Twisted (22 page)

“Murdered?” Tim put his arms around Jennifer and hugged her tightly. “You've got it all wrong, Jen. Zada wasn't murdered. She slipped on the stairs and fell. It's awful, but it was an accident.”

Jennifer looked up, into Tim's face. He seemed perfectly sincere. “Are you sure, Tim?”

“I'm positive. Come on, Jen. Let's do the séance. Zada would want us to carry on.”

“Well . . . okay.” Tim was probably right. She'd been so upset over Zada's death, she'd imagined the worst.

Tim waited until she was seated and then he placed Zada's leather-bound book in her hands. “You should have this, Jen. I found it next to Zada's body. She was bringing it down for you.”

As Tim went off to gather everyone for their skit, Jennifer frowned. She didn't want to lead this séance. She didn't even want be an observer. Despite Tim's assurances that everything would be all right, Jennifer had the terrible feeling that they ought to leave Kelly's spirit alone.

Her hands were shaking slightly as she held the book. Zada had told her that the book was a talisman. It contained ancient incantations that would protect her from harm. As she opened it, Jennifer half-expected to feel its energy. But nothing happened. Nothing at all. The book was just an old book.

Jennifer placed it, face-open, on the table. The strange symbols on its pages looked very mysterious and it made an excellent prop. Of course, the book was completely powerless. She had the ultimate proof: Zada had promised that it would protect anyone who possessed it, but it certainly hadn't protected her when she was falling down the stairs!

M
elanie was frowning as she took her place at the table. “The storm is getting worse. Why don't we just forget about the séance and sit by the fire?”

“Good idea.” Cheryl nodded. “Zada's not here and how can you hold a séance without a psychic? That's like putting on a circus without any clowns.”

Dale laughed. “Unless we're the clowns. How about it, Jen? Are we the clowns?”

“No, we're not. And Zada wasn't here to lead the séance. She just came up here to watch me.”

“You were going to lead the séance?” Melanie giggled. “Come on, Jen . . . you don't know anything about the occult.”

“Yes, I do. I've done a lot of research and I've got Zada's book. Tim and I have been practicing almost every day.”

“All right, gang. Let's have some cooperation here.” Pete sat down in a wing chair next to the fireplace. “Tonight is a full rehearsal, and that means everyone gets the chance to do their skit.”

Melanie looked a little embarrassed. “Okay. I'm sorry, Jen. I promise I'll cooperate. It's just that without your psychic here, I know we won't be able to contact Kelly's spirit.”

“You mean you actually believed that Zada could do it?” Susie looked shocked.

“Well . . . actually . . . no, not really.” Melanie shook her head. “But she was a psychic, and I thought she stood a better chance.”

Lexie winked at Jennifer and then she turned to Melanie. “That's what I thought, too . . . at first. But when I really thought about it, I changed my mind. If anybody can contact Kelly's spirit, it's Jen.”

“But . . . why?” Melanie looked doubtful.

“Because the spirits are attracted to a lively intelligence, an active curiosity, and a pure heart. Everyone knows that.”

Melanie stared at Lexie for a moment. “Okay. I really think you're making this up, but let's start the séance and see.”

Jennifer bit back a grin as she opened her séance book. Lexie had managed to say exactly the right thing. “All right, everyone. Tim will show you where to sit. I want you to put your arms on the top of the table and clasp hands while I light the master candle. We'll all stare into the flame for a moment and let our collective spiritual energy build.”

“Do we hold hands through the whole séance?” Cheryl looked eager as she took Tommy's hand.

Jennifer nodded. “Yes. If anyone breaks the circle, the spirits will depart. Whatever happens, don't let go.”

“Don't worry about that. I won't.” Cheryl smiled up at Tommy. “Go ahead, Jen. You can start now.”

It was clear that Cheryl enjoyed holding Tommy's hand. And Tommy didn't seem to mind. Just a week ago, Cheryl's blatant attempt to pick up on Tommy would have made Jennifer horribly jealous, but now she found that it didn't bother her at all. Was Tim responsible for her change in attitude? Jennifer was almost sure that he was, but she didn't want to make any decision about Tim and Tommy quite yet.

“Please don't close your eyes.” Jennifer lit the master candle. “Concentrate on the flame, and try to remain calm and quiet. We must be perfectly receptive to the spirits who will join our table tonight.”

She glanced around the table to make sure they were following her instructions. Everyone was watching the flickering candle flame . . . everyone except Tommy. Tommy looked very nervous. He was clenching his jaw and Jennifer could see the lines of tension on his forehead. Was he afraid of what might happen at the séance? Was he worried about what Kelly's spirit might tell them? There was only one way to find out, and that was to ask.

