LOOKING TROUGH YOUR EYES

CHAPTER 2

Time went on and everything seemed to go smoothly.

Sheryl, who was just 2 years old, became the most beautiful girl in town. Everyone admired her little eyes and her little angel face. When they approached her, they would always tell her mother:

-          You are very lucky. Your little girl looks like an angel, her skin is as white as snow and her cheeks are flushed like a rose ... it seems that God wanted to reward you for something

-          Thank you very much - Lindsey always answered with a smile on her lips

Sheryl's third Christmas, something almost magical happened: they were all gathered at Grandma's house, on Christmas Eve

-          Granny - said Sheryl - can you tell the Christmas story?

-          Sure my little angel. But give me that needle to finish sewing this dress for your cousin, please

The girl ran to fetch the needle, but she tripped and fell to the ground, right on a splinter sticking out of the parquet.

-          oops! - She screamed in pain. She put her left pinky to her lips, trying to calm the pain with her little mouth

-          Are you okay my girl? - said the grandmother as she got up and went to help the little girl

-          Yes, granny, but my finger hurts a lot - Sheryl replied, taking her finger out of her mouth to show it to granny

The old lady tried to look for the splinter to remove it, but she didn’t see anything, there was not even blood. She put on her glasses, but still couldn't see any injuries; however, she found something very strange in the palm of her granddaughter's hand, it looked like a drop of blood, maybe a tear, it even looked like a rose petal.

-          Sheryl - said sweetly the old lady - did you draw this on your hand?

-          what? - Sheryl asked and directed her gaze to the palm of her hand - no, I hadn’t even realized that it was there - she said after looking at that strange line that seemed to be drawn on her hand

-          Go wash your hands - said the grandmother

Sheryl ran to the bathroom and tried to wash away the mark on her hand. She came back in 5 minutes

-          It doesn't come out, granny - she said with a sad tone

-          Okay, don't worry honey. Come, sit down, I'll tell the Christmas story.

Grandma told the story and they all went to sleep. The next morning, very early, the grandmother spoke with her daughter

-          Lindsey, have you seen what Sheryl has in her hand?

-          No, what has she got?

-          I'm not sure, it looks like a rose petal, it's almost the shape of a teardrop. It seems drawn with a gold pen. Yesterday I sent her to wash it, but she was trying for 5 minutes and it didn't come out. Has she ever had an injury?

-          No, we always take great care of her- Lindsey said as she stood up and went to the little girl's room.

When she arrived, she raised her little hand and, after checking it, she called impatiently to her husband, who hurried in to his wife’s side. When Paul saw his little girl's hand, he screamed in horror.

-          What happened? - Asked the grandmother - it's not so bad - she said trying to calm him down

-          It's just ... - Paul looked at his wife with a desperate look - I don't remember if I ever told you. But the day Sheryl was born, do you remember the strange call from Ethan's father? Well ... he said he died just that morning, and he had a wound on his right hand.

The mother was stunned, her eyes reflecting the despair that overwhelmed her.

-          that cannot be true! - She exclaimed in a demanding tone - why didn't you ever say it?! - That night of the wake, something happened. I can't remember well anymore, but…. I should never have carried that child, he must have been cursed - she leaned against the wall and fell to the ground. She held her head in her hands and began to cry - I'm the one to blame - she complained - if only I hadn't carried that child ... I didn't even know him!

-          Easy, stop blaming yourself. Sheryl is fine - said Paul, trying to reassure her - look at her, she's still asleep. And it seems that she’s having a nice dream, she is smiling and ...

-          Sure! It's not my fault - Lindsey interrupted - I didn't even want to go to that wake, you're the one who insisted that we went to comfort that Melany girl - she said blaming him - that night you were more aware of her than of your own daughter, it was your fault! - she blamed - yours and that woman's. Do you remember when we went to the store? Sheryl started crying and she ran out. It couldn't have been a simple coincidence

-          It was not my fault. And neither Melany’s, don't get her into this - Paul said angrily

-          And on top of that you defend her! - the young mother shouted, already beginning to lose her temper.

-          Easy, daughter - said the grandmother, trying to calm the situation – both of you, calm down, you’ll wake up the girl

The three of them left the room to continue arguing outside.

-          Well, the last thing that matters at this moment is to know who is to blame - Lindsey said a little more calmly - call the parents of the boy, they must know something.

Paul called the number that, luckily, he still had registered on his cell phone as "Ethan's father," since they never formally introduced themselves. However, great was his surprise when a female voice answered the phone:

-          Hello? Who is it? - said the voice in a sweet tone

-          He-hello - he stuttered - I'm Paul, I wanted to communicate with Ethan's father - he said while trying to clear his voice

-          Excuse me, this is no longer his number. Have a nice day - the call got hung up

Paul was surprised, "I could swear I know that voice from somewhere," he thought.

