Twice Be

By Adeline Blue

In part two of The Entanglement Series, Ellie and her friends have discovered the seemingly impossible is happening to them. They are in a race against time to save a mysterious stranger and ensure Ellie does not suffer a merciless past that keeps resurfacing...a past she isn’t even convinced is her own!

Creativity is unsurpassed in this sequel to Eidolon! The ideas are mind-opening! This second installment delves deeper into the lives and hearts of characters you grew to love in the first book and keeps you bound to their outcome. The only respite is the brilliant wit and humor that sneaks up and allows you a moment to breathe before succumbing to the intense addiction once again!

Which path will ensure her future? Which man will win her heart? Who will save Ellie from the absolutely unimaginable?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Adeline Blue
• Release date: Mar 7, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370180141

Adeline Blue

ADELINE BLUE discovered her talent for writing when she was about 10 years old, though for many years it was poetry and short stories and usually just an outlet for dealing with difficult things. Her greatest proclivity has always been for chasing shiny objects, which has led her though a variety of interests: juggling and magic, gymnastics, video production, acting, dance, sports, drawing, as well as an extensive list of projects and ventures...and all with very little coffee! But writing a book was always something she knew she would do one day.Adeline loves a fairy-tale romance and that happily-ever-after, but she also likes to explore the extremes and subtleties of human emotion through her characters. She is intrigued by sci-fi, fantasy, paranormal and quantum physics. Forever imagining stories and creating worlds in her mind, she finally found a way to sit still long enough to pen The Entanglement Series: Eidolon, Twice Be and Entangled.A life-long resident of New Jersey, Adeline is working on her next books, when she isn’t seeking out ice cream or falling down the rabbit hole of her imagination.

Book preview

THE EXPLANATION

~ 1~

Ellie lay on the ground at Well-Sweep Cemetery, unconscious. Her phone had fallen out of her hand when she hit the ground. Tyler’s voice could be heard coming out of the speaker.

I told you to scare her, not kill her, Gretchen shrieked to her boyfriend Tank, more afraid of getting in trouble than of Ellie being hurt.

I did scare her. I didn’t touch her, though. She tripped by herself and hit her head on that rock. That’s not my fault, Tank argued. I think I see blood on her head.

Let’s get out of here, Gretchen commanded.

They ran out of the cemetery, as best one in four inch heels and one with a massive frame could run. They got in Tank’s smart car and sped off.

Tyler eventually hung up to focus on driving there faster, leaving the cemetery quiet and peaceful once again. Then Ellie heard a voice— her voice; it was Arelyth.

Arelyth! You have no idea how I’ve been trying to find a way to talk to you again! How are you here? How did I get you to come back? Ellie implored.

You finally let go enough to allow yourself to hear my words, Arelyth answered.

How did I do that?

You are unconscious.

So, I’m dreaming you?

Not entirely. You are between the moments before you begin to awake and the moments after you have. You are aware enough to remember recent events, but receptive enough to allow the answers I have been trying to send you, Arelyth explained.

Trying to send me? I don’t understand. Why did you tell me your name was Arelyth? Ellie was reaching for something to make sense.

You needed to find Isolde and understand her life and her choices. You needed to feel the consequence of those choices, Arelyth began.

So why didn’t you just say your name was Isolde?

I did, but you heard only pieces of my message. That was partially my fault. I appeared in a cemetery, which made you automatically think ghost and which activated in you all of the beliefs you held about ghosts. Your beliefs are the lens through which you perceive and they cause a type of filtering effect. I did not feel I had much of a choice in where I appeared, though; that day was the first time you were far enough down the path and you had let down your guard enough to receive me. I had to allow you to believe I was Isolde if I was to be heard. You would not have been able to accept the truth, Arelyth explained.

What is the truth? Ellie asked, both eager and hesitant.

You need to understand Isolde’s life, so you don’t repeat it.

The statement was both confusing and bone-chilling to Ellie.How would I repeat her life?

The same energy still runs strong within you, making it easy for you to be led down the same path again.

What do you mean by that? Please explain this to me. What do you mean about the same energy still runs strong in me? Ellie pleaded.

Could you not feel her life, her heart? Could you not see through her eyes and touch through her skin, as if they were your own? Ellie slowly nodded. Did the experiences not linger like a bad memory? Arelyth knew their time was limited, so she had no choice but to deliver the truth directly. You are one in the same. She is your former self, the self of your last lifetime.

