21 – Wednesday Bryan and Eve sat at the table after breakfast studying the remains of the bullet that had passed through Lyta. “Shit! Even if we do find the gun that fired this, we won’t be able to get a match. It’s too badly damaged.” Eve ran her fingers through her hair in frustration. Bryan shook his head as he set it on the table. “I’m glad we were able to find it at all. Too bad we couldn’t find the shell casing as well.” “I’m thinking it ejected into the car. so that will never be found by us.” Eve looked over her notes about the shooting, studying the photograph they had printed of the car from the security cameras. “At least we got a picture of the shooter. Seems to match the picture Lyta took of Scarlet O’Malley.” Bryan got up to get more coffee for the two of them. “I’m surprised none of the neighbors called the police about the gunfire.” Eve sat back in her chair. “I’m thinking the people around here thought it was a loud firecracker or a car backfiring. From what Jennie said, this is a quiet neighborhood for the most part and people tend to keep to themselves.” After a bit of searching, he found the package of pop tarts. “After we finish our coffee and pop tarts, we need to start tearing out the carpeting in the living room.” Eve nodded. “Still stunned by what happened yesterday. When I saw Lyta lying there on the floor and Nicole doing what she could to stop the bleeding; then Raven rushing in doing what she did. Bryan, I thought for sure Lyta would die.” “Same here. But Raven saved her life.” He sighed. “Come on, let’s hurry up, and finish in here, then get to work. I want to get as much done as possible before Nicole and the others get back.” Nodding, Eve ate the pop tart and washed it down with the rest of her coffee. Once Bryan was finished, the two headed for the basement for the tools they needed, then returned to the living room and began moving the furniture aside so they could start removing the carpeting. **** Dr. Grant Miller looked over Lyta’s x-rays. “Looks like everything is fine, Lyta. I think the bit of scar tissue in your abdomen was the cause of the pain. How’s your appetite?” “My appetite is fine, Dr. Miller. Guess the pain caught me by surprise, since this is the first time it’s happened.” Lyta held Nicole’s hand. “Good. Just take it easy for the rest of today and maybe tomorrow. You’re looking a bit pale and tired.” He placed the x-rays into the envelope and handed them to Nicole with a smile. “I thought you’d might like these for your records.” “Thanks, Grant. Also thanks for seeing Lyta on such short notice.” Nicole patted Lyta’s shoulder. “You’ve done me a number of favors in the past, Nicole, glad I can return one of them.” He left the room. Nicole, Raven, Lyta, and Jennie all let out a huge sigh of relief. Lynn and Angie stood near the door grinning. “God! I hate having to lie to a friend and colleague, but I didn’t have much of a choice. Had to make sure everything was all right with Lyta.” Lynn nodded. “We ready to go?” Lyta carefully stood, grabbing onto Nicole’s arm. “Let’s go. I’m starving and want to eat a real breakfast, none of that liquid crap.” With Jennie’s help, Raven got to her feet as well. At Nicole’s insistence, she had an EKG done and a blood work up, but the results wouldn’t be available for a couple of days. Like Lyta, Raven was hungry too, but she was also exhausted and still very weak. Walking down the corridor, she stumbled slightly, but Jennie kept her on her feet. “You all right, love?” Raven nodded. “Just hungry and very tired, my love.” When they reached the doors that led outside, Raven made a face. “Aw hell! It’s raining! Why couldn’t it wait until we got back home?” She was not looking forward to the car ride in the rain. From the pocket of her vest, Jennie brought out Raven’s iPod and ear buds. “I checked the weather report before we left and thought you might be needing these.” Raven gave Jennie a kiss and immediately put it on. “Thanks, love.” Angie and Lynn gave Jennie a quizzical look. “It’s a result of the car accident she was in and the road rage attack after it. Raven hates being in a car when it’s raining out. She can’t even drive in the rain any more.” Lynn nodded in understanding. “Good to know, Jennie. I’ll go get the car. Angie, stay alert.” “Always, my friend.” She kept a close eye on the people going in and out of the building and the various vehicles in the parking lot. Jennie kept an arm around Raven, feeling the trembling. Lyta leaned against the wall to give Nicole a break from holding her up. “Think I’ll ask Reg to make some scrambled eggs, sausage, toast, and coffee. Maybe enough for two helpings.” Lyta grinned at the look on Nicole’s face. “What? I’m starving, Nickie. Need to build my strength back up.” “Just don’t overdue things, Lyta.” Nicole thought for a moment. “I think you and Raven should stay in our room one more night, then she can go back to her own room and bed.” Jennie nodded. “Do you think