Randomly, Hanna dropped a load of wood and bellowed, “Paige, what are you doing up so early? You scared me half to death.”
A bit of a delayed reaction but I dismissed it. “Sorry, Hanna. I couldn’t sleep most of the night so I went for a walk. I feel great now. It’s amazing what fresh air can do for you.” I walked over and gave her a big hug.
She pushed me away. “Whoa. Your energy is overwhelming. It’s so strong today! Where were you, did you say?” Hanna held onto my arm.
“No, I didn’t say. I’m going to make breakfast for us today. Dad taught me how to make tasty omelettes. You don’t mind, Hanna, do you?” I broke her hold.
“Not at all...help yourself to the kitchen. My hands are full here. Thank you, Paige.” Hanna feigned a smile not missing a beat working on the task at hand.
Mere steps away, my skin began to crawl, as Hanna began to speak in a low guttural voice and declared, “You are of double sight. Your grandfather has it, born on this day of All Hallows’ Eve. It is written in the Celtic lore. You will see many spirits today and your quest is to determine which one is coming to bear a message of support, and which ones are coming to harm you.”
I blinked my eyes in confusion as I gazed at Hanna, only to find her on the other side of the fire pit collecting more wood. Was it Hanna who just spoke to me or not? Enough of this wicked day! It was sometimes easier for me to pretend some experiences did not happen.
Sprinting to the manor to make breakfast for grandpa’s birthday, I wanted to forget the latest incident. Preparing breakfast would make me feel normal, for the time being. It was not long before I began to ponder what had happened by the brook, wondering who healed me and from what. Chopping some garlic, green and red peppers, onions, tomatoes and a bit of ham was somehow comforting. This was my favourite breakfast and I was determined to make this a great day for all of us. I remained optimistic despite all of the forewarnings.
“Ah, Paige, I was wondering who’s cooking breakfast so early? Hanna usually waits until after nine for us ole fogeys to wake up,” commented grandma as she strolled into the kitchen in her paisley flannel robe, stretching and yawning. “Your grandfather will be here shortly. He’s getting dressed.”
I returned her smile and explained that Halloween was my favourite day of the year, and seeing as it was also grandpa’s birthday, I was delighted to do the honours. It was time Hanna had some help in the kitchen. Although seemingly happy with her big smile, grandma was distracted and forgot to ask where Hanna was, as she would usually inquire. I was grateful for small mercies.
Grandpa entered the kitchen appearing agitated, his eyes searching the room. I knew he was looking for Hanna. And as he did he said, “Well, isn’t this a nice surprise from my granddaughter. Terrific! Whatever it is, don’t tell me. It smells wonderful, Paige.”
“Happy Birthday, Grandpa — I know you don’t like celebrating your big day but I hoped you wouldn’t refuse breakfast à la Chef Paige!”
“Thank you, honey.” He turned to grandma as he said, “Now, mother, Paige has a chore to do for me today. And I don’t want to hear about it — you’ve had her working on your postcards long enough.” He stood between the two of us.
Grandma looked surprised and nodded in agreement. “Okay, dear. It is your special day and you should do as you please.”
Grandpa winked at me and proposed we should go for a short walk after breakfast, as there was something he wanted me to see. I nodded in anticipation.
After we had eaten what grandpa called ‘the most delectable dish he’s ever had’, he was true to his word. We departed through the oversized-doors of the manor, and walked along the cobblestone driveway.
“Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Paige,” he said and kissed my cheek. “This is your cue to continue on and visit Peggy. She has something to say to you.” Grandpa turned and walked away.
“What are you going to tell grandma?” I yelled.
“Never mind, child. Let me worry about that. Take as long as you need, Paige. Bye for now.”
Thrilled to have grandpa and Hanna on my side, I sauntered along the laneway and onto the gravel road where I broke into a sprint. I could not wait to see Peggy again. As usual, there she was at the front door smiling and waving at me as I entered the gate.
