Welcome Back!

As I’ve explained before, this series of chapters will most likely become the prequel to my first novel, The 12/59 Shuttle From Yesterday to Today. It is about the central character in the 12/59, Sheila, as a child, and the events that led up to the action in the 12/59.

Yes it is a fantasy and yes it is a metaphor.

I’m writing this in third person, my first attempt to write a full-length novel in third person. All of my other novels were written in first person, so be patient with me as I stumble along using a new style. I may or may not do this again (third person); the jury is still out on that style question.

So, when we last visited Sheila, she was five years old and had just helped Mrs. Kramer to return from the dead. Now, one might expect Sheila’s parents to be a bit shocked by their daughter’s powers but, as is their nature, they are more inquisitive than shocked.

Let’s listen in as they toss around possible reasons for Sheila’s incredible abilities.

Returning Home

There was silence in the old Chevy as Sam, Heather and Sheila made their way back home. Sheila, of course, was sleeping in the back seat, for raising someone from the dead is, after all, a bit tiring. Sam and Heather, however, were not tired but rather deep in thought.

They knew, of course, that their daughter had gifts. The nuns at the orphanage had told them as much, and they had certainly seen signs of those gifts as Sheila grew older, her vocabulary was so advanced, and her breathing life back into dead creatures insects and animals, so seeing Mrs. Kramer bouncing back from a heart attack was really the next step in the evolution of Sheila….but….how was it possible? That question weighed on their minds as they drove the back roads of Olympia. How, in a world of finite beginnings and endings, had Sheila managed to toss aside all scientific laws?

What, then, was death? What was life? Were they connected and if so, how? Where did a human go after breathing the last breath, and how could they return from that place so easily? Somehow Sheila was able to tap into those hidden answers and unlock all manner of mysteries.

At Day’s End

Even after they put Sheila to bed they were obsessed with these questions.

“Come, husband,” Heather said to Sam. “Let’s go sit by the stream and talk more about it.”

They went to their favorite spot on the property, a lovely grove underneath elms and maples, with a small stream gurgling and bubbling nearby. They sat, and Heather kissed Sam a hungry kiss, a kiss filled with promise of so much more, a kiss worthy of curled toes and breathless anticipation. Her eyes sparkled as their lips parted.

“There will be so much more for you, Sam, when we finally have some answers to these questions, so put that brilliant mind to work and help us to see the light regarding Sheila.”

It was true, Sam was brilliant, brilliant in a way that left others wondering if they all belonged in the same species. He collected Phds like others collected baseball cards, and his wonderful mind saw connections rarely glimpsed by mortal man. Truly if anyone could unravel the mystery of Sheila, it was her adopted father Sam.

He began to postulate out loud.

“Perhaps death does not exist. Perhaps, what we see as death, the crumpled bodies in car wrecks, the gaping gunshot wounds of domestic violence, the aftermath of battles, perhaps those are just the physical remainder, but the essence of who we are moves on to another realm…another dimension….wait….another parallel universe. And perhaps that parallel universe is separated from this universe by the slimmest of slims, and Sheila has found a way to reach into that other universe, snatch the dead, and return them to this present day and time.”

Heather kissed her husband again because, well, she was a tease of mythical proportions and also because she knew, as all women seem to instinctively know, that the most certain way to get results from a man is to promise him, as Heather’s parents loved to say, nookie. Besides, she found Sam to be sexier than hell.

“But Sam,” she said upon releasing his lips. “If that is so and believe me, I do not doubt your theory for a moment, then why does Sheila only save certain creatures and not all creatures? If it is so easy to do so, as you state, then it would be simple for her to save every single road kill, all the possums, all the raccoons, all the dead dogs and flattened cats. Why does she pick and choose, my sexy partner?”

And the Answer Is Delivered By a Five Year Old

“Because they don’t all believe, Mother,” the child said as she approached her parents.

Sheila was like that, light of foot, ethereal in so many ways, seemingly drifting through life without actually being tethered to the ground. Her parents were accustomed to her suddenly appearing without making a sound, so her sudden appearance by the grove under the elms by the stream did not surprise them.

“What do you mean, Sheila?” her father asked.

Sheila smiled and, to her parents, it was as though the sun increased in candlepower.

“They don’t all believe, Father,” the child repeated. “They must believe in the healing powers of love in order for me to reach them.”

“Love,” sighed both Heather and Sam at once.