Ellie’s jaw went lax. Her eyes slowly widened. She stared at Arelyth, as if waiting— praying— for a punchline, but knowing one was not coming. A part of Ellie was intrigued, but that was, by far, the smaller part. Though taken aback, her internal response was dulled; she was almost numb from the constant stream of surreal information that had been bombarding her for the past couple weeks. All she could do was try to understand better, especially the things that would help her free herself from this assigned hell.

How was I able to see that time when I touched the nightgown? Ellie asked.

A person’s energy remains on the objects they touch and interact with. The object has energy of its own and the interaction is a melding of the energies of the object and the person. The longer the interaction, the stronger the impression. Someone sensitive to energy can pick up those impressions from touching an item— things about the former owner or of the way in which life was being experienced during that time. The nightgown was yours and, though in a different lifetime, the basic essence is still the same. You were simply able to translate that energy more fully, as a result. Your state of being had a lot to do with which aspect of your former life you re-experienced, Arelyth explained. You are going to find that it always come back to energy. Trent is going to play a big role in this for you.

You know Trent? Can you always see us?

No, but it is more than you will have time to hear now.

From her trance-like state, her voice almost monotone, Ellie softly allowed the questions that were overcoming her, to flow. What do I call you? Why am I becoming physically affected? Am I still supposed to save you? How?

You may continue to call me Arelyth. I do need you to save me, but that is next— you are not able to yet. You must guide yourself off this path before you will be capable of saving me.

How long do you have?

I cannot know…

Ellie began shaking. She felt her body suddenly rise into the air. She squeezed her eyes tightly and, making a soft groan, began to move her head. Ellie slowly opened her eyes to see Tyler carrying her out of the cemetery. She looked toward his chest and saw blood all over his shirt.

You’re bleeding, she said, with effort to speak.

No, Tyler corrected. You are.

Ellie closed her eyes again and nodded in and out. Tyler put her into his truck and drove to the hospital. When he arrived, Ellie began waking again. She caught a glimpse of Scotlyn and Trent and her parents. The next thing she saw was a hallway in the hospital. When she awoke the third time, she was laying in a bed with some bandages around her head. She had stepped in a gopher hole and tripped. She fell to the ground and hit her head on a rock, knocking her unconscious. The doctor informed everyone that Ellie had a concussion, but she would be perfectly fine.

Ellie’s parents spent a few hours in the hospital with her. They knew she worked at the cemetery one day a week. The fact that it was Saturday, the day she was supposed to be there, made it very easy to accept it as an accident. Most of the pricker scratches were too tiny to see once the blood had been cleaned off and all but Tyler arrived after that point. It all fit. It all seemed perfectly accidental, so no one even asked questions. Well, except Tyler. Scotlyn had her curiosities as well.

The hospital released Ellie and her parents brought her back to their home, where they could keep an eye on her. She needed to be woken every hour if she slept and Bryar quickly made that her job, eager to help her sister. Both fortunately and unfortunately, Ellie recalled her conversation with Arelyth; it looped in her mind as she lay in bed. She parsed each sentence, each word, trying to squeeze everything she could out of them. Ellie was aching to tell her friends the new information, though that excitement was tempered by the fact that she was not fully conscious when she spoke with Arelyth this time. Still, it was hard to contain, but being in her parents house for the night, with Bryar popping in and out and ears everywhere, she had to wait to tell her friends.

Tyler pulled Trent and Scotlyn aside before they left the hospital. His expression had not changed since he arrived and Scotlyn noticed it. Hey guys. There is something more to what happened today than a mere accident. I was on the phone with El when she was in the cemetery. She said something like ‘It was there.’ I don’t know what that means, but a second later she screamed. It wasn’t an ’Oh no, I just tripped in a gopher hole’ kind of scream. Something happened, but I don’t know what.

Yeah, I wondered if this was ghost related or not, Scotlyn said. Well, we’ll find out. Let her rest tonight. First thing in the morning, we’ll come up with something. This Arelyth chick is starting to piss me off.

Trent, did you ever find out anything from your professor? Wasn’t he supposed to have studied this type of phenomenon? Tyler asked.

