The Watch

By Michele Knecht

What would you do if you discovered that one choice could change your destiny? Would you take a chance, or would you walk away? When eighteen-year-old Katie O’Reilly unexpectedly receives a watch that once belonged to her late grandfather, she has no idea she has also gained the power to change the destiny of others.

Katie is serving an internship in the behavioral science unit at the hospital, and there she meets Edith Sampson, who is being treated for alcoholism despite her youth, thanks to her dysfunctional family. As the two girls meet, Edith tells Katie she wishes she could have a redo for the events that led her to that point—and the watch grants her wish. Soon Katie learns that she can use the watch to help some people but not others. What’s more, the mystery surrounding the watch seems to grow deeper the more she uses it, and only time will tell what the consequences might be.

In this young adult novel, a young woman finds herself in possession of a magic watch that can give some people second chances to correct their mistakes and make new choices.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Archway Publishing
• Release date: Sep 30, 2019
• ISBN: 9781480881426

Michele Knecht

Michele Knecht has lived in Florida, California, Australia, Maine, and Pennsylvania. She currently resides in northeastern Pennsylvania with her husband, daughter, and dogs. When she is not writing, she can be found visiting her other daughter and son-in-law in upstate New York. This is her first book.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Katie

H ave you ever tried to do something in your life only to find out you were railroaded into something else because of fate? For Katie’s entire life, she had thought that things happened to other people that way, but not to her.

Katie was working at a local pizza shop in town when the man of her dreams walked into the restaurant. She was sure she had seen him before. Maybe she had seen him on TV.

Katie thought she knew what she wanted out of life. She thought she knew where she was going, and that no one would stop her from attaining her dreams or her goals. That year, she would be graduating. She was in the twelfth grade and knew she was headed to college in the fall. She had dated a few boys during her high school years, but she had never gotten serious with any of them. This guy took her by surprise. He was gorgeous, though not like the other guys she was attracted to. Usually, her taste in men ran to the typical tall, dark, and handsome. This guy was short and blond, and something inside her went pitter-patter when he spoke to her.

Even with the man of her dreams so close, work was work, and the restroom needed cleaning. Katie headed toward the back of the restaurant with a mop and bucket in tow. The man came up behind her and asked if he could wheel the bucket for her. She said, Sure! She took the mop, and he took the bucket. She turned to thank him as she approached the back of the restaurant, but he was gone.

After Katie finished cleaning the restroom, she asked her boss if she had seen the guy who’d helped her wheel the mop bucket. The boss said she hadn’t seen anyone come into the restaurant. Katie was disappointed, but she knew she would see him again—maybe not that day or the next, but she would see him again.

After work that night, and from that day on, Katie found herself obsessively wondering about the mysterious stranger who had walked into her life that night at work. She couldn’t say why, but she couldn’t shake off thinking about him. Who was he? What was his name? Where was he from? So many questions, but there were just a few more months before graduation now. She decided the craziness about her mystery man had to stop.

Katie already had so much on her plate. Graduation would be here before she knew it, and there were plenty of projects and papers to finish before then. She had been working a lot at the restaurant too, but was looking forward to leaving that behind to start an internship at the hospital next month. In three more months, she would be off for the summer. If she could hold on until then, some of the pressure would let up.

One day, after work, Katie took a walk near the old cemetery. Something shiny on the ground caught her eye, and she bent down to pick it up. It was a watch—and it looked like an expensive watch at that. She turned it over and saw initials engraved on the back - KO. How curious. They were her initials. KO- Katie O’Reilly. Her heart started racing, and her mind was going in a million different directions. She thought, Who does this watch belong to? Who has the same initials I do? Where did it come from? She had to get some answers, and her nana might just be the person to have them.

Katie had started living with her nana after her father passed away and her mother, who wasn’t able to deal with his death, was institutionalized. Since she knew Nana was going out for the evening, Katie ran home as fast as she could. Perhaps Nana would know something about the watch, but Katie would need to hurry to catch her before she left. Unfortunately, Nana’s car was gone. Katie wouldn’t be able to find out anything until morning.

The next morning, Katie woke up and sat next to the window before she went down for breakfast. For some reason, it was harder to get out of bed that morning. She said her morning prayers and thought about the watch she had found the night before. Who on earth would have lost such an expensive watch in this town? She knew the Sampsons, the wealthiest people in town. No one had those initials in that family. The other wealthy people from that simple town were the doctors. She knew most of them, and again, none had those initials. She headed to the kitchen to see if Nana could think of anyone with those initials—other than Katie, of course.

Nana had just finished breakfast and was reading her Bible when Katie walked in with the watch. The kitchen was small, and the cupboards, built by her papa, were unique. The patterns he had put into the woodwork were extravagant. Katie’s papa always had said nothing was too good for Nana. Papa had passed away two years before. He had been popular with people in town. Everyone who had known Edward O’Reilly had liked him and respected him.

