The Middle Realm Read online

  This caught him off guard. He does know that I recognize his uniform. I’m not stupid. I’ve had plenty of history classes. Besides, my own great- grandfather had fought.

  “Hearing that really means a lot to me. I hope all Americans appreciate what we sacrificed for them. I gave up my career and being with my family so that they could enjoy the freedom to live there’re lives how they wanted. I, and so many others, paid the ultimate price and there are times I wonder if it was even worth it,” he said, “I really hope we didn’t die for nothing”

  He didn’t die in vain. I hope he realizes that he has impacted so many lives. Because of Patrick and the other men who fought, we are able to enjoy our freedom.

  “You didn’t die for nothing,” I said to him. We were now approaching a road. Patrick made sure all was clear before we crossed. We didn’t want to be seen. Once we reached the other side he spoke up again.

  “How come it feels like it then? I missed watching my daughter grow up so that some stupid teenager could abuse the very freedoms I died protecting? I’m sorry, but this is not what I was expecting when I died for my country,” Patrick said.

  “I’m sorry you feel that way,” I said, “I bet your daughter would be proud”

  “I’m sure she would be,” he said.

  Right after he spoke, the ghost of a fox ran right past us. Not long after the fox ran by we heard barking and a bugle sounding in the distance. We looked around until we saw a big group of hunting dogs followed by three men on horseback. They were dressed in English hunting regalia. One of the men rode up to us. He started to speak, but we couldn’t hear him over the barking of the dogs.

  “Will you all be quiet? They cannot hear me over your incessant barking,” he yelled in a booming voice. The dogs finally quieted. “Thank you,” he said. “Please excuse the dogs. Once they catch the scent of a fox, they get excited. I was wondering if you’ve seen a fox run this way?” he asked.

  “Yeah, we saw him. He ran that way,” Patrick said, pointing in the opposite direction the fox had actually gone.

  “Thank you. I bid you a lovely evening,” the man said before blowing into his bugle. The dogs and hunters took off. The dogs began their barking again.

  “Why did you point them in the opposite direction?” I asked.

  “So the fox had a better chance of getting away. I know they can’t hurt him, but he deserves a chance to get ahead. It’s not fun being hunted,” he said. I knew what he was referring to.

  “We better start heading back,” I said.

  With that we started walking back the way we came. I still had more questions for Patrick. I wonder if he would answer them.

  “What was your wife and daughter’s name, if you don’t mind me asking?”

  “My wife’s name is Annie and my daughter’s name is Betty. Betty was only two weeks old when I shipped out. I may have only known her for two weeks before I left, but they were the best two weeks I’ve ever experienced,” he said.

  I was crying. It’s amazing how easily I’ll cry now that I’m dead. He only got to spend two weeks with his daughter? What makes it even sadder is that she would never remember the little time she got to spend with her daddy. He missed so much of her life. So many birthdays, school plays, bedtimes and holidays he never got to experience with her. I can’t even imagine what that must be like. Knowing that your only child is growing up without you there to protect them and love them has got to hurt worse than any injury the war could cause.

  “Hey, don’t cry. I’ve finally stopped crying, after, how long? I don’t want to start up again,” he said.

  “I’m sorry. It’s just so sad,”

  “It is. But what can I do. Sitting around and dwelling on the past isn’t going to make a bit of difference. It’s just going to prevent me from moving on. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still angry at the world. That’s never going to change. I just need to accept my fate and move on,” he said, “I failed my country and I need to come to terms with it. I tried my hardest, but it wasn’t good enough”

  Oh, boy. Here we go. Now I see what Whitney was talking about. I really don’t know how to respond. So I decide to just agree with him. I don’t want to say anything that might upset him, like the gun thing from earlier. We’re making some progress. I don’t want him to go back to hating me.

  “Ok, you’re right. You failed your country,” I said.

  “Yeah, and I have to accept that I failed,” he said, and he left it at that.

