Destiny's Gate (21 page)

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Peggy’s Healing

January was always an unbearably long month for me; similar to enduring the sound of nails scraping on a chalkboard. School had resumed. The students and the teachers seemed exhausted from the family holiday. The majority of them seemed to be going through the motions of their day. And more importantly, most were crabby. I was in good company, as the heavy snowfalls, high winds, and freezing temperatures often kept everyone inside, either at school, work or home. I did not adapt well to the cold. I believed the term ‘cabin fever’ was coined for natives of the northern hemisphere — the torturous claustrophobia that accompanies the long winters indoors. I was not the only one frustrated by it already. I longed for the days spent outdoors on the estate atop the ridge, assessing life’s great
mysteries.

Snapping out of my funk, one Saturday morning, I arose in the early hours and dressed for the day. I grabbed my warmest down jacket, tuque, gloves, and plaid, woollen scarf, and hiked through the snowdrifts to Peggy’s house. When I arrived, I rested by the fence post to catch my breath and noticed a snowdrift was halfway up her front door; it looked as if the cottage was deserted. I was instantly concerned, remembering I had not spoken to Peggy since Christmas day. A slight twinge of guilt crept in — I had forgotten my friend as soon as my parents arrived home for
Christmas.

Jumping the gate was the only option as it was frozen shut. Step by step, I made my way through the thick snowdrifts, kicking as I struggled to trudge through them. I rapped lightly on the door, and then began pounding with all my might. She did not answer. I tried to peer in through the bay window and fell off the side of the tiny porch, dropping down into the snow-covered garden. My mind raced as I lay on the ground.
Could Peggy be in the hospital? Where is she?
Faintly, I heard a low and raspy voice coming from the opposite side of the
cottage.

“Hello?”

Picking myself up, I made my way towards the sound and discovered poor Peggy lying there, clad only in a yellow, flannel robe and matching pyjamas, and fluffy pink slippers, a shovel lying next to her. I lifted her up and inside the side door to the cottage, carefully helping her up the stairs and onto the couch in the communications room, and then grabbed some blankets from the hall closet. Water was the only other thing I could think of to help her and when I returned with a glass, I watched as a transparent shadow stood over her. Peggy appeared deep in conversation with the spirit, and I did not want to disturb them. I stayed out of sight, observing from the hallway. The shadow touched her head and Peggy moaned — such a haunting sound, and then she went limp. I ran and shook her gently. And as I did, I felt a hand on the top of my head, warm and
reassuring.

Peggy blinked her eyes open, sat up, and greeted me, “Good morning, Paige! So great to see you! I’ve missed
you.”

Bewildered, I sat back on her favourite rocking chair and observed her for a few minutes before asking, “Are you all right,
Peggy?”

“Of course I am, dear. Why wouldn’t I be?” Peggy asked. She gave me a big smile, her blue eyes
twinkling.

“Oh, no reason,” I replied. I was baffled, unable to comprehend what had just happened before my eyes. I guessed that I was meant to see whatever it was. I offered to brew some tea and she seemed happy enough to let me do that for her. While putting on the kettle, I stopped and rubbed my head where I had been touched.
What was that? Will I ever find out?
Then I heard a light tap at the side door, and in strolled Carole. I ran over and hugged
her.

“Is she okay? I came over as fast as I could, but the snow...” Carole looked confused. Her furrowed brows and dilated pupils revealed her anxiety. “I saw her lying still in the snow and I couldn’t get here fast enough. Thank you for coming as quickly as you did, Paige!” She stepped back and regained her
composure.

“I, I didn’t even know there was trouble, Carole. I got up today and thought I should come over to see Peggy and hopefully find you here. I had no idea something was wrong!” I began to make the tea in an orange floral teapot Peggy loved
so.

“Don’t you find it strange? You haven’t seen Peggy since Christmas, and you suddenly show up today, of all days? Did you find her in the snow?” Carole pushed my arm and almost caused me to spill the tea all over the
counter.

