Hailey stares down at her restless hands. “Paige, I’m not sure how to respond. I need to figure things out.”
She heads for the door, and as if in a dream, floats away. One last time, she turns towards me. Her eyes are hollow, ghost-like, and she says in a haunting tone, “Just for the record, you didn’t really see Julian with another woman?”
“No, only you.”
With that, Hailey is gone. I am frozen. This can’t really be happening. Between my big mouth and crazy visions, I’m making a terrible mess of things. I’m not exactly sure why I’m so upset with her. I can’t help feeling stung by her betrayal. After all, I’m her sister. She should be able to confide in me, especially something of this magnitude.
I just shared with her the biggest secret of my life! I have superpowers (at least that’s what I’ve decided to call them). And how does Hailey react? By accusing me of lying! Just because I made up that whopper earlier doesn’t mean I’m a serial liar.
Hailey’s car has vanished from my view, so I return to my empty foyer. Elliott finds me, as I am leaning against the front door.
“I heard you and Hailey shouting at each other. Is everything all right?” he inquires, looking concerned. I’ve noticed this expression on his face a lot, lately.
“No, everything is not all right!” I say, shaking my head in disbelief. “Everything has fallen apart. I don’t know how to pick up the pieces. In one evening, not only have I discovered my visions are real, but now I know Hailey is having an affair.”
“Hailey’s having an affair?” Elliott asks, rubbing his hand over his forehead. “That won’t go over very well when Derek finds out.”
“Derek can’t find out. At least, not from us, Hailey needs to tell him.”
“All right, whatever you say. You look terrible. What can I do?”
“Can we talk and figure out what’s happening to me? Right now, I really need your help.”
Twelve
“We have searched all over the Internet for a Delilah Jones. Perhaps she just doesn’t exist,” Elliott says, his fingertips rubbing his temples. “It’s getting late, we should wrap this up.”
“It’s only 2:30 in the morning. We can sleep in! The kids can be late to school. Come on, we’re so close. I need to know what’s happening to me!” I exclaim.
“Honestly, we’ve come up with nothing. I have a feeling we could easily sit here all night and still not find anything,” he says after pushing his chair away from the computer.
“We can’t give up now. There has to be something out there that can help”
“Paige, the answers may not be on the Internet. Tomorrow morning, we should call a doctor and have you checked,” Elliott says, placing his hand on my knee. I look down and am immediately irritated.
“What are you saying? Are you suggesting I’m crazy or something?” I exclaim, my cheeks beginning to redden.
“No, of course you’re not crazy. We should, however, consider the possibility of some medical explanation. Perhaps you have something going on in your brain, an infection or maybe even a tumor,” he says gently, like he’s walking on thin ice, and right now, he is.
My mouth falls open in horror. I’m unable to respond. I can’t believe he just said that. I’m angry, but deep down I’m also wondering if, on some level, he’s right.
“Elliott, I do not have a tumor! I realize we haven’t found Delilah, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t exist! My vision with Hailey turned out to be real. Otherwise, how could I have known about Julian?”
Elliott slides his chair back to the computer and moves the mouse. “All right, you’ve won. Where do you suggest we look next?”
“We haven’t looked hard enough for Delilah. She has to be out there somewhere,” I say and bite my lip, trying hard to concentrate on the screen.
~ * * * ~
By the next day, although I won’t admit it to Elliott, I’m exhausted. I’ve just returned from the grocery store. I am stumbling around my kitchen, when my phone rings. Maybe it’s Hailey! I rush to the phone, but it’s only my mom.
“Good morning, Mom. So you’re back from your trip?” I ask, setting aside a bag full of lemons, garlic, and sprigs of rosemary.
“Yes, yes. I’m afraid our vacation was cut short. Tom had a business emergency and had to return home,” says my mom, and I am absorbed by the comforting sound of her southern accent. I imagine she’s waving her hand dismissively in the air, while flitting about her room.
