“I hope you don't mind.”
“Of course not, I'm always willing to help however I can. Besides, Maggie is more to me than just a client, she's a good friend, too, and when she called this morning to give up her appointment for her daughter's friend, I was intrigued and knew I had to help.”
“What exactly do you know about my situation?”
“Nothing, really; just that she wanted to give up her spot for her daughter's friend.”
“So, you have no idea at all why I'm here?” I was surprised; certain that Amanda would have told her mother everything.
“No.” She picked up a cookie and took a bite.
“Well Madame Ze…” I hesitated. “I'm sorry, what should I call you?” I wasn't sure of the proper way to address the woman seated across from me.
“You can call me Ruth.”
I was positive that the business cards on the table in the foyer said Madame Zenith. “Ruth?” I questioned.
“Yes, Ruth. Madame Zenith is just the name I use for psychic fairs and the like, gives everything I do a sense of mysticism.” Ruth wiggled her fingers in the air for effect.
“Okay! So the reason…” Before I could explain, Ruth stopped me by holding up her hand.
“Please Krista, don't tell me anything.”
“How did you know my name?” I hadn't told her.
“Well, Margaret did tell me that much about you,” Ruth laughed.
We continued for a short while with our small talk. We discussed weather and Ruth's gardens and then back to the weather again. All the while, I made sure I didn't divulge anything about myself or my reason for being there. Before I knew it, half-an-hour had passed and I began to wonder when our session would start or if it already had.
“So, shall we get started?” Ruth asked as she finished her last sip of tea and stood up to clear the table.
“Okay! Is there anything you need?” I asked and placed my empty cup and the plate of remaining cookies on the tray.
“No, all I need is right here.” Ruth took the now full tray over to the counter and returned to the table with a notepad and pen.
“Will you be taking notes?”
“No. I find that I need an outlet, so I sometimes doodle to keep my hands busy. But, if you brought paper you can take notes.”
“No, I didn't think to bring any.”
“Here take mine,” Ruth said offering me her notepad. “I've got plenty. I'll meet you in the living room; it's much more comfortable in there.”
I got up from the table and headed back toward the front room. It was an inviting room with pale olive green walls and cream coloured furnishings. The large comfortable looking chair in the corner of the room was my choice. It wasn't long before Ruth returned with a notepad and pen of her own.
“Is this chair okay?” I felt somewhat small in the large chair, but it was very comfortable, and I didn't want to relinquish it if it wasn't necessary.
“That's perfectly fine,” Ruth said, smiling and taking a seat on the sofa. “Before we get started,” Ruth continued, “I'd like to explain a few things.”
I nodded and listened intently to Ruth as she began explaining her usual ritual as a psychic medium. Having seen the odd talk show with people who claimed to speak to the dearly departed, it certainly was interesting having it explained to me firsthand. I kept an open mind when she spoke of being able to see earthbound spirits, but could only hear those who had crossed over; nevertheless, part of me remained a little skeptical. By the time she had finished her explanation, I was more than ready to get started, particularly when she said that she would use specific names or nicknames. She was not like those I had seen on TV who'd say 'someone with a 'J' name wants to speak to you'. Scam was always the first word on my lips.
Ruth had definitely piqued my curiosity, and after what I'd experienced over the past couple of weeks I was ready to believe in just about anything.
“Can I ask a question?”
“Of course,” Ruth replied. She set her notebook and pen next to her, leaned forward, and looked at me intently.
“Well…,” I hesitated, “I met this little girl several days ago who behaved as though she knew me. She told me her name, but it turned out it wasn't her real name. When she left, she called me by another name. I convinced myself she was playing a game, but now I'm not so sure. Do you think there was something more to this encounter?” I really hoped Ruth could help. Though Emma wasn't on my mind all the time, every once in a while thoughts of her trickled in.
“Sometimes the very young have memories from a past life. Usually by the time these children reach the age of four, the memories start to fade. How old was she?”
“Three.”
“It's quite possible she was remembering something, but then again she could have been pretending. Without asking her key questions, I don't think you'll ever truly know.”
I nodded in agreement, resigned that Sarah/Emma would remain a mystery.
“Let's get started, shall we? There are a few people who have been waiting patiently since your arrival.”
I opened my mouth to speak but closed it again, shocked by her statement. From now on Ruth could do the talking.
“Did you have another questions?” she said, not missing a thing.
“No, please go on.”
Ruth closed her eyes and began to scribble on her notepad as she mumbled seemingly to herself. She laughed then as if someone had told her a joke.
“Yes, yes you'll all have a turn,” she said a little louder and continued mumbling for a few seconds longer. “We have some strong individuals here, but I think they're willing to take turns.” Ruth opened her eyes and smiled at me.
I stared back at her with my mouth partly open.
“Sunny? Sunny girl…” Ruth muttered, staring at me.
I stared back blankly, confused by what she was saying.
“Sorry,” she said, as if to someone else in the room, and then she turned her attention to me. “I meant 'sunshine girl', does that mean anything?”
