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- Story Listed as: Fiction For Adults
- Theme: Inspirational
- Subject: Ghost Stories / Paranormal
- Published: 09/07/2020
Standing by her kitchen stove, Caitlin Parker narrowed her blue eyes and glared at her husband Jeff. “Would you just get out of here for a while. Go and do something, anything. I don't care what it is, but I can't get anything done with you hanging around.”
Jeff only smiled at his wife's words. “C'mon Caitlin, maybe I could help you out.”
Shaking her head, Caitlin shook the wooden spoon she was holding at Jeff. “No, I swear if you don't get out of this house right now, I'll hit you with this thing.”
Jeff laughed. “Caitlin, you are gorgeous when you're angry.”
Caitlin rolled her eyes. “Flattery is not going to work. I have dinner to fix for fifteen people and you are not any kind of help what so ever, now get out.” Caitlin pointed toward the back door.
Jeff stepped over to his wife, slipping arms around her waist. Then he laid his face softly against her cheek and slowly closed his eyes a few times and brushed his eyelashes lightly on the surface of Caitlin's cheek. “Here you go, just one butterfly kiss and I'll head out.”
Caitlin had to smile. Jeff had been doing that since they had first begun dating, over six years ago. Exactly one year before they had gotten married.
He would blink his eye close to her cheek and the soft feel of his lashes was what he had always called butterfly kisses. “Fine, I got your butterfly kiss, now I mean it Jeff. Get out of here.”
Jeff let go of his wife and stepped back. “I'm going now, but you should be nice Caitlin.”
Caitlin turned to him, blue eyes flashing. “I'll be nice later, for now you hear me, just get out of here and let me get things done.”
Jeff shook his head and gave his wife a hurt look, then he walked out to his car. By the time he had opened the door and slid in behind the steering wheel of his car, Jeff was smiling.
He knew Caitlin wasn't really mad. She was making Easter dinner for both his family and hers and only wanted everything to be perfect.
Backing up the car, Jeff sighed. He'd just drive around an hour or so, maybe he would head over to the park, one of his favorite places. By the time he got back, Caitlin would be cooled down and sorry for kicking his butt out.
In the kitchen, Caitlin drew a deep breath and tried to relax. She loved Jeff with every breath she took, but sometimes the man was impossible. He knew that both of their families and their best friends would be here in an hour and she needed to have everything ready.
Caitlin already had the Easter ham and the potato casserole warming in the oven. She'd also just finished boiling the eggs she would need for making the deviled eggs. Now she was putting together a relish tray. Caitlin had also made four pies last night and could remember even then, Jeff had been a problem. Trying to stick his fingers in the pie and arguing it wouldn't be right to let their guests eat pie that was untested.
Sighing, Caitlin shook her head, she wasn't going to get anything done standing here and thinking about Jeff.
Caitlin was almost done with her dinner preparations when the doorbell rang. As Caitlin ran from the kitchen and through the living room to open the front door, she was relieved to see that her and Jeff's best friends were the first guests to arrive.
Brenda and Seth Cooper had been the ones to introduce Caitlin and Jeff. The four spent a lot of time together since then.
Brenda held up a large square plastic container.
“I baked a cake. I know you said not to bring anything, but...”
Brenda shrugged. “I had to do something. I feel so dumb having you cook everything.”
Caitlin smiled. “I'm really glad you didn't listen to me. After I made a bunch of pies I got worried that some people might want something else, so thanks Brenda.”
Seth laughed. “Well, I'll take both desserts if that will help you out.”
Caitlin laughed because standing at six foot two and weighing about two hundred and eighty pounds, Seth could easily eat both too. “Well, come on in, the others should be here soon.”
Stepping in the house, Seth frowned at Caitlin. “Where's Jeff anyway, I didn't see his car sitting in the driveway.”
Caitlin nodded. “That's because I kicked him out of here so I could get something done. Why don't you just sit down out here Seth, Brenda and I can take the cake out to the kitchen. Do you want a beer or something?”
Seth nodded. “A beer would be great. Can I turn on the T.V.?”
Caitlin shrugged. “Go ahead, I don't think there's much on though. While you're in here, will you answer the door for me?”
Seth nodded, already grabbing the remote. Brenda laughed. “I'll be back with your beer.”
