by S. E. Akers
I made a u-turn and trotted back down to the bottom step. I cast an unenthusiastic glance into the living room.
“You look nice, Chloe.” At least I didn’t tell another lie. The color and cut of the dress looked perfect on her, but I wasn’t about to lay it on any thicker than that, not for Chloe or Charlotte’s benefit.
“Nice?” Charlotte challenged. “That’s all you can say?”
Chloe hadn’t even heard me. My little sister was too fixated on the girl staring back at her in the mirror, the one striking various exaggerated poses while she twisted around in the low-cut aubergine dress.
“Really nice?” I added. Charlotte didn’t seem too pleased with my embellished reassessment nor the lackluster tone in my voice. “I don’t have time for this. I have to change and head out back to start cleaning up the workshop. Those were Daddy’s orders.”
That got their full attention. They both gasped and appeared just as confused by his request as I was.
“He’s never told you to do any sort of work before,” Chloe queried.
Then it was Charlotte’s turn. “Saint Shiloh never has to be asked or ordered to do chores,” Charlotte announced in a suspicious tone. She stood there eyeing me with her arms crossed, racking her brain for a reason. Her brow rose. “Hmmm…What did you do?”
My mother’s unnerving smirk confirmed my hunch. This has to be some sort of punishment. I took a deep breath and attempted to play it off.
“He’s going to be working out there this weekend and needs it organized. That’s all,” I declared as I spun around and dashed up the steps.
Charlotte knew she’d hit the correct button. Well, at least I was able to put a smile on my mother’s face — one way or another.
I quickly changed into an old pair of jeans and one of my WVU hooded sweatshirts. Once my ponytail was good and tight, I stomped back down the stairs. I wasn’t the least bit thrilled to start the project, not feeling like this. I still didn’t know what had happened back there. Hopefully, I wouldn’t act like such a dazed idiot the next time.
It couldn’t possibly be as shocking a second-time around? Could It? Knock on wood, it won’t happen at all, I thought as I tapped my knuckles twice on the banister and jumped from the third step onto the Oriental rug lying in the center of the foyer.
I stepped into the kitchen to grab some water before I headed out to the workshop. Charlotte and Chloe were in there sifting through a pile of cosmetics that she’d dumped out of her little pink shopping bags and onto the table. Makeovers must be next on the agenda.
“Mom, which eye-shadow do you like? My left…or my right?” Chloe asked, twisting her head back and forth.
“Your right eye. The smoky plum color makes your hazel eyes pop, sweetie,” Charlotte beamed.
I couldn’t help but notice how “proud” Charlotte seemed as I strolled towards the sink to fill up my plastic tumbler. Chloe was definitely “her mother’s daughter”. While the water rose closer to the rim, I wondered if I really could listen in on someone’s thoughts — again? The thought of knowing what was running around in their heads triggered a smile.
I turned off the faucet and placed the tumbler down on the counter. Why not give it a try? In the name of science, of course.
I stood there silently focusing on Chloe. Nothing. After a minute, I turned and directed my full attention to Charlotte. Still nothing! Considering how upset I’d been when it happened with Lazarus Xcavare earlier, I found myself strangely disappointed. No matter how hard I tried to concentrate, I couldn’t make a connection with her either. Unwilling to concede to defeat, I strolled over to Chloe.
Maybe I need to be “touching” them?
“Shi, how should I wear my hair?” Chloe asked.
I ignored her question as I placed my hands on her head and then began to toss her raven mane around in several different directions. She looked puzzled. I pushed her hair back with my fingers, to get a better grasp of her head. I didn’t quite know what the heck I was doing or how I should go about an attempt at telepathy, so I winged it by looking into her eyes, trying to absorb any thought I could.
Cluelessly, Chloe’s hazel eyes narrowed. “Sooo? Should I wear it back or up?” she asked.
Again, I heard nothing but the sound of my sister’s words coming out of her mouth. Frustrated, I stood there shaking my head back and forth.
“Stop it, Shi! You’re confusing me!” Chloe snapped as she shoved away my hands. She thought I was shaking my head about her hairstyle dilemma.
Charlotte threw back the last swig of wine in her glass. “What in the Hell are you doing, Shiloh?” my mother asked snidely.
