Cathy heard the 'click-clack' of her grandmother's rapid footsteps drawing closer but with an echo, as if approaching from some distant place. Muffled agitated voices could be heard. Words flew around and over her head. Although semi-conscious, she had little choice but to slip into oblivion rather than trying to rectify events. And yet, obligations held her in a twilight state. Some part of her mind remembered that 'Reiba' was waiting to be helped. Cathy tried without success to stay present but sweet memories of Theodoric and Veneranda pulled her back into the past. She watched from an unnamed astral perch as the reunited couple frolicked in the warm, blue-green phosphorous water. Lovely visions of their amazing fight to be together brought a smile to Cathy's face.

For those bending over the prone figure, the half smile was disconcerting in the ghostly white face. Hélène had forgotten all about her assigned role when she heard the scream, followed by a thud, coming from the room down the hall. She was on her feet and standing over her granddaughter before the other occupant of the room could cry out or utter the scream which hovered on her lips. Despite her age, Hélène was on her knees in a heartbeat cradling the head and calling Cathy's name in urgent tones.

'My child! Cherie? What's happening?' It was clear from the limp body that Cathy had completely lost consciousness. In her worry, Hélène rattled off a stream of French endearments hoping that she could reach through the fog and encourage Cathy to return. Uppermost in her mind was the need to ensure sufficient oxygenation to a growing baby whose existence seemed hidden from its mother. An unexpected response to her words halted the entreaties.

'Is she alright? What happened to her?' the soft voice inquired with an unexpected urgency.

'She's over tired. Works too hard.' Hélène replied in French without giving a second thought to the source of the inquiry.

'Madame, I think she is pregnant.'

'What? How do you know?' Hélène turned around and came face to face with an odd looking persona draped from head to foot, in the strangest outfit. Without waiting for an answer, she posed another. 'Perhaps you could get some help, a cold cloth, a glass of water, anything?'

Hélène watched the woman turn around as if lost. She had no idea who the stranger was but assumed that she must a resident. On second thought, Hélène paused to make a more thorough assessment. Her French had been impeccable. Could this be the client she was to see? The worried grandmother really had no time to dwell matter. She turned back to attend to her granddaughter surprised to see that Cathy was still immobile. To leave her and go downstairs for help was not an option. Glancing around, she couldn't see a phone on the corridor walls nor in the room. Hélène was feeling impotent. Too much time had lapsed without visible signs of recovery. The sound of other footsteps, approaching from the far end of the hallway, brought an immediate measure of relief. One look at Jacob's worried face was enough to ease her mind. It was clear that he already knew his wife was in trouble.

'Did you see what happened?' Jacob asked kneeling down on the floor.

'I am not so sure. I wasn't with her but this lady was ...' Hélène looked up surprised to find the woman gone. For a moment she wondered if there had ever been anyone standing in the room.

Jacob picked up his wife and held her tenderly in his arms. Her eyes fluttered, flooding his body with a profound relief. He moved towards the small couch. Her body was too long to accommodate full length on the couch. Jacob elected to sit down, without releasing his hold. He rested her body against his before tilting her head onto his shoulder.

Cathy's face in repose is beautiful he thought touching the colourless lips tenderly. Why didn't I see how worried she's been? Despite the extreme pallor, punctuated by dark circles under the eyes, the stress lines of recent weeks had completely disappeared.

Jacob looked at Hélène. He longed to say something, anything but he could not find words to express the rising fear which drove him to Cathy's side, nor the love he felt surging within him for the life and the gifts they shared. Hélène seated herself in a chair close by and waited for Jacob to ask any question which would give her a clue about his understanding. When he didn't immediately ask for details about the circumstances she offered a little information.

'Really, I don' t know what happened. She was fine before we came upstairs. I was waiting for her to call me for the interview when I heard a cry, then a thump on the floor.'

Jacob placed a hand under Cathy's left breast. He could feel her heart beat slow its pace then normalize. He was convinced that she simply fainted but her recovery was taking a long time. Jacob was aware that she had drifted back in time to Theodoric and Veneranda. He could do nothing except wait for her to return.

