The Crystal Visions: A Families Journey into the Paranormal Volume 2

by Bonnie Somerville

  Glenn just looked at her expectantly. “I see and talk to people who have crossed over. I don’t know why no one else sees them. It feels perfectly normal to me.” Shaley said seriously. “I like that when people are gone from this world and the physical existence that they’re not really gone.” Shaley said looking into Glenn’s eyes. “I can understand that… no offense but I don’t really want to see ghosts.” Glenn smiled but looked worried at the same time. Shaley decided not to tell her about Nurse Gordon or her Father who were both hovering nearby. ~

  Chapter Fourteen

  Glenn had a great time watching a movie with the girls but she really needed to blow off some steam. She was feeling stressed about working in a kitchen again and she hoped she could keep it together. She hadn’t told anyone the real reason she’d sold the restaurant. She had begun having anxiety attacks at high traffic times in the kitchen and would have to walk outside at the most inappropriate times. The walls would start closing in, she’d break out in a cold sweat and she felt like she couldn’t breathe. She felt a lot of shame that she was letting everyone down and she vowed she’d get into counselling.

  She told her head Chef and Maitre d’ about selling and they made an offer. Frankly it was a low ball offer but she just wanted out before her depression and anxiety reduced the value even further. It all happened very quickly and at the same time she sold her home on Kitty Murray Lane and moved to a much more reasonable older home on Fiddler’s Green Road in Ancaster. With the crisis averted, her bills paid and anxiety alleviated thoughts of counselling went to the back burner. Instead she started to self-medicate with marijuana and alcohol.

  Thinking of going to work at Uncle Tullio’s diner forced some of those old feelings which had been hidden for so long to resurface. The restaurant and the diner were two very different businesses and she wouldn’t be at the helm but she worried that she would let everyone down. Glenn sat in her car in the parking lot of the Legion Hall thinking about all this and she started feeling the familiar beginnings of anxiety starting to build. She opened her window taking deep breaths and loosened the neck of her spring jacket. “Damn I need a drink!” She said closing the window and locking everything up before going inside.

  The Legion looked like a hundred others she’d seen over the years, too dark, dingy and needing a thorough cleaning. Everything about the place said old including most of its patrons. She made a bee line for the bar and ordered a shot and a beer. She downed the shot and cringed at the taste. When had she become such a hard ass drinker she thought to herself. Glenn stared into the foam of her beer for several minutes.

  She heard shuffling footsteps behind her seconds before a gentle familiar voice spoke. “Glenda. I’m so glad to see you! It’s been too long.” Uncle Tullio said. Glenn turned and looked into his kind eyes. He’d aged some since the last time she’d seen him. A little older, a little greyer, but his eyes still held the deepest love and compassion of anyone she’d ever met. It was almost enough to make Glenn break down into tears. She turned and gave him a warm hug. “I’ve missed you too Uncle.” He hugged her tightly. “Come over to my table so we can talk.” He said motioning to a quiet set up against the wall.

  Glenn wasn’t looking forward to this conversation in spite of the love she felt for him. “How are you Glenda?” Uncle Tullio said as they both placed their drinks on the table and sat down. “I’m ok.” She said unconvincingly. He looked at her with that familiar skeptical gaze. “I don’t want to talk about that right now ok Uncle. Let’s talk about the Diner now.” Glenn said hopefully. “For a small place we get pretty busy and we don’t have a short order cook. We have a Chef I brought here that I knew back in Toronto. He’s very good and is putting a new and vibrant twist on old favorites. The people are locals and they are very laid back so you don’t have to get all stressed during the rush. I have a great staff and if you need extra help Emma and Naomi can pitch in.” Tullio explained. “So Naomi doesn’t work at the diner? Where is she anyway? I want to meet this woman who’s stolen my favorite Uncles heart.” Glenn teased. “She thought we might like to get reacquainted and have a private talk before she comes over. She’s not at all like Gina-Marie Glenda but she’s a very good woman and we love each other so I want you to be nice to her.” Tullio looked serious.

