“I remember teaching you to play basketball when you were about four and taking you to your first game when you were six. You remember that?” he asked, turning up the heat.
“Yeah . . . I remember. My uniform was navy blue and white and my hair was in braided pig tails,” I laughed. “I think you were more nervous than I was.”
“That hasn’t changed,” my dad chuckled.
“It’s funny we were all talking before the game about how fast this school year is flying by. You realize Christmas is only three weeks away and half of my senior year is over? It feels like we just started school last week and already my teachers are talking about finals.” I shook my head in disbelief.
We pulled down the main street of town and in the back of my mind I could vaguely recall what this place looked like yesteryear. It left me feeling nauseas. I closed my eyes for a moment and leaned my head against the headrest waiting for the feeling to pass. When I reopened my eyes I turned towards my dad, completely blocking out the world outside the windows.
“Yeah, it goes by quick,” he paused for a breath. “And tomorrow you’ll wake up and be forty,” he laughed.
I smiled over at him. No, tomorrow I’m gonna wake up in 1878 and be married to Jackson in three weeks! “Ouch! Don’t say that . . . I’m not even twenty yet!” I playfully smacked his arm.
“Robert mentioned that he got some Colts tickets for this weekend for Jackson’s birthday.” He glanced over at me, eyeing me carefully.
“Yeah, I was going to talk to you about that. Jackson said something about it this morning.”
“Emily wants to leave early Saturday morning so she can do some shopping in Indianapolis. I guess they already booked a double room for you all,” he informed me.
“I didn’t know anything about that.” That information took me completely off guard.
“I know. Robert and Emily told me and they promised that they would be sharing a room with you both so . . . no hanky panky.”
“Dad!” I smacked him playfully on the arm again.
“I’m just saying,” he laughed.
We pulled into the parking lot just as everyone else was getting out of their cars. My dad pulled into a space next to the others and turned the engine off. “Look, Jocelyn, I know you’re legally an adult and all and that you’re planning on marrying Jackson next summer, but you’re also still my little girl.”
“I know.”
“You can go . . . just please call me when you get there and let me know you’re okay.”
“Thanks, Daddy. I will, I promise.” We climbed out of the car and walked towards the others.
“I will say though that the next time you get tickets to the Colts game . . . you’d better remember your future in-law and how much he loves football!” my dad teased Robert upon approaching them.
“What? You got Colts tickets?” Craig asked clearly surprised, and the rest of us laughed.
CHAPTER 10
Saturday, December 03, 1878
THE GROUND WAS COVERED in thick frost dusted with a fine layer of snow that crunched beneath my feet in the early morning sun. I walked across the back grounds out to the carriage house. It was bitterly cold and I pulled my caplet closer around me. I jiggled the latch and finally it gave way. I walked over to our two horses, Shadow and Storm, and pulled some carrots out of my muff. I held a carrot out in my flat palm and stroked Shadow’s gorgeous mane. “How are you feeling today girl?” I said softly, admiring her enormous brown gentle eyes. She gobbled the carrot eagerly as I patted her neck.
“How about you old boy?” Storm calmly took the carrot from my palm.
I had been neglecting them so much recently. With all the chaos in my life I had not had the time to spend with them that I used to. They were a sweet pair, a brother and sister that my family had bought years before. Both of them were black and William and I had chosen the names for them. We used to take them riding when the weather was more favorable. Now the saddles stood covered in dust in the corner of the carriage house.
I chatted absentmindedly to the two of them, feeding them all the carrots I had snuck out of the house. Their eyes followed my every movement around the stables just in case I had some other hidden treats for them. I brushed each of them lovingly and told them about all the craziness of this EVE gene. They were an attentive audience that was never judgmental as I ranted and raved about all the changes that I had to adjust to.
