Fated Memories, page 3
Only a small museum, most people perused the exhibits and video presentations at the Gettysburg in a couple of hours. Simon excitedly examined each display of weapons, ammunition, uniforms and diaries. He recognized and expounded on everything with amusing enthusiasm, and Maggie countered with the tidbits she’d learned at the college. Even other patrons stopped and listened to their conversations at a few of the exhibit stations.
As they neared the exit of the museum, Maggie’s stomach betrayed her with a loud rolling growl that echoed through the hall. “Oh my God, I’m so embarrassed.”
“Well, I’m hungry too. I, um, passed a decent-looking restaurant not far from here; it may not be the caliber of Sammy’s, but the crowd inside appeared to be enjoying their lunch. Will you join me for a bite if I promise not to bore you any more with my Civil War obsession?”
“I’d love to. And I’ll try not to spill anything on you.”
***
The tiny Italian restaurant had only one window in the front, but the delicious spaghetti Bolognese made up for the cramped quarters. At this time of day, the sun favored the other side of the street, leaving the restaurant candlelight-dim and cozily intimate; a perfect place for two people to get acquainted over wine and mountains of spaghetti.
“My life story is pretty mundane,” Maggie said as she buttered a piece of bread. “I’ve lived in Harrisburg forever. I was a late-life baby. My parents thought they couldn’t have children, so they were shocked when Mom became pregnant at fifty. But then they died soon after I graduated high school, within a year of each other. Mom from cancer and Dad, I think, from a broken heart.”
“Wow that must’ve been difficult for you.”
“Yeah, it sucked, but at least I had my grandma for support. I’ve worked at a few odd jobs here and there, got my degree in economics from Penn State then took a few classes and seminars at the local Junior College in American History. You recall my brilliant display of knowledge at the museum.” Maggie rolled her eyes and smirked.
Simon cleaned a smudge off his knife before digging into the bread. “With so much education, why are you working as a waitress?”
“Well, Sammy’s gives me enough to get by on, so I can spend more time at the library and on the internet following my current passion, genealogy research. Oh, and I’m a nut about fitness and nutrition. Spaghetti and wine notwithstanding.”
“Huh, the family I come from is larger than most, I guess,” Simon remembered. “Even so, I’ve always felt like an outsider, as if I didn’t belong. So I can relate to anyone who’s grown up as an only child.”
“Why would you feel like an outsider in your own family? I always envied kids with sisters and brothers.”
Simon squirmed in his chair as if all of a sudden his clothes had grown too tight. His reaction disturbed her, and she thought he sensed her unease. “I had hoped we’d get to know each other better, so you can see I’m not crazy or a weirdo, before I tell you my story. But I guess it’s better to be upfront after all, because the story also involves you.”
Now she was really worried. A crazy weirdo? And it involves me? The scary news stories that flashed through her head must have shown on her face.
“Maggie,” he said, startled, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to frighten you. Please, let me begin again. Maybe I started off wrong. Please?”
She cautiously agreed, and he began. “I was only five years old when my three older brothers and I each got these plastic toy guns from Santa. You know, or maybe you don’t, but in a large family everyone has to get the same gifts so there’s no jealousy or fighting.” Simon put his fork down and sat up straight in his chair. “Anyway, while my brothers ran off to the backyard to play war, I stayed inside, confused. I mean, any toy from Santa is great, right? But something about it seemed wrong. As I held it, I remember getting these images in my head of a soldier going into battle with a long rifle and, somehow, I was sure that soldier was me.” Simon stopped talking to sip his wine. “Of course my dad nearly fell over when I told him and, after Christmas, he took me to the library and we looked at hundreds of pictures of guns until I found the one from my vision. Turns out it was the Sharps breach loader used by Union soldiers during the American Civil War.”
Maggie held her own wineglass inches from her lips. “You were only five when that happened? That would’ve scared the crap out of me. How did you handle that?”
