Mysterious Outing

By SHOLEH SHABANGIZ

There are invisible chariots in the universe that can take
us back and forth in time without us realizing it; we may
think of it as strange dreams, some may remember, the
rest of us will never know. We are the travelers.
My name is Katrine and I am a traveler. What seemed like a
dream was in fact an awakening to a parallel world, where i
fought to stay alive and fell in love to call it home.
This is Mysterious Outing.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Oct 20, 2011
• ISBN: 9781463447366

SHOLEH SHABANGIZ

Sholeh’s love for literature and poetry started very early in life. Her parents both had a major role in introducing her to the world of writers and poets. Sholeh was born in Iran and her childhood is a period in life she cherishes the most. She has been living in America since 1985. Sholeh is a mother of three wonderful children. ‘MYSTRIOUS OUTING’ is her second novel. Her first, ‘ HE DIED TWICE’ was published in 2009.

Book preview

Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

To my parents who have been the wind beneath my wings,

my strength and the support I ever needed in life.

To my two wonderful sisters who I cherish with all my heart.

To my three loving children who are the most kind human beings.

And

To GOD who has been by my side every minute of every day.

Chapter One

The alarm clock woke Katrine up. Lazily she checked the time, it read six AM. She had another hour to kill. Katrine pressed the snooze button and stretched back in the bed. The comfortable bed invited her to stay and without hesitation she accepted. The cottony sheets caressed her body. It felt cozy and warm; although the steamy windows promised a cold day ahead.

Katrine wished she could stop the time, however that seemed to be her every day wish; it had been for the last six months.

"I shouldn’t have watched the late movie last night." Katrine nagged. She could give anything to have another hour or two to sleep. Deep down, Katrine knew it wasn’t about going to bed late or the noises coming from the street. It wasn’t about tossing and turning for no reason either; none of those. It was about Jim and the way he broke up with her two months ago.

She could remember the last phone conversation they had almost word by word. Honestly wasn’t much to recall; not much of a conversation anyway. Jim spoke the most; his cruel words and cold tone made her paralyzed at first and then left her shattered. Katrine remembered well how everything ended; Jim hung up while Katrine stood motionless and numb for a few minutes, then she sat on the floor and wept, feeling utterly crushed. Her sleepless nights had begun on the very same night and her mornings had continued to be depressing, as it contained no purpose.

Thoughts juggled in her head for a good twenty minutes before she decided to finally rise. She sat on the edge of the bed. The cold air kissed her all over and gave her a chill. Her feet searched for the fluffy warm slippers on the floor while her eyes remained shut. In the matter of a few seconds her right big toe found the slippers and guided the rest of her foot inside the pink fluff. Katrine remained seated for another minute or two, then got up and lazily walked to the shower room. She knew a splash of cold water on her face would wake her up fully; it always did.

Katrine stood in front of the bathroom mirror and started to comb her long hair; strands of light reddish brown, moderately waved by nature framed her beautiful face. Her complexion was of those Irish relatives she had seen only in old pictures that belonged to her mother. The light skin with a rosy tone and even freckles, all came from the Irish in her. Katrine herself had never traveled to those parts of the world; in fact she had never left America her entire life.

Katrine debated whether or not to skip the morning shower since she had taken a bath the night before. Yet, she knew the flow of hot water on her body would nourish every fabric of her being with energy; it would give her just enough vigor to get her to work.

As for work, Katrine hated her job; contrary to six years ago when she felt very happy for getting the full time position in that medical institute. For the first three years things were fine at work. But everything changed when the manager of the company, Mr. Smith, died so suddenly following a massive heart attack and Mr. Morris took over. As much as staff loved Smith, they despised Morris. His kiss the ground I walk on attitude put him on the most hated list by all staff, especially Katrine. She couldn’t stand him and as a result she had to drag herself to work every day.

Katrine needed a change in her life; whether some modifications or a total revolution, she wasn’t sure. All Katrine knew was that more than anything else, she wanted things to be different.

