― Elizabeth Gilbert
Ancient Red Cliffs
I was standing on a wooden trackway across a marsh, staring at the red cliffs where I first found Mollie. It's also the sacred place where I saw the dark lady.
I had to come back here just to be sure. Now that I had a guaranteed income as writer-in -residence, returning to my Victorian village was a possibility rather than a dream.
Was I prepared for this?
It seemed that Fate was drawing me back here and it was no coincidence that the surname of the woman I'd be working for is Ratliff―red cliff. That is uncanny and more confirmation that the universe wants me here for a reason.
Frankly, it scares the hell right out of me, but if it's my destiny, then I'll embrace it.
My cell vibrated in my pocket. I fished it out to answer and saw it was Kate.
"Hey, Si―just checking in to let you know your new job offer puts you over the top―you qualify for a mortgage. You still interested in the house?"
"Yep, as a matter of fact I'm hiking the Bruce Trail right now making sure this is where I want to be."
"There's another wrinkle in the sale―the owner wants you to take possession as soon as possible."
"So, what's he thinking―a month until closing?"
She paused, almost afraid to say it. "Um, actually he was thinking about a week."
"A week? I'd have to arrange movers and I'd be starting the new job then. It'd be crazy-insane―I mean, talk about hectic!"
"Also, he wants a clean offer," she whispered.
I took a deep breath. "A clean offer means no conditions and no house inspection. I'd be going on a wing and a prayer."
"I have a mover that will come in and pack everything and then unpack and set it all back up on the other end. You don't have to do anything except turn the key in the door."
I paused, realizing how rushed everything seemed and was tempted to back out, but instead of declining, I heard myself say, "Tell him he's got a deal. Work your magic, Kate. I really want this house."
I closed the call and leaned back against the railing of the wooden trackway. A hawk was circling in the clear blue air above me and the silence was unbroken around me.
I knew I made the right decision. I felt at peace. Somehow my dreams, the dark lady and this place were all connected and although I felt spatio-temporally dislocated, I knew I was on the threshold of a totally new experience.
This landscape was ancient but familiar and this was my a temenos, my magic circle, where I would be reborn.
I couldn't resist the temptation to drop by the house I bought and just stare at it.
The house was set back into the landscape as if nestling in a sea of maples . Above it, tall cumulus towers overshadowed the background and filled me with a sense of grandeur.
I felt I had come home and this was the destination I had been seeking all along. A strong sense of nostalgia overpowered me. I found my safe space beneath the towering clouds and my Eden was quietly waiting for me.
Back in my condo, the events of the day seemed like a dream. Everything was flowing effortlessly, moments snapping together as if ordained and propelling me toward my destiny.
The