Stacy bounced back down and leaped back onto the couch. She quickly opened the laptop up and waited...she nervously started chewing her fingernails until the program was ready to work.
“Let me connect to your search engine. Okay, read me the first set of numbers.”
“38-23-29; sounds like I should be saying 'hike, hike' after the numbers,” Jasper said.
“Read the next set,” Stacy said ever so matter-of-factly, not even commenting on Jasper's sports reference.
“86-55-51. What is it, Stacy?”
“Who has the genius of the soul now... Ah! Jasper, those numbers are map coordinates. Latitude and longitude and NO WAY!” Stacy tilted the laptop screen toward Jasper. “How can this be?” Stacy said in astonishment. She turned the screen so Jasper could see the map. “Looks like you own a city.”
“Jasper, Indiana. A city with my name in the state of Indiana...” Jasper was completely confused. Bewilderment swept over his face.
“As perplexing as this may be to you, Jasper, I have to ask…wasn't your family home somewhere in Indiana?” Jasper nodded his head.
“But you would have no idea where because you were just a baby when you moved here to Allegan to live with your aunt.” Stacy swung the laptop back and began typing. “Let's see what hits we get under a real estate search when I put in your parents’ names and the city of Jasper.”
It only took a second for the search results to pop onto the screen. Jasper had placed the key back in his pants pocket and was now standing, facing the fireplace.
Stacy said slowly, “I think I know what your key opens. Your family home on the edge of town in Jasper, Indiana, or at least there is property that still belongs to your family in that area. I'm sure any burnt-out structure would have been torn down by now, or at the very least collapsed in on itself.” Stacy paused for a second. Jasper hadn't moved an inch. “Why do you think your parents named you after a city?”
Jasper dug his nails into the mantel, and Stacy watched on as his knuckles turned white. Stacy wanted to comment but thought better of it. She needed to give Jasper a second alone with his thoughts and let him absorb the salvo of information that had just hit him. In the last 24 hours there had been angelic spheres, demon eyes in the restroom, and an attack on his aunt. If that wasn’t enough to cause chaos in his life, then add a blanket hidden in the back of his aunt's closet, made by his mother for him and someone with the initials C.I.; and now add a mysterious golden house key that floats in the air and possibly opened the door to his burnt-down birth home in a city that he just happened to be named after. Stacy sat in silence and waited. She knew her boyfriend well enough to know he was lost in deep thought.
Could this really be the key to my family home? All my life I have wondered why my parents had been taken from me. This is the very reason why I don't want to believe in God. I hate the very thought of God…how can any of this be real?
CHAPTER FIVE
Sunday Morning
Jasper had decided a road trip was the only way to get the answers to his questions. He and Stacy had spent the rest of Saturday gathering supplies. They didn't know if a day trip would be enough time to discover all there was to learn about their destination that the two of them would only refer to as the “birth place”. On Sunday morning, after getting permission properly and saying goodbye to Grandma Applekart, Stacy arrived at Jasper's house ready to travel. She added her personal stuff to the massive collection that Jasper was throwing into the trunk. So besides the normal overnight bag, phone chargers, laptop, bottled water, and a few oversized boxes of Sour Patch Kids, the couple added important items such as: tent, hammer, rope, sleeping bags, pillows, flashlight, baseball bat, dog bowl and food. That last one, dog bowl and food, tripped Stacy up. She was a little confused.
“Why are you taking a dog food bowl and this large bag of food?”
“How else am I to get Thunder into the car if I don't turn him into a dog first?”
“You’re taking the horse on the road trip?”
“No, I'm taking the dog, which will turn back into the horse once we arrive,” he answered.
“Aren't you a bit concerned for Thunder, if he stays in the form of a dog for so long? I mean, won't he be confused?”
“If I was Thunder I would love a chance at hanging my head out the window with the wind blowing my ears back. I may have already done that a time or two myself, but I'd never tell you that,” Jasper smiled.
“Once you change him back, then what? It is not like you can just walk around the city with a horse following you.”
“Well, for one thing, the property appears to be on the edge of town, so there should be plenty of room. I figure if Bell chose to split herself into two parts, then that makes Thunder one-third of the reason for this trip. That horse is my best friend, and now he is a supernatural horse. Maybe I should get him a cape? How many guys have a supernatural horse, anyway? Who knows, our abilities may come into play. Why else would Bell have sacrificed herself so?”
