A Match Made in Hell

Chapter 2: Unanswered Questions

I'm staring over my cup of coffee thinking about how the first time we "caught" a spirit it was kind of accidental. I didn't know the jewelry box I had that my dad's mother gave me was a containment box back then. At that point I didn't really think she did either. She probably just had it for a while or thought it was pretty. We discovered it's true purpose because I was taking it to a repair shop and got a very annoying 8 year old boy stuck in it when I left it open on the seat of my car and went to pump gas. The box was closed when I came back, and I drove home thinking nothing of it. Later on Jo and I found out that they only stay in there when the box is blessed properly by its owner and locked. The little boy turned into a very angry mass of spiritual energy and burst out of my unblessed, unlocked box. He broke my favorite picture frame when he escaped through an upstairs window and disappeared. I was so confused I wasn't even sure what happened til Jo figured it out and explained it to me.

That was six years ago, though, and we've gotten pretty good at what we're doing by now. I have no idea what is going on the last few days, but again, something is not right. That's why I start coming up with a plan to get some answers.

"Hey Ev, you're spacing out." Jo's voice breaks me from my flashbacks and elusive planning.

"Oh, sorry. Yeah, I know. I've got some more planning to do today." I start.

"Where are you going to be? Can I trust that you'll give me a break with your damn drawing spells so that I can recover from yesterday?" I ask sharply.

"Yes, you can babygirl. I didn't... I just.. I never meant to hurt you..." He says, guiltily. He runs his fingers through his hair, like he always does when he knows he's messed up big time.

"Thank you." I reply coldly. I shouldn't be so mean to him but the darkness in me is still heavy. I head up stairs to "get ready" and quickly pack all the things I need for a circle.

I'm going to try to summon my father and ask him for some answers. If I'm supposed to be as strong as everyone says I am, it should be easy to do, right? Maybe I'll even be able to summon something higher up if it helps me get a handle on what's up with Jo. It seems like he only gets more focused on capturing souls and interrogating them then bribing them with their freedom (cringe - I still can't believe that) and not helping them cross over. It just doesn't seem like him to me, but then again there's a lot about him I don't know still. We talked very little about our times in The Ward. I know the death of his father really messed him up, so didn't his time in The Ward. I also know his mother was similar to mine. I don't know much about how he got away or anything after that.

I need information and I'm gonna get it one way or another. I change my clothes, grab my wedding planner bags as to not raise Jo's suspicion, and head out on my next journey.

First stop is the Library. I grab as many books on spirits, witchcraft, hybrids, demons, mediums and herbal spells as I can find and go sit down to get busy.

4 Hours later and I've got 2 summoning spells and a list of questions for my dear old dad.

Why didn't he tell me I was more than just a medium who can sense auras?

How do I start learning to control seeing the future?

Will I be able to harness telekinesis too?

Are spirits attracted to me because of my power?

Why does it seem like I have witchcraft in my bloodline?

Does Jo really love me or is he using me to collect powerful souls for The Phsy's acceptance?

What exactly is a Phsy? Are they evil? I've learned a lot today and I have a very exceptional memory so I know that just by reading what I've read - I've increased my powers exponentially without even practicing yet. I just... ugh. I just have SO MANY questions. From what I read today, there is an entire supernatural world that I was unaware of without anyone to teach me about it. I wonder how "unaware" Jo is?

Its time to get some answers so I grab my bags, notes and a few more important books to check out and head to my favorite spot to cast a cicrle. Casting a circle has always been more peaceful alone, but today I'm a bit nervous. I stop at an Herbs Shop and pick up some extra sage, lavender and lemon grass for my smudge stick, some extra salt and some large votives. I also grab some Quartz to amplify the protective items. I'm doing something risky but it's something I have to do this. I can feel it.

I arrive at my destination - a tiny clearing next to a stream that feeds into a short waterfall. There aren't many places like this where I live, definitely not like in Maine. There isn't a main road or stop light for a few miles, and I had to hike in the woods (no trail) about 500 yards to get here; I know I won't be bothered.

