Day 15: Accidents don't just happen accidentally.
Ticket to My Heart
There was an orange, paper ticket in front of her office. Crystal stared at it, her briefcase held loosely in front of her. She looked to her left, then right, her coworkers passing by without a glance. Directing her attention back to it, she raised her hand and pulled it off the ground, traces of teal psychic energy vanishing as the ticket landed in her palm.
It was dated in black ink for next week. Serial numbers were printed on both sides. But when she examined the lettering, her eyes shot open. She brought her hand to her mouth, suppressing a squeal, and she hurried into her office. Tossing her briefcase on her desk, she sat in her rolling chair, spinning around and kicking her legs in childish delight.
It was for a live showing of her favorite movie with an actual band playing the melodies. Performances by celebrities would take over the singing roles of the characters during the musical numbers. She had gushed to her friends about wanting to see it, but she lacked the funds to score a pricey ticket online or over the phone, the customer service representative ignoring her feeble requests for a reduced rate as a Psychonaut. But now that it was in her hands, Crystal wanted to kiss it, her levity and joy reaching an all-time high, and she even floated a few feet above her chair.
But she crashed down, grunting. A stray thought rolled into the forefront of her mind. How did the ticket appear in front of her door? Someone might have dropped it as a blunder. Gasping, Crystal rose to her feet and hurried to the doorway, poking her head out. But no one seemed to come her way. Everyone continued walking to and fro to their stations. She felt as invisible as Milka, returning to her desk with a sigh, the ticket now slightly crumpled in her grip.
She looked again at the entrance, perplexed, only to quickly snap her fingers.
Closing her eyes, she focused on the ticket. She felt a clairvoyant connection with it, a stroke of ardor spreading from her brow. The world around her blurred and reformed. As the angles sharpened, creating a small space with kitchen appliances, tables, and chairs, Crystal found herself staring through the eyes of another woman in one of the break rooms.
"Do you think it's gonna work?" Franke asked, leaning into the counter. "Or was it too obvious? I mean, yeah, dropping it was risky, but…"
Chops grinned at her, and Crystal felt as if he was truly looking at her. While he brewed a pot of coffee, he grabbed a washed mug from the cupboard. "I think you're worrying too much, Franke. Crystal will love it. She's been talking about this show nonstop since it was announced. I'm sure you made her jump to the moon."
Crystal drew in a breath, the corners of his lips lifting in a bright grin. She bounced in her seat, giddy as a clam. She should've known it was her girlfriend. Franke always loved showering her with gifts; surprises were like Franke's bread and butter.
Franke chuckled, tugging at her high collar. "Yeah, true, but it's still risky."
"They probably won't even notice it when it looks like a little scrap of paper." Chops shrugged. "Seriously, I wouldn't. It's, what, two inches long, eh?"
"It is pretty small - wait." Her shoulders hitched. "Oh, no, should I have stayed? What if someone else snatches it because it's a ticket? I know a few PSI-less cleaning crew members who have it out for me." She rubbed her hands together, Crystal feeling a spike of apprehension as if she was doused in freezing water. "You don't think they'd do it? Y'know, to spite me?"
"Uh, I have no idea what you mean, but I doubt they'd take it out on Crystal. She's nice to everyone." Grabbing the pot, Chops poured the nearly jet black coffee into his mug. "Don't sweat the small stuff. When I passed Crystal's office, the ticket was there."
"That was, like, ten or fifteen minutes ago!"
He cupped the mug and blew, steam wafting around his face. "I'm more concerned with why the non-psychic employees are mad at you."
"Ugh! I've been using their parking spots! But only because my spot keeps getting taken by the bigwigs!" She smirked, crossing her arms. "It's not like they can telekinetically push my car out of their way, so yeah, that's why."
Crystal blinked, so surprised she almost cut the connection. A little voice in her head privately whispered, What the fuck? Just teleport to work, Franke.
Chops let his gaze fall to the floor, seemingly dumbfounded, before sighing. "Franke, I don't think anyone else is interested in the ticket. You know why?" He reached for a handful of single-serve creamers. Selecting two hazelnut ones, he dumped them into his drink. "Because only Crystal really cares about this show. Sure, others probably like it, but-" He shrugged and tossed the packets in the trash. "-I doubt anyone would take it when they see what it's for." He went to take a sip but broke into a grin. "Hey, why don't you just use clairvoyance and see if she picked it up?"
"Oh! Great idea, man!" Franke closed her eyes, encasing Crystal's vision in darkness.
No need! I'm already here!
Crystal's thoughts shot forth in their linkage. Franke jumped, eyelids peeling apart. Still glimpsing through Franke, Crystal also noted Chops's surprise. Smiling to herself as Franke reoriented herself, Crystal decided her childhood eavesdropping was still useful.
I found the ticket, Franke, and I looove it! And I love you! Thank you so much! I can't wait for us to go! Crystal cupped the ticket to her heart. Sorry, but I used clairvoyance and listened in on your conversation. I thought someone might've lost it, but when I realized it was you, I just had to let you talk 'cause you looked really cute all nervous!
Franke sputtered, a chuckle rasping out of her. Crystal felt her cheeks warming, the darker hue almost nonexistent on Franke's face. Aw, man, Crystal! You're slyer than I gave you credit for.
Chops snickered and finally took a sip of his coffee. See, Franke? Nothing to worry about except Crystal spying on you when you least expect it.
Hey! Chops! No fair!
Heh. Sorry, Crystal, but I'm right.
Well, whatever! Franke fanned herself, still chortling. I'm psyched you like it. I'll pick you up at your place when it's about an hour before showtime?
Oh, totally! I can't wait! But I should start my work now. I got a lot of emails I left on read.
You do you, babe! See ya!
And as Franke severed the connection, Chops offering a quick wave, Crystal sighed when her vision returned to her office. Holding the ticket to her heart, she closed her eyes and rested her head on the back of the chair. She still felt Franke's zeal, an unbridled giddiness in her chest that calmly fanned out, and kissing the ticket, Crystal set it next to her computer to start her daily assignments.