Veracity: The Veracity Diaries

by E. M. Bernal

  I looked around the field and went to encounter nature in different parts. Near rocks, trees and the stream that was nearby. I sat, stood and even laid down trying to relax my energy, listening to the sound of the wind with my grandma silently by, but trying to speak to me telepathically.

  I could only hear the echoing, but sometimes I couldn’t tell if it is was the leaves bristling, or if it was my grandma’s muffled voice. I took deep breaths each time because it became frustrating.

  It started it to get dark and even though I didn’t make a lot of progress, I didn’t get depressed and wanted to keep trying. The eye of the tiger song quickly faded.

  “Let’s try again next weekend, okay?” My grandma said, encouraging me to go home and get some rest.

  Before I grabbed my stuff to leave, I hugged her tight.

  “You’re going to understand the basics soon, but it takes practice to learn how to harness the power and turn it off and on. And… don’t let your emotions get involved. You need to learn self-control Veracity.” She said in the kindest voice.

  “I love you Grandma.” I grabbed my red peacoat with my overnight bag, hugged her and headed home.

  ******

  The school week passed quickly. Time seemed nonexistent. The teachers weren’t giving a lot of homework and I practiced meditation at home as much as I could. Robert stopped trying so hard by text or in person which finally made life a little easier to deal with it. I continued to see Ren as he popped in and out of my room, but it became normal.

  I still couldn’t bring myself to forgive Unity for lying to me about something so important. We talked, but with less than four or five words in passing. Every weekend was going to be spent at my grandmas training away from Ren. Well, until I master these strange abilities I had. I was still excited about being able to have an out of body experience, which I wasn’t very close to accomplishing yet.

  ******

  I got ready to head over to my grandmas to do another weekend of training. I needed to pack up my clothes. Text were flooding in from my friends at school, but I responded that I had to head to my grandmas for the weekend. I made up some mumbo jumbo about her needing me. They seemed worried that I stopped hanging out on the weekends as much as I use to. I even saw less of Ren, considering I didn’t allow him to interfere with my training. He was too much of a distraction.

  When I arrived, my grandma was outside on the porch gathering some wood she stored in the corner. It was always cold but a harsh cold front is going to be coming in soon.

  “Hey grandma! Getting ready for the winter?”

  “Aw, my little City, I was waiting for you.”

  “We don’t always need fire to keep us warm because we can turn on the one inside of us without it.” Grandma Amelia winked as she opens the door to walk inside, inviting me in.

  “What?” I asked, not understanding.

  “We have the power to keep ourselves warm, always remember that.”

  She was talking about our powers but all I cared about was having an out of body experience.

  I put my stuff down and was ready to get to business. So far, I was getting better at hearing telepathically, but it wasn’t always clear.

  “So, what can we do today?” I asked with anticipation.

  “We need to get your ability to read mind and also, let’s try the out of body experience. But, first let’s do our mediation routine to get you energized.”

  “Okay, let’s do it.” I was excited she finally said, out of body experience.

  My grandma sat me down to give me a lecture before we started.

  “Having power Veracity doesn’t mean that we have the right to abuse it. We only use it for good and when necessary. We have the ability to save lives this way.”

  “What do you mean?” I asked with disappointment.

  Why did she bring that up? I thought.

  “We can tap into someone’s energy by visualization and general connection. Let’s say someone you love or know gets into a car accident. I can check on you daily by tapping into the vision of you. You will know since we possess the same power, and you can block or send a message of peace, which means your safe. We have many chakras.”

  “Chakra? I asked with confusion.

  “It’s energy fields that the body carries. Every human has it. But psychics or clairvoyants can do it a lot quicker with 10 times the power.”

  She handed me a book that identify each source of energy we carry. I guess outside of school, I’m getting more homework. But it sounded interesting and I was curious.

  “Do you mean humans can do it? I thought these were special powers?”

  “Yes, but every human has the ability to tap into their six sense. We all have six senses. But for some reason our kind develops them on a higher ground. Centuries ago somebody tapped into the energy force field and it changed our DNA forever through our bloodline.”

  “Someone… like a witch? I asked.

  “Something like that but we’re not witches.” Grandma Amelia said as he touched my shoulder to assert that answer.

  “In fact, there are many things in this world you do not understand.”

  “Like?”

  “Well, what we know is that witches are a clan of Necromancers. We are Clairvoyants. There is a difference. They can do things we can’t. And, they can be way more dangerous than us.”

  “Okay, now tell me Vampires and Werewolves don’t exist?” I asked sarcastically.

  “Well, yes, those can be real too. They reside and hide in different parts of the world. Then, as you know, there are ghost, specter’s, and spirits. We call them different things depending on the culture. Some are evil, and some are not. Just like humans.”

