The Rarest Gem

Chapter Two

Logan

Thank goodness, the last box.

That was a lot.

I rip open the large brown package containing more of my mother's items for her shop and try to organize the crystals inside.

I know some of them by heart: the tourmaline, the jade, and, of course, the quartz crystals, all beautifully glistening in the light from the above fixtures of my mom's new metaphysical boutique.

Underneath the crystals lies a row of folded bubble wrap, which I quickly remove from the box, crumble up, and toss to the side, revealing the most beautiful spirit board underneath.

I don't remember ever seeing this before...

I unpack the spirit board and lay it on the ground. The crystals decorating the wooden communication board to the spirit world take my breath away as I run my hand along the intricate designs.

The letters written in such delicate script call out to me, and I feel the need to ask a question, to get help from beyond to navigate my crazy life, which seems to be going nowhere at the moment.

I grab the rose quartz crystal hanging from my neck on its detachable chain and pull, clutching it while beginning to concentrate on a question I have in mind-the one I constantly wonder but keep to myself.

Will I ever find true love? Will I ever find the one?

I imagine what the person of my dreams might look like, but the looks don't really matter, so I move on to the qualities I want them to possess.

I adjust my position on the floor to become more comfortable, crossing my legs and taking a deep breath.

I want them to be kind but adventurous.

I want them to want me as much as I want them.

I want to know it will be forever.

Will I get what I want, Spirit?

Is it in my story? Could I possibly...

"Lo-Lo!"

I open my eyes and see my little sister Ryder running towards me with the biggest grin painted on her. It's entirely contagious because I cannot help but emulate the happiness illustrated on her tiny, innocent face.

How did I not hear those tiny feet tapping across the shop?

"Hey, Ry. Does mom know you're wandering around the shop down here?" I ask now, putting the crystal to my side and sitting her on my lap.

"Game!" she screams excitedly, completely ignoring my question and now pointing to the spirit board sitting in front of us in all its glory, still glistening just as beautifully as before.

"It's not a game, Ry. It's spiritual. Remember what mommy told you about magic and how..."

She is completely uninterested in my explanation and isn't afraid to show it.

Her attention goes from the spirit board to the crystal at my side, and she immediately hops off my lap, picks it up, and gently places it in the top left corner on the single word that says "yes."

She turns to face me and grins so hard that her nose crinkles and her eyes squint as she begins her signature funny little dance at the side of the spirit board.

Geesh, for a four-year-old, she sure is more divinely connected than I am.

Well, they do say children are pure and can see things. Hopefully, she's right, and this is a message from the universe.