by S E Brower
When Jessie returned from her brother’s house, she brought her kids back with her. Jessie made Alex and Logan some lunch, then sent them outside to play in the yard, after which she set herself on her mother’s funeral arrangements. Jessie hung up the phone with the Minister as her dad picked up his jacket. “I’m running out to get milk, do you want anything?”
“No, thanks, I don’t need anything,” she answered without looking up, overwhelmed by the list of ‘to do’s’ staring back at her on the notepad.
“Okay, see you later,” he waved.
“Bye, Dad,” Jessie sighed, with too much on her mind to care about groceries. Her dad sighed also, there was too much on his mind not to. A few hours and many, many phone calls later, she completed the arrangements for the funeral.
Jessie found it strange to lose someone so close to her. The grief she felt came in waves, washing over her at the oddest times. Surprised by what things would prompt another bout of tears, she dreaded going through her mother’s belongings. It seemed the trivial things hit her the hardest.
Before she had gone to retrieve the kids, she noticed her mother’s sweater hanging on the back of a chair. Picking it up as she sat down, detecting the faint smell of her mother’s perfume triggered yet another onslaught of tears. Grateful her kids were not yet there to witness the ensuing meltdown, she cried a long time hugging the sweater. She rocked herself back and forth to find comfort. It was draining. Afterwards, she went and picked up Alex and Logan. When her children were in the house, she vowed the emotional roller coaster would not get the best of her again. Jessie kept her promise.
It was late in the afternoon when Jessie sat down at the baby grand piano in the living room and played. Music always calmed her, it was her passion, her escape. As she played, her thoughts turned to all the unanswered questions in her mind concerning the celestial visitor she encountered only hours before. She wondered if she would ever see Dax again, and what would happen to him.
The sweet, sad melody which emerged made her decide she needed to play it for her mother’s funeral. Her mom would have loved it. Jessie grabbed a pencil, jotting it down before it ran from her mind, not knowing her dad was standing in the hallway. Harrison listened, silent tears streaming down his face. She only glimpsed him just as he slipped into his bedroom, closing the door behind him.
The next morning was the funeral, and the house was a blur of activity. Because she was full of nervous energy and just couldn’t sleep, Jessie got up early and made breakfast. “Alex, Logan; come down and eat.” Her dad had already been up for hours and made coffee.
“Dad, do you want pancakes?”
“No, thanks Sweetheart, I’m not hungry.”
Jessie frowned. “You should eat something.” He didn’t answer and disappeared into his den. Outside the sky was gray to match the mood. There was a light spring rain pattering on the sidewalk, reminding her of the song she’d written the day before. “Such a somber rain,” she thought, staring out the window. “‘Somber Rain’, it’s perfect. That’s what I will call Mom’s song,” Jessie smiled to herself, knowing her mother would approve.
With breakfast over, the antique grandfather’s clock in the living room announced it was soon time to leave. She needed to be sure the kids were getting ready. “Come on, get dressed kids, Uncle Travis will be here soon, so hurry,” she called up the steps after them. Just about that time, her dad came into the living room dressed in his suit. “You look nice, Dad,” she told him.
“Thank you, Sweetheart.”
“Come here and let me straighten your tie.” He walked over to her as would a child, letting her straighten it. “There, that’s better,” she smoothed the shoulders of his jacket with the palms of her hands, tugging on the sleeves, just as she would do to her son, Logan, in a few minutes.
“I think Travis just pulled in,” Harrison said.
Jessie hurried to brush her teeth and comb her hair. She nearly started crying again when she looked in the mirror, knowing where she was headed. “Go ahead without me. I’ll catch up with you,” she called out to her dad from the hall bathroom.
Her father frowned. “Why? What are you doing?”
“I’m picking up a portable keyboard from Mrs. White, she said I could borrow it to play my song.” Her voice broke slightly, as she thought about the song, her mom, and the funeral. She began to feel a little overwhelmed.
