That One Moment (Lost in London #2)(76)

“How do you mean?” I ask, glancing at Hayden who seems to be listening intently.

“Well, often times, 11:11 can help you unlock parts of your subconscious that you have maybe been hiding from yourself or not sharing with anyone. It’s just a symbol to help you get in sync with the greater workings of the Universe. The Universe has a purpose for you. Whether you believe it or not, there’s a reason you’re alive!” She chuckles gaily.

I cringe slightly recalling how in Hayden’s speech, he said he chose the time 11:11 to slit his own wrists. I want to ask her about the meaning behind that, but I don’t want Hayden to feel completely ambushed.

“Why do people say to make a wish at 11:11?” Hayden demands, surprising me. I turn to look at him and he’s eyeing Aggie very seriously.

“Oh yes, that’s definitely what lots of people do when they see that time, isn’t it? Make a wish!” she snickers. “I think that began because 11:11 is a sign that our innermost thoughts are turning into reality, so you see it and you take control of making blessings in your life happen.”

“But what does it mean if you’re only wishing to change the past?” Hayden’s hand finds my knee beneath the table and he squeezes it for reassurance. I place mine over his.

Aggie’s face turns grave and I notice the stunning clear blueness of her eyes, almost as if they are colourless. They were so small when she was smiling before that I never got a good look. She reaches out and touches Hayden’s hand. The loose skin on her cheek tremors ever so slightly. “Your heart is heavy with a large burden, love. But you are seeing 11:11 for a positive reason that has everything to do with the present and your future, and nothing to do with your past.”

She cuts her eyes to me with a meaningful look. I pull back slightly. “What is it?” I ask.

“Her,” she gestures to me while looking at Hayden like he will get it. He remains still, so she looks to me again. “Tell me, Vi. Does 11:11 hold any significance to you?”

My face freezes. I didn’t expect her to turn this on me. I’m even more floored that she knows to ask me anything about it. I refuse to lie to Aggie when she was generous enough to do this for me, but I’m kicking myself for not telling Hayden all of this before we got here.

I nod.

“Well go on then, love, tell us,” she nods encouragingly at me, her transparent eyes sparkling with anticipation.

I swallow hard, the room suddenly feeling very still and quiet. The hum of the fridge halts and even the pigeons outside her window stop flapping about. “My mother died on November eleventh.”

She smiles knowingly, “And you have a special connection to your mother, correct?”

Nodding, I add, “I share a birthday with her.”

“And the two of you are Geminis, correct?” She beams.

My mouth opens. “Yes, my birthday is June fifth.”

“Oh, how funny,” she replies. “Six plus five equals—”

“Eleven,” Hayden finishes.

Aggie chuckles and begins shuffling through her papers. She pulls one out to show us. “Gemini is the Zodiac house of twins…symbolised here,” she points to the sheet. “See? Two pillars joined at the top and base, which is a representation of the twins seated side by side with embracing arms. Similar to an eleven, don’t you think?”

Hayden’s hand moves from my lap and I turn to him. His eyes are wide and accusing. “How could you not mention that about your mum?”

I shake my head nervously. “11:11 seemed so important to you and I didn’t want to scare you. You were already spooked over the fact that I live on the eleventh floor.”

“Oh!” Aggie chuckles. “The Universe is a wicked creature sometimes, isn’t she? This is all so perfect.”

“Perfect? Why?” I ask, looking back to her.

“Because you two are each other’s twin flame, of course!” Hayden and I continue to stare at her in confusion. She chortles, “I felt it plain as day when I first saw you the night you brought my naughty rat-arsed nephew home. Surely you two have sensed it since then. I couldn’t believe you held out as long as you did. That deep, burning, pulling connection is intense, isn’t it?” She twines her hands together in a powerful grip to visualise.

“What do you mean? What are twin flames?” I ask, my mind reeling.

“It’s like this…you’ve heard of soul mates, right? Well twin flames have an even deeper connection that supersedes soul mates. The moment you meet your twin flame is the moment the earth beneath your feet begins to shift.”

My memory flashes back to the night Bruce knocked Hayden over. The energy between us was just chemistry. An obvious physical attraction, nothing more. Yes, it was intense. More intense than with any man I’d ever met. But I thought that was just because it was Hayden. And Hayden is well…Hayden. I’m not all together sure I believe whatever it is Aggie is trying to say we are. “I’ve never even heard that term before,” I state dismissively.

“Twin flames are mirrored souls because they essentially reflect the deepest needs, desires, and dreams…even the dark elements of our souls. The yucky stuff. They can accept and absorb.”

A loud scratch echoes in the small kitchen as Hayden shoots up from his chair.

“Hayden!” I exclaim as he turns and strides out of the room. I look to Aggie with wide, apologetic eyes. “I’m so sorry.”