Katrine felt drained, but that didn’t surprise her. She had been feeling that way for a while now; although that morning everything seemed different. A peculiar feeling at the bottom of her stomach nagged. Something didn’t seem right; however, she couldn’t put her finger on it for sure.

Katrine contemplated as she visualized the last twenty-four hours of her life in her head. She couldn’t figure out why she felt so different, so lethargic and out of place; she studied her reflection in the large mirror that covered the bathroom wall entirely. She couldn’t see any signs of malaise, no change in her complexion, although her eyes burned and seemed a little red. Katrine closed her eyes; it would have been good if only she could keep her eyes shut for the rest of the day. However, she knew that was just a wishful thinking. She thought about the bottle of an eye wash in her medicine cabinet; it could at least sooth the irritation. With that thought in mind, she opened her eyes and naturally expected to see herself in the mirror. Mysteriously however, the mirror had been replaced by a wall of stone which now stood tall before her. Katrine gasped.

Shocked and confused, she gazed at the wall for a few seconds before stretching her arm to touch it. Katrine took one step back in panic as she realized that it wasn’t a figment of her imagination; in fact, those gray stones were as real as the God she once believed in.

She turned around, a small torch scattered enough light for her to see. Katrine froze as fear crawled inside her; the whole room had been transformed into an unfamiliar and exceptionally old chamber. A wooden table with a bucket of water on top appeared to be its only furniture. The walls that stretched high to the ceiling lacked windows and the floor felt cold underneath her toes.

The room however wasn’t the only thing that had transformed mysteriously. Katrine examined her attire; a medieval style dress in dark gray looked scruffy and felt a bit coarse to her touch. The lengthy top layer in beige seemed too large for her small frame; although, a belt made of few interweaved strings kept a better fitting around her waist. Her worn out shoes had holes at the bottom; no wonder she could feel the cold floor beneath her.

Katrine stood in the middle of the room; distrusting her own eyes, doubting her own sense of touch. Puzzled and confused, she searched her nearly lost mind, hoping to find a logical explanation for what seemed to be illogical and unexplainable.

Many ideas crowded her mind; could it be that she was hallucinating or fantasizing perhaps? What if all this was an illusion, a deception? Katrine thought.

‘But why? Why should I hallucinate? I’m not having a fever and how could this be a delusion if everything I touch feels so real?’ Katrine questioned and therefore dismissed all the ideas. She searched her mind again for a more reasonable answer.

‘I’m dreaming.’ Katrine said. She paused; her eyes sparkled with the acceptance of a perfect hunch. Somehow, something about this theory felt right.

‘This is it, isn’t it?’ Katrine said enthusiastically. ‘It must be one of those lucid dreams I read about, when we are conscious of the dream while still in the dream.’ Katrine thought with relief; only a week ago she had read this in a book, ‘More awareness would allow a better experience.’ Didn’t the book say? Katrine paused to think again and then nodded. She now had a concept of what was happening and therefore, she felt a lot calmer; now she could relax and explore her dream.

Katrine looked around and saw an old wooden door at the corner on her left. Slowly she walked toward the door and exited. Quietly and in the dim light of a burning torch, her shadow on the wall followed her. Katrine stepped into a hallway. At first, everything seemed the same way; stony walls, high ceilings and a cold cement floor. But then she saw more chambers and additional torches on the walls. Cautiously, she started to walk while observing her surroundings. She was almost half way through the hallway when a woman called her name,

Katrine, . . . Katrine. Katrine followed the voice as she realized something familiar about it; she knew who the voice belonged to.

Kaaaatriiiiiine . . .

The woman yelled again and this time Katrine could detect a little urgency in her tone. Katrine continued to follow the voice until she saw a stairway at the far corner of the hallway. Faster, she walked toward it and soon she reached the stairs.

There you are. The woman said.

Katrine bend forward to look down the stairs; the woman standing there at the bottom, not only worked in the same medical institute as well, but she also considered to be her friend, Susan.

Sue, . . . what are you wearing?! Katrine asked and then paused. Never mind, . . . look what I’m wearing!" Katrine turned around to show Susan her raggedy outfit and then walked down the steps like a carefree child, playing.

