“And as for taking things seriously, need I remind you of all your other antics at her age? Hmmm?”
“Like what?” Darlene said. “I know I wasn’t perfect, but compared to—”
“—Compared to Helen? Frankly, you pulled far more wild stunts than she ever has. Remember breaking into your Daddy’s bourbon? Remember that? I certainly do.”
“Well…”
“Or when I caught you and your friends all smoking those funny cigarettes up on the roof?” Maw Maw said. “You know, people can see you up there, and they do have phones, and they do know my number at the diner,” she added with a twinkle in her eye. “Or…, best of all, how about the time when I came home early from the market and found you and Joe on the couch and—”
“—OK, OK,” Darlene said. “Perhaps I am too harsh about Helen.”
“You are,” Maw Maw said. “Helen has matured into a fine young woman now.” Pointing over at Sylvia, standing next to Joe by the barbeque, she added, “and soon enough, much sooner than you will like, that youngster over there will be all grown up and giving you grey hairs.” She ran her fingers over her head as she added, “just like all the ones you gave me.”
“Oh, I’m not sure I’ll be ready for that!” Darlene said.
“Well, you will need to be. It’ll be here in no time, mark my word,” Maw Maw said. “And then, before you can catch your breath, it’ll be her turn to Altar Serve.”
“Yes,” Darlene said with a sigh. “It all goes so fast. I remember when I was first called for altar service. I was so nervous, but also excited.”
“Remember that lovely little white dress you wore?”
“Oh, I certainly do,” Darlene said. She shook her head and added, “What I wouldn’t give to be able to fit into that again.”
Maw Maw reached out, touched Darlene’s stomach and laughed. “Yeah, well…, spitting out these babies do take a toll. I should know, I had twelve! This is only your second.” She laughed and said, “And, believe it or not, before I had all you kids, I was quite fetching in my little size two yellow sundress. Your father always did like it when I wore that.” She looked over at Darlene and said, “but you have a nice figure. You should be proud of your curves.”
“Well, thanks,” Darlene said. “But looking at my baby sister over there makes me pine for my old days. I must say, I was quite a doll in that little white sundress that night. After Circle, Joe couldn’t wait to sneak me off into the woods.”
“I declare, the things that went on in my own house,” Maw Maw said as she grinned and shook her head. “But, I must admit, you sure were pretty as a postcard. Glorious as a warm spring night.” She nodded, pointed down the hill and added, “just like Helen is tonight.”
“What…, Helen, tonight?” Darlene said. “Do you think so?”
“Well…, it is not my call, of course, but, at last month’s Circle, I swore I caught Father Ted studying her real careful-like. He has a keen eye for these things, he does,” Maw Maw said as she paused and turned to watch Helen and her friends. “And just look at her, she is ready. She sure has filled out quite nicely. And…, lucky for her, she got Granny’s hips.”
“She sure did. It makes me wonder, what did I get, Momma?” Darlene asked.
“You got your Daddy’s eyes,” Maw Maw said as she reached out and stroked Darlene’s cheek. “Your precious Daddy always had such beautiful eyes.”
“That’s sweet, Momma.”
“Yes…, but just be thankful you didn’t get my ass!”
“Momma!” Darlene said before bursting out a loud snort.
*****
“Helen, you sure dressed extra slutty today, even for you,” Angie said. She grinned and added, “I guess it’s true. I guess tonight you’re finally going to let old Jimmy-boy go all the way, aren’t you?”
“Shut up, Angie,” Helen snapped. “You know I’m not seeing him tonight. You know Jimmy doesn’t come to Circle; and besides, you have things all wrong. He has been a perfect gentleman on all our dates.”
“Oh, I bet he has,” Angie said. “You know, I heard he told all his friends that he was already parked on second base, and by summer he would be rounding home, banging you six ways from Sunday. So, I don’t think he is quite the gentleman you think he is.”
Helen furrowed her brow and said, “Look, Angie, it’s not my fault you only have mosquito bites for boobs, and nobody even wants to get to your second base. Hell, they probably couldn’t even find it if they tried. But, you are wrong about Jimmy. Dead wrong.”
“I don’t think so,” Angie said. “But, if it isn’t Jimmy you got all gussied up for, perhaps it is Father Ted.”
