The Oakbrook Portal

By S Barnard

Sam was gone, and no-one knew where, or why. Her car was found near the old oak tree, empty and abandoned. There was no sign of foul play, but also no sign of Sam, apart from the footprints that led to the tree, and then stopped.
Two years later, Kate still cares for Sam's daughter, hoping Sam will return.
Then one day, shockingly, she does. "I don't have long," Sam begs, "Can you help me?"
Kate must help Sam escape from a place closer than you might think, but still worlds away.
In a whirlwind of magic and monsters, where people are not who or what they seem, there are hard choices ahead, and Sam will discover if she is strong enough to make them.

• Language: English
• Publisher: S Barnard
• Release date: Mar 2, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005404932

S Barnard

I am a single Mother living, working and writing in the beautiful valleys of South Wales, UK. I've described this as a bit like Middle Earth in it's beauty but the trees don't walk. Born in 1969, I'm told I saw the moon landings, but being only four months old I can't remember! I try to live in as green a way as possible, growing some of my own crops, keeping my chickens for eggs and doing as much reducing, reusing and recycling as is possible. I'm a pisces and a rooster, depending which zodiac system you prefer and my favourite colours are green and purple.I've been writing since a very good friend dared me to take part in the National Novel Writing Month challenge - 50,000 words in 30 days, and it is so intense it's unreal.

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The Oakbrook Portal

By S.Barnard

© Copyright 2021 S.Barnard

Smashwords Imprint

The moral rights of the author have been asserted. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical or otherwise, without the written permission of the publisher or author.

All characters and locations within this work are fictitious and any resemblance to real people or places is entirely coincidental.

Thank you for respecting my hard work.

The Abandoned Car

Just after midnight, he checked his watch, it was going to be a long day. His shift was over, and he was on his way home. At least Hallowe’en was over, and they could rearrange the shop again. But now it was all the Christmas stock waiting to fill the aisles, and then the people of Oakbrook would start complaining it was too soon, Christmas was happening too early.

No rest for the wicked, he muttered, easing the car along the dark road, headlights slicing the black gloom cast by trees between the narrow pools of street lights. Slowing by the entrance to Beldam Woods, he automatically checked for any sign of activity inside. At this time of year there was often something going on in there, and it was usually local kids messing about, or looking for some clandestine privacy. He wanted to get home, and go to bed, but he couldn’t help checking.

Something caught his eye. A glint of metal? Glass? A flicker of light?

Sighing, he pulled over and lowered the car window. The torchlight danced along thick tree trunks, glistening on wet leaves. Orange and red reflected from the rear lights of the car parked neatly at the side of the entrance. Not odd in itself, but the car was dark and silent, with the driver door wide open. Normally, a torch shone into a car would produce a scramble of movement and embarrassed apologies. But there was nothing.

Shutting off the engine, he got out and stood at the entrance, leaning one hand on the damp wood of the gate.

Hello? he called, feeling foolish. His voice was swallowed by the dark woods. Torchlight swung back and forth a few times, but he could still see nothing. He unlatched and opened the gate, treading carefully towards the car, boots sinking into the deep leaves. The keys hung from the ignition. Shining the torch inside, he checked there was no-one in need of help. The battery was dead. He left the keys where they were, closed the open door and went back to his own car. He could report it as abandoned after he got some sleep, if he remembered.

Dark hair tumbled round her face, scooped back as she ran a brush through to the ends. It needed a trim really, but she never found the time. A small hand gripped her trouser leg. I’ll do yours next, ok Susan? She looked down at a young face, wishing she could promise everything would be fine. Then some breakfast, and then school?

The small girl nodded, uncertain. Toast with jam? she asked, so quiet her voice was almost a whisper.

Sure. She pulled the brush through the girl’s blonde hair. So like her mother’s, blonde with a hint of waves that curled uncontrollably in the rain.

Aunty Kate, when will Mummy come home? The question innocent and should be simple.

