Chapter 11: Silent Journey

Chapter 11: Silent Journey

Rachel departed on the same truck that was carrying a new load of fish. She figured it would go back from where they came, and if it didn't, what did it even matter?

The trip was long and depressing. There was no grey sky above the yellow fields, bringing out the richness of their colors. Instead the sky was a clear blue with not a cloud to amuse her.

When they finally arrived to the market, Rachel jumped out and followed the familiar trial to the park. It felt like months since she'd been here. Not caring whether or not she'd get stuck in her old roots again, Rachel made her way to the big oak overlooking the bright blue lake.

Sitting under the oak, she watched the squirrels scamper up trees and hoard nuts. A man passed by her, bearing a close resemblance to Sedrick. That only made her more upset.

Most of the noises going on around her were paid no attention to. That is until she heard a cut-off cry. It was a particularly disturbing noise and sent a cold shiver though her.

Although there was an occasional couple sitting on the bench near her, or a rare passerby like the man a few minutes ago, the big oak and land surrounding it was usually deserted. It was on the far side of the park and the mosquitoes were ferocious. So it somewhat made sense that no one had noticed this huge man in a blue striped shirt - carrying a little girl with his hand pressed against her mouth to muffle her cries.

The man looked mean and his eyes hid behind small glasses - too small for his face. His hair was a mess and his blue shorts had bleach stains on them. The little girl wore a bright pink summer dress and a duck yellow sweater with one long sleeve dangling below her.

The man quickly strode to the big oak and Rachel scrambled out of their way. As the man laid the girl under the oak - hand still cupped over her mouth, Rachel remembered why he looked so familiar. The girl had tears welling up in her big blue eyes as the man ripped off the rest of her sweater.

Rachel knew instantly what was happening and ran from the tree to find some help. But what could a ghost do? Was there a way to catch someone's attention while being invisible?

As if by some miracle, she spotted Luke coming near the waters edge. He was wearing his beige hat, the one his cousins threw in the river when Rachel first saw him. Like a bullet she ran towards him and flung it off his head. She held it close to the ground and carried it towards the big oak, hoping it would look like the wind was carrying it. Luke chased after it, hardly noticing there wasn't any wind blowing.

It took a moment for him to grasp what he saw when he approached the large tree. The man still had his hand on the girl's mouth and seemed to have trouble getting her to stop squirming. Thankfully, nothing had happened yet. Luke yelled, "Hey!" And the man turned with panic in his eyes.

He let go of the girl and started to run, but Luke caught up to him and tackled him to the ground.

The man tried to speak but Luke couldn't make anything of it. Suddenly, and weakly, the man punched Luke in the eye.

Luke didn't lose his grip and pinned the man down with fury. He grabbed a rock by his side and hit the man over the head. The man wasn't moving and his glasses had been thrown somewhere among the leaves.

Luke stood up, a little shocked but also relieved and hurried to the girl who cradled herself under the tree.

"Are you okay? Did he hurt you?"

She didn't say anything but cried and Luke hugged her. He picked her up gently.

"Where are your parents? Are they in the park?"

She shook her head and he looked around. A park officer was on the other side of the park, talking to a woman.

"That man over there will help us," Luke reassured her. He shifted her to a piggy back position and she held tightly onto his neck as he left the oak and Rachel behind.

Rachel smiled, glad she'd helped. There was a rustling noise beside her. The man was blindly feeling around for his glasses. He felt them and got up quickly. A small stream of blood was dripping off his brow as he put on his glasses and retreated into the woods.

His longtime victim, whose life he’d taken, watched him go without any feeling of hatred.

"Rachel." Sedrick's voice came from behind her.

“Sedrick!” Rachel turned and ran into his arms joyfully. “You didn't say goodbye!"

"I'm sorry."

He smiled down at her, "So you know how you died?"

"I do. And I remember my parents too. I remember everything!"

"Then that's it, you're free! And I'm here to take you to freedom."

Rachel smiled, "Can I see my parents first?"

"No," he answered sternly. "No we have to go. You'll see them later."

"But I want to see them now," she pleaded.

"Soon enough Rachel. You've got to be patient."

"Who was that woman that took you away?"

"My wife, Shelly. She came to take me to my family. My daughter Leiah."

"But why can't I see my family?"

Sedrick smiled sympathetically, "Because they're still alive. My other daughter, Elaine is alive too. But time passes quickly where you and I are going. Believe me, you'll be too preoccupied to know how long you've been there. And you're family will arrive before you can blink."

Rachel seemed to accept that and took Sedrick's hand. They slowly headed towards the forest.

"You know," Sedrick laughed, "You remind me of my eldest daughter, Leiah"

"Will I get to meet her?"

"Oh yes, she and Shelly are waiting for you."

Rachel had joyful tears in her eyes. She wouldn't be lonely anymore, and it would be a great adventure - this freedom.

She looked up at Sedrick's tender and wrinkled face which she'd gotten to know so well.

"Sedrick?"

"What is it?" He swung her hand in hers in a fatherly way.

"My name is Audrey."