The Leafing: the 2nd book in The Green Man series

by Sharon Brubaker

  Percy came down with Owen and gave a large yawn as well.

  “Just like old times,” Marian murmured.

  “Not exactly,” Sylvia returned in a sotto voce sing-song voice to Marian.

  Owen opened the cupboard and took down a mug. He repeated Sylvia’s gesture and filled a small French press with boiling water and brought both to the table.

  “Snow?” Owen asked with another yawn, “how much more?”

  “About six to eight inches,” Jon answered him.

  “Ouch,” Sylvia said. “C’mon, Percy. I need to get you outside.”

  She got her coat and boots and called Percy to the door. Jon had shoveled the steps earlier, but the walk to the house was still covered in snow. Sylvia stayed on the landing and let Percy gambol in the yard. He snuffled and jumped and looked eagerly at Sylvia.

  She laughed and said, “All right. All right. I’ll throw some snowballs for you.”

  She stepped off the porch and grabbed some snow. It stuck together and she threw the snowball for Percy. He pounced in the snow joyfully where the snowball landed. He barked at her for more. After a few minutes her hands were cold.

  “Enough!” she cried to Percy, “Time for breakfast!”

  She led Percy inside after stamping her boots on the landing. She lay her wet mittens near the fireplace and put her coat over the chair. Percy went to lie prettily in front of the fire.

  “Whew!” She said. “More coffee, I think.” She went over to the stove to heat more water and cleaned out the French press for a refill.

  While the water was boiling Marian took over a plate of muffins and Jon followed with baked egg cups and sausage.

  While they were eating, Owen asked her, “Bill said you were at his lecture the other night – Science and Spirit?”

  “Yes,” Sylvia answered. “Carol’s Mom, Amber and I went. It was interesting.”

  “What was it about?” he asked.

  “Ley lines and dowsing,” she said. “Dr. McInnis was the speaker. He’s from Scotland.”

  “Are you interested in that topic?” Jon asked, curious.

  Sylvia told them briefly about what happened with Shannon and the baby prediction and the water pipes afterwards. She knew Jon did not know about the Green Man, so she left out the part of feeling the Earth’s energy.

  “Bill is interested in dowsing too. He offered to help me practice,” she said. “It’s pretty interesting, and a bit weird,” she added as an aside and with a smile.

  “So, it’s a bit like the Ouija board,” Jon commented.

  He pronounced it “wee-jah” instead of the way Sylvia knew which was “wee-gee.”

  “I think so,” Sylvia said slowly. “But, Jon, I’m pretty new at learning about all of this stuff. They mentioned the military uses dowsing.”

  “Yeah,” said Owen, “I think they used it in World War II. I know they used it to detect tunnels of the Viet Cong during the Viet Nam war,” he said.

  “And people all over the world use dowsing to find water,” Marian added. “Why, our well here was dowsed by an Amish man. Sylvia’s well was dowsed by a neighbor.”

  “I believe they use it to find lost objects as well,” Sylvia said. “At least that’s what I remember from Dr. McInnis’s lecture.”

  “Okay, okay,” Jon said. “Enough. I had never heard of this. Quite interesting. I’ll need to look up the history of dowsing and the World War,” he said.

  “But, you mentioned ley lines too, Sylvia,” Jon asked, “What are those?”

  Before Sylvia could answer, Marian spoke up. “You remember, Jon, in The DaVinci Code,” she said, “the ‘rose line.’ They are lines of power and they are all over the world,” she added.

  Jon nodded his head.

  “Supposedly the lines are all over the world and somehow connected,” Sylvia continued.

  It was quiet a moment until Owen yawned loudly and said, “Heavy stuff.”

  Sylvia looked annoyed, but Jon, ever the peacemaker said, “But, interesting.”

  Sylvia looked at him gratefully. Her phone rang and she reached into her pocket to see who was calling. It was Joe.

  “Hi, Joe” she answered.

  “Sylvia, how are you? Where are you? How are you making out in this storm?” he asked in a rush.