  It was strange to hear all of this but how did we have powers? How could I see and feel a ghost that is not there? So many uncertainties, but I have to accept this as a gift and not a curse in order to be at peace, I realized.

  “I have a feeling that when you turn 21 you’re going to be extremely powerful. Maybe, just maybe, more powerful than the average psychic.” Grandma Amelia said but sounded worried simultaneously.

  “Why is it that you have to be 21?”

  “There’s an old feeble tell that someone made a deal with the devil or a God to have powers with a magic spell. That person far back in ancestry was supposedly 21 when these powers came to her and now that is when we turn. Its somehow connected to 21 cycles in the stars which count as years in human form.”

  “Okay…” I responded but not really getting it.

  “But, as you know, some of our family members didn’t get anything at all. And, even though that witch was evil, it was still a choice. We choose to be good.” She winked.

  “We don’t know the whole story, but Veracity you’re the first person in history that I’ve heard of developing them at the age of 18.”

  I actually had strange things happening since I was five, but I decided to keep it to myself.

  I was shocked and intrigued by the whole thing. It didn’t make me feel special though. I was scared of these powers. Yet, it became a paradox in my world because I was happy I could see Ren. I was also scared somebody might discover them and not want to get near me. That’s not comfortable for anybody. Considering my personality, I would hate that.

  “Can we get premonitions of the past or future?” I was trying to ask as many questions as possible to understand all of this.

  “Some physics can, but your mother and I don’t. Sometimes, there are some special situations that happened when the energy harnesses between the earth and two beings. However, it’s extremely rare. Some sorcerers, like Necromancers are known to have those kinds of powers.”

  I wonder what a Necromancer looked like but decided not to ask any more questions. The whole idea was exhausting.

  My grandma tapped me on my leg to follow her outside.

  Let’s go close to the trees, it’s easier to practice there. She again explained that nature has an effect on the mind. I had
to admit I did feel a sense of serenity when I was near trees, or a body of water. I loved the little stream that ran through the back of the field near the rocks and trees she had.

  “Once you learn how to do it on your own, you won’t need to be so close to nature.” Grandma Amelia assured me that it was going to get easier to turn on and off.

  I shifted quickly into a meditative state, this time standing up. That was exciting, it took several minutes. Before it took an hour. Incredibly, I could feel the earth at a different speed. She woke me to change positions. We both sat down across from each other in an Indian style position.

  “OK, I want you to grab my hands and look into my eyes.” My grandma requested.

  I grab her hands, but I immediately felt funny just staring at her and broke out in a giggle.

  “I’m serious Veracity.”

  “I know it just feels funny. Sorrieee.”

  “Now, meditate and slowly close your eyes. Concentrate on the elements.”

  “It feels beautiful.” I confirmed.

  “Good but shush and concentrate.”

  “I’m going to tap into your thoughts.” Grandma Amelia said.

  My eyes closed when I drifted and even though I could hear her clearly I couldn’t’ answer.

  After about two minutes I felt the wind on my face stop. Everything went black but then back to every detail of the field and forest.

  “Can you hear me?” I could hear a voice clearly.

  “Yes.” I answered but not out loud. It was in my mind. Where we really speaking to each other?

  My body felt like it was heating up but not so hot that it was unbearable.

  “Veracity, open your eyes.” The voice again clearly stated.

  I could feel myself trying to try to lift my lids, but nothing was happening at first. They felt stuck.

  My eyes finally lifted, and my grandma was no longer there.

  “You can’t see me but I’m right here.” Grandma Amelia said.

  I shifted my back to look around, but she was nowhere.

  “Don’t answer out loud, answer in your mind.”

  The voice sounded somewhat like my grandma’s and I knew it was her, but it was also different.

  “Yes, I can hear you.”

  “Good.” She said telepathically finally revealing herself behind a tree.

  “Let’s go further out now.”

  “OMG! That was so cool!” I got up to hug her.

  “Can we do that from anywhere in the world?’

  “Yes, the world is our playground Veracity and that is why we call it a gift.”

  We did that for the rest of the day. Talking back-and-forth. Learning how to harness my power to the bottom of my core, not allowing my body to overheat. We did it while holding hands and without. Then, in separate parts of the field and stream. It was the freakiest, amazing, scariest, and most beautiful thing I have ever felt.

  I took a deep breath while a smile emerged with my lips tight. I still hadn’t learned how to leave my body, but I knew now that it was possible.

  Grandma Amelia suggested we take a break and get something to eat. I was so excited that I wasn’t exactly hungry, but I needed to eat to restore energy at some point, so I decided not to reject her offer. We went inside, and I settled in at the kitchen table seats.

  “Grandma, can you see any ghost now? Or, when can you see them?”

  “I see them at random, but they can hide themselves too as I told you before.”

  “Can you tell there is something you can’t see when they are invisible?” I asked, wanting to try to understand to the fullest.

