Gifted

GIFTED

JAMIE CAMPBELL

Copyright © 2012 Jamie Campbell

Smashwords Edition

Jamie Campbell asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work.

This novel is entirely a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or localities is entirely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the author.

DEDICATION

To all those that believe The Truth is Out There.

Prologue

Ready?

As ready as I’ll ever be, Cate took her sister’s hand and climbed out of the black Mercedes. She squinted into the sunlight shining above the small stone church. On any other day she would have made a comment about the weather being so beautiful. But today she just couldn’t see the beauty in anything - not even nature in its finest form.

They walked down the gravel pathway that led them through the old wooden doors of St Peter’s Church. It was the same church she was married in almost eight years ago. The last time they were there, their baby daughter was christened. It had been a really happy day. All their closest friends and family had gathered to celebrate the birth of their child. She had chosen her sister to be Godmother, her husband James had chosen his older brother for Godfather. They had all watched as the Catholic ritual had taken place, officially welcoming their daughter into the arms of the church.

Now it was time for another ritual, not one to introduce a person into the church, but one to say goodbye. They walked down the long aisle to the altar, sitting down on the front row of pews. Charlie took Cate’s hand again and squeezed it for reassurance. She knew her sister was suffering and no amount of assurance was going to make it better, but she had to do something. Right now, that was all she could offer her.

Sitting on the opposite side of Cate was her daughter, Rahni. She looked down at her, dressed in her best outfit. A light pink dress probably wasn’t the traditional choice for a day like today but no one would dare question it. She looked so much like her father it wasn’t funny. Cate had always thought that, even from the moment of her birth. People used to joke she could never be mistaken for the milkman’s child, there was never a doubt about who her daddy was.

She put her arm around Rahni and pulled her closer. It comforted her to know she was there and always would be. Even though she was a single parent now, she would get through it. Rahni gave her something to live for. She hated to think what she would do if she didn’t have that.

James had been her whole life for the past ten years. They had met in high school. At first she refused his advances - boys were something she didn’t want any part of. She had other things to concentrate on. Her schoolwork was much more interesting and important. He had been persistent though, every day he had tried to convince her to go on a date with him. Just one won’t hurt, he told her. Eventually she gave in, more to shut him up than because she really wanted to.

It turned out James was a sweet guy, not what she had been expecting. She also discovered dating was fun. They would go bowling, make out at the movies, and hold hands walking along the beach. It had been a surprise to her that she could enjoy someone’s company so much - especially when that person was a boy. So they had gone steady all through high school. Then they went to the same university. Shortly after graduating, they married. The wedding was a huge, traditional, white affair. Cate wore a dress that Charlie had joked about. She said that she looked like she should have been placed on the top of the wedding cake. It had layer after layer of white taffeta, she felt like a princess.

Walking down this very same aisle, she had been so excited about the prospect of marriage. She held a fantasy that they would spend their entire lives together, have a whole house full of children and then grandchildren. They would grow old together and eventually die together. She had wanted them to pass over at the same time; she couldn’t bear the thought of living without him. The day had been absolutely perfect. Vowing to love, honour, and cherish her husband had been one of the best moments of her life. She hadn’t taken her vows lightly, always keeping them close to her heart.

A few months later they discovered they were expecting a baby. It was a shock to both of them but they embraced parenthood for everything it was worth. Rahni had been born at exactly 12:01 a.m. on New Year’s Day. There was no champagne that night to celebrate the New Year, only lots and lots of pain killers.

They would have liked to have more children, they had tried for years to have a second baby. It seemed unbelievable that they should struggle to conceive again after Rahni had been such an accident. A happy accident, but created even through the use of contraception. They had decided that four children would have been a good number but they ran out of time. Nature wasn’t working for them, and then fate had stepped in.

Cate wiped tears away from her eyes. She had been trying to stay strong for Rahni but even sheer determination wasn’t enough to stop the flow. She looked up from her daughter to see the very thing she had been trying to avoid. Sitting in the middle of the alter was a black coffin that held her husband’s body. It was covered with while lilies, hanging over the edges like a waterfall. At the base of the lilies was one single rose. The florist had thought it symbolic, now it just seemed to signify her loneliness.