“How nice of you to come to see me today, Paige. I was beginning to worry and wondered when I would see you next. Come in, dear.” Peggy hugged me as I walked up to her.
Carole surfaced from the kitchen and waved, making me feel very welcomed. We all moved into the communications room and began to talk at once. Peggy held up her hand and said, “Wait a minute. Let’s all calm down and talk one by one. Who wants to go first?”
Respectfully, I replied, “Certainly, you should go first, Peggy. It’s so great to see you both.” I settled back into the loveseat next to Carole, on my left, and Peggy directly in front of me, comfortably snuggled into her rocking chair.
“I understand you’ve had a conversation with your grandfather, Paige. He’s explained a bit about today?” Peggy asked.
“Yes, he’s afraid of evil spirits visiting the estate tonight. Hanna is building a bonfire in the hopes of warding off evil spirits. I don’t believe that will help much. Do you?”
“That is what Carole and I wanted to talk to you about, being mindful not to tell you too soon. It is a day where people like us, who perceive spirits, have to be extremely careful. We must enter this day with love in our hearts and peaceful thoughts in our minds — have no fear in our hearts and be ready to do battle when necessary. That is the key to getting through a day like this when you have the gift of sight. Sounds easy enough, doesn’t it?” Peggy asked, as she let out a nervous laugh.
“Well...how am I supposed to do that? I’ve seen how evil spirits can be and what they look like. Remember Conall? He tried to kill my grandfather! How can I be calm and in control, with such nasty memories?” Bitterness resonated in my voice, shocking even me.
“Understandable, Paige. No doubt you are on edge about All Hallows’ Eve. I know I was at your age. Please know that you can, and will get through it. It’s written in your destiny. I have seen it. You will survive tonight — as will all of you on the estate.” Peggy gave me a reassuring smile, her eyes darting from Carole and back to me again.
I studied Carole, wondering what she was thinking about and what had happened to her over the years to be included in this kind of a bizarre conversation.
Carole stood up and paced before retrieving a book off Peggy’s shelf. She handed it to me. “This really helped me in figuring all of this out. It’s about Arthur Ford, the man who spoke to the deceased magician, Houdini, and confirmed by a secret code (only his surviving wife, Bess, knew) he survived in the afterlife. This book, and my uncle — the one who knows Grey Owl. You have seen him recently?”
A little stunned, I wondered how Carole knew I had seen Grey Owl and seemed to always be tuned into my life. I replied, “Yes, last night. He talked to me in the kitchen and asked me to go to the brook for healing.”
“Very good...you are ready. Now you just have to accept what is and stop fighting it. I know...I’ve been there. This is real, Paige, and the sooner you accept it the better. Only then will you understand and learn how to control things and be protected.” Carole left the room abruptly.
“She’s right, Paige. It can be overwhelming, if you allow it to be. Some people — well, it drives them mad. You are living between this world and the Otherworld...and the sooner you come to grips with it, the better for you and everyone around you. We don’t want a repeat of last summer with Conall. If you had known some of the things I’ve been teaching you and will continue to, as well as what you are learning from Grey Owl, you may have been spared the haunting by Conall.” Peggy stared at me.
My stomach felt tied in knots with this revelation. I had no idea somehow I had let that happen. Why d
idn’t I turn to someone for help? I have asked myself that question over and over again. Someone like Peggy could have helped me. And why did it take so long before Peggy could get through to me? I must love to torment myself!
Carole returned with a tray of tea with three cups that she had prepared in anticipation of my arrival. I knew it intuitively without asking her. It was lovely and we sat in silence. I contemplated what Peggy had revealed and why I did not ask anyone for help. Firstly, could it be I was losing touch with reality, seeing ghosts, let alone talking to them; secondly, perhaps I had a brain tumour, and that’s why I could perceive things; and thirdly, if I told someone, I was afraid they would point their finger at the weirdo and laugh at me, while escorting me directly to the psychiatric ward. Basically, fear stopped me in my path. The realization that there is something beyond our physical, human world is still pretty far out there. If Peggy, Carole, mom and grandpa had the gift, however, perhaps it was a bit more common than I had believed. That revelation hit me right in the gut. And I heard the word: bingo.
