Chapter 14

'What do you see?'

'I see…. a man…. he has experienced a shock, an explosion which has rendered him speechless. He is trapped. There is a fire. He is facing death.'

'How can you determine that from a single cell?'

'I don't know. This is kind of new to me as well. Can I see another?'

Serge placed another slide under the microscope. He waited while Jacob performed some internal process.

'A man again…. he is fit, exercises, muscular but not bulky, more like a runner.'

Jacob looked up expectantly.

'I don't know how you do it and I am not going to ask. You are absolutely right! The first slide is a man who experienced the horror of 911. He got out just before the first tower fell. Currently he is palliative. The second slide is an athlete. He is a marathon runner. I don't suppose you have any explanation for your insight?'

'I don't know. Everything I'm capable of doing, isn't listed somewhere inside my head. The ability appears when I am confronted with a challenge.'

Serge was astounded by the multifaceted skills of the young man standing in front of him. They had known each other for a few years and yet each time they met, the hematologist continued to discover a little of what lay below the surface. Earlier in their meeting, they shared a telephone conference call with Cathy, to discuss the outcome of Aislyn's blood tests but Jacob lingered in the basement office, feeling that he still had many unanswered questions about the role of blood.

As a way of providing a contrast, Serge had asked Jacob to view some unrelated blood and tissue slides. He hoped to allow the young man's untrained mind to see how his own blood differed from that of his father, his daughter and his wife. To have Jacob spew off, not only diagnoses, but history and events in the life of the person continued to stun his very scientific mind.

'When I look at your blood, I can't see what you see, but there are some things which puzzle me; things I can't really relate to any studies I've done in the past or present.'

Serge took out a couple of slides from a separate box and placed it under the pins on the microscope. With an inviting gesture he encouraged Jacob to look. The young man pulled back with a jerk.

'That's my dad. Its weird to see him like this.'

For the life of him, Serge could not understand how Jacob knew that immediately. 'Do you want to see your own?'

'Yes, but I want to see my living blood. Is that possible?'

Serge took a kit from the shelf in his office and performed the small finger puncture that would yield a simple drop of blood that was angled to fall onto a fresh slide.

'I can't believe that you jumped. Did you really feel that pin prick?'

'Anticipation! It's always worse than the reality.'

'It's kind of nice to know that you are human. I was beginning to wonder.'

In truth Jacob was excited. His conversation with the hematologist had taken several unusual turns leading to this moment when he would see himself in a way he had never done before. In truth, it had never occurred to him to see what was inside the human body. He had always worked from an energy perspective. Jacob shared the information with Serge.

'When I place my hands on people, in certain spots, I feel that I can alter something within their body, shift energy, increase flow, but it was just guess work. Seeing what goes on inside the body like this…opens a whole new world.'

Eyes shining with excitement, Jacob bent his head towards the microscope, heart pounding with anticipation.

….

At the Brownstone, Hélène also waited with pounding heart for the long absent lover to mount the stairs. The weeks had slipped by so quickly. She had been so busy being a great-grandmother, a role she cherished but the woman in her desperately missed the man who brought her wounded heart back to life, just like a defibrillator she thought stifling the silly giggle that threatened to override her commonsense.

At the foot of the stairs Sue stood in awe as the Governor of her state, addressed her by name and offered thanks for all she had done for Catherine, for Cathy and the new baby. Sue was flattered. Her thanks resounded around the hall. For someone so cynical about life, it was unusual to see her melt, but then everyone loved Howard.

He was finally able to break away. Hélène was grateful that the house was otherwise quiet. Cathy had fallen into a light sleep with Aislyn after a feed. Catherine and Vincent were below at a council meeting to help resolve some issues in the wake of Father's death. She was able to steer Howard into her room to steal a few private moments.

His kisses did much to fill her being with warmth.

'I like your hair like this. You are so young at heart. This style reinforces that idea.'

'I had to put it up to keep it away from the baby. It's been a long time since I wore a ponytail. Howard, you always say something to make me feel better.'

'Hélène, I want to do so much more. Your love gives me life. I am going to my Doctor to see if I can….'

'No! Absolutely not! Your presence, your love, your kisses are more than enough. I feel like a woman when I am with you, a complete woman. I don't want you to take any chances with drugs which, will only damage your body. I love it, just as it is.'

Hélène wrapped her arms around the body and squeezed tightly, leaving no doubt that she loved her man.

'I can't resist what ever you ask of me but I do promise to take better care of myself.'

Mindful that they were not alone, despite the subdued atmosphere, they did not linger in her room. The living area was comfortable and tidy despite lots of baby paraphernalia piled in a corner. They chatted on, discussing issues affecting their lives and catching up. Howard declined any food.