I don’t know. Kate believed in honesty, even when she ached to reassure with a lie. But you can stay here until she does, as long as you need to.

Any further conversation was interrupted by a tapping on the bathroom door. Can the boys have a turn yet? A voice called from the landing.

Just a minute, Jack, we’re almost done. Kate laughed, tying Susan’s hair back in a ponytail to keep it off her face, leaving whisps around her face. She swung the bathroom door open to find her husband, Jack, waiting with their son, Tom by his side, both sets of unruly dark hair in need of brushing. Love you both loads! Don’t be too long, I’m making toast for breakfast. She let Susan lead the way downstairs and help make breakfast. Poor kid, she thought. A week after Hallowe’en and her mother was still missing.

Home alone, after dropping Tom and Susan at school, Kate was, as usual, watching the road as she did the housework. Every car passing by caught her eye. Every flash of light, every movement. She half expected Sam to come walking up the path to the front door. But she was also dreading the police visit that seemed more likely with each passing day. The sound of a slowing engine, and slightly squeaky brakes, had Kate at the window, pulling the curtain aside. She waved as the car door opened. No need to panic, it was just Lily.

Hey! Lily called from the back door as Kate wound the flex and put the vacuum away.

Hey yourself, what brings you round? Kate rinsed dusty hands at the kitchen sink before greeting her friend.

Eggs. Lily replied, setting a box of 15 on the kitchen counter. I have a surplus, unexpectedly. They’re usually moulting and not laying by now, but my chickens are contrary things."

Kate popped the box lid open. A mixture of blue, white, and brown shelled eggs nestled inside, all different sizes. That’s a very welcome surprise, thank you. Are you sure you can spare that many?

Lily waved a hand, dismissing the question, We have plenty, don’t worry. Besides, it’s always good to be able to pass extras to a good home. Her face changed, smile hardening into more serious. Is there any news?

Kate shook her head. Nothing. They say they’ll let me know, but they think she’s just left of her own accord. So they can’t waste precious resources looking for someone who doesn’t want to be found. She took her car, packed a bag, and made sure Susan was looked after. It all points to her going of her own free will. Even if it’s not like her, and I don’t believe she’d do that. But what do I know, I’m only her friend.

Lily pulled out a chair and sat at the kitchen table. They always sat in the kitchen. Isn’t it exactly like her though? she asked, gently. She’s not the most reliable.

Kate shrugged. That’s true enough. She hasn’t been reliable since forever. But to disappear like this isn’t like her. A night maybe, before Susan, but not longer without telling someone, and not since she had Susan.

Wasn’t she going to see her parents? Lily tucked red-blonde hair behind one ear.

Steaming mugs of tea, one in each hand, and Kate sat opposite. That’s what she told me, but they say she never turned up and they weren’t expecting her. She slid a mug across the table.

How long can you keep Susan? It was a concern for sure. Although Kate had the spare room, and Susan was welcome, it might be difficult as a longer-term arrangement.

I’m her guardian in Sam’s absence, so I guess as long as needed. But she’ll be back soon, I’m sure. Kate sipped her tea, still too hot. And then we can both give her proper talking to!

Tea splashed on the table as Kate startled to the knocking at the front door. Who uses the front door? Lily looked puzzled, Anyone who knows you would come round the back.

Police, cold callers, religious groups, the odd political candidate if there’s an election? Kate scraped her chair back and paused to wipe the tea.

As she got to the front door, it was obvious. The police car parked outside and two indistinct figures in the frosted glass. Hands clasped in front, one male, one female officer, who both stood back from the door as it opened.

Sam? Kate’s voice shook.

PC Holmes, PC Whitaker, may we come in? The male officer asked. Kate blinked. Of course. She stepped aside, ushering them through the house and into the kitchen, dread creeping cold through her. Tea? Or coffee?

They both shook their heads. No, thank you. They sat, leaving Kate to sit beside Lily.

Mrs McPhearson. A short greeting, more an acknowledgement of her presence.

