The Tree and the Tablet (The St. James Chronicles Book 1)

by Kathryn O'Brien

  Sighing heavily and looking down at my hands as if there were suddenly something very interesting about the shape of my fingers, I said, “I know it sounds ridiculous, but I just can’t get over all of the coincidences.” Looking up at him, I shook my head slightly and then stared out my window at nothing in particular.

  “It’s okay.” He said, “We all need hope sometimes. There’s always a bigger purpose to the great spirit and her ways. Let Kelsey have this. It may help her get over the loss.” I turned to look at him, and he smiled gently before reaching for the handle again. “I’m just glad that little bird showed up when it did.” Opening the door, he turned back one last time and said happily with a broad grin on his face, “I’ll see you back at the house.” Jumping out of my pickup, he closed the door and got into his own vehicle, leaving me to ponder our discussion.

  On the way home, I had much to think about. As I entered the driveway, I decided to accept everything for what it was and not put too much thought into it. If this is what Kelsey needed to help her accept the loss of her parents, then I’d do what I needed to for her to be ok. Still, it was going to be difficult to overcome my own fears and skepticism. Placing the truck in park, I stepped out of the vehicle, clicked the key fob to set the alarm, and locked the doors when I noticed that I was being greeted by a smiling group of children at the front window. They were so cute.

  Ryder and Kelsey were hugging and grinning like they were up to something. Wren and Raiden were dancing around and giggling while Sherri was trying not to give in to them and lose her composure as well. They all stopped and waived out the window and screamed, “Maggie!” Running toward the front door. It was comical to watch as they all plowed into each other from the living room into the foyer. If it weren’t for the large windows that exposed them to my view, I would’ve missed that they all slipped on the rug and went tumbling to the ground right in front of the door. There was a tangle of arms and legs and uproarious laughter. Slowly opening the door, I was greeted by a sea of flailing arms and legs that echoed a roar of jubilation from its depths. We all pitched in trying to disentangle the children from each other while they continued to laugh and frolic. Peanut was boisterously bouncing around the menagerie of children and yapping incessantly at the giggling bundle of children. Finally, we were able to successfully separate the mass of arms and legs. As everyone was finally starting to settle down, Wren went over and closed the door which prompted Kelsey to nudge Ryder.

  Making eye contact with me, Ryder shuffled his feet and blushed as he stammered a little, tucking his hands behind his back and swinging his body from side to side as he asked, “Maggie, can Kelsey spend the night at our house tonight?”

  Kelsey jumped up and down and clasping her hands together in a prayer type pose, she begged prettily, “Please, Auntie?”

  Sherri piped up, shrugging her shoulders, “I told them they’d have to ask you because you might have plans for tomorrow.”

  “Hmmmm.” Thinking to myself, Well, if I let her go, then I won’t have to talk to her about the bird tonight. Then again, I kinda want to talk to her about it. But, looking at her glowing face filled with hope, and the excitement on the boys’ faces was what decided the matter for me. Even though we just got back from one of the most trying times in my life and reluctant to let her go because she was so precious to me, I knew that I needed to trust my gut and let her have this or she’d resent me for it. Getting on her level and cupping her little face in my hands, I asked, “Are you sure, sweetie?” At her insistent nodding, I smiled, “You know I’m right here if you need me, okay?” She continued to bob her head up and down eagerly, “Alright, go pack your bag.” She and Ryder ran for the bedroom giggling and talking excitedly all the way. Getting to my feet again, I turned to Sherri, “Haven’t you had enough fun for the day?”

  A glimmer twinkled in her eye and a look of comprehension flitted across her face as she spoke softly, “Not as much as you have. Besides, it’s a lot to deal with for you.” At my look of consternation, she laughed. “It’s totally up to you. If it’s too soon or if you need more time before you let her go, I’ll explain to them.”

  Wringing my hands, I tried to come to grips with the war raging through me and finally released my pent-up breath in a slow sigh, “No, it’s fine. She needs to have some happiness away from my gloomy butt.”

  Wrapping her arm around me, she gently reassured me, “It’ll be okay, Maggie. I promise, if she asks to call or wants to come home, even in the middle of the night, I’ll bring her to you.”