'I would prefer to take you out to eat. Can you do that? Can you leave?'

'The earnestness in his voice compelled her to say yes. 'I will have to wait for Jacob to come home.'

'No Mémé. You don't.' Neither of the lovers noticed that Cathy had come to the door. 'I am fine. I promise. You have been such a rock to me but you deserve some time out. Jacob probably has his head in some book or computer data terminal at the lab.'

'I didn't hear you get up Cathy. Did you rest well?'

'Yes I did. I'm fine Mémé. Evening Governor.'

'Cathy, may I say you are glowing. Motherhood suits you. And please, call me Howard.'

Cathy accepted a warm hug and invited Howard to see the baby. He displayed no shock at Aislyn's appearance nor did he display any hesitation in touching the furry skin and kissing the forehead. Her bright eyes entranced him. He could see a resemblance to the great-grandmother in the silvery blue orbs. 'She's lovely. This will all fall off soon. I have seen it before unless?', Howard tilted his head in deference to Vincent and his condition.

'No the doctor said its temporary. Thanks for asking. Everyone runs away from speaking about it. I have been nervous about going out with her.'

'Don't hide from the world. You will just internalize this and make your daughter an object of pity. I promise, you will find your strength in defiance of the norms.'

Hélène's in-drawn breath was audible. She could feel her body tingle with the wisdom expressed in Howard's words. She watched as her granddaughter moved towards Howard and reached out for his hand.

'You are right Gov…er…Howard. I have been hiding, afraid for my daughter, afraid of what people will say and yet as a role model, there is my tall handsome father-in- law who is beloved by everyone who meets him. I think that because she is a girl I worried more but you're right, I can't put my fears on my daughter.'

Cathy leaned forward and gave Howard an unsolicited hug. 'I see why the people of this state love you.'

'Not all of them, but enough to keep me in the job.' Howard smiled in that devastating way that transformed his face. Hélène felt her heart leap. She knew that she wanted to spend some quiet time with him.

Without exchanging any words, Cathy sense that urgency in her grandmother. 'I'll be fine Mémé. Please take a little time for yourself. If I need anything, Sue is here.'

Hélène needed no further prompting. She knew that Howard's time was so limited. Opportunities to be alone were few and far between. His busy lifestyle and her commitment to family always took precedence. While it was wonderful to be geographically closer, the situation highlighted the complexities of their relationship.

Hélène left Howard and Cathy alone while she went to freshen up. She wasn't sure if they were actually going to eat out or in but either way she wanted to look her best. Rather than redo her hair, she twisted the ponytail into an elegant bun, put on a slim-fit dress and a little makeup. Howard smiled broadly surprised at the quick change. They said their goodbyes and left Cathy nodding reassuringly, clearly pleased to see her grandmother taking a little time off.

'Are we eating out?'

'Yes, we are. Would you be disappointed if I said no.'

'I don't really care. Just being with you is enough.'

Howard held her hand tightly in the back of the limousine. 'There are a few places in town which are both discreet and private. This friend of mine has an upstairs dining area. We will be alone but everything I have always wanted to share with you; music, fine dining, dancing will all be available. Tonight is your night, if I may quote a song I used to like.'

'How did you know I would be free?'

'I am a pretty good judge of character. Cathy knows how much I love you and even if she is not happy about my status, she understands in a way that few people would. She would never deprive you of anything which would make you happy.'

Hélène held back tears. Howard was so perceptive. Inside her heart, Hélène always thought that giving was all that she would ever do. To have this wonderful man offer her such lovely consideration and kindness was a balm to the years of suffering. She wondered if she would ever get used to it. Her heart, answered never!

Midway through the journey Howard received a phone call. He apologized for having to take it but she dismissed his concern. She understood the demands of his position. Hélène mentally closed her ears to his words and peeked at her own phone to see if there was any urgent message asking her to return. There was nothing from her granddaughter but there was something, a new email from Philippe. Curious, she opened the message.

"Thank you so much Miamie for your kind heart and generous spirit. I leave New York confident that our granddaughter is on her way to recovery. I know she is in good hands. As promised, I have attached the music. I know you will find the words, which will do honour to our uniquely beautiful great-granddaughter. Please know that I am eternally grateful that you allow for my foibles and yet still choose to connect with me. Vlad sends his love."

