The Total December Experiment

by J.T. Lewis

  “I know just what you mean,” Megan nodded. “My last life

  was a short one. I was very young when I crossed over and

  it took quite a while to get my bearings back. I thank

  Heavens that Patrick was here at the time.”

  “I’m always at your beck and call, my love…you know that.”

  Megan smiled at him and touched his cheek.

  “Nanny, do you know when this curse, or whatever it is; began, or why, or who, or how long it will continue, or what will end it ?”

  “Goodness, Megan, those are a lot of questions to answer. I was hoping you two would have a few answers.”

  Patrick frowned, “When Megan and I became fully aware after our last passing, we knew for the first time that we had a job to do, but that was as far as our knowledge went.”

  “About all we’ve been able to do so far has been to observe and comfort as best we can. We’ve tried to protect, and I think we’ve been able to do that to an extent, but other than that,” Megan shrugged her shoulders.

  “We don’t know what we’re fighting.”

  “We do know that he is in agony because of what he does, so all of this didn’t start with him. He is not who we’re fighting; he is a victim too,” explained Patrick.

  Nanny stared out over the water; lost in thought.

  “I don’t believe the evil comes from our ancestors. I believe it came in through the outside. It didn’t enter our family until after the two of you passed. Then all of a sudden; there it was. Before that time, our family was as pure as mortals can be.”

  “Do you mean that at some point after our passing, someone evil, perhaps from a marriage came in ?”

  “I do, Megan. I can’t think of any other explanation.”

  “How do we find out who?”

  Nanny looked at them,” I’m almost positive that is Manda’s job.”

  #

  Manda woke at 3:15 with a sense of urgency plucking at her nerve endings. She tossed around in the bed trying to find a comfortable position-attempting to still the constant need to move her legs. She knew it was in vain. She didn’t experience the restless leg syndrome often, but when she did, the only cure was to get up and move around.

  She groaned with frustration and fatigue before swinging her legs over the edge of the bed and standing. Throwing on a robe and slippers, she began to pace around the suite in the hope that her leg muscles would relax. She paused to look out the window. It was a clear night with a canopy of stars. She glanced down toward the street below and stepped back from the window in a startle reflex.

  Stretching across the street and appearing to crawl up the side of the building toward her room, was a black elongated shadow. After a moment of a racing pulse, she again approached the window and followed the shadow back to it’s origin. A figure stood on the other side of the street backlit by a streetlamp. Try as she might, the only thing Manda could see was a silhouette…no details possible. The figure stood without motion for several moments until bats began to circle the lamp and the person beneath. Then, the figure turned and walked with a brisk step down the street, dragging the long dark shadow with it.

  Manda watched with fear twisting her insides as the dark shadow disappeared from view.

  I’m being ridiculous. There is no reason why anyone should be keeping tabs on me. What an ego I have to think I’m that important !!

  She turned from the window and began pacing again. There was a noticeable difference in the tension in her legs. Maybe she would be able to work it out enough to get some more sleep. Something caught her eye and she leaned over to see what it was. The corner of a book was sticking out from under one of the chairs. When she picked it up, she felt a thrill of excitement.

  Nanny May’s photo album ! How could I have forgotten about this. She continued to stand for the benefit of her legs while she began to turn the pages.

  Pleasant surprise took over as she studied the pictures of Live Oaks in its youth and pictures of numerous people who had lived on its grounds.

  Someone had gone to a lot of trouble. Each photograph had beautiful neat writing beneath it giving names, dates, and events.

  The old generations knew penmanship…unlike present day scribbling, she mused.

  The first thing Manda noticed was that copies had been made of the originals.

  That makes sense. The old ones would be so fragile by now that I’m sure they’re locked up somewhere for protection.

  It was entrancing to view Live Oaks as she had looked as a babe. The trees were small and the vines hadn’t as yet begun to clothe her, but she was still proud and majestic. It was thrilling to watch as one generation and era became another. The first portraits were of people with bodies held stiffly and rather stern, frozen expressions on their faces.