My fixation subsided. “Nothing. Absolutely nothing,” I mumbled as I shook my head, grabbed my water, and stepped out the back door.
Through an open window I heard a faint, “What did I ever do to deserve HER?” coming from Charlotte as I hopped off the back porch.
I could ask the same thing, I grumbled quietly as I headed across the backyard, straight for the workshop.
I bent over to retrieve the key out from under a small terra cotta planter where Daddy kept it hidden and unlocked the door.
Oooh my, I thought as I stepped inside. It’s HORRIBLE!
My eyes swept around the room. Scraps of wood littered the entire space like confetti. I’d actually seen wood-chippers make less of a mess. Most of his tools were randomly lying all over the various worktables, caked in sawdust. Drill bits and spades looked like they hadn’t seen the inside of a tool chest in years. The whole room was in complete disarray. Its jumbled appearance just confirmed how overworked and exhausted Daddy must have been. Charlotte really kept him hopping. He wasn’t a messy person by nature and always took great pains to keep his stuff in perfect order.
Daddy wouldn’t have left his shop looking THIS BAD if he could’ve avoided it. I glanced at the clock on the wall. This is going to take awhile!
Surprisingly, the job didn’t turn out to be a grueling as I’d originally thought. I’d been cleaning and organizing away for almost two hours when I decided to take a quick break. I was just standing there in the silence of the workshop when suddenly I heard a strange noise coming from somewhere outside. It was an odd sound, definitely out of place for such a rural area. I peered out the window and listened closely for a moment. I couldn’t hear it anymore.
Whatever, I thought as I finished off my water and started back to work. Then, a long “squeak-k-k-k-k” rang out. I walked over to the door and curiously stepped outside.
“Squeak-k-k-k-k,” the drawn-out racket blared again. My ears followed the direction of the noise. It sounded like some sort of engine from a machine — like gears grinding or pieces of metal rubbing — and it seemed to be coming from out on Shiloh Ridge.
What is THAT?
Granted, my curiosity was piqued, but I hated the thought of going out there to investigate it — by myself. But there wasn’t a single “good” reason why anyone should be back there at all, and Daddy wasn’t here to check it out.
Should I? He wouldn’t want anyone screwin’ around behind our house — especially if they were breakin’ the law. It hadn’t been too long ago when Daddy discovered someone’s illegal moonshine still on the ridge, not to mention, a couple of sites where some ballsie local had snuck back there and seeded a spot for their stash of marijuana plants. Several of our local cops had been sent out there to dispose of the “pot plants” properly, but I wasn’t the least bit surprised when they all emerged from the woods with slanted red eyes and goofy grins plastered on their faces. Most of the time it was just people back there riding their four-wheelers. I never understood why my father was so protective of that particular spot of land. If Daddy even thought someone was back there, he would be the first to grab his shotgun and run out of the house to “shoot first & ask questions later”.
Daddy would want someone to make sure there wasn’t any funny business going on…and the only one “here” to do it is “me”, I thought to myself
. But there was only one little problem. I didn’t go out on Shiloh Ridge…
I tried to rationalize my fears away, especially being faced with this dilemma so soon after having that horrible dream. There’s nothing to be scared of out there. You were just a little girl at the time. Daddy’s been back there a million times without seeing anything. A lot of people have…Hell, odds are hearing what was going on inside Lazarus Xcavare’s head is the scariest thing that’ll happen to you today.
Cautiously, I started creeping slowly up the hill, headed towards the fence that bordered our backyard and Shiloh Ridge. I walked a little ways and then stopped. I continued on, only to find myself chickening-out again. This tug-of-war went on for several minutes.
By the time I’d found the courage to head out on the ridge, unexpectedly, I felt a firm tap on my shoulder. Startled, I screamed as I spun around and tripped on my own feet, which sent me crashing down onto the ground. I looked up to find Samuel standing there, laughing and grabbing his chest.
“I don’t know which one of us is more scared, Shiloh?” Samuel chucked. “You or me?”
Apparently I’d startled him, too. Though I didn’t see his rear down here, covered in dirt.
