Transcendent

by Lisa Beeson

  When I shoved the last bite of food in my mouth, I gave a contented sigh, Jean-Baptiste leaned back and gave me a slow clap. “I have to say, I did not think you’d be able to finish all that. I’m impressed.”

  I shrugged and smiled. “Just one of my many talents.”

  He laughed and shook his head. He had one of those infectious laughs that made you want to join in. But then the smile dropped off my face when the door opened and in walked a couple that looked like strange, druggie punk-rockers.

  It wasn’t the fact that they looked like the kind of people that didn’t go to sleep until dawn and didn’t wake up until evening, or the fact that their pale and almost emaciated bodies didn’t quite fill out their black leather outfits. No, what made my scalp tingle and my blood run cold was that they were surrounded by an amorphous cloud of darkness.

  I figured that they must be the ‘Dark Ones’ that Walter had told me about.

  He had said that they were evil, and that I shouldn’t amp them up or I would spread their darkness. The problem was, and is, that I have no control over my amping ability, so I started to panic.

  Jean-Baptiste noticed my sudden change of disposition. “What’s the matter?”

  I was only able to whisper, “Dark ones.”

  I couldn’t take my eyes away from them. The woman had wispy pale hair – like she had bleached it too many times and now her hair was dying. Her makeup was smeared, but she didn’t seem to care. You could tell she had been pretty once, but that had faded a long time ago. She seemed vapid and bored, but the guy was relishing the disgusted looks he was getting from the patrons, and gave an old lady a lascivious wink. He kind of reminded me of a poor man’s Sid Vicious with his beady eyes, pock-marked skin, and greasy spiked hair. Their darkness was swirling and twisting around the people nearest them. Making them feel inexplicably agitated or fearful.

  “Look at me, Kira. Look at my eyes,” Jean-Baptiste said in a quiet, yet demanding voice. When he saw that he had my attention, he went on. “You have to calm down now, and take a deep breath. You can’t let them know that you see them for what they really are.”

  I took a deep breath and tried to slow down my pulse, so that it wasn’t beating up in my throat anymore. “What are they?” I whispered.

  “They’re Shades. I felt them come in,” he answered gravely.

  “Is that what you meant, when you said you were sensitive to things?”I asked.

  He nodded once, and then pushed out his chair. “Let’s not talk of such things here. They feed off fear, so you need to calm yourself, and trust that I can keep you safe.”

  I took another deep breath and stood up, as he left some money on the table for Nadine. Then as he went to go pay the bill, I plastered myself to his side; sheltering myself from the view of the creepy couple. Even without seeing them, I could still feel their darkness pushing at me. I felt nauseated.

  When he finished paying and we turned to go, I couldn’t stop myself from grabbing a hold of his hand like a little kid. When we reached the truck, he let go and told me to get in. I jumped into the passenger side, clicked the seatbelt, brought my knees up to my chest, and wrapped my arms around my legs. I couldn’t shake the creepy feeling squirming beneath my skin.

  When Jean-Baptiste got in, he let out a puff of air and leaned back against the seat. I looked over at him, resting my head on my knees. “What are Shades?” I asked, barely able to raise my voice above a whisper.

  He rubbed a hand over his face, trying to gather his thoughts. “They are what nightmares are made of. All the myths about zombies, vampires, and demon possessions, spawned from them.”

  I shuttered, hugging my legs a little tighter.

  “They feed off of fear, anger, and lust. In their true form they are insubstantial, and they can’t experience the pleasures and vices of the physical world unless they possess a body. When a Shade possesses a body, the soul is cast out. But the human body needs a human soul, so when the body loses its natural essence, it begins to decay. Starting with the loss of pigment in the skin, and then eventually the cells start to breakdown without the ability to regenerate. They use the body for as long as they can until it starts to rot and fall apart. And when that happens, they just go on and find a new one.”