  Manda knew that when cameras came into being, the subjects had to hold their positions without moving for a period of time, so it was common for them to have a rigid appearance.

  In general, the people were attractive and many carried a definite resemblance to one another.

  One young couple stood out. They had dared to ignore the rule of the day and been photographed in what appeared to be spontaneous behavior with smiles on their faces and twinkles in their eyes. The man looked to be full of mischief and the woman shamelessly coy in one; flirting boldly in another picture.

  Manda smiled at them…she couldn’t help it. They made a charming couple. According to the writing under the photo, they were Patrick and Megan.

  As Manda turned the pages, she realized that there were quite a few people, more than she expected. There were so few listed on the family tree.

  Manda noticed one couple in particular. They seemed to be in every picture, which was impossible, considering the fact that different generations were represented by different styles of dress. They always stood on the left of the group and toward the back. Their facial expressions never changed even though their clothing did, according to the era. Their looks were so unchanged from one picture to the next that Manda could swear that the image of the same couple could have been superimposed into each tableau. When she looked at the writing to identify them, she was surprised to find that in each picture, there weren’t enough names to account for the number of people shown.

  This is strange. Maybe they are some of the black sheep of the family that Kate mentioned. I’ll have to ask her.

  After a yawn or two, Manda noticed that her discomfort had eased and she felt that she could sleep. Tomorrow would be moving day. She grinned as she laid the album aside, turned the lights out, and climbed into bed. She fell asleep right away in pleasant anticipation, never knowing that the shadow had returned and once again, slid across the street and crept up the hotel wall towards her window.

  #

  Manda and Teresa were up bright and early, excited and full of energy. The evening before, they had written a shopping list and packed just about everything.

  Manda called the desk to say that they would be checking out and requested that arrangements be made for forwarding mail,etc.

  They threw on their clothes and hurried down for breakfast.

  Returning to their room, Manda placed a call to Mr. Lanier’s office to notify him of the change of address.

  Teresa called home and left a message for Frank, explaining how she and Manda would be spending the day and promising to call as soon as possible with the address and phone number of the cottage.

  After checking out, they stopped by the utility companies and post office to take care of necessary paperwork; then on to the grocery to buy staples and a few items for tonight’s little moving in celebration. They stood at the curb looking at the packed car with pleased expressions.

  Manda looked at Teresa, “Let’s do it, Mom!”

  #

  Jesse had spotted the car moving up the lane to the old carriage house. Mr. Lanier had called the security guys this mo
rning to tell them that she was moving into the cottage. One of them had passed the news on to him.

  He made a mental note to put in more hours on the grounds surrounding the little house. He wanted the area to be immaculate for her and her mother. There was an old rock garden to one side of the place. It had been kept trimmed a little over the years, but nothing had been done to restore it’s original beauty. His dad had shown him old pictures of the small garden and it had been great looking, although why anyone had bothered to build the garden close to the old stable was beyond him.

  The first thing he needed to do was to clean the area clear to the ground. With the old fallen rocks haphazardly studding the area, there would be spots that could tempt snakes and holes that could catch the ladies heels and cause a serious fall.

  After it’s cleared, then I’ll be able to see a design in my minds eye. I’ll make it a point to talk to Teresa today or tomorrow about their favorite flowers and scents so I can make my plans.

  Jesse climbed on his large lawn tractor and turned the key.

  Jesse headed in the direction of his greenhouse to check his inventory of plants he had on hand.

  #

  As Manda drove toward the cottage, she noticed a car sitting in the driveway.

  “That’s Mr. Lanier’s car. Wonder why he’s here.”

  Mr. Lanier stepped out of the car with a grin on his face when Manda pulled up and stopped.

  “To what do we owe this pleasure,” Teresa asked.

  “You ladies forgot, did’t you ? Thursday at 10:00?”