“Well it was too real to me to be scared.” Simon shrugged, tilting his head. “I know it sounds insane, but it’s stayed with me over the years and I’m sure it was—is—a past life memory.” His voice became low and husky as he leaned closer. “I can still see it so clearly. I can see the camp, my fellow soldiers, hear the deafening noise of the artillery. My leg even hurts when it rains because that’s where I got shot. I can remember my battalion walking shoulder-to-shoulder towards the battle line, rifles and bayonets pointed forward with conviction in my heart and sickness in my stomach. I was there, I know it.” Simon finished the wine in his glass with one gulp and signaled the waiter for more.
Maggie’s hand shook, forcing her to lower her glass. “So you said this involves me, how do I figure into this?” She almost didn’t want to hear the answer.
“Remember when I called you Lucy at the diner? Well, I remember being married to a woman called Lucy when I fought in the war.” His head tilted with the slight, embarrassed shrug. “Your face felt… familiar.”
“Hmm, interesting. So your obsession with Civil War history and the Gettysburg re-enactment stem from this… this past life memory?”
“Yes.” His eyes pleaded for acceptance. “People who study these things say it’s children who are most likely to have past life memories because their new life has only just begun. There’ve been thousands of documented cases of kids claiming to have been someone else and being confused by their new surroundings. Most times the memories fade in a few years but, for me, the memories have never faded and I’ve always felt as if I’ve been walking with one foot in each world. That’s why, for the past few years, I’ve come here every July for the Gettysburg re-enactment. For that brief moment in time, I’m home.”
Maggie sighed with relief and twirled a glob of spaghetti onto her fork. “Well that’s not so bad. When you confessed to being a crazy weirdo you made me worry.”
The tension in her body subsided, and she smiled again. “I’ve heard of this past life memory thing before and I’ve always been fascinated by it. It’s kind of cool to meet someone who’s experienced it and I see now why you’re such an expert on that era. Uh, you don’t physically fade in and out do you?”
“No.” Simon laughed out loud. “It really is all in my head.”
“Good to know. So tell me more about your family. You said you had brothers. Any sisters? What were you like as a kid?”
Simon swallowed the forkful of spaghetti he’d been chewing and leaned back in his seat, dabbing at his mouth with the napkin. “No sisters, just me and my brothers which suited my dad just fine. He owned a machine shop in Wellsboro and spent all week indoors, so when the weekends came he scooped us up and headed for the hills. Literally.” Simon’s whole face lit up and his eyes had a far- away look as he recalled his pleasant childhood. “We’d head for the most remote places possible, pitched our tents or sometimes just built shelters from loose branches and leaves and did a lot of hunting and fishing. Mom cooked up whatever we caught, and we’d sit around the campfire eating s’mores and singing songs. I remember it being a wonderful time. For my twelfth birthday, my dad bought me an antique Civil War musket rifle and together we researched how to use it. It didn’t have the power or range of the contemporary ones my brothers had, but I got pretty good with it.”
“My dad loved the outdoors in his younger days as well, but I came along so late in their lives, I missed out on all that camping and bonding stuff.” A brief memory of her parents waving from the doorstep flashed before her eyes. I still miss you Mom and Dad. “By the time I was old enough to do those things with my parents, they were too old to enjoy it anymore, so I tagged along with my friends’ families on their camping trips. It’s not the same, though, as being with your own parents.”
The conversation went on to lighter, more pleasant subjects as they found common interests in adventure novels and movies. Even their musical preferences ran along the same line, with “country” style being on the bottom of the list. Although their views on current events were similar, they differed on the best cut of steak to buy and how to prepare it.
Simon’s warm smile and easy laugh charmed Maggie. She sensed something good starting here. But her past romantic failures cautioned her to keep her heart in check until his intentions were clear.
Three hours later they were leaving the restaurant, laughing and holding hands, tipsy from the wine, and their stomachs full to bursting. Simon walked her to the car to make sure she was okay to drive home, his lips brushed her knuckles. “I had a good time today. Thanks for listening to me prattle on so much about the Civil War and for not thinking me too weird.”
