Hocus Pocus 2: A Twist in the Plot

Chapter 5

"Alright," my father said as he walked back into the kitchen, "here's the towel."

My mother took the towel and wrapped it around me to help me warm up. She rubbed my head and I started to purr. We both looked into each other's eyes. After a few seconds, her piercing blue eyes turned into a sea of tears.

"This reminds me of the time in the winter when Thackery fell in the river and the water was so cold that it put him into a state of shock," she said as her voice started to break. "And when we got him out, I brought him back here and wrapped him up in every blanket that we had." Tears were starting to flow steadily from her eyes now. "I held him in my arms and told him that he was going to be just fine and that momma's got him."

There were a few moments of silence and then she said, "Oh, Jack! What if this is Thackery from another life? Maybe he's here for his birthday."

My father looked at her, speechless. He hesitated before saying his next words. "Martha, I know you're upset. I'm upset just as much as you are about the whole thing. We are both still hurting even after twelve miserable years, but this is crazy talk. Thackery is in Heaven with Emily," he said.

"What if he's not dead," she said in a hopeful voice.

"Martha, we've been through this. If he wasn't dead, he would've come back by now."

"But, what if he's trapped. What if all this time he's been trapped and he's been waiting for someone to come save him?"

"Did you get into my whiskey this morning or something? I've never heard you talk like this before," he said.

"I don't know, maybe I'm just desperate," she said. "But what if it is Thackery?"

"Well, you can stay here and think that this cat is our son. Maybe the cat will tell you whether or not he's our son," he said jokingly. "I'm going to the ceremony."

"I'm coming, just give me a moment," she said.

My father walked out of the room shaking his head and mumbling things to himself.

"I know this sounds crazy and I know you probably don't understand a word I'm saying, but if this is Thackery and you're there," she said in a hopeful tone, "I want you to know that I love you and Emily both." She paused and then said, "I miss you. God I miss you both so much and I wish you were both still here. Tell Emily we love her and miss her. You have no idea how much we miss you both. Thackery, if this is you, I need you to give me a sign that it's you," she said with tears falling from her eyes.

I didn't know what to do. I wanted to speak, but my cover would've been blown. My mother was clearly going through an extremely rough patch and still clearly hasn't gotten over our disappearance. I had no other choice.

"I know, Mom, I miss her too," I said.

My mother jumped up from the chair and threw me in the air in the process. I landed, once again, on the floor.

"Thackery?" She questioned hesistantly.

"Yeah, Mom. It's me," I said. "Uh, can you help me out of this towel?"

"Oh my gosh!" She exclaimed as she helped me out of the towel. "I knew it was you! I have to get your father!"

Just as she said that, my father walked into the kitchen. "Martha, what is taking you so long? We are going to be late!"

"Jack, Thackery is here."

"Martha, stop this nonsense now. You're driving me crazy!" He exclaimed.

"Dad," I said. "It's me."

"Martha, come on."

"Jack, he just talked to you."

"No he didn't. He meowed at me."

"What?" She questioned. She looked very puzzled.  "But he just said 'Dad, it's me'. I heard him."

"Martha, you have really lost your mind. You know that?" He said. "Now, I am leaving. If you want to stay here and have fictional conversations with a cat, then be my guest," he said and then walked out of the kitchen.

"I don't understand," my mother said. "Why couldn't he hear you?"

"It's probably because he doesn't believe that I am still alive. It's like believing in Santa Claus. If you don't believe he is real, then you won't get presents. If you do believe, then you will get presents."

"I just don't believe it," she said. "Anyway, did the witches do this to you?"

"Yes, I have to stay like this forever," I said.

"You poor thing. Where are you staying? Are you okay? Will you please visit me more often and not every twelve years," she said.

I chuckled. "Yes, I'll come see you. I am living a few miles from here. I'm actually doing well, believe it or not."

"Well, I guess I should go join your father at the ceremony before he thinks I'm crazier than I already am," she said in a joking manner and then kissed me on the head. "Goodbye, Thackery. I love you."

"I love you, too."

I jumped up onto the counter and got onto the window sill. I was just about to leave when I thought of something.

"Mom?" I questioned.

"Yes, dear?"

"Where is Elijah living at?"

"He's just a few houses north of here. It's right beside where the McCarthy's used to live. There's a big pond in front of it. You can't miss it," she said.

"Thanks!"

She shut the window and I made my journey to Elijah's house.