The waitress interrupted their somber conversation by bringing their pancakes and more coffee.
“What about Tony and Joe?” Carol questioned her after she took a bite of her pancakes.
Sylvia chewed at her pancakes thoughtfully and didn’t answer at first.
“I’ve been thinking about this all night,” she said. “Tony is sort of a loose cannon that I can’t read very well. He’s handsome and rich and sexy and wonderful…but, I don’t know how involved I want to get with him. I really like him,” she trailed off.
Carol motioned to her to continue.
“Joe is so very, very sweet,” Sylvia told Carol. “I really, really like him too, but not in a romantic way. I need to tell him. I can’t lead him on.”
Carol nodded approvingly.
“Owen,” she stated. “Owen.”
“You want him to sweep you off your feet, don’t you?” Carol suggested.
Sylvia shrugged. “I guess,” she said and paused. “Yes, but I’m too hurt to respond with anything but anger.”
“Well, we all want to be Cinderella,” Carol said thoughtfully. “I know my prince hasn’t come around yet,” she continued a bit wistfully.
“He will,” Sylvia assured her.
In her usual manner, Carol said jauntily, “And when he does, he had better watch out! Because, when I find him, I will move mountains to get him and keep him.”
Sylvia laughed. “I don’t doubt that a bit!”
“Hmm,” Carol murmured. She continued to eat her way through her pancakes.
“There’s got to be an answer. I told you before; you two are meant to be together.”
“I’m not sure I can believe your prediction,” Sylvia replied. “Enough of Owen! Did you know Joe is a fantastic bluegrass player?”
Carol shook her head and Sylvia regaled her with stories of the fire hall.
“Cool,” Carol said. “Sounds like a lot of fun.”
“It was,” Sylvia said.
“Shopping therapy?” Carol asked her when they finished their breakfast.
“What about Percy?” Sylvia asked.
“It’s not that cold today,” Carol told her. “He can stay in the car. Maybe we should drive him to the pet store and his Aunt Carol will buy him a present.”
“Okay,” Sylvia said. “He would love that.”
They took separate cars to the shopping village where the pet store was. Percy was extremely well mannered in the store and sniffed appreciatively at many of the toys. Carol picked out a heavy toy that rolled and made a loud noise. Its name was a ‘wiggly giggly.’ Percy loved it. Sylvia bought him a rawhide bone to eat in the car while they were shopping. She vaguely remembered someone saying they were not good for dogs, but she didn’t think one would hurt. They continued to shop. Carol picked up a new pair of pants and Sylvia a new blouse and jacket for work. The chatter in the stores turned to the weather as the computer models already predicted a Nor’easter for the next weekend.
“Great,” Carol said. “Mom and I have plans to go to New York for the long weekend.”
“That sounds like fun,” Sylvia told her.
“You could join us, you know,” Carol told her. “Sean is dropping us off at the train station on Friday night.”
“I’ll think about it,” Sylvia told her, “but, I’m thinking I just want a quiet weekend at home. Mom was talking about coming down too. I haven’t seen her since Christmas.”
Sylvia’s phone rang interrupting their conversation. It was Joe.
“Hi there,” Sylvia greeted him. “Are you off work?”
“No, just a quick break,” he said. “Do you want me to pick up a pizza and bring over a movie tonight?” he asked her.
“Sure,” she agreed. “I’ll pick up beer and munchies, ok?”
“Sounds great,” Joe agreed as well. “See you about six.”
Carol looked at her. “Well?” she asked.
“Joe. Pizza and beer tonight at my place,” Sylvia said.
“And,” Carol pushed.
“And, I’ll see how it goes,” Sylvia said shrugging her shoulders.
They had walked out to the parking area by this time and got into their respective cars.”
“See you tomorrow,” Carol called to her. “Have fun tonight.”
Sylvia nodded and waved in return.
***
Again, Joe was prompt. He had a large pizza box balanced in his hands.
“Let me help you,” Sylvia said. She took the pizza box and led him to the study where a fire was crackling in the fireplace. She had placed salsa and chips on the table along with a bowl of potato chips.