When I left them an hour later, I felt much better, more at peace with everything than I had earlier. Even if my rantings fell on deaf ears it was a comfort to get them off my chest. The frost and snow had all but melted away by the time I made my way back up to the house. The sun was waking and leaving a glistening shine upon the dewing grass.
Sarah was taking out a pan of biscuits from the oven and a skillet of sizzling bacon crackled from the stovetop. She placed them on the kitchen table, smiled and nodded my way before rushing over to the stove to attend the bacon.
“Good mornin’ Ms. Jocelyn, you up mighty early,” Mimi said upon entering the kitchen. “I’s just goin’ up to your room.”
“No need. I got up early and spent some time out in the stables.” I picked up a biscuit and immediately dropped it back on the pan. “Ouch!” I stuck my fingers in my mouth.
“Silly child . . . ya saw me jus’ take those outta the oven. A’ course they’s gonna be hot.” Sarah shook her head at my stupidity.
No matter how many times we’d been warned or burnt on our fingers, none of us children or my father for that matter, could resist trying to steal one of Sarah’s fresh buttermilk biscuits.
“I know,” I said with my fingers still in my mouth.
“Now ya go on get outta here. I’s calls ya when this ready.” Mimi nudged me gently out of the kitchen and out of her and Sarah’s way.
I drifted off into the parlor and sat down at the piano. Boredom ripped through me as my fingers numbly fell over the keys. Olivia was still in mourning, and it was too early to call upon Elizabeth, and Jackson was taking the bar exam in the city today. I tried to calm my restless thoughts that wanted only to focus on the scattered fragments of my other life. They never came in any logical sequence and therefore made little sense to me. I searched my brain trying to figure out what I used to do with idle time before this nightmare began. Nothing came to mind from that carefree era of ignorance.
William appeared about a half hour later looking not much better than before. I attempted to make small talk with him, but he brushed me aside, taking up the morning newspaper and disappearing behind it.
My parents arrived shortly thereafter and the four of us gathered ourselves around the dining room table. Even with the chatter of my parents discussing the bar exam and the latest gossip about town, I couldn’t bring myself to share their lightheartedness. It wasn’t that I felt sad or angry or upset . . . I couldn’t rightly explain my feelings even to myself. I suppose indifferent would have been the most accurate term best to describe my mood.
By noon I made my way down the cobblestone pathway to Elizabeth’s house. The sun was shining brightly, giving off a false sense of warmth. The brisk breeze reminded me again that winter was upon us. The bare tree limbs swayed slightly with the wind. The brown grass and hibernating flowerbeds reminded me of happier times that also seemed to have faded into a deep sleep. I could not seem to shake my melancholy mood.
Elizabeth was all smiles as she greeted me in the foyer. Her house was quiet and peaceful, a rarity indeed. We walked into the front room and sat down in front of the hearth. She told me her parents and siblings had gone into town to do some shopping and she was enjoying the time alone by catching up on some reading.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt you.” I held my hands out by the fire to warm them.
“Not at all, I am glad you came by. I was going to call on you and Olivia, but I was unsure of whether or not she was receiving visitors.” Elizabeth marked the page in her book before setting it aside.
“How did you know about Olivia?” I turned back around.
“Your mother told my mother.” Of course.
“I’m afraid she is barely speaking to me or anyone else for that matter. She mainly sits in the chair and stares out the window at her old house.”
“How sad,” her voice trailed off.
“I know. I wish there was something I could do for her.”
“I am sure she just needs some time. She has had a lot to adjust to recently and it cannot be easy.”
“How is Mr. Lee doing?” I asked, trying to change the subject.
“He is wonderful. He had to go into work for a while today, but he should be over later this afternoon,” she sighed with a slight smile on her lips. “How is Mr. Jackson doing?”
“He is taking the bar exam today. Actually it started about an hour ago.” I glanced up at the clock on their mantle.
“Did you speak with him this morning?”
“No. I did not want to distract him.” I fidgeted my hands in my lap.
