Part 2 (1/2)

Naomi made sure there was no one close enough to overhear their conversation. ”You got a glimpse of Your or perhaps I should say Our true nature of existence. We choose our primary focus here in this life and ignore all the others that exist. You received a very special gift of being able to see that. As you get farther and farther away from your life here things become less and less visually recognizable but you knew in your heart that they were all you. You received an amazing gift Little Sparrow.”

Naomi stood, took their used mugs to the counter and headed for the door. Shaley had been contemplating Naomis words when she realized she was being left behind and scurried to catch up. ”Where are we going?” Shaley asked. ”First were going to stop at my place to pick up some supplies and then were going to your place to take care of that little problem of yours. Do you think Sona and Markie are there?” Naomi inquired. Shaley just shrugged. They hopped into Naomis vehicle and before proceeding she made a quick call to Shaleys Aunts. She had something planned and she needed their permission to proceed. She received their official okie dokie and put the truck into gear. ”Youre going to like this.” Naomi smiled at Shaley. *

Sunny and Jenna found a softly gra.s.sed shady spot on the sh.o.r.e of the Magnetewan. They spread their blanket out on the slope so they could relax and watch the comings and goings of the boats as well as keeping an eye on Spencer who insisted on fis.h.i.+ng in the heat of the day. Sunny knew there was very little chance of catching anything but hed looked so happy about the prospect she helped him dig up some night crawlers.

Jenna made sure he was wearing a cap and slathered copious amounts of sunblock on the poor chap. Jenna snuggled into Sunnys arms before turning and sharing a deliciously deep and pa.s.sionate kiss. ”Do you really think hes going to catch anything?” Jenna asked. ”I doubt it but he does seem to be getting better at casting.” Jenna smiled and leaned back. She could smell the soil and scent of pine needles wafting in from across the river. The birds seemed to be singing a chorus... each variety taking its turn. The Sparrows started followed by the melodious tones of the Goldfinch interrupted by crescendos of Red-winged Blackbirds.

Damsel flies hovered above the young Water Lilies and Catails. When the sound finally died down the distant drone of Cicadas broke the silence. ”I love this place!” Jenna said with a contented sigh. ”When are you going to come live with me? The two of you spend half your time here as it is.” Sunny asked for the millionth time. Jenna took a deep breath of clean fresh air. Sunny was lying on her back so Jenna leaned up on her elbow hovering over her. ”Ive been so happy since weve been together. I just want to make sure its the right thing for Spencer. Lets give him some time to get used to the idea... ok?” Jenna said looking down at Sunnys lips and running her index finger across them. Sunny closed her eyes savoring the sensation. ”I love you so much Jenna. Take all the time you need. I have some things I need to do before the two of you come to live with me anyhow.” Sunny pulled Jenna toward her hugging her tight.

Jenna glanced over at Spencer who was putting a fresh worm in his hook and casting his line back into the river. ”Wash your hands in the river Buddy.” Sunny called to him. Spencer turned smiling broadly. He rinsed the worm slime off his hands and turned to the adults giving the thumbs up sign. ”I love that kid.” Sunny said smiling. Jenna slipped her hand under Sunnys t-s.h.i.+rt caressing her abdomen and starting to slowly move upward. ”You better stop that!” Sunny said grabbing Jennas hand on the outside of her s.h.i.+rt. Jenna giggled and sat up ready to start a full blown wrestling match. ”What the s.h.i.+t!!!” Jenna exclaimed.

Sunny sat up on her elbows. ”What? Whats the matter?” Sunny asked glancing in the direction Jenna was looking. ”What the h.e.l.l is your crazy Mother up to now?” Jenna giggled. ”Shes not crazy. Shes a very gifted and respected Shaman.” Sunny gently corrected. Jenna loved to tease Sunny and smiled mischievously. She loved Naomi and had the greatest respect for her but she couldnt resist the urge to pull Sunnys chain.

