Cassie and Cookie, the Second Dream
Cassie was sitting outside on her favorite bench, bundled up in her coat and scarf. She was enjoying the holiday decorations and listening to the Christmas carols coming from the clock tower. It was a little cold, but the sun was shining down, warming her face. She was trying to read her homework assignment, but she hated Geography and kept reading the same paragraphs over and over. She soon closed her eyes and her thoughts raced to Joshua. She smiled as she remembered his touch, his voice, but mostly his kiss.
“Cassie,” someone whispered into her ear. She opened her eyes and found herself seated on a bench in front of the fountain.
“Who’s there,” she whispered back.
“It’s just me,” a familiar voice whispered back.
Cassie turned to see Cookie, seated on the same bench to her right. Oh, Mrs. Edwards, I didn’t see you there.”
“I thought we should talk, dear. There are things you need to know.”
“Well, yeah, there are so many strange things going on around here and I’m only getting bits and pieces.”
“I know, sweetie, I wish someone would have said something to me, when I was your age, but everything has always been a big secret. I want to tell you what happened to me, when I was your age. Do you remember the dream you had at the gazebo, where a bunch of us were having a meeting?”
“Yes, yes I do, but that was just a dream . . . I thought.”
“It was me, entering your subconscious. You are so much like me and it’s so easy for me to communicate with you. Helene and I could talk to one another in class, but no one even knew what we were doing. We had such a close relationship, but I couldn’t connect with Marion in that way. That’s why your mother was so upset, when I ran to Jim that day. He was waiting for me at the edge of the woods and I felt compelled to go to him. I didn’t have a choice.”
“No, I don’t understand. We all make our own choices in life. You could have just as easily ran to the gazebo.”
Cookie just laughed. “Did you make the decision to come to Parkerville? And was it really your decision to wear that bracelet on your wrist? There are forces here that make us do things, we never thought we would do. When I was in that field, all I could think about was Jim. Now as I look back, I remember a dream I had the night before. And no, I don’t remember all my dreams, but that dream came back to me again this morning, when I was thinking of you. It was twenty years ago, but I remember everything. And, it’s so funny now, since I can see the whole dream in my mind right now. I was dreaming of Jim, but I didn’t know if I really loved him. I started dreaming about the wonderful new life we were promised and imagined there would be someone new there, whom I’d love more. Then, all of a sudden, Bernadette Baker popped into my dream. I can’t tell you how strange that seemed to me. She came so close to my face and I could feel her breathe. She told me I had to marry Jim or all would be lost.”
“What would be lost? Even Marion said something about my mom losing me. Of course, I was the one who lost her. But nothing is written in gold and you could have decided differently.”
“No, I couldn’t. When that alarm went off, I had to go to him. I don’t even remember running to him. I was just there kissing him.”
Cassie stared at Cookie for a moment, taking it all in. “So, some force made you marry Jim? Weren’t you upset?”
“No, not really. I realized I did love Jim and I made the right choice. I’m very happy with my life. I guess I just needed that little push.”
“Little push? I don’t think so. I think this town made you marry him.”
Cookie smiled. “Well, you will get another dream tonight, dear, so try to remember what I show you.” Cookie disappeared into a glittering red and green cloud, as Cassie found herself back on her bench.
Christmas Eve – A Touch of Heaven
It’s Christmas Eve and Skye can’t sleep. The ticking of the clock seemed so loud, tick-tock . . . tick-tock . . . tick-tock. It had a rhythm to it like, can’t sleep, can’t sleep, can’t sleep.
Off goes the comforter and her feet gently feel around for her slippers. It was just after midnight on Christmas morning. Fortunately, Skye discovered an area in the stripes on her window, where she could see through.
Okay, let’s see what’s going on outside this time of the morning. Nothing would surprise me. Maybe I’ll see Marabelle howling at Santa’s sleigh.
Down below, with the snow softly falling, something caught Skye’s eye.
Wait a second, who’s that?
Someone was twirling in the snow covered street below.