Carole cried out, “Wow, I didn’t see that coming, Paige! You could have warned me first. That hurt!”
“What hurt?” I looked at her perplexed.
“When you have a gift like ours and someone near you has an emotional response to something, your energy affects everyone around you. Look at Peggy,” she said as she pointed to her.
“Yes, Paige. I felt it too!” Peggy added as she rubbed her stomach.
I told them how sorry I was and that this was all new to me. They both smiled empathetically as they understood. I guess, I too, am psychic after all.
Later, as I walked home, I felt happy energy encircling me at knee level. It felt like children dancing and I heard giggling. I assumed I was just imagining things until I heard Mackenzie’s voice.
Hi, Paige, it’s All Hallows’ Eve and I get to play again like I did when I lived here. I brought some of my friends along. Don’t worry. We’re here to help you. And then she was gone.
I was grateful, once again, to know I had a few good spirits and friends on my side. However, the overwhelming thought of what was coming made me want to crawl out of my skin.
CHAPTER TWELVE
The East Wing
Grey Owl stood before me on the road and pointed past the manor. I knew he wanted me to go back to the healing stone and I did not question it. I high-tailed it over there and kneeled down to touch the rock — a jolt of electricity almost knocked me backwards. Thankfully, I caught myself just in time. The healing seemed instantaneous and I heard, you are healed, followed by a question. The voice asked, are you praying for the lost souls as much as you possibly can? Today is the last day, before sunset.
Heading back to the guest house, it sunk in I had not prayed enough, and I began to repeat the lost souls’ prayer until my stomach grumbled. It grew louder and louder, and as I looked down and touched my belly, I realized it wasn’t coming from me at all. I snapped around in time to see a black wolf crouching down as if readying to pounce on its prey. I fell backwards tripping on a small shrub. The wolf stealthily approached. He leapt at me and as he did, Blue-Eyes sprang out of the bushes and met him in mid-air, knocking and pinning him down to the ground forcefully, placing one paw upon the black wolf’s chest. He growled and grunted and then backed up and freed the wolf who escaped into the thick of the forest.
Blue-Eyes turned and met my eyes, then sauntered over and nudged my arm gently, encouraging me to get up and continue on my way. I stood up and dusted myself off, looking away for only a second or two; when I looked back he had vanished.
We do not know where help will come from when we need it most. Imagine Allan, a wolf...had saved me twice! For that I was grateful and did not want to question it.
Following this attack, I carefully made my way back to the rose garden and chose once again to enter the manor through the east wing; a part of the manor that seemed to be my special entrance as it was rarely used by anyone else. The last time I was here, it felt as if someone was walking with me; an invisible being that popped a song into my head to the tune of Neon Tree’s Animal that warns I won’t get out alive. The recollection made me shiver but I continued forward. I was not going to allow anyone, spirit or otherwise, to stop me from being in or on any part of the O’Brien Estate.
The hallway was deathly quiet, not a sound could be heard. There was a chill in the air. I chalked it up to insufficient heating for this particular part of the manor. At least that was what I was trying to convince myself, as I took each step forward. Within minutes, I regretted my decision. Considering it was Halloween, grandpa and Hanna were so jumpy today, and my scare with the black wolf, what in the world was I thinking? The cold intensified the further I moved along the hallway, until I began to see my breath. After the return visit to the healing rock, I believed I was protected on this particular day. My chest grew tight and I wanted desperately to scream for help; only a high pitched squeak erupted. My mouth and throat were parched. There before me was a shadow that materialized into the oversized black wolf. Its guttural growl would haunt me for the rest of my life: starting lowly, then escalating to a gut wrenching growl, teeth bared and head lowered, saliva dripping onto the floor. I had just seen this wolf in the woods and Blue-Eyes had saved me. Who would save me now?