Yeah, he once treated a woman who swore she saw a ghost. It told her things she couldn’t have known otherwise and it intrigued him enough to study not only the paranormal from a scientific perspective but also how its effects, real or imagined, played out in the human mind. The things he ended up finding out shaped the niche field of psychiatry he formed with Dr. Gregis and Dr. Rutherford, that could now revolutionize the industry, though slowly I’m sure, Trent explained, so enthralled in the very thought of the work that he forgot to answer the first part of the question.

After a few moments, Tyler decided to re-prompt him. That’s great. Did you get to ask him anything about our situation?

Oh, sorry, no I didn’t. I had an appointment to talk to him, but his schedule changed and he had to leave. He did say he would be happy to talk with me about it, though, Trent said. I will find a way in.

Tyler nodded, maintaining the same perplexed determination in his expression. Scotlyn walked up to Tyler and hugged him. All of this is really scaring me, she said. Ellie is one of the closest people in the world to me. We are going to figure this out. We have to.

Tyler hugged her back, appreciating her words, but barely altering his expression for a moment. I’ll see you guys later, all right? Tyler said, as he headed to his truck.

Tyler opened the door and climbed in. He brought the key to the ignition, but instead just let his hand fall to his lap. For several moments he sat there, wanting to drive to see Ellie and talk to her. Then he thought about driving to the cemetery, but what else was there that they hadn’t already seen? He thought about going to the mansion, but it was far too late to drop in on Helen. Tyler just wanted to be doing something productive. He didn’t like knowing things were getting worse and not be able to actively do something about it.

His phone chimed. It was a text from Ellie. It was like a barricade came down-- the one keeping him from saving her. He knew more happened in the cemetery, but he also knew he probably wouldn’t be able to talk to her until the morning, which was difficult. Getting her text was a welcome bit of relief.

Ty, I need to tell you about the cemetery, but I can’t talk tonight and it’s too much to text. I just wanted you to know, though.

Tyler assured Ellie that they would find a way to see her tomorrow and that he was eager to talk to her about it, too. He had to be at work at 5am the next morning and was supposed to be pulling a twelve hour day. He didn’t mention that part and he didn’t know how he was going to manage getting away for a while, especially with a foreman who fired someone weekly; he just knew he would. At the worst, he would at least be able to talk on the phone to her. Tyler put the key in the ignition and drove back to his house. If he had to be on site at 5am, he needed to get some sleep.

The next morning, Tyler woke up re-energized. He attributed it to the fact that today he would find out what really happened to Ellie. It was another piece of the puzzle, hopefully, and he was eager to solve it. It felt like progress instead of the insufferable waiting and wondering.

It was still dark outside. He took a quick shower and then made himself an egg sandwich. His mind would go from Isolde to the museum project to Ellie, then to the newbie on the job to ghosts. He was so deep in thought that he would miss the transitions and end up wondering how he had gotten on the latest subject. His mind was working overtime.

He threw on a navy blue t-shirt and a pair of jeans. He ran his fingers through his hair, letting it fall in a stylish mess that spiked here and there. Tyler put on his boots, wrapped a paper towel around his egg sandwich and took it to go. He got to the site and began working with incredible efficiency, but what he was really focused on was how to get away from work for an hour or so.

At around 7am, Scotlyn texted him. We are taking Ellie out to breakfast at 8. Can you make it?

He texted back that he would do his best. They were taking her to a place near the museum site, to make it easier for him to steal away.

After texting Tyler, Scotlyn and Trent drove to Ellie’s parents’ house and rang the front doorbell. Ellie’s mother answered and they explained that they wanted to take her out to breakfast to get her mind off things. Ellie’s mother was concerned and would have kept her daughter home until she was forty if she could have, but she knew Ellie’s friends were responsible and that Ellie was not a child anymore. She let them in the house while Ellie got ready.

Ellie was a little slow that morning, but otherwise, feeling relatively well. Being unconscious had acted almost as a respite, allowing her mind to settle and seemingly clearing the chaos that had haunted her the day before. The worry was slowly making its way back in, though.

It was a warm summer morning and Ellie’s clothing choice reflected the way she felt. She threw on a pair of cut-offs and a t-shirt; she was just hoping for a casual, easy day. She pulled her hair up into a ponytail, which twisted in a loose curl.