  My mouth felt suddenly dry. I opened my bag and got out the half-full bottle of water from before, drinking it down in a couple gulps. “So is that why they look like meth addicts?” I asked.

  “They do look like that don’t they? And that happens to be the crowd that they hang around with too. So unless someone is sensitive like me, or has special sight like you, they wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.”

  I thought, Well that’s horrible, and asked, “So the human soul is cast out for good? There’s no way of coming back? Like maybe some kind of exorcism…or something?”

  “They usually prey on weak-willed souls; people who have basically already given up. So, it’s very rare for someone to fight back. Once the Shade pushes the soul out, that body is not that person anymore. And I pray that God has mercy on them and that they’re not doomed to roam forever, lamenting what they have lost.”

  I sat there, trying not to think about how horrible that thought was – to be stuck forever grieving over the loss of your body, and what had led you there… nothingness seemed better than that.

  Jean-Baptiste took out his phone to text Cass that we were on our way. Then he started the engine, pulled out of the parking lot, and headed towards Cass’ place downtown.

  I looked out the window at the city as it passed by, and I wondered aloud, “Are there many Shades here in New Orleans?”

  He laughed. “Cher, Shades have been flocking here for hundreds of years. Since the beginning, this city has been known for its decadence, and Shades thrive on that stuff. But don’t worry. They usually don’t come out in force until night… when the debauchery is abundant.”

  Jeez, why the heck would Ruby send me to a place crawling with Shades? I thought.

  We drove through the French quarter past Jackson Square, and even though this city was apparently ‘debauchery abundant’, the architecture sure was pretty. The French and Spanish colonial accents and Greek revivals worked together to give the city its own unique feel. The streets were mostly empty though, since it was still a bit early for the tourists to be out.

  Jean-Baptiste pulled to the side of the road to park in front of a shop. The front window was painted in gold Art Nouveau-styled writing that read:

  Cassandra St.Claire

  Tarot and palm readings

  By appointment only

  “She‘s a fortune teller?” I asked with a smirk.

  He shrugged. “They don’t build temples for Oracles anymore, so she makes do.”

  We got out of the truck and walked to the door of the shop. There was a “closed” sign, but Jean-Baptiste had a key. So he unlocked the door. He held the door open for me, saying that Cass lived over the shop. As I walked in my nostrils were assaulted by some kind of spicy incense. The inside looked just like you’d think a fortune teller’s parlor would look. Bolts of colorful fabric draped on the ceiling culminating in the center of the room where a red painted chandelier covered in assorted crystals, hung over a round table with a blue velvet surface. Shelves lined the walls, filled with curios and books on the arcane arts, all of which were for sale. There was also a taxidermied raven on top of one of the shelves, whose black glass eyes seemed to follow me throughout the room.

  “Jean-Baptiste…is that you?” a woman’s voice called from behind a back doorway draped with a curtain of wooden beads.

  “Yeah, cher, it’s us,” he called back.

  The beads parted and in came a tall, beautiful woman in flowy pants and a blue silk wrap with appliqué stars. Her radiant energy was a bit brighter, and she was taller and a bit thinner than Ruby, but I saw similarities in their facial features. Her hair was bound up in colorful scarves, which showed off her long neck. She was how I pictured Queen Nefertiti
might have looked. Even in these tacky surroundings, she had a gracefulness that commanded respect.

  She looked me over. “So, here you are…it feels like I already know you.” She smiled a friendly smile, then looked over at her cousin, and asked if he wanted to come up for some coffee.

  He declined, explaining that we already had breakfast and that he needed to go get some work done at his place, but that he’d come back later.

  I waved goodbye as Cass put her arm around my shoulders and led me through the beads, past what seemed to be her office and down the hall to a tall, narrow staircase. There was a stained glass window on the landing at the top of the stairs, which bathed the staircase in jewel toned shafts of light. When we reached the top I saw a red door with a plaque that said PRIVATE. She motioned for me to open it, so I turned the antique door knob, pushed the door open, and then stood there in shock.