  Shrugging my shoulders, I smiled and glanced at her sideways, “Well, just so you know, I was planning on going to see Shirley tomorrow. I’m not sure Kelsey could handle that after everything else.”

  Sherri released her firm hold on my shoulders to glance over at Dave. They exchanged the warmest sentiment toward each other. Turning back to me, she said, “That’s fine. Why don’t you make a day of it and do whatever you need? We’re going to have dinner around six so I’ll see you then. The kids will have the day to play and you’ll be able to have some you-time. Self-care is an important part of taking on children and keeping a level head.” There was the psychology major chiming in as I expected.

  Dave piped in sounding somewhat like a child bragging about a new toy as he dove between us and whispered conspiratorially, “Yeah, Mags, I’m gonna make some super delicious ribs on my new smoker.”

  Reaching around him, she grabbed me, hugging me fiercely and whispered in my ear, “I love you, ya’know?”

  Hugging her in return, I whispered, “Yes, and I love you, too.” Wren and Raiden had joined Kelsey and Ryder at some point back in the bedroom. They were now all giggling their way back down the hallway toward us, excitedly talking about the latest kids’ movie that was out on digital format for them to watch tonight. With a final intense squeeze, Sherri and I separated with a wide grin.

  Dave turned to the children, “Well, kids, let’s get going.” He opened the door to a stream of children funneling through in a straight line headed toward the SUV.

  “Dave, Kelsey’s car seat’s in the back of the pickup.” Snatching the electronic key fob of my coat pocket, I pressed the button and unlocked the doors to the truck.

  Turning toward the truck, Dave called over his shoulder, “Thanks, Maggie, you’re awesome.” The rain had completely stopped, and the clouds were clearing.

  As Kelsey was getting ready to follow her friends out the door, she stopped and looked up at me. Dropping to my knees in front of her so that I was on eye level with her, I brushed a stray lock of hair from her face and curled it gently around her ear as I smiled at her, “Have fun, kiddo. Just remember, I’m only a phone call away if you need me.”

  Seeing Sherri staring at her, she pursed her lips and mumbled, “I know.”

  Hugging her close and sensing she was struggling with embarrassment, I whispered in her ear, “I love you, Kells.”

  She pulled back, wearily staring at me and then looking around to see if anyone was watching she rolled her eyes and pursed her lips as she pushed away from me and said, “Okay, see you later.” Turning on her heel, she followed the others out the door. That was odd. I wondered briefly what was going on.

  A frown spread across my lips, but I tried to cover it up. Getting up from the floor, I took a deep breath and shrugged while slightly shaking my head. Looking after her, I uttered, “What was that all about?”

  Sherri, having watched the exchange, placed her hand on my arm, “She’s trying to adjust. It’ll take time. She loves you and you know it.”

  Standing there, looking after her, “I know.”

  Sherri walked out to the car and helped wrangle the children into their car seats. Once everyone was settled, they all yelled loud and long from the inside of the vehicle, “Bye, Maggie!!” Waving exuberantly from their seats.

  Laughing and waving back, I yelled in the same exaggerated way, “Bye!” They pulled out of the driveway. As I turned to close the door, the robin
flew up to the railing on the front porch and sat there with one eye on me. Slightly startled, I remembered my vow to try to go with the flow so I laughed out loud to see what the bird’s reaction would be. Since he didn’t budge, I spoke to it, “Hello, my little friend. What a busy day you had.” The bird cocked its head sideways at me and then hopped up and down while spinning in circles on the railing. Hmmm. What odd behavior. Looking closely at it again, I asked it, as if it could answer, “Jaxon? Is that you?” The bird moved its head in an up and down motion and all prior attempts to accept what was meant to be flew right out of my head. As I screamed, I tripped over the door jamb and spun around, slamming the door, and pushing my back against it as if it would be knocked open again.

  Slowly sliding down the door, my butt hit the floor while my back was still pressed firmly against it. An incoherent stream of words flowed from my lips as if hearing the sound of my own voice would make me less freaked out, “No, that’s not possible. I’m seeing things. Get a grip, Maggie. Did that little bird just nod its head? No, it did not. Listen to yourself. That’s crazy talk! But, What if? Nope. Just stop.” Noting that I was beginning to hyperventilate, I tried to calm myself by taking several deep breaths. Turning my head slightly so I could look out the long windows next to the door, I peeked to see if the bird was still there. It was gone. A shuddering breath escaped me. Taking in another great gulp of air, I let it out slowly. What is going on? Am I losing my mind? I must have sat there for quite a while because suddenly I noticed it was dark and my butt was asleep, and my stomach was rumbling with hunger.