Bryar had given Ellie one of her bracelets to wear. It was a pink string band with a fuzzy little pony charm. Ellie smiled as she put it on. She had intended to wear it to make Bryar feel good, but now that she had it on, she realized it was making her feel better as well. It triggered that safe and comfortable feeling of home and reminded her of how nice it was when things were simpler. Bryar did smile widely when she saw Ellie wearing her gift.

Scotlyn, Trent and Ellie got into Scotlyn’s car and drove to the breakfast shop. Ellie sat in the back seat and looked out the open window. She was basking in the relaxation that being a little foggy from the concussion was affording her. She could feel the beginnings of the Arelyth troubles just in the wings and was doing her best to ignore them and hold on to the peaceful feeling as long as she could.

How are you feeling? Scotlyn asked Ellie, turning around from the front seat.

Not bad. A little out of it, which, with all that’s been going on, actually feels nice.

I bet, Scotlyn said, in an easy tone, smiling with understanding. We’re going to Breakfast Tyme. Does that work?

Yeah, sure, Ellie said, before looking back out the window and returning to her floating thoughts.

Some clouds had set in earlier and it was now beginning to drizzle. Ellie watched the drops cover the half-opened window, one by one. The warm, wet air smelled sweet. She looked out at the passing shops, their awnings darkened by the water, the sidewalks and flowerbeds a prism of color through the droplets on the glass.

The town always seemed quieter when it rained. People walked the sidewalks as usual, slipping in and out of shops, walking dogs, running errands, enjoying summertime in Isolde’s Tyme. There was no need for the colorful umbrellas of fall or early spring. It was the one time of year when a little drizzle was part of the charm, a friend you walked side by side with for a block or two.

Ellie felt a mist on her face as a warm breeze wafted into the car. She closed her eyes for a moment, letting herself enjoy the momentary coolness. When she opened them again, she noticed that everyone she saw seemed utterly well. Though it was cloudy and gloomy and quiet, it was as if a blanket of warmth surrounded and protected the people on the sidewalks. Their well-being continued, unscathed, unthreatened, in a quiet state of repose. It was as if the clouds tucked them safely and warmly into a secret hidden world and the rain protected its perimeter. It was the comfort and safety of childhood, unending. If only they knew. That is true freedom and true peace, she thought.

It reminded Ellie of when she was eight and a new girl on the block had invited her over. They played outside in the rain, splashing in puddles, spinning until they were dizzy and running back and forth under the stream of water that poured out the end of the broken gutter. As much fun as it was, the best part was going home, taking a bath and changing into comfy, dry clothes. She spent the rest of that afternoon watching cartoons and had a delicious bowl of ice cream. Now, Ellie wondered if she’d ever feel that safe again…or was that the domain of childhood, only?

As the memory faded into the passing reality, Ellie looked more closely at the people but then quickly stopped herself. She didn’t want to see the imperfections and troubles that a more intimate view might reveal. She didn’t want to imagine that the warm summer guardian was just temperature. She wanted to view them through the mist, through the clouds, through the gloom— through a haziness that kept her from seeing the intricate details of their lives. It was from there she could imagine their happiness and perfection. That was what was feeling so good, finally good.

Ellie just wanted the feeling to last. She wanted to enjoy a breakfast with her friends and then go back to her parents house and pretend everything was OK for as long she possibly could. Maybe even long enough that the requests and consequences of Arelyth dissolved themselves away and she could return to her cottage and feel the excitement she deserved to feel at getting her first apartment.

The car came to a stop and caused Ellie to slowly came out of her trance-like musings. Scotlyn and Trent got out and Ellie followed, her body relaxed, reality still elusive. As she walked into the restaurant, the thought reoccurred of walking side by side with the drizzle, which she did with a secret smile. She just wanted things to be normal again and compared to the recent events, even normal was being experienced through a heightened awareness, sense of appreciation and supreme satisfaction.

They walked in and took a seat in a booth. All the tables at Breakfast Tyme were round and the seat that formed the booth wrapped around the table, so you were essentially sitting in a breakfast bowl. The wooden booths had white leather upholstery and the tables were bright yellow. Upon first view walking in, it looked like twenty giant eggs, sunny-side up. It was a risky theme, but when it all came together, it worked and was well received.

The waitresses each had a different uniform; one was bright orange and her hat had a big straw coming out of the top. One had a bacon pattern wrapping around it in its entirety. Each was unique and equally breakfast themed. Though they were only open half a day, they made far more than many of the restaurants that were open all day. It was a great place for kids, and adults just loved the quirkiness of it that you couldn’t find outside of Isolde’s Tyme.

