CHAPTER NINETY-ONE
(part two)

“I just…”

Blane wrapped the towel around his trim waist. Heather fussed with Mack to keep having to admit her sadness.

“Delphie told me today that you and I are soul mates,” Blane said.

Heather’s head jerked up.

“It sounds crazy,” he said. “But she says there are types of soul mates that aren’t lovers or romantically involved or whatever we’re doing. She said your soul and my soul are linked. We’re supposed to be together, to make a family together. That’s why it took one conversation on a plane and we’ve been happy ever since. You’re happy, right?”

“Very happy,” Heather said. “That’s the problem. I’m terrified it will go away. You’ll get together with Enrique and I’ll…”

“I’m not going anywhere. Do you want to go anywhere?”

Heather shook her head.

“I’ve never been this happy,” Blane said. “I’ve been at that hospital all weekend. Before you and Mack came along, I was completely alone. Even with Sam and Val and Jake and everyone else, you make my family. If I get involved with someone else, he’ll just have to deal with that. You and I are soul mates. Does that feel true?”

“Delphie told me we were meant to be together on the plane,” Heather said. “She just seemed so odd that I…”

“She’s much odder now that she’s convinced that she’s dead. She won’t speak directly to anyone but Sam and Jake. She makes commentary to the rest of us. ‘Oh Jake, you know Blane and Heather are soul mates.’ It’s pretty odd.”

Heather nodded.

“Are you depressed?”

“I don’t think so,” Heather said. “I’m tired.”

“It’s a lot – a newborn and all this drama. Do we have Molly’s kids again today?”

“No, Pete and Aden are moving to Canon City this afternoon. Molly’s home with them.”

“I can stay home today…”

“No, go. Jake wouldn’t ask for help if he didn’t really need it,” Heather said. “They’ve been really amazing since Mack was born.”

“Why don’t I make some brownies before I go?”

“On the diet again,” Heather shook her head. “I’m still have twenty pounds to lose.”

“Tell you what,” he said. “Tomorrow, we’ll workout together. Running, lifting, only healthy food. But today I’ll make you…”

“Chocolate cake?”

“Coming right up,” he said. “Can you take it easy today? Watch movies and hang out with Mack?”

“He’s not too much work,” she nodded.

“Should I call the girls?”

“No, you’re right. I just need a break.”

He nodded. Sitting on their bed, she followed him into their bedroom and watched him get dressed.

“Do you want to move back into your bedroom?” she asked. “You’re not sick anymore and Mack…”

“No,” Blane said. “I’m happier than I’ve ever been in my entire life. Do you want your own bedroom?”

She shook her head.

“Let it rest, Heather,” he said. “Everything is fine. Come on, let’s make a cake.”

He picked up Mack’s bassinette and carried it to the kitchen. They settled him on the counter and laughed their way through making a cake. Blane frosted one layer of cake in the pan. He gave her the frosted warm cake.

“I never did this for Enrique,” he said. “I would only let him have a completed project. No samples. You get anything you ask for. Ask me and it’s yours.”

“Do you love me?”

“I do,” he said.

“Oh, really?” she blushed.

“Yes,” he said. “Do you love me?”

“Yes, a lot,” she said. Her eyes welled with tears.

“And sex?”

“Not since we tried it that time,” she gave him a watery smile. “Too weird.”

“Weird is a word for it,” he laughed.

“But…”

“No buts. Let’s just enjoy it.”

“No buts.” She nodded.

He held her tight, kissed her cheek, squeezed her hand then went out the door. Heather smiled.

Everything was fine. She was loved. She was happy. He was happy. She’d just have to get used to it.

Denver Cereal continues tomorrow…

CHAPTER NINETY-ONE
(part one)

Sunday — 11:16 A.M.

“Heather!”

Blane yelled as he ran in the house. Slamming the door, he ran toward where he could hear her voice.

“Heather?”

“We’re in here,” she said.

He jogged toward the den off the kitchen. Heather was sitting in a rocking chair with Mack on her shoulder.

“Hi,” she said. “How are you?”

“Missed you guys,” Blane said. “Can I?”

“Sure.”

Standing, Heather held Mack out to him. Impulsively, Blane hugged them both. Heather laughed. He kissed her cheek then took Mack from her. Mack made a happy sound in recognition of Blane. He kissed Mack’s face then settled him on his shoulder.

“What’s going on?” she asked.