Brenda took Seth his beer then went back out to the kitchen to help Caitlin. “Did you really kick Jeff out of here?”
Caitlin nodded. “Yeah, but I kind of feel bad about it now. I mean he wasn't bothering me all that much. My nerves were just on end.”
Brenda patted her friends shoulder. “Don't worry, I'm sure he knows that's why you were ornery with him.”
Hoping her friend was right, Caitlin shrugged. The doorbell rang and Caitlin started to head out of the kitchen toward the living room, but Brenda grabbed a hold of her arm and stopped her.
“Let Jeff take care of it. He knows everyone that's coming. He's met your family and Jeff's before. Why don't we get everything ready out here? Do you want me to set the table?”
Caitlin shook her head. “I thought it would be better if we could eat out back on the picnic table. It's warm enough outside today and there's a lot more room out there.”
Picking up the plate of ham, Brenda nodded. “I'll just start carrying the food out then.”
Brenda and Caitlin both began transferring the food from the kitchen outside to the picnic table.
Caitlin was coming back from her second trip when Jeff's mom stepped in the kitchen. Caitlin smiled at her mother-in-law. “Hi Dianne, hope you and Jack brought your appetites.”
Dianne nodded. “We did, but first Jack wants a drink. He saw Seth in there with a beer and now he thinks he can't live without one.”
Caitlin smiled. “They're in the fridge. Is everyone here yet?”
Dianne lifted an eyebrow. “Everyone but Jeff, where is my son anyway?”
Caitlin rolled her eyes and sighed. “It's my fault he's not here yet. I told him to get out of the house so I could get stuff done. He should be back by now though. He knew what time we planned on having the meal.”
Dianne nodded. “Don't worry about it, I'm sure he'll come driving in any minute.”
Dianne turned and looked at the empty kitchen table. “I take it we're not eating in here.”
Caitlin shook her head. “No, we're eating out back. I just need to grab a couple more things if you want to tell everyone to come on out back for me. If anyone else wants a beer they can grab one from the fridge. I already have some lemonade and punch made and sitting out back.”
Dianne smiled. “You didn't happen to spike it did you?”
Caitlin's blue eyes grew large. “No way, not with Jeff's grandparents here.”
Dianne shook her head. “It's okay Caitlin, I was just kidding. I'll go let everyone know to head out back.”
Sighing with relief, Caitlin nodded. She'd be glad when Jeff got back. Her stomach was full of butterflies and not the kind giving out kisses either. In fact, It felt more like these butterflies wore steel toed boots and were kicking her. Caitlin didn't know why she worried so much anyway. She should be used to putting on these dinners by now.
Her and Jeff had held two or three family dinners a year since they'd been married five years ago. She just wanted everything to be perfect.
Caitlin smiled when she heard her mom's voice as she stepped in the backyard. “There you are Caitlin. The least you can do is come over and give your mom a hug.”
Caitlin set the bowl she was carrying down on the picnic table and gave her mom a big hug. “Sorry mom, I just wanted to get everything ready before the others came out here.”
Cathy Arnette smiled at her daughter. “I hope you're finished then because the whole crew is standing right behind me.”
Caitlin laughed. “Send them out then.”
The next few minutes Caitlin spent giving hugs to her dad, her brother Craig and her sister Teresa. Then she also hugged Jeff's family.
His grandparents, Fred and Madge were greeted first and then shown to their seats before Caitlin also hugged Jeff's brothers Carl and Brett followed by his sister Susan.
The last one to come out of the house was Jeff's dad, Jack. “Where the hell is Jeff. I thought he'd be here.”
Dianne took Jack's arm and pulled him to the picnic table. “He'll be here, he just took a drive so Caitlin could get everything done. I guess she's just like me and doesn't like to try and fix a dinner with a man hovering around.”
Caitlin was frowning. “I'll try to call him. My cell phone is in the house. Everyone go ahead and get your plates filled. No sense letting the food get cold, I'll be right back.”
Caitlin waited a moment until she saw her guests start passing the food around before she turned and walked in the quiet house.
Caitlin felt herself getting angry at Jeff all over again. First she couldn't get him to leave the house and now when she wanted him here, he was off driving around somewhere.
