***
Geri was beside herself with glee, sitting in the theater. Zach had his arm on the back of her seat and she waited patiently to feel his hand on her shoulder. The anticipation of his touch was almost more than she could stand, but Amy was sitting a little too close on her left side. She mentally tried to ask Amy to move over, but she finally raised her arm and hit Amy.
“Oops! Sorry, Amy,” Geri apologized.” Then she stared into her eyes and mouthed the words; move over!
Amy was happy to be with Eli, but she didn’t really know him very well. He was a year older and she never really noticed him at school, so she was a little shy. She moved slightly toward Eli and bumped his arm. He smiled at her and put his arm around her shoulders.
Now Zach had a dilemma. If he put his hand on Geri’s shoulder, he would be touching Eli’s hand, so he pulled his arm from behind the chair and brought both arms forward. He slid his hand under her arm and held her hand. Geri watched as he weaved his fingers through hers and she turned toward him and smiled. She felt warmth spread throughout her body, as she leaned into him and put her head on his shoulder.
***
Cassie and Joshua walked around the empty lot, still wondering what had happened.
“This just doesn’t make any sense,” Joshua mused. “There should be some evidence a house was here a week ago, even if it was demolished? How can this be?”
Cassie was touching the tree, with the embedded hatchet.
“Look at this, Joshua, the tree has already grown around the blade of the hatchet. All you can see is the handle. It seems as though the tree is covering it up and the tree even seems a lot shorter.”
“Yeah, you’re right, the tree was much taller. The fireman was a big guy, taller than me, and that hatchet landed next to his ear. I remember that. Now the hatchet is about five feet from the ground.” Joshua was mesmerized. “I think the tree’s sinking into the ground.”
Cassie felt a wave of energy go through her body, as she was trying to fight off the emotions she was feeling.
“Come on, Joshua, I think we need to go. There’s nothing here for us now. She’s taking everything with her.”
Cassie took Joshua’s hand and they walked to the truck, pausing once more to gaze at the empty lot. “Listen, do you hear the dogs barking, and the sounds of cars and other noises? And is that a plane flying over? Gosh, I forgot about all these sounds; I kind of miss them. Why is Parkerville so quiet? I don’t even remember hearing that many birds in town, let alone see a squirrel.”
Joshua looked down at the ground, not wanting to face her. “I guess it’s what the Keepers think is best for us.”
Cassie looked up into his eyes. “Joshua, don’t lie to me. I know there are strange things going on in that town and I’m pretty sure you know more than you’re telling.”
“Well, darlin’,” Joshua started to laugh, “you may be right about that, but right now, why don’t we look up your other Grammies.”
“Oh, do you remember where they live? I would love to find them, but for some reason, I’m scared. What if they disappear in front of me or what if they aren’t . . . real?”
“Oh, Cassie, I’m pretty sure they’re real. Let’s go and I’ll prove it to ya.”
Joshua knew exactly where to find the little white cottage and it wasn’t long before they pulled up. Just as they got out of the truck, they noticed two elderly women, sitting on the porch swing.
“Good heavens!” one of the women shouted. “You sure took your own time getting here.”
Cassie got out of the truck and tried to smile, but she broke down, overwhelmed by the emotions she was feeling. She started to cry.
Joshua rushed to Cassie’s side, putting his arm around her, as the women stood up and walked toward them, both in tears.
“Oh, for heaven’s sake, we didn’t mean to startle you, dear,” the eldest woman said, with tears running down her face.
The younger woman reached out and pulled Cassie away from Joshua, hugging her with all her might. She then suddenly pulled back and stared into Cassie’s eyes.
“Yes, it’s really her, mother. She found us.”
The older woman took a little longer to get to Cassie.
“I have to see for myself, Sandra, so I’ll know for sure.”
“What are you looking for?” Cassie asked, as the older woman pulled her face down, so she could look into her eyes.
Sadie glanced at her daughter and smiled. “Oh, it is a joyful day; now please follow me into the house. It’s getting a little too crispy out here for me.”
“You mean just by looking in my eyes, you know who I am?”
Sandra put her arm around her granddaughter and said, “We’re a different breed, Cassie. We can see into your heart, so we know you’re family. Here, this time you look into my eyes.”
Cassie stared into her grandmother’s eyes. “Wow, I got a warm ripple go through me.”
“Yes, sweetheart, doesn’t it feel wonderful!”
“Oh, yeah, it was amazing! Oh, there’s a woman in Parkerville who also looked into my eyes, just like you did, and she seemed to know about you and me.”
“Aw, that must have been Bernadette. I guess you didn’t know you were related.”
“Good grief, I should have noticed the similarity with Sadie.” Cassie looked back at Joshua and laughed.
They entered the little cottage and Cassie got to know her grandmothers, Sandra Baker-Emerson and Sadie Cassidy Baker.
***
Robin was watching Chad and Skye skating and finally skated over toward them.
