Mind Games - 1st part

“I don’t think this is a good idea,” said Annie.

“Why not? What harm could come from this?” asked Edward.

“For a start, you’re wasting money,” said Annie.

“No I’m not. I might learn something new,” replied Edward.

“Look, as your best friend I’m concerned this will make you worried about the future or something.”

“It’s just a bit of fun.”

“Yes, before you go in it is, but this is your life that we’re talking about. Whether this is right or wrong, you might be told things which could affect how you see your life.”

“Look, let’s just do it. I’ll regret it if I don’t try.”

“OK, but if anything upsets you, don’t be afraid to leave. I’m sure the psychic won’t mind.”

Annie braked suddenly as she pulled over to the side of the road. “Is this definitely the right road?” she asked as she clambered out of the car.

“Yeah, though I have to say it doesn’t look like much of a Trotters Grove to me. I think that it looks more of a Whicker Lane West,” said Edward.

“There it is,” interrupted Annie who was now pointing to a brick building across the road.

Once they had made their way inside, they were ushered into a nearby room where the psychic was waiting for them. “Greetings. My name is Vera. Before we start, I would like to get to know you both a bit more.”

“Well, I’m Annie and I’ve come to support my friend Edward. On the car journey here, Edward was telling me how much he was looking forward to this.”

“What about you Edward?” asked Vera.

“I’m a technician. On the car journey here, I had a long discussion with Annie about how I have to work such long hours so I want to look for a new job. I have many interests that I wish to pursue.”

“I see. So, what do you do in your spare time?”

“I love playing cricket. Sadly there aren’t many good places to play the game around here. I broke a window last time I played,” said Edward.

“Yeah, on the car journey here. Do you know of any car repair places in the area?” asked Annie.

“There’s one just around the corner.”

“Yeah, we had a row over some yellow parking lines.”

“Isn’t it easier to just state what didn’t happen on the car journey here?”

“We have a social life outside of the car you know. That row took place during a bad night out clubbing,” snapped Edward.

“Surely you know all this as a psychic,” said Annie.

“It doesn’t quite work like that. I first need to get in touch with some spirits. Let’s start looking into the future,” said Vera who began to look thoughtful. “I can see some trouble ahead – financially.”

“Well, we are in a recession,” said Edward.

“It’s going to get worse unfortunately. I see red as well,” said Vera.

“Oh no,” said Edward.

“No, red will be your saviour in all of this. I see red, warm, soothing liquid spelling the end of your troubles,” said Vera.

“You mean like soup?” asked Edward.

“Tomato soup,” said Vera.

“Oh right,” said Edward.

“I’ve had enough of this crap. Edward deserves his money back,” said Annie snatching a £20 note from the psychic’s desk.

“That money you’ve taken is now cursed,” said Vera raising her hands in the air.

Annie threw the money back on the desk.

“Well, I don’t want it now. I’ve cursed it haven’t I?” snapped Vera, as Annie took the money back hesitantly.

Once they had walked out of the building, Annie began to complain. “I’ll take this £20 note to the Church to get it blessed. That should undo the curse. Was it just me, or was there something odd about her?”

“She’s a psychic, she’s hardly going to be your average person is she?” said Edward.

“I know but this particular one seemed totally useless. I’m going to see another psychic.”

“I thought you were against them.”

“I still am, but I am also intrigued. I want to visit a different company to see if they’re any more credible. I expected low standards, but this psychic was completely untrustworthy. She wasn’t exactly trying to hide her incompetence; it was practically on show in the centre of her dodgy mantelpiece.”