Not A Good Reason

by McCarthy, G. L.

  As Alex buttoned her left cuff she walked around the corner and almost tripped over Oliver who has sprawled out on the floor watching TV.

  “Oh gosh! Oliver, I almost stepped on you.” It took Alex a second to realize she could actually see him now.

  “It’s okay. I’m not really here, remember.” Oliver looked up at Alex and could tell she was looking right at him. “You can see me now?”

  “It appears so. Nice to see you. Now I can introduce myself properly. Alexandria Hollingsworth Whitney, English teacher at your service, Sir.” Alex curtseyed to Oliver.

  Jumping to his feet Oliver came to attention. “Oliver Wade Simmons of the 46th Pennsylvania Regiment at your service, Ma’am.” Oliver saluted Alex.

  “Pleased to meet you. Now I need to get to work. You have a nice day.” Alex smiled as she continued on to the kitchen, were Sam was shaking her head at what just happened.

  “Now you can see him, cool.” Sam knew Alex connected best with spirits through her dreams and then remembered Alex getting up during the night.

  “Well, not only was I trying to save Natalie last night, but I had a dream about Oliver and what he must have gone through. I believe I was seeing the war through his eyes. If it’s true, I can see why he ran away. I would have too.” Alex reached for her coffee, and Sam.

  “Pretty bad, huh?” Sam knew how sensitive Alex was in these matters and hugged her tightly.

  “Very. I’ll tell you about it when I get home. I’m running late. The shower felt so good, I lost track of time.” Alex was preoccupied with ‘what if’ scenarios regarding Megan and the picture and hoped her young pupil didn’t bring it up.

  “I’ll walk you out.” Sam could tell Alex was a little off this morning and knew she was processing a lot. Hopefully by tonight she’d be back to her old self.

  When Sam walked back in the house, Oliver was gone and the TV was off. Sam took a walk through the house and checked the guest bedroom. No sign of him anywhere and then she wondered if he broke the TV and was hiding. After confirming that the set was still working fine Sam decided to make herself breakfast and look for him after, if he didn’t reappear by then.

  Alex had a knot in her stomach and the dreadful feeling this wasn’t going to be an easy fix. She would need to dig deep and muster all her strength to pretend to be okay with Megan’s gift. Maybe the best plan would be to make the first move and thank Megan once more for the frame. Then hopefully it would go away like the headache it was. By the time Alex pulled into her spot she’d been able to calm herself somewhat. It was apparent by the amount of activity that she was cutting it close and then the five minute bell rang. Even Cyn had already arrived and was watching her from the door of the teacher’s lounge. Alex waved as she needed to make her way to her classroom, just as she saw Cyn pull out her cell phone and then her phone rang.

  “Hey, what’s up?” Cyn knew this wasn’t the norm.

  “Just running late. Too much unsupervised time in the shower. I’ll see you at lunch.” Alex didn’t want to talk about this little problem until after she had Megan in second period. All this worry may be for nothing if she stuck to her plan.

  “Okay. I’ll see you then.” Cyn closed her phone, but knew something wasn’t right. She could hear it in Alex’s voice. Just like the other times Alex was dealing with a worrisome problem. But now Cyn had a secret that may keep her from helping out her friend.

  Chapter 12

  Sam decided to time herself to see just how much time she would need to get ready in the morning. The task of not having to decide on what to wear was helpful. Her khaki colored uniforms were neatly pressed and her boots had such a high gloss shine she could almost see herself. Sheriff Taylor had warned her not to show up with unpolished boots. The head instructor, retired police Captain Steven “Cap” Sobczyk, was an old friend and a stickler about his cadet’s appearance. The Sheriff had given Sam a few tips about how to get on Cap’s good side and one was to dress when she got to the training center so her uniform would look perfect. This meant she’d need to arrive early enough in her sweats and then get into her uniform in the bathroom. It would be allowed, only because of her long drive from Hastings and as a favor to Sheriff Taylor. She could have signed up to stay near the center, but that would mean only seeing Alex on the weekends. Not to mention the additional expense of a room. So until the drive became unbearable this would be the plan. It was only six weeks or thirty actual days, she could do it – she needed to do it.