A bare-footed young girl, in a white robe, was tipping her head back catching snowflakes on her tongue. At one point, she spread her arms out and seemed to lift off the ground.
She’s going to freeze to death. Skye thought, slipping on her robe and rushed downstairs. Very quietly, she opened the back door and softly walked down the driveway.
“What on earth are you doing out here in your bare feet, little girl?” Skye asked, as she approached her.
“And, I would say back to you, what are you doing out here looking at me?” The girl smiled back at Skye with a mischievous look on her face.
“I saw you from my bedroom window and I was worried about you.”
“You? You were worried about me? How could you see me through your painted window?”
“Oh, something must have hit my window, probably an ice snowball, and scraped a bit off. It was just enough to let me see through.”
“Skye dear, you have no need to worry about me. I have come to see what this town is all about. That is why I am here.”
“Okay, but who are you?”
“You are soon to have a beautiful surprise and many more to come.”
“No, I mean, who are you?” Skye asked again.
This time the young girl bowed her head, and when she looked up at Skye, her eyes were translucent and glistening. “I am come from Him, most high.”
Skye was in awe of the brilliance of her face. She’d never seen anyone so pure and lovely. “Your face is illuminated,” Skye said shivering.
“It should be, when there are thoughts of Him.”
“Oh, my.” Skye bowed her head.
“Yes, that is right to do, but not to me . . . to Him.
Skye looked up and smiled.
“But you are so cold, let me warm you.” She swirled her white robe and Skye found herself in a warm sort of bubble. She looked around, up and down, but when she put her hand through the invisible bubble, she could still feel the snow still coming down. She quickly withdrew her hand from the outside, closed her eyes, and smiled.
“Are you warm now?” The angel asked.
“Yes, very warm. I feel . . . oh, I can’t explain how I feel. I’m all cozy inside, and well, just wonderful.”
“It’s right to feel that way.”
“So now, why are you here?” Skye asked quietly.
“I come every year at this season. This time I have come to this town. You are the first of your kind that I have met.” She smiled. “I have questions for you, if you are willing to answer them.”
“Oh yes, of course,” Skye said willingly.
“You are to celebrate His birth this coming day.”
“Yes, we’re very excited. My aunt has a nativity display in our house and we wait until Christmas Eve to put the Baby in the manger.”
“And is He there now?” The girl asked.
“Yes, oh yes, we had quite a ceremony. My mom always had a nativity, too.
“Please tell me,” her small voice pleaded.
“When my mom and dad put the tree up, with lights and decorations, they started placing wrapped packages beneath it and I couldn’t stop asking every day if it was Christmas yet. I was very young and didn’t understand. So, my mom came up with this idea . . . the nativity. When the baby is in the manger, its Christmas and I can open my presen
ts.”
“That is brilliant, but why a tree with lights and strange hangings on them? And why put lights on houses. Do people lose their way this time of year?”
“I’m sorry, but I don’t have all of the answers. I can just tell you it started hundreds of years ago and it just grew out of tradition. My mother told me that many years ago, before electricity, some use to light their trees with real small candles, and children made ornaments out of birds nests, colored paper chains, stringing popcorn, or ones you buy become special, year after year. Some put candy canes on their trees and there’s always a star or an angel at the top of the tree. Does that help?”
“Yes, I do know all of this, but am just wondering why it continues year after year.”
“It makes you feel warm in your heart. People seem to be nicer this time of year and care more about each other than any other time.”
“Then it should be Christmas every day, not just one day of the year,” her sweet voice responded.
Skye thought for a moment. “You are absolutely right, but people are people and it probably wouldn’t be as special and significant, if Christmas were every day. In time, someone would ruin it or even make it illegal. Doesn’t that sound just awful?” Skye said, looking sad.
“Don’t be sad, dear child. Whether or not this happens cannot effect how you feel now.”
“Christmas is in your heart, it’s not a day or time, it’s a feeling just like the love you have for your family or someone special.”
Skye was compelled to look into her eyes.
