When Darkness Comes Page 6
* Yeah, well, playing with a Spirit board is like inviting a serial killer over for dinner *
* Oh, please, Trent. Now you’re just being dramatic. I was simply asking because they’re using one on a movie we’re watching and I was curious. Figured my paranormal investigator boyfriend would be able to give me some insight. Thanks for your opinion. *
I pressed the send button and winced when I realized what I had just typed. Boyfriend. I just called Trent my boyfriend, and we haven’t even had the talk yet. Oh, man... Maybe, he didn’t even notice. I sat, frozen, staring at my phone, waiting on a reply from Trent to come through.
“Well, did he tell you how to play?” Nic asked.
I shook my head no. “He’s never played.” I set my phone aside and picked up the small, wooden planchette in my fingers. It was cold to the touch, which I’m sure was due to the game being stored in the attic for so many years.
“Hmph, some paranormal investigator he is.” Ally stated frankly.
“Well, I guess we’ll just start by asking a general question.” I suggested. “Everyone put your hands on the planchette.”
Ally lifted her hands in the air. “Oh, no, I’m not playing! You and Nic can have fun with this. I’m out.”
Nic huffed. “Chicken.”
Nic and I placed our fingertips on the smooth wooden, heart shaped surface and waited for someone to work up the gall to ask the first question.
“Is there anyone in the room with us?” Nic asked, and we waited in silence for the piece to move. When it didn’t, I decided to try a new tactic.
“Okay, if there is anyone out there that would like to speak with us, we invite you to do so now.” I inhaled sharply when the planchette began to move. “Nic, cut it out.” I hissed.
“I’m not doing it! I promise!”
We all watched, completely immobile, as the planchette came to a stop, the very tip of it pointing toward the word ‘yes’.
“Ask it something, Paige.” Ally muttered.
I began to wrack my brain over what I could possibly ask. I could go for humor and ask ‘boxer or briefs?’, or I could go for serious and ask something in hopes of NOT getting a response. This is just a game, though, right?
“Ummm...” I moved the piece back to an open spot on the board, hesitant in asking the next question. “Are you a ghost?”
“Ooooh, good one.” Nic whispered.
I smiled smugly at the girls, and then gasped as the planchette began to move again. The three of us stared at each other with wide eyes. The planchette stopped and my mouth dropped in shock when I read the word ‘no’. I quickly moved the wooden piece back to the middle of the board.
“What are you?” Nic quietly requested, but the wooden piece did not move.
She looked at me expectantly and I shrugged my shoulders, dumbfounded. I felt a chill run down my back and the hairs on my arms began to stand on end. The air around me had changed, and it felt like I was trapped inside one of those plasma globes, electricity tingling all around us.
“Are you still here?” I asked.
The planchette moved and pointed to ‘yes’.
“Would you like to speak to us?” I asked again.
Another ‘yes’.
“Do you have unfinished business we can help you with?” Nic asked this time.
Another ‘yes’.
“We want to help you. Can one of us help you?” I asked.
‘Yes’.
“Would you like to reach out to someone?” Nic asked.
‘Yes’.
“Who would you like to reach out to?” I asked.
Y – O – U
The planchette spelled out you. My entire body shook with a chill. I looked up and locked eyes with Nic. She gave me a wide-eyed nod and confirmed that what I had read was real.
“Who are you?” I whispered. I held my breath while I awaited a response. The planchette never moved. I took a deep breath. “Who are you?” I demanded.
The planchette jerked suddenly and I hastily looked down, trying to see what it was spelling. My stomach started getting queasy, watching the planchette move in back and forth, over and over again. No. Goodbye. No. Goodbye. No. Goodbye.
“That’s not even funny, Paige.” Ally shot up from her place on the floor and quickly turned on the overhead light.
The planchette lurched off the board and I shrieked loudly, feeling a vibration against my leg. I swiftly rubbed my hands on my thighs, trying to shake off any bad juju and stood, checking my phone and seeing it was an e-mail alert that had caused the vibration.
