A Revelation

Ivy reluctantly attends a New Year's Eve party with her best friend not knowing that her simple life is about to become really complicated.

 

A Revelation

Without my knowledge, my friends had rented a limousine to take us to the party. They had kept it a secret because they knew I would have protested such flamboyant means of transportation. I still couldn't help but feel bad that I had not chipped in even though Alex and Mandy insisted it was part of some belated birthday present to me. I tried to argue with them but they would not budge. I did have to admit, it was much better than riding in a taxi. I finally settled into the backseat of the limousine and stared out the window as the car pulled forward.

Alex and Mandy chatted among themselves. Every so often I would try to listen but not enough to pay attention to what they were saying. A good friend would be right in there with them, joining in their conversation I thought to myself. I sat up as Mandy looked at me then back to Alex who was in the middle of telling one of her theater stories. Alex always over animated her expressions and hand gestures when she told a story. Mandy always found this to be amusing as her smiling eyes followed every gesture as Alex spoke. Alex was telling a story about a bad performer who tripped on her own skirt and fell into the front row of an audience. I smiled as the two of them started laughing. I shook my head and chuckled to myself as I redirected my attention to the changing scenery.

Looking out the window of the car, I realized that we were driving through my old neighborhood. We had just passed the corner market where my grandmother used to go to when she needed to pick up a few quick items. I remembered the old owner, Mr. Lawson, who was always quick to offer a piece of candy to the children who came into his store. Since Mr. Lawson had died, the store had changed hands several times. I stopped by several months ago but it just wasn’t the same. The store was now run down and dirty. The people working there were not friendly and barely spoke any English. That day brought me to the harsh realization that nothing ever stayed the same. Change is what it is, sad and depressing. I thought to myself as I felt sadness wash over me causing my lip to quiver.

“What’s wrong?” I turned my head toward Mandy at the sound of her voice. Both she and Alex were staring at me

“Nothing,” I lied as I watched Mandy pout a little. I decided a little truth wouldn’t hurt, “It’s just that we are in my old neighborhood.” I winced as I looked down.

“Oh honey, come here.” She said as she leaned forward and hugged me. Why is it when someone hugs you that you lose all of your control? The stronghold you had on yourself falls to the wayside once someone crosses into your personal space to give you comfort. I felt my lip quiver again as Mandy’s arms pulled me tight. I hugged her back until I felt the waves of sadness begin to crash into me. I pulled back hastily as I felt a tear spill out over my bottom eyelash onto my check. One reckless move and I would wrap-up in a fetal position for the rest of the night. Quickly, I wiped the tear away as I fought to regain control of my emotions. I swallowed hard, trying to force a smile.

“Are you gonna be alright?” Mandy asked with concern in her voice as she cast a quick glance at Alex.

“Yeah…sure….It’s all part of that rehab support program.” I said sarcastically as I smiled. Both of them chuckled and seemed convinced that I pulled myself out of my downward spiral. I was thankful that they dropped it so easily. I needed a moment to collect myself and trying to stammer through any type of explanation other than what I had given would set me back. I watched Alex reach over and turn on the radio flooding the car with music. I sat back in my seat and watched the passing street lights while listening to some unknown song that Mandy and Alex were singing to.

It seemed we had been in the car for a long time. Even though I had no idea what time it was, it really didn’t matter. Time was time and it went at its own pace. No amount of wanting could make it go any faster but watching the clock could definitely make it seem slower. I thought about Mandy’s hopes for me to have fun tonight. I had to pack away my pain in a little box and tuck it deep inside of me. Later, when I was alone, I would open it and let it take me but for now, it had to stay quiet, contained. I could do that for my two best friends who were trying so hard to put me back together. I could be strong and give them a night where they wouldn’t have to worry about me. I could put on the invisible mask and pretend everything was right with the world.