“I’m sorry about that, honey,” Samuel continued to laugh. “That’s a first. I thought no one could ever sneak up on you?”
Once I’d managed to catch my breath, I picked myself up and laughed along with him. This is the SECOND TIME today. Maybe all of my senses have gone haywire?
“You got me pretty good, Samuel,” I conceded as I brushed some leaves off my jeans. “What are you doing here?”
“Checkin’ on you,” Samuel insisted, his tone softening with concern.
“Why’s that?” I asked as I walked back to the workshop. It sure didn’t sound like a coincidence to me.
“Your father told me you were a little rattled today…a little woozy, too. He’s still giving the fellows from Xcavare a tour ’round the grounds. He’ll be home soon, but he wanted me to check on you in the meantime. So? Are you okay?”
I stepped back inside the workshop and started organizing Daddy’s tool chest. “I’m fine,” I replied curtly, avoiding any direct eye contact.
“Do you want to tell me what happened?” Samuel asked, not buying a bit of my act.
I really did want to tell someone. But what would Samuel say? Would he think I’m crazy? And if so, what would he tell Daddy?
“Whatever it is…it’ll be our secret,” he coaxed, sensing my apprehension.
As soon as my mind became fully aware that I was about to let down my guard, my body locked into a tight flinch. Apparently my heart’s attempt to release myself from this burden was being halted by my brain’s own defenses.
“I can’t. I just can’t tell you…or Daddy. It’s too…Well, let’s just say, you two would find it hard to grasp.”
“Whatever it is Shiloh, I promise…Our secret,” Samuel vowed whole-heartedly.
I paused to contemplate his proposal. Eventually, I chose to ignore the voice inside my head. I couldn’t hold it in any longer, so I let out a compliant sigh, signaling I was ready and willing to let “the truth” set me free.
Samuel pounced on my concession. “You’re not pregnant, are you?” he blurted. “…’Cause I’ll hunt the sorry bastard down and show him the business end of my shotgun!”
Automatically, I threw the screws I was holding down on the floor. “Why does EVERYONE keep thinking that?” I yelled and stomped my foot down, hard. I didn’t know if I was more shocked or insulted that the man who was like a second-father to me would ask such a STUPID question, or the fact that he thought I’d be too scared to tell anyone the truth!
Samuel looked relieved. “So, you’re not?”
I shook my head and glared at him. “No. I’m NOT!”
Samuel lowered his head for a second, obviously embarrassed for even entertaining such an absurd thought. He tilted his head toward me, now looking like the poster-boy for “confusion”.
“Hold on now…Who else has been thinkin’ you’re pregnant? Besides me?” he inquired.
“Nobody,” I muttered quickly as I grabbed a broom to sweep up the mess I’d made, but mostly to avoid answering his question.
Samuel snatched the broom out of my hands. “Shiloh Wallace,” he said sternly. “Who’s been saying that? Who’s got you all upset?”
My hands gripped the front edge of the table saw as I lowered my head. I stared blankly at its jagged blade. Samuel propped the broom against the wall and stepped closer. He then gently lifted up my chin and turned my face to his. His eyes gazed deeply into mine, reassuring me in a heartening way — just like my own father would.
“Shiloh?” Samuel whispered softly.
This secret was draining every ounce of my sanity, and Samuel’s concern was weighing heavily on heart…so ultimately, I caved.
“Lazarus Xcavare,” I mumbled as I turned my head away. “That’s WHO.” I slowly tilted my head back to see his reaction. I just hoped that he didn’t cut his bottom lip on any of the sharp wood-scraps when his mouth hit the floor.
“He said that? He said that to you?” Samuel questioned, looking more than puzzled. “How could he make a comment like that to you? YOU? A stranger to him?”
Casually, I stood there (slightly amused) while I listened to Samuel try to figure out WHY their new boss would ever say such a thing. A twisted thought popped into my head. I think I’ll let him ramble on a bit more…before I get to the “good part”.
“Does Caiden know what he said? Of course he doesn’t! He’d be at the police station right now,” Samuel insisted. “And I’d be locked up with him,” he added with a rigid nod.
Fun’s over, I thought. “As touched as I am by your chivalry, Samuel…I need to be clear about something…Okay?”