  Gathering my wits, I got up and locked the front door. Since it was night, I decided to close the curtains and turn on the lights. Looking around, I noticed that Sherri must have cleaned up while Dave and I were down at the boat launch because everything was neatly put away. My stomach grumbled loudly, and I decided I would just have one of the leftover sandwiches that was in the fridge from earlier. Pulling out a turkey and cheddar on rye, I eagerly began munching while I puttered about the kitchen preparing to pour myself a large glass of wine.

  Peanut whimpered at me. Turning toward her, “Awe, sorry, sweetie.” Pulling out a cup of food for her, I walked over and poured it in her bowl. She dove into her bowl like she hadn’t eaten in ages, and I reached down to scratch behind her ears. Walking over to the sink, I rinsed my plate off, and placed it in the dishwasher. Grabbing my glass of wine, I headed out to the deck. Reaching over to get my wool shawl on the way out, I huddled myself down into its thick warmth.

  The clouds were completely gone now and the moon was high in the sky. It glistened on the water. Still no crickets tonight. Sitting in my wicker swinging chair, staring out into the darkness, I couldn’t help but wonder about the events of the day. My mind was running through every moment as if it were a video, pausing periodically to analyze different events. Was I imagining things? Was it truly Kelsey that was manifesting this, or was it me?

  Finishing off my glass of wine, I decided it was time for bed. “Peanut, come on.” She half-ran, half-hopped, which made her look like a bunny, up the stairs and scampered into the house. Moping, I made my way around the house and locked up and slowly ambled my way down the hallway toward my bedroom. Briefly, I paused outside Kelsey’s door and stared at the empty bed. Only a couple hours in and I already missed the little minx. As I was brushing my teeth, my eyes kept wandering to the large soaker tub in the corner. Settling on the decision, a nice bath with some bath salts would do wonders to help me relax. Every muscle in my body quivered as the hot water enveloped me in its gentle cocoon of luxury and tranquility. The gentle scent of lavender filled my nostrils and I closed my eyes, laying my head back on the fluffy towel at the head of the tub, a sigh escaped my lips.

  Suddenly, the most beautiful green eyes filled my vision, which caused me to catch my breath. It felt like drowning. The need to inhale was overcome by my inability to take a breath as my heart thudded wildly in my chest. The sensation of the water touching my skin became gentle hands running across every pore as my heart raced even faster. It felt so good. He opened his mouth to say something and out came barking. Puzzled, he disappeared in a haze and was replaced with the vision of bubbles. The burning sensation in my lungs triggered the need to inhale. Starting to take a breath, my mind caught on the realization of water in my mouth as it passed over my lips and onto my tongue. Air doesn’t taste like soap. My mind struggled to grasp what was happening.

  Becoming more alert, I discovered it wasn't a dream but a reality in which I was choking on my bath water. Quickly, I sat up out of the water. Struggling to catch my breath and clear the water from my airway, I continued to cough and sputter. Finally, able to get air into my lungs without choking and clearing the tears from my eyes, I looked around to see my green-eyed stranger was gone. Peanut was next to the tub barking as loud as her little self could. Climbing out of the bath and wrapping a towel around me, my breathing began to steadily improve. Peanut was licking my toes. “I’m okay, girl.” She looked relieved and finally left my side to go to her little bed satisfied that she’d done her job.

  Looking over at the cursed tub that lured me in as if it were an evil entity, I said, “Maybe next time I’ll just take a shower.” Laughing at myself, I dried my hair and pulled on my tank top and shorts. Slipping between the cool cotton sheets, I felt a renewed sense of loss. My heart ached. Shivering as if all the warmth had just seeped out of my bones, I hunkered down deeper into my bed. So tired. Closing my eyes, a single tear slipped down my cheek as I fell into a mind-numbing sleep.

