The Vision. Linda Blum
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status in society, and obtaining things. The one who had the most power, money and commodities at the end was the winner. But was anyone really a winner trying to follow this way of living? It seemed pathetic when you really thought about it, yet since the world operated in this fashion many followed the status quo without really questioning it.
Judy’s inquisitive nature often pondered why life was this way, especially when she was young. When she asked the adults around her, she never received a satisfactory answer. The only response given was “That’s just the way it is”. This reply irritated her as she found it to be lame and compliant. What about dreams and desires? Did everyone just give up on these for the sake of a pay cheque?
“Maybe Ren is right,” Judy sighed. “Maybe I do have an attitude problem.”
Hope smiled in response. “I disagree.”
“I seem to be the only one who doesn’t want to work forty plus hours at a job I detest in order to survive.”
“What’s wrong with that?” Hope questioned.
“Nothing, I guess. Yet when I start talking to others about this I get the impression they think I’m weird.”
“You’re not weird,” Hope replied strongly. “Most people probably agree with you, but are too damn scared to admit you’re right.”
Even though her friend reassured her that she was normal, Judy felt far from it. All her life she never felt like she fit in anywhere. Her views on life and her second sight made it difficult. Over the years she tried in vain to conform to the society ways, but found something always pissed her off, making her turn her back from a system that irritated her.
Like now for example; her job was frustrating and her intuition was telling her to quit yet her mind berated herself for this. She always felt torn between the responsibilities of life versus her desire to do something she enjoyed. She wanted more. She wanted to take the risks needed to fulfill her dreams, whatever those were. Judy had been concentrating so much on making a living over the years that any dreams and desires were pushed to the side. She, like everyone else, got sucked into this lifestyle without realizing it.
“You know I’m really getting sick of this life,” Judy whined. “Why is it that everyone has to work so hard to put a roof over their head, get food to eat and put clothes on their body. These things should automatically be given to everyone. Shit, we pay enough in taxes, where is the money all going?”
“That’s a good question,” Hope commented.
After criticizing the government for their ineptness at spending taxpayer’s money wisely, they turned the conversation over to a less aggravating topic.
“Jude, you promised you would fill me in on the other night. What happened?” Hope asked.
Judy recounted the vision she had of the accident and about the mental message she sent to Jay. Hope listened on with interest. When Judy was done, she sensed there was more.
“What else happened?”
“Nothing,” she stammered.
Hope eyed her suspiciously. “Don’t give me that.”
Judy couldn’t get over how her friend was aware something else was bothering her.
“What are you, psychic?” Judy teased.
“I think I’ve been hanging around you too long.”
“Yeah, maybe.” Judy said absently.
“So what else is up?”
Hope knew she must have struck a nerve when she saw the colour drain from Judy’s face. She watched with interest as the napkin in her friend’s hand was shred vigorously into tiny pieces and noted the troubled look in her eyes.
She laid a gentle hand on her arm. “Please tell me what’s bothering you.”
Judy looked into her friend’s eyes and only saw concern. They had always confided in each other in their times of trouble, relying on the other’s strengths and encouragement to get through things. This time, however, Judy wasn’t sure how she was going to explain this one?
She took a deep breath before beginning.
“My Aunt Sally showed up at my uncle’s yesterday.”
“Dead Aunt Sally?” Hope questioned.
Judy nodded. “Her spirit showed up to tell me that my mother’s murderer is being revealed to me.”
“What!” Hope bellowed.
Chapter 7
Everyone in the restaurant turned to look at them. Judy gave Hope the evil eye for the unwanted attention, while Hope stared at her in stunned silence.
“Did she tell you who it was?” Hope asked.
“Of course not.”
Murmurs could be heard as patrons watched both women with interest, speculating whether there would be more outbursts. Their curiosity was put to rest when a waiter suddenly appeared at the table in hopes of defusing further trouble.
The server was tall and lanky and seemed more suited to be a basketball player. His shoulders were squared, his chin raised and his arms were crossed in front of his chest. Judy groaned inwardly when she saw him.
“Good evening ladies,” he said politely with a slight shake of his head.
“Good evening,” Judy and Hope replied in unison.
The man turned towards Hope. “Is everything all right?”
“It is now that you’re here,” Hope replied flirtatiously.
Her comment caught his attention and they stared at each other for a few seconds until Judy coughed. Quickly he looked away.
“If everything is fine then I should get back to work,” the waiter said sheepishly.
He gave Hope one last look before heading towards the kitchen. Hope watched him until he disappeared behind the doors.
“You’re hopeless,” Judy exclaimed.
“What?” Hope questioned innocently.
Judy gave her a wary look. “Didn’t you just get done telling me that you were going to stop dating for awhile?”
“It’s been two weeks since I’ve gone out with anyone,” she replied defensively.
Judy put her hand to her forehead in mock despair. “Two whole weeks, how have you managed?”
Hope stuck out her tongue in response, which made Judy laugh. Her laughter was short-lived when the sound of a familiar voice interrupted them.
“Hello. Hope, Judy.”
They turned to see Sonya Sajak standing awkwardly beside their table. Judy and Hope forced out a cordial greeting.
Sonya began wringing her hands nervously as she babbled on about how she just got a job and was moving back to town. She went on to say she was glad to see them both and would love to stay to chat, but someone was waiting for her. She suggested they get together sometime to catch up on old times. No sooner than she appeared she was gone.
Seeing her again took Judy back to the ninth grade when they first met. They became fast friends, hung around the same circle of friends and were at each other’s homes on a regular basis. Even their mothers became good friends.
Sonja seemed like the perfect friend. She was considerate, kind and caring. It wasn’t until Judy started dating Ren that it all changed. Sonja became angry and jealous that her friend had a guy, and not just any guy, but the one she wanted. After that, she became a scheming bitch.
One night when Judy was working, Sonya decided to pay Ren a visit. She showed up at his door acting distraught over a supposed fight she had with Judy. Ren listened as Sonya cried crocodile