“Relax, Carole...it’s too much for me to take in right now. Not only did I find her in the snow, afterwards, when I set her down on the couch, I saw a shadowy figure next to her — touching her forehead. When I knelt beside Peggy, it touched me on my head, I think. Next thing I know, this eighty year old woman, who should be close to death, stuck in the snow for who knows how long, wakes up and starts talking to me like nothing happened. There — what do you think of
that?”

“Hush now, children, do not fret. I am fine,” Peggy announced as she entered the kitchen. “Let me pour the tea and you two go and sit down in the communications room. We have lots to discuss.” Peggy nudged me out of the way. However, Carole stood her ground and insisted she would look after it. I ushered Peggy back to her rocking chair, and sat across from her on the loveseat, not uttering a word. I glanced around the room and spied the books on the shelves, and wondered if I read them, would I be as enlightened and mystical as
Peggy.

My child, it would take you a lifetime to read the books on my shelves and be none the wiser, for in your heart and soul are all of life’s questions and answers,
popped into my
head
.

“Thank you, Peggy, for the book...” Carole set the tray down, dropped to the loveseat and promptly broke into
tears.

I moved next to Carole and put my hand on her arm, to console her but she could not stop crying. Peggy motioned for me to step aside. I jumped up and helped Peggy as she sashayed onto the loveseat. It seemed odd, as I watched her move; she appeared
somehow...younger.

“Carole, I am fine now. Please do not be upset. You came as fast as you could, and Paige was here to help me. Don’t fret; please, be happy.” Peggy ran her fingers down through the black tresses of Carole’s beautifully straight hair. She stopped crying and put her head on Peggy’s shoulder. “There, there, child, let’s have a cup of tea. Paige, do you mind pouring
today?”

Watching Peggy while she calmed Carole down, I could not stop thinking how unbelievable it was that this elderly woman survived goodness knows how long outside in the snow, with no visible signs of a problem. I shuddered, unsure if it was due to the bizarre experience with Peggy, or the frigid conditions I had encountered this
morning.

“You’re here for a reason today, girls. Did you know that thirty years ago, on this very day, my husband, Wagner, died? Don’t feel sad for me. We had thirty-four wonderful years together and there is not a day that’s gone by when I don’t say good morning to him. I was very fortunate. I went outside to shovel the sidewalk for I knew the two of you would be coming over for a visit. It wasn’t minutes before I felt a shove and literally, could not get back up.” Peggy’s blue eyes sparkled. “I knew you were on your way, Paige, so I did not panic. However, an evil spirit kept encircling me and uttering harsh words, commanding me to leave my home. I prayed continuously for help. I guess my prayers were answered.” She smiled sweetly at me. “My husband, Wagner, lay with me and kept me safe and warm until you arrived. I was in heaven, feeling his body next to mine, knowing he still loved me after all of these years. And, very thankful you showed up, Paige, when you
did.”

Carole and I remained silent. It was pretty heavy to think that someone who had died so many years ago could actually return in such a way, in a loved one’s time of
need.

“I could feel your energy, Paige, rushing to the house. When you reached the gate, your fear intensified. I sent guiding thoughts for you to find
me.”

“But, I heard you speak aloud? You called me
over.”

“Paige, dear, I could not utter words if I’d wanted to. I was out there for several hours. My lips were frozen shut. Anyway, when you brought me into the house...you
witnessed...”

“Witnessed, what?” I asked,
urgently.

“The question is not what, dear, it’s whom — Wagner, of course. He was bending over me returning me to good health, healing me, right in front of your eyes. How else could you explain my sudden return to health? A woman at my age should be dead, especially after the illness I suffered before
Christmas.”

Peggy’s response stung me for a moment. Carole slapped my arm and said, “You’re so lucky! You witnessed a miracle! Healing from the Other Side with Creator’s help, of course? How fortunate. I wish I had been here, too!” She
frowned.

