Page 74 of Switch!

“Justin?”

“No. Travis. You were going too fast.”

I’m still sizing her up when she sighs.

“I know what you’re going to say,” she groans. “That I was only reading your body language or picking up on other subconscious cues. There’salwaysa mundane explanation, but that doesn’t make it the right one. Especially once you know things like this are real and start to—”

“I believe you,” I say.

“You do?” Trixie shakes her head and laughs. “You do! That’s rare. People usually say they believe me, just so I’ll stop talking about it. You know?”

“No idea. I’ve kept it a secret until today.”

“I wish I’d been that smart.” Trixie crosses her arms over her stomach. “Would’ve saved me a lot of trouble.”

“I feel you. I’ve only been doing this a few months, and you wouldn’t believe the messes I’ve gotten myself into.”

“I wouldn’t have to believe you,” Trixie says. “I’d know.”

“Oh yeah! I didn’t consider that. How does your power work exactly?”

“It’s hard to describe.” Trixie moves the donut box so she can stretch out her legs. “I can sort of pick up on a tone in people’s voices. If you’ve ever heard someone play the wrong note during a concert, it’s like that. When they lie, it sounds discordant. When they tell the truth, it’s like beautiful music. Harmonious.”

“Interesting!”

“Thanks. I’ve had people suggest that I only have a good ear. I play the violin, so that feeds into their theory. They think I can detect when someone is lying because their vocal cords tighten or whatever. I think there’s more to it than that, which is why I like coming here. When I’m lucky, I get to meet other people who are experiencing strange things.”

“Please tell me the gnome woman wasn’t being honest.”

Trixie titters. “Worried your underpants will be stolen at night? No, she wasn’t telling the truth. I’m not sure why people do that. For the attention maybe, or to help them work through other issues. Or they might be legitimately crazy, like the alien abduction guy. That was my take, anyway. There’s a lot of nuance and room for doubt in what I do. You were the only one telling a clear truth. Not counting Charlie. I’ve already met him a few times though, so he’s old news.”

“Wait, you’re telling me that angels are real?”

Trixie shrugs. “Why not?”

I guess she has a point. Hardly an hour ago, a giant glowing senior citizen knocked me out of this body and gave me a stern lecture. Angels sound positively rational compared to that.

“So how do your powers work?” Trixie asks. “Can you possess me? Remember that part inBeetlejuicewhere they all dance around the table? Let’s do that!”

“I wish I could,” I say with a chuckle.

“What can you do? Tell me everything.”

“It’s a long story.” Although I wouldn’t mind sharing it with her. I didn’t get to say much during the group. I wasn’t really motivated, but meeting someone else who has an ability like mine… Wait, this is what Gismonda was talking about! I’ve been alone during all my strange experiences. Until now. “I’ve never been to Seattle before,” I say. “Jesse has, but not me. I’m dying to see it all. Maybe we could do some exploring while we talk?”

“Hell yes!” Trixie says, hopping to her feet. “I’ll be your tour guide.”

She offers her hand, and when I take it, she helps me up, even though she has to lean all the way back to provide enough counterweight. Trixie stumbles when letting go but recovers easily.

“Maybe we could get something to eat,” she suggests.

“I just watched you scarf down half a dozen donuts!”

“Fake food,” she says dismissively. “Don’t worry. I know where all the best eats can be found.”

I rub my rumbling stomach, trying to soothe it. Hopefully it’s only hunger that has it so distressed. Otherwise the Circle of Light might be spending another night on the pot again.

Twenty-One ↔ Chapter