Jenna watched Naomi and Shaley move erratically around The Rectorys back lot. Naomi held half of an Abalone sh.e.l.l in one hand with herbs burning inside while fanning the smoke with a collection of Bald Eagle feathers. She fanned the smoke around Shaley and enveloped her in a thick cloud while saying something Jenna couldnt quite hear form her vantage point. Shaley stood stock still with her arms straight out at her sides while Naomi cleared her energy field. Naomi slowly made her way along the sh.o.r.e and then circled the property before disappearing into the house. ”What was that all about?” Jenna asked Sunny. ”It looked to me like she was smudging the property next door.” Sunny said simply. ”Oh” Jenna replied.

They sat there for a few minutes watching Spencer fish. ”What does that mean exactly?” Jenna finally asked when her curiosity piqued. ”It depends. There are many reasons why a building or property is cleansed. With Shaleys gifts I suspect Mother is trying to alleviate some of her anxiety about something.” Sunny said as if that explained everything. Jenna knew that tone and let it drop. There was a lot about Naomi that Jenna didnt know or understand for that matter but that didnt change how she felt about her potential mother-in-law. She respected and loved her to pieces. *

Shaley watched Naomi intently memorizing each movement and nuance. She occasionally asked questions when necessary and Naomi periodically stopped to explain some detail but for the most part Shaley observed. Naomi cleansed the property before making her way into the house. She went through each room methodically until they reached Shaleys bedroom. ”Naomi I dont want to make them all go away unless they want to. Fizz and some of the others are harmless. They are just lonely. Can they stay?” Shaley asked. Naomi looked at her young friend and smiled inwardly. It was a good sign that she wasnt afraid of all spirits especially ones that could be helpful. ”Absolutely! Im just affirming that the beings that are not aligned with the light leave these premises and move on.” Naomi explained. ”So my friends will still be here when youre done?” Shaley repeated making sure she understood what Naomi was saying. Naomi turned to her protege. ”Your spirit guides and helpers will still be here. We just want to make sure those energies that arent in-tuned with the light are prohibited.” *

Chapter Eight.

Jenna parked her car in front of The Old Rectory. She and Sunny had been invited over for dinner and drinks and that was just the thing she needed. Spencer was off visiting with his Grandparents so Jenna could let her hair down and it was just what the doctor ordered after the bruiser of a week shed just had. Every conceivable thing that could possibly go wrong did, difficult clients, deals that had been sure things fell through and a mortgage denied. If you could name it, it happened this week. She was really looking forward to relaxing with her girlfriend, best friend and her partner.

Jenna stepped out of the car and went to her trunk which sometimes doubled as her portable office and pulled out a stack of doc.u.ments, newspaper articles and a blueprint and headed toward the house. The weather could still be a little cool at night when the wind whipped up and she was glad shed remembered to wear her jacket. Markie met her at the door and relieved her of some of her burden. ”Whats all this?” Markie asked as they walked into the large kitchen. It always seemed to be the place where people congregated.

Sona had arranged a very comfortable sofa and chairs in the parlor but the kitchen was the heart of the home. The place where guests and family ate, drank and socialized. It always seemed to be the place where raucous laughter, clinking gla.s.ses and plenty of hugs were shared... along with the odd tear. Jenna so loved this house and its inhabitants and she very much hoped one day she would live in such a home. Hers always seemed to be the place where she completed her work and slept. It wasnt a Home.

Sona saw her friend and dropped her oven mitts to go over for a warm embrace. Markie deposited the papers on the table in front of the bay window. ”You didnt answer. Whats this all about?” Markie asked again. ”Is Sunny not here yet?” Jenna asked drawing out the antic.i.p.ation. ”You better tell her before her head explodes.” Sona giggled. ”I was looking up some information on another Heritage property when I came across some stuff you might be interested in. I thought we could look at it after dinner.” Jenna said as she lifted the lid of the pot on the stove and peered in. ”Mmm chili.”

Sunny eventually showed up and the foursome sat down for dinner. Emma was working out in Huntsville and Shaley was spending the evening over at Pippis house. ”Can we see what you brought now?” Markie said as soon as the table was cleared. Sunny looked around questioningly. ”You werent here when I came in sweetie. I spent half the day at the Town Hall going through the archives. You should see what I found.” Jenna took the file folder to the kitchen island and started looking for a particular photo. ”This is a picture of the Church and Rectory back in the 1880s.” She said laying the photo on the granite surface.

