People In The Curtains- Book Two- Life Returned

By Martin Taylor Graves

A new school is on the horizon and Aaron knows Jr. High will present a new level of teasing and bullying. He continues to see visions in his surroundings, but in the past two years, he’s learned to ignore them.
Then Aaron meets Kasha, a beautiful sixteen year old. Immediately, he realizes she’s just another vision, another enigma to be dealt with. She approaches Aaron with a proposition and reluctantly he agrees to help her. She’s intent on learning the identity of the man who killed her, absorbed on stopping him from killing again.
As the puzzle unravels, secrets are discovered and Kasha’s desires are met. But now she wants something else... she wants her "Life Returned".

• Language: English
• Publisher: Anna Florin
• Release date: May 1, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476311524

Martin Taylor Graves

Martin likes to write about a variety of subjects. He enjoys stories dealing with the bazaar and supernatural, also human interest stories. To be able to capture a reader's attention so he can't put the book down, is fantastic.

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Life Returned

By

M.T.Graves

Smashwords Edition through Featherwood Publishing

Copyright 2012 M.T.Graves

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This work may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to www.smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Cover Artwork Contributors

Jim Champion, JaneArt & Anna Florin



Too late I stayed, forgive the crime,

Unheeded flew the hours;

How noiseless falls the foot of time,

That only treads on flowers.

…William Robert Spencer



People In The Curtains

Book Two

Life Returned

Chapter One

Aaron and Jack strolled up the sidewalk, Snips following closely behind.

So, what do you want for lunch? Aaron asked.

Jack looked around and rubbed his chin. Soup. Crackers and soup, the twenty four year old stated, licking his lips and nodding. His smile was wider than normal.

Aaron agreed, Sounds good. Tomato or mushroom?

Jack’s thoughts were suddenly interrupted, as Snips ran past him.

Hi, boys. How are you doing today? Gerald Quinn, Aaron’s neighbor, was just stepping down Aaron’s front porch steps.

Great, Mr. Quinn, Aaron answered. How are you?

I’m good, I’m good. I hear you’re going to be in Jr. High this year. Are you excited? the old gentleman asked, eyeing Aaron.

Snips competed for the neighbor’s attention, trying to get his head into the man’s hand. His hindquarters wiggled back and forth, as his tail swung wildly.

Aaron stood a little straighter and nodded. Yeah… and a little scared, he admitted.

Well, it won’t be that scary. You’ll get along fine. The man stroked the dog, then turned his attention to the other boy. And what about you, Jack? Will you still be attending Greater Achievements Academy?

Jack nodded. In two weeks. He held up two fingers.

That’s good, that’s good. Gerald glanced back at Aaron’s house and reflected a moment. He turned back to Aaron. Oh, I almost forgot. The reason I came over was to invite you and your mother, and grandmother, up to our cabin to see the fall leaves. I thought we could take a few hikes, maybe go out onto the lake and catch a few fish. Would you like that?

Aaron’s mouth dropped open. Sure. That sounds great. Did mom say we could go?

She said it sounded like fun, Gerald said grinning. The old man finally considered Jack standing beside Aaron. The older boy’s head hung down, as he shuffled his feet. He seemed forlorn. Gerald cleared his throat. Jack… do you think you and your mother would want to come along?

Jack looked up, Wow, yeah… sure. His wide smile returned.

Well, we’ll have to ask your mom first. Is she home?

Jack shook his head. No. She work.

Gerald patted the boy’s arm. Let me know when she gets home, son, and I’ll give her a call. He turned and started home.

Thanks, Mr. Quinn, Aaron called after him. He turned to Jack. Gee, that’ll be fun. Hope your mom says it’s okay.

The pair climbed the front steps and Jack held the door open for Snips.

The dog hurried into the bathroom, over to the toilet and began lapping up water.

Jack stood and watched the dog a moment. Why he drink there? That’s icky.

Aaron laughed. Not for a dog, it’s not. That’s what animals do.

Jack shook his head. Snickers don’t. He don’t do that.

As they walked into the kitchen, Aaron reached for the cupboard door. Well, Snickers is a cat, that’s why. Dogs do a lot of dumb things. Cats are smarter. He grabbed a can of mushroom soup and dumped it into a large bowl. He added some water and stirred it round, placing it into the microwave. What time does your mom usually get home?

Jack located some spoons and cereal bowls. He set them on the table. About… dinner time, he finally reasoned.

