Aura – By M.Solis
AURA
BY M.SOLIS
SELENE
“Calming and cleansing properties that heal the mind, body, and soul. Water not only hydrates and nurtures the body but sustains our soul’s aura and essence.”
At least, that is what I tell myself as I set up my little metaphysical booth down by the Santa Monica Pier.
Being only feet away from the ocean breeze is a definite plus. Now, if only we can get some customers today and I will be set. Owning your own business is no small feat. There are good days and bad days, it comes with the territory. Lately, more bad than good.
Stagnant . That is the energy I have been feeling for a while now.
I could not place my finger on when it started happening, but I knew I did not like it.
I thrived on chaotic energy; it always boosted me in a way or another.
It is why I chose to set up shop at a busy pier. This busy stillness was not my forte.
“Enough of the pity party.”
I sighed to myself. I needed to get started. I busied myself going over the opening routine; getting lost in the simple tasks, pondering which candle would complement this day. Looking over the selection my good friend Izzy curated and made herself, only one stood out.
Aphrodite. Hmm… I haven’t lit that one up before and never felt drawn to it. Choice made, I shrug and take out the smaller, sample jar Izzy appointed to help highlight each candle available for sale.
Aphrodite it is— the world could always use a little love after all.
Standing near the small counter—some miracle in this tiny booth—allowed me to people watch. My favorite part of the day, besides helping curious eyes and ears.
Time dragged on for most of the morning. The usual window shoppers asking questions or wanting to haggle.
A normal day as ever, until it wasn’t…
SELENE
I felt the shift right away. A vibration around me that was not the work of all the pretty crystals surrounding me.
Trying to pinpoint the exact cause in my surroundings was pointless, there were too many tourists around.
My intuition never steered me wrong, and right now it was telling me shit was about to go down.
So much for complaining about slow days.
I saw his aura before he even came to view. It was a vibrant forest green.
Patience. Strength. Stability. Wisdom... Unconditional Love.
Shit. I am not ready for this. Not at all.
Why would the universe do this to me now?
I just started getting into a steady flow with my shop.
I have a great balance with work and personal lives.
Sure, my personal life consists exclusively of reading and catching up with my friends, and no worthy dates I can recall.
I am content, though. So, why rock the boat?
“These man-made?”
A strong masculine voice shakes me out of my life path crisis. I finally look into the eyes of the beholder of this magnificent aura. Forest green, because of course, the universe is not subtle.
“I prefer to call it ‘man intervention’, since they all come from Mother Earth, but are touched by man. They could be polished, cut, shaped, or just wiped clean.” I shrug. “Doesn’t take away from their unique beauty.”
He looks at me with curiosity, like I am a puzzle he needs to figure out. Which of course, makes me uneasy with all this buzzing energy around. “I like your way of thinking, Miss…?”
“Selene. This is my little shop.” I look around at my pride and joy. “You are?”
“Michael.” He gives me a dazzling smile. “Nice to meet you, Miss Selene —owner of this little shop.”
If the universe had a sense of humor, I am sure I would be the butt of the joke. You see, Archangel Michael is my patron, the one whom I dedicated this entire business venture to —to protect and guide.
Sigh. I am listening, universe. I see you have a plan in motion.
I am not sure what plan in motion could even be, but it is clear that fate is at play. I cannot ignore it, as much as I may not be ready to welcome this magnificent creature into my life. I must go with the flow.
Let’s see if my heart survives.
MICHAEL
How I ended up in this little piece of heaven, next to this delectable woman, I don’t know, but I will be sure to thank my cousin for it.
His introverted, stubborn, hermit self has finally paid off.
I’ll be sure to send him a gift basket for ditching the annual training camp our Ranger District back home signs us up for.
Technically, he should be here. He is the Chief Ranger, but as his assistant and most senior ranger, I have to be the face of our station. Gods forbid the actual boss come out of the forest and mix with the public.
I shouldn’t complain. Meeting Selene has made it all worth it.
There’s this pull I can’t deny, but just being in her presence makes me feel like I am at home.
Which is weird, as I am thousands of miles away from my actual home in Eagle Rock.
We just got signed up for this training because California has some of the best tools and techniques when it comes to tackling and subduing wildfires, and as rangers, we are the first defense to our beautiful forests.
