Max parked his jeep in the lot for Dagda's Cauldron. Why did he apply for a job now? It just added one more hassle to the rest of his hectic life. He slammed the car door and stalked into the New Age store. His bad mood couldn't survive once he entered the shop, it never could. Banners and interesting orbs and sculptures adorned the walls and high wooden shelves. A glass display case with glimmering trinkets and medallions lined the right side of the store, along with the cash register. The lighting in the store was considerably darker than the sunny Roswell street.
"Max? Is that you?" a voice questioned from a back room.
"Yes, I'm here to start work. I'm supposed to begin at 3:30. I'm sorry I'm a little late, but I had to drop my sister off at home and…"
"Don't worry about it. I'll just make you work harder," the voice's owner interrupted as she carried a box into the store. Max just stared at the thirty something woman as she hefted the box onto the counter. She wore short cut off jeans shorts and a light green cut-off shirt. Her long red-brown hair was pulled back in a braid with a few loose strands framing her face.
"Are you…are you the owner here?" Max managed to choke out.
"Yup, that's me." She strode over to him and, after wiping her hand on her shorts, shook his hand. "Dana Kanshisha, at your service. So you're my new torture victim?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Well, I hope that you're a good lifter, because we just got a shipload in today. Before we begin, here are the rules. One, I always dress like this. I just can't stand this heat. If you think you'll have a problem with it, leave now. I've already lost three go-fors and a cashier because they couldn't keep their eyes in their sockets. Two, if there are any problems what-so-ever with your life, feel free to tell me. I am not an evil boss-monster that is going to chomp off your head if you miss a day of work because of a family emergency or some last minute plans. Just don't lie to me. I hate that, you got it."
"Yes, Ms. Kanshisha."
"Rule three, call me Dana. All that Miss stuff makes me feel old. If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask. You and I are the only ones who'll be working this shift so if you get in over your head, just ask for help. Oh, and anyone asking for anything in the backroom will be directed straight to me. Got it?"
"Yes, Miss…I mean Dana."
"Good, let's move some boxes then."
After an hour or two of moving and unpacking boxes with the occasional inquiry of what something was, all the newly acquired items were on the shelves or in storage. While yawning, Dana stretched her arms over her head and wiggled her bare toes against the hardwood floor.
"I'm going to go unpack some junk in the backroom," she said around an exceptionally big yawn. "You can just hang out and take care of any customers that come in. If you need any help, just give a yell."
Still stretching, Dana strode into the backroom and closed the door behind her. Max settled behind the counter and after ten minutes of no customers, scattered some schoolbooks and homework along the glass counter in hopes of getting something done. He glanced up as a middle-aged man entered the store.
"May I help you?" Max asked politely while shuffling his books into a neat pile.
"Nah, I'm just lookin'."
"If you need help with anything, feel free to ask."
"Thanks."
This job thing wasn't so hard. Max went back to his math homework while keeping part of his attention on the door and the man browsing the incense section. Ten minutes later, the store door opened again.
"Hello, may I help you…"
His words caught in his throat as the three women entered. They looked exactly the same except for their hair color.
"We are seeking items for a party," the black-haired one replied musically.
"We must examine pieces for a game," the blond one continued in the same melodic voice.
"Invitations must be sent to the guests," the silver-maned one concluded cryptically.
Max just stared at them in utter confusion.
"Um, so, do you need help?"
"No," they replied in one voice. Max watched as they walked to the amulet section and quietly whispered among themselves.
"Weird," Max mumbled and continued with his homework. As he reached the last word problem, he heard a faint gasping sound from the herb section. He circled around the counter and entered the little alcove where the aromatherapy supplies were. Sweat streaming down his face, the middle-aged man was leaning against the shelves. He clutched his arm to his chest and his body shook with each ragged breath he took.
"Excuse me, sir? Are you ok?" Max asked warily.
"I'm fine. Just a little light-headed. It must be stuffy or something in here," the man wheezed out. Then, he doubled over in pain and fell to the floor.
"Shit!"
Max kneeled next to the immobile body and turned him over onto his back. He checked for a pulse, but found none.
"Dana!" he yelled as he undid the guy's shirt.
"What's the matter?" Dana asked worriedly as she ran out of the backroom.
"Call 911. He's had a heart attack and I can't get a pulse."