“Evil can never conquer good . . . never! It is promised. Always remember that,” the little angel said, with such affirmation, Skye could not doubt it.
“Now, I must go.”
“Oh, are they calling you?” Skye looked up.
“No,” she giggled. “I just want to see more, that’s all. Skye, you must go back, for there is a surprise waiting for you.”
“But you never told me your name, but you know mine?”
“I am Crystal.”
“That’s a beautiful name,” Skye said quietly.
“Let me say this, I did not need to let you see me. I decided that myself. You are very young to be an altruist, but you are, and so is your dear friend, Cassie. You will both have to make choices very soon. Do not hesitate to ask for guidance, it will be given to you both. Above all, listen to what your heart tells you.”
She touched Skye’s head softly and then slowly backed away. Her glorious wings fanned out all around her and she glided up into the night, into the snowflakes floating down.
Skye slowly backed away from the warmth she’d been given. She was now cold and determined to find answers. As she walked back up the driveway, she was stopped by a sudden memory, blasting into her mind. Mama it’s me . . . Skye. “Where on earth did that come from?” Skye whispered. “I must be losing my mind.”
She walked up the two steps to the back door and put her hand on the doorknob. A gloved hand came out of nowhere and covered her mouth. Paralyzed with fear, she stood frozen.
A voice whispered in her ear. “It’s me, Laura. I’m home.” Laura twisted Skye around and she had the biggest grin on her face. “Don’t say a word; we’re going to surprise, Mom,” Laura continued to whisper.
“Oh, Laura, you have no idea how happy I am to see you.” Skye wrapped her arms around her cousin and sobbed.
“Hey, take it easy, I didn’t mean to make you cry,” Laura said, holding Skye. “Look, let’s go in and get warm. It’s freezing out here and we have snow all over us.”
They went into the kitchen and Laura removed her gloves, holding her hands over the warmth of the fire in the kitchen fireplace.
Skye just stood staring at her.
Laura turned and smiled. “Gees, it is like looking in the mirror. We do look a lot alike, cuz. I’m just older and taller.”
“Oh, right, you’re an old lady at eighteen,” Skye laughed.
“Hey, I’m really sleepy. I can hardly keep my eyes open. Do you have some PJ’s I can borrow?” Laura asked.
At this point, reality was setting in and Skye gave her cousin a brilliant smile.
“I sure do, I’ve got the cutest pajamas you’ve ever seen. Come up stairs with me.”
Laura and Skye talked for a little while, and after a short plan of surprising her mom in the morning, they both set off for their rooms.
The Hidden Portal
Cassie was a little apprehensive, as she got ready for bed on Christmas Eve. For some reason, she was a little scared to go to sleep, but she really wanted to know the truth?
Oh, well, now I’ll probably stay awake all night worrying about this,” she thought to herself, as the climbed into bed. She looked out her red and white, striped window and could only see the Christmas lights blinking on the tree outside. It wasn’t long before she was sound asleep.
She was dreaming now and floating around the fountain. She watched as a few teens walked out of Burgers, locking the front door. A couple of small children ran to the fountain, to throw in some coins, and Cassie was surprised they ran right through her, as they ran back toward their parents.
“I must be dreaming,” she whispered in her sleep.
“Cassie,” Cookie broke in. “Can you see me now?”
Cassie turned toward her. “Yes, I can see you. You look shiny.”
“Well, you look shiny, too. Don’t worry about the people, this all happened in the past, so they aren’t really here.
“Okay, now what?”
“We have to wait for Jim and me to show up. We should be here soon.”
After a short wait, Cassie could see Jim, and another Cookie, walking toward the fountain. They kept looking around, to see if anyone was watching. Once the square was empty, they walked toward the fountain and sat down on the bench next to them.
“Gosh, Cookie, Jim was a tuff looking guy. He looks so different, but I do love those curls. And, you look just as beautiful as you were then.”
Cookie smiled and hesitated for a moment. “Well, I know you are as powerful as I am, so I’ll reveal my secret. I have the ability to change what other people see. I can get into someone’s head and make them see what I want them to see, except for Jim. He loves me no matter what I look like.”
