Markie laughed loudest of all. “You really have a cruel streak my love.” Markie said to Sona. Sona for her part just smiled sweetly. “Just an old family tradition… My Father did that to me once upon a time.” She said straight faced. The family returned to their breakfast while hearing odd sounds coming from the powder room down the hall.
A short time later Glenn returned to the kitchen. She sat down at the table once more and this time Sona placed a cup of coffee and a piece of toast in front of her. Emma was almost finished her breakfast. “So I guess you met Nurse Gordon last night.” She asked her Aunt. Glenn was taking small nibbles of her toast followed by sips of coffee being careful not to upset the delicate truce she’d made with her stomach. “That’s not funny.” Glenn mumbled. “She won’t hurt you.” Markie teased. “Piss off!” Glenn told her older sister. “It’s ok Auntie, you’ll get used to her.” Shaley said squeezing Glenn’s shoulder gently as she stood.
The table cleared and Glenn returned to the foyer and as she passed she could see Shaley standing on the front porch. “What are you doing?” Glenn asked her. “I’m waiting for Naomi to pick me up.” Shaley turned and smiled at her. “We’re going to the Psychic Fair in Huntsville.” She explained. Glenn stepped out onto the porch and stood there with her hands in her back pockets. “I met her last night. I like her.” Glenn said. “She’s a Shaman and she’s one of the few people around town who doesn’t look at me like I’m nuts.” Shaley confided.
Before Glenn could respond a car pulled up into the driveway and a teenage boy came running up to the steps. “Hi Shay. This for Soma.” He said handing Shaley a grocery bag. “Hey Spencer! This is my Aunt Glenn. She’s going to be working in the diner for a while.” Shaley told him. “Glem?” Spencer asked looking Glenn over. “Hi” He said to Glenn. Spencer turned to the car where his mother waited. “Give to Soma.” He reminded Shaley pointing to the bag. Shaley smiled. “I’ll give it to her right now. See you tomorrow.” She called after him. Glenn frowned. “That’s Sona’s friend Jenna in the car and her son Spencer. He works as a busboy at the diner and hangs around here a lot. We’re great friends.” She explained.
Shaley took the bag into the house and came right back to wait for Naomi. When she came back out Glenn was still standing there. “Spencer is a busboy, he does a great job and everyone loves him. He gets more tips than Emma.” Shaley laughed. A pick up pulled into the drive. “That’s my ride. Do you want to tag along?” Shaley asked. “No. I think I’ll hang around here today.” Glenn mumbled. “Ok I’ll see you later then.” Shaley bolted down the stairs and into Naomi’s truck.
Glenn noticed for the first time her car in the driveway. Uncle Tullio and Naomi must have brought it over last night or this morning. She smiled thinking that it had been a long time since she’d been taken care of. It felt good to have family close… even if they did live in a haunted house. Glenn walked back into the kitchen thinking that was another topic altogether. Emma had left for her workout with her trainer and Markie had retreated to her office.
Sona had finished cleaning up the kitchen and sat drinking a cup of mint tea. “You look content.” Glenn mentioned upon seeing her relaxing. “I am Glenn. I love it here! I thought Markie was nuts when she suggested we take a look at the Rectory and when she wanted to buy it well I was dead set against it. I have to tell you I think it was the scariest thing we ever did as a couple and a family.” Sona completed her diatribe and looked at Glenn. “Come sit down and tell me what’s going on in your life. Do you want a tea or coffee?” Sona asked. “No thank you… and I’d rather not talk about my life if you don’t mind.” Glenn sighed loudly. “Ok fair enough but I’m here if you want to talk. Do you have any plans for today?” Sona inquired. “I thought I’d pop over to the diner and check it out before I start my first shift tomorrow. Hey why don’t you join me for lunch… I’m buying.” Glenn offered. Sona smiled and gave an affirmative nod. ~
Glenn was surprised at how new and cheery the diner looked. She’d expected a broken down tired looking shack but in spite of the old rail car façade it had a bright, clean and surprisingly spacious interior. Sona waved to Uncle Tullio through the service window. “Which do you want to do first, try the food or have the grand tour complete with introductions?” Sona inquired. “Food!” Glenn smiled as they sat down at their booth. Sona ordered a BLT with sweet potato fries and Glenn the specialty of the day. Tullio sent out a couple of the Chef’s signature appetizers with taster size salads. Glenn had to admit the food was excellent and not just your average diner food. Tullio’s Chef obviously had skills and knew food intimately.