Caitlin sighed and grabbed her cell phone off the kitchen counter. She punched in Jeff's number. After four rings, his phone went to voice mail.
Caitlin waited for the beep. “Jeff, where in the world are you? Everyone is here, everyone except you that is. You better be headed home and if you're not I better be getting a call with a damn good explanation.”
Caitlin hung up the phone, absently rubbing at her cheek. Then she headed back outside.
Everyone who was gathered around the picnic table looked up curiously at Caitlin as she stepped outside. Shrugging at them, Caitlin shook her head. “Jeff didn't answer his phone, but he usually doesn't if he's driving. I'm sure he's probably headed home right now.”
Jeff's grandma nodded. “He probably just stopped to talk to friends. Come and sit down Caitlin. You fixed this wonderful dinner, the least you can do is make yourself a plate.”
Caitlin nodded and walked to the table, brushing at her cheek again. She sat down next to her friend Brenda. Turning to look at her, Caitlin frowned. “Do I have anything on my face? It feels like something is stuck on my cheek.”
Brenda looked and then shook her head. “I don't see anything.”
Caitlin shrugged as her brow furrowed. “It sure feels like something is there.” She wiped her cheek again.
A half an hour later, Jeff's dad stood up. “Jeff should really be here by now. Maybe I should go look for him.”
Dianne shook her head. “You've had at least three beers Jack, you're not up to driving anywhere.”
Jack's brother Brett stood up. “I can drive you dad, all I've had is punch.”
He looked at Caitlin. “Any idea where Jeff was headed?”
Shaking her head, Caitlin's blue eyes were worried. She wiped her cheek before answering. “He didn't say, but he likes to go down to the city park.”
Brett and Jack took Jeff's other brother, Carl, with them and left in Brett's car.
Dianne looked at her daughter after they had gone. “Do you want to come and ride with me? I want to take your grandma and grandpa home. We can look for Jeff on our way.”
Susan nodded and Dianne turned to Caitlin. “We'll be back after we take them home.”
Caitlin nodded and wiped at her cheek again. She frowned wondering if maybe she'd been bit, although it was a little early in the year for mosquitoes to be out.
Caitlin's dad stood now. “I think your mom and I should go have a look around too.”
Caitlin's brother Craig decided to go with them.
After they left, Caitlin's sister moved around the picnic table to come sit next to Caitlin. She put an arm around her sister's shoulders.
“I'm sure Jeff is probably sitting over in the park and probably just forgot about the time.”
Caitlin shook her head. “No, Jeff's not like that at all. I wish I wouldn't have kicked him out of the house earlier.”
Brenda stood. “I'm sure Teresa's right Caitlin.” Brenda looked at Teresa and then at Seth. “Do you two want to help me carry this stuff inside?”
They both nodded and started grabbing dishes. Caitlin started to stand but Brenda stopped her. “You just sit right there. You did all the cooking, we'll pick up the mess.”
Caitlin nodded and wiped her cheek again as she watched the three carry the things inside. Caitlin sat alone at the picnic table worrying about Jeff.
When she felt the light touch on her cheek and reached up to rub it, her hand instead stopped in mid-air and her stomach clenched.
Caitlin realized what her cheek felt like now. How did she not realize it before? Moving her hand again, she lightly touched her cheek as her blue eyes filled with tears. She knew exactly what the feeling was, it was the same way her cheek always felt when Jeff gave her one of his special butterfly kisses.
Something terrible had happened to Jeff.
He was gone, but somehow her husband had been able to find her long enough for his soul to pass on this butterfly kiss of good-bye.
A few minutes later, Brenda came running out of the house carrying Caitlin's cell phone. She held it out to her friend.
“Here Caitlin, I heard your phone ringing, it might be important, it might be Jeff.”
Caitlin stared at Brenda a moment while the phone she held continued to ring. “It's not Jeff, but it's about him.”
Caitlin answered her phone, tears streaming down her face as she said hello and then heard the police officer's voice over the line saying he was sorry to be the one to have to bring her the bad news.
A Whisper of Wings(P.S. Winn)
Standing by her kitchen stove, Caitlin Parker narrowed her blue eyes and glared at her husband Jeff. “Would you just get out of here for a while. Go and do something, anything. I don't care what it is, but I can't get anything done with you hanging around.”
