Journeys Of Life

by Sabrina Lonewalker

This is an AU. Peter had a twin sister, Laura. She is separated from them when the Temple is destroyed and must find a way to survive on her own. This is her journal, her life and struggles as seen through her eyes. She mourns the loss of father and brother but determines that no one will change what she must become. Join her on her journey.

6. Chapter 6

JOURNEYS OF LIFE

PART SIX

by

BlackFury

November 1980 continued

I continued to stare at the paper in my hand and finally managed to speak. "How? Why?" were the only coherent words I could get out. Marilyn's blue-green eyes were dancing with mirth. "How is my little secret and why? You should live in your familys home and, it would have been yours by right if you hadn't been presumed dead in the explosion. So, I know it needs a little cleaning but, it's been kept in good repair all of these years. When would you like to move in?"

I had trouble believing what I was hearing but, It was my home and, it was where I really belonged. I finally managed to smile at her. "I'd like to move in as soon as possible because you're going to need the time to prepare the room I'm in for your son's nursery."

She looked at me and blinked, "A boy? How could you possibly know if it is or not?" It was my turn to smile slyly. "I was raised Shaolin and we have a way of, 'sensing' auras and the life force, which we call the 'chi'. That tells me you are going to birth to a boy." Marilyn just chuckled and shook her head. "Well, we'll see soon enough now, let's get you into your home where you belong."

Six days later, I was in possession of my family's home and settled in. I started my new job during that time as well and my days were now full of activity. Tending the garden brought me such peace and calmness of spirit. It was divided into three sections, flowers, vegetables and, my favorite, the herb garden. I knew that many, if not all of the plantings here, were started by my great grandfather, the first Kwai Chang Caine.

One evening, I went inside and, after lighting the candles, I pulled out the copy I had made of my great grandfather's journal. In fact, I had copies of all three, his, my grandfather, Mathew's and my father's own journal. It saddened me to think that the original journals had been destroyed in the fire and explosion but, at least I had these. Now, however, it was my great grandfather's that I selected and randomly let it fall open in my lap. I began reading the Chinese characters I had copied so carefully and, it was as though I could hear my great grandfather speaking to me. The entry wasn't dated but, it was obviously written after he and his family had moved in.

"The garden flourishes and Lilly is very pleased with the vegetables I have planted for her. She said that now, she could save on food expenses and use the money for more important uses, like clothing for Mathew.

Mathew has begun helping me out here, asking questions about the different herbs I have been setting out and their uses. Having him assist me is bringing us closer together.

It pains me to realize that even in this place of peace, I cannot remain still. Those who seek my death are still out there and pursue me and, to keep my beloved ones safe, I must soon leave them alone again.

For now, however, for as long as the Tao grants me, I will plant roses and other flowers for my beloved Lilly. Perhaps, when I must leave them behind again, they will remind her of me and the love that we will always share. She is my heart and leaving her and my son behind hurts more than I could ever put into words.

I sat there with the journal open in my lap, marvelling at how the garden had managed to survive all of these decades, along with the house. It again had me thinking about Father and Peter.

I rose to my feet and, after closing the journal, I kissed the cover and replaced it on my bookshelf. I then went into the small room I had discovered had been great grandfather's meditation room. David had bought me a red jade Buddha as a housewarming present and I now had it setting on a low table with an incense tray in front of it. I sat cross-legged on the floor in front of it and lit three sticks of incense.

Behind them were two photos, one of Peter when he was eleven and one of my mother and father, taken on their wedding day. I sat there and meditated for awhile before finally going to my sleeping room and the futon I had found for the house. I laid down to sleep and mummured, "I'll go on, great grandfather, I won't let the family legacy die, I promise."

As I blew out the large candle, I could swear that I heard his voice in my mind, "I know, great granddaughter, and I will watch over you."

End Entry