grimoire part one

8/8/2019 Grimoire Part One

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Grimoire by Joshua Mathews

Part I

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Chapter One: Friendship

The woman walking on the side of the road had long, red hair. She leaned forward under theweight of a duffel bag slung over her shoulder, resting at her hip, as well as a backpack, andthe heat of the January sun. A pair of faded blue jeans maybe one size too big for her

covered the tops of her boots, while above the waist a faded dark green top covered her body.She looked like she had been walking for some time already on a journey that was onlybeginning.

Kirsty approached in her car, gradually taking all this in as she drew closer. Evenprotected from the full heat of the day by her cars air conditioning, it wasnt hard tosympathise with someone on foot, carrying bags under the full glare of the sun. She had beenthinking that she needed something to make this trip more interesting, and perhaps her life aswell, though the move to Melbourne from Sydney was already the beginning of change for heralready. The woman was a lone figure on the side of the road, the one deviation from theregularity of her environment. As she walked with her head down the wind blew and her hair

stood out from her body, waving Kirsty down like a flag.

So Kirsty slowed the car down until it was idling along on the road next to the woman,and wound down the window at the passengers side.Hey there! Fancy a lift?She didnt turn towards Kirsty straight away; she lifted her head suddenly as though

startled from her thoughts, and then looked at the car as though surprised to see it suddenlyat her side. Kirsty had thought, from her hair and her clothes that the woman much older, buther face suggested she was only a few years beyond Kirstys nineteen.

The woman looked at Kirsty as she approached the car but quickly dropped her gazenervously. When she reached the car door she cleared her throat. Sure, as long as if youdont mind. Are you headed to Melbourne? Her voice was dry and quiet, as though ithadnt been used for a some time.

The woman looked more scared of Kirsty than Kirsty was of her. There would be noneed to worry about any of the hitchhiker horror-stories shed heard. She was, however,different in some way beyond her timidity; different in some way Kirsty couldnt quite puttogether.

Intrigued by this notion, Kirsty answered her. Yeah, thats exactly where Im headed.You werent planning to walk all the way were you? Get in oh, but your stuff will fit betterin the back.

The woman nodded and opened the door to the back seat of the car. There were a fewboxes of Kirstys things on the backseat, but there was easily enough space for the backpackand the duffel bag. The woman threw them on the floor in front of the back seat and got intothe passenger seat, no doubt glad to lose the extra weight of it. She shut the door after herand turned to face Kirsty.

Thank-you, Im Angela, she said and held her hand out.That was normal enough, but it was like she was consciously making a point of being

socially graceful. Putting her thoughts aside, Kirsty took the hand.Cool, Im Kirsty.

Kirsty took Angelas dry and callused hand in her own. It felt like Angela did a lot ofwork with her hands, but she barely gripped Kirstys hand. She dropped her gaze suddenlywhen Kirsty looked at her, but Kirsty could still observe her face, and it may have not beencallused but it had been tanned and dried by the sun. All the parts of her body that mighthave been soft were covered by her clothes.

Maybe she didnt think of herself as a labourer, but was forced to, like if her parentsowned land that they had her work on. But her eyes had the definite glint of intelligence. Soshe was smart and hard working.

Kirsty had dressed light just a shirt, a blouse, and some loose jeans. As she got the2


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car moving again she asked Arent those clothes a bit hot? Im boiling just wearing this.Oh, I guess Im used to it.Right, from being out all day on your parents farm? No an orchard?thats right. Angelas face showed her surprise.Dont mind me, Im good at reading people. I think its the way you smell that tipped

me off. Well, she couldnt smell anything actually, not consciously. But maybe

subconsciously how else had she figured it out? Actually, you look too smart to be a farmhand. What do you study?Nothing. Im not going to school or anything.Not going to school or your parents would be driving you to the city, but you study on

your own right? Youre one of them geniuses who likes learning for its own sake.Angela blinked at Kirsty but said nothing.So? What are you studying?Nothing. Im not studying anything. Im reading a lot.Fact or fiction?Fiction.Huh, fair enough. Kirsty would have guessed fact. She decided to test her theory.

What are you reading at the moment?Um Angela hesitated. Jude the Obscure. By Thomas Hardy.Yeah right. Why didnt she want to say what she was studying? It must have been

something taboo. Not overly taboo though, she looked too normal. And she didnt buy intothe culture of whatever it was, though maybe she was interested in the culture. Hmm.Something like

So what about you? Youre a waitress?Thats right! Kirsty said in surprise. She was used to playing guessing games

herself, not used to having them turned on her; at least, not accurately.And lets see. Youre running away from home. Angela said in what seemed an

uncharacteristically playful, dramatic tone.Now that was just weird. Not exactly. I mean, I left a note saying where I was going

and everything.Oh, I didnt mean it. I was just being silly.

Kirsty shifted uncomfortably. No, its okay. I guess I am running away really. Myaunt is really annoying. But Im running to something as well. My parents lived inMelbourne, I want to find out about them.

Lived? Im sorry.Yeah, Kirsty replied softly. All I have left of them are some photos and my tarot

deck.Oh. You can do readings? You must be really good. Angela said it casually, but

something about the way she sat up slightly straighter, and the way she turned her head toldKirsty she was really interested.Im okay. Well, she was a little more than that, but she didnt want to boast. Why

do you say that?That you must be good? Because your parents left them to you. I bet you practise all

the time.Well, with some things practise doesnt make perfect. With tarot cards you need to

have the knack.The knack? Angela asked curiously.Yeah, its intuition. Kirsty began explaining her pet theory. I dont mean intuition

like some new age clairvoyant crap. Its just when you figure out something without

consciously thinking about it. People give off all sorts of signals, too many to actively thinkabout, but if you look carefully and just let your subconscious figure it out, you can guesswhat sort of person they are, what circles they run in, and how their life might turn out for the

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next few days.Interesting. Angela turned away and hunched down again; Kirstys theory had

disappointed her.That would mean her studies! Kirsty blinked. Angela was studying magic. Not

sleight of hand, and not garden variety fortune-telling not satanism either, but she was aWiccan or something, and she really believed in it. She didnt want to mention it because

shed thought shed be laughed at. Kirstys pet theory might have closed a topic ofdiscussion.Well, thats just my theory anyway. I could be wrong. There are all sorts of theories;

any one of them could be right. Lots of my friends think Im psychic. Kirsty smiled. Angelaprobably thought, like her friends, that she was in denial.

Angelas hands were now in her lap fidgeting, and then she grabbed some of her hairand began to wind it around her fingers. Kirsty guessed that Angela guessed that she was onto her. The woman turned her head away from Kirsty to look outside through the passenger-

seat window and shifted, raising herself from her slouched position. So do you think howlong is it til we get there? she asked.

Well that was a beautiful segue. I think its about five more hours, though Im not

sure. I guess youve never been to Melbourne?Once, when I was little.Yeah? So whats making you leave the country after all this time?Nothing really.Yeah right. Nothing? Come on, you can tell me.She was going to Melbourne to catch up on the occult scene there, she was going to

dance under the moon with her sisters. Theyd drink goats blood and no, Angela wasntthe type to kill things, she was probably a vegetarian. But she desperately wanted to find

Angela shrugged and replied I guess I kind of got bored.Whatever. Angela clearly wasnt going to talk about it. Kirsty decided to allow the

subject change. Oh, well I got bored living in Sydney so I think I understand, though it wasmore the people than the place for me.

Oh Really?Kirsty turned her head quickly to look at Angela. The tone of her voice was so

interested that it sounded mocking, but there was no trace of humour on what Kirsty couldsee of her face, so she continued talking.

Yeah, I was living with my aunt and shes really strict and really into rules and stuff,so I got all my stuff into the car and left with it. Its my car, I mean it was half mine and I leftenough money for the rest of it with her its not like shes gonna sick the cops on me oranything.

But youre travelling interstate just in case?

Kirsty turned again to see Angelas face, which once again had an expression like theywere talking about the weather, but this time she was so sure that this seriousness was part ofher humour that she laughed. Now Angela smiled, but then she looked down at her hands asthey folded a small ridge into the material of her jeans. Kirsty was sure that her own laugh,and not Angelas joke, had cued that smile.

At Kirstys sudden silence Angelas eyes flickered upwards, but she returned her gazeto her hands on her lap. The few seconds of nervous silence that followed seemedunavoidable, but Angela broke it quickly, probably wanting to keep Kirstys thoughts away

from her studies, by saying So, what kind of rules and stuff?Oh stupid ones, like I had to be home by nine on weeknights and no bringing boys

home, and if it was up to her then Id never go out for a drink either there was all these

little things thatd give anyone the shits. If I didnt toe the line shed steal the keys for this carwhen it wasnt even fully hers though it didnt work, cause Id just get someone to pick meup.

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What about them? You didnt mind leaving your friends behind?I didnt really have any close friends, just people who would hang around because

they were supposed to and other people who used me. Once you become part of a certaincrowd it can be hard to get out you know?

