Part 1 (1/2)

The Crystal Visions.

A Familys Journey.

Into the Paranormal.

By B J Somerville.

Dedication.

I want to dedicate this book to my Bestie Cyndi. On a fundamental level we have many things in common. We both value our families, integrity and loyalty but on another level we are completely opposite. Both of those aspects have been equally important to the strength and growth of our friends.h.i.+p. Weve had the most wonderful conversations on just about every topic imaginable. I appreciate you and love your strength and steadfastness. Thank you for encouraging me, holding my hand when Ive needed support and kicked my b.u.t.t when I was being a pansy. What would I ever do without you in my corner and me in yours. I love you Bestie, you are my rock! Keep up the good work.

Preface.

Since the transplantation of the family into the Central Ontario town of Burks Falls Markie had found it more and more imperative that she explore her spirituality. She didnt speak about it much at first but she had experienced things that she had no logical explanation for. She considered herself logical and practical but shed been thrown into a world she understood very little about. Luckily she had a curious mind and when her Uncles girlfriend Naomi invited her to a Retreat north of what used to be the mostly Ojibway community of Powa.s.san she jumped at the opportunity to accompany her.

Naomi Dawit was a local celebrity being a Shaman and Healer but she had also become a member of the family. They headed out early on the Sat.u.r.day morning and stopped for breakfast at a diner on the way. ”That was a nice little diner but we have a much better chef.” Naomi said with pride. Naomi and Markies Uncle Tullio had opened a family diner in an old railway car that had been converted several years ago but the original owner had never opened its doors. They pooled their money and made the upgrades and it opened in no time.

The property had a small house that the two moved in to while the renovations were completed. From the moment it opened the diner was a resounding success. They had brought in a fantastic chef that Tullio had come across and both spent much of their time entertaining family and friends on gourmet versions of cla.s.sic diner cuisine.

Markie had been surprised but also honored to have been asked to join Naomi on this reunion of sorts. Over the past few years since migrating north and becoming acquainted with Naomi Markie had met many of Naomis peers. The more she spoke and more importantly the more she listened to them the more intrigued by them she became. They had found a way of explaining the unexplainable. For every answer Markie received there seemed to be a hundred more questions triggered. Living her life day to day had become a voyage of self-discovery.

After stopping at the diner Naomi had taken the wheel to continue on the final leg of their journey. Markie was surprised upon arrival at the interesting group of holistic and spiritual modalities represented. Although Naomi primarily thought of herself as a Shaman and a Healer her friends were varied. They arrived to a group of women milling about outside in the warm spring air. Warm smiles, hugs and kisses were shared by all. Even Markie as a newcomer found herself enveloped in warm hugs and each person touched her with a pat on the back or a squeeze on the forearm followed by warm smiles.

The hostess was a large robust middle aged woman with greying hair named Louise. She welcomed them to her home and gave them all a chance to socialize and stretch their legs as many had made long drives to get there. For Naomi and Markie the retreat was only an hour or so northwest of Powa.s.san Naomis childhood home so the distance was very manageable. Eventually they made their way into a large family room where a small fire crackled in the wood burning fireplace. The comforting smell of burning wood immediately made Markie feel at home. Naomi and Markie took their seats as Markie scanned the room in fascination.

There were the usual stylized dream catchers, a rain stick, and a very large cl.u.s.ter of quartz crystal. There was a bookshelf full of books that Markie would love to get her hands on and once everyone settled down Louise welcomed the group and took them through a guided meditation. Several of the ladies shared something of what they were interested in. One read an excerpt from a book called Power vs Force by Dr. David Hawkins. Another fascinating woman handed out pieces of amethyst shed mined herself in Thunder Bay. Another woman shared a lesson and discussion from A Course in Miracles and another woman Markie found particularly interesting told about the healing properties of plants and her Perelandra inspired garden.