  We continued to walk in silence. I wanted to ask him more questions about his life, but I refrained from doing so. Hopefully there will be time for that later. The first rays of the sun slowly saturated the darkened sky with shades of red and orange. When we got back to the barn I found Edgar and the rest of the group waiting for me under a tree. Patrick walked me up to my group.

  “I know we started off on the wrong foot, but I hope we can become friends,” Patrick said before he kissed me on the cheek.

  “I hope so. I’ll see you around,” I said.

  Ch. 30

  After that he walked off. I didn’t see his group, but I’m sure they were around somewhere. Edgar, Camille, Whitney and William were happy to see me. They were curious about my walk with Patrick. As we walked to the road to wait for the carriage Edgar requested, I was bombarded with questions.

  “So what’s his name?” Whitney asked.

  “Is he available?” Camille asked. Edgar gave her a look, “not for me, for Savannah. Edgar, don’t be stupid. You know I love you and only you”

  “How did he die?” William asked.

  “You guys. I just got back from being with him. Give me a chance to breathe,” I said. They looked at me, and then we all burst into laughter. “You know what I mean?”

  “We’re sorry. We’re just curious about him. We see him all the time, but we know nothing about him,” Camille said.

  Right then our carriage arrived, which would take me back to the hotel. Edgar and William helped us girls into the carriage. Then they got in. Edgar told the driver where to go and then we were off.

  “I take it you made a good comeback after the gun comment,” Camille said.

  Did she have to bring it up? Seriously, it’s not like it matters. People say stupid stuff all the time. Besides, I’m still embarrassed about that.

  “What is this about a gun comment?” Edgar asked.

  “Nothing,” I said.

  “Now that Camille mentioned it, we’re dying to find out what she’s talking about,” William said.

  I gave Camille a dirty look and told them. They all burst into laughter. I threw my head back and closed my eyes. I can’t believe she brought it up.

  “That is one of the funniest things I’ve ever heard,” William said.

  While my friends, and I use the term loosely at the moment, continued to laugh at my expense, I heard my name being called from outside. I pull the curtain back to see Patrick riding along the carriage on a horse.

  “It’s him,” I said, excitedly.

  Camille and Whitney clamored over me to get a better view of Patrick. I pushed the curtains out of the way as much as I could. I tried to see if the window would open, but it didn’t. I yelled to Patrick that we didn’t have to time to stop. So he just came inside. The horse continued to trot alongside the carriage. Patrick wedged himself in between Edgar and William. They didn’t seem too pleased about it.

  “Will your horse be ok?” I asked.

  “Him? He’ll be fine,” he said, “I’m sorry to bother you like this,”

  “That’s fine. You can bother us anytime you want,” Camille said with a smile.

  “Ok? Anyway, when I brought you back I wanted to ask you when we could meet again. But I was afraid you might not want to see me because you were quiet on the way back. I was afraid I said something to upset you. Then I thought, ‘well, she said she hopes to see me around’. So that must mean she does want to see me again. Then I decided to grab my horse and try to catch you before you w
ere gone,” he said, “ok, I’ll get to the point. When is the next time we can see each other?”

  He wants to see me again. I think I’m already in heaven. I do have a chance with him. But I have to go back to Connecticut for a few weeks. Boo. Well, the longer I have to wait, the better it will be when I see him again.

  “I have to go back to Connecticut for a few weeks, but I’ll be back,” I said.

  “Are you sure you have to go?” he asked.

  “Yeah, it’s important. Will I be able to find you?” I asked.

  It’s not like I can just pick up a phone and call Patrick. I’m starting to miss being able to use phones. It would be so much easier to be able to just send him a text when I get back.

  “I’ll more than likely be in or around Paris. If I’m not there, I’ll probably be in Normandy. Just look for me. If you don’t find me, just ask around,” he said.

  “Ok, I will”

  “Have a good trip back and stay safe,” he said to me.

  After that he flew outside and was back on his horse. Everyone was quiet until Camille broke the silence.