  Sylvia laughed. “I’m okay,” she told him. “I’m at my friends’ home – Jon and Marian’s. I think you came by here last summer,” she told him.

  “I’m glad you‘re okay,” he said. “I wondered if you had any heat.”

  “Percy and I camped out for a day or so in front of the fireplace. Marian offered her lovely warm home with a generator and a shower, so I took her up on her offer,” Sylvia told him.

  “Is Owen there?” Joe asked slyly.

  “Yes,” she answered slowly.

  “So how are things going,” he asked. “Any better?”

  “A smidgen,” she said.

  “A smidgen’s better than nothing,” he said. “Is the road to Marian’s clear?” he asked.

  “No!” Sylvia said with a chuckle. “It could be days…”

  “We’ll see what we can do about that,” he said. “I’m on break. It’s a mess out there. We’re all pulling double shifts. I’m living on caffeine right now.”

  “I’m so sorry” she said. “Be safe, okay? And thank you so much,” she said sincerely. He was such a nice guy.

  “No problem,” he said. “See you soon.”

  They hung up and Sylvia explained who had called. She made it clear that they were just friends. They all sat quietly sipping the last of their coffee. Sylvia thought she heard a sound. She cocked her head as she heard a sound from outside.

  “I think the snow plow is coming,” Sylvia announced.

  They all were quiet and listened. Eventually Owen got up and looked out the kitchen window.

  “That’s a good sign,” Marian said, “If they are helping folks that are on these minor roads.”

  “I think we have a friend in high places,” Sylvia said, thinking of Joe’s comment.

  Jon agreed catching her insinuation.

  “It also means we should shovel out by our cars as well,” Owen said stretching his lanky frame in the chair.

  “All right, all right,” Sylvia said. “I’m game. Let me get my coat and gloves.”

  Sylvia, Owen and Percy stepped outside. The sun glistened on the snow and it shimmered like diamonds. Percy, who loved chasing flashlights and any shiny light, leaped and jumped at the reflection of sun on shining snow. Sylvia and Owen laughed at his silliness. They shoveled the walk quickly. Sylvia was determined to keep up with Owen’s long strides and large shovelfuls of snow.

  When they finished shoveling the walk and out around the cars, Sylvia leaned back onto her car, out of breath. Percy had stopped chasing sunny patches and waited by the door. Owen sneakily reached down, grabbed a handful of snow. In a moment Sylvia felt a thrust of cold, wet snow in her stomach.

  “Oh! You!” she cried and grabbed more snow to make a snowball and threw one back at him. She struck his hat which came off. Snowy crystals landed in his hair and that thatch of black curls came over his eyes. He brushed it back impatiently.

  Soon it became a huge snowball battle. Percy jumped off the porch and ran between the two of them barking and trying to catch the flying snowballs. Sylvia slipped and fell flat on the ground. She was laughing so hard she had to hold her stomach. Percy came over to investigate and make sure she was all right. Owen came running too.

  “I’m fine,” she said to both of them.

  She took hold of Percy’s collar and used him to help pull herself to her feet. Owen took her arm and helped her as well. Joe was right. The smidgen was good. They headed back to the house.

  Chapter 27

  Love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is done well.

  Vincent Van Gogh

  “Oh, look at you two
!” Marian scolded as Sylvia and Owen stumbled through the kitchen door still laughing.

  Their jeans were caked in snow and snow artfully decorated portions of Sylvia’s knit hat and scarf. Her knit gloves were white where the snow nearly encased them.

  “Take off those wet things and come down for something warm to drink,” Marian commanded, “before you catch a cold.”

  “Yes, Mom,” Owen said solemnly before breaking into quiet laughter.

  Sylvia and Owen went upstairs to their respective bedrooms. Marian was right. Sylvia was starting to get chilled through. Fortunately she had thrown a pair of sweatpants and a sweatshirt into her overnight bag. She put them on, checking in the mirror to see if she looked too scruffy. The sweatshirt had belonged to Owen in a previous life. It was huge, but warm. Sylvia wondered if he would remember it.