“Mrs. White the music teacher? I thought she died.”
Jessie was ready and walked back into the living room. “No, she just retired, but still gives lessons. Besides, she likes me.” Her dad’s comment made her giggle, on the verge of tears. Funny how emotions get mixed.
“Oh, ok but don’t be late.” He turned to usher the children out the door, but stopped, walking back to Jessie, he kissed her on the cheek. “Be careful,” he said.
“I will,” she promised. Although she had just eaten pancakes, there was an emptiness in the pit of her stomach when the finality of the day set in. She blew a kiss to him, then hurried to get her phone, purse, keys and… “Oh yeah, the music, I can’t forget the music,” and followed him out the door.
By the time she arrived at the cemetery the chairs were filled with friends and family. The spring rain stopped, and the sun was shining. While she appreciated not sitting in the rain, for just an instant, Jessie felt angry. “How dare the sun shine and the world move on. Don’t they know I have lost my Mother, and nothing will ever be the same for me?” she thought.
But when she looked around, it was so beautiful. The maintained cemetery with its flowering shrubbery and planted beds, glistened in the sun with droplets of water. Everything smelled fresh. Faith loved spring, leaving Jessie surprised when she felt the corners of her mouth lift. It was almost as if her mother were saying, “Don’t cry, I’m still here.”
She set up the keyboard, and took her place with her family, seated on the folding chairs in front of the mausoleum. Faith decided long ago, they would cremate her. Harrison chose a beautiful urn in which to place her ashes inside the mausoleum. The service was to be graveside, and minimal. Faith wanted it that way.
As there was no grave per se, the front of the mausoleum would do. Try as she might, Jessie could no longer hold back the tears. She glanced toward her brother as the service concluded. He sat there stoically, refusing to cry.
When the Reverend was through giving the eulogy, Jessie stood up. Choking back her emotions, biting her lip, she took a deep breath. Once more composed, she thanked everyone for coming, inviting them back to the church hall for a luncheon at noon.
The pictures on Jessie’s laptop would be there, allowing the guests the opportunity to view them and reminisce. Then, she explained that she had written a song in honor of her mother. Although it wasn’t complete, she wanted to play it anyway. “I call it Somber Rain,” she said, looking up, “For you Mom, if you can hear me,” with that she sat down to play.
She played beautifully, and as she played, the Reverend instructed guests to take a rose. In a procession one by one, people got up, placing them on the mausoleum steps, saying their good-byes to Faith and returning to their cars.
Off in the distance, a rainbow appeared over the trees. Jessie knew at once her mother was watching over her, and she also knew she was through with crying.
They waited until all the guests left, and it was just the family. The service was long, and the children were hungry again. They wanted to leave this place of sadness, being tired, and bored and well… children. They walked towards the car with Travis and Carrie.
Her father came over to help Jessie with the keyboard. He was folding up the legs of the table when Jessie looked up. Just over his shoulder she glimpsed a small dog. The little dog headed towards a grove of trees down the path from the mausoleum. For a split second, she thought it looked like the same dog she’d almost hit with her car that day back in Chesapeake. “What if that dog was Dax? Her mind raced, her heart skipping a beat.
“Let me return th
is for you,” her dad said. But she wasn’t listening. “I want to thank Mrs. White, in person,” he told her.
“Sure, sure Dad. Thanks,” she said looking past him again. “Dad, I want to stay awhile. I need some time alone.” He continued packing up the keyboard.
“That’s fine,” he sighed, “Travis can drive us to Mrs. White’s, then on to the luncheon. We can meet you there.” Harrison looked at his watch, “It’s 10:30 now, so you have an hour and a half. Be at the church by noon.”
“I’ll be there, I promise,” she smiled at him. He picked up the keyboard and headed towards Travis’ car. Everyone else piled in waiting for him.
“Hey, Dad,” he looked back at her, “where’s my ‘be careful’?”