Is Ty coming? Ellie asked.

He is going to try, Scotlyn answered.

Let’s give him a bit to get here, Ellie said. I know you all want to know what happened yesterday and I’d rather not have to tell it twice, if ya know what I mean.

Fair enough, Trent said.

Tyler knew he needed to leave soon if he was going to make breakfast with the others. He continued to work as his mind mulled over the situation. From behind the frame of a wall, he saw his boss making his way toward the area, stopping at each part of the site to talk to, or criticize, the men there. Tyler quickly walked away from his work and over to the sidewalk, his hammer in hand. As his boss stepped onto the slab, Tyler walked back toward his wall, shaking his head and rubbing the back of his neck.

Why are you there and not here? the foreman asked.

That guy, Tyler said, pointing randomly with his hammer, asked for directions. I didn’t need him distracting the men, so I told him how to get where he was going, so he’d be on his way. Instead, he went on and on about this place on the other side of town and how they had the most incredible coffee he’s ever had.

Really? The foreman said, with only a trace of interest.

Oh, yeah. In fact, he said he’s here to do a story on the place, which is going to air nationally on television. It’s that good! Tyler fabricated, continuing to embellish the power of this coffee, which was clearly suited for kings and gods. By the end of the long description, the foreman— an avid coffee drinker— finally had his interest piqued to the point where he needed a cup of that coffee.

Did he happen to say where this place with the coffee is? the foreman asked.

"Yeah, he did. I mean, vaguely. I wouldn’t know how to give someone exact directions, but I am fairly certain I could find it. In fact, I plan to right after work," Tyler said.

Well, hows about you go find it now and get me a large, the foreman said.

Sure, I can do that. Do you want me to finish up this wall first?

Roddy! Get over here and finish up this wall! the foreman shouted. He then returned his gaze to Tyler. It’s being finished. Go get the coffee.

All right! I’ll try to track it down. Tyler put down his hammer and hurried off the slab.

Don’t try. Do it, his boss yelled, as Tyler jogged to the lot where his truck was parked.

Breakfast Tyme was within walking distance, but Tyler needed his boss to think that he was driving to the other side of town, so he took his truck around the block and parked it behind the restaurant. It took longer than if he had just walked.

The waitress was just bringing out the meals when Tyler walked in and over to the egg Scotlyn, Trent and Ellie were sitting in. He excused himself and slid into the booth, without interrupting the waitress’s rhythm. Before she left he politely placed his order.

I thought you already ate? Scotlyn asked.

I did, but that was almost five hours ago, so I can eat again. Besides, this booth is making me hungry, Tyler answered. He carefully asked, Did I miss anything?

No, we waited for you to get here, Scotlyn said.

They all looked to Ellie, then quickly back to their own plates when they realized they were all looking at the same time. Ellie was still enjoying that mental space she had found earlier, but she wasn’t oblivious. She knew they were anxious to hear and she knew that good feeling was about to end.

I guess that’s my cue, Ellie said, putting down her fork. All right. She sat up a little straighter and swallowed hard. "I was mowing the lawn at the cemetery yesterday and hoping I would see Isolde again, who, by the way, we are now calling Arelyth again. I’ll explain that in a bit.

Friday night, after we left the restaurant, things were insane. I really don’t want to talk about that part right now, though. The point is, between that, the horrors of what I experienced after touching the nightgown and having bad dreams all night, I woke up so tired. The feelings from the night before were all lingering and I had to meet Paige at the dance studio early that morning.

I’m sorry, Trent interrupted, but what about touching a nightgown was horrific?

Ellie looked at Scotlyn. You haven’t told him about that part?

Scotlyn cringed and shrugged. Not…yet. With the engagement and all and we really only found the nightgown a few days ago, so…

Scotlyn turned to Trent and placing her hand on his leg, said, We found a nightgown that belonged to Isolde and when Ellie touches it, she is transported back to Isolde’s time and experiences her life through her eyes and body, though without more than a moment passing in everyone else’s perspective.

Of course, Trent said, matter-of-factly, though perplexed beyond concealment. Continue.

