* Who Said That?! *

WATERS DO SEE

by PearlAnn SnowStar

Narcissa sprinkled the powdered salt and sage mix into the water in her basin. She stared at the moving ripples and smiled. She saw a red bird, but it was not a cardinal. It did not have the crown on its head.

“Redbird, come in!”

“How did…?” A young girl wearing a black hoodie, with the hood pulled down over her head, had entered Narcissa’s chamber. She had blonde hair that framed her golden-toned face.

“You are also walking with a limp.”

“Yeah. It’s nothing.” Redbird looked at her. “Amazing how you can see who is coming by using the waters.”

Narcissa chuckled. “And you, young one, should not be hanging out with a crazy old woman.”

“Well, you are the only one who understands my pull to the spirit realm.” Redbird bowed her head. “And accepts me for who I am. But I will never be able to do the water ritual. However, I am starting to understand the bones ritual; it’s sort of like runes.”

“Today, you will learn more. And help more.” Narcissa smiled.

“Narcissa, I started to do Tarot, too, but I won’t touch the Spirit Board, it’s just too dangerous.” Redbird paused, then continued, “ I have seen a demon, as well as ghosts and angels. No Shadow People, thank Goddess. But I don’t know. Why can’t I see more of the future?”

“Future not set in stone. Can change. Besides, our gifts come and go. When da time is right, they come. When not, we must accept the mystery.” Narcissa took out a container filled with bones.

“Here, let me help,” Redbird said as she grabbed the container. “Still, why can’t we have powers when we need them?”

“Because we have to learn our lessons on this plane before the next.”

Redbird shook her head. “Mysteries.”

“Makes life interesting, don’t you think?”

“Guess we must rely on intuition and follow our heart, it is the only true thing to do.”

Narcissa laughed. “Sound like Vincent.”

“One of the others you talked about?”

“Yes, child, you must meet them. They can help.”

Redbird shook her head. “No, no, I was just lucky I found you. I…I can’t get anyone in trouble.” She took a deep breath. “Besides, no one will believe me.”

“Child, I believe.” Narcissa patted her hand.

“It’s life. And I just want to find a place for me.” Redbird looked at the bones. “Shall we start?”

“Toss the bones,” Narcissa softly said, “we shall see if the spirits will speak to us.”

Redbird tossed them.

“What do you see, what do you feel?” Narcissa asked.

“Pain.” Redbird started to cry. “Pain I know about.”

“As I, child, as I. So, we’ll endure the pain and savor every moment of the joy. The joy of life.”

Redbird smiled. “Yes.” She paused, then whispered, “I almost feel like calling you Grandma.”

“I do not mind.”

“I will be leaving a bit early. I have to get back early today, or my uncle will be very mad.”

“I will see if you will have a safe way. You should be careful coming down this far.” Narcissa shook the bin. “You are blessed that the evil one is gone. Still, there are dangerous ones here Below.”

“Like Mouse?”

Narcissa looked her way as if, with those clouded eyes of hers, she could see her. “How do you know him?”

“Met him as I was coming down today. He was strange. We both scared each other. I told him I was going to see you. Asked who I was, so I asked his name and then I gave him mine. Said I should come with him to meet the others.” Redbird hesitated then asked, “Is he part of this community you mentioned?”

“Yes, will lead you to Vincent, to his Catherine, who could help you.”

Redbird shook her head. “No one can help me. Even the bones show more pain. Sometimes…” Redbird wiped away the tears that started to fall down her cheek. “I sometimes wonder if I am ever going to see eighteen.”

Narcissa had a concerned look on her face. “Why?”

Redbird sighed. “Just…it seems that there is more pain than joy. When I first found the tunnels, I kept exploring. I wanted to find a place to hide and then I found you.” Redbird smiled. “I am so glad you understood me. Did not judge.”

Narcissa chuckled. “You are a crazy young girl, I am a crazy old woman. We matched.”

“And you respected my gift.” Redbird got up quickly.

