Page 33 of Professor and the Seer
“My power is but a fraction of yours. I only ever saw what was to come, but you see not only the future, you can reflect it on a person, even change it, as well as see the past.”
I frowned. “I’ve only seen the past once.”
“Have you tried to do so again?”
“Not really. Mostly because the future noise tends to drown out everything else.”
“Not for long, because you will learn to wall it off just like you used to keep your emotions hidden from your sisters.”
I gaped at her. “How did you know that?” I shook my head. “Of course you know.”
“You learned on your own how to blanket your emotions from them. The wall is essentially the same thing but in reverse. It’s you walling yourself off from everything screaming around you. Once you manage to do that, the next step will be to select paths for the things around you so they become quiet, like I did with this house and my cottage.” She waved a hand.
“You chose a path for John?”
“A path you are intent on changing. Don’t.” A stern warning.
“I am trying not to, but the more I push John away, the more he refuses to go,” I grumbled.
“Because you’re going about it wrong. John’s not the type to walk away when he sees a woman in danger.”
“Then what do you suggest?” Could this woman see a future for me that didn’t end in tragedy for him, where we could be together?
“I think you should go for a walk. It’s a lovely evening,” Grams replied with a smile.
“That didn’t answer my question.”
“I already did, but you’re not ready to listen. Go for a walk. Maybe you’ll see things more clearly.”
“But I still have more questions. We haven’t even talked about the fact I’ve accidentally stolen magic from those around me.”
Grams frowned. “I’m afraid that’s not something I can help you with as my power only encompasses seeing but would suggest it goes back to control. So, practice building the wall. Once you can hold it effortlessly, you’ll find the world an easier place to manage.”
“I’ll try.” I paused then said, “Can you see your own future?”
“I can, but I choose not to.”
“Why?”
“Because I’d rather be surprised.” Grams rose. “John. You and Frieda will escort me to the cottage, and then you will take her to the greenhouse. The moonflowers will be blooming tonight.”
“As you command,” mocked John as he hung up the dishtowel he’d been using.
“I’ll be going to bed,” his mom announced. “I’ve got an early volunteer shift at the hospital in the morning. I’ll leave a pot of coffee on. For breakfast there’s some bacon and eggs or, if you’re not feeling like cooking, cereal.”
“We’ll manage, Mum.” John bent to give his mom a kiss on the cheek, and she beamed.
“I’ve already got the spare room ready for Frieda. You’ll find clothing in the drawers and closet.”
“Do you always provide your guests with a wardrobe?” I asked in surprise.
“Grams warned you’d arrive with very little, and I figured you wouldn’t want to wear an old lady’s clothes. Can you imagine wearing my pants with your long legs? They’d be like capris.” His mom giggled.
I also found it funny mostly because she thought me tall. Enyo was the tall one. She’d be a giant beside his mom.
“Thank you.” It hadn’t occurred to me when we transported from Mexico that I didn’t have any luggage, just the clothes on my back.
“Don’t thank her yet,” John warned. “Mum has a thing for pastels and floral patterns. You might end up raiding my closet.”