they need to be kept under constant watch now?” Lynn pulled up and Nicole opened the back passenger door, helping Lyta get inside. “No. I think we’ll only need to look in on them occasionally. I have the feeling after they eat breakfast, both will be sleeping for a few hours.” After helping Raven get in the car, Jennie got in beside her. Once everyone was inside, Lynn headed for home. Entering the house, Raven stopped and stared. “Holy crap! What happened to the carpeting?” Eve looked up from the roll she was tying off. “No one told you?” Raven shook her head as she moved further into the room so the others could enter. “Why are you taking out the carpeting?” Jennie came up behind her, resting a hand on her shoulder. “Love, it’s the best way to get rid of the bloodstains.” She quietly said. “Oh. Ok.” Raven studied the area that no longer had the carpeting and padding. “Huh. I kind of like it without the carpeting.” “We put little furniture slider thingies on the legs of the sofa, the recliners, the tables, and everything else that can be moved around. It will protect the wood floor from scraping and scratches.” Bryan added as he used a strangely curved blade to cut up a section of carpet into smaller pieces. “From what we can tell, only a little blood seeped through the carpet and padding. Shouldn’t be too hard to clean up.” Eve finished what she was doing, then started rolling up another cut section. Lyta moved to stand beside Raven. “Come on, little sister. Let’s see about some food.” Reg came out of the kitchen. “What would the two of you like to eat?” He was pleased to see them both up and moving around, but was concerned with how weak and pale the two were. “Scrambled eggs and sausage!” Lyta shouted, before Nicole could say otherwise. Reg glanced at Raven who nodded. “Same for me, Reg, if you please. Also coffee, toast, and pineapple juice. Nicole motioned to Raven and Lyta to follow her. “Let’s go, ladies. Time to get the two of you back in bed before you fall on your faces. With no carpeting on the floor, you might find the experience a bit painful.” Heaving sighs, Raven and Lyta followed Nicole to the bedroom and got back into bed. Leaning back against the pillows, Raven closed her eyes for a while. Without opening her eyes, she knew Jennie was standing nearby. She recognized the faint smell of body wash and the shampoo that Jennie used. “Jennie, could you bring me my notebooks, the papers, and the journal? Figure while I’m stuck here in bed I should work on translating the runes.” Jennie smiled. “How did you know I was here?” “The body wash and the shampoo you use. I love the scent on you.” Raven grinned and opened her eyes. “Then I better hope they never stop making those particular scents, since you like them so much.” She leaned over and kissed Raven. “I’ll get the items for you. Are you sure you’re up to working on them?” “Have to get it done, love.” She closed her eyes again. “I’ll be glad when I don’t feel so tired and rung out.” “Same here. I’ll be back in a few minutes.” She promised. Nicole eyed Lyta who was grinning. “You, hush.” “What? I didn’t say a thing!” Her grin nearly split her face. “Don’t forget, my love, I can read your mind.” Nicole kissed her on the cheek. “The two of you stay out of trouble.” “What kind of trouble can we get into? There’s not even a dart board to throw things at.” Lyta asked as Nicole left the room. Raven shrugged. “Have no idea, Lyta.” Lyta watched Raven for a moment. “Little sister, am I right in guessing that you’ve been having bad dreams too, since you healed me?” Raven opened her eyes and looked over at her friend. “Yes.” “D-do you see shadowy figures that make you cold when they get near you?” Raven nodded. “I have the feeling if any of those shadows ever touch me, it’s going to cause trouble.” “You think we should write down what we experienced?” Lyta didn’t want to remember what happened, but it might be important later on. “Might be a good idea, Lyta.” Raven ran her fingers through her hair. “I don’t like thinking about what I went through, but every bit could be important to understanding the ring and what I did.” “After breakfast then.” Reggie came into the room carrying a tray. Nicole followed behind with another, and Jennie brought up the rear with the notebooks, papers, and journal. He placed the tray on Raven’s lap. “I added a package of pop tarts too.” Raven inhaled deeply, nearly drooling at the aroma of eggs, sausage, and a hot mug of coffee. “Thanks, Reg. It smells excellent.” She picked up a fork and cut up the sausages before starting on the eggs. Lyta was devouring her breakfast at a record pace, and Nicole shook her head. “Lyta, slow down before you choke on something! No one is going to take it away until you finish.” She slowed down. “Sorry, Nickie, but I’m so hungry right now.” She drank some of her coffee, savoring the taste. “Now that’s a thousand times better than a cup of tea.” Nicole chuckled. “While the two