-          and? what did he say? - Lindsey demanded impatiently

-          It was not him. A woman answered the phone

-          It must have been his wife; you should have asked her…

-          No, it wasn't his wife. Although her voice sounded familiar to me

-          Not even that can you do! I'll go investigate at the police station, they should know what happened to Ethan's family - she said while looking for her coat - mom, please watch out for Sheryl. Call me if something happens. I'll be back in a while

-          Sure my girl. Careful. I will call you if something strange happens

Paul was still self-absorbed; he didn't even claim the fact that his wife called him "useless." "I know that voice from somewhere," he repeated to himself. He left the room and sat on the sofa in the living room to try to remember. Suddenly he jumped to his feet and yelled:

-          I got it, it was Melany! - He said excitedly

Sheryl woke up immediately and started crying.

-          why are you making so much noise? - the grandmother demanded - you already woke up the girl! - She said as she took her granddaughter in her arms to try to calm her down. - Don't cry sweetie - she said sweetly - go back to sleep, in a moment your mom will come and we’ll have breakfast.

-          I'm no longer sleepy - said the little girl, wiping her tears - I'd better get ready for when mommy arrives

-          As you prefer my girl

The grandmother returned to the living room to speak with Paul:

-          My daughter is right to be upset with you. You put that woman above all. Be careful with what you do! - She warned him

-          Calm down mother, it's been a long time since she left town and we haven't spoken since then - he said something annoyed, but trying to c***k a smile

-          You better. Anyway, think about how you will make it up for the bad time you put my daughter through - said the grandmother and went to the kitchen to cook breakfast.

The phone rang and the grandmother, hurriedly, answered:

-          Hello? Who's calling?

-          Hello mom, it's me. They gave me the information on Ethan's mother, but she's leaving on a trip this afternoon. So I asked her to meet in the morning. I’ll try to find out as much as I can. Is Sheryl okay?

-          Yes, daughter, don't worry. She's up, we're waiting for you to come back for breakfast

-          No mom, don't wait anymore. Most likely I’ll return this evening. Tell her that I love her very much and call me if you notice anything strange. Do NOT let her go back to sleep until I return, please - Lindsey said somewhat anguished

-          Ok daughter, don't worry ...

-          Oh, and tell Paul to come over immediately. He was the one who spoke to the boy's father, something he must remember. I'll be at Mr. Liam's store

-          It's okay daughter. Take care, I’ll tell Paul

The grandmother hung up the phone and went to meet Paul, who was still in the living room.

-          Son, Lindsey won't be back until tonight. She says that the boy's mother is about to go on a trip, she will meet her and try to investigate what exactly happened to Ethan. She said you must meet her at Mr. Liam's store.

But Paul remained staring at the wall, his gaze was lost, he seemed to be in a trance.

-          Paul! - Shouted the old woman somewhat annoyed - are you listening to me? – she claimed

-          how? Am ... yes yes, I have to go to the store, right?

-          Yes, son ... Lindsey will be there to talk to Ethan's mother

-          Ok, I'll be back - Paul said as he went to the door, without even saying goodbye to his daughter

Grandma was heading to the kitchen to finish breakfast, but she heard a scream from Sheryl's room.

-          Sheryl, are you okay? - She said as she hurried in the direction of the little girl's room

When she arrived, he found her asleep, she was already changed, but she had gone back to sleep on the bed. She had a smile on her lips and seemed to be showing her right hand.

-          Sheryl, my girl - said the grandmother as she moved her gently to try to lift her

-          What's up granny? - The little girl answered, while she opened her eyes

-          You screamed and when I came up, I found you asleep. what happened? Did you see something that scared you?

-          Nothing granny, I was dreaming something very nice ... it was a child like me, but we were surrounded by ... I don't know what, but it smelled delicious

-          Ah okay…. Well pretty, don't go back to sleep, it's time for breakfast

-          Yes, granny, I’ll wash my hands and go down immediately - said the girl smiling

The grandmother left the room and was left thinking, would that be reason enough to alarm her daughter? Or was it just an unimportant dream constructed by the girl's great imagination? “Better not bother my daughter, she has enough with that husband who doesn't even support her. I'll tell her at night, when they return. " She concluded to herself.

Meanwhile, Paul had already met his wife

-          At least you came quickly - she said - Alice will come at any moment, we’ll have to wait for her for a moment. But I told her we would wait for her at Deyner's restaurant. Let’s go.

Paul didn't respond, just followed his wife to the restaurant. They sat down at the first empty table and waited.

-          Good morning, Mr. and Mss. Smith. Would you like to order?

-          Good morning, Deyner - said Lindsey - nothing for now, we’re still waiting for a friend

-          I see. Mr. Paul, don't you want something?

But he did not reply.

-          Paul! - said his wife, raising her voice - Deyner is talking to you

-          What? No thanks. I don't want anything - he answered

Deyner nodded and withdrew

-          but what is it with you? - Lindsey demanded – I called you to help me investigate that child. And you seem to be hypnotized, you don’t even respond when people speak to you and I am not sure that you are listening to me - she said more and more angrily

Paul's gaze was blank; his lack of interest was clear. He was only nodding his head and did not seem to reflect on what his wife was talking about. In his head, he kept hearing Melany's voice. Why would she have that man's cell phone? he thought. Lindsey was about to explode, when suddenly a hand touched her from behind. She turned abruptly, ready to vent her anger on whoever it was who interrupted her just before yelling at her husband. It was a lady, almost her age, but she looked aged. Her face was full of lines, her eyes looked so tired that it seemed like she hadn't slept in ages. She was wearing a lot of makeup, but it wasn't enough. The blush on her cheeks only paled the rest of her face; the dark lipstick she wore made her bruised lips more noticeable. She was of very thin build and of medium height. She was wearing a miniskirt dress that revealed her puny little legs and some heeled shoes that tried to hide her true size.