What’s the matter with you Kat? Steward Finzy is going to be so furious if she sees that you haven’t boiled the water yet. Susan complained as she walked back to the big table.

You know Kat, Susan continued. I put good words for you and that’s why Steward Finzy bought you from that evil man. It’s time for you to show some appreciation by doing what you’re supposed to.

What do you mean? Katrine asked, puzzled by Susan’s serious tone of voice.

What do you think I mean? . . . Go fetch some water and boil the damn thing before she comes back, I mean it. Susan paused to grab a potato from the pile on the table; she started to peel and then continued,

I am not going to cover for you any longer Kat. She paused again. Katrine remained quiet. Why don’t you understand? . . . It’s my neck too if you mess up. Susan yelled.

Okay, calm down, . . . Gee . . . I honestly don’t understand what you’re talking about. I’ll go get the damn water, but we need to talk when I come back.

Katrine took a look around. Everything seemed ancient. She was standing in the middle of a large room; judging by the look of it she could call it a kitchen. The room contained two big fire places, many pots and dripping pans, fire shovels and barrels. She searched for a water pipe and couldn’t find any. Katrine noticed the walls; unlike the ones upstairs, those walls seemed to be made of plaster or likewise material, peeled off in some areas.

What are you doing Katrine? Would you go fetch the water and boil it before my blood starts to simmer?

Well, I can’t find any water pipe. That thing, . . . Katrine pointed at a large metal basin that was attached to the wall. Is that a sink? Because if it is, it has no faucet! . . . weird thing. Katrine added and shrugged.

I can’t find any pipe! Susan mimicked in anger. What pipe?! . . . What are you talking about? Have you gone mad?

Where do I suppose to get the water from? Katrine asked, annoyed.

"Where do you always get it? . . . from the well outside, don’t you know? Susan answered with irritation.

From the well?!!! . . . Which well? . . . Where?

If you’re doing this to make me lose my temper, I must tell you, it’s working . . . but you’re on your own when steward Finzy comes to give you some good lashes.

Just tell me where the well is, just this last time, pleeeese.

Outside by the big tree, you bloody fool. Now hurry up and fetch the water.

Bloody fool !!! . . . Fetch !!! . . . Why are you talking like this? Katrine asked with a smile but when she saw Susan’s face, she stopped smiling and then added. I’ll fetch the water, but we need to talk when I come back.

Fifteen minutes later Katrine put the big pot of water on the fire place where woods were burning.

This dream is supposed to be fun, but you’re acting so bossy. I’m not enjoying it. Katrine complained.

What dream? Susan asked without lifting her head as she continued peeling potatoes.

This one, . . . right now, I’m dreaming and you’re in it.

I think you’re ill Kat. I’ll see what I can find to give you. But meanwhile we have so many things to do for the banquet.

What banquet?

I thought Steward Finzy told everyone?

You keep mentioning Steward Finzy, . . . Who is that?

Very funny Kat, very funny.

I want to wake up now. I really don’t want this dream to continue. Kat sounded upset.

What dream? Susan sounded annoyed.

This one; I told you already. Th . . . Katrine stopped talking as she heard someone’s footsteps.

What did you indolent girls do all morning? And why isn’t the water boiled yet? The oversized woman who walked to the kitchen seemed to be in her late forties and had the most malicious face Katrine had ever seen on a human being. Her hair was red and her skin looked pale.

Please don’t be mad at her steward Finzy. She doesn’t feel good today. Susan came to Katrine’s defense.

I haven’t seen this girl work to my satisfaction. I am sick of her, and of you, always trying to lie for her.

Please give her more time; she just started here a week ago. She needs to adjust.

To adjust?! . . . Adjust to what exactly? . . . Not to be in streets, begging for food? If I didn’t buy her when her Master was about to throw her out, she would have ended up in the streets, dying of starvation and lord knows of what other bloody abuses.

"I was never sold! . . . What are you two talking about? Katrine asked with anger.

