Chapter 58

The trees around us grew denser, making it harder and harder to navigate, especially since I was toting Jack in a fireman's carry. The canopy of the trees completely blocked out the night sky now. Looking up, I couldn't discern anything higher than twenty or thirty feet.

Just when I was about to ask Penny for a break, she abruptly stopped in front of a massive tree with a trunk as thick as a Volkswagen Beetle. In the blackness the blue specks glowed radiantly. Penny put her hand to one of the larger slivers, around eye level, and gently pushed, curling her fingers downward as she did so. She then pulled on the bark and a door swung outward silently, revealing an opening barely larger than a kitchen cabinet. She turned back to me and said, "Wait here while I lower the hoist. Get Jack in it and then tug on the rope three times. I'll pull him up. Then you come up the stairs."

Before I could ask any questions she was crawling inside the tree and out of sight. After about thirty seconds a small platform descended from the overhead gloom. It wasn't large enough to fit Jack's entire body, but I managed to get him on it in a position that I hoped distributed him weight evenly. As instructed, I tugged on the rope three times and watched as Jack was slowly raised into the air.

I waited a few seconds to make sure he wasn't going to fall off, and then I turned my attention to the empty space in the tree. As Penny had done, I climbed through the small opening and into the trunk of the massive tree, closing the door behind me. There was no ambient blue glow in here, but a soft orange light trickled down from directly overhead, illuminating stairs winding up the perimeter of the trunk. It was spacious enough for me to stand and I slowly ascended the stairs towards the inviting light.

At the top of the stairs was a similar cabinet-sized opening in the trunk. I got on my hands and knees and crawled out. The scene in front of me was awe-inspiring. Describing it as anything less than a treetop city would be doing it an injustice. Orange lanterns lit rope passageways between small houses with thatch roofs. Here and there people bustled about purposefully.

Penny was standing next to me, watching me absorb my new surroundings. She asked with a smirk on her face, "Impressed?"

Indeed I was, but I couldn't seem to speak any words. I merely stood there, mouth agape with wonder. This place was magnificent. In my pre-death existence, my sixth sense afforded me certain abilities. At times I would get a feeling when evil was imminent or when an object had been used with ill-intent. The feeling that arose within me was the complete opposite. This place was life. It was light. It was good.

Regaining my composure I asked, "Where's Jack?" I just realized he wasn't anywhere around us.

"They already took him to the infirmary," Penny answered. "I think he'll make it. I've seen people in worse shape than him make it. Want a tour?"

I did want a tour; I wanted to see every inch of this place. But there was something else I wanted more. "Can you take me to Stormy?"

With a smile she said, "Of course I can. She's this way." Penny started walking across the rope bridge ahead of us and I followed close behind her. Upon closer inspection the lanterns weren't lit by fire, but with a small stone that glowed bright orange. The rope bridge neither swayed nor creaked. It was as sturdy as a stone bridge; the craftsmanship was impeccable.

We walked across bridges, down ladders, up ladders, and through houses. I was greeted like a conquering hero by everyone we passed. Vigorous handshakes, firm pats on the back, and warm embraces. Like Penny, most of the occupants here were people I had helped cross over. I recognized former spirit acquaintances from years back.

We came upon a small hut, perched high in the branches of a large tree. Penny turned and hugged me tightly. With tears in her eyes she thanked me again and walked away.

Warm orange light emanated from a small window to my left and from a crack under the door. My stomach churned with millions of butterflies performing a choreographed dance number. With a trembling hand I lightly rapped on the door. A familiar voice responded from within, "Come in."

I opened the door and stood transfixed. Death did nothing to diminish the beauty of Stormy Llewellyn. She turned her head in my direction and her jet-black hair glowed in the orange light. Her dark eyes shone radiantly and, as recognition dawned on her, the most beautiful smile I'd ever seen stretched across her face. We moved toward each other, colliding in a glorious embrace.

With her arms still wrapped around me, she took her head off my shoulder and looked me in the eyes. With a tear rolling down her beautiful face she said, "Hey odd one. I've missed you so much."

Not to be outdone by her single tear, a veritable flood of salty water streaked down my face. I blubbered, "It's really you."

"Of course it's me, griddle boy. Are you going to kiss me or what?"

I cupped her radiant face with both my hands and pressed my lips to hers. It felt both familiar and brand new at the same time. It felt like my life. It felt like my destiny.

Coming up for air I said, "I'm so happy to see you. It feels like it's been an eternity."

From a corner of the room someone cleared their throat and, with another familiar voice, spoke, "Hey Odd."

I whirled around and saw Annamaria seated in a chair, her legs propped up on a table, an enigmatic smile spread across her face.

With great concern, I stammered, "Annamaria! What...are you doing here? What...happened to you?"

Stormy grabbed my hands and with a soothing voice said, "Calm down Oddie, nothing happened."

Confused, I said, "Then...how are you here?"

Annamaria put her feet on the floor and stood up. Her stomach lacked the perennial signs of pregnancy with which I had grown accustomed to seeing her. I was really confused now.

Walking toward me and following my gaze, Annamaria said, "No, I'm not pregnant here Oddie. I'll explain everything."

Giving me a kiss on my cheek, Annamaria took one of my hands from Stormy and led me to a chair. "Sit down. Let's talk."

