“After breakfast, we’ll go to the pool.”
Lena threw herself on the floor. “I want to go to the pool now.” She threw up her hands and Annamarie raised her voice. “Lena Grace, don’t you dare cause trouble. Remember what we talked about. You can’t use your power that way. If you do, you can’t go to the pool today.”
“I’m sorry. I forget. I’ll be good.”
Her smile warmed Annamarie’s heart.
They enjoyed breakfast, time in the pool, and on the jungle gym. Annamarie, Sam, and her parents had a conversation after lunch while Lena napped.
“I think it’ll be safe to go home in two days, the way we planned.”
“I’m not worried about Theo and me, but you and Lena could be in danger.”
Sam told them their house was untouched in the previous night’s battle.
“I think the house, Annamarie, and Lena will be safe no matter what Daniel tries to do. Josef said Daniel’s power has been lessened and we know Lena protects herself.”
Theo said, “I still don’t understand about the amulet and why it keeps her safe.”
“I’m not sure if Josef and Magdalena understand completely, Dad. They said it’s a family heirloom and few family members have ever been able to wear it and use it.”
“Then how do we learn about it or understand what it can do or what Lena can do when she’s wearing it?”
“I think we take it day by day and Lena will teach us. Somehow she knows about the power it has and what she can do.”
Theo shook his head.
“Don’t worry, Dad. I’ll be sure she’s safe while she learns what to do. I’m worried, too.”
“Okay,” Paula suggested. “Let’s enjoy the rest of our vacation and worry about this when we get home. Maybe by then the trouble will be over.”
They all agreed.
Chapter Nineteen: Time Marches On
Lena loved the pool, but was excited to return home. She missed her friends at bible school, Elaine, her Gampa George, and Gamma Maureen.
Maureen missed Lena, too and planned to be kind to Annamarie and her family. She never wanted to be without Lena in her life again nor did she want the black spot to return. No one could explain why it had seemingly disappeared from her x-rays. She knew Annamarie had cursed her and had now removed the curse. She would never do anything to upset her again.
* * *
No one in Timmus Woods had witnessed anything the night Josef battled Garret and won--no one except Mrs. Graysbe. She was still trying to convince people the Martians had landed. Her story had been embellished to include small creatures she swore roamed her yard at night. Her neighbors said they were groundhogs. Mrs. Graysbe thought they were crazy.
Delores’ sight was perfect. She no longer needed glasses to see clearly. She was happy and began to believe Lena’s sweet touch had been the touch of an angel and she had received a miracle. No one could find a reason to disagree with her.
Bonnie and Carl settled into their new home. Bonnie started her job as a pediatric nurse at Timmus Woods Hospital. Theo was able to get Carl a job on the loading dock of the firm he worked for, but after two days the boss thought Carl was too bright to be loading trucks. He needed someone to learn how to operate the new computer they’d purchased. It took up half of one of the offices and reminded Carl of something he saw in a sci-fi movie, but he learned quickly and his boss was pleased.
The town of Timmus Woods settled back into a quiet, peaceful routine. Fall was coming and the leaves were turning red and brown. A gust of wind blew more leaves over Lena as she played under the massive oak in the front yard.
She threw herself into a large pile of leaves Annamarie had raked and asked, “Mommy, am I still magic?”
“I think so, dear, but you only need the magic if you’re in trouble. You’ve been good about not using it when you’re angry. If you need it, I’m sure it’ll be there.”
“I think so, too. My purple stone is still warm. It’s where the magic is.”
“Did Grandma Lena tell you that?” Annamarie raked more leaves over Lena.
Lena popped out of the leaves, giggling. “Yes, and she said Daddy is still hiding from Gampa Josef, but he’s weak and Gampa Josef will get him soon.”
Annamarie was glad Lena had no memory of Daniel. He was only a face in a picture she called “Daddy.” Once Josef eliminated him, there wouldn’t be any reason for her to remember. She scooped more leaves over Lena. Lena’s laughter was loud and clear.