“Is there anyone here who is unsure about contacting Kelly's spirit?” Jennifer let the question hang in the air for a long, tense moment, but no one said a word. And then, just as she was about to go on with the ritual, Tommy spoke up.

“Maybe this isn't such a good idea.” Tommy's voice shook slightly. “I'm not sure we should try to contact Kelly.”

Tim turned to look at his brother in surprise. “But why? Come on, Tommy. It's only a skit. And we're certainly not hurting anyone.”

“Yeah. I know. I didn't think it would bother me, but it just doesn't seem right. It's almost—uh—”

“Sacrilegious?” Lexie supplied the word.

“Yeah. Isn't holding a séance sacrilegious?”

“No.” Jennifer was glad she had the chance to show that they'd done some research. “Spiritualism is a form of religion. It was very popular at the turn of the twentieth century. Disciples of spiritualism believed that it could prove there was life after death.”

“You're sure it's not disrespectful to Kelly?” Tommy still looked concerned.

“Not at all. It's a way of showing how much we miss her, and how we all wish she could be here with us.” Jennifer squeezed Tim's hand as she deviated from their plan. “I think we should all take a moment to say something to Kelly. Just imagine that she's sitting right next to you, and tell her what's in your heart. We'll go around the table so everyone can say something. Dale? Will you start us out?”

“I'd be glad to.” Dale smiled at Jennifer. He was always ready to give a speech. “Kelly . . . I really admired you. You always had a kind word for everyone and it doesn't seem right to go through our senior year without you. I just want you to know that you'll live on in our hearts. You've had a real impact on our lives, and we're all better people for having known you.”

Melanie nodded. “That's true. You were my friend, Kelly, and I just wish I'd had a chance to tell you how much I liked you. I'll never forget how you came to rehearsal early almost every night to help me learn my lines for the spring play.”

“You helped me, too.” Brian was next. “And I miss you every day, Kelly. You're the only one who ever laughed at my jokes.”

Susie giggled. “And all of us know how awful Brian's jokes are. That was one of the great things about you, Kelly. You were always so careful that you didn't hurt anyone's feelings. You were a truly nice person. Ronnie? It's your turn.”

“Hey, Kelly.” Ronnie looked very serious. “I miss your smile. And I miss having you sit next to me in homeroom. I used to forget my notebook and you always picked it up for me. I probably would have flunked my junior year without you.”

Cheryl was next and she shrugged. “What can I say? When I moved to Foothill, Kelly was already dead. I didn't even know her!”

“But you've heard me talk about her.” Tommy gave her a nudge. “Come on, Cheryl. Everybody has to say something or the séance won't work.”

“Okay, I'll try. But I'm really not sure what to say.”

“Tell Kelly hello,” Tommy urged her. “Say whatever's on your mind.”

Cheryl took a deep breath. “Hi, Kelly. Everybody says you were very nice. Tommy really missed you a lot, at first. All he could think about was you. I hope you won't be jealous when Tommy starts dating again. I mean . . . he's all alone and it's not healthy for him to stay in love with a dead girl forever.”

Just then a bolt of lightning crackled through the sky. It was accompanied almost immediately by a deafening roar of thunder so loud, everyone jumped.

“Maybe Kelly doesn't agree with you.” Dale laughed, but he sobered quickly when Melanie poked him. “Sorry about that.”

“It's your turn.” Jennifer turned to Tommy, who took a deep breath.

“Kelly, honey . . . I know you're out there somewhere, and I want you to know that I still love you. I think about you every day, and I remember how sweet and warm and loving you were. Sometimes I can hardly stand it because I want to see you again, so much. Just yesterday, I picked up the phone and I started to dial your number. And then I remembered, and I felt so damn helpless. I just want you to know that I'll never stop loving you, Kelly . . . never.”

There was a silence so deep that Jennifer could hear herself breathing. Tommy's little speech had affected her deeply and there were tears in her eyes. She knew she should say something. She was leading the séance. But then Lexie spoke.

“It's me, Kelly. Lexie Sussman. You always called me the voice of reason because I was so practical. I don't feel very practical tonight. I just feel sad that you're not here. And I'm hoping that somehow you can join us. I know that doesn't make sense, but I'm still hoping. If you're out there and you're listening to all this, please stick around. We need to talk to you again. All of us. Especially Tommy.”

“Lexie's right,” Tim said. “Please, Kelly. You've just got to contact us. Tommy misses you so much. I really think that if he could talk to you again, it would make him feel better.”