Max barely registered Dana leaving to make the phone call. He placed his hand on the man's chest and, pretending to do CPR, concentrated on his wounded heart. All he had to do was find the blockage, destroy it, and then revitalize the heart. He winced in pain as a tightness developed in his own chest. This was bad. Half of the heart was basically dead. He found the blockage and gently broke up the molecules and healed the scarred tissue. Now to start the heart up again. Using all his energy, he tried to bring each dead cell to life. The man's body wouldn't listen though. For each cell he rejuvenated, another five would shrivel and die. It had to work though. It was his gift. He worked harder, sweat trickling down his forehead and back. The tightness in his chest intensified and dizziness encircled his brain, but he pushed them aside. He could feel his body swaying slightly. Then, two hands steadied his tired frame and gently pulled him away from the man's limp body.
"What are you doing?" he muttered. "He can still be saved. Let me go."
"Max, he's gone," Dana softly said. "There is nothing more you can do."
"No. I won't give up. I can save him. I just have to keep trying and…"
"Max," she snapped harshly. "There is nothing you can do. It was his time."
Max looked up at her to retort, but she wasn't looking at him. Her blue-green eyes were glazed over and it looked like she was watching some unseen entity on the other side of the body.
"The ambulance will be here in a moment. I'll help you to the bathroom. You've had a rough first day."
Dana helped Max to his feet and guided him through the store to the bathroom in the back. As they passed the three women, Max could feel static in the air.
"It's begun," the dark-haired one murmured and then all three turned and left the store.
"Witches," Dana muttered and led Max into the bathroom. "Do you think you'll be ok?"
"Yeah, I think so. I'm just a little tired."
"You wait in here. I'll take care of the ambulance, ok?"
"Ok."
Dana left the bathroom. Max leaned against the sink for a while, trying to get his thoughts in order and his strength back. He felt so wasted. His fingers numbly fumbled with the faucet handles until a cool stream of water flowed out of the faucet. He watched the water bubble over his hands and vaguely listened to the commotion in the front of the store. He could hear the ambulance pull up and the personnel busying themselves with the body. Then another vehicle pulled up and the echo of boot heels filled the store.
"Good afternoon, Ms. Kanshisha. I'm so sorry about the inconvenience of the situation here. Could you please tell me what happened?"
"As you wish, Mr. Valenti."
"When will it stop?" Max muttered softly to the water.
"I was working at the counter there and this man suddenly fell to the floor. I called the ambulance and then started CPR. Unfortunately, that was not enough."
"And you were the only one here?"
"Yes."
"So, these school books are yours?"
"I just hired a new worker, but I sent him out for some errands about an hour ago."
"You gave him CPR?"
"Yes."
"What is this silver handprint from?"
Max splashed some water on his face. He was so dead. Two Valenti situations in three days. Why did he have all the bad luck? He looked at himself in the mirror, but then a glimmer of light reflecting behind him caught his attention. He turned to see the backroom's door ajar through the bathroom's entryway. Looking nervously around, he crossed the small hallway into the backroom.
"I don't know what it is. Probably some tattoo or something."
His blue eyes gazed around the room and caught sight of the glimmering. Some disappointment flowed through him when it was just a plain glowing orb. He turned to leave when a mirror to his right seemed to ripple, distorting the image of the room. Suddenly the reflection was replaced by a picture of a wooded island, the water slowly lapping against its shore and an ancient castle peeking from the mists. In awe, Max approached the mirror. This image was something he only saw in dreams and vague memories.
"Avalon," he whispered wistfully as he reached to touch to liquid glass.
Suddenly, a flash of bright white light shot from the mirror along with a high piercing whistle. Max scrambled back, banging into the door to the room, and fell out into the hallway, slamming his head into the wall. When his vision cleared, he saw a frightened Dana and annoyed Valenti standing above him.
"I thought you were the only one here," Valenti spat.
"Max, I didn't know you were back from those errands. When did you return?"
"I just got back. I had some packages so I came in the back," Max blurted, his eyes shifting between Valenti and Dana. "I think I set off an alarm or something."
"It's ok, Max. Now, do you have any more questions, Mr. Valenti?"
"None at all. Sorry for the inconvenience. Goodbye, Mr. Evans. I hope the new job works out for you. And remember to stay out of any trouble."
With that, Valenti left. After awhile, the ambulance crew and the dead body vacated the store too. Max looked out at the slowly darkening sky and sighed. He went behind the counter and started packing up his books and papers.
"Is it alright that I leave now, Dana?"
"Yes, it's about quitting time for both of us. Have a good night, Max. Get some sleep, too."
Max turned to leave the store. His hand closed on the doorknob when Dana's voice stopped him.
"Oh, and Max, stay out of the backroom from now on. There's some dangerous shit in there. I don't want you to get hurt."
"Yes ma'am."