Mon was in her normal place, drinking a latte and reading the paper.  She hadn't said anything but that wasn't unusual.  Cathy fidgeted.

"May I ask a personal question?" she asked.

"Hmm?" Mon took a sip of her latte.

"Are you married?" Cathy was trying no to sound eager.  It had been three months and she still knew very little about Mon.  This ( Read more... )

"The question of deity is difficult to discern for the rational, thinking creature.  After all, rational thought implies a logical progression from cause to effect which in this case is observation to belief.  As a scientifically trained scholar, I believe in observable and testable forces that can create repeatable results. The theory of gravity ( Read more... )

A hand reached over the ledge and fumbled for a hold. Finding no more vertical surface, it sought a horizontal. Flatness found, it grasped the edge of the cliff and strained. A dirt-stained forearm appeared, followed in quick succession with an elbow, the rest of the arm and the girl attached. Disheveled and gasping, she pulled herself up over the ( Read more... )

A moment of absolute stillness. Purity of essence both fine and frightening. This is the center before it loses hold, the shock before fight or flight, the disbelief to a dream comes true. It is a balance point on which your life does hinge. Never mind that the person before you may be in total agreement. Lose of face is far worse. Weeks, years ( Read more... )

The pressure was increasing.  Lily adjusted her shields to accommodate and kept talking ( Read more... )

Rachel hated pagan festivals. So many sensitives in one area attracted incorporeal attention.  The fact that so many of the corporeals seemed to take the festival as an excuse to spout nonsense, dress ridiculously, and generally call unwarranted attention to themselves did nothing to improve Rachel's mood. But Mon had invited her here, so there ( Read more... )

Sean head the door slam as Cathy came in. Her books crashed to the floor while she unloaded her bag.  A coat went flying towards the couch.  Smiling, he turned the burner on under the tea kettle ( Read more... )

Monica placed a penny on the table between them. "Move it" she said.
     Cathy concentrated on the penny. She envisioned it moving in her mind.  Slowly she gathered her will, building determination.  Cathy imagined the tiny copper disk sliding across the table.  She assumed rather then felt Monica's shields and aimed accordingly.  More and more ( Read more... )

Lauren was born on the other side of the veil. She was vague and hazy, too heavy and difficult to grasp. The clan mothers consulted and brought forth the patriarch. He called upon the clan’s wise woman who told stories of fairy children exchanged for better deals. The patriarch laughed, calling Lauren a prime candidate. The wise woman smiled and ( Read more... )

She left the store by its front doors, lights flickering out behind her. Doors closed and locked.  The night air, usually eager to engulf newcomers, held back.  Her breath was barely a mist in the night’s fog.

Parking lot streetlights glowed in the grey haze that dampened all sound.  The nearby road, usually loud and intrusive, was silent. She ( Read more... )