“What?” Helen said as her face dropped, and her eyes lowered.
“Bingo,” Doris said. “I think you struck pay dirt on that one, Angie.”
“You girls don’t know nothing,” Helen said.
“Oh, I think we know plenty,” Angie said. “I’ve seen how you traipse around like a two-bit whore when he is around.” She clucked her tongue and added, “quite pathetic.”
“Well,” Doris said. “Who could blame her?” She bit her lower lip and added, “That Father Ted is a hottie. Have you seen him in those tight black jeans he wears? Damn! You could eat a plate of baked beans off those buns.”
“You are terrible,” Helen said as she laughed. “But still…,” she continued as she twirled her long hair around her index finger. “I must admit. He is a looker.”
“So,” Angie said. “Who do you think he will pick for Altar Serve this month? Is that why you are so tramped up today then? Do you think he’ll pick you?”
“Who knows, Angie?” Helen said. “Maybe Father Ted is going to take pity on you and lower his standards and call you to serve.”
“Listen here—” Angie barked.
“—Hey!” Doris said as she pointed down the driveway. “No sense arguing about all that now. I think that is him coming up the road.” They all turned to look.
Just turning onto the gravel drive was Father Ted’s Lincoln Continental. The wheels of his great green tank crunched across the pebbles and kicked up a thick cloud of dust. Joe and several of the other men walked down the front yard to meet him.
“Welcome, Father Ted,” Joe said as he walked up to the open driver’s side window. “I hope you didn’t have too much trouble finding the place.”
Father Ted smiled, opened the door, and stepped out. He gripped Joe’s hand in a firm handshake and said, “No trouble at all.” Seeing Darlene and Maw Maw approach, he added, “all I had to do is roll down my window and sniff my way here. Between the smell of Maw Maw’s famous fried chicken, and of course, your lovely wife’s cheese pennies, it was easy to find.”
“You like my cheese pennies?” Darlene said.
“Like ‘em,” Father Ted said as he patted his toned stomach. “I must’ve put on five pounds from eating so many of them at last Circle. Delicious! They are my favorite.”
“You know, Father Ted,” Maw Maw said. “You are going to make me very jealous.” With her tone light and flirty she added, “you told me it was my fried chicken you loved best.”
Father Ted winked and said, “what can I say, Maw Maw. I just have so much love in me. I can love her cheese pennies and your chicken, too, both equally.” Turning back to Darlene, he smiled as his eyes dropped down and he studied her body. He lightly touched her stomach and said, “You are full of life and the spirit flows abundantly in you!” He turned to Joe and said, “you should be so proud.”
“Oh, we are,” Joe said.
Father Ted closed his eyes and placed both hands on Darlene’s belly. Half singing and half chanting, he said, “Oh glorious woman who life bestows, who calms the reaper from ceaseless mow. Like a sprig of pine or babbling brook, from the darkest green verdant nook, Spirit come forth and shine upon, this blessed daughter of your golden dawn!”
“Glory! Glory Hallelujah!” Maw Maw cried.
He glanced up and saw a crowd had gathered around him
. All stood still, hands outstretched above their heads as they watched him pray. He called out, “Glory Hallelujah! The spirit flows with great abundance tonight!”
After the loud chorus of Glories sputtered out from the crowd and dissolved into a collective whimper, he turned to Joe and said, “Hey, can you give me a hand with a few things for Circle? I need a couple of strong backs to lift this box I brought.”
“Sure thing, Father Ted,” Joe said. “Anything you want.” Joe turned and looked back into the crowd. Spying a couple of his brother-in-laws standing in the back he motioned them forward.
“Great,” Father Ted said. He walked around to the passenger side of his car and opened the door. There, sitting on the passenger seat, was a large wooden crate. It was painted white, and an iron bar lid on top was closed with a rather imposing looking padlock. Maw Maw saw the box and her face brightened.
“Is that what I think it is?” she asked.
“It sure is, Maw Maw,” Father Ted said. “And, of course, you, of all people, immediately recognized it. The gifts of the spirit are strong in you.”
“Glory Glory!” Maw Maw cried as she threw her hands up in the air. “It has been so long, Father Ted. So long since we—”
“—Well, it is a very special day,” Father Ted interrupted.