  “Only if they are doing something evil or aggressive. Sometimes our powers will get a sense of it. But, that’s with all entities, not just ghost.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Necromancers, werewolves, and vampires for example.” Grandma Amelia

  “That sounds so weird, vampires and werewolves…”

  “Does it?” Said my grandma in a soft but sarcastic voice.

  “Yes, but I guess being in love with a ghost is extremely strange too, huh?”

  “You know Veracity, I’m not going to get into your business. You are old enough to make decisions for yourself. But, if you ever want a family someday, you know Ren can’t give you that, right?”

  I paused for a moment realizing how true that was. If I decided to stay in contact with him, I would not be able to ever really have a future. If anything, he would only be around waiting for me to die. A sigh came over me and I decided not to answer. But, in that moment, I couldn’t explain why Robert also crossed my mind.

  My grandma handed me a plate with some home chicken with rice with beans. Spanish cooking was good. I stuffed my mouth and decided to read my book for the rest of the night, enjoying my alone time.

  Nightfall came too soon, along with an array of moonlight that seem to unfold my eyes, but I couldn’t keep them open.

  ******

  “Veracity!” An echo through the hall from my grandma’s voice penetrated my ears. The sun was not fully out yet but I got up to head to the bathroom.

  “Yes, I’m washing up!”

  The days seem to be flying by and I needed to catch up with homework before Monday so I needed to master an out of body experience soon.

  I ran over to the kitchen to eat an egg sandwich that she left on the table for me. My grandma was at the table drinking coffee, waiting on me.

  “No tea today?” I asked surprised.

  “Today is a good day to be alert.” Said my grandma with a smile.

  “Are you ready to have an out of body experience?”

  “You know I am!”

  I washed my dishes and headed to change. It was a bit chilly outside. When I went into the room I was staying in, I looked in the mirror. My red peacoat was warm as I put it on. Luke gave it to me and even though I hated him, it somehow gave me a spark of hope that he may have had some love for me somewhere. And, with this newfound power, maybe I could forgive him someday even though he lied about being my real father all those years. This made me want to ask some questions about my real dad. I don’t’ know if it mattered but I wanted to fill this hole in my heart, and I knew my grandma would know the answers.

  When I walked into the living room, Grandma Amelia was putting on her knitted sweater with some mittens. She looked so peaceful. Sometimes I wished I could be like her.

  “Hey, grandma, before we go outside. I have something I want to know.”

  “Yes, my dear?”

  “What was my real father’s name?”

  Grandma Amelia took a deep sigh and sat down.

  “I’ve been waiting for this, but don’t you think you should ask your mother?”

  “No, I don’t really want to talk to her right now.”

  “What was he like?”

  “He was kind and very humble. Nothing like Luke if that is what you’re asking.” Grandma said and continued with a depressed but comforting voice. “I didn’t tell you because your mom is a little messed up inside and I didn’t want her to take you away from me. I’m so sorry my little City.”

  “David Cedric.” She replied out of nowhere. I nodded and was thankful for the answer.

  “I’m not mad you grandma, I know it was mom. Sometimes I believe the only thing she loves is Luke.”

  “No, City, she loves you. She just needs help. Forgive her as soon as you can.”

  I didn’t have time to think about it. In fact, this conversation was too hard. I got up to go outside as if we never spoke.

  “Let’s go outside. I want to learn more.” I spoke as she saw my back walk out, which depressed her.

  We headed to the field. My grandma pointed to the stream. “Do you want to try there?” She asked.

  “Yes.” I answered and started walking over.

  “Sit in an Indian style position, try to exit your body.

  That sounded scary.

  “What happens to my body?”

  “It s
tays in place, and that is why you have to be sure you are in a safe place, always.” My grandma’s voice sounded serious. We talked, laughed and she tried to get me to focus, but I couldn’t stop giggling. For some reason it wasn’t the best day. I guess my focus was off.

  I didn’t have an out of body experience that day, but I was determined to come back every weekend until I mastered it. It was exhausting, but worth learning.

  ******

  Back at school, the week flew by at school. I didn’t see Robert or much of Melissa for that matter. And, when I went home, I hardly saw Unity, but I didn’t text to find out where she was at. I still just wanted to keep my distance. When the Friday bell rang and I headed home.

  I grabbed an apple, packed my bag and headed over to my grandma’s ready for another weekend of training.

  The first night we talked, and I went to bed early. I enjoyed the evenings where it was just her and I. I would try to catch up with Ren at home during the week so he would leave me to train on the weekends. He had a lot of patience but then again, how much patience can a ghost have when all he has is time that goes at the speed of light?

  When I woke up the next morning, my grandma wasn’t there. I cleaned up my breakfast and drank the last of my tea when I heard the front door slam. She walked in holding some groceries.