It was early morning and Rosalie sat curled up on one corner of the sofa anxiously awaiting the visit from medium Jacqueline Price. She was happy, she was frightened, she was uncertain, she was grateful; she was one ball of emotion waiting to roll. On the other hand, Franco was calmly sipping a cup of espresso at the kitchen table while thumbing through the local newspaper. He periodically glanced over at Rosalie, studying her face and body language, telepathically communicating his apprehension. Rosalie could sense his thoughts as she caught a glimpse of him from the corner of her eye. She quickly turned away so Franco wouldn’t notice, and she regressed back into her own world of waiting. She clenched one of her throw pillows, the vintage-like tapestry one which always seemed to give her comfort and security in time of need, as she sat back listening for the doorbell…There it goes! The doorbell rang! Rosalie jumped from the sofa and yelled over to Franco to please go downstairs and answer the front door. Franco politely obliged, slowly wiping some coffee from his lips with a napkin, then walked downstairs. Rosalie kept her eyes fixed on the apartment door with a nervous stare, not knowing what to expect, as she waited for medium Jacqueline Price to enter her home.
…To Rosalie’s surprise, Ms. Price elegantly and confidently followed Franco into the apartment, along with Maria, and an entire camera crew. Rosalie looked bewildered and unable to speak. She quickly gazed at Franco, then at Maria, for some answers. “A camera crew?” she thought to herself. Unfortunately both Franco and Maria had puzzling looks on their faces as well. No one seemed to know what was happening at this point. Maria introduced Ms. Price to Rosalie, as Franco had briefly met her when he answered the front door a few minutes ago. Ms. Price presented her hand to Rosalie for a quick handshake, offered somewhat of a smile, then turned away and said nothing. Rosalie felt intimidated by Ms. Price since her strong presence took over the entire apartment. Ms. Price was stunning although a bit older than Rosalie expected. She guessed early to mid-fifties maybe…She looked so much better in person than on television, and she was quite tall. Her long thick hair was jet black in color and it fell across her shoulders so perfectly. Rosalie couldn’t help notice her beautiful dark eyes as they remained wide open, alertly glancing around the apartment. She was quite slender and impeccably dressed in a form-fitting navy blue suit with a wonderful skirt that draped mid-calf, which was very well complemented by high-heeled, winter-white leather boots. Her strong perfume filled the air. Rosalie immediately recognized the scent. Japanese Cherry Blossom, one that Rosalie loved herself. That one thought relaxed Rosalie a bit as she felt they had something in common, in her own mind anyway. Ms. Price seemed very professional and very much in control, ordering the camera crew to follow her as she walked through the apartment, oblivious to the fact that Rosalie and Franco even lived there. She walked around like she owned the place, making Rosalie feel like she was a stranger in her own home. Suddenly, the scent of Japanese Cherry Blossom no longer comforted her.
Rosalie again looked over at Franco, then at Maria, still looking for answers. Unfortunately, they both remained silent and confused, making Rosalie very uneasy. At this point Rosalie mustered up enough courage to speak. She said, “Ms. Price. With all due respect, why is there a film crew in my apartment today? I wasn’t told about this.” Ms. Price, seemingly annoyed at the question, turned to Rosalie and responded, “My dear, this is my job. This is what I do. Whenever I am asked to do a walk-through or to investigate spiritual activity, I bring my film crew. Then we edit the material for my show. I am a very busy woman, but I am very good at what I do. You are lucky to have me here. Now do you want me to continue or not young lady? I rearranged my schedule to be here this morning as a favor to a colleague. My time is very valuable. Please do not waste it. Do you need my help dear? Do you want my help? If not, I will leave immediately…please, I need an answer one way or the other. I do not have all day. Time is money young lady.”
Rosalie was at a loss for words. She certainly did not want to broadcast her business to the entire world, exploiting her life and her privacy in the process so Ms. Price can do her show. Rosalie looked over at Maria, who just shrugged her shoulders in disbelief, looking just as intimidated by Ms. Price as Rosalie was. It’s pretty rare for Maria to feel intimidated by anyone, so she is no help to Rosalie at this moment. Franco, on the other hand, came to the rescue. He politely addressed Ms. Price and said, “Ma’am, perhaps there was a misunderstanding here. We were seeking your special services in private. We did not expect to go public with this. There was no mention of this being televised. Now ma’am, Rosalie and I highly respect what you do and we would very much love to have you continue to help us today, but without the cameras. We are very private people and we are in desperate need of answers. We believe you may be able to provide those answers. Is there any way possible that you would do this for us privately? What would it cost? We’d be more than happy to compensate you for your valuable time ma’am.”
