The Foundation Zone: Extensions - Amber Millard (miss read books .txt) 📗

is this…? Where am I?” Her parents were saddened by the discovery of amnesia but still hopeful to see her through her recovery. Her boyfriend was eager to help her remember.

“Hey baby, do you remember me?” For a moment nothing registered but the look in his eyes did seem familiar. Marie stayed quiet while shaking her head no. The hurt look on his face stirred some emotions in her heart which started disturbing Saatswei’ells dormant spirit.

“It’s alright baby doll, mom and dad are here.”

“So am I.” The boyfriend included himself. She observed her parents and the man, claiming to be a love interest, having a stare off.

Father started with “You know you shouldn’t be here, you’re wrong for what you did.”

“I don’t think we should be discussing this here.”

Mother retorted “You think she never speaks to us?!” Something in her mother’s tone snapped Marie’s mind even closer to reality but while her mind fought to retrieve its identity, her dormant passenger was also waking. Fighting to surface and grasp her mind, as well.

“I think you should leave.” Spoke her father in a controlled tone.

“That’s not up to you.” Replied the man in a defiant tone. Marie’s mind began to race, to the point that it began to hurt; panting hard, her mind racing with names Marie hunched over to the left, in the direction of her parents.

“Derek, Devon, Devin, Devin… Devin!” Devin was about to push the help button until he heard her say his name, repeatedly. She focused on his named long enough to recall the dispute. Marie looked at Devin with furrowed brows and surprise when he leaned over to kiss her. She snatched her hand away from his to slap him. Weak as it was.

“How dare you! What are you doing here?!”

“Baby I got here as soon as I heard about the accident.” Marie’s mind went blank; suddenly she heard a familiar voice in her head.

“Devin? Devin, Devin, Devin…” The piece of Saatswei’ells spirit hooked onto her started blending to find the reason why the man troubled her. It finally settled down when it discovered a somewhat recent memory; Marie throwing paper to his face, shouting “How could you?!”

Frustration and clarity rolled through her from the little spirit which fought to defend her.

“Stop!” Marie shouted while bracing her head in her hands.

“He stole from you! He is a betrayer!” Saatswei’ells spirit tried to surface but because he was incomplete he had no choice but to settle down.

“Fine, I’ll go but he needs to leave as well!” As soon as the little spirit backed away Marie laid back down, took a moment to catch her breath then looked towards Devin to say “You know if you really loved me you would’ve let me in on all the plans you had but since she is so much more important to you, you can plan your life away with her.” 

Devin tried to explain “Babe, Marie it’s really not what it looks like. She is just a consultant.”

“It’s exactly what it looked like when I found you with her on my table! Just go, I don’t want to see you anymore.”

Devin sat there in quiet defiance thinking that would change her mind however it was all she could do to hold back the laughter.

“Do I have to spell it out for you? Leave before I call security and when you get to my shop I want you to take your stuff.” Marie’s parents remained silent, staring at Devin. As much as Devin tried to save face, all he could say and do in the present situation was suck his teeth, shake his head and walk out the door with the words “You’re stupid” as the last thing he said.

Next Marie asked her mother to inform Charlene to pack all his belongings into a box and leave it at the front desk.

“No better yet, leave it outside the front door. I’m glad you two are here.” For the first time in months Marie could finally breathe easy; a wave of relief spread over her body. Spiritually the relief had rolled over onto Saatswei’ell making it easier to move as well as shoot a wave of energy out of her body. The energy caused Marie’s heart to skip a beat.

“What was that?” She asked inside.

“That is a message to myself.”

“I thought nothing could get through while the foundation zone is closed.”

“True but simple energy can, given that it has a little time to maneuver through the barrier. I’m just letting myself know that all is well…” He paused before adding the last thought.

“And to protect you from Devin.”

“Huh?”

“I don’t trust his spirit; I saw the foundation of his and it’s not strong. He could blow up.”

“We call it acting out.” Marie corrected.

“Whatever it is, he is not stable. We have one month to look for a high energy spot on your planet but if Devin interferes, I won’t be able to help as effectively taking Ree’oal out of here.” Marie allowed his words to stew in her soul until the gentle tension of her father’s grip shifted her attention.

“Baby are you okay? Don’t let a punk like that effect you; men like him come a dime a dozen, you just have to wait on the right one. Learn to wait baby.”

“He must be your father.”

“How can you tell?” Marie asked drolly.

“Well” the little spirit started sarcastically, “not only do you two share similar facial features but the currents of your life force seem strangely similar to his as well. A sure sign that either you two are related or you just think alike. Either way, I like him.” Marie settled down as the doctor stepped in to check on her.