Lily’s staying. Kate stopped the question before it was asked. My husband is at work, Lily is my friend, and she will stay.

Lily almost smiled. The police officers nodded. Of course, no problem.

So? Kate wanted to know. Whatever the news was, she needed to hear it.

The police officers glanced at one another. Her car has been found. The man was speaking, Kate had already forgotten if he was Holmes or Whitaker. His hair was dark, cropped short. Kate found herself focusing on his hands resting on the wooden table. Neatly trimmed nails, clean, with wiry dark hairs on the backs of his fingers. The car was abandoned. There was no damage, no accident that we can see. It was parked in the woods on Beldam Lane. There’s no sign of your friend, I’m sorry.

A struggle? Lily spoke Kate’s fears.

He shook his head, No. The keys were in the ignition, the battery is flat, and the fuel tank empty. The gentleman who reported it told us the driver door was open. We think it just ran dry and was left there. But there are no clues as to where she might have gone after that.

Kate stared at her hands, restlessly rubbing at the fingers, wrists resting on the table, mind racing. Beldam Woods? she mused aloud, Maybe she ran out of petrol?

Lily reached over to take Kate’s hand, stopping the unconscious rubbing. Then why did she not call, or go home, or come to one of us? It’s been over a week now. She would have come home if she could, or if she wanted to. She would have called you by now.

Then she’s hurt, or in a hospital and no-one knows who she is… Kate clutched at every notion that popped into her head. While the car was also gone, there was a chance Sam had simply left her friends and family for some reason. There was hope. But her car was only a few miles away, abandoned, and no sign of Sam.

You’ve already informed her parents? Lily asked the sensible question. The female officer, Kate finally noticed the name tag, Whitaker, spoke softly. Yes, we came from there. Her mother insisted we come and tell you as soon as possible. I think she said they’d pop round later to discuss arrangements for Susan.

Light my way

Two years later, Susan still lived with Kate and Tom, and there had been no trace found of Sam. Kate and Jack had separated, but not divorced, after Kate’s obsession with Sam’s disappearance proved too much for Jack. But he couldn’t bring himself to make it final.

It was a normal school day, just before Hallowe’en and Kate, Tom, and Susan, were in the kitchen having breakfast.

Susan, recovering after a nasty cold, sat at the kitchen table, picking her nose as she ate a bowl of cereal.

That’s disgusting! Tom opened the fridge door to pour himself a glass of orange juice. He clutched a half-eaten piece of toast in one hand. Mum, tell her.

Kate glared at him. Susan caught the look and removed the offending finger, wiping it on the inside of her school jumper, where it wouldn’t show. She knows. Kate said, waving Tom to sit at the table. And you should know better. Both of you finish your breakfast, it’s time to get to school.

With a chorus of nods, they both ate quickly and then raced up the stairs towards the bathroom, shoving each other as they climbed. Kate watched them, shaking her head. Sometimes it was difficult to remember they weren’t actual siblings.

The sun was barely breaking the dark, long deep shadows cloaking the garden. All was grey, with not enough light for colour. The clocks would change at the weekend, and then it would be fully dark in the mornings. But today, the sun would rise quickly from this moment, she knew it would be fully light in a few minutes.

Kate leaned on the kitchen sink, watching the garden emerge as night turned into day. She rubbed a hand over tired eyes, thankful that this was the last day of getting up early for school. Just for a week, it was only half-term after all, but the break from routine, and a chance to rest and relax would be welcome for them all.

She turned, leaning her back on the sink, and smiled as she surveyed the mess that was her large kitchen. It was probably her favourite room in the whole house. Even littered with homework, breakfast debris, coats, and a random blanket draped over one chair. It was still her favourite.

There was an outside store within about four steps of the back door, which was the only door they ever used. Past that was the garden.