Ms. Price looked shocked, making Franco and Rosalie feel like they, the “little people”, had some nerve making this proposition to her - a very important person in the media world. She responded, “This is ridiculous! I have a show to do. Do you expect me to dismiss the camera crew now and work on my own? As I said, time is money my dears. If you allow me to continue with the camera crew, it will cost you nothing. Do you understand this?” Franco again reiterated that this is a private matter for he and Rosalie and that they’d be willing to pay her well for her services. Ms. Price, identifiably egotistical, allowed Franco to feed her ego with his ongoing praise about her spiritual ability as a renowned psychic medium…so Franco continued with more praise and more praise, until an uncomfortable silence settled about the room. No one spoke. Suddenly Ms. Price turned to Franco and Rosalie and said, “Very well then. Since I am already here I will treat this as a private consultation.” To everyone’s surprise, Ms. Price raised her hand to the camera crew and dismissed them with a snap of her fingers. It was amazing how she could command those around her with ease. Thankfully, it was Franco who found a way to Ms. Price’s heart – and that was through her ego. He played that up so well to Rosalie’s satisfaction. Rosalie was so proud of him as they have now retained the private services of Ms. Price.
Now it was just Franco, Rosalie, Maria and Ms. Jacqueline Price standing in the living room. Ms. Price commented that Rosalie and Franco’s apartment was so quaint, quiet and serene, adding that it was very peaceful here. She stood silently eyeing the apartment for a few more minutes then said, “Well then, please escort me to the cellar so I may get to work.” As Ms. Price followed Franco out of the apartment and down the stairs to the cellar door, with Rosalie and Maria right behind, she pretentiously said, “I charge by the hour. You will receive my bill in the mail.” Franco nodded and remained quiet as he continued down the stairs. Rosalie nudged Maria, however. They both childishly giggled at Ms. Price’s demeanor, imitating her to perfection behind her back, continuing to follow along flanked by the sound of Ms. Price’s heels on the stairs and her scent of Japanese Cherry Blossom.
…As they all stood in front of the cellar door, Rosalie’s knees began to buckle. She nervously took a few steps back, frightened to move on. Ms. Price, sensing Rosalie’s fear, asked Rosalie if she preferred to remain behind while she and the others proceeded down to the cellar. Franco grabbed Rosalie’s arm, and held her tightly. He whispered into her ear that she cannot back out now. She must go down the cellar with the group. She needs to see and hear firsthand what Ms. Price picks up, if anything, down that cellar. Rosalie nodded in agreement and motioned to Maria to stay close behind. Ms. Price placed her hand on the cellar door, turned the glass knob, then slowly made her way down the wooden staircase with the others following behind. She asked that no one speak at this time. She did not want to be influenced by anyone as she attempted to pick up on any spiritual activity that may be going on down there. She asked that they all remain at the bottom of the wooden staircase and allow her to walk freely throughout t
he cellar.
