Absent Shadows: Destiny Part 8

I felt disoriented. I was lying on something hard, but I wasn't sure where I was, or how I'd gotten there, or even what time it was. I sat up and immediately saw Sam kneeling on the ground in front of me, holding my hand.

'Are you alright?' he asked, concern on his face.

'Yeah, sure; I mean, what happened?' Nothing hurt, but I felt sort of fuzzy.

'You fainted. Elizabeth allowed you to see her. I guess it was a bit too much. You dropped like a tonne of bricks.'

He laughed, perhaps at the image of me 'dropping like a tonne of bricks'.

'That was your sister, who died over one hundred and fifty years ago?' I asked slowly-deliberately. 'Yes, the very same.'

'Wow. Okay.' I took a deep breath and looked around, but she was no longer there.

'She comes here often, to this bench.'

'Ah ... right,' I managed to say, still struggling to think clearly.

'I'm so glad you saw her. I wasn't entirely sure that it would work. I don't know if you'll be able to hear her speak-you fainted before she had a chance to say anything. But we'll try again, maybe tomorrow.'

So, I'd seen vampires, and a dhampira-and now a ghost. Who would ever believe me? They'd lock me up for sure if I tried to tell anyone.

'Are there ... others ... here?' I asked, thinking about my possible distant relative-the one that might have been buried at the old cemetery. Could her ghost be here too?

'Yes, a few. But you won't see them. They don't want to be seen.'

'Ah ... right,' I said again, nodding, trying to pretend this was all quite normal.

He got up off the ground and sat close beside me, then wrapped his arm around my shoulders. 'Let's just sit here for a few minutes. It was obviously a bit of a shock for you, but you should be okay ... I mean, you didn't hit your head or anything. I caught you as you fell.'

That explained why nothing hurt. But I still felt like I was dreaming the whole thing.

'Or maybe we should walk? The exercise might help to clear your head.'

We walked, and he was right. I started feeling better straight away, and before long I was able to laugh at the image of myself fainting.

'Are there other ... surprises ... for me, Sam? Things you're showing me a bit at a time?'

'Well, maybe a few. But I think Elizabeth was the last of the big surprises.'

'If only I could tell Debs. She'd love this. It's one of her things these days, studying the paranormal. She would be so envious.'

'Let's not go there,' he said, looking a bit worried that I might divulge his secrets.

'No, I mean ... I would never say anything. It's just that she, of all people, would probably believe me. That's all I meant.'

'Maybe that's why you're taking all this so well ... because you know that she would believe it.'

'Maybe,' I agreed with him, but I knew the real reason. I believed it because of him. I trusted him, more than I'd ever trusted anyone in my entire life. Well, maybe not more than my parents, but apart from them.

'How about I walk you home? You still look a little pale,' he said, the frown returning to his face.

'Now that's funny. You calling me pale. Ha!' I punched him lightly on the arm, and started running up toward the top of the hill, but he was beside me in an instant, taking my hand, and making me slow down to walk beside him.

We arrived at Sam's house precisely at eight o'clock. Ian was always punctual. 'Can't keep our host waiting,' he'd said at quarter to eight-Debs was still fiddling with her jewellery.

We parked right out front, and as we walked up the steps Sam opened the door. Debs insisted we have a quick tour of the house. She seemed to be dying of curiosity about everything to do with my 'charming young man'.

The house seemed dark, with solid walls on both sides. The front door opened into a wide hallway and I could see straight through to the back of the house. A set of open stairs ran up from the end of the hallway and when I glanced up I could see a skylight so I a.s.sumed that during the day light would filter down from above. There was a large study on our left, then a powder room. Beyond that there was an open plan kitchen and large open living room with gla.s.s doors at the end that spanned the entire width of the room. Beyond them was what looked to be a small courtyard. Upstairs were two large bedrooms, separated by a central bathroom. The larger bedroom at the front of the house had an ensuite. Both bedrooms had small balconies. All in all, it was quite a lovely, comfortable home.

'Sam, you have a beautiful home,' said Debs, and I could only imagine that she wondered how someone who worked at the markets could afford such a nice house, because that's what I was wondering.

'Thank you. It's been in the family for some time,' he said, then quickly changed the subject. 'So what can I get everyone to drink?'

Sam had made a cheese and fruit platter and it sat beside a deck of cards on the kitchen table. We were going to play a game called 500. It was a team game-Debs and I, against Ian and Sam.

It was fun. Debs and I won, which annoyed Ian to no end. Sam just laughed. But he'd completely won them over, not that there was any need with Debs who already seemed to consider him part of the family. But it was great to see Ian bonding with Sam. I hadn't been sure how Ian would take to Sam, but I needn't have worried-they seemed to hit it off beautifully.

We left just after ten, and as we walked out, Debs sort of pushed Ian ahead to give me a moment of privacy to say goodnight to Sam. His eyes were absolutely sparkling, no doubt pleased at the success of the evening. He gave me a quick kiss goodnight, and when he said he'd ring me in the morning I don't think there was anything on earth that could have made me happier.

