Reflections: Book Three of the Trilogy

By Maggie Fetzer

Julia continues to touch the lives of the people she encounters on her journey. An inspirational journey covering numerous miles and countless souls, these are memorable stories to tell and to relive. Julia's journey will pull at your heartstrings and wrap you in serene comfort.

Joining Julia's journey is young Shay. Shay's story will draw you into a world of sadness and sorrow and quickly expel you into a world of dreams and destiny. From the decks of the Ocura to the shores of the gulf to the congestion at Jackson Square, Shay's journey carries you from endless isolation to exploding elation. The developing connection between Julia and Shay will accelerate your belief in a true friendship, in a pure relationship, and in a bonding companionship.

On the Rosalee Plantation in Marrero, Louisiana, haunting experiences from many, many years past are brought back to life. Dealing with all the stories echoing through the massive live oak trees, Julia and Shay find comfort in comforting others. Together they arouse the souls on the plantation to join their journey. A journey of destiny. A journey of elation. A journey you will be drawn to follow.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: May 12, 2021
• ISBN: 9781662423321

Book preview

Chapter One

Pacing the entire length of the front porch at her Rosen Plantation home, Teresa was lost in a world of her own. Gazing out onto the vast oak trees adorned with Spanish moss, Teresa could only see vivid shadows dancing between the full branches. As the moss swayed in the gentle breeze, shadows that seemed so real but never manifested were all that Teresa could see. An overzealous imagination? A marriage of misery becoming too much to bear? Or a coldness covering a very weak soul? Teresa pondered her state of mind more and more as the morning passed.

Shaking off her daydreaming state, Teresa took a seat on one of the huge Adirondack chairs lining the porch. Please bring me comfort and peace! And please put to rest all these haunting thoughts! Pleas for peace of mind and comfort for her heart were sent out into the vast universe.

The comfort of the chair had brought Teresa’s daydreaming to a new level. Her sister Sofia was due to arrive in New Orleans on Wednesday. The thought of her sister coming for an extended stay brought solace to Teresa’s mind. Sofia was four years older and a much stronger person. With Sofia’s self-confidence, stern will, and very outspoken personality, Teresa hoped Sofia could relish her with these very same traits.

Teresa’s train of thought was awakened by the echoing sound of a door slamming inside the huge mansion. It could only be her husband, Barry. Rising to search for the arrival of an unexpected visitor, Teresa was shaken by a cold chill on this very muggy Tuesday morning. As she walked through the old plantation mansion, she called out Barry’s name. Knowing that Barry had already left for his office, Teresa imagined that he had made a quick return to retrieve a forgotten item.

Barry? Barry, is that you?

No, Teresa! It’s me, one of your spooks! Seriously, Teresa, you need some professional help! Who else would it be this early in the morning?

Well, I didn’t know who it was. Have you forgotten something?

Yes! I left my briefcase! Is that okay with you? I wouldn’t want my unexpected return push you over the edge!

Oh, Barry! That’s just not fair!

What do you expect? You’re like a cat in a roomful of rockers! I sure hope Sofia can knock this craziness out of you! If she fails you, we’ll move on to some pretty drastic measures that I have been researching!

Teresa knew exactly what measures he was referring to. It was just last week when Barry threatened to have her committed. Being fearful of Barry’s influential standings in the community shook Teresa to her core. Barry had power and connections with high-ranking officials in the state of Louisiana. He was the lieutenant governor’s assistant and admired by all his colleagues.

The Rosen name alone carried respect and honor. Barry Rosen was very well-known and respected. His authority frightened Teresa and weakened her fragile state of self-confidence. Barry had always been controlling, but Teresa had learned to accept his bullying ways as part of his overpowering personality.

At the age of thirty-nine, Barry had become a very successful man. Barry dominated Teresa not only emotionally but also physically. Standing at six foot eight, with a large build and cold brown eyes, Teresa was draped in his shadow and nervous in his presence. Married to Teresa for fifteen years, Barry had dark-brown hair and a very well-groomed mustache that he stroked when he grew nervous. His Creole heritage welcomed him into all the local society gatherings where he boasted about himself as Teresa stood shadowed in his towering image.

Teresa stood at five foot four, with black hair, black eyes, and olive skin. She was the mirror image of her sister Sofia. Raised in an orphanage in Bellano, Italy, these sisters grew in a very tight and protective bondage. Sofia held Teresa close under her wing. For years, Sofia answered questions directed to Teresa, until a matron at the orphanage slapped Teresa every time she did not answer for herself.