“I never said I didn’t think you were weird. You’re just weird in a good way.” He stood close, making her heart flutter away.
“Get home safe. Is it all right if I call you tomorrow?”
“Yes, of course. And thank you, I had a wonderful time today.”
Later, in bed, Maggie could still hear his voice and feel the soft caress of his hands on hers. She fell asleep with the sweet memory of a perfect day and the promise of a new beginning.
CHAPTER 4
After she got off the phone with Maggie, Kitty had a new sense of purpose. It astonished her how the firm resolve to quit the hospital gave her spirit a sudden boost. With her mind freed from the heavy burden she’d been carrying, Kitty found the power to swallow her pride and ask Mom to help draft a letter of resignation that didn’t sound too bitter. Just in case she wanted to use them for a reference for whatever she wound up doing. Instead of dwelling on the past, she sprang into action, making plans for her immediate future.
Close to dinner time, Kitty got off the bus on Central Avenue and found her mom waiting for her like she did when Kitty was little. A flicker of warmth washed over her when she saw her mom’s face brighten.
“You’re such a Mom.” Kitty engulfed her in a huge hug.
“Well, it’s not every day that my baby girl comes to visit and wants my help with something. Besides, it’s such a beautiful day for a walk.”
They strolled the three blocks to the house her parents had bought when they first got married and had lived in for over thirty years. Built in the fifties, the modest, two-story home boasted a wide front porch and a small back yard.
As they went, Mom rambled on, as usual, about her ‘kids’ at school. She bragged about one student in particular who had made significant strides in his studies despite the fact that he spoke little English when the term first started. Her face lit up as she talked, waving her hands around for emphasis, making Kitty envious that her mom’s vocation came so clearly to her. The idea of being surrounded by a bunch of ten-year-olds all day, every day, gave Kitty the willies, but Mom thrived on it.
Kitty’s long awaited decision to leave the hospital delighted her mom. And the pride of being asked to help write the letter of resignation shone on her face.
“Who else would I turn to Ma?” Subtle brown-nosing couldn’t hurt, especially since she planned on asking to borrow Mom’s car for the drive to Maggie’s.
On the bus ride over Kitty had imagined a host of things she’d prefer the letter to say with “You can take your lousy job and cram it where the sun don’t shine” on the top of the list. But, with her usual flair, Mom created a professional pack of lies that said how much Kitty had enjoyed working there over the years and how she intended to pursue other interests, blah, blah, blah. She was good and, in the end, Kitty came away with her dignity, enough leftover pot roast for another meal, and Mom’s silver 2010 BMW. Mom rarely used it and kept it in the garage most of the time because of parking issues, so it still looked brand new. Kitty looked forward to driving from New York to Harrisburg in style.
Kitty broke the news of Carlos and Sonia’s impending marriage which thrilled Mom. “Well it’s about time. How long have those two been together? They met in high school, didn’t they? At last she’s getting settled. Good for her. I’m sure that will be a big relief to her parents.” She gave Kitty a sideways questioning glance that clearly meant she’d love to see her own daughter get her life squared away, but Kitty ignored it.
“In any case, Ma, when I return from Maggie’s I want to take you and Dad up on your offer to move back home. Only until I get another job though. Don’t count on me staying here long. I just want to get out of Carlos and Sonia’s way so they can make their plans without me being underfoot.”
Mom’s exuberant hug flustered Kitty, and she blushed with pride that she’d made her mom so happy. “Darling, this will always be your home no matter how grown up and independent you become. You can bring your things over whenever you’re ready.”
Ever the supportive ally, Kitty knew Sonia felt guilty for needing her to leave. To be truthful, though, the time for Kitty to move on had past long ago. She’d meant the arrangement to be a temporary reprieve while recovering from Richard’s let-down, but she’d gotten comfortable and stayed way too long.
Kitty resolved to take her time loading up Mom’s car while working her last two weeks at the hospital so as not to make her departure any more awkward than necessary. Her gym coach needed to be told she was leaving for a while too. Coach Robbins was the best around and, as a former Navy SEAL, he insisted on regimented discipline and refused to train anyone who didn’t show up regularly. Kitty didn’t want to piss him off and lose her spot in his training roster.