My heart skipped. Yes, that most certainly did mean something. “Y-yes,” I stuttered, my voice cracked. I cleared my throat and spoke again. “Yes,” I said clearly. “Yes, that's what my father used to call me.”
Ruth nodded and continued speaking again to the unseen entity. “He said there was a lot of water around him, he just couldn't get out – he tried.”
My eyes filled with tears. Before I could wipe them away, Ruth handed me the box of tissues, which sat on the table in front of her.
“Happens all the time, dear, don't worry about it.”
I took a couple of tissues and dabbed my eyes. “He drowned.”
Ruth nodded as the bit of information I offered confirmed what I suspected she already knew.
“He says he was at your party the other night.”
Astounded, I stared at Ruth who continued to have a quiet conversation with my father, her eyes closed.
“He remembered the picture, too, and how much fun you had on your trip.”
My mind returned to that night and the picture Amanda had given me of the three of us. I smiled through my tears but remained quiet as Ruth continued.
“He doesn't want you to worry, you're not crazy. You're just remembering things from long ago and…” Ruth stopped mid-sentence, opening her eyes.
“What is it?” I was unable to contain my silence any longer.
“Sorry, someone else wants to speak.”
I was a little disappointed and wanted to continue the 'conversation' but at the same time, eager to find out who else felt the need to speak to me. Ruth continued to scribble on her pad and spoke aloud to the unseen guests. Sometimes her words made no sense to me at all.
“Queen? The Queen?” Ruth looked at me as she spoke and scribbled on her pad. “No, no reaction… What? Oh, motion? No? Okay, what then?”
My eyes fixed on Ruth as she spoke to the new guest, her scribbling grew more intense.
“Oh, sorry… o
cean; Ocean Queen.” Ruth looked at me. “Does Ocean Queen mean anything to you?”
The words meant nothing to me, and I shook my head. “No, it doesn't. Should it?”
“That's what he keeps saying and that he drowned too.”
I was perplexed. Who was she speaking to? Was it still my father? “Are you sure it's not my father, he's the only one I know who drowned.”
“Who are you?” Ruth said plainly to the air around her, she shrugged. She closed her eyes again and continued to scribble and mumble.
“Mary? Do you know someone named Mary?” Ruth's eyes popped open again.
My arms began to prickle, and I shivered. “No, I don't.” My voice wavered. Who was Mary? She not only occupied my dreams, but her name seemed to seep into my everyday life. “I have dreams about someone named Mary, and that little girl called me Mary. Who is she? What does she want?” I asked in frustration.
Ruth held up her hand. “I know you have questions Krista, but I truly can't help if you give me too much information.” Ruth smiled sympathetically at me.
I took a deep breath. Still frustrated, but waiting patiently for the answers I hoped would soon come.
“He says he's her father.”
“Who – Mary's?” I asked.
Ruth nodded.
My mind swirled with more confusion than ever before. I didn't know who Mary was and certainly didn't know her father. It seemed I had more questions than answers.
“Tell him I want to speak with my father again,” I said, annoyed by the intrusion.
“He can hear you,” Ruth said. “He says you are.”
I ran my hands through my hair. “What does he mean by that?”
“Sorry, he's gone. Your father is back; do you have any questions for him?”
I was happy to hear that, but there were so many questions to ask. Is he proud of me? Can he see into my future? Does he watch over Mom? “I have so many, but I don't know where to start.”
Ruth scribbled some more and mumbled. She laughed, “Okay, I'll tell her, indecisive, just like you. He says it's okay, you're just like him.”
My eyes filled with tears again as I listened to Ruth.
“He's proud of you, loves that you're a teacher.”
The tears slowly ran down my cheeks despite the smile on my face.
“He's happy for…” Ruth hesitated, “for Shirley? Sheila, sorry Sheila?”
“That's my mother.”
Ruth nodded and continued. “He's happy she's finally moved on after all these years.”
“What!”
“Your father is laughing; he says you'll understand soon enough.” Ruth kept scribbling. “He says you'll be happy too, soon. You made the right decision.”
Made the right decision about what?
“Oh! He's gone now.”
“Gone! I didn't get to tell him I love him,” I whispered, fresh tears coming to my eyes.
“It's okay, dear, he knows you do. He's always there watching over you. He feels your love always.”
“Did he tell you that?” I said wiping my eyes with new tissues from the box.
“Well, not in so many words. It's more of a feeling, a warm and tender feeling, like a great big hug. It's the sense that remained when he left.”
I nodded as I blew my nose. “Is anyone else here?”
“Oh yes, but they're all wanting to talk now and it sounds more like a hive of bees than any actual conversations. You see, just like those who are alive who are sceptical, there are those who have passed who don't believe I can communicate with them, and so they wait in the background awaiting proof. Once they see it actually works, they all want their chance to speak, but I can't make heads or tails out of any of it.”
“So are we done?” I hoped we weren't done; there were still so many unanswered questions.
“Well as for talking with spirits, yes we're done. However, I think that some of what was said today might help you figure out what has been going on. You just need to put the pieces of the puzzle together.”
