Destiny's Gate (19 page)

Not knowing how to begin, I simply closed my
eyes.

“I guess you still need your rest. C’mon Lori, let Paige sleep while we unpack our bags.” Dad sighed and left the
room.

Mom refused to leave my side. I drifted in and out of sleep for most of the day. When I awoke, mom could not help herself, and immediately showered me with gifts from Italy — a coffee table book of photos of Cinque Terre, a beautiful scarf made of blue silk and gold threading, a gold necklace with an angel charm, and a handcrafted jewellery box made of olive wood. It was all a bit much after what had just happened and I panicked, wondering if Trixie and Allan were
okay.

“Are you in pain, dear?” she touched my hand and sat next to me on the
bed.

“Yes, I am.” I wanted to avoid any further questions about the latest attack. “These meds are upsetting my stomach. Could you get me something to settle it?” Truly, all I cared about was the whereabouts of Trixie and
Allan.

Mom left in search of a remedy, while my mind raced with thoughts of their demise. What if they were in trouble and no one was there to help
them?

“Paige, are you okay?” mom asked as she reappeared. She handed me a pill while stating, “Ginger is well known for its natural digestive qualities. Take
it.”

“Thank you, mom. Do you know where Allan is?” I could not hide it any longer. I had to
know.

“Who? Oh, you mean the groundskeeper? He’s at the guest house, I assume.” Mom dismissed the subject. “Stop worrying about everyone else, Paige. You need to look after yourself, now. We need to know how you were really hurt,
Paige.”

It took me a moment to think of a cover story; eventually it came to me. I explained how I had climbed the stairs to the attic, caught my foot on one of the rungs, slipped, and a protruding nail ripped into my leg. Unfortunately, my explanation caused a big commotion. Mom ducked out to inform dad who then stormed into the room and announced I would need a tetanus shot immediately. Brilliant! Why did I mention a nail? I proceeded to adjust the story to a fragment of wood. They were visibly relieved, and continued to tell me how much they loved me and were so glad they had returned home for two weeks to help nurse me back to
health.

Hanna entered with a big pot of green tea and three cups, suggesting once we were finished that perhaps my parents should give me some time to rest. I shot her a glare and asked that they stay afterwards until I fell asleep. I did not want to be left alone after what had happened in the banquet room, and shuddered at the thought of
it.

Allan poked his head into the room and informed us he had fixed the stairs, while telepathically announcing,
I fixed the broken window.
He winked at me and said he’d return later to see how I was doing. I saw the back end of Trixie, her tail wagging vigorously. Relieved they were both fine, now I could catch some
z’s.

Contrary to Hanna’s request, mom insisted she stay behind to keep me company while I slept, and that made for a relaxed state of mind. She climbed into the bed and drew the comforter up around us; we slept serenely arm in arm. I craved a sense of community this Christmas, never imagining it could be like
this.

I stirred sometime after midnight, as I could see the moonlight softly streaming in through the parted curtains. I recognized it was in the waning gibbous phase (the phase coming after the full moon when the light decreases), and thought of dad who taught me about the moon phases as a young child. Mom had slipped out of bed at some point and that disturbed
me.

I had forgotten about my injury until the pain returned in full force. I knocked over my water glass on the night stand, trying to reach for a Tylenol, and noticed Trixie sleeping next to me on the floor. Thankfully, it had just missed her; she stirred only for a moment and then settled back down again.
Mind over matter
, I ruminated, to overcome the pain. I thought of happy memories as a young child playing on the beach building sand castles. It did the
trick.

There was nothing comparable to the comforting feeling of unconditional love and security from my parents. And having my friend, Trixie, by my side, too, not to mention how grateful I was for Peggy, Carole, and
Allan.

Feeling restless, I contemplated how lucky I was, first of all to be alive, next, to have such loyal friends, and lastly, despite all that had happened, to be so loved by so many. Life at O’Brien Manor was so different from life in Scarborough when it was just the three of us; now we were supported by so many loving individuals. Family was a priority, friends were a huge necessity, or as dad would describe it,
our tribe is increasing; or am I being lulled into a false sense of
security?

