The Gift

Talon walked into the office passing all her co-workers as they laughed and joked about the coming holiday. No one paid her much notice as she was used to and she sat in her corner cubicle and turned on her computer. She notice then that there was something shining behind her monitor. She reached behind and pulled out a small box. The box was about 4x4 and was wrapped in the most beautiful tan paper. It had a flowing soft black satin ribbon that draped over the side and a small rustic scroll with wooden toggles no bigger than her thumb. She picked up the scroll and rolled out to read who it was from. To her surprise all it said was “Just because you are you” and had a small circle drawn below. This made her sit up with surprise curious with wonder. In the last 5 years she had worked here she had not had a single friend here let alone a present from anyone. She had always sat in her corner cubicle, high walls and all, listening to music on headphones as she completed her work in tranquil silence, only conversing with her co-workers when her work demanded it for completion. Talon looked around the corner of her desk to see if anyone was looking or acting suspicious. It was just the usual work chatter and a few people laughing as they joked around with each other. She began to slip the ribbon off unwrapping the paper slowly and carefully on corner at a time. She always loved paper and did not want to destroy the beautiful wrapping that someone had put so much care into. She saw a small golden glint as the paper fell away. It was the most beautiful box she had ever seen. It had 4 cherubs on all 4 corners holding an raised golden antique wooden box, the sides were carved in a Greek or Roman design or so she though. The top had a little knob that she gripped to pull the lid off. A light twinkling song started to play. The melody was nothing she had ever heard before but it somehow sounded familiar and comforting. She closed the lid quickly and regretfully not wanting to draw attention to herself. Her eyes began to sting as tears tried to escape her firmly shut eyes and soon she could not hold them all in and a drop began to slide down her cheek. She was immensely grateful that no one could see her from her angle in the office and grabbed a tissue to dab her eyes.

The rest of the day Talon was distracted from her normal routine. She could not figure out who would give her such a beautiful gift and why? As she drove home that night she thought of everyone who could have left it on her desk. There were a lot of people who had opportunity but no one that would make sense to her in any way. When talon got home she examined the small box inside and out. Just as she was about to put it away she notice a small extruding circle that looked like a tiny button. When she pushed the button she heard a small click and one of the little Cherubs moved slightly to reveal a hidden compartment. She moved the angel slightly more aside and peaked in. She noticed another small scroll that fit perfectly inside the bottom of the box. It was so the same size as the one that was left on the front of the gift making it almost unnoticeable from the outside even knowing it was there. She tipped the box allowing the scroll to fall into her palm. Her heart was pounding with anticipation and curiosity of the unknown gift giver. Talon unrolled the scroll and stared at the tiny amazing lettering and began to read:

I have watched you from afar admiring your humble sweet heart and have been afraid for too long to tell you how much I cared. I place this scroll in here not knowing if you will ever find it and learn of my love. If you find this and you are unable to return my love please pretend you never found this so I may continue to hope and be happy. If you feel as I do please place a red ribbon on the outside of your desk so that I may see this and finally know happiness with you. Your devoted, Jared Jordons

Talons heart began to flicker as she read these words. She would never had guessed it would be Jared. He had always been very kind to her at work but he had never spoken to her privately and she had never noticed anything that would have given her the impression that he care for her like this. She thought back to ever morning she had come in and she had always remembered him with a smile but she had always thought that’s just how he was. She had never suspected the smile was for her and because of her. Talon sat on the edge of her bed shocked and overwhelmed trying to picture Jared and kissing him. She had never sought his attentions but how could she turn away from such a kind warm loving man. He had always made her laugh though she had never shown it in his company and she had always found him attractive if a kind heartening way. She decided to sleep on it and started to get ready for bed. Talon went into the restroom and opened the her left drawer pulling out her hair brush and that’s when she noticed it. She had a deep red ribbon among her hair bands. She thought back and wondered if he had noticed her wearing it on a previous occasion. She tried to put it out of her mind and finished her ritual before bed and slept with wild dreams that night.