Sighing, I returned my focus back out the window. It was obvious that we were now in the downtown area. The bright lights of the city illuminated the inside of the limousine through the sun roof. I loved the city at nighttime. It was so alive with lights and people. I rolled down my window a few inches to take in the smell. It was a mixture of cool moist air, wet streets, and an unknown fragrance. I closed my eyes as I breathed in deep through my nose taking it all in. The energy and excitement in the air was invigorating and I pulled it all in, feeling it surging in my veins. It was powerful and it was just what I needed to pull off my facade. I didn’t know how I was able to do it, but hey, whatever works!

I felt the car begin to slow down and then come to a halt. I looked back out the outside the window as we pulled up to a gated community just off the river front. The car paused for a minute and then the big iron gate slowly creaked open as we began to drive through.

I couldn’t help but marvel at the large three story townhomes we passed. Most were contemporary in design, however, there were some more traditional homes thrown in the mix. The car finally stopped in front of a large loft style townhome that sat partially on the side of a hill facing the river. It had a balcony on the second floor that looked as if it came off the main living area. The front of the second and third floor was mostly glass, and I could see the third floor loft from the road. Two large spheres hung suspended from the ceiling of the third floor over the second floor living area. There were white Christmas lights wrapped around the balcony’s railing where a few people were already mingling outside. There were also several large heating lanterns on the balcony that burned to knock off the chill of the night.

“Oh my God!” Mandy exclaimed laughing in shock. I smiled at Mandy then looked back up to the house. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad. The construction on the homes had been completed six months ago and I couldn’t wait to get a closer look.

“Beautimous ain’t it.” Alex said imitating a country accent as the chauffer opened her door and offered his hand to help her out of the car. Mandy and I both filed out behind her. Alex spoke again giving us some background on the hostess of the party who was also the owner of the house. “The woman who lives here is the owner of several theaters of the arts both here and overseas. Her name is Morah le Faye. She comes from old money but she is very down to earth. Some people say she is a psychic but if she is, she keeps that part to herself. Morah helped me when I opened my theater. She gave me guidance and helped me find fabulous performers.” We were just reaching the front door as Alex finished her story. The door was a beautiful dark wood with deep engravings on it. I started to touch the door intrigued by its intricate detail when Alex opened it. We walked into a short entrance foyer that gave way to a large open room. From what I could tell, we were on the second floor.

I gazed around the room in awe of its modern and old world furnishings. There were beautiful classical paintings on the walls mixed in with mirrors and modern art. There was an open kitchen with expensive stainless steel appliances. The floors were black marble with area rugs scattered throughout the room. There was a bar area under the third floor walkway with a black marble countertop with a deep mahogany wood base. There were three small domed lights that hung from the ceiling under the third floor loft. The house was incredible and I was sure it was very expensive.

Alex took our coats and hung them in the hall closet. She grabbed my and Mandy’s hand as she pulled us into the big open room. I looked to my right and could see out of the big front windows. The lights of the city emanated against the night sky. I could also see the river and marveled at how the lights danced across the otherwise black water. I pulled my eyes away from the breathtaking view to survey the crowd. Most of the men and woman looked like models, and I was acutely aware of that fact. I looked down at my dress and fidgeted with the sash and pleats in the skirt. I raised a nervous hand to my hair hoping all was in place. Before I had a chance to worry if my lipstick had gotten smudged, I heard a voice calling out in the crowd.

“Alex, darling, you made it!” I looked up to see a woman with dark hair drifting toward us with her hands extended. She had an older beauty with deep brown eyes, olive skin and a bright smile. She almost reminded me of what I thought a gypsy would look like. She had on a beautiful long turquoise and silver sequenced dress. Her hair was pulled back into a lose bun with two jewel encrusted combs holding the twisted hair on both sides. She clasped Alex’s hand in her own and pulled Alex to herself kissing both cheeks. “And you brought your friends! How lovely!” I detected a slight accent in her voice, but I could not pinpoint what type of accent it was. I couldn’t help but be intrigued by her.

