Eternal Love

Chapter 10: Thomas's return

Ophelia was on her last leg, so to speak. Sheila knew it, John knew it; everyone knew it. Her mentality was that of a six year old. The only thing she wanted to do was color pictures and make mud pies. John Thought it was rather funny and he claimed it made him feel young again; Sheila was glad for her children. They had never been closer to her than they were at the current moment.

Sheila enjoyed watching her children make mud pies with their grandmother. This was the only time she had ever seen her mother be so humble. Ophelia was no longer bitter, but kind. These were Peaceful days for the Busby household. Her and John were getting along better than ever; the children couldn't have been more happier.

The summer days eventually turned into chilly autumn days. Halloween was coming nearer and the children were getting their costumes ready for the occasion. Sheila dedicated herself to decorating the estate; she thought making it a haunted mansion for the holiday could be fun. John was with his friends, setting up the local pub for the holiday night. They were much like adult children when it came to Halloween.

Sheila was going about her business when she suddenly felt a chill in the air. She stopped what she was doing and spun around on her heels.She looked all around, but saw nothing. She shrugged her shoulders and went back to work. She thought it is October after all; it was probably just a swift breeze blowing through to remind them of the season.

John came home early on all hallow's Eve. He was giddy like a school boy; Halloween was his favorite time of year. He loved the weather due to it was never too hot nor too cold; it was just right, he would say. Sheila greeted him dressed up in her witch's costume. John got a kick out of the costume.

Her mother they dressed as a princess; which was what she wanted to be. The cook even dressed up for the holiday. Everyone seemed so happy in the holiday. Sheila hardly thought they would loose a family member that night. Sadly, Ophelia had died in her sleep while she was taking her afternoon nap.

The rest of the day was a somber day. Sheila didn't want to celebrate anymore; she knew her mother was difficult, but she had become so likeable in her old age. Her and Sheila had finally got along. The children were besides themselves; they had been so close to her. John was the strong one for the family. Sheila was relieved he was there during this difficult time.

They got through the holiday and went to bed; dreading the next morning. They awoke the next morning to cook serving breakfast and the children sitting with madam Gabriela. Sheila hugged her and thanked her for coming. Madam Gabriela was her mother's best friend in life; so it was only right she be there. Ophelia wasn't the most popular person; but the few friends she did have, were true friends to her.

John got everything for the funeral handled; which Sheila was relieved. There was no way she could deal with that and the children. Cook had all the cooking prepared for the funeral; so that was even less she had to worry about. The children were not quite at the age to really understand what was going on; but Sheila tried her best. They were eight and six years old at this point; so they still had that child like innocence.

John came home and informed Sheila the funeral would be in three days. That gave her plenty of time to get all the crying out of the way, so she didn't do it in front of people. She wasn't one to show those sort of emotions in public. She believed sadness was a emotion best endured in privacy. John was the only one whom witnessed her cry.

Three days went by and her mansion was looking moreso like a funeral home. She thought it actually looked moreso like a haunted house without all the Halloween decorations they put up that year. John had thought so too. The people began arriving in ample time. The cook made little finger sandwiches and an array of different salads.

Majority of the people were simply townsfolk that either knew Ophelia in passing or were mild associates. She had two old high school friends that showed up and madam Gabriela that were close to her mother. John did the eulogy and there were a few people whom testified their experiences with Ophelia; then it was time for brunch. Everyone drove from the funeral home to the mansion; many commented how it looked creepier than the funeral home. Sheila was beginning to think maybe she should just celebrate Halloween and the funeral; seemed fitting.

After the brunch, Sheila informed the guests she was going to have a late Halloween ball; since Halloween hadn't really been celebrated that year. They all were dressed up fashionably for the party. They all wore masquerade masks; even though Sheila hadn't said anything about the ball being a masquerade ball. That's when she realized the townsfolk were some quirky folks. She decided not to let it bother her and set out to enjoy the party.

It was two hours into the party and Sheila decided she needed some air. She stepped out on the balcony terrace, above the front door and took in a deep breath. As she breathed in, she closed her eyes; enjoying the dark peace behind her eyelids. Suddenly, she felt a gust of wind and thought she heard someone whispering her name. She turned around, then turned around again. She still saw nothing.

She was about to turn around and go inside, when another gust of wind came at her from the opposite direction. This time she heard a voice yell out her name. She looked out over the terrace and yelled out who is there to the wind. She turned towards the balcony door to the bedroom when she was shocked to see the apparition of Thomas standing there. Tears sprung to her eyes as all the memories of him flashed before her mind.

She wished she could hug him and hold him forever. Her love for him flowed out of her like a fast rushing River. She smiled, told him passionately how much she missed him and loved him. Thomas put his ghostly hand in the air before her; she did the same. For a brief moment in time, Sheila imagined she could actually feel his touch.

Thomas made a motion for her to follow him; but Sheila was hesitant. He was floating out over the terrace, where there was nothing but six feet to the ground below them. She nervously offered her hand out to him and he took it in his. She was suddenly lifted off the ground and they flew hand in hand to Thomas's cabin. Sheila ran inside the moment they arrived; settling her rattled nerves by the already lit fire.

Thomas floated in and sat next to her on the lounge chair. He placed his ghostly hand over hers and she seen it pass through her hand. How was that possible when it seemed solid flesh only a few moments ago, she thought with bewilderment. She smiled at him and told him how she wished she could be with him forever. A message suddenly appeared on the wall next to her; reading two words: "You can".

She remembered what he had told her in her youth how he could possess the living. She asked him if that's what he meant. He nodded in response. She thought on it; then she agreed with Thomas.