Heaven's Children (Earth Totem)

Deborah A Jackson

Heaven’s Children

The first book in the Earth Totem series

Copyright © 2012

PREFACE

The sounds echoed in my dreams and I could hear the humming of their wings. For those who walked, I could hear their feet tread the ground. For those who swam, I could hear them slice through the water.

‘Where are you?’ I whispered holding my hands out.

I couldn’t see anything, the mist was too thick. But I could hear them and felt their fear.

Were they running away?

Bad dreams

PRESENT DAY, FRIDAY THIRTEENTH: 11PM

I know about the white Ford now. I know without seeing that Hussein is turning dials on his radio. He arrived from Bulgaria four years ago and works as a cab driver. Someone paid him extra for tonight. Later, he tells everyone how he came here to start a new life, not to take one.

Their voices might be muffled, but I can hear the exasperation.

‘Nevaeh…please…look at us.’ her parents plead.

I’m trying ok, it’s just my eyes feel different, I can’t see properly. I feel so heavy.

‘Nevaeh…its Mum and Dad…’

Am I sinking or floating? It feels weird.

‘Nevaeh, please honey stay with us … Nevaeh,’ they beg.

I hate the way Mum stretches out my name. Who names their child Nevaeh? Although, I used to like it when Mum told me how they found me.

She said that, at the hospital, I had a white feather in my basket and flowers entwined round my ankles and wrists. Mum reckoned an angel put it there because I came from Heaven. My parents had tried forever to have children, but nothing happened. Then, one day in the Doctor's waiting room, a woman who had sat next to them, gave them a card. On it was the name of an adoption agency: ‘Heaven’s children.’ They always argued about the woman, because Dad was sure it was an old woman and Mum always argued that she was young with pale skin. ‘Like a sculpture,’ she had said.

‘Is she going to be okay?’ a worried voice interrupts her thoughts.

Amber? Is that you?

‘I hope so, thanks for calling. Amber isn’t it?’ Her Mum asked.

‘Umm…yeah.’ Amber mumbled.

Amber, you don’t have to sound so miserable.

‘Nevaeh - it’s me -Jo-Jo. Can you hear me, your best friend? I couldn’t believe it when I heard. I would never have found out, if I hadn’t decided to walk Mum home from yours. I’ve missed you.’ she whispers in my ear.

Good timing Jo-Jo.

‘Nevaeh, I’m holding your hand now, keep listening to me if you can.’ Her voice has a wobble.

‘It’s okay Jo-Jo, take your time.’

My Mum’s voice is wobbling now.

Take your time, hah! I’m not exactly going anywhere.

‘You should have seen your folks, I’ve never seen your Mum and Dad run so fast, we even beat the ambulance – thank goodness you were just round the corner…or…’

Or what…?

‘Jo-Jo - Jeesuz!’ Amber hissed.

I laugh, Jo-Jo always puts her foot in it.

‘Can you hear me Nevaeh; the ambulance will be here soon, please hold on. Your parents are here, and I’m here. Mum’s looking after your little sis.’ Jo-Jo is whispering now and I can almost see the red spots on her cheeks.

‘Yes darling, the ambulance will be here soon.’ Mum’s voice is still wobbly but more soothing.

‘Amber won’t tell me why you were at her house.’ Jo-Jo adds. I can feel the silence, it’s thick with tension.

‘Jeesuz.’ Amber gasped again.

I smile - why should she Jo-Jo? You weren’t exactly best friends remember?

‘Nevaeh, please don’t die…I need you.’ Jo-Jo is crying again.

Yep, all about you again – what about Josh, did you need him too?

‘You didn't need her before.’ It was Amber’s voice, and I can sense the change in atmosphere. She must