“Morah, I would like for you to meet my dear friends Mandy and Ivy.” Alex motioned to each of us as she introduced us.

As Morah took Mandy’s hand she stated “Mandy is short for Amanda.” I saw Mandy’s eyes look confused as she started to smile.

“Yes. That’s right.” Mandy said. “It is so nice to meet you and your home is absolutely gorgeous.”

“Thank you” Morah replied. Her hand flitted around as she spoke again, “It’s just something to do in my spare time.” She smiled then she reached for my hand. “Oh…” she said as she froze. Morah’s expression went blank for a few seconds as if the life was being pulled from her body. It was embarrassingly noticeable. My body went ridged as I frozen in place. I shot a quick look at Alex, not knowing what to do or if it was ok to even breathe. I looked down at my hand in Morah’s. I could feel a light surge of electricity coming from her hand in to mine. Then, just as quickly as it happened, Morah’s face reanimated as a smile fell upon her lips. She started to pull me closer and as she placed her cheek against mine she whispered, “We must talk soon.” I felt a tingle go down my spine, as everything stopped for a fraction of a heartbeat. I drew in a quick breath as Morah pulled away letting go of my hand. The room returned to normal as soft music began to play, blending into the background noise.

Morah turned away from me and exclaimed to all of her guests with one hand raised, “Please, enjoy yourselves, eat, drink, and have fun! The New Year is upon us and we must celebrate.” The crowd clapped and then she was gone.

“Wow” Mandy said. “She’s a little eccentric isn’t she?”

“She is fantastic.” Alex said then continued,” If I could be so lucky to be like her when I am that age.”

Neither of them seemed to acknowledge the strange exchange between Morah and me. My friends acted as if it never happened, but I still felt a little unnerved by the exchange. My eyes darted around the room but I didn’t see her anywhere in the crowd. There were only beautiful people in expensive clothes, some with champagne glasses in their hand. As I swept the sea of faces one more time, a woman stood out to me through the crowd. She had flaming red hair and a beautiful golden brown satin dress that accentuated her pale skin. She was talking with a man in a dark suit with dark hair. The woman suddenly threw back her head and laughed. The sound of her laughter was light and airy like the tinkling of thin crystal as it traveled over the dull hum of the crowd and music. The sound was infectious and made me feel a little happy but still strangely out of place. I looked away, “Wow, I am so out of my league here.” I mumbled then glanced back toward the woman with the red hair. She now was looking right at me and smiling as the man who was with her started to turn around. I smiled back at the woman politely feeling a little embarrassed that I had gotten caught looking at her. I nervously turned back toward Alex and Mandy.

My friends towed me around the room as the night wore on. They introduced me to numerous people, none of whom I would remember. Each person seemed more beautiful than the last one I met. I felt a little intimidated by that fact. At some point I glanced up and found a huge clock on the staircase wall. Its only 10:30 I thought to myself. This is going to be a long night. The music at some point had changed over from smooth jazzy classical to upbeat club music I didn’t recognize. Some people had already started dancing.

It felt like hours had passed but when I looked at the clock again, it had barely been thirty minutes. Since Mandy and Alex were engrossed in conversation with some of the other guests, neither of them saw me slip out to the balcony. The cool air felt good on my skin as I walked across the wooden deck. I could feel the warmth of the outside patio heaters swirling around me. I continued across the balcony to the railing where I stopped, staring beyond the river to the city. I thought I was alone outside, so it startled me when I felt a presence slip up next to me. I turned instinctively to see who was beside me and it surprised me to see Morah standing there.

“You have a gift,” she began. “Most people have to work hard, conditioning themselves for what comes naturally for you.” I looked at her confused as she continued. “You have a beautiful soul that is intertwined with magic. You were taught not to see it, but it is there just the same.”

