chapter 7

Slow was a perceptive term. The days of having a full waiting room and late nights seeing the future seemed to be over. Sometimes, Ebony had no one coming in to the shop at all.

Then, one day, Corvette came to visit. She hadn't seen her much since they graduated from high school. She heard she went to university to study cooking. It was surprising, since Corvette always seemed to be more interested in gymnastics. She looked like she had gained more than the Freshman 15 and then some since she last seen her... and most of it went to her hips, legs, and butt.

"I never thought you'd still be skinny, Ebony," Corvette smiled when she walked in. "While, my butt seems to be constantly getting bigger and bigger since I stopped doing gymnastics and started cooking school. My jeans feel like they're ready to explode when I sit down."

"As long as you don't go like my mom did, it's okay, Corvette," Ebony smiled. "Nice seeing you after a while."

"Sorry to hear your mom died," Corvette added as she sat on a nearby stool. "At least, you're keeping your mom's psychic business in the family."

"More or less," Ebony sighed. "I've been able to keep my head above water, at least. The bills are getting paid, but not much else."

"Really?" Corvette noticed the lack of business. "When your mom ran this place, it seemed to always be busy."

"I guess I don't have my mom's charisma," Ebony groaned.

"Bummer," Corvette replied, then thought a moment. "Why don't you get on tv or something?"

"TV? Who'd want me to read tarot cards on tv?"

"Lots of people do," Corvette replied. "There's a lot of demand for psychics on tv...especially accurate ones like you are. I hear they're looking for someone in the local tv station. I heard so when I auditioned for that new cooking show they're gonna run on KWD-TV."

"You auditioned for that?" Ebony replied.

"Not only did I audition for it," Corvette beamed. "I'm IN it! I start next month!"

"Oh, congrats on that!" Ebony smiled. "But, will they really want me?"

"Of course, they will!" Corvette added. "I'll put in a good word for you...since I still owe you for saving my life when we were kids, remember?"

"Well, it can't be any worse than what I'm doing now," Ebony looked anxious. "Maybe I can afford to live."

TV? Ebony thought sometime later. I could make more money on tv than my mom did just running this shop. In fact, if I keep the shop and have the show, I could double the money I make easily.

Then, she remembered something. The more I use my powers, the fatter I'll get. If I get too fat, I'll end up like my mom. But, I can't just do tarot card readings on tv.

"So, I went to KWD-TV's main offices," Ebony continued her remembrance. "And that wasn't easy either!"

The waiting area was full of psychics of both sexes, all ages, and all races. Corvette said she was going to put in a good word for me, Ebony thought to herself. But, will that be enough?

"Name please," the secretary asked Ebony upon entry.

"Ebony Chantel."

"Take a seat, Ms. Chantel."

Ebony sat down and waited...

...and waited...

...and waited.