Chapter Twelve

Chapter Twelve

After the late afternoon spent eating and visiting at the restaurant, dinner had been delayed. Meg's no show, and absence of a courtesy phone call, added another emotional dynamic to the evening's meal. Kate wasn’t worried as much as embarrassed by her mother's rudeness. She had to know how much this visit meant to Kate. She had to know that Kate missed home and everything that had to do with it. As they sat around the table enjoying each other’s company, sharing one of her dad's quick but flavorful simple suppers, Kate was preoccupied as she struggled to understand her mother's selfishness.

“You're worried about your mom?” her grandpa asked. “I am sure that she is just fine,” he said. “Probably got lost in an experiment or doing something for her boss. She is quite a worker bee, that one.”

Kate laughed. “You have no idea.”

“Oh I think I might have some idea. I guess it’s a good thing that your father is the cook in the family, huh?” he said with a wink.

Her grandpa always knew the right things to say. She realized it was something her dad had inherited from him. This thought reminded her about the conversation she had with her father that night at the castle.

“Grandmother?”

“Yes?”

“How old were you when you started having real dreams?” she asked.

Her father raised an eyebrow and leaned forward looking interested. He knew where Kate was going with this.

“Dreams?” she asked.

“Oh come on, Mom. You know what she is talking about,” Bruce said. “I remember being younger than Kate when Grandma died and I had that dream. You tried to make me believe I was... how did you put it?”

“Making a mountain out of a molehill,” she finished, putting her fork down.

“Mom, I know you have always had insights about people, things or future events. I always wrote them off as just being...well, you. As for my own premonitions, I figured, like mother, like son. But now, Kate…” he stopped.

The attention at the table shifted to Kate. Her grandmother's gentle, yet penetrating look, took in Kate’s eager expression.

“Come on, Grandmother. Tell us about you, please?  How old were you when it all started?  Was there anyone else in the family?” Kate pleaded.

Her grandmother looked from Kate, to Bruce and finally to Fred, who nodded and placed his hand over hers. Cocking her head once to gather her thoughts, she began slowly. Her voice steady and quiet, Kate had to lean forward to catch every word.

“I suppose I was about Kate’s age, when the visions started. They started as dreams, like you Bruce, living dreams, I called them. They scared me.”  She took a breath, looking to her son. “Bruce, you have been lucky you have only had benign dreams. When I was Kate’s age, I would dream of death, usually someone I knew or knew about. The dreams were brutally vivid. I saw everything they saw, felt everything they did, escaping the dream as their last breath left their body. It was horrible. I never felt the relief that followed. I hated closing my eyes, I didn't want to sleep. I fought sleep until I thought I was going mad. And then one day my dreams turned into visions. The death dreams had stopped and the visions I had were kinder, to a point. I would meet someone and I could see clear as day what the rest of their life would be like.”

“Did your Mom have this...gift?”  Kate asked not sure that was the right term.

“I tried to talk to my mom about it, but she was a very religious person. You know the line in the bible about 'not to suffer a witch?'  She didn't understand what I was going through and I think secretly she was afraid of or for me, I never quite knew.”

“So there wasn't anyone else in the family like us?” Bruce asked.

“Your Aunt Sue, on my Dad's side, was rumored to have some sight, but she died before I came along and my Dad died before anything, shall we say, unusual started with me.”  She paused. “I always wondered if Dad knew or had it, because he had written a letter to me, but then he died and Mom disposed of it before I could read it. To my knowledge she didn't read it either. I guess she was afraid it would reveal he was a witch or sorcerer or three headed-demon, I don't know.” She trailed off.

“Well that sucks.” The words were out of Kate's mouth before she could stop them.

“Yes it does,” her father echoed. “Can you see my future?” Bruce asked.

“Not exactly,” she evaded answering.

“What did you mean the day I brought home Meg to announce our marriage. You said...”

The phone rang. They sat staring at each other, her dad's question left hanging. It rang again. No one moved.

“Bruce, that’s a conversation for just the two of us,” she said.

