by C Zinnia
Mel opened her senses and knew there were two people in Bill and Trixie’s room.
Mel grabbed her blanket and notebook and quietly went downstairs to the porch swing. The swing creaked softly as it swayed. Mel found the sound shockingly soothing. She was trying to fight the urge to analyze her dream.
It was the first time Mel had dreamed of her father since his death. In some ways, Mel felt like she didn’t have the right to be upset with his passing. In other ways, she missed her father dearly.
Their relationship had turned rocky when her parents split. She had wanted to live with him fulltime and he refused. She felt like he abandoned her and no longer loved her. By the time she was old enough to make amends, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Mel didn’t see a point in trying to rectify their relationship when he could barely remember her name. By the end, he was nonverbal but still had his extravagant smile. Mel was grateful he had never been violent like some Alzheimer’s patients became. For her father, it was like he slowly morphed into the disposition of a happy five-year-old. He had his mischievousness that involved stealing sweets from the refrigerator of the nursing home at night.
The whole relationship with her father was complex and messy. It was a kaleidoscope of shades of grey due to each of their insecurities, definitions of love, and emotional scars. Mel couldn’t understand how to decipher it. She had wished she could have handled it all better like her only sister had, but Mel didn’t have the social maturity. She was pretty sure she still wasn’t socially mature.
“And now you’re gone,” Mel murmured. “All of the anger and hurt and for what?” There was no answer, but she didn’t expect there to be. Spirits and ghosts weren’t included in Mel’s sensing abilities. Her father could have been sitting beside her on the porch swing and Mel wouldn’t have sensed him.
She could, however, sense Daren coming downstairs.
Daren glanced over as he came outside. “I’m surprised you’re awake,” he said. “I figured you’d sleep in after being out so late.”
“I had a bad dream,” Mel admitted before she could stop herself.
“Oh? Was it about Bill? I’m sorry I didn’t walk upstairs with you. I knew he was in his room, but I had assumed he wouldn’t try anything,” Daren said.
Mel was stunned. “It wasn’t about Bill and there’s no need to apologize. You shouldn’t have to escort me anywhere, let alone down a hallway,” she said.
“Yeah, well, I brought it up to Dad last night and he’s going to tell Bill to leave today. We won’t let him get away with those antics,” he said. “If it wasn’t about Bill, what was it about?”
Mel looked away.
Daren saw how serious and sad she looked. He plopped down beside her. “Let’s hear it,” he said.
Mel shook her head. “Don’t worry about it,” she said.
“Let me rephrase. I’m not leaving until you talk about it,” Daren said.
Mel sighed. “I dreamed about my dad last night and he passed away last month,” she said. “And I just feel a bunch of different emotions and I don’t want to deal with any of them.”
“Well, if you don’t deal with them now, if you toss them aside, you aren’t getting rid of them. You’re planting them into your subconscious. And once they’re in your subconscious, they’ll be controlling every major decision you make in your life with you being none-the-wiser. So, feel how you feel. Honor how you feel. Emotions are important,” Daren said.
Mel was amazed by the depth of his wisdom. “Aren’t we the same age?” she asked. “How are you so much wiser than me?”
Daren laughed. “We may be the same age, but we have different life experiences that mold our development. It leads to us having different types of maturity and intelligence. I had Mom and Dad always encouraging me to validate my emotions. There are plenty of people my age and older who don’t.” He wrapped an arm around Mel and hugged her. “Stop being so hard on yourself. You have your experiences and whatnot that have made you into the awesome person that you are today.”
“I just feel like I should be further along in all of this stuff. I feel behind in my growth,” she said. “If I had been more mature and if I had been more forgiving and compassionate and understanding, things would have been different between Dad and me.”
“But you weren’t and they aren’t. And, you don’t know if being that way would have made the situation better or worse for either or both of you,” he said matter-of-factly. “Stop doing the ‘what ifs.’ You won’t find your peace there. Figure out why you responded how you did. Figure out why he responded the way he did. You’d be surprised how that kind of knowledge will help you find peace. And forgive him and yourself.”