“That smells great,” she told him. “I’ll go get a beer for you and plates and stuff.”
“Let me help,” said Joe.
Together they brought in drinks and plates and napkins.
“I remember you telling me you liked Jimmy Stewart,” he said. “So, I brought this.”
Joe pulled out a DVD of the movie “Harvey.”
“I haven’t seen that in years!” Sylvia said. “Thanks.”
They settled into the loveseat in the study and broke into the pizza on the coffee table. Percy sniffed close to the box.
“Percy!” Sylvia said sternly, “go lay down.”
Percy did as he was told. He put his head down on his paws and looked sad.
“Oh, Perc,” Sylvia said. “Here. She broke off some pieces of pizza and took them out to his bowl. Percy jumped up and raced out to the kitchen sliding on the linoleum. Sylvia made her way back to the study and settled on the couch beside Joe. They laughed at Jimmy Stewart’s excellent performance. Joe put his arm casually around her.
“I read somewhere that Stewart loved playing this show – on Broadway and in the film,” Joe told her.
“He certainly has the role down perfectly,” Sylvia said.
They were finishing their meal when the phone rang.
“Excuse me,” Sylvia told Joe.
Joe grabbed the remote and paused the movie. “I’m sorry,” Sylvia mouthed silently.
It was Tony. “Hi, Sylvia,” he greeted.
“Hi, Tony. How are you?” she asked.
“Okay, I think,” he said. “Can I drop down to see you and Percy?”
“Umm,” Sylvia hesitated. “Tonight’s not the best night,” she said moving into the kitchen with the phone. “I have a friend over. Can we get together tomorrow?”
“Sure,” he said, “sure.” His voice sounded funny.
“Are you okay?” Sylvia asked him.
“Yeah,” Tony said. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
She ended the call and went back into Joe. He looked up at her quizzically.
“That was Tony,” she said. “He’s back at Bayside, I think.”
Joe nodded his head. Sylvia sat back down by Joe. She had brought in another beer for him and more wine for herself. Sylvia felt a mass of emotions. She was attracted to Joe, but it certainly wasn’t the way she felt about Owen or Tony. He slipped his arm around her and turned the movie back on. She nestled into his shoulder and tried to relax. After a few minutes he turned to kiss her. It was pleasant, but there was no spark. Finally she pulled away.
“Joe,” she said somewhat breathlessly. “I’m so sorry. I…” Sylvia paused and he looked at her. “I can’t do this. And, I don’t want to lead you on.”
“You’re still in love with him, aren’t you?” he accused in a nice sort of way.
“I think I am,” Sylvia said. “I’m sorry.”
“Which one?” Joe asked.
“What?” Sylvia looked at him.
“Owen or Tony,” he stated.
Sylvia stared at him. “Owen,” she said, “definitely Owen –even though I’m still too hurt and angry to tell him so.”
“I thought so,” Joe said. “Because when he came into the Chinese restaurant a couple of nights ago, I could see it in both your faces.”
“Really?” she said wonderingly. Sylvia changed the s
ubject. “Joe, I like you so much,” Sylvia said. “Can we be friends?” she asked.
Joe thought about it. “Friends,” he said. He pulled his arm out from around her. “That’s better than nothing,” he said.
She sighed. “It’s a lot,” she said.
“It’s okay,” he said, “really.” He gave her the boyish grin from the night before.
The evening seemed somewhat soured. He offered to walk Percy while she cleaned up and Sylvia accepted. When he left she gave him a huge hug.
“You are a special guy, Joe,” Sylvia told him. “I thank you.”
He seemed to put on a bit of a tough exterior – his cop persona. Sylvia wondered if it was a veneer that helped him squash emotions down.
“You’re a special girl, Sylvia Ash,” Joe told her. “And Owen should be on his hands and knees begging for forgiveness.”
Sylvia blushed and hugged him again. “Thanks,” she said. “Thanks.”
Chapter 24
There are dark shadows on the earth, but its lights are stronger in the contrast.