  Instead of the bohemian gypsy décor I was expecting, it looked more like what you would find in an IKEA catalog.

  She chuckled behind me. “Not what you were expecting, I gather.”

  I shook my head as we walked into the apartment. The place smelled like coffee and a hint of lemon Pledge. The furnishings were sparse and modern. Everything was mostly white with pops of color here and there. There were art posters hanging on the whitewashed brick walls, and old family photos on shelves and side tables around the living room. It looked like nothing was out of place, and everything definitely had its place.

  She guided me towards the kitchen. “All that stuff down stairs is just for effect. The tourists have certain expectations, and no one wants to come to New Orleans to get their cards read in a modern living room, by a woman in capris and a cardigan.”

  I smiled at the mental image. “Yeah, I guess not.”

  She poured some coffee into a bright orange mug and then motioned for me to sit at the table. “I know you’ve already eaten, but I’m sure you have questions. So sit, and let’s talk.”

  The table was white and round with four lime green chairs arranged around it. I took off my backpack and sat down on the chair across from Cass. My mind was so tired and foggy from everything that’d happened that I had a hard time thinking of a specific question. So, I just said the first thing that came into my head. “So…you’re an Oracle. That’s cool.”

  She gave me an amused smile. “It has its perks…” she answered, taking a sip of her coffee.

  Then, I asked, “So you can see the future? Ruby said that her visions were pretty vague, but you were able to tell Jean-Baptiste when and where to find me.”

  She lowered the mug and cradled it between her hands. “Yes, my visions are a bit more clear than Ruby’s, but they’re never a sure thing. I can’t see the definite future. I get glimpses into what might happen. There are plenty of things I’ve seen that haven’t happened due to someone making a split second decision, or any other number of unknown variables.” Cass then explained that the tarot and palm reading was just a show, and what she really did was tune into their thoughts through touch. People are pretty predictable, and she’s able to predict their future by looking at their past decisions. She would be just theatrical and optimistic just enough to keep customers happy and generous with their money.

  “Ruby was able to speak straight into my mind when I was little. Is that kind of like what you do?”I asked, curious about what had really happened.

  “No, that’s different. Here… let me show you…” she said while reaching for my hand.

  I yanked it back before she could touch it. I didn’t want her rooting through my mind.

  She gave me an understanding look. “I only take what is given. I usually ask the person to think of something specific, and I only see what they think of, I don’t go any deeper unless they want me too,” she promised.

  I could sense she was telling the truth. So I rubbed my hands on my jeans to make sure they weren’t sweaty. Then, I placed my right hand face up on the table halfway between us. “Okay, go ahead.”

  Appreciating the trust I had given her, she smiled. She then told me to think of something significant that had happened to me recently. Pshh…everything in the past twenty-four hours has been pretty significant, so I tried to narrow it down and I thought about when I went into hyper speed when the Suits were chasing me. Let’s see what she thinks about that, I thought.

  Holding the memory in my mind, I nodded and held up my hand to indicate that I was ready. She closed her eyes, took a few deep breaths, and then grabbed my hand with hers. Then, after a moment, she looked confused. She tried sandwiching my hand between both of hers. And when that seemed to not get any results, she tried touching my temples – nothing. She brought her hands back down to the table and looked stumped. “That’s strange…”

  “What?”I asked.

  “That’s never happened before…I can’t get anything. It’s like you’re closed off and shutting me out.”

  I sat back, “That’s weird…Ruby didn’t seem to have any trouble getting into my head, but I was pretty out of it at the time.”

  “That’s different; she just cleared away the distractions around you. I’m trying to actually see into your thoughts.” She sat there contemplating me like a puzzle that needed to be solved. “It’s like you’re covered in some kind of armor… whenever I try to get through, it just bounces back at me. Maybe you just need to let your guard down. Lift the visor of your helmet, so to speak.”

  I pantomimed lifting my imaginary visor. “Like that?” I asked, joking around. This was all getting too weird.

