Voices

by Phyllis P. Colucci

  …Millie then asked, “How is your friend Maria, dear? I could never understand that relationship. You were always such a quiet girl and Maria, well Maria always talked too much, and too loud. That’s what I remember about her anyway.” Rosalie just laughed at that. She agreed with Millie’s recollection of Maria, but she told Millie that Maria was doing well, she had a great job in the clothing business, and that they were still very good friends despite their differences. Millie responded, “Well that’s nice dear. I’m glad. As long as you know who your friends are…Now Rosalie, talk to me dear. Tell me what’s on your mind. I can see something is troubling you dear.”

  Rosalie lovingly rubbed Millie’s arm and told her how much she appreciated her concern, but she didn’t want Millie to worry about her. Millie on the other hand saw things differently. She stated to Rosalie that if Rosalie didn’t share with her what was bothering her, then Millie would worry more. She stressed to Rosalie that she would more than likely lose sleep with worry over her. Rosalie wouldn’t want that. So after some thought, she decided to talk to Millie.

  Rosalie went on to explain that she has been preoccupied with an issue she has been dealing with for awhile now and that it would be wonderful to talk to Millie about it, but she warned Millie that this issue is really something out of the ordinary and she’d prefer not to burden her with this right now. To that Millie responded, “Oh Rosalie, at my age dear, nothing is out of the ordinary. I’ve heard it all…seen it all…it’s no burden dear, so speak to me Rosalie.”

  It didn’t take much more coaxing from Millie for Rosalie to open up to her. Rosalie explained everything; the voices from the cellar, Maria’s suggestion to have psychic Jacqueline Price do a walk-through, Ms. Price’s channeling of Rosalie’s parents - and last, but not least, the warning they had for Rosalie. The warning that someone was out to destroy her relationship with Franco and make her life miserable. Before Millie could say a word, Rosalie asked, “Do you think I’m going crazy Millie? No sane person hears voices from their cellar. Even Ms. Price after her walk-through claimed that there were no voices, of the spiritual kind anyway, coming up from that cellar. She said she couldn’t find, nor feel, any spiritual activity at all, good or bad, down there. All was safe.” Rosalie felt a lump in her throat as her eyes filled up with tears.

  Millie, with a very concerned look on her face, told Rosalie exactly what she thought. Millie was not disturbed by any of this. She just felt deeply for Rosalie, seeing her in such pain and despair over this. Millie thought for a moment, then asked if Rosalie had ever heard these voices when she was out of the house. Rosalie told Millie that she hadn’t. Millie grabbed Rosalie’s hand and responded to her initial question, firmly stating, “No dear. I do not think you are going crazy. If you were going crazy Rosalie, I would think that you would be hearing voices all the time, no matter where you were. Since you only hear these voices when you are in the house, I would tend to believe you are letting your imagination run away with you, especially when you are alone in the house. Even I hear things that are not there, especially when I’m alone at night dear.” Rosalie thought for a minute and realized Millie actually made good sense. Rosalie only heard voices when she was alone in the house. She never heard voices when Franco was there, or when Maria visited. She never heard voices when she was out shopping or walking around the neighborhood. Maybe it is her imagination running wild, and only when she’s home alone be it day or night. Franco believed that too. Sure, she thought. That could happen to anyone. Rosalie was so thankful to Millie for her interpretation of things. She suddenly felt enlightened and free. Millie had put a new perspective on things. This was wonderful for Rosalie. She gave Millie a great big hug.

