“Don’t think you’re getting that shit done,” Lex threatens her.
“Whatever. You’ll be thanking me later.” Charlie face-palms Lex and takes a seat in front of Clarice.
From past knowledge, I know that Charlie’s mother is a believer in all this clairvoyant and mind-reading stuff. Though, in my opinion, I think it did more harm than good. Charlie’s mom would constantly tell her Lex was no good for her. As much as Charlie is strong-willed, it did affect her ability to forgive Lex for abandoning her.
“I see a man who worships you—” Clarice is interrupted by Lex.
“No shit.”
Clarice shoots Lex an annoyed glance. “You’re very passionate about helping others. I see your line of work moving toward that.”
Charlie looks at Eric. They seem to have an understanding, but it’s nothing new, really. I mean it’s easy to generalize, and you can interpret it however you want.
“You have had a troubled past. I see a man who means a lot to you. He helped you in many ways.”
Oh shit. Lex’s palm that was resting on the coffee table clenches into a ball, his knuckles stark white. I don’t want to look at him, but the grinding of his teeth is enough of an indication that he’s angry as hell.
Clarice has to be referring to Julian. Okay, what was that you just told yourself about generalizing?
“This man. He returns, but not to hurt you. You must understand that.”
He was returning—he has returned.
So, it’s a coincidence, right?
Why the fuck am I listening to this shit!
Charlie refuses to look at Lex, focusing entirely on Clarice. The room is dead quiet, Clarice closing her eyes and tight-lipped, followed by a shrill of laughter.
“You’re constantly tired, but for a reason. Your energy is redirected to others. Perhaps children. I see this expanding. It’s unexpected and causes issues within your marriage.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me!” Lex exhales.
“Oh, hell no.” Charlie shakes her head.
Lex is mumbling under his breath until Clarice tells him to be quiet. We sit in silence once again but this time for ages. Clarice opens her eyes and stares directly at Charlie. They hold each other’s gaze for moments on end. “I feel a presence coming through.”
The room suddenly gets darker, or perhaps that’s my paranoia, and all eyes are fixated on Clarice.
“This person was close to you, but only for a short time. She checks on you often when you need it most.” Clarice talks about inner peace within ourselves and forgiving our past decisions that continue to burden us.
Charlie is trying her best to contain her emotions. I move and sit by her side, placing my arm around her. Tears fall down her cheeks, but she doesn’t sob nor does she wipe them with her hand. Charlie’s grandmother, who I assume is the person coming through, speaks through Clarice and says things that Charlie acknowledges are of truth.
&nb
sp; Her turn is over, and Lex softens up, scooping a distraught Charlie into his arms.
Seriously, who does this lady think she is? I move toward Tristan on the couch as she bows her head. She starts to talk out loud, and I don’t realize it’s directed to me.
“There’s someone else coming through… his presence is strong.” She motions for me to sit, and I have no idea why I do. My body moves of its own accord. Her stare is so deep and penetrating, it intimidates me.
I’m terrified.
What does she mean ‘his’ presence is coming through?
Is it Elijah?
“I see a painting of apples. The apples are bright red, and the rest of the painting is black and white.”