Jeff only smiled at his wife's words. “C'mon Caitlin, maybe I could help you out.”
Shaking her head, Caitlin shook the wooden spoon she was holding at Jeff. “No, I swear if you don't get out of this house right now, I'll hit you with this thing.”
Jeff laughed. “Caitlin, you are gorgeous when you're angry.”
Caitlin rolled her eyes. “Flattery is not going to work. I have dinner to fix for fifteen people and you are not any kind of help what so ever, now get out.” Caitlin pointed toward the back door.
Jeff stepped over to his wife, slipping arms around her waist. Then he laid his face softly against her cheek and slowly closed his eyes a few times and brushed his eyelashes lightly on the surface of Caitlin's cheek. “Here you go, just one butterfly kiss and I'll head out.”
Caitlin had to smile. Jeff had been doing that since they had first begun dating, over six years ago. Exactly one year before they had gotten married.
He would blink his eye close to her cheek and the soft feel of his lashes was what he had always called butterfly kisses. “Fine, I got your butterfly kiss, now I mean it Jeff. Get out of here.”
Jeff let go of his wife and stepped back. “I'm going now, but you should be nice Caitlin.”
Caitlin turned to him, blue eyes flashing. “I'll be nice later, for now you hear me, just get out of here and let me get things done.”
Jeff shook his head and gave his wife a hurt look, then he walked out to his car. By the time he had opened the door and slid in behind the steering wheel of his car, Jeff was smiling.
He knew Caitlin wasn't really mad. She was making Easter dinner for both his family and hers and only wanted everything to be perfect.
Backing up the car, Jeff sighed. He'd just drive around an hour or so, maybe he would head over to the park, one of his favorite places. By the time he got back, Caitlin would be cooled down and sorry for kicking his butt out.
In the kitchen, Caitlin drew a deep breath and tried to relax. She loved Jeff with every breath she took, but sometimes the man was impossible. He knew that both of their families and their best friends would be here in an hour and she needed to have everything ready.
Caitlin already had the Easter ham and the potato casserole warming in the oven. She'd also just finished boiling the eggs she would need for making the deviled eggs. Now she was putting together a relish tray. Caitlin had also made four pies last night and could remember even then, Jeff had been a problem. Trying to stick his fingers in the pie and arguing it wouldn't be right to let their guests eat pie that was untested.
Sighing, Caitlin shook her head, she wasn't going to get anything done standing here and thinking about Jeff.
Caitlin was almost done with her dinner preparations when the doorbell rang. As Caitlin ran from the kitchen and through the living room to open the front door, she was relieved to see that her and Jeff's best friends were the first guests to arrive.
Brenda and Seth Cooper had been the ones to introduce Caitlin and Jeff. The four spent a lot of time together since then.
Brenda held up a large square plastic container.
“I baked a cake. I know you said not to bring anything, but...”
Brenda shrugged. “I had to do something. I feel so dumb having you cook everything.”
Caitlin smiled. “I'm really glad you didn't listen to me. After I made a bunch of pies I got worried that some people might want something else, so thanks Brenda.”
Seth laughed. “Well, I'll take both desserts if that will help you out.”
Caitlin laughed because standing at six foot two and weighing about two hundred and eighty pounds, Seth could easily eat both too. “Well, come on in, the others should be here soon.”
Stepping in the house, Seth frowned at Caitlin. “Where's Jeff anyway, I didn't see his car sitting in the driveway.”
Caitlin nodded. “That's because I kicked him out of here so I could get something done. Why don't you just sit down out here Seth, Brenda and I can take the cake out to the kitchen. Do you want a beer or something?”
Seth nodded. “A beer would be great. Can I turn on the T.V.?”
Caitlin shrugged. “Go ahead, I don't think there's much on though. While you're in here, will you answer the door for me?”
Seth nodded, already grabbing the remote. Brenda laughed. “I'll be back with your beer.”
Brenda took Seth his beer then went back out to the kitchen to help Caitlin. “Did you really kick Jeff out of here?”
Caitlin nodded. “Yeah, but I kind of feel bad about it now. I mean he wasn't bothering me all that much. My nerves were just on end.”
Brenda patted her friends shoulder. “Don't worry, I'm sure he knows that's why you were ornery with him.”