Dumbfounded, I thought,
perhaps I did witness a divine healing
. It seemed all too surreal. How else could one explain Peggy’s recovery? I slurped my tea trying to sound out anyone else’s existence. This particular experience was one I definitely needed time to digest. I added, “Well, after Wagner healed you, he touched me on the head, and I felt terrific; instantly physically strong and
happy.”

Peggy cried, “Fantastic. He sees the pureness in your soul, as both Carole and I do. Hallelujah, praise the Lord!” Peggy jumped up and did a little dance. “See girls. Like James Brown sang, “I feel good...I knew that I would... Oh, I feel good...so good, I’ve got
you!”

Carole and I simultaneously joined in and danced alongside Peggy until she tired. We all broke out into laughter, and fell back into our respective seats. It was awesome to witness a healing, for a change, instead of the darkness plaguing the O’Brien estate. I was meant to be a part of this extraordinary day for Peggy, and Carole, was our witness. The three of us were bonded for eternity and it felt
good.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

Paige’s Pureness of Heart

“Paige, where have you been? We’ve been looking all over for you,” exclaimed grandpa as I entered the kitchen. “I called Allan to see if you were at the guest
house.”

Silently, I wondered what all the fuss was about as I hung my snow-covered parka on a rack beside the kitchen door. “Sorry, grandpa, I was visiting Peggy — I guess I should’ve told you first.” My jeans were frozen to my boots and I had to work hard to pry them
off.

“There’s someone here to see you.” Grandpa waited patiently for me to undress then excitedly said, “Come with me.” He led me by the hand to the
foyer.

I skipped a breath, as there stood Bradley Adam Parkman, in his neon green down parka, with black tuque, half-smiling. I wanted to run to him, as I had missed him so much, until I remembered his fateful letter. Avoiding eye contact, he began to
speak.

“Hi, Paige, sorry to drop in on you like this. I had to see you.” He turned to grandpa, his hand outstretched. “Do you mind, Mr.
O’Brien?”

“Oh...sure, Bradley, sorry. Well, Paige, I’ll let the two of you become re-acquainted.” Grandpa shook Brad’s hand and said, “Good to see you again, son.” He winked, as he strolled past
me.

I did not know what to say. My heart pounded furiously as if it wanted to burst out of my chest and beat him badly for what he had done to me. I stayed put. This time, he would have to work for my friendship, if there was to be any friendship at
all.

“I thought of you the other day while listening to a song on YouTube. Have you heard it yet? By Gotye? It’s called
Somebody That I Used to Know
. It begins with,
Now and then I think of when we were together.
Then Kimbra, the female group member, sings,
but you didn’t have to cut me off
. I knew in that instance, that is exactly what I have done to you. After being so close to you, I just...dumped you and looking back, it was cruel! Especially with the haunting and all.” He paused and shyly met my
eyes.

I could not move as I felt glued to this particular ceramic tile in the foyer. I wanted to punch him, but I did not believe in unnecessary aggressive acts. I certainly was not going to cry or gush over the fact that he finally came back to answer for his rude behaviour. So I said
nothing.

Brad explained, “I just could not process the haunting of O’Brien Manor. Now that I’ve had time to reflect on it, I know it wasn’t your fault — you didn’t cause the haunting. I know you were only trying to stop it, and you did. You’re a hero, Paige. Looking back, I’m happy I was here to help and support you through the supernatural battle. When I moved to the dorm, the summer’s events panicked me, and I did not want any further repercussions or memories from that dark period and...cut you
off.”

As Brad stood by the door, shoulders rounded, and explained his position, I began to understand where he was coming from. After all, I was still living in this nightmare and it was far from being resolved. I could not drag him back into
it.

Out of compassion, I responded, “Thank you for sharing this with me. Good luck at school. I have to go now and help a
friend.”

I bit my tongue and did an about-face and marched off to my room, not wanting to look back. When I was safely out of sight, I sprinted to my antique daybed, threw myself down and pulled the duvet over my head. I let the heartache out, sobbing as loudly as I could. It was hard to gain control and I felt extremely
self-conscious.