Aaron found the crackers and took them to the table. He then waited for the soup to heat. He looked around. I wonder where mom and grandma are? As he spoke, a nervousness began to settle in. He remembered another time when he couldn’t find his mother at home. Mom? he called out louder, so his voice could reach into the other rooms of the house.

Down here, honey. We’re in the basement.

Aaron let out a deep breath and smiled. He took the soup to the table. Okay, he hollered back. Aaron carefully dished out the hot soup.

Jack had crumbled a handful of crackers into his empty bowl. They rose quickly to the surface when the soup was added, forcing Jack to push them back into the liquid with his spoon. He then lowered his head close to the bowl and began blowing across the soup’s surface. Jack sporadically touched the soup with his finger, testing its temperature. Finally, when he deemed it eatable, he began spooning in the warm lunch.

Meanwhile, Aaron washed the cooking bowl and dried it, setting it back into the cupboard. He then took his seat and reached for the Saltines. He didn’t take quite as many crackers as Jack had, setting just a few next to his bowl. As he leaned closer to spoon up his soup, he noticed an image begin to form on one of the crackers. He watched as it became clearer and more defined. Suddenly, tired of being interrupted by these common sightings, he grabbed the crackers and crushed them into his bowl. It was easier to avoid the images, than to deal with them.

Footstep sounds came up the stairway, as Doris and Bonnie stepped into the kitchen.

I’m glad you’re home, Aaron, his mother said. We were downstairs folding the laundry. Bonnie now walked with only the aid of a cane, something her doctors thought she would need the rest of her life.

Doris lifted the laundry basket around the kitchen chairs and carried it into the first bedroom. She returned empty-handed. Looks like you boys made yourself some lunch. She smiled and glanced at the clock on the stove. Turning to her daughter she said, What would you like to eat, dear?

Bonnie noticed the disappearing soup and nodded. The soup looks good.

Doris opened the cupboard and looked over the selection of can goods. Chicken noodle or tomato?

Jack stopped eating and looked back. You got chicken noodle?

Doris turned her attention to the twenty four year old. Yes, Jack, we do. Are you still hungry?

Jack nodded and grinned. He looked at Aaron and made a silly face. Oh, goody. Quickly he picked up his bowl, tipped it to his mouth and finished what was left of his mushroom lunch.

Aaron finished as well. None for me, grandma. I’m full. He went to the pantry in search of dessert. He found a couple of packages of Hostess cupcakes and returned to the table. He set one down in front of Jack.

Instantly, Jack grabbed for the treat, unwrapping it as fast as his hands could rip. He gently lifted the chocolate cupcake and broke it in two. He closed his eyes, as he held up each half of the cupcake, licking out its creamy white filling. When that was gone, he finished the cake part. In the end, all he had between his fingers was the thick fudge layer of frosting. He carefully rolled it into a tube and slid the entire thing into his mouth. Hummm, he moaned, as he chewed the last of it. Wiping his hand across his mouth, he took a big breath and waited for his second bowl of soup to heat.

The other three people in the room watched his performance closely.

You don’t get cupcakes very often, do you Jack, Bonnie joked. She dished a scoop of the new soup flavor into his bowl, then did the same for her own bowl and her mother’s.

Aaron sat back, giggling to himself. He took more time with his own cupcake, savoring its goodness a few moments longer.

Snips sat close to Jack, laying his head on the boy’s lap. As crumbs and noodles fell from the boy’s mouth, the dog was right there to clean up any droppings.

Doris joined her daughter at the table and began eating. By the way, Aaron. We thought we’d take a little trip up to the mountains this weekend. The Quinns have invited us up to their cabin.

Aaron moved his dirty bowl to the sink. I know. We met Mr. Quinn out front. It sounds fun. He rinsed his dish and turned back. He’s going to ask Jack’s mom if they can come. Won’t that be great?

Bonnie glanced at the young man finishing up his second bowl of soup and smiled. "That will be fun. I hope you and your mother can join us."

Jack set his empty bowl back onto the table. He looked up at Aaron. Done.

Aaron bussed Jack’s bowl to the sink and offered his friend a juice box. We’re heading back to the hut, mom. I’ll be home by six.

Bonnie nodded. Don’t get too dusty.

I won’t, mom. The boys ran out the back door, Snips at their heels. They raced past two houses and then slowed their pace. Aaron was panting and coughing. Oh, man. Let’s slow down, I’m out of breath.

Jack, too, was finding it difficult to breathe. He nodded his approval.

Snips continued down the road, passing into the next block. Suddenly, he stopped and looked back. Noticing he wasn’t with his pack any longer, he hurried back, circling the boys, letting them know he hadn’t forgotten them.