I set out my candles, and place my books, lighter, dagger, and crystals in the middle and make the salt circle around us. I sit peacefully, taking in the view while I braid the herbs for my smudging, then I light my smudge and place a crystal in front of each votive. I cleanse the air around me, and light my candles, north, east, south, west, spirit, and in the center with me, heart. I begin my summoning spell:

Within the protection of this circle

I ask that Juan Ramora speak with me

I call you here peacefully

to speak on passive terms

I mean no harm, intend no harm

Juan Ramora

I ask that you speak with me

I open my eyes and carve his name into the heart votive in front of me.

"Daddy! Please! I need to talk to you!!" I cry out loud.

"DADDY!"

I wait for what feels like forever for a response. Just as I'm about to close the circle and give up, I feel a change in the air around me. Everything feels warmer and I start to smell his cologne. His smell is the only thing I truly remember from before he passed away.

"Hello Evvee." I hear him say.

"I suppose you want to ask me some questions."

"Daddy! I'm so happy you answered me - I almost gave up and closed the circle!" I cried.

"Baby girl, you are more powerful than you know. If your energy hadn't been directed at me and protected, all sorts of ugly things would have come crawling on in."

"What do you mean?!"

"Your energy draws us to you like a beacon, my dearest. I'm glad you seem to have learned your stuff. The protective measures you took and singular focus you had here are what centered your call on me. Without that center you would've just been a beacon of very bright Light in a very dark place. The Middle Grounds isn't a place for the living, especially not someone as powerful as you."

"Is that why Jo's drawing spells are making the energies so ugly?" I ask. "Because they're already drawn to me and compelled to speak with me with them?"

"I'm afraid so."

"Daddy am I a witch?" I asked him out of nowhere. My research had me seriously questioning my family tree and I couldn't hold back any longer.

"Did I get it from you?" I saw his eyes go wide, and then refocus with acceptance.

"Ahh... I always regretted that we never got to have this conversation. Maybe the man upstairs is finally recognizing my good behavior.

Yes, Evvie. You are 1 full quarter witch. My mother was a pure blood who fell in love with a Spanish worker. They eloped, and had me. My mother always hoped the line would be passed to me, but it seems to have skipped me so it could give an extra dose to you. You also got your ability to see auras and the future from her. She was powerful too being pure blooded.

I wish that both of us could've spent more time with you, my dear. She could've taught you so much, but she would be so proud to see how much you've learned on your own. You truly are her granddaughter. My Evveepie. I wish I had more time with you now, but the longer we stay here the more danger you're in.

Be mindful of Josiah's true intentions and be strong my girl...

I love you, Evvie."

As I stared, eyes wide, with tears falling down my cheeks, his voice began to fade. I barely squeaked out "I love you too daddy" before I felt my forehead get warm as if he kissed me goodbye, and I was alone again. I quickly hurried to close my circle but I stayed within the protected space afterwards. I had read earlier about concealing your energy and I wanted to try it out before I left the protection circle of salt and Quartz.

I sat down, closed my eyes and started my deep breathing. I focused on keeping my power unseen, unheard, unnoticed, and unharmed.

with this cloak my power shall be sheltered

nothing of any world can see it

nothing of any world can hear it

nothing of any world can harm it

my power is as invisible as the wind

unnoticed yet still fierce

as strong as the sea

a force to be reckoned with

as pure as the land

thriving and growing wildly

may the sun blind it from feeling and sight

may the moon recharge its brilliance by night

Thank You, my love to you, so mote it be

I opened my eyes, and started packing up. I was dumbfounded but I needed to get home before Jo figured out that I wasn't running wedding errands. I had also made a few photo copies of how dangerous drawing spells can be, especially when trying to bend another person's power to your will and I planned on discussing the matter with him. With my proof to back up my argument. I shoot him a quick text about being almost finished and headed home soon. (So I have time to make the longer drive back.) Now it's time to find out what's really going on with Jo.

I have so much to process on the drive home, and so, so, so, many more unanswered questions.