“That it is. That it is,” Maw Maw said. She turned to her right and saw Helen walking forward. “Oh…, you remember my—”
Father Ted reached out, took Helen’s hand into his and lifted it to his mouth. After lightly kissing it he said, “of course I remember your daughter. So lovely. So very, very lovely.”
Helen blushed and could not help but giggle. No one had ever kissed her hand before. It was just like what she saw in the movies and she loved it.
“And who is this young lady?” Father Ted asked as he glanced over at Sylvia, hiding behind her mother.
“Oh, this is my daughter, Sylvia,” Darlene said. She looked down at Sylvia and said, “go say hello to Father Ted.”
Sylvia said nothing. She clung tightly to her mother’s leg, her tiny fingers gripping Darlene’s calf like a drowning sailor clutching a life preserver in a stormy sea.
“She is such a pretty little girl,” Father Ted said. He looked down at Sylvia and said, “and what is that you are holding in your hand, darling?”
Sylvia still said nothing, but her grip on her mother’s leg grew tighter.
“Tell him, Sylvia,” Darlene said. “Go on, don’t be so shy.” She turned back to Father Ted and said, “I am so sorry. She normally isn’t so bashful.”
“Oh, that’s OK,” Father Ted said. “It can be overwhelming making new friends, what with all of the people here and what not.” He smiled as he squatted down and got eye to eye with Sylvia. When he reached her level, he softened his voice and said, “but it sure is a pretty little dolly you have there, Sylvia.” Cocking his head to the right, he asked, “Is that Wonder Woman by any chance?”
“It is!” Sylvia exclaimed. “You know about Wonder Woman?”
“Of course, I do,” Father Ted said. “I used to read all those comic books back when I was your age. And, of course, I watched the TV show the other night. Very exciting.” His mouth melted into a soft smile as he added, “She is so much cooler than that stuffy old Superman.”
“She is!” Sylvia said.
“And I bet you would be a good Wonder Woman, too. I can tell.” He lowered his voice to a conspiratorial whisper as he added, “You have a secret power, don’t you, Sylvia? Just like Diana Prince.”
“What? Do you think I—”
“—Of course, you do,” Father Ted said. “I can tell.” He pointed to his collar and grinned. “This collar lets me know things, you see, and it told me all about you and your special powers. I am very impressed. You are an exceptional little girl. Very special.”
“Wow!” Sylvia cried. “Do you really think so?”
“Oh, I certainly do,” Father Ted said. “So…, would you like to help me today?”
Sylvia looked up at her Mom, who smiled and nodded. “Yes, I would like that,” she said.
“Wonderful,” Father Ted said, “just wonderful. Now…, I have something in my trunk that I need help with, and…,” he paused as he reached out and ran his finger down her nose, “I need a special little girl, especially one with secret powers like you, to help me get her ready for Circle. Do you think you can be a help?”
“Oh yes, Father Ted,” Sylvia squealed. “I want to help. You know, Maw Maw had me help her draw the circle out in the backyard earlier!”
Father Ted’s face beamed. He winked at Maw Maw and said, “I knew it! I knew you were a special little girl. Yes…., a very, very special little girl. It isn’t just anyone who can help draw the sacred circle, you know.”
“Really?”
“Yes, really,” Father Ted said. “It is a great honor, and your grandmother is a wise, wise woman. Now, I know you will be able to help me.”
Sylvia felt as is if she was walking on air. Every hesitation and worry evaporated from her body like the early morning fog on a sweltering August day. Her shyness melted away too, and she skipped behind Father Ted as they both walked to the back of his car. She could not help but run her hands over the doors as she passed, her fingertips luxuriating over the soft curve of metal. It was the fanciest car she had ever seen, and she wondered if the President drove a car like this. When they got to the rear of the car, Father Ted opened the trunk, and she peered inside.
She felt a shiver go up her spine and she stepped back. Her eyes grew wide and tears filled them as she stared into the open trunk.
“Now, don’t be scared, Sylvia,” Father Ted said. “I need you to help me dress her for Circle tonight. You want her to look pretty, don’t you?” On the right side of the trunk was a small blue suitcase. Father Ted lifted the lid, revealing several silk gowns inside. Pointing to the dresses, he said, “Our Lady needs help to put on her best clothes for tonight. I know you will be able to tell me which one she should wear.”