By the end of the day Markie was overwhelmed by the sheer volume and diversity of modalities and concepts covered. Most people had 2-3 overlapping but distinctively separate interests including Reiki, Ley Lines, Meridians, Dowsing and a few others Markie would have to look up on the internet when she returned home. Shed obviously had a spiritual overload but in a fascinatingly good way. By the end of the day Naomi had to pry Markie away, picking up their Goodie bags containing their piece of amethyst, Bach flower sample, and the David Hawkins book on the way to their truck.

Again they were treated to hugs and kisses and Markie climbed into the drivers seat for the first leg of their ride home. Before they had travelled very far it was clear to Markie that something was going on. She had the distinct sensation that her physical being was lighter than air. She felt as though her body was floating out of its seat and several times she had to check to make sure her head wasnt touching the SUVs cloth covered interior roof.

Naomi noticed something was going on but didnt comment until Markie almost missed stopping at a red light and had to slam on the brakes at the last minute. ”Markie honey, please pull over. Youre in no shape to be driving.” Naomi urged. Markie pulled over and they switched seats. ”Sorry Naomi. I dont know whats going on with me.” Markie said softly as she fastened her seatbelt on the pa.s.senger side of the vehicle. Naomi looked at her sideways. ”Youll be fine. Here have a drink of water. Youve been blasted with an incredible amount of Universal Light Force Energy. It was very powerful and youre not used to it.” Naomi said putting the truck into gear. ”Remind me to teach you how to stay grounded... especially in a large group like that. I cant have you driving off the road into a ditch.” Naomi said with a quick wink in Markies direction. *

Chapter One.

Jenna invited Sona over for dinner while Markie and the girls were away visiting family in the southern part of the Province. Sona was looking forward to spending time with her best friend and meeting her extended family. It was Jennas parents anniversary and Jenna wanted to do something nice for them. They had done so much for her and she wanted to show them how much they both were appreciated. She made her Fathers favorite prime rib roast, a green bean ca.s.serole, mashed potatoes and gravy along with her Mothers favorite Cream Puffs shed purchased from the ladies at the bakery in town.

The family was already there when Sona arrived. Jenna introduced her to her parents Victor and Isabel Gilmore. Sona estimated Isabel was in her early sixties while Victor was probably several years his wifes elder. Jennas brother Eric was there with his mail order wife Zorka who was originally from Belarus. To be fair they had been together for more than a dozen years so they must have found something in common besides mutual loneliness. Jenna explained that Eric had waited until he was older to get married and the couple neither had children nor wanted them. The final member of the family was a young man of about 17 who lived with Victor and Isabel and he seemed to have some developmental delay issues but after a conversation with him Sona found him to be quite a nice young man. He had difficulty with verbal communication but he was more than capable of making himself understood with only a few words and hand signals. He didnt appear to speak American Sign Language which Sona had seen many children who had difficulty with speech use in her previous position as a teaching a.s.sistant with the private school board.

When Sona arrived with her homemade desserts the young man let her in and escorted her into the well-appointed kitchen. She placed her delicious confections on the counter as Jenna was placing the prime rib roast back into the oven for a few more minutes. ”I see youve met Spencer.” Jenna smiled as she saw her friend. She removed her oven mitts and gave her friend a warm hug. ”Im so glad youre here!” Jenna whispered in Sonas ear. Sona frowned at her as they pulled apart. Jenna introduced Eric and Zorka, her parents and finally Spencer. ”Could you get the milk out of the fridge for me?” Jenna asked Sona.

Sona didnt know why but something was off. Jenna seemed uncharacteristically anxious. Sona placed the milk on the counter. ”Is there anything I can do to help?” She asked smiling. Jenna had helped Sona cook many times in her kitchen and they found they worked together very well. Before Sona had time to close the fridge door Zorka had taken hold of the door and stuck her head in to snoop around. Jenna had poured some of the drippings from the roast into a pot on the stove and had begun whisking the liquid while mixing in small amounts of thickener. Mr. and Mrs. Gilmore were quietly munching on hors doeuvres and talking quietly.

