A Place Beyond by Laura Howard

Author:Laura Howard [Howard, Laura]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781311786517
Google: J9LpjgEACAAJ
Published: 2014-03-14T16:00:00+00:00

Uncle David and Aunt Jessie came over at four o’clock to discuss the funeral arrangements with Gram. I stayed in the living room with my mother while they talked. The wake would be the next night, and the funeral the following morning at St Edmund’s. While they’d been out earlier, they ordered flowers, so everything was in place. I wished I could help them more, but I’d never lost anyone before so I was clueless about what had to be done.

I looked at the TV screen, wrinkling my nose at the reality show my mother was watching. It was about some group looking for paranormal creatures. Maybe I should give them a call, see how they’d like to meet up with some real walking nightmares. They might decide to change their careers if they knew what was actually out there. If they weren’t left drained of blood or possibly worse, addicted to a Danaan.

“I’m going to need to go shopping in the morning,” Aunt Jessie said. “What about you Al? Do you have anything to wear?”

“Oh. Yeah, I have plenty of clothes,” I said, forcing a smile.

“Maybe you should go shopping, pick out something nice. That might cheer you up,” Gram said. “My treat.”

“No, really. I should be all set. But thanks.”

That was yet another reason why I shouldn’t go to Tír na n’Óg. I couldn’t miss Pop’s wake and funeral. What kind of granddaughter was I for even considering it? Once again, I imagined what Pop would say if I asked him for his opinion. He’d most likely laugh in his good-natured way, and tell me he wouldn’t be in that coffin, so why should I feel bad about missing it?

I had to make a decision. I glanced at my mother, who was only coughing mildly now. I could go to Tír na n’Óg and be back so quick she wouldn’t suffer for all that long.

As my decision began clicking into place, my phone beeped.

Ready when you are.

Niamh had a decoy ready to take my place, and one for Ethan. Now was the time to end this. My mothers face as I’d once seen her in Tír na n’Óg, flashed before my eyes, strengthening my resolve.

I texted Ethan, letting him know to meet me next door.

“You know what,” I said. “Maybe you’re right, Gram. Maybe I’ll go get something new. I need to get out for a while.”

Grams eyes softened. “Good girl. Let me just get my purse.”

I waved her off. “I’m all set.”

She tightened her lips, but nodded. “Okay, have a nice time. We’ll be fine here, so don’t hurry back.”

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