“I’ve been at the hospital with Sam and…. I’m just happy to have you guys.” He smiled at her. “That’s all.”

She hugged him.

“Sorry you missed church,” Blane said.

“Mack and I went with the girls. We just got back,” Heather said. “He was an angel.”

“You fed him before you went?”

“In the car. Like his Mama, he’s happy with a full belly,” Heather laughed. “Can I get you something?”

“No, I’m just home for a shower. I have to help Jake today. Does that work for you?”

“Of course,” Heather said.

“Jake’s has a big mess today. The sites were closed yesterday and the Castle’s falling down and… Oh it doesn’t matter.”

Blane kissed Mack’s cheek and held his arm out for Heather. She tucked herself into him.

“How’s Delphie?” Heather asked.

“She still thinks she’s dead,” Blane said. “If we weren’t so freaked out for her, it would be pretty funny. She comes home tomorrow.”

“Are you working at the Castle?”

Blane nodded. Shifting away, he gave Mack back to her.

“I should keep moving. Let’s have dinner tonight,” he said. “Just us. I’ll make something yummy.”

“It’s a date,” Heather said.

“You’re sure you’re all right? You seem a little blue.”

“There was a note from Enrique when I got back,” Heather said.

“Oh? What did it say?” Blane asked.

He pointed up the stairs to the shower. She followed him up.

“I didn’t open it,” she said.

“Go ahead.”

While he got ready to shower, she and Mack went back downstairs to get Enrique’s note. He was in the shower when she returned.

“He says that he’s been sober for four days. He moved out of his house and Calvin is moving out at the end of the month. He starts with a therapist tomorrow.”

“Anything else?” Blane asked.

“He loves you,” she said.

“Why would a note from Enrique make you blue?”

“Oh,” Heather said. “What am I going to do when you and Enrique get back together?”

“You’re my wife,” Blane said. “He’s my past. I don’t get the conflict.”

“You wouldn’t,” Heather said. She was halfway down the stairs when he caught up with her.

“Hey! Don’t do that,” he said. “Please. We don’t do this. We’re honest, say what’s on our minds. We don’t play these games.”

She nodded. Naked and dripping water, he took her hand and led her back to the bathroom. He pointed to the toilet and she sat down. She settled Mack in her arms while he finished showering. She gave him a towel when he stepped out of the shower.

“What’s going on?” Blane asked.

“I’m feeling sorry for myself,” Heather said.

“The doctor said we should watch for post partum depression because you’ve been depressed before. Is this the same?”

“I just…”

Denver Cereal continues tomorrow…

CHAPTER NINETY
(part six)

Saturday evening — 5:45 P.M.
St. Joseph’s Hospital

“Sam.”

Or at least that’s what he thought he heard. Sam moved from the chair by Delphie’s bed to sit on the bed.

“I’m here,” he said.

Delphie opened then closed her eyes. Hoping she might wake up, he waited for a moment. The doctors thought she’d be awake by now. Every passing minute she remained asleep, her prognosis got worse. He sighed and moved back to his chair. He must have imagined her voice.

“Sam?” He heard five minutes later.

He moved back to the bed. Delphie’s eyes were open and she seemed alert.

“Where am I?” she whispered.

“St. Joe’s,” he said. “Do you remember what happened?’

“I remember Levi.” Delphie shivered and closed her eyes. “Awful.”

“He’s dead,” Sam said.

Delphie looked surprised.

“I’m sorry. I know how much he meant to you.”

“Did Jacob kill him?” she asked.

“Jill,” Sam said. “Although the coroner said he was riddled with cancer. He probably wouldn’t have survived the week. I’m sorry I wasn’t there to protect you. We still haven’t figured out how the security system failed.”

“I doubt it did,” she said. “He would have been able to get around it. Everything but the dogs. Can’t trick a dog. They would have kept him away. I should have remembered that. I thought they’d be happier if they went to the groomers all together than if they went by themselves.”

“They’re at home waiting for you,” Sam said.

“Home.” Delphie’s voice echoed with longing. “I’d like to be home.”

“Tomorrow or the next day,” Sam said. “You’ve been very ill.”

“I died,” she said.

“Listen,” Sam said. “I’ve had a lot of time to think and I’d really like to marry you while we still have time left.”

Delphie laughed.

“Why is that funny?”

