I smiled, looking around the open park. This place of beauty was always my solace from the grey of New York. I loved the city, it was my home, but sometimes I just needed a break.
Easing myself onto the cool wood of the bench, I sat beneath the Shrike tree and watched the people as they wandered about. Another thing I loved about the park was that I could sit there and people watch for hours.
Rich stay at home moms pushed strollers in packs and health nuts were going for an early morning jog. A small girl wandered about completely and utterly alone. Wait.
I did a double take and my eyes fell on the same fair haired girl. She was small, maybe three or four with nearly white blonde hair and frightened blue doe eyes.
Leaving my bag on the bench, I hurried over to her. Kneeling to her level, I smiled gently.
"Hi, sweety. Are you lost?" I asked.
She nodded, crocodile tears swimming in her eyes and her small frame trembling gently.
"Can you tell me your name?"
"M..m..my name is..is Kyla." She sputtered.
"Nice to meet you, Kyla. My name is Aslet." I offered my hand and she shook three of my fingers timidly.
"How about you and I go over to that bench," I motioned behind me to the Shrike tree, "and sit for a minute? Maybe your momma will find us."
Kyla nodded and together we made our way over. I knew she was scared, but scouring the park for her mother would be pointless. The tree was one of the most visited places in the park. Her mother was sure to come by, but for now I had to calm Kyla down.
"Kyla, do you like magic?"
A small smile and a nod were her response.
"Me too. Can you tell me your favorite color?"
"P..purple."
"That's my favorite too!" I gasped animatedly earning a giggle. "Okay, Kyla, I want you to watch my hand. Don't look away or you might miss it." I instructed holding my hand out palm up.
I grinned as she watched my hand with focus remarkable for a small child. I shook my head and made myself put my own focus on the trick.
I took a deep breath to clear my head. The familiar sensation of fire dancing across my skin was welcome, the warm tingling pleasant in the cool air. Soft purple light began to pool in my hand, growing steadily brighter.
Kyla gasped, her eyes shining violet in the light. She reached forward and ran her hand through it, giggling as it leapt across her skin.
I smiled at the intrigued girl. This was why I loved magic. I held the light a few moments longer before letting it fade. I saw Kyla's bottom lip stick out in a pout and I snickered. Closing my fist, I put out the last of the light.
"Now, Kyla, I want you to close your eyes and think hard about your favorite animal."
She quickly obliged, snapping her eyes closed and squinching her round face in concentration.
I waited a few moments, letting her concentrate. Her small hands fisted the striped material of her pink tights.
"Now, open them." She listened, watching me with wide eyes. "You see the chain in my hand?" I asked, motioning toward the piece dangling from my closed fist. She nodded vigorously.
"I want you to grab it and pull, alright?" She reached out with on small hand, the other still bundled in her tights, and pulled.
The chain slid through my fingers and fell into her lap.
"There's nothing on it!" She cried turning an accusatory look my way.
"Look again."
Her eyes flashed from me to the chain and she squealed. Sitting in the folds of her striped dress, attached to the simple silver chain was a violet swan.
As she stared, awestruck at her gift, I waited. Waited for her to turn to me demanding to know how the trick worked. Demanding for me to ruin the magic. Instead, she continued to stare, whispering only for her swan to hear,
"I love magic."
I almost responded, telling Kyla that she wasn't alone in that when a frantic looking woman caught my eye. She was blonde and beautiful. Her head turned this way and that as her eyes searched. Finally they landed on us and relief flooded her face.
I smiled and tapped Kyla on the shoulder, pointing toward the woman. She squealed and hopped off the bench, the swan clutched in her fist. She sprinted for the woman and I followed behind.
"Kyla." The woman said as she hurried forward, her stilettos clackin against the pavement.
"Mommy!" Kyla called, hurling herself into the woman's open arms.
The woman hugged her tightly, kissing her blonde head.
"Kyla, don't scare mommy like that." The lady scolded. Kyla took it in stride, pointing to me oh so subtly.
"Mommy, she's magic!" Kyla whisper screamed.
"Is that so? Well, it's nice to meet you. I'm Alma Rhodes. I see you've already met my daughter." Alma smiled, a French accent coloring her words.
"Yes, we've met." I winked at Kyla as she giggled. "Aslet Reynolds." I offered my hand and Alma shook it with surprising strength.
"Thank you for finding my Kyla, Aslet." Sincerity shone in her light blue eyes.
"It was my pleasure." I replied genuinely.
Alma glanced at her watch and frowned.
"Wherever you need to be, go. It was nice to meet the both of you." I smiled, turning to walk away.
"Will you meet me here tomorrow for lunch? I have to repay you!" Alma called as I walked away.
I shook my head lightly and looked over my shoulder. Alma's face was set.
"Twelve at the Shrike tree." She called and I grinned.
Looked like I had a lunch date.
Alma watched as Aslet made her way back to the tree and picked up her stuff. She drew her phone from her pocket, pressing one on speed dial.
"I found the fifth horsemen." She spoke as Kyla giggled.