Jenna looked a little sheepish. ”I kind of absconded with this stuff so it has to be returned but feel free to copy any of it that interests you... all of it if you like.” Jenna smiled. Sona and Markie moved in closer to the black and white photograph. ”Look at the gingerbread around the porch of The Rectory. Its beautiful! I thought what was on there was original but this is much more intricate.” Markie observed. While her friends studied the picture Jenna removed the remainder of the doc.u.ments, photographs and clippings from the satchel. Markies attention was drawn to pictures of old stream boats. Sona took her time looking at those as well for different reasons. She loved the old costumes the people wore and imagined a much simpler time. The women wore long white dresses, black lace up shoes and floppy hats to protect them from the sun. The men wore slacks, b.u.t.ton down s.h.i.+rts with ties and vests.

Sunny spent her time looking for buildings in the background of the photos that she recognized and that still stood in town. Sona had a dreamy look on her face as she went to the fridge for another bottle of wine. ”Wine anyone?” She asked holding the bottle up for everyone to see. A ”Yes please” came from Jenna but Markie and Sunny were content with their beer from the bottle. ”There is history here. These pictures are bringing it all home.” Markie said. The group drank, chatted and examined the artifacts. ”Hey listen to this. There were a number of steams.h.i.+ps that travelled the Magnetewan. At some point the route was extended when the lock was built to allow access to the remote communities. These s.h.i.+ps carried goods and pa.s.sengers until the 1940s. Funny thing was that of the six or so s.h.i.+ps that travelled the river, three of them had significant fires that put them out of commission. Some deaths occurred as well... one of the s.h.i.+ps sunk around here somewhere.” Jenna pointed vaguely in the direction of the river.

Storm heard something only he could detect and ran to the front door. Momentarily Shaley and her furry companion bound into the heart of the home. ”Are you hungry?” Sona asked her. ”No thanks Auntie. I had a snack at Pippis house.” Shaley answered going to the fridge for a drink. ”Whats all this?” Shaley asked, approaching the center island. ”Its the condensed history of Burks Falls and our house.” Markie joked. Shaley leaned over to get a better look at the old photos. ”I know her.” She said. ”Her name is Clara. She hangs out by the river or sometimes I see her on the other bank.” Shaley concluded.

Markie usually didnt try to engage her in those types of conversations and preferred to leave the topics about the metaphysical to Sona. ”Are you sure? What else do you know?” Sona asked curiously. She would love to verify some of the things Shaley said for her own curiosity at least. She would never allow her niece to be publically scrutinized after all shed been through. Up until now the things Shaley had spoken about were harmless. ”She always seems nervous or afraid looking over her shoulder all the time. Her father was a s.h.i.+p captain or first mate... whatever you call it. She talks about Jimmy and another man... the one shes afraid of.” Shaley took a long drink of her juice. Sona took another look at photo of the smiling young people gathered on the stern of the s.h.i.+p. She wondered if one of those boys in the picture was Jimmy. *

Chapter Nine.

May 1928 Jimmy sat on a crate in the warm summer sun dangling and swinging his leg, a huge grin on his young face. He was looking forward to seeing the fair Clara. She rode the steams.h.i.+p on weekends from Burks Falls to Ahmic Harbor. Somewhere along the line they had struck up a conversation and he was smitten. She was just about the prettiest girl hed ever seen and he could hardly wait to see her. Her family had connections to s.h.i.+pping in the area and he knew he was just a deck hand but hed heard her father had started at the bottom and worked his way up. He intended to do the same.

His heart felt light with antic.i.p.ation at seeing Miss Clara again. ”Get back to work boy! We dont pay you to lollygag.” The first mate said in a gravelly voice smacking Jimmy on the back of the head as he pa.s.sed by. ”Uh yes sir! Sorry Sir!” Jimmy stuttered. He scurried to his post below deck. Gideon was a mean piece of work and Jimmy didnt want to cross him. Jimmys back held the scars that showed Gideon wasnt above corporal punishment to make his point and bend the younger boys to his will. He was particularly fond of using his cane to administer such punishment.