“Because you’re Celia’s husband. What would Celia think?” Delphie asked. “Plus I like the idea of you being my super hot boyfriend. Gives me a little thrill.”

“Celia would want us to get married. You’ve told me over and over again that she wants us to be happy.”

“You are a sweet man,” Delphie said. “What I can’t figure out is why you can talk to me. Did you gain some psychic skill?”

“Me? Psychic skill? Not a chance,” Sam laughed.

“You must have gained some,” she laughed.

“Why?”

“Because I’m dead!”

Denver Cereal continues on Monday…

CHAPTER NINETY
(part five)

Saturday afternoon — 3:45 P.M.

“Are you all right?” Mike asked.

They were walking down Eighteenth Street. Delphie was still unconscious. Jacob was sitting with her while Sam went home to shower. Blane was holding down the fort in the waiting room. Mike had been bugging Valerie to eat for hours. After Blane promised to call if anything changed, she finally agreed to leave the hospital for food.

“I’d rather have dessert,” Valerie said. “If I have to eat, I’d rather have dessert.”

Valerie felt as if the roots of her very existence had been ripped from the ground. Delphie was her anchor, her long roots into the soil allowed Valerie to take risks and live. They turned down Humboldt toward Seventeenth Street.

“There’s a place here,” Mike said. “Next to Strings. D Bar. Oh crap.”

A car screeched to a halt beside them. Four paparazzi photographers jumped from the car. The camera’s whirred and the flash popped. Mike put his arm around Valerie to protect her.

“Where you going Val?”

“What’s going on Val?”

“How are the babies, Val?”

“Hey Mike, is she wearing your pants? They’re pretty big.”

“Show us your baby bump, Val!”

“Why are you in Denver, Val?”

The questions flew as fast as the flash from the cameras. She smiled and waved.

Turning on left on  Seventeenth Street, they scooted into the D Bar.

“Are they for you?” the Maitre d’ asked about the photographers.

Valerie nodded.

“Do you want them in?”

Valerie shook her head.

“Easy.”

The Matire d’ informed the photographers that they should leave. As if to accentuate her point, a Denver police cruiser pulled up in front.

“Thanks,” Mike slipped the woman a twenty dollar bill.

They were escorted to a two person table near the back. Mike held Valerie’s seat then came around to sit across from her.

“Sit next to me,” Valerie said. “Please.”

Mike moved next to her on the bench. She held his hand.

“I’m so sorry about the baby, Mike. I wanted to give you babies… a boy to play hockey with and… I….”

Her large hazel eyes filled with tears. Mike put his arm around her. He kissed her cheek. Retrieving a clean handkerchief from his pocket, he wiped her eyes. She took the handkerchief from him.

“Where did you get this?” she asked. “I made a mess of your other one.”

“Jake brought me two clean handkerchiefs,” Mike said. “Just figured I’d need them.”

Valerie gave a soft smile for her brother’s lie about his psychic abilities.

“I’m sorry about our baby too,” Mike said. “Feel caught between gratitude for the miracle that you’re alive; joy that we still have a baby girl to look forward to meeting; and heartbreak over losing our boy, our son.”

“Feels crazy,” Valerie said.

“Feels crazy,” Mike said.

“I called the producers. They are giving me next week off to be with Delphie and get checked and stuff. They want me back, but are being nice about it. My agent said they are really happy with my work.”

Mike’s big rough hand cupped her soft cheek. He smiled into her face.

“We need to sleep, recover. We’ll see our doctor on Monday,” Mike said. “I say we celebrate the short life of our son, our daughter on the way, and your precious life.”

“I need to grieve, Mike,” Valerie said. “And eat some chocolate.”

Mike signaled the waiter.

“Please bring us every chocolate dessert you have in the house,” he said. “And some water. Hot tea for Val. Something herbal. We’re pregnant.”

“Congratulations sir, ma’am. I’ll bring that right away.”

Valerie smiled.

“What?”

“I love it when you take charge,” she said.

Denver Cereal continues tomorrow…

CHAPTER NINETY
(part four)

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Jacob said. “Why didn’t you heal me?”

“When you were injured?” Jill asked. “I did. I mean, I did what I could for you. Remember the compression dressing?”

“The doctors said it saved my life.”