Cassie was quiet, as she absorbed what Cookie said to her. “Don’t worry, I’ll never tell anyone about your secret.”
“I know, dear, that’s why I’m letting you can see me as I really am, and I know you will never hurt me or anyone you care about.”
All at once, Jim got up and took the teenage Cookie by the hand. They walked over to the fountain and Jim was feeling around the bricks. Cassie and Cookie watched behind them. Jim was getting a little frustrated, but teen Cookie waved her hand in front of the bricks and one brick moved slightly.
“Oh, Jimmy, that one moved.”
“Wow, sugar, you’re magic does make things a lot easier.” He pulled on the brick and it slid out, then he turned it. There were some ticking noises and a door opened. They went through and it closed behind them. They walked down the winding stairs, and at the bottom, they saw huge cylinder made of glass.
“What is this thing?” Teen Cookie asked, wanting to touch it.
“It’s some type of portal. That’s what my dad called it. I came down here on my own, when I was about nine. I just had to know if it was real. The whole thing started making a high pitched noise and started to change colors. I hid over there behind those pipes. Then all of a sudden, it got so loud I had to cover my ears, and there was a lot of smoke or steam surrounding that thing. I was pretty scared, but I had to see what was going on.
After a while, a man and woman came down the stairs and it calmed down a bit. Then the cylinder opened and out came Marion. She was just about eight or nine years old and she was crying. The woman put a blanket around her, just as she fainted away. Then the man spoke up, “Hey, where’s the other two kids?”
“I don’t know, something must
have gone wrong,” the woman said a little confused.
The man picked up the little girl and the woman closed the door of the cylinder, then they went back up the stairs.”
“Oh, Jimmy,” teenage Cookie whispered, “so that’s were Marion came from. She just showed up in my class in school and no one told us about her. But then, we did get used to seeing new kids showing up, out of the blue. I asked her where she came from, when we were back in school, but she couldn’t remember. She did say her little sister and older brother were supposed to come with her, but they never showed up. I remember she was so sad most of the time.”
Cookie faced Cassie and said, “Try to remember this, Cassie,” as she disappeared and Cassie woke up in her bed.
Christmas Morning
Christmas Morning finally shone bright and clear. The tree branches were laden with snow from the night before. The snow glistened on the front lawns and on the streets below. You could see sleigh tracks where horses and sleighs had passed earlier in the morning. Now the sound of children laughing and screaming rose up, as they slid down Parker’s hill in the distance. The wonderful sounds could be heard throughout the town.
“Hey, sleepy head, its Christmas morning. Let’s go see what Santa left you,” Sara smiled and shook Skye’s bed to wake her up.
“Okay, okay I’m awake,” Skye, said, rubbing her eyes and sitting up in bed.
“I’ll go down and start breakfast. You get your robe and slippers on, and come down in a few minutes.”
Skye watched her aunt leave and had to smile at the wonderful surprise her aunt was in for. She couldn’t wait to see the look on her aunt’s face, when Laura appeared in the doorway of the living room. She jumped and grabbed her robe, which appeared to be a little damp from the night before.
“Gees, that really happened last night. I really did meet an angel and even talked to her. Now, that’s a true Christmas present, or blessing, no matter how you look at it . . . it was too cool.”
Taking two steps at a time, Skye was downstairs and collapsing near the tree in no time. Then she called for her aunt.
“Okay, who wants to go first?” Sara said excitedly.
“Here’s a small one,” Skye said, as she handed Sara a present.
“Mmm, I can already smell it. Its bayberry, my favorite Christmas scent,” Sara said, as she unwrapped a beautiful pale green candle, decorated with red berries and tiny pine branches.
“Gorgeous, sweetie, thank you so much.” Sara got up from the floor and placed the candle on the mantle of the fireplace. The presents kept coming, with face powder, lipstick, perfume, nightgowns and slippers, and a beautiful pale blue cardigan sweater, that Sara had admired in the boutique months before.