  Chapter Nine

  Standing on my back deck looking out toward the water, but there was no water, only a thick dense fog. It almost felt heavy like a wool blanket laying on me. Suddenly, Andrea appeared out of thin air floating on the thickest layer of fog. Surprisingly, I wasn't scared, just confused. Even in my dream, it seemed strange to me that she was there so I asked her, “Why are you here?”

  Her response was a whisper on the wind. “Don’t fear what will come. I’m here to help you. Look to Kelsey and all will be right. She knows more than you think.” She floated toward me, and leaning forward, she wrapped me in her ghostly arms. Electricity flowed through my veins but then was replaced with a deep sense of calm and comfort. My eyes closed in an effort to concentrate on the soothing effects of the hug and just as quick as she had appeared, she was gone. The wind whipped around me, blurring my vision due to my hair flying in my face. Still trying to clear my hair from my face so I could see where she went, I was startled by the intense sound of a large conspiracy of black birds which rose out of the dense fog.

  The wind calmed and immediately in front of me appeared a robin which shuddered and blurred until it transformed into Jaxon. My heart was racing, but I felt calm. He spoke softly, sounding almost melodic like the sound of a bird singing, “Maggie, look after Kelsey. Tell her every day that we love her.” He vanished and the robin appeared again. Singing it’s beautiful song, it rose into the fog toward the trees. Finally, my mysterious stranger appeared before me. He held out his hand smiling gently at me. Those beautiful green eyes beckoned to me, drawing me in. When I reached out my hand to take his, he turned into a stunning six foot raven and flew away singing a raucous song that remarkably sounded like the words, “Trust me, trust me, trust me.” As I reached out my hand toward the sky, a blinding light pierced the fog. Shielding my eyes from its brilliance, I turned away. Darkness surrounded me…

  That was when I woke up. The sun was shining through the windows which is rare in December. The dream felt so real. It was so similar to the one that I had in Colorado. I’d put the amulet in my safe when we got home. A little part of me wondered if it was still there. Picking up my cell phone, I found that it was only 7:00 am. Well, might as well get going. Peanut was anxiously awaiting my feet to hit the floor. As soon as I turned toward her, she started jumping and yapping excitedly at me. A grin crossed my lips, “Yes, I know. You want to go out?” She danced around in a circle
and stood on her hind legs. Chuckling softly, “Okay, let’s go.” Rather than let her out from the bedroom, I decided to just open the dog door in the dining room. Walking over to the kitchen to start a pot of coffee, I looked out and saw that there was a very thick fog. Odd, when I left the bedroom, it seemed like the sun was shining because it was so bright in my room. The mist was so dense that I couldn’t see where Peanut went when she dove off the deck barking.

  The thick low-lying cloud was moving around almost making it look like things were hiding in it. The wind was moving it around but it wasn’t dissipating. It seemed like there was a man walking around in it. Then, I thought I saw Carolyn’s face swirl in the mist. Jumping back in surprise, my heart raced. My dream flared in my memory and cautiously, I leaned over, quietly opening the window so I could listen to the sounds outside. Nothing, it was eerily quiet and there were no signs of any people moving around. Peanut was quiet as well. Shakily, I called for her, “Peanut. Come.” She soon stood at the end of the deck wagging her little nub of a tail at me. Relieved, I smiled at her. My imagination is just running wild again. There it was again, the image of a person, or at least the outline of a person, but Peanut would’ve let me know if there was someone in the yard. A female voice drifted toward me from the gloomy silence. The faint sound of a woman singing. Raindrops on Roses and whiskers on kittens. Alarmed, I recoiled from the window again, yet I continued to stare out the window from a safer distance. No. It couldn’t be.

  Startled but unable to peel my eyes away from the swirling shadows, something small and dark approached and landed on the deck near Peanut. She looked over at it, and leaning closer to see what was there, I realized it was the robin. Peanut licked it on the head and then ran off into the dense curtain. The robin looked thoroughly pleased with itself and just sat there quietly. A bubble of laughter erupted from me of its own accord. My hand flew to my mouth to stifle further outbursts. Even my dog was hallucinating or losing its mind. Normally she would’ve tried to eat that bird. The laughter released me from my fear and with a deep calming breath, I shrugged my shoulders, deciding to spend my energy on getting myself a cup of coffee and taking a shower. The bird could wait.