  In the past Glenn hadn’t had the best judgment and might very well have acted like a fool but she’d grown up since then. “Don’t worry Uncle. If she makes you happy… I’m happy.” She said taking a sip of her beer. ”I need you to keep an eye on the diner. I have a good staff and they know what to do. I just want you to help out anywhere you’re needed. We don’t stand on ceremony. You will be doing everything from busing tables to taking out the trash. Whatever needs doing ok?” Tullio concluded looking at Glenn for signs of displeasure. Working in a backwoods diner was a far cry from what Glenda was used to.

  Glenn squirmed nervously. “There is something you should know Uncle…” Glenn started to say but was interrupted by a regal looking woman with chiseled features , mocha skin and long ebony hair tied in a braid. “Naomi my love, this is my niece Glenda.” Tullio said smiling proudly. Glenn stood up to shake hands with Naomi. “I’m pleased to meet you ma’am. My friends call me Glenn. Only stubborn Uncle Tullio calls me that ridiculous name.” Glenn blushed. “And you can call me Naomi.” Tullio’s better half offered. Naomi hadn’t meant to interrupt but she sensed there was tension building and she hoped to defuse it.

  Naomi sat down beside Tullio and smiled lovingly at him. “Thanks for coming to help. Tullio is really looking forward to getting out of the diner and doing what he does best.” Noami said. “I’m glad I could help out.” Glenn mumbled and Naomi didn’t miss the hesitation in her voice. “Tullio said you’ve been out of the business for a while so maybe I’ll come by and help you out.” Naomi offered. “That’s not necessary Naomi. I should be able to handle it.” Glenn said trying to sound confident but not feeling it inside. Inside her chest her heart raced at the thought and she felt like she might puke. “Well let me give you my cell number just in case.” Naomi said holding out her hand for Glenn’s phone. Glenn hesitated but then handed it over. Naomi quickly programmed hers and Tullio’s numbers in the contact folder. “I have to use the little girls’ room.” Glenn lied taking her phone back.

  Naomi’s eyes followed Glenn across the room. Something was going on with Glenn and she was going to find out what. Glenn went to the restroom to splash water on her face. This was going to be a nightmare. How was she going to work inside a tiny diner with crowds of people, noise and the heat. She almost started to cry at the thought of letting her family down. A group of women came stomping into the restroom their heels clicking loudly on the ceramic tiles. Glenn made a hasty escape.

  Almost as soon as she re-entered the main room a couple of locals offered to buy her drinks. She accepted not wanting to return to the table with Tullio and Naomi. Several hours later and a number of drinks downed Glenn was three sheets to the wind. She’d sat down with the Murphy brothers and a few of their buddies. They bought her a couple of very strong drinks and once she’d loosened up she spent some time on the dance floor. Finally Glenn realized she’d had too much to drink. “Ok guys, I hate to love you and leave you but it’s time I went home. Thanks for such a great time… good night.” Glenn said trying to make a graceful exit. “Wait a minute there little lady. You haven’t decided which one of us you’re going home with.” Jeremy Murphy put his arm around her waist and pulled her close.

  Glenn knew this might not be an easy escape. “I just came in for a few drinks, some fun and now it’s time for me to head home.” Glenn slurred. “Oh we’re going to have some fun alright…” Jeremy the youngest of the Murphy boys said as his brothers laughed. “Come along Glenda I’ll take you home now.” Tullio’s strong voice said over the din of country music and other voices vying to be heard. “Uncle!” Glenn said a little too enthusiastically. Jeremy let her go reluctantly as she stumbled toward Tullio. Tullio caugh
t her and helped her steady herself as he glared at Jeremy. “I’ve missed you Uncle. You’re such a good man.” Glenn pulled herself away from Tullio’s embrace as she patted him gently on the chest.

  Tullio lead the way to his newly restored truck. Glenn hopped into the passenger seat and immediately opened the window. Tullio entered the drivers’ side and slammed the door. Naomi came to his window. “Will you be ok?” He asked her in his thick Italian accent. “I’ll be fine. I can handle the Murphy’s. I’ll be here when you get back. Drive safe.” Naomi said stepping up on the running board and giving him a kiss on the lips. She stepped down and walked back to the Legion entrance. Tullio pulled out of the parking lot and headed toward the edge of town and The Old Rectory. “I like her Uncle.” Glenn said turning toward him with bleary eyes. “Who Naomi? Me too.” He replied smiling. “Oh god! I shouldn’t have drank so much.” She said. Tullio for his part just shook his head. “Don’t you go puking in my nice new truck.” Tullio scolded.

