Destiny's Gate

by Lee Bice-Matheson

  I stormed to the foyer, and watched as Allan wiped off the snow from his parka. Trixie was back to her animal form and though I did not react, it never seemed quite normal to me. I messaged, we need to meet to discuss what has happened. With his hand raised, Allan signalled to give him a minute and pointed to the stairs. Trixie ran up the black walnut staircase and waited on the landing for us to follow; her tail wagged frantically.

  Allan chased after me, taking the stairs two at a time. He grabbed my hand and commanded Trixie to proceed. We ended up in a banquet-sized room that I had not explored before. I wondered how he knew about this room if I did not. I overlooked this concern for the time being, as Allan began to pace back and forth with his hand on his forehead. Trixie lay down with her head between her paws, apparently well accustomed to Allan’s behaviour, as he pondered what he wanted to say. I stood still until my anxiety overwhelmed me and began to walk around the room. It overlooked the gardens below, and I spied the stone bridge, in the distance, leading to the guest house. The snowflakes whirled around, as if in a funnel, glistening as they fell to the ground. It was beautiful, almost mesmerizing, now that we were indoors. I jumped as Allan approached and touched my left shoulder. I whirled around, examining his face. He appeared scared, his eyes blackened; it was not something I was used to seeing in him.

  “Paige, my senses are on overdrive and I’m frightened. Not sure what’s going to happen, are you?” He held onto my arm; his hand felt on fire.

  “I don’t know. I keep getting all kinds of warnings, though... I have no idea what they are about, Allan. I’m so sorry to drag you and Trixie into this mess.”

  “You didn’t drag us into it — we volunteered to help you and your family. I’m here until the end and so is Trixie.” Allan looked lovingly at his stepdaughter who had somehow fallen asleep. Then he grabbed my waist and pulled me towards him, kissing me softly, slowly. It was fireworks until I felt Trixie’s head nudge me from behind. As I bent down to pet her, I was horrified. It was not Trixie at all. It was one of the black beasts and we were surrounded. My last recollection before transforming into my spirit wolf, Journey, was that of the full moon beaming its rays into the room, appearing so close, I wanted to jump on it.

  Blue-Eyes and I faced the black dogs, in our spirit wolf form, baring our jagged incisors and growling a warning for them to leave the estate, now and forever. There were ten of them against two of us; Trixie was nowhere to be seen. Blue-Eyes stood tall, ears erect, fur bristled and lips curled back, snarling. He was fierce. Each canine with its glowing yellow eyes crouched down and growled thickly. It was unnerving if one dwelled upon it, as my senses told me that’s when they were brutally vicious.

  The evil canines encircled us. I heard Blue-Eyes telepathically, don’t worry, help is on the way. Before I could respond, the wolves from the guest house swarmed the room; there had to be at least fifty at first glance. They pounced on our enemies; one beast that had targeted me eluded them. He jumped into the air. I watched as his muscular torso flew towards me and he exposed his incisors. Spellbound, I was unable to move. Blue-Eyes came to my rescue and knocked him down in mid-air, and then I heard, run. There was no way I was going to back down now. I stealthily approached a black dog from the rear. Smelling my scent, he spun around baring his teeth and edged closer and closer, his ragged nails clicking on the floor. Oh, how I hated that sound — I had heard it one too many times. I snarled and crouched down, readying to pounce on my attacker. We collided as we sprang through the air. I knocked him sideways but he had caught me on the way down, clamping onto my leg. I howled in agony. Out of nowhere, Trixie ambushed the canine and tossed him against the windows, sending him crashing down to the snow-covered garden below. I lay bleeding when another beast started for me, and tried to drag myself out of harm’s way using my front leg strength. Trixie stood in the pathway between us. Blue-Eyes jumped in, striking the hound with brutal force that sent him through the damaged window; the rest was a blur to me. When I came to in human form, Allan was bent over Trixie, examining her listless body. My heart ached as tears rolled off his face; he was speechless. Allan picked Trixie up and carried her away. Unable to help them, I lay there, writhing in pain, my leg bleeding profusely.

