The Crystal Visions: A Families Journey into the Paranormal Volume 2 (2 page)

          The next day Sona busied herself in the kitchen making lasagna, homemade bread and chocolate brownies. Storm barked loudly alerting her to someone in the driveway. Shaley came running into the house followed by her almost constant companion Storm the Australian Cattle dog and hollering for Sona. Sona took off her oven mitts just in time as Shaley threw herself into her arms. Sona enjoyed the embrace as she knew it wasn’t going to be much longer that either of the girls would want or need mothering. After Sona’s sister and brother in law were killed in a car crash the girls had come to live with Sona and Markie.

          After the initial adjustment and growing pains they had grown into a cohesive family unit.
“I missed you so much Aunt Sona.” Shaley was saying as Emma and Markie trudged in looking tired but happy to be home. “Hello beautiful! I missed you so much.” Markie said as Sona went in for a long hug followed by a sensuous kiss. The girls took this as a cue to go upstairs to wash and change into clean clothes before dinner. “Was everything ok here while we were gone?” Markie inquired. “Sure, no worries. Storm guarded the house and kept me company. Sunny checked on me regularly and I went to the diner for some meals and hung out with Uncle Tullio and Naomi. Oh ya and I went to dinner at Jenna’s house…” Sona was saying but Markie noticed an almost imperceptible twitch at the corner of her lovers’ plump and very kissable lips. Markie raised her eyebrow and she couldn’t imagine what that meant but she was sure she would hear about it later. ~

          Jenna stood at the range making eggs and toast with Peameal bacon for Spencer. This was going to be a big adjustment for both of them but her parents had done an excellent job preparing him for the transition. Some of his favorite things had been brought to make him feel more comfortable. Spencer shuffled into the kitchen and Jenna smiled at him. “Good morning Spencer. Did you sleep well?” She asked. Spencer nodded. “I was going to make your favorite blueberry pancakes and bacon but I didn’t have some of the ingredients. I put them on the list with some of the other things you like.” Jenna told him. Spencer had a lazy eye and sometimes when she looked at him she saw the image of a little old man but he had a good heart and she loved him to pieces. She never once asked the powers that be why her beloved son had been born this way nor had she asked for herself. She had just accepted the fact and used her energy to find ways to make his life as enjoyable and productive as possible. She thanked the Universe every day for Spencer and all the things he had taught her.

          He loved to stand close to people and watch them do things but he liked to help even more.
As had become their routine when he stayed over Jenna prompted him to set the table and he did so readily. Jenna had arranged her schedule so she could have breakfast with Spencer each morning before his school bus picked him up. Thankfully in her area kids with special needs were allowed to attend high school until they were twenty-one so they still had some time to figure out what he was going to do as an adult. His particular school had assessed him and encouraged co-op work time which counted as work experience and taught useful skills. They were very encouraged that he would be able to work and hold down a job upon graduation.

          He loved participating and Jenna was gratified to know that he wasn’t only
good at his work placement positions but he very much enjoyed them as well. “I thought we could go over and visit Sona today at her house. She’s my best friend and I want you to meet her family. How does that sound?” Jenna asked him. Spencer frowned slightly. “You remember Sona… she was here for dinner.” She reminded him. “Ya ya” He finally replied. “Dinnoo?” Spencer asked. Jenna smiled. Spencer loved to eat. “Yes she’s making dinner and we’re invited.” She told him. “Eat?” He asked again making a motion with his hands like he was bringing food to his mouth. “I don’t know what they’re having so I guess it’s going to be a surprise.” Jenna replied. “Sunny?” He asked. “I don’t know if Sunny is going to be there or not. I hope so.” Jenna said smiling. “Me” Spencer replied. “Do you like Sunny?” Jenna asked her son. He nodded his head vigorously while smiling brightly. Sunny had become a very big part of her life in the past year and she didn’t know what she would do if the two collided. ~

          The two arrived at The Old Rectory and everyone including Sunny were out back by the gazebo Markie and Sunny had erected the previous summer. Markie stood at the grill chatting with Sunny as the gorgeous fragrant scent of Magnolias’ wafted by on a perfect spring day. Spencer was pleased as punch to see Sunny there and Jenna was happy the introduction to the Capabianco/King family was in such a casual setting. Spencer loved the outdoors and especially anything cooked on the grill.