“Understandable. I am sure you will see him this evening when he comes home,” Elizabeth tried to reassure me.
“I have no idea what time he will return. I am sure he will wait around after the exam for the results.” I watched the flames dance around the hearth.
“Yes, probably,” she agreed.
***
The afternoon flew by as we ate some lemon drop cookies, sipped peppermint tea, and discussed our classes, friends, and my upcoming wedding. Anything to keep my mind occupied was a blessing as Elizabeth slowly edged me out of my sullen mood. Shortly before dinnertime, Lee arrived and found the two of us laughing over silly childhood memories.
“You two seem to be enjoying yourselves,” he proclaimed as he entered the room.
“Oh, Lee, I am sorry. We did not hear you arrive.” Elizabeth got up to greet him.
“Sibina let me in,” I stood up and curtsied slightly to him. “Ms. Jocelyn, how nice to see you again.” He took my hand and kissed it lightly. “Are you joining us for diner?”
He sat down beside Elizabeth and took her hand up in his.
“No, not today. I am afraid I must be getting home. I am sure Mr. Jackson has returned by now and is probably looking for me.”
Lee gave me a puzzled look until Elizabeth explained that Jackson was taking the bar exam today and we were anxiously awaiting the results.
The sun had departed and been replaced by a brilliant almost full moon. The stars shone brightly lighting my way, but the cold breeze whisking around me made me fully aware of the darkness that enveloped me. Even though it was barely six o’clock, I suddenly wished I had left Elizabeth’s earlier when there was still some daylight. Every little sound or rustle made me jump and pick up my pace. By the time I reached my front gate, I was almost jogging and out of breath from fright.
Jackson was waiting for me when I rushed in my front door, anxious for the safe confines of my home.
“Jocelyn, are you all right? What happened to you, darling? You look a fright.” He ran over to help me off with my coat and bonnet.
“Nothing.” I sat down on the bottom steps to catch my breath. “I’m fine. I just let my overactive imagination get the best of me.”
“Are you sure?” He raised an eyebrow and tucked some of the loose curls that had fallen out of their pins, behind my ear.
“Sorry, I must look a mess.” I straightened myself up a bit. “How did the exam go?” I wanted desperately to change the subject.
A smile spread across his face giving him a glow of pride. “It was difficult, but I passed.”
“Congratulations!” I jumped up and threw my arms around his neck, kissing his lips with enthusiasm. “I knew you would, darling. I’m so proud of you!”
“Thank you,” he laughed at me.
“Oh Jackson . . . this is wonderful!” I proclaimed.
“Was there any doubt?”
“Never!”
“I’m so glad it’s over.” He let out a deep sigh of relief as we walked into the parlor sitting down on the lounge.
“Me too, I have missed you.”
“I missed you too. How is Ms. Elizabeth doing?”
“Good. Mr. Lee arrived just before I left.”
Jackson nodded. “Have you spoken with Olivia today?”
“No,” I replied.
“Why not?”
“She hasn’t come out of her room all day. Every time I have tried to speak with her this week, she tells me she wants to be alone,” I informed him.
“She is very depressed.”
“Yes, but I do not know what else I can do to help her.”
“Time is the only thing that is going to help at this point.” Jackson took my hands up in his and leaned over whispering, “Have you had anymore visions?”
“Yes.” I looked down at our intertwined hands.
“Why the look? Did you see something that bothered you?”
I shook my head. “No, it’s not that. I just wish they would make more sense. Nothing appears in sequential order and it can be quite confusing.”
“You know if you have any questions my parents and I are here to help you.” I looked up into his piercing green eyes.
“Thank you, but most of what I am witnessing is not something I believe you can help me with. You and your family were not around when I was growing up,” I explained.
“True, but that does not mean you cannot ask me. I can always ask you there and report back.” Jackson let out a sound that could have been a laugh.