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Miracles Do Occur

In the moment just before full consciousness, I felt a powerful, loving and warm embrace. When I proceeded to open my eyes, I was disappointed that there was no one to be seen. A flash of light, followed by images of angels in my head reminded me they were around and encircled me on this most glorious of days; it was Christmas morning. I smiled, and without thinking, bounded out of bed to the
bathroom.

Something was different. The pain from my leg had healed. I danced around the room looking down in disbelief. I splashed some water on my face to make sure it was not a dream, and laughed aloud when I heard Trixie enter the room, barking excitedly. She sauntered into the bathroom and I bent down and gave her the biggest hug, wishing her a very Merry Christmas. She barked again and I told her I would be along in a
minute.

Tying the belt tightly on my cherished pink velour robe, I walked down the hall towards the kitchen. Not a sound could be heard. I decided nothing was going to spoil my good mood today. As I arrived at the kitchen, I noticed hints of Hanna’s cooking, as there were pots and pans on the stove top and the smell of turkey wafting from the oven which made me salivate. Upon entering the dining room, I heard some stirring and whispers, then silence, followed by mom’s enthusiastic tone of
voice.

“Paige, you are out of bed. What a great surprise on Christmas Day. Our prayers have been answered, Kevin.” She arose and gently hugged me then led me to a chair beside
her.

Seated at the dining room table were mom and dad, grandpa and grandma, Hanna, Allan and Trixie, and then I spotted Peggy, at the head of the table. Tears streamed down my face as I had not seen her for weeks. I ran around the table and gave her a big hug and she returned it, full of love. I continued hugging everyone, one by one, before returning to my seat next to mom. This was absolutely the best day of my life with my fast recovery and to be able to share it with those I loved
most.

Hanna whipped up the best Christmas brunch ever. The spread included her famous lemon and raisin scones, ham and scalloped potatoes, Lorne sausages (these were square and gross-looking, yet so delicious tasting), fruit salad, as insisted on by my parents, and tiny raspberry tarts with real whipped cream on top. We ate as if it was our last meal, and the chatter was bubblier than it had been in months; everyone was animated especially when Hanna took a bite into a raspberry tart and had half eaten a tiny spider hidden in the whipped cream. We all burst out laughing at the look on Hanna’s face until she expelled it into her napkin, and ran into the kitchen. I could not help but feel sorry for
her.

The grandfather clock chimed eleven bells and I was shocked at how fast the day was rolling by. Normally, I was the talkative one at the table, but I chose to sit back and listen to all of my wonderful family and friends sharing about themselves. My parents recounted several stories about life in Italy and the trails they explored through Cinque Terre. Allan opened up about working as a tree planter and helped to save a friend as a tree fell, almost upon him. There was a huge celebration that night as the workers gathered to honour Allan, their hero. I was not surprised by this. Trixie remained quiet but she smiled and laughed often, as did Peggy. And my grandparents kept the food coming, giving Hanna a break from the kitchen. This was my Christmas wish — all my loved ones safe, happy and together on Christmas day. And what do you know — I had already received part of the Christmas wish I had asked for. These were my peeps and we were all in this life together, to support and love one
another.

Once brunch had finished, we sat long enough to let our stomachs settle. I insisted on clearing the table but my request was denied by Hanna, as she enlisted Trixie and Allan’s help. Mom led me by the hand into the living room where we sat upon the long couch. Peggy slowly followed and positioned herself in between us.

Peggy put her hand over mine and said, “I’ve missed your smiling face, Paige. And I was so pleased to be invited by your family to celebrate such a glorious day
together.”

I smiled and said, “I’m so happy you are here and healthy. That was part of my Christmas
wish.”

We became silent and had quite a conversation telepathically. At one point, dad walked in, took one look at us, smiled, and whirled right back around and out again. He knew what was taking place. As I heard grandpa’s booming voice ask where everyone was, dad diverted his attention, asking him to accompany him to the study and have a father-in-law to son chat. Dad’s voice faded as I overheard him saying we were preoccupied, and grandma was supervising Hanna in the kitchen in preparation for Christmas dinner. Trixie and Allan must have departed to the guest house as their voices were not to be heard. I was anxious for their return at
dinner.

