FORGETTING EMPTINESS: Chapter 8

DISCLAIMER: Can be found on Chapter 1.

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The Magic box had been quite all day and Anya was not happy. She was the only one in the store, sitting on a stool behind the counter, the register as still as a turtle.

"Would you please come again nice customers, I love you and your money very much!" Anya's remarks not appreciated just made herself feel even more depressed. At that, she thought she'd go and check the stock room, she'd already re stocked everything and she didn't feel up to sweeping.

Getting of her stool, she put a fake smile on her face and travelled to the stock room. On her way, she heard the bell and went back upstairs. Greeting her at the counter was a young man, about 18 years old with a sincere expression.

"Hi, I was wondering if I could ask you some questions?" The young man in a leather jacket called after Anya as she approached the counter.

"Yes, off course you can. At the Magic Box, we can service all your occult means." Anya began her customer service regime, starting of with her smile and greeting. There is seven steps to great customer service. Anya mentally noted each point as she helped the young man.

"Yes, I was wondering if I could get an advanced book of Witchcraft, my girlfriend is quite a powerful wicca and I would like to get her a book so she can further her craft. I am interested in learning the craft and the occult so I can assist her and I was wondering what the best way to go about it was?" He put his hands in his Jean pockets, in a stance that communicated to Anya that he was ready for Anya to tell him what to do.

"Well, there is plenty of ways to go about learning the craft. The best way to begin is to study up on the occult, and seeing you do have a girlfriend who's advanced in the craft, it might be an idea to learn the craft from her. You could start of with a couple of minor incantations, then step into major spells. There are a number of books here that you can buy, these are our beginner's books and then you can step into the more advanced magicks." Anya had led the young man to the books section, the man eyeing each spine. Finally, he choose two books. The first book was titled 'Mysteries of the Occult: A beginners guide to the supernatural.' The second book he chose was called 'Fumbl'es and Tumbl'es: The Misconceived Occult explained, and corrected.'

"Thankyou, these will help me a lot. So where do I make my purchase?" Anya walked the man over to the counter, the man handing over his purchase as well as cash.

"Thankyou very much, please come again to the Magic Shop!" The man left and three minutes later, Willow walked into the shop with Xander!

"Hello my handsome husband." Anya greeted Xander planting a soft kiss on his lips.

"Well, hello my foxy lady. How's the retail going for you." Xander sat at the table, his backpack planted by his knees.

"So, Buffy wasn't at Doublemeat Palace. We were wondering if she'd been by here?" Willow asked Anya who was seated directly opposite Xander.

"No, I haven't. Do you think there's something wrong. Maybe Aliens who are taking her to the Planet Fried Food abducted her and are trying to find out the secret herbs and spices. Wait, that's KFC!" Anya rambled on freely, while Willow sat with her hands under her knees. The Magic Shop still had an effect on Willow, the once obsessed Wicca.

"Maybe we'll pass by her place later on. Maybe something's wrong with Dawn?" Xander moved closer to the now seated Anya.

"Yeah, right now, I've got to...go to the Library!" Willow almost ran out of the Magic Box, she obviously wasn't comfortable in the shop and had desperately wanted to retreat.

"Okay then...I guess that means we're alone." Xander turned to Anya, planting another soft kiss on her lips.

Not knowing to them, the man in the leather jacket was waiting outside, in hope that someone would go to the Magic Shop.

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