  Millie then questioned the credentials of Ms. Price. As Rosalie thought, Millie was old-school and having a psychic walk through Rosalie’s house was a little absurd for Millie to fully comprehend. Millie was even more skeptical knowing that Maria was behind Ms. Price going to Rosalie’s home and doing the walk-through. Millie, in no uncertain terms, said to Rosalie, “I think your friend Maria may be the crazy person dear. She brings a psychic to your house Rosalie? My God, get a priest to bless your house, not a psychic. I promise you dear, all will be fine. You need a little rest and relaxation and a few good prayers for peace of mind. I truly believe your imagination is working overtime Rosalie. That’s all. It happens to the best of us.” Rosalie then went on to explain to Millie that Maria truly meant well. She saw how distraught Rosalie was getting over hearing these voices that she thought Ms. Price, being a renowned psychic with her own television show, would be able to shed light on the situation. She stressed to Millie that Maria only wanted to help and Maria had the connections to get Ms. Price to come to the house. Rosalie added that Maria was being a good friend and she told Millie that she wished Millie could see that. Millie was quiet. She put her hand up to Rosalie’s cheek and asked how Franco felt about all this. Rosalie told her Franco wasn’t too keen on Ms. Price initially, but he came around and now they are trying to work through this together. She also admitted to Millie that Franco felt the same way she did, that Rosalie was letting her imagination run wild. Millie shook her head in agreement and smiled at Rosalie in her motherly way.

  Millie reminded Rosalie that Ms. Price did tell her nothing spiritual was going on down the cellar, so she should feel good about that. However, Millie was a little concerned about Ms. Price telling Rosalie about the warning from her parents. Millie really didn’t believe that Rosalie’s parents came through to Ms. Price with a warning. She told Rosalie to let her parents rest in peace and urged her to pray to God for comfort in all this. Millie felt that the psychic had to tell Rosalie something, so instead of playing on the voices in the cellar, she thought using her parents would have a better impact on her. Rosalie expressed to Millie, however, that Ms. Price had no idea Rosalie’s parents were both deceased. Millie then responded very confidently that perhaps Maria unwittingly mentioned it to the psychic before she got there. Rosalie didn’t think so, because Maria didn’t know Ms. Price personally. Rosalie felt Maria was sharper than that anyway and wouldn’t have given Ms. Price any personal information ahead of time. Millie then gave Rosalie that soothing smile of hers, which Rosalie eagerly embraced, and warned Rosalie to be wary of psychics and to be careful of Maria. Millie just didn’t trust Maria. Millie further stated that if Ms. Price was for real, and she stressed that she was not saying she was, but in case she was, then Rosalie should heed that warning from her parents and keep an eye on Maria. Although Rosalie sensed a bit of sarcasm in Millie’s voice regarding Maria, Rosalie knew Millie was only looking out for her well-being. So Rosalie tenderly gazed into Millie’s eyes, and said, “Thank you for caring so much Millie. I love you. But please know that Maria is my dear friend. She was just showing her concern for me. I will, however, heed the warning and keep my eyes open for someone or something else that could possibly be out to destroy my relationship with Franco.” Rosalie tried desperately to convince Millie that Maria was not the enemy; but as wonderful as Millie could be, that’s how stubborn she could be as well.

  Millie offered Rosalie some nuts from the tin Rosalie had brought her. Rosalie grabbed a handful and chomped away, getting lost in the scrumptious sound of the crunch they were making inside her ears, as she bit down on them. As Rosalie sat back quietly enjoying her snack, her cell phone rang. The melodious ring tone caused Millie to jump up from a quick doze as she fought to keep her head up and her eyes open while nodding off on the kitchen table, into her folded arms. To Rosalie’s surprise, it was Franco. Rosalie told Franco she would call him back in a few minutes, that she was just leaving Millie’s house and wanted to say a proper good-bye to her. Millie apologized to Rosalie for fighting off sleep during their visit, but Rosalie just gave Millie a hug and told her to get some rest. Rosalie quickly cleared the tea mugs from the table and placed them in the sink. She thanked Millie for her hospitality and promised that she’d visit her again soon. Millie was so happy
to hear that, and once again reminded Rosalie to be careful of Maria. Rosalie laughed it off again and told Millie not to worry. She reiterated to Millie that Maria is a good friend and she hopes Millie could understand that one day. She even offered to bring Maria around for a visit so Millie could see for herself. Millie in a very clear tone responded, “No need to bring Maria here dear. I’m sure she could find better things to do than spend time with an old lady. She is not as gracious as you Rosalie.” At that moment Rosalie felt a bit embarrassed for even suggesting she’d bring Maria along for a visit, especially now learning how Millie really feels about her. With that Rosalie gently patted Millie’s shoulder and let herself out of the house.