Speaking telepathically was fascinating. It’s like entering a different world altogether wherein, you hear the person speaking quite emphatically a few words at a time. Words are chosen carefully so the message is not diluted. And sometimes, a vision is popped into one’s head, rather than spoken words. Peggy shared,
sorry I could not help,
while mom quietly listened.
Thankfully Allan and Trixie protected you
. Mom agreed emphatically,
yes
. Peggy warned me,
I’m sensing trouble is coming. Say your prayers daily...do the grounding in the shower.
I looked at her, surprised she knew I was already instructed on how to do that, and she continued, y
ou are guided by the Almighty, listen to the messages, they will come once
. Mom interjected,
write them down, Paige.
Peggy nodded and continued,
you are special...brought here to O’Brien Manor to rid it of the negative energy
—
haunting your family for over a century
.
The love in your heart is pure and that is why you are the chosen one.
Mom added,
I’m thankful, though afraid for Paige.
She asked Peggy,
will Paige survive as the victor
? Peggy replied,
yes
. Her premonition made me relax...sort
of.

Hanna strolled into the room, wiping her hands on her floral apron and asked, “Peggy, can you stay for Christmas dinner? We’d love to have
you.”

“I am grateful that I could be here this morning but I’m weary now, and should go home to rest. Thank you, all of you.” Peggy squeezed my
hand.

It surprised me to see Allan and Trixie waltz into the room to announce they would escort Peggy home. We all stood and Peggy hugged me goodbye as she whispered into my ear, “Carry the angel charm at all
times!”

It never ceased to amaze me that Peggy remembered little details like Dexter’s charm, given to me for protection. I pushed a small gift-wrapped box into her hands. Peggy looked joyfully surprised. After she left, I grew sleepy lying on the couch. Mom put on our favourite Christmas CD
Superstar Christmas
. John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s song
Happy Xmas (War is Over)
played. The words
and so this is Christmas
caused tears to well up in my eyes and I knew, without looking, that mom had them, too. This time, they were happy tears that everyone was well, mixed, with a touch of foreboding. I drifted in and out of sleep on one end of the couch, mom on the other, with our feet touching. Half asleep, I heard dad come in and sensed he sat nearby in the high back winged chair, quietly flipping pages of a book, as he watched over us. I fell back into a peaceful
sleep.

The grandfather clock chimed four times announcing it was four o’clock. My grandparents insisted it was time to open the gifts. I actually thought to myself,
who needs gifts,
but the little kid inside ignored me. I was appointed ‘the gift giver’ so I handed each one of us — Hanna, mom, dad, grandma and grandpa — a present, before choosing one for myself. I knelt beside the Christmas tree, admiring the beautiful decorations adorned by grandma in the colour scheme of gold, then insisted on taking a cell phone picture of everyone smiling. It was the gift that would last a lifetime.

Finally after much cajoling, I picked out a tiny, red gift box with a gold bow and tag, inscribed with
PAM
. I was shocked, as I had not been called that name in years. In fact, the last time I remembered it, I was ten and a childhood friend insisted on it. It was the acronym for my full name,
P
aige
A
lexandra
M
addison. I looked curiously at mom, then dad, and back to the present. They urged me to open it. It was a red velvet lined box with a silver key
inside.

I was speechless as I held the key. While contemplating what is was used for, dad became impatient and grabbed my hand. He led me hastily to the front door. Lo and behold, in the driveway, was a sweet ride — a royal blue metallic, convertible, Volkswagen Cabriolet, with a hard top. I squealed with
delight.

“It’s time you had your own set of wheels, Paige. You’ve proven your maturity and we think it’s time you had a little independence. Aren’t you happy you got your license on your sixteenth birthday, as soon as you were eligible?” Dad laughed and pulled me towards him for a bear hug. Mom rushed to the foyer and joined in. He added, “The hard top is for the harsh winters we endure.” His eyes glistened as he pulled
away.