Hélène was touched by the words. Philippe knew how to be gracious. Because Howard was still talking at her side, she slipped in the earphones and clicked on the link. Eyes closed, she listened intently to the melody, imagining Aislyn as each note washed over her. Images of a warrior goddess ran through the recesses of her mind. For some strange reason she envisioned a woman rising out of the depths of the sea, long hair trailing, breaking through the surface, eyes wide open, seeing both worlds, the watery life behind and the airy life in front, and with shining eyes. The fanciful revelation captured her full attention. Very softly, she hummed along with the music, losing herself completely.

She never noticed when Howard stopped talking.

The lover in him sat beside her quietly, listening to the barely audible, exquisite voice, feeling the power of her vocal cords extending that amazing range and vibration throughout the limousine. Yet, in reality, her voice was barely audible. He could feel more than hear. It was only when they were nearing their destination that he felt the need to interrupt.

'We are almost there my love'.

Startled, Hélène turned and smiled. Her eyes were luminous. In that moment Howard felt that he could do anything, would do anything for her. She seemed to exude a power that didn't dominate but rather mesmerized. He was beside himself with the frustration that comes from a sense of impotence and yet he never felt that she judged him, wanted more nor thought less of him.

Before leaving the limousine, he kissed her hand, wishing deeply that it conveyed the promise of what was to come.

'What is this place?'

'Sorry for using the back door but this is my personal entrance. the structure itself is an older building, that is part of our family holdings. Years ago, I leased it to an amazing entrepreneurial chef from France. He has made it very private and very exclusive in deference to folks who need a discreet place to eat out and eat well. Please don't take that to mean people having extra-marital relationships. It's not meant to be like that.'

'Howard, you don't need to explain. I know who we are and what we are doing. I understand the power of the press to make or break lives.'

Howard squeezed the hand he had just kissed and moved forward to an elevator, which took them swiftly to a room, beautifully decorated and filled with flowers. A small table was set for two. A young waiter moved forward, took their coats and deferentially held out a chair for Hélène.

'This is beautiful Howard!'

'I promise you it has never looked like this. They outdid themselves.'

Hélène didn't know who 'they' were. She had sensed the masculine aura beneath the feminine décor and new that Howard conducted much of his very private business in this space.

'Can I ask what you were listening to when we were in the car?'

'Philippe has written some music for Aislyn. He asked me to put words to it.'

'May I?'

Hélène handed her cell phone to Howard. He called over the young waiter and asked him to hook it up to the speaker system. They both sat back and listened, entranced by the soft sounds.

'Do you know what you would like to say?'

'Not yet.'

'Can I offer a suggestion?' Howard waited for permission. 'When I listen and then combine it with what I saw in the car, all I can think of is beautiful luminous eyes. There is something you share with Aislyn. It's in the eyes. I see it when you sing. I saw it in the baby when she looked at her mother. Will you keep that in mind as you write?'

'Howard thank you.' If Hélène had any doubts that she and Howard were on the same wavelength, they were all dispelled. He had seen what she had seen. How much closer could two minds be, she thought wistfully.

Before long, they were served a delicious four-course meal, the likes of which she had never tasted in her entire life. It wasn't the first nor the last time she would share food with Howard, but the setting, the food, the music, the service all combined to transport her to another level of being. Rather than feeling elated, Hélène felt anger and tears. Such happiness, denied its ultimate fulfillment seemed hollow. It wasn't about intimacy. It was about the impossibility of living together as a loving couple. Hélène wasn't sure that she could continue to live in such a clandestine fashion and yet, she could never end their relationship no matter the pain.

….

Jacob approached the house cautiously. It was too quiet. His parents were not home. He sensed their presence below. Just as a precaution, he paused at the door. Once his senses gave the all clear, he became puzzled. Seemed strange to imagine that everyone would leave his wife alone.

For the first time in a long time he bounded up the stairs expecting to have to console his wife but she was busy cooking in the kitchen. Sue sat nearby holding the baby.

'About time! Did you forget about us?'

'I didn't but my time was well spent. Where is everyone?'

'Your parents were called below to mediate a counsel meeting. Rob is in his quarters, Mémé is out on a well-deserved break and I am cooking.'

Jacob was surprisingly speechless. Part of him was filled with excitement, wanting to share the information he learned from Serge. It didn't take much to know that his wife had undergone some sort of transformation. He didn't want to question her. Whatever happened, he was grateful to see more of the Cathy he knew and loved.

jacob sat down to a rather tasteless meal and ate with all the gusto of a man starved. During the meal, Cathy was animated. It was if a dam burst. Weeks of frustration poured out but not in the negative way he had become used to. There were no tears and no self-recrimination, just an acknowledgement of that dark space where she had been. The most positive part of the meal was a discussion about her future work and that of the family.

'I am not going into the LENA's just yet, but I would like to get out a bit more. How did things go at work?'

