Seven Signs

By Cate Beresford

Eve Featherstone has been bullied all her life by a brother she despises. Then as an adult, discovers they also exist in her working life.
It isn’t until she is forced to make some life changing decisions that she discovers who she is. Life then takes a few twists and turns as she travels, eventually finding peace.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Balboa Press AU
• Release date: Jul 18, 2019
• ISBN: 9781504318259

Cate Beresford

Cate loves all things creative and advocates for a life without boundaries. It was through listening to Wayne Dyer that she learned sit and listen to 'her own thoughts', where she started writing poetry. Alongside her husband, they raised a menagerie where their children taught her to be 'still in the moment'. Semi retired, she now lives on the coast and continues to find peace in the small community.

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SEVEN SIGNS

Cate Beresford

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Copyright © 2018 Cate Beresford.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Balboa Press

A Division of Hay House

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.balboapress.com.au

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

The author of this book does not dispense medical advice or prescribe the use of any technique as a form of treatment for physical, emotional, or medical problems without the advice of a physician, either directly or indirectly. The intent of the author is only to offer information of a general nature to help you in your quest for emotional and spiritual well-being. In the event you use any of the information in this book for yourself, which is your constitutional right, the author and the publisher assume no responsibility for your actions.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

ISBN: 978-1-5043-1824-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5043-1825-9 (e)

Balboa Press rev. date: 07/31/2019

CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Finale

About The Author

This story is fictional

This story is completely fictional and has no relation to any real events or persons; except for the names of the musicians who can be seen at regular folk festival events and the information about Aboriginal history.

Why I wrote the story

In writing this story, I wanted to depict the emotions and trauma that bullying causes.

Thanks

Thank you to my family for your support and patience, to musician Michael Waugh for allowing me to use the chorus to his song Paul and to my friends – Joan, Karen, Lyn and Kim for their support and review of many rewrites-and to authors Pamela Cook and Andrew Wilkes for their inspiration.

The day of the sacking was like déjà vu. When she walked into the office, Eve remembered her recent nightmare which seemed to be replaying in real life, and as she went through the motions it was as though she had no control.

CHAPTER 1

Eve Featherstone loved the café just down the road, and she would often go there to relax at the end of her walk. It was a great place to escape and was always busy in the village where she lived. As she watched people come and go, it inspired her poetry as something caught her attention.

The staff treated Eve like she was part of the family, and there was even a treat for Maggie, who never left her side. Eve felt guilty leaving her at home and Maggie watched as she dressed each morning. She would meet Eve at the door, lead in her mouth and together they would head off down the street, occasionally stopping to sniff the trees. They both knew the routine.

Eve often met Katherine there too, and they’d chat about how their week had been. Friends from school, Eve had found it hard to fit in, yet Katherine had recognised the soft soul she was, and coffee had been their way of catching up. They talked until it was time to go, and usually it was only light-hearted conversation, though Katherine sensed that Eve needed something deeper and more meaningful this time.

I’m guessing it was a bad week? she asked and could tell as soon as Eve sat down. The unbrushed hair, wrinkled clothes and the gloves to hide her psoriasis were all signs of Eve’s anxiety, and she wore them like an old coat.

After leaving school, Eve decided she wanted to become a teacher herself-thinking she could make a difference to the lives of children who were bullied as she had been. It had given her a sense of purpose and her mantra was about creating a future where all kids felt supported. She worked hard, and lessons were often held outdoors in the beautiful gardens which surrounded the school. Students wandered around with the birds chirping and bees buzzing, and they loved being unconfined by four walls. Eve encouraged them to write about their experiences and accepted every idea, but the principal disapproved of her teaching methods and he complained constantly.

It’s just not productive, Mrs Featherstone, he would say as he made up silly rules like ‘no singing unless it was the national anthem’ or ‘writing times-tables for hours on end.’ Students were even kept in the classroom during their break, which meant they couldn’t play for more than five minutes, so Eve encouraged them to be quiet, and they would sneak outside when Mr Grey wasn’t watching. He had caught them out lately though, and his relentless nagging about obeying directions was wearing her down. She found his attitude had become grumpier since his wife had passed away and lately, it was all too much. Eve thought about moving schools, though it would mean starting all over again with a new set of rules.

