Chapter One: "A New Case"

     Isabella got up staring at her ceiling and remembered it was time to go see her boyfriend, Joseph Akins. She had hardly gotten up when her phone buzzed with a message. She assumed it was from Amber, Jessica, or Kelly, but it was actually from Winona. “I need to meet with all of you. Let me know when you can get here today.” It seemed to be a cryptic message. She set her phone down and stared at her toes for a moment while in a daze still trying to wake up. Her bedroom had a bit of a chill in it from her open window while a gentle breeze blew her curtains in a waving pattern casting strange shadows across her floor. She still opted for wearing one of her outfits to bed under her nightgown and was glad she did as the chilly air slid along her exposed legs. “June…ha.” She thought to herself. “This feels more like April.”

    She was dressed and saw Julecia emerge from her room still in her nightgown and outfit with her slippers and was stretching and yawning while trying to smile at Isabella. While she had not grown any since Isabella and her family adopted her, she seemed more robust and confident. The real Julecia personality was beginning to emerge after years of abuse, neglect, and experimentation. Isabella could not help but smile at her as her gown poked out in the front from her hidden appendage that was wrapped in her sheer layer. She politely reminded her about it and pointed to her room. Julecia smiled and went back to her room for a moment before coming back out with an extra layer on her legs and a smile. “Sorry.” Her accent was still thick, and she had a way of inflection in her voice with words that Isabella loved. She gave her stepsister a big hug and escorted her to the kitchen.

     “What do you want for breakfast?”

     She thought a moment. “Can I have pancakes?”

     “I can do that. You go shower and get dressed, and I’ll have them ready for you when you get out.”

     Julecia hugged her again and left leaving Isabella staring at the stove and counter thinking a moment. She heard another rustle of footsteps and saw her aunt’s door open. “Linda?”

     “I heard. The griddle is under the toaster oven, and you know where the mixing bowls are. Use the open container of milk, and use the eggs in the door.”

     “Yes ma’am.” Isabella gave her aunt a smile and went to work. She heard two showers going and some humming in the background as she mixed and poured out her batter onto the electric griddle. She turned on the oven and searched for her vegetarian sausages in the freezer. The showers turned off and she heard lots of stomping and activity. Her mother was already gone having left before dawn for work.

     They sat around the kitchen table and ate before Linda sat back. “That was delicious, Isabella.”

     “Thank you.”

     “So, what are you doing today?”

     “I got a text from Winona earlier. I figure I’ll be going over there at some point today, and Julecia has her appointment with Dr. Wong this afternoon.”

     “I can take her if you have to go to see Winona.”

     “Could you? Thank you, that will give me some flexibility.”

     “It would be my pleasure, and that way I can take our darling girl to go shopping. What do you think, Julecia?”

      “Could I get a new dress?”

     “Yes, I can get you a new dress.” She looked at Isabella and winked.

     Amber was woken up by the same message from Winona and swung out of her bed and looked for her glasses to read it. She giggled to herself trying to get her glasses on over her nylon hood until she got them in the right spot. She looked at herself in them in the mirror and thought she looked interesting like that. She read it and then flipped over to Isabella. “You see this?”

      It was a while before Isabella got back to her. “Yes. I’m working out my day here. Julecia and Linda are up. Linda is helping out with her.”

     Amber got up and put on her robe and checked on Leticia and Elizabetha. They were beginning to stir, and she saw Leticia assume her stomach position and began to rock her hips up and down. She turned red knowing what she was doing in her sleep and quickly bowed out of their room so as not to see more than she wanted to. Then she determined to have a talk with her about it so as to avoid something embarrassing later. She knew her older brother well enough to know what a horny guy would do when they thought no one was watching them. A quick memory shot through her mind, and she went to the bathroom to try to forget it. She had a hard time forgiving Jacob for stealing some of her softest tights to play with himself in them. There was no way she was going to wear them again after what she saw him doing with them. She could not blame him, but at the same time, it grossed her out even now to think about it.

     She sat down with her mother to eat some oatmeal and get a cup of tea. “So, what is your plan today?” Her mother was still in her robe, nightgown, and usual sheer leg layer.

     “I got a text from Winona about meeting today.”

     “Oh? What’s that about?”

     “I don’t know yet. If it pays, I say we investigate.”

