Destiny's Gate

by Lee Bice-Matheson

  I began to experience a heightened sense of doom and gloom. After the events of the summer months with Conall, Mackenzie and their mother, I wondered if there would be any relapses of negative energy. Halloween was no picnic either, nor the banquet room battle. We plowed our way through the snowdrifts as I tried to convince them to turn around and go back to the estate. Too late, mom had zeroed in on the angel. We could see her clearly against the backdrop of the cerulean blue sky with the added benefit of barren tree branches. The stone angel was an impressive figure in the midst of the winter wonderland. Mom dragged me by the cuff of my jacket to see her.

  “She’s so animated! Have you been here before, Paige? Why didn’t you tell me about her? She’s so lifelike,” mom said, as she hit me in the arm. This was a common practice of hers, when she was happy or excited about something. Dad complained when he was the target, as he often ended up with a bruise.

  “I didn’t know you were into angels, mom. She is awesome. What do you think, dad? Dad...?” I had not noticed he was not with us, but, back on the trail, crouched down. “Dad, are you coming to see the angel?” It bothered me to see him so wrapped up.

  “Girls, girls! Let’s head back to the manor. We can check out the angel another day,” he commanded.

  As mom was about to protest, a mangy grey wolf knocked and pinned dad down. I foresaw I could no longer hide my secret as a vision of Journey jumped into my head.

  The wolf growled, baring its serrated teeth and then sadistically stared at mom and me and back at dad. I felt paralyzed with fear, unable to move, until mom snapped me out of it. She ran down the path to dad, and hurled herself at the wolf sending it head over heels. It happened so fast, I didn’t comprehend at first that her human form sat next to me on the ground, and that she had shapeshifted into a beautiful, caramel-coloured wolf. She shielded dad from the grey wolf, and lifted her head, baring her teeth as drool cascaded from her mouth and melted the snow below.

  Dad sat up, shaking uncontrollably, in a visible state of shock. He backed away from the two wolves. I, too, transformed into my spirit wolf, and bounded over to aid mom. She howled at me and I understood to back off; this was her fight. I trotted to dad and nudged my head under his armpit so he would stand up. In the meantime, mom snapped viciously at the wolf and he ran for his life.

  I could not believe my eyes! Here I worried I had this huge secret, and all the while, mom was a wolf shapeshifter. Like mother like daughter, as they say. Mom transformed to her human body and rushed over to us. Dad’s baby blue eyes were so wide I thought they were going to pop out of his head.

  “What the...who are you? Stay away from me!” he bellowed as he took off down the pathway heading towards the estate; his long legs making great strides.

  “Oh, boy, this is going to be impossible to explain, Paige. I see you have inherited the shapeshifting gene. Isn’t it great? Enough said for now, I have to catch up with your dad. We’ll talk later, Paige.” She smiled and kissed me on the cheek. “Let’s retreat to the estate before the grey wolf decides to return.”

  I was dazed, staring absent-mindedly into space, until I absorbed that I had let my parents leave for the manor with a wolf on the prowl, trying to kill us. What was I thinking? I heard, catch up, Paige!

  The sharp sound of a twig snapping close by startled me. I was afraid to look. Afraid of what, exactly? Nothing was going to bring me down. I turned to confront my enemy and there standing before me, once again, was Dexter. It sunk in. Perhaps, he was one of my spirit guides.

  “Paige, you are caught between this world and the Otherworld where spirits live alongside the land of the living, invisible to most humans. These creatures that are stalking you and your family must not be underestimated. You can gain their trust and have them assist you in the battle that is coming. You must prepare yourself. This is a battle for you and you alone.” Dexter pointed ominously at me and then promptly vanished.