If she still owned her restaurant she would have tried to entice him to work for her. Sona watched her eat smiling in anticipation. Sona knew Glenn would appreciate the quality of food that could be found in such a remote location. As they were finishing up Tullio came over to the table with an expectant smile. “Well?” He said to Glenn. Glenn looked at Sona as she wiped the residue of her meal off her face with a napkin. “I think it’s time I had the grand tour.” Glenn said. Tullio showed her around and Glenn was pleased to see that everything was neat and tidy and well stocked.
The kitchen was very functional and immaculate. “Glenn I want you to meet my Chef Georgio. He is my dear friend Fredo’s son. He is the magician behind this place.” Tullio said. Glenn had been looking around the kitchen during the introduction but quickly turned at the names. “You’re little Georgie? I remember you very well.” Glenn said. Georgio blushed. “Your older brothers were always making you cry.” Glenn joked. Georgio who had been smiling looked down nervously. Glenn realized she had hit a nerve. “You may not have been the star athletes that they were but you’re a first class Chef.” Glenn exaggerated slightly but she wanted him to feel good about himself and his work.
Georgio looked up and smiled. “Thank you.” Glenn pointed to the dish he was preparing. “I love that you’re using fresh ingredients and making things from scratch. Everything looks and tastes fresh and vibrant and the care you’ve put into each meal shows in the end product.” She said. “When Tullio asked me to work for him it was one of my conditions. I had to put out good quality food or it wasn’t worth my time. Well that and I wanted time off in the summer to fish, hike and sail.” He admitted. “Have you had time to get out and enjoy living in such a beautiful place?” Glenn asked. “Oh yes my Sous Chef has a number of very popular dishes so Tullio made certain days of the week where that is all we serve. It’s worked out very well and people come from all around to get some good home cooking.” Georgio offered her a taste of his au jus. Glenn leaned in for a taste and a look came over her face. This was the kind of creative cooking she loved. Glenn started to think this assignment wasn’t going to be so bad after all. ~
Chapter Sixteen
The next day Glenn woke up with a song running through her head again. This was going to be her first day back to work and she felt pretty excited about the whole prospect. The sun was just coming up and she wanted to get to the diner early. She made her way to the kitchen and was surprised to see Sona there drinking coffee. It was still a bit early for the rest of the family but she was grateful to have company rather than sit alone. Glenn sang quietly to herself. “Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof, because I’m happy. Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth, because I’m happy…” She sang. “You sound happy!” Sona winked at her. “I guess I am. I’m actually looking forward to working at the diner.” Glenn said going straight to the coffee maker and pouring herself a cup. “Well… be prepared. They have a substantial breakfast, lunch and dinner crowd.” Sona warned.
Glenn sighed at her first sip of coffee. “Can I tell you something Sona?” Glenn asked tentatively. “Sure” Sona responded. “I was really kind of stressed about getting back to work.” Glenn admitted. Sona didn’t blink twice. “It must have been hard when Michael left.” Sona led her to the uncomfortable topic. “It’s more than that Sone. My whole life collapsed, my anxiety leve
l shot through the roof and I just thought to myself…Fuck it!” Glenn told her friend. “I’m so glad you’re here Glenn. I’ve missed you!” Sona went over and hugged her. “There’s something else Sona.” Glenn said softly.
Sona sat back down. “Ok lay it on me!” She said. “I had to sell the business because I was having major anxiety attacks. I didn’t want to be there and eventually I thought I would just end up running the restaurant into the ground with my neurotic behavior.” Glenn hadn’t told anyone before about being diagnosed with Social Anxiety. Sona looked her in the eyes. “Are you worried you might have a recurrence?” Sona asked her favorite sister-in-law. Glenn just nodded affirmatively. Sona reached over and took Glenn’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “There is no better place for you to get support, shelter and healing. Markie told me about some of your issues with anxiety and I’m not surprised stress has triggered it again. If it happens at the diner you’ll get through it, ok.” Sona gave her a pep talk. “…and give me or Markie a call anytime if you need to.” Sona smiled. Glenn finished up her coffee and headed upstairs to get ready for work. “And don’t give them any shit down there!” Sona called after her in a teasing tone.