Jasper walked over to the barn and gave a short whistle. Thunder came proudly trotting out. “It's time, big boy. I'm going to need you to get into Aunt Debbie-Lynne's car after I change you to a dog, understand?” Thunder stomped his front left hoof to the ground and gave a snort from his nose. Jasper took a step backward. “Steady, ready, go...MALOOF!”
Suddenly, in the blink of an eye, there was a beautiful hot chocolate Labrador Retriever standing directly in front of Jasper and Stacy, wagging his tail. No rush of air or magic light, just a small popping sound and poof, a loveable pooch. Stacy opened the door to the backseat of the car and Thunder the dog jumped in.
“Just like that,” said Stacy.
“Just like that, now one last thing. I need to call Kevin on the way to the hospital and have him check on the house while I'm gone.” Jasper closed the door with Thunder safely tucked away inside. The ride over to the hospital was uneventful. As predicted, Thunder truly enjoyed having his head out the window. As it was his first experience at being a dog, Thunder wasn't sure how to behave himself or what his relationship with the rushing air should be like. So he attempted to bite the air the entire trip into town. Stacy thought it was funny for the first five minutes, but after the slobber from Thunder's mouth began flapping back into the car the fun seemed to escape her.
Jasper spoke briefly to Kevin. “Thanks, Kevin, and make sure you drive by the house tonight and turn on the living room lights. I want to give the appearance of someone being home. Flick on the porch light as well in case we make it back in the early morning. Okay, I'm off,” Jasper said with an air of command in his voice.
“Don't you mean, off like a prom dress?” Kevin laughed.
“You scum-sucking dog. There is no hope for you, bro.”
“Hey, you’re bashing an all-American boy again. That’s twice in three days, so now you owe me dinner.”
“More like boy toy, and I’ll let you have a taste of my knuckle sandwich next time I see you. Later!” Jasper ended the call.
They had arrived at the hospital. Jasper left the windows down about an inch from the top for Thunder to have fresh air. Stacy thought it was more likely he left the windows cracked in case Thunder decided to fart in the car. Nice to have the vehicle aired out before they returned. Stacy smiled and raced up alongside Jasper, holding hands as they walked into the hospital. They rode up the elevator to the third floor.
“Jasper, do you think your key is the same key Gezon was willing to destroy Bell over?”
“Not for a second. The key Gezon was after started some intergalactic space ship, and mine is clearly a house key.”
“How can you dismiss it that easily? There has to be a connection. What if the ship is really your house?” Stacy said.
“Well, we will know in a moment after we ask my aunt why she hid the key in the blanket.”
Jasper and Stacy stopped at the nurses’ station to ask for an update on Aunt Debbie-Lynne. The news wasn't the best. She had been in and o
ut of a drug-induced coma while the doctors waited for the rest of her brain swelling to go down. Presently she was sleeping. The doctors had revised their earlier assessment; it would be a few days before she was ready to come home from the hospital. The nurse also told them that she currently had a visitor and they could go on into the room, but there should be no more than three people at a time.
Jasper and Stacy walked into Aunt Debbie-Lynne's hospital room and found their teacher, Ms. Tammy Sue Tate, sitting in the chair next to the bed, reading a book on her tablet.
“Jasper, Stacy, I thought I might bump into you guys at some point during one of my visits.” Ms. Tate put the tablet down in the chair and moved across the room to give Jasper and Stacy a hug. “Did they fill you in on her current status?”
“We were briefed at the nurse's desk. Is the rest of your small group from church taking turns sitting with Aunt Debbie-Lynne?” Stacy asked.
“Oh, yes, we’re all glad to be able to keep her company. It might be a few more days, Jasper. I'm sure you have other things that need your attention. We have this covered; you and Stacy should get going. Surely you have better things to do over spring break. In the words of Elvis Presley, 'T.C.B. - taking care of business,’ run along, kids. There is nothing more we can do here but wait and pray. She's a fighter, and she’ll pull through this.” Ms. Tate walked to the door. “Listen, Jasper, I know things must really be confusing right now but trust in the Lord always. He will show you the path you are to follow. Now is the time to exercise your faith.” Ms. Tate placed her hand on his shoulder and gave him a little squeeze.