“Okay kiddo, it’s your turn.” Sara handed Skye a large flat box, beautifully wrapped in silver, with pink and green wrapping paper.
“Oh, this paper is too beautiful to rip apart,” Skye said, admiring Sara’s wrapping skills.
“Just do it,” her aunt said, biting her lip.
Inside the box was a beautiful winter sweater of pale turquoise, with a matching wool plaid skirt of turquoise, and pale greens and whites.
“It’s gorgeous, Aunt Sara. “I love it!” Skye cooed, holding up the sweater against herself. “I can’t wait to wear it!”
The next package she handed her was equally beautifully wrapped, but this time Skye just tore right into it. It was a similar set like the one before, except it had a pink sweater and a pink, blue, and white plaid skirt to match. In all, Sara had bought Skye three skirt sets, purses to match each set, pale pink lipsticks, a new robe and slippers, and a bracelet she could actually remove.
Skye and Sara sat in the splendor of gifts and quietly leaned in to each other, their heads meeting.
“I love you, Skye, and thank you for all the wonderful presents.”
“Oh, but there’s more to come, someone got your name from the well. “
At that moment, a yawn was heard from behind them.
Startled, Sara turned quickly around, seeing Laura standing in the doorway of the living room. She was stretching her arms up and yawning, and when she looked down at her mom, she said, “Hi, mama, I’m home.”
Sara scrambled up from the carpet and ran to Laura, tears streaming down her face. She grabbed Laura and swirled her around. Then they hugged each other with great sobbing coming from the mother who lost her daughter, two years before. But she was home now and no one was going to take her away again.
Skye sat watching and wiped a few tears away herself.
When things started to get back to normal, Skye remembered the name she got from the well.
“Oh, my gosh, what time is it?”
“It’s nearly 8:30,” Laura said, looking at the clock over the mantle.
“My name from the well is about to get her present,” Skye laughed.
“Who did you get?” Sara asked. “We can tell now.”
“Marabelle.” Skye answered.
“Oh, you poor kid,” Laura said laughing.
“What did she ask for?” Sara asked.
“Well, she wanted four bell-ringers to perform for her, but she wanted something else as well.”
“That must have been hard.”
“No, as a matter of fact, that part was easy. Some of the teachers at school are very talented. I was able to talk four of them into doing it.”
“What else did she wish for?”
Just at that moment, the three women heard bell ringers performing across the street. They quickly went to the back door and glanced over at the Fludge’s house. Several other neighbors came out to listen also.
Skye went out into the cold driveway to see if Marabelle’s other present would show up. She was hopeful, but doubtful.
A few minutes later, down the street he came. He was wearing his best clothes with a long dark winter coat, white shirt, and tie.
Skye had the biggest grin on her face. The bell ringers were finished and Marabelle had just closed her front door.
He went up the steps of the Fludge’s porch, rang the doorbell, and when Marabelle answered the door, he took her in his arms and kissed her.
“Merry Christmas, Marabelle,” Todd said, and turned and left.
But Marabelle didn’t seem to hear a word he said. She just stared after him and then fainted dead away in the Fludge’s doorway.
Skye laughed and laughed, and thanked him over and over. He walked across the street and up the Davis driveway to accept Skye’s thanks.
Then he saw Laura standing in the doorway laughing at him. He was startled, then rushed up to her, stared into her eyes, and hugged her to him. He kissed her right there, in front of Skye and Sara. It was spontaneous; however, that kiss contained two years of heartfelt longing.
The Wishing Well Gifts
After all the gifts were open at the Keaton’s home, Justin and Chris brought in the tub of gifts from the wishing well. Cassie sat on the couch, knowing she didn’t participate, but was excited to see what family members had received a special gift.
Marion sat down beside her. “Why didn’t you put your name in, Cassie? You’re a member of our town, just like anyone else.”
“I know that, but not that many people know me and I didn’t want to make it hard for someone.”
Marion laughed. “You would be surprised at how much our neighbors know about everyone in this town.”