of you eat, I need to write up your medical reports and Jennie has some things she wants to take care of around the house.” Reggie headed for the door. “For lunch, I’ll whip up a stack of ham sandwiches for the two of you.” He saluted them both and left the room. When they finished eating, both settled back to enjoy the rest of their coffee. Lyta sighed in contentment. “It’s kind of nice to be waited on hand and foot for a while. But already I’m itching to be moving around and doing something. Unfortunately, my body is saying you need to rest more.” Raven finished her mug of coffee, setting it back on the tray. “I know exactly how you feel, Lyta.” Raven closed her eyes. “Can’t believe I’m ready to fall asleep again.” Lyta nodded. “Same here. Sleep well, Raven.” She closed her eyes. “You too, Lyta.” When Nicole and Jennie came back, they found their loved ones sound asleep. Nicole watched them for a moment, smiling. “They look so peaceful, don’t they?” Jennie picked up the tray that Raven had used. “Yes. I hope they don’t have any dreams. Raven didn’t give me any details, but she’s been having bad dreams since she saved Lyta.” “I hope she plans on writing them down, along with what she went through in healing Lyta. It might give us clues in how to help them.” Nicole took up Lyta’s tray. “They’ll probably sleep until one or so. That should give the two of us plenty of time to take care of the things we need to.” Nodding, Jennie followed her friend from the bedroom, gently closing the door behind her. Lyta started running as the shadow beings chased her. ‘Keep the hell away from me!’ She shouted over her shoulder. ‘Not sure how much further I can run, but I can’t stop!’ She put on another burst of speed, then cast a glance over her shoulder. ‘Finally! They’re falling behind.’ She slowed her pace, but didn’t stop. ‘Just wish I knew where the hell I’m going. There’s no landmarks, buildings, or anything else to tell me where I am.’ The sound of flapping wings caught her attention and she looked up. Circling overhead was a raven with a silvery glow surrounding it. The bird went into a slight dive and landed on Lyta’s left shoulder. The moment it made contact with her, Lyta found herself in a strange garden. It was dark out, yet the flowers there were all in bloom and seemed to glow with a silvery light. ‘Now where am I?’ Lyta walked around the place, the raven content to remain on her shoulder. ‘I don’t suppose you can tell me where I am?’ She asked the bird as she reached a marble bench. ‘This is the place where the Guide meets with me.’ Raven stepped forward, a raven sitting on her left shoulder. She took a seat on the bench. Lyta sat beside her, shaking her head. ‘Raven, what the hell’s going on? First I was being chased by those shadowy creatures, then this raven turns up, and I end up here.’ ‘I wish I knew, my friend.’ Raven reached up to scratch the raven on her shoulder. ‘For some reason, the ravens protect us from those shadow beings.’ ‘Are we sharing the same dream, little sister?’ Lyta asked, a touch of awe in her voice. ‘We won’t know that until we wake up and compare notes.’ Raven grinned. ‘Welcome to my world, Lyta Dinet. I have the feeling this is only the beginning of new and strange things.’ Raven got to her feet, took three steps, and disappeared. Just before she vanished, the raven on her shoulder looked back at Lyta and winked. Shaking her head at the strangeness of it all, Lyta stood and walked in the same direction Raven had taken. The raven on her shoulder, nibbled at her ear before it flew off and Lyta woke up. Sitting up, Lyta rubbed her face with her hands. “Hells bells! That was the strangest dream yet!” She muttered. Raven chuckled. “I wish I could have a garden like that in the back yard. Can you imagine what it would look like under a full moon?” Lyta turned to stare at her. “We did share that part of the dream, didn’t we?” Nodding, Raven sighed. “Please don’t ask me what it means, Lyta. I have no answers to give you.” She thought for a moment. “I think those ravens protect us somehow.” “That’s an interesting thought, but it makes sense for some strange reason.” Raven looked around the bedroom. “I need to go to bathroom.” She swung her legs over the side of the bed and started to stand. “So far, so good. Let’s see if I can make it to the door without falling.” Lyta crossed her arms on her chest. “You do realize that either Nicole or Jennie are going to appear before you reach the bathroom.” “Sounds about right. But I’m not about to announce to the entire house that I have to go to the bathroom.” Raven made her way around the bed, every once in a while stopping and leaning against it. “A few more steps and I’ll reach the door.” After opening the bedroom door, Raven rested for a moment against the door frame. “Wish me luck, Lyta.” “Good luck, little sister. Oh, if you do run into Nicole or Jennie, would you tell them I have to use the bathroom?” Lyta gave her young friend