“I’m sorry to hear that. Did you have a nice time?”
“Wonderful, dear, simply wonderful!” she pauses for a second before continuing, “Perhaps I should come down sooner than planned. I could help you with Hailey’s shower.”
“Sounds great, and the kids would love to see you!”
I’m excited about the prospect of having my mom here to help me. I almost forgot about Hailey’s shower, and it’s only a few short days away! I calculate Mom's possible arrival time from her home in Charleston, South Carolina down to Orlando.
“Great, I’m already packed…plan on my being there around 5:00,” she chimes. “Oh, and I have a surprise! I’m bringing Emma’s dressing table and mirror for you!”
“Really, why are you doing that?” I ask questioningly, although I am thrilled at the prospect of receiving my ancestor’s treasure.
“It doesn’t fit into my condo anymore . . . not with Tom’s things there, too.”
“So he’s living with you now?” I say, trying to sound calm. “You’ve only been dating him for a few months.”
“Yes, I’m very happy. Paige, he’s a wonderful man. You’ll grow to adore him, as I do.”
Thank goodness for the Internet, because I’ll be checking up on Tom the minute I hang up. I’ll go through every search engine I can. I’ll make sure he’s not a bank robber or a serial killer.
“Mom, I don’t understand. You’ve been in countless relationships. You didn’t get so serious about any of the others. Why do you suddenly feel the need to move in with this guy?” I ask, feeling panicky.
“First of all, there were only two others. Honestly, you make me sound like a floozy! I didn’t get serious about them, because I knew that both of those relationships weren’t going anywhere. Tom is special.”
“What’s so special about Tom?”
“Paige, I realize the last time you saw him things didn’t go very well. After you and Hailey interrogated the poor man…well, I’m surprised he was able to get a word in edgewise!”
“I don’t know, Mom. He came across as a pretty shady character to me. What do you know about him?”
“Paige, you and your sister are going to have to accept that I am going to live with this man.”
“Then, I guess congratulations are in order, but don’t expect me to ever call him dad,” I say begrudgingly.
“I suppose that will have to do. Actually, you’re handling this better than your sister did.”
“Hailey, you spoke with Hailey, already?” I ask anxiously.
“Yes, she called me earlier this morning. Strange really…she never did tell me the reason for her call. I guess she must have forgotten about it after hearing my news. I’m afraid she didn’t take it very well. I didn’t even have the chance to let her know I will be bringing her the grandfather clock she has always wanted.”
“You’re giving away the clock, too?”
“Yes, I have to get rid of some of my things to make room for Tom’s furniture. It’s called compromise.”
“Let me guess, he needs room for his oversized moose head,” I say, rolling my eyes.
“Now, that’s enough out of you. You are going to give that man a chance!” Mom says sternly, and suddenly, I realize I’m losing this battle.
“Sorry, I just want you to be happy.”
“I will be happy when I can comfortably sit in a room with you, Hailey, and Tom without having to worry about what snippy little comment will come out of one of your mouths.”
“Yikes, was i
t that bad?” I ask, remembering our last encounter with Tom and feeling a twinge of guilt.
“Yes, it was that bad.”
“I thought we were just watching out for you. I didn’t realize how terrible we must have sounded,” I say and cringe.
“You mean to tell me, you didn’t find it rude to ask Tom to list off all of his prior arrests and number of previous marriages? With a note pad in hand! It’s as if he were married five times!”
“Point taken, I promise to behave next time.”
“I’ll hold you to that, dear.”
“Well, on a brighter note, I can’t wait to see you! Drive safely, and I’ll have a special dinner waiting for you.”
“Oh, don’t go through any trouble on my behalf. I can pick up something on my way,” my mother informs me politely.
“I insist. I think you’ll be impressed with my new cooking skills.”
“All right, I’ll be there for dinner. I can’t wait to see you. Do you think you should invite your sister over?”
“Honestly, I’m not sure she would even come. We got into an argument.” There, I’ve said it. It was bound to come out sooner or later.