Eric started telling Spencer he needed to get out and get a job and start taking care of himself. Sona frowned. Spencer seemed capable of holding down some sort of job in the future but what was the rush? Zorka removed a yogurt and a piece of coffee cake from the fridge. ”Jenna can I have this?” Zorka asked in her thick accent as she popped the lid off the yogurt. Jenna looked annoyed but nodded her head. She had spent literally hours making everything from scratch, dinner was going to be ready shortly and she had hoped the hors doeuvres would keep their appet.i.tes in check until it was ready. ”Could you keep stirring this while I mash the potatoes?” Jenna asked Sona. ”Sure, no problem.” Sona replied as she quickly moved to the stove taking the whisk from Jennas hand.

Zorka walked around the kitchen alternately shoveling yogurt and cake into her open maw. Jenna drained the potatoes, added milk and b.u.t.ter then went to the drawer for the hand masher. ”I see that old train car was turned into a diner by that wahoo and some Italian guy.” Eric said. ”Eric! Their names are Naomi and Tullio and just for your information Tullio is Sonas uncle by marriage so can you please not talk like that in my house?” Jenna asked sharply. ”Im sorry Sona my brother is a bigot.” Jenna said as her face turned pitch red.

Spencer tapped Sona on the arm. ”Kids?” he asked. ”Do I have kids?” She asked him. He nodded. ”Yes I do. My two nieces live with me.” Sona said turning to Spencer. Spencer held up two fingers. ”Two?” He asked. ”Yes” Sona nodded. Meanwhile Zorka had finished her feast and had returned to the refrigerator. She stood with her head deep inside while her ample bottom stuck out like some sort of refrigerator parasite. She popped her head out and held up an unopened package of chocolate chips. ”Can I have these?” She asked. Jenna sighed loudly. ”Zorka could you please set the table? Spencer will help you. He knows where everything is.” Jenna said politely trying to distract her sister-in-law. ”Ya Ya.” Spencer said taking Zorkas arm and pulling her along. He guided her to the hutch where the ”good” dishes were kept.

When everyone was out of range Sona raised her eyebrow at Jenna in a silent question. Jenna shook her head and rolled her eyes dramatically meaning she would explain later. From the other room they could hear Eric talking loudly about the stupid fundamentalist Christians blah blah blah. ”Im so sorry. I should have warned you.” Jenna said to Sona. ”Wow I thought Neanderthals were extinct.” Sona said so only Jenna could hear, trying to lighten the mood and relieve her friends stress. Jenna broke out laughing. Zorka was back in the kitchen with a napkin loaded with hors doeuvres. She munched on them as she looked at the photographs taped to Jennas fridge. Eric had also wandered into the kitchen to get something to drink. He reached for a beer but at the last second retrieved a c.o.ke.

Eric had had his share of substance abuse issues over the years and had to avoid alcohol at all cost. ”Whos the guy?” Eric said pointing to the picture of Sunny. ”Thats my friend Sunny and shes a woman.” Jenna said emphasizing the female p.r.o.noun. Zorka squinted and moved in to look at the picture more closely. Eric looked at Jenna with a stern look. Jenna just smiled. The last time Jenna had brought up the topic of her s.e.xuality Eric hadnt spoken to her for almost two years. Not that that was a big loss. Spencer entered the kitchen and took hold of Zorka and guided her to the silverware drawer. Zorka sighed, wiped her hands on her s.h.i.+rt and took out the place settings before going back out into the dining room.

Sona looked across the island to see where Jennas parents had gone. Her father had retired to the living room and had turned on the television to watch the football game. Her mother pretended to be mesmerized by the figurines in the china cabinet. Both parents seemed to be uncomfortable with Erics comments but knew better than to voice their displeasure at a family get together. After she finished setting the table Zorka was back in the kitchen. ”Oh Christ!” Jenna said under her breath. Thank G.o.d dinner was only minutes away she thought to herself. Zorka had returned to the picture of Sunny. ”Man... yes?” Zorka asked again. ”NO!” Both Jenna and Sona replied simultaneously. Eric had followed his parents into the living room and could be heard complaining loudly about Obamacare. ”Could you please tell everyone dinner is ready.” Jenna asked Zorka. Jenna turned to Sona. ”I wish this d.a.m.n dinner was over with! I wish Id never invited them. They both drive me crazy every time.” Jenna confessed. ”Now you know why it took me so long to come out of the closet.” She told her best friend.