Jimmy returned to his work station but he couldnt help having a silly grin on his boyish face. He was going to see Miss Clara and no one could change that. The steams.h.i.+p chugged along and its whistle sounding three times signaling its approach to the dock at Burks Falls and the first major stop of their journey. Jimmy worked as fast as he could in hopes he would be able to slip away for a moment or two to catch a glimpse or a few words with Clara.

Jimmy asked his boss in the powerhouse if he could go above deck for a few minutes. ”Ok kid but dont let that b.a.s.t.a.r.d Gideon see you. He threw a crew member over the side once when he found him not as his station... and we didnt go back for him.” Boss smiled remembering what it had been like to be eighteen. ”Yes sir. Ill be careful.” Jimmy snuck up the aft staircase peering around every corner for Gideon. He didnt see the man but he did catch a glimpse of Clara. He dusted off his uniform and wished hed taken the time to at least wash his hands.

Jimmy took a small black comb out of his back pocket and ran it through his unruly hair before approaching. ”Hi Clara.” Jimmy said gently. ”Oh hi Jimmy, I was hoping to see you today.” She smiled at him warmly, her big blue eyes twinkling in the sunlight. ”I dont have much time Clara. I wanted to ask you to be my girl.” He stammered. Claras eyes lit up. The sound of footsteps behind him reminded Jimmy that Gideon could be lurking nearby. ”I think youre about the prettiest girl around. Would it be ok if I came calling some time?” He asked hopefully. Clara looked positively giddy and nodded her head vigorously before leaning in and kissing him on the cheek. ”You better go Jimmy. I dont want you to get into trouble.” Clara grinned.

Jimmy barely heard what she was saying he was so ecstatic while his own smile mirrored hers. ”Please Jimmy you better go! Meet me after Church on Sunday. My family is having a picnic on the back lawn. Ill see you there.” She said pus.h.i.+ng him to go below before he got himself into trouble. Jimmy paused a moment longer. He didnt want to leave Clara but she was right... besides he was going to see her soon. Jimmy whistled to himself as he descended the stairs. His head was so far in the clouds he b.u.mped right into Gideon.

Gideon grabbed Jimmys face in his rough grubby hand and squeezed as hard as he could almost lifting him off the ground. Gideon pulled Jimmys face within an inch of his own. He was close enough to spray spittle on Jimmys face as he spoke. ”What did I tell you? What the f.u.c.k were you doing on deck?” Gideon spat. Jimmy could smell the scent of spiced meat on his breath. Jimmy detected a sickening sweet smell of meat about to turn rancid. ”I saw you with that girl. Youre not good enough for her you know. Her Father wont let you anywhere near her.” Gideon mocked. ”Im seeing her again Sunday. She's my sweetheart!” Jimmy protested.

Gideon laughed a horribly cruel laugh. ”Youre a fool! Youll be on the bottom of the river if you dont get back to work.” He said shoving Jimmy into a bulkhead. Jimmy scurried off as fast as his legs would carry him. Gideon wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. ”Ill fix that little b.a.s.t.a.r.d.” He said making his way to the upper deck. Up top he spied the object of his attention... the young lady Jimmy had been chatting up. He put on his best smile and headed toward her. Clara was sitting chatting with some of the other regular pa.s.sengers that often made the trip to visit relatives just as she did.

Gideon removed his cap as he approached her. ”Im sorry if our young Jimmy was hara.s.sing you Miss. Ill have him immediately reprimanded.” Gideon said in a gravelly voice. Clara turned her attention from her friends and her smile faded when she saw who was addressing her. She didnt like anything about this man. ”Excuse me?” She said. ”Jimmy will be reprimanded for fraternizing with patrons Miss. Ill make sure of that.” Gideon said looking her up and down like some kind of predator. Clara understood perfectly what he meant in spite of his clumsy delivery. ”Theres no need for that. Its not necessary.” Clara smiled.

She wanted to be able to defuse the situation for Jimmy but she couldnt make herself speak more than civilly to Gideon. ”Oh its no problem Miss, its company policy that below deck staff not mingle with guests.” Gideon smiled showing his stained teeth. The smile only showed on his lips while his eyes only held contempt. Gideon stomped off. ”Ill teach that little p.e.c.k.e.rwood to f.u.c.k with me... and his high and mighty girlfriend. Who does she think she is?... that little b.i.t.c.h!” Gideon mumbled under his breath. *

The long trip was coming to an end. Clara was pleased shed been able to visit her Grandmother and take her some odds and sods, stay the night and return the next day. Her encounter with Jimmy had been wonderful and her heart felt happy and light... all in all a very pleasant weekend. She was very much looking forward to meeting Jimmy after Church. Her Father was a little protective of her and might object at first but she was sure she could bring him around to her way of thinking.

