What Could Have Been

(Thyme Pt. 2)

In 15 minutes my next client would arrive. I was expecting some sort of tall man with dark hair, but that's all I knew about him. As I reclined in my cushy seat, absorbing the quiet peace of my tiny office space, I realized that I could probably be helping with my sister by restocking shelves or helping customers by answering questions. I knew that I could, but I didn't want to. Tey usually never bothered me during my hours of work, not even to ask me for help, so I knew she probably needed me. Even if I rather stay here, it would be a better use of my time to help out. So, I got out of my chair and exited my little office, shutting the door tightly behind me. With just a single glance I could already tell I would regret my decision. Here was the busiest hour of the day. A Friday evening, right as everyone was out of work. It's also the most diverse hour of the day. Late enough for vampires but ealrly enough for humans to feel safe.
I took a deep breath as I stepped out to find Tey, feeling a tad nervous by the sensory overload. It was noisy, no doubt, but noisier due to the birds that fluttered about. It wasn't unusual for Tey to use familiars to help around the shop if she was shorthanded. After all, we can't afford extra help around the shop every day, though, today she had exceeded my expectations on just how many sparrows could be flying around at once. Everywhere you looked, a small winged fiend was doing something to assist their master. It was both amazing and somewhat terrifying.
I wandered a bit, squeezing past customers looking for my sister. Vampires, werewolves, humans, faeries, you name it, you could find them shopping here.
When I finally found her in front of two male customers, giving them what looked to be a stern scolding. I swallowed hard. This wasn't going to be good.
I quickly walked over to her, trying to insert myself into the situation and assist my sister. I cleared my throat, trying to gain the courage to speak up.
"Excuse me, is there something I can help you with?" I asked, smiling as politely possible as I looked between my sister and the men. I thanked silent gods that my voice did not waver.
"As a matter a' fact, you can sweetheart." One said as he eyed me up and down, a sick grin twisted on his face. I already felt like I was going to be sick, now I just felt worse. He took a step closer to me, I nearly flinched out of fear but held my composure by remaining stiff, "Your pal here doesn't seem to want to lower the price for a clearly faulty product. Maybe a lovely lady like you can help us out?"
I felt my heart pound in my chest. It would be an understatement to say I was scared.
"I already told you! You can't shake up the bottle and expect me to lower the price because you screwed up our product!" Tey crossed her arms, a furious look on her face as she glared up at the pig in front of me. I hadn't seen such a bright shade of scarlet on her face in a long time.
The mans face twitched for just a moment, letting a flash a rage be made visible. "Why don't you stay out of this, Scarface? I wasn't talking to you."
I say Tey flinched just slightly, taken aback from that nasty remark. I knew she was going to blow up soon, and that wouldn't be good for business. I was going to have to take the lead.
"Sir. I'm going to have to ask you and your friend to leave the store." I said in a direct tone which drew looks from onlookers. My heart was pounding in my ears, I almost couldn't hear myself.
"Aw, come on, doll, don't be like that." He started to smile again as he reached out to touch me.
I quickly smacked his hand away and started up again, trying my best to control my anger and my fear.
"You disrespected my colleague, ruined one of our products, and will not leave after being asked. I'm afraid you, sir, have gone several steps too far. If I have to ask you again, I-I will call the police." I swallowed hard, hoping he hadn't noticed my stutter.
He looked around him, noticing all the eyes that were now watching us. His eyes went cold and his dirty smile became a wicked sneer.
"Alright, dirty-blooded filth. We'll leave. Wouldn't want to cause you any trouble, after all." He dropped the potion, shattering the glass instantly as it hit the ground, and he raved out with his silent goon trailing behind him. The shattered bottle leaked the purple liquid content out, staining the floor instantly. It was quiet for a moment, but soon returned to the normal hustle and bustle that was there prior. No one seemed to care that a witch's lively hood was shattered on the floor.
"Tey, are you alright?" I asked, my heart rate slowly declining to a normal speed.
"Ah, well. It's not the first time I've been called that. And they didn't touch me or anything, so I'll be okay." She let out a sigh, "Humans, am I right? A bold one at that, too."
I nodded, agreeing with the sad truth.
It's has always been the 'unnaturals' vs. humans. Once they figured out that werewolves are weakened by silver, the used it to hunt them in sport. Once they learned vampires are weakened in sunlight, they used it to abuse and mistreated them. They did the same thing with merpeople and faeries and every little species in between. They'd exploit their weakness to make themselves more powerful. Witches weren't exactly exempt from this torture, either.
"Anyway, I should be asking you that question. I know that that can't of been easy for you. It must have reminded you a lot of..."
"Yes, I'm fine. Thanks for asking. I can clean up the mess for you." I interrupted, smiling lightly. I didn't like where her statement was going.
She searched my face, a frown painted on her lips, "Alright. Thank you, Malice." Tey said slowly. As she walked off, I let out a slow sigh. There wasn't anything to complain about. This was the hand I was dealt and there was nothing I could do about it. I gathered some cleaning supplies and knelt down beside the puddled mess, dabbing at the potion that had somewhat thickened on the floor. The customers still went about their day, walking around me and the mess as if there was an invisible barrier preventing them from entering. No, everyone was blind to me and my little disorderly heap.
I should be used to this. I was the child that was to be not seen or heard. If I complained I would only be what they said I was. Weak, troublemaking. Lazy, insignificant. I would be exactly what they thought I was and under no circumstances could I allow that to be.
I should be used to this. So why, when I have faced this for years and years, do I still feel tears welling up in my eyes? Why does my heart start pounding and my face gets hot? Why does it still affect me this much? Why?
So there I was, dabbing aggressively at the sticky solution on the wooden floor, avoiding chunks of glass while I tried my hardest to not let out a sob. I felt weak and stupid, as a mouse in a world of cats. I was losing my cool, unable to keep my composure. I tried to focus on picking up the mess, focus on the purpley solution and pieces of glass, focus on cleaning, focus on-
So focused I was on my thoughts that I was greatly startled by the quiet voice of concern from above.
"D-Do you need any help, miss?"