Charles Dickens
Tony didn’t call and Sylvia forgot all about him when she started her busy week at Thurmont. She had also received an email from Claire, Gwen’s future sister-in-law regarding the upcoming bridal shower. Monday came and went and Tuesday she was busy up until the moment that Carol said it was time to meet her Mom for dinner. Sylvia had begged that they not go to a Chinese restaurant. Carol had chosen an Irish restaurant near the University. Sylvia had never been there and as they entered the door, the restaurant décor was that of a thatched stone cottage somewhere in Ireland. Amber had arrived earlier and was holding a table for them.
“How are you feeling?” Sylvia asked Amber as they sat down.
“A bit better, Sugar,” she told Sylvia. “Thanks for asking.”
Amber’s nose was a bit red and she looked tired. Carol started prattling about the beers and the menu. She recommended the Black and Tan and told Sylvia how the bartender would put ale on the bottom and pour Guinness so that it would stay on the top – hence the name, Black and Tan. Sylvia passed on the Black and Tan, but ordered a Murphy’s Irish Stout after reading the description of mocha and caramel. She wasn’t disappointed. Carol recommended the Shepherd’s Pie and Amber recommended the Fish and Chips. Sylvia decided on a bowl of Potato Soup and Irish brown bread. Talk and laughter followed throughout the meal, until Sylvia felt full of good will as well as food.
Amber and Sylvia slipped into the back of the auditorium just as the program was about to start. Sylvia gave a small gasp when she recognized the speaker on stage.
“Good evening, ladies and gentleman. I am Dr. Bill Gutzman, professor of Biology here at State. I am the coordinator for this series of programs titled “Science and Spirit.” It is my great pleasure to introduce to you this evening our expert on ley lines, Dr. James McInnis,” Bill said.
Polite applause began as a tall, red headed man took the podium.
“Good evening,” he said in a warm, Scottish brogue. Dr. McInnis went on to state his qualifications, a professor of math and science in Scotland. He was on sabbatical and touring the states. His passion for learning more about ley lines came from the classic book, The Old Straight Track by Watkins. He went on to tell the audience that he, like Watkins and others, dowsed for earth energies. Dr. McInnis discussed that traditionally, dowsing was thought to be the search for water. He then said to talk about how dowsers search for minerals, oil, and lost objects. He went on to say that utility companies searched for underground cables and pipes while the military employed dowsing to search for unexploded bombs, hidden tunnels and booby traps. Dowsing, he continued, was also used to find lines of energy or a grid of energy in the earth. Ancients linked sacred sites via these lines. He shared slides of Stone Henge and different stone monoliths, castles and Glastonbury Cathedral. He shared maps of these lines and referred to the contemporary book and film “The DaVinci Code” and the rose line. He discussed how people dowsed for these lines and that the lines were formed into a perfect grid from around the world. How do these ancient magnetic lines come into play with geometry he asked the audience? He continued to discuss how he was going to “lay it on the line” – making a weak joke. The people of the audience responded appropriately. Sacred geometry is the structure of nature. We are all part of this pattern. Sylvia sat up and took notice of this comment. Dr. McInnis said that it is part of nature and the nature of the world is to work in perfect harmony. Everything in the universe is geometric including the pattern of creation.
“This is getting pretty deep, Sugar,” Amber whispered to Sylvia.
Sylvia nodded. She was concentrating hard on what Dr. McInnis was saying. She was a bit overwhelmed and zoned out a little on his presentation. But, Dr. McInnis’ presentation came to a close and he began taking questions. Sylvia desperately wanted to ask about the pattern and wondered if this was the same pattern the Green Man referred to when he talked with her. Screwing up her courage she raised her hand and she asked, falteringly if he could explain more of the pattern in the universe that he commented on.
Dr. McInnis chuckled. “That would be another lecture, my dear,” he said in his soft brogue.
Sylvia flushed. Amber patted her on the back.
“Good try,” she whispered in Sylvia’s ear.
The audience started to get up to exit after a round of applause for Dr. McInnis. Bill reminded his students to email him their thoughts on this evening’s performance for extra credit. Students made groaning assents.
To Sylvia’s surprise, Bill and Dr. McInnis made their way up the aisle.