  Manda clapped her hand over her mouth as embarrassment burned in her face.

  “Oh, the meeting with the staff! I’m so stupid. It completely slipped my mind.

  Lord, I’m so sorry ! I am so embarrassed. What are they going to think of me ?”

  Mr. Lanier, still grinning, remarked, “Manda, calm down. It’s not a disaster. Everyone forgets things now and then and you’ve had a lot on your mind. Relax.”

  “But they’ve been waiting hours. They’re going to think I’m a horrible insensitive employer.”

  “Manda, chill honey,” Teresa said, as she pat her daughter’s shoulder.

  “When you didn’t show up at 10:00, they just started working in the house.”

  “But there’s nothing to do. The place is spotless.”

  “They don’t see it that way. They’re cleaning windows, waxing floors, listing supplies, and all the other things they’re used to doing. They see the extra time as getting a good head start.”

  “Give me about 15 minutes to drive over and let them know you’re here. Then you two come on over and I’ll introduce you. They are very nice. They won’t bite,” Mr. Lanier chuckled as he shook his head at the two women.

  He got in the car and they heard him say something about,’females,’ followed by another chuckle.

  ‘Well, Honey, we have enough time to get the groceries put away. What do you say ?”

  Manda, face still pink, grabbed a bag from the back seat and headed for the door.

  #

  Almost 15 minutes later, they pulled the car up to the entrance to the manor.

  Manda sat in the car, taking several deep breaths.

  “Mom, I’m so nervous.”

  “I’m right here with you. He said they’re nice people…and that’s ALL they are. People…just like you and me.”

  “Mom, what would I do without you ?”

  “You’d do very well without me, Sweets.”

  Mr. Lanier walked from the house and down the steps to help them from the car.

  “Here we go, ladies.”

  The three of them walked up the steps and into the huge foyer where a reception line had formed.

  Manda couldn’t help but be relieved when she realized that they were all beaming smiles at her.

  “I’m so sorry that I’m late. I feel just terrible about it.”

  A chorus of, “ No apology necessary, no problem, don’t fret about it,etc.” fell on Manda’s ears.

  Manda smiled her appreciation.

  “Manda Harris and Teresa Wimbley,I’d like to introduce to the people who hold this place together and keep it functioning smoothly.”

  Mr. Lanier led them to the first person in line; a smiling middle age woman with lovely soft brown hair frosted with silver. It was naturally wavy and she had gathered it into a loose bun at the nape of her neck. She was relaxed but exuded confidence.

  “Manda and Teresa, I’d like to introduce you to Live Oaks house keeper, Faith Grayson.”

  Faith stepped forward and shook Manda’s extended hand.

  “I’m sorry for the loss of your Great Aunt. We all loved her so much.

  It’s a honor to meet you and I’m sure we’ll work well together.”

  “Thank you. Ah, Ms. Greyson and I’m sure we’ll do fine. Did you know Nanny May long ?”

  “All my life. My mother used to work and live here, so this has always been my home.”

  “As I’m sure it will continue to be,” Manda assured her. When you have time, I’d love to hear all about my Great Aunt. I wish that I had known her. I hear that she was a special lady.”

  “Oh yes,” Faith stated adamantly with twinkling eyes and a broad grin.

  As Faith stepped back, the next woman stepped forward.

  “Manda, I’d like you to meet the best cook in the world, bar none. I’ve had the great pleasure of dining here many times. This is Marla Sue Curtis.”

  Marla Sue, pink with pleasure, shook Manda’s hand.

  “It’s so nice to meet you, Ms. Harris. Sometime today, if possible, I’d like to speak with you about the types of food you prefer.”

  “How about after we’ve all been introduced ? Will that

  work ?”

  “That will be fine, Ms. Harris.”

  Next was a married couple who lived on the estate in a massive apartment over the garage.

  “This wonderful couple is Ron and Pat McLean, the chauffeur who not only will be driving you, but who keeps the cars in tip top working order. His lovely wife is your primary maid.”