"Well, Paige ended up telling me she is closing for the summer so she can get a European tan, so I suddenly had no summer income. Then I went to grab a chai and a lady blamed me, loudly, because she spilled coffee on herself. Jack helped me, but he looked at me like I was cursed. Then I mowed the cemetery and no Arelyth. I went home and suddenly felt…I don’t even know how to describe it…petrified, only worse. It was this over-whelming, terror-filled emptiness and it was all-consuming— to put it lightly. I honestly didn’t know if it was about my life or Isolde’s, or what was going to happen to me in the next moment. All I knew is that if something bad was going to happen to me, I wanted someone to know what and why.

I grabbed a notepad and wrote a letter explaining it. Then I went to a secret place by the lake, that Scotlyn and I claimed as our own as kids, because no one ever goes there. It was the first place that popped into my head. I didn’t want to alarm anyone prematurely and I knew if I hid the letter there, in our secret box, Scot, that you would find it eventually.

You’re right, I would have, eventually.

The thing is, when I got there and opened the box, there was already a letter inside, with the same words written on it, but in a completely different handwriting.

Scotlyn’s fork slipped out of her hand, making a loud clanking sound against her dish. Her eyes were wide and her lips were parted and frozen.

Ellie continued. Yeah, exactly. I flipped out. I ran back to my Jeep and drove to the cemetery. I begged Arelyth to come back and explain this all to me. That’s when Ty called.

So when you said ‘It was there,’ you were referring to the letter in the box? Tyler asked.

Yeah, Ellie confirmed. Then, during our conversation, Gretchen and Tank appeared out of nowhere—

Shit! Are they ghosts too? Trent asked, defeatedly, seeing the mood needed lightening.

No, Ellie smirked, more like demons. I just meant I was so wrapped up in everything else that I didn’t notice them get there. They scared the living daylight out of me, which, at that point, wasn’t hard to do. I stepped in a gopher hole and I guess I hit my head.

But, El, you were wet and muddy and covered in scratches and blood, Tyler said, even the memory of it troubling to his mind.

That was from the woods near the lake. There are tons of pricker bushes and mud and I ran through it all after seeing the other letter. I felt like I was going to die, so a few prickers didn’t really matter much to me at that moment.

This is so insane. It’s like every time we turn around a couple more pieces have been added to the puzzle, but still none of them fit, Scotlyn summarized.

Well, I’ve got a few matches, if you can handle more, Ellie forewarned.

Go for it, Trent said. You keep up these crash courses and you’re going to save me having to go for my masters, El.

Ellie prepared herself as best she could to deliver the new information, considering it was the kind of information there is no way to prepare yourself to deliver. "When I was unconscious, I spoke to Arelyth. It was so much clearer and longer than the first time. She said I was in that place between sleep and wake, basically. When I woke up, I tried to keep playing the conversation in my head, so I wouldn’t forget any of it, the way you do with dreams. I have most of it.

"She isn’t Isolde. She confirmed that but she said I should continue to call her Arelyth for now. Then she told me that she’s been trying to ‘send’ me the answers to the questions I have been asking, but that this was the first time I was relaxed enough to receive them.

She said that she did tell me Isolde’s full name that first day, but that I was only able to hear bits and pieces. And also something about my already established beliefs about ghosts. Anyway, she said I needed to understand Isolde’s life and her choices, because…are you ready?

Everyone at the table was focused on Ellie; she had their full attention, as they waited with bated breath for her to reveal her next statement.

I am Isolde. I am her. She is me. Isolde is my past self, Ellie said, not believing she had spoken the words out loud.

All of them sat there silently. Scotlyn was in disbelief. Tyler was trying to piece it together. Trent was jotting things down on his napkin. When his hand finally stopped scribbling, he looked up at Ellie.

What exactly did she say about your beliefs in ghosts? Trent asked.

Whoa, whoa, wait a minute, Tyler interrupted. El, how do feel about that?

I would probably feel worse, except that it doesn’t seem real. Even though I got to experience portions of her life, when I heard Arelyth say I used to be Isolde, I just went numb inside.

Trent looked at Ellie and she returned to his question. She said that she had to appear in a cemetery, because it was the first time I was in a place— I think she meant mentally— to see her. There was more. I don’t remember it verbatim. It was something along the lines of me being far enough down the path. That day was the day she had to appear, due to those two things. She said she had to allow me to believe she was Isolde— and a ghost— or I would not have been able to accept the truth, but that my belief about ghosts hindered the communication, I guess, Ellie answered, as best she could.