The coffin was closed. The funeral director had asked whether she wanted it that way. At the time she couldn’t understand why anyone would want to view a dead body and had insisted it be closed. Now, sitting there staring at the black box, she understood. Some people needed to have one last look - confirm for themselves that their beloved was actually gone. Without seeing a dead body, it’s hard to imagine that someone is no longer living in this world. It had been three days and she had seen the body, yet she still couldn’t believe he had died. How does a healthy thirty year old just die?

The day had started out so normally. He had kissed her on the cheek, gave Rahni a hug and then headed off to work. The same routine as every other day of the week. She set about cleaning the house, taking Rahni to school, picking up some groceries on the way home. Then the police had shown up, knocking on the door. They asked if they could come in, sit down and talk for a few minutes. Cate’s mind had raced, she initially thought something might have happened to Rahni. She asked them if she was okay. They had looked at each other, and said she was probably fine at school.

She felt relieved but it only lasted a few seconds. If Rahni was okay, then why were they there? Surely it couldn’t be James - he was safely at work and a grown man, nothing could be wrong with him. She offered the policemen a cup of tea but they refused. Then, using their most calming voice, they announced there had been an accident.

On the way to work that morning a truck had gone through a set of red lights. James’ car had been directly in its path on the intersection. The truck had skidded right into him, his car was a write-off and so was he. She was told the doctors had done everything to save him but the damage was too serious. He had bled out in the operating theatre and couldn’t be revived. The doctors and nurses were miracle workers, but they weren’t God.

Cate didn’t want to believe what she was hearing. James was at work, they were just lying to her. He was only thirty years old, they had their whole lives yet to live. You don’t just go to work one day and end up dead. It just didn’t happen that way. It wasn’t fair and it couldn’t be true. She had yelled at the policemen, telling them to get out. They wouldn’t go though, they insisted on calling a relative to come and stay with her. She didn’t want them to, it was all just a lot of fuss for nothing. Come five o’clock, James would leave work and be home in time for dinner. There was no need to call anyone because it just wasn’t true.

Charlie turned up within the hour, she had found her sister pulling everything out of the pantry and washing down the shelves. She had insisted that it be done right away, otherwise the kitchen would get messy. Charlie had told the policemen that it was okay to leave, she would take over from here. They told her the official business, that someone would need to identify the body lying in the county morgue. Someone would have to claim him and sign the body over to a funeral director. She said she would take care of it and then thanked them for their patience.

In the kitchen, Charlie helped Cate clean the pantry. They wiped down the shelves and walls and then replaced all the food back in neat rows - labels all facing outwards. When that was done, then the tears started. It had finally sunk in that James wasn’t coming home tonight, or any other night - he was gone. They had held onto each other for hours sitting on that wooden floor.

Their mother had picked up Rahni from school, gave her the news. When she got home, she joined her mother on the kitchen floor. Time seemed to disappear, it was nightfall before they were strong enough to move from their circle of grief.

People came and went from the house. Most were relatives, some were neighbours and friends. No one stayed for very long, just dropping off food and condolences. Cate didn’t blame them, she would have left too if it meant going home to her perfect family. She had to stay though and organise the funeral, the wake, and work out what the hell she was going to do.

Identifying the body had been the hardest task she had ever been burdened with. Child birth was nothing compared to the pain she felt seeing her husband’s dead body laid out on a cold stainless steel slab. They had only shown her his head, leaving the sheet covering the rest of his body. They did it for her own good, being hit by a truck didn’t leave someone in a very pretty state. They had done well to repair his face for the viewing.

They offered her a small seat next to him, told her that she could take as long as she needed. She wasn’t sure just how long it would take to say goodbye to her soul mate, but she accepted the seat anyway. She just stared at his lifeless face, unsure whether she wanted to touch him or not. She knew that he would be cold, his skin wouldn’t radiate the warmth that it once did. He had cuts and bruises over his cheeks. Small shards of glass had been carefully extracted and placed in a small dish just hours earlier.

She extended her hand, steeling herself for what she was about to do. She placed her fingers on his forehead, slowly stroking the strands of hair backwards. His hair felt normal, it didn’t feel dead. She started crying at the thought, even though it was irrational. Her thumb touched skin on his forehead. She was right - he was cold. His skin was greying, his soul was no longer in this body. It was just that simple, he was gone in spirit.

