Stepping Across Time

Look at the fountain. It is beautiful! Skye Hunter continued staring at the beauty and elegance of the pristine back yard. She trotted down the stairs of the enormous back porch then stepped through the lush green grass. The aroma of flowers filled her senses. You wont be sorry, Jayne Woodruff said. Quite a steal, you know. Are you certain theres nothing wrong with it? Any hidden costs, any construction in the near future? Jayne straightened her burgundy coat and stared directly at Skye, tilting her head slightly. I assure you Miss Hunter, there is nothing you are not aware of. Of course, Ive already told you about the... voice people seem to have heard near the fountain from time to time. Other than that, nothing. She turned her eyes toward the masterpiece. And what exactly did they hear? The ever-proper Ms. Woodruff folded her hands behind her back, saying, Seems as though Mrs. Binghampton, the owner, was sitting on the porch one evening, and thought she heard a mans voice calling for... I believe they said, Miriam. Miriam? "Yes, and she said she heard the chap clearly when the moon shone full on the water. Bizarre, wouldnt you agree? Thoughts werer racing through Skye''s mind like a horse on a race track. I want to be comfortable; Jim seemed to like it too, but call him to make sure. It rang only once. Parnell. Jim? Skye? Hi sweetie, how are you? Going crazy as usual. I was heading out the door. So much going on... you know the drill. Jim, do you remember the estate we looked at a couple of weeks ago? You know, the one with six bedrooms and eight baths? "I remember. So?" "I want it." "So buy it. Youre in England most of the year anyway." "You really like it?" "Absolutely." "Great! Ill sign the contract today, all right?" "Sounds good, but I have to go, the limos here. See you in two weeks." He hung up. "Ok, bye." She looked at the phone thinking, Slow down a little! ****

     It sounded as though someone was walking through the dew-laden grass, so she placed the glass onto the ground and balled her hands into fists. A shiver ran up her spine when she said, "Who''s there?" in a calm, even voice. Hello? Again, nothing. Only seconds had passed when she heard something behind her, so she turned with lightning speed only to discover... a cat. Shit! she yelled, and started laughing. The cat stared at her. You scared the begeebers out of me! A moment later the beautiful black and white fluff ball started rubbing against her leg. You are gorgeous. Think I''ll call you Pinto. Where in the heck did you come from anyway? Are you hungry? Suppose it wouldnt hurt to feed you. Come on, she said and walked toward the porch when, Oops, forgot something. Be right back. Skye grabbed the glass and headed back when she heard the eerie whisper of a man''s voice say the name... Miriam. She bolted up the steps, locked the door and called the police. ****

     When she turned around, she discovered Jim was standing in the kitchen. Her frown turned into a sparkling smile as she ran over and wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him on the cheek. You surprised me! I thought you were coming tomorrow, but Im so glad youre here! How are you? he asked, returning the hug. Better, now that youre here. How long have you been waiting? About an hour, give or take a few minutes. Skye, hold on a minute. Her eyes surveyed his handsome face. The deafening silence was broken when she said, Jim, whats wrong, what is it? She sat down on one of the two love seats that faced one another and said, Please, sit down. The room is beautiful, he said, in a quiet, somber tone of voice. Thanks. They sat facing one another. He avoided her eyes when finally, he looked up and said, Skye, I... I have something to say. ****

     Skye tried to smile. Want to go for a walk? Sounds like a good idea, she said, and proceeded to stand up. Where shall we go? The cat looked back then sped off into the darkness. Pinto? Whered you go? Wheres your hiding place? Is it behind the fountain? Skye followed in the same direction and continued calling out her name when suddenly, she felt as though she were on a merry-go-round; she felt dizzy, lightheaded, as though she were about to pass out. Pinto? Where... whats happening, I cant... Her legs buckled; she fell to the ground. When she opened her eyes, she saw what appeared to be circles of misty clouds with tiny, twinkling lights hovering directly above her. Oh my God, whats happening? she yelled as the swirls of mist started descending toward her face. Skye closed her eyes and felt herself drifting away. Woman, are ye all right? She opened her eyes and wondered if she were dreaming. Ive died and gone to heaven, she thought, trying to catch her breath. He was powerfully handsome! Skye heard the familiar sound of the cat, so she turned her head. Pinto, she whispered, moving her hand toward the feline. "Pinto?" the man with raven black hair, queried. Skye fanned her hands across her face and answered the question by saying, The cat. Tis not the name of this cat, tis Miriam. What... who are you? Oh God, Im about to... A moment later, she rolled on her side and lost every last thing in her stomach. Help the poor woman! he shouted to the night as he knelt down and placed his hand underneath her neck. Try and calm yerself lass. Sure, she said, easy for you to say. A moment later, she passed out again. He turned her over faster than lightening, pleading, "Breathe for God''s sake!, then smiled as he felt the warm air pulse against his cheek. Duncan William Fletcher Wallace stood up and removed the cloak from around his broad shoulders and covered her up. Will be fine, he said. The left side of his mouth raised slightly, thinking, Beautiful lass, but why is she here with Miriam?