Hidden Voices (Tess Schafer-Medium)

by Deborah Hughes

  Kade and I looked at each other and began to smile. I wasn’t sure why this excited me but it did. “Wow, Adam, you made that?”

  “Well, a crudely built fire pit has always been there. Pop said his family used it for Indian rituals.” The glance he threw us was highly skeptical. “I wouldn’t give much weight to that. He was always telling us stuff he thought us kids would get a kick out of. None of us believed him but we used to run around it like a pack of yahoos and make up stupid kid dances just the same.” He smiled at the memory and then walked over to a wooden bench that sat facing the front of it. He plunked down upon it as if the weight of the world had suddenly become too much. “I decided after he died to honor his memory by building this.”

  Made entirely of rocks fitted closely together and secured with mortar, it was an impressive fireplace. The base of it was round, about two feet high with a pretty wide circumference. Seeing where my focus was directed, Adam explained its size. “I kept the original dimensions. I don’t know what they did with it back in Pop’s ancestors’ day but they must have had a few bonfires here. Being this close to town, we could never get a fire permit to have anything more than a small campfire size blaze. We don’t use it anyhow. Like I said, it’s more of a memorial to my Pop.”

  The fireplace was built near the end of the flattest area of the lawn. A short distance behind it, the lawn sloped gently a short distance before dropping dramatically to another level area which eventually met the sidewalk edging the street below. Adam used the natural landscape to build a waterfall which followed a rock-lined stream to what looked like a small natural pond at the base of the hill. The waterfall, however, was not running and the rock basin from which it would spill from was partially filled with stagnant water.

  Adam motioned toward it with his hand. “I built the waterfall for my Mom. I thought she would enjoy it from the porch but as you can see I’ve lost my ambition to keep it maintained.” His voice turned bitter. “I didn’t feel like keeping it in great working order for someone else to enjoy.” He glanced at the fireplace and dropped his gaze. “No guarantee the new owners will even keep it.”

  As I stepped forward to run a comforting hand across Adam’s taut shoulders, I noticed a scent in the air that I’d smelled earlier during the séance. Sniffing appreciatively, I looked around to locate the smell and knew it had to be the flowering bushes lining the edge of the property a short distance from the fireplace. Lilacs. Of course! But why was their scent brought through during the séance? Adam’s shoulders tensed beneath my fingers and I gave him a sympathetic pat. “You did a lovely job, Adam. You are very talented. I’m sure your father would have loved it.” I pointed to the lilac bushes. “Have those always been there?”

  “Pop planted them when he and mom first got married. They are her favorite flower.” Adam stood and walked closer to the fireplace. He stared down into its empty pit, his eyes almost as vacant. “Not only will mom miss her lilacs but we’ll never get to use this fireplace either.”

  Not sure what to say, I dropped my gaze and noticed the area around the fireplace was nearly devoid of grass. The compact earth looked as if many a footprint had indeed surrounded it at one time. Several large flat stones were placed randomly in a semicircle fashion around the front of the fireplace, creating a natural patio of sorts. I pointed to them. “Did you put those there as well?”

  Adam stretched his foot across one of the flat stones and rubbed a booted heel across its surface. “These are slate slabs. Pop said they’ve been there as far back as he can remember. They were probably put here to help keep the vegetation down.”

  “So here you all are.” Mary stepped off the porch and came to join us. “Adam did a great job with that didn’t he? He’s an awesome landscaper but there’s not much demand for it around here.” She gave her brother a pointed look, “Not that he advertises himself or anything. Can’t get any work if people don’t know what you have to offer.”

  Adam threw his sister a scowl. “What does it matter? Looks like we won’t be living here much longer anyways.”

  Mary gave him a quick hug. “I know and I’m sorry. Let’s go eat, dinner is ready.” Linking arms with her brother, Mary pulled him along with her and Kade and I fell into step behind them. As we made our way back to the house, I could feel their father standing behind us.