“Hey, Skye, I’m really sorry for tripping you. I hope you’re okay, that was just plain mean. I’m really sorry, Skye,” Robin apologized.
Its okay, I’m fine. Just a little bruised knee, that’s all. I’ve had plenty of them before.” Skye said not sure of what was going on.
“We’re leaving.” Chad announced.
“Look, I’ll stay away from you guys . . . you don’t have to leave.” Robin practically pleaded.
“Skye has to catch the bus back to P’ville. It’s cool,” Chad explained.
Robin watched them as they skated back to the bench and changed back into their shoes. They didn’t say a word to each other until they were outside.
“What was that all about?” Chad laughed.
“A change of heart, maybe?”
“No way, that girl is up to something and I don’t trust her.”
“Neither do I,” Skye said, as they made their way down the steps.
Before taking Skye back to the theater, Chad took Skye over to the park and bought her another hot chocolate and a hot dog. They sat on a nearby bench and talked. It was the end of an almost perfect date.
“Hey, next time we meet, it will be for lunch or dinner, and I’ll take you to some fancy place.”
“Let’s just wait until the marquee changes. I’ve seen enough hills being alive with music . . . believe me. It’s a great movie, but seeing it a couple of times; well, the moment is gone.” Skye laughed and Chad put his arm around her and hugged her to him.
“Why can’t you just tell your aunt your meeting me for lunch next time? I won’t keep you out after dark. Better yet, get me a pass and I’ll come pick you up. Come on, how about next Saturday?” Chad pleaded.
“Too soon; I’ll have to kind of butter her up first.”
***
Cassie listened to her grandmothers, as they told her the history of their family and identified the relatives who were in the photos Cissy had given her. Joshua sat by her in silence.
“So, young man, who are you related to,” Sadie asked, while her daughter went to get refreshments.
“Okay,” he nodded and started with a grin, “I’m Jim Edward’s son. I’m sure you
know my family pretty well.”
Sadie’s eyes opened wide, nearly as wide as her mouth, as she drew in a breath and whispered, “Oh my.” She then placed her hand over her heart, looking toward Cassie. “Are you and this young man courting?”
“Are we courting?” Cassie started. “I don’t know that we are. Are we?” as she looked questioning toward Joshua.
“Why are you asking him, dear? Don’t you know? You should know what you feel inside. It’s not a complicated question.”
“What question?” Sandra asked when she entered the room, carrying a tray with tea and cookies.
Sadie rolled her eyes and looked at Cassie. “Shoot, she was just a little too fast with the cookies.”
“What was the question, mother? Maybe I can answer it,” Sandra replied, as she sat down.
“She wanted to know if Cassie and I were courting,” Joshua began. “And I was hoping the answer was yes.”
Cassie’s face was now flushed, as she stared at Joshua. “First of all, there is no courting in Parkerville. I will be rundown one day and be caught by whoever can outrun me.”
“Don’t you mean, whomever, dear?” Sadie added, leaning forward.
Cassie slumped back in her seat, out of frustration.
“So, what have I missed?” Sandra broke in. “I suppose my mother wants to know if you and this handsome young man are in love . . . am I right?”
“Oh, Sandra, you did miss the best part, where I asked what family Joshua came from.” Then Sadie whispered, “He’s Jim Edwards’ son.”
“Really?” Sandra started, “How exciting!” she added, looking toward Joshua. “How is little Jimmie doing? I remember he got in a lot of trouble as a boy. Of course, we left Parkerville before our Johnny was born. It’s a shame they never were friends. Now I have to say, your grandparents helped us quite a bit back then and we are very thankful.”
“Well, little Jimmy isn’t so little these days,” Joshua spoke up. “My dad caused such a ruckus years ago, when he was a Keeper, but he’ll never let it go. He’s not the most popular guy in town.”
“But, I bet you are,” Sadie broke in, with a sly smile. “Now, are you courting my granddaughter or not?”
“I’m doing the best I can, but the Keaton’s keep me in tow.”
“Oh, how are the Keaton’s?” Sandra asked. “I remember that Marion was a doozie. I thought she was a little too wild to marry Justin, but he was a sweet young man. I hope they're doing well. I’ll bet he’s a Keeper by now, since his daddy was one.”
Cassie nearly fell out of her chair, as Joshua just smiled.
"Is something wrong, dear? Do you know the Keaton’s?" Sandra asked.
"I live with them! Dad made Justin my guardian. Of course, I had nothing to do with it or even asked if I wanted to live with them."
"Yes, I imagine he was forced to do that. Justin is an honorable man and he was your dad's best friend. You were brought here for a reason, my dear."
"What reason? Why do they want me here?" Cassie was about to explode.
"Can't say, dear; I've lost most of my memories about that town. I can only remember bits and pieces. I wrote down some names, before we left, so I could pray for them. Now, would you like some tea and cookies?"