'I can tell you that you are still missed by lots of folks. Ziggy has turned his life around again. Kurt is Kurt. By the way, one of my colleagues has a daughter with the same condition.' Jacob added the last part tentatively, hoping that Cathy would not switch her good mood.

'Did you see her picture?'

'I did. She's grown into a gorgeous girl.'

'Our baby is gorgeous too.'

Jacob couldn't remember the last time he took a deep breath and felt normal. Cathy's recovery seemed complete. He didn't know what brought her to this point but he had no intention of doing anything to cause her to regress.

'The only person more beautiful is her mother.'

Cathy's smile filled his heart.

A little later, after Aislyn spent some time with her father, followed by a long satisfying feed, Sue shooed them off to spend a little time together while she watched over the baby. It was a perfect respite. They sat huddled side by side on the couch.

'Cathy you won't believe what I saw. Human blood is an incredible resource. It's filled with all kinds of things that I have heard about and studied but I have a completely different appreciation after seeing the cells moving around live, under a microscope. It's like a different world in there. Every video game I have ever seen can't compare with watching all the different kinds of cells doing their thing.'

Cathy was taken aback by Jacob's enthusiasm. She had not seen him so excited since the day she announced her pregnancy. She couldn't understand his excitement but the energy of it transfused into her system. 'Tell me. What did you see?'

'Well, first of all, I could see the history of an illness in the dried red blood cell. That was awesome. In the live cells I could see the history of a person's life. I knew my Dad's blood right away. Kind of set up a tingle in my body! I had forgotten that when I was kidnapped my dad was captured so that I could get blood from him.'

'What?'

'Yeah, that's the story of how Dad got me back. I don't know if I was missing something but there was some trigger in one of his white cells that I needed.'

'But isn't a transfusion about getting red blood cells?'

'Not always. Sometimes plasma is given to help people with other issues. I don't think Gabriel cared one way or the other. He just wanted to save me. For some reason, I lacked a particular enzyme which I could only get from Dad. It triggered my strengths.'

'What about Aislyn? Does she need it too or is she like me?' Cathy was suddenly very curious.

'Before I answer, let me tell you that my Dad and I have white blood cells which are normally supposed to be slightly yellow but in our blood they are gold. The main ones are called neutrophils. It's like those cells are on steroids. That probably explains why we never get sick. Remember when that crazy woman shot me and I healed up so quickly?'

Cathy nodded. 'How could I forget? It was one of the worst nights of my life.'

'Don't think that you weren't important that night too. I couldn't initiate the healing process without you. For some reason that particular cell is what connects us.'

'Are mine golden too?'

'Yes, however yours are more red-gold, just like Aislyn. But, and this is a big but, there is one thing which both of you need to complete your own independent process.'

'What is it? Do we have it?'

'I think so KitCat. I have a hunch that the extra sac, inside your womb, is the source of the power you will give to Aislyn. Remember when you had the ultrasound the doctor thought it was another baby but I believe it is the source of the living cells which will give you the full Diosa power.'

'Did I pass it out. Where is it? I don't remember.'

'I asked Celeste to put it away. I had forgotten about it. Now I know I have to go down there tomorrow and find it. I hope she still has it.'

Cathy was thoughtful. Nothing in her life before Jacob held any promise. Her childhood was brutal. Lena's lifestyle put them in danger every day and yet they survived. She found the inner strength to finish school and move away from the life they lived. Lena gave her nothing tangible and yet everything she had today could not be possible without her mother's fierce drive to live.

'My mother must have had something driving her. Was her inner strength enough to pass on to me?

'Don't know KitCAt. When you were born, I believe your mother had no golden sac to give you. I can't explain why. I can only speculate that her general poor health made it impossible. That would explain the difficult life you had.' Jacob paused and closed his eyes, seeking guidance from another source.

'So how come I can do some stuff now? It feels weird. I couldn't do anything like it before.'

'Some of your power was activated when we started having sex.'

'Seriously Jacob?'

'Yes. Something in my sperm, a protein, I think, activated something in you.' Jacob paused again. 'Wait! The protein, the white cells ….. did she breastfeed you?'

'I suppose she did. Don't forget I was born below. There was no formula. You know how it is down there, even today. That's it! I read that breast milk is sometimes called white blood. Whatever she had, I got enough to keep me alive.'

'You see, I didn't get that from my mother. That's why I needed Dad's blood. We are on the road to something. It is so simple and yet so complex. If we find the sac and see what it contains, it may change your life completely and that of our daughter. Are you ready for that KitCat?'

'Oh my God! Even with the little I do now, I get terrified by the power. Jacob, I honestly have no idea!'