Читать книгу The Vision - Linda Blum - Страница 11

“Isn’t that Aunt Vera’s church?” Ren asked

“Sure is,” Will replied.

“How did you score this event?” Judy asked, finally finding her voice.

“Valerie,” he replied casually. “She put in a suggestion to the board that my place would be the best equipped to host this dinner. It seems that a couple of the members had frequented my establishment and agreed with her.”

Judy was stunned to hear this. Then a thought crossed her mind.

“How is Aunt Vera handling this?”

A devilish smile formed on his face. “As well as can be expected.”

Judy looked at her uncle with concern. “Uncle Will, you didn’t goat about this did you?”

“Would I do such a thing,” he asked innocently.

“Yes,” she replied without hesitation.

Will smiled. “Don’t worry. I didn’t say anything to her.”

“Where is she any way?” Ren asked curiously.

“Over there,” he said pointing in the direction of the patio. “Why don’t you go over, she’d be happy to see you?”

Ren followed his finger hoping to catch a glimpse of Vera. He wanted to check her mood and prepare himself in case the situation got ugly.

Will sensed his hesitation and said, “Don’t worry Ren, she likes you so there’s no reason for her to bring out her crown of thorns, nails or the cross she carries in her bag. She saves that stuff for me.”

“Uncle Will!” Judy gasped.

Just then one of the waiters approached. He looked nervously at Will.

“Will, can I speak with you?” Bob asked.

“Sure.” He turned to Judy. “Just give me a minute.”

He walked away with Bob to a quiet corner where the two stood engaged in a serious conversation. Judy watched in fascination as the sudden appearance of colours surrounded both men. Bob had a circle of dark green that was tight around the outside of his body, whereas her uncle had a white colour stretching a wide distance around him. The white colour tried to infuse itself into the green, but was unable to. Judy noticed that Will appeared calm, whereas Bob seemed agitated. She assumed this was the reason the colours would not join. Bob’s agitated state made it impossible for him to accept Will’s calm energy. Eventually, Will’s energy penetrated into Bob’s aura making him appear much calmer.

Ren stepped beside Judy. “What are you staring so intently at?”

“Can you see that?” she asked.

“See what?” Ren asked confused.

Jay piped up, “The lights around Uncle Will and Bob.”

Judy spun around in surprise. “You can see it too?”

“Sure,” Jay replied nonchalantly.

Ren looked at them weirdly. “What lights!”

Judy briefly explained what was happening. Squinting his eyes Ren focused on the men eager to see what was being described but saw nothing.

It dawned on Judy that she had just witnessed their emotions displayed in an energy form. The experience left her with a better understanding of her own feelings. For years she always felt other people’s energy. Sometimes it was good, other times bad. There were occasions when it seemed overwhelming, even leech-like making her want to flee to the comforts of her home because it drained her. Today, however, she gained a new awareness.

For the first time she saw what she always felt the exchange of energy between two people making them feel either positive or negative. It seemed that the energy transference between people depended upon the person with the stronger will. Since Uncle Will seemed to stay positive and calm never letting Bob’s feelings take power over him, his energy prevailed and was transferred onto the man making him feel the same way. Judy realized she needed to reclaim her power so she wouldn’t feel the drain she sometimes felt being around others.

When Will returned, Judy noticed his aura seemed stronger as if it was re-energized.

“Sorry about that,” he said apologetically. “I had to take care of some business.”

“That’s all right,” Ren replied. “You were entertaining Judy and Jay.”

Will gave them a strange look. “What do you mean?”

Judy explained what she just experienced, with Jay interjecting excitedly. While the three talked about this, Ren was silent. He was resigned to the fact that he didn’t have their abilities and probably never would. Will looked over at him knowing exactly what was going through his mind.

“Don’t worry, one day you will be able to see this too,” Will advised.

“I doubt it,” Ren said discouragingly.

“I believe everyone is born with abilities, it’s just we tend to lose them when we become adults since most of the time no one helps us to understand them,” Will said.

“What you’re saying doesn’t make any sense,” Ren argued. “You both came from families that did not encourage you to pursue your abilities, so why didn’t yours shut down?”

A wicked smile formed on Will’s face. “Because, your wife and I both have major attitudes.”

“I can agree on that one,” Ren laughed.

A sudden tug on his shirt turned Ren’s attention to his son.

“Can we get something to eat, I’m hungry,” Jay whined.