  When Rosalie got outside the house, she immediately returned Franco’s phone call. Franco told Rosalie that Maria had called him much earlier today before she left for Europe, expressing concern for Rosalie over all that Rosalie is going through. He went on to say that Maria is really upset about things and she wanted to know if there was anything else she could do to help the both of them. Maria felt that introducing them to Ms. Price may not have been the best thing and that perhaps Rosalie is even more bothered by that visit. Franco continued to explain to Rosalie, however, that he assured Maria that her bringing Ms. Price over to their house actually helped Rosalie see things more clearly and that Rosalie was ready to confront her issues with an open mind. Franco added that Maria felt a little better after that and told Franco that she would be available at any time to help him help Rosalie. Franco then admitted that Maria requested that he not tell Rosalie about her phone call to him today so as not to upset Rosalie. She didn’t want Rosalie to feel that she, Maria, was going behind Rosalie’s back in checking on her. Franco, on the other hand, wanted Rosalie to know what a good friend Maria is, so he told Rosalie that he had to call her about it despite Maria’s request; and besides, he felt that he and Rosalie promised they would never keep things from each other - no matter how big or small. Rosalie responded to Franco that she was so happy that Maria took the time to call him, especially since she was leaving on business for Europe; however, although she truly appreciated Maria’s concern, she requested to Franco that the next time Maria calls him, if there is a next time, that he please suggest to Maria that she call Rosalie directly. Rosalie expressed to Franco that it would be much better for her if she and Maria both shared some friendly conversation, allowing Rosalie, herself, the opportunity to update Maria on how she is handling things. Franco agreed completely.

  After a few minutes of small-talk, Rosalie ended the call and walked a few blocks down to the supermarket to pick something up for dinner. As she waited for the light to turn green, she asked herself why Maria felt the need to call Franco instead of her to discuss Rosalie’s well-being, and then request that Franco not let on to Rosalie about it. Plus, Maria had just seen them both at the house last night. This seemed a little odd to Rosalie. Trying to put things in perspective, however, Rosalie wondered if Maria was starting to think that Rosalie’s issues were taking a toll on both her and Franco and just wanted Franco to know that she’d be there for them. Maybe that was it; but she and Maria were like sisters, Maria should be calling Rosalie directly…Rosalie raced across the street to the supermarket as the light turned green, then quickly brushed away her foolish concerns over a little phone call from Maria to Franco. That call didn’t seem to bother Franco, so Rosalie thought why should she be making a big deal out of a simple phone call from a concerned friend. Rosalie felt foolish now. Once Maria returns from Europe they’ll both sit and chat about things together as they always did and all will be well…yet Rosalie could hear in the back of her mind Millie’s words to her about watching out for Maria…then Rosalie stopped herself from thinking anything negative. Maria is, and always has been, a good friend. Any other thoughts – even Millie’s thoughts, are pure nonsense. Millie is just being a “mommy”, looking out for Rosalie. Although Rosalie loves and respects Millie so very much, she is not giving Millie’s words about Maria any merit. Millie is just overreacting since Maria is much less reserved than Rosalie. In Millie’s eyes a girl like that, like Maria, just can’t be trusted. Oh poor Millie, to worry over nothing. Rosalie will have to convince Millie otherwise. She doesn’t want Millie to dislike Maria without good reason. That’s not fair to Maria…Rosalie walked to the back of the supermarket to check out the fresh chicken thighs in the freezer and decided to surprise Franco with some chicken cacciatore tonight.

  …As Rosalie walked back to her house after leaving the supermarket, she heard someone calling her name from behind. When she turned back to see who it was, she was pleasantly surprised to see Michael Conte. Michael was an old college friend, who also grew up in the same neighborhood as Rosalie, and shared a love of writing with her as well. Michael was an established writer of children’s books and he and Rosalie would enjoy discussing their next book ideas, settings and plots, and development of characters, as they toyed with various story lines exchanging thoughts and laughter. Rosalie hadn’t seen Michael in quite some time, however, so this surprise encounter was a positive distraction from her disturbing life.