“Okay then, well, they can get ahold of me so…we have things to do. Let’s go, Stacy.” With that they closed the door behind them and entered the hallway back in the direction from which they had come. They rode the elevator down to the lobby.
“Did we just get pushed aside by our homeroom teacher?” Stacy asked.
“I think we have been given a free pass to get on with our road trip.”
“Did she seem rude? Pleasant with a smile but rude just the same…like a Christmas fruit basket.”
“It was almost like she knew we had planned a road trip and wanted us to leave right now. Maybe she has ESP.”
“Jasper, excuse me, but Ms. Tate is not a clairvoyant,” Stacy said as she tossed a side glance at Jasper with a shake of her head. “But she was very pushy, and you shouldn't let her do that just because she is a teacher.”
“You have problems with people being in authority over you.”
“I do not.”
“You do too.”
“Do not!”
“Do too.”
Jasper and Stacy finally reached the car where a very happy Thunder sat in the front passenger seat with his front paws on the dashboard. Pushing Thunder to the backseat was no easy task. Afterward Jasper started the car and let down the windows just a touch more. Thunder jumped at the chance to place his head out the window again. They pulled away from the hospital, headed for the cities of Otsego and Plainwell where they would connect with US 131 South toward Kalamazoo.
Stacy's cell phone rang. “Hello, Ms. Gena,” Stacy said.
“Hey, I'm going into town to price shoes and get my nails airbrushed. Where are you?”
“I'm with Jasper. We’re on a short road trip, but I'll be back Tuesday for dress shopping.”
“And where are we going?” Gena lowered her voice to a slow, drippy but sexy tone. “Somewhere private, a love nest, maybe a little prom night preview. Stacy, you go for it, girlfriend. It's about time.”
“No, it's not like that Gena, Stop pressuring me to have sex with my boyfriend.”
Suddenly the car leaped onto the shoulder of the road and the side rumble strips roared throughout the car, causing Stacy to give a short scream. Jasper quickly corrected his steering of the car and put them safely back on the road. With the car back under control, he reached over and fumbled the knobs to turn down the radio and then rolled up the windows so as to better hear the conversation that Stacy obviously wanted him to hear. Stacy continued talking to Gena. She reached over to clutch Jasper's warm hand. Jasper squeezed back; it was the only reassurance Stacy needed in the moment.
“I have to be with Jasper right now. He needs me to help him figure this out. Take Kevin with you and text me pictures and prices,” Stacy said sternly.
“Don't tell me this has something to do with the break-in at Jasper's house. You are involving yourself in police business. You need to stop and focus on what's really important, like our dresses and shoes, for example. You do know what prom is all about? Tell me you’re not going to still be a virgin after prom night!” Gena sounded exhausted. “Sister Mary mustn’t touch it.”
“I won't compromise myself, Gena, just to make you feel good. I have to be true to myself, and you know that about me, so stop!”
“You and your church stuff just equals boring. You’re going to lose Jasper. He is an all-American boy with needs, itches that need scratching.”
“There are other ways to say ‘I love you’ that don't involve having sex. I will wait until my wedding night, thank you very much,” Stacy said, losing her patience.
“Well, good for you, girl, but you need to ask yourself this question: can Jasper wait? Hey, I have to go; Kevin is ringing in on my other line. See you on Tuesday then; love you, honey, be safe on the road, bye.” Gena hung up.
Stacy looked over to Jasper. “Gena just doesn't get it…I'm not ready for sex, Jasper.”
“I know,” Jasper said in a low and gentle voice. “Don't let Gena get to you. She just likes to talk big, but when it comes right down to it she wishes she was more like you. Now tell me about the 'birth place.’ What have you found on that laptop?”
Stacy was glad Jasper had masterfully changed the subject. He always seemed to know just what she needed, and she loved him so much more for that. The small things seem to be getting bigger by the day. Maybe prom night would be the perfect time. Who needs to wait for the wedding night? In the eyes of the Lord once the deed is done, you’re married, and I'm going to marry Jasper one day, I just know it! Oh, what am I saying? I'm so confused; I don't even have a ring on my finger. STOP AND FOCUS! Stacy brushed her thoughts from her head. She reached down by her feet and pulled up her laptop.