Talon went to work early the next morning to try to get things done before Jared came in. She wanted to observe him as he came in. At 8 O’clock people started coming in and she knew Jared would be there. She started to get nervous thinking someone might have just been playing a sick joke on her. She got up and rushed to the rest room and staring in the mirror trying to regain her confidence. She had been alone so long this was likely to be her last chance at love. She started to walk back to her desk and noticed Jared was not yet at his desk. She walked over to her desk and turned around the corner and saw inside her cubical. There was Jared with the biggest smile on his face sitting in her chair staring at the dozens of ribbons she had placed all over her cubicle that morning. She tried to speak but did not have the chance he stood up and held her in his arms and kissed her with more passion than she had ever known. Their lips body’s entwined as they kissed as if the world had disappeared and Talon felt happier than she had ever thought possible. When they finally stopped kissing he pulled her close and whispered in her ear “You have made me the happiest man alive”. She could feel a tear escape her eyes and begin to fall down her cheek. He wiped it away with his finger and said ”I love you”.

Remembrance Stop

You could hear the hiss of the busses as they came to a stop resting they’re weary wheels and the smell of engines exhaust as it escaped and tainted the air. I hadn’t been to a bus station in a long time. Years of flying to any far destination had pampered me and I felt irritated that my cousin would choose this mode of transportation when there were so many others available. I didn’t expect to have to pick him up at the station. I didn’t mind the airport as it had its many distractions in case of delays.

I looked around for the bus schedule of arrivals and found it on the far wall. He had said he was coming from Seattle as that was the last stop where he would transfer. I sighed, and hour delay, crap at least I brought a book. I glanced around for a place to sit. The roundish blue cup like seats all connected across the open waiting area. I tried to find a place that had as little people around them and headed over hoping to keep my visit brief and as solitary as possible. I sat down and opened the book I had brought; but before I could open it I notice a red scarf two seats down from me. I glanced around to see who may be sitting by me but no one was around. They must have forgotten it. I reached over and picked it up immediately noticing how soft and silky it felt. It was more than plain red. It was rich and deep like the color or a wilting red rose. It had a shear trim around it that was light and airy and it immediately reminded me of her. Satianya… mmm the name vibrated in my head and without knowing it the scarf lifted to my nose and I smelled the sweet perfume left behind by its owner. I looked around searching for her eager to see her again, but realized that it could not be her. I had not seen Satianya since college… actually since I dropped her off at the bus station. I guess that’s why this brought her memory back to me. Suddenly the thought of waiting in this bus station was more than ok to me. The memories that rushed back flooded my heart and I ached to see Satianya again. Why did we lose touch? Why? why? why? I asked myself over and over as every thought of her and what we had and could have had went through my mind. I could almost hear her voice, so soft and sweet with the Brazilian accent I loved with all my heart.
“My Jeremy how I’ve missed you” I heard.
“I’ve missed you too my lost love” I whispered back.
Then I felt a hand on my shoulder and realized there was someone there. I turned my heart pumping with the exhilaration of her memories. And then she was there. Like a dream and a vision and more beautiful that I had imagined.
“Satianya” My voice faltered. I could not believe she was there. This must be a hallucination. She stared into my eye with a slight smile on her face and spoke with that voice like an angel.
“My Jeremy, fate must have brought you here as I was thinking of you only yesterday. I shall not waste my fate and let you go again. Please tell me you are not married?” her voice soft and shy.
“No. I spoke. “There was never anyone who could compare to you.”

We tell that story to our grandchildren now and they always smile and ask to hear it again. I never tire of telling it.

