by Rod Lee
Chapter 25
Veronica got up the next morning and asked her dad, “So when are you and Kitty having your date?”
“You don’t give up, do you? But you’ll be happy to know that Friday night you’ll be staying with your grandma for a bit while I have a special night with Kitty.”
“Great dad, I’m proud of you for taking this first step.”
He shook his head and laughed at his daughter, who seemed far too grown up at times. After dropping her off at school he stopped by his mom’s place and picked up the books.
“Here you are I packed them up last night after we talked, though I must admit I didn’t think you would come and pick them up.” His mom said.
“If Veronica has a skill I want to learn as much as I can about it, I think it will help me understand her.” He admitted.
“That and maybe you’ll learn how to do it too. Though you might have eaten too many processed foods in your life. You know all those GMO’s they add into things anymore they are used to close your third eye. They don’t want people to be able to experience this. They will know that people will rise up and take back the country if they really knew what was going on, and these spirits are givers of truth.” His mom commented.
Chase had to shake his head, sometimes his mom sounded too far out for even his open mind. Compared to her though he would be considered conservative.
At times, he wondered why her beliefs had never rubbed off on him much. Maybe it was because most of his years of development he had spent playing organized sports and hanging out with his father. Though he had been around his mother too, he had never really listened to her ramblings that much. He could remember his father telling her a few times to keep down her ideas, or they would carry her off to the looney bin.
“Thanks mom, I’ll look at these today if I have a chance.” Chase kissed her on the top of her head.
“Okay son, just remember that you need to make sure you only feed Veronica non-GMO foods, or you’ll take this away from her possibly. You know she really enjoys being able to talk to her mother. I think she would feel a great loss if that ever changed.” His mother told him before he walked out.
A big part of him hoped these books would help him to be able to talk to Jen too. It would be nice to get her insight on so many things he was never sure about. Like how he would handle it when his daughter would become a woman, what should he say to her and how he should handle it?
Another part of him wondered if Kitty would be able to provide him with the same insights. If he found a way to speak to Jen like Veronica did would he stay alone, fearing that he wasn’t being completely faithful to another woman?
There were so many conflicting emotions going through his head at this time. He didn’t know what he wanted to be honest.
He knew according to Veronica Jen wanted him to move on, would she tell him the same thing? Kind of like what had happened in his dream the other night? Did that mean he had the ability but just wasn’t sure how to use it?
Chase pulled into the fire station and grabbed the books. Finding a spot where he would be left alone he opened the first one and began reading it.
The words seemed to make little sense to him, and he doubted he would ever fully understand any of it. But he kept trying to read it and get more out of it.
Near the end of the day, he closed the books up feeling like he was missing something important in the whole process. It was something he felt like was just out of his grasp. Hopefully soon he would figure it out.
Chapter 26
As soon as he picked up Veronica at daycare, she asked about seeing Kitty.
“We’ll go in a little bit, don’t worry.” He told her.
Veronica saw the books on the seat of his jeep. “Did you read some of these today?” She asked.
“Yes, I tried but honestly none of it made much sense to me.” He admitted.
“Maybe if you try meditating first daddy you could clear your mind enough to understand it.” Veronica said.
“What do you know about meditation sweetie?” He asked, shocked to hear such a big word come from her. Though he knew she was smart, she shocked him many times.
“Grandma told me it will help me make my skills stronger, she helped me learn how to do it. I can now sometimes talk to mom even when I am not asleep. Just the other night at the hospital she was in the room when we were. She told me Kitty was a really sweet girl.” Veronica told him.
“Really?” He asked shocked. “Why didn’t you tell me about it?”
“Because you were still thinking I was crazy then, you weren’t sure if I was really talking to mom, or just imagining it.” She stated.
His mouth fell open, he had been thinking almost that exactly. When Veronica had first told Kitty about it, he even wondered if Kitty would think she was crazy.
“Did you tell Kitty about it?” He questioned.
“Yep I did, and she looked at the chair where mom was sitting. I think she might have seen her too, because she just got really quiet and didn’t say much more.” Veronica relayed the events.
“Hmm.” Chase rubbed his chin. He did wonder if Kitty had seen Jen. Maybe he would ask her to describe what she had seen. If she could describe Jen, he would know for sure that his daughter was gifted in this special way. As far as he knew, Kitty had no idea what Jen really looked like. Though Veronica did look a lot like her mother, there were still some features that were different.
“Dad we should take Kitty some more food today. I don’t think the hospital food is as good for her, and that way she’ll get to taste something else that you can cook.” Veronica said.
“What were you thinking?” He asked.
“I don’t know, maybe those meatballs, I love those. You know the ones you make with the barbecue sauce?”
“Yeah but I’m not sure if I have everything here to make them or not. That would mean that we’ll get to the hospital late as well.”
“How about putting them in the pot and letting them cook overnight? We can take them to her tomorrow. That way she’ll at least have something good tomorrow night. That might be a good thing to do for your date! You do know tomorrow is Friday, right?” His daughter reminded him.