     “I’m glad you’ve found something else you like to do with your friends.”

     “Who’d a thought that we’d be ghost hunters just a few years ago? It’s really fascinating the places we see and the history I get to dig up about it.”

     “I know your father is proud of that.”

     “Why wouldn’t he be?”

     Their conversation was interrupted by the sisters who appeared dressed and ready for their day. They were in matching denim skirts, t-shirts, pantyhose, and flats. Their long dark hair flowed down their backs as they sat down to eat.

     Leticia looked at Amber. “I heard some of what you were saying. Can I come?”

     Amber smiled. “When you get older, I promise to take you. I just think you’re a little too young for this yet.”

     “But…”

     “No, Amber is right, Leticia. You must learn to be patient, and your time will come to go on some of those adventures with the others.”

     She looked sad, but she nodded and was polite. Elizabetha just smiled and started to eat her breakfast. She looked like she was starving.

     “Did you two have a good night's sleep?”

     “Yes ma’am,” Leticia remembered how to respond to her.

     Amber smiled and thought. “I bet you did.” She just kept that thought to herself.

     Jessica was already up taking care of Margaretta and her sisters, Maria, Miranda, and Gabriela, before she got her message. She asked Isabella and Amber the same general questions and then wanted to see Katie sooner rather than later. Her mother adopted the three sisters and put them in their extra room that had previously been the playroom for John and Jessica. The twins had not used it in quite a while, so they understood it being changed.

     John was spending more and more time with Mark Cruz, Detective Cruz’s son. They had been a couple since middle school, and they had danced together even longer than that. John and Jessica were not the closest of twins, but they understood each other very well. While John remained with a male identity, he was openly gay for most of his life. At first, officer Cruz was upset by Mark’s decision, but he grew to accept it rather than lose his son. This was especially true after Jessica attempted suicide when she was having identity issues in middle school and high school. Her attempt sent shockwaves through the community, and they banded together to help her. The only one who refused was Lucy Upshaw who increased her attacks on all of the BTGs after Jessica fully transitioned to a girl.

     Now Jessica lived as a woman, but she was completely head over heels in love with Kelly’s sister, Katie Simpson. Katie and Jessica were two misfits that were a match made early in their lives. Before they kissed for the first time, they were good friends and confidants. Katie was upset by Jessica’s choice, and she helped Jessica get through that rough patch of her life. In the end, they finally kissed and became a couple.

     Cindy opened her eyes and saw her phone light up once again. She assumed it was Amber or Kelly, but she was surprised it was from Winona. “What the hell?” She thought and wiped her eyes to clear them. She rolled out of bed and slid on her slippers while reading the note. “But I have an interview today with The Boutique.” She mumbled to herself. Then she saw the part about being flexible. “Okay…fine.” She set her phone down and headed to the shower.

     She put on her usual long undergarment out of habit and slid on a sundress and some strappy heels to match. She brushed out her flaxen locks and fixed her makeup before heading down for breakfast. The kitchen was empty except for a note from her mother. “I’m running a few errands. Breakfast is on your own.” She set the note down. “The story of my life right here…” She thought. “What’s new?” She went to the refrigerator and got out some yogurt and fruit. She had hardly sat down when the car pulled back up with her mother running back into the house.

     “I forgot my damn wallet.” She cut a look at Cindy. “Did you move it?”

     “No, why would I move it?” She looked at her mom.

     Her mother threw around some stuff and found it under a pile of magazines. “This is what I’m talking about.”

     “What? Those are your magazines.” She continued to eat.

     “Don’t talk back to me.”

     “I’m not. I’m merely…”

     “Just stop it.” She threw them down frustrated. “So, what are you doing today…hanging with friends and doing the usual crap?”

     Cindy stopped eating and tried to collect herself. “I just so happen to have an interview with The Boutique downtown. Then I have a meeting with Winona about a new case.”

     Her mother cut her a look. “What meeting is this?”

     Cindy turned red trying to control her anger. “Did you miss the part about the interview?” She got up. “Typical mother…you focus on what you want to hear and not what is really going on in my life. I can’t wait until I’m making enough money to move the hell out of here.” She threw her empty yogurt container in the trash and took her apple with her. “I might see you later…or not.”

     “Cindy! You get back here and apologize to me.” She huffed and then left again practically peeling out in her car as she went.