Mel was stunned by his bluntness. “He said in my dream to forgive myself,” she said.
“Sounds like good advice to me,” Daren said.
“Thank you, Daren,” Mel said.
“You’re welcome,” he said. “We can talk more when I get back from training, okay?”
Mel smiled. “Okay,” she said.
“All right. I better get going,” he said. “V’ll be irritated if I’m late. Want me to tell her you said hi?”
“Oh, you,” she said as she glared at him.
He laughed as he leapt up. “Just figured I’d ask,” he said. He walked across the yard and into the woods. Mel could sense his energy fade away.
Mel opened her notebook and poured her heart out. As she wrote, she prayed opening up to herself would bring her closer to making peace with everything that had come to pass.
When she looked up, the sun had risen and song birds were chirping. Their songs soothed her soul. Mel heard gravel crunch and looked over to see Jim and Thomas’ van pull in. The couple got out of the car. Jim carried the car seat as though it held the greatest treasure in the world.
“We’re officially dads!” Thomas said happily.
“I see! Congratulations!” Mel said.
Dana peeked her head out the front door. “They’re here!” Dana called back to Lee. She ran down the steps to join the new parents. “Do y’all need help carrying in anything?” she asked.
“No, we’re actually going to pack our things and head back to DC,” Jim said.
Dana pouted. “You ought to at least stay for breakfast. I’ve made pancakes with eggs and turkey bacon and I have 100% maple syrup,” she said.
Jim looked at Thomas. “It would be smart to eat a good breakfast before heading out,” he said.
Thomas smiled. “We’ll join you all for breakfast,” he said.
“Fantastic,” Dana said as she ushered everyone inside.
Breakfast was a joyful occasion. All of the adults took turns fawning over the baby girl, Ariel.
At one point, Mel felt Viola’s and Daren’s presence in the yard. To Mel’s disappointment, she felt them go to the parking lot and leave. It’s for the best, she thought. I wouldn’t know what I would have done if I met her anyway. Though she tried to console herself, she felt her mood dampen. She was grateful no one noticed her sudden change in demeanor.
Breakfast ended too quickly to Mel. She felt mass amounts of anxiety in her lower abdomen that she couldn’t rationally explain. She quickly distracted herself by focusing on Ariel.
“She is so beautiful,” Mel said. She sat with Jim and Dana in the living room while Thomas and Lee packed up the van.
They watched little hands flutter in the air. The baby girl had big eyes that struggled to stay open. She finally gave up and succumbed to blissful sleep.
Jim glowed as he held her. “Thank you,” he said to Mel. “She is a true blessing.” He kissed the baby’s forehead. “Our little Ariel.”
“I’m so glad the adoption went smoothly for y’all,” Dana said.
“Us too,” Jim said. “We were frightened every step of the way that they would change their minds. We’re glad they didn’t.”
Mel was amazed by the amount of pure love Jim and Thomas had for the baby. They treated her as though she had
always been part of their lives and family. She could feel Ariel’s energy already bonding with theirs. Babies are truly incredible creatures , she thought.
“We better get going. Ariel’s grandparents are eager to meet her,” Thomas said as he entered the living room.
“Okay,” Jim said. They all went outside and watched as Jim tucked Ariel safely into her car seat.
Dana peeked at Ariel one more time. “She looks like a tiny angel,” she said. Her eyes watered slightly. Dana really wanted to have another child.
In Mel’s mind, she saw Dana crying in Lee’s arms from joy as she held a healthy baby boy in her arms. “I love you,” she said before kissing Lee sweetly. The vision faded away.
Mel had to stop herself from reassuring Dana because she knew Dana would be pregnant soon. No need to interrupt this moment with “woo-woo” talk , Mel thought.
Lee wrapped an arm around Dana. He lovingly kissed Dana’s forehead. “Make sure to come back again,” he said to Jim and Thomas.
“Thank you, Lee and Dana. We definitely will,” Jim said. Jim hugged them both before hugging Mel. He said to Mel; “Let us know if you ever need anything, okay? We are close by so we’ll have to get together someday for dinner. You should always be able to be who you are with confidence.”
