Page 4 of Naughty Elf: Alfie
“And that’s how it’s done.” He passes me half the cookies and I stare back at him. He grins as he shovels a powdery cookie into his mouth. I follow suit as we walk back to the sleigh. “We have quite a few houses to hit here. We’ll leave the sleigh and hop between houses.”
I nod and grab the bag labeled for the trailer park. We hop from house to house, Santa descending into each house and bringing up cookies once we’ve delivered the presents. It takes hours, but I know time stands still for us. We finish Illinois before moving to Indiana.
My heart pounds the closer we get to the pink velvet bag. In my heart, I know where he’s sending me. Who he’s sending me to. The person that always gets crystals. But they should be an adult, why do they still get gifts from Santa?
At the latest house I pass Santa a green bag and the next I know takes me to my destiny.
Santa doesn’t say anything on our ride over to a warehouse. He lands the sleigh and turns to me.
“Breathe, Alfie.”
I follow his directions and give him a grin. Tears well in my eyes, this time happy ones. “Thank you for picking me.”
“It’s been my pleasure working with you, Alfie.” He leans in and presses a kiss to my forehead. “Be yourself.” Santa hands me a wad of green bills wrapped together with a rubber band. “I’m not supposed to do this. But… that’s five thousand dollars. Should give you enough to get you on your feet before you find a job or housing. Use it wisely.”
I hold it to my chest and nod before stuffing it in my pocket. “Thank you.”
The world around me shrinks. I can’t move, but I’m not afraid. Santa’s sending me to my fated mate.
Chapter 2
Pisces
“It’s not looking good, Harold.”I frown at my spreadsheets as I clutch my pretty tortoiseshell kitty. He’s been my companion for five years and probably the only reason I haven’t given up on going after my dreams. But sometimes dreams are expensive and we have to make big scary decisions.
“One more year,” I whisper into his marble coat. “If by this time next year I haven’t made a liveable profit, then I’ll throw in the towel and get a job somewhere else.” Just the idea of going back to work for someone makes my stomach hurt.
“It usually takes at least five years before a business sees profits. Five years before they close. I’ve only been at it for four.” I nod and shut my laptop.
Harold meows and rubs his head on my chin before looking at me with his big yellow eyes, begging for treats.
“Come on.” I push to my feet and make sure not to trip over Harold as we make our way to our tiny kitchen. I love my apartment. It’s two bedrooms and perfect for Harold and me.
I grab a juice box from the fridge, then grab a few salmon flavored treats from the bag on top of the fridge.
“You know, everyone says Halloween is a good time to make magic. But Christmas is just as good. There’s all these good vibesfloating around.” I squat to feed Harold his treats. “How about we go make some magic?”
I suck down my fruit punch, then wash my hands.
“I always forget to do magic. Ya know, it never hurts.” I rummage around in a drawer until I find my lighter. Then grab a few tea lights.
“Need some salt. And...” I look around for my favorite stone, rose quartz. “Oh! Citrine and aventurine. Always good for abundance and business.”
I frown again. “But abundance just means a lot. I need to dial things in. I want a lot of business, money...” I tap my bottom lip. “Happiness.” My shoulders drop. “Ishouldbe happy.”
Harold merows instead of meows as if he knows what I mean. I scratch his soft head. “You want for nothing, my little prince.” Petting Harold always brings me comfort no matter my mood.
“Come on, time to manifest, so I can afford to get you more treats and toys like the sweet prince you are.”
He trots along with me as I gather the rest of my supplies, then we head out onto our balcony. The cool, gentle breeze makes my long rabbit ears twitch and my puffball of a tail tickle. I probably should have pulled on a sweater, but it’s not even cold enough to snow. I breathe in the fresh air.
Harold’s collar jingles. We have an understanding between us. He doesn’t try to escape and I don’t put the harness and leash on him. So far it’s worked perfectly.
I have a small patio table that I swipe clean before putting down my candles and crystals and salt. I don’t actually need any of it. Spell work is about intention, the tools just help direct. I arrange my tea lights and crystals how I want them, then circle them all with salt. I’m not the best with words, but I say a few.
“Universe, hear my plea. I am a successful business owner by this time next year. Paying all my bills with profits from myshop Pieces of Pisces and having enough left over to have a life of adventure and ease.” That should do it.
My candle flames wiggle with a slight breeze and I shiver. Closing my eyes, I repeat the words. I swear it’s like heat drops right onto my head and flows down to my toes and into the earth below my balcony.