“Yeah, I can imagine. I do feel a little sorry now, since I didn’t put in my name. It might have been fun, just to see what a stranger would have picked out for me. I promise I’ll put in my name next year.”
Justin pulled out a sizable gift for Geri, with ribbons and bells, candy canes and mistletoe.
“Hum,” Justin started, glaring at Geri. “I’m not too sure this is for you, pumpkin. I think your mother should help you unwrap that one.”
Geri couldn’t believe her eyes, as she carried the box up to her room.
Justin started to follow her, but Marion
stopped him.
“Oh, honey, everyone knows the rules. Children get children’s gifts. No one would dishonor our family. And she doesn’t have to tell us what it is, unless she wants to.”
Justin wasn’t happy, but he knew the rules, better than most.
“Okay, Chris, this one is for you.” Justin said, as he handed him a small box decorated with a red bow, larger than the box.
Chris smiled at Cassie, as he opened his gift. He pulled out a hinged holder with his initials engraved into the leather. He was surprised when the opened the holder.
“What’s this . . . a mirror? Why would I get a mirror?”
“Oh, come on, Chris,” Justin laughed, “you’re always checking yourself in the mirror and combing your hair. It’s the perfect gift.”
“Oh, dad, you didn’t get this for me, did you? Why would the well let you pick me?”
“It wasn’t me.” Justin laughed.
“Not me!” Marion and Cassie said in unison.
Chris could feel the blush on his cheeks and opened the mirror again. Just as he was about to close it, he caught a glimpse of a girl appearing closely behind him. All he could see was a portion of one of her blue eyes and a lock of her blond hair. He whirled around, but no one was there.
“What’s wrong, Chris?” Cassie spoke up. “What did you see?”
“You know exactly what I saw. You’re playing with me and it’s not funny.”
“Chris, I didn’t move, everyone knows that.” Cassie threw up her arms.
“Yeah,” Chris mumbled, as he walked over to the couch and sat down.
The only noise in the room was the ticking of the clock, as everyone stared at him, but Justin finally said. “Okay, Cassie, it’s your turn. Here’s a gift here for you.”
“Me? But I didn’t put my name in.” Cassie looked a Marion, but she just smiled. Justin put her gift in her hand and she starred at it for a while.
“Go on, Cassie, open it up!” Geri said, coming back into the room. I want to see what you got.”
“No, you go first, Geri. I’m dying to see what you have.”
“Well, it must be from a boy,” she giggled, “and it’s just a necklace with a little heart on it. There wasn’t a card, so I guess I’ll just wear it and see who smiles at me.”
“All that packaging for one tiny necklace?” Chris laughed, getting up to join his family.
“Hum, I’m not sure about this, Marion,” Justin said, shaking his head.
“Oh, honey, it’s just a little heart. I think it’s sweet.”
“Okay,” Justin gave in, wiping his brow with one of his new handkerchiefs.
“So, open your gift, Cassie?” Chris said with a smile, as he was positive Cassie gave him the mirror. One of his friends heard Cassie say she was going to buy him one.
I knew she was just playing around, trying to make me jealous. Oh, yeah, Cassie’s still mine! I’d know those eyes anywhere.
“Yea, come on, Cassie, open your gift,” Geri begged her.
“Okay . . . okay,” Cassie slowly opened the gift, not sure why she even got one. She opened the box and found a pocket radio, with small earphones. “Wow, I love this.” She turned on the little radio and Christmas music began to play. The sound was perfect. “How do I thank the person who gave this to me?”
“You can’t,” Marion spoke up. “It’s a gift, not a present. The person who gave you this gift knew you would enjoy it, so you don’t have to thank anyone.”
“Daddy didn’t you and Mom get a present?” Geri asked.
Justin walked back to the bin and found a couple of envelopes.
“Well, it looks like you and I got a couple of gifts, Marion.”
“But, Justin, we’ve never put our names in, since . . .”
“Well, I think we should open the envelopes and see what it is, before we try to guess who sent them,” Justin said, a little baffled.