Ren noticed the famished look on his face and knew they better get him something soon before he turned miserable.

“Do you have any room for us?” Ren asked Will.

“Sure do,” he replied.

They followed Will as he wove his way around the hordes of people gathered in the dining room. When the crowd dispersed, he led them to one of the quiet window seats. On the table was a basket of fresh rolls and some of Jay’s favourite appetizers.

“It appears you knew we were coming,” Judy said in surprise.

Will didn’t respond to her remark, but grinned instead. Before he left to attend to business, Judy gave him a hug and thanked him. When she sat down, she noticed Jay munching non-stop.

“Hey! Leave some for your Dad and me,” she joked.

Jay glanced briefly at her as he continued to gorge himself.

“I think you should slow down,” his father warned. “You’ll spoil your dinner.”

“But I’m hungry,” he cried.

“Did you eat all your lunch today?” Judy asked.

A guilty look came over his face. “Sort of.”

“What did you eat?” Ren asked.

“Half a sandwich and an apple,” he said in-between bites.

“That’s it!” Judy exclaimed. “What about the other stuff I packed in your lunch bag?”

“I brought it home,” he said casually.

“Son,” Ren said in a serious tone. “Why didn’t you eat all your food?”

“I only get fifteen minutes to eat.”

“That’s it?” he asked surprised.

Jay shook his head. “Yup, and after that I have to play soccer.”

“You should eat first then play afterwards,” Judy said.

“I was late for lunch so I ate what I could, then went to meet my friends before the game started. I’m one of their best players so they need me there.”

Ren tried to hide the smile that formed on his lips. Judy was also amused, however, she was

concerned.

“I wonder why the school gives the children so little time for lunch?”

“The teachers have to eat too,” Jay remarked.

“You should start eating a snack at each recess. Then you won’t feel so hungry after school,” Judy

advised.

Jay shook his head. “I can’t, because I’m playing.”

Judy was starting to get exasperated with this conversation. Everything revolved around these bloody soccer games. Ren noticed his wife’s agitation and decided to take over.

“I used to play soccer when I was your age,” Ren announced

“You did?” Jay asked in excitement.

“Yup,” he replied.

“Did you play with your friends?”

“All the time.”

Ren recounted tales of his soccer days telling him about the city league he used to play in. Jay

beamed at the prospect of doing the same thing.

“Do you think I could do that?” he asked his dad.

“Sure,” he replied adding. “There may be times when you have to come right home after school to get

ready for a practice, or a game, which means you can’t play with your friends.”

“That’s ok.”

“It also means there would be no time to eat.”

“So.”

“Since you come home hungry, that may be a problem,” Ren pointed out. “You would have to make sure you ate all your food at lunch or your recesses.”

“I could do that,” Jay agreed.

“You should be doing that now,” Ren advised. “Food gives you energy, which is what you need to play.”

Ren could tell Jay was contemplating what he said so he figured this was the best time to plant yet another seed.

“Besides,” Ren gave his son a conspiratorial look. “The more you eat the more energy you get. The more energy you get the better you play.”

Jay looked insulted. “I told you, I already am a good player.”

“I know,” Ren acknowledged. “Still it doesn’t hurt to have an edge.”

Judy smiled to herself, pleased by Ren’s tactful way of handling the situation. Just then Matty, their waitress, approached the table. A smile radiated from her face when she saw them.

“Well if it isn’t the Storm family!” she exclaimed.

“Hi Matty how are you?” Judy asked.

Her once cheery expression turned sullen.

“We’re short staffed tonight, so I’m running my butt off. My feet are sore, my back aches, but other

than that I’m just fine.”

Ren smiled to himself. Matty was a very dramatic person so when any little thing happened it

became a big deal

“Could you use my hel…”Judy said.

Ren knew what she was going to say and cut her off.

“What is Will doing about it?” Judy glared at him for the interruption.

“He called some staff in,” she replied.

“Good. Then someone will be here to help you,” Ren remarked.

She rolled her eyes. “With my luck they’ll probably come when the dinner rush is over.”

Always the victim he mused. “Don’t worry Matty. I’m sure someone will be here soon.”

Matty took their orders then quickly left to go serve another table. Judy was fuming over his rudeness.

“Why did you do that?” she asked.

“You are not working tonight no matter how short staffed they are,” he commanded.

“If my uncle needs me I will help him,” she replied irritated.

“No you are not.”