Rosalie was breathing heavily from fear. Fear of the unknown. She asked herself, “Do I really want to know what’s down here?”…then quickly turned to make her way back up the wooden steps. She was getting goose bumps all over and she felt a panic attack coming on. She needed to leave the cellar. Franco and Maria both pulled Rosalie back and sat her down on the steps. They convinced her to sit quietly and observe Ms. Price. Maria whispered to Rosalie that there is safety in numbers and running upstairs to the apartment by herself was not going to help her. She needed to stay with the group until they got to the bottom of this. Franco sat one step above Rosalie, massaging her shoulders, encouraging her to be brave. Maria sat to the left of Franco, leaning against the dusty wall. Franco whispered to both Rosalie and Maria that he had some reservations about Ms. Price and this whole medium thing, but now that he had the opportunity to see her at work, he thinks they may get some answers today. He said, “I can’t imagine anyone doing this for a living for no good reason. Why would anyone waste their time and energy for nothing? There has to be something to it. She has her own television show. She has to be good; and if the police department has faith in her, who am I to question it.” Rosalie looked up at Franco and lovingly squeezed his hand. She had his full support and that’s what would keep her strong. Maria reached down to Rosalie and whispered loud enough for Franco to hear as well, saying, “He’s a gem Rosalie. Hang on to this guy.” Franco smiled at Maria but politely asked her to sit down on the bottom step next to Rosalie because she was making him nervous. Maria kept tapping her feet on the wooden step. Maria admitted that she was a little frightened about this whole thing herself but wasn’t as lucky as Rosalie to have someone as handsome and strong as Franco to comfort her. Rosalie and Franco both laughed, trying to keep their voices down so as not to disturb Ms. Price. Franco said, “I have a free hand for you Maria. Would it make you feel safer if you held my hand? Is that okay Rosalie?” Rosalie responded, “Of course that’s okay. Maria’s like my sister so that makes her like your sister Franco. You have to take care of her too…Maria, hold Franco’s hand, sit down and stay calm. You can’t go all wimpy on me now. I need you both to be strong for me. I’m the one who suffers from panic attacks. What’s going on here Maria?” So Maria giggled shyly, took Franco’s hand and sat at the bottom step next to Rosalie. They continued to watch Ms. Price as she walked through the entire cellar, past every nook and cranny, around the wine rack, and in between all the dusty old boxes towards the back of the cellar. Rosalie mentioned to Franco and Maria that she was now concerned that Ms. Price would mess up her beautiful suit and leather boots down here in this dusty old cellar. Maria laughed and told Rosalie not to worry about it, because she’s sure Ms. Price has walked through worse, adding that she does this for a living so she knows what she’s up against on a daily basis. Franco chimed in and said to Rosalie, “Yeah don’t worry about it Rosalie. Wait until we get the bill in the mail. We’ll be paying for her little walk-through in addition to her cleaning costs. So don’t give it another thought.” Rosalie laughed at Franco’s sarcasm and sense of humor, but still felt funny about it anyway. That was Rosalie; always concerned for others.
…All of a sudden, in the distance, they heard Ms. Price yell over to them to please keep their voices down because they were disturbing her concentration. She cannot work like this. Franco apologized for all three of them as they sat quietly for the remainder of the time. They watched as Ms. Price burned sage and walked around the cellar a few more times waving the burning sage in sweeping motions with every step. This made Rosalie very uncomfortable. She knew that burning sage is a cleansing ritual used to ward off unwanted spiritual activity and negative forces, but she remained silent for fear of having Ms. Price reprimand them again. She opted instead to patiently wait for Ms. Price to complete her work and advise them of the outcome.
All three continued to wait in silence, hoping to hear something, anything at all, good or bad, from Ms. Price. Rosalie looked over at Maria and noticed she was still clinging to Franco’s hand. At that moment, Maria realized what Rosalie was looking at and immediately removed her hand from Franco’s. Franco was oblivious to this silent little “thing” that just occurred between Rosalie and Maria. Within seconds, it was all forgotten. They needed to stay focused on Ms. Price.
Moments later, Ms. Price approached the group. She said, “Okay. I’ve completed my work here. Let’s all make our way back upstairs into the hallway. We can talk there.” So they all stood up and allowed Ms. Price to go ahead of them up the wooden staircase while they followed behind. Maria, who was the last one in line, closed the cellar door behind her and joined Rosalie and Franco as they stood silently waiting for Ms. Price to speak. Ms. Price then asked Rosalie what the problem was that she encountered down in the cellar. Rosalie briefly explained about the voices she was hearing, the moaning, the muffled conversations and the calling out of her name, summoning her to the cellar. Ms. Price seemed very surprised by what Rosalie was telling her. She responded by saying, “Listen carefully my dear. I found nothing threatening down that cellar. There is absolutely no negative activity going on down there. I don’t know what exactly you are hearing, but all is calm, all is good, and all is safe. I am sure of it. What you are telling me just doesn’t make sense with my world. I am sensing protection down there.”