  “Wow, Savannah, he really seems to be into you. Did I say that correctly? I hear it on TV and in movies all the time,” she said.

  “Yes, you said it correctly,” I said, “He does seem to be into me, it feels so good”

  “He seems like a wonderful young man. His manners could use some improving. He just barged in here without a word and didn’t apologize for it. But over all, he seems to be a good match for you, Savannah,” Edgar said.

  “Give him a break on the whole manners thing. His judgment was probably just clouded by love,” Camille said, dreamily.

  Whitney was surprisingly quiet during all of this. I looked over to her. She looked like she wanted to say something, but was hesitant. Then she broke her silence.

  “Savannah, have you forgotten about Alexander already? I thought you loved him. Before you talked about how much you’re going to miss him. I can’t believe you’ve replaced him so soon,” Whitney said.

  I did not forget about Alexander. Oh my god, I did. After seeing Patrick, it’s like Alexander vanished from my thoughts. I haven’t thought about him since I first saw Patrick sitting on the back of the truck. I’m horrible. I am replacing him. I’m not the type of girl to get rid of a guy, only to find a new one to latch onto the next day. Then again, I’m dead and I will probably never see Alexander again. Why I am trying to justify what I’m doing. I’m a horrible person. I should go to hell for this.

  “Whitney now is not the time to bring that up. Can’t you see she’s in love? She’s happy again. After all she’s been through I think she deserves it,” Edgar said.

  “That’s great and all, but you remember the way she talked about Alexander. She couldn’t have possibly moved on from him that quickly. It bother’s me that she’s just jumping into a relationship so soon. Not to mention someone with quite a bit of emotional baggage,” she said.

  “So you don’t want Savannah to be happy? I thought you were her friend?” William asked.

  “I am. I’m just worried. I would hate to see her forget about him. I’m sorry Savannah,” she said turning to me, “I just care about you and don’t want to see your heart broken. I know Alexander meant a lot to you. I hope that Patrick can bring you as much happiness as Alexander did. Just don’t forget about your first true love. You might see him again,” Whitney said.

  “Thanks,” I said as I gave her hug.

  I don’t think I’ll forget about Alexander again. It’s just that I was caught up in Patrick’s looks, only to be caught up again by his charms. It’s hard to forget a first love. Alexander occupies a special place in my heart. He will always be my first true love. I caught a glimpse out the window, which had been pulled back and tied with a velvet rope. We were back in the city. In a few minutes I would be back at the hotel.

  “Savannah, good luck on your trip back home. If you want us to come with you, we can. If not, we’ll be here waiting for you. Stay out of trouble. If you suspect a human may be able to see you, get away,” Edgar said.

  “I’ll be fine. See you guys in a few weeks,” I said as the carriage came to a stop and the driver opened the door for me.

  Ch. 31

  Before I went into the lobby, I stood outside and watched the carriage drive off. I must admit it was weird seeing it go right through a group of Korean tourists. As soon as I walked in a bellhop greeted me.

  “Good morning, Miss. It’s a beautiful day, isn’t it?” I said.

  “It sure is. Especially when you’re in love,’ I said, dreamily. Just like Camille would say it.

  How cheesy was I? I can’t believe I said that. Who cares? I’m in a good mood. I’m in love with an amazing guy. I didn’t think I’d feel this way again. On my way to the stairwell, I passed a group of little girls playing tea party.

  “Hi, girls. Isn’t today wonderful?” I asked them.

  “I don’t see what’s so great about it,” one of them said.

  “What do we have to feel happy about,” said another one.

  “There’s plenty to be happy about. If that’s how you feel, fine. I’m in a good mood and nobody can bring me down,” I said.

  “I’m in a good mood, too,” said the youngest girl. She put down her teacup and grabbed her stuffed bear. She got up and walked over to me and grabbed my hand. She had apparently had enough of her sister’s negativity; I assumed they were sisters since they looked alike. She was in a good mood and she let it show. She was all smiles. I knew she wanted to get away from these others girls. I don’t blame her.