  My back prickling, I turned to look. I could almost picture him standing near the lilac bushes; his feet planted firmly apart, his massive arms crossed and his face scrunched in a scowl of frustration because I wasn’t getting his message.

  Kade leaned down to whisper in my ear. “What? Do you see something?”

  “I have a strong feeling their father is there. But it wasn’t him who came through during the séance.”

  “You can’t see him then?”

  Smiling because Kade’s belief in me was so strong he didn’t even question my ability anymore, I squeezed his hand. “No, but I can imagine him pretty strongly.”

  “What’s he doing?” We started up the steps of the porch. I glanced back again. “Standing there.”

  “Where?” Kade turned to look as well.

  “Near the lilac bushes to the left of the fireplace.”

  Mary disappeared into the house and since Adam stood holding the door for us, I gave Kade’s hand a quick squeeze to get his attention.

  Kade looked back, saw Adam and stepped up our pace. “You really did a fine job with that, Adam. I’m impressed.” He gave the younger man an approving pat on the back as we passed him to enter the house.

  Dawn’s New England boiled dinner was delicious, her biscuits to die for. Once again I ate way more than I should have and sat back to stretch when I was done. Oh how nice it would be right now to pop that button on my jean shorts. “I’m going to get fat if I keep eating like this.”

  Adam and Kade gave me a look that said I could probably use a few pounds and I laughed at their expressions, adding defensively, “I’ve gained several pounds since coming to Maine.”

  “And they look mighty fine on you too,” Kade murmured quietly next to my ear.

  Blushing at the compliment, I gave him a sideways look, telling him with my eyes to behave. Catching our glances, Mary said quietly, “Would you like to have some coffee out on the porch before you leave?” She waved a hand at the table. “Adam can help mom pick up the dishes and I’ll do them later.” She glanced at me firmly. “No arguments.”

  Adam readily agreed to the plan. “Deal. It’s my turn to do dishes but if you want to do them, sister dear, I’m not going to argue.”

  Dawn stood and motioned for us to bustle along. “You guys head on out to the porch. I’ll make us a pot of coffee and join you shortly.”

  Kade and I followed Mary out the door to the patio set we’d sat in earlier when we first arrived. The evening was warm, the air still, and we all sat back to enjoy the peace and quiet. “It’s lovely here. Even though you have that big old mill across the street, it doesn’t ruin the atmosphere in the least.” I wondered about that as I closed my eyes to enjoy the moment.

  “We don’t hear the traffic as bad on this side of the house. Probably because we are so high up from the road.” Mary touched my hand to get my attention and I opened my eyes to look at her.

  “Thank you for coming over today. It’s been really nice having you and Kade here.” She looked at Kade and smiled, making sure he knew she was just as glad to have him there as she was to have me.

  “I wish we knew what we could do to help you,” Kade told her. His solemn voice was deep and soft and it made my stomach flutter in response.

  “Crap happens.” Mary gave a long sigh. “We’ll live through it. Everyone does.”

  Dawn came around the corner with a laden tray and Kade hurried to help, bringing the tray to the table and setting it down carefully. Once we all had a cup of coffee in front of us, we sat in peaceful silence. Despite the bleak future looming before Dawn and Mary, we experienced a moment of contentment.

 
“So what are your plans for tomorrow?” Dawn asked.

  “Well, I was thinking Kade and I would go check out Fort Knox. Then in the afternoon I imagine Kade will want to work on the painting he’s doing for Barbara while I work on other stuff.” I looked at Kade to see if he approved of the plan. His blue eyes met mine for a long moment and then he winked, making a rush of heat cross my face. It was so strange to be reacting to a man in such a physical way again. Although I still experienced a twinge of guilt, it was nowhere near as strong as it was when I first met him. I no longer thought it was a betrayal to Mike to be attracted to Kade, but since I never thought there would be anyone else, it still felt strange to be going through this again…with someone other than Mike.

