I just don’t understand him.
What happened to him wanting to befriends? Towe can enjoy each other’s company with no strings attached?
Did he really change his mind?
Or is this all just because he wants to participate in the challenge of wooing me with the guys?
The thought makes me furious and momentarily distracts me from my fatigue. I set aside the cheesy goodness and stand again, wiping my hands on my tights before I make my way tothe restaurant. I’m hopeful that Tally has something to distract me, or I will start spiraling again.
Stepping into the restaurant, I scan the room for Tally, but she’s already seen me and is rushing over, fidgeting and pulling on her hands anxiously. I can tell right away that something’s off. As I approach, her eyes meet mine, filled with worry. “Please, Sloan, don’t hate me for this,” Tally blurts out before I can even ask what’s wrong. “I just… I want to help. It’s not just about her, although she’s suffering badly. I want you to face your fears and overcome this.”
A cold sensation washes over me, and my stomach drops. I glance around, noticing a couple at a nearby table watching us intently.
I lean in, lowering my voice to a hiss. “Tally, what did you do?”
Her eyes are earnest, pleading. “My friend’s mother passed away a long time ago. She never got to say goodbye, and it’s haunting her. She needs closure, Sloan. And you… you need to get over your fears. You’re a medium, and it’s not a curse. It’s a gift. Not just for you, but for others too.”
Her words hang in the air while I try to breathe, trying to process what she’s asking of me.
She wants me to do a reading.
Now.
Here, with her friends I don’t know shit about. Maybe they’re the nicest people ever.Maybe they’ll get me locked away again.
Panic starts to rise, and I take a step back, panting slightly. “I can’t do this, Tally. I’m sorry. You’re asking for too much.”
“No, I’m not. I’m helping you and them. You need this. She needs this. I swear, she’ll never do anything to hurt you. I vouch for her. Do you believe I love you and you’re my best friend?”
I want to.
“I-I think so,” I stutter, making Tally laugh.
“Seems like I’m not doing a good job at showing you then. I would never do anything that could put you in danger.”
“Not intentionally,” I whisper, feeling the urge to turn and run. But a harsh chill runs down my spine before I can, signaling a strong presence. It’s not the one I would suspect, though. It’s not a mother figure. It’s someone else, someone younger and more urgent.
I turn to see a young girl, perhaps sixteen, standing beside me. Her desperation is palpable. “Please help me. He needs to hear this.”
“For fuck’s sake,” I mutter, trying to shield myself from the emotions she is radiating, urgency clawing on me. Taking a deep breath, I close my eyes, trying to center myself.
“You okay?” Tally asks, and I feel her hand touching my upper arm.
“Fucking fine, I’m doing it, but I swear to God, Tally, if you ever pull something like this again, I’ll walk straight out of here,” I warn, still agitated from her springing this on me.
“Understood, future readings only with arrangement and a heads-up.” Tally nods.
I sigh, heading to the table where the couple is sitting. “There will be no future readings.”
“Sure,” Tally agrees way too happily, following beside me, and she introduces her friends to me. “Sloan, this is Chelsey and her boyfriend, Brad.”
I sit across from the couple who might be our age while Tally sits next to us. Chelsey is eager and hopeful, while Brad looks skeptical with a hint of annoyance.
I recognize his type.
He’s here for her, which I respect, but he doesn’t believe in the afterlife.
“You wish to speak to your mother?” I ask Chelsey, trying to sound not as annoyed and anxious as I am, my pulse racing.