'Do you think she should be flat Jacob?'

'She's coming around now. We'll wait, I think. Just not sure what's going on with her.'

Hélène held her breath unsure how to proceed. Her granddaughter, and the amazing man she married, possessed great power and yet neither one could acknowledge or even suspect the obvious. It might have been funny in any other circumstances. Looking at both of them all she could see was that Cathy was semi conscious and blissfully unaware while Jacob just looked perplexed.

'I am so sorry Madame, I have not seen you since...' Jacob began to apologize and was quickly reassured.

'Don't worry. Cathy comes first no? That's how it should be.' Hélène smiled warmly before continuing. Jacob, please call me Mémé. It is a Francophone version of Grandmother. It would make me very happy.'

Jacob reached out a hand in acknowledgement. Their light talk helped to ease the stress of the moment. The soft voices soon penetrated Cathy's consciousness. She wasn'tt fully awake, but it did not take long for Jacob's own powerful vibration to regenerate her lagging energy. Cathy first became aware of the pressure of her husband's hand. Almost without her conscious knowledge she shifted it from her heart to her abdomen. Jacob's interpretation of the simple action was a pushback. Hélène, however, understood the silent message. Despite the promise to stay silent, her body language betrayed the personal vow. It didn't take long for Jacob to interpret the full meaning. To his credit, he kept silent, recognizing that Cathy's behaviour was still outside of her conscious control. His indrawn breath was palpable and his patience unending. Soft unintelligible murmurs and light movement indicated that Cathy was returning to the present. Recognizing that the couple might need a few minutes of privacy, Hélène excused herself, leaving Jacob to deal with Cathy in his own way.

A deep curiosity guided her steps out into the hall. She looked to her right just in time to see a head pull back. The sound of a door closing should have been enough to deter her from pursuing the woman who disappeared but Hélène was driven by more than her curiosity. The entire trip had been booked on the premise of helping her granddaughter understand this stranger. Cathy's temporary incapacity might put the interview on hold but not the need to connect.

Hélène understood that the woman had expressed fear of involvement by strangers but no one could approach this with more sensitivity than a woman who endured the brutality of an abusive husband and the loss of a child. She walked with purpose towards the door which had slammed shut and knocked on the small frosted glass window with a firmness she was far from feeling.

Hélène waited, heart pounding before knocking again. A crack appeared. Instead of the fully clothed woman, a young boy peeped out and spoke in halting French.

'What do you want?'

'I wish to speak with your mother please?'

He closed the door. No sound could be heard on the other side, but Hélène waited. She was sure that the plight of a displaced and abused woman struggling to find help for herself and her children would override any concerns. If it was the room of the woman in the traditional garb, she had already revealed something of herself. Within seconds, the door opened again.

'Come in please.'

Hélène didn't smile. She nodded, looking kindly on the young face. The room was semi dark. The curtains were drawn but did not obliterate the light completely. Seated on one of the beds was a woman dressed from head to foot. On the lower level of a bunk bed, a young child slept on, unaware of the events going on around its young body. Hélène wasn't sure if it was a boy or girl. Another child sat on the floor in a corner, playing with some toys. The room was small and sparse but clean. The beds looked comfortable. A mini desk was placed near a window. A couple of small chairs and a children's table occupied the other corner. It wasn't much but the alternative was unthinkable.

'If only my daughter had a place like this when she left home' Hélène thought grateful that her granddaughter was motivated to right the wrong for others. She didn't approach the women but spoke softly.

'Madame, I am here to help, nothing more. My granddaughter is recovering. I just wanted to reassure you.'

'Her husband is a handsome man. He loves her.'

'Yes he does. May I sit?' An elegant tilt of the head added grace to the simple request. Hélène watched as a beautifully soft unlined hand extended the invitation.

'I did not intend to speak with anyone but Madame Cathy.'

'I know, but she is weak right now and perhaps unable to be as effective as she would like.'

