Christmas Shopping
A Christmas story inspired by Goddess Marquesa’s real-life adventures
“Hello,” I chirped as the woman on the other end answered her phone, “this is ‘Santa’s Little Helpers’ calling about your Christopher Radko ornament.”
Santa’s Little Helpers is a crafts and repair shop here in west Florida that specializes in wreaths, ornaments, and all things Christmas. After graduating at the height of the pandemic with a B.A. in Fine Arts (concentrating in glass sculpture) it was the best job that I could find. The work was seasonal, but the pay was decent, and the hours were not too brutal until mid-December, which is to Santa’s elves what “tax season” is to accountants. Read more…
I had been marking her movements very carefully since my girlfriend and I had followed her into the supermarket. My first view of her from the back was breathtaking. Gorgeous legs, lush blond hair, and a curvaceous figure that her sheer white sundress clung to enticingly. When she turned to procure a shopping cart and I saw her bewitching green eyes, my heart skipped several beats.
I arrived on Space Station Shakti along with the rest of the delegation. I am lead Psychologist, since my doctoral research had focused intensively on the benefits of hypnosis in treating neurosis. Like most members of the team I approached our mission with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism. We had all seen the sensational stories in the media; we had all heard scandalous tales and fantastic rumors. What could possibly be going on at Shakti? 
“I want to p-purchase a Valentine’s Day g-gift certificate for one of your customers,” the man on the other end of the phone said. It was my first day of work at the Cupid Salon. The shop was busy and the boss had barked at me to answer the phone. Something about the man’s voice gave me the chills. He spoke as if he was in a trance. A trance of love. No…..worship. 
“Why have you come here?” Goddess Marquesa asked.
