Page 45 of A Bridge Through Time
TWENTY-FIVE
Ashley and Lena sat in her chambers, carefully examining the backpack. They had removed every individual item in search of a message from Edna, but to no avail.
“She certainly was thorough in her packing,” Lena mused.
“I can’t believe there’s nothing here for you. She knew what she was doing when she sent me, and she had to know we would eventually meet,” Ashley continued to carefully scrutinize the backpack. She ran her fingers over the fabric, searching for any signs of a hidden note or object. She was about to give up, when she felt a small lump in the lining of one of the pockets.
“Hmmm. What’s this?” Ashley retrieved the scissor Edna had packed, and carefully cut away the fabric around the lump.
Lena watched anxiously as Ashley extricated a small parcel, wrapped in brightly colored tissue paper. They both sat motionless, staring at the object in Ashley’s hand.
“Here. You open it.” Ashley handed the small parcel to Lena.
“I suddenly feel like a child on Christmas morning,” Lena giggled. She gently opened the neatly folded tissue, to discovera note inside, along with a very tiny ceramic frog. Lena held the little treasure in her hand and began to sob.
Ashley went to Lena and wrapped her arms around Lena’s back, in an effort to offer her some small comfort.
After a couple of minutes, Lena inhaled a deep breath and read the note aloud through tear-filled eyes.
“My dearest Arlena,
I have hoped and prayed that someday, I might find you again and then the lovely young lady who brought you this note answered my prayers. She was sent to me, unbeknownst to her, to aid me in the search. I owe her a great deal, and I apologize to her for any dismay I might have caused.
I have missed you so much, my darling daughter. I know you are well and happy, for you have not returned to us. I have sent you messages in your dreams. Yes, it really is me visiting you. You have the same abilities I have, my dearest. Practice what I taught you as a child, and you too can visit me and send me messages. It would mean the world to me, to be able to see your face and hear your voice once more.
Your Da and I both want you to know how much we love and miss you. We hope to see you again one day, but until then, all our love to you and your family.
Mam and Da”
Ashley and Lena were both teary-eyed when Lena folded the note and tucked it into her pocket. She held the little green frog in the palm of her hand.
“My mother gave me this frog when I was a child. She told me, that as long as I kept it with me it would protect me from harm. I always kept it hidden in my pocket and if I was ever afraid or worried I would hold it in my hand and I knew everything would be okay.”
“Why a frog?” Ashley questioned curiously.
“I don’t honestly know, but I did have an odd fascination for them as a child. My mother told me that this little frog had special powers, and I believed her.”
Ashley smiled. “Was it charmed?”
“Maybe. Mother was always playing around with spells and magic. I didn’t think it was anything out of the ordinary, because I grew up around it.”
“Do you think she can help me get back to Glendaloch?” Ashley asked quietly.
Lena met Ashley’s gaze. “Is that what you really want?”
Ashley didn’t respond immediately. She hadn’t discussed her thoughts about leaving Breaghacraig with anyone, other than Irene. Maybe she should. Perhaps talking to Lena would help her work through the confusion she was suffering. Lena would understand. After all, she’d been there and done exactly the same thing.
“I’m not sure what I want, Lena,” Ashley admitted quietly.
“You know everyone here loves you and would like you to stay. They’ve already adopted you. As far as they’re concerned, you’re family.”
Ashley frowned, considering this idea. “Really? I mean, I know they like me, but Irene’s the only one who’s actually said she hoped I’d stay. I’ve become very fond of all of them, they’re good and kind people. My family is all gone. I’m alone at home, exceptfor my friends, and they’re all too busy with their own lives to spend very much time with me.” Ashley offered Lena a watery smile. “On the one hand, I’m so at home here, and I feel an amazing connection to this family, but on the other hand, I’m afraid to stay. What if things don’t work out in the way I want them to? What if after a while in Breaghacraig, I discovered I wasn’t happy? Would I still be able to go back to Glendaloch, if I waited for too long? I’m so conflicted.” She sighed heavily.
“What about Cailin?” Lena asked gently. “You thought you were meant to find him, and you have.”
Ashley nodded sadly. “I know, and I feel so alive when I’m with him. Besides being the most gorgeous man I’ve ever known, he’s so sweet and caring. He makes me feel things I’ve never felt before. When I’m around him, there’s this magnetic attraction. I’m drawn to him, but I can’t seem to think clearly, when he’s nearby. I’ve been avoiding him today, because I thought it might help if I had some space to clear things up in my head.”
“And how’s that working out for you?” Lena smirked knowingly.
