Chapter 4
A few days later Mia made another note on her tablet. ‘That’s great, Robin. You can hop off now.’
Katie had dragged her into school to help deliver an assembly about healthy hearts and carry out school health checks.
And remind them all not to eat too many Easter eggs over the coming school break!
It’d been fun, and a nice change of pace to have all her patients queuing up and mostly excited to see her instead of poorly or worried or both.
And she’d enjoyed watching Katie being the responsible teacher instead of the troublemaker at the back of the class.
‘Nurse Mia?’
‘Yes, Christopher?’
‘ThisisforyouhappyearlyEaster.’ He shoved a lumpy envelope at her which was almost as red as his cheeks before racing out of the library.
‘Is that what I think it is?’ Katie peered over her shoulder.
Mia opened the envelope and had to brush glitter off her fingers as she giggled. ‘Yeah, it is. And an only slightly squished chocolate… something.’
‘How adorable.’
‘Yup. Pity he’s not about twenty years older! It’s a shame they stop being cute when they get older.’
‘I think that’s us done here. I know I’m no handsome prince, but do you fancy being my lunch date? We could grab a quick bite from the canteen then sneak into the library…’
‘Do teachers actually have to “sneak” into the library like when we were ten?’
‘Probably not. But it’s more fun! Come on, Mimi. It’ll be cool… and the food’s improved a lot since we studied here. It’s lasagne today. And the salad bar’s really good.’
‘What, no square pizzas?’
‘Oh, we still have that. And I think it’s chocolate concrete day.’
‘Jackpot! But there’d better be pink custard. Without that, it’s no deal.’
‘You’re staying?’
‘Absolutely! Square pizza, pink custard and a trip down memory lane sounds perfect.’
After nearly an hour of giggling, and being shushed twice by the librarian before she realised who was making all the noise, Katie checked her watch. ‘Well, I can’t say it was very nutritious, but it was good!’
‘Nothing wrong with a bit of nostalgia.’ Mia ran her finger around her bowl, sweeping up the last of the lurid pink, fruity-sweet pseudo-custard, and licked it off. ‘I can’t remember the last time I had either. And I’m still convinced pizza tastes better when it’s square.’
‘Me too.’ Katie laughed. ‘But I should be getting back, before the marauding hordes take over.’
‘I don’t believe that for a moment.’ Mia laughed. ‘They were all so sweet and well-behaved this morning.’
‘That’s the problem. They’ve probably worn out their good behaviour and patience this morning for “Nurse Mia”. And they’re always more energetic after lunch.’
‘Good luck then.’ Mia laughed again. ‘I’d best get going too. I’ve got to pick some bits up before my next appointment.’
‘Get off with you then. I’ll get the trays back to the canteen.’
‘Thanks Kitikat.’
‘Laters, Mimi.’
It was cold, so Mia’s walk through town was brisk, but she hesitated at the fountain. Not knowing why today felt different to any other, she dug a coin out and flipped it into the water. It splashed back, tickling gently against her cheek. She smiled to herself – maybe a lucky kiss?
A few minutes later Ophelia’s chimes tinkled in welcome. ‘Hello?’ She was surprised to see Aiden balanced on the top of a ladder, half in the window.
‘Hi. Perfect timing. Would you mind handing me that?’ He pointed to a golden fairy upside down in the window display, her legs sticking out of a pot of daffodils. Mia pulled her out, straightened her wings, and handed her back up.
‘Thanks. These little imps have been living up to their name.’
‘What?’
‘They don’t want to stay put and keep dive-bombing the rest of the display. And customers.’
‘I don’t know, I think she looks pretty innocent.’
‘Don’t you believe it. I had to untangle one from Mrs Smith’s hair this morning!
Doesn’t matter how many times I put them up, or how much string, Blu-tack and tape I use – they keep escaping.
I’m starting to think they have minds of their own – and are intent on mischief!
And to make it worse, Mist has taken a liking to them. ’
‘So, you have a mischievous moggy teaming up with spiteful sprites?’
Aiden burst out laughing and had to grab the ladder to keep his balance. ‘For a healthcare professional, you’re pretty dangerous to my health.’
‘Sorry.’ Mia laughed and stepped back to admire the window. ‘I know I’ve seen it before, but fractious fairies aside, it looks lovely. Probably the best display in years.’
‘Yeah. Really does from here.’
His tone grabbed Mia’s attention and she glanced up to catch him grinning down at her. The heat in his gaze made her realise her top was less than modest from the angle he was at.
‘Get down here, you despicable flirt!’
‘Sorry.’ He grinned, not the least bit apologetic. ‘But if that isn’t one of the best views of the year, I don’t know what would beat it!’