Stormy poured us all cups of water as we sat down around the little table in the hut. Not realizing I was thirsty I drank down the cup in one gulp. Stormy promptly filled it again and this time I took smaller sips.

Annamaria began her tale. "Odd, I'm old. Very, very old. I've been conscripted into this world to serve the VTs." When she saw the confusion on my face she elaborated, "Sorry, Vision Trustees. Odd, you weren't the first to possess the sixth sense and you won't be the last. I believe you met a young British boy with whom you spoke of the creatures you call bodachs."

I replied, "Yeah, it didn't end well for him. He was crushed by a truck."

Stormy chimed in, "You suspected that if they ever knew about your gift you'd be targeted. You were right!"

Annamaria continued, "Exactly. You were right to be wary of them. They are actually creatures very similar to myself, except playing for the other team, so to speak. Like me, they can cross between planes of existence. But, unlike me, they do it not to help, but to relish in the atrocities committed by men. You'll learn more about them in due time, but back to you. Odd, the VTs are given sight to provide comfort to the lingering dead, a job you instinctively assumed and performed admirably. Some VTs require constant assistance from beings like me, but not you. I appear in a form that best serves the individual VT. I once was a dog to young Canadian girl who needed only a companion during her forays with the non-living. You, dear boy, needed a mother, so I appeared to you as a pregnant woman. Here, I am manifesting as a woman for your and Stormy's benefit. It makes it easier to have a conversation." This last comment caused her to giggle but neither I nor Stormy got the joke. She went on, "I am aware of the bond you two share so I befriended Stormy in this place soon after she arrived. I knew that by getting to know her, I would get to know you better."

Stormy said, "It was great to get news about how you were doing Oddie. Annamaria told me about the things you've been up to. Helping Danny, St. Bartholomew's, Magic Beach, Roseland, rescuing those kids from the cultists, and then, well, the carnival." Her voice cracked when she mentioned the carnival; she seemed not to want to talk about my death, so I didn't press the issue. Regaining her composure she added, "You've been busy!" Squeezing my hand she said softly, "I'm so proud of you Oddie."

I returned the squeeze and, embarrassed, I changed the subject, "So what now? What is this place?"

Stormy brightened and said, "Remember what we said about Boot Camp and Service?"

"Off course I remember."

"Well, I was right! Our life on Earth was preparation for the work awaiting us here. We have to earn our eternal reward. This place is amazing. I can't wait to show you everything! Of course there are nasty things like the chaerilagas and the dark people, but there are glorious things too. It can be hard work sometimes, but we have fun as well. There are other camps like ours. We've built a fairly safe camp here in the treetops. The chaerilagas don't climb very well nor do they seem smart enough to think we could be hiding above them, just out of sight. Every now and then we'll be discovered and have to move on and settle somewhere else. There's an underground settlement not far from here, but I think they have to deal with the chaerilagas much more frequently than we do. The people here are great. You'll know most of them. You helped them cross over. I think they are somehow drawn together. Or to me. I don't know. The other camps I visit don't seem to have anyone that knows you, but here your name is spoken with love and reverence. You helped a lot of people Odd."

"I did my best. I wish I could've stopped them from getting killed in the first place."

Annamaria offered, "Young man, you can't hold back the tide of evil. You can only hope to rise above it. You are an amazing vessel, buoying yourself and others above the hate and violence."

Stormy noticed the tears welling in my eyes and, thankfully, offered me reprieve, "You want to take a walk Oddie?"

"Yeah, that would be great." Standing to leave I asked, "Annamaria, do you visit here often? Will I see you again soon?"

She replied, "Oh yes. I'll be around. I still have work here to do."

With that I gave her a big hug and said, "Thank you Annamaria."

"You're quite welcome Odd."

As Stormy and I walked to the door something popped into my head. "Uh, Annamaria?"

"Yes?"

"Can you do me a favor?"

"Of course."

"I'd like for Ozzie Boone to receive my final manuscript, that is if I get a chance to write it here. Do you think you could deliver it to him for me?"

Annamaria looked at me with a grin, "I'd be delighted to pay him a visit for you."

With that, Stormy and I walked out the hut. I couldn't believe I was finally here. My reunion with Stormy always seemed like something that was going to happen in the future. But, the future had arrived. Our future had arrived. I knew we had challenges ahead of us, but with her by my side I felt like we could accomplish anything.

Hand in hand we silently walked for some time. I couldn't tell if it was five minutes or five hours. There were things about this place that needed getting used to. If the usually reliable passage of time couldn't be counted upon here, then what other surprises lay in store for me? Whatever it was, the knowledge that I would face them with Stormy left me not apprehensive, but enthusiastic.

I thought the direction of our slow stroll was random, but apparently not. We came upon a small hut spilling raucous, cheerful voices out into the night. With her hand on the door Stormy said, "I have a surprise for you, odd one." She pushed the door open and invited me in with a wave of her right arm.

When I walked into the hut, four faces simultaneously turned to look at me. Seated around a poker table were Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Alfred Hitchcock, and Granny Sugars. With a smile so bright I thought it would blind me, Elvis said, "Hey Odd, have a seat. Boy, do we have a bunch to talk about!"