Nora

On her way to the door, Gabriela stopped and looked at herself in the wall mirror. Dark shadows were visible under her eyes from the lack of sleep at night, but they quickly disappeared with just a wave of the hand. She didn't want her friends to worry about her appearance. Already looking fresh, she walked out the door and as she locked it she heard movement behind her. She stood alert for a moment until she smelled the faint scent of lavender. She relaxed her stiff shoulders and turned to her friend.

- Nora, you're up early this morning,- Gabriela said and looked at the young nineteen-year-old girl. Blonde, straight hair flowed down her shoulders like a waterfall and served as a frame for her beautiful face, which looked like it had come out from under an artist's brush. Her almond eyes were large and expressive, and in them, you could detect both incredible pain and great courage. Her small, thin lips were almost always heavily puckered, except when she was drawing. Then the smile that emanated from them was so deep and genuine that it made everyone who saw it smile back. Although on the short side, her erect posture and the strength in her face gave her more height. At her feet was a tattered backpack, and in her right hand was the sketchbook she never parted with.

Dressed in a plain t-shirt and a camouflage jacket that was too big for her, she was the epitome of images from a rowdy teenage movie. But there was a kindness in her that could not be denied. The desire for love and understanding flooded her like light and made those around her fall in love with her at first sight. Gabriela had loved this little woman since the day they met.

- I have classes today - she said excitedly - Hunting for clients again?

- I'm at the market today, and then I'll stop by Maggie's - Gaby said with a smile - Do you want to come with me?

- Yes, it will be great - said the girl and slung her backpack over her shoulder

- Then lead us to the elevator, - Gabby suggested.

- It was damaged today - I heard the neighbour shouting at the house manager - explained Nora.

- Okay, let's take the stairs. We're just going to move around a bit - she suggested and headed for the stairs - How are the lectures?

- I have so much to learn that I am afraid of how they will be able to convey everything to me in only 4 years. I might have to stay an extra year or two.

- I don't think they'll miss anything, and even if they do, I'm sure you'll find it and read it yourself - smiled Gabriela - Sometimes I'm afraid of how enthusiastic you are about all this. Where do you fit all this knowledge?

- Ooh, as much space as you want. I freed up enough disk space while using drugs - Nora joked - Don't worry - she reassured her, noticing the look on Gabriela's face - I wouldn't risk losing what I learned for anything in the world - quickly added with an exaggerated shiver - Just thinking about how many hours I spent in front of the last brick I read makes me sick. I better blow myself up before I do it again.

- Rejoice - now you are completely free. Then the responsibilities will come and you will wish you were at school again - Gabi told her kindly.

- When are you going to get something decent? - Nora was indignant, referring to the car in front of her - This junk is useless!

- Don't talk like that, she will hear you - she warned her and stroked the ceiling of the car.

- Yes, well - answered the girl, distaste clearly showing on her face.

- It needs a bit of tightening, but for now, it's holding its own - said Gabi sweetly.

- Did you stick it with chewing gum? - Nora sassed her older friend.

- Come on, don't insult her - the woman continued the game.

- Okay, I won't stand in the way of your love, - Nora said, quickly adding, - But if one day she needs a life-saving operation, I'll just pull the plug without asking you.

- Is it possible, such a bad attitude towards her? She drives you and protects you from bad weather, and you are so rude! - Gabriela put a hand over her chest in mock hurt.

- Well, it might get the hint and decide to die soon. - Nora mumbled under her nose.

- Oh, come on! Buckle up and let's go. - She replied with a laugh in her voice.

- Okay, but keep in mind that I don't love it at all. The belt hurts my neck and is squishing my boobs.

- Yes, but they are needed for your safety, so no argument!

- No - said Nora quietly - I respect the laws on the roads - alluding to the night in which she lost her family.

- I'm sorry - said Gabriela and squeezed her hand in support.

- Sometimes I think about them - Nora confessed softly - it still hurts, although not as much. I just wanted them to see how well I was doing and that I loved them.

- I know, honey, - Gabriela decided not to bring up the subject of her nightmares just yet. She didn't want to upset her friend any further.

- I'll be fine - said Nora and snorted bravely. Then she smiled and pointed ahead - Well, are we going to take off with this old trough or sit here all day?

- Do you have important lectures today? - Gabriela asked considering her schedule.

- Actually, I only had a very boring two hours this morning and then I was going to spend the day in the library. Otherwise, I have an appointment with a professor in the afternoon to choose the topic of my term paper - she answered - What are you up to?

- How about you come with me to the market and then we go to Maggie's? A bit of a lady's afternoon? - she asked, wiggling her shoulders playfully. She was not the only one that needed some fun time.

- Of course - answered Nora readily - only in the afternoon do I have to go to the college for an hour. Otherwise, I'm your all day and all night.

- Perfect - smiled Gabriela - then, we start the engine and up up we go! - she laughed.