Glenn drove her Beamer into the parking lot of the diner. There were a number of large pieces of equipment parked there including a Backhoe and Grader. “What’s going on out there?” Glenn asked Tullio as she entered the diner. “I have to go, no time to talk.” He said bolting out the door. Glenn just stood watching after him curiously. The head waitress Yvette handed her an apron. “He’s very excited to be working with his hands again.” The sturdy middle aged woman said. Yvette had three grown children and had worked full time at the diner since it opened. She was Tullio’s right hand and a stabilizing figure amongst the staff and a favorite among the patrons.
Immediately she put Glenn to work with the morning rush of truckers, then a wave of locals trickled in before work, and finally the odd family who had awoke too late to make their own breakfasts. Some people just didn’t have the time or inclination to cook for themselves. Glenn pitched in wherever she was needed and didn’t get her first break until midmorning. Chef Georgio had popped in to make sure everything was being prepped for his evening shift before he went to the dock. He wanted to get his boat ready for the season and that meant scraping zebra muscles from his sailboats’ hull.
Finally there was only one lone traveler sitting in the diner drinking coffee and reading the Huntsville Harold, his empty pie plate pushed aside. “Go sit down and I’ll bring us some lunch.” Yvette said to Glenn who gratefully sat down. It had been a long time since her poor feet had endured such torture. She vowed to pick up some better shoes with arch support at her earliest convenience. Yvette brought two cups of coffee and a plate of assorted leftovers from breakfast. “There’s no sense letting these go to waste.” Yvette said smiling. “I could live on these appetizers, they really are good.” Glenn smiled back.
The bell on the front door chimed and Yvette looked over her shoulder to see their lone customer leaving. “I hope they don’t take too long doing that work out front.” She said. “What are they doing?” Glenn inquired. “They’re building a new outdoor seating area, enlarging the parking lot and punching a hole in the side of the building to create a service window and an outdoor John.” Yvette said popping a piece of sausage dipped in batter and deep fried into her mouth. “They’re tracking muck all over the place.” She concluded. “Is business that good?” Glenn asked. “Oh yes! This is the slow time of year but come summer when the tourists arrive the town will double. We’ll have that service window and a shaded seating area which will almost double our capacity. We’ll have to hire some students for the summer but I think it will be great. Tullio thought it would be a good idea and I have to agree.” Yvette said with her mouth full.
Glenn sat thinking about this little diner Uncle Tullio and Naomi had built and wondered what had made them do such an uncharacteristic thing. Tullio was a craftsman and as far as she knew didn’t know anything about running a diner. She knew he liked to cook but opening a diner…
Glenn’s first week had gone without a hitch. Tullio came by at closing time looking exhausted but happy as a clam. Glenn loved seeing him like that. On Friday she’d stayed until closing and headed home after dark. She was exhausted but the good kind you felt from good old fashioned hard work. She really liked working with Yvette and Georgio and she even found herself enjoying the locals. It seemed as though the diner was the place in town where everyone ended up sooner or later. In the past few days Glenn had seen Lydia Sona’s new assistant twice. Glenn was happy to hear she’d returned to work after her run in with Irene.
Glenn had met Sunny and Jenna and spent time with her niece Emma and Spencer. The family had all popped in for a meal at some point and Glenn was really starting to feel like a member of the community. She went back to The Rectory after her shift and found she was tired but in good spirits. She had no incidences of anxiety to report since starting at the diner. In truth the work had been a god send and being with her family felt… well she just didn’t have the words to describe the joy she felt in her heart and soul. She had begun to imagine her future again. Something she hadn’t been able to do in a very long time.