Samuel nodded as I looked him square in the eyes and took a deep breath.
“He didn’t speak it. He thought it…and what’s got me so freaked-out…is that I heard it.” I crossed my arms and backed up, waiting for his reaction. Samuel stood there speechless, almost like he was playing in the final round of Jeopardy. He was probably thinking, Alex — What is a lunatic?
After the initial shock of my confession had worn off, he looked back into my eyes with some conjecture.
“You were able to hear…his thoughts?” Samuel pondered aloud.
“Yes. I heard him think it, not say it.” I let out a sigh and added, “I could also feel his emotions as the words floated through my head. They were so dark and full of anxiety about…something.”
Samuel appeared deep in thought. I waited for what seemed like minutes for him to respond.
“You didn’t tell Caiden?” Samuel finally asked.
“No…I didn’t. I couldn’t. You can’t either — Okay?” I spied a look of apprehension in his eyes. “Samuel, PLEASE,” I begged. “You promised.”
He muzzled his doubts and agreed to my request with a simple nod.
“Has this ever happened before?” Samuel asked.
“No,” I answered in an uneasy tone, shaking my head.
It was strange. Samuel was clearly mystified, but it seemed there was also a part of him that I could tell, believed me beyond a shadow of a doubt.
Samuel grinned. “Do you know what I’m thinking?”
“I can probably guess what you’re thinking…but no…I can’t hear your thoughts.” His smile grew a bit wider as he gently patted my back.
Suddenly, we heard the sound of several vehicles charging up the road. Samuel and I stepped outside, just in time to see a fleet of black SUV’s pulling up to the house. Lazarus Xcavare and his entourage. Well, at least Daddy’s home.
Samuel turned to me. “I think you’ve got company,” he said and nodded towards the house.
“I’m fine…right where I am,” I announced.
“Well, I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Xcavare myself. I’d like to see our worldly, new owner in person…if you don’t mind?” Samuel s
aid, fully intrigued. “Are you gonna be all right, Shiloh?”
“Yeah…I’ll be fine.”
“Okay. I’m gonna head up to the house. I’ll let your father know you’re out here.” Samuel paused for a moment. “Shiloh, I’ve lived long enough to know one thing. Don’t ever be afraid of things you don’t understand. The world is full of mystery, and each day brings us new challenges. It’s up to us to make sense of them. Whatever comes your way…embrace it. Don’t ever fear it. You’ve done so all of your life. It’s not in your nature to stop now. Whatever this is…you’ll figure it out.” He gave me a quick bear hug and then headed for the house. Samuel turned back to me and winked. “Let’s see what’s so extraordinary about Mr. Xcavare.”
I waved and watched my surrogate father until he disappeared around the corner of the house. Not a second later, I heard our creaky front door opening, followed by Charlotte and Chloe’s voices.
They must’ve been dying to meet the new rich guy in town, I thought as I headed back to the workshop.
Before I even stepped inside, there it was again. One big, long “squeak-k-k-k-k” was rattling in my ears.
What in the heck is that? I’d completely forgotten about the perplexing noise. Well, I was on my way to check it out before Samuel showed up, and there’s nothing keeping me from doing so now. Samuel’s right. There’s no need to fear anything… Just “embrace it”.
This time, I marched towards the ridge with purpose in my stride. I trekked up the mountainside, and before I knew it, I’d reached the line of pickets that ran along the tree line. I paused, took one heck of a courageous and deep breath, and then hopped over the fence. As I lifted a large pine limb out of my way, I thought, Let’s see what’s raisin’ such a ruckus.
I followed the strange sound through the woods. Though I hadn’t been out on Shiloh Ridge for many years, I couldn’t spare the time to take in the sights of the beautiful fall foliage rolling throughout the scenery around me. I was on a mission.
I listened attentively and changed my course like a fine-tuned compass with every “squeak” I heard. The sound was gradually getting louder, so assumed I was traveling in the right direction. Any fears I’d had about Shiloh Ridge seemed to subside with every step I took. As I walked across the rough terrain, my left shoe began to feel loose. I looked down to discover that my laces had come undone. I wasn’t surprised, not with all the jagged twigs carpeting the bumpy ground.