Nana, can I ask you something? she said with a quiver in her voice.

Nana looked up over her reading glasses. Yes, dear?

I was wondering if you could tell me who in this town has the initials KO.

She looked at me questioningly. Is this a trick question?

No. I know I do, Nana, but is there anyone else who has those initials? she asked with a little more conviction.

Tears ran down Nana’s cheeks. Well, Kat, your grandfather’s real name was Kevin. He used the name Edward because he had an uncle he lost as a boy whom he loved dearly, and he wanted to take his name to honor him. She smiled, clearly thinking about Papa. What’s on your mind, Kat?

Well, when I went for an afternoon walk, I found this watch near the old cemetery. It looks like an expensive watch. She held it up for her to see.

Oh, my Lord, where did you say you found the watch? Nana asked, as if she had seen a ghost.

I found it near the old cemetery. As soon as she saw Nana’s face, Katie knew that Nana knew who the watch belonged to, and she knew there was a story behind it. Whose watch is this, Nana? she asked with some hesitation.

Nana’s face flushed. She had to sit down.

Nana, are you okay? Can I get you anything? Katie asked as she walked to the sink to get Nana a drink of water. After she handed her the glass, Nana drank all of it.

Kat, I will tell you about the watch later this afternoon. Right now, you need to get to school.

Katie knew it was getting late, so she grabbed her backpack and headed out the door. She was a little reluctant to leave, but as she pulled out of the driveway, she looked back in her rearview mirror and saw Nana waving goodbye.

When she was in her second class that day, Katie was called to the principal’s office. Nana had had another heart attack they said. Katie needed to get to the hospital.

Katie grabbed her stuff out of her locker and flew out the door to her car. She drove faster than she should have to the hospital and arrived in record time. She didn’t even stop to think her driving could have put her in the hospital next to her grandmother. She arrived in time for nurses to tell her Nana was coming out of surgery and would be in recovery soon. She knew she wouldn’t be able to see Nana for a few hours, so Katie headed to the chapel and knelt before God. She asked him to keep her nana safe and let her come out of this situation okay.

As she prayed, she thought about the watch. Did I put too much stress on her? Is that why she ended up in the hospital? Who does this watch belong to?

Katie sat there for what seemed like an hour, when she heard a voice behind her. Katie!

It was her best friend, Jamie. She had heard the news about Katie’s nana and came to the hospital to be with her.

Oh, Jamie, I’m so worried about Nana, she said. They said she is in recovery. Remember what I told you earlier about the watch I found and how Nana acted when I showed it to her? I might have done this to my grandmother. She started crying.

Katie, you didn’t do this. You’re talking crazy! Jamie said, trying to calm her down.

They had to find out if Nana was okay, so they went to the nurses’ station.

Who are you looking for? a nurse asked.

Naomi O’Reilly, she said.

I’m sorry, Miss. We do not have anyone here by that name.

I know my grandmother was admitted. I was speaking to someone earlier who told me she was in recovery! she said, her voice rising.

The head nurse came out to see what all the commotion was and asked Katie again who she was looking for.

Naomi O’Reilly! Katie said with more conviction.

I’m not sure who you spoke with earlier, young lady, but we do not have anyone here by that name.

Maybe she was going crazy. Nothing was making much sense to her these days.

Okay, O’Reilly, give it up! You did this to try to get out of the calculus test, didn’t you? Jamie said with a grin on her face.

No! Jamie, you know I don’t joke when it comes to my nana’s health, she said angrily. Jamie, there’s a real problem here. I was called out of school today because of my grandmother. I’m not sure of anything now. I need to go home and see my nana. I need to make sure she’s okay. Would you go with me? she asked.

Of course, I will go with you, Katie. Let me park my car in the back lot, she said, walking out of the hospital. I will meet you out front.

Katie went to the emergency parking area to get her car. When she drove out front to get Jamie, she saw Jamie get into a car with her boyfriend, Lee. Katie was disappointed. She knew Lee had a hold on Jamie, but she hadn’t thought Jamie would leave her when she was so upset. She sat in the parking lot with her head on the steering wheel and let out a good cry. Katie thought about everything that had just taken place, and she thought about the watch. She thought about the guy at the restaurant. Nothing seemed to make any sense to her any more.

When Katie looked up, she realized it had gotten dark. She wasn’t sure how long she had been sitting there, but she needed to get home and get some answers. Katie started her car and drove off toward home. She was a bit hungry, so she thought she would stop to get a sub from the corner store.

Just as she pulled up to the store, it closed. Ugh, why is everything going wrong today? she said, hitting her hand on the steering wheel. Nana was probably wondering why she wasn’t home for dinner. Knowing Nana, she’d assumed Katie was at the library, working on her term paper for graduation.

Katie pulled into the driveway and noticed all the lights were off. She was disappointed. Not only have I had a day from hell, but I can’t confront my grandmother about anything. Not the watch or the so-called heart attack, she said with frustration.