Oh my gosh, Katherine, I don’t know where to start. Eve went on to talk about her week from hell, finding his bullying tactics harder to deal with after all the years of intimidation from her brother, Paul.

Have you tried talking to Matt?

Yes, but he doesn’t listen.

Really? But did you tell him what happened?

Katherine, he keeps telling me I have a great career, and I should be grateful. But Mr Grey is awful and treats me like I’m one of the students.

Katherine chuckled. "Well, you are still at school."

Eve smiled at the comment. I know, silly right?

You used to be passionate about making a difference. What happened?

"I know, but lately I’ve been wondering whether I made the right career choice.

Eve told Katherine that she was also tired of the humdrum of her life. She and Matt weren’t getting on lately, and along with putting up with Mr Grey’s annoying rules, she was feeling miserable. Her friend listened and tried to stay neutral.

Why don’t you take a break then, Eve? You’ve been teaching long enough for long service, haven’t you? And you haven’t even used that new caravan you and Matt purchased, yet.

I don’t even know why we bought that thing. Matt’s too work oriented to make good use of it. He always says work can’t do without him. Eve pointed to her mouth gagging and rolled her eyes as Katherine laughed; though deep down, she knew how stubborn men could be. Her own Jim was always such a stick in the mud unless it was something he wanted to do, and she knew Matt could be the same.

Katherine didn’t know what to say and knew Eve could also be her own worst enemy. She knew it had been tough for Eve, growing up under Paul’s vindictive torture, and her mum had ignored her needs, so Katherine always tried to be there for her.

As they finished their second cup of coffee, Katherine stood to leave.

I’ve got to go, Eve. Just sleep on it, she said and gave her a quick peck on the cheek. You know things always work out.

Yes, I know. I’m tired too. Those rotten dreams have been annoying me again.

Katherine nodded. She knew the toll these nightmares took and had tried to encourage Eve to see a counsellor about them, but Eve felt they were part of life and tried to ignore them as best she could.

As she wandered home, Eve thought about what Katherine had said and decided she wanted to start enjoying life, so hoped she could convince Matt. They had bought the van on impulse at some caravan show, but it sat in their driveway like a first world symbol of luxury, and Eve decided it was time it got used.

Eve waited patiently until after they’d eaten lunch before broaching the subject lightly.

Hey, honey. I wondered if we can talk? Eve instinctively knew Matt would take this as I want something from you, and she flinched as she waited for his reply.

What is it? he asked with his look of what now.

I was wondering whether we could go away in the van? I’ve got school holidays coming up soon and thought it might be nice.

Eve knew Matt was never one to answer straight away, choosing to think about things first. It was an annoying habit, but Eve had learned to wait patiently.

You know I can’t take time off. Work is too busy.

Yes, but, Matt cut her off.

Well, I don’t have time! Unlike teachers who get so many holidays, some people have to work, he retaliated and rose from the table.

Eve knew arguing was fruitless. Like Paul, Matt had a stubborn streak, and she’d learned when to pick her battles. Annoyed that Matt refused to budge, she picked up Maggie’s lead.

I’m going for a run, she called, heading out the door.

The retriever found it hard to keep up as Eve settled into a steady jog to work off her irritation. It was as though her body was on automatic pilot, and as each step paced the last, she lost track of time. They’d eaten lunch late, and it was nearly winter’s solstice as the evening began to close in. Maggie became exhausted from Eve’s fast stride and without warning, stopped, refusing to move. Eve stood and glanced at her watch and surroundings, then realised how far she’d run.

Your poor baby. I’ve gone too far, haven’t I? She hugged the retriever and Maggie wagged her tail, stood up, then headed off towards home. Eve took this as a hint and walked at a slower pace.

It was a quiet neighbourhood and Eve usually felt safe, though she’d wandered further than usual and needed to stop to find her bearings. Googling the maps on her phone, Eve attempted to find mobile reception.

As she stood there waiting, a shiver ran down her spine, and she had the strange sensation someone was watching. Eve looked around, but could only see the dark, empty houses, then realised there were no streetlights. She turned to walk back the way she had come; though Eve could hear dogs growling and now, even Maggie appeared anxious.

As the last of the sun began to fade, it was becoming harder to see, so Eve shone the torch from her phone to light the way, but with each step, became more unsettled. Hearing a car engine start, she noticed a van parked on the opposite side of the street and although it was too dark to see inside, as she passed, its headlights came on, and the car door began to open.