  I found it difficult to sleep that night. The fact that mom and dad were fighting, and leaving soon, increased my anxiety, and Dexter’s words of warning haunted me tonight. What was I caught between, and why me? What was so special about me, that I was ‘the one’ to end this conflict for the O’Brien family? My chest grew tight and my breathing grew shallow as I reflected on the potential answers to these questions. I began to worry that perhaps I was on my way to having a heart attack. Then I heard a small voice inside my head, slow down your breathing, take deep breaths in through the nose, out through the mouth, and soon enough, I was calm and relaxed. I had stopped dwelling on whose voice I was listening to these days. As long as it was helpful to me, I trusted it completely. Eventually, I drifted off into a dreamless slumber.

  Kissing my parents goodbye in the driveway was a tough one. Dad did not look happy and he stayed physically far away from mom. I was saddened by this and wondered if they would get through it, together. Mom walked over and gave me one last peck on the cheek.

  “Don’t worry, Paige. Your dad will come around. He always does.” She winked at me as she entered the yellow taxi cab. It never ceased to surprise me that this compact mother of mine showed great strength.

  Before dad got in, I cupped my hands to my mouth and said, “Dad, remember we all have special gifts. You are a healer, with those hands of yours. It is no different than mom and I.”

  He paused, and replied, “Yes...I suppose so, Paige. Don’t worry, your mom and I will be fine.” Dad smiled and blew me a kiss.

  I felt exhausted as I watched them pull away. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect mom to have a spirit wolf, or dad to find out about the two of us. Funnily enough, I felt like a burden had been lifted and that was what I would concentrate on. I knew the love between my parents would overcome any fear or misunderstanding between them. I spun around into the arms of grandpa and began to weep uncontrollably.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  Peggy’s Healing

  January was always an unbearably long month for me; similar to enduring the sound of nails scraping on a chalkboard. School had resumed. The students and the teachers seemed exhausted from the family holiday. The majority of them seemed to be going through the motions of their day. And more importantly, most were crabby. I was in good company, as the heavy snowfalls, high winds, and freezing temperatures often kept everyone inside, either at school, work or home. I did not adapt well to the cold. I believed the term ‘cabin fever’ was coined for natives of the northern hemisphere — the torturous claustrophobia that accompanies the long winters indoors. I was not the only one frustrated by it already. I longed for the days spent outdoors on the estate atop the ridge, assessing life’s great mysteries.

  Snapping out of my funk, one Saturday morning, I arose in the early hours and dressed for the day. I grabbed my warmest down jacket, tuque, gloves, and plaid, woollen scarf, and hiked through the snowdrifts to Peggy’s house. When I arrived, I rested by the fence post to catch my breath and noticed a snowdrift was halfway up her front door; it looked as if the cottage was deserted. I was instantly concerned, remembering I had not spoken to Peggy since Christmas day. A slight twinge of guilt crept in — I had forgotten my friend as soon as my parents arrived home for Christmas.

  Jumping the gate was the only option as it was frozen shut. Step by step, I made my way through the thick snowdrifts, kicking as I struggled to trudge through them. I rapped lightly on the door, and then began pounding with all my might. She did not answer. I tried to peer in through the bay window and fell off the side of the tiny porch, dropping down into the snow-covered garden. My mind raced as I lay on the ground. Could Peggy be in the hospital? Where is she? Faintly, I heard a low and raspy voice coming from the opposite side of the cottage.

  “Hello?”

  Picking myself up, I made my way towards the sound and discovered poor Peggy lying there, clad only in a yellow, flannel robe and matching pyjamas, and fluffy pink slippers, a shovel lying next to her. I li
fted her up and inside the side door to the cottage, carefully helping her up the stairs and onto the couch in the communications room, and then grabbed some blankets from the hall closet. Water was the only other thing I could think of to help her and when I returned with a glass, I watched as a transparent shadow stood over her. Peggy appeared deep in conversation with the spirit, and I did not want to disturb them. I stayed out of sight, observing from the hallway. The shadow touched her head and Peggy moaned — such a haunting sound, and then she went limp. I ran and shook her gently. And as I did, I felt a hand on the top of my head, warm and reassuring.

  Peggy blinked her eyes open, sat up, and greeted me, “Good morning, Paige! So great to see you! I’ve missed you.”

