted to let go, but he swallowed hard and continued.
“I have only a résumé.”
The mist returned within the crystal ball swirling and rushing like a tornado. Jesse tried to let go, but couldn’t. The force of the storm escaped the crystal ball pulling at Jesse. Its strength pulled his feet from underneath him. His shirt ripped off his back as Jesse held on to his pants with his free hand. Jesse glanced to find that the rest of the store was not being affected. The force pulled at his hair and Jesse yelled from the pain just as he was thrown back. He fell on his back hard hitting his head on the floor.
“Application must include a deed,” the voice boomed. The mist cleared, the glow faded and the storm was gone. The crystal ball returned to normal.
Jesse slowly picked himself up, stunned. He observed the crystal ball, as he reached for his shirt brushing his hair back with his fingers. Jesse shook his head in disbelief. Everything was getting stranger and stranger. There was no other way to explain it. Jesse decided at that moment that it would be the last time he would ever place a finger on the crystal ball. Careful not to anger the crystal ball again, he cautiously turned and went to his desk where he attempted to wear his torn shirt. “Deed?” he questioned as he studied the crystal ball from a safe distance, “interesting.” Jesse pulled back his chair and faced the laptop out of mere habit.
On the dark screen was an envelope with his name written across the front. He recognized the handwriting at once. Jesse took the sealed envelope and tore the top corner. It was his paycheck, including an
extra large amount for the Halloween bonus.