She didn’t need long to say goodbye. As soon as she realized he was no longer there, she left. His body was just a vessel, the person she knew and had loved so deeply was gone. She believed in an afterlife, an eternal paradise where souls retreated when their time on earth had passed. James Sinclair was now there, in amongst all the angels up in heaven. He definitely wasn’t lying in the county morgue with a toe tag attached to his foot.

The priest started the ceremony, bringing Cate’s mind back to the church. She listened as he spoke about heaven and God’s love. She tried not to look at the coffin, reminding herself that it was just a body inside. James was in heaven, and she had a little piece of him sitting at her side cuddling into her. She tried to stop the tears, telling herself that she just needed to get through the next few hours. After the wake, she could go to pieces again. She just had to get through it, there was no other choice.

If James was there, he would have reassured her. He would have told her that everything was going to be okay. That even after the few hours was up, she wouldn’t need to go to pieces, they would get through it together. They were a team, and teams can do anything. Now, she just had to redefine the team - it was her and Rahni against the world. Sure, the coach was gone but it was still a team.

The eulogy was delivered by James’ brother. She had been encouraged to do it herself but she knew she wouldn’t be able to do it. She didn’t need anything else to try to get through today, someone else would have to do it. So Mark Sinclair volunteered, he told stories about his childhood and how James would always get them into trouble. He had been somewhat of a brat when he was younger. Mark credited Cate to taming him and turning him into the man he had the privilege of knowing.

The priest closed the ceremony and invited everyone to walk past the casket. Cate had to start the procession, it was her duty. She stood up, Rahni on one side and Charlie on the other. Each hand was held firmly in place. Her legs started to shake as she approached the black coffin. Taking a deep breath, she steadied herself. Putting one foot in front of the other, she made it to the altar. Unsure what she was meant to do exactly, she kissed her fingers and patted the casket lid. One final kiss goodbye.

Cate and her helpers turned around to start walking down the aisle towards the wooden doors. She kept her eyes on the floor, trying not to make eye contact with any of the other mourners. They would only set her tears off again. As she walked, she remembered her wedding day again. She could almost imagine her white dress gliding down the aisle, trying to fit past all the pews lining the way. James had been at her side then, holding a protective arm around her waist. If she thought about it hard enough, she could still feel his arm holding on to her again.

They didn’t go to the cemetery and watch the coffin being buried, Cate didn’t want Rahni to have to see that part of the ceremony, so they went straight home. Her father drove them, making sure they arrived safely. The minute they pulled up, her mother started putting food out and getting ready for the guests.

She had made a collage of photographs depicting the major events in James’ life. Cate couldn’t look at it, to her it just showed what a waste the rest of his life would be. They had so many plans, another child had only been the beginning. They were going to travel the world, he promised to take her to Paris for their tenth wedding anniversary.

They were also planning on fixing up their house. It was one of the oldest houses in town, built in the nineteenth century. It was reminiscent of an old English manor house. It boasted eight bedrooms, five bathrooms, and no less than four living rooms. Built on two stories, it was impressive but needed some work - it was how they managed to afford to buy it in the first place. They had big plans for the old house, even toying with the idea of turning it into a bed and breakfast.

Cate knew it was the house for them as soon as she saw it. She had imagined a home restored to its former glory, kids running around playing hide and seek, and all the fabulous dinner parties they could hold in the formal dining room. Maybe she could still restore it, but it just wouldn’t be the same.

The guests started arriving, they tried to lighten the mood by telling stories about James. It wasn’t very effective, but it allowed Cate to sit in the background, not having to make conversation. She didn’t really want all these people in her house right now, but the thought of them leaving and it just being her and Rahni alone didn’t appeal to her either. At least the house didn’t seem too large and empty when it was filled with people.

At about six o’clock, the guests started to trickle out. By six-thirty, they were all gone. Her mother and Charlie had cleaned up and put all the food into the refrigerator. At the very least, she wasn’t going to go hungry any time soon. Rahni was almost asleep on the lounge suite. She helped her shower and put her to bed straight away. It had been a long day for a seven year-old girl who had just lost her daddy.

Cate was worried about her daughter, she had been quiet ever since that day. She didn’t cry much either. Kids should cry when they are sad. She wondered whether it had sunk in yet, maybe she still expected her father to come walking through the door as if nothing had happened. After all, she was still holding hope for the very same thing. Being a grown-up didn’t change anything. She tucked her into bed and walked down the stairs into the living room. Cate looked around the large room, unsure what to do. She tried to eat some apple pie but couldn’t stomach it, instead she turned on the television and waited for the numbness to sink in.