“Yes, I do dear.” He laughed.
“I can put them on later when we get home if that’s the case.” Chase commented.
“Just don’t forget to do it.” Veronica said.
“I’m sure you will remind me when we get home!”
“Of course, daddy.” She smiled at him. “Come on let’s go, I got my book already.” Veronica pulled him towards the door.
“I’m coming munchkin.” He picked her up and carried her to the jeep.
“I love you daddy and I think Kitty likes you a lot.” She said once they were on the way to the hospital.
“I guess we’ll find out if she agrees to this date on such short notice.” He commented.
“Oh, she will, I know it.” The girl gave him a knowing smile.
Chapter 27
Veronica ran to Kitty’s room as soon as they walked through the elevator doors on the 6th floor. Chase was sure the little girl would be filling Kitty on her day, and possibly even telling her that her dad was going to ask her for a date.
As he walked in the door, he saw the little girl had a huge smirk on her face.
“What did I miss?” He asked.
“Veronica was telling me that tomorrow night she’ll be staying at her grandma’s place and you are bringing me these amazing meatballs that you make.” Kitty smiled.
“Veronica, you were supposed to let me ask if it was okay with her.” Chase said to his daughter.”
Veronica smiled, “She said it sounded like a delicious meal, and she would be happy to have a date with you. I told you she would say yes!”
“Is it okay with you?” He asked Kitty making sure of her answer.
“I think it sounds great. Though I will miss talking to Veronica. She said that if I wanted to I could call her once
she was out of school though, and she could talk to me about stars and other things.” Kitty told him.
“Now did she?” Chase smiled at them both. “So, I guess it’s a date. I’m sorry we have to have it here though and not somewhere nicer.” Chase commented.
“You can bring the candle daddy, remember?” Veronica stated.
“Yes dear, I know. I’m just sure Kitty is tired of being stuck in the bed all this time.” Chase commented.
“Daddy, her leg is broken what is she going to do, they haven’t even got her up on crutches yet. You should show her how to use them daddy.” Veronica said.
“Did they give you crutches yet?” He asked.
“Yes, they brought them but this cast is really hard to move and I don’t feel safe trying it on my own.” Kitty admitted.
Chase walked over to the crutches that were leaning against the wall near the bed. He put his arm around Kitty and helped her sit up on the edge of the bed. “Okay just take it easy, I’m right here and I won’t let you fall.” He said.
Kitty stood up shakily on her two feet, still not used to the feel of the cast. “It will get easier the more you use them. You’ll get the rhythm down and you’ll be moving almost as fast as when you walk.” He explained.
“You talk like you’ve been on crutches before.” She commented.
“Yep broke my leg playing high school football. Ruined my chances at going professional. But I never regret it happened, I would have never met Jen and had Veronica if I left town.” Chase commented.
Kitty’s smile faltered for a second and then she said, “It’s nice that you love her so much. I wish I would have been able to have that growing up.”
“You should really look up your dad and get to know him, maybe you’ll still be able to have the relationship with him you should have had as a child.” Chase commented.
“That means I would have to talk to my mom, and honestly right now that’s the last thing in the world I want to do.” Kitty admitted.
“Well you should consider it, you never know if he’s healthy or not, and you might miss out on your chance. All because you’re upset at your mom.” He held up his hand to single for her to not say anything, “I know she hurt you deeply last night. But I think there is a lot more there than she’s letting on right now. Like maybe the man who you thought was your father was not as accepting as they made it seem last night. I’m only saying that because I’m sure if I was in the same situation I wouldn’t even want to be around her after I knew she had cheated. So, give it some thought, and if you want I’ll be there when you talk to her.” Chase stated.
“I’ll think about it but for now just make sure I don’t fall when I try these things out.” Kitty said as she took her first step on crutches.
Veronica cheered her on and soon Kitty had to admit she had let her fear hold her back for too long. She could have been taking walks and getting out of her room sooner.
“This is actually very easy, now I feel stupid for not trying it before.” Kitty admitted.
“Sometimes we just have to know there is a person there to catch us if we fall. That little bit of security helped you out and now you know you can do it. Soon they’ll be letting you go home.
“Home? I don’t have one right now.” Kitty said sadly.
“Oh, that’s right. The city will put you up in a hotel for a little bit, I think a month or two but then you’ll have to find something. I’m not sure if you really want to go into another building that is owned by the same company. It is probably in just as bad of shape as the one that caught on fire and burnt down.” Chase said.
“Yeah I thought about that too. But I have no idea how I’m going to accomplish all of this on crutches.” She stated.
“Daddy and I will help you out, don’t worry.” Veronica offered.
“Yes, like she said, I’m there to help you out anyway I can. I can see if there is anything available near us too. That way you’re close by if you need help.” He commented.
“I’m not really sure how much I can afford. I’ll have to consider getting a day job to help me, since I won’t be getting any modeling gigs.” Kitty said.