After seven years of misery, cold surroundings, echoing cries of small children, and skimpy meals, Sofia and Teresa were adopted by a couple from New Orleans. After their voyage across the ocean and all the blessings of an extended family, Sofia and Teresa were blessed with a happy childhood. But Teresa still carried the strains of the orphanage. She had always been quiet, shy, and compelled to please everyone around her.

When Barry left the plantation to return to his scheduled day, Teresa walked to the guest bedroom she had prepared for her sister. Knowing that Sofia was a stickler for order and placement, Teresa wanted everything to be perfect. The bed was made with fresh sheets, a new bedspread, and fluffy throw pillows. Teresa hung new curtains on the three windows facing the southern skies and had the windows open to allow the fresh breeze to filter the air. As the curtains bellowed, Teresa was pleased with the special touches she arranged for Sofia. Knowing Sofia was an avid gardener, she would add some fresh-cut flowers from her own garden later this evening. Teresa was especially satisfied with the fountain on the dresser.

Weeks ago, Teresa had originally purchased the fountain for the master bedroom, but Barry’s demands for its removal had Teresa searching for a new location to the calming water treasure.

Take that monstrosity out of here! I’ll never be able to sleep with that constant humming and running water! shrieked Barry.

Adorned with brightly colored hummingbirds, the fountain stood with four layers of bowls alternating at different levels and slowly spilling water into one another. Ceramic ferns housed the hummingbirds, and the bowls were made of crystallized terracotta clay. Teresa loved the sound of the fountain and the cheer brought from its vibrant colors.

Feeling good about the appearance and the welcome feeling of the guest bedroom, Teresa went to the pantry to check her supplies and to create a grocery list. While sitting at the kitchen table with her pen in hand, Teresa heard a soft voice calling her name. Frozen in shock, she began to tremble. The stillness of the moment shook Teresa. Slowly, she rose from her chair and walked to the back door. Only the screen door was closed, leaving a clear view of the backyard. She saw no one. She heard nothing.

Standing at the back screen door in total silence, Teresa saw a shadow float between the two back storage sheds.

No! This can’t be real!

Teresa shook uncontrollably and began to cry. At that very moment, the phone rang. Teresa turned to answer without looking over her shoulder to check the status of the shadow.

Ruby? Oh, Ruby! I’m so glad you called!

Ruby Sedewick had been Teresa’s very close friend for the past ten years. Working together at the gift shop, Sunken Treasures, provided a daily contact and a growing connection. Ruby knew all of Teresa’s hidden fears and the submissive relationship she suffered in her marriage.

Teresa, it’s me! Are you all right?

The concern in Ruby’s voice was genuine. Ruby was a widow and a single mother of a very active twelve-year-old son, Ashton. She was devoted, loyal, and generous.

Ruby, I’m so glad you called! I’m okay for now, but I sure could use your company today! Please just close the store and come to the house, okay?

Of course, Teresa! I’ll be there in about fifteen minutes! Hold on! I’m on my way! I love you, Teresa!

Love you too!

All panic was released by the time Ruby arrived. Teresa began by telling Ruby the scenario of this morning’s experiences—her quiet time on the front porch, Barry’s surprising return, her satisfaction with the condition of the guest bedroom, the soft whispers of her name being called, and the shadow in the backyard.

Ruby listened intently as they sat together at the kitchen table. Teresa’s kitchen was warm and inviting, carrying her stunning collection of Depression glassware and her favorite rocker, used for waiting on the perfect pie to be removed from the oven.

Teresa, there is absolutely nothing wrong with you!

But, Barry…

Let’s start this beautiful Tuesday over without the thought of Barry! You know what a bully he is, and that’s not going to change!

Oh, I know, Ruby! But it is so hard not to take what he says to heart!

It may be hard for you, darling, but I would have kicked his ass to the curb years ago!

Teresa laughed at Ruby’s bluntness, but that was just how Ruby was. If you didn’t want Ruby’s honest opinion, you shouldn’t ask! Ruby noticed the tablet and pen on the table.

Teresa, are you making a shopping list?

Yes. Sofia is due to arrive tomorrow, and I want to be prepared. I’d like to make dinner here at home so that Sofia can rest after her long trip.

Well then, you work on your shopping list, and I’ll pour us some of your fabulous lemonade. I know you always have some ready for visitors, and I’m not only a visitor, I’m here to help myself!

While Ruby served the lemonade and Teresa created a detailed shopping list, they talked about everything Teresa had been experiencing for the past several months. Teresa found it so easy to talk to Ruby. Her honesty and love for Teresa was genuine. And her dislike for Barry was unmistakable. Ruby never sugarcoated anything, and no one knew better than her son, Ashton.