  Bewildered, I sat back on her favourite rocking chair and observed her for a few minutes before asking, “Are you all right, Peggy?”

  “Of course I am, dear. Why wouldn’t I be?” Peggy asked. She gave me a big smile, her blue eyes twinkling.

  “Oh, no reason,” I replied. I was baffled, unable to comprehend what had just happened before my eyes. I guessed that I was meant to see whatever it was. I offered to brew some tea and she seemed happy enough to let me do that for her. While putting on the kettle, I stopped and rubbed my head where I had been touched. What was that? Will I ever find out? Then I heard a light tap at the side door, and in strolled Carole. I ran over and hugged her.

  “Is she okay? I came over as fast as I could, but the snow...” Carole looked confused. Her furrowed brows and dilated pupils revealed her anxiety. “I saw her lying still in the snow and I couldn’t get here fast enough. Thank you for coming as quickly as you did, Paige!” She stepped back and regained her composure.

  “I, I didn’t even know there was trouble, Carole. I got up today and thought I should come over to see Peggy and hopefully find you here. I had no idea something was wrong!” I began to make the tea in an orange floral teapot Peggy loved so.

  “Don’t you find it strange? You haven’t seen Peggy since Christmas, and you suddenly show up today, of all days? Did you find her in the snow?” Carole pushed my arm and almost caused me to spill the tea all over the counter.

  “Relax, Carole...it’s too much for me to take in right now. Not only did I find her in the snow, afterwards, when I set her down on the couch, I saw a shadowy figure next to her — touching her forehead. When I knelt beside Peggy, it touched me on my head, I think. Next thing I know, this eighty year old woman, who should be close to death, stuck in the snow for who knows how long, wakes up and starts talking to me like nothing happened. There — what do you think of that?”

  “Hush now, children, do not fret. I am fine,” Peggy announced as she entered the kitchen. “Let me pour the tea and you two go and sit down in the communications room. We have lots to discuss.” Peggy nudged me out of the way. However, Carole stood her ground and insisted she would look after it. I ushered Peggy back to her rocking chair, and sat across from her on the loveseat, not uttering a word. I glanced around the room and spied the books on the shelves, and wondered if I read them, would I be as enlightened and mystical as Peggy.

  My child, it would take you a lifetime to read the books on my shelves and be none the wiser, for in your heart and soul are all of life’s questions and answers, popped into my head.

  “Thank you, Peggy, for the book...” Carole set the tray down, dropped to the loveseat and promptly broke into tears.

  I moved next to Carole and put my hand on her arm, to console her but she could not stop crying. Peggy motioned for me to step aside. I jumped up and helped Peggy as she sashayed onto the loveseat. It seemed odd, as I watched her move; she appeared somehow...younger.

  “Carole, I am fine now. Please do not be upset. You came as fast as you could, and Paige was here to help me. Don’t fret; please, be happy.” Peggy ran her fingers down through the black tresses of Carole’s beautifully straight hair. She stopped crying and put her head on Peggy’s shoulder. “There, there, child, let’s have a cup of tea. Paige, do you mind pouring today?”

  Watching Peggy while she calmed Carole down, I could not stop thinking how unbelievable it was that this elderly woman survived goodness knows how long outside in the snow, with no visible signs of a problem. I shuddered, unsure if it was due to the bizarre experience with Peggy, or the frigid conditions I had encountered this morning.

  “You’re here for a reason today, girls. Did you know that thirty years ago, on this very day, my husband, Wagner, died? Don’t feel sad for me. We had thirty-four wonderful years together and there is not a day that’s gone by when I don’t say good morning to him. I was very fortunate. I went outside to shovel the sidewalk for I knew the two of you would be coming over for a visit. It wasn’t minutes before I felt a shove and literally, could not get back up.” Peggy’s blue eyes sparkled. “I knew you were on your way, Paige, so I did not panic. However, an evil spirit kept encircling me and uttering harsh words, commanding me to leave my home. I prayed continuously for help. I guess my prayers were answered.” She smiled sweetly at me. “My husband, Wagner, lay with me and kept me safe and warm until you arrived. I was in heaven, feeling his body next to mine, knowing he still loved me after all of these years. And, very thankful you showed up, Paige, when you did.”