Oh yeah, Angela said, and Kirsty thought she was going to follow this with somecomment, but instead she stopped and looked away. Finally Angela sighed, and asked quietly

What happened to your parents?My parents? They died when I was little, I think I was three.Oh, Im sorry.

Kirsty shrugged. Thanks. Ive had time to get used to it, but I wish they were aroundinstead of my aunt. I reckon she didnt plan on children or anything, and she wasnt able tohandle it as well as she thought she could when I was sprung on her, already ten years old.

Ten years old?Oh yeah, I was hanging out with some friends of my parents at first, and then they

had to move back to Melbourne about nine years ago, so my aunt said that it wouldnt begood for me to be moving to another city again, and the one where my parents had died ontop of that. Shes been a bit over-protective of me really, and I know she means well but its

stifling. So Im moving to Melbourne to find out about my parents lives my background.Cool, and how do you plan to do that?I dont know really. Ive got an interview lined up tomorrow so hopefully Ill get

that job and find a place to stay. Then I might look up my parents friends, the ones whoraised me until I was ten Ill figure out all the long term stuff later on. Kirsty shruggedand decided it was time to try getting the truth out of the woman again. And what about

you? Now you know all about me whats your story?I dont have much of a story. You already know it really.Thats all? You got bored and left?Yeah.What kind of place was it?

Angela turned partially towards Kirsty before answering, and said A little town. Iguess the place was a bit too small for me.

Kirsty slid her gaze over to where her passenger was sitting. Angelas head wasbowed down, she held her hands close to her body, and the mass of hair was a ruddy shroudthat mostly covered her. Despite the mass of hair she didnt seem like the type of person totake up a lot of space.

So you want to find a place where you can let your hair down so to speak?Well, just some place where I have people to talk to.

People who howled at the moon, right? What, were you like, the only kid livingthere?

Angela didnt answer for a while, and Kirsty thought she heard her taking deepbreath. Well no. But my closest friends decided to leave for uni and stuff about a year ago.You might have noticed I havent been able to practice my social skills for a while now.

No, youre fine. I mean, you seem pretty normal to me, Kirsty said, though she didntunderstand people who didnt simply own up to their beliefs.

Kirsty caught a strange, grim little smile before Angela answered Right, thanks.In the following silence Kirsty looked ahead to where the land of one farm ended and

another began. They still werent changing much, but now there was a sign sayingGoulbourne: 30 km. The quiet was suddenly punctuated when Kirstys stomach emitted aloud grumble.

Kirsty turned to see Angela as she glanced up with eyes wide in surprise before

turning back to look out the front of the car again. Kirsty chuckled a little at Angelasreaction as well as herself, and said That must be the alarm on my internal clock. Do youwant something to eat? Its a little past one.

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If you want to, sure.Okay, how about we stop at that next town?Goulbourne? If you like.

Kirsty smiled and said So youre not much into making decisions are you?Angela shrugged. I dont know, I just think its as good as any other place.Well I guess well see when we get there.

As she continued down the road the green paddocks with the houses in the distancewere replaced by the smaller properties of people whose work was located off their own land.Shortly later they came into the town, with shops lining the streets on either side, and Kirstyrelaxed her foot on the accelerator pedal some so they could look for a place to stop. Shechose a place marked by a simple CAF sign out the front, with large windows that revealedtables inside and parked out the front.

This looks good enough. Im starving.Kirsty went in and ordered some chips before coming back outside to wait for her

food, Angela shadowing her inside and out. Kirsty sat and enjoyed the sun until her chipscame out; it wasnt so bad if you were just sitting still. She invited the woman to eat with her,but although Angela accepted, it was apparently a courtesy; she ate maybe one chip every

minute, which amounted to five chips when Kirsty was finished.They went in to pay, then left, to the waitress well, probably the managers call

Nice to meet you both, drop by if youre in the area again.Thanks, we will, agreed Kirsty.When they reached the car Kirsty got in and unlocked the other door for her

passenger. She pulled out of the parking space and soon was making her way throughGoulbourne, making her way to the other side of town. Angela was watching the buildings

slide past the passenger side window as they began to pass out of Goulbourne, back onto theroad to Melbourne again.

Do you mind if I put the radio on? Kirsty asked.Angela shook her head, and Kirsty put the radio on, quietly enough for them to talk

over, but loud enough to keep her company. She left the woman sitting next to her alone andoccupied herself by searching through the radio stations. She always tried to guess what

people liked to listen to when she put on music; she imagined that she could feel theirdisinterest when she put on something they didnt like. She finally found something shethought Angela would like, and relaxed and concentrated on driving.

I guess you never had much family besides your aunt, huh, Angela blurted outquietly, after a few songs.

Not really, I saw some other uncles and aunties on occasion, but no one my age.Um I suppose for me, I try to get away from people a lot, because there was always

people around when I grew up.

The tuner was between stations and the radio was emitting white noise. Kirsty quicklyfound the next station and added Maybe, Ive never had any brothers or sisters so I dontknow.

Well I mean, it doesnt affect everyone like that. Its just the way I feel my youngestsister Becca is kind of the family gossip, shes always talking.

Yeah, thatd be me if I lived in a big family like that. In fact it was anyway Ivealways been the type to find out everything I can about the people I meet, and people like totell me stuff too, so it works out.

Angela just nodded.After a few moments Kirsty realised that this time she was the one with the

conversation stopper. She smiled at Angela and asked Is this the first time youve been

hitchhiking?No, Ive been around a bit.Yeah, where have you been?

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Mostly around here but Ive been to Sydney once.So dont your parents have a problem with it?Im pretty independent.You mean they dont have much say in it?Yeah.So do you live on your own then?

No, I just have to pay board and buy my own food.Yeah, it was like that with my aunt. Sucks doesnt it?I dont mind, Angela glanced at Kirsty but my mother gets worried when I dont

hang out with my friends.I spose that would help. So which universities did your friends go to? Havent you

been able to visit them during your travels?Not exactly.Why not?

Angela began, Well but didnt continue.Kirsty looked over at her passenger, who was now bent forward, hiding her face.

Kirsty tried to give her as much attention as she could while driving; this was the real reason

behind her passengers travelling to Melbourne. She asked carefully What is it?Um actually, I havent been honest, said Angela, slowly. My two best friends

th-they disappeared.While she was driving Kirsty couldnt pay as much attention to Angela as she would

like to, but she took her eyes off the road long enough to see Angela still hiding her face.You mean no one knows what happened to them?

Yeah, mumbled Angela. She cleared her throat and added everyone thinks they ranaway together, but

But you know better?Angela nodded. Yeah, I knew them better. But I cant really say what happened

and so thats why I dont have any friends to visit.Now Kirsty understood. Something weird had happened. It might be totally logical,

or it might not; either way, Angela was obviously convinced that magic could get them back.Feeling sympathetic, Kirsty said, Oh um, well you know, thats okay cause Ill

be your friend instead.Angela looked up suddenly at Kirsty, who caught the movement in the corner of her

eye and turned to look at the womans eyes which shone with gratefulness as she askedReally?

Kirsty, wondering if she should have offered her friendship to Angela so flippantly,turned back to the road and replied casually Sure, why not?

Thank-you, said Angela, and Kirsty could still feel the womans eyes boring into the

side of her skull. Kirsty found she couldnt really regret the offer of friendship. Despite allthe weirdness, there was something mysteriously different about Angela. Kirsty felt that withher around, she could almost believe in magic.

There was a long silence then, during which Kirsty for once, was the one fidgeting,drumming her fingers on the steering wheel and shifting in her seat. Finally Angela broke the

silence, asking What about your friends?Kirsty began chatting in what she hoped was an amusing and distracting manner.

Her friend was quiet, but she put enough into the conversation to keep Kirsty talking, andsoon they were nearing Melbourne.

I think I might stop off in Seymour before going into Melbourne proper, what do youthink?

Yeah, that sounds alright. A night in Melbourne will be more expensive.Well have to get up early though. Ive got an interview for a waitressing positiontomorrow. She turned the cars headlights on and looked ahead for the turn off, which she

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thought she saw now, in the distance. By the time she put the blinker on for the turn she hadreached a decision. I suppose we might as well get a room together itll be cheaper again,and probably easier for both of us.

Angelas mouth curved slightly in what passed for a smile on her face. Okay, thatmakes sense.

Kirsty took the exit and not long afterwards they found themselves in Seymour proper.

Keep an eye out for somewhere we might stay would you? asked Kirsty.Hmm, I think if you turn right here suggested Angela, and then its left about fouror five streets up. I kind of remember this place from when I was young.

Though she seemed unsure of where they were going, Angelas directions broughtthem quickly to the carpark of a hotel on a street corner that looked suitable enough.