“Sylvia!” Bill exclaimed. “I thought I recognized that voice in the question segment. How are you?”
He gave her a quick hug and kiss on the cheek. Bill made introductions and Sylvia introduced Amber.
Amber was all smiles. “Dr. McInnis, your lecture was fabulous,” she gushed. “This girl and she motioned to Sylvia, “is a dowsing natural. And, she had never even heard about dowsing!”
“Really,” Dr. McInnis commented, now looking at Sylvia with interest.
“Tell me why you think she’s a natural,” he asked.
Amber regaled him with the story when Shannon was visiting and how Sylvia’s ring reacted over the water pipes in the house.
“This ring,” she said, pointing to the ring from Gran that was dangling on a gold chain.
“May I look at it please?” Dr. McInnis asked.
Sylvia nodded. She reached up to release the clasp and handed both to the professor. Bill leaned over as well.
“Oh, my!” he said. “Now I know why you were asking about the pattern,” he commented.
“You do?” Sylvia asked, confused.
“Yes,” Dr. McInnis said, “this ring. It’s the “Flower of Life” symbol.”
“It is?” Sylvia asked. “I had no idea.
Bill piped up. “The “Flower of Life” is a universal symbol. It’s the symbol and image and origin of everything in creation. And I mean everything – cells, music, thought. The list is endless.”
“What?” Sylvia asked confused.
Dr. McInnis chuckled again, “It’s a universal archetype,” he told her, “but it gets rather complex. You should look up some of the small lectures on YouTube,” he told her. He continued, “This really is a beautiful piece. What does your grandmother say about it?”
“She passed away about a year ago. This was actually a posthumous gift,” Sylvia told him, “but, it wouldn’t surprise me if she knew about the flower of life. She is, she was,” she corrected herself. “Gran could be rather mystical at times.”
“Did she dowse?” Dr. McInnis asked.
“Not that I know of,” Sylvia said honestly.
“Do you want to know more about dowsing?” Bill asked her.
Dr. McInnis nodded in enthusiastic agreement to Bill’s suggestion.
“I don’t know,” Sylvia replied honestly.
“Why don’t
we all go to the pub for a beer?” Bill suggested.
“Oh, yes,” Dr. McInnis said, “something to wet my whistle after all of that talking. Excellent idea, Bill!”
“Sylvia? Amber? Will you join us?” Bill asked the two ladies.
“I would love too,” Amber replied in a slow drawl, “but, I think my cold medication is wearing off. I think I would like to toddle off to bed with a hot toddy,” she ended with a smile
“Just the thing,” Dr. McInnis nodded. “I hope you have some good single malt to give it the healing kick.”
Amber nodded, “good enough,” she said. “Good night.”
“Sylvia?” Dr. McInnis urged. “Will you join us?”
“Um, sure,” she said.
The pub was crowded with students. They managed to secure a small table in the back corner. They waited and waited for a waitress. Disgusted, Bill went to the bar for a pitcher of beer and three glasses.
“So, tell me about yourself, Sylvia,” Dr. McInnis questioned.
Sylvia laughed, “There’s not much to tell.” She gave him a brief biography of her life.
“And you want to dowse?” he asked.
“I don’t know,” Sylvia said, “this is all new to me. The ley lines are fascinating,” she said. She glanced up to look at Bill. He was still in line to get beer.
“Let me ask you what you think might be an odd question,” Dr. McInnis said. “Do you prefer walking on the ground rather than on the concrete or road?”
She was startled by his question and thought about it for a minute. Walking on the ground at the edge of a sidewalk or road was a habit. Her mother and father used to scold her all the time about walking on the sidewalk. She definitely felt better with her feet on the ground.
She nodded to Dr. McInnis.
“So, you like to be grounded,” he said. He chuckled at the look on her face and told her, “It’s a bad joke in some ways, but a truth as well,” he told her.
“Your sense of humor reminds me of the Gr…” she stopped abruptly. She was about to say “Green Man,” but stopped just in time. “Your sense of humor is like a friend of mine.”
The Leafing: the 2nd book in The Green Man series Page 19