  From the time she walked into the bathroom and emerged clean and dressed it took eight minutes. The shower was quick since she didn’t wash her hair. She needed to be able to fit all her hair under her cap or they’d insist on it being cut. Sam was grateful this wasn’t the service or she wouldn’t have to worry at all, because there wouldn’t be any hair to tuck under her cap. Sam thought a ponytail always made women look very girlish, and not very intimidating. Like “Gidget Goes to the Academy,” who’d take her seriously–nobody called Mad Dog that was for sure. But when Alex put her hair up, Sam just melted and couldn’t stop herself from pulling Alex into a long passionate kiss. It was a look Sam hoped to see a lot of come summertime.

  Next on her to-do-list was to make sure she had all the paperwork the academy had sent her to bring in. Alex had given her one of her old briefcases that would work just fine. It had a combination lock so no worries about losing the key. Alex had a drawer with extra pencils and legal pads she’d brought home from school. Sam smiled at this little petty crime of Alex’s; it could make for some interesting fun when she became a Deputy Sheriff. Although those handcuffs would have to be padded.

  Now she was ready to begin a new chapter in her life. How would this new career affect her life with Alex? She had expressed her concerns about this choice and Sam had assured her she wouldn’t change. But could she honestly say that knowing how many other police officers had been divorced – including Sheriff Taylor. Was it the fault of the job and all that went with it or the person allowing themselves to be changed by the job? Sam suddenly felt her stomach do a flip and walked into the guest bedroom. There she picked up the picture of Anna and Ramon and asked them for their help in keeping her the same person she was now. Sam wasn’t sure how they’d do it, but she had faith they’d find a way short of a good swift kick in the pants.

  “What are you looking at?” Oliver asked as he walked up behind Sam.

  “Some good friends that have passed over. Like you need to do one of these days.” This was the first time Oliver hadn’t startled her.

  “Who are they?” Oliver touched the frame in Sam’s hand.

  “Ramon and Anna Arroyo. They’re Alex’s guardian spirits.” Sam felt she was their second priority.

  “Really? How’d she get ′em?” Oliver never believed in ghosts until his own death.

  “Long story. But if you want help crossing over, I’m sure they’d be happy to help.” Sam wondered how many different ways she’d need to phrase it until he got the hint.

  “Hey, Sam. I could be your guardian spirit and stay here with you and Alex.” Oliver thought this was a great idea. He wasn’t so sure he wanted to crossover even if he wasn’t cursed. Who would be there waiting for him, if he did? All those people who made his life miserable growing up? He really didn’t want to risk that encounter.

  “It’s not that easy, Oliver. They’ve passed over and came back. You never left. Although I don’t know what the difference is, except there must be one.” Sam wasn’t sure what to do to convince Oliver to cross over, but she needed to find out. The ghost of Robert Monroe finely crossed over to be with the person he loved, but was there anyone for Oliver.

  “Why do you want me to leave, Sam?” The hurt look on Oliver’s face told Sam there was no one waiting for him.

  “I don’t, Oliver. I just thought you’d be happier there. I’m sorry if I’m wrong about that.” Sam was almost brought to tears as she looked at his sad face and thought about how alone he was.

  “
There’s been no one in my life that’s been as nice to me as you and Alex. No one.” Oliver couldn’t remember a time when he was as happy as he was right now.

  “Okay. I understand now. I’ll let it go and you can be my guardian spirit.” Sam didn’t know how she was going to explain this to Alex.

  “You mean it! For real, for always!” Oliver truly thought Sam was going to say something completely different.

  “For real, for always. But look, I can’t have you following me to my job. So your job as my guardian is to stay here and watch the place and Alex when she’s here. Okay?” Sam didn’t need a distraction while she was trying to learn her new job.

  “Whatever you say, Sam. I’m going to be the best guardian spirit ever. Nobody is going to mess with this place or Alex when you’re not here. I promise.” Oliver was ready to take on anyone or anything, although he wasn’t sure what he would do when it happened. He could turn on the TV and change the channels. He could scare them away, if they were afraid of him. But Sam hadn’t been, so then what? He would need to find a way – somehow, someway to do this job.