Cool, we were pretty lucky, said Kirsty as they stopped the car, perhaps a hundredmetres from the hotels front door. Somehow it didnt feel like luck though. Did Angela knowthe area maybe? She got out of the car and watched Angela, who made no reply as she didthe same in her slow, deliberate way. There was something exaggerated about hermovements and she seemed to be deep in thought, maybe she hadnt even heard. At leastwhen she noticed Kirsty impatiently inching towards the hotel Angela picked up her pace a

little.As they entered the hotel Kirsty looked back at Angela, who still had an air of

concentration about her. She was about to ask Angela what she was thinking, but when thewoman looked up at her Kirsty thought that it would be best to wait until she decided to talkon her own. Anyway, the middle of the hotel foyer wasnt the place for it. So Kirsty turnedher attention to the front desk, where a middle-aged man in an old suit sat behind a desk,looking bored. Wed like a room for two please, she said.

The man was looking past Kirsty, only glancing in her direction. Kirsty turned andraised her eyebrows at Angela, but she was looking back at the man, her attention focused onhim. When Kirsty looked at him again he was practically staring back at Angela, and then

she heard the woman say I know you, dont I?The man blinked as though coming out of a trance and said Angela?Yeah, thats right. Hows Marilyn these days?Shes recovering from the pregnancy just now, she should be coming home in a few

days.Angela nodded It must help to have all these rooms for when the baby comes.Yeah, we just cleared out a room thats right near our own.Mm, its a pity my friend and I wont be around long enough to see it we only want

a room for one night. How much was it?The man blinked again. Oh, I couldnt possibly make you pay for a room. You

wanted a room with two singles? He turned around and chose a key from one of many

pigeon holes that were at his back. Here, its a room on the first floor. 106 just go up thestairs and its on your right. The bathrooms are at the end of the hall, and you can eat here inhalf an hour.

Thank-you, very much. A small smile appeared on Angelas face as she took thekeys, and then she headed up the stairs.

Kirsty followed her, blinking. There was something weird about that conversation, butshe wasnt sure why. It was almost as though it had been staged for her, but why would eitherof them be play-acting?

Why didnt you tell me you knew the guy here? asked Kirsty. I thought you wereacting weird cause you didnt have the money or something. Wait a minute do you havethe money? Its okay now

Of course I had the money, said Angela, her voice strangely defensive. I justthought it would be lucky if he gave us a discount or something.Mm, it was lucky. Kirsty said suspiciously. How do you know that guy anyway?

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What was his name?Angelas head snapped up suddenly, and she looked at Kirsty nervously. I dont

remember!Because shed just hypnotised him into giving them the room Angela had reached

into his mind and taken control of it Kirsty shook her head. What was she thinking? Itreally was lucky then, she said.

Angela smiled a little and said It was Marilyn and maybe Thom, or Tim orDom she shook her head.Dont worry, Im not going to tell him he might kick us out. Which room was it

again?Angela looked at the key and said One-oh-six, should be just a few doors down.They went down the hallway until they found it. Angela opened the door to a simple

room, two beds, two dressers on either side of the room, and a wide bedside table between thebeds that both occupants could use.

Kirsty dropped her bag next to the nearest dresser and collapsed on the nearest bed.I could fall asleep now if it wasnt for dinner being so soon. She heard movement on theother bed and turned to see Angela facing away from her, curled up like she really was going

to sleep. For a while she watched her friend falling asleep, trying to shake off the weird vibesshe was imagining. She drew her bag onto the bed with her as she propped herself up on oneelbow.

Kirsty took a deck of cards wrapped in cloth from her bag, which she unwrapped, andturned over the first card. It was the four of cups, depicting a man sitting by a tree, with threecups in front of him, while a forth which he didnt notice was held by a hand that came from alittle cloud by his head. What did that mean? Sitting up, Kirsty shuffled the cards and beganto lay them out in a spread that might tell her something, and when she had finished the

spread was interesting.Angela shifted slightly, and then she turned over and raised her head high enough to

see what Kirsty was doing. Youre doing a reading?Kirsty felt herself blush. You dont mind do you?Mind? Is it about me?Yeah. I tend to do readings every night, and if Ive met any people, I do one about

them. Im not very good, but do you want me to tell you what I think it says? In truth, shewas usually fairly good, or at least people told her she was. But she felt off centre at themoment.

Um Angelas mouth twisted in consideration, maybe worried about the outcome ofthe cards. Okay, she said finally.

Well, to start with, a lot of them are just about average life really, and dont meanmuch in particular, Kirsty lied. Like this ones the background to your situation, and it

represents family I mean, familys the background to a lot of situations right? Then Kirstysmiled self-deprecatingly and added But its possible that I just dont know how to read themright.

I guess a reading about my life could be a bit confusing, said Angela quietly.Kirsty felt as if she could ask what she meant, and that her friend would answer

truthfully, but she was afraid to. Her intuition and the cards she didnt want to look at weretelling her that Angelas truth would turn Kirstys world upside-down. She decided at least toread the rest of the cards properly.

Kirsty picked up the Five of Cups, which showed a man looking at three cups knockedover, while ignoring the other two at his back. This position is for stuff thats present butmoving out of your life, and I think its about focusing on your losses and not appreciating

what youve gotRealising how exactly this might apply to Angelas life, Kirsty looked up. Her friendseemed unmoved, but she was probably holding it back. Okay, she murmured.

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Turning to another card, Kirsty continued This one is about stuff thats present andmoving into your life, and it looks like a juggling or balancing act with those two pentacles,

see? Kirsty didnt know what she was on about, but Angela nodded as though it had somesort of meaning for her. Um, well then the next interesting card is is this High Priestesscard. The major arcana are always important right, and this ones position shows your

future, so its doubly important Kirsty paused, staring at the card for a while. It made her

think of those ancient priestesses who were supposed to have supernatural powers, like inEgypt maybe. I was thinking of your whole life when I started, and so it could be in a yearor it could be in a decade. If I had to guess, Id say its about half a decade from now. It

probably represents you, in that future. Someone who knows secrets, and who teaches themto others. Realising shed let her intuition speak for her, and that it seemed to be going a bithaywire at the moment, Kirsty smiled and added Sounds pretty cheesy doesnt it? All I needto add is that youll be meeting a tall dark stranger. I told you I wasnt very good at this.

Angela produced a small, reassuring smile and pointed at the two cards in the middleof the spread, one laid sideways on top of the other. What do these two mean?

Well, this ones you at the present, and this one is crossing it because its yourobstacles. The one on the bottom is the Queen of Swords, and because its a sword, it

represents intellectual stuff, and because its the queen it means in control but subtle ratherthan overt. Its similar to the High Priestess, but more logical and less powerful.

Angela shrugged in response. She said What about the one on top?Well cups is emotional stuff, and because its the king, its controlled but overt oh

yeah, and sometimes the royalty represent people as well as situations.You think thats the case here?Hmm. Not sure. Kirsty was thinking it meant Angela would always have trouble

with relationships, but who would want to know that?Angela nodded, but this time said nothing. Kirsty looked at a radio clock on the

bedside-table and said Well, dinner should be ready about now, shall we go down?Um, I think Id like to eat in here, said Angela, and then suddenly she stood up,

saying Ill go and bring it up. She was gone before Kirsty could think of a response.While she waited Kirsty picked up the cards and looked at them, one by one, feeling

like Angela was hiding something. But that was okay, since Kirsty wasnt sure she wanted toknow whatever it was. She took her time and when she finished Angelas return was only a

few moments away.She came in carrying a plate in each hand, and placed one of them in front of Kirsty.

It was a stew, slightly mushy-looking but edible in appearance.What about your own tarot? Angela asked.

Kirsty shrugged, I did it before I left today, at Angelas raised eyebrows shecontinued I read that Id be travelling, which was kinda obvious; and that Id meet someone,

which is probably why I picked you up, and there were a few things about other problems Ialready knew I had if anything in my reading just then was true it was probably just stuffany idiot could figure out by spending a bit of time with you.

Putting a fork to her plate Angela said Well, I suppose we wont know until ithappens I guess.

I guess youre the type who believes in that stuff readily.Angela tilted her head to one side and her hair came close to falling into her dinner.

These days I dont dismiss that stuff so easily. But why do you do them if you dont reallybelieve in it?

I believe in it, just not as in the hand of God showing you whats gonna happen. Ithink of the cards as a focusing tool for that intuition I was telling you about earlier.

Oh. Angela tilted her head further to look at the cards.Watch your hair. Kirsty looked pointedly at Angelas plate as her hair fell into thestew.

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Angela waved her hand so that her hair lifted from the dinner, and then she wiped thegravy onto her sleeve.

I was thinking that tomorrow, after my interview, we could go looking for a placetogether, said Kirsty.

Angela smiled a little, and said Okay.But, youre going to change those clothes right?