“I swear to you both, I was not moving it.” I said in all seriousness.
“Well, then who was?” Nic said under her breath.
“I think we should just pack this back up.” I hurriedly placed the board and the planchette back in the box. “And, never get it out again.” I stated firmly, setting the board out in the hallway, then closing and locking my bedroom door behind me.
“Good idea.” Ally agreed.
I watched as Nic walked over to my bathroom, flipped on the light, then pulled the door only halfway closed.
“Just for good measure.” She explained as she climbed into her sleeping bag. “I’m sure that board is defective anyways.”
“Totally defective.” I nodded my head in agreement, turning off the overhead light and crawling into my own sleeping bag. When we were all settled, I turned off the lantern and set it aside; making sure it was within arm’s reach. Just in case. I tried not to think of the “game” we had just played... or whatever it might have been that played us. Instead, I decided to try and focus on something I knew I needed to say to Nic.
“Hey, Nic.” I said quietly.
“Hmm?” She murmured.
“I’m sorry... Sorry I have so many issues when it comes to relationships. Zane did a real number on me.” I whispered to my soon-to-be sister-in-law.
She exhaled softly. “I wish you would tell me what really happened with him. I know he hurt you something awful, but I also know that you can’t go through your whole life never trusting anyone just because you’re too afraid of getting your heart broken again. At some point, you’re going to have to give your heart a break and let someone ease the ache.”
I furrowed my eyebrows. That sounds awfully familiar... “Did you just quote a song?” I chuckled.
“So what?” Nic slapped her hand across my arm. “You know it’s the truth.”
Maybe she was right. Maybe the only way I was ever going to be able to fully move on from Zane was to let someone else in.
“I love you, Sis.” I whispered.
“I love you, too, Sis.” Nic said as she rolled over and closed her eyes.
Snuggling further into my sleeping bag, I pondered over what I would say to Nic when it came time for our real conversation. Maybe it is finally time for me to tell her what really happened with Zane, with the cocaine and the alcohol. The only story she received was that I found him in bed with another girl. Matty is the only one who knows what I dealt with on a regular basis in that relationship. If I can FINALLY move past Zane and the turmoil that was us, I can move toward something else, someONE else.
I rolled over, facing away from Nic and pulled up my earlier conversation with Trent on my phone to try and distract me further from the evil board game. Unfortunately, it just piled more apprehension on my plate. Why hasn’t he texted me back? It’s because I called him my boyfriend, I just know it. I’ve totally freaked him out.
I decided that I better send him a quick text and make sure that I still had a date for the wedding tomorrow.
* We’re heading to bed. See you tomorrow??? *
I waited and waited for a reply. Finally, my phone buzzed.
* Of course. G’night, gorgeous *
I exhaled, debating on whether or not to reply. Staying up all night and texting with Trent was looking more enticing by the minute, but I knew that I needed to get some much-needed sleep. Trent and I could discuss the whole “boyfri
end” thing tomorrow after the wedding. Or never. Yeah, that sounds good. Hopefully, he just didn’t catch it at all. Yeah, right!
I closed my eyes and thought about what Nic said. Give my heart a break, huh? I just really hope he doesn’t smash it into a million pieces...
chapter 6
Nic and Jean-Luc’s wedding and reception were both held at Scena in the Old Port of Montreal. I watched with teary eyes as my brother married his long-time love in front of 200 guests. The ceremony was breathtaking, with the windows overlooking the port providing the perfect backdrop for their sunset nuptials.
Now, I’m standing downstairs, at the edge of the dance floor, listening to Mathieu give a humorous best man speech. I tapped my foot anxiously, knowing he would be closing soon and that it would be my turn to wow the crowd.
“To the bride and groom!” Matty toasted, raising his champagne flute in the air.