***
As expected, her resignation created little fanfare. “Thank you, Ms. Trausch, for your prompt response. I’ll see to it that the personnel department processes this right away so you can get your final check on your last day here.” Mrs. German graced her with a weak, fake smile. “You’ve been here a long time dear, I’m sure you’ll be missed.”
And screw you too. Kitty gave her the same condescending expression back. She’d only have to spend two more weeks in this hell hole before she’d be free. Woo hoo! Bring it on, bitches!
***
Sonia performed a good-natured cheer routine when Kitty told her she’d decided to resign, and then distracted herself with busywork around the house while Kitty dawdled at emptying her room.
Sonia insisted on helping her pack for the trip to Maggie’s and kept pulling things out of the closet and stuffing them into Kitty’s suitcase.
“Don’t forget to take something cute and sexy in case you ladies go out on the town one night.” Her eyebrows were doing this crazy up and down dance. “Who knows, this might be where you’ll meet Mr. Right!”
That brought laughter from both of them. Kitty’s tinged with cynicism and Sonia’s with hope. It made no sense to argue. Sonia’s hand wringing and over-helpfulness just made Kitty uncomfortable so she let her put a pair of black skinny jeans and a shiny, stretchy, low-cut, black with splashes-of-green, top in the suitcase along with a torturous-looking push-up bra. Although she did make her exchange the strappy heels she wanted to lend her, for her own rhinestone studded sandals. Kitty had no intention of wearing any of that, but it made Sonia happy that she accepted them. After everything Sonia had done for her, Kitty wanted to be sure she moved out on good terms.
They hugged for the third time, then Kitty wheeled the overstuffed suitcase to the elevator and out to the car. Sonia stopped at the mailbox, giving Kitty the opportunity to get herself comfortable for the long drive.
Okay, Ma. Let’s see what kind of music you have in here. Not quite three hours and close to a straight run from Tuckahoe to Harrisburg, Kitty’s spirits had been soaring with anticipation for the last two weeks. Along with the classic rock stuff from her parents’ time, there was also a Bluetooth device to connect to her own playlist. Excellent.
“Kit, honey, please promise me you’ll drive carefully and be sure to call me as soon as you get there. I’ll be worried sick until you do.” Sonia, mail in hand, stuffed a canvas grocery bag full of snacks and drinks in through the passenger side window.
“Jeez, Sonia, I went through this with my mom and dad yesterday. I’ll be fine, I promise. And I don’t need all that food. It’s only a three-hour trip.”
“Yeah, that’s what Gilligan said. Do you have enough gas?”
“I filled up yesterday.” Kitty was positive her eyes had rolled so far back only the whites showed.
“How about money, do you need more cash? Is your cell phone charged in case of emergency?”
“Sonia, stop being a mother hen. My cell phone is charged and I have a car charger for backup, I have my ATM, a credit card, contingency funds, an AAA ID and a navigation app on my phone so I can’t get lost. It’s only a three-hour drive to Pennsylvania for Christ’s sake. I’m not going cross-country. Give me props for having common sense and don’t worry. I’ll be fine!”
Before she could say another word, Kitty blew a kiss, waved and headed off to the highway.
***
Though she hit a minor snag in the construction zone on I-95, the decent mid-morning traffic only pushed her time-table back by half an hour as she made the connection to I-78. Kitty breezed along with Mick lamenting the wiles of those honkey-tonk women. With the windows open, her hair wild in the wind, the three hours passed before she knew it.
When she arrived, Maggie hugged her so hard it left her breathless. “Oh my God, I’m so glad you’re here!” Cute and bubbly like Kitty’s sister, Maggie had the strength of a body builder. “I hope you’re hungry, I got fidgety waiting for you so I went ahead and made us lunch. I just need to pop the sandwiches in the toaster-oven to heat them up real quick.”