What was Morah saying to me? Did I hear her right? Did she just say magic? This woman is nuts….no crazy….she’s crazy! I thought to myself.

“No my dear, not crazy,” Morah said answering my thoughts. My mouth fell open. “You have a very bright and colorful aura….very intense and very clear. Your mind has been clouded by the judgment of others. There is a shroud of sadness that you must lift to see. Be wary of the darkness that will come, the false witness.” My head was spinning. I felt shock and disbelief. I still could not comprehend the words that were coming out of Morah’s mouth. She was quiet for a few seconds and then she began speaking again.

“You must understand. Forget what you were taught when you were younger. Try to open your mind to what I am telling you now.” I looked into her eyes as she smiled at me warmly. I could not ignore the hint of desperation in her voice. “Is it really that hard to believe? Since you were old enough to be aware you have felt it.” I knew she was right. I always knew I had a sixth sense for things. I had always felt energies, and I could pull them to me, channeling them through my body. I had always been told I shouldn’t do it but sometimes I couldn’t help it, it just happened. I found myself slowly nodding as the words she spoke sunk in.

“I need to show you some things but some minds are fragile and we can’t risk the exposure.” Morah shifted a glance back to the party. ”I was hoping that we would have had more time, but now that Lillie has passed, there is little time left.” Before I could question anything, Morah turned me around to point to the house. “Go to the door at the bottom of the stairs. I will be waiting for you there. Keep your mind open.” And with that, she swiftly went back in to the house and was gone in the crowd. I shivered and rubbed my arms with my hands. I wasn’t sure if it was the cold or the information that chilled me, but I knew I could not stop now. I needed to know what Morah was trying to tell me. There was urgency in her voice that I could not ignore and a fear of what was to come. I convinced myself that I would go and forced my legs to move toward the door.

The music had gotten a little louder and more people were dancing inside. I carefully slid around the moving bodies to the door at the bottom of the staircase. I took a deep breath and walked into the darkened room closing the door behind me. It was quiet, which was surprising given all the noise just on the other side of the wall. My eyes tried to focus to the darkness. I could feel Morah’s energy in the room tugging at my body. Suddenly she was next to me again and she took both of my hands in hers. Again I felt the strange surge of electricity running through her hands and in to my own.

“You must keep quiet no matter what you see. Remember, open mind.” Morah whispered. I nodded and she closed her eyes.

The room started to swirl and dissolve from around us. Suddenly there were images moving around us. They were moving against the darkness and were all around us. The images were close enough to touch, but I resisted the urge to reach out to them. I only moved my eyes to take it all in.

Suddenly, there was the image of my grandmother. She was young and walking in the meadow like she did in my dreams. The sun was shining off of her dark hair and she was smiling. I could feel her happiness in that moment as it welled up in my chest. Somehow the emptiness was gone for a fleeting moment. I realized my mind had been tricked by the realistic image in front of me as Morah’s voice brought me back into reality.

“The protector” She said like her voice had disconnected from her body. The images shifted to my mother. Her face was drawn and her dark, blank eyes stared back at me.  The happiness started to sink into despair as I looked into her empty gaze. “The withered soul,” Morgan spoke again. The next images that I saw were of Alex and Mandy’s smiling faces. I felt the despair lifting as Morah spoke again. “The kindred spirits.”  I smiled back at the picture of my friends in front of me. It was amazing to see all the images as they formed around us. I couldn’t help but look down for just a second. The floor was gone underneath us and appeared to have replaced by the deep starry night sky. I took the chance to look up and saw a vortex of slowly spinning clouds above us. I could not believe this was real and yet here it was happening right here before me.

I concentrated on the images again, and I saw the back of a man in a dark suit. As he turned his face to the side, Morah spoke again. “The lover” she said. I felt confused as I looked at the image of the man Morah was showing me. I hadn’t been involved with anyone in quite some time. Relationships just didn’t work out for me. I didn’t recognize him as someone I knew, and even if I did know him, his face was too hazy in the image to be sure of anything.