“To the bride and groom!” We all repeated, as we raised our glasses and took a drink.
Here goes nothing...
I stepped to the middle of the dance floor and smiled at my brother and new sister-in-law. “Hi everyone!” I greeted the crowd. “For those who don’t know me, I am the groom’s FAVORITE sister.” Laughs from those who knew I was his ONLY sister rang throughout the room. “I have also been best friends with the bride since before either of us could walk or talk.” I winked at Nic. “Now, I’m not one for public speaking, so this will be short and sweet and then we can all get to dancing and then the part I’m most excited for, cake! I found this quote one day, years ago. It said ‘If you get the chance to give her anything, give her a place to lay her head so she can feel how hard your heart beats for her, give her peace at the end of the day and give her a kiss on the forehead when she is just about to fall asleep.’ I have had the honor of having a front row seat for Nic and Jean-Luc’s real-life love story...” Tears began to well in my eyes as I spoke, and I struggled to keep them at bay. “They have been through thick and thin together. And believe me they’ve had their fair share of ups and downs. But they have NEVER given up on each other, or their love. My big brother’s heart has always beat for Nic and they have always given each other peace at the end of the day, never once going to bed while still in an argument. If you are lucky enough to spend just a couple of hours in their presence, you will witness true love. I’m certain you already have just this evening, because these two are it. They are the real deal. My only piece of advice I have to offer you, big brother, is to kiss Nic on the forehead every night because there is nothing better in this world to a girl than forehead kisses. Well, except maybe a Louis Vuitton.” I chuckled at my own joke and smiled warmly at Nic and Jean-Luc as a tear fell from my eye. “Nic, Luc, you two are a shining example of love never failing. And, you make us all...” I paused and made eye contact with Trent. With a nod and smile from him, I once again turned my attention to the bride and groom. “You make us all believe in true love, even in this crazy world.” I began to cry and I quickly swiped the tears away. I noticed Nic was crying as well, which made me feel less like a sissy sap. “I love you both! And wish you nothing but happiness. To the bride and groom!” I toasted.
After I finished my speech, I went and found Trent, who was waiting for me on the side of the dance floor.
“I knew you could do it.” He smiled, enveloping me in a hug.
“Yeah, but I cried like a baby. In front of EVERYONE!” I mumbled into his neck.
He pulled back a little and looked down at me. “It was the perfect speech, Paige. I think everyone could tell it was from the heart. Glad to see you took my advice.”
I simply grinned as I turned around and watched Nic and Jean-Luc walk onto the middle of the floor to share their first dance as husband and wife. I admired them gliding effortlessly across the floor, and was quite impressed with how well their dance lessons had paid off.
I felt Trent’s arms wrap around my waist, as he stepped closer behind me. They were strong and held firm, like he never wanted to let go, and it was no surprise when the butterflies started to flutter in my stomach. I have to admit that I wanted to stay like this forever. And, that’s a tough pill to swallow when you’ve spent so long running away from love, and then you find someone that you can’t imagine ever running from. That little piece of truth struck me today during the processional. Walking down the aisle, my eyes had caught Trent’s, and in that moment, I couldn’t help but hope there might be a day when I will be the one in white, walking toward my groom. Trent.
The first dance ended and now I’m watching as Jean-Luc shares a dance with Cecile Beauchemin, and Nic shares a dance with my father, Guy. Nic looks absolutely breathtaking, laughing at something my father had said; the layers upon layers of her cream-colored Vera Wang chiffon ball gown swayed with every step, giving the appearance Nic was floating. I quickly slid a finger across my cheek to catch a falling tear.
“You okay?” Trent tightened his grip around my waist, as we watched the pairs on the dance floor.
I nodded. “I’m just really, really happy for them.” I smiled, leaning further into him.
“Hey, babe...” He murmured in my ear.
“Yeah?”
“I don’t really want to ask, but I’ve got to know... You didn’t play with the spirit board, did you?”
