Westerfield Manor

Epilogue

        Emily McKinnon had just finished the breakfast dishes when there was a knock at the door. She opened it to see her visitors from the other day Laura, Grace and Shannon. With them were a boy and a girl, both dressed in clothes that were too big for them.

"Hello girls," she said, "What a nice surprise to see you again, and you've brought some friends. Please come in."

George walked into the living room just as they all sat down.

"Mrs McKinnon, Mr McKinnon," Grace said, standing up with the children, one on each side of her. This is Michael and this is Elizabeth.

George looked closely at the children. Grace watched his face. She was sure she saw a spark of recognition in his expression.

"Michael and Elizabeth," he repeated slowly. He reached out and shook hands with each of them. "It's so nice to meet you. It's strange, but I somehow feel like I know you."

"The children have recently lost their parents," Grace explained, "And we were wondering if they could stay here with you."

Emily smiled a huge smile, "Of course they can stay here," she said, "We would love to have them, and we have plenty of space."

"I know you and Mr McKinnon haven't had any children of your own," Grace continued, "Maybe Michael and Elizabeth could stay with you for a few years till they finish school. After all we think it's only right that they stay with family."

"With family?" George looked puzzled, "Wait a minute," he turned to Michael, "What's your last name young man? Is it......Robertson?"

Michael nodded.

George turned to Grace with tears in his eyes, "But how is this possible? No don't explain, leave that for later. Grace, how did you know?"

"I did some research," Grace said with a smile, "Your family has been here for five generations. I found out your great great great grandfather married Andrew Robertson's sister."

A little later as the girls walked back up the road to Laura's house Grace felt happy. She was sure they had done the right thing. Emily and George McKinnon were kind people. They would give Michael and Elizabeth all the love and care they needed to recover from their trauma. Michael had told them the previous night how they had spent all their time in the other world running in the forest from the shadows.

"How long were you in that world?" Grace had asked.

"We ran and ran," Michael had replied, "then when it got dark we found a cave. The next day we walked through the forest, and I heard you calling our names. We ran towards the sound and saw that door thing again. We jumped through it and hid behind the tractor. Then you all came into the barn."

The children had been in the other world for less than two days while one hundred and twenty five years had passed in this world.

*****

The next day Grace and Shannon packed their bags and walked out to the front of the house. It was time to return home. As Jane drove them down the driveway Laura said, "Mum, can we stop at the McKinnons' so Grace and Shannon can say goodbye. They were so nice to us when we visited them."

"Sure," Jane replied, "They'll probably invite us to stay for coffee. I can catch up with them."

Soon after they were sitting in their neighbour's living room having coffee and soft drinks.

George explained to Jane that Michael and Elizabeth were their grand nephew and niece who were having an extended visit.

As the others chatted Laura turned to Grace and whispered, "Grace, what about that portal thing? Is it going to open up again?"

Grace shook her head. "I don't think it will open again for a long time, maybe another hundred years."

"But how can you be sure?"

"I just have a feeling."

"A feeling?" Laura looked puzzled.

Shannon laughed, "Laura, Gracie here can see into the future."

They all laughed, then Grace looked seriously at Laura. "Remember, Laura, you can't tell anyone about any of this, not even your mum. The McKinnons only know a little bit, but they are so happy to have the kids that I don't think they really want to know the exact details."

"Don't worry," Laura replied, "I won't say a word. No one would believe me anyway. Hell, I'm not even sure I believe it myself!"

Half an hour later it was time for goodbyes. Both Shannon and Grace gave each of the kids a long hug and promised to visit them next school holidays.

As Michael hugged Grace he whispered in her ear, "I saw you."

"You saw me?" she asked, "Where? When?"

He gave her a little smile, "On the night of the fire in my bedroom when me and Lizzie were walking into the smoke towards the man and woman who were waving to us, you were standing there watching us. I saw you."

He stepped back and waved as an astonished Grace climbed into the SUV. Jane started the engine and they drove down the driveway on their way home.

Author's Note
I hope you enjoyed this novella.
It took me some time to write it as I find the paranormal genre difficult to write.
If you liked this story I have written two other stories involving interdimensional travel:
"Time Shift"
"The Watcher"
You can find them on my home page.
Thanks for reading and voting.
Please leave a comment and I will try to answer you :)