“What are you two fighting about? I hope it’s nothing serious!” Mom says, sounding sick with worry.
“It’s not a big deal. We’ll be fine. In fact, I’ll call and invite her for dinner or maybe dessert,” I reassure.
“That would nice. I don’t want to hear about the two of you fighting, especially right before her wedding!”
“As if that is going to happen,” I say under my breath and roll my eyes.
“What was that?”
“Oh, I’ll see you soon. Love you, bye.”
“That sounds good. Love you, too.”
I can’t believe she is bringing me the dressing table. I’ve coveted it for as long as I can remember. My great, great . . . grandmother, Emma, transformed the original Hepplewhite piece into a dressing table, and then hung a gilt framed mirror above it. The two pieces have remained in remarkable condition considering they’re almost 200 years old and have been passed from generation to generation. There’s a legend, about a secret compartment hidden somewhere inside the table. When I was young, I fantasized about what could’ve been hidden in there. I would have loved to have found a treasure from the past. And let’s face it, I still would.
~ * * * ~
I’m so excited, I could burst! My mom will be here any minute. I can’t wait for her to see how much better my cooking is. This natural talent has emerged from within me. A talent I didn’t even realize was there.
While sampling the meal I’ve just prepared, I close my eyes and marvel at the succulent juices and spices from my roasted free-range chicken. Lemon, garlic, and rosemary have saturated the meat, making it tender, and the skin is slightly crispy and browned.
As I spread roasted garlic onto my potato wedges, I reflect about my earlier research on Tom. The Internet didn’t reveal anything horrible. Most of the information was about the boards he’s on and his other miscellaneous business dealings . . . blah, blah, blah. I did perk up when I came across a law suit that was brought against him. Only to discover, it was dropped before it went to trial. Something about its basis being frivolous and there wasn’t enough significant evidence to support the claim. Truthfully, I’m not sure whether I’m relieved or disappointed. Believe me, I don’t want to discover he’s a bad guy, but if he is, I’d rather be able to inform my mother before she decides to marry him!
I squeeze lemon over the chicken and realize I still haven’t called my sister. I’ll do it after I finish making the salad dressing. It’s unlike us to go even a day without talking. I miss her, but I’m also mad at her! I feel betrayed and used! Here, I’ve been running around like her personal servant, and she has no intention on even following through with the wedding! All of my hard work wasted!
All right, I realize this isn’t about me. I just wish she hadn’t pulled me into her mixed up life. It’s gone so far, I’ve even lived in her thoughts! To tell the truth, I should have seen this coming. Maybe I shouldn’t have encouraged her to pursue a relationship with Derek. It seemed like the sensible thing to do at the time.
Maybe I’ve been a little selfish. After all, Hailey and Derek spend a lot of time over at our house. I enjoy hanging out with them. Would Elliott and I even get along with Julian?
I’m not certain what the story is with that guy. I need to remember to do a little research on him, as well. Actually, Julian seems like a good guy and he treats Hailey well. Maybe she would be better off with him. Oh well, I’m glad I’m not in her shoes. From now on, I can’t get mixed up with her affairs.
I’ve just sliced some avocado and am sprinkling feta cheese on the salad, when my children suddenly leap off the sofa and rush to the door. A loud roar erupts, as my mother gives Elle and Liam souvenirs from her trip. Elle has just received a fairy doll—I can hear her describe the glittery wings. And Liam must have just opened a new book—one with zombies and mummies.
By the time I’m able to leave the kitchen, the group has made their way into the family room. My kids clamor for their positions on either side of my mother. They are practically glued to her hips.
Elle is animatedly explaining a fantastical story. She has to catch her breath in between words. “I’m thinking, I’ll fly like a fairy and change that light bulb up there, once and for all!”
“That is very thoughtful of you, dear,” says my mother. “Don’t you think so, Paige?”