He nodded his agreement. The phone rang again.

“Maybe you all can just sit here, but I can’t stand it,” Grandpa said. He hopped up and answered the phone. “Hello?”

The group looked at Grandpa. Kate smiled at him. Only he would feel at home enough, anywhere, to answer someone else’s phone.

“Just finishing up dinner,” he looked around the table.

“No, that’s fine. We understand, honey. No, don’t worry. We sure miss you...I will tell them. Okay, bye.” He hung up the phone.

“Meg’s not coming home for dinner,” Bruce said.

His dad nodded his head, picking up his fork. “She said she got caught up in something extremely delicate and she needs to see the outcome. She said she would be very late and not to wait up for her.”

“Well, that answers that question,” Bruce said. He looked across the table at Kate. “Shall we start clearing and get these leftovers put away? I’ll wash.”

“I’ll dry,” Kate’s grandmother volunteered.

“No Grandmother, I can get it. I’m sure you have some unpacking to do. I’ll show you where my room is,” Kate offered.

“That won’t be necessary sweetie, we came here before we went to the school. I think perhaps your grandfather would like a little nap before it’s time to actually go to bed though.”  She gestured toward her husband who was sitting straight backed in his chair, comfortably allowing the table clearing to proceed without interference on his part.

“Grandpa?” Kate said.

“What? Oh? Did I already fall asleep?” he asked with twinkling eyes. “I am so sorry,” he said in mock apology. “But in truth, I am typically bad after-dinner company the first day to a new time zone, and six time zones in one day is a bit much for this old man to handle. Circadian rhythms and all, you know. ”

“Why don’t you just hit the sack now, and try to sleep in, in the morning?” Kate offered. “That way you might just kick that jet lag in a day or two. No sense in doing it all in one day.”

“Sounds like a plan,” he agreed, as he stood from his chair and Kate offered him her hand to lead him to her room. She kissed him goodnight and watched from the door as he moved to the dresser, taking off his watch, already slowing and visibly sagging with fatigue.

“Good night,” she heard, as she slowly shut the door.

“Night, Grandpa.”

As she walked back to the living room, she heard her dad and grandmother talking. She didn’t want to eavesdrop, so she made her presence known when she walked into the kitchen.

“Grandpa will be asleep before his head hits the pillow,” Kate predicted.

“Oh Kate, that’s not true,” her grandmother said. “He was asleep before he left the table. Trust me, he will wake up in the morning not knowing how he got here,” she laughed.

With Kate, her dad and her grandmother's efforts, the dinner dishes were cleaned, put away, and the kitchen spotless in no time.

“What do you want to do now?” Bruce asked his mother.

“Well, I know I don’t want to sit inside too long, or I will end up like your father. What do you say we take a walk?”

Chili’s head snapped up, instantly alert where he had earlier appeared to be sound asleep.

“Uh-oh, you said the magic words,” Kate said as Chili hopped up, and headed for the front door. He quickly returned, rounding the corner with his leash dangling from either side of his mouth.

They left the flat and headed up to the main street.

“Up or down?” Bruce asked.

“Up, always start a walk up. Then, when you are all tired and it's time to come home, it’s all downhill,” Grandmother's answer, echoed that of her son's advice from a few days earlier.

All the shops were closed, but they window-shopped just the same. Kate realized that she hadn’t been in many of the tourist stores, and some of the stuff was kinda cool. She made a mental note to bring Jennie here when she came for Christmas break.

“This city is so wonderful. Look at all the classic buildings, no, much older than that, historic buildings. Oh my gosh, they are so old. I wonder...?”  Grandmother walked over and put her hand on the wall. She closed her eyes. She stood there for a moment then opened them and giggled.

“Nothing. I feel and see absolutely nothing. It’s wonderful. I think I just might have to move here,” she said.

“Mother, is the jet lag catching up to you?” Bruce asked.