Mia shook her head, trying not to laugh. ‘I should warn you, I’ve been told how to deal with you.’
‘Oh really.’ He leaned against the ladder. ‘And how’s that?’
‘Apparently Ophelia has demons for people who misbehave.’
‘Not sure I believe that. Pretty sure she’d have set them on me by now if it was true!’
‘Katie said I should smack you if you get out of line.’
‘How out of line would I be if I suggested that I might enjoy that?’
‘What am I supposed to do with you?’ Mia shook her head again.
‘I could answer that’ – he lifted the ladder, then leaned down to whisper close to her ear – ‘but then you really would have to smack me.’ He waggled his eyebrows, making her laugh before he walked away, ladder tucked casually under his arm.
Mia followed, still shaking her head at his silliness.
He put the ladder away then turned to look at her again, this time more serious. ‘Mia, you do know I’m only teasing, right? That if I thought it bothered you for a moment – or you said a single word to suggest it did – I’d lay off immediately.’
‘Yeah, I do. But it’s harmless fun.’
‘Exactly. You smile when I flirt. And your smile is gorgeous – no teasing there.’
‘Thank you.’
‘But I mean it about not wanting to offend you.’
‘I know.’
‘And not just because you’re my new favourite taste-tester.’
‘Oh, am I?’
‘Definitely. You were spot on with the dark chocolate suggestion. With a couple more tweaks, I think they might cross the line from decadent to dangerous.’
‘Sounds good.’
‘I was thinking of seeing if Cheryl will sell some in Sugar Rush.’
‘I think that’s a great idea!’
‘And the morning sickness biscuits – although we’re calling them Mother’s Comfort Cookies – are going well too. Apparently, a local healthcare visitor has been recommending them…’
‘They’re a good product, Aiden. Of course I’ll recommend them.’
‘Thank you. It helps.’
‘My patients as well as your sales. But you’re welcome.’
‘So, apart from making you smile a few times’ – as soon as he said it, Mia couldn’t help another grin – ‘what can I do for you today?’
‘Tea and biscuits please.’
‘Am I putting the kettle on?’
‘Afraid not. Patient pick-up.’ She gave the name.
‘Can’t blame me for being a little disappointed.’ He shrugged. ‘Give me a min to get it.’
Mia took a moment to relax and breathe in the peace and calm of the store.
Ophelia – and probably Aiden – had gone all out decorating, with swags and garlands of ribbons, greenery, flowers and tiny lights swooping across the store.
There were bunnies, eggs and more troublesome fairies mixed in with the candles dotted amongst some of her prettier antiques and jewellery.
Mia heard it before she saw it, which she knew didn’t make sense, but it was the only way to describe the keening hum in her mind.
She wasn’t sure – exactly – if the air around her had darkened, or if the space around it was lighter, but suddenly the crystal was the brightest thing in the store – like it had suddenly worked out how to reflect sunlight that couldn’t possibly reach the shelf so far from the window.
She didn’t have any choice but to pick up the small, lilacky stone heart and tilt it back and forth in her hands, utterly fascinated by the way it flashed light and rainbows back to her. Somehow she wasn’t surprised that it was warm.
‘You have good taste.’ Aiden’s voice was soft behind her. ‘It’s pink amethyst.’
‘It’s pretty.’
‘It’s a powerful stone too. Ophelia would probably tell you it has soft, feminine energies, with a strong protective side that’s good for peace, calm and compassion under pressure. Fairly good for someone in your line of work. It attracts love too.’
‘All that from a crystal?’ Mia weighed the stone in her palm, not wanting to put it back on its shelf.
‘Yes. If you believe in crystal healing and energies like that.’
‘And do you?’
‘Rayenne’s teaching me reiki, so I think I’m starting to.
It makes sense. The world we live in is made up of energy – physics proves that – and reiki teaches you to manipulate and channel that energy to heal.
I don’t think it replaces the medicine you do, but do I think it can help?
Yes. At least, I hope so. And I think crystals are another tool which helps us to do that. ’
‘And you really think this one will help me find my soulmate?’
‘I think what you think, and what you believe, is more important. Do you want me to ring it up and abuse my staff discount for you?’
‘I couldn’t ask you to do that.’ Mia still held the crystal tightly, not wanting to leave without it, but not fully understanding why.
‘You didn’t ask. I offered. And it’s a friends and family discount. So, either you’re going to say “thank you, Aiden” or you’re going to callously break my heart by telling me we’re not friends. Because you don’t look like you want to leave without it.’
‘Thank you, Aiden.’ She smiled, paid and headed off to her next patient.