Daniel could hear her from his hiding place near the cabin. He was determined to take his daughter away.
* * *
Elaine called out the front door and asked if she should make spaghetti or beef stew for supper.
“Sketti!” Lena yelled.
Annamarie laughed and agreed.
“Sure thing. I’ll get busy.”
It was time for Lena’s nap and she wanted Annamarie to lie down with her. They both fell into a deep sleep.
* * *
Annamarie heard the familiar violin music, but she wasn’t in the pines. She was in the midst of a large stand of oaks. She recognized where she was. The cabin was less than a half mile away. Magdalena and Josef were sitting on the ground. Annamarie joined them.
“Is there more danger?” Annamarie asked.
“Daniel is plotting to steal Lena. Tim was watching the house last night. Daniel was trying to see into her window. Tim chased him back to the cabin, but lost him,” Josef said.
“Why is Tim watching the house?”
Magdalena said, “His love for you is keeping him earthbound. He is afraid to leave you alone. Afraid of what Daniel may do. Once Daniel has been dealt with, I will guide Tim to the light. He doesn’t belong here with us.”
“I didn’t know he was so in love with me. I feel bad now that I wasn’t kinder to him.”
“You didn’t love him. He understands now, but it does not stop his love for you.”
“What about Daniel? Can we stop him?”
Josef said, “Yes, he is weaker than he has been in the past. He has no way to build his strength. There is no human he can connect with and absorb power.”
“Please stop him soon. I’m still afraid for Lena.”
“He cannot hurt her. He will not be able to touch her, but he can try to lure her away. Watch her carefully.”
“I will. Thank you.”
Annamarie stretched and woke up quickly as she remembered the dream. Daniel was after Lena again. He could lure her away, but lure her where? Annamarie wondered if she should take Lena away until Josef could stop Daniel. She would discuss it with Sam after supper.
Lena bounced on the bed, wide awake. “Hi, Mommy. Did you have a nap, too?”
“Yes, I did. I smell spaghetti sauce. We should go see if we can help Elaine.”
Lena bounced off the bed onto the floor. “Sketti. C’mon, Mommy.”
She ran out the door with Annamarie close behind.
* * *
Everyone enjoyed a good supper and while Elaine cleaned the kitchen, Annamarie explained her dream to Sam.
“Do you think I should take Lena away again to keep her from Daniel’s grasp until Josef can stop him?”
“It may be the best idea. Where would you go?”
“Daniel and I spent some time at the Royal Hotel in Oaklin and it’s beautiful. There are enough things to do to keep Lena interested and it has an indoor pool. There aren’t many hotels close by with an indoor pool.”
“I could come on the weekends, depending on how long this battle lasts.”
“That sounds good. I think we’ll leave in the morning. We can watch her until then, and I don’t want to drive in the dark. I don’t know how far Daniel can roam.”
Elaine walked into the parlor, drying her hands on a towel, and asked, “Are you ready for dessert? Lena didn’t come back to tell me.”
“Lena didn’t come in here.”
“I saw her go down the hall and she was excited about the app
le pie,” said Elaine, concern crossing her face. “Where did she go?”
“Probably upstairs. I’ll get her.” He strolled across the room to call up the stairs and turned, looking at Annamarie. “The back door is open.”
“Oh my God, no! Daniel will get her.”
Annamarie, Sam, and Elaine ran out the door, into the back yard, calling Lena’s name. She didn’t answer.
“Listen.” Annamarie’s eyes were wide with terror. “I hear her giggle. It’s coming from the pines. Hurry.”
They ran up the hill into the meadow and toward the pines. Sam’s long legs got him to the path first. He could still hear Lena giggle.
“Annamarie, you go first. She’ll most likely listen to you. Elaine, please stay here in case she comes back this way.”
Elaine nodded. Sam knew Elaine wasn’t aware of everything that was happening, and feared what she might do if confronted with Daniel’s spirit. Elaine paced up and down in the meadow, looking into the pines for any sign of Lena.
Annamarie hurried along the path, which led to the bluff. When she emerged, she pressed her hand to her mouth to keep from screaming.