  Peggy’s voice pleaded, Paige, get to the staircase, even if you have to crawl. Cry for help. I managed to drag myself to the top of the stairs and cried out in pain. Hanna’s footsteps echoed as she ran up the stairs and rescued me. I felt nothing after that.

  Awakening in my bed, with my left leg wrapped and elevated on a pillow, I felt euphoric. I could not grasp what was happening until Hanna walked into the room and asked, “So the drugs have kicked in, eh? Thank goodness or you’d be in a lot of pain, Paige. What happened to you, child? I found you half naked with blood gushing from your leg. We’ve been so worried. What did that to you? You’ve been asleep for two days.” She waited for a response and then started towards the door and added, “Your parents are here. I’ll get them.”

  I giggled, and mumbled, “Hellhounds.”

  Hanna swung around and asked, “What are you talking about? Nonsense!” She hollered, “Lori, Kevin...Paige is awake now.”

  I heard squealing and footsteps scurrying down the corridor. My parents burst into the room and threw their arms around me — mom at my neck, dad at my feet. It was quite a reunion. I cried and was so relieved to see them; knowing I had barely escaped death and needed all the support I could gather at this time in my life. I needed help. This was too big, even for me.

  “We’re not quite sure what happened to you, Paige. Your mother and I have been worried sick since the phone call from Hanna. We flew in as soon as we could. Come on...tell us — we need to know everything,” dad said with concern in his voice. His blue eyes appeared deep blue and I noticed flecks of grey hair at dad’s temples. His lean, towering frame did not intimidate me.

  Not knowing how to begin, I simply closed my eyes.

  “I guess you still need your rest. C’mon Lori, let Paige sleep while we unpack our bags.” Dad sighed and left the room.

  Mom refused to leave my side. I drifted in and out of sleep for most of the day. When I awoke, mom could not help herself, and immediately showered me with gifts from Italy — a coffee table book of photos of Cinque Terre, a beautiful scarf made of blue silk and gold threading, a gold necklace with an angel charm, and a handcrafted jewellery box made of olive wood. It was all a bit much after what had just happened and I panicked, wondering if Trixie and Allan were okay.

  “Are you in pain, dear?” she touched my hand and sat next to me on the bed.

  “Yes, I am.” I wanted to avoid any further questions about the latest attack. “These meds are upsetting my stomach. Could you get me something to settle it?” Truly, all I cared about was the whereabouts of Trixie and Allan.

  Mom left in search of a remedy, while my mind raced with thoughts of their demise. What if they were in trouble and no one was there to help them?

  “Paige, are you okay?” mom asked as she reappeared. She handed me a pill while stating, “Ginger is well known for its natural digestive qualities. Take it.”

  “Thank you, mom. Do you know where Allan is?” I could not hide it any longer. I had to know.

  “Who? Oh, you mean the groundskeeper? He’s at the guest house, I assume.” Mom dismissed the subject. “Stop worrying about everyone else, Paige. You need to look after yourself, now. We need to know how you were really hurt, Paige.”

  It took me a moment to think of a cover story; eventually it came to me. I explained how I had climbed the stairs to the attic, caught my foot on one of the rungs, slipped, and a protruding nail ripped into my leg. Unfortunately, my explanation caused a big commotion. Mom ducked out to inform dad who then stormed into the room and announced I would need a tetanus shot immediately. Brilliant! Why did I mention a nail? I proceeded to adjust the story to a fragment of wood. They were visibly relieved, and cont
inued to tell me how much they loved me and were so glad they had returned home for two weeks to help nurse me back to health.

  Hanna entered with a big pot of green tea and three cups, suggesting once we were finished that perhaps my parents should give me some time to rest. I shot her a glare and asked that they stay afterwards until I fell asleep. I did not want to be left alone after what had happened in the banquet room, and shuddered at the thought of it.

  Allan poked his head into the room and informed us he had fixed the stairs, while telepathically announcing, I fixed the broken window. He winked at me and said he’d return later to see how I was doing. I saw the back end of Trixie, her tail wagging vigorously. Relieved they were both fine, now I could catch some z’s.