“Yes, she is a child after my own heart!” I say, beaming at Elle.
“You should just have Dad get a ladder and change it for you,” Liam adds helpfully.
“That’s probably a more sensible solution. I’ll mention it to your father,” I say, marveling at how much Liam is like his father—practical. How sweet.
Mom is one of those people with the natural gift to charm just about everyone around her. She’s wonderful with her grandchildren, and they adore her in return. When my children were babies, she’d hush them to sleep by whispering sweet lullabies.
I nudge Elle and Liam aside and give my mom a proper greeting.
“How was your trip?” I say, while still hugging her. Ah, she smells like a fresh bouquet of flowers.
“I barely managed to avoid rush hour traffic in Jacksonville, but I’d say it was a good drive,” Mom says cheerfully.
“I hope you’re hungry. Dinner will be ready in a few minutes!”
“I’m looking forward to it,” she says half-heartedly and lavishes more of her attention onto her grandchildren. “Will Hailey be joining us?”
“Um, I couldn’t get a hold of her. Sorry,” I say, and this is sort of the truth.
After acknowledging my absence will go unnoticed, I return to the kitchen.
“Something smells good. Is this another one of Delilah’s recipes?” inquires Elliott, finding me as I am carefully arranging each plate.
“Yes, but let’s not talk about Delilah in front of my mom.”
“Right, of course not,” he says and then whispers silently in my ear, “Any new visions today?”
“No, I had a perfectly normal day,” I say, but I must admit, I’d like to have another vision. I’m beginning to think they’re fun. It’s like watching a movie in 3D or being in a hologram. However, it’s probably best to not reveal this bit of information to Elliott. He isn’t exactly embracing my new gift like I am. He says it brings up too many questions about my health and that makes him uneasy.
My mother wanders into the kitchen. She raises her eyebrows up and throws a sly glance in my direction. “What are you cooking? I believe my mouth is starting to water!”
“Thanks, I’ll take that as a compliment. You’ll just have to wait and see,” I chide.
“Mysterious. Have you been taking cooking classes?”
“The truth is, you wouldn’t believe it if I told you.”
“Hmm, we’ll just have to see about that.” My mother looks at me curiously
then shifts her attention to Elliott, “Who is this handsome fella?”
“Good to see you, Mom,” he says.
“Nobody mentioned that Paige has been learning how to cook,” my mother says, as she flutters about the kitchen. “Elliott, how did you ever manage to nudge her in that direction?”
“I didn’t have to. One day, she simply stopped burning our dinners,” Elliott says.
“Well, I’m sure you’re thankful for that,” my mother says.
“Hey, I can hear you,” I say. “And for the record, I wasn’t that bad of a cook.”
~ * * * ~
My roasted chicken is a huge success! After dinner, Elliott helps unload the remaining items from my mom’s car, most importantly, my new heirloom. Just as I had hoped, it looks fabulous in my bedroom. I hang the gilt mirror above the table, and then pull up one of my chairs. It looks amazing. I fall onto the chair and gaze into the old mirror, wondering how many women have stared in its cool surface. My mother joins me, sitting on my bed.
“You seem pleased,” she sighs with contentment. “I’m glad this piece means something to you. This heirloom has been passed down from generation to generation. It was special to your great grandmother and her mother before. Are you going to search the table for the hidden treasure?”
“Please, if there was a secret treasure inside, it would’ve been found decades ago. There’s really no point.” Later, I’ll probably search through the table thoroughly, however, I’m not about to admit that in front of my mother.
“You know, Paige, it’s practically tradition to seek out the contents of the table. Your grandmother did, and so did I,” my mother says and flashes a mischievous grin.
Not being able to stop myself, I pull out the drawer and rummage around. First, I feel along the right side, but don’t find anything. I tap my fingers along the back, still nothing. Then, I run my hand along the left side and notice the wood feels loose. A box slips out of place, and I am able to pull it out of its confined space. With feverish anticipation, I investigate the object.
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