Ruby, does Ashton have a baseball game this evening?

No. He’ll have practice after school and then ride his bike to the library. It’s his day to file the new book shipments.

Well, in that case, can you spend the day with me?

You’ve got me until the dinner hour!

Teresa was so relieved to know she would have Ruby all to herself today. Her comfort level was now excelling. Shopping with Ruby and enjoying a relaxing lunch together would help brighten her spirits.

Help me put my life in order.

Chapter Two

With the temperature rising quickly on this early Wednesday morning, Sofia was happy her departure time was sooner rather than later. A prediction of record-breaking heat was the forecast for most of the state of Arizona, and Sofia was not willing to be patient with any sort of flight delay. Her husband, Emerson, was loading her baggage in their SUV as Sofia walked through the house for a final check. He asked, Sofia, what are you doing?

Oh, I’m just checking to make sure everything will be okay while I’m gone.

But I’ll be here. Are you sure you’re all right going alone? I can call Castle Cove and make arrangements for someone else to take charge!

Emmy, we have discussed this issue endlessly. It’s just that I’m going to miss you and the house and the reservation, and…

We’ll miss you too, Sofia. But we have to put aside our own wants and focus on Teresa’s needs. And she needs you the most right now. The rest of us will just have to make due until your return. Okay?

Sofia hesitated as she pondered all the things she would be missing, especially the children on the reservation. She was also concerned about Emerson being alone for weeks. Had she prepared enough frozen meals for him? Would he remember to set the alarm for his work at Castle Cove? Knowing that Emerson was a strong and self-reliant man awakened her to the reality that everything would be just fine during her absence, but she just could not let her mind rest. Sofia was remembering all the changes her family had experienced.

You’re right, Emmy! Let’s get to the airport before the heat fries the tires off the planes!

With a tender embrace, Emerson and Sofia were off to the Grand Canyon International Airport.

Emerson and Sofia talked all the way to the airport about nothing other than their work at Castle Cove. Their shared love for the people on the reservation pulled them so very close together. The children brought them the most joy. Happy faces greeting them every morning were the blessing they cherished.

Castle Cove, named after them because of their generous donation of time, labor, and funding, had become the salvation of their relationship. Having their daughter, Lora, with them during their excellent connection to the reservation and to each other was the icing on the Castle cake.

With Lora continuing to reside in Virginia and the loss of their son Peter, the Castles were growing apart because of loss, distance, and Sofia’s rage. Lora’s extended visit with them in Arizona drew them all so much closer. And now they were all celebrating Lora’s growing relationship with Sam Workman. With a future bright and happy for the Castles, Sofia was determined to shower her younger sister, Teresa, with the same blessings.

When they arrived at the airport, the temperature was a sultry ninety-eight degrees at 9:30 a.m.

Sofia, I believe we will both be frying by the end of today!

We’ll both be frying in separate pans, on different stoves, in distant states!

Oh, Sofia! Are you going to be okay?

Emmy! I’m just feeling a little nostalgic! Please just bear with me!

The atmosphere in the airport was hectic. Crowds were moving very slow, and the heat was bringing everyone’s patience to a boiling point of no return. The PA system was announcing cancellations one after another.

Emerson scanned the flight agenda screen and addressed Sofia.

Your flight in still on schedule, Sofia. Let’s get to the gate and take a seat.

Making their way through the congested airport was a slow-moving maze ride. Luggage carts, flight attendants, passengers, security, and runaway children were everywhere. Mumbling complaints about airport security, flight cancellations, endless waiting lines, and airlines charges constantly rising were the echoing sounds traveling through the air.

Finding a seat at the departure gate was difficult. As they scanned the area, a shock was felt by them both! Julia!

Julia watched the expressions of shock and love on the Castles’ faces.

Julia’s expression was pure satisfaction as her smile brightened, and she sealed her elation with a wink.

Sofia ran to Julia, with Emerson close behind, and pulled Julia into a tender embrace. With tears in her eyes and Emerson embracing both of them from behind, Sofia expressed her surprise in words overrunning too quickly, Julia! Oh, Julia, my beautiful angel! How? Why? Tell me how you knew we would be here! Tell me why you’re here! How did you know?

Calm down, Sofia! Julia will tell us everything as soon as you let go of her so she can breathe!

It’s okay, Emerson! I’ve been missing hugs!

Emerson, Sofia, and Julia sat together at the departure gate. Sofia rattled off question after question as Emerson continued to try to calm her. Julia smiled through the entire exchange as she welcomed their happiness to see her. As soon as a little control was hovering over the trio, Julia began to explain. Without interruption and with pure astonishment, the Castles listened.