As Katie got out of the car, an SUV drove by the house with the man of her dreams in the front seat. Although she wanted to chase the car down, knowing her luck, she would have gotten a flat tire, or he would have just disappeared.

As Katie entered the front door, she heard Teddy, her German shepherd, barking. He was there to greet her. Hi, boy! she said with a smile. Teddy could always cheer her up. She went to the closet to get him a treat. He started growling. What’s wrong, boy? she asked. He barked and growled at her again. This time, he jumped up onto her chest and knocked her to the ground. Bad boy! she yelled. All I need tonight is crap from my dog!

Katie went to the door and put Teddy out in the yard. He kept growling at her, as if he didn’t know who she was. She headed for the kitchen, when she heard him growl again. She went to the door to see if there was anyone outside. She couldn’t see anyone, but she noticed the light pole was still in the yard. It had been knocked over two days ago, and the electric company hadn’t been out to fix it yet. She ignored everything and went to the kitchen to get something to eat. On the kitchen table, she found a note from Nana. Dear Katie, I was invited to go to bingo with Joyce. I won’t be home until late tonight. Hope to win big! Love, Nana. So Nana was okay, just not here. Katie couldn’t believe her luck, or lack of it.

Katie tried calling Jamie, but she wasn’t home. She remembered how hungry she was so she made herself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and grabbed a big glass of milk. She sat down at the kitchen table to eat when Teddy started scratching at the door to come in. She got up and let him inside, with the understanding, of course, that he would behave himself. She no sooner sat back down to eat when the phone rang. The unfamiliar number on the display meant the caller couldn’t be anyone but a telemarketer, so Katie let the answering machine pick it up. Suddenly, she heard Jamie’s voice.

Katie, where are you? I waited in the parking lot for over an hour for you.

Beep. Katie rushed to answer the phone, but by the time she got to it, Jamie was gone. Now what am I supposed to do? Should I try calling her back? she asked herself out loud.

Katie dialed Jamie. A recording came on immediately that said, The number you are trying to reach has either been changed or disconnected. Ask your operator for assistance. She tried again, thinking she had dialed the wrong number. Again, the recording came on with the same message.

Now who’s playing games? she thought. I wonder if Jamie is behind all this crazy stuff I’ve been going through. Katie thought she would pay Jamie a visit. She went to the closet to get her purse and coat, when Teddy started growling at her again. He really didn’t want her to leave the house, and she was tired, so Katie resigned herself to a night at home. She knew she wasn’t going to get any answers that night, so she thought she would sit and watch some TV. Before she knew what had happened, she fell asleep.

It was two o’clock in the morning when Katie woke up in the chair. She saw Teddy cuddled up at the front door, guarding it as if his life depended on it. At the top of the stairs, Katie heard Nana snoring softly from her room, so she knew she was home and safe. Katie continued to her own room, climbed into bed and fell into a deep sleep.

After what seemed to be a long restless night, she heard her name being called.

Katie! Katie, please wake up! Honey, please wake up, and talk to me.

She tried opening her eyes. They felt as if there were two heavy books on them. She heard her name being called again.

Katie, honey, please wake up!

It sounded like Nana’s voice. She tried again. This time, her eyes fluttered a bit, and she saw a bit of sunshine peeking into her room.

Oh, Katie, thank God. You’re going to be okay, said Nana with relief.

She started getting up slowly, but she felt as if all the energy had been drained from her body. Nana, where am I? She somehow knew she wasn’t in her bedroom. Her lips were cracked, and she needed water. They were hard to separate, and she was having a tough time talking.

Katie, you’re at St. Joseph’s Hospital. You’ve been here for the last month, sweetheart, Nana said with tears rolling down her face.

What happened to me? she asked, not knowing what to believe.

Katie, you were in a car accident on March 5. It’s now April 6. You were working that night. It was icy, and you were almost home, when you slid into the light pole outside the house. I was so afraid I had lost you. You’ve been in a coma for the last month. The doctors said if you were going to come out of it, it would probably be a couple weeks. I don’t want to think of what would have happened if you hadn’t come out of it. Jamie has been here every day to visit. They even let Teddy into your room until he started growling at the nurses when they changed your IVs. Oh, Katie, I’m so happy you woke up, sweetheart. You gave me a good scare!

Katie suddenly looked down at her wrist. Papa’s watch was on it, just as it had been the day, he’d given it to her before he passed away. It was her favorite piece of jewelry, and she never left home without it. She was happy to see it on her wrist and even happier that it hadn’t gotten broken during the accident. Nana, Papa was with me. His watch kept me alive, She said with tears streaming down her face.

Nana gave Katie a big smile and said, "I knew Papa was with you. I talk to him every night and I asked him to watch over you. Remember, he would always say, ‘Use your time wisely because there is no guarantee of tomorrow.’ Thank God, this time there is a tomorrow. Dr. Brannish says that once you’re awake, there’s no