“Gosh, Mommy, open your envelop,” Geri asked, excitedly.
Marion grabbed her envelope and ripped it open, and then she started laughing. “Oh, my, goodness! I got ten visits to the Moore’s Glen, Magical Beauty and Massage Clinic. How great is that!”
Justin slowly opened his envelope and fell into his chair. “No, this can’t be true. I got an invitation to drive a race car at the Marshall City Motor Speedway. Do you know how expensive that is? I can’t accept such a gift.”
“Dad, you can’t turn this down,” Chris stood up. “Maybe they’ll let me drive instead, if you feel you can’t accept it.”
Justin laughed, “Okay, we’ll see about it, but who would give us such expensive gifts?”
Everyone was still talking about their presents, when Geri heard something, as she walked over to the bay window in the living room.
“Do you hear that? It sounds like a sleigh is coming.”
“Honey, it is Christmas,” Marion answered. “I’m sure the Parker’s are having a party and all their friends arrive in sleighs.”
“No, it’s not stopping at the Parker’s, it’s coming toward us, and the horses are real!”
The room became quiet and Cassie started to blush. Oh, Joshua, what are you doing?
“Come on, Mommy, the sleigh stopped in front. I don’t know who they are.”
Justin got up and straightened his collar, which always means he’s a little irritated. He glanced at Cassie as he walked to the front door and Marion joined him when the doorbell rang.
Chris stood up, glaring at Cassie, as he started to leave the room.
Justin opened the door to see two elderly women, standing on their porch. “Can we help you, ladies?” Justin asked.
“Yes, you may allow us to come in? We would like to visit with our granddaughter.”
“Sandra? Sadie? How did you know?” Marion asked, a little surprised.
“Now, Marion, of course we know everything that’s going on in Parkerville. When you are one of the original decedents of this town, you do have special privileges. Now, Justin, please invite us in,” Sandra requested.
Justin was a little unnerved, but invited the ladies into his home.
Cassie stood up, not knowing what to do, while Chris walked toward the women. “May I take your coats?”
Sadie turned back and whistled to the driver. It was his clue to gather up the gifts.
“Oh, yes, please, you must be Christopher. You’ve grown up to be such a handsome young man,” Sandra replied.
Chris smiled as he took the coats and walked out of the room. He was relieved his adversary wasn’t anywhere nearby. Thank you, God. I owe you!
“Well, now,” Sandra started, walking toward Cassie, holding Marion’s hand. “You must know we’ve already met our dear granddaughter in Marshall City.”
Cassie nearly fell down, as she felt a pang of fear rising in her stomach.
“Oh, my, yes,” Sadie spoke up. “We’ve seen her many, many times.”
Sandra laughed. “Well, mother, that’s not really true. We mostly see her on the cameras, placed all around this special little town of yours.”
Justin stopped in his tracks. “Good, Lord! How do you have access to our town?”
“Oh, pish posh!” Sadie grumbled, “Did you think we were cut off from our families, just because we were thrown from our homes? Our family includes the Davis name, the Baker’s, and Emerson. Two of our relations were part of the original twelve families. My mother’s parents were walk-ins and . . .”
“It’s okay, mother, we don’t have to explain everything. They know exactly who we are,” Sandra spoke up, glaring at their host.
Oh, this is so cool, Geri thought, smiling from her post on the sofa. And better yet, no one is sending me to my room.
The room was silent for a few moments.
“I’m very sorry,” Justin said. “My best friend was John Emerson, your son. You have every right to keep your ties to your family. You will always be welcome in our home and Cassie has our permission to visit her family. We only ask that she plans her
time in Marshall City and we know where she is.”
“Oh, thank you!” Cassie gushed, her eyes tearing, as she hugged Justin.
Marion spoke up, still a little cautious. “Yes, Cassie, you should be able to finally know your relatives. Were you able to meet Drucilla?”
“Yes, only once, before she passed,” Cassie said, wiping the tears away. “Cissy was the sweetest person I’ve ever known. I’m so glad I got to meet her.”