“We thought you should know, Paige. This was one of Dexter’s last projects. Dexter worked nightly on it and kept us updated by texts,” mom added. “He really wanted to participate in this special gift by repainting the original lemon yellow to the royal blue. I guess he thought it’s your favourite
colour?”

It was the coolest car I had ever seen, and when I ran outside and checked out the tan interior seats through the marginally tinted windows, I was elated. Tan seats do not attract the heat in the summer months as much as black seats, a pet peeve of mine. I was thrilled and felt extremely grown-up that they entrusted a car to me. Then, boom, it hit me in the gut. What a painful realization, as it saddened me to remember, once again, Dexter was dead. I found it hard to swallow, as a lump formed in my throat. I sat in the driver’s seat and ran my fingers along the leather steering wheel. A smile came over me. Imagine Dexter’s parting gift to me was this car, and his dog, well, Trixie, my new friend. It was overwhelming and I cried sappy tears, which translated, means sad and happy tears. Regaining my composure, I entered the manor and said, “How can I ever thank you for this, mom and dad. It’s the best gift
ever!”

We rejoined everyone in the living room and grandma piped up, “Isn’t it great, Paige? Now you can explore more of the Camlachie area and get to school on time.” She wiggled her
eyebrows.

Grinning from ear to ear, I flopped down onto the couch and said, “Yes, it is. I am so grateful this Christmas, and especially for all of
you.”

So much had happened, lately, and looking back over the last several months, it felt like I had been on a monster roller coaster of a ride. I wanted to scream and release the tension I knew had been brewing. Was I supposed to handle all of these grave situations by myself? And then, barely noticeable at first, a light in the corner of the room grew bigger and brilliant, the longer I stared at it.
I must be losing my mind
. The warmth from the light enfolded me and I felt safe. It was yet another reminder that I was not alone in this struggle against evil, and to have faith! Mom noticed my silence and suggested I lie down before Christmas dinner, as it was going to be quite a feast. She let it slip that she had prepared her special turkey stuffing with onions, celery and secret spices. Grandma had baked her famous pecan and pumpkin pies, and Hanna decided to make a new casserole that Peggy had passed on to her — broccoli and creamed corn bake, as well as garlic mashed potatoes, and last but not least, the turkey. I headed back to my room aware Trixie followed a short distance behind. I fell into the bed, closed my eyes and was comforted to know she was watching my
back.

Before my nap, I saw the same bright light over by my bedroom window and smiled, knowing I was safe on this special day. My dreams were fluid and ran one into the next. I dreamt I was floating amongst the clouds, speaking to an angel, and she was instructing me on how to protect myself on the earthly plane. I knew I had listened intently, but when I awoke, there was no memory of what she had said. I hoped I would remember later. Leaning my head over the edge of the bed, I noticed that Trixie had vanished. A slight feeling of panic stirred, until I heard her out in the hallway. I could not figure out if she was coming or
going.

Closing my eyes, I drifted back to sleep. In the next dream, Peggy spoke to me and as much as I tried, I could not hear what she was saying. She looked distraught and pointed frantically at something, over and over again. Try as I might, I could not see what it was that she was warning me about. I tried to turn my head and found it
impossible.

Again, I dreamily awoke and heard clicking noises. When I became more conscious, the sounds emanated from the hallway. Breaking into a cold sweat, I was at my wits end until I saw Dexter entering the room. He walked over to me, put his hand on my forehead and drew the sign of a cross and vanished. I fell peacefully back to
sleep.

In the fourth and final dream, I was up on the ridge overlooking the estate on a clear, sunny day. It was the place where I felt most invincible. It was a spiritual place to me, and I smiled as I heard Conall and Mackenzie chatting, until they noticed me standing behind them. They stopped talking and hugged me fiercely. It was wonderful. Their mother, the angel, hovered above us. She touched my head, and a warmth flowed down throughout my body; I was filled with a glorious, positive energy when my eyes popped
open.