  Glenn hung her head out the window like a puppy excited about a car ride. “I’ve missed you all so much Uncle. All I had in Ancaster was Michael after you left and now he’s gone too.” She mumbled as they pulled into the Rectory driveway. Tullio didn’t respond as he pulled into an empty spot. He knew Glenn needed to talk about it but this was not the right time. Glenn exited the truck and stumbled slightly as she did so. Tullio opened his door to help. “It’s ok Uncle. I’ve got it. I’ll be ok. Thanks for the ride.” Glenn blew him a kiss and staggered up the porch steps. Tullio shook his head wondering if she really was going to be ok and find peace while being sheltered with her family. He very much hoped so.

  Glenn stumbled up the stairs on unsteady legs and was greeted by Storm who let out a single woof. She patted him on the head with one hand while having a death grip on the railing with the other. “It’s ok boy it’s just me.” She told him. She made it to her room and took off her shoes and jeans before flopping face first onto the antique bed. She fell asleep but at some point started to feel nauseated with the bed spinning around like a tilt-a-whirl ride. She flipped onto her back and put one foot down on the floor. That usually helped with the spinning sensation but not this night. She had really overdone it with the booze and now she was paying for it.

  Her mouth started hyper-salivating and she knew it was imperative that she make it to the restroom before she lost her cookies on Sona’s nice quilted bedspread. She made it just in time to hurl not just the copious amounts of alcohol she’d downed but also remnants of the meal she’d consumed earlier. Glenn wretched long after she’d emptied her entire stomach contents leaving her throat raw and her stomach muscles sore. “Oh god” she moaned. She sat there on the floor for some time making sure the nausea had completely subsided.

  Glenn stood and went over to the vanity, her hands shaking when she reached for the faucet to splash some water on her face and rinse her mouth. The room was dark but she could see fairly well as her eyes had long since adjusted to the darkness. Still taking deep cleansing breaths she steadied herself by placing her hands on either side of the sink. She stood there thinking how stupid she’d been drinking so much. “What the hell was I thinking?” She said to herself. “Tsk Tsk” She heard a voice behind her.

  Glenn looked up at her own pale reflection in the mirror. The image of a woman stood behind her as she held onto the sink even tighter. At first she thought it might have been Markie or Sona who’d heard her kissing the porcelain goddess and came to investigate. “Tsk Tsk” She heard again the sound of disapproval. Glenn looked up to see a woman standing behind her. The woman wore a white nurses’ uniform with her hair pulled back in a tight bun. Her arms were folded across her chest. Glenn frowned trying to figure out what exactly she was seeing. The nurse figure moved and Glenn could see the window and towel rack behind her… no through her. She screamed at the top of her lungs.

  Glenn took a step back to put some distance between herself and the nurse. Her heel caught the edge of the bathroom rug and she stumbled backward losing her balance. Her momentum took her to the edge of the wonderful old claw foot tub and she toppled backward into the tub with a decided thud. Her arms flailed as she fell trying not to lose complete control grabbing onto the shower curtain as she went. The old fashioned metal rings clinked and the circular rod swayed but luckily it didn’t come down on top of her. The nurse stepped forward with her arms outstretched as anyone might do in a futile attempt to spare someone injury. Glenn couldn’t help herself and screamed until she was out of air. The translucent figure bent to help. Glenn took a deep breath and screamed again.

  Sona and Markie heard the scream that sent chills running up their spines and they sat straight up before bolting out of bed and down the hall. Sona’s side of the bed was closest to the door so she made it to Glenn’s room first. Not seeing anything in the bedroom they headed to the bathroom. “Glenn?” Sona called when she didn’t see anyone. Markie had been right behind her and she bumped into her when Sona stopped abruptly. “Glenn!?” Sona called again. The shower curtain slowly opened to reveal Glenn standing in the old claw foot tub chunks of vomit in her hair and eyes as big as hub caps.