"I have been to Marrero, watching Teresa! It’s really hot there too, Sofia, so I hope we packed the right outfits! Hot but oh so beautiful!

"Teresa is in desperate need of our help, Sofia. The shadows she sees and the voices she hears are more of a haunting to her. Teresa has no real explanations for these occurrences, and she needs our guidance. No one is trying to hurt Teresa or is there any meaning of harm toward her, but the unknown is Teresa’s biggest fear and enemy.

"And what can I say! Her husband isn’t much of a tender-lovey, touchy, feeling kind of guy! Barry is a bully! A really big bully! And I don’t like bullies! We are going to have to sit Barry down and knock him down to size! He is absolutely no help to Teresa!

But we are going to relieve Teresa of all her misery, and open up a whole new life for her! Together, Sofia! Together we can do anything!

Julia spoke with all the heartfelt concern and love she carried. Emerson and Sofia believed in all of Julia’s blessings and were very grateful for her gifts. Sofia asked, Julia? Are you coming with me to Marrero?

Yes, I am, Sofia! And I have my ticket right here! We’re sitting right next to each other, and you can have the window seat! I’ve seen the skies from all sorts of angles and perspectives.

Julia pulled an airline ticket out of her front pocket. Dressed in a light aqua sundress with side slit pockets, a straw hat with aqua ribbons on the brim, and sandals with large ornamental flowers on the crown of her feet, she was the picture of angelic perfection. Emerson spoke, Julia, you have no idea how happy I am to see you! Everyone on the reservation echoes your blessings daily. And to know that you will be with Sofia is a huge relief to me. I have been dreading Sofia’s departure for weeks, but now I can finally relax!

You can relax, Emerson. Sofia and I are going to have tons of fun awakening Teresa and exploring the wonders in New Orleans! There is so much to see! And so many people to meet! There will be no time for loafing. We have work to do!

The Castles sat, holding hands, and smiled with amazement at the angel they knew Julia was. Eight years old, with dark-auburn hair and sparkling blue eyes, Julia spoke with an intellect well beyond her tender age.

Flight 788 to New Orleans will begin boarding in ten minutes.

The announcement alerted Sofia that it was time to say goodbye to Emerson. Warm embraces were exchanged, along with a few tears, before Sofia and Julia walked to the boarding gate. Emerson stood by while the girls boarded flight 788 and felt very satisfied at the sudden turn of events.

After a perfect takeoff and a quick acceleration, Sofia and Julia began a conversation about the reservation, Castle Cove, Lora and Sam, and especially sweet, little Wynnie! They talked all the way to New Orleans!

Sofia would call Teresa when they landed and inform her that she had brought a guest. Seeing no need to address the subject beforehand, Sofia did not want to give Teresa too much time to wonder about an unexpected arrival. Knowing that once you lay your eyes on Julia, you would be drawn into instant acceptance, Sofia was satisfied with this decision. Teresa was due to meet Sofia at the airport, so there would be no time for Teresa to ponder.

Together we can do anything!

Chapter Three

The first thing Sofia did when they departed the plane was to call Teresa on her cell. Sofia knew Teresa would be at the airport to pick her up, so there was no time to waste regarding the announcement that she had brought a very special guest. Sofia walked as she talked to Teresa, with Julia right at her side. Within minutes, the news was broken, and Julia was reassuring Sofia that Teresa would accept her wholeheartedly.

You brought a guest? Who? And why didn’t you let me know?

There was no time! Everything happened so quickly and so unexpectedly! Don’t worry, Teresa! You’ll love Julia!

One more turn in the concord area, to the baggage carousel, and Sofia and Teresa were face-to-face! With the brightest of all smiles and the sincerity of an innocent child, Julia ran into Teresa’s arms!

Oh, Teresa! I’ve been dying to meet you! I thought we would never get here! You’re all Sofia talks about, and I already love you!

Teresa, this is Julia! Our very special guest! By the time we arrive at your Rosalee Rosen Plantation, you’ll be the best of friends!

Sofia and Teresa embraced. And just that easy, Sofia, Teresa, and Julia were coterie! As they watched for their bags on the carousel, Julia said, I think we are going to be ‘the best three amigos’ Louisiana has ever met! I’m ready for all sorts of adventures! What about you, Teresa?

I’m ready, Julia! I just hope I can keep up with you!

It’ll be easy! Right, Sofia? I’m pretty easy to please, and what I like most is pleasing everyone around me! Right, Sofia?

You are very right, Julia! Teresa will learn very quickly what a perfect little angel you are!