He shook his head with a sad smile. “Be careful, Sweetheart,” he called back at her, and turning, went on his way.
“Thank you,” Jessie waved to them all as they pulled away.
As soon as they were out of sight, she hurried down the pathway leading to the private little grove. She hoped it was Dax she saw, needing to talk to him again.
Rounding the corner there in the clearing, she came upon Drummondax seated on a cement bench. His magnificent wings were resting on the ground behind him. “I thought I saw you,” Jessie’s eyes lit up. “I was so worried about you, I thought they found you and cast you out, and you’d never return.”
She stopped short seeing the look on his face, her excitement dissolving to fear. “What is it, Dax? Something is wrong, what’s happening?” she stood in front of him waiting for an answer.
At first, he hesitated, then the melodic voice answered. “I am uncertain, Jessica. There is much I need to tell you and much more still I do not understand.”
“Well, tell me what’s going on and maybe I can help.”
Her willingness to help touched him, making him realize he should not burden her with such worrisome information at this time. She had just laid her mother to rest. Now was not the time. “It can wait dear Jessica, you are mourning your mother. I feel I am intruding. I shall return at a more appropriate time.”
Jessie frowned, “Dax, come on, you can’t just show up here like this and say nothing. Tell me what’s going on,” she demanded. Before he could reply, she took his right hand pressing it to her forehead. “Show me.” He nodded, and in an instant, she was viewing his memories, just as she had done before, on the night her mother died.
This memory took them once again to the Library. Drummondax served his tenure in the form of a dog and The Author summoned him for what should have been the end of his Guardianship. However, when he arrived, his reception exceeded any expectations he might have had of his impending sentence.
Drummondax came before The Author who looked down on him, his voice stern. “Drummondax, your time on Earth has expired along with your charge.” Drummondax hated the referral to Faith as just his charge. She was so much more. He had grown to love her over the years and would miss her.
He did not look at The Author, but stared straight ahead, his fate looming. “You have done things forbidden,” The Author began, “You have shamed yourself in front of The Father. You have also deceived me, and for that disappointment I had determined to cast you out. However,” he paused. Drummondax looked up at him not knowing the direction the conversation would lead and waited. “However,” The Author continued, “I would forgo this punishment for your compliance.”
Drummondax stared hard at The Author. “What compliance? If I may ask?”
The Author’s answer was blunt. “I need you to eliminate a mortal.”
Drummondax was horrified, “As in kill?” he asked, in disbelief.
“Yes, as in kill. Do not be daft,” The Author’s voice boomed throughout the library, showing his impatience was growing.
This was an outrage. Drummondax could not believe what he was being asked to do. He knew in his heart this could not be the will of The Father and voiced his indignation to such a directive. “But you–”
The Author raised his hand cutting him off, “Speak no more. You are to tell no one of this. Do as I tell you, and I shall not cast you out … yet,” he glowered at Drummondax, “cross me again, and I will waste no more of my breath on you.”
Drummondax interrupted, “If I may ask, who is it you wish me to eliminate?”
The Author’s face was devoid of compassion as he spoke the name with puzzling, calculated preciseness, “Jessica Elaine Barrett Santino.”
The Guardian Angel’s blue eyes flashed with rage. It made little sense. He shook his head, repelled by the thought, “No, no you cannot ask me to do this. Guardians protect, they do not kill!”
Now, The Author was angry, “I have asked. Now, I no longer ask. You will comply, or I shall cast you out. The choice is yours,” The Author bellowed at him with contempt.
Hanging his head, Drummondax knew he could never kill Jessica. But if The Author wanted her dead, The Author would make it happen. “Why is Jessica such a threat?” he thought. Drummondax wanted answers. “May I ask why? Why you would want to kill this mortal? She is young, with two children who need their mother,” his tone bordering insubordination.
“You dare to question me!” The Author roared at him. “Do as I tell you. The sooner the better, I want that soul, now go,” The Author waved his hand, and with that disappeared, leaving Drummondax standing in the Library alone, and in shock.