         
Sona had prepared all the other food in advance so she was able to sit in the shade of the gazebo with her friends and chat. “So Emma what are your plans for the summer?” Jenna asked. Emma perked up. “Well last summer I swam Lake Bernard so this year I want to do two local lakes. Eventually I want to do all the Great Lakes.” Emma explained. Jenna nodded taking a sip of her iced tea. “Oh that reminds me. One of my clients has some professional pieces of exercise equipment. They just want to get rid of it so they can stage their house for sale. All we have to do is go pick it up. Are you interested?” Jenna asked. “I’m very interested. That would save me a ton of time not having to drive into the city every day. Aunt Sona, could I use the smaller room in the church basement for my exercise room?” Emma asked. “I don’t see why not.” Sona replied. “I’ll give them a call and let them know you’re coming. Maybe you can get Sunny and Markie to pick up the stuff with their pick-up trucks.” Jenna suggested.

          Emma looked toward the grill and you could almost see the wheels turning in her mind. Sona looked around to see where Shaley was and found her si
tting in the shade patting Storm and looking intently at the people standing around the grill. Markie kept watch over the hotdogs, sausage and hamburgers on the grill while Spencer watched over her shoulder with his hands in his pockets. Sunny stood cradling a bottle of beer while rocking back on her heels talking to Markie. Emma ran up to them as they stood back to allow her into the conversation. Sona continued to watch Shaley.

          Eventually Shaley
came over to the gazebo followed by Storm loping along behind and panting heavily with his tongue hanging out the side of his mouth. Shaley came over and leaned against the back of Sona’s patio chair. “Is Spencer really your son?” Shaley asked Jenna. “Yes he is. I was very young and he needed two parents so he has been living with my folks.” Jenna explained. Shaley stood quietly thinking for a few moments. Suddenly she smiled and nodded. Jenna caught the movement out of the corner of her eye and looked at her expectantly. “Oh Mom just said he was an old soul.” Shaley said matter-of-factly. Sona took a deep breath. She was used to Shaley saying she spoke to Spirits but not everyone appreciated her gifts. Surprisingly Jenna smiled. “I think that too sometimes. He is a very special person and I’m lucky to have him.” Jenna said softly.

         
Shaley saw Storm sniffing around in the long grass so she ran to investigate. Emma came back to the table after talking with the bois carrying a tray of food. She was followed close behind by Spencer carrying yet more food. Sona stood and started to hand out the burgers and hotdogs to the kids. She handed Shaley a hotdog with an extra naked wiener for Storm. Emma took her veggie burger and added her own condiments. “What would you like Spencer?” Sona asked. “Hockgog” He replied quickly. Jenna took a hotdog and added mustard and relish and handed it to him. Sona poured ice tea for the girls. “What about you Spencer. What would you like to drink?” Sona asked. She watched Markie turn off the grill and start toward them. “Beer” Spencer replied smiling crookedly with part of the hotdog bun sticking out the corner of his mouth. Jenna almost dropped her burger. “Spencer! Who’s been giving you beer?” She asked sharply. “Pop” He replied. “My father has been giving you beer?” Jenna asked still sounding a little alarmed. “Ya” He laughed holding up his two first fingers to indicate only a small amount. “Calm down Jenna it was probably only a sip. Besides he’s almost a young man.” Sona said giving Spencer a wink.

         
Spencer giggled happily as Jenna wiped his mouth with a napkin. He was prone to drooling slightly especially when eating. “I guess I need to have a talk with Pops.” Jenna said pretending to be angry with her Father. Shaley followed Markie and Sunny back to the patio table for a sip of her drink. Storm had wolfed down his wiener and now tried to mooch from each person in turn. When he stood looking at Spencer with his tail wagging Spencer handed him the rest of his hotdog. Shaley laughed… she loved to feed Storm and she took an instant liking to Spencer because of it. “Hey Spencer you must have been starving. Would you like a sausage or hamburger?” Shaley asked pretending she hadn’t seen Spencer give his hotdog to the dog. “Gerber” He replied. Shaley reached for a burger and handed it to him.