“Yes, Mother! Yes, Father! Love is the most powerful force in the universe. It can bring light to the darkest of darknesses. Love is not a word. Love is not a concept. Love is a reality, a living, breathing crucial part of all universes and the key which can unlock all mysteries. Yes, Mother, Father, love! Mrs. Kramer was a loving human being. I heard her cry for help as her heart failed her and, because I believe in love, I was able to reach out, grab hold of her spirit, and bring her back. It really is quite simple, my loving parents.

“Father, you are correct, there are other universes, and I can tell you now, one day, in the near future, you will become famous for your teachings of alternate universes, rich and famous with a church of your own and bestselling books and oh, my, won’t that be exciting?”

“Love,” sighed both Heather and Sam at once.

“Yes Mother, yes, Father, love!”

“But Sheila,” her mother asked. “How can you see into the future and know what will happen to us?”

“Alternate universes, Mother! There is a future universe, a past universe and a present universe. I see all three. I do not know how this is possible. All I know is when I was very young, at the orphanage, something happened to make me this way. It happened during a storm but I do not know what caused it all and oh, what a future we have in store for us. Now really, Mother, Father, I’m very, very hungry. Could we go home so I can eat some Cheerios?”

“Love,” sighed both Heather and Sam.

More to Come

We should probably leave our characters for now. I can tell you that Heather delivered on her promise to Sam. Later that evening she rocked his world with some world-class sex while their daughter bounced between universes, studying the future and learning from the past. It was, to say the least, a very busy, exhausting and enjoyable evening for all three.

Join me next week for more in the life of Sheila.

Thank you!

2016 William D. Holland (aka billybuc)

Comments

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on August 05, 2016:

Sadly, I don't know if HP will ever be what it once was. Big sigh!

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on August 05, 2016:

Always love, Maria. Always love!

Maria Jordan from Jeffersonville PA on August 04, 2016:

Picking right back up on this story, dear Bill - I'm feeling the love (but not at HP as my first comment was lost...)

Looking forward to catching up... Love, Maria

marcoujor on August 04, 2016:

I'm going to enjoy catching up with my morning coffee, dear Bill.

Despite the length of time between visits, your story pulled me right back in - and I'm feeling the LOVE...! Love and thanks, Maria

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on July 25, 2016:

Marlene, no matter which universe we are talking about, I want to believe that love rules it. Thank you, my friend.

Marlene Bertrand from USA on July 25, 2016:

It''s a good thing this chapter ended. For a moment there I was deeply pulled into Sheila's alternate universe. This story has me considering all kinds of alternatives about life and death. But one thing is very clear. Love rules the universe.

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on July 24, 2016:

Gosh, Sha, I don't know...probably. I'm not much of a long-distance planner, but it's a great idea. Thanks!

Shauna L Bowling from Central Florida on July 22, 2016:

I certainly hope Sheila knows when not to pop in on her mom and dad. That would be embarrassing!

Do you plan on doing a flashback showing us what physical event took place to give Sheila her powers?

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on July 20, 2016:

I think that sums it up perfectly, Lawrence, and I thank you for that.

bill

Lawrence Hebb from Hamilton, New Zealand on July 19, 2016:

"If I can understand all the mysteries of the universe yet haven't got love, I'm just a 'clanging symbol'"

I think that about sums it up really.

Great stuff (Now I'm gonna go back and take a look at those YouTube clips)

Lawrence

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on July 18, 2016:

I believe that as well, Deb, but it's like leading a horse to water....you can't make that devil drink it.

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on July 18, 2016:

Thank you Michael my friend. Challenging? For sure....for all of us...food for thought, eh?

blessings always

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on July 18, 2016:

Exactly, Missy! I think we should have questions. There are great mysteries out there and I think we have just scratched the surface of answers. Thanks so much for your loyal following and friendship.

Deb Hirt on July 17, 2016:

Now is the time when this story is needed more than ever, with the turmoil that this world is in...

Michael-Milec on July 16, 2016:

Sighing. One family has a deep interest in things eternal values...

Seeing generosity of the "Alternate Universe" a world of unrestricted potential expands around us at our finger tips to apply by the power of love according to Sheila. Why not more is done? A stunning accusation "they don't all believe"...

Interesting and challenging article my friend. Thank you.

Blessing and peace with us.

Missy Smith from Florida on July 16, 2016:

Hey Bill,

I love all the questions this story poses. I, myself, am at a stage in my life right now that I am questioning religion and what I believe in. I wonder of alternate universes and such. So, this story is becoming more and more fascinating to me as I read it.