  Carole and I remained silent. It was pretty heavy to think that someone who had died so many years ago could actually return in such a way, in a loved one’s time of need.

  “I could feel your energy, Paige, rushing to the house. When you reached the gate, your fear intensified. I sent guiding thoughts for you to find me.”

  “But, I heard you speak aloud? You called me over.”

  “Paige, dear, I could not utter words if I’d wanted to. I was out there for several hours. My lips were frozen shut. Anyway, when you brought me into the house...you witnessed...”

  “Witnessed, what?” I asked, urgently.

  “The question is not what, dear, it’s whom — Wagner, of course. He was bending over me returning me to good health, healing me, right in front of your eyes. How else could you explain my sudden return to health? A woman at my age should be dead, especially after the illness I suffered before Christmas.”

  Peggy’s response stung me for a moment. Carole slapped my arm and said, “You’re so lucky! You witnessed a miracle! Healing from the Other Side with Creator’s help, of course? How fortunate. I wish I had been here, too!” She frowned.

  Dumbfounded, I thought, perhaps I did witness a divine healing. It seemed all too surreal. How else could one explain Peggy’s recovery? I slurped my tea trying to sound out anyone else’s existence. This particular experience was one I definitely needed time to digest. I added, “Well, after Wagner healed you, he touched me on the head, and I felt terrific; instantly physically strong and happy.”

  Peggy cried, “Fantastic. He sees the pureness in your soul, as both Carole and I do. Hallelujah, praise the Lord!” Peggy jumped up and did a little dance. “See girls. Like James Brown sang, “I feel good...I knew that I would... Oh, I feel good...so good, I’ve got you!”

  Carole and I simultaneously joined in and danced alongside Peggy until she tired. We all broke out into laughter, and fell back into our respective seats. It was awesome to witness a healing, for a change, instead of the darkness plaguing the O’Brien estate. I was meant to be a part of this extraordinary day for Peggy, and Carole, was our witness. The three of us were bonded for eternity and it felt good.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

  Paige’s Pureness of Heart

  “Paige, where have you been? We’ve been looking all over for you,” exclaimed grandpa as I entered the kitchen. “I called Allan to see if you were at the guest house.”

  Silently, I wondered what all the fuss was about as I hung my snow-covered parka on a rack beside the kitchen door. “Sorry, grandpa, I was visiting Peggy — I guess I should’ve told you first.” My jeans were frozen to my boots and I had t
o work hard to pry them off.

  “There’s someone here to see you.” Grandpa waited patiently for me to undress then excitedly said, “Come with me.” He led me by the hand to the foyer.

  I skipped a breath, as there stood Bradley Adam Parkman, in his neon green down parka, with black tuque, half-smiling. I wanted to run to him, as I had missed him so much, until I remembered his fateful letter. Avoiding eye contact, he began to speak.

  “Hi, Paige, sorry to drop in on you like this. I had to see you.” He turned to grandpa, his hand outstretched. “Do you mind, Mr. O’Brien?”

  “Oh...sure, Bradley, sorry. Well, Paige, I’ll let the two of you become re-acquainted.” Grandpa shook Brad’s hand and said, “Good to see you again, son.” He winked, as he strolled past me.

  I did not know what to say. My heart pounded furiously as if it wanted to burst out of my chest and beat him badly for what he had done to me. I stayed put. This time, he would have to work for my friendship, if there was to be any friendship at all.

  “I thought of you the other day while listening to a song on YouTube. Have you heard it yet? By Gotye? It’s called Somebody That I Used to Know. It begins with, Now and then I think of when we were together. Then Kimbra, the female group member, sings, but you didn’t have to cut me off. I knew in that instance, that is exactly what I have done to you. After being so close to you, I just...dumped you and looking back, it was cruel! Especially with the haunting and all.” He paused and shyly met my eyes.