In his mind, he could not reconcile such a mandate. He could, however, warn Jessica of the danger. Leaving the library, he went to find her. She was attending her mother’s funeral.
Dax dropped his hand ending the memory link between them. Jessie stepped back stunned in disbelief.
Chapter 8
Patriot’s Chapel
The memory Drummondax shared was almost incomprehensible. In her own mind she heard the now familiar voice of the Angel ask, “Jessica, do you understand?” She swallowed hard. It wasn’t every day you learn there is a contract out on your life, and you are standing face-to-face with the hit-man.
Petrified, she was unsure if she could trust him. Again, his adamant voice entered her mind. “Jessica, do you understand?” It was more of a command than a question.
“Yes, yes,” she said aloud. He could see the fear in her eyes as she spoke, but he raised his finger to his lips in a shushing motion. Jessie silenced herself. His expression showed she had nothing to worry about, but there was something else going on.
Although she knew the danger wasn’t imminent, her pulse quickened, and she glanced around for a fast exit, but then, her demeanor changed suddenly.
Drummondax observed with interest but could not read her thoughts. With shaking hands, she reached into her bag retrieving the sheet music to her mother’s song. “Please, can I finish my mom’s song first? It’s important,” she asked looking up at him.
He regarded her with skepticism. “What was she up to?”
He remained patient as Jessie wrote on the sheet of music for him to see. “I sure hope ‘they’ can’t read.”
In her mind she heard his reply. “It is not safe to speak out in the open, we are being watched.”
“I know,” Jessie answered out loud, again writing on the sheet music. “Buy me some time. Tell The Author I could be useful to him. I could do things for him he wouldn’t be able to do without my help. I won’t of course, just stall him.”
Speaking aloud once more, Jessie said, “There is an old chapel a little way up the path. I think I would like to see it…. now,” she nodded her head towards the chapel for him to follow. An astonished Drummondax stared at her.
With The Author’s eyes and ears always close by, a church was their only haven. He didn’t know how, but Jessie knew.
There was something peculiar about her. Without question, she mattered to The Author, enough to want her dead. If Drummondax would save her life, time was of the utmost importance. If he did not dispose of her, and soon, it would not be long before The Author would send another to carry out the order i
n his place, leaving them both in jeopardy.
Life seemed strange to Jessie. Just as she lost her mother, her own life was now hanging in the balance. Every second counted, she must now watch her time, literally. She needed to be with her family. She glanced at her watch, surprised when she realized it was already 11:00. “I gotta leave soon, I can’t be late,” she thought, “Dad will have my head, and he’s not the only one.” Jessie frowned, looking up at Drummondax. “I don’t understand how it can already be 11:00, last time I saw you, time stopped. Didn’t it?”
“As I have told you before,” he explained, “celestial time differs from human time.”
She repeated the words with him as he said them. “Yeah, I know what you said. I still don’t understand. Why did time stop that night in my mom’s room, but not now?”
“A Guardian may include or not include a human in the circle of their realm, but there are protocols.”
“So… you are in my realm now, I am not in yours.”
“You said you did not understand.”
“I think I’m beginning to. Um…Let’s go okay?”
Just as she spoke, an older couple was walking by and paused, staring into the small grove where she and Drummondax were talking. With concerned faces, they resumed their walk.
Jessie watched them go. “Can they see you?” she asked.
“They can, only if I make it so. Still, there are some who will refuse to see.”
“Hmm,” Jessie mused, “so it’s somewhat of a choice for everyone involved… and you aren’t… making it so, are you?”
He shook his head. “You are the only one who can see or hear me, Jessica.”
“Great,” she sighed, “now I look like I am certifiable!” Digging into her bag once again, she retrieved her cell phone, placing it to her ear. “Come on,” she walked ahead, “at least this way I won’t look like I’m totally nuts.”