Instead of the bluff drop-off, she saw the area had been changed to a carpet of deep green grass and lovely purple flowers.
“Hi, Mommy.” Lena waved. “Look! Daddy made pretty flowers for me. We’re going to have cupcakes and chocolate milk.”
“Lena, honey, it’s too late for chocolate milk. Come here to me and we’ll have a picnic tomorrow. It’s late and Daddy should be resting. You need to go to bed, too.” She was at a loss of what to say.
“It’s okay, Mommy. Daddy said this is a special treat.” She continued to walk across the grass, taking her further past the bluff’s edge. If she fell, she’d land in the river and drown. Daniel would have her then. Annamarie couldn’t lose her.
Annamarie thought, where are Magdalena and Josef? They have to stop this. Help me, she screamed in her head.
Sam stood still at the edge of the bluff, afraid any move he made would cause more harm than good.
Lena was inching closer to Daniel. Annamarie knew once he touched her, she would be lost. She would fall quickly and, most likely, unknowingly. Her magic wouldn’t help. Annamarie knew screaming at Lena that she was in danger would also confuse her. This time her amulet wouldn’t help her.
“Daniel, please don’t do this.”
“She’s mine. You don’t want me. She does. You have him. Have more babies. Lena’s mine and she’s coming with me.”
Annamarie screamed. She couldn’t hold it back.
A strong wind blew from the midst of the pines. Sam grabbed Annamarie to keep her from falling off the bluff. Tim appeared and stood on the grass between Daniel and Lena.
“Leave, Tim. This is not your battle.” Daniel’s voice was evil and low.
“Annamarie’s happiness will always be my battle.”
Daniel dove for Tim. Tim spun out of the way, picked up Lena, and threw her toward Annamarie and Sam. She flew through the air, gently landing in Sam’s arms.
“Run,” yelled Tim as Daniel tackled him. The grassy area disappeared and both plunged toward the river.
Sam and Annamarie ran out of the pines and were heading home with Elaine, when they heard the thunder. It had gotten dark and the red lightning was visible in the pines. Bolts of silver and gold lightning also appeared. The thunder was deafening. They made it home before the rain began.
The residents of Timmus Woods, expecting another bad storm, closed their shades and curtains or went into their basements. The only person about was Mrs. Graysbe. Wearing her yellow rain slicker and carrying a cane, she was ready to face the Martian creatures in her yard. When she saw the multi-colored lightning, she hurried back into the house and called the sheriff.
The sheriff listened and told her they would investigate. Steve was ready to leave for the evening when the sheriff said, “The Martians have landed near Mrs. Graysbe’s. Would you check on her on your way home?”
“Sure thing. I go past her house anyway. Good night, sheriff.”
“Night, Steve. If it’s Martians, let me know.”
Steve nodded, knowing full well what was causing the noise and light show. Josef was after Daniel and this battle was larger than the last.
Before Steve arrived at Mrs. Graysbe’s, the battle was over. The night was calm. Mrs. Graysbe was not. Steve assured her it was early fall lightning--unusual, but not Martians. She didn’t believe him.
“I’m going to buy everything I need to fight them when the store opens in the morning.”
“You do that and stay safe. If you need us again, be sure and call.”
“I will.” This time, she didn’t slam her door.
Sam, Annamarie, Lena, and Elaine were also safe in the house.
“What kind of lightning did we see?” Elaine asked.
“I read an article a while back about lightning taking on strange colors if the atmosphere is right,” Sam lied.
“Interesting, but I could do without seeing it again.”
They all agreed and, although it was late, they enjoyed Elaine’s apple pie. Annamarie wanted to give Lena some time to tell her what happened.
“I’m sorry I scared you, Mommy. Daddy said it was okay ‘cause we were going to have a special time and you and Sam were coming, too.”
“Lena, I don’t ever want you to do anything your daddy tells you to do again. He wanted you to go away with him.”
“Away from you and Daddy Sam, Mommy?”
“Yes, dear.”