For the house-hunting? Yeah, this is just my travelling clothes or I wouldnt wipefood on them.We could do something about your hair as well

Angela looked up with wide eyes, and pushed her hair behind her body protectively.Kirsty smiled No, I dont mean cut it hell no, what a waste I mean we should wash

it. I reckon we could get a place with that hair.You think so?Yeah, I know I would be influenced by it, to begin with its so easy to remember the

woman with the great hair! But anyone who sees it now would just say the woman with lotsof hair, so we have to wash it.

There probably wont be any shampoo in the bathroom I suppose I could ask

Marilyn for some it should be me since I know them.Ah good, I was going to offer some of mine, but that might be cheaper. We might

have to use half a bottle.Yeah, I guess.Well, wed better hurry up and finish eating.Yeah. Angela hadnt needed any urging half of her plate was already gone. Kirsty

remembered the caf and smiled at Angela, now wolfing down her food. It almost seemed likeKirsty had only just started eating when Angela suddenly said Ill be right back, and leftpresumably to get the shampoo.

Angelas backpack was on the floor. While she ate Kirsty eyed the bag, observing thebarely-done-up button holding the packs flap closed. Her legs were crossed on the bed, but

she shifted so that one was hanging off the edge, and the bag was close enough for Kirsty tonudge it open a little with her foot. The contents seemed normal, some overnight things,extra clothes and a book. But as she nudge the bag open a little more Kirsty realised that thebook was huge, a small encyclopaedia in size, but brightly coloured a book that was meantto catch your attention. Definitely not a novel. She was almost tempted to get up and have acloser look at what the womans strange reading material was, but she heard Angelas footfallbefore she could really consider it.

Kirsty let the flap fall back into place before Angela arrived at the door. She lookeddisappointed, though she held up a shampoo bottle as she came in. Kirsty quickly finished offher plate and asked her Whats up? They a bit narcy about the whole thing? Want me to go

rough em up?Angela smiled a little and shook her head as she sat down on her bed.Hey dont worry, tomorrow theyre history. Well find some cool people to live with

tomorrow. Then we can find jobs and do whatever we want, but first we have to wash yourhair and you know, sleep. Kirsty realised that she was rambling, that she felt as if shedbeen caught looking through Angelas things. The thing was that with Angela being somysterious it was easy to be curious about her. Kirsty wouldnt mind if a friend looked in herbag, if she was only curious

Hmm. Okay I guess. Angela had a serious look on her face and Kirsty felt like shewasnt talking about what had been said, but about what Kirsty had been thinking, only thatwas silly. But you know, I think Ill wash my own hair. I feel like having a full shower so I

can wash the road off.Okay, she said. Well I might be asleep by the time you get back, so goodnight.Goodnight then Ill just get out of your hair quickly Angela started toward the

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bathroom, stopped, and swung around. Oh, my bathroom stuff she made as though tocrouch down near her bag, paused, and then picked it up Ill just grab the whole bag so Ican get out of your way.

Yep, it definitely felt like shed been caught. Only she hadnt. Kirsty changed and gotinto bed. After the long day of travel it took only a few minutes of listening to Angela movingabout in the bathroom for sleep to come over her.

***

Kirsty didnt know how much later it was when she woke in incomplete darkness. She openedher eyes slowly and saw Angela sitting up in her bed with the brightly coloured book open onher lap. She looked up at Angela, who turned to return her gaze, her face expressionless.

Kirsty attempted to stir her sluggish thoughts, to ask what the book was, but before the wordscould form she felt the weight of sleep fall on her again.

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Chapter Two: A Place to Call Home

Kirsty woke again the next morning, feeling a little too warm, and she put her foot out totouch the cool brick wall next to her bed back in Sydney, only to touch nothing because sheno longer lived there. She wasnt living with her aunt, she was staying for the night in a hotel

with Angela.Rolling her head Kirsty saw where Angela had slept, a bed that was now empty. Shestretched and looked at her watch; it was ten to eight, she supposed late enough for Angela tohave already gone for breakfast. She pushed the bed sheets back a little, then threw them offher body completely, and rolled out onto the floor. It seemed like a good time for her ownbreakfast, and some coffee wouldnt go astray. Kirsty shifted to the edge of her bed and saw

Angelas bag missing, but Kirstys own bag was still there she checked the side pocket forher wallet, to bring downstairs for breakfast, but after she found it Kirsty decided to bring thebag downstairs with her. Since none of Angelas things had been left in the room, they couldleave directly after breakfast.

She went to the bathroom and when she came back she changed her clothes and took

her bag with her downstairs. At the desk in the foyer she saw the man who had given themtheir room for free and approached him.Hello, how may I help you miss?Hi, I dont know if you remember me I got a room with Angela? I think she came

down for breakfast, did you see her?The man looked up with a polite but detached expression. I dont know if Ive seen

your room-mate miss, but the caf is over there, he answered, nodding.That seemed like an odd reply, almost like he didnt remember her at all. She turned

to where the man had nodded and passed through the doorway into the caf. The counterwas across from the door, to the right tables were scattered across an open area. Therewerent many people around so it didnt take long for Kirsty to spot Angela among them, near

a wall on the far side of the caf.Kirsty decided to order some raisin toast for herself before going to join her friend,

who was finishing off a bowl of muesli. Kirsty noticed something different about Angela asshe looked up and said Hey.

Morning, sleep well?Yeah.

Kirsty sat down with her toast and commented on Angelas hair.Ah, you washed it, she said smiling. Looks great!

Angela bowed her head and mumbled her thanks. Her hair was practically glowing,and she had it done up partially in plaits and braids that knotted together at the back of herhead, so that it seemed almost half as long as it had been.

Wow, looks like it took ages to put it up like that I wouldnt have the patiencemyself, thats why I keep my hair just shoulder length.

Angela shrugged and said I just never feel like getting it cut, even though it wouldtake less time than doing this all the time. But once you get used to it, you learn to do itquickly so its not as much of a hassle, and I usually find myself almost meditating as I do it.

They spent a little longer eating before Kirsty said We should get going. around hertoast and stood up.

Angela rose from the table, nodding, looking like someone ready and determined.Also like someone who needed to approach life with a lighter heart. Kirsty led the way fromthe table, through the foyer, and then outside.

Just two hours left of the journey now, eh?Yeah, thanks. I should give you some petrol moneyNo way, Im not running a taxi service I was going this way already and you got me

a free room for the night.13


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The time Angela took to answer, or when she didnt answer at all Kirsty wasbeginning to feel like it was an acquired taste. They reached the car seconds later and

Angela answered Okay.Kirsty unlocked the car door and got in, and unlocked the passenger side for Angela.

With her companion seated she drove out from the carpark onto the streets, and headed forthe freeway. In Angelas style she waited this long before continuing.

Do you usually pay people for lifts? I thought the whole idea of hitchhiking was freetravel.Well yeah, but if the person Im travelling with is nice enough I feel I should at

least offer.Hmm, I guess that makes you a generous person, Kirsty commented with a smile.Oh, thanks, Angela drew into herself at the compliment.Maybe Angela could eventually come out of her shell, but Kirsty told herself to be

patient.Could you turn the radio on, quietly? she asked Angela.The woman looked at Kirsty as if to ask how it worked, but turned to the radio

straight away, as though Kirsty had already answered.

Without really listening Kirsty said, Oh, I hate this song, would you mind changingthe station?

Sure, what station?Kirsty shrugged and answered I dont mind, whatever you like.With her hand on the tuning dial Angela paused, looking at Kirsty as though to divine

what she wanted. Then she turned back to the radio and chose for herself a station Kirstyhadnt even known about which was exactly Kirsty had wanted.

There was still more than two hours until she had to be at her interview, so she didnthave to hurry. Afterwards they would still have to find a place to stay though they could

stay at a hotel again, but she would prefer a proper place to stay as soon as she could get it.Umm, if youre going to this interview today, maybe I could look around for a place

for us to stay while youre at it. Kirsty looked up at Angela, whose presence she had almostforgotten.

You read my mind well, I was thinking about finding a place after my interview.Kirsty shrugged I guess it wont hurt to get a head start, but I doubt an extra hour will makethat much difference.

Maybe Ill get lucky.Kirsty smiled, recalling that after all, they had gotten the free room because of

Angela. Yeah, maybe you will.Kirsty observed houses becoming more frequent and the farmland less so, and she

could feel her own excitement building up as they headed into the place where she would be

making her new home, at least for a while. Larger buildings also became more frequent asthey headed further south, until she could see the towers of the city centre in the distance.Thinking of the interview, during which theyd have to separate, she turned to Angela.

Okay, well with all this running around, well have to be able to contact each other.Do you have a mobile?

NoWell I guess youll be calling me then. You want my number? Umm see that bus

ticket? Under your feet? And er there should be something to write with in the glove box Ithink.

Angela picked up the bus ticket and opened the glove box to find a red pencil, andlooked up at Kirsty expectantly, with a small smile on her face.