     Cindy went to her room and packed a bag for at least one night. She grabbed her phone and began to text. “Kelly? Is there any way I can spend the night at your house?” She sat down and waited for an answer trying to hold back tears. She did not want to ruin her eyeliner over another argument. They had escalated since graduation, and they were not starting sooner.

     Isabella was the first one to the shop five minutes before 10:00 AM. She saw Winona flip her sign and wave her into the store. She locked her SUV and almost skipped into the shop. She gave Winona a quick hug and went to examine her teas and crystals.

     “I’ve got some new tiger eye if you are interested.” Winona was in one of her handmade dresses. She was still thin and agile for her age which was defied by her limber body and long hair. This dress was white with blue trim and frills along with a lot of beadwork all over it. She had on suntan pantyhose and matching boots that she also made.

     “That sounds wonderful. Do you have any new pendulums?”

     “Look in the counter by the register. Just get them yourself, sweety. I trust you.” Winona gave her a wink and a big smile. “I’m going to finish with the tea and treats.”

     The door opened again, and Jessica stepped in with Katie and Kelly with her. She led Katie to Winona for a rare hug and helped her to her spot on the sofa. She hugged Winona and sat down next to Katie taking her hand in hers.

     “How are you guys?” Winona gave them a long look.

     “We’re good.” Kelly smiled. “Hey, Isabella.” She waved at her while she continued to test out crystals.

     “Hey, I see the trio is here.”

     “Just waiting on Amber and Cindy now.”

     “I hear another car.” Winona turned and went to the door. “That must be Cindy.”

     Cindy rushed in looking upset. “I’m here. So, what’s the deal?”

     Kelly looked at her. “Hey, are you okay?”

     “Yeah…fine.”

     Winona looked at her. “You are not telling us the truth. Did you have another fight with your mother?”

     Cindy choked back some tears and just nodded. Kelly went right up to her and grabbed her in a long hug. They had been friends for so long now that those hugs were like medicine to Cindy. Kelly was one of the few who really understood her and could calm her down. She took her to the back and let her sip on some tea and breathe.

     “I don’t like that.” Winona moaned. “Her mother is not being a mother.” She shook her head.

     “It’s a long complicated history,” Katie said just loud enough for Winona to hear it.

     The door opened and closed again as Amber walked in wearing one of her tight green dresses that left little to the imagination. Isabella could not help but smile at her. “I remember what that dress used to do to me.”

     “I bet it still does.” Amber hugged her.

     “Well…” Isabella laughed.

     “So, I guess we can begin.”

     “In a moment.” Winona looked at the store a moment. “Let me check on Cindy.”

     “Oh?”

     Isabella took her aside and explained the situation. Amber almost cried herself being sensitive enough to feel Cindy’s emotions. She sat down on the sofa next to Isabella and waited for Cindy and Kelly to sit down. They were all finally sitting when Winona grabbed a letter and sat down. She looked at them seriously. “This is our first big case, girls. I got this the other day, and I had to think about it for a moment first. Then I got one of the messages from here.” She pointed to her heart. “It’s from a mother on the coast who said that she and her family have been experiencing some very scary things in and around her house. She lives near a swamp, you know, one of the thousands along the coast. Anyway, she said that her daughter has been seeing someone in their house, and her husband was attacked one night and had scratches left on his back. He accused her of doing it, but she said it was not her. They are having some marital issues over these, and she wants us to come there and investigate it.”

     “When?” Kelly asked.

     “I understand that you and Brent are going to Western Carolina in September.”

     “That is correct.”

     Winona thought a moment. “And Isabella, you are starting here at the same time?”

     “Yes ma’am.”

     She looked at them. “This is what I was thinking, and I was also sort of told this within myself by my spirit guide.” She drew in a breath. “For this case, I think it is important that Jessica, Katie, Cindy, and myself go and do this one ourselves.” She looked at Isabella. “I don’t think you are ready to tackle the weather on the coast just yet. I’m being quite honest about that. I think you need more time to recover from last year.”

     Isabella looked disappointed. She looked away and tried not to be upset.

     “Kelly, you and Brent need time to be a couple by yourselves.”

     Kelly nodded and smiled. “I understand.” She was not as upset by it.

     Winona looked at Katie. “You know when Isabella told you last year that her situation was not your moment?”