They spent the next few hours shopping. They went first to the market for common herbs and spices that could be found anywhere. Nora was fascinated by the variety of plants and kept asking Gabriela about their uses. Science and magic were the same, and noticing Nora's thirst for knowledge she showed her a few new and unfamiliar tricks and ingredients used in witchcraft.

After the market for herbs and Gabriela's much-needed food products, they also stopped by a few shops that dealt with the occult and mystical. There they found the rest of the spices needed, as well as a few very interesting items. Nora was fascinated by everything she saw, but Gabriela noticed only a few real objects. Those who did work and had the power were in more closed and less secure markets. Not one of her favorite places thou. The council people got most of their materials from vendors or her uncle. But she didn't need anything right now. Visiting these shops was just to cheer up her friend, nothing else. Still, she bought a mountain crystal to please her.

A few hours after leaving the apartment and loaded with a not-inconsiderable number of packages, they parked the car in front of Margaret's gallery. Turning off the engine, Gabriela leaned forward and some movement caught her attention. Five blackbirds had perched on the building opposite the gallery. Normally she wouldn't have paid much attention to them, but the nightmares that had been plaguing her lately had made her nervous. She stared for a few seconds wondering what to do. They would hardly be attacked, their numbers were too few. On the other hand, their appearance here was a display of brashness and strength that was atypical. But how could she know what was typical or not if she didn't know what she was dealing with?

- What's wrong? - Nora asked, noticing her friend's strange behaviour.

- Nothing, I just thought of something - Gabriela said quickly, turning to Nora - Let's go inside - she suggested, trying not to show her concern, but it wasn't so easy around a person who knew her so well. Nora also bent down and looked in the direction she had been looking until a moment ago.

's interesting how these birds got together, isn't it? I have never seen so many in the city - she said to her - are we in danger? –she remembered who her friend was and what a bunch of ravens would mean.

- Perhaps... - Gabriela started but halted at the start - I'm not sure. - Gabriela thought for a moment and decided to ask - Do you feel something? - referring to Nora's heightened intuition.

- Only you - she answered her - I feel your worry and the tiredness that you try to hide all day. - Nora answered, looking again to the birds - But they are nothing to worry about right now.

- Okay, let's go into Margaret's then - Gabriela prompted and opened the car door. The birds did not move.

- Is there anything we should be worried about? - Nora asked, sensing her friend's strange mood.

- I have some suspicions, but I'm not sure. Let's go inside the building and we'll talk. Help me with the packages. - she said, passing some of the bags to her friend.

They entered the store and immediately headed for the warehouse. Maggie was working with a client and they were able to rest for a moment. After giving the keys to Marty to unload the rest of the packages, the two headed for the kitchen. They each made a cup of tea and waited for their friend to join them.

- Darlings! - Maggie exclaimed dramatically, storming into the room.

- There she is, the queen of the occult - Nora said, gesturing to the pile of colourful scarves around her friend's neck, at least a dozen bracelets on each arm, and the colourful turban wrapped around her blonde head.

- Well yes, sometimes the props are everything - sighed Maggie and removed some of them - I had a client who is very passionate about the occult, but if you don't fit her ideas about it, she wouldn't buy anything from you. That's why from time to time I get into the role of Margaret - her voice deepening at her name - a witch, a witch doctor, and a merchant.

- So, how's it going? - Nora asked giggling, biting into a gingerbread cookie.

- Oh, it is going, especially when - at which she changed her tone of voice to a deeper one yet again - the spirits have pointed out to me this work as the next one you must own.

- Hmm, I'm not sure it's a good idea to take advantage of people like that - Gabriela said quietly.

- Oh dear - Maggie started not at all offended by her friend's concerns - if you spend just five minutes with her you will understand that I fully deserved the sale of one or two works. And "the spirits say that in the next three months, you should refrain from rash purchases in this area" - she added with a laugh.

- Ha, that's clever - said Nora - you both ensure a sale, but also get rid of her presence for a certain period.

- Yes, it is. Sometimes it takes a little nudge to achieve harmony. What about you? – she turned to Gabriela.

- She's been like that all day, but she's trying to hide it - Nora told her.

- And I thought that I was beautiful and irresistible today - she added, a little sullenly, that her delusion had not worked out.

- Gabby, honey, - Maggie said, placing her hand on hers and looking into her eyes questioningly.

- I'm not sure yet, but something is wrong - Gabriela surrendered.

- What do you mean? - Maggie asked worriedly.

- I have disturbing dreams, someone is interfering with my work, as well as trying to break into my apartment.

- Goddess! A thief or...? - Nora exclaimed.

- Rather or... - answered Gabriela quickly and explained - And before you ask me - no, I don't know much for now. But I have terrible dreams, twice I was transported to another place. Something is coming. - Her face fell with her admitting it to her friends - And I don't know why, but I have a feeling that everything has to do with that gallery and in particular one of the exhibits that I had to protect.

- The one you went to place protection before the vacation? - Nora asked.