  They shook hands and murmured greetings, all with friendly smiles.

  Next came two young women introduced as the two maids who came in on a daily basis. Rhonda Stern and Carly Foster, a cheerful pair of young women around Manda’s age.

  Three strong young men followed, introduced as the grounds keepers under the leadership of Jesse Craven.

  “Where’s Jesse ?” inquired Mr. Lanier.

  “I don’t know,” responded one of the young men.

  “That’s OK, Mr. Lanier. We’ve met Mr. Craven,” Teresa volunteered.

  ‘Manda, before you meet with Marla Sue, can you step outside to meet security?”

  Manda glanced at Marla, “ OK, Marla ?”

  “ Fine, Ms. Harris.”

  Teresa, Manda and Mr. Lanier stepped out to the front yard where 3 men and two massive beautiful dogs waited.

  The dogs were on leads and sat relaxed having been ordered to stand down.

  Manda and Teresa’s first inclination was to make over the dogs, but Mr. Lanier gestured for them to stay where they were.

  One of the men stepped forward.

  “Ms. Harris, we need to bring the dogs over to your cottage as soon as possible. You two ladies and these critters need to get to know each other, but we need to follow a certain procedure. What would be a good time?”

  “Give me about an hour and a half. That OK ?”

  “That’s just fine. We’ll see you then.”

  They tipped their hats just a bit and turned to leave.

  Manda and Teresa returned to the foyer where Marla stood waiting. They proceeded to the kitchen and sat at the table. Marla picked a pen up, prepared to take notes.

  “What kinds of things do you like to eat, Ms. Harris and Mrs. Wembly?”

  “Let’s approach it this way, Ms. Curtis. What kinds of foods do you enjoy cooking ?”


  “Excuse me, but could you call me Marla? I’d be much more comfortable if you would. Of course, It’s up to you.”

  “I’ll make a deal with you, Marla. I’ll call you Marla if you’ll call me Manda. I will go nuts if everyone calls me Ms. Harris.”

  “It’s a deal !

  I enjoy cooking just about everything. I do have a few specialities. Traditional southern cooking. Well, almost traditional. I cook as healthy as I can and still keep the flavor. Nanny May favored southern, Italian, and German; and Irish, of course.”

  “Sounds like a woman after my own heart. Those will work for me. Actually, I like just about everything except shellfish. I don’t do shellfish and I only like a few fish. Cod, orange roughy, salmon, and tuna. Oh, and ocean perch.”

  “What about Tex-Mex and Mexican?”

  “Occasionally.”

  “Salads?”

  “Love em.”

  “Heavy or light breakfast, etc?”

  “ I prefer a big breakfast, a light lunch, and a moderate supper. I also love desserts and I enjoy a sweet before bedtime.”

  “OK. I’ll make up several weeks worth of menus and you check them out. How’s that ?”

  “Sounds workable to me.”

  “I’ll send the menus over later. Do you want to take your meals here or at the cottage ?”

  “For now, I’ll come here. Just write the times you prefer to serve on the menus. If there are to be any changes, we’ll talk about that later.”

  “Excellent. What would you like this evening, Manda?”

  “Don’t worry about tonight or breakfast in the morning. Mom and I have already taken care of that. We’re keeping it simple because we’ll be busy moving in and getting organized.”

  “OK, Manda, see you for lunch tomorrow ?”

  “Yes, Marla.”

  “I want to tell you again how good it’s been to meet you, Manda.”

  “I feel the same.

  Mom and I better get busy, plus security will be coming to the cottage soon. I’ll see you tomorrow, Marla.”

  They shook hands again before they left to return to the small house.

  #

  Jack copy from here !!!!!!!!

  Manda decided that the introductions hadn’t been as uncomfortable as she had expected. However, she now had another problem to consider. She and Teresa made the drive to the cottage in silence, both lost in thought.