“Is the Wi-Fi working tonight?”
Andi was sweeping, and most of the chairs had been put up on top of the tables.
“It always works fine when nobody’s trying to use it.” Andi laughed, leaning the broom against the counter. “What can I get for you?”
Cally opened her laptop on one of the tables that still had its chairs on the floor, and let Andi talk her into trying the decaf vanilla chai. “How is Bethany doing?” Andi asked.
“She’s in much better spirits today,” Cally said. She explained what had happened to Joan, as well, but Andi – and the whole town – had already heard all about that. “Now Bethany is trying to get up and get back to work. She’s awake enough to be bored, since the whole thing with her medicine has been straightened out.”
“Sheriff hasn’t showed up to arrest Joan yet?” Andi grinned as she brought Cally’s chai to her, but she seemed to already know he hadn’t, and Cally imagined Andi would probably be the first to find out about it if he did. She smiled and shook her head. “Well, I’ll let you get on with that Great American Novel, then.” Andi returned behind the counter and began sorting a pile of receipts. “Stay as late as you like! I’ll be over here working on my own books, if you need me.”
Cally pushed down a wave of guilt as she did not open her word processor but instead opened the chat program. Emerald’s avatar showed she was online, as she had always been, every night since Cally had met her. Cally cleared her throat and began typing.
> Cally>> I’m sorry I haven’t logged in to chat lately. The internet around here has been a little wonky.
It wasn’t technically a lie, but Cally knew that Emerald knew this wasn’t the real reason she hadn’t sought her out in such a long time.
> Emerald<< It’s alright, How are you?
>
> Cally>> It’s been an interesting week. Also I started reading your story.
>
> Emerald<< Oh. What do you think?
>
> Cally>> I haven’t got very far yet. Only to the part where you fell in love with that gypsy.
>
> Emerald<< Ah, yes. So much still to be revealed.
>
> Cally>> Yes probably. Look. Emerald, it doesn’t matter. I don’t need to know. I mean, yes, I’d like to know, and I will read the rest of the story, but what I mean is, I’m sorry. I know you’re my friend, and I know you have my back. Inasmuch as you can, anyway, and I’m sorry I flew off the handle. You didn’t deserve that.
Cally held her breath waiting for Emerald to finish reading this long entry, though she already knew what the reply would be.
> Emerald<< It’s alright. I understand.
Cally gazed at the silently winking cursor, trying to think of what to say next. So much had happened since they had last spoken, and Cally’s list of questions had grown so much longer than it had been then. She tried to think of where to start, but Emerald was already composing a long message of her own.
> Emerald<< I have apologies I should make as well. I’m sorry I never shared any of this with you before. At first I just didn’t know you very well so I never said anything about it, and then when I did get to know you, it just felt really good that you treated me like I was just a normal person. It almost made me feel like one. I didn’t want to give it up. And anyway I’m sorry.
>
> Cally>> You don’t need to be sorry. To be honest, you were probably right and I would have reacted badly. Before, when I didn’t know the things I know now.
>
> Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.
>
> Emerald<< :) There are no mistakes, only lessons.
Cally sat back and smiled at the screen. That kind of philosophical quote was more like the old Emerald she had met and befriended over the wires so long ago.
> Cally>> An old woman who calls herself Raven told me earlier: “Everything works out for the best, despite our efforts to make it do so.”
>
> Emerald<< You’ve met Raven! Did she give you a reading?
>
> Cally>> She did. Apparently, I will never have trouble finding Woodley again.
>
> Emerald<< Excellent
Cally did not understand why this seemed to make perfect sense to Emerald, when it made none at all to her. And this, in turn, only served to remind her that there was still so much she did not understand about what was going on at Vale House and in Woodley and what Ian would call “the entire Vale.” She wanted to press Emerald for more information, but she didn’t want to reopen the rift between herself and the friend with whom she had only just reconciled.
> Emerald<< Can I tell you something else?
>
> Cally>> I was hoping you would.
>
> Emerald<< :) I hear you, my friend. There’s a lot I need to tell you. But I hardly know where to begin, now.
>
> Cally>> Neither do I. Here, pick one: What is the deal with Woodley being so hard to find? Or, Who else is here? What are all these other things Georgie says “aren’t all ghosts”?
>
> Emerald<< I think understanding one might help you understand the other. As to the people who aren’t all ghosts, you’ve been seeing them, too, right along. You’ve met Errin, for instance.
>
> Cally>> I have. She says she’s a unicorn. But she says a lot of silly things.
>
> Emerald<< LOL. She’s very sweet, though she has a chaotic spirit. But yes, she’s not a ghost, and she’s not human. And she’s probably not a unicorn, either.
>
> Cally>> What is she then?
>
> Emerald<< If I were human myself, I’d be shaking my head right now. All I know for sure is that she is Errin. And she’s on our side.
>
> Cally>> Why does THAT not give me a lot of comfort?
>
> Emerald<< LOL ok, well, let’s try another example. Have you been down to the pond yet?
>
> Cally>> Nell tried to introduce me to some of her “old friends” the other day. Something came up, so she never did but, is that what you mean?
>
> Emerald<< Possibly. Probably. But I think it’s best if you don’t involve Nell. She’s so fragile.
>
> Cally>> I think she’s stronger than most people give her credit for. Anyway what are these Old Friends, and should I meet them after all?
>
> Emerald<< They are old earth spirits. I’m almost certain you’ve already met Rum. There was quite a ripple in the community when he spotted you. He’s kind of a big deal.
>
> Cally>> He passes by Vale House often, Ian says. We’ve nodded, but not spoken. What should I say to him? What should I do?
>
> Emerald<< You really don’t have to do anything - - just be open to them. They can show you things, much more than I can over the internet. More than George can, with his limitations. Maybe you should try going over the fence.
Cally had a vivid and wistful recollection of her first morning at Vale House, sitting in the sunlight on the porch steps with Nell and watching the white horse leap in one fluid motion over the fence.
> Cally>> Into the meadow?
>
> Emerald<< Yes, I think you’d be safe there. They know about you, now, and they like you, by all accounts.
>
> Cally>> You get accounts from them?
>
> Emerald<< I used to live among them. For a while, long ago - you’ll see if you keep reading that story I sent you. Oh, but do keep something on you to give them as a gift. It can be anything, a coin, a button, whatever. Just as long as it’s something that is yours to give. You can learn a lot from them, but don’t ever go to them without something to leave as a gift.
>
> Cally>> You’re making me nervous about even trying it. But you know I’ll probably do it, don’t you? I’ve got to understand what’s going on around here. Dammit I wish I were as good as I used to be at just rationalizing these things away.
>
> Emerald<< You were never good at that, Cally. If you had been, you’d still be married to that jerk.
>
> Cally>> Bree Dawes seems to think I am meddling in things that are none of my business.
>
> Emerald<< Dear old Bree. How is she?
>
> Cally>> Not so dear, I’m afraid. But apparently in excellent health, if that’s what you mean.
>
> Emerald<< And what about Ben?
>
> Cally>> What about him?
>
> Emerald<< I am sure he’s in excellent health as well, don’t you agree? Very excellent health.
>
> Cally>> He’s fine.
>
> Emerald<< Yes, he certainly is. ;)
>
> Cally>> Emerald, if you say one more word about Ben Dawes, I am going to close this chat.
>
> Emerald<< Ben. Ben Dawes. LOL Ben, Ben, Ben!