  “I believe you. Now can I ask you a question? Where do you go when we can’t see you?” Sam was very curious about this.

  “Nowhere. I’m still here; you just can’t see me all the time. I don’t know why. Although I seem to be able to be around more like this since I came to this house. But I can’t be like this all the time.” Oliver did like being able to appear around Sam and Alex. If they could see him they would talk to him and he could talk back.

  “Oh, well maybe it has something to do with energy. You didn’t have anything in that barn to draw from.” Sam was trying to make sense of it, but thought this was more Alex’s field of expertise. “Why did you turn off the TV?”

  “I wanted to hear what you and Alex were talking about. I’m sorry I know that’s wrong. But I thought maybe she was mad at me for being in the way.” Oliver would be more careful now that Alex could see him. Even though she couldn’t hurt him.

  “Alex knows what you went through. She isn’t mad at you Oliver. She’s just concerned about your happiness and so am I.” Sam appreciated his honesty, but always being around could put a strain on her limited quality time with Alex. “I know you will respect our privacy and stay out of our bedroom. So everything is fine.”

  “I would never go into your room uninvited. That would be very bad manners.” Oliver had a sweet little boy look on his face as he stated his intentions.

  “Thank you. I appreciate you respecting our privacy and I am aware of your manners. Alex has commented on how polite you are.” Sam wanted to give Alex all the credit for seeing that quality in Oliver.

  “Thanks. I try really hard to be respectful.” Oliver beamed at the praise just received.

  “That’s all we can ask.” Sam was grateful Alex liked Oliver as it seemed he was going to be around for a very long time.

  Chapter 13

  Alex braced herself for Megan’s inquiry after second period. But none came, just a friendly smile as she left the room for her next class. All that worrying for nothing, but it didn’t mean that just because she didn’t say anything today Alex was in the clear. Megan may have had other things on her mind and would mention it tomorrow or the next day. Alex needed to get a grip and stop obsessing about it. She definitely needed to call Carol for the name of a good therapist. First she needed to get through third period and then call during lunch. As the girls began to arrive Alex switched into teacher mode and let everything else go.

  When Cyn walked through the door to pick Alex up for lunch, she was ready with twenty questions to find out what was wrong. Alex was on her cell phone waiting for Carol to either answer or have her call go to voice mail so she could leave a message.

  “Good afternoon, Alex. How are you?” Carol wanted to catch up on all that happened over Christmas. Hastings was a small town and her cousin John, the Sheriff, had given her the short version of what happened at the ranch.

  “I’m good, Carol. How are you?” Alex smiled at Cyn and motioned for her to sit at one of the desks.

  “We need to have lunch and catch up. John told me a little bit about your trip, but I want all the details. Is this a hardware emergency call?” Since Carol owned the only hardware store in town she assumed Alex needed something.

  “No hardware emergency. I was wondering that, since you grew up in Hastings, you’d be the one to ask if there is a therapist in town. I’d like to talk to someone about what happened on Old Woman’s Hill with Sally Jennings.” Alex saw the look on Cyn’s face as she relayed her request to Carol.

  “Oh, Alex I completely understand that. Well, would you prefer to talk to a woman or a man?” They were both MFT’s and semi-retired. Carol had heard nice things about both of them.

  “Do you know if either one is gay? I mean it’s just easier sometimes to have someone who can relate right off the bat.” Alex didn’t care all that much as long as they were competent.

  “I don’t know much about their personal life. They both were married at one time, before they moved here. He’s a widower and I think I heard she was divorced.” Carol thought the woman may understand the jealousy factor more in regards to Sally Jennings.

  Carol would call Alex back and leave their names on her voice mail. Now Alex knew Cyn would have several questions as to why she needed a therapist.

  “What’s wrong?” Cyn could tell by Alex’s expression when she hung up with Carol that she was troubled.