“I’m fine. Just sometimes when I am in a new building, I pick up images about the builders. It gets to be quite tiresome. But here, the buildings are so old, the people who built them have been gone so long that I’m not getting anything. It is very peaceful here,” she said. Kate wasn't so sure she agreed with her. Some of the buildings felt as if they were calling to her, and others made the hair on the back of her neck stand up.

They continued their walk in silence. It was a nice evening; not many people out, and the sun was just setting as they reached the esplanade of the castle. Kate and her dad led the way as they walked over to their favorite part of the wall to sit.

“It is so beautiful here,” Grandmother said. “I think that you should stay.”

“Where else would we go?” he said.

“I mean after Meg...,” she paused for a moment, “has finished with her work. You should stay. You could open up a restaurant here and be quite happy. Oh Bruce, you are such a good chef. I know you could train up a couple of boys to be cooks, doing it all your way of course, and it could be wonderful.”

“Mother, are you reading my future?” Bruce asked suspiciously.

Kate looked at her father. He didn’t look mad, but she recognized the tone in his voice.

“Actually, I am not. Can’t a mother have aspirations for her son? Without any mumbo jumbo?” she asked waggling her fingers at him.

He looked at her and then at Kate.

“Truth be told, the thought had crossed my mind. Only musings and idle thoughts, but there is a vacant storefront down the street and I have been looking at our savings and...” he stopped, “Ahhh Mom! You’re doing it again. Changing the subject.” He smiled at Kate, “She is very good.”

“Now I know where you get it,” Kate teased.

Her grandmother turned to her, “Now tell me about this boy,” she said.

“I don’t know much,” Kate began. “He comes to me mostly at night when I am asleep. But lately I see him during the day. Once I saw him at the Hospital where Mr. Shaw...”

“Wait! Gavin has been in your bedroom at night?” She turned to Bruce, “Haven’t I taught you better than this? So many things could happen!”

“Oh that boy, I thought you were asking about the one in my dreams.”

She looked from her grandmother to her father, “Isn’t that why we walked up here? To talk about my dreams?” she asked.

Her grandmother began to laugh. “I’m sorry Kate. I was thinking about that cute Gavin boy.”

“I need more help with the boy I have been dreaming about. Especially since Dad has seen him too.”

Her grandmother shot a look at Bruce, “You have seen him too?” Bruce nodded.

Kate proceeded to tell her all about the dreams she was having, and finished the story with them both seeing Andrew's apparition at the hospital.

Her grandmother questioned them about the hospital visit, “This Mr. Shaw of yours saw him too? What name did he call him?”

“Andrew,” Bruce said.

“So, he recognized him as well. That is very interesting. Where is your Mr. Shaw now?”

“Still in the hospital, but he is doing better and may come home in a few days,” Bruce said.

Kate was surprised. She had not heard this bit of information.

“Sorry, honey. I just heard from Catherine as I was walking out the door to go to the airport. It completely slipped my mind. She said he is doing much better and he will be home in a few days, but he may have to go back for more testing. She also wanted to let you know you are off the hook from any more kennel duty.”

“That is really great news!” Kate felt relief from the strain she was carrying, worrying about Mr. Shaw and the dogs and balancing school, self-defense and friends.

“Well then, I think in a few days we should go and visit this Mr. Shaw of yours and find out what he knows of Andrew and why Andrew might be hanging around you,” her grandmother suggested.

“I think that sounds like a plan,” Kate agreed. “Now finish telling us about your powers. Can you see if Gavin likes me?” she asked.

Her father and grandmother laughed.

“Nope, can’t tell you. That is half the fun. Always wondering, hoping, sometimes being disappointed, but that sweetie, is the spice of life. I will tell you this much, you will find out before I leave.”

“By the way, what are your plans? Not that I am in any way shape or form trying to get rid of you,” Bruce said.

“I know our staying at your place is not making Meg happy. Don’t worry dear, we will be out of your hair soon,” she answered.