The trees blew gently in the breeze, tossing their branches, laughing at the boy’s situation. Aaron looked up. How would it be… to be a tree? You’d be so tall, you could see forever.

Jack stopped to ponder that question. He slowly looked up. Not good, he said, shaking his head. Can’t move.

Yeah, you’re right. It would be boring to have to stand still your whole life. Aaron got his second wind and punched Jack lightly on the arm. Race ya!

Without saying a word, Jack took off. His legs were much longer than Aaron’s, but his grace wasn’t as proficient. He outpaced the younger boy easily, but just as he passed his own house, Jack tripped and fell, skidding against the sidewalk. He quickly came to a stop.

Aaron was upon him in seconds. Did ya hurt yourself?

Jack sat up and looked at his scraped hands. A few small rocks had cut into them, mixing themselves with a small amount of blood. The young man brushed his hands together and looked himself over. His pants had a new rip and his knee was bleeding... much more than his hands were. I’m okay. Not hurt.

Snips tried to get close to the injured knee, smelling its damage.

Aaron helped his friend up and made sure he could stand. You’ve got to be more careful. Lift your feet when you run. He looked down at the sidewalk, expecting to see a raised imperfection. There was nothing. The sidewalk was level. Aaron shook his head. What did you trip over?

Jack looked down. Tripped on… He looked around for whatever had tripped him. Without seeing anything, he shrugged.

Aaron made sure Jack’s laces were tied… they were. He nodded towards his friend’s bloody knee. We should wash your cut and put a bandage on it.

Jack looked again at the rip in his knee and nodded. Yeah. Jack hobbled up to his house and entered through the back door. It wasn’t locked, for Jack wasn’t allowed to carry a key. They rinsed the cut and patted it dry.

Aaron was careful to stick the bandage directly over the cut, which needed to be kept clean. Great. Let’s get another drink and get outta here.

As Jack filled a glass at the sink, Aaron glanced out the front window. An old blue car rolled to a stop in front of Jack’s house and two older boys got out. The driver walked around to the passenger’s side, readjusting his sagging pants. The two started up the driveway, towards Jack’s back door.

Aaron grew nervous. Lock the door, Jack. Someone’s coming.

Jack glanced out the window, then hurried to the door. He slammed it with a bang and locked it tight.

Peeking through the curtains, Aaron and Jack watched the two visitors run up to the door and start jiggling the handle. They pounded on it. We know you’re in there, Jack. Come out and face us, you piece of chicken shit.

Snips growled at the door, daring the two intruders to enter.

Aaron looked at his friend and swallowed hard. He then whispered, Aren’t those the same guys that beat you up a couple of years ago?

Jack nodded. They mean.

They haven’t bothered us for a long time. I wonder where they’ve been? Aaron got a good look at the pair, memorizing their features in case he needed to report them.

Just then, one of the boys outside began kicking the door. The door was in such bad repair, so dry and brittle, that it began to splinter and break. It offered little protection against intruders. Get out here, you filthy snitch. We wanna talk to you. The boy kicked harder.

Snips barked loudly, letting the troublemakers know that the boys inside were not defenseless. He first pointed his snarling muzzle close to the door handle and then moved it lower, towards the splintering lower section of the door where the kicking was taking its toll.

Jack held his hands over his ears and backed away. He turned and ran down the stairway.

Aaron knew his friend was terrified of Snips’ barking. Even though Jack had come to accept Snips, he was still deathly afraid of the dog’s forcefulness. But Aaron knew without the terrifying racket, the pair outside would probably succeed in breaking in. Sure enough, the two thugs on the other side of the door stood back. They conversed with each other a moment, then stepped away. Aaron watched as they returned to their car and drove off. He smiled. They’re gone, Jack. They drove away. He settled his dog and hurried down the stairs.

Jack? They’re gone. Aaron looked around. There were several rooms in the basement and he knew Jack was in one of them. Walking from room to room, Aaron glanced around. Without seeing his friend, Aaron asked, Are you hiding from me, Jack? Do you want to play that game? He grinned. Okay, here I come, ready or not.

Aaron entered Jack’s bedroom and searched through his closet and under every piece of furniture. He hesitated a moment, taking a closer look at the many animal skulls and skeletons that graced the windowsill and dresser tabletops. Rabbit feet, raccoon hands, bear claws and other animal belongings sat on the dresser as well. Crystal prisms hung from the ceiling in front of the small window, presumably there to catch the morning sun and send a magical rainbow of colors across Jack’s bedroom. Snickers laid on Jack’s pillow, his yellow eyes keeping close watch on the visitors. There was a lot of stuff in this room, but not Jack.