Jennifer swallowed hard. It was her turn and she wasn't quite sure what to say. “Hi, Kelly. I've never led a séance before, but I'm going to do my best. We're your friends, Kelly. And we need to talk to you. I'll light the gold candle now and start the ritual.”

Tim handed her the gold candle and Jennifer used the master candle to light it. Her hands shook slightly, but no one laughed or made any comment. Everyone seemed very absorbed in the ritual—even Pete, who was only here to critique it.

“The gold candle burns brightly. It is your guide and your beacon. Oh, spirit friends of our dear departed . . . slip through the curtain between life and death, and favor us with your presence.”

There was another flash of lightning and Jennifer felt the tension rise. Everyone was watching her as she started to light the tall white tapers at the center of the table.

“Oh, spirits of darkness and spirits of light. Come to be with us on this night. We interrupt your rest to learn of life. We disturb your peace to help in our plight.”

Tim squeezed Jennifer's hand as she finished lighting the tapers, and Jennifer squeezed back. “We will now invoke the spirit we wish to contact. Please try to visualize Kelly's face as we call her to us by name.”

Zada had brought three lilac candles. Jennifer spoke the incantation as she lit the first one. “Kelly Anne Bridges, we summon you. From the realm of the living, your friends seek your help.”

The first lilac candle sputtered, shooting out sparks. Someone gasped and Jennifer almost dropped the master candle. Zada must have brought special candles that sparked when they were ignited.

As the first candle began to burn and the scent of lilacs filled the air, Jennifer moved on to the second candle. “Kelly Anne Bridges, hear us tonight. Let your spirit soar into our midst.”

The second lilac candle sparked brightly, but this time Jennifer knew what to expect. When it was burning steadily, she moved on to the third candle.

“We beckon to you, Kelly Anne Bridges. Come be with us now and fill our hearts with gladness.”

The third candle sputtered once and burst into flame. All three candles were now burning brightly, and Jennifer went on with the ritual.

“Kelly Anne Bridges, favor us with a sign. Let us know that you hear us.”

There was a long, tense moment. Jennifer held her breath and so did everyone else at the table. And then it happened. There was another flash of lightning and the table began to shake.

Jennifer almost jumped up in fear, but then she realized what must have happened. Even though they hadn't asked Brian for any special effects, he must have rigged the table. It jiggled wildly for a moment and then it moved, rotating slowly until the lilac candles were positioned right in front of Tommy.

“Kelly's spirit is here among us.” Jennifer turned toward Tommy. “She has chosen you, Tommy. Kelly wants you to ask the first question.”

Tommy's face looked very pale in the flickering candlelight. “Kelly? Are you . . . all right?”

The table leg rapped sharply against the floor. Just once. And then it was silent again. Tommy was frowning as he asked another question. “Once for yes, and twice for no? Is that right, Kelly?”

The table leg rapped once again. And then the table began to rotate until the lilac candles stopped in front of Tim.

“Me?” Tim looked startled. Brian was following his own script for the séance, and it was really putting them on the spot.

“Kelly . . .” Tim cleared his throat. “I hope this isn't too painful for you, but we need to know what happened on the night you died. Can you tell us, please?”

The table rapped sharply, just once. And then an eerie voice floated out of the darkness, coming from somewhere above their heads. “I will tell one of you, but not now. They are calling me and I must go.”

There was another tremendous clap of thunder and then the table began to rise very slowly, giving them a chance to pull back their clasped hands. It rose almost a foot and then it stopped, hovering there in space.

“What shall we do?” Susie sounded frightened.

“Uh . . . nothing.” Jennifer hoped her voice wasn't shaking. She certainly hadn't expected this! “Just wait and watch. And keep holding hands.”

The table hovered in the air and then it began to spin. It spun faster and faster until the candle flames looked like a solid ring of light.

“Wow!” Tommy gasped as the table stopped spinning and began to lower again. It settled gently against the floor and then the flames began to go out, one by one, as if an unseen hand had pinched them from their wicks.

They sat in the darkness for a moment, stunned by what they had seen. And then Pete flicked on the lights and began to applaud. “That was fantastic, guys! I hope the kids can get up here tomorrow. This séance skit is nothing short of incredible!”

“Uh . . . thank you.” Jennifer drew a deep, shaky breath. “I just think I should tell you that this didn't happen the way we expected. The séance . . . I think it was real!”

“Sure it was, and you're still in character.” Pete grinned as he patted her on the back. “Come on, guys. Put away your props and clean up. We'll have a short critique session by the fireplace.”