The covered head moved, giving every appearance of agreement. She turned and spoke rapidly in another language to her son, who had steadfastly refused to leave his mother's side. In complete obedience, he joined his sibling on the floor, glancing from time to time at the bed.

Hélène watched in amazement as Reiba pulled off the hood of her burqa. Young hands and a soft voice could not prepare Hélène for what she saw nor could she hide her shock at a full length of shimmering, silvery, hair which fell down around the youthful face in waves.

'My God! Your hair?' The words escaped her lips before she could stop them.

'My heritage and my curse.'

'I am not sure what that means Madame however, I do wish to help you. If I can be your voice and spare my granddaughter, at this time, then I would ask you to trust me.'

'You are too kind Madame.'

Leaning forward, the woman reached out a hand to touch Hélène. 'I sense your pain, born in a past, which informs the present.' Reiba stopped and bit her lower lip. A permanent indentation gave evidence of the frequency with which she had to hold herself in check. She gave a deep sigh before continuing.

'I am on a mission but I am also in need of protection. I cannot fight on two fronts.'

'Which one holds the highest priority, if I may ask?'

'Indeed Madame, the safety of my children takes precedence but I must also fulfill a destiny which is nearly a century old.'

If Hélène thought the pronouncement dramatic she gave no indication, remembering how Philippe, the father of her dead daughter, travelled all the way from Belgium to Montreal and made love to her just once to fulfill another destiny. The thought of Philippe gave Hélène an idea but she said would reveal nothing other than her willingness to help. In all things, she would be guided by her granddaughter but just once, in an effort to save time, she was happy to connect with Reiba, making a start on what promised to be another adventure.

'Tell me a little of yourself,' Reiba asked watching the play of emotions across Hélène's face.

'My name is Hélène. I am French Canadian...a Francophone, although my Father was not. I have five children. Cathy's mother was my eldest daughter, Madeleine.'

'Was Madame?'

'She has passed away.'

'Your grief remains palpable.'

'Yes, it is a long story which I will be happy to share another time.'

'Tell me more about you.'

'I am a mother first, and a grandmother. I like to think I am a good friend to those I love. My other passion is music. I sing a little,' she said with a modest shrug, 'teach piano skills and music appreciation to my students.'

'Ahhh music! Madame, you are exactly who I have been looking for!'

'Pardon?'

'I have documents which I do not understand but you will. Tomorrow, or when you are able to come back, please. I will be ready.'

If Hélène was shocked by the spontaneous hug which followed she gave no sign. She had successfully initiated contact with the woman and felt a measure of confidence that they could talk comfortably. She hoped that Cathy would not be upset by the intervention.

...

Jacob tightened his arms around Cathy. He wanted her to feel as secure as possible when she returned from whatever dimension held her hostage.

'Jacob, I love you,' she whispered at last. He could feel her warm breath on his neck.

'I know KitCat. I love you too. Are you back now?'

'I'm sorry. I have been so tired lately. This Diosa thing feels like an awful burden to bear. I don't think I'm ready.'

'You don't really have a choice about that, Sweetheart. Maybe you should see a doctor.'

'You are my doctor. Whatever I need, I can get from you and a good night's sleep,' she amended yawning. 'I am so tired,' she repeated frustrated by the unusual fatigue. Cathy did not move. If anything she cuddled closer to her husband, feeling safe and secure.

'You should see a medical doctor Cathy. I am a little worried.' His words held a hint of authority.

Cathy heard the concern but also the decisiveness in his tone and pulled away staring wide eyed at him. The depth of her gaze questioned his insistence. He grabbed her free hand, interlinking their fingers. Jacob longed to guide her towards the abdomen where new life seemed to be growing but he resisted. For some reason Cathy was determined or unable to acknowledge it.

Jacob released his fingers and allowed himself to trace soft circular lines around the face he loved so deeply.

'You know KitCat, when the Diosa persona comes to you, the energy that you need flows like a wave into your body, from the Source.'

'The source of what?'

'All life!'