It was still early in the season and by the time they were about to pull up to the dock in Burks Falls the sky was already showing signs of twilight. The pa.s.sengers stood to gather their belongings but Clara just craned her neck to see if she could get a glimpse of Jimmy.

A large bang a.s.saulted Claras ears and she fell to her knees. She held her hands over her ears but when she removed them all she heard at first was an intense ringing. She tried to stand up but her equilibrium was out of whack. She reached for the handrail and began pulling herself up. The ringing that had so a.s.saulted her auditory system abated slightly but just enough for Clara to hear the shouts and screams of the crew and pa.s.sengers.

Smoke began to billow up from below deck and her eyes began to sting and burn. Tears streamed down her cheeks and she could barely make out the silhouettes of people. She thought she saw men whose clothes were on fire. They ran past her with their clothes totally engulfed in flame and she could hear splashes as they extinguished themselves in the river. They did whatever they could to alleviate the inferno. In their panic they jumped into the tepid water... anything to put out the flames and stop the burning.

Smoke filled Claras lungs and she began coughing uncontrollably. Her ears rang, her lungs spasmed with every breath and her eyes watered so much she could hardly see through the thin slits. Someone took hold of her and guided her to the break in the rail usually used for loading and unloading. Everyone who could walk was abandoning s.h.i.+p. The sky had become dark but everything in the vicinity of the steam s.h.i.+p took on an unearthly red glow.

Claras legs shook and she knew she was in very serious trouble. She had never been one of the local children whod spent lazy summer days swimming in the Magnetewan. In fact she was a terrible swimmer and often found herself panicking when her feet couldnt reach the bottom. The heat of the fire was becoming unbearable and she knew she would have to enter the water sooner rather than later. She felt hopeless and started crying but a hand slid in hers and held it tight. ”We have to go into the water Clara. Are you ready?” Jimmy asked his beloved. ”Yes” She said on the verge of another round of tears. ”On the count of three then. One... two... three!” Jimmy and Clara jumped into the cool water. It was pitch black in the water all but the red glow of the inferno aboard s.h.i.+p and only the sound of hopelessness and despair broke through the chaos. *

Chapter Ten.

Emma dove off the dock into the river, She wanted to make her usual swim before hanging out with the kids and making sure they didnt do anything goofy. Shaley, Pippi and Spencer promised to stay out of the water until she returned from the dock on the far side of the river. Emma often made the swim back and forth a couple rimes when she could get Markie or Sunny to shadow her. You just never knew when a cramp or G.o.d-forbid a water craft might come by and not see her. She made her way back across the river still feeling pretty good and the kids were playing lawn darts so she decided one more trip would help get the rhythm of her stroke down pat.

By the time she was half way across the second time and feeling the burn she took a big gulp of water as a swell from a pa.s.sing fis.h.i.+ng boat hit her in the face. She tried to keep swimming but she started to cough uncontrollably. Before she could fill her lungs again with precious oxygen something grabbed her ankle and pulled her under. Deeper and deeper she sank into the murky depths. Her lungs cried out for air while her brain tried to comprehend what was going on. She was an excellent swimmer and she knew there wasnt anything living in the river that could possibly pull her under like that. What was happening? She quickly realized that none of that mattered right now she just needed to get herself to the surface before she became unconscious. *

Shaley chased Pippi who had just beat her for the third time at lawn darts. She caught up to her friend and wrapped her arms around her. They both fell to the ground giggling. They rolled in the long unmown patch of Red Clover and Sweetgra.s.s laughing and tickling each other. Suddenly Shaley sat up cutting short their wrestling match. Pippi continued to try to tickle her until she saw the serious but familiar look on Shaleys face. Shaley stood up and looked toward the Magnetewan all residual playfulness faded. A cold chill ran through her all the way through to her core.