I know, its a mess, Kirsty said, before telling Angela the number.The streets started to get less straight-forward as they got closer to the city, and Kirstypulled over for a few seconds to get the book of Melbourne road maps that shed bought

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before leaving home from the floor behind her seat. Looking at the index she found herdestination, Degraves Street, but where they were wasnt as easy, since they werent near any

street signs.Kay, Im gonna have to go find a turn-off to find where we are could you hold

this? Kirsty passed the book to Angela.As she drove to find a street name, she heard Angela flicking through the pages, and

by the time she had found a turn-off, Angela had the book open, and with her small smile,pointed on the map.Oh, you found it! Kirsty said, smiling. So youre good with maps then? Maybe you

could be my navigator?Sure was it Degraves you wanted to get to?Yep, show me the way.Umm, keep going this way for now

For the rest of the drive Angela directed Kirsty in her quiet voice. The streets becameincreasingly more narrow and filled with traffic, but they had a bit of luck with the trafficlights. In all, it was a little under an hour and a half from Seymore to Melbourne. Kirsty hadto concentrate on the road to make her way through the traffic, and so the conversation

slowed to a halt except for occasional directions from Angela.As they passed by the street Angela commented, Ah, there it is more of a lane than

a street really. Oh look, see that car thats leaving just now?Following the direction of Angelas finger with her gaze, Kirsty saw the car that was

vacating a parking space just at the right moment, and quickly moved in to take the carsplace.

Wow, I swear youre my good luck charm Ange, I thought wed be looking for a spotfor ages, or at least that Id have to pay getting out of the car, she looked up at the signwhich told her it was a two hour parking zone. Easily enough time for her interview.

Angela smiled a little at that comment, and said I might try my luck on finding aplace to stay for the both of us while youre in there. How long until your interview?

Fifteen minutes, but they might do it a little earlier seeing as Ive travelled such along way. Hmm, or maybe we could go have a coffee, Kirsty added, though as soon as she

said it, she worried that it would be uncomfortable again.No thats fine. Ill go look for a place for now. Ill call you in maybe an hour?Okay, answered Kirsty, feeling a little bad about her thoughts. If I dont hear from

you in an hour Ill file a missing persons report then, Kirsty joked.Angela smiled and answered Right, Ill visit the police if I cant find a phone then.Happy that theyd parted on good terms, Kirsty turned to cross the road.

***

The interview was one of the easiest that Kirsty had been to. Shed already spoken to herboss-to-be over the phone, and so there wasnt much to do other than passing on her detailsand promising to give them her address once she had a permanent residence. She left and

stood outside, watching the amalgam of people sitting at tables set up in the middle of thestreet. It seemed impossible to know if she could depend upon hearing from Angela, but

she decided to give the woman the benefit of the doubt, and at least have a coffee beforemoving on.

She went back inside and spotted Christine, whod just interviewed her.Hey Kirsty, did you forget something?Not exactly, I just thought I might get a coffee, well a cappuccino before I get going.

Okay, sure. Tell you what, this ones on the house.Oh, cool. Well Ill just be sitting outside then.Christine nodded. Ill have someone bring it out to you.

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Kirsty went out and sat at an empty table, thinking that this was the place where herparents had intended to bring her up. She took out her phone and looked at the time; it was alittle before noon, she had plenty of time to visit some of the places shed called seekingtenancy before leaving Sydney. She sat back and began to eavesdrop on the conversations atnearby tables. One table over a couple were arguing about a phone call the guy had justreceived, the woman sounding jealous, the guy denying that it had been anything for her to

worry about. He was on the verge of getting up and leaving when Kirstys own phone rang.Hi, is that you Kirsty? It was Angelas quiet voice.Hey, I didnt know if I was gonna hear from you again.Well, I got a newspaper and called around a few places, I think I found one that

might work for both of us. They said we could come visit them any time today, if we want.Cool, where is it? And where are you for that matter? Ill come pick you up.Im at Camberwell station, its just a few minutes walk from here. Ill give you the

address and we can meet there before going in.Okay, sounds like youve thought this through. I didnt think youd be able to find

anything in such a short time, let alone someone who would see us so quickly.Yeah, I was lucky.

Kirsty suddenly realised that she didnt have something to write with, but a waiterappeared then with her coffee and she borrowed his pen and wrote the address on a napkin.

Okay, Im having a coffee here now, Ill come after that.Oh, sorry. I forgot to ask, how did your interview go?Good, I got the job right away, it was really just a case of giving them my details.

Just need to get a fixed address to give them now, but were about to take care of that,hopefully.

Yeah, Ill see you at the place, I guess.Yep, see you soon.They hung up, and Kirsty sipped at her cappuccino, beginning once again to

eavesdrop on the tables neighbouring hers. When shed finished she got her things togetherand headed back to her car, looking at the address on the napkin.

In her car, Kirsty looked at her street directory and saw that the address was about afifteen minute drive from where she was, barring traffic. She started her car, turned on herradio, and got going.

The traffic wasnt too bad, and she ended up taking a little less than twenty minutes.The neighbourhood was the first good sign, with lots of old, interesting buildings. As Kirsty

pulled up at the actual address she saw a large two-story building with a weatherboard face,and a verandah out the front which had a group of three people sitting at a table, one ofwhich was Angela. She got out of the car and her friend waved her over, so she walked overto the remaining seat.

Hi, Im Dave, said one of the two sitting with Angela, half-rising to shake Kirstyshand. He was taller than Kirsty, though short for a guy, but he was stocky, strong looking,and his handsahke confirmed it.

And Im his brother, Mark.Kirsty shook his hand as well and took her seat. It was obvious with them sitting

together that the two men were of the same family, but where Dave seemed to have worked onhis physical strength, Mark seemed to have let it stay as is, and if Kirsty had to guess shewould say that he was some kind of student. Out of nowhere in her head she found herselfimagining a deck of tarot cards, and pulling one of them out, she saw the depiction of Athene,who showed herself on the Justice card. Mentally shaking her head at her imaginationwhich was taking this moment to make a small flight, she slipped out of her reverie to hear

Dave talking.So Angela tells me that youre both looking for a place to stay?It seemed as though the place was ideal for renting out, with the two rooms on the

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ground floor and another two upstairs the two renting those upstairs rooms were at work.The kitchen and laundry was on the ground floor while the first floor had the lounge room,with a balcony connected to it, facing the backyard. It was an old building, but clean, and

Kirsty liked the location for the sake of how close it was to the station, since she didnt planon driving to work too often. Her room to be, the largest room, was on the ground floor atthe front of the house, and Angela would be taking the room across from hers. Everything

was right, including the rent, which was somewhat remarkable considering how close it wasto the city.Dave and Mark showed them out, and as they walked back to the car Kirsty

commented, Wow Angela, youve outdone yourself. Lets hope you havent used up all yourluck this week. she added with a smile.

Angela sighed and said with that small smile of hers, Oh Ive got a steady supply forwhen I need it. Away from the guys, she seemed be reverting back to her usual quiet self.

Angela picked up the roadmap book while Kirst got the car moving. Dave had toldthem the address of a motel that he had stayed at once or twice and had liked. Angelanavigated and they were there in less than ten minutes. It was very much as Kirsty hadimagined a motel should be, from what shed seen in various movies growing up. Two stories

of apartments all faced the carpark, and there was an office on the ground floor, close to thestreet.

***

The next day Kirsty woke up before Angela, and looked at her friend asleep in the bed acrossfrom hers, the usual tension smoothed away from her tanned face, and what could be seen ofher hair fanned out behind her head. Kirsty left the room, and stepping outside,looked around at the shops on the street for somewhere to get something to eat. She found acaf across the street, and when she returned, Angela was awake.

I was just wondering about where you were, and about getting breakfast.Ah, well here I am, with breakfast. She put down the paper bag shed convinced the

caf-attendants to spare for her takeaway meal, of raisin toast and pancakes as well as someblack tea for Angela and her own cappuccino.

Picking everything out of the bag, Kirsty said, I figure we might as well go straight tothe share-house after this, right?

They arrived just as Dave and Mark were carrying a television between them to a uteout the front of the house.

Angela, taking on the persona that she had previously when she was with them, calledout, So hows the shifting going for you?

This is the last thing, Mark grunted.

After theyd placed the television in the ute, Dave turned to them and said I got a bedfor my new place already, so Ive left my old bed for you in there.Okay, thanks, said Kirsty.Well anyway, Im gonna go deliver this stuff to my new place; Ill be coming by in a

week to help Mark move out, so I might see you then.Cool, see you later then.They watched him get in the car and waved him off, then Kirsty went to her car and

pulled out a bag and some of the boxes stored in the back seat. Angela followed suit, andthen Mark offered his help as well. Between the three of them it didnt take long before all ofboth Kirstys and Angelas things were moved into Kirstys room.

Leaving Mark to himself, Kirsty and Angela began to unpack some of Kirstys things.