“Worry not, child, a friend is coming.”

“I…I don’t feel as if he is human. My Goddess, is he a demon? No, I don’t sense evil.” Redbird started to leave.

“Wait, Redbird.”

“No, I must …”

Vincent walked into the chamber and looked at Redbird, then Narcissa.

“Goddess,” Redbird whispered.

“Narcissa?” Vincent started to move closer to them.

Redbird moved in front of Narcissa as she boldly cried out, “Who are you?”

“Vincent,” Narcissa said. “Come in, meet my new friend, Redbird.”

Vincent’s blue eyes seem to pierce Redbird’s soul. “Please…”

“Don’t be afraid,” Redbird whispered. “I know what you were about to say. You seem like an angel of the night.”

Vincent shook his head. “I am a friend.”

“An angel, you have a love, a life, someone loves you.” Redbird gave Narcissa a quick hug. “I must go, really, or else I will be in trouble.”

“May I guide you?” Vincent asked.

“No, no, I have my own way down here that takes me to the subway to the Bronx. I will be all right. Really.”

Redbird moved past Vincent and limped quickly away.

“Narcissa.”

“Let her be, Vincent.”

“Who is she, what is she doing down here? How?”

“Let me tell you her tale. She has been coming down here for close to a month.” Narcissa motioned to him to sit down, which he did.

“Vincent…she needs help. But she won’t take it. Not from you. Mouse.”

“Mouse mentioned to me that there was a strange teenager here Below.”

She chuckled. “So, you came to see if you can find her.”

“She told Mouse she was going to see you before she slipped away. He said she was fast, but that she may have a problem walking.”

“Vincent, I know being with her, she is being abused. I feel it. I know it. But she is afraid. She has da gift of sight. She will be laughed at, mocked, and even judged.”

“Not with us.”

“Vincent, she does not trust. She must learn to trust. If her heart does not trust, then no words I speak would help her. Right now, I’m teaching her some of my craft. But she has her own skills. Perhaps give her time, maybe she will accept my words and seek you out or the others.”

He looked at her as she sat down. “The bones, the bones tell me she is in great danger. She knows it. Yet, she has only known cruelty and ridicule. When we met,she thought that I would hurt her.” She shrugged. “Do I look so strong I can break her bones? No, she is being hurt by the ones who should care for her. We can’t let them hurt the helpless.”

“I will speak to Catherine, but her name…”

“Redbird. It’s a name she uses. Clings to. Not her real name.”

“If she is using the old passageways to a certain subway stop, she is traveling down dangerous tunnels that can collapse at any time. Not to mention coming up to a dangerous part of the city.”

“She is careful, but she fears only those who are supposed to love and care for her.”

“Narcissa,” he looked at her, “you must find a way to bring her to our community. Perhaps Catherine can help her.”

“She does not want to go to foster care. Said they will be just as abusive. Afraid that even if she tries to keep quiet, they will find out that she is different. Maybe even worse situation than what she is in now.”

“I will let Father know about her; perhaps she can join us.”

She patted his hand. “Glad you are not giving up. Neither am I. We shall see who will bring her to a safe place.”

* * *

A few days later, Redbird was slowly making her way down. Her face had bruises and she hugged her waist with her right arm. Clinging close to the wall, she started to make her way down to Narcissa. As she started to move toward the Chamber of the Winds, she saw Narcissa coming toward her. And a young man was with her. She stopped and took a deep breath.

Narcissa came up to her. “Redbird.”

All Redbird could do was cry. She could not move her right arm.

“Injured. Mouse…”

Narcissa turned to find Mouse had quickly left. She looked at Redbird. “It’s all right. Breathe. Mouse will bring help.”

* * *

Mouse ran into Vincent’s chamber. Vincent and Catherine were in an intimate embrace, which they quickly broke off.

“Mouse!” Catherine called out.

Mouse grinned. “Sorry. Have to come. Quickly. Narcissa…”

Catherine looked worried as Vincent got up.