     “Yes.”

     “This, I believe, is what she was referring to with that message.” She looked at Cindy as well. “And I am getting a strong vibe that you really have to be there as well.”

     “Why me?” Cindy sounded lost.

     “First, because I need a good technician, and you are the best one among us. Also, I need your doubting mind to help clarify what it is that we do or don’t see. That actually helps you even if you don’t understand it. Your unique abilities are quite important, and we’re getting paid pretty well for this.”

     Cindy sat up. “Like how much?”

     Winona laughed. “I figure about five or six hundred.”

     Cindy looked around. “So, about a hundred a piece?”

     “No, that’s five or six hundred for each of us.”

     Cindy perked up more. “I’m in.”

     “I’ll give you my share if you will do it.” Katie turned her head toward her.

     Cindy’s jaw dropped. “You? You don’t even like me that much.”

     Katie smirked. “I happen to believe Winona is right about his. Something in my gut is telling me that you need to go with us.”

     Cindy crossed her legs the other way and smiled. “That makes it worthwhile.” She looked at her phone for a moment. “Hey guys, I have an interview with The Boutique in about half an hour. I don’t want to leave you guys hanging, but I’m in even if I don’t get this job.”

     “Congratulations!” Isabella got up and hugged her. “You’ll do just fine. That is a perfect job for you.”

     “Let me second that.” Amber smiled and they all hugged her.

     “Go, and be honest.” Winona smiled.

     Cindy looked at Kelly. “So, can I stay over tonight?”

     Kelly smiled. “Yes. You can stay as long as you want or need to.”

     “Thank you. I only packed for one night. I think mom just needs a night to herself to cool off.”

     “I hope so,” Isabella said and sounded very sincere.

     Cindy smiled and left leaving them alone.

     Winona turned to Isabella. “While I don’t want you to physically go, I do want you to help Amber dig up anything about this case when I know more about it. I want to go down there as soon as possible with Jessica and Katie to find it, and I also want to get a reading before we jump in all the way. I figure we can go and spend a weekend just looking around, then we will schedule the main visit for some time in October when the weather is cooler.”

     “You’ve had too much time to think about this.” Katie quipped.

     “You know me too well sweetie. Now, enjoy the tea and snacks. I’m sure Isabella wants to study my crystals more, and I’m sure Kelly wants more tea.”

     They laughed and continued to just visit and enjoy their time together as graduates and young adults.

     Later that afternoon, they all got a text from Cindy, and while it was just a text, it was as enthusiastic as a text could possibly be. “I got the job!”

     “Congratulations!” Was replied back to her all of them including Winona knowing what this meant to her.

     Kelly was sitting in her room alone and decided to reach out more. “Tell me more about the interview.”

     “How about I tell you in person since I’m at your door.”

     Kelly got up and welcomed Cindy with a hug and some laughter before they went back upstairs to the attic apartment. “So?” Kelly patted the sofa indicating for Cindy to sit and get comfortable.

     They both kicked off their shoes and put their stocking feet on the coffee table. Cindy smiled, which was not that common in the last few weeks. “I was sitting there with at least six other girls waiting and noticed that a rack of clothes was absolutely out of order. It was like a toddler had rearranged it. I fixed it and sat back down. When I went into the interview, the manager, Hannah, asked me what I had done. I told her it was bothering me, so I fixed it.”

     “What did the other girls do?”

     “They looked mad at me, but Hannah listened to me explain how that was bothering me. Then she told me that in the last five years, she had done that to everyone who had interviewed for The Boutique, and I was the only one who had ever actually fixed it.”

     “Wow? Really?”

     “Yes, she asked me a couple of other questions and offered me the job.”

     “That’s great. So, when do you start?”

     “Promptly at 9:00 tomorrow morning. I get to wear what I always wear because she said she had noticed me before and always liked our style. Can you believe that? She likes what the BTGs wear like normally.”

     Kelly just smiled. “I guess I’ll have to get busy with mom making a few more outfits?”

     “Could you? I could really use some in white, beige, and gray.”

     Kelly smiled. “How about I just make a variety of colors since we’ve graduated, and we can wear lots of different things now?”

     Cindy smiled and sipped her tea and leaned her head back and seemed to go into a dream. Kelly watched her and felt good that her long-time friend was finally getting something accomplished on her terms.