  “I think that sounds like an excellent plan,” Kade said. “I’ve never been to the fort though I’ve passed it enough times during my travels.”

  “When would be a good time to come pick up the beads?” Mary asked.

  “How about in the afternoon, around three or so?” Dawn and Mary both agreed to the time and then when we refused another cup of coffee, Dawn began to gather everything back on the tray.

  “Well then, I guess we’ll see you at three. I’m going to head in and catch the evening news.” Dawn gave me a hug and then turned to give Kade one as well. He hid his surprise and hugged her back.

  “Thank you for dinner. It was delicious.” He gave Dawn and Mary one of those smiles I loved so much and my heart swelled in response. It didn’t matter who the smile was directed toward, I still enjoyed it.

  “You sure you don’t want any pie or something?” Dawn glanced at both of us and when we nodded in polite refusal, she smiled in understanding. “Well, you two have a great evening.” She picked up the tray and gave Mary a loving wink as she bustled away.

  Kade and I looked at each other. We were ready to go. I turned to Mary. “We are going to head out now, Mary. Thank you for a great dinner. It truly was delicious.”

  The three of us stood, stretched, laughed because we had all done the same thing and then Mary followed us to the car. “Thank you again, both of you, for coming.” Mary grabbed my hands and squeezed them gently. “Have a great day tomorrow.” She pulled me into a hug and then turned to give Kade one as well.

  She was still standing there at the edge of the driveway when we backed onto the street and pulled away. My last glimpse of her before we drove from sight was of her staring across the street toward the river. She looked so forlorn that I couldn’t help but wonder what was going through her mind. The aura of sadness was back in place and my heart hurt for her.

  Kade reached over and patted my thigh. “Things will work out in the end. Isn’t that what you told me you believe?”

  Smiling, glad for his reminder, I grabbed his hand and held it on the seat between us. “Yes, somehow things always do. You are right about that.”

  As I pulled into the parking spot in front of the B&B, I sent up a prayer for the Rowan family. Put the worry in God’s hands and let it go. That’s what my grandmother used to tell me all the time. Why didn’t I think of those priceless nuggets of advice more often?

  “Want an ice cream?” Kade waved a hand toward the ice cream parlor a short distance away. There were a few people in line and another couple walked past us licking ice cream cones as we stepped from the car.

  “I shouldn’t, considering how much I ate for dinner but a cone sounds like a great idea.” Kade took my hand and tucked it into the crook of his arm, holding me close while we walked the short distance to the parlor.

  As we stood in line, waiting our turn to order, I knew I wasn’t quite ready to head back to the B&B. I glanced up at him. “How about we take our ice cream and walk along the river?”

  Kade pulled his hand away so he could put his arm around my shoulders and hug me close. He dropped a kiss on the top of my head then bent to whisper in my ear, sending little thrills of excitement skittering across my skin. “You come up with the best ideas.”

  We walked from one end of the river walk to the other. Kade wanted to sit by the Veterans Memorial for a bit and we finished off our cones there. It was getting dark by the time we finally headed back to the B&B and the air was rapidly cooling. My sweater was no longer sufficient and Kade had only a t-shirt, though he didn’t seem to be bothered by the cooler temperature.

  Barbara was not in the sitting room when we entered the B&B and there was no sign of Max either. We went quietly up the stairs and by mutual agreement, headed to my room. As we paused in front of my door, Kade stood behind me and wrapped his arms loosely around my waist. “How about we snuggle for a bit and watch some TV and then I’ll leave you in peace to get some sleep?”

  I patted his linked hands and wondered if he could feel the butterflies pounding furiously against my stomach. “You come up with the best ideas.” I giggled as he began to kiss my neck and I couldn’t help but feel like I was in high school again.

  A few minutes later we were snuggling on the bed and watching a sitcom. It felt so good to relax with him. “I really enjoy your company, Kade.” He turned onto his side to look at me. Our eyes met and held.