Concerned, Vincent asked, “What happened?”

“No. No. Narcissa OK.” Mouse was moving about in an agitated way. “Met her. Found Redbird. Redbird hurt bad. Narcissa told me get you.”

“Redbird? That girl you were talking about?” Catherine got up. “Go, I will let Father know.” Vincent and Mouse raced out of the chamber.

* * *

Redbird was flying. She was a beautiful bird soaring free. She looked towards the ground.

A shaman stood on a hill. She landed next to him.

Softly the Shaman spoke. “You must trust. The Universe has guided you to someone who can help you. Someone that you must accept. Just as you must accept help. You will be guided to another who can show you your destiny. You can be a good healer, perhaps a shaman.”

She shook her head. “I just have psychic gifts. I can’t be like you.”

“Not like me, like you. For now, trust the woman called Narcissa. Trust her community and do not go back. Things will be taken care of.”

He started to fade away.

“No, no, don’t go!”

A gentle voice spoke. “It’s all right, shh, it’s going to be all right.”

She opened her eyes and saw the most beautiful woman.

“Catherine, is she awake?” She heard Vincent’s voice.

“You are his love,” Redbird whispered. “The angel Catherine.”

Catherine smiled. “Not an angel, but someone who can help you.”

“I will let Father know she is awake.” Vincent kissed Catherine on the top of her head and left the chamber.

Redbird looked around. “I remember this place. This is where Vincent took me to. And an older man came in and helped fix my arm, but it hurt so much. Gave me something. I must have fallen asleep.”

“Yes, that is Father.” Catherine held her hand. “Narcissa has decided to stay and wait until you are awake.”

She started to get up. “Where is Narcissa? Need to talk to her.”

Catherine gently spoke, “Shh, you must rest. You also have bruises and injuries from the beating you received. Can you tell me who did this to you? If I know your situation, I can help you.”

“No, no foster home. No foster home.”

Catherine gently held her hand. “It’s all right. But I can help. Really.”

“Uncle will be mad.”

“Did your uncle do this to you?” Catherine had anger in her eyes.

Redbird could only nod yes, as tears fell.

“All right,” Catherine whispered. “Let me get Narcissa. You are safe now.”

Father and Vincent entered the chamber. Catherine got up.

“I’m going to let Narcissa know she is awake.” Catherine gave Vincent a quick hug, then walked out.

“Redbird, how are you feeling?” Father walked over to her and sat on the edge of the bed. He looked at the arm. “We have to put that into a sling.”

Redbird looked at him. “You are stern, caring, concerned. Vincent’s Father.”

Father raised an eyebrow.

“A gift, I have a gift.” Redbird could barely speak.

“Well, let’s hope this…gift…will help you heal, then we will see what happens next. Maybe Catherine can help you find a special place to stay.”

“No, no foster home, please.” Redbird could barely speak. “It will be just as bad or worse than now.”

“Redbird.” Narcissa had entered the chamber. “Da Father just wants to make sure you have a safe place to stay, whether here or Above.”

Catherine, who was behind Narcissa, came back into the chamber.

Redbird nodded yes. “I must trust,” she whispered. She closed her eyes.

Vincent spoke. “Is Redbird your birth name?”

Redbird looked at Father, who had gotten up and walked over to Vincent. Narcissa moved to sit on the edge of the bed, placing her hand gently on Redbird’s. Catherine walked over to the other side of the bed and sat down in a chair that was by the bed.

Redbird looked at Narcissa. “My name, Narcissa, is Yvonne Reddington.”

* * *

Days later, Redbird was in a chamber resting. Her right arm was in a sling.

“May I come in?” Mary’s voice was heard at the entrance.

“Yes, please.” Redbird sat up.

Mary carried a tray with a teapot and two cups. Crackers were also on the tray. She placed the tray on the small table next to the bed where Redbird lay.

Mary looked around, saw a chair, and pulled it up to the bedside.

“So glad to see that you are getting stronger and stronger each day.” Mary smiled and gently touched her hand. “Catherine has good news for you.”