“Slugbug red!” Jasper shouted as he punched Stacy in her left arm. “That's two points.”
“You cheater, I had my eyes off the road,” Stacy said with an indignant tone.
“Oh, you'll catch up. Any second you will see a Bud Light truck and bam, you'll have a ten-point boost.”
“I will win this game, and when I do, you will treat me to a latte at the store that begins with the letter 'B' and ends with 'arnes & Noble.’
“Stacy, did you know that Ohio is the home of the potato?”
“Idaho is the home of the potato, Jasper,” Stacy said in disbelief.
“No, I'm pretty sure it's Ohio. Have you ever driven through Ohio? They have metal stars hanging on the outside of almost every house…very weird place, Ohio.”
“Stars, ah, you’re going to be seeing stars if you don't stop this silliness. Of course you know I'm going to burst out in that song, sung in the round, that drives you up the wall.” Stacy began to sing, “Chicken nuggets with Chinese hot mustard that's the song of...”
“Okay, possum, uncle, I give! Give me some details,” Jasper struggled to say in vocal protest.
Stacy turned her head to look quickly out her window, not wanting Jasper to see the grin on her face or hear the laugh she was trying to stifle. She brought her fist up to her mouth and cleared her throat and proceeded to look back to the computer screen. Her whole body seemed to giggle on the inside, and she reveled in her victory over Jasper. She took a deep breath to calm herself so she wouldn't burst out laughing. She had to look forward at the computer screen because if she glanced over at him she would lose it. She cleared her throat again for effect.
Jasper stuck his tongue out at Stacy and
made a noise that sounded like a fart.
Stacy began to laugh again but caught herself before she was in a full roll. “Jasper, no! I want to read this to you, please...it's very curious, the connection...”
Jasper interrupted, “I feel anger welling up inside me, and I'm not sure I won't burst. I had a home with a family, parents and maybe a brother or sister, whoever C.I. is. I was robbed of holidays and birthday parties; water balloon fights; little green plastic army men with tanks and wooden blocks that you knock down in a rubber band fight; glowing light saber battles in the front yard at midnight; and neighborhood football. Mother's Day, Father's Day, the list goes on…God! He did nothing to stop it. He just let it happen, and for what? I'm so confused, Stacy. I don’t know what to believe. Just think, up to a day ago I had no beliefs outside of the Big Bang Theory. So there is a God. He set everything in motion. He was the one who caused the big bang at the beginning of the cosmos, perhaps not, but really does any of it matter one iota? Why did He allow my parents to die in a house fire?”
Jasper paused, trying to choose his words carefully. “God is real, then life isn’t random and maybe they should be teaching intelligent design in school in place of evolution. Because we all know evolution is about the stupidest thing they teach us in public schools. Everyone drinks the Kool-Aid without stopping to ask what flavor it is. Really, if we evolved from up and out of the primordial soup of one-cell creatures to later fish, then lizards, then monkeys, and later apes, then why are the apes still here if we evolved from them? How can they still exist if we are here? There are so many unanswered questions it makes my head spin, and God isn’t helping one bit.”
“Jasper. Nothing in all of this is logical because we’re missing so many pieces to the puzzle. We have two choices. Laugh or cry. I'm siding with you. Let's stay positive and light-hearted until we need to scream ‘the sky is falling.’ Our thoughts are magnetic. You draw them toward you like events. I have never shared with you my favorite verse in the whole Bible. It's something the Son of God, Jesus, was saying to his friend Peter just before his own death. Peter was confused and had all kinds of questions for Jesus, and Jesus replies, 'You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand', John 13:7. I just love that verse and when I feel anxiety come upon me, I just remember that God has a plan for me. Peace finds its way back to me when I trust those words. That's the magic of faith. You need to try to find some, and quick, because we may both need it as an anchor if this adventure goes any more sideways. Who knows what is waiting for us down there.”
Jasper: Purple Flamingos Fly at Midnight (Jasper - Purple Flamingos Fly at Midnight Book 1) Page 5