Deanna on Flickr.
CHAPTER EIGHT
* * * * * THE GIFT
Leaving the Meat-n-Greet after dark, Deanna’s heart beat a little faster. Every sound startled and frightened her. She felt a strange déjà vu come over her. She hated that ‘something bad is coming’ feeling. Making her way to the car, the horrific memory of only the night before began to creep in. She repeated over and over, “Lord, just get me home safe.”
Just as peace began to settle over her and slowed her racing heart, she saw him come from behind the dumpster. The leader, they called Tumor. And the dim silhouettes of at least two more gang bangers bobbed back and forth in the shadows. They would definitely reach her before she could get in the car and lock the doors. She bolted for an opening and screamed for her hero. “Zac Master.”
After rounding only the first corner, the footsteps closed the distance behind her.
The thugs laughed and taunted her shouting ugly remarks. Her strides lengthened as the gang kept pace. A frenzied song played.
Faster and faster she ran as the music beat louder and pounded harder, somehow drowning out the thugs who followed her.
She reached the woods and tore past the trees keeping pace with the beat of the music when suddenly, it slowed and got quieter. She stopped and gasped a lung full of sweet cool air. After a bit, she held her breath and listened as hard as she could. No footsteps fell on the forest floor. Now, lost in silence, except for her pounding heartbeat, she whispered, “Thank you.”
While she did not hear the jeers of the gang, she did notice that the music had changed. It came from afar off and changed from the frantic rock to a charming, lilting tune. She followed its lead and walked quietly along a starlit trail through the trees until she came upon a babbling creek.
Looking upstream, she studied the surroundings and realized she’d been there before. This was the very spot where they’d first met way back when. Later, Luke would later propose marriage here. They had dubbed it, their little heaven on Earth.
The notes from an acoustical guitar played a love song and led her forward. It sounded so very familiar that it transported her thoughts to a different time. When the lyrics began, she was all there with him.
Ever since the day that I met you
I’ve been playin’ out your waiting game
I’ve been so cool; I’ve been so patient every day
But every night I call your name
Oh, Deanna, look at what you’re doin’ to me
Deanna, you got me down on my knees
Deanna, like a fever goin’ through me
Deanna, you put my heart to the tease
This was her song, this was their song. It first came out right after they first met. Luke would always turn it up and sing along to her. She searched her memories from so long ago and amazingly discovered; it was song by Zac Master.
What’s it gonna take to convince you,
This is more than just foolin’ around
I’m gonna make you the queen of my dreams
I’ll never ever let you down, no
Oh, Deanna, look at what you’re doin’ to me
Deanna, you got me down on my knees
Oh, Deanna, like a fever goin’ through me
Deanna, you put my heart to the tease
All the wonderful memories flooded her head and heart. She felt completely alive and in love. It was like, Luke was here with her and she was home safe.
Deanna, look at what you’re doin’ to me
Deanna, you got me down on my knees
Oh, Deanna, like a fever goin’ through me
Deanna, you put my heart to the tease
Look at what you’re doin’ to me
Deanna, you got me down on my knees
Oh, Deanna, like a saber goin’ through me
Deanna, do ya hear my heart cryin’ please
The music moved her spirit to tears. She dropped to her knees. Her heart filled with joy and hope. She happily sobbed as all the wonderful memories flooded her mind.
“Luke, Luke. Why did you leave me?”
“Deanna. My love, I’ve never left you.”
She looked up with wide eyes of surprise. Her husband Luke stood shinning before her in a bright white aura. He smiled broadly.
Deanna could not believe her eyes. She slowly reached out to touch him. She longed with all her might to touch him once again. As her hand reached his glowing face, she fell out of bed and on to the floor.
It all was only a dream.
Awake now, she rose to her feet and shook off the dream. But the beautiful music, it played on. She didn’t understand why she could still hear the beautiful song. And singing, too. Someone was singing. She checked the digital clock, grabbed her robe and strolled down the hall toward the music.
At Michael’s door, she stopped then opened it quietly and peeked inside. Her son sat on the edge of his bed, his back to her, playing a guitar. She listened for a moment without speaking. The notes moved her spirit. Where in the world had he learned to play like that?
“Mikey?”
The music stopped. He turned looking more than a little startled. “Oh. Mom.” He chuckled. “It’s you.”
“Michael Matthew. Where in the world did you learn to play like that? I didn’t know -”
“Me neither, Mom. I don’t know. I just started picking around on it. I, I -”
“But where did the guitar come from?”
“Zac. Zac Master gave it to me. I don’t know how he even got it here, but he told me to look in the back of my closet and sure enough, there it was.”
“When did you see Zac, son?”
“Earlier tonight, my computer came on all by itself, and there he was.”
“Michael, we don’t have the internet here.”
“I know Mom. Better ask Zac.”
“Amazing.” She smiled knowingly. “Well, it’s almost four in the morning, sweetheart. Have you been playing all night?”
“I guess so, I didn’t realize -”
“But what about school? Think you’ll be able to get up and go?”
“Oh, sure. I’ll be fine.” He rose and started packing the guitar away in the leather case. “Oh and look. He left this necklace for me, too. It was in the case. I think it’s just like the one he wears.”
She touched it and then the guitar, overwhelmed that her son had made such an incredible sound come from the instrument. “They’re both beautiful.” She looked at him and smiled. “I never knew.”
“Yeah, I know. Me neither. Sorry I woke you, Mom. I’ll put it up and get on to bed now.” He grinned back. “I love you, Mom.”
Tears filled her eyes as she slowly pulled on his door. It was the first time he had voiced any love for her since his Father’s death. She had almost gotten used to his anger towards her for having to make all the hard decisions.
Just before the door closed, she smiled at Michael. “I love you, too, son.”
* * *