“Maybe.” Redbird smiled. “But I can move about. I could have gotten up and gone to the kitchen.”

“Now, now, Father and Peter both said you must recover and rest. And that you don’t try to do anything with that arm.”

“I know, Mary. We even discussed my staying here. But Catherine is right. I should be Above. It will help to have a good foster family until the case against my uncle and cousin come to trial. And I can always come to visit.”

Redbird watched as Mary poured the tea into the cups. “Mary, that was the worst beating I ever got, coming from both my uncle and cousin. Usually, it was one or the other.”

“Well, you don’t have to worry. We got the news that Catherine has found just the right foster family and that they will be at her apartment today, so I am here to help you get dressed.”

Redbird nodded and got out of bed. Mary opened a drawer and started looking for a nice outfit, with Redbird watching her.

* * *

Redbird was ready. The pipes said Catherine was coming down. She took a deep breath. Mary had helped her pick out a nice rose-colored dress.

“Almost look like a redbird.” Redbird turned to see Narcissa at the entrance to the chamber.

“Grandma Narcissa!”

Redbird ran up to Narcissa. She hugged Narcissa with her one good arm.

“There, there, child, the spirits guided you and are still guiding you.” Narcissa gently patted her back.

Redbird had tears in her eyes. “The Shaman in my dreams and you both said I should trust. That the path led me to safety.” She let go of Narcissa.

Narcissa nodded. “When you go, I return to my chamber.”

“Narcissa, couldn’t you stay a little longer?” Mary said, looking at her.

Narcissa raised her hand. “I do fine. No need to worry.” She turned toward Redbird. “I will miss you.”

“I will write and maybe in a few years, when I am an adult, I can travel back here. And…”

“Child,” Narcissa smiled. “Our paths crossed. Maybe will cross again. But for now, you must follow your destiny. Your gift will help not only you but others. This is but a first step.”

Redbird nodded.

“Told you.” Mouse came and stood by Narcissa. “Told you. Help here.”

“Thanks, Mouse, I realize that now.” Redbird looked at Narcissa. “I’m ready. Catherine told me that today, I’m going to meet my new foster parents.”

Mary walked up to her. “You will be all right. And we are always here should you need us.”

“I still can’t believe this. I never would have dreamed that there was a place like this.” Redbird felt something warm inside of her. “I feel special.”

“Are.” Mouse smiled. “Going to miss. But going to better place. Catherine said so.”

Redbird nodded. “For the first time, I truly believe I am going to see adulthood.”

“Well, you enjoy your childhood.” Mary gave Redbird a quick hug.

“Pipes.” Mouse spoke up. “Catherine will go to Vincent first, then come in here.”

“Now is the time for me to go.” Narcissa turned towards Mouse.

“So soon?” Mary asked. “Can’t you wait until Catherine comes to take Redbird Above?”

“She wanted to wish me well, Mary, and besides,” Redbird grinned, “she has company waiting for her.”

Mouse looked confused. Narcissa chuckled.

“Yes, Redbird, it is time for you to fly and time for me to return home. The spirits wait for me.” Narcissa looked at Mouse. “Still want to help this old woman?”

Mouse nodded his head yes. Narcissa put her hand on his arm. “Remember, child, walk a bit more slowly this time.”

Mouse and Narcissa walked out of the chamber.

Mary sighed. Redbird gave her a gentle hug. “Mary, she has her own path to follow, like us all.”

* * *

Narcissa looked at the water in the bin on her table and smiled. She tossed some powder into the bowl of water.

“Yes…I see it now. The redbird has a nest with golden birds. Redbird, Redbird, continue to practice your gift, use it for good, for life. You are special and bring something special to this world. Your destiny shines bright. Of things that are not and should be.”

“Grandma.” Narcissa chuckled as she continued to watch the movement of the water. “Who’d have thought the spirits would bring a granddaughter to me now?”

She looked around her. “Thank you, spirit angels.”