Hoping her friend was right, Caitlin shrugged. The doorbell rang and Caitlin started to head out of the kitchen toward the living room, but Brenda grabbed a hold of her arm and stopped her.
“Let Jeff take care of it. He knows everyone that's coming. He's met your family and Jeff's before. Why don't we get everything ready out here? Do you want me to set the table?”
Caitlin shook her head. “I thought it would be better if we could eat out back on the picnic table. It's warm enough outside today and there's a lot more room out there.”
Picking up the plate of ham, Brenda nodded. “I'll just start carrying the food out then.”
Brenda and Caitlin both began transferring the food from the kitchen outside to the picnic table.
Caitlin was coming back from her second trip when Jeff's mom stepped in the kitchen. Caitlin smiled at her mother-in-law. “Hi Dianne, hope you and Jack brought your appetites.”
Dianne nodded. “We did, but first Jack wants a drink. He saw Seth in there with a beer and now he thinks he can't live without one.”
Caitlin smiled. “They're in the fridge. Is everyone here yet?”
Dianne lifted an eyebrow. “Everyone but Jeff, where is my son anyway?”
Caitlin rolled her eyes and sighed. “It's my fault he's not here yet. I told him to get out of the house so I could get stuff done. He should be back by now though. He knew what time we planned on having the meal.”
Dianne nodded. “Don't worry about it, I'm sure he'll come driving in any minute.”
Dianne turned and looked at the empty kitchen table. “I take it we're not eating in here.”
Caitlin shook her head. “No, we're eating out back. I just need to grab a couple more things if you want to tell everyone to come on out back for me. If anyone else wants a beer they can grab one from the fridge. I already have some lemonade and punch made and sitting out back.”
Dianne smiled. “You didn't happen to spike it did you?”
Caitlin's blue eyes grew large. “No way, not with Jeff's grandparents here.”
Dianne shook her head. “It's okay Caitlin, I was just kidding. I'll go let everyone know to head out back.”
Sighing with relief, Caitlin nodded. She'd be glad when Jeff got back. Her stomach was full of butterflies and not the kind giving out kisses either. In fact, It felt more like these butterflies wore steel toed boots and were kicking her. Caitlin didn't know why she worried so much anyway. She should be used to putting on these dinners by now.
Her and Jeff had held two or three family dinners a year since they'd been married five years ago. She just wanted everything to be perfect.
Caitlin smiled when she heard her mom's voice as she stepped in the backyard. “There you are Caitlin. The least you can do is come over and give your mom a hug.”
Caitlin set the bowl she was carrying down on the picnic table and gave her mom a big hug. “Sorry mom, I just wanted to get everything ready before the others came out here.”
Cathy Arnette smiled at her daughter. “I hope you're finished then because the whole crew is standing right behind me.”
Caitlin laughed. “Send them out then.”
The next few minutes Caitlin spent giving hugs to her dad, her brother Craig and her sister Teresa. Then she also hugged Jeff's family.
His grandparents, Fred and Madge were greeted first and then shown to their seats before Caitlin also hugged Jeff's brothers Carl and Brett followed by his sister Susan.
The last one to come out of the house was Jeff's dad, Jack. “Where the hell is Jeff. I thought he'd be here.”
Dianne took Jack's arm and pulled him to the picnic table. “He'll be here, he just took a drive so Caitlin could get everything done. I guess she's just like me and doesn't like to try and fix a dinner with a man hovering around.”
Caitlin was frowning. “I'll try to call him. My cell phone is in the house. Everyone go ahead and get your plates filled. No sense letting the food get cold, I'll be right back.”
Caitlin waited a moment until she saw her guests start passing the food around before she turned and walked in the quiet house.
Caitlin felt herself getting angry at Jeff all over again. First she couldn't get him to leave the house and now when she wanted him here, he was off driving around somewhere.
Caitlin sighed and grabbed her cell phone off the kitchen counter. She punched in Jeff's number. After four rings, his phone went to voice mail.
Caitlin waited for the beep. “Jeff, where in the world are you? Everyone is here, everyone except you that is. You better be headed home and if you're not I better be getting a call with a damn good explanation.”
Caitlin hung up the phone, absently rubbing at her cheek. Then she headed back outside.