I was never sold. The oversized woman mimicked Katrine in ridicule. Then turned to Susan,

You’re right. This girl is ill and I don’t fancy keeping a sick girl here.

No steward Finzy, she’ll be fine once I get the cure from the healer. Master Heelly’s servant had this ailment too, remember? Susan asked Finzy and when she found her quiet Susan continued,

That poor girl walked out of her Master’s place and wandered around the streets saying she didn’t remember how she got there. She kept on saying she didn’t belong to this place.

I remember that bloody jester and all her foolishness. Steward Finzy said. This girl looks like a fool too if you ask me. I don’t want another one of them loonies here. Steward Finzy added and gave Katrine a mean look, then continued,

I don’t want this friend of yours give her disease to my other servants, it may be bloody catching.

I’ll go see the healer this afternoon and ask for one of his cures. Susan said while giving Katrine a pitiful look.

Hey, . . . wait a minute, I am not sick and I want both of you to stop it. Katrine told them with anger.

You be careful with the way you talk. One word from me to Master and you’ll be out in the street for sale. Finzy threatened Katrine. Now don’t stand there with your jaw dropped face. Go fetch more water. I need more water. Finzy ordered.

The door slammed shut behind Katrine as she walked out to get more water. Steward Finzy’s eyes followed Katrine from the window, shaking her head with dissatisfaction.

What happened to Master Heelly’s servant at the end? Finzy asked Susan.

The last I heard, she stopped talking altogether. They never heard one word out of that girl’s mouth ever since. That’s what Steward Johnson told me. She said the girl has that lifeless look in her eyes. Susan gave the update to Finzy.

I wonder what brings that ailment. Steward Finzy said and then shrugged.

No one knows for sure, but I heard she used to scream and cry, saying she came from a different world or time. Susan paused for a few seconds. Pitiful, isn’t it? Susan added as she emptied the peeled potatoes into another basket.

I know where she came from; from a loony land somewhere. Perhaps the same place Katrine came from. Finzy ridiculed. Peculiar. Finzy added, looking out through the window.

The healer told everyone that Master Heelly’s servant had one of them loony people illnesses. Susan explained.

Well, whatever that girl had, I don’t want it here. If Katrine doesn’t start to behave better soon, I will sell her. Steward Finzy walked toward the fire place and added some more woods to supply fire.

They would pay good money for her. She looks good, young too. It will take a few days before they know her head is sick. Finzy added.

Susan watched steward Finzy as Finzy watched the woods lit in fire. The thought of putting Katrine for sale made her shiver all over. Susan knew how it felt being out there as a merchandise. It certainly wasn’t a good experience; she had lived through it once, but that was long ago. Although the memory of it made her blood freeze in her veins and now for Katrine’s sake, Susan had to see the healer and hope for the better.

By the time Katrine came back with more water, Steward Finzy had already left the kitchen. Katrine put the bucket down while feeling relieved for not finding Finzy there.

Now what?

You know what we need to do, don’t you Katrine?

Noooo, . . . not really. Katrine shrugged.

Alright Katrine. I’ll tell you again and don’t you worry; I’ll see the healer today for you.

I want you to stop talking as if I’m sick, because I’m not. I’m just having a dream; a bad dream. Katrine said with confidence and then walked away from the table and toward the window. She looked outside, examining the landscape.

It’s very pretty here but I don’t want to stay anymore. I want to wake up.

Wake up?!!! Susan asked worriedly.

I keep telling you Sue, I want to wake up from my dream. This is a dream; you and I are sharing it. I know it’s weird because it seems that I know it’s a dream, but you don’t. Katrine turned around from the window to look at Susan.

There is no dream. You’re . . .

Stop telling me that. Katrine yelled to interrupt. I’m tired and want to go back to my own reality. This certainly is not as fun as the book claims it to be.

Book? . . . What book? Susan asked.

My dream book; it said if we gain awareness while in a dream, we would have a wonderful experience because we can control the events. We can explore. Katrine explained.

I don’t know what to say. All I can say is that you’re as awake as I am. This is not a dream. I’ve been working here since my mama died and you’ve been living here with us for a week now.