'Right now it feels like the source is taking it all back.'

Jacob stifled a laugh. 'We can never lose the energy of that power. It flows to us from all the elements. We just need to access it.'

'Ok. Then teach me cuz I feel totally depleted right now.'

'I will KitCat. Right now, we need to get home. No more running around until you feel better.'

Jacob stood up lifting his wife easily from his lap. He gingerly allowed her legs to slide to the floor, using his body as a support. Cathy placed her feet apart for balance but some unsteadiness was apparent as she teetered forward. Jacob quickly clutched her around the waist not wavering as her prop. The action did anchor her body but as soon as his hands reached her abdomen, Cathy could feel a glowing light of awareness shoot through her body from the crown of her head to the most sacred part of her feminine being.

'Oh my God! What the hell! It feels like something just landed in my belly,' she announced, genuinely puzzled.

Placing both hands on her abdomen, she received the message which had been blocked at some level of her internal communication system. Cathy tentatively rubbed the area, using a circular motion, just above the pubic bone. A play of emotion was apparent on her face. Jacob could clearly see the light of awareness enter her conscious being and the wonder it brought to the face he loved so much.

'It's a baby. My God Jacob, I am pregnant! That's what it is...I'm having a baby.'

'Yes Cathy, we are having a baby!'

….

Although she had been busy earlier, Catherine found herself passing the time in daydreams, not of what might be in the days to come with Vincent but more of what was. The memory of Jacob's birth pulsated within her forcing what few memories remained into the conscious realm. While she could not have identified the importance of the connection to her current state, she knew that something about the birth was significant. The face of her lovely, forgiving adult son, smiling and happy appeared in her vision. She was thankful every day for the second chance to know and love him. The cell phone at her side beeped and she quickly left her daydreams to answer the call from the governor's office.

His secretary confirmed the appointment time in three days. She asked quite kindly if Catherine had accommodation set and seemed disappointed that the governor's guest had made her own arrangements. Catherine smiled. The trappings of the upstate mansion were not for her and a hotel room would not suit Vincent. Their time on Patrick's ranch would be special. She hung up the phone and went out into the kitchen to look for Rob who was waiting for instructions.

'Well you two look lost. Is anything wrong?' she questioned, noting that Rob and Sue seemed distracted.

'Things just got very still all of a sudden. It's like the world stopped for a moment. Happened to both of us. I wondered if there was an earthquake. Used to happen like that in California.' Sue seemed genuinely puzzled.

'I didn't feel anything. I will admit that I was daydreaming. If it wasn't for the phone call, I'd still be dreaming.'

'Bout what Catherine?'

'Why Jacob, of course!'

At that moment, the sound of the front door drew everyone's attention. Vincent's purposeful footfalls echoed throughout the downstairs. He seemed happy, light-hearted. One look at his face was enough to reassure everyone that the world had not stopped spinning. If Vincent thought it strange that three pairs of eyes followed his every move into the kitchen, he ignored the implications. A hug and kiss for his wife took precedence over anything else.

'Am I missing something?' he asked when not one word of greeting passed their lips.

'No, no, we are just happy to have you home. I have good news to share. We leave tomorrow.'

Vincent wasn't disappointed by the news but he was disconcerted. He was looking forward to the little trip but on the way home, he had noted a strange feeling, not of impending disaster but of some event which would be vital. Standing in the kitchen, his wife at his side and two pairs of eyes questioning did little to reassure him. In fact, he was almost afraid to give voice to his thoughts.

'I'm hungry,' he announced. If there was to be any discussion about an unsettling event, he would do so in private.

Sue was eager to do something and turned to check on the meal simmering on the stove. At the same time, Rob felt the beeper, tucked away on his belt, sound its alarm.

'Jacob and Cathy need a ride home,' he announced.

Everyone's concern heightened. The young couple rarely called for a lift.

'Hélène is with them,' Catherine said, as if that explained everything.

Rob rose from the table and headed out to the van while the others stood and watched, wordlessly. Their world had shifted but no one quite understood what that meant.