Everyone who was gathered around the picnic table looked up curiously at Caitlin as she stepped outside. Shrugging at them, Caitlin shook her head. “Jeff didn't answer his phone, but he usually doesn't if he's driving. I'm sure he's probably headed home right now.”
Jeff's grandma nodded. “He probably just stopped to talk to friends. Come and sit down Caitlin. You fixed this wonderful dinner, the least you can do is make yourself a plate.”
Caitlin nodded and walked to the table, brushing at her cheek again. She sat down next to her friend Brenda. Turning to look at her, Caitlin frowned. “Do I have anything on my face? It feels like something is stuck on my cheek.”
Brenda looked and then shook her head. “I don't see anything.”
Caitlin shrugged as her brow furrowed. “It sure feels like something is there.” She wiped her cheek again.
A half an hour later, Jeff's dad stood up. “Jeff should really be here by now. Maybe I should go look for him.”
Dianne shook her head. “You've had at least three beers Jack, you're not up to driving anywhere.”
Jack's brother Brett stood up. “I can drive you dad, all I've had is punch.”
He looked at Caitlin. “Any idea where Jeff was headed?”
Shaking her head, Caitlin's blue eyes were worried. She wiped her cheek before answering. “He didn't say, but he likes to go down to the city park.”
Brett and Jack took Jeff's other brother, Carl, with them and left in Brett's car.
Dianne looked at her daughter after they had gone. “Do you want to come and ride with me? I want to take your grandma and grandpa home. We can look for Jeff on our way.”
Susan nodded and Dianne turned to Caitlin. “We'll be back after we take them home.”
Caitlin nodded and wiped at her cheek again. She frowned wondering if maybe she'd been bit, although it was a little early in the year for mosquitoes to be out.
Caitlin's dad stood now. “I think your mom and I should go have a look around too.”
Caitlin's brother Craig decided to go with them.
After they left, Caitlin's sister moved around the picnic table to come sit next to Caitlin. She put an arm around her sister's shoulders.
“I'm sure Jeff is probably sitting over in the park and probably just forgot about the time.”
Caitlin shook her head. “No, Jeff's not like that at all. I wish I wouldn't have kicked him out of the house earlier.”
Brenda stood. “I'm sure Teresa's right Caitlin.” Brenda looked at Teresa and then at Seth. “Do you two want to help me carry this stuff inside?”
They both nodded and started grabbing dishes. Caitlin started to stand but Brenda stopped her. “You just sit right there. You did all the cooking, we'll pick up the mess.”
Caitlin nodded and wiped her cheek again as she watched the three carry the things inside. Caitlin sat alone at the picnic table worrying about Jeff.
When she felt the light touch on her cheek and reached up to rub it, her hand instead stopped in mid-air and her stomach clenched.
Caitlin realized what her cheek felt like now. How did she not realize it before? Moving her hand again, she lightly touched her cheek as her blue eyes filled with tears. She knew exactly what the feeling was, it was the same way her cheek always felt when Jeff gave her one of his special butterfly kisses.
Something terrible had happened to Jeff.
He was gone, but somehow her husband had been able to find her long enough for his soul to pass on this butterfly kiss of good-bye.
A few minutes later, Brenda came running out of the house carrying Caitlin's cell phone. She held it out to her friend.
“Here Caitlin, I heard your phone ringing, it might be important, it might be Jeff.”
Caitlin stared at Brenda a moment while the phone she held continued to ring. “It's not Jeff, but it's about him.”
Caitlin answered her phone, tears streaming down her face as she said hello and then heard the police officer's voice over the line saying he was sorry to be the one to have to bring her the bad news.
BEN BROWN
05/26/2023An inspiring story. At one point I wondered whether Jeff reincarnated as a butterfly. Well done.
ReplyHelp Us Understand What's Happening
Help Us Understand What's Happening
Help Us Understand What's Happening
JD
12/27/2020That was beautifully told, but heartbreaking. The way you did all the dialogue and interactions seemed very believable and true to life. And I love the idea that our loved ones can reach out to us from the great beyond, even if it is just to say one last goodbye. Thanks for sharing this sad but inspirational story on Storystar, P.S. Happy short story STAR of the week to you! :-)
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