Mackenzie hollered, don’t be afraid, Paige! You have an inner wolf spirit. Let her out!
A low growl emanated from my body, using my diaphragm, and erupted from my mouth. It scared me at first and then I bowed my head. It felt as if a funnel of energy overcame me and my body fell limp. In slow motion, my spirit wolf manifested and turned around to watch my body as it slumped to the floor. I felt powerful existing in this new form and knew I could overtake my enemy. I felt invincible as I faced the oversized black wolf and pounced. We met in mid-air and I bit its shoulder. The wolf broke away and howled in pain. My attack did not discourage my adversary as it was not long before it rose to its feet and lurched forward catching my hind leg and knocking me to the ground. Quickly rolling over from a rush of adrenalin, I sprang to my feet and bared my teeth as a warning. We fought for our lives, each wolf trying to tear the other apart. I chomped on my attacker’s leg and the battle ended; my spirit wolf had won. The black wolf limped away.
Regaining consciousness, I wondered if any of it had happened at all until I looked down at my ripped t-shirt and saw the superficial claw marks across my stomach. My eyes widened in horror as I focused my eyes on my right shoulder. I was now sporting a hideous circular black marking, the size of a baseball, with an irregular border. I tried to rub it off and began to scratch at it until it dawned on me — it was a permanent mark similar to a tattoo. This was something I dare not tell anyone. Why is this happening to me?
Dashing to my room, I sat on the edge of the bed for hours, staring out the small window with its curtains slightly parted, and wondered if I was losing my mind. As I lay down and glanced up toward the ceiling, there was the old man with the white hair and kind eyes who had first told me about Grey Owl. He began, Paige, my child. Do not despair. Inside all gifted beings, therein lies, a spirit animal of some kind. You have been given the spirit of the wolf, for his courage, intelligence and bravery. He is your animal spirit guide, your teacher. Only when you are truly threatened will this inner wolf appear. It’s a part of you like your auburn hair and brown eyes. You have been given this gift from Creator to help you conquer evil in whatever form it comes to you. Many evil spirits are trying to attack you and your inner wolf has awakened. Do not let the fear paralyze you. Rejoice. Now you’ve met your innermost spirit animal that is here to help guide and protect you. Rejoice, my child.
Hearing the voice made me feel instantaneously peaceful and comforted. I slipped off the bed, tearing off what was left of my t-shirt and jeans to attend to my wounds. After I cleaned myself up, I pulled on one of my special flannel nightgowns from mom. Needing to re-energize, I climbed back in
to bed reciting the lost souls’ prayer. My last reflection before I drifted off to sleep was the day’s events and confirmation that despite what happens, I could count on myself. It was a bonus to have the support of friends like Peggy and Carole, and spirit friends, like Mackenzie and Conall but an inner spirit wolf was bizarre, even to me. Nonetheless, whatever this day was going to bring, I knew in my heart I could handle it. Bring it on!
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Hanna the Medium
As if perching on a ledge, I watched as Hanna finished building the bonfire and grandpa emerged from the manor, walking steadily towards her. I eavesdropped on their conversation, invisible to the naked eye.
“Hanna, do you think the Hallowfire will last the night? Time is marching on. You have to be sure to keep it going. I’m worried because Paige is here and she seems to have the gift too. She doesn’t know how to handle herself...yet.” Grandpa rested his hand on his furrowed brow and took a step backwards, as if pushed.
Hanna gasped, “What is going on, Ted? It’s too early for spirits to appear!” She let out a piercing cry as she was thrust to the ground. The expression on her face was haunting; her eyes had turned black and she robotically stood up as if in a trance. Then she said, “Ted, how great to see you again. It’s been far too long, Teddy boy.” Her tone was low and husky.
Grandpa stepped forward and asked, “Harold...Harold, is that you? What are you doing here?” His face turned pale as if he had seen a ghost.
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