  Contrary to Hanna’s request, mom insisted she stay behind to keep me company while I slept, and that made for a relaxed state of mind. She climbed into the bed and drew the comforter up around us; we slept serenely arm in arm. I craved a sense of community this Christmas, never imagining it could be like this.

  I stirred sometime after midnight, as I could see the moonlight softly streaming in through the parted curtains. I recognized it was in the waning gibbous phase (the phase coming after the full moon when the light decreases), and thought of dad who taught me about the moon phases as a young child. Mom had slipped out of bed at some point and that disturbed me.

  I had forgotten about my injury until the pain returned in full force. I knocked over my water glass on the night stand, trying to reach for a Tylenol, and noticed Trixie sleeping next to me on the floor. Thankfully, it had just missed her; she stirred only for a moment and then settled back down again. Mind over matter, I ruminated, to overcome the pain. I thought of happy memories as a young child playing on the beach building sand castles. It did the trick.

  There was nothing comparable to the comforting feeling of unconditional love and security from my parents. And having my friend, Trixie, by my side, too, not to mention how grateful I was for Peggy, Carole, and Allan.

  Feeling restless, I contemplated how lucky I was, first of all to be alive, next, to have such loyal friends, and lastly, despite all that had happened, to be so loved by so many. Life at O’Brien Manor was so different from life in Scarborough when it was just the three of us; now we were supported by so many loving individuals. Family was a priority, friends were a huge necessity, or as dad would describe it, our tribe is increasing; or am I being lulled into a false sense of security?

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  Miracles Do Occur

  In the moment just before full consciousness, I felt a powerful, loving and warm embrace. When I proceeded to open my eyes, I was disappointed that there was no one to be seen. A flash of light, followed by images of angels in my head reminded me they were around and encircled me on this most glorious of days; it was Christmas morning. I smiled, and without thinking, bounded out of bed to the bathroom.

  Something was different. The pain from my leg had healed. I danced around the room looking down in disbelief. I splashed some water on my face to make sure it was not a dream, and laughed aloud when I heard Trixie enter the room, barking excitedly. She sauntered into the bathroom and I bent down and gave her the biggest hug, wishing her a very Merry Christmas. She barked again and I told her I would be along in a minute.

  Tying the belt tightly on my cherished pink velour robe, I walked down the hall towards the kitchen. Not a sound could be heard. I decided nothing was going to spoil my good mood today. As I arrived at the kitchen, I noticed hints of Hanna’s cooking, as there were pots and pans on the stove top and the smell of turkey wafting from the oven which made me salivate. Upon entering the dining room, I heard some stirring and whispers, then silence, followed by mom’s enthusiastic tone of voice.

  “Paige, you are out of bed. What a great surprise on Christmas Day. Our prayers have been answered, Kevin.” She arose and gently hugged me then led me to a chair beside her.

  Seated at the dining room table were mom and dad, grandpa and grandma, Hanna, Allan and Trixie, and then I spotted Peggy, at the head of the table. Tears streamed down my face as I had not seen her for weeks. I ran around the table and gave her a big hug and she returned it, full of love. I continued hugging everyone, one by one, before returning to my seat next to mom. This was absolutely the best day of my life with my fast recovery and to be able to share it with those I loved most.

  Hanna whipped up the best Christmas brunch ever. The spread included her famous lemon and raisin scones, ham and scalloped potatoes, Lorne sausages (these were square and gross-looking, yet so delicious tasting), fruit salad, as insisted on by my parents, and tiny raspberry tarts with real whipped cream on top. We ate as if it was our last meal, and the chatter was bubblier than it had been in months; everyone was animated especially when Hanna took a bite into a raspberry tart and had half eaten a tiny spider hidden in the whipped cream. We all burst out laughing at the look on Hanna’s face until she expelled it into her napkin, and ran into the kitchen. I could not help but feel sorry for her.