Charleston is a lovely place to be, especially on a warm spring morning. The hospital bed wasn’t the best place to be, as the physician began his routine to inform and inquire, Marie was curious how long she was conscious.

“Pardon me doc but could you tell me what day it is?”

“Ah yes it is Wednesday May 25th, 2014.” Marie’s heart skipped a beat once again, face turning pale at the discovery. She wanted to sit up but because of the two months of being laid up in MUSC her support muscles were a little rusty.

“When can I get out of here?” The patiently explained her obstacles before she could checkout.

“Considering the amount of electric shock you received and how well your body has recovered thus far, you’ll still have a little way to go before you can walk out of here. Marie struggled with all her might to sit up. Arms, back and abs quivered as fought to move.

“Marie what are you doing? Your body is too weak!” Saatswei’ell whispered in concern, he didn’t want to take all of her attention, so he called to her softly while her parents and the doctor tried talking her back down.

“Your body was struck by lightning, you’re a little fried, at least relax you’re going to need their help to recover. I promise to hold back calling myself until you’re back on your feet.” As Saatswei’ell settled into the back of her mind, Marie’s attention automatically switched over to the doctor who tried reasoning for her to lay back down. She agreed, settled herself back down onto the bed.

“I want to start physical therapy immediately doctor.”

The doctor tried to catch his breath, taking a moment to find the words to explain her situation.

“Ma’am ok but so we can get things started I’m Doctor Knight and if you can please state your full name.”

With her eyes closed Marie searched her full name, “My name is Marie Bell Summers.” As Marie began her recovery Saatswei’ells little spirit had just touched to barrier. A simple band of energy, it funneled itself through the cracks. Even when closed the foundation zone will relieve any stress in any section in its barrier by making little cracks in the form of lightning bolts which the band used to shoot straight through the rest of the barrier. As it hovered a moment above the fog, it searched for itself.

Each spirit has its own energy signature, Saatswei’ells was easy and simple considering how complicated his life became lately. The band discovered his life force somewhere outside the domes. Direction is not the most important thing in the zone. Just forward is forward, backward is backward, up is up, down is down, left is left and right is right.

The drill Saatswei’ell was teaching his friend was simple.

“Look the best way to have this done is to put you in an orb because the alternative is a little transport in your first form.” Like a bolt of lightning, the band reached him, instantly merged and the message understood loud and clear.

Chapter 15: Almost Time

 A moment later the floor vibrated, leaving an energetic crack in its wake.

“We’ve never had a crack here before!” Declared Saatswei’ell as he stared in amazement. Cracks are the first evidence that the barrier will open. The shortest duration is usually one month but there were times when it would remain closed for longer periods of time. Luckily this wasn’t the case for Marie; to her relief the little spirit sensed the same brake.

“Hey, I think the barrier is beginning to create a door.”

“Thank God, that’s the best news I’ve heard in about a month!”

“Don’t jump for joy yet, you only have enough energy to stand and take a few baby steps. At this rate my greater self will have to reside in your body until you’re able to head back to Wadmalaw Island.” Marie paused, standing at the entrance of her old room in her favorite purple workout pant and jacket with a white race shirt underneath. Little Saatswei’ell mentioned that island, not only did she have family there but she frequented Cherry Point landing to be alone, to gather her thoughts. She discovered the spot while searching for conch a few years back; a small host of shrimping boats occupied the docks, from one memory the little spirit picked out. In addition to the natural scenery, the little spirit found a spot close to the water’s edge that boasted a decent amount of energy. Marie knew it to be a little beach off to the side. What concerned little Saatswei’ell was the shoreline seemed to be littered with not only pebbles but broken pieces of brick and seashells as well. She felt a troubled feeling in her heart.

“Alright what’s wrong?”

“I’m concerned I mat cut my feet or the rest of my body on that beach!”

“Won’t you have shoes on when you come down?”

“No!” Answered little Saatswei’ell in matter-of-tone that irritated Marie; his answer surprised her none-the-less.

“Why not? What would happen?”

“Oh I can reappear with clothing on, it’s just that I choose not to. I like to experience new worlds in a very fresh way.” Put off, somewhat, by the reason, Marie had to voice her opinion on it.

“Believe me, that’s as fresh as it gets!”

“Hmmm, what was that sweetie?” Marie’s mother called from up the hallway.

“What’s wrong with showing up with clothes on?” She asked.

“I just feel more grounded this way.”

“Wait you said you’ve been here before.”

“Yes but only a handful of times.”

“So there’s no shrine or a temple dedicated to y’all? No ancient place where y’all