“It was kind of an accident with you, Honey and Katy. Today… no yesterday was the first time I’ve done it intentionally since my Dad died.” Not wanting to talk about her father, she rushed on, “It’s some genetic thing. It’s why my grandfather rose so fast in the Russian Mob. He’s supposed to be gifted. Mama thinks I’m stronger than he is, but I’ve never met him. We used to do it as kids. When my Dad went… crazy, we’d heal the bruises, broken bones and stuff. On Mama too. Sometimes I think he allowed himself to get so crazy because he knew we could heal it.”

“And the little prayer?” Jacob caressed her with the washcloth.

“Take in this healing with love, for the best use of your soul and body,” Jill said. “It’s something we said as kids. We did it yesterday out of habit, mostly.”

She tipped her head back and he kissed her lips.

“You’ve said that your powers are stronger when I’m around,” Jill said. “It’s probably this thing. Or that’s what Katy said when we were in the Chapel.”

“Katy,” Jacob said. “How is Katy?”

“Asleep, but happy. She and Paddie ate all kinds of cookies and cupcakes and chocolate. Mama said they kept everyone entertained by running in circles and giggling. They’re very happy right now.”

“So am I,” Jacob said.

For a brief moment, his heart filled with the joy of Jill. Reality dropped in a moment later. He sighed.

“Tell me about Delphie,” Jill said. “It was awful to come home and not have her here. The downstairs is a wreck. I… Tell me about Delphie.”

“She’s stable,” Jacob said. “She seems to have turned a corner or that’s what John said. There is some brain damage but they aren’t sure it wasn’t there before. It’s centered around areas of reality testing. They asked us if Delphie ever thought she ‘saw things like ghosts or spirits.’ We laughed after they left.”

“Sounds like good news,” Jill said.

“I guess so. They’ll keep her a couple days, but she should be home by Monday or Tuesday,” Jacob said. “Dad’s a wreck. He’s sure the whole thing is his fault. He says he should have killed Johansen when we saw him in Leadville.”

“He wouldn’t have survived,” Jill said.

“Probably,” Jacob said. “Do you think we’re together because…”

“Delphie told me once that people like us are drawn to each other,” Jill said. “When I was helping her, I heard her say that she tricked you into creating Katy.”

“Huh,” Jacob said. “She probably did.”

“What does that mean?”

“She was the connection to the project in California. She had a friend who wanted an ashram or something like that,” Jacob said. “Totally out of our scope and place. Val and I had to go to see it to vote against it. That’s how I got to California.”

“We should go back,” Jill said.

“We should,” Jacob said.

Standing from the tub, he grabbed a towel from the rack.

“Where are you going?” she asked.

“I only have a half hour more…” he said. Still damp, he pulled the sheets back on the bed and wagged his eyebrows at her. “You promised to heal me.”

Laughing, she hopped from the bath to follow him to the bed.

Denver Cereal continues tomorrow…

CHAPTER NINETY
(part three)

Saturday morning — 3:45 A.M.
The Castle

Jacob crept across the open loft space. Jill and her friends were asleep in the sitting area near the fireplace. The empty wine bottle and pan of brownies indicated that they had a girl’s night. Jill and Sandy were so grim when they left the hospital; he hoped the wine, brownies and company helped.

He smiled. Sound asleep, the women were draped around each other like some romantic oil painting. Jill was sitting near the end of the couch with Sandy’s head in her lap. As he approached, Sandy’s eyes opened. When Sandy shifted off Jill’s lap, Jill opened her eyes. She turned to look at Sandy and Sandy pointed to Jacob.

Jill stood to hug Jacob. Sandy gave them a wave and lay back on the couch.

“Come to bed,” Jacob whispered in Jill’s ear.

Jill nodded. He took her hand and led her across the loft. He closed their bedroom door.

“Bath or bed?” he asked.

“Bath,” she said. “How’s Delphie?”

He gave her a soft smile. He led her through their bedroom to their master bathroom where he filled the tub. He gave her the bath salts then went out. When he returned, she was waiting for him in the tub. He plucked off his clothing and stepped in across from her. His knees pressed against the tub and hers rested against his knees. He smiled. For that moment, sitting in the warm scented water with his love, everything in his world was right. He kissed the palm of her right hand in thanks.

“What’s going on?” she asked.

“Dad, Blane and Valerie are staying at the hospital,” he said. “I’m home to close Lipson for the day. I have about an hour before I have to work.”

Jill reached back to get a washcloth.

“I’d like to spend the time with you,” he said. “If that’s all right. I know your friends are here but…”

“I’d like that.”