Ian was up early, and made us a traditional Sunday breakfast. For Ian, this consisted of fried eggs, bacon, sausages, tomatoes and mushrooms-all served on the one plate with thick toast. It smelled delicious, and tasted even better.

Debs and I cleaned up the dishes after we finished eating, while Ian read the paper with his second cup of coffee. When the phone rang, I ran to get it, hoping it would be Sam.

'Hi Lili. You'll never guess who I had a date with last night. Well, of course you'd guess. Oh, sorry, guess I should have said good morning first,' Claire giggled, obviously very excited to tell me all about her previous night's date. 'He came out to the house and picked me up. We went to see a movie then we went for ice cream and walked up and down Bourke Road window shopping. You should have seen how Tom watched me while I ate my ice cream. I ate it ... real ... slow ... and s.e.xy like,' she giggled again, and it gave me an opportunity to speak.

'Well good morning to you, too,' I replied.

'Hey, but then something scary happened. It was getting kinda late, and we had to walk down a dark laneway to where his truck was parked, and these three guys were following us. They started making some rude comments about my backside. You don't think I look fat from behind, do you Lili?' She didn't wait for me to reply, just continued with her story.

'Anyway, I was getting a little bit scared, what with all the news on TV about this violence that's been going on. But Tom, well, he just stopped in his tracks and told me to keep walking slowly. So, I kept walking and because of that I didn't actually see what happened, and I couldn't quite hear what any of them said either, but then I heard running so I turned around, and the three guys were running as fast as they could away from Tom. It was pretty cool. I don't know what he said to them, but it sure scared the bejesus out of them. It made me feel so protected, like he was my knight in shining armour, and he'd saved me from certain death, or at least humiliation. Fancy them talking about my backside!'

'Sounds like those idiots picked on the wrong couple, that's for sure,' I said, trying to make light of it.

'They sure did. Anyway,' she continued, 'the reason for my call ... on the drive home, I asked him about going away next weekend, and he thinks it's a great idea. I mentioned the Grampians-they have some great log cabins up there. Sort of like camping, but not, if you know what I mean. Anyway, he's going to talk to Sam about it today. Then he'll ring and book us a couple of cabins. It's about a three hour drive so we'd go up Sat.u.r.day afternoon. That way they only have to take Sunday off work and he thinks it'll be okay. That gives us all day Sunday to explore. There are some great hiking trails-not that I care, but I thought you might. We can leave when it gets dark and still be home by nine or so. How's that sound?'

It sounded perfect to me. I just hoped Tom could control himself a bit better this time, but I obviously couldn't say that to her.

'Sure Claire, it sounds great. I've never heard of The Grampians. Is it a national park or something?'

'Yeah, kinda like a mini version of the Grand Canyon, only without the canyon.' She laughed again.

'So, what are you doing today? Did you want to do something?' I asked, with nothing in particular in mind.

'Nah, I wish I could, but Mum's got this charity auction thing that she's going to, and Phil's piked on her so I have to go with her instead. Phil wants to watch the football. I can't believe Mum ever thought he'd go with her.'

'Oh, well, it could be fun, you never know,' I said, trying to make her feel better about having to go.

'Yeah, sure, it'll be a hoot,' she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. 'It's going to be a lot of rich old ladies paying too much money for a lot of crusty old junk. Ah well. Maybe I'll buy myself something, or Tom ...' She must have liked that idea as that seemed to cheer her up a bit. 'Hey, do you want to come with us? I'm sure Mum would love it if you joined us.'

I gave it about ten seconds before I answered, long enough to make it seem like I was actually considering it.

'No, I think I'll pa.s.s. I don't think I'd fit in with a room full of rich old ladies. But thanks for the invite. Really,' I said trying to sound grateful, rather than sarcastic. I don't think it worked.

'Yeah, well, lucky for you Mum isn't standing here or she'd think it was a great idea, and she'd make you come.' She laughed, but she sounded resigned to the fact that I was off the hook.

'Enjoy,' I said with a chuckle as I hung up the phone.

Debs was just finishing up the dishes when I walked back into the kitchen. 'Another cup of coffee?' she asked, with a knowing smile on her lips.

'Sure,' I said, sitting on one of the tall stools there in the kitchen. Ian had relocated to the living room with the paper, so it was just us.

'I sure like that Sam of yours. Was that him on the phone?'

'Nah, just Claire. She's going to some charity auction with her mother today, and she was trying to talk me into going with her.'

'Oh, well then, are you seeing Sam today?'

'Uh, I thought I'd go for a run up to the gardens a bit later. He finishes work around four so I might see him then.'

'Well, he seems a very nice young man-so well spoken, and polite. He'll miss you, you know, when you go back to California.'

I hadn't really been thinking about that ... about leaving, and saying goodbye to Sam. 'Yeah, I'll miss him too ... if I go.'