Aaron moved onto the next room and searched. Little by little, he went through the entire basement, but Jack was no where to be found. Where’s Jack, Snippy? Aaron jokingly asked his dog. He figured his friend had already snuck back upstairs and was just wasting his time.

Snips whined and smelled the floor. He walked down the hallway, sniffing along the wall.

Aaron slapped his leg. Let’s go upstairs, boy. He probably went back up there. Aaron mounted the stairs, two by two, then walked through the house. Again, no trace of Jack. Jack… where are you? I give up. Aaron held Snips by his side and listened. As he turned around, Jack was standing on the stairway. Aaron grinned and laughed, Where were you?

Jack smiled. I hide.

I’ll say. Show me where.

The two boys hopped back downstairs, Jack leading the way. He went into his bedroom and crawled under his built-in desk.

Aaron watched as Jack disappeared from sight. With his mouth hanging open, Aaron fell to his knees and crawled under the desk just as Jack had… only he didn’t disappear. He came head on into a solid wall. Jack? Where did you go?

Suddenly the wall opened, as Jack sat back and smiled. I in here. He moved back and allowed Aaron to join him. He shined a flashlight into Aaron’s face.

Aaron pushed the light away and gawked. The area that the two boys sat in was approximately four feet wide by eight feet long, the same length as Jack’s room. It had only a four foot ceiling, but at the end of the shaft was a small hole up.

This is so cool, Jack.

I make it. Jack was obviously proud of his work.

Aaron crawled to the far end of the space and looked up into the hole. Bring your light over, Jack. Slowly, Aaron stood and climbed onto the second level. In the upper corridor was a sleeping bag, rolled out and ready for use. You sleep in here?

Jack nodded. Sometimes.

Snips whined at the entrance, hoping to join the boys.

Jack looked back. No dogs, he declared. Bad breath.

That’s okay. Snips won’t mind staying out there. Aaron made his way back to the entrance. Snips, go lay down. We won’t be long.

Snips pulled away from the desk and made his way over to Jack’s bed. Hopping up onto it, he circled a few times and finally laid down. His eyes kept a constant watch on the underside of the desk.

Snickers stared at the dog’s audacity and quickly jumped off the bed, running out of the room.

Aaron sat back. This is a really neat hut, Jack. You can use it year round and not get cold.

Jack beamed with pride, then turned serious. Don’t tell no one.

Okay, I won’t. Promise.

Not even you mom.

Okay. Aaron glanced around again. He wished he had a hut like this in his basement. He didn’t think he’d ever be jealous of Jack, but he was.

For the next several hours, the boys sat in the hut telling stories and making jokes… doing things that young friends do.

Aaron finally glanced down at his watch. I gotta go, Jack. I’ll see ya tomorrow.

Okay, bye.

Aaron made his way out of the hut. The air in the bedroom was light and cool. He hadn’t noticed the air inside the hut had turned stale. Don’t forget to ask your mom about the cabin. See ya. With that, Aaron ran up the stairs, Snips at his side. He looked out the window to make sure the coast was clear. He then stepped outside and checked again. He noticed Jack’s back door had been badly damaged. He locked the door behind him and left, not knowing when Jack’s mother might return.

When Aaron reached the sidewalk, he again searched the street for any sign of the blue car. He took a long sigh of relief when he saw that the street was empty. He and Snips ran for home.

Chapter Two

Jerry pulled up in his truck at the Kenny home. He climbed out and approached the back door, noticing the damage that had been done the previous day. Before he could ring the bell, Jack’s mother, Maggie, opened it.

Thank you for coming over so quickly, she said.

No problem. No problem. Jerry glanced back at the door. Did you report it to the police?

Maggie nodded. Yes. Jack said it was the same boys that beat him two years ago. It seems they’ve got another axe to grind with him, for some reason. She stepped aside, as Jerry pulled out his measuring tape.

The older gentleman took out a notepad and wrote down the length and width of the door which would be replaced. Can Jack come with me? I’ll need some help carrying it.

Sure. Let me get him. Maggie disappeared inside the house.

Within a few minutes, Jack came to the door. Hi, Mr. Quinn.

Hi, Jack. Looks like you and your mother are joining us in the mountains this weekend.

Jack grinned and nodded a big nod. Yup.

Well, let’s get this door fixed up. Are you ready to do some work?

Jack patted his pant legs and pulled out an old scuffed up measuring tape,