Come on, Maggie, time to run, and they raced the last section home. Eve slammed the front door open and locked it behind her with some force.

Although Matt had already gone upstairs to shower, Eve felt she was home safe, and even Maggie seemed calmer as she waddled off to her usual corner, settling snugly into her bed. Still breathing heavily from her run, she sat on the lounge and thought about the day’s events. It had been a long day as Eve realised she would have to persevere with Mr Grey and was annoyed with herself, running into the unknown streets.

As Eve headed for bed, she still felt uneasy and knew she was in for a restless night.

CHAPTER 2

Back at school, Mr Grey’s controlling regime constantly made Eve feel inadequate. She watched as he wandered around, cane in hand, cutting the air as though marching in some band. It seemed he was always waiting for an excuse to use it on some poor child as they passed by, and Eve felt sorry for anyone on the receiving end. As she touched the scar on her leg, it reminded her of the pain from her own dad’s belt.

As he walked around the playground, looking for signs of mischief, Mr Grey’s body odour lingered long after he’d passed. The kids would hold their noses and Eve turned the other way to avoid laughing as she continued her rounds-finally heading back to her classroom to organise the afternoon’s activities. As she rounded the corner, the principal unexpectedly appeared, and Eve ran into him.

Mr Grey, I, uh, I didn’t see you.

He smirked, and she wondered whether it had been purposeful. Eve had often caught him lurking around corners as though trying to catch her out and his disturbing, threatening demeanour had her constantly on edge, so she’d learned to stay out of his way. Even the students had named him Jack in the box as he was always popping up out of nowhere.

Eve knew it was he who must be obeyed or wear the wrath of his anger and she couldn’t understand why the man stayed in the job when his dislike of children seemed obvious. Staff meetings were the hardest. As the only female, Eve was intimidated as he continuously belittled women, suggesting they were less intelligent beings who ought to be at home. He also found a companion with other male staff and Eve sank into her chair. Nasty comments and creepy looks became the norm as Eve was often asked to stay back so that Mr Grey could lecture her about his expectations-and lately, he was the focus of her nightmares.

After another week from hell, Eve caught up with Katherine at the café. As she sat talking about how life was a constant struggle, Eve suddenly noticed how tired Katherine looked and stopped talking.

Go on Eve. What happened?

Well, it didn’t go well. Eve stopped mid-sentence and looked across again. It was as though Katherine were in some faraway land, and her eyes seemed glazed. Eve wondered if she had been crying and asked;

Are you ok?

Katherine tried to brush off the question with the flick of her hand, Yes, sorry, what were you saying again?

Eve changed the subject. You don’t look well, Kath. Is there something wrong?

Katherine peered into her coffee as a tear escaped, and she replied.

Jim and I are splitting up.

Eve was shocked. They seemed like the perfect couple, though she told Eve; It was like a weight off my shoulders when he left. We’ve hardly spoken, and Jim’s been secretive. I’ve been busy with work, but he hasn’t been coming home. I checked his phone when he was asleep and found all these texts from some woman. When I confronted him, he just admitted what he’d done. She wiped another tear away. I knew it was coming.

Oh, Katherine.

Wrapping her arms around her friend, Eve waited until Katherine was composed.

It’s ok. Life had grown difficult between us, and I guess it was meant to be. Katherine tried to sound matter of fact about it.

They both sat quietly for a while, then she added, I’m moving away Eve. I’ve decided to head to the coast. I know it means that we can’t meet up at the café here anymore, but there’s this new job that I think you would like. It’s close to where I’m working now, and it would mean we could still catch up.

Whoa, hold on. We’re talking about you Kath. I know it will be hard, but we will still meet up when we can.

No, this job just came up, and I wanted to tell you. I’m ok. You know I will be.

Eve nodded her head.

Yes, I know. Eve wanted to add Because you are strong, though felt Katherine needed comfort, not words.

After a while, Eve thought about what Katherine had said about the new job and realised she had been over the principal’s bullying tactics for a while. After their last altercation, she felt uneasy and hated when he asked her to stay after school, as though he was punishing her.

Eve also wondered whether it had been a parent who had been lurking around the street the previous evening. She had heard on the