  The grandfather clock chimed eleven bells and I was shocked at how fast the day was rolling by. Normally, I was the talkative one at the table, but I chose to sit back and listen to all of my wonderful family and friends sharing about themselves. My parents recounted several stories about life in Italy and the trails they explored through Cinque Terre. Allan opened up about working as a tree planter and helped to save a friend as a tree fell, almost upon him. There was a huge celebration that night as the workers gathered to honour Allan, their hero. I was not surprised by this. Trixie remained quiet but she smiled and laughed often, as did Peggy. And my grandparents kept the food coming, giving Hanna a break from the kitchen. This was my Christmas wish — all my loved ones safe, happy and together on Christmas day. And what do you know — I had already received part of the Christmas wish I had asked for. These were my peeps and we were all in this life together, to support and love one another.

  Once brunch had finished, we sat long enough to let our stomachs settle. I insisted on clearing the table but my request was denied by Hanna, as she enlisted Trixie and Allan’s help. Mom led me by the hand into the living room where we sat upon the long couch. Peggy slowly followed and positioned herself in between us.

  Peggy put her hand over mine and said, “I’ve missed your smiling face, Paige. And I was so pleased to be invited by your family to celebrate such a glorious day together.”

  I smiled and said, “I’m so happy you are here and healthy. That was part of my Christmas wish.”

  We became silent and had quite a conversation telepathically. At one point, dad walked in, took one look at us, smiled, and whirled right back around and out again. He knew what was taking place. As I heard grandpa’s booming voice ask where everyone was, dad diverted his attention, asking him to accompany him to the study and have a father-in-law to son chat. Dad’s voice faded as I overheard him saying we were preoccupied, and grandma was supervising Hanna in the kitchen in preparation for Christmas dinner. Trixie and Allan must have departed to the guest house as their voices were not to be heard. I was anxious for their return at dinner.

  Speaking telepathically was fascinating. It’s like entering a different world altogether wherein, you hear the person speaking quite emphatically a few words at a time. Words are chosen carefully so the message is not diluted. And sometimes, a vision is popped into one’s head, rather than spoken words. Peggy shared, sorry I could not help, while mom quietly listened. Thankfully Allan and Trixie protected you. Mom agreed emphatically, yes. Peggy warned me, I’m sensing trouble is coming. Say your prayers daily...do the grounding in the shower. I looked at her, surprised she knew I was already instructed on how to do that, and she continued, you are guided by the Almighty, listen to the messages, they will come once. Mom interjected, write them down, Paige. Peggy nodded and continued, you are special...brought here to O’Brien Manor to rid it of the negative energy — hauntin
g your family for over a century. The love in your heart is pure and that is why you are the chosen one. Mom added, I’m thankful, though afraid for Paige. She asked Peggy, will Paige survive as the victor? Peggy replied, yes. Her premonition made me relax...sort of.

  Hanna strolled into the room, wiping her hands on her floral apron and asked, “Peggy, can you stay for Christmas dinner? We’d love to have you.”

  “I am grateful that I could be here this morning but I’m weary now, and should go home to rest. Thank you, all of you.” Peggy squeezed my hand.

  It surprised me to see Allan and Trixie waltz into the room to announce they would escort Peggy home. We all stood and Peggy hugged me goodbye as she whispered into my ear, “Carry the angel charm at all times!”

  It never ceased to amaze me that Peggy remembered little details like Dexter’s charm, given to me for protection. I pushed a small gift-wrapped box into her hands. Peggy looked joyfully surprised. After she left, I grew sleepy lying on the couch. Mom put on our favourite Christmas CD Superstar Christmas. John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s song Happy Xmas (War is Over) played. The words and so this is Christmas caused tears to well up in my eyes and I knew, without looking, that mom had them, too. This time, they were happy tears that everyone was well, mixed, with a touch of foreboding. I drifted in and out of sleep on one end of the couch, mom on the other, with our feet touching. Half asleep, I heard dad come in and sensed he sat nearby in the high back winged chair, quietly flipping pages of a book, as he watched over us. I fell back into a peaceful sleep.