A normal day of work

The whole day was spent going around all the galleries and souvenir shops she worked with, as well as others she hadn't worked with before. She was able to talk to some of the owners interested in her work. She was in high spirits because of the possibility of expanding the business. But her fatigue was beginning to show. Having barely four hours of sleep last night, her unpleasant experience, and a whole day of running around the city had left her in a half-asleep state. So she decided to skip visiting her uncle today and go straight to her best friend for support.

- Gabby, baby! - A tall luscious blonde exclaimed as Gabriela walked through the door.

- Maggie! - she adored her friend. The two had bonded from the moment she stepped into the little gallery.

- What brings you here, little wanderer? - Maggie asked amused, reaching for some of the packages Gabriela was carrying.

- I had errands around town and decided to bring you some orphans - pointing to the boxes. I'm sure you'll find them a good home.

- Of course. No one will be left behind. I'm sure of that - she said, knowing about her friend's clairvoyant abilities.

As her mother and some of the more refined customers called, Maggie, or Margaret, had opened the gallery years ago, right after she finished school. She grew up in a normal family. Her father was a lawyer and her mother was a housewife. When she was twenty-two, fresh out of college, her parents sold everything they owned and bought a caravan that they now used to travel the world.

She had received some money from her grandmother and started her business with it. It turned out she had a head for it because five years after it started, Maggie had paid off all her loans and the place was completely hers. Now twenty-eight, she was content with her life. She felt that there was more to be desired, after all, but for now, it was enough.

Among the works of art, with which she mainly traded, she placed various souvenirs, talismans, and trinkets, both for decoration and for sale. With a romantic atmosphere and a touch of occultism, she had arranged the premises and enjoyed enviable success among her competition.

There was already one full-time helper and one part-time helper, who, by the way, was Gabriela's neighbour and an excellent friend of theirs. Maggie was glad that she managed to do well in business and also had managed to find such good friends. And she had magical abilities, but not so strongly expressed. Margaret herself did not suspect them until meeting Gabriela in college, where they ended up by fate in the same room. From the first day of college, they were a perfect fit and became best friends and later sisters in trade...

She had a strong intuition and was good with spells, but without the friendship not as powerful. Mages and wizards who could perform magic without spells and rituals were few and far between, and Gabriella was the only one she knew. They practised together, and although they did not belong to any particular congregation, they sometimes joked that the two were a whole conglomeration.

- Why don't we go to the back to see what treasures you brought me? - Margaret offered with a smile and carried the boxes - Marty, I'll be in the back if you need me - she said to the young man who was just packing a souvenir for a customer. He nodded and continued to charm the lady in front of him.

- I see you are doing well - noted Gabriela and looked around. Even in the corridors, there were beautiful things on display that caught the eye and fired the imagination. Her friend was a genius, using her artistic flair and imagination to create a wonderful garden of colours and shapes. - Didn't you do a spell for money? - asked Gabriela teasingly.

- No, as much as I wanted to a few months ago, I refrained. The new ad I posted on the Internet, the revamp of my website, and the wonderful review I received in the local art magazine have worked. I even hired Nora to help me" - Maggie added gently.

- I heard. She's been talking about it for weeks - answered Gabriela happily.

- God! Weeks? We haven't seen each other for that long? - Maggie wondered for a moment as she put the boxes on the shelf.

- Yes, after all, I was gone for a few weeks - she told her and frowned for a moment - I had to go to the gallery for the exhibition of those antiques I told you about. They do have several valuable books, which I had to put protections on at the request of a client - she added not particularly enthusiastically.

- How was it? - she asked curiously noticing the gloomy expression on Gabriela's face.

- Some of those items... - her whole body shuddered - they shouldn't even exist - she added worriedly and placed her hands in her lap to stop them from shaking. There was a sudden flash of images in her mind, but by the time she noticed, they were gone.

- Is it that bad? - there was worry in Maggie's voice as she placed the cups filled with tea on the counter.