“Oh no, Mommy. I’ll never listen again. I want to stay here with you always.”
“I want you here, too.” Annamarie hugged Lena until she said, “ouch, too tight.”
Everyone retired early and Lena slept between Annamarie and Sam.
* * *
The violin music was lively. Josef sat on a barrel, clapping to the music, while Magdalena and several others danced. Sam and Annamarie watched them for quite some time before Josef noticed them.
“Come, my children. Join the celebration.”
“Celebration?” asked Annamarie.
“Yes, Daniel has been defeated. I have released the power from his spirit and he will remain tree mold with Garret until I remove them to the mountains.”
“Are you leaving?”
“No,” Magdalena answered.
“We must stay and teach Lena to use her powers and the powers of the amulet. The amulet has secrets and will reveal them to Lena when she grows and needs them.”
Annamarie asked, “Daniel is gone for good? He can’t hurt anyone again?”
“He will never be gone, but his powers have been destroyed. Look, my child.”
Magdalena pointed to a tiny plant with leaves barely visible, clinging to the bottom of a pine tree. A similar plant grew inches away.
“Daniel?”
“And Garret.” Magdalena laughed. “They both thought they could beat Josef. They were wrong.”
“What will happen to them?”
“They will cling to the tree for protection until they are moved. Their spirits exist, but without strength they can only live while connected to the tree.”
“Where is Tim? I want to thank him.”
“I showed Tim the way to the light. He saw his friend Ben waiting for him and they are together now. Tim is happy and will not be back.”
Tears ran down Annamarie’s cheeks as she thought of both Ben and Tim happy and at peace.
“We will have peace in our lives, too?” Annamarie asked.
“Yes, and much happiness. I see you growing old together, but first you will enjoy life, and I see another child. You will not dream of us again unless there is trouble.”
“You don’t want to go home?”
“Home is where our spirits are. Lena will learn about her ancestors and our land and time.”
“Your land and time? You’re my great-grandmother and you are a Gypsy from Bavaria. Didn’t you travel to many places
?”
“I have told you before we were travelers, but not true Gypsies. It is a name given us and we didn’t argue. We settled there because it was safe. If people thought of us as Gypsies, it kept us safer. So be it.”
“But my mother remembers you when she was small.”
“Of course, I was there. We settled there hundreds of years before. I loved your mother. She was a small girl when my life’s force left me and I miss her.”
“I’m confused. I summoned you with a Gypsy curse.”
“My child, it was easier to let you think we answered your ‘curse’ because you believed in your heart you had used one. It wasn’t a curse. You used a language long forgotten in this world and we knew if you were able to remember those words buried deep in your heart, then you needed us. We caused all the trouble for Daniel and made him believe in a curse.”
“Where are my ancestors from, if you are not Gypsies?”
“From a time of magic and wonder. Our ancestors go back many centuries. Lena will learn of it. The amulet will teach her. It is the rarest of stones from the mountains and contains power beyond the imagination.”
“You’ve explained that before, but why does she have it?”
“It is her destiny, and she must fulfill it.”
“I don’t understand.”
“You will in time, my child.”
The light faded and Annamarie awoke. She found Sam was also wide awake.
“Did you dream that Lena has a destiny to fulfill?” he asked.
“Yes, and I don’t understand. It frightens me.”
“Magdalena loves her and won’t let anything happen to her.”
Lena popped up, wide awake. “What’s a destiny, Mommy, and why do I have one?”
“Because you’re special. Let’s have breakfast.”
Sam and Annamarie looked at each other, confused but strong. They would watch over Lena.
* * *
Years pass quickly and lessen the memories of dreams. Sam and Annamarie went on with their lives.
Their son Michael, named for Grandpa Logan and Sam’s father, was born when Lena was six.
Carl and Bonnie had twin girls the same year. They named them Anna and Deborah.
Maureen became the best grandmother Lena could ask for and accepted Michael when he also called her “Grandma.”
Annamarie and Magdalena (Gypsy Spirits Book 2) Page 27