Chapter 4: Disbelief

   “You don’t have to look at me like I’m crazy, Em,“Beth said, as Emma rolled her eyes and gave her numerous ‘poor you' looks.“I know what I saw.”

 Then again, the entire evening had been so completely bizarre, she guessed she could understand why her best friend was about ready to cart her off to the looney bin.

How was she supposed to make Emma understand when she herself was so lost on the topic?

She had seen herself in a casket for heaven’s sake!

 “Beth,”Emma said ever so sweetly,“honey,are you totally sure you weren't having a dream?You must realize how this sounds!All this talk of caskets and corn children giving you ominous warnings….did you watch a horror movie before bed?You know how those upset you.”

Beth composed herself as best she could.”No, I didn't watch a horror movie Em.I came downstairs thinking I’d left the telly on and there in my living room was a casket with me in it!And a choir of children.”

Emma looked critically at her.Surely thinking it could be post traumatic stress from the divorce.

“Okay, lets not argue about it anymore,”Emma eventually said.”If you believe you saw it, then it's fine with me.”

None of it made sense as Emma rose from her chair to pour both of them another cup of tea.

“We should go to the countryside for a few days.Visit Aunt Esmeralda.Just so you can clear your mind.”

“Emma, I cannot just pack up and gallivant to the countryside with you.My job.” 

“Take some time off, its only for the weekend.And you know Aunt Esmeralda would love to see you.How long has it been?6 months?”

 Beth smiled as she remembered Mrs Feeney, the wonderful woman who had taken so much care of her after her parents had been killed.

After their joint funeral, while the lawyers were still sorting out the estate, Mrs Feeney had taken her in and for almost a year she had lived with her.

It was Mrs Feeney who introduced Beth to her wild and free spirited artist niece, Emma, and ever since that first meeting, they had been best friends.

What Emma said made sense, maybe she did need a break and what better way than to spend some time with a woman who had done so much for her?It would be good for her.       “Fine,”she conceded.“I’ll go.”

In the shadows she stirred.Something was blocking her, she couldn’t hear anything they said.There was a ripple in the spirit world, she could feel it.Someone was helping this woman, shielding her from the darkness, from her vengeance.

Just one more person to end.