         
They all talked quietly while eating their dinner. “Aunt Markie and Sunny said they’d be happy to pick up that exercise equipment.” Emma told Jenna. “Great! I’ll let you know when you can go pick it up.” Jenna added. Sunny had sat down beside Jenna and she rested her hand on Sunny’s thigh. Shaley and Spencer went out into the meadow to play with Storm again. “How is Spencer getting along at school?” Markie asked Jenna. “He’s doing really well. The only real challenge we’ve had was having him go to a daycare for an hour or so after school until I get home.” Jenna said. “Oh that reminds me Sona if you meant what you said about helping out. I have this really important client on Wednesday and I have to meet him at five pm. Is there any chance you could pick up Spencer at the daycare and take him to my place?” Jenna asked hopefully. “Sure that’s not a problem.” Sona replied. “I could pick him up Jenna.” Emma interrupted.

          Sona looked over at her niece with raised eyebrows. Emma was a great kid but she had so many of her own activities she rarely had time to do anything else.
“I have the Land Rover Sunny restored. He’ll be perfectly safe with me.” Emma continued. In truth she enjoyed any opportunity to drive the fabulous old truck. “She’s an excellent driver.” Markie added in a soft voice. Jenna hesitated briefly while she thought. “It’s ok Jenna I’ll get him.” Sona offered. “No it’s ok. I think it’s a terrific idea. It’s ok with me if it’s ok with everyone else. Let’s ask Spencer.” Jenna suggested. When Shaley and Emma finally made their way back to the group they asked if he wouldn’t mind getting a ride with Emma and he seemed to like the idea very much. What young man wouldn’t want to spend some time with her? She was very personable and cute to boot. It was all settled. ~

          On Wednesday after school Emma
hopped into her truck and snapped on her seatbelt. Shaley saw her and came running out of The Old Rectory waving her arms furiously in the air. She opened the back door and jumped in. “I’m going with you.” Shaley said. Emma sighed but acquiesced. She quickly texted Aunt Sona to tell her Shaley was coming along for the ride and Sona responded quickly so they drove to the daycare in town. Emma had done some babysitting for several of the local families since they moved to town so she was familiar with the facility.

          They pulled into the parking lot
and Emma went in to get Spencer while Shaley waited in the truck. Spencer was glad to see them but he wasn’t his usual happy self. “What’s the matter my friend? Didn’t you have a good day?” Emma asked him. Spencer just sighed while slumping his shoulders and looking dejected. “He’s upset.” Shaley offered. “I can see that he’s upset Shaley thank you… but why?” Emma wondered out loud. “Thad” Spencer said softly. “He’s sad.” Shaley informed Emma. Emma sighed loudly giving Shaley a dirty look. Shaley sat back in her seat and didn’t say anything more. “Why are you sad Spencer?” Emma asked him pointedly.

     
    Shaley stayed quiet and just looked out the window. Spencer didn’t answer. “Do you still want me to be quiet?” Shaley asked sarcastically after a few minutes like that. “He doesn’t like being with all the little kids. He doesn’t want to be treated like a baby.” Shaley said still looking out her window. “Is that why you’re sad Spencer?” Emma asked him kindly. Spencer nodded as a tear rolled down his cheek. “Ok no problem. We’ll have a talk with Jenna. I wouldn’t want to be hanging out with little guys all the time either. Maybe you can get off the school bus at our place each day and your Mom could pick you up when she’s done work.” Emma suggested. “That way if she’s late it’s no big deal. You can have dinner at our place with us. Aunt Sona is a terrific cook.” Emma continued trying to cheer him up. “Ok everyone seatbelts on.” Emma ordered. The mood in the car seemed much lighter on the way to The Old Rectory.

          They pulled into the driveway
just as Sunny and Markie were unloading the step climber and elliptical stationary bike from the back of Sunny’s pick-up truck. They had parked next to the door that led into the cavernous basement of the church. Emma’s eyes lit up. She was so excited she threw the vehicle into park and bolted to examine her new slightly used exercise equipment. Spencer climbed out of the Land Rover and shouldered his back pack. Shaley jumped out and was just about ready to run in the direction Emma had gone but stopped in her tracks. “Don’t worry we’ll fix everything. Let’s go see the stuff Jenna got for Emma.” Shaley said to Spencer tugging on his jacket and pulling him along. ~