I overheard my grandparents’ voices filtering down the hallway, as they spoke quietly to Brad. I was relieved to hear the double doors bang closed. Footsteps sounded in the outer hall and I cringed,
please do not come to see me now
; then silence. Whoever it was decided against it and I was grateful. Sometimes, I needed time by myself to digest things. As much as it hurt, I knew deep within my heart, Brad was sorry and as easy as it would have been to bring him back into my life I did not want to involve him any further in this battle between good and evil. I learned early on that you cannot blame others for admitting to their limitations and what they can or cannot handle. It was good of Brad to come in person and admit the things he had. I knew he could not face what I would soon have to. After all, he was not of our bloodline, so why should he be a part of
it?

My Adam’s apple ached. I slammed on my headphones and listened to Sirius satellite radio, featuring Adele’s songs for the rest of the afternoon, while drowning my sorrows in a bag of salt and vinegar chips. A flat can of ginger ale sat on my night table and I quenched my thirst, only temporarily. I emerged from my room in search of water. Making my way to the kitchen, I was surprised to see Hanna, and my grandparents seated at the quaint breakfast nook looking out towards the snow-covered fountain. Hanna jumped to attention and offered me a bite to eat. They were having Scottish stew which translated meant lamb stew. I declined immediately. It would be like eating one of Mary’s little lambs. I seized a scone and offered to make tea for everyone. They readily
agreed.

The four of us sat in silence, eating, and gazing out the window. I found Grandpa’s sloppy chewing extremely comical and could not hold it in any longer. I burst into hysterics. They all looked at me like I was demented until I imitated the sloppy sounds grandpa
made.

We all began to laugh and Hanna, who chortled uncontrollably, began to slam the table with her left hand and then held her stomach. “Stop...please. My stomach
hurts!”

That admission made the rest of us laugh even harder. Hanna rose from the table and ran from the room. I could hear her all the way down the hall until she closed the bathroom
door.

“It feels so good to laugh again,” commented grandma. We’ve missed the light-heartedness from you, Paige. You’ve been so pensive lately. Is everything okay? How did it go with Bradley, or should I ask?” She smiled sweetly at me and it seemed to accentuate her amber eyes against the backdrop of her fiery red
hair.

“I was happy to see Brad, but we live in two separate worlds now — he’s away at school for four years, and next, I’ll be heading off, who knows where. There’s no need to jump back into anything with him. He was my first boyfriend, and I will always cherish
that.”

Something caught my attention in the forest, but, considering it was dusk, I was hopeful the shadows were playing tricks on me. I decided, why look for
trouble.

Grandpa slapped his knee. “See mother, I told you they were more than friends! You owe me one of your awesome wild blueberry pies you have hidden away in the freezer!”

Grandma returned a steely
look.

What happened next was something I would never forget. Hanna careened down the hallway; the sounds of her body slamming against the walls echoed ominously. The irregularity and hurriedness of heavy footsteps that followed pervaded our serene gathering. Anxiously peering to see what was coming, I watched as a hand grabbed the door jamb and sliding head first around the corner into the room was Hanna, a ghastly expression displayed on her face. Hanna’s up-do hairstyle was down and messy and her apron torn. There was blood streaming onto her white work shoes. Before dropping to the tiled flooring, she cried,
“Run!”

Looking past Hanna, I saw an enormous black dog with rippling shoulder muscles, long, skinny, yet powerful-looking legs, and piercing red eyes. I watched in horror as Hanna tried to protect us; she threw her arm out and her hand carried through the beastly form. It was as if this was a ghostly apparition.
Is this for real
? I gasped and watched the lack of reaction from my grandparents who seemed caught up in their last gulp of tea. I arose from the breakfast nook, in seemingly slow motion, moving towards Hanna to help her but she, too, had vanished like the beast. Placing my hand on my cheek, I wondered if this was another premonition. Excusing myself, I put my boots on, grabbed my parka and fled outside. I knew it was up to Allan and Trixie to assist me
now.