Chapter 1

Are you sure you don’t mind?

Of course we don’t, it will be fun to spend some time with my big sister and niece, said Charlie as she dropped her bags on the floor and gave her sister a hug.

Should I put these upstairs? Blair held up his bags and nodded towards the staircase.

Yeah, I’ve made up the blue room for you.

He picked up Charlie’s bags with his free hand and proceeded to walk up the stairs to the second floor of the house.

Cate waited until he was out of sight before speaking again: "Are you really sure? I don’t want to take you away from anything."

Sis, seriously, we are happy to be here. We needed a break from campus anyway. I don’t think college life agrees with us. Partying is not a healthy way to spend the summer holidays. Where’s Rahni?

She’s at ballet lessons. She’ll be home in an hour or so. I’m so glad you’re here. This house has been so empty, Cate hugged her sister again and led her through to the kitchen. Can I make you a cup of tea or coffee?

That sounds perfect. I’ll have a tea - so will Blair. No milk, two sugars, thanks, she took a seat at the small table in the centre of the kitchen floor. Cate stirred the three mugs and placed them on to the table.

So, you and Blair still going strong then?

Yeah, it’s all good. Charlie didn’t like talking about Blair with her sister. It had only been three weeks since James passed away. It just seemed cruel to rub their relationship in her face. They had been seeing each other for almost a year and they were happy together, really happy. She decided to change the subject: How is Rahni doing?

To tell you the truth I’m worried about her. She doesn’t talk much about James. I don’t think I’ve heard her say two words about him since... well for a few weeks now, she said, taking a sip from her mug of coffee and stirring it again.

I guess everyone deals with grief in their own way. She’s probably processing it all in her head. When she’s done, she’ll talk about it. She is only seven.

Yeah, I know. It’s just difficult. She’s also been acting a bit... strange.

Strange? How do you mean?

She’s developed an imaginary friend. This ‘friend’ goes with her everywhere in the house.

Only in the house?

Yes. She never talks about her - or to her - when we are out. It just gives me the creeps.

And it only started a few weeks ago?

Yeah, ever since then.

Blair found them in the kitchen and sat down in the seat next to Charlie. He picked up his mug of hot tea and took a sip.

What are we talking about?

Rahni’s got an imaginary friend. Charlie updated him.

Oh, I used to have an imaginary friend when I was a kid. His name was Cliff, he was a superhero in training. He was going to be Spiderman when he grew up.

Charlie looked at him and shook her head. Your imaginary friend was called Cliff? Couldn’t you have thought up a more manly name? Especially if he was going to be Spiderman?

I didn’t name him, he defended. That’s what he said his name was.

So you think it’s just a bit of harmless fun then? Cate looked concerned.

I’m sure it’s just her way of dealing with everything. What’s the friend’s name?

Alice.

She’s probably just read Alice in Wonderland at school and uses her to escape into a different reality. She’ll get over it.

I hope so. She has full-on conversations with the girl and gets angry when I don’t acknowledge her. Sometimes she even makes me set a place for her at dinner.

That’s cute. Just think, Blair had an imaginary friend and he turned out fine.

Yes, a perfect male specimen - even if I do say so myself, Blair smiled a cheesy grin.

A silence fell over the table. Charlie grappled for something to talk about. It hadn’t been easy being around her sister the past three weeks. She didn’t stop coming though. Sometimes just sitting in silence was enough to help Cate through her mourning.

What are your plans for the house? You have some muscle here this summer so feel free to use Blair for any jobs that need doing.

Blair nodded in agreement. Certainly, I’ll be more than happy to help out with anything you need done.

Thank you for the offer. I’m not sure exactly what to do. I don’t know whether I should just sell this place and find somewhere smaller, or to go all out and fix it up. James’ life insurance policy is more than enough to get this place restored. I don’t know whether I want to stay though, we had so many plans together. It kind of just reminds me of what we don’t have any more.

You can create new plans. You just need to decide what’s best for you and Rahni. It would be a shame to leave this place without restoring it though. It’s a beautiful old house.

That’s true. I guess a bit of sprucing up here and there wouldn’t hurt. At least then if I did decide to move, I could ask a bigger price for it if it’s in good condition.