There is something I came across today on YouTube that is about questioning how we view religion or why we believe in one religion from another, or how some don't believe in religion or a god at all. I think I will write about this subject soon.

My brain is on a fast ride these days. I'm in one of those places in life where I know I'm making another change in where my thoughts are at when it comes to why we are here, and what I believe in myself.

I'm excited to keep reading this story as my time permits and thank you again for your gift of storytelling. :)

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on July 14, 2016:

I'm glad to hear that, Frank, so thank you! My goal is to always reach inside the reader's heart.

Frank Atanacio on July 13, 2016:

I had to go back and read a couple chapters to catch up.. you know this story opens your heart and kind of help find the true meaning of realistic fiction..

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on July 08, 2016:

Aw, thanks Dee! I would be in writers' heaven if one of my books ever made it to the big screen.

Dianna Mendez on July 08, 2016:

This could be the makings of a film. Love is the greatest gift of all, good angle on this story.

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on July 08, 2016:

Wouldn't that be fascinating, Alicia? Who needs television when you can bounce back to the past?

Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on July 07, 2016:

I'd love to bounce between universes like Sheila! Although your story is fiction, I find it fascinating because it deals with some ideas that I've thought about. I'm off to read the next chapter and get caught up in this interesting story.

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on July 07, 2016:

Zulma, you've done your duty and caught up, and I thank you for it. Have a tremendous Thursday, my friend.

Zulma Burgos-Dudgeon from United Kingdom on July 07, 2016:

How intriguing. I like the explanation of love being a living thing. And in Sheila's hands, it truly does conquer all.

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on July 06, 2016:

You and me both, Rasma!

Thank you!

Gypsy Rose Lee from Daytona Beach, Florida on July 05, 2016:

I was always convinced that love had amazing powers.

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on July 04, 2016:

I do too, Flourish! Now I have to figure out how to tap into one. :)

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on July 04, 2016:

I'm so glad, Sparrow...thank you!

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on July 04, 2016:

Vellur, I'm going to write the next today, so we'll both find out soon. Thank you!

FlourishAnyway from USA on July 04, 2016:

I like the idea of alternate dimensions.

Rochelle Ann De Zoysa from Moratuwa, Sri Lanka on July 04, 2016:

LOVE the story so far :) Waiting to read more :)

Nithya Venkat from Dubai on July 03, 2016:

Great story, spellbound from beginning to end. Wonder what is going to happen next.

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on July 03, 2016:

Thanks again, Genna! Yes, this is a fantasy, but I'm not so sure it is a far-fetched fantasy. There is just so much we don't know about this existence....who's to say?

Genna East from Massachusetts, USA on July 02, 2016:

First, second, third person and beyond, it's all great writing, Bill. And I agree that love is the most powerful influence in the universe -- all universes. I just loved that paragraph. And how Sheila said, "It really is quite simple, my loving parents." Some physicists theorize that the past, present and future are all one, but perceived as separate via different dimensions or universes in time. By the way, how heartwarming that Heather and Sam are in love, and in a healthy relationship. :-)

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on July 02, 2016:

One cool family, Pop! Wish I had them for neighbors. Heck, I wish I had you as a neighbor. :)

breakfastpop on July 01, 2016:

The parents are gifted as well!

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on July 01, 2016:

Dora, the first word that comes to my mind is it would be "miraculous." :) Thank you!

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on July 01, 2016:

Eric, I'm preaching to the choir with this story, and it's so nice to know I'm not alone in my obsession with love. Thank you!

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on July 01, 2016:

Thank you PS, my angel lady, and thanks for the inspiration for the title. May angels return to you laden with good tidings.

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on July 01, 2016:

Blessings indeed, Shyron! What else is there without love? I've seen firsthand and I did not enjoy it.

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on July 01, 2016:

It certainly is for me, Karen, but I just had to give this a go and see how it went. Thanks for the support and kind words.

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on July 01, 2016:

Manatita, I've got a long way to go to be a really good person, but at least I know to follow the light of love on the journey.

Dora Weithers from The Caribbean on July 01, 2016:

So many thoughts about life and death to consider. What would I do having and living with a child like Sheila?

Eric Dierker from Spring Valley, CA. U.S.A. on July 01, 2016:

Bill this is wonderful. In all my travels and throughout all my life there has been a constant. Love. We can travel to the ends of the world and find it everywhere. We can look in our own neighborhoods and find it. There is nothing that even comes close to being omnipresent. I am quite certain that love transcends all levels or planes of existence.