“Thank you,” Mel said. “I’d like that.”
Lee, Dana, and Mel all watched and waved as the van travelled down the driveway. They kept waving until the van disappeared.
“They are going to be fantastic parents,” Mel said. “You can feel the love and protection surrounding Ariel.”
“Feel?” Dana said. She shook her head. “I think you’re the only one who’s in tune with those sorts of feelings.”
“It was just a figure of speech,” Mel said.
“I don’t think it was,” Dana said. “Come on, how about we go inside?”
When they turned towards the house, Mel felt dread in the bottom of her gut. All of her anxiety this morning suddenly made sense. This is it, she thought gravely. “I don’t think we should go inside,” she said before she could stop herself.
Lee and Dana were concerned. “Why not?” Lee asked.
“Because . . . it’s so beautiful out here and we should appreciate the beauty of nature,” Mel said awkwardly.
Dana’s eyes narrowed. “What are you not telling us, Mel?” she said.
Mel bit her lip. “Something bad is going to happen between Bill and Trixie,” she said.
Lee and Dana looked at each other in bewilderment. “How could you know that? Did you hear them argue this morning because I didn’t? Did you?” Dana asked Lee.
“No,” he said. He looked at Mel with concern. “Maybe you’re worried they will after last night?”
“What happened last night?” Dana asked.
“No, it’s not because of that,” Mel said. She knew they didn’t believe her.
Lee wrapped an arm around Mel; “Why don’t we-”
They all heard screaming and glass breaking inside.
“Stay here,” Lee commanded. He ran towards the house.
“Lee, don’t go inside,” Mel shouted.
Gunshots sounded.
Chapter 18
A figure broke through the window on the second floor and fell to the ground. It was Trixie! She tucked and rolled as she landed. She sprung back up and looked at the window, panicked. She was bleeding from her shoulder.
“What’s going on, Trixie?” Lee asked as he neared her.
“That bastard is a hunter,” Trixie snarled. She was enraged. She felt like a fool and did not appreciate being tricked.
Mel didn’t understand why Trixie was upset about Bill being a hunter instead of being angry with him for shooting her.
Bill came out the front door, gun in hand. “Well, well, well,” he said. “Looks like all of the humans are gone. No need for civilities anymore.” He pointed the gun at Trixie. “You no longer serve a purpose. And, by the way, I never liked you.”
Trixie howled in rage.
“Trixie, don’t!” Lee shouted.
Time slowed down for Mel as reality as she knew it shifted.
Trixie’s nose and mouth morphed into a muzzle. Her sharp teeth appeared as she growled at Bill. Her body and limbs twisted as fur appeared. Fingers shortened and came closer together to form paws with sharp claws. Her clothes tore away and a tail erupted from the base of her spine. As Trixie transformed, she charged at Bill. By the time Trixie reached Bill, she was a large, rabid wolf.
Bill was taken aback by her speed. She tackled him, knocking the gun out of his hand as she tried to rip out his throat.
Bill pulled a gun from his pocket.
Boom!
Blood erupted from Trixie’s back as the bullet burst through. She collapsed onto Bill. He rolled her off of him and jumped to his feet.
Dana and Lee were already sprinting towards him. Bill ran into the house. They quickly followed him.
Mel was left shaking where she stood in the yard by the parking lot. She was frozen from disbelief. What just happened? Her mind was whirling.
Mel, back up, her mind commanded. Now!
Mel obeyed without hesitation. She slowly backed away, watching the house the whole time.
BOOM!
The house exploded.
The force of the eruption threw Mel backwards. She landed on her back in the gravel. She felt the rocks cut into her hands and arms as she skidded back. She cried out as her right shoulder jammed with the ground.
The heat of the blast felt like it singed her face. She could smell burnt hair. She couldn’t hear anything except for a piercing high-pitched note.
Mel saw pieces of the house fall from the sky. She curled up in a ball, covering her head with her arms. Pieces of wood, brick, and sheet rock hit her back and legs. She prayed none of the flaming pieces hit her.
