Journey of a Soul

Chapter 18

Reverend Hawthorne was in the audience, listening to Tamara talk about reincarnation. The school he went to did not teach the belief of a soul coming back to Earth in another body.

As a Minister, though, working at a funeral home, he had heard probably every story you could imagine coming from the family of his clients. Stories of their Father, Mother, Sister, Grandpa, or friend visiting them, right up to stories about scary hauntings, and missing items.

As he got up to leave, he saw Alexandra, and hurried so that he could catch up to her. He bumped into a couple of people as he made his way through the crowded foyer of the hotel.

Lightly grabbing Alexandra's elbow, he said, "Alexandra, how did you enjoy Tamara's topic tonight?"

Startled, Lexi turned her head to look at who was touching her. "Rev, I mean, Edward. Hi." Very surprised to see him here, she didn't answer his question. Instead, she said, "What are you doing here?"

"You got me intrigued, so I decided to come and find out for myself if I believe in what Tamara is talking about."

"And what did you decide?"

"Do you have time right now for a coffee? I would love to chat about it."

"Sure."

Edward put a hand on Alexandra's lower back, guiding her through the crowd to the hotel's lounge and asked for a table. He made sure she was comfortable before he sat down across from her.

Answering her question, he said, "I am not sure what I was expecting. She made some fascinating points, interesting concepts, and had some new ideas about reincarnation and past lives that I hadn't heard before. How about you, what did you think?"

Lexi took a moment to rethink what Tamara had talked about tonight. "Edward, what if, it could be a crazy idea, but what if, all we need to do is get Susannah back to Earth. As a ghost, maybe, then wouldn't we be able to help her get to the light?"

"That is an interesting thought?"

The waiter, interrupting them to get their drink order.

Edward continued, "Since you are not going to move on from this notion. Here is my take on the matter. I grew up around the dead. My Father and grandfather were morticians. Their job was to prepare the corpses for a funeral or to be cremated.

When I was young, I helped them many times with the process. I was taught that a dead body is just that. Dead."

The waiter interrupted them again by putting their drinks on the table.

"Ever since I was born, my bedroom has been above a morgue. Alexandra, I have imagined seeing, hearing, feeling, and talking to ghosts, all my life. The afterlife has intrigued me for as long as I can remember. Trust me when I say, I didn't become a Minister for any old reason."

The look on Lexi's face showed she was relieved. It meant a lot to hear him say that he believes. Not just in God and religion, but in spirits and ghosts. "Oh, thank God. I knew there was a reason I was supposed to come to see you that day.

Okay, you couldn't stop the funeral, but I know there is a reason that you are part of this predicament somehow." Lexi was grateful to have a familiar face help her with this situation.

Edward shook his head, yes. "Maybe a small part of the answer, but I am not sure of how-to bring Susannah's spirit back now that she is dead. If we could do that the rest is easy. Truth be told, I can sense them, I can prepare them for ascension into the light, but I cannot summon them."

It was like a light bulb went off in Lexi's head. She had a brilliant idea. Tamara and Edward, together the three of them could accomplish this feat. She got shivers running up and down her arms and legs just thinking about it. Yep, this was going to work. "Edward please say yes, I know how to make this happen. Well maybe not how, but who. I need you and Tamara to help me, together. Please say, yes, you'll help me get my sister to Heaven?"

Edward stared at Alexandra. She was so beautiful. Her dark hair cascading down her back. Her bright eyes gleamed of enthusiasm and confidence in saving her sister from eternal damnation. So fragile, yet so powerful. How could he say no? "I'm in. I am always up for a new challenge. I might even learn something."

"Yes, oh my God, yes. You don't know how happy you just made me. Okay, I'll get hold of Tamara and find out times that may work. I will call you after to set up a group meeting. I think what you call what we are about to do is a séance."

"Please, let's call it a prayer group. I don't think my religious upbringing can handle the term séance. I may believe in spirits and ghosts, but I am still a Reverend."

"Sure, you say tomato, I say tomaeto. No matter how you say it or what you call it, it's the same thing. I will call Tamara tomorrow. I can't wait to find out her ideas on this matter."

They both got up, and Edward paid their tab on the way out. "Alexandra, I promise I will be open and as helpful as I can be. This is a very important step in the grieving process. The faster you can find peace, the better it is for your wellbeing. Not to mention the wellbeing of Susannah's soul."

"Thank you, Edward, that means a lot to me. It is like having an angel with me in the flesh. See you soon." Giving him a quick hug of gratitude, she left.

Edward could still smell her perfume lingering in the air. He could not believe the romantic feelings he had when Alexandra was around him. I think she is oblivious to my feelings. Once this ordeal is over... Edward, remember, keep this professional. He thought to himself.