Patricia Scott from North Central Florida on July 01, 2016:

Thoughtful ideas posed and not so far from some of the things I have tossed around, you know....it is good brain exercise to postulate and consider this theory or that theory and who's to say that such as you suggest is not possible.

Characters are believable, bill, so it makes this a story that I want to read and then hate to come to the end of the page ...Angels from the present on the way to you ps

Shyron E Shenko from Texas on June 30, 2016:

Awesome Bill, Love is All there is, everything is love and love is all there is.

Blessings always.

Karen Hellier from Georgia on June 30, 2016:

Bill,

It is so much easier to write in first person, isn't it? But you are doing great on your way to being an author who writes well in the third person style. Congrats!

manatita44 from london on June 30, 2016:

Love...you and I bro, are 'preaching to the converted' as they say. I know you value Love and so do I, my friend, so do I! I love the way that Sheila tells her story. Deep ...yet simple. Like life, perhaps? Ummm... nice one!

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on June 30, 2016:

Thank you so much, Linda! I was less than confident starting out with 3rd person. It's a strange new world for me, so being affirmed helps greatly.

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on June 30, 2016:

Venkatachari M, you are very welcome, and Sheila thanks you for the kind words.

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on June 30, 2016:

Ruby, that is so very kind of you to say. Thank you my friend and I agree with you about love unlocking the door to happiness. As for having an inkling of the hereafter, I'm just a guy with an active imagination. LOL

Linda Lum from Washington State, USA on June 30, 2016:

Bill, we need more Sheila's. Not to raise the dead to life, but to remind us that love is the key to the universe.

Hmmm, maybe that IS the same as raising one from the dead. Without love we are dead inside; with love, we live forever, not literally, but in the hearts and minds of those who have known us.

By the way, you're rocking the 3rd person style.

Venkatachari M from Hyderabad, India on June 30, 2016:

Very nice food for our souls and mind here. Love. It is an essential thing for all of us in this universe to lead a happy and blessed life. Sheila knows it all better. And many many thanks for creating such a wonderful character.

Ruby Jean Richert from Southern Illinois on June 30, 2016:

Funny how much Shelia believes like I do. To be able to write this you must have an inkling of the hereafter. Your writing is so beautiful! Love is the key that unlocks the door to happiness, and you express it so well. I love this!

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on June 30, 2016:

I'm having fun, Shannon, so what else do I need? LOL Cheerios were my favorite breakfast cereal growing up, so I just had to add it to the story. You are a woman of good taste, my friend.

Shannon Henry from Texas on June 30, 2016:

There's your twisted sense of humor again with that "sexy" ending. LOL By the way, nice to see that old soul still has some child in her. Cheerios? So simplistic, yet delicious.

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on June 30, 2016:

MizB, I am so glad you like this. These are my favorite characters of all-time....my first character ever was Sheila....and I admit to being a bit fond of her. So like a proud parent, I love that you love my child. Thank you!

Doris James MizBejabbers from Beautiful South on June 30, 2016:

Wow, Bill, I am so glad that you are expanding your own universes. I don't see how you can write about this subject unless there is a glimmering of your own. This is exciting to me. Love, it is something we mere humans can't quite grasp, and I'm glad that little Sheila does. I may have said this before, but she sounds like a crystal child. BTW, I love the photo of the creek. It is so inviting.

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on June 30, 2016:

Thanks buddy! I'm still not sure I enjoy it, but I need to get better at it before making that decision.

Old Poolman on June 30, 2016:

Well Bill, it is summer in Arizona, what can I say regarding the heat? You took to 3rd person style like a duck to water my friend.

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on June 30, 2016:

Hey, Mike, good to see you buddy. How's the heat down there? :) Thanks a bunch. First time I've ever written in 3rd person and I appreciate you commenting on it.

Old Poolman on June 30, 2016:

Awesome story Bill, and by the way, your third person style is working well.

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on June 30, 2016:

Well duh, right, Nell? LOL Thank you!

Bill Holland (author) from Olympia, WA on June 30, 2016:

And there you are, Janine, and there we all are...love is all we need. Why is that such a hard lesson to learn?

Happy Thursday and thank you, my friend.

Nell Rose from England on June 30, 2016:

Great story Bill, and yes of course there are other Dimensions and Universes! lol!

Janine Huldie from New York, New York on June 30, 2016:

Love is definitely all we need and again The Beatles were definitely onto something and so are you here. Happy Thursday, Bill!! :)