Rosalie was numb. She thought to herself, “Could I be going crazy? Am I suffering from schizophrenia?” Maria and Franco also looked surprised. Rosalie caught Maria and Franco glancing at each other. Could they possibly be wondering the same thing, that Rosalie was going crazy. Rosalie, suddenly in tears, blurted out, “So what does this mean Ms. Price? Am I crazy? Am I imagining these voices? Is this all in my head? What are you sensing Ms. Price?” Franco put his arms around Rosalie and hugged her tightly from behind. Maria patted Rosalie’s shoulder. Ms. Price, showing an unusually sensitive side, took Rosalie’s hand and said, “You are not going crazy my dear. I said I am not picking up any negative energy, but I am picking up something. I must ask you this, however - Have both your parents passed?” Rosalie nodded in the affirmative. “Well dear, coming forward are two elderly people. One is an attractive woman with gray hair and of short stature who is quite feisty and eager to speak. Alongside her is a tall handsome gentleman, who is very well dressed, wearing a fedora on his head, also eager to come through.” Rosalie looked a bit spooked, but replied that the two elderly people Ms. Price described as coming through to her seem to be her parents. Ms. Price described them to perfection. Rosalie further stated to Ms. Price that she was in shock that they would even present themselves to Ms. Price, because both her parents kept to themselves pretty much and she couldn’t believe that they would actually come forward to a stranger. Ms. Price explained to Rosalie that in the spirit world there are times when our loved ones want and need to reach out to us. She stressed that they seek to connect with the living through someone like herself, a psychic medium. At this moment Ms. Price had Rosalie’s, Franco’s and Maria’s undivided attention as she continued to bring forth a message from both Rosalie’s parents. “It is a dire warning my dear. They are showing me images that someone close to you Rosalie is trying to come between you and your partner Franco. You must make yourself aware of this and look at your friends and acquaintances. Be very much aware of who you associate with dear. It seems your parents strongly feel someone is trying to hurt you and will go to any extreme to do this. Heed their warning and know that this is their way of coming through and letting you know that they are watching over you at all times. They are with you dear and wish to protect you. Perhaps your nerves are on edge and what you are hearing in the cellar is nothing more than your fear and imagination. Please take time for yourself and relax your mind and body. Take some yoga classes, learn to meditate. Clear your head dear. Calm your mind and focus on this warning from your parents. I am sure that in due time it will all make sense. I will pray for you dear. I did sweep the cellar with burning sage in order to k
eep it peaceful and calm for you, so do not concern yourself about anything negative there. Feel free to go down to that cellar at any time, it is quite safe. You have my word and my expertise that all is well down there. That is your space, part of your home. Enjoy it without fear. Good luck dear. I must leave, I am pressed for time.” Ms. Price gently tapped Rosalie’s hand, then summoned Franco to show her out.
Franco thanked Ms. Price on his and Rosalie’s behalf, then walked Ms. Price out the front door to the street. When he returned, he found Rosalie sobbing in Maria’s arms. What she heard from Ms. Price’s lips was something Rosalie never expected to hear. A warning from her deceased parents was more than she could bear right now. Who would want to destroy her life with Franco, she thought to herself. This is insane. She was relieved, however, to learn that the cellar is safe; but she also knows only time will tell whether or not the voices from that cellar resurface again. If they do, then what, she thought…Franco was just as shocked about the warning from Rosalie’s parents, although he and Maria felt such relief that Ms. Price assured Rosalie that there was nothing negative lurking down the cellar. However, their concerns were now focused on Rosalie’s state of mind and well-being in addition to finding out who was trying to come between Franco and Rosalie.
Franco gently pulled Rosalie away from Maria and held her tightly. He knew how frightened and confused she was right now. Maria thought it best if she went on her way and left Franco and Rosalie alone to talk and sort things out. She gave Rosalie a huge sisterly hug and kissed Franco’s cheek, promising Rosalie that she’d be in touch before she leaves on her business trip to Europe. Rosalie thanked Maria for bringing Ms. Price to her home telling Maria that she is so very grateful to her, since Ms. Price’s visit shed new light on the situation. Maria smiled very strangely and let herself out. It seemed Maria was caught off guard by what Ms. Price said as well. Maria’s facial expression was that of confusion as well as shock.
Voices Page 4