Seer: The Blessed Child

Meeting at the Water Cooler

Sachi waited at the RTA boarding platform with a fare card in hand.

When she told Kael about meeting McCoy earlier that day, he offered to give her a ride to his downtown office. Thankful for the offer, she declined. It had been ages since she last rode The Rapid and she wanted to see how different downtown looked anyway after the renovations made to Public Square to accommodate for the Republican Convention a few years back. Also, this gave her an excuse to go to Tower City.

Gripping the fare card tightly, she shivered as the wind picked up in the open space. Not knowing the schedule offhand, she guessed that the trains usually run about ten to fifteen minutes apart. 

Her eyes watering and nose running from the bitter chill, she wished that it would arrive sooner rather than later.

At last, with a whistle and rumble, the train came to a stop at the platform as though on cue.

A minute longer and Sachi thought she would freeze in the unseasonably chilly weather.

She stepped onto the train car and sat in the seats facing forward. When she was younger, she likened the ride to that of a roller coaster as it rode along the tracks while she stared out the window and took in the sights of the graffiti-riddled buildings and landscapes, rundown apartment buildings, and the city skyline.

Her phone buzzed in her purse with a text message notification.

Baby, check out Weezer's video. You're in for a treat it read.

Her curiosity piqued, she brought up the YouTube app and searched for the group's account. To her astonishment, it was Calpurnia in a music video for Weezer's cover of the hit 80s song, Take On Me.

Finn Wolfhard sporting a mullet and looking damn good mind you was something she never imagined she would see. Kael was right. It was a treat with it being a dreary day and all. 

She covered her mouth stifling a squeal threatening to spill from her tongue. As much as she tries to keep up with the goings-on of the band, how did she miss this?

No matter. She took a few screenshots to add to her collection. It was a habit that she started when Calpurnia posted their music video Greyhound.

After the last stop at Ohio City, the conductor announced over the intercom that the train would arrive at Tower City within minutes.

Closing out the app, she placed her phone in her purse, zipped it shut, and wrapped the purse strap around her shoulder, letting it hang at her hip to ward off any would-be purse-snatchers.

She stood up, grabbing the hand railing, and made her way to the exit as the train jolted and came to a stop inside Tower City.

Exiting the train with the cool wind nipping at her heels, she hustled across the platform through the glass doors to the ticket reader to swipe her fare card. The line moved swiftly as each person swiped their card, went through the security bars, and entered the shopping center while a transit police officer stood nearby watching.

When Sachi's turn came, she swiped her card but didn't get a reading. She tried again but still nothing. At her distress, the officer motioned for her to come over. 

"I don't know what I'm doing wrong," Sachi said irritated. Smiling sympathetically, the officer looked at her card and gave her the go-ahead bypassing the security bars to enter.

Mouthing her thanks, Sachi jogged up the steps. At last, she was inside Tower City.

She stopped by the indoor fountain to check her phone just in case McCoy left any messages.  There wasn't any.  "I guess he is trying to be more patient," Sachi thought. The aroma of the food court made her stomach grumble.

As tempting as it was to stop by one of the various restaurants to grab a bite to eat, she knew she didn't have that luxury. The same went for window shopping. Instead, she exited the center altogether to stave off the temptation.

Just as she thought, Public Square changed since she last visited downtown. To her relief, the beautifully sculpted  Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument remained. She had to admit that she liked the changes. She especially liked the new addition of-the-art wall and wished that she had more time to explore it.

One iconic landmark she wanted to see during her downtown adventure was The Arcade. If Cleveland has one selling point, it's the magnificent architecture nicknamed Cleveland's Crystal Palace. The first indoor shopping center, it is a wonder to behold with its iron balconies and the breathtaking glass ceiling.

Sachi made a mental note to visit the landmark once her meeting with McCoy concluded.

The police station not far from Public Square, she walked the short distance.

She entered the station, glimpsing a youthful faced blond hair man typing at the receptionist's desk. 

Dying of thirst, she stopped at the water cooler, grabbed a paper cup, and poured herself a cup of water. It suddenly dawned on her.  Kael called me baby.

"Can I help you?" the pleasant-sounding voice said behind her. 

Turning as the inquisitive man stared at her, she held up a finger signaling to the cup as she took a big gulp. Her thirst quenched, she sighed. "Better," she said wiping her mouth. 

"Hi," the young man said with an amused smile. "Sorry," Sachi said. "I'm here to see Wolf McCoy. He's expecting me." 

"Oh," the young man said taken aback. "I didn't know that he had a meeting scheduled for today." 

"It was a spur-of-the-moment thing," Sachi said throwing her cup into the nearby garbage can.

He rounded the receptionist's desk and extended his hand. "I'm Chad."  

She took his hand. He had a firm grip. "How did you get those scratches," she said noticing the deep red scratches on his arm under the sleeve of his dress shirt. "My cat," Chad said. "She doesn't like when I play with her." "It looks painful," Sachi said. "It isn't as bad as it looks," Chad replied.

The door to Wolf's office swung open. "You're here," he said standing by the door with a tense look on his face. "It was nice meeting you, Chad," Sachi said. 

He released her hand from his grip. "Likewise," he said.

Heading back to his desk, he watched as Sachi entered the office and Wolf shut the door behind them. "I didn't get your name," he said sulking into his chair.