by JRR

Created on: July 13, 2009

"This is ridiculous," Becky said as they stood outside the fortune tellers tent.

"No more so than other things we have done together," Ashley laughed.

"Yea," chimed in Sara, "like the time we tried to jump off the barn roof with the umbrella trying to fly."

Their laughter was interrupted by a young girl in a long robe. "You are next," she said looking each of the three girls in the eye. "Madam Lilura is ready for you."

Stepping into the tent was like stepping into a different world. Outside the carnival lights and music were bright and festive. Inside the tent it was almost eerie.

The smell of incense filled the air. The odor so pungent it was almost choking. The shadows cast on the dark walls by the flames of the candles looked like spirits searching for souls to possess.

A small figure sitting behind a table motioned them forward. As they sat down she began waving her hands over a crystal ball. As she began to chant the crystal ball filled with smoke. "My name is Madam Lilura," she said in a sing-songy voice. "You may each ask one question about your future."

"How do we even know you are for real?" Becky, always the voice of reason, asked.

"Just because you think this is ridiculous Becky, doesn't mean I am not real," the fortune teller said smugly.

The three girls looked from one to another, still having a hard time believing.

"And Sara," she continued, "this is much safer than jumping off a barn roof trying to fly with an umbrella."

"Wow," Sara said, "if she wasn't the real thing, then how would she know that."

"Will Chad and I get back together?" Ashley asked cautiously.

Closing her eyes Madam Lilura waved her hands over the crystal ball. Suddenly she snapped them open as if stuck by a pin, "Ashley, I see wedding invitations, the names are becoming clearer. Yes, there they are, Chad and Ashley. Yes, the two of you will get back together."

"See I told you this was a good idea," Ashley said excitedly, smiling from ear to ear. "Go ahead Sara, your turn."

"Ok," Sara said thoughtfully. "Will I get into the University of Nevada?"

Repeating the same routine as before Madam Lilura finally said, "Yes Sara you will. Not only will you attend but you will graduate at the top of your class."

"Wow," Sara exclaimed.

Turning to Becky, Madam Lilura asked, "And now your question Becky?"

"Ok," Becky said. "Will I get what I want for my birthday?"

The old lady didn't take long to give Becky an answer, "No, but you will get something you like almost as much."

"Oh yea?" Becky asked, "What do I want and what will I get?"

As soon as Becky finished speaking, the young girl entered, "You have each had your question answered. Others are waiting. Please exit and come again soon."

The girls left, chatting among themselves. Talking about the old woman, the tent and the things she told them. Even Becky believed now. They were so caught up in their excitement they didn't see the young girl slip Madam Lilura a small note card. nor did they hear her whisper, "Here is the information on the next customers."

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