- You can't even imagine - answered Gabriela, searching for warmth from the steaming cup. What was that a moment ago? She tried to summon the memory, but it was long gone. She let out a breath and continued with the explanation - They emitted such a terrible power that I felt dizzy at first. I still feel disgusted when I think of it. - She rubbed her arms trying to make herself feel warmth again. Maggie looked at her sympathetically and handed her a cup of tea.

- But everything is fine, right? – quizzed her friend, trying to determine the extent of the issue.

- I did everything in my power - A deep sigh was heard. Let's get back to more positive thinking she thought – And then I indulged in a week of lying under the sun, drinking cocktails, and charging with positive energy.

- Oh, the Sea! Is it still as blue as I remember it? - Maggie asked with a dreamy expression on her face.

- Even more so - replied Gabi with a laugh - And the people are also hot and beautiful as always.

- From the sun? - Maggie asked teasingly.

- As well, yes - answered sheepishly, hiding her lips behind the rim of the glass.

- From personal experience? - Maggie pushed further with a teasing smile.

- No, much to your regret - said Gabi.

- Are you serious? -her friend asked scandalized - So what kind of holiday was it if you couldn't have a love affair or two?

- To tell you the truth, I'm not up for adventures anymore. - there was a resignation in her voice, as well as a new spark - I plan to busy myself with my art until someone worthy of my attention comes along.

- I've heard that unspent sexual energy helps the artistic process - Maggie put in casually.

- I'm not sure, but I'll tell you in a week or two. It's starting to lose its hold on me now.

- You can always call Mr. Lawyer - was the suggestion.

- I've lost interest - there was irritation in her voice - He thinks of me as an accessory, expecting constant praise.

- And you expect that of him- her friend congested.

- Well, I'm more beautiful of the two, admit it- and neatly flicked her hair.

- And modest - said Maggie without a hint of malice.

- Maggie, honey, you know very well that I can't run after a man.

- And if Mr. Fate comes? - she asked and bent down to remove the chain from her leg. Those base metals gave her allergies.

- Then I will think of it. And how is your love life? – quickly changing the subject.

- I'm going out with one, but it won't be him - Margaret said.

- The crystals? - suggested with a question in her voice.

- No imagination in bed - she said and they both burst out laughing - maybe I'll join your diet. I haven't been alone in a long time. It might be interesting. - she added thoughtfully.

- You can. Why don't you take a look at what I brought you? - and they both set about unpacking the packages.

- Who is this for? - she asked, pointing to the ballerina figurine.

- This is for a woman. About forty. She lost her husband a few years ago and is still grieving for him. She doesn't know that the neighbour is hopelessly in love with her. This will bring her peace and open her heart and mind to happiness. As far as I know, she has never set foot here before and never will again. You'll know who she is when you see her.

- Okay, and this? - pointing to a small picture of a running St. Bernard.

- This is for a gentleman. I couldn't see his face. It was blurred, as if double. He lost his dog a month ago and this will help him.

- Just lost - said Maggie sadly.

- This is for a girl - Gabriela told her, taking a small bracelet in her hand - She wanted to invite a classmate to the summer dance, but she was afraid. This will help her overcome her fears.

- And then? - she asked curiously.

- Then they will be together for life - Maggie sulked - No, I'm not changing their fate - Gabriela said offended when noticing the frown on her friend's face - I'm just saving them a few years of sad love. They'll be together anyway. I just help them start earlier.

- Well, if you say so, I agree. I know you wouldn't do anything malicious. But know that sometimes you can take it easy. You are a great romantic.

- I know, but this is for good - she said, squeezing her friend's hand - believe me.

- I believe you - a bell rang - This is for me.

- I have to go anyway - said Gabi - I have to get fish for Isis.

- Is she offended by something again? - Margaret asked as she collected the packages in their boxes.

- I didn't take it with me today - sighed Gabriela - I suspect that I said goodbye to something from my wardrobe.

- Good luck - said Maggie sympathetically and headed for the gallery.