The room suddenly got colder and darker. Three white-haired old women appeared. Their faces were close together and shrouded in darkness. At first they were all three looking down but I could not see what they were looking at. Then their eyes snapped open and fixed me. I felt a rush of fear and panic as my skin began to feel the prickling cold in the air. Their eyes had black rings around the irises but the irises themselves were almost white with a tinge of yellowish green and the pupils we small.

“The haggard sisters,” Morah’s voice broke into a deep and raspy hiss. My hair stood up on my arms as I looked into the long withered faces of the three old women. I could not look away from their eyes even though I frightened. I felt like the bird that had locked its gaze with the snake and couldn’t fly away. My body was stiff with fear and my heart beating wildly in my chest. Wicked smiles came across their lips as the woman in the middle started to reach out for me. I tried to force my eyes closed but could not budge them. There was an unexpected bright flash of light and the images were gone. Then, just as quickly as it started, it was over. The room was back to normal. I watched Morah open her eyes and our hands dropped. She took a few steps back in to the darkness as the door opened. I turned my head to look at the figure in the doorway.

“There you are!” Mandy exclaimed as she came toward me. “You are going to miss the count down.” She grabbed my cold clammy hand. “Are you ok?” she asked. “Your hands are so cold.” I turned to look back at Morah but she was gone.

“I am fine.” I lied as I forced myself to smile. The images I had seen were still moving through my head but the one of the three old women felt like it was burning my brain as if it were a red hot poker. What did it all mean? I wondered as Mandy pulled me into the crowded main room. I felt dizzy and wanted to lie down, but I knew there was no way I could disappear again.

I tried to concentrate on breathing as we reached Alex. I glanced up at the clock on the staircase wall. Only fifteen minutes had passed since I last checked on the time. It seemed like a lifetime had passed. I looked around the room at all the happy faces that were in the middle of celebrating and waiting on the countdown.

“Where have you been hiding?” Alex asked as I walked up with Mandy.

“I went outside to get some air and clear my head. I think the wine was giving me a headache. It was too cold, so I found an empty room to relax in.” I knew this was the farthest thing from the truth. I had not had anything to drink since I had been there, but it was the best excuse I could come up with.

“You do look a little pale.” Alex pointed out. “We can go if you want”

“No…I’m fine.” I blurted out as I attempted to smile again. No matter what I was not going to ruin their evening

“Are you sure?” Mandy asked with skepticism in her voice.

“I’m sure.” I said still fighting to regain my composure. I was not going to take this night way from my two best friends. They had been trying so hard to cheer me up. However, I couldn’t help feeling as if I had stepped out of the frying pan and into the fire. I was certain that there was nothing I could do for the rest of the night but force myself to look happy.

 The rest of the night was uneventful compared to the time with Morah. The countdown came and went. More champagne bottles opened, confetti fell from the rafters, the music kicked up in tempo and the guests were ringing in the New Year with kisses and hugs. Both Mandy and Alex had hugged me and then started to make me dance with then. Mandy grabbed one of my hands lifting it up in the air to twirl me around then let me go.

Alex then grabbed my other hand, rolled me into her and then spun me out into the crowd. I didn’t go far but far enough to bump into someone. “Oh… I am so sorry.” I yelled into the crowd trying to turn around to see who I ran into. I felt smooth hands on each of my arms like someone was trying to straighten me and make sure that I had my balance.

“There is nothing to be sorry for, love.” I felt the words whispering in my ear. The warm breath tickled the side of my face. The male voice was definitely English and was very appealing. I could feel his presence around me and his smell was intoxicating. I felt myself melting as I closed my eyes and took a deep breath slightly leaning against the man who was standing behind me. I felt warmth and comfort sooth over me like the overwhelming feeling that everything would be ok. Then it was over. I opened my eyes and realized whoever had been there was now gone. I turned around but only saw dancing bodies. The room had taken on the scene of a dance club with flashing lights and loud music. I knew there was no point in looking for this man because I didn’t even know who I was looking for. I slowly made my way back to Alex and Mandy.