“Hey you never know you still may get them, have faith that the skin grafts will work, don’t count yourself out already.” Chase said.
“I was talking more about the cast than anything. I don’t think any company will want a model who is sporting a full leg cast, even if the skin grafts do work!” Kitty laughed.
Chase shook his head, “You know I never really thought of that point. Well I have a few friends who might be able to hook you up with some work. It would be customer service but you could do it at home as long as you have a laptop.” He said.
“Nope I don’t have one.” Kitty shook her head.
“It’s okay we have an extra one you can have.”
“You really are too kind.” Kitty told Chase.
“My daddy is the best!” Veronica smiled.
Kitty shook her head in agreement.
Chapter 28
Veronica looked at Chase at breakfast, “Are you excited about tonight?” She asked.
“I’m nervous and excited.” He admitted.
“You’ll be fine daddy! Just let her taste those meatballs and she’ll fall in love with you!” Veronica said as she popped one of the very meatballs into her mouth.
He laughed, “I don’t know if it’s that easy sweetheart. You know not everyone is a food lover and can’t be so easily swayed.”
“Trust me daddy, she doesn’t need much pushing to love you, she is already looking at you in that way. You know the one that my teacher does all the time.”
“Really?” Chase asked. He hadn’t noticed it yet. Though he would notice her smiling at him out of the corner of his eye from time to time.
“Yep, she thinks you’re sweet and funny.”
“Hmm, okay.”
“Can you stop over at grandmas before you go tonight though?” She asked.
“You want some of the meatballs?” He laughed.
“No, I want to make sure you are ready for the date and look nice. Can you please shave that beard you’ve been growing though, it makes you look so much older” said Veronica.
“Sure munchkin!” He laughed. His daughter was definitely playing cupid to the tee.
When he dropped her off at school, Veronica made a point of saying something about the date in front of her teacher. Chase noticed the girls face fall a bit. He knew his little devil of a daughter had done it on purpose too. She gave him a small smile as he walked out of the room.
At work Chase once more pulled open the books but once more they weren’t making much sense to him. Then he remembered what Veronica had said about meditation.
He found the perfect man to ask about it. “Hey Jack, can I ask you something?” He found the man in the corner, he was in the process of getting ready to meditate.
“Sure Chase, what’s up?” Jack sat up a bit straighter.
“I was wondering how you meditate? Does it really help you clear your mind?”
“Oh man, meditation is the best. My mind is so clear, and it even has helped me heal quicker in the past. Something about the body being able to focus all the healing energy on a certain spot. I don’t really know the technical aspects of it but it is amazing.” Jack explained happily.
“So how do you do it?” Chase asked.
“Well you need to focus on your breathing but that means blocking out everything around you. When you first try it, and that is hard to do. Every little sound will pull you out of the trance. I found that in the beginning putting on some nice smooth instrumental music and focusing on that first would help. Soon after I let the music take me away, I would be able to hone in on my breathing. Once I did that I was off to the races.” Jack stated. “If you want, I can give you some good music. Put it on your phone, put your headphones in and try it.” He added.
“Sure, why not, I’ll give it a try.” Chase commented.
Jack pu
lled out his own phone and sent a few of the songs to Chase, “These are the ones I like using the most.” He commented.
***
Chase made his way back to his quiet spot and put his headphones in, turning on the music. He tried to relax. Soon he was noticing that he was breathing more slowly and it was simple for him to focus on the rise and fall of his chest. Closing his eyes, he let the music flow through him and soon his mind was in another plane. It was just him and he pictured himself in a field of flowers. They were daisies which were Jen’s favorite.
Somehow, he didn’t know exactly how, the words he had read in the book began to make more sense to him. He had to be meditating he thought.
“Hey giant!” He heard from his left side. Like Jen had just whispered in his ear. He jumped and was once more back in the fire station.
Closing his eyes, he tried to focus once more on the music. Soon the field came into view once more. He smiled picking one of the flowers and smelling it. Chase noted he could actually smell the flower and feel it like he was holding it.
He walked through the field and in the distance, he could see a woman standing. He slowly approached her, how could someone else be in his trance with him, he thought.
As he came up closer behind her, she turned slowly.
“Jen, oh my God. How?” He asked.
“I’m always watching over you but you’ll only notice when your mind is quiet, which it never seems to be. You really should try to relax a bit more. She said with a teasing tone. Jen gave him a smile and shrugged “Well, I guess giants have giant problems.”
He reached out and touched her cheek and could feel the skin under his fingers. “I don’t get it.” He murmured.
“It is hard to understand the first time you experience it.” Jen shook her head.
“Do you talk to Veronica?” He asked, his curiosity getting the best of him.
“Oh yes, our little girl is so very talented. She can easily access me with just a little bit of concentration now. Please encourage her to continue, I do enjoy being able to talk to her. It’s not as nice as being there and watching her grow up but it is better than nothing.” Jen stated.