Jill smiled one of her beautiful smiles. A flush ran all the way through him. She giggled at his reaction.

“How… I mean, when…?” he asked.

“The healing thing?” Jill asked.

Nodding, his eyes tracked the washcloth moving across Jill’s skin.

“I’ve been able to do it all my life. Everyone in my family has some healing in them. I’m the strongest or at least stronger than Mama. Mike’s not as strong as Mama, but he was able to keep those soldiers alive when they were hostages.”

“Mike?” He took the wash cloth from her. He indicated for her to twirl around. She slid between his legs. “That’s just weird. When did Mike get any healing power?”

“Ever notice how Mike never really gets hurt?” Jill asked. “He plays hockey hard, but he’s never injured. He even has all his front teeth. How many hockey goalies have all their teeth?”

“He has those scars on his head and face,” Jacob said.

Jill nodded.

“Oh, you mean, the injuries must have been very severe for him to have those scars,” Jacob said.

Jill nodded.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Jacob said. “Why didn’t you heal me?”

Denver Cereal continues tomorrow…

CHAPTER NINETY
(part two)

She’d spent the last two nights at a hospital. One night at Aden’s bedside and last night waiting for news about Delphie. Tonight, Aden was still in a medically induced coma. He and Pete would be moved to Canon City hospital ward in the morning.

And Delphie…

Sandy’s eyes welled with tears.

Somehow, Delphie had survived the horror of yesterday. Dr. John Drayson came to tell them that the surgery had gone well. He said there was extensive bleeding but somehow there was only minor brain damage. He gave Jacob a lingering look then shrugged. Dr. Drayson knew there was some funny business going on, but he was too polite, too British, to ask. He went on to explain that the doctors had filled the aneurism with platinum coils. The coils protected the area from breaking or leaking. Delphie would need follow up care for the rest of her life but she was healthy overall and should recover with minimal lingering effects.

Only Delphie’s immediate family, Jacob, Valerie, and Sam, were allowed in the ICU. They were each given five minutes before they were escorted back to the waiting room. There was nothing anyone could do for Delphie now.

Or Aden for that matter.

Except wait.

And pray.

Jill and Sandy promised each other they would go to the Cathedral today to light candles for Delphie and Aden. Maybe the Holy Mother would save them. Sandy never felt all that confident in the Holy Mother’s abilities. Still, she felt better when she asked Mary to help her. Maybe Mary would help Delphie and Aden if Sandy got Jill to ask.

Sandy sighed again.

She needed to get to the Castle. Noelle and Nash were waiting for her. She was supposed to follow Jill home when she took this detour. She had needed a moment to herself in her wonderful home.

And some Tagalogs.

Sandy looked inside the box hoping there were twenty hidden cookies inside. She shook the empty box and set it down.

“Mother Mary,” Sandy said out loud. “Please help the ones I love to recover.”

The peaceful silence of her beloved condo echoed back to her. She almost expected Cleo, her black and white cat, to jump up on her lap.

But Cleo, and the children were at the Castle, where Sandy should be. She was grateful for a moment of peace.

“Mother Mary, thank you for sparing Delphie and Valerie and Aden and Pete. Thank you for helping me survive to see these busy days.”

Sandy felt a little better. She was grateful Delphie, Valerie, Aden and Pete survived. She was grateful she survived everything. She just wished she had a few more cookies. Her cell phone rang with the latest Miley Cyrus ringtone courtesy of Noelle. Shaking her head at the ringtone, Sandy answered.

“Hey Jill,” she said. “I wanted to change the sheets before Lizzie comes tomorrow. I know when I sleep, I’ll sleep all day. She’s supposed to be here in the morning.”

“Elizabethe,” Jill exaggerated the ‘beeth’ then laughed.

“Yeah,” Sandy said. “Her.”

Standing from the couch, she gave her condo one last look. She shoved the empty box of cookies and moved toward the door.

“The girls are here,” Jill said. “Heather brought the lovely Mack. He’s sound asleep. Can you believe it? He didn’t wake up in the ride over. Remember how Katy was when she was this age?”

“She didn’t sleep more than an hour until she was almost two,” Sandy laughed at her own memory of Katy’s infancy. “Didn’t want to miss anything. That’s Katy.”

“Heather says after the evening run, he sleeps until 3 A.M.”

“Wow,” Sandy said. “Maybe I’ll get lucky like that.”