“Let me be very clear about this, I am not concerned how Meg feels about your being here or your staying with us. I only want you to consider how Kate and I feel about you and Dad being here. And I feel very comfortable and happy,” he glanced at Kate, “We want you and Dad to stay as long as possible. That is what I meant by, what are your plans. How long do we get you?”

Kate understood what he was saying about them staying, and she felt his anger when he mentioned her mother, and how her reaction to their visit upset him. But she felt there was something more. She could almost put her finger on it. Her thoughts were interrupted by her grandmother's announcement.

“Your father and I have made reservations at a nice hotel just up the close from you. That way we will be quite near, without kicking poor Kate here out of her bedroom. It also gives you some privacy to talk about us when we are not there,” she joked. Then she turned to Kate. “Now about Gavin. Tell me everything. He is very handsome and such a nice conversationalist. He talked about the most interesting things. Did you know there is some kind of fire parade here in the winter? I didn’t catch all of it, but it sounds spectacular.”

Kate told her about how Gavin and Kenzie had helped with the kennels and about how Kenzie seemed to be trying her hand at matchmaking.

“I believe it was Kenzie and Lanie who spread the word about what Josh had done. I know there seems to be a lot of people I don't know giving me meaningful stares and sympathetic smiles.”

“Oh, that was perfect! I never really did feel comfortable with Josh. He never made me feel at ease around him,” her grandmother said. “But I am sorry about what happened. It was rude of me to say that. I sometimes say things without thinking how it sounds to the person I am saying it to.”  She looked profoundly sad at Bruce. “But tell me more about Gavin and all your other friends.”

They sat and talked and enjoyed each other’s company until late. Then they strolled back down the street to their close.

“It really is a magical city,” her grandmother said.

“That’s what I hear,” said Kate, as she elbowed her dad.

They arrived home to a quiet flat, only the lone flashing light of the answering machine betraying signs of life. Bruce pushed the button expecting to hear Meg’s voice.

“Kate? It's Gavin. Just wanted to make sure you knew that it is Mari’s birthday tomorrow. Kenzie gave me a card we all are signing, you can sign it tomorrow when I pick you up for school,” he paused, “If you don’t mind walking to school with me? By the way, I had a great time hearing all about you from your grandmother. Wouldn’t mind talking to her again. She had some great stories. See you tomorrow.”

Kate's dad smiled at her. “Sounds like you are getting your answer sooner than later, huh?” he commented.

Kate rounded on her grandmother, “What did you tell him about me?” she asked.

“Nothing really, just little things. Like on your birthday how you would put on a fashion show with all the clothes you received. Small things.”

Kate wanted to die. One of the only people in Edinburgh that could really tell embarrassing stories, who loved to tell embarrassing stories about her, and they had managed to sit down for an unsupervised visit with Gavin.

“You didn’t tell him about the baby pool did you?” she asked.

“Gee, look at the time. Wow, that jet lag is really catching up with me. Goodnight, see you tomorrow.”  She kissed Kate and her father good night and escaped to her room.

“Did you see?” Kate stammered. “How does she...?” she started again, “Oh no. She didn't.”

“Do you need some help making up your bed in here?” her dad asked, smiling in sympathy.

“No. But thanks.”

She arranged her bed on the floor, folded back the comforter and fluffed the pillow, Chili, moving just slightly faster than she, managed to snag the middle of the bed.

“Typical,” she muttered and tried to get comfortable in the remaining space. She settled into the heavy blankets, closed her eyes and prayed.

“Dear God, please take care of Mr. Shaw and help my grandmother behave herself. Amen.”

Nothing had ever seemed more welcoming than the city streets of Edinburgh. Feet hurting, spirits dragging and energy dwindling, Kate almost cried when she saw the city appear in front of the line. The soft sound of a song drifted back to her ears. One of the songs that had been sung at the beginning of the march, began to grow with each step they took into Edinburgh. People lined the streets, cheering them as they entered the city. They marched down the Royal Mile toward Holyrood Palace. At the gates the marchers were detained by a very vigorous discussion between the organizers of the march and the Police. After an hour or so Kate, Andrew and Frank, gave up hope that any headway would be made, listened to their stomachs, quit the line and wandered over to the field kitchens to get something to eat. Billy and Robert joined them. They were just sitting down when the news came that the overnight accommodations would to be at Waverly Market.

