“My goal is to understand the gifts I have and how they work,” she says.
As she walks us all through, I’m surprised by how thoughtful her vision is. We’re getting to see a different side of the typically sarcastic, moody woman Corinne presents to the world. She’s radiating excitement as she explains how she’d like to utilize her gifts to help others.
It makes me think about my plans for my business and how I could really use another medium or someone who has gifts of their own. I stuff that away for another day. The time will come when I’m ready to involve others in my dream, but not now.
“Eventually, I want to open an entirely different type of spa. A place that focuses on healing.”
“That’s amazing, Cori,” Lanie says. “Are you getting Reiki certified?”
Corinne’s nose wrinkles. “Hell no. I’m not touching strangers. I’m hiring a Reiki expert.”
“That’s…great,” I offer, not having a clue what that means exactly.
I’m still very new to this whole spiritual world, and that’s yet another thing I tuck away—the need to research and learn more.
“What’s with the stretch limo and seventeen handbags?” I ask, since nobody else does.
Corinne stands up taller, looking haughty when she says, “I want a driver. I absolutely loathe driving, and Darian said he’s done being my chauffeur.” She huffs. “And the bags are a necessity to my happiness.”
“The driver seems far-fetched, and you could manage happiness with half those bags, but I digress,” Lanie says. Corinne looks prepared to fight for her dream, but Lanie speaks up. “Nina’s next.”
When Nina doesn’t move, Lanie repeats, “Nina, you’re up.”
Nina turns her board around, and my eyes widen. The others’ eyes are narrowed in, trying to make out what they’re seeing. Apparently, Nina came here tonight prepared to spill her guts to the collective.
She points topersonal development. “After the last year, it’s become painfully clear that I don’t know who I am. That my identity has revolved around Richard and what he expected of me.” She straightens her back. “This year, I want to find myself. To truly know me.” She points toward the board and an image she’s duplicated multiple times. “The mirrors represent that. When I look into the mirror, I want to know the woman looking back at me. I’m a multifaceted person, and I don’t expect to be one-dimensional. I want to have layers.”
For a moment, we all sit here, staring at Nina’s board, speechless.
Of course, Nina is the insightful friend. She’s the one with fancy terms to explain all our quirks, but it’s rare that Nina has the spotlight on her issues. She’s a private woman. She grew up that way, taught to not show the world her hand. Tonight, we’re getting Nina uncut.
“That’s…very deep, Nina. I’m proud of you,” Lanie says, with a hint of awe.
Nina bows her head slightly and continues.
“The woman who looks like she’s teaching represents my interest in expanding my coaching services. I’d like to mentor and coach women who are in similar circumstances as me. I want to help them rebuild all areas of their lives.” She glances at me and smiles. “Help them with their second chance.”
I suck in a breath. I had no idea that Nina was interested inleaving the school behind forever. The way she talks about this dream doesn’t make me think it’s a backup or second choice plan. She’s excited about it.
My eyes scan her board, words jumping off the white background in bold colors. Red, yellow, and vivid shades of blue letters pop, and I’m not sure where to look first. I read the words several times.
Service.
I am more.
Find myself.
I belong.
My stomach twists with each phrase I read. Knowing just how lost Nina has felt is like a knife in my gut. How could I have missed her pain all these years? It was plain as day that she wasn’t happy with Richard, but this goes so much deeper.
She wasn’t happy with herself.
“The last image is a therapist. I want to seek help for the damage that has been done to me over the course of my life. From Richard, yes, but from my mom and her husbands as well.”
Lanie’s eyes snap to me—clearly about to speak—but I shake my head. I know what’s to come. The secrets that Nina is about to share will clear up Lanie’s confusion.
Nina moves to the next pillar.
