7 Teas and Elixirs

Once again, the incessant beeping sound from Waze's alarm clock woke her from her slumber. She fumbled to turn it off and then stumbled out of bed. Making her way to her mothers bedroom, she knocked on the door before walking in.

"Hey mom, I think I'm gonna stay home today. My body still aches all over and I don't want to deal with the kids at school grilling me over what happened yesterday. Can I stay home?" Waze's mother was usually cool about letting her stay home. It was fine as long as she had a good reason. Waze was the one who had to deal with the make-up work, anyway.

"Sure honey. Whatever you need." Josh stirred slightly beside her but didn't wake up. Good. She didn't need his opinion on the matter.

"Also, do you thing I can stop by Mr. Abbus's today? He might be the best person to ask about this." Her mom wouldn't have let her go out so late last night, but she had needed answers. Now that it was light outside and Waze had had time to recover, her mom should be more lenient on letting her go see Abbus. Besides, she needed to find out who this mystery woman was and how she could help.

"Of course. Are you sure you're feeling up to it?"

"A little walk never hurt me. I'll be fine. I'll text you if anything happens."

"Alright honey, stay safe."

"Bye mom." Waze blew her mom a kiss before shuffling back to her room. She shot Alec a text telling him she was on her way. He'd probably already be opening up shop. After wrestling into some clothes and going through her usual morning routine, Waze took leave from her house and started the walk to Harrington's Never-Ending Bookstore.

The bookstore was not yet open when Waze arrived. They probably wouldn't get many customers until later. Not many people woke up early to visit an antique bookstore like Abbus's. They would probably get some customers some time after 10:00am, and then an influx of girls who had come to admire Alec after school. Luckily, Alec was an expert at using his charm to coerce the girls into making a purchase. Waze knocked on the door and took a step back as she waited for it to open. The door opened slowly before Alec's fatigued face poked out.

"Ah! Waze, you came."

"Obviously, thats why I texted. Also, what's got you looking so exhausted?"

"You, actually. I've been up all night thinking about you." Alec blushed before managing a stutter. "N-not in a weird way! Gramps and I have been doing some research. Him through all his old books and me on the internet." Alec waved Waze inside as he spoke and then let the door close behind them. They walked together to the back room as Waze spoke.

"You guys didn't have to do that you know..."

"Basic curiosity," Alec said with a grin.

"You find anything out though?" They ducked into the backroom where Abbus looked up and replied.

"More of what I'd seen before. Reports of people having similar dreams to yours, and tales of the power they gained. Alec found similar recounts online, though most of those were probably tall tales."

"Still, the potential that your power holds, is incredible. I can only imagine what you might be able to do." Alec sat down on the couch next to Abbus while Waze took a seat across from them.

"What I'm more interested is the woman you talked about last night, who might be able to help me. Who exactly is she?" Waze was eager to learn more about the mystery woman.

"Hmm..." Abbus looked to Waze with a grin, as if he were hiding something. It made her slightly nervous. "I think it's better for you to find out for yourself." Abbus stood up and shuffled around the desk in the office off to the side of the sitting room. It had two desks, one for Abbus, and one for Alec's school work. Abbus grabbed a piece of paper and scribbled down an address before handing it to Waze.

"Norris Vintage Teas and Elixirs..." Wade read outloud. She paused for a moment and glanced at Alec who shared the same cautious and slightly confused expression.

"I don't mean to sound rude but... this place sounds kind of... fishy?" Waze cringed backwards slightly as she said it. The "elixirs" part scared her most. Was this women some sort of witch? She was even more nervous than before. Alec seemed to share the same thoughts. Abbus chuckled a bit to himself.

"It may sound daunting, but I promise you, for your specific 'issue' the owner of this shop is the best person to help you. Pay her a visit today, you alone Waze. If Alec comes he'll just be sent away."

"What?! There's no way I'm letting Waze go to some fishy tea shop on her own!"

"This is a journey she must take on her own, Alec. She must look inside herself to find the answers she seeks." Waze thought he sounded slightly ridiculous, like a scene from a cheesy movie. But who was she to question him?

"It's okay, Alec. I'll go."

"Good," Abbus said with a wise smile. "I assume you can find your way to her shop?"

"The magic of GPS," Waze said as she gestured to her phone.

"Be careful out there. Call me if anything happens, and I'll come get you." Alec's face was twisted with concern as he looked to Waze. She could never tell him how much she appreciated his support.

"Thanks, Alec. Make sure to get some work done, don't spend all day wooing the ladies." Waze shot him a playful wink before turning and leaving the store, leaving a slightly flustered Alec behind.

It wasn't too long of a walk, although it was in the opposite direction of her house. She'd probably ask Alec to pick her up when she was done with... well, whatever was about to happen. The store was slightly intimidating as she approached. To be fair, it was exactly what she expected. Slightly rickety and aged, the store was tucked away in the back of an obscure shopping lot. It would have been hard to find if you weren't looking. She was surprised it hadn't gone out of business. As she walked in, the smell of mixed herbs and teas greeted her. It was surprisingly pleasant inside. Shelves full of teas lined the walls. It was almost like a maze as the herbs winded through the shop. The lighting was dim and warm, and there was a small front desk near the entrance to the store with an accounting machine and a bowl of mints. It was empty. But before Waze could open her mouth to call out, she was interrupted by a stern voice.

"Waze, correct?" An old woman stood by the shelves where she had definitely not been a few seconds prior. She wore a dark brown shawl with a grayish skirt poking out from beneath. Hey wiry gray her was wound up in a bun much like Waze's. Her face was wrinkled and aged, yet hung heavy with wisdom.

"I've been expecting you."