Free The Space Between by Nikki Mathis Thompson Page B

was chosen for you and that makes you feel like a prisoner within your own life. You feel as if you didn’t have control of your destiny, but what you need to realize is that your path was of your own making. That you have had a hand in everything that has transpired in your life, although they may not have been the events you would have preferred.”
    This woman was making too much sense for her liking. It made her uncomfortable and she started to shift in her seat. It’s not that she blamed other people, Nate, Brady, her mom, or her religious convictions. She was resentful, of whom she wasn’t sure, but it was there, although she hid it well. Push it down, push it down. Deal with it later…or not at all.
    Gwen sat patiently, hands folded loosely on top of the mahogany table, allowing the   emotions to play out in Georgia’s mind and across her face. Thoughts tumbled around in Georgia’s mind for a few more moments and then she cocked her head to the side.  
    “Are you psychic?”
    Gwen’s shoulders lifted just below her ear lobes, a smile spreading across her face showing a row of small white teeth. “No, not psychic. I don’t believe anyone can predict the future. Nothing is set in stone—too many cross roads, free will and the lot. I suppose you can say I’m intuitive. Well, more than most.”
    Georgia laughed. “I’ll say.”  
    She took a deep breath and began to stand. Gwen rose to her feet as well. “Gwen, it’s been enlightening to say the least, but I do have to go.” She felt sad to leave. She could have sat in this warm room across from Gwen all day, but she had to get her girls, and she had a feeling that Gwen, as intuitive as she may be, wasn’t going to be able to solve her problems in one afternoon anyway.  
    “I’m glad you came in today. I have something for you. I’ll meet you in the front, won’t be but a moment.”
    Georgia nodded and went back out into the store. The air was ten degrees colder and it made her shiver. The young girl was back at her perch, reading a worn book. She looked up and smiled at Georgia as she approached the register.
    “She’s amazing, isn’t she?”  
    “Yes. It’s like she knew my mind better than I do.” The young girls grinned in agreement. They both looked towards the back, as the heels of Gwen’s shoes clicked on the parquet floor. She was carrying a small bag in her hand.
    “Here, this will help,” Gwen said, as she held it out for Georgia to take. It was a shiny mesh sachet filled with herbs. What it was for, she wasn’t certain.
    “It’s tea, dear. My own special brew, just for you. Steep it for ten minutes and drink it before bedtime. It will help you sleep, and when you wake you’ll find what you’re looking for.”
    Georgia’s brow furrowed in confusion. What was she looking for? Then it dawned on her.
      “Contentment?”
    “Perhaps, and not right away, but I promise you will see things differently when you wake.”
    “Thank you, what do I owe you? For the tea?”
    “It’s my gift to you.” Gwen’s warm smile grew wider as she looked into Georgia’s eyes. She lifted her hand and tapped on Georgia’s temple, three times, so quick and light she’d almost missed it, then cupped her cheek. “Peace be with you, my dear.”
    Georgia clutched it tightly and thanked them both.  
    She walked in a daze back to her car and when she put the key in the ignition she realized she forgot to get directions to the bakery. “Damn.” She hit the steering wheel and huffed. Looking at the clock she knew it would have to wait. She hadn’t accomplished what she’d set out to when she’d left the house. That should have upset her, but when she gauged her emotions she felt calm and unbothered.  
    The smell coming from the herbs was soothing. She placed it under her nose and closed her eyes as she inhaled deeply. Chamomile, a hint of lemon, as well as a few others she couldn’t name. She wasn’t sure how tea would help her