Eccentric Tea Woman

  Charlie: (looking out of the window) Does she always just . . . fly like that? Me: Yeah; once she gets something in her mind to do, she won't stop until she gets it done. That's why she's my Muse! She's not only my best friend but also my guide in the world of tea.  Charlie: Francine started as my playmate then when we grew up, became my best friend too. Even though she's imaginary, her advice is . . .was still sound for me.  Me: Maybe that's why she flew away . . . because you STILL think she's imaginary. She's real to you, just like Tea Muse is real to me. That's all that matters, ya know? Charlie: (staring into his empty mug) You're right. I never saw it that way. (looking up at me with sad eyes) If your friend can find her and bring her back, I would be grateful.  Me: My turn to make some tea! (grabbing mugs and taking them to the kitchen) THIRTY MINUTES LATER . . . .  The front door blasts wide open and two women covered in purple dust fly

  The bookstore owner, after handing us mugs of oolong tea, turns off the OPEN sign at the front door, then sits down with us. . . . Charlie: Well, my name is Charlie and I've owned this place for ten years now. I've met all sorts of book lovers and bibliophiles, both real and imagined (winks at Tea Muse, causing her to blush and then take a deep sip of her tea). I love the imagination and how one person can create an entire world! My book collection is in the 500s.  Me: So, what's with the No Imaginary Friends rule? What gives? Charlie: That . . .well . . .I used to have an imaginary friend. Me and Tea Muse: GASP! Charlie: (laughing) Yeah, I did, all the way up to me being an adult. Her name was Francine and she had blue hair and red eyes. She came to me when I was a kid. I was in a bookstore with my parents and had wandered off to the Nature section. I remembered seeing a lot of books on mushrooms when I heard a voice whisper hello to me. I turned around and there she was

  We arrive at the bookstore . . . .  Me: (turning off the car and turning to face my friend) Okay, let's stick to the plan we talked about. Tea Muse: I'll wait in the car while you go in, then once you locate the owner, you signal me to fly in and we'll take him down! (grinning with glee) Me: Uh, let's not be TOO excited about this. Right, I'm going on. (getting out of the car and walking into the bookstore) Hello? Anyone here? A voice from the stockroom: Hello back! I'll be with you in just a second! (a man, dressed in jeans, hiking boots, and a black shirt, comes out of the stockroom) Hey there, how are you? What're you looking for today? (walks over to the counter) Me: Oh nothing, just browsing. (walking toward a display of fantasy books, then turning around toward the glass to give the signal of scratching my head)  Tea Muse: That's my cue! (flies out of the car and into the bookstore, knocking over several displays in the process) Bookstore Owner:

  Hello again - there's a NEW video from Viridian Tea House!  In this new episode, I'll be talking about Erotica - both in tea and in books! Click HERE to view the video - 21 and up, please.

 Me: (slowly closing my latest read and staring off into space) Oh. My. Goodness. Tea Muse: (looking up from her Tea Cutie magazine) What? Oh, you finally finished that book, huh? How was it? Me: (still staring off into space) I need a strong cup of green tea after what I've been through. Tea Muse: Coming right up! (snapping her fingers and a cup of perfect temperature sencha appears on the side table)  Me: (taking the cup and drinking it all in one sip) Ahhhh, much better. Hmmm, seeing as how I've finished it . . . .  Tea Muse: That means . . . a trip to the BOOKSTORE! Whoo hoo! Which one are we going to today?  Me: What about the one down the street? They have a good selection! Tea Muse: (frowning) Nah, I don't like that one. Me: Why not? Tea Muse: You don't remember? They have a NO IMAGINARY FRIENDS policy! Ugh, don't you remember that I had to wait in the car while you shopped?!  Me: (staring at her in silence, then cackling) Are you serious?? I really don't