Teresa smiled at the conversational exchange as they gathered their luggage and proceeded to the parking lot. Immediately noticing the ease at which Julia was able to connect to Teresa, Sofia knew all their experiences would only draw them closer as time passed.

The moment they stepped out of the airport, the sweltering air hit them like a hot, dripping towel soaked with the weight of Louisiana’s heat.

Wow! It’s just as hot here as it is back in Arizona! Are you still making your fabulous lemonade, Teresa?

Yes! And I have some ready at the house!

Julia! We’re in for a treat! You’ll love Teresa’s lemonade!

Well then, let’s get going, girls! Kids are not known for their patience!

It was smooth sailing en route to the plantation. Julia commented about everything she saw!

I can’t believe we are driving on a road below that huge Mississippi River!

Teresa explained the very low sea level of New Orleans and tried to reassure Julia that it was normal here in Orleans Parish and Jefferson Parish. Being accustomed to the waterways surrounding Teresa’s plantation, she really never gave any of the facts much thought. New Orleans sets south of Lake Pontchartrain and north of the Mississippi River—a fact never questioned or thought of by Teresa. She and Sofia grew up in Louisiana. Teresa never knew anything different.

You are going to love all there is to see here, Julia! Sofia, we can take Julia on an extended tour of all the sights!

Teresa’s right, Julia! We grew up here, and there is nothing we will enjoy and love more than showing you all our favorite places!

Sofia had forgotten how picturesque Marrero really was, and she immediately began to join in on all of Julia’s elation. Enormous trees shadowed by multiple bunches of hanging Spanish moss, the brightest sunbeams lit the quiet atmosphere, the neighborhoods were close-knit, and the air brushed with the slightest smells of sea salt.

Sofia was home. She had not realized how much she missed the area she grew up in, until this very moment. Memories began to flood her heart and soul. Home to help Teresa. Home to recollect. Home to embrace her new beginnings. Home to bestow guidance upon Teresa.

The Rosalee Rosen Plantation was in sight. Dozens of spectacular live oaks, with twisted branches and swaying moss, created a shaded and welcoming canopy to the Rosalee mansion. Julia squealed with delight, I can’t believe what I’m seeing! It’s like we are rolling up to a castle! A huge castle with huge armed soldiers guarding the lane! You girls may see huge trees, but I see huge soldiers ready to welcome us! Pinch me if I’m dreaming! I’m going to love this plantation!

Teresa and Sofia exchanged smiles as they relished in Julia’s excitement. Julia, at her young age of eight years old, was well on her way to bringing peace and blessings upon these sisters.

As the driveway began to wind in a circular shape in front of the massive mansion, Julia saw shadows of welcoming spirits. Knowing that Sofia and Teresa were not experiencing the same images, Julia waved at her welcoming friends.

First seeing the front gallery of Rosalee, Julia admired the openness on both sides of the lower level. The front porch stretched across the main level of the mansion and continued to the back entrance. The second floor carried numerous windows with painted trim carrying artistic detail. The third floor of the Rosalee was adorned with six large windowed dormers. The roof displayed three beautiful cupola. And Julia pictured the extended picket fence as a welcoming Southern perch for her many loved feathered friends.

Teresa parked at the side entrance to make it easy to unload her special guests’ luggage. The backyard was now in full view, with the sight of many small cottages that had hosted slave families many years ago. Instantly, Julia was covered with chills and sorrow.

Now the vast, bold columns holding the extended main floor porch were in full view. Between the columns, on the ground level, the summer kitchen and fruit cellar drew questions from Julia.

Teresa? Is this your kitchen?

Oh no, sweetheart. This was the summer kitchen used many, many years ago by the staff working here on the Rosalee Plantation. We use it for food storage and as a fruit cellar now because it stays so very cool.

Trying to turn Julia away from the sadness and misery of the Rosalee Plantation’s history, Teresa drew Julia’s attention to the tree swing hanging in a perfectly shaded live oak.

Julia, let’s quench our thirst, get my special guests settled, and then we can ride that very lonely, unused swing!

As Julia climbed the stairway to the main floor, she could feel the cold sadness of previous generations lingering in the muggy Marrero air.

The luggage found a temporary home on the kitchen floor as Teresa began to pour three icy glasses of lemonade. The trio sat at the kitchen table sipping their refreshing drinks and relaxing before settling into their rooms.

Sofia, I worked on a few welcoming touches for your bedroom, and I hope you will enjoy them.

There is no need to pamper me, Teresa! I’m the sister who knows what skimpy beginnings we have come from! You being here is all I need! And Julia and I will love the room you have prepared!

"But I have an extra room