“What?” Jill said to the voices in the background.

“We’re wondering if you will make us some…”

Jill put her hand over the phone. Sandy heard her ask, “What do we want?” She heard Heather and Tanesha say something. Jill laughed in response.

“Mostly we just want you to come home,” Jill said. “We’re in the loft. Noelle and Nash are crashed out in the guest bedroom. Cleo’s looking for you.”

“I’ll be right there,” Sandy said.

She closed the door to her home and went down the hall.

Denver Cereal continues tomorrow….

CHAPTER NINETY
(part one)

Saturday morning — 1:20 A.M.

Sandy opened the door to her condo apartment and took a deep breath. She’d always loved the smell of her very own home. Even after being closed up for so many weeks, her home still smelled safe. That’s how she had felt first time she’d stepped into the condo – safe and at peace. She sighed. She needed safety and peace this morning.

Tomorrow, her Godfather’s daughter would move into the condo for the summer. Seth hadn’t asked. Instead, his daughter Elizabethe (not Lizzie like she used to be called) had telephoned and begged her for a room in her condo. Now eighteen years old, Seth’s second daughter from his second marriage wanted to see if she could forge a relationship with her father the summer before she started college. Sandy had agreed to let her stay for three hundred dollars a month. Of course, Sandy had set the terms when she thought she had access to Aden’s money to help cover their expenses.

Luckily she liked to work. But not today. At the hospital last night, she’d called all her scheduled clients to cancel their appointments. Today, she would sleep until two, maybe three.

Sandy checked the guest bedroom where Lizzie, no Elizabethe, would stay. She put fresh sheets on the bed and made sure all of the kids’ stuff was out of the closets and cabinets.

Delphie had been to the condo when Sandy was in the hospital after getting shot by her father. Delphie had packed up Sandy’s clothing, cleared out the refrigerator, and got the flat ready for Sandy’s stay at the Castle. She’d even arranged for Rosa and her team to clean the condo top to bottom. Looking around her home, Sandy saw tokens of Delphie’s usual love and care.

Delphie. Beloved Delphie.

Sandy felt too tired, too raw, to continue thinking about the woman. Instead, she checked the refrigerator out of habit. She took a box of Girl Scout cookies from the freezer and sat down on her couch. She was already late to see the kids. They would have to wait another fifteen minutes while Sandy ate a few frozen Tagalogs in peace.

For a moment, Sandy missed her old carefree life. A year ago, she was single, able to do what she wanted, and unencumbered. She hadn’t met Noelle or Nash, the children who now thought of her as their mother. She hadn’t been on even one date with Aden, her baby’s father, current resident of the Colorado Department of Corrections hospital ward. She wasn’t a business owner and she had plenty of spare money.

She was free last year.

On a night like tonight, Sandy might have gone clubbing or spent the evening with a handsome man for dinner, drinks, and an uncomplicated romp. She might have had a girl’s night of drinks, make up, and laughter with Jill, Heather and Tanesha. Or she just as easily could have spent the entire night trying to perfect the flaky crust of a delicate French pastry.

But this morning, she was pregnant, exhausted, and late to get her boyfriend’s children from her best friend’s mother. Sandy put her sore feet on the table and leaned into the couch’s comforting embrace.

She’d spent the last two nights at a hospital. One night at Aden’s bedside and last night waiting for news about Delphie. Tonight, Aden was still in a medically induced coma. He and Pete would be moved to Canon City hospital ward in the morning.

And Delphie…

Sandy’s eyes welled with tears.

Denver Cereal continues tomorrow…

CHAPTER EIGHTY-NINE
(part six)

Crying, Valerie took Jill’s place at Delphie’s head. Valerie caressed Delphie’s head and hair. She kissed Delphie’s cheek and pressed her own face to the cool skin.

“She’s breathing,” Valerie said through her tears. “Oh God, she’s breathing.”

“What are we going to do with…?” Jacob said over Johansen’s body.

“Children,” Anjelika said.

Jill moved to Johansen’s body. Sitting down, she placed her hands on his head. The wound, created by the hockey stick, diminished leaving only small gash where he’d hit the floor. His shoulder healed to full use.

“Go,” Anjelika said.

Steve and Candy touched Johansen’s body. Mike and Megan followed.

“What are you doing?” Jacob asked Jill.