Glenn pulled into the driveway and saw the parking lot to the church had several vehicles. She was curious so she shut the car off and went to investigate. She rounded the building and noticed a small group of people gathered by the river. Shaley ran up to her and gave her a big hug. “I’m so glad you’re here Auntie!” Shaley said taking her hand and dragging her toward the riverfront. “What’s all this?” She asked. “We’re celebrating. Summer is almost here and we haven’t had a bonfire yet this year. We all get together and sing, tell stories and eat hotdogs and marshmallows. Come join us!” Shaley was almost beside herself with excitement.
Glenn tensed slightly at seeing the group of people gathered but as she approached she realized she recognized every one of them. They were family and friends along with Shaley’s young friend Pippi. Sunny offered her a beer but she declined. She did however accept an iced tea from the cooler to wash down her hotdog. Ruby and Storm made their rounds receiving attention and covert treats from almost everyone. It felt like the perfect end to a perfect day.
Markie and Sunny had placed huge six foot lengths of log on the fire early on and as the evening progressed they’d burned down to red, orange and blue hot coals. It was actually so hot Glenn thought she would burst into flames so she went to stretch her legs and ended up close to the river. Shaley’s friend Pippi had fallen asleep in a Muskoka chair but Glenn saw Shaley standing on the dock looking across the river. She could smell the water and hear it rhythmically lapping against the shore and dock pilings but also she could hear the sound of a faint voice.
Glenn moved closer recognizing the voice as Shaley’s. Glenn came to stand about a foot behind and to the side of her niece. She tried to make out what she was saying without being conspicuous. Glenn couldn’t quite make out what she was saying or who she was saying it to. Shaley’s ice blue eyes were open, non-blinking and appeared to be in a trance. Her lips moved but still Glenn couldn’t quite make it out. She took a step closer. “Abandon ship! Abandon ship!” Shaley was saying. Glenn reached out and placed her hand on Shaley’s shoulder. Shaley was so startled she jumped sideways and almost wound up in the river.
Glenn threw her arms around her niece and held her tight. “Geez Auntie Glenn. You scared me!” Shaley exclaimed. Glenn looked at her with a worried expression on her face. She wanted to ask so many questions but she didn’t know where to start. “Sit down Honey, I want to ask you something.” Glenn said. The two sat cross legged on the dock side by side. “Why were you saying abandon ship?” Glenn asked her. “Did I? There was a ship that sunk near here. I guess it was from that.” Shaley suggested.
Glenn was skeptical. “Shay, do you really talk to ghosts?” She asked. Shaley didn’t try to explain she just nodded. “Why aren’t you
scared? It would scare the shit out of me.” Glenn said almost to herself. “They are just people except they don’t have bodies anymore.” Shaley explained. Glenn didn’t respond. “I’m more worried about the bad people of the world or natural disasters… like Lac Megantic than any spirits.” Shaley explained. Glenn leaned back on her hands.
She’d heard about the train disaster that wiped out a large portion of the town and killed almost 50 people. “Why aren’t you scared?” Glenn persisted. “I saw my folks right after the accident. I knew they were dead but not gone. I was in limbo there myself for a while.” Shaley told Glenn. Shaley hadn’t spoken to Glenn about what she remembered about the accident before. “When I get scared I have Naomi to talk to. She is a Healer.” Shaley concluded. Glenn didn’t respond. “Maybe she could help you Auntie Glenn.” Shaley said. “I don’t think anyone can help me Sweetie.” Glenn said turning to look out over the Rivers’ dark seemingly never ending supply of ripples. “She can!” Shaley said adamantly. ~
Chapter Seventeen
The Journey is the same whether you are on a path to Enlightenment or just trying to shine the light of understanding on your issues. Darkness and shadow represents the anger, fear, embarrassment or pain we have experienced in our lives. Looking into the dark recesses of ourselves is described as the Process or Processing in Spiritual terms. Often when we feel the safest is when healing can begin. It happens most when we are amongst people who love us unconditionally so that we feel protected when our issues surface.
Our souls know when it is safe to deal with things that were previously unthinkable. Processing can be different for each individual but it often manifests itself as an emotional release. Once the process begins and the conscious decision is made to ride it out great progress can be achieved. It takes great courage to deal with our own personal issues. If it were easy it wouldn’t be an issue.
The Crystal Visions: A Families Journey into the Paranormal Volume 2 Page 11