  “Well, we are going to enjoy the day. You all can wallow in your sadness,” I said. The little girl and I took off toward the stairs. She turned around and stuck her tongue out at them.

  Once we were away from the other girls, she introduced herself. She couldn’t have been more than five or six. She was precious. She looks she may have died in the 1920’ or 30’s. Right around the same time Whitney died.

  “I’m Lily and this is Sigmund,” she said, pointing to her bear. I had to admit, that was a weird, random name for a stuffed bear.

  “I’m Savannah. It’s a pleasure to meet you Lily and Sigmund,” I said.

  “Thank you. Sigmund says thank you, too,” she said, “He’s kind of shy,” she said in a whisper.

  “That’s ok,” I said.

  As we were walking up the stairs, Lily stopped. She held the bear up to her ear. She nodded as if he was talking to her. It was adorable. I couldn’t help but smile.

  “Sigmund says that you’re pretty. He also wants to why you’re so happy. Did your mommy take you to the store to buy candy or a teddy bear?” she asked for Sigmund.

  “Thank you, Sigmund. I’m happy because I’m in love,” I said.

  We were finally at the right floor. I walked through the closed door and Lily followed behind me, with Sigmund in tow.

  “What’s his name?” she asked.

  “Patrick,” I said, “he was a soldier”

  “Is he handsome?” she asked.

  Before I could answer, a man who walked past us frightened Lily. She clung tightly to me. She had dropped her bear, so I picked him up and handed him to her. She buried her face in his fur. Once the man was gone, she loosened her grip.

  “Is the man gone?” Lily asked, scared.

  “Yes, Lily. He’s gone. Why did he scare you? I don’t think he saw you?” I said.

  “I don’t want him to hurt me. What if he has one of those things that break the big pieces of ice,” she said.

  Whoa! Does she mean an ice pick? Was she killed with an ice pick? The poor child. “Lily, what happened? Did someone hurt you with an ice pick?” I asked, almost afraid to hear her answer.

  “Yeah. A tall man with brown hair came into our room when we were sleeping. My daddy tried to stop him, but the man hit daddy really hard on the head. Then he hit mommy. She didn’t wake up. Then the man put me and my sister’s in the bathroom and hurt us,�
�� she said.

  Her family was murdered while they were sleeping. Again, another sad story of lives lost in their prime. These girl’s lives were just beginning. Their futures should have been filled with promise. Instead they were extinguished before they had a chance to begin. I had better get used to hearing stories like this because the spirits of young lives ended so soon aren’t able to rest in peace. Like me they haven’t come to term with the fate that has befallen them.

  “Lily I am so sorry. I don’t know what to say”

  “It’s ok. Mommy says that as long as we are all together, we’ll be fine,” she said, “right Sigmund”

  Wow, what a positive outlook. I guess that having the people you love and care about most might make things a little easier. Those of us who don’t will have a harder time with it. I must applaud her parents for stressing the importance of a positive outlook and the importance of family.

  “My friend’s room is right down there,” I said, pointing down the hall.

  Lily regained her composure and we walked to the room. Lily was not at all nervous. I however was, for some reason. We reached the room and walked right in through the closed door. I could hear Emma in the bathroom. I called out to her. Lily sat on the bed with Sigmund in her lap. She looked around.

  “You just sit here and be good. I have to talk to my friend,” I said.

  “Ok. This room is really pretty. I like the colors,” she said.

  The bathroom door was half shut. I walked right on through and almost caused Emma to poke her eye out with her eyeliner. She knew I was coming. Besides, how did I know she would be doing her makeup the moment I entered the room.

  “You could have knocked or yelled you were here. I almost took out my eye,” she said rubbing her eye, which was now watering.

  “I’m sorry. It’s not like you didn’t know I was coming,” I said as I hopped up to sit on the counter.

  “You need to warn me before you enter the room. It’s still weird seeing you in your new state,” Emma said.

  “I did yell. Next time I’ll yell louder. So are you ready?” I asked.