Quick Fix - Part 2

The mystery woman turned, not waiting for a response. In the feuding lights, Nicole’s toned physique almost shining with each movement. Stepping past her, Ivana tugged on her shirt, fidgeting subconsciously while taking in the flat.

The décor was rather sparse, clean and tidy. ‘No cauldrons, eyes of newt…’ She thought, straightening up and wringing her hands. ‘Almost boring really…’ 

“Penny for your thoughts?” Nicole said, closing and locking the door. “Sorry, I haven’t had my coffee yet, I don’t mean to sound so short.”

“Up late conjuring?”

Nicole paused. “Pardon?”

“Sorry… is hexing the right term?” Ivana sang, twirling in place to face her host. “Not sure of the right terms for… you know…” Swirling her hands in tight circles before offering Nicole a shrug. “…all of… this stuff. Y'know?”

Nicole shifted onto one foot, scanning Ivana up and down. “Uh…huh. Casting is preferred.” She moved closer, folding her hands in her lap. “So… Kate tells me you need a change. I'll be glad to help… but to be honest I don’t see what she means.”

Ivana’s cheeks tightened as she locked eyes on Nicole. “That’s… kind. But I do need some help.” She stiffened, tilting her head back. “I’m not just vain.” Nicole’s eyes slowly scanned her up and down, searing heat and a chill rolled across Ivana's skin as she felt Nicole’s mood shift. “…Really, I’m not.”

The air seemed frozen, Nicole’s body was rigid, her gaze burrowing down into Ivana’s core. “Sure.” Nicole said finally. “Let me guess… you want to be younger? As pretty as Kate perhaps?”

“Not…exactly.” She stammered, fidgeting before her host. “When you put it like that it sounds so vain but…” Her shoulders slumped as she looked at the floor. “Look, I'm not getting any younger, and life seems to be passing by so fast. My friends don’t seem as phased by it, but I haven’t ever really felt … I dunno… comfortable or relaxed.”

“And you think magic’s the healthiest way to handle that?” Nicole probed. “Therapy might be better for you in the long run.”

Ivana’s jaw screamed, she barely had time to process she was grinding her teeth. “A lovely suggestion… but entirely unhelpful.”

Nicole’s eyebrow arched, energy and vigor flashed through her face. Ivana thought for a moment she saw the woman’s toned arms blanching. “No need to be defensive, little one.”

Nicole’s arms fell to her side, and with a flourish, she swirled her right wrist. There was a flash of light, causing Ivana to blink. As her vision cleared, she could see Nicole holding a slender stick. It was warm in color with a noticeable grain. It seemed to pulse with an almost ethereal glow. Several round knots ran along it’s length.

“Where’d you get…that..?” Ivana asked, gesturing to Nicole’s waist.

“Not from a toy store.” She replied with a smirk. “I won’t say more than that. More immediately, summoning is a pretty simple spell.” The redhead seemed light on her feet, almost purring in excitement. “Regardless, why not tell me exactly…” She gently pointed the wand towards Ivana’s face. “…What it is you’d like me to do.”