  Michael was just as tall as Franco, with thick dark hair and hazel eyes which were a bit greener than Rosalie’s shade of hazel. His eyes were stunning. He was slim, yet well built, not overly muscular; just slightly thinner than Franco. He had an olive complexion and very pronounced features; deep-set eyes, strikingly full lips and a medium-sized nose with a noticeable deviated septum that somehow added to his good looks. Michael was quite handsome. He wore a smile that could set your heart on fire. Rosalie felt a little guilty admiring how handsome Michael truly was.

  Michael asked Rosalie if she had time to join him for a quick cup of coffee over at the corner cafe so they could catch up on each other’s lives. Rosalie’s first instincts were to actually accept his invitation, but she really had to get home with the chicken she had just bought for dinner. She told Michael that she would love to have coffee with him but that she really needed to rush home and prepare supper for her and Franco. Michael looking a little disappointed, responded, “So you’re still with Franco, Rosalie? I’m happy for you. I remember you telling me a while back the last time we ran into each other that you and this guy Franco had gotten together. I hope he treats you well Rosalie. You’re a good person, you deserve that.” Rosalie replied that she and Franco share a wonderful relationship, that they are very much in love, and she is very happy. She added that she appreciated Michael’s kind words and thanked him for saying them. With that Michael looked into Rosalie’s eyes, grabbed one of her hands, and told her that he had always had a special feeling for her, stating that Franco was a lucky man. Rosalie didn’t let on, but she always knew Michael felt something other than friendship for her. Even she couldn’t deny the fact that she was attracted to him too; but Franco is the love of her life.

  Michael then went on to say that, although he is happy for her, he is a little disappointed that she is still taken…He told Rosalie that he was really glad they ran into each other and asked if they could remain friends. They exchanged cell phone numbers and agreed to meet for coffee one day. Michael did promise, however, that he would not make the first call to meet for coffee. He preferred that Rosalie call him whenever she felt comfortable enough to meet him. He did not want to come between her and Franco and certainly did not want to make any trouble in their relationship. Rosalie nodded shyly, secretly admiring Michael’s grace and class about the situation, as they both shook hands in agreement and parted ways.

  …Rosalie finally made her way back home to prepare that chicken cacciatore she wanted so much to surprise Franco with. As she fussed about the kitchen getting all the ingredients together, she felt butterflies in her stomach. She just couldn’t get Michael out of her head. She could still smell the genuine leather from the jacket he was wearing and the peppermint gum he was chewing; and, although she loved Franco with all her heart, for some reason she felt badly about not being able to sit and chat w
ith Michael over coffee today. Rosalie felt that she lost out on a great opportunity to just free herself from her own little world. She needed to spend time with someone outside her circle, someone with whom she could just share simple conversation and her love for writing, someone who wasn’t aware of the chaos in her life; someone like Michael. She couldn’t help but think, however, that maybe Michael would possibly be the one to come between her and Franco. Could Ms. Price have been right? Could Michael be part of this warning from her parents? “No, this can’t be,” she thought. She decided to keep this from Franco, for now. There was no point in adding more wood to the fire unnecessarily.

  …Then all of a sudden Rosalie stood frozen in front of the stove with one hand grasping the handle of her frying pan so tightly that her nails made indentations in the palm of her hand. All thoughts of Michael went out of her head. She became terribly frightened and clearly shaken. She couldn’t believe her ears. There it was again! The moaning - and that awful, eerie voice from the cellar calling out her name! “Rosalie…Rosalie…Rosalie” - Rosalie cupped her hands over her ears as firmly as possible, hoping that voice would go away, wanting so much for this to be “just her imagination”. However, she heard it getting a bit louder, a bit stronger, as it came up through the air shaft near the kitchen sink where the pipes were hidden. “Oh no,” she thought. “Not again. This can’t be happening. Millie told me I wasn’t going crazy, but why is this happening?” There it was again! “Rosalie…Rosalie…Come down to the cellar Rosalie. We know where you are Rosalie…Don’t hide from us Rosalie…Come see us Rosalie.”