concerned that Jacob was talking to his bird, he hid it well.
“You’re talking to the bird now?” Tic asked.
“No!” Jacob exclaimed. “Okay, well yes, but don’t worry, he responds.” “I mean I wasn’t worried before but now I am. Firstyou go talking
about my shiny hands and now about a talking bird. I mean if this wasn’t
a cause for concern I’d say now it most definitely is one.” Jacob recognized
this tone. This was the tone Tic made when he was caught with something.
He was deflecting- like that time he had hooked up with Greg and denied
it! Then he realized what was likely happening.
“Tic…You’re magical aren’t you?” Jacob asked.
“Yes honey. I’m the most magical thing in the universe.” Tic rolled his
eyes.
“No- like magic. Like Woo Woo?” He shook his hands for effect. Tic
wasn’t quite following.
“Jacob- I do not know for which you are referring to-”
“No! It’s cool! Me too! I just never…I didn’t think…what are you?” “Columbian.”
“No, like magic wise. What’s your gift?”
“It’s hardly a gift…” Tic responded. As soon as he did, his face fell. He
was caught. “Shit.”
“I knew it! You’re like me!”
“I’m not, I just…Sometimes I spruce some of my friends up a bit. My
abilities are very limited.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Jacob asked.
“Look, it’s all just simple things. A little bit of help with their looks.
Make them look a bit younger…or older if I don’t like them.” “You’ve been altering me?” Jacob asked.
“Only slightly…How long have you been coming to me?” “Since I was twenty four?” Jacob wasn’t entirely sure.
“And how long ago was that?”
“Oh lord, please don’t make me math.”
“And how long have you had grey hair?”
“I…haven’t?”
“I mean you have. But you don’t anymore. Because you come to me.”