- Yes, that one - she confirmed - I think someone is trying to remove the protection and that's why they targeted me. But I don't understand why they didn't just make sure I didn't notice. - Her eyebrows scrunching up together - it is like they are deliberately trying to give me a signal that something is going on. I don't understand anything right now and I'm very confused! – she confessed and sipped the soothing tea.

- Oh dear, - Maggie patted her back gently, - is there anything we can do to help?

- I'll look into things and tell you - she looked into her friend's eyes, receiving nothing but support and understanding. Strong feelings filled her chest and poured out without reservation - Thank you for being here for me - All three hugged each other tightly.

- Oh, it's lunchtime - Nora jumped alarmed noticing the clock on the wall - I'm sorry, but if I don't hurry I'll be late for the meeting - she said apologetically to Gabriela.

- No problem, just be careful until I find where the threat is coming from, okay? - she said concerned for her friend.

- No problem - Nora reassured her, taking out an amulet from under her blouse - since I'm friends with a witch, I don't take off the protective runes.

- Good for you - Gabriela slightly calmed down.

- Well, I'm leaving - Nora said and took her backpack from the table - I'll see you later, right? You have to tell me what you have planned for defence - she said and winked - Still, fighting the bad guys needs planning.

- I didn't plan to fight with anyone - Gabriela answered her, hoping it was true.

- Not yet, but I don't think you'll get away with it this time - said her friend, giving in to the feeling in her stomach - I'll dig into those subjects in the textbooks. After all, that's what I'm studying the occult for, right? - she added with a mischievous smirk.

- Please be careful and don't overdo it - Gabriela answered her.

- Who, me? - she laughed and flew out of the room.

- This girl is going to drive me crazy - said Gabriela, shaking her head.

- You adore this girl - answered Maggie and placed a full cup of tea in front of Gabby.

- Yes, you are correct- she said tenderly and raised the glass - My heart breaks every time I look at those serious eyes.

- There's nothing you can do about it except be there for her. She has to get over it and learn to live with the memory.

- That's right, but it's still heavy - she answered.

- Yes... - there was a moment of silence - Well, what did you bring for me today? - Maggie asked, trying to remove the heavy air in the room.

- I have a box with talismans - Gabi said, glad of the change of topic - I have put notes on them just in case - noting to the boxes in the corner of the room - Not that you need...

- But, I appreciate it! - Maggie added while going through the boxes.

- Also, a statuette of the Goddess - Said Gabi with a smile, observing her friend. If someone were to look in at that moment, they would believe Maggie was the one to receive her most dream present. Her face was lit up like a child's on Christmas Eve.

- Oh dear you know how much I adore them! - You could hear a soft giggle.

- Don't worry, I made one for you too. For your birthday next week - said Gabi with a wide grin. Moments later she was trying to recover from the loud shriek that came from her friend.

- You are the best friend - Maggie bent down to hug her - I also brought a painting. I was going to use it as a promotional tool, but it seemed to be screaming your name. - Gabriela added and then her face fell, remembering again of the uncertainty of her feature. Noticing another change in the mood, Maggie addressed her friend:

- Is there anything I should worry about?

- I don't know - answered Gabi and let herself think for a moment - I need to think and study some things.

- What do you think they come from? - the question was in her mind from the beginning.

- I don't know and that worries me. I think I'll talk to Uncle Boris on Friday before the party.

- You're indeed invited to the housewarming party at the big house - Maggie said without envy.

- Come on, you know you're invited too - Gabriela told her.

- That's right, but my new love burns with a desire to see me naked and I plan to let him - Maggie said with a wide grin, wiggling her eyebrows.

- Ah, haha. He doesn't know what awaits him - Gabi cheered up.

- Oh, on the contrary, I think he does, and that's why he's so enthusiastic - Maggie hinted teasingly.

- Tease! - Gabriela retorted.

- Well, someone is envious - Maggie started - You can have anyone, but I believe soon your other half will come forward. Then you will have all the happiness in the world - the soft tone soothing Gabriela's anxiety. Both of them embraced each other.

- I love you! - Gabriela whispered.

- I know, honey. - she said and hugged her tightly - do you need anything? - she asked again.

- No, I just want you to make new defences for your home. Just in case. - Gabriela whispered.

- Of course, I have to replace them anyway - she reassured her.

- Boost them just in case.

- I will use the spell you showed me last Christmas.

- Yes, that should be enough. Well, I'm going - and she got up from the chair with a sigh - You know how much work awaits me at home, and the day after tomorrow along with my uncle's party!

- Have a good time and don't let the old goat boss you around too much - Maggie called out as her friend gracefully slipped out of the office.

Twice as many crows were waiting for her outside. She did not hold back and sent them a few sparks, with which she scared them. She wouldn't give in to threats just like that. She got behind the wheel when she was sure they had dispersed and drove back to her apartment. She didn't notice that three more crows were now perched on the ledge, sending her an ominous look.