She felt a large piece barreling down. She looked up and saw a large chunk of house coming for her. She threw her hand up. Her fear shot through her arm and hit the chunk of house. She felt the fear push the house. The large chunk landed a few feet from her.
Mel waited until the last piece of debris landed before she uncurled and sat up. Ashes floated in the air around her. It covered her. When she breathed, the ashes seemed to travel through her nose and mouth and into her lungs. It caused her to go into a coughing fit. She used her shirt to cover her mouth and nose. Her eyes burned as she tried to see around her.
It was odd to see how many cuts and scrapes she had on her limbs because she couldn’t feel any of them. I need to get up, she thought.
She stumbled to her feet, unable to fully get her bearings. Her body kept pitching from side to side as she tried to walk. Her analytical side kicked in to prevent her from having a panic attack. At least I’m getting to experience how the vestibular system affects balance, she mused. And how explosions affect the vestibular system and the auditory system. Oh God, Mel, just don’t lose it!
She suddenly realized she was standing by herself. Where are Dana and Lee? she wondered. Oh God, they were in the house.
“Dana!” she screamed. She could barely hear herself. She moved her shirt from her mouth, hoping it would be easier for them to hear her. Her throat burned as she called her name again. “Dana! Lee!” She still could barely hear herself. Tears were streaming down her face. She prayed to God they weren’t dead. God can’t be cruel enough to kill good people like them! she thought.
Mel stumbled towards the house. What was left of the house was burning. She awkwardly moved around the rubble to get to the backyard.
Through the smoky haze, Dana saw Mel and cried from relief. “Thank God,” Dana said as she pulled Mel close. Mel hugged her tightly, grateful they were okay. Dana’s words sounded muffled to Mel, as though they were talking underwater. “I was afraid you had followed us inside.”
“Where’s Lee?” Mel asked loudly.
“Right here,” Lee said. He had a gash on his hand. Mel watched the wound heal before her eyes.
“Lucky for us, Bill detonated the bomb when he was far enough away. It’s the only reason we had enough time to get out while we were chasing him. Unfortunately, he got away. But thank God Bill was unaware of how fast we are.”
“That’s because Trixie never showed him her true speed,” Dana said.
Mel looked at her and saw the cuts and scrapes on her face and neck. She watched them heal as Dana talked. Mel touched a scratch on Dana’s cheek that had healed.
Mel looked at her own hands. The cuts were still there and bleeding. What’s happening? she thought.
“Now that he knows, Bill won’t make that mistake again,” Lee said. He patted Mel on the back. “Are you okay?”
Lee’s action brought Mel out of her daze. She suddenly remembered that she just saw a woman turn into a wolf. A big wolf like the dogs Mel had seen at the fight. They weren’t dogs , Mel’s mind said. Not dogs. Wolves!
“You said ‘we,’” Mel said. “Why did you say ‘we’ as though you are like Trixie?” When Lee didn’t answer, she moved away from Dana and Lee. She nearly tripped, still feeling woozy. She managed to remain standing. “You’re like her? You can randomly turn into an animal?”
“Calm down, Mel,” Lee said. “You’re yelling.”
“Calm down,” Mel repeated dumbly. “When does saying calm down in a situation like this ever work? Are you serious? I’m yelling because I can barely hear anything you two are saying. It feels like I’m talking underwater. And that damn high note that won’t stop! And I almost died from getting blown up! A part of your house almost crushed me and I had to push it off. I just saw a person murdered! And she was- she was-”
Mel tried to take a deep breath, but she felt like no oxygen entered her lungs. The debris burned. She covered her mouth again, trying to soothe herself with the familiar smells. Unfortunately, smells of the blast had soaked into her shirt. It was another reminder of what just happened. “What in the hell is going on? What was Trixie? What are all of you?” she said. She tried to will herself to calm down, but it didn’t work. Tears ran down her cheeks as she hyperventilated. She felt her body sink to the ground. Please don’t pass out, she begged. She looked down, amazed that her hands were touching the ground, but she could barely feel them.