  Ignoring my antics, she continued on, “Try this: Close your eyes and take a few slow deep breaths…go on.”

  Humoring her, I closed my eyes and took three slow, deep breaths. Then, I began clearing my mind.

  “Good. Now imagine your mind opening up to me like a door…let me know when you’ve done it.”

  I did as she instructed. Getting in tune with my inner energy that I had found when I played that song for Rachael. I imagined a large door opening up in my mind. And when I felt like I had it, I raised my hand to her.

  I felt her take hold of my hand, and then immediately let it go, making a noise as if I had shocked her. I opened my eyes to see her holding her head in her hands like she was in pain.

  “I’m so sorry Cass! Did I hurt you? I didn’t do it on purpose, I swear!” I stood up, panicking.

  Her eyes were shut tight, and she sucked in a couple breaths to get a handle on the pain. She finally opened her eyes and said, “No, I know you didn’t mean to. You did exactly what I told you to do. It’s just… it’s just I’m not capable of comprehending the processes of your mind.” She looked at me and shook her head in amazement. “You are a wonder, Kira Riley.”

  After I apologized for the zillionth time, a huge yawn escaped, and Cass suggested that I go take a shower and clean up before I have a rest. I couldn’t argue, because I knew I was totally gross, and I felt perfectly capable of sleeping for days.

  She told me that the bathroom was across the living room and down the hall, the second door on the right. So, grabbing my stuff, I crossed the immaculate living room and just as I passed the first door on the right, I stopped dead. I felt the same pull I had felt with the necklace. It was coming from Cass’s bedroom. I didn’t want to go in without her permission, so I called out to her. When she came over I took out my necklace and explained all about what happened when I had found it, and how I was feeling the same thing coming from something in her bedroom. She told me to go ahead, because she was just as curious to see what it was as me.

  I went in, feeling the pull coming from across the room. It seemed to be originating from one of those tall, skinny jewelry chests. I walked over and put my hand out, hoping that that might help pinpoint it. It seemed to be coming from the third drawer from the top. I looked over at Cass for permission, and she motioned for me to go ahead. I slowly opened the drawer. And there, winking in the sunlight was an emerald green jewel, the same size as my blue one, wit
h the same hidden colors sparkling inside. The jewel was fitted onto a golden filigree ring. It had the same strange writing on it, except some of the symbols were different from those on the blue one.

  I told Cass which one it was, and she said, “Oh, that thing? Jean-Baptiste found that in an old safe he salvaged once. He took it to a jeweler friend of his. He had no idea what it was and didn’t think it was worth much. Even though it looks like an emerald, there are subtle differences that made him think it must have been some kind of costume jewelry. So, Jean-Baptiste gave it to me, thinking that I might like it for my fortune telling. But that thing is too big to wear, even for me – I’d look ridiculous.”

  She told me that I could have it, so I went to pick it up and as my fingers touched it, the green and blue jewels started to glow. Shocked, I held the glowing gems up to Cass. “What’s going on?” I whispered in awe.

  She took the ring from my hand to examine it, and it immediately stopped glowing. She put the ring back in my hand and both stones started glowing again. She did it one more time just to make sure. Then, we both looked at each other in amazement. “Well, it looks like they belong with you…” she said with a conspiratorial smile.

  She gave me a small black velvet drawstring pouch, to put the ring in. I put the pouch in the inside pocket of my backpack and zipped it up.

  Then I took a long hot shower – which felt amazing – and then changed into my other set of clothes. After towel drying my hair, I promptly flopped onto the guest bed in Cass’s spare room, and passed out. She left me alone and let me sleep well into the afternoon.”

  Chapter 12

  “When I woke up, the sun had moved considerably through the sky. My dirty clothes were clean and folded, sitting on the night stand by the bed. I sat up and stretched, finally feeling fully recharged. I put the clothes into my backpack. I then ran my fingers through my hair to get the sleep-induced tangles out.