'If you go?' she asked, tilting her head and raising an eyebrow.

'Well, you know ... I don't have to go back-straight away. I mean, my job is only part-time, and I'm sure they can get by without me. And you said yourself that if I wanted to stay a bit longer I could.'

'Of course, dear, you do whatever makes sense for you. If you want to stay, then I'll certainly support that decision.'

It was good to hear her say that. I really didn't want to think about going-not yet anyway. Who knows, maybe Sam and I would grow tired of each other by the time I was meant to leave. That happens. It happens a lot actually. But then again, it was different with us, wasn't it?

'Did you want to do something today, Debs?' I asked, wondering if I should try to spend a little more time with her.

'Oh, I'd love to Lili, but I'm golfing today.'

After Debs left, I figured it was as good a time as any to catch up on my laundry, and to write to Mom and Raye, so I put on a load of clothes then went to the study and turned on the computer.

Where would I start?

'Hi Mom, Raye. Sorry I haven't written for a while. I'm really loving it here in Australia. The weather's been great now that I'm getting used to the cold. And I've been seeing that guy that I told you about last time.

Oh, did I mention he's a vampire? But don't worry, he doesn't hurt people. Oh, and I've met his sister too... she's a ghost, by the way.'

Yeah, right. I deleted the last part, and replaced it with: 'Debs really likes him. She keeps calling him my 'charming young man'. We played cards at his place last night. Debs and I won, much to the disgust of Ian. But it was a fun night. I really like my job too. The kids are a lot of fun. They tell me I make a great witch. I know it's just a job-but it's giving me a bit of spending money, and I actually like it. So ... maybe I need to re-evaluate my future a bit ...'

I was glad we weren't talking on the phone-Mom would probably ask too many questions. Satisfied, I hit send.

At three I changed into running gear and made my way up to the gardens, anxious to see Sam. I wondered if Tom would have spoken to him about the weekend at The Grampians. It was more than likely, given that they'd been working together all day.

I did a few laps then decided to sit and wait for Sam to turn up. It had gotten quite cool but the bench was in the sun-the one where I'd seen Elizabeth. I wondered if she was there, watching me, even now.

I closed my eyes, and went through the same relaxation routine that Sam had me go through. I wasn't sure why that was meant to help, but it had worked before so I gave it a try again. When I opened my eyes, she was standing there in front of me, smiling.

I smiled back, not completely sure if I was really seeing her, or if it was just wishful thinking-until she spoke 'Hi Lili. I was hoping you'd come. I'm sorry if I frightened you yesterday.' She had the most beautiful British accent-very well-spoken for such a young child.

'Oh, I'm the one that should be sorry. I feel so stupid-fainting like that. I don't know what came over me.' I hoped she could tell that I was sincere.

'It's okay. Neither Sam nor I knew what to expect,' she said as sat down on the bench beside me.

So, ghosts sit. I wondered what else they do.

'We do just about everything that we did when we were alive,' she said, answering my unspoken question. 'Of course, we don't eat or drink, but most other things we still do.'

I'm sure the look on my face gave away the fact that now I was frightened. She'd heard my thoughts?

'Yes, I can hear your thoughts. And yes, you do look frightened. I'm sorry. But you needn't worry. I won't ever give away any of your secrets ... like how much you like Sam. I could hear your thoughts yesterday, before I showed myself to you.'

This was, well, very weird. I didn't have to speak and I suspected that no-one could hear her but me, so we could have this conversation, in the middle of a crowded room, and no-one would be the wiser.

'Yes, that's exactly right. Sam and I have been doing it for years and years, and no-one ever suspects anything. But could you imagine how much attention it would draw, if he were talking out loud in a one-sided conversation. This works so much better.'

I wondered, would he hear her answers now, if he were here?

'Yes, or at least I think so. Oh, here comes Sam now, we can try it.'

Sam walked up, and I could feel my face blush. My secret thoughts and desires were no longer quite so secret, with Elizabeth hearing every thought as if I were saying them out loud.

'Well, good afternoon ladies. You don't know how nice it is to see the two of you sitting here together, chatting as it were,' said Sam, sitting down next to me.

'Hi Sam, we were just wondering-when I 'speak' can both of you hear me at the same time? I said I was pretty sure it would work that way, but we hadn't actually tried it before.'

'Well, I heard that loud and clear,' I said.

'Yes, I heard the question, so I guess that's your question answered,' Sam replied.

Elizabeth turned and faced Sam.

'Lili was a bit worried because I can hear her thoughts. But I a.s.sured her that her thoughts are secrets between us-just as yours are between you and me. I promised her that I won't ever divulge anything that she doesn't want me to. I just thought I'd mention that, for the record.'

Sam looked at me and smiled. I could still feel the heat in my face so I figured he'd be able to see the colour, even in the shadows. I could see that Elizabeth knew exactly how I felt. She looked down at the ground almost as though she was embarra.s.sed as well.