“I…, I don’t understand,” Sylvia said. “Who…, who is she? Is she…, dead?”
Father Ted reached down and cupped Sylvia’s chin. He smiled as he shook his head. “No, child. She is very much alive. Very alive!”
Sylvia continued to stare, her skin growing clammy as she could not look away. A flash of bright light, those hollowed out eye sockets…, a glimpse of…, Sylvia looked away as her stomach turned. The setting sun was so bright, it made everything glare. It was so white…, blindingly white. She turned back to Father Ted and said, “but why is she…, she looks like one of those decorations they put up at Grants at Halloween.”
“I know, but don’t mind that, Sylvia,” Father Ted said. “She is just the skinny girl right now. But soon, with your help, she will be all decked out proper as our Lady; all fixed up nice and beautiful. Now, you are going to help me, right? You want our Lady to look all nice and fancy, don’t you?”
Sylvia shivered, but finally nodded as she forced herself to look back down into the trunk. She opened her eyes wide and said, “Yes, Father Ted…, yes.”
Click… Click… Click…
Chapter 9
April 19th, 2017 - Avalon Terrace Apartment 102, Mountain View, California - 5:45 AM
Sylvia, still sleeping, murmured as Snowy continued to stand on her chest and lick her face. When this failed to wake her, Snowy began to bark — small yips at first but getting louder by the second. Eventually, this two-prong canine assault worked, and Sylvia’s eyes began to flutter open.
“What the…,” Sylvia said, her voice thick and groggy as she spoke. She opened her eyes fully, and after they adjusted to the dim early light, she gently lifted the dog off her chest and set her down on a side pillow. Sylvia smiled, looked at her dog, and said, “That is a rather sloppy way to greet the day.”
Snowy whined and leaped forward, digging her paws at the rumpled sheets like she was trying to bury one of her bones.
“You know, S
nowy,” Sylvia said as she sat up and leaned forward to scratch the dog behind the ears. “Back in New York, you used to hold it a whole lot longer. This California lifestyle is making you soft!”
Snowy was unmoved. The light yips now quickly escalated into a full bark. When Sylvia pulled back the covers and got out of bed, Snowy bolted down to the floor and began spinning.
“All right, already,” Sylvia said. Under her breath she muttered, “Thank God we live on the first floor.”
After letting the dog out to quickly relieve herself, Sylvia drank a cup of coffee before walking back into the bedroom to get ready to take her shower. Snowy, now back inside, stood pensively on the bed, her fur ruffling as a low constant growl emitted from her throat.
“What is it, girl?” Sylvia said. “Is that mirror freaking you out again?”
Snowy lay down on the bed, her tiny brown eyes glued to the mirror in the bathroom. “I will keep the door closed,” Sylvia said. “But honestly, you can be so weird sometimes, Snowy.”
Sylvia showered, washed her hair and shaved her legs. It was nice to take a long, luxurious, hot shower and she enjoyed every hot and foamy moment. Her bathroom back in New York always ran out of hot water, and usually right after she had soaped up. This was one of the many things she was not going to miss about back east.
She lingered in the shower, but, knew she had to get to work. As enjoyable as her private sauna was, it was time for it to end. When she pulled back the shower curtain, her eyes struggled to adjust in the fog. The bathroom was entirely filled with steam, looking more like a Turkish Bath than a California apartment bathroom. She reached over to the wall and turned on the fan. After the air cleared a bit, she gasped. There, in the mirror, letters had been written in the condensation.
“What the hell?” she cried. She quickly grabbed a towel off the rack and covered herself before glancing around the room. A quick look showed she was apparently alone; and Snowy, for once, was quiet. Sylvia’s heart raced as a chill flowed over her like a cold drizzling rain.
She turned back to the mirror and read the writing in the condensation but couldn’t understand what was written. It made no sense. If it was indeed a message, it was a garbled one, and besides, how could anyone have written it while she was in the shower? She shuddered as another chill ran down her spine. The letters appeared to spell out MAERC ECI EHT EKIL UOY DID. She opened the door, ran to her nightstand, and returned with her iPhone. She needed to take a picture before the image melted away. A quick click and she took the photo. She returned to her bedroom and looked down at Snowy. Now, oddly, the dog was calm.
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