“Yes I am,” she said. Ren sighed.

“When I came to pick you up at work you seemed like you had a rough day. I just want you to relax.”

The mere mention of work made everything come rushing back to her. Now all she could think about was that damn pair of green eyes. She was trying to exorcise them from her mind when her uncle appeared with a tray filled with food. The subtle aromas coming from the steaming plates made her stomach growl. The dreadful green eyes seemed to disappear with each whiff.

Will proceeded to place their plates on the table and set an extra setting for himself.

“I hope you don’t mind,” he said as he sat down. “I need to eat and thought I’d join you.”

“That’s great!” Jay said cheerfully sliding over to make room.

“Did you get your staff problems fixed?” Ren asked

“What staffing problems?” Will asked.

“Matty told us you were short a person tonight,” Judy answered.

Will smirked. “I should have known Melodramatic Matty would mention this.

“Why didn’t you say something? Judy demanded.

“I didn’t want to bother you,” he replied.

“I could have helped you,” Judy huffed.

“I wasn’t about to ask you because I can tell you had a difficult day,” he stated.

“I told her that too, but she’s too stubborn to listen,” Ren said.

Will nodded his head in agreement. “You just have to be stern.” “Stern,” he huffed.

“I think I need to put on some boxing gloves and go a round with her.”

Will “I have a pair in the back if you need them.”

``Excuse me,” Judy injected. “I don’t think I am that difficult.”

Will and Ren both shot hera contradicting look.

“Maybe I can be a bit...” Judy stopped searching for the appropriate word.

“Obstinate,” Ren added.

She flinched at his remark. “Okay, obstinate. I know at times I can be…”

“Bull-headed,” her uncle quickly interjected.

“Determined,” Ren countered. “Headstrong,” her uncle continued.

“Ornery,” Ren said.

Judy was starting to get peeved at the both of them.

“What are you guys, a walking thesaurus?” Judy bellowed.

Ren and Will both smiled in response.

“I get the picture,” Judy said.

The sound of raised voices stopped their conversation. Will turned towards the commotion, but wasn’t concerned.

“Is everything all right?” Judy asked.

Will nodded. “It’s just Mrs. Henderson. She’s hard of hearing and yells when she speaks.”

“Mrs. Henderson,” Judy said in contemplation. “That name sounds familiar.”

“I’ll give you two clues, the nativity scene and superheroes,” Will chuckled.

Judy began laughing so hard tears were forming in her eyes.

Ren looked at the both of them. “What’s so funny?”

“Every year Mrs. Henderson puts together a very unique nativity scene.” Will smiled.

Judy interjected between giggles. “It’s unique all right.”

“Picture this, Baby Jesus is all snug as a bug in his manger, the stars are shining brightly in the sky, sheep are everywhere and surrounding his manger are not just Wise Men but superheroes.”

Ren and Jay burst out laughing.

After they all calmed down Ren asked, “Why does she do that?”

“Mrs. Henderson tends to live in her own reality.” Will replied.

No one could look in Mrs. Henderson’s direction after that without cracking up.

The rest of their evening was an enjoyable one. Even their visit with Aunt Vera went over without a hitch. It wasn’t until one of the members came over to Vera’s table that things changed.

The man’s name was Moe, short for Moses. He was a tall thin man with skeleton-like features. Even his hands were small and bony and when Judy shook them they were cold. Moe had been a member of the church since forever and came from a long line of ministers.

The expectation was for him to follow suit, but he never did.

Everyone in the church loved Moe, especially Aunt Vera. Both were devout Christians who were active in the church and had mixed feelings when it came to Will. Judy, however, felt uneasy around him, which made her feel guilty since everyone else thought he was a saint.

“Judy, Ren, it’s wonderful to see you,” Moe said.

“It’s nice to see you, ” Ren replied shaking Moe’s hand.

“Where’s Jay?” he asked looking around.

“In the playroom,” Ren replied.

Will had built a playroom a few years back called the Kid’s Zone. His purpose for this was to allow parents to enjoy some quiet time together without the hassle and worry of finding a sitter. For a small fee, parents could drop their children off with one of the qualified childcare providers, while they enjoyed a relaxing dinner. The children too could enjoy a meal or just play. Will even set up a quiet area for them to sleep in case some got tired. It became a big hit.