  Kade lifted a hand and ran a finger along my cheek. “I love your company too.” He bent to give me a kiss and I readily lifted my mouth to meet him halfway. A small twinge of unease flitted through me as I worried that Kade might want more than what I was willing to give. He let his fingers flutter along my temple and thread into my hair and then leaned forward to deepen our kiss. Though I readily returned it, I held back just enough to let him know this was not going to go anywhere. Not yet. Kade’s mouth let up slightly and I actually felt like chasing him for more when he lifted his head and pressed his forehead to mine. I knew he was exercising great control to keep our physical contact from getting out of hand and relaxed against him, grateful for his restraint and yet also wishing he’d push the issue.

  After a long moment, Kade pulled away and looked at me seriously. “I want you so much, Tess, but I know you aren’t ready. I’m willing to wait.” He let his fingers run along my jaw and then up into my hair, fisting it there as he closed his eyes. “Just don’t take too long or you are going to be the death of me.” He smiled to soften the words and I laughed softly.

  “Okay. I’m sorry…”

  Kade put a finger on my lips. “Don’t. No apologies. I’m happy to have what we have. And I’ll be happy wherever this goes. No pressure and no worries. Okay?”

  I nodded because I couldn’t speak past the lump in my throat. Tears filled my eyes and spilled over. Kade caught at them with his thumb. “Don’t cry, baby.” He kissed me again and then stood up. “I’m going to head to my room and get a decent night’s sleep. You do the same and I’ll be expecting you to rise bright and early tomorrow morning. Okay?”

  I followed him to my door and we exchanged another heated kiss. For a moment I think we almost gave in to the demands of our bodies but then I reluctantly let him go and stood back. “Sleep well, Kade.”

  He dropped another kiss on my forehead. “It might take me awhile after that kiss but I’ll try. You too.” And then he went across the hall and disappeared into his room. I shut the door and leaned against it for a moment, enjoying the warm feelings washing through me. A rush of joy filled my chest and I had to draw in a deep breath and release it to ease the pressure. It was going to be okay. Everything was going to be okay. Now to get there…to that okay place.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  Since I felt restless and edgy after Kade left and I knew it would be useless to try and go to bed, I headed for my laptop. My curiosity about Isi was now foremost in my mind and there was no way I could turn in without doing a little more writing. There must be a connection between her and everything else happening in my life. The only way to find out what it could be was to sit down and type out her story.

  After a short rest period, Nina urged Isi to her feet and indicated they must hurry. Not sure why they were rushing or where they were going, Isi had to trust that s
he wouldn’t lose her life when she got there. But why bring her along if they only intended to send her into the darkness? Would her soul be lost forever? This was her worry now that she was no longer with her people. When her time came to join the Knowing One would these people know how to prepare her for the journey? Isi closed her eyes and thought of her grandmother Mailee, a respected Chosen one. Isi was under Mailee’s guidance and had been since her birth. Mailee said Isi would be a Chosen someday. Sadness washed through her as the realization sunk in that she would never be part of the Chosen. Her training was over. As she struggled to keep up with Nina and Giles, Isi vowed to never forget all she’d been taught. Her grandmother told her that everyone learned what they needed to know as they needed to know it. The Knowing One imparted information only when it was required. To Isi’s way of thinking, the Knowing One had been preparing her for this event. She would use what she knew to survive and learn.

  The trees suddenly gave way to a large open field. Two horses were standing near a strange object Isi had never seen before. Suddenly afraid, Isi stopped walking. Nina turned and spoke to her in a soft voice. Isi looked at her and wished she understood. If only she knew their language.

  Nina motioned with her hand. “Come.” She repeated her hand motion and said again, “Come.”

  The hand motion Isi understood. And now the word associated with it was understood as well. But Isi could not do as Nina asked because she was afraid. She didn’t know what that thing was or what she was supposed to do when she got to it. Nina gently tugged on her hand. “Come.”