Dr. Dream

I was floating again. Don’t you love the dreams where you float or fly? Dreams make the impossible possible and fantasies real. I skimmed across the clouds barley touching the soft cushions of white below me. I took a deep breath is smelling the sweet air filled with the scent of vanilla and marshmallow fluff. MMM… I need a chocolate river now just like the one from Charlie and the Chocolate factory. I looked to the right and there it was as if it had always been there. Set up next the small Chocolate River was a elegant Bistro table and chair with Tea set for two. I floated down lightly into the beautiful chair with metal roses and vines. I concentrated for a moment as I sat and the chair softened to my touch cradling my body. It felt as if the chair was now part of me. Every place I moved it would contort with me and without thinking it would stabilize when I hit comfort and expected it to stay. I looked at the table and noticed the steaming silver tip pot smelling of the most mouthwatering chocolate I could imagine. I raised my porcelain cup and tipped the spout and a steady stream of thick creamy chocolate poured into my cup. I brought the cup to my face to enjoyed the aroma, but it was still missing something. I reached up to a nearby floating marshmallow cloud and scooped a bit in my hand and plopped it perfectly on top on my drink. My indulgent side took a sip and my mouth burst with flavor. My body and soul was hungry for more.
“ I wish I had something to… ahhh think and you shall receive”. A tray of my favorite fruits appeared on the table. I reached for a strawberry and dipped it into my chocolate chantico. The strawberry burst in my mouth with a waterfall of juice. It dribbled down my chin escaping my mouth. I giggled at the pure enjoyment of this dream I had created. Being a lucid dreamer was wonderful. I had started to go to sleep more often just so I could reach my dreams where the sky wasn’t even the limit. I just had to be careful not to think negative thoughts or my dreams would start to take on that persona since they always seemed to have changed before I had completed my thought. My Doctor had said it was a gift to be a lucid dreamer and to enjoy it while it lasted. Ahhh… Dr. Dream is what I called him. He was so handsome and charming I couldn’t resist his will.
“Well this is nice. Thanks for adding me to your dreams. Do you mind if I have a cup of joe... or chocolate as it seems?” Dr. Dream said from the chair next to me. His voice sent a tingle through my body. How did he get here… oh I must have thought of him.
Dr. Dream took a sip of his chocolate and gave me a smile saying. “It’s been nice but it’s time to wake up now”
“Jenni wake up!”
With a sudden jolt my dream evaporated and I was cold and in pain laying on a hospital bed. I saw Dr. Dream looking at me worried.
“Oh thank god you’re awake” he exclaimed. You have been in a coma for three days. It appears you had an allergic reaction to the anesthesia.
All I could do was grown a little and smile as I stared into his deep brown eyes.

Autumn Equinox

I could hear the rustle of the trees as the wind blew creating a pile of leaves that I would have to rake later. I rolled over in bed happy that I had not closed the window last night. Even with the bitter morning chill I treasured the experience of feeling this morning of change. I could feel the air shift, and smell the sweet scent of fall knowing that it was no longer summer. I could always feel the change in seasons. It was like a shift in the balance of life and it moved a part of me creating a balance within. I loved the fall. The name fall & autumn the bringing on of tradition ritual and celebrations filled me with excitement. My usual fatigue in the morning was replaced by jubilance and anticipation. I swiftly jumped from my bed and headed to the closet running suddenly back to my bed to grab a blanket on my way to get dressed. I shoved my summer clothes aside and smiled at my selection of light sweaters. I have missed you I whispered. I pulled on a rich purple sweater snug in all the right places. I grabbed a pair of jeans and headed for the bathroom to quickly refresh.
I crept into Cole’s room and kneeled by his bed as I whispered in his ear. “Wake my love, the season has changed and there is a pile of leaves to jump in” I figured this would both get him out of bed and save me having to rake them myself. I was right of course he stretched and started to smile and gave me a big hug.
“Mommy is it fall time yet?” he asked.
“Yes sweetie. I replied. “Get dressed warmly and I will make you some breakfast.
As I reached the kitchen I could hear him singing to himself in that little 5 year old voice “fall, fall, I love you fall! You have leaves and you have trees and I get to play all Saturday!” I laughed at his new playful song he had made up. His imagination never ceased to amaze me.
I decided to make Chocolate chip pancakes with hot chocolate to drink as a special fall treat. While I was spooning small portions of batter in the pan I noticed it looked like a leaf. I grabbed a tooth pick nearby and pulled portions of the pancake out to make the shape of a maple leaf more defined. It wasn’t perfect but Cole would love it and I admit so did I. Cole came running into the kitchen just as I finished the last pancake and opened the fridge. He grabbed the milk out and stopped and I said, “Cole I have something special today. Go set the table and I handed him a couple plates and forks. I grabbed the syrup and powdered sugar placing them on the table then went back and grabbed the two hot chocolates I had made.
“oooohh” Cole squealed. “Yes”!
I smiled and told him it was hot and asked if he wanted powdered sugar or syrup on his pancake. He asked for powdered sugar and I picked a pancake up he smiled wide eyed and told me I was so smart to make leaf pancakes.

