“I don’t use them like that. I’m still learning and believe tarot should be used to provide insight and highlight things that need thinking through. There might be possible outcomes suggested based on past and current energies. I believe every one of us is responsible for our own choices. There isn’t any predetermined future. We shape ourselves and the world around us by our choices. It’s all about making the right choice.”
Obviously she’s made this argument before. Many times. The mixture of resignation and anger in her eyes makes me want to stand up for her. To stand between her and those who disparage her beliefs.
Like I have. Just one minute ago. I’m confused. And an idiot. How do I make this right? I crouch in front of her. “I’m sorry, Deca. I don’t mean to make you angry. Or sad. Or whatever it is you’re feeling. Forgive me?”
“There really isn’t anything to forgive, Dane. Didn’t I just say that each of us makes our own choices? Whether you choose to believe in something I do or not is up to you. Your choice.”
“I… I’m trying to understand. I’ve always lived an ordered life. I believe what I can see. Touch. I’ve surrounded myself with others like me, never leaving room to learn about something different. Then you showed up.”
“I am something different,” she mutters.
Curling my finger under her chin, I lift her head. “Yes, you are different. And you are something, something special. I want, no, I need to try to understand.”
“Why?”
“Not even a day has passed since you stumbled into my life. Feelings and emotions shouldn’t happen so damn fast but they have. I want you in my life. Every part of you. Even…” I reach for the bag I’d let fall to the floor and place the lumpy, damp silk in her hands. “Even the part who sets rocks out to moon bathe.”
She hugs the bag to her chest. “You found them?”
“Check the bag, babe. Make sure every stone is there.”
“Yes.” She manages the bag’s drawstring with no problem then reaches inside to begin pulling out the stones one by one.
I touch the tip of a finger to the first one she lays on the bench. “Tell me what each stone is.”
Surprise widens her eyes. “You really want to know?”
“Sure. I’m curious.”
She pauses and nibbles on her lower lip. She’s doubting my words. “How about if I tell you the name of the stone today. Then if you want to know more, tomorrow I can explain what properties and attributes each has.”
“Works for me. So what is this one?”
I sit on the floor with my back against her chair and wait. At first I was just trying to make her feel better, now I do want to know. What the hell is going on with me?
The answer pops into my heart as she tells me the large pinkish crystal is a rose quartz.
I’m falling in love with her.
six
December
“Let me see if I’ve got these right,” Dane says after picking up and examining some of my crystals. He points to a deep purple stone. “This one is easy. Amethyst. And this one is citrine. The pink is rose quartz. This dark one is obsidian.”
He continues until he’s correctly identified every single one. “Wow. Are you sure you haven’t studied crystals before? You get an A plus.”
“Rather have a kiss.”
I beckon him closer and give him a chaste kiss on the cheek.
“Guess I should have been more specific.” He gathers my crystals and the damp bag and stands. “I’ll put these on the mantle until the bag dries, if that’s okay.”
“Perfect. You know, you really did surprise me with your recall ability.”
While arranging the crystals, he shrugs. “I’ve got a knack for remembering things. Once I have a visual in my mind, it’s easy for me to remember information about that visual.”
“You must be good at trivia contests.”