          Arrangements were made and Spencer started being dropped off every day after school at The Old Rectory. He spent most of his time watching Sona cook and she enjoyed teaching him how to do anything he wanted to try… not to mention taste everything in sight. Some days he went out back to play with Shaley and Storm or he would go down to the workout room to see what Emma was doing. He especially liked looking at the pictures and posters she had placed on the walls for inspiration. There were pictures of her favorite athletes as well as a couple of herself when she had made her own long distance swims. Spencer stood looking closely at one of the pictures for a long time. “You?” He asked pointing at one of the photographs. Emma smiled brightly. “Yes that’s me. That’s when I swam Lake Bernard last year. I’m hoping to do two long distance swims this year.” She explained to him. “Funny!” Spencer said giggling. “Ya I guess I do look pretty funny.” Emma admitted. The picture he had been looking at was one where she was wearing a short wet suit, skull cap and goggles. Emma patted him on the back as she went from one piece of equipment to the next. She was extremely pleased with the pieces Jenna had acquired for her totaling five pieces in all. They were high end pieces and must have cost the family a small fortune. ~

           Spencer coming over every day after school seemed to be working out well for everyone involved. Sona very much enjoyed having him around and it made her feel nostalgic for the days when she worked with special needs kids. Spencer was good company and very helpful. He showed interest in what she was doing and he loved to taste anything she made. The other piece was that she was able to see her best friend every day. Jenna told her one time over coffee how much Spencer looked forward to spending time with the family. Jenna was grateful that she could go off to work knowing Spencer was safe and happy.

          After dinner the girls went to their rooms to do their homework. Markie helped load the dishwasher in hopes that she and Sona could spend some time watching their favorite shows while cuddling. Sona and Markie settled in to watch Big Bang and then Bones. “I’m really proud of the girls for accepting Spencer so readily. I half expected Emma to be indifferent.” Markie commented.
“They both have a strong foundation and I’m glad that we can say that we’ve played a part in it.” Sona said snuggling into the crook of Markie’s arm. She loved feeling safe and secure nestled into her loving embrace. ~

           Shaley skipped through the meadow along the rivers’ edge. The delicate wild violets were in full bloom of white and purples. The smell of all the flowers made her think of spring. These were the memories she would take with her into adulthood and look fondly upon… these memories and her early years with her parents before she understood that sometimes very bad things happened to good people. The river was swift in the early spring after the thaw but it had settled down to its usual steady pace.

          Shaley
picked up a stalk of Queen Anne’s lace and examined its delicate structure reminding her of a snowflake. She smiled as she inhaled… It smelled like carrots. She glanced toward the tree line that separated their property from the Cemetery. There were more than the usual amount of visitors there this morning and she couldn’t help but wonder why.

          Pippi rode her bike to the edge of town
stopping briefly to allow traffic to pass before she crossed to the side of the street where her best friend Shaley lived. They had met at school a few years back and had become fast friends ever since. She peddled as fast as her legs would carry her. Her almost orange hair whipped around her neck like the flames of a bonfire licking the logs as they tried to catch fire. Pippi knew all about Shaley and her unique life but that just endeared her more to her Bestie. Pippi veered off the main road across the gravel shoulder and skidded to a stop in front of the old clapboard church adjacent to Shaley’s home. “Hi Emma! Where’s Shaley?” She hollered across the yard. “I think I saw her by the river.” Emma called back pointing to the back of The Rectory. “Thanks” Pippi said smiling and waving before breaking into a full out run. She didn’t want to waste one minute of time with her friend.

          As she rounded the corner of the house she spied Shaley
close to the waters’ edge. Shaley wore her favorite kitty shirt with bib-overalls that had been cut into shorts. Shaley’s eyes sparkled when she saw her friend. They ran into each others’ arms jumping exuberantly together in joy and friendship. Theirs was the kind of friendship that only exists when you were thirteen. “I’m so happy you’re here!” Shaley squealed. “I didn’t have to help my mom today so I rode here as fast as I could.” Pippi said breathlessly.

          Some of her
orange hair escaped her French braid and almost seemed to form a halo around her head when the sun shone through it. “Let’s go see if Aunt Sona has any treats for us. I’m starved!” Shaley said finally. Both girls were quite the little tomboys and enjoyed almost everything about being outdoors. They would start out the day clean and tidy but they never allowed a little dirt to get in the way of having fun. They bolted toward the house not wanting to waste any time together strolling.