I tensed immediately and was thankful Trent could not see my eyes widen or me biting my lip in response to his question.
“It’s just that they really are bad news, and I would prefer if you stayed away from them altogether.”
I turned around in his arms and looked up at him, sheepishly. “We played with it for like five minutes. That’s all, I swear! And, then we put it right up.” Why do I feel like a 5-year-old who just got caught with my hand in the cookie jar?
Trent closed his eyes and inhaled deeply. He was mad. Beyond mad, I think. Pissed would be the correct term. I braced myself for his wrath as he opened his eyes, his green irises blazing.
“Paige, did you get a reply?”
I nodded my head, ashamed.
“Well?” He huffed.
“It just kept going back and forth between no and goodbye. Do you know what that means? Nic and I think it’s defective, but you can’t get a refund on a 40-year-old game.” I shrugged.
Trent’s eyebrows furrowed; he was not amused by my humor. “What did you ask it, Paige?” He released his hold on me and rubbed a hand through his hair, clearly perplexed.
“I asked it who it wanted to reach out to. It spelled out you. Then when I asked who it was, it just kept going back and forth between no and goodbye.”
I saw Trent’s eyes widen slightly before quickly reeling back in his cool demeanor. He stilled and was silent for a long moment.
“Trent, what is it?” I questioned, reaching to touch his forearm.
He pulled his arm away from my hand, and instead, engulfed me in a bone-crushing hug. “Paige, experienced investigators know not to mess with spirit boards. They are nothing but bad news. Promise me you will stay away from them from now on.” He whispered.
“I promise.” I said into the lapel of his tuxedo. I tried not to think about how tense his body was. Had he heard of someone having a similar experience? Had he himself had a similar experience? I had no way of knowing. I decided to leave well enough alone for right now, and wiggled around in his arms just enough to turn and face the dance floor, but not break his embrace.
The song ended and the D.J. announced that at this time, the bride and groom would like to invite all guests to the floor. I couldn’t help but laugh as the next song came on, seeing as it was the very same one Nic had quoted to me the night before. My eyes caught hers and she began to wave me over.
“Oh, no!” I mouthed at my sister-in-law, but she was nodding her head yes and making her way over to me and Trent.
“I’m gonna steal your girl for one dance. Hope you don’t mind.” Nic said, grabbing my hand and pulling me onto the dance floor, not waiting for Trent’s answer.
“Two weeks ago, we were doing this very same thing.” Trent’s deep voice sounded in my ear as he pulled me close to him.
I lifted my lips to his ear, “My knight in shining armor.” I gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before taking a step back, so we could continue dancing.
The song ended all too quickly and we were surrounded with the sound of an acoustic guitar playing through the speakers. I turned to exit the dance floor, but was stopped by Trent’s firm grasp on my hand.
“One more.” He smiled sweetly, pulling me into his arms once again.
“It’s too slow.” I complained.
“No such thing.” He shook his head in amusement. “It will speed up soon. Do you know how to Waltz?” He questioned, his thumb beginning to draw soft circles in the palm of my hand.
“Of course.” I said while shaking my head no. “Doesn’t everybody?”
“Smartass.” Trent chuckled. “Okay, just follow my lead. It’s really easy, a simple box step. Back with your right foot and then over with your left. Short pause. There you go. Now, forward with your left and over with your right. Short pause. You’ve got it, gorgeous.”
We started dancing together with ease, and I found myself not having to think about each step as I moved my feet. I listened to the lyrics pouring through the sound system when I heard Trent singing along, “Cause all I know is we said hello and your eyes look like coming home. All I know is a simple name... and everything has changed.”
“Taylor Swift fan?” I teased.
“Hey now, her lyrics have true substance. But, shhh! Don’t let my secret out, after all, haters gonna hate.” Trent winked at me and then started laughing, shaking his head. “No, actually, I’m a big fan of Ed Sheeran.”