  She carted her now melting things down to the laundry room. Marian took the clothing from her and hung them around the laundry room. Sylvia laid her hat, scarf and gloves near the fire to dry. Percy had come in and promptly sat by Jon in front of the fire. Jon was reading something on his ipad and was totally absorbed. One hand was absently patting Percy. Sylvia sat in the other chair close to the fire. She rubbed her arms. Owen came down and sat on the loveseat. When he looked at Sylvia, his eyebrows rose as he recognized the sweatshirt.

  “Finders, keepers, “she said to him, teasingly. She was feeling more comfortable with him than she had in months.

  He scowled good naturedly. It all seemed very normal and like old times. Sylvia quelled a sigh. Marian brought over a tray with a beautiful crockery pot and four large mugs. There was also a plate of cookies and a can of whipped cream.

  “Time for elevenses,” she told everyone, referring to the snack from Winnie-the Pooh. She poured hot cocoa into mugs and passed around a plate of cookies. They were Marian’s signature shortbread cookies that had a crispy outside, yet melted into your mouth. Marian had the plain shortbread and then a small round cookie that was studded with miniature chocolate chips. Homemade cocoa and shortbread cookies were a form of nirvana. Sylvia sighed.

  It was almost like the old times –before Owen had left, when they were happy together. They laughed and talked.

  “Did Owen tell you his big news?” Jon asked eventually.

  Sylvia looked blankly at Jon. “What news?” she asked.

  “Owen is going to buy a house,” Jon told her.

  “Actually, a town house,” Owen said, correcting Jon.

  “Oh,” Sylvia said. She wasn’t sure how to react to this news. “Where are you looking?” she asked.

  “In North Bay,” Owen said. “I’ve been trying to decide between “The Chesapeake Club” and “Heron Isles.” Both have advantages,” he said, “but, I’m leaning towards “Heron Isles.” If I get a sailboat someday, they have a community dock.”

  “I had been looking for a rental, but with the economy, it’s a buyer’s market,” he added.

  Sylvia knew from the car shopping experience the previous autumn, that Owen thoroughly researched major purchases. She hid a small smile as she took another sip of cocoa and she remembered how he had driven her crazy looking for cars, comparing prices and features and gas mileage.

  “When do you plan to move in?” Sylvia asked lightly.

  “I was hoping to put in an offer this week, but the snow may hold things up a bit,” he said.

  Owen went on to share how Heron Isles had several townhomes for sale in the development ranging from smaller condos to townhomes over 2500 square feet. Some had water views and some with forest view. He was leaning towards the more expensive, larger townhome with the water view from the living room and the master bedroom, with Palladian windows. He went on and on. Sylvia had to admit that it sounded lovely. Marian and Jon were almost as enthused as he was.

  Mellow from the cookies and cocoa Marian pulled out an old deck of cards and they started to play at the kitchen table. Sylvia, who grew up watching and playing cards with her Mom and their friends Jon and Donna, beat the pants off everyone at seven card stud and gin rummy.

  “I’m glad we’re not playing for money, Sylvia!” Jon exclaimed when she drew in a large pot of chips. “Maybe you should go to Vegas or Atlantic City, Sylvia.”

  She laughed at this. “Maybe,” she said.

  Marian had exited the games for a few minutes to put together focaccia dough. As the day turned to a quiet dusk, she put the focaccia in the oven with rosemary, olives and olive oil. A hearty pork stew had been bubbling in a Dutch oven. Once again the atmosphere was relaxed and filled with laughter, wine and good food.

  They were sitting by the fireplace again after dinner when Jon made a suggestion, “Sylvia,” he said and paused.

  Sylvia was looking into the heart of the fire where the brilliant oranges, reds and gold, lit from within, danced, melted and melded as she watched.

  “Hmm?” She queried when she heard her name.

  “Sylvia,” Jon said, “If Owen is in the throes of moving when Marian and I have gone south to beat some additional snow, would you keep an eye on the house for us?”

  “Of course,” Sylvia said. “Never a worry.”

  “You wouldn’t have to stay here,” Marian told her, “just check in on everything.”

  “Not a problem,” Sylvia said.