Maybe this week won’t be so lonely after all. Yes, a gift basket for my cousin is definitely in order.
As I tinkered around the little shop —which was more of a walk-in closet —I tried to keep my eyes off Selene.
Long, sleek, brown hair that I couldn’t wait to run my fingers through.
Mischievous brown eyes that could peer through my soul.
She could figure out all my secrets and I wouldn’t even bat an eye.
Petite compared to my six foot, three inch frame, but I didn’t mind.
Something told me her short stature never stopped her from achieving new heights.
She is wearing a kimono type of wrap that is too loose for my liking. I’d have to see if she was down to let me explore; preferably, sooner rather than later. Just imagining feeling her warmth beneath me is making my jeans uncomfortable.
I busy myself with admiring all the different pieces of rocks around me.
All of them have different shapes, sizes, and colors.
I didn’t know too much about this stuff; we don’t have a shop like this back home.
I know, because it took me a good while to locate a specific stone that my cousin— the grump’s sister —wanted for her birthday.
Maybe I should shop early and be prepared.
“Do you carry jewelry?” I ask, looking around but starting to feel overwhelmed.
“I do have a small selection,” she replies, pointing at a small display case by the register. “Is there a specific type you’re looking for?”
“Not really, my cousin is into this stuff, but I don’t really know much,” I admit sheepishly, “She likes sparkly for sure, maybe something like that?”
“Sparkly, I can do.” She chuckles and busies herself with the display case while I walk toward her. “Is she a necklace, bracelet, or ring type of girl?”
I scratch my scruff, thinking. “ Umm... good question. I think she likes it all, but maybe a necklace will get me ‘best cousin’ status.”
Selene smirks at me like she has me figured out, and she probably did. I loved my cousins; they are all I have left of my family, and I’d do anything for them. Granted my uncle is still around too, but I’m his constant reminder of his sister’s absence.
Mentally shrugging out those dark thoughts, I instead pay attention to the beauty before me. She is carefully inspecting each pendant, holding it carefully and intently as if they were speaking to her.
“Labradorite,” she says thoughtfully. “Yes, that is her stone. See the flash when it catches the light?” Selene dazzles me with a million-dollar smile, brighter than the stone in her palm.
Gosh, her smile. If I could bottle it up, I would. Shaking myself out of a daze, I finally catch that flash she was talking about. It was iridescent in a way, with a multitude of blues and greens. “Like the northern lights.” I was awed.
“Yes! Exactly like that. It is said that a long time ago, a lonely warrior trekked the highest point to capture the aurora borealis.”
“Why would he do that?”
“It’s said he needed light to guide him home.” She shrugs as if it was as simple as that.
“Well, okay then, sold!” I smile at her. “I’ll take it.”
She carefully wraps it up in a jewelry box of sorts and begins ringing me up.
“I don’t mean to be forward or anything, but I’m here for a couple weeks for a work gig. Would you like to grab a bite to eat sometime?”
I wait patiently while she finishes packing my purchase up, clearly mulling over my proposition.
“Sure. I close the shop a little after sunset, if you want to stop by then?”
“Yes ma’am!” I grin triumphantly.
“Oh no, I am not a ma’am yet, sir.”
Sir —I kind of like that.
“Alright, Miss Selene, I will see you later then.” I wave as I walk out of her little shop and onto the busy pier.
SELENE
What did I get myself into? I ask myself as my gaze lingers over Michael’s retreating back.
I’m not ready for this —but that smile, and that little dimple. I see you, universe, I see you. I roll my eyes to myself.
The rest of the day passes in a blur, my head too busy thinking about what all this meant to really notice the passing time. Wondering who this guy really was? What did the gods have in store for me?
Closing time came quickly, and as I secure all the panels and the drop-down gates at the entrance, my nerves seem to be getting to me.
As I set the alarm to secure everything, I felt his presence.
Just chill. Breathe. Go with the flow. I keep telling myself this as my heart begins to beat more erratically.
“Hey, Selene, sorry I’m late. Looks like you closed up shop all on your own,” Michael says, carefully observing our surroundings. Almost protectively.
“Yes, it was a slow day, so I got done quick,” I assure him.
“Well, are you ready to show me a good spot?” He winks mischievously.