“I appreciate that. However, it makes me feel helpless to have to constantly rely on you and your family in order to discover the meanings of things. Plus, I feel like this is something I should figure out on my own.”
A deep-hearted laugh escaped as he leaned forward a bit. “It’s nice to know that some things do not ever change regardless of where you are.”
I scrunched up my eyes at him. “And what exactly is that supposed to mean, Mr. Jackson?”
“Your stubbornness,” he said as my favorite lop-sided grin slid across his lips.
“Stubbornness? I beg your pardon?” I stood up but Jackson grabbed my arm.
“Jocelyn, don’t get upset,” he continued laughing.
“Then you had best explain what you mean.”
Jackson tried his best to stop laughing but it seemed he couldn’t help himself. “I just mean you’re feistiness and zest for life.”
My hand went up to my mouth with embarrassed shame. Feistiness? Zest for life? Those are not exactly flattering words and I knew my parents would be ashamed if those words were ever used to describe me.
“I’m sorry. I did not mean it to be an insult.” Jackson removed my hand and whispered softly. “Do not be embarrassed. Those are two of the many traits that I love about you.”
“Seriously? How appalling.” I could not believe he was actually supporting such behavior.
“Don’t be so old fashioned. I believe those traits might be more appealing to you if I referred to them as gumption.”
“Gumption? That is a polite way of putting it.” A smile crept across my face. I leaned over and kissed his cheek playfully. It seemed to be all I could do to keep myself from screaming. I could only hope that he was more in touch with my other self and the world attached to it. I hated being so naïve, almost to the point of clueless, about all the things that the Chandlers took for granted. It made me feel stupid and helpless to the point of infuriation.
CHAPTER 11
Saturday, December 05, 2009
WE HIT THE HIGHWAY south from Chicago around eight o’clock. Jackson and I stretched out in the backseat and tried to get comfortable. The four of us talked about their life in Boston, my childhood with both families, and various things for both our upcoming weddings. The time flew by so quickly, I was really surprised when Robert started pointing out landmarks in downtown Indianapolis.
Fifty minutes later we arrived in Bloomington. This small college town was just as I
remembered from last summer. The stone pillars, the greenery, the large brick buildings and the students . . . they were everywhere.
“Did you know that IU has the second largest collection of pornography in the world?” Jackson asked with a mischievous grin.
“You’re kidding,” I laughed with disbelief.
“No, I’m serious. Haven’t you ever heard of the Kinsey Institute?”
“Um . . . no,” I shook my head.
“Guess who has the largest collection?” Jackson asked.
“Who?” I responded.
“The Vatican,” he replied.
“Really?” I couldn’t believe it.
“It’s true,” Robert chimed in. “They have to know what you are not allowed to see.”
“Unbelievable,” I chuckled.
We parked in a lot off to the side of campus and climbed out to stretch our legs. I looked over everything around me. It was amazing. It was almost as if there was a collegiate atmosphere in the air. A small part of me still longed to actually attend this university. Just being near it made my heart beat faster. There were students everywhere on the grounds. Some were studying, some playing football, and some just hanging around socializing. I was so envious of them. This place offered an endless row of countless possibilities just waiting to be imagined.
“Anyone hungry?” Emily asked.
“Starving,” Jackson answered, stretching his arms over his head.
I nodded.
We had lunch at a small little mom and pop place that served the best deep-dish pizza I’d ever eaten in my life. I ate until I thought I’d get sick.
“Are we heading over to campus?” I asked Jackson’s parents.
“No. I seriously doubt Nicholas would be there on a Saturday. I pulled up his home address the other night. He only lives about ten minutes from here,” Robert replied.
“We’re just going to show up at his house unannounced?” Jackson asked his dad. “Does he know about us? Or Jocelyn?”
“We do not believe so, but we could not exactly approach him with it either,” Emily smiled.
“Why hasn’t my uncle Monte spoken to him there before we drop a bomb on him here?” I looked between the two of them.
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