As Ren and Moe talked, Judy stood quietly studying their auras. Ren’s was a bright blue colour while Moe’s was a dark grey. It was interesting to watch the interchange between them on an energy level as both men’s auras at times stayed very close to their bodies then seemed to jump into one another. This went on for some time until Moe’s colour changed to black then jumped past Ren and headed in another direction. The blackness was aimed at her uncle and tried to penetrate into him, but its attempt was unsuccessful as it kept bouncing off. Judy noticed this energy seemed to cling to people innocently passing through its trail making them become agitated. She realized she had better stop this before the room became one big bunch of pissed off people.

“Moe how was the Church Festival?” Judy asked in hopes of distracting him.

“It was good,” he said, briefly looking at her. “We raised a lot of money to put towards the renovations to the church.”

“That’s great,” Judy said.

She purposely moved in front of his line of vision in hopes of breaking the bad energy flow. When she did, she became inundated with anger. She pictured a white colour flowing around Moe and entering into his heart. She chose this colour as it seemed to work on Bob earlier. Moe’s aura eventually changed back to grey and his anger subsided. Judy sighed in relief as she scanned the room to see if anyone was still affected by his previous energy. Only a scattered few people had blackish auras, but it was hard to tell if Moe was truly the cause of this since not everyone could be happy.

Even though he was back to his normal self she still felt uneasy around him. As she stood watching him, sudden images flashed through her mind. They were of a younger Moe cursing God for life’s injustices, as well as his father reprimanding him because of this. He loved God and believed in him, but not with the same conviction that his family had. That’s why he never became a minister because he was a seeker and questioned life. This caused a rift with his father that resulted in unresolved anger that he buried deep within, only surfacing occasionally in misdirected ways, like tonight with her uncle.

Judy felt overwhelmed while trying to process this sudden onslaught of information. A new feeling for Moe began to emerge within her, one of empathy. She could relate to his feeling of aloneness, his questioning God and conforming for the sake of the family. The only difference between them was, she did not have his anger and realized this was why she felt uncomfortable around him, as she felt the unresolved issues that stirred within him.

After Moe left, a sudden presence came from behind, startling her.

“Shit!” Judy wailed. “I hate when you do that.”

Will shook his finger at her. “You shouldn’t be using such language especially at a church function.”

Judy, realizing her mistake, quickly put her hands over her mouth as she looked nervously around the room.

“Don’t worry,” Will smirked. “No one heard you.”

“You’re terrible,” she said punching her uncle lightly on the arm.

Will smiled as he guided her to a quiet corner. He pulled out a chair and motioned for her to sit down, then took a seat across from her.

“What’s up?” Judy asked.

“I was about to ask you the same thing,” Will replied.

“What do you mean?”

“You seem strange tonight,” he speculated. “Did anything happen today to put you in this mood?”

Will listened intently as she told her story of the green-eyed woman.

“This woman is really getting to you,” he commented.

Judy shook her head in agreement.

“Don’t let this stress you out.”

She ran her fingers nervously through her hair. “I try but it’s hard, especially since I keep having dreams about her.”

Will didn’t answer right away. He tapped his finger on the table trying to think of a way to help his niece.

“You need a distraction right now,” he surmised. “Why not go on a vacation.”

“I can’t. I just started a new job.”

“If you worked for me you could be on a tropical island enjoying yourself right now,” Will said enticingly.

“Just because I go away doesn’t mean my dreams will,” she sighed.

“True,” Will agreed half-heartedly.

“In a way what I’m experiencing is a good thing. It may finally solve mom’s murder.”

Will’s heart sunk at this comment. Even though he longed to have his sister’s murderer put behind bars, he didn’t want it at the expense of Judy’s sanity. Why couldn’t it have been him that received this vision?

This was a question that plagued him for years. He had tried so hard to tap into his psychic powers with hopes of detecting what had happened that awful day, but he always came up blank. Now years later, his niece, not him, was receiving some kind of message. He wasn’t sure how to feel about this especially since every time he looked at her he saw the reawakened pain in her eyes.

They sat huddled together in deep conversation for the rest of the night. Judy told her uncle about her experience with Moe. He wasn’t surprised to hear that he was the person responsible for the negativity he had felt earlier. He was surprised though to hear about his qualms with God and the rift it caused with his family.

Judy was a bit freaked by what she had encountered tonight and confused by the fact she couldn’t see auras all the time, Will put her mind at ease about everything. When she went home, she felt at peace with things. Even the episode at work didn’t bother her anymore. Everything was going good until she went to sleep.