After breakfast we went out into the backyard. Cole ran straight to the big oak tree and started to climb. I walked over to the green house ready to gather my ingredients for tonight. The autumn equinox was magical in not just a figurative sense. It was a time of year that brought magic to life in the world. The changing of seasons on top of the full moon would bring you your hearts desires if you knew how to work with magic. We spent the afternoon gathering and playing in the leaves. I would rake them and Cole would jump in them and roll all over the grass, giddy with pleasure.

Later that night I read to Cole by the fireplace sipping hot chocolate and reliving our day in his book about the fall. Cole fell asleep on my lap listening to my voice. I slipped him into bed and tucked him in tight. I suck back to the warm fire and began my spell. Gathering Lavender sage and lemongrass and adding some vanilla I asked for many days like today and for a restful peaceful sleep that would refresh us for a new autumn day. I thank the gods and tossed my concoction in the fire knowing they would answer my prayers.

Where? What? Why?

I awoke to the harsh smell of raw sewage and car exhaust. I opened my eyes but realized I did not have my contacts in. I was lying on freezing pavement and could feel the bitter hard bricks of the building I was slumped against. I tried to sit up and felt pain shoot up my spine and my muscles groan in protest. After a few attempts I was finally able to stand with the help of the groves on brick wall. I scraped my way up looking around trying to remember where I was and how I got there. My eyesight was pretty bad without my contacts. I could only see a few feet in front of me. It looked like a street alley about 6 feet wide I wasn’t sure how long. I looked to my left and saw that it ended in what I assumed was a fence about 12 feet tall or more (it just looked like blurry brown to me). I looked down my right into the dark gloom and figured that was my only choice. I stumbled along the alley supporting myself against the wall. Where the hell was I? All I could remember were fuzzy images of a club and dancing. Did I go out last night? Why couldn’t I remember? I have never been a very heavy drinker and the few times I have drunk to a stupor I made sure I had a friend to be my DD and protector.
I could see light starting to glow from up ahead and movement that looked like blurry people. I tried to call for help but found my throat was a raspy whisper. I clasped my hand to my mouth suddenly terrified of the unknown. My hand came away wet and sticky. I raised my hand to my nose and it smelled of blood. With the new light coming in from the street I could see myself for the first time more clearly. My shirt and skirt was torn my knees scraped and there was blood patches all down me. My elbows were scratched like road rash and so were the back of my calves and I noticed a trickle of blood coming down my right leg. I started to panic trying to think of what could have happened. All I had were flashes glimpses of the night. Nothing made sense. I must have been at a club last night. I remember the other day I had made plans to meet Jill at the new night club down the street from her place. I couldn’t remember going though. I started to limp fast forward. I called as loud as I could for help, hoping someone would find me. I had to force the sound from my mouth as it felt like sand scraping the sides as it escaped my lungs. I could almost see the street now.
“Hey” a voice called from ahead.
Thank god someone had heard my pitiful cries!
“ Oh my are you alright?” A male voice said.
“I don’t think so” I whispered. “ I don’t know what happened? I think I may have been attached.”
“Sit down I will call for help” he said.
I heard him on the phone calling 911 describing the condition he found me in and where I was. This alley was just down the street from the club I was supposed to meet Jill at. I started to piece things together. I know I must have been there because I could remember the loud music and flashes of a guy smiling.
“Miss help in on the way. You should sit down while we wait. Tell me can you remember anything” He asked.
“I am starting to get flashes of a club down the street, but that’s all…” I began to say.
“Is there anything else?” he questioned.
“I see a flash of a man with sandy hair and a cute smile” I’m not sure but I think he had a tattoo on his neck of a bird or something.
“That’s too bad…” he said
I was almost in tears trying to remember more when he continued.
“I thought the drug would erase the entire memory this time. I thought I had the amount down this time.” Ahh he sighed. I guess it’s back to the drawing board.
I was speechless and trembling. I tried to scream as his hand came up to my mouth. He kissed my ear and whispered… “Let’s have another round sweetheart before we part. I came back hoping you were still out cause I hadn’t had enough yet. I couldn’t get you out of my mind.”
My eyes widened as the light hit his face and I could see the same smile now twisted with desire and cruelty, that’s when everything went black. The pain was gone as I swiftly drifted away to oblivion.