a smile. “Yep.” Walking close to the wall of the hall way, Raven finally reached her goal. Shutting the door behind her, she leaned against the wall for a moment. “Shit! Can’t believe how tiring that little walk was.” She muttered as she proceeded to take care of business. When she was finished and started walking out of the bathroom, she nearly ran into Jennie. “Hey, Jen. Funny meeting you here.” Raven gave her a tired smile. Jennie shook her head. “You look like hell, love. Let’s get you back to bed.” Jennie put an arm around her to give her support. “What made you decide to walk to the bathroom without help?” Leaning against her love, Raven sighed. “I had to go, Jen, and I didn’t know when you or Nickie would come back to the bedroom.” “Hmm. Maybe we should get some walkie-talkies or something.” Jennie smiled. “It would be better than shouting, ‘Hey! I need to take a piss!” Raven grinned. Jennie laughed as she helped Raven back into the bedroom. Nicole was there helping Lyta to stand. “I see you found our missing patient.” “Yes, she was just coming out of the bathroom.” Jennie rearranged the pillows behind Raven. “I’ll be glad when I can take a shower. A sponge bath is ok, but no substitute for a shower.” Raven picked up the notebooks looking for the one she used to record her dreams. Jennie took a seat in the chair next to the bed. “I can set up the shower bench for you tomorrow.” “Ok.” It took Raven a moment to find a pen to write with. “Figure it’s time to write down what happened yesterday and about the dreams I’ve been having since then.” She rubbed her stomach. “I’m also starting to get a hungry. What time is it?” Jennie glanced at the clock on Lyta’s night stand. “Nearly noon.” “What is everyone else doing?” Raven was feeling more alert mentally, but her body was still recovering from what she had done. “Scott, Bruce, Eve, and Bryan are busy filling the U-Haul truck they’ve rented for the next four days. Lynn wants to get everyone settled into the new house as soon as possible.” Jennie reached out and smoothed the hair back from Raven’s forehead. “Love, you look so much better than last night. You really had me scared when you took so long to wake up.” Raven reached out, taking her love’s hands in both of hers. “I-I think I got lost, my love. But it was the memory of you that helped me find my way back.” Raven kissed her hands. “I think Nicole is right, you are my anchor.” Jennie leaned over and kissed Raven on the lips. “I’ll be glad when you’re back in our bedroom, Raven. I miss you.” “I’m looking forward to it as well, Jen.” Raven released her hands and picked up her notebook and pen. “I better get writing while it’s still fresh in my mind.” “I’ll see about bringing you some lunch. Would you mind if I joined you?” “I’d be disappointed if you didn’t, Jen.” Raven gave her a smile. “Hurry back, love.” “I will.” Jennie rushed from the room, smiling. Nicole and Lyta came back into the room, both grinning. “Raven, what did you say to Jennie? She looks very happy.” Nicole settled Lyta back in bed, covering her with a light weight blanket. “Just asked her to have lunch with me.” Raven continued writing, not wanting to stop until her lunch arrived. Lyta’s expression brightened. “Nickie, would have lunch with me?” She grinned. “I’d ask you to do something else, but that will have to wait until we have the room to ourselves again.” Nicole lightly cuffed Lyta then kissed her. “Lunch it is, my love. Let’s see, you wanted more of that broth, right?” “You bring me any of that broth and you’ll be wearing it, Nicole Johnson.” “Very well, ham sandwich it is.” Nicole left the room. Lyta put her hands behind her head, sighing in contentment. “Felt a little stronger this time. Hopefully tomorrow I’ll be able to make it to the bathroom on my own.” Raven nodded as she finished writing up what had happened after Lyta had been shot and what she had done. Setting the notebook aside, she glanced at her friend. “Tomorrow morning I’ll move back to my bedroom, then you and Nickie can spend some quality time together.” “Thanks, Raven. I need to talk over some things with Nicole. I know she’s upset about my being shot and nearly dying. She needs to talk it out.” Lyta sighed. “She tries to hide what she’s feeling, but I can see it in her eyes.” Raven nodded. “Jennie was the same way after the car accident and attack. She even attended therapy for a while to get over the worst of what she was feeling.” Jennie and Nicole entered the bedroom carrying trays with enough food for four people. “Reggie made cake. Chocolate with chocolate frosting.” Jennie informed them as she walked around to Raven’s side of the bed. “The four of us got the first four pieces.” “Mmmmm. Chocolate. Maybe I’ll eat the cake before the sandwich.” Raven said as she rubbed her hands together. The Ravenwyng Chronicles copyright 2013 Anna M Dobritt
Posted on: Thu, 25 Jul 2013 00:04:24 +0000
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