I looked intently at Ruth, waiting for her to continue, and hoping she'd give me just a bit more. What she said next almost knocked me to the floor.
“As I mentioned earlier there are such things as past lives, and I sense that you have an old soul. If you look at your notes, I believe you were given some details today that might help you figure it all out.”
I was astonished and looked down at the notepad that rested on my lap – it was blank.
Thirteen
“You are by far the most beautiful creature I have ever had the pleasure to know,” Thomas said to Mary as he held her hand while they walked through the meadow.
Mary stopped; she didn't quite know what she should say. She'd never thought of herself as beautiful. Before she could say anything at all, Thomas locked his eyes with hers. Mary felt his hypnotizing gaze penetrate through her, down to the depths of her soul. Heat rose from the pit of her stomach and settled in her face. She turned away before he could see her blush.
“Don't turn away.” He placed his hands on her shoulders and turned her back around. “You're even more beautiful when you blush like that.”
“Thomas, please, I'm afraid I might stay this colour if you continue to speak to me this way.” Mary lowered her head not wanting him to see the colour deepening and taking hold. Thomas took her into his arms and held her, their hearts were beating in unison as they breathed in the scent of each other.
“These last few months have been incredible, Mary; I have never felt like this before.” Thomas released his grasp and looked down at her. He bent his head forward and gently brushed her lips with his. The blush that had only just left Mary's face returned in full force.
“I love you.” Thomas breathed into her hair as he pulled her back against him.
Mary stiffened briefly only to relax again into his arms. She so wanted to say the words back. Inside her head, she screamed, 'say it, say it'. She hesitated; finally, the words came to her lips. “I love you, too, Thomas,” she whispered.
They held each other for another moment. There, in the meadow, it was as though they were the only ones left in the whole world with only the grasses and flowers to bear witness to their love.
Thomas was the first to let go. “Kiss me, Mary,” he said closing his eyes and waiting for her kiss. Mary leaned in but changed her mind at the last second.
“You'll have to catch me first,” she laughed and gently pushed him away. Mary gathered her skirts and ran up the gentle slope of the meadow; she headed for what looked like the edge of the world.
Thomas stood for a moment and watched her run ahead before making his way toward her. He shook his head, laughed, and picked up his pace. It wasn't long before he caught up to her and as they reached the top of the hill overlooking the sea below, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close again.
“Have I earned my prize now?” he asked, looking down at her and smiling. Mary stood on tiptoe and gave him a quick peck on the cheek.
“Is that all?”
“I should think it would be unladylike to throw myself at you,” Mary replied, a hint of laughter catching in her throat.
“Well then, shall I take the lead?” Thomas didn't wait for her to respond, instead he gathered her into his arms and kissed her. Mary melted in his embrace and her body became limp. Her reaction was all Thomas needed as consent and gently, he lowered her to the ground.
The air around them filled with the roar of crashing waves from the sea below as if it questioned the gulls soaring overhead, and the gulls screeched in reply. Their reply summoned a gentle salt breeze causing the meadow to stir. The grass and flowers began to whisper; Thomas and Mary had become one, and they were not alone in the world.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we are about to begin our decent…”
No! No! Not yet!
The outside world interrupted, slowly pulling me back to consciousness, while my desire to dream pulled me towards sleep. I was teetering on t
he edge, very much hoping that sleep would win. I turned my head to my left, hoping the change of position would send me back to my dream before the outside world got its way. It worked, slowly I felt myself begin to fall.
“…Please make sure your seat backs and tray tables are in their full upright position…”
Oh shut up! Come on Mary, where did you go? I replayed the dream in my head, tuning out the irritating outside voice as I attempted to lull myself back to sleep.
“Excuse me, Krista. Sorry to wake you, but we're going to be landing soon,” a voice whispered in my ear just as sleep had begun to win the battle.
My eyes fluttered open briefly; I looked at the man speaking to me before closing my eyes again. I needed to get back to my dream.
“Krista!” the voice said again, a hand on my arm gently shook me. I opened my eyes and stared at the man, attempting to make sense of it all.
“We're landing soon; you'll have to put your seat up.”
“Oh, sorry, sorry!” I said groggily, finally aware of my surroundings.
I searched my memory for the name of the passenger beside me, remembering we'd exchanged names and some other details during the long flight. Finally, as the fog from my sleep slowly receded, my memory returned.
“Thanks, Jason,” I said, returning my seat to the upright position and fastening the seat belt.
“I don't mean to pry, but that must have been some dream,” Jason smiled amusingly, as he fastened his own seat belt and pushed his tray up.
The tips of my ears began to burn. “Oh God! What did I say?”
“Don't worry, you didn't say anything incriminating. You just laughed out loud a few times and smiled a lot.”
I remembered my dream quite vividly and was thankful that laughing and smiling was all I'd done.
“Really! Is that all I did?”
“Yes. Well you did –”
“Ladies and gentlemen, we have just been cleared to land at the Heathrow International Airport. Please make sure one last time that your seat belt is securely fastened –”
Promised Soul Page 8