“We’re releasing the negative effects of the healing into his body,” Jill said. “For every positive energy, like healing, there is a negative energy, like illness. If we dabble in one, we get the other. Rather than take it into our own bodies, we are releasing it into his.”

“Your turn, Jill,” Anjelika said.

Jill put her hands on Johansen’s abdomen.

“You will tell them that this man entered your home and took Delphie hostage,” Anjelika said to Jacob. “You believe he’s a friend or old friend of Delphie’s but you don’t know. You confronted him. He fought with you, breaking everything, then blew up the Chapel. Startled by his own explosion, he collapsed and hit his head. When he did, Delphie screamed that her head hurt and fainted. He might have done something to her, but you’re not sure.”

“That’s it?” Jacob asked.

He bent down to help Jill to standing. He wrapped her in his arms.

“Yes,” Anjelika said. “Delphie will need a hospital and surgery.”

“And Val?” Mike asked.

“She should be all right, but you need to do what makes sense to you.”

“I’d rather stay with Delphie,” Valerie said.

“Get cleaned up,” Anjelika ordered. “Go now.”

Mike helped Valerie to her feet. They ran toward the door and up the stairs to Jacob’s bachelor studio. Not two minutes later, the Denver police ran into through the Castle through the side entrance. The paramedics arrived moments later. After stabilizing Delphie in the living room, she was off to St. Joseph’s with Valerie at her side.

The Police department’s noise and confusion brought Sandy and the kids from the tunnels. Jill and Sandy took Noelle, Nash, Paddie and Katy upstairs to the loft. Jill’s family arrived moments later. Anjelika and Sandy set to work on a pot of chili and corn scones. Dinner was almost ready when Valerie called from the hospital.

Mike had asked their friend Dr. John Drayson to act as their liaison. Dr. Drayson said the doctors had diagnosed Delphie’s aneurism. The aneurism was significant and on the verge of bursting. They must operate immediately or Delphie would surely die. As it was, her chances of surviving the surviving were limited. Dr. Drayson agreed to attend the surgery to keep them apprised on what happened.

When Anjelika agreed to stay with the children, the rest of the group left for a long night at the hospital. Sam arrived just after they descended on the OR waiting room.

Unaware of all that had gone on that day, Sam said: “I told her to take care of her blood pressure”  then broke down. Jacob and Valerie held their father until Sam was able to regain some control. Blane arrived moments later with warm turkey sandwiches, fresh chocolate chip cookies, and coffee. The group ate and waited.

No one dared mentioning the obvious. Delphie had always waited in these rooms for them. Delphie was there for every operation, broken bone, or illness. With her prayers, spells and incantations, Delphie was their cornerstone of hope for every hospital visit. With her crazy bottle red hair tied up in a knot, Delphie would say, ‘No need to fret. The Goddess loves us.’

Now Delphie’s life hung in the balance.

Together, Jacob, Jill, Sam, Valerie, Mike, Blane, and Sandy waited through the night for news from the surgery suite.

Denver Cereal continues on Monday…

CHAPTER EIGHTY-NINE
(part five)

The siblings funneled all of their capacities into Jill.

And it still wasn’t enough.

“Are you ready, Jilly?” Jill heard.

She nodded. Her mother, Anjelika grabbed Delphie’s feet. Mike and Candy touched her mother’s shoulders. The family made a healing circle around Delphie’s prone body.

The power surge was tremendous. Jill could almost smell her senses burn like bread left too long in the toaster. Her ears roared with the sound of Delphie’s blood and the power pouring through her body. Jill held on tight.

She felt the tide shift. The blood began to seep backward. The torn artery began to heal.

“We must stop,” Anjelika yelled. “The police are on their way.”

Two at a time, her siblings let go. Mike and Candy first. Megan and Steve next.

“1-2-3,” Anjelika yelled.

Anjelika and Jill let go at the same time. They rose to standing. Anjelika took Mike and Candy’s hands. Jill took Steve and Megan’s hands. Steve took Mike’s hand and Megan completed the circle by taking Candy’s hand.

“Take in this healing with love, for the best use of your soul and body,” they said in unison.

Crying, Valerie took Jill’s place at Delphie’s head. Valerie caressed Delphie’s head and hair. She kissed Delphie’s cheek and pressed her own face to the cool skin.

“She’s breathing,” Valerie said through her tears. “Oh God, she’s breathing.”

Denver Cereal continues tomorrow….