The room had in it a number of pieces of furniture that Kirsty hadn't brought from her aunts,which were too big to pack into the car, like the bed and mattress, a chest of drawers, and awardrobe. They set about moving clothes into the drawers and wardrobe, and spreading

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Kirstys doona over the bed. They had been unpacking for a while when Kirsty looked at thetime and decided that although it was a bit early, it might be a good idea to head to work,

since she was unfamiliar with the area.'Hey, I think I should get going about now, to work I mean.''Oh, I thought you might have to at some point,' said Angela.

Kirsty checked that she had her keys on her, and then looked around the room,

envisioning as best she could what the room would look like after shed completely unpackedand all the boxes were thrown out.'Well, Ill see you later tonight,' she said.'Yeah, I might do some more unpacking and get to know the area before I go find work

of my own. Have a good day at work.''Okay, good luck with finding work,' and Kirsty left.

As she was walking out to her car Kirsty saw another car pull up. It was a redhatchback laser, and the driver stepped out as Kirsty approached the curb. Almost as shortas Kirsty herself, he got out of his car with a kind of fluid grace, and she watched him shutthe door with his long fingered hands.

'Hi,' he said, and Kirsty saw his friendly face topped by sandy coloured hair as she

spoke to her, 'I guess youre taking Daves old room?''Y-yeah, Im Kirsty,' she replied blushing slightly at her slight stammer.'Right, Im Justin, nice to meet you.'They shook hands in that slightly awkward first meeting way, and Kirsty said 'Well,

much as Id like to get to know you better, Ive gotta head off to work. You might meet myfriend Angela when you go in.'

'I see,' Justin replied, glancing towards the house. 'Well I guess I might see you latertonight oh yeah, well probably hold a house meeting on the weekend or something, let youknow about the house rules and everything.'

'Okay, guess Ill see you later then.'He seemed nice Kirsty decided, as best she could after meeting someone for less than

a minute. An artist of some kind she thought. He probably did other things, but she guessedthat he had some sort of passion. All these men shed met in the past couple of days

perhaps there were some prospects here, totally aside from the past of her own that shewanted to dig up.

She did have other things to think about though. Before she considered doinganything else she wanted to look up the friends of her parents who had brought her up for acouple of years. Later tonight she planned on looking them up using their last name sheremembered that much at least.

***

Rohani wasnt a popular name and so Kirsty didnt have too many numbers to go through.She got home and Angela was conveniently not there, since Kirsty wanted to do this on herown. She was probably looking for work, Kirsty guessed. The two who lived upstairs andMark were probably at work still, so she had the place to herself for what would likely be a

short time, but that would be enough to make several calls.The phone wasnt too hard to find, in the kitchen on a small table, and Kirsty noted a

small book which seemed to be where the house members marked down phone calls they hadmade. So Kirsty took from her handbag the page from a phone book that she had torn out ina phonebooth, and picked up the receiver, to begin dialling the numbers. Two of the numberswere engaged, and another two rang out, so she noted them down to try again later, and met

each number that picked up with the response 'Hi, Im looking for a Carla or MatthewRohanni?'On the fifth try she got a positive response. 'Yes, this is Carla. Who am I talking to?'

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'Carla, this is Kirsty, you remember you looked after me nine years ago.?''Kirsty! Of course, how could I forget you? How come youre calling after all this

time? And this isnt a long distance call are you in Victoria?''Yeah, Ive just moved to Melbourne this week, so of course I had to look you guys up.

Ive been thinking maybe I could look into my parents history and my genealogy do youthink I could meet up with you guys?'

'Sure you can! Lets see, Matthew has the weekends off these days, do you want tocome over on Saturday?''Sure, can I just check this address I got from the phone book with you?'Carla confirmed the address, and after they said their goodbyes Kirsty put the phone

down, her heart and her pulse hammering throughout her body. She barely remembered toput down the call in the houses phone book, and was heading down the hall to her roomwhen she heard voices outside, so she opened the front door and upon poking her headoutside, saw Angela sitting on one of the chairs on the verandah across the table fromanother woman with her honey coloured hair tied back in a ponytail and a pretty face. Shewas wearing a dark blue tracksuit with a white stripe up the side of the pants and down thearms of the top. Kirsty guessed she was some kind of fitness instructor not aerobics

though maybe yoga?'Oh, youre home, Angela tells me that you are taking the two front rooms?

Apparently Justin has already met you both from what Im told,' she glanced at Angela again,'so Im the last house-mate for you to meet. Im Alice.'

Kirsty shook Alices hand and sat down, while Angela shifted in her seat and got up,rubbing her arms and saying quietly, 'I might head inside, Im feeling a bit cold.'

Alice as she leaned across the table and half-whispered 'Shes a quiet one isnt she?'Kirsty smiled and answered 'Yeah, shes just a bit shy really, you get used to it.''How on earth did the two of you become friends?'Oh, I met her just recently actually, she was a hitchhiker that I picked up on the way

to Melbourne.Really? So where are you originally from?Sydney, and Angelas from some country town somewhere between here and there.Cool, well have you had the tour? I could show you around if you want.Yeah I have, but I wouldnt mind getting to know the house rules and whatever else

you think I should know.Well, we pretty much just keep the place tidy, clean up after ourselves, take care of

any mess we see when we see it, or ask for help if youre feeling too lazy. Thems the rules.Right, thats pretty easy.Yeah, just try not to be a slob.Heh, dunno about Angela, but for me its not really a question of trying.

Cool.The other house-mate, whats his name? Kirsty asked, though she actuallyremembered his name quite easily.

Justin?Yeah, will he be getting home some time soon?Yeah, should be any minute now, why?Oh, its just that since were getting to know each other, I figured this would be a

good time to get to know him too.Ah, well youll get to know us both pretty well eventually.Good point.So what work are you doing? I gather you have a pretty stable job if Dave okayed

you staying here, right?Well actually I just started my waitressing job, but Dave probably okayed it because Ionly just got here anyway, and he needed someone quick didnt he?

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You just got here? What do you mean by that?I mean I was living in Sydney until just a couple of days ago, I came here to find out

about my parents.Oh really? Were you adopted or?In a sense, my parents died when I was little, so I never got to know them that well.Oh, sorry.

No problem, Im used to it by now, I was six at the time. But I came here to find outabout their lives, how they grew up, what they were interested in, that kind of stuff.Cool, how are you gonna go about that though?Well Ive just made a call, before I came out here, Im getting in touch with some

friends of theirs, a couple who actually brought me to Sydney to raise me there for a fewyears before they had to come back down to Melbourne.

Oh? Why didnt they take you with them?My aunt suggested I should stay in Sydney if possible, and took over custody.And she raised you then?Yeah, until the day before yesterday, thats when I decided to come down here.Hmm, well thats an interesting tale. Youll have to update me when you get to know

more about your parents then.What about you, got any story to share?Oh, nothing so interesting as yours, Im just a simple yoga instructor.

Kirsty smiled at having guessed it right. Really? Ive always wanted to do yoga, butIve never gotten around to it.

Right, well Ill have to teach you in return for you telling me the rest of the storythen.

Sounds more than fair to me.Well, youre also getting a discount for being a cool house-mate so far I might start

to charge you if you screw things up after this point.Oh, Ill be good then, Kirsty sat up straight and adjusted an imaginary halo.

Alice giggled and said Good. Oh, heres Justin.Justins car pulled up in front of the building. He got out and waved to them. Kirsty

waved back at the same time as Alice did and then Justin walked up and said Hello ladies.Kirsty looked at Alice, who had a mischievious twinkle in her eye. Kirsty nodded at

her and then they both chorused, Hi Justin.Justin stopped for a moment as he reached them and said Why are you two being so

scary?Because we can, said Alice.Just sharpening our claws, said Kirsty.Right, replied Justin, Well try not to sharpen them on me if you can avoid it.

Okay, answered Alice.Once Justin got inside the house and out of earshot Kirsty grinned and said Weshould do that to him every day.

Alice laughed and replied, Naw, thatd be too mean. We should save it for specialoccasions.

Fair enough, well I think I might head inside. Angelas right, it is cold.Alice got up and followed her and then Kirsty went to say hi to Angela.Hey, Im just going to do a bit of a reading, Kirsty said.Okay, I might leave you alone for it then, Im going upstairs, said Angela.

Angela left and Kirsty got her tarot cards out. She did a reading that told her that afriend of hers would have to make a choice in the realm of love and sighed. She didnt see

how Angela, with her lack of any relationship, could be the one that the reading was referringto. Maybe it meant Alice.She went upstairs to the lounge room where all of the others were sitting down to

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watch television. She squeezed herself in on the couch next to Justin and asked What are wewatching?

Just an episode of The O.C. Theres nothing else on.Kirsty just told me her story Angela, said Alice, whats yours?Oh, um I grew up on an orchard with a big family.Cool, so whyd you decide to come to Melbourne?