          Half way across the meadow Shaley slowed and then stopped to look at a woman in her mid-thirties standing in the old Cemetery.
Pippi kept running momentarily until she realized that her best friend was no longer with her. She went back to where Shaley stood giving her a questioning glance before her gaze went to the woman. “What is it? Do you know her?” Pippi asked. “No” Shaley replied simply. Shaley furrowed her brows and changed direction to intercept the woman.

          Pippi followed until they came to the hedge
border that separated the two properties. They stood there briefly while Shaley contemplated. “What’s going on?” Pippi asked. She had seen Shaley’s intuitive abilities many times and had learned to just go with the flow. The woman stood at a headstone sculpted like a cherub flanked on either side by a kneeling lamb. The girls stood just far enough away not to be intrusive. The woman noticed them and wiped her eyes with the heel of her hand. Shaley knew the headstone well from her many hours playing in the Cemetery. It was the grave of a young girl who was nine years old when she passed away.

          She remembered it specifically because that is the age she had been when she and her family had been in their car wreck.
When the woman seemed to have pulled herself together Shaley slowly approached her while Pippi stayed back several feet. “Is that your daughter?” Shaley asked in a soft sweet voice. The woman only nodded trying not to let the tears fall that had welled up in her eyes once more. “I live in The Old Rectory. My name is Shaley.” She introduced herself. The woman finally looked at her. “My name is Michaela. I live across the lake.” The woman replied wiping her bloodshot eyes once more.

           The woman
went to a nearby bench and sat with her face in her hands. Shaley stood for a moment with her head cocked sideways as if listening to something. “It’s Roxanne’s birthday.” Shaley told Pippi. “Shaley let’s go!” Pippi said in a loud whisper shuffling her feet uncomfortably at the heart wrenching display of raw emotions. Shaley held up her first finger to Pippi indicating wait one minute. She then walked over to Michaela. “She isn’t here.” Shaley told her. “What the hell do you know?” Michaela said sharply. Shaley took a deep breath. “Both my parents were killed in a car accident when I was nine.” Shaley patiently explained.

          
The woman looked over at her like she’d never seen her before. “I’m sorry.” Michaela said earnestly. “You think you’re closer to her here but she’s always with you. She doesn’t want you to cry or stop living. She wants you to live for both of you.” Shaley said matter-of-factly. Michaela looked at her suspiciously. “You don’t know anything.” Michaela said in a small voice. “She knows things lady… things she shouldn’t know.” Pippi said. “Shaley!!!” A voice called from across the meadow in the direction of The Old Rectory. “I have to go.” Shaley said already making off toward the hedgerow. Pippi moved toward the woman. “Shaley talks to spirits. Ask anyone.” Pippi told her before running to follow her friend to her home.

         
Shaley stopped at the property threshold. “Ma’am she said for you not to worry about her being alone. She has Scooby with her.” Shaley said before disappearing through the hedgerow followed close behind by Pippi. “Hey wait!” Michaela said standing and taking a few steps forward before she realized it was too late. The young girls were already gone. Michaela went to the hedge and watched the young ones leap through the waist high weeds, grass and wild flowers. How could that strange girl know anything about Roxanne or their cat Scooby that had recently passed?  The young girls were already gone. Michaela went to the hedge and watched the girls climb the steps to the old house. “What the hell just happened?” She thought.

          Michaela went back to Roxie’s grave marker and removed the flower urn that when not used fit snugly into the base. She removed it and turned it right side up before affixing it secure
ly in its holder. The beautiful bouquet she’d brought were exactly what Roxie loved. Michaela had dropped them unceremoniously on the ground when grief had unexpectedly overcome her. She retrieved them now and placed them in the vase. She looked around and found the spigot and plastic watering can and made her way over to fill it up.

          After pouring the water into the vase to overflowing she sat on the ground cross legged
next to Roxie’s headstone. All the things she’d wanted to share with Roxie, the tears and loneliness, all of it was gone. She had come to the Cemetery to mark an exceptionally difficult and private moment but now she didn’t feel any of those emotions. She only felt relief and gratitude. She was finally able to remember the good times they shared for the first time since Roxie’s death. ~