I didn’t see Morah for the rest of the night nor did I discover who the man was who caught me. I did know, however, that I would see Morah again. The three of us left the party close to two in the morning. New Year’s Eve was on a Thursday this year and I had New Year’s Day off which also gave me the weekend plus I had taken the whole next week off. Work was usually slow just after the holidays, so I didn’t have to convince my boss that he could live without me for that one week. Hopefully that would give me enough time to figure out what was happening to me.

We all chatted about the party, the house, and the guests as we rode home. I made myself sound as enthusiastic as possible. I wanted Mandy and Alex to think that I had a great time. I felt I was convincing because neither of them acted like I wasn’t anything but happy. My plan was a success. Closing my eyes, I thought about everything that had happened. I knew that I needed to know more. I needed to understand what was going on with me, but the further we got from Morah’s house the more the experience seemed like a strange dream. I tried to envision the face of the man who I had bumped into earlier. I could almost smell him again as I felt myself smile. Maybe I didn’t see him with my own eyes but I knew that he’d sent all my other senses reeling. 

The car came to a stop and my eyes opened. We were back at Alex’s apartment. Neither of us lived far from each other but we had all agreed beforehand that we would all stay the night at Alex’s house. We knew it would be late and some of us may have been drinking. We all decided it was the best thing to do.

Alex definitely had a bigger place than I did. Her apartment building had been a factory at one time so the units were huge. Alex’s apartment still had the original brick walls and high ceilings from the factory. The front room had big arched windows with a good sized kitchen and a large living area. A small bar area separated the kitchen and living area. To the left was a hallway that led to the bedrooms. The first door was Alex’s bedroom that had its own bathroom, the second door was the other bathroom, and the third door was the guest bedroom. At the end of the hallway was a large laundry area.

Mandy and Alex had already decided that I would sleep in Alex’s room, Mandy would take the guest room, and Alex would take the couch. By the time we reached Alex’s apartment, I was so exhausted I wouldn’t have cared if I slept on the floor. I said goodnight to my friends, thanked them for a fantastic evening, and retreated to the bedroom.

I remember changing clothes and brushing my teeth but once my head hit the pillow, everything went black.

 

Author's Note

Thanks to some help from a friend, I think this one if finished! Hopefully the last edit for awhile!

Reviews

[Charles D. Moorer]

This flows much the same way as the first "chapter" and there some word choices I would avoid. I know you described Morgan, but she needs to be fully fleshed out, as it appears that she will be a major character. I guess the only thing lacking in this chapter is a foreshadowing element of what is to come. Was the person who caught here as she fell it? were the three haggard women it, was the grandmother it? are they all it?
Again, very nicely written, with a gentle urgency that pulls the writer along, not a barn burner, but you care what happens to the character. Good Job.

[David Lucero]

This is very good work! Your description of the three girlfriends was rock solid. You wrote in such a way that you could understand their relationship in a very real way. The reminiscing part when she went through her old neighborhood was genuine. I think a lot of people have experienced something like that and will be able to relate to it. The New Year's Party sounded good and practical. I've seen lots of girls get together on the floor and keep each other company while the guys with cold feet watched. I liked it. Keep it up! You're onto something good!

[Voice]

Yes I like this a lot you have a lot of passion for your story because it comes from your heart and that is the best type of writing. I don't know if you plan on trying to get this published but if you do let me know I'll be one of the first to buy it :) and please let me know if you post more...

[Bhavya Kaushik]

It is really good, considering the fact that it is still a rough draft..

I agree with Chalimo that it flow exactly the way most of the first chapters do but still your writing style is very different and I liked it a lot...
I guess most of the readers would be able to relate themselves with this with your writing style.
Great work :)