  “This whole picture thing. I feel like I want to hurl, and I don’t like it at all. I know I’m being irrational about the whole problem. I guess I just need someone who I pay $90 per hour to tell me so.” Alex was trying not to let Cyn know how much this had gotten to her.

  “Okay, I’ll take your money. You aren’t being irrational and have every right to be upset. You’ve had more than just Sally Jennings on your plate and I hope you remember that. I accept cash or checks, but no credit cards.” Cyn thought she should talk to Sam about this.

  “Ha, ha. You may be right. Maybe just talking to my friends can help me shake this feeling.” Alex would prefer to keep this whole distressing adventure tale to just her immediate family of friends. “Let’s go have lunch.”

  Sam thought she’d take a ride into town and fill up her truck, a task she forgot to do yesterday. Then stop by and see Sheriff Taylor for a possible pep talk as well as an idea of what to expect her first day. Then if she had time stop by Spicer’s Auto Repair and see TJ. Sam locked the door behind her then yelled goodbye to Oliver and assumed he heard her. Sam was very appreciative of all the strings Sheriff Taylor had pulled to get her this special treatment at the Sheriff Training Center. Allowing her to use the credits she earned in junior college towards her academic portion was saving her a lot of time not having to take classes again, as well as a reduced cost to the city. In fact this training was more of a certification that Sam would be able to do the job. Sheriff Taylor was already impressed with her abilities in helping track down Richard Greenway. Along with having something to show anyone who asked what her qualifications were for getting the job.

  Sheriff Taylor reassured her that she would be able to handle it, but she’d be pretty sore from all the pushups required if she didn’t answer correctly. All responses would be “Sir, the answer to the question followed by, Sir.” So the correct answer if asked if she was tired would be Sir, no sir. Sam would try to practice for the rest of the day as doing a lot of pushups was not something she’d prepared herself for. But she was pretty sure she could do what was required.

  TJ still wanted to have their Wednesday night outing of eating pizza and working on their trucks. She would totally understand if Sam was too exhausted and needed to postpone. It was an unknown that Sam truly wished would not be a big deal. Sam decided to confide in TJ the pressure she felt as she didn’t want to let anyone down.

  “Can we keep what I’m about to say between just the two of us? I mean I like Cyn, but I don’t want thi
s getting back to Alex.” Sam knew it would if she didn’t make this request.

  “Absolutely, you and Alex have become great friends and I’m not one of those people that has to share everything with the person I’m dating. Everyone should be able to ask for privacy about certain issues. What’s up?” TJ tried not to change her expression, but wondered if everything was still going good between Alex and Sam.

  “This new job. I’m starting to doubt myself. I’m afraid I’ll let everyone down. I’ve come across to Alex, like I can handle anything, except seeing her in a hospital bed. And the Sheriff has put so much faith in my ability that he’s called in all kinds of favors.” Sam was beginning to feel more pressure to excel than she had ever felt in her life.

  “Sam, you’ll do fine. Stop over thinking here. You are completely capable of doing this job. In the beginning when it’s all new you’ll struggle, but I’m convinced it will become second nature in no time. Although you have to promise me to talk to Alex or myself about any of this and not keep it bottled up inside. This is one profession that has a high divorce rate due to what happens on the job. I don’t want your relationship with Alex to be added to those statistics.” TJ had heard about Sheriff Taylor’s marriage to his high school sweetheart ending in divorce. She didn’t want to see it happen to two people she had come to care so much about.

  “You’re right. I guess I need to stop thinking that I’m going to blow it. I just see Alex take on every challenge she faced and come out smiling. I mean I know she’s been through a lot, but you’d never know it. She just keeps doing what’s expected of her.” Sam realized that Alex may be feeling what Sam had just expressed to TJ. There was a good chance she was trying to be superwoman for Sam and everyone else, as well.

  “I know that Cyn’s worried about her. She’s mentioned seeing a difference in Alex’s personality since the beginning of the school year. But she also fears that Alex would blow off her concerns and maybe pull away. It’s something Cyn would be devastated about if she lost Alex and their friendship.” TJ hoped this conversation would be kept private as well. Cyn would never confide in her again in regards to Alex if this got back to her.