  Glenn slid down the tiles still holding onto the curtain almost bringing the rod down onto her head once more. “Glenn honey what’s going on?” Sona said gently as she stepped forward. Glenn’s eyes darted around the room while she babbled nonsensically. Shaley and Emma arrived to see Sona helping Glenn to stand. “What’s going on, is Aunt Glenn ok?” Emma asked. “She will be.” Markie said turning the girls around to herd them back to their rooms. Sona helped Glenn clean the remnants of last nights’ dinner, alcohol and the sickening stench of stomach digestive juices from her hair and body. She made sure to get her into clean clothes and put her into bed.

  Sona then returned to the bathroom to get the worst of the mess off the bathroom floor. Shaley snuck back into Glenn’s room. “Glenn?” She whispered. Glenn was staring at the ceiling but turned her gaze to her niece. “Don’t worry Auntie. Nurse Gordon is my friend. We’ve all seen her around the house at one point or another. She likes to take care of the family like she did in her life.” Shaley said giving her Aunt a wink. Glenn’s eyes focused and frown lines appeared on her forehead. Glenn opened her mouth to say something but Sona interrupted as she walked back into the room. “Shaley what are you doing here?” Sona asked. “I thought Aunt Glenn could use some company tonight.” Shaley said logically.

  Sona looked at Glenn for confirmation. “I could use some company.” Glenn mumbled. “Ok I’ve cleaned up the best I can for now. I’ll get the rest in the morning. If you need some Tylenol or something, Shaley can get it. Is there anything else I can do before I head back to bed?” Sona asked yawning. “No thanks Sona… and sorry about the mess.” Glenn said quietly. She was obviously shaken by her experience but Sona still chuckled inside. That was probably the funniest thing she had ever seen. Glenn was stone cold sober now that the adrenaline was flowing and she had vomited the remainder of the alcohol out of her stomach. Glenn’s gaze returned to Shaley after Sona exited the room. “We can talk about it in the morning.” Shaley said to Glenn. Glenn sighed loudly. “You’re perfectly safe… I promise.” Shaley snuggled up in bed beside Glenn. Glenn forced her breathing and then her mind to calm down. She lay there for a long time thinking about the evenings events. All the events including her visit with Uncle Tullio and Naomi and… the ghost. ~

  Chapter Fifteen

  Glenn awoke to the sun shining through her window illuminating her room. Her head felt like a herd of elephants had stomped through it and defecated in her mouth. Why did she do this to herself? Strangely the song Dizzy kept running through her head. She slowly lifted her head and staggered to the restroom to see if there was any Ibuprophen in the medicine cabinet. Thank god there was she thought as she gobbled down two and not finding a glass stuck her head under the flowing tap. When she closed the cabinet door images of the previous night flooded her already tender head.

 
Her logical mind couldn’t process what she thought she’d seen the previous night. She chuckled to herself thinking how stupid she must have looked standing in the bathtub with puke in her hair. She pulled on a jogging suit and headed downstairs. “Dizzy my head is spinning like a whirlpool it never ends and it’s you girl making it spin.” the song droned on. Glenn felt dehydrated and needed something to drink desperately. Thinking about it Glenn didn’t want to have her family see her in such a state especially on her first night there. The worst part was that she had acted like a fool in front of the kids. She was embarrassed at having been such a terrible example and she vowed then and there to do better.

  The kitchen was sunny and smelled of bacon. “Good morning Sunshine.” Markie said cheerfully. Glenn who was still a little green around the gills, mumbled hello and went straight to the refrigerator. She grabbed a bottle of spring water and downed half of it. Sona stood at the range frying eggs as the family waited at the kitchen table. Emma and Shaley watched Glenn with fascination. Glenn took the bottle and placed its cold surface against her temple. “Oh god that feels so good.” She sighed then went to sit down at the table beside Shaley.

  Markie sipped her coffee and Glenn wished she too could partake but she knew it would just dehydrate her further. Sona arrived at the table carrying the frying pan and started doling out sunny side up eggs on each plate. “Would you like an egg?” Sona asked Glenn shoving a not quite fully cooked egg, its undercooked white hanging and swinging as she moved the spatula in front of her face. Glenn looked down at the runny translucent white of the uncooked portion of the egg and her stomach flipped. “Oh god no!” Glenn almost gagged. “Get that the hell away from me… Oh Fuck!” Glenn ran from the room. Everyone seated at the table broke out laughing in spite of the rather harsh expletive Glenn had just said in front of the youngsters.