I just got bored because the town was so small and left.Ah, fair enough, said Alice thankfully. Kirsty didnt want her to press too hard onthat one, so Angela wouldnt have to reveal the story of her two friends.

So what do you guys do for fun around here? asked Kirsty.We go out, see the night life, answered Justin.Yeah, theres a really cool night this weekend actually, it being the first Saturday of

Febuary, added Alice.Yeah, whats that?Soul-A-Gogo, its this night of soul and funk at The Laundry, said Justin.Right, well Im meeting some people during the day on Saturday, but I should be

back in time for that, what time is it?

From seven I think, we never get there at that time though, said Alice.Cool, Ill come if you dont mind.Sure, more the merrier, said Justin.Oh look, the nerdy kid is getting with that other girl. Shes way better than the

brunette if you ask me, said Alice.Oh, shes a bitch, but she grows on you, said Kirsty.They spent the rest of the night watching random television, until they all finally went

to bed. The next day after Kirsty got home from work she went upstairs and found Marksitting on the couch.

Hi Kirsty, how are things?Oh not bad, I just got back from work.Have you seen Angela around?Well she shouldnt be home until a little later, shes got her own work to attend to.Okay.Why do you ask, are you sweet on her?No well maybe a little. Shes a bit mysterious you know?Hah, well I can tell you that shes free at least.Hmm, do you think shed go for a guy like me?Once she gets over her initial shock, I dont see why not.Initial shock?Yeah, that someone likes her. Shes kind of had a hard time recently, but Ill leave

that for her to tell you about herself.Right, so is she going to Soul-A-Gogo?I think I can convince her.They watched some afternoon gameshows, and after a while Justin came up, just a

short time before Kirsty heard Angelas quiet entrance to the house.Right, Ill leave you boys to do your boy-talk. Im gonna go downstairs and have a

girl-talk with Angela.She went downstairs and found Angela in their shared bedroom, and said to her, Hey,

I think I feel a prediction coming on.Really? What would that be?

Kirsty held her hand to her forehead and said I see you coming out with us this

Saturday night to The Laundry.Hmm, are you sure? I was going to give that a miss.Go on, what else are you gonna be doing?

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Well not much I guess. Okay Ill come.Good, I also predict that something interesting is going to happen while were there.Right, what kind of interesting?I cant tell you, its a surprise.Im not sure I like surprises.I think youll enjoy this one and seriously, I cant tell you.

Fair enough.In the meantime, why dont you come upstairs? Were watching Wheel of Fortune.Angela paused thoughtfully for a few moments and said, Sure, why not?As they headed up the stairs Kirsty told her, This show is the most underappreciated

show there is. You ever seen a movie called Angel Baby? You can use this show to find outanswers to questions you have.

Right, in that case I want to know what the surprise is.They got upstairs in time to see the phrase some like it hot completed on the show.

Kirsty laughed and Angela said So what does that mean?It means exactly what I was referring to, but Im not joining the dots for you.

Kirsty was about to take the remaining spot on the couch, but seeing that it was a

space next to Mark, she stopped and stood back against the wall.Why dont you take a seat Angela? she said to her friend.Okay thanks.

Angela sat down and a slightly nervous Mark asked her, So what kind of stuff do youlike to do for fun?

Not much, I like reading.Really? Me too.Cool.What kind of books do you like.All different sorts really.Have you read Atonement by Ian McEwan?Yes.Hes a good author, and how about Margaret Atwood? Do you like any of her stuff?Yes.Like what have you read?All of them. I liked The Blind Assassin the best though.Right, I havent read that one. My favourite so far was The Handmaids Tale. What

else have you liked?Well, its a bit dark, but Jude the Obscure?Oh, havent read that, is it good?Very, but like I said, its dark.

Cool, Ill have to check it out sometime.Also I For Isobelle by Amy Witting, and this ones obscure, but The Iron DragonsDaughter by Michael Swanwick.

Cool, I can see I havent read as much as you have. I guess Ive been busy studying.Yeah, law right?

Kirsty looked over at Justin and smiled, and he smiled back at her. Kirsty hadntexpected the two of them to have this much conversation. She nodded at the balcony areaand then went out there by herself, to wait for Justin, who joined her a few moments later.

Do you often set up friends that you make? asked Justin.Yeah, I do it a bit, answered Kirsty.And what about yourself? Have you been lucky in love?

Depends what you mean by luck. Ive had relationships, which by some standards islucky enough in the first place. But I havent had any real great relationships, just stuff thathappened because the guy was there.

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I see.So what about you? You been in any good relationships?Yeah Ive been in one really good relationship. Its over now though, so I guess in

that sense it wasnt perfect.And what about work? Are you some kind of artist?Yeah, thats right. Howd you know?

Just guessing because of your hands. I kinda noticed them when we first met.Justin held out his hands and smiled. Ah, the artists hands. Actually Im trying tofind a real job these days, but its not going so well. The fact is I need some money, but Imnot qualified for much. I might end up working in some factory.

Ah, the problems of the aspiring artist.Yeah, only dont call me that.What, an artist?Yeah, call me a painter.Okay, sure painter. What kind of stuff do you paint?Portraits mostly, only right now I dont have a subject, so I just sketch people on

trains and paint them when I get home.

Arent they portraits?Sort of, yeah they are really, but what I want to have is a subject thats willing to stick

around while I paint, so I can check all the details. I guess I need someone nearby to inspireme at some point, and then Ill ask them.

A muse huh.Yeah. What about you?

Kirsty sensed that he was asking her to be her muse, but she wanted to get a bit moresettled in before deepening their relationship, so purposefully misunderstanding, she saidMe? Im a waitress.

Justin paused for a moment, then continued as though shed gotten it right. Yeah, butwhat do you want to be when you grow up? he asked.

Oh, I dunno, they tell me that Id make a good journalist.Is that what you want?Sure but I dont know if I can do it.Why not?I just dont know about all that study thats required for the course. Maybe one day

Ill become more passionate about it and it wont seem like so much work.Well, I have to study in order to be painting what I want to paint sometimes. But

usually I have something in particular that I want to paint, so I know exactly what I have tostudy. Maybe if you had something that you wanted to report, youd find the study a loteasier.

Maybe, well see. Lets go in.They left the balcony and went back inside, where Alice had joined the pair on thecouch. Angela and Mark looked comfortable with the situation, but Alice was shifting in her

seat and she turned around when Kirsty and Justin came in.Whats up with you guys? asked Kirsty.Not much, answered Angela.Not much, agreed Alice. What are you guys up to?We were just out on the balcony chatting, and now weve come back in from the cold,

said Kirsty. What are you guys watching?Dunno, some show with good guys fighting bad guys.

Angela pulled a book out from her side; shed been carrying it all along apparently.

Watching the screen, Kirsty said, Well that guys hot at least.Yeah, there is that, replied Alice.They spent the rest of the night watching television and chatting again, and the next

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few nights were spent in much the same way, though that was the only time that week thatMark came, and Angela was missing several times as well. Kirsty looked for her and foundher missing. She guessed in that way she sometimes had that it was related to the High

Priestess card that shed picked out during that first reading shed done for her friend. Shesupposed that Angela was making friends among Melbournes occult community.

The weekend came faster than Kirsty expected given how much she was anticipating

it. On the Saturday she called Carla again to make sure they knew she was coming and thenset out. Carla and Matthews place was just to the north of Camberwell in Kew East, so itwasnt a long drive, and Kirsty found herself driving down their street within ten minutes ofleaving the house. Despite being close to the city, it had a suburban look about it, and Kirstyadmired the trees with their branches sometimes touching overhead as she got out of the car.

It was a picture of an idyllic suburban setting, with the white picket fence and a little gatewith a path that led through it to a step that went up to the front door. There was a little

plastic scooter just outside the front door, and Kirsty realised that they must have had theirown child now.

She knocked on the front door, and heard movements from inside, until she saw ashadow through the stained glass window coming closer.

Hello Kirsty, youve grown up a lot havent you? Matthew said when he opened thedoor.

Kirsty smiled up at him, taking in his frame, slightly less lean than when she last sawhim, and his curly brown hair, which was less tidy than when she last saw him, and answered,Gee Matt, its only been nine years, enough time has passed you know?

Well, I still remember you as the girl we knew back then.They smiled at each other for a moment, and then Matthew said Well I guess I should

let you in and made space for Kirsty come in, but before she could step in, the space wasfilled with a flash of red hair.

Kirsty!Carla swooped down on Kirsty and drew her into a hug, and soon Kirsty found herself

being pulled into the house, while Matthew called out Give the girl time to breathe Carla.Kirsty recalled Carla running around and playing with her when she was little, but

she hadnt understood then what it meant. Carla seemed never to have lost the endlessenergy from when she was young. When they reached the kitchen Kirsty was able to look atCarla, who had also gained some weight, and her straight red hair was a more practical

shoulder length, compared to the mane of waist length hair that Kirsty had known. Kirstymight have been biased, but Carla seemed just as beautiful as she remembered, despite the

gap of nine years, and the pregnancy which must have occurred to bring the other presense inthe room to life.