  “Now if it coincides with Owen’s move, Anne and Phil will be staying here,” Marian informed her.

  “All right,” Sylvia said, “Just let me know.” She yawned. “Excuse me. Good food, good times and good wine,” she said. “I am so relaxed I think I could fall asleep on my feet,” she told them.

  “Go to bed,” Marian insisted and Jon nodded.

  “I’ll walk Percy,” Owen volunteered.

  Percy, who had been lying quietly by the fire perked up suddenly when he heard the word “walk.”

  “Now you’ve done it,” Sylvia chided Owen. “You’ve gone ahead and said the ‘W’ word. He knows!”

  As she was talking, Percy rose to his feet, stretched and went to the kitchen door. They all laughed.

  “All right, Percy,” Owen said. “It’s easy to see who wears the pants in this family.”

  Jon guffawed at this. Marian and Sylvia shook their heads.

  “Well, goodnight then,” Sylvia said.

  She left the toasty warm kitchen and headed up the stairs. The foyer and stairwell were quite chilly. Suddenly, a thought came to her. How did Owen get the money for the down payment on a house? She knew he was toying with a new car, but the sudden thought struck her that perhaps the house monies were the funds from which he had planned to purchase an engagement ring. The thought struck her so hard and fast that she stopped mid-stair. She wondered. After a minute or two she gave an involuntary shiver. The stairwell was cold and she started up the stairs again where Owen had kept fires going all day long. Her room was toasty warm with only a spare draft or two around the edges. The wind had picked up throughout the day and was whistling and whirling about the house.

  Sylvia was restless. Usually she slept like a baby at Marian’s house, but tonight was different. The wind was howling and whipping around the old house. Sylvia heard the old house creak and groan in the onslaught. She would drift into an uneasy sleep and wake abruptly when the wind howled around the corner of the house. Later a log crackled and popped in the fireplace, waking her to see a shower of sparks. Hour after hour went wearily by. She fell into a dreamless sleep for a couple of hours only to wake to her nose feeling cold. She burrowed deeper into the blankets. The night was deathly still. Sylvia listened. The howling wind had ceased. The creaks in the house were muffled. Two other things struck her. Percy wasn’t with her! She had become used to having him breathing nearby. She also realized that the fire in the fireplace was nearly out.

  Slowly she pushed a toe out into the chilly air and drew it back under the covers quickly. Finally she took a deep breath and threw back the covers. It was like diving into a cool swimming pool of air. She thrust her feet into her sl
ippers and went over to the fireplace. She had neglected to put on her cozy chenille robe and she shivered.

  The fire had burned down to a lump of glowing coals. Sylvia bent over and blew on the coals gently, as flame formed in the coals. Slowly a baby flame formed in the coals and poked out of the center of the hot mass of orange, red and black. Sylvia looked at the bin of wood near the fireplace and searched for a small piece of tinder. She found one and fed it to the flame. Sylvia took another small piece of wood and added it to the top of the coals and continued to blow gently.

  As she bent over to blow on the coals and small flames, her ring on the necklace fell from the neckline of her flannel nightgown. It began to swing gently.

  A thought struck Sylvia, and she stopped blowing on the coals, as the tiny flames greedily ate at the piece of wood. She added another bit of wood and watched it.

  As she bent over she thought, “I wonder if Owen really loves me.”

  Slowly, the ring on the necklace began to make small circles. The small circles grew larger and larger in concentric circles, spiraling outward.

  Startled, Sylvia grabbed the ring and held it in her hand. This was the same type of thing that had happened when they were predicting Shannon’s baby. She took off the chain and held it between her thumb and first two fingers and asked the question again, “Does Owen really love me?” Again, the ring barely moved, but slowly, slowly, slowly began to turn in a circle. Each circle grew larger and larger.

  Was this dowsing or was this just a wish? Sylvia put a log on the flames. She held the necklace again with the ring stilled in her other hand. She tested the ring as a pendulum.

  “My name is Alice,” she thought, thinking suddenly of Alice in Wonderland. In a moment, the ring swung back and forth, back and forth in the “no” position.