Sona had no idea Jennas brother was so opinionated. It did however explain her hesitancy at having an open relations.h.i.+p with Sunny or anyone else for that matter. Zorka went back to the photograph for a third time and Sona decided that was enough. ”Zorka, would you mind helping me with some of these platters?” Sona told more than asked Zorka. Once she had loaded Zorka up with food Sona turned to her friend and gave her shoulder a firm squeeze. Spencer came bounding in like a playful puppy but stopped in his tracks. ”Smatter?” He asked when he saw Sona comforting Jenna. ”Nothing Honey. Everything is fine. Could you please ask Grandma and Pops to come to the table?” Jenna smiled warmly at Spencer.

Jenna resisted the urge to tousle Spencers hair because her father had taken the time to put gel in his hair and spike it up. Spencer had his issues but compa.s.sion wasnt one of them. He smiled broadly and ran out of the room. ”Eat! Eat!” He bellowed. They all started to gather around the dining room table and when Sona saw Eric making his move for the head of the table she jumped into action. ”Mr. Gilmore, would you like to sit at the head of the table and carve the roast?” Sona asked sweetly. Mr. Gilmore reached for the carving utensils but stopped and made eye contact with his daughter. Jenna smiled and nodded her head. Victor beamed and took his place. Jenna took her place at the other end of the table, Eric and Zorka on one side while Isabel, Spencer and Sona sat opposite.

Dinner was plated and Mr. Gilmore said an old prayer giving thanks and reminding everyone to think of people who werent as fortunate. The food was hot and delicious and everyone was silent while they savored the delicious meal. Eric and Zorka filled their plates twice while Isabel helped Spencer who was a little bit messy but seemed to be enjoying his meal immensely. Sona smiled at her friend.

”Dinner was delicious Jenna. Thank you for inviting me.” Sona said as she wiped her mouth with a napkin. ”Good!” Spencer agreed. Jenna smiled and blushed slightly as she stood to start clearing the dishes off the table. ”Let me help you.” Isabel said. ”No no... Mrs. Gilmore. This is supposed to be your day. Please sit and relax. Ill help Jenna.” Sona offered. ”Who wants coffee?” Jenna asked on her way into the kitchen. Jenna set up the coffee maker and started some water on to boil for tea. Spencer was a big fan of flavored tea so Jenna always kept a wide selection in a small wicker basket on the counter.

Sona went over and gave her friends forearm a squeeze knowing it was a long day but showing her complete support. ”I love your parents. Theyre a lovely couple and Spencer is such a sweet kid.” Sona offered. Sona loaded the dish washer while Jenna made up a couple trays, one with hot beverages and the other with desserts. The dessert tray had peanut b.u.t.ter and chocolate bars, date squares from her mothers old family recipe and b.u.t.ter pecan tarts. Sona finished what she was doing and helped carry the tray with a carafe of coffee, hot water for tea, sugar and cream and followed Jenna into the dining room.

As they entered the room Eric was at it again. ”I dont know what this country is coming to! When they legalized gay marriage I knew we were all going to h.e.l.l. I dont want to see those queers humping each other in the street. Its disgusting!” Eric was saying. ”Eric knock it off! Ive just about had enough.” Jenna said giving him her steely stare. ”I agree Jenna. I love you son but I honestly dont know where you come up with this stuff. Your Mother and I didnt raise you like that.” Victor said exasperated. ”Its unnatural and against G.o.ds law. I shouldnt have to look at it.” Eric persisted. Jenna just stood and stared him down and didnt stop until he broke eye contact and looked away.