“What are they thinking? That is a stone floor. Someone could catch their death of cold sleeping on that,” Robert said.

“Da', do you really think they will make us sleep out in the street?” Billy asked.

“If they do, then I will have to look up me brother and beg him to let us sleep on their floor. It won’t be comfortable, but it will get us inside and it be better than a stone floor,” his father reassured him.

“Da', what will we do?” Andrew asked.

“Not to worry. I’m sure that the police will come up with something.”

Sean and Christopher, with their father between them, wandered over to the table and joined the conversation.

“I just heard that they have secured Oddfellows Hall for us to sleep in. But I donnae see how they are going to fit us all in,” Christopher said.

“Oh, they will fit me in, and anyone who is with me, you can bet on that,” Ol’ Rob said.

“And what do you know that the rest of us don’t?” Sean said.

“Well, I am an old and crippled man. They would never even think to turn me away and I will need both of you strong boys ‘help to make sure I can get into me bed and oot of it.”

Sean and Christopher rolled their eyes.

“Oh, now he is a crippled old man. Earlier he was going to spit on our shoes. Now he can hardly walk without us,” Sean observed.

“Makes you feel sort of loved doesn’t it?” Christopher added.

“Da', when should we start heading over to Oddfellows Hall?” Andrew asked.

“Pretty soon.”

“What about us?” Billy asked his father.

“I think we are going to look up me brother. If possible, we will sleep there tonight and meet Frank and Andrew tomorrow.” He looked at Frank, “Say, 9 a.m., right here?”

Andrew’s dad nodded his head, “all right. 9 a.m.”

While Billy and his dad headed off, Ol’ Rob made a big production of using his two sons as crutches while the six of them walked toward Oddfellows Hall. When they reached the hall, there was a line from the door ran down the street and around the corner. The men who manned the door were counting heads as they entered.

Other men roaming up and down the line called out.

“Any women and children at the back of the line, please come to the front.”

They approached Ol’ Rob and took him and his sons to the front. Christopher turned around and winked at Andrew. One man stopped to talk to Andrew’s dad.

“Sir, we may not have enough room for you when you get to the front of the line, but we can take yer kids and put them in by the women who are already inside. There will be space at the police station on the floor of the muster room.”

Andrew looked at his father. He knew there was no way his father would allow the two of them to become separated. He was shocked to see his father nod his head.

“Go on Andrew, you head into the hall.”
            “But Da'?” Andrew started to object

“I know what you're going to say. But I just saw your teacher enter the door without her husband and I think it would be nice if you two were to keep her company. I will be here at 8 o'clock sharp to pick you two up and we will go together to meet Billy and his father. Wait for me right here in the morning.”

Kate and Andrew nodded and followed the man into the hall. They were taken to the women's area where they found Mrs. Snodgrass unrolling her blanket for the night. She looked up and saw them standing in the doorway.

“Kate, Andrew! What are you doing in here? Have you lost yer father?”

“No ma’am. We were told to come in and keep you company for the night.”

“Oh. Yer father din’t make it in. My husband was turned away too.”

“My da' said we should stay by you tonight and he will meet us in the morning.”  Mrs. Snodgrass nodded and motioned for them to put their things on the floor next to hers. Kate knew Andrew felt completely lost. A historic experience did not involve spending the night with your teacher.

Kate was having a severe case of deja vu. Was this a dream, or was it real?  She found herself and Andrew on the steps of the hall watching the sun come up.

“I don't want to leave you sitting here on the steps until yer father comes. Why don’t you come with me and Mr. Snodgrass and see a little bit of the city. I will have you back here to meet your father by 8,” their teacher said.

“I think that would be fine. As long as we aren’t late,” Andrew said.

“We won't be late. I promise.”