Come, I want you to meet little Lucy here, said Carla, as she sat down on the other

side of the high chair where a happily gurgling girl sat, a little chubby version of Carlaherself, though she had Matthews hazel coloured eyes.Were still in shock that we were able to bring such a lovely thing into the world,

said Matthew, coming into the room and gazing fondly at his wife and child. Carlas stillshowing her off to anyone she can.

Kirsty made a little wave at the toddler, and held out a finger for Lucy to grip, so theycould shake hands more or less.

So what have you been doing with yourself for nine years? Tell us all the goss.Well there isnt that much gossip to spread Ive been going to school, keeping Aunt

Rose on her toes she wanted me to go to uni straight away following school, which I did fora year, doing an art degree, but I decided to defer that for a while, so I could travel a bit, and

come here to find out something about my parents.Carla mentioned that, said Matthew, strolling over to the floor next to the kitchenbench, where box like a miniature suitcase had gone unnoticed by Kirsty until now. Weve

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had these for a long time nowCarla put her hand on Kirstys and added, Since your parents passed away. We felt

you should be with your family, but we werent sure what your aunt would do with them. Sheseemed to want to protect you from brooding about your parents, while we felt it would be adisservice to your parents for you not to live with their memory.

A lot of this is correspondence from your grandmother to them, and we dont have

your parents replies, but you can tell they had a good relationship with her. Looks likeRachael had a fantasy with her that she continued into adulthood.Part of Kirsty wanted to jump into the cases contents right away, but before that

So what have you two been up to? Still teaching Carla? And hows the mechanic business?They spent the better part of the afternoon catching up and reminiscing. Kirsty found

that she had more gossip to let on than she thought, and Carla and Matthew had an endlesssupply of stories of Carlas students at the primary school where she taught, of clients thatMatthew had as a mechanic, and of course, of Lucy growing up.

Later when the three of them said their goodbyes, the act of carrying the case out tothe car reminded Kirsty of the reading she had to do when she got home. She drove off,beeping her car horn goodbye, and watching Carla and Matthew wave to her in the rearview

mirror.Again the trip between Carla and Matthews and her own home wasnt long, and

Kirsty pulled over in front of her house and took a few seconds to decide that shed best lookat the contents of the case inside. Her room, close to the front of the house, was easy to reachwithout running into anyone who might interrupt her plans, though once inside her room,there was Angela sitting on the bed that they had been sharing for the week.

Looking up from her book, Angela said Ah, youre home I was thinking, I couldcook for you tonight, if you want.

Kirsty smiled with relief and decided to be straight-forward with her. Thatd be greatAngela I just got back from visiting my parents friends, and they gave me this case ofletters from my grandmother to my parents, so I probably would have just skipped dinner, and

spent the time until were going out reading.Angela was stuffing her book in a bag of hers and getting up, and she said, Cool I

guess youd want to be left alone for that. Ill get to cooking then.Good guess I just want to look at it by myself at first, but I might let you in on it

later I suppose. Anyway, thanks.Okay, Ill come get you when dinners ready, and Ill knock before coming in.Thanks Angela.

Kirsty opened the case and found in it several letters, as well as birthday andChristmas cards. As she read the first letter she began to become concerned about the kind of

gene pool she was coming from, since her grandmother had obviously been somewhat loony.

Perhaps this was what her Aunt Rose had hoped to protect her from? Still, it was better shesupposed, for her to know about it now.It was funny though, she could barely remember her grandmother, but she hadnt

seemed crazy

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Chapter Three: Ancestry

Dear Rachael,Thank-you for visiting last fortnight, I hope you enjoyed your stay. Im grateful that

youre willing to continue my work on that world, and I hope that its easier for you to live

away from Faerun than it is for me. If youre wondering, I wouldnt hold it against you if youdecided to come back; the work will continue, albeit at a slower pace. While it is true thatwithout the development of the Art alongside their science the planet has been detiorating,

your absence wont be such a setback that we wont be able to avoid disaster.On the other hand, I can understand the appeal of undertaking a university degree

there! They certainly have a love of stories that matches our own, as is demonstrated by thestores of books and movies, and the studies that so many undertake in the field of literature.

Well, back home my classes have been going well, but Steven still seems unsure whatto do with himself. Ive been telling him, he could continue to do the kind of work he did backhome, but with a different purpose here in Faerun there are many who enjoy playing withthe relics that he is so apt at creating. But he would like to serve a purpose akin to what he

was doing back on his homeworld. Im a little too busy to teach him that level of the Arts, butmaybe I could help him if he wanted to work towards learning such things from a differentsource. Well see.

Continue to look after yourself.

With Love, Ellen.

***

Dear Rachael,Its great to hear that youve formed a relationship, I can only hope that you might

find happiness with this Lucas to parrallel my own with your father. I do feel that I shouldwarn you off revealing your true nature and your mission on Earth, but I think I can trust

your judgement in that matter in any case. The fact that he is a painter and therefore acreative sort does breed hope that he might be more open-minded than most, but these peoplehave stories that describe what might happen to an alien entity, and Id hate to see whatmight happen should someone attempt to turn you into a lab rat!

So between your studies in literature, your work, and this budding relationship, I donthave to use clairvoyance to observe that you will be busy in the future. While Im sure that

you are capable enough to manage on your own, dont be too proud to tell me if youre inneed of a rest and would like me to take the task Ive set you off your shoulders. But onceagain, your own judgement in this matter is probably best.

By the way, your father has taken up studies in magical engineering, and I think he isenjoying himself, though it will be a true test of his capabilities. I for one have more thanenough faith in him though, and it is good to see him applying himself in a field not too farremoved from his own.

Well, I wish you luck in what is becoming a large number of endeavours.

With Love, Ellen.

***

Dear Rachael,Congratulations! It sounds like youve had a wonderfully romantic proposal, and Imso happy that youve been able to reveal your true identity to Lucas without any kind ofmishap. So his creative side actually did enable him to accept the fantastic afterall. Im glad

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that this is all working out for you.Prolonging the engagement until youve finished your studies seems like a great idea,

with everything youve got going on now. Im amazed that youre still able to keep up witheverything in your life. I would offer help, but you seem to be keeping on top of everything

just fine. I hope youre finding some pleasure in juggling the many different parts of your life,just dont drop anything or if you do, tell me so that I can be there to catch it!

If youve had a moment to wonder how were doing, then you neednt worry, as weredoing fine. Ive had enough time between classes to visit what I might as well call your worldnow, to find the right circumstances in which our special project will do its work best. Thevisions Ive invoked have led me to a family a short distance to the north of where youreliving now. I will keep an eye on them for the time being, and wait for the one to receive ourlegacy to be born. It certainly wont be easy for the child, but Ill do what I can to makethings less difficult. If you can finish the book in that period of time Ill start involving myselfin this familys life.

Steven is working hard in his classes, though it is slow going, since there are manyunusual concepts for him to learn, and some habits that hes having to break. But I still have

faith in his ability to accomplish whatever he sets his mind to. Youre very much like him in

that regard.

With Love, Ellen.

***

Dear Rachael and Lucas,I hope you enjoyed your honeymoon in Faerun. It was great to see you, but I thought

Id leave you two to your own devices for the rest of your stay. Did you go to see the gravesof any of those old kings and queens from your world's literature? Oberon, Titania, Mab andMerlin are all common tourist attractions for people from your world who visit Faerun. And

I hope you went to visit one or two of the old Faerie Hills though I don't know if you heard,tours are guarded these days the spriggans have been making trouble.

So now youll be settling back into your usual life, and I hope the return isnt too hardon you. I suppose Lucas, that some paintings might have been inspired by your journeysdont hold back, just as long as you dont suggest theyve been inspired by reality, you shouldbe able to keep the men in white coats at bay!

Steven and I are well Im still yet to see the right person being born in that familyIve told you about, but Ive read the winds of fate and Im quite sure she it will be a she is going to be born soon. Stevens studies are going well, hes coming close to finishing up,and hes recently gotten work at a travel centre and is racking up some experience creating

portals for people going on trips around the world. Hes not quite at the point of improvingthe systems, but hes working hard.In any case, Ill leave you two to each other, and wish you all the happiness in the

world.

With Love, Ellen

***

Dear Rachael and Lucas,Youve probably heard this enough by now, but congratulations are in order again!

Its wonderful to think that the two of you are expecting to be bringing a little life into theworld in less than nine months time.You must take special care of Rachael in this time Lucas, but doubtlessly you already

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know that. Rachael, I expect that now that youve finished your degree (and furthercongratulations are in order for that success), youll take a well deserved rest during thistime. I absolutely insist upon taking some of the work off your shoulders

grimoire part one

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