Immediately after dessert Eric and Zorka packed up and said they had some shopping to do. Jenna had to admit she was relieved. She didnt have family dinners often and now she remembered why. As soon as the door closed behind them Victor and Isabel visibly relaxed. Spencer noticed but didnt say anything. ”Spencer honey, why dont you get your bags and take them upstairs to your room and unpack.” Isabel said to Spencer as she wiped his mouth with a napkin. Spencer nodded vigorously and quickly shuffled off to the front hall and loudly stomped up the stairs.

Sona giggled. ”I love your brother. Hes such a gentleman.” She said to Jenna. Jenna frowned. ”Excuse me? Are you talking about Eric?” Jenna said looking at her friend in disbelief. ”No I meant Spencer.” Sona corrected. ”Sweetie Spencer isnt my brother... hes my son. I had him very young and I didnt know how to cope so hes been living with my parents.” Jenna explained. ”Oh... well Mr. and Mrs. Gilmore youve done a wonderful job with him.” Sona said recovering quickly as usual. Nothing much phased her or put her off her stride. The Gilmores smiled proudly. ”Thank you Sona we try.” Isabel responded.

Jenna took a sip of her coffee. ”Weve decided that Spencer is going to live with me full time and spend the odd weekend with my folks.” Jenna continued. ”Thats terrific! Let me know if there is anything I can do.” Sona offered sincerely. Jenna was grateful for her friends support. She knew that Spencer would eventually have to come live with her at some point but her Fathers health scare had made it more of a necessity. Victor and Isabel had done a wonderful job instilling in Spencer some old fas.h.i.+oned values but he had also spent many weekends and holidays with Jenna. She had never been a full time parent but she felt she was up for the challenge.

Victor and Isabel stayed a while longer to make sure Spencer was settling in and then said their goodbyes. ”I should probably go too.” Sona finally said to her best friend. ”Ok, Ill walk you to the door.” Jenna said as they rose out of their seats and headed down the hall. ”Well thanks again for the lovely dinner. I had a wonderful time meeting your family.” Sona teased. ”Im so sorry for what my brother said. We dont really know what happened to him to make him so angry and bitter. I think he was dropped on his head repeatedly as a baby. He says the most hurtful things and I keep waiting for him to snap out of it.” Jenna explained. ”Nevermind. I loved meeting the rest of your family. They are lovely and I meant what I said about helping out with Spencer. Why dont you bring him by The Old Rectory to meet Markie and the girls?” Sona offered. ”Thanks well do that soon.” Jenna was relieved. She couldnt remember now why she hadnt told her friend about Spencer... *

Chapter Two.

The next day Sona busied herself in the kitchen making lasagna, homemade bread and chocolate brownies. Storm barked loudly alerting her to someone in the driveway. Shaley came running into the house followed by her almost constant companion Storm the Australian Cattle dog and hollering for Sona. Sona took off her oven mitts just in time as Shaley threw herself into her arms. Sona enjoyed the embrace as she knew it wasnt going to be much longer that either of the girls would want or need mothering. After Sonas sister and brother in law were killed in a car crash the girls had come to live with Sona and Markie.

After the initial adjustment and growing pains they had grown into a cohesive family unit. ”I missed you so much Aunt Sona.” Shaley was saying as Emma and Markie trudged in looking tired but happy to be home. ”h.e.l.lo beautiful! I missed you so much.” Markie said as Sona went in for a long hug followed by a sensuous kiss. The girls took this as a cue to go upstairs to wash and change into clean clothes before dinner. ”Was everything ok here while we were gone?” Markie inquired. ”Sure, no worries. Storm guarded the house and kept me company. Sunny checked on me regularly and I went to the diner for some meals and hung out with Uncle Tullio and Naomi. Oh ya and I went to dinner at Jennas house...” Sona was saying but Markie noticed an almost imperceptible twitch at the corner of her lovers plump and very kissable lips. Markie raised her eyebrow and she couldnt imagine what that meant but she was sure she would hear about it later. *