“Yes, dear, we will all miss her, but she’s not far away. She has her silly ways of sneaking into your dreams. It can be little scary, if you know what I mean,” Sadie said, rolling her eyes.
Everyone laughed and the tension in the room lightened. Marion and Geri went to get some refreshments; while Chris asked his dad for some suggestions about the classic car models he received for Christmas.
Cassie was just ecstatic to be with the only family she had left. She hung onto every word and enjoyed the laugher that bubbled up over and over.
“Great Grandma, I’m so happy you came to see me.”
“Oh, for heaven’s sake, Cassie, my name is Sadie. I’m too young to be a grandmother.”
Cassie laughed and hugged her.
“My dear, may I ask you for a favor?” Sandra spoke up, looking at Cassie.
“Oh, Grandma, I’d do anything for you.”
“Yes, I know you would, my dear,” Sandra paused for a moment. “Cissy was, or should I say, still is a force to reckoned with. Now don’t get me wrong, she was the most amazing woman I’ve ever known.”
“Cissy could do things no one else could do,” Sadie started.” You can be assured I didn’t get away with much as a teenager, as she always spoiled my fun with Robert, when we were courting. He was a Baker, you know, and mother tried and tried to break us up. She thought the Baker’s were all missing a few brain cells.”
Sandra started laughing. “Oh, mother, you were pregnant with me at sixteen.”
“Well . . . okay, but it was different back then . . . right?” Cassie stopped a little flustered.
“Okay now, that’s enough,” Sandra continued. “We can visit that conversation another time, but Cassie, may I ask for that favor?”
“Sure, but what can I do for you?”
“May we go up to your room, Cassie? There may be something there we desperately need.”
“Sure, just follow me.”
The threesome walked up the stairs to Cassie’s room, as Sadie complained a little about the number of steps.
“Please come in, but it’s a little cluttered right now. I haven’t put away my new things and all the boxes, and gift wrapping and . . .
“Honey, your room is wonderful,” Sandra smiled and wandered around. She stopped at the window, where the planter sat on the sill. She turned and glanced at Sadie. “Mother, she has them.”
Sadie let out a little squeal. “Yes, yes, there they are.”
Cassie walked up behind them. “What are you looking at?”
“The clovers. You took the 4-leaf clovers!” Sadie began to cry.
“I’m so sorry,” Cassie replied, not knowing what she did wrong.
“Heavens, no!” Sandra laughed, tears starting to run down her cheek. “You’ve saved us.”
“I’m sorry, Grandma, I don’t understand.”
“Did Cissy tell you to take the clovers?”
“No, she left me a note about needing something animal, vegetable, and mineral to keep me safe. I was sitting on the grass reading the note, when I saw all these clovers. So, I felt this strong urge to pick some and take them home.”
“Bless you, dear. When Cissy died, our clovers perished. That’s how we knew she was gone. We stayed with her as long as she allowed us, but then she asked us to go. You see, she had to take everything with her.
“Joshua and I went back to see her house, but everything was gone. Even the trees and bushes were sinking into the ground.”
“Oh, now I understand,” Sadie began, “Your young man is the animal, the clovers were the vegetables, but what was the mineral?”
“It was a stone,” Sandra said in confidence.
“Yes, you’re right. How did you know, Grandma?”
“Our Cissy was an amazing woman, but I never realized how strong and forceful she was. She could see and feel things, no one else was aware of, and I’m pretty sure we will still hear from her from the beyond.”
“Cissy came to me that night and she whispered in my ear. When I woke up, I knew she had been there, but I couldn’t remember what she wanted. Now I know. You can take the clovers, if you want,” Cassie offered.
“Thank you, Cassie, but we just need a couple of plants. The clovers are the Faith. It keeps us safe. Without faith, we are lost.”
“So, that means the Hope is the stone,” Cassie said, finally understanding, “and the Love is . . .”
“Joshua!” both grandmothers rendered.
“Oh, yes,” Sadie laughed, “He is one handsome animal.”