Well, yeah. Our beliefs are the filter through which we perceive the world around us, Trent said.

Wow, that’s almost exactly what she said! Ellie was a little shocked.

Almost exactly, or exactly? Trent asked.

I really can’t be sure. Definitely the belief and filter thing, Ellie said, feeling a little foggy.

Now go back to that bit about the truth. What was the truth that you would not have been able to accept? Trent asked.

Scotlyn and Tyler were attentively listening to the exchange, adding the info to their own mental formulations.

I asked her exactly that and she said that I needed to understand Isolde’s life. It felt like she didn’t answer the question in the way I intended it. I’m almost certain, Trent.

No, no, I agree with you. It sounds like she did avoid answering it.

It felt like she was giving me things in some kind of order. Like when I asked her about how to save her, she said I wasn’t ready to. She said I needed to fix my own path before I would be able to save her.

So she needs you to save her but you are not yet in a position where you can, so she needs to get you there first and fast. Does that seem about right? Trent asked.

Yeah, pretty much. Ellie stared at her now cold, unfinished breakfast. She felt the uneasiness creeping back in, so she ate a few more forks full, knowing that before long she wasn’t going to feel like eating at all. Trent was writing again.

Trent, she said I needed to understand Isolde’s life, so that I wouldn’t repeat it. She said the same energy still runs strong within me, Ellie said, softly, but hiding just how scared the sentiment made her feel.

It makes sense, Trent said, looking at his napkin and then at Ellie.

It makes sense?! Scotlyn asked, shocked that this was seemingly falling into place for him, when it all seemed so illogical to her.

Yeah, it’s beginning to. El, can I think about this for a while, get it straight in my head and then get back to you? Trent was invested in the puzzle and clearly onto something.

Yeah, sure, Ellie said, preferring an instant fix, but taking what she could get.

El? Tyler interjected, unable to hold back his question any longer. There’s one thing you didn’t mention. Who was the guy at the cemetery?

What guy? Was Tank still there when you arrived? Ellie asked.

No. When I got there, a guy was holding you in his arms, like he had just picked you up off the ground. When I saw you, all I could think about was getting you to the hospital, so I didn’t even ask who he was, but he knew me. He handed you to me when I reached you and called me by name. I don’t even remember the sentence, I was so focused on you, but I know he said my name, Tyler recalled.

Ellie wasn’t expecting to hear any of that. She just faintly shook her head, not having an answer for him. Tyler thought about asking if he might have worked for the church there or if she had any friends it could have been, but he could see she had no idea, so he left it alone.

None of them were really able to eat anymore of their food, so they asked for the check from the bacon waitress and left the restaurant. Ellie got into Scotlyn’s car, wishing for her peaceful state of mind back, but knowing it was not likely to return. Tyler took a few steps in the direction of his truck before turning back around to Scotlyn and Trent.

Hey, guys? Where can you get the best cup of coffee in town?

REALIZING THE BECOMING

~ 2 ~

After Trent and Scotlyn dropped Ellie off at her parents’ house, Ellie had convinced her mother that she was fine enough to return to her own apartment. Ellie’s mother made her promise to send a text every hour for the rest of the day or she would be at her door five minutes later. Ellie agreed. The doctor had wanted her to be supervised for two full days and Ellie’s mother was very loving and protective.

Are you leaving? Bryar asked Ellie.

Yeah, I’m going to my new apartment.

Can’t you live here again? Bryar asked.

Ellie kneeled down and gave Bryar a hug. If there was ever a time when Ellie would have loved that, it was now. I can’t Bry, but how about if you and I have a special day soon? We can go roller skating and to the park, then we’ll get ice cream, watch movies and have a sleepover in your room. We’ll build a fort out of sheets and pillows. What do you think?

YAY! I want to do that. When, Ellie?

Soon. I’ll figure it out and let you know, OK?

OK!

Ellie’s father drove her back to her cottage, hugged her and let her know that if she needed anything, to let them know. She unlocked the front door and hung her key on the hook. Thirsty, Ellie went to the fridge for a glass of iced tea. She took a sip and found herself wondering if she had locked the front door. Checking, she realized she hadn’t and felt better after locking it.

Even though it was Sunday, Ellie knew there were things she should be doing: exercising