-          Hi, I'm Alice - she introduced herself

Lindsey wanted to return the greeting, but the words refused to leave her lips. She was stunned. She remembered that woman looking much more beautiful, with a special sparkle in her eyes, and a natural blush on her cheeks. She remembered her son, little Ethan, who wouldn't stop crying until he hugged her. He was such a cute boy, so tender and sweet. He seemed to have a white aura, as it was peaceful just being around him. And her mother was not far behind, her smile lit up sadness, her voice, melodious like that of a mermaid, intoxicated the soul with joy ... but what had happened to that woman? She was unrecognizable!

-          Is everything alright? -  Alice asked, since she hadn’t received a response to the greeting yet.

-          Hello, good morning. Yes, everything is fine, excuse me. Take a seat, please - she said as she adjusted the chair - this is Paul, my husband

-          Good morning sir – she greeted

But he only responded with a slight nod. This seemed to worry Alice a lot, but she didn't say anything.

-          I'm sorry - said Lindsey - I don't know what's wrong with him, he's been like this all morning - she tried to apologize

Alice didn't reply. An uncomfortable silence was beginning to form when Deyner interrupted:

-          Now, are you ready to order? – he asked politely

-          Sure, I would like a strong coffee

-          A pear juice for me, please - Alice said

-          And a bottle of soda for the sir - Lindsey continued, seeing that her husband had no intention of ordering.

-          Immediately, ladies - said the owner and went back to the kitchen

They immediately started talking. There were so many questions to be answered that time would not be enough.

Meanwhile, at home, Sheryl and Grandma were ready for breakfast.

-          And mom? - asked the girl, innocent as an angel

-          She will return in the evening. Your parents went to have breakfast with…. A friend, they haven't seen her for a long time and want to spend time with her - answered the grandmother

-          But daddy didn’t say goodbye to me - Sheryl claimed

-          Don’t worry my girl, they will return soon. Remember that today is Christmas, you can now open your gifts! - Grandma said to cheer her up. First we will finish breakfast and then we’ll go to the tree

The girl smiled and hurried to eat the delicious pancakes her grandmother had cooked. They soon finished breakfast and Sheryl ran to see the gifts under the tree. Since she couldn't read, she asked her grandmother to help her with the cards; the first one they opened said "with much affection, from your parents who love you." It was a beautiful doll that said "I love you" every time you touched her tummy. The second one said “from your grandmother, with much love. I hope you like it”. It was a beautiful pink dress, it had an arrangement of roses at the waist, a little bow on the upper right side and a bell-shaped skirt.

-          Can I try it on granny? - asked the girl excitedly

-          Of course

She ran with the dress in her hands to her room, the grandmother followed her to help her try on the dress. When she looked in the mirror, the girl said

-          wow! I look like a princess, thank you very much granny - and ran to hug grandma

They put the dress away and went downstairs to continue looking for gifts under the tree. They continued for a long time, as many neighbors and family friends had sent her beautiful gifts; she received books, a pair of beautiful golden gloves, little patent leather shoes, tulle stockings, and much more. It was already 11:30 and the grandmother was about to leave, since she thought there were no more gifts.

-          Granny, that box is missing - Sheryl said pointing to a very small box that had been left under all the gifts.

It was lined with a shiny purple rasin paper, it had a beautiful orange butterfly-shaped ribbon, it had little silver dots that resembled stars. It had a very cute card too, in the shape of a heart

-          Keep it close to your heart. When you feel alone, remember that I will be protecting you - read the grandmother. she tried to find the sender's name, but did not find it - how strange, they did not put the name - she said.

They opened the box and found a beautiful necklace with a gold chain and a detail in the shape of a sunflower. The necklace was very cute, but what stood out the most was the flower in the center, it looked so real that it seemed to have been ripped from its stem a few moments ago.

-          cute! - Sheryl said excitedly - can I put it on?

-          Of course my girl - said the grandmother, at the time she approached to place the necklace.

When she put it on the girl's neck, the necklace seemed to light up even more and the grandmother thought she heard a giggle in the distance.

-          Did you hear that? - She asked somewhat confused

-          What granny?

-          Nothing, it’s nothing. The necklace is very nice. Go to my room, there's a mirror on the door. Look at yourself there so you can see how it looks

-          Okay, thank you, grandma - said the girl and ran up to see how her new necklace looked

This time, the grandmother stayed there reflecting. Whose gift could that be? Why didn't it have a return address? What was that giggle she heard when she put it on the girl's neck? All these unanswered questions scared her a bit. She put the box and the little card next to the vase on the dining room table "when my daughter comes I'll show her," she told herself.