The back door faced the old fireplace that would have held a proper black range once upon a time, but now simply held a platform for the solid fuel stove that had a boiler on the back for hot water. The modern Aga sat solidly at the heart of the kitchen, next to the sink. A stained, and grubby wooden door led to the staircase, a small hallway, barely used front door and the two other downstairs rooms. Kate’s sanctuary was the smaller room, set up as a study with her computer, and was also used to store wool and fabric for the times she felt like making something.

The living room, main wall lined with storage for books, toys, boardgames, was the larger room. This was where they relaxed on the sofa to watch TV. The four junk cluttered bedrooms and bathroom were all upstairs.

She knelt to open the wood burner to poke the embers into bright flame. A couple of small logs sent sparks flying, and heat flooded into the room. Easing the hot door closed, she made sure it was secure before putting the metal fireguard back in place. She should have done it earlier but in the rush to get both children fed and ready for school, she’d forgotten. That’s what you get for sleeping through the alarm.

As she got back to her feet, a sudden flash caught her attention. Leaning on the sink, she stared into the garden.

The sun was almost fully risen, light filling the garden with Autumn colour as it poured through the trees at the far end. Kate barely stifled a gasp. Could it be? She gripped the cold edge of the sink, knuckles white. There, lying, curled in the middle of the grass was a familiar figure. Even two years on Kate was gut achingly sure.

Flinging open the back door, Kate raced down the garden with a hastily grabbed blanket clutched in her hands. She skidded to a halt on her knees in the mud, as Sam managed to get to her hands and knees and raise her head. Her face was filthy under matted hair as she smiled up at Kate wrapping the blanket around her shoulders. She lifted a hand, twitched the hair from her eyes. One eye was almost swollen shut, crusted blood stained the corner of her mouth, and smeared across her cheek. Arms and shoulders too thin under Kate’s hands, and she was covered in bruises. She struggled to get up, shivering and cold, wearing a thin tunic style top with short sleeves, belted at the waist. It hung over woollen leggings and her feet were bare.

Kate flung her arms around Sam’s shoulders and hugged her tightly. Tears flowed freely down both sets of cheeks. Sam eased free, took Kate carefully by the shoulders and gently pushed her away.

I don’t have long. Sam whispered, nervously glancing round, It’s following me, it’ll be here in a moment. Can you help me?

Kate nodded, speechless but her mind racing. However I can, you know that.

Meet me by the old oak. Beldam woods. On Samhain, Hallowe’en. When the veil is thin, at midnight... She drew a startled breath, eyes widening, It’s here! She stared over Kate’s shoulder. Kate turned to see a blinding white light whirl into being and a hugely muscled arm reach out to take firm hold of Sam’s hair. She shoved Kate roughly away, threw off the blanket, and yelled Midnight, light my way! Don’t forget! Please! her voice breathlessly pleading as she was dragged away, leaving Kate kneeling on the grass, clutching only a muddy blanket. Stunned, and already starting to think she might have imagined the whole thing, Kate scrambled to her feet and ran back to the house.

Tom was coming down the stairs, dragging his coat behind him, as Kate closed the kitchen door. She pushed the blanket into the washing machine and closed the machine. Susan was a few steps behind him. Her coat was already on but hanging loose, almost falling off her shoulders. Kate pulled Susan’s coat on properly, and zipped it closed. A glance, and Tom shrugged into his coat but refused to close it. Kate drove them to school, not paying attention to their chatter and bickering in the back of the car.

After a bit of shopping, she found herself slowing down at the entrance to Beldam Lane woods. Parking the car beside the mobile van that served burgers and hot drinks, she walked through piles of fallen leaves in shades of red and gold. The wide trunk of the old oak stood alone, branches almost bare. Deep crevices in the bark made patterns and shapes. Kate smiled to remember a day when she and Sam had sat and imagined creatures and faces.

The smell of decaying leaves filled the chill air. Kate could feel the cold seeping into her joints, making her feet ache and the inside of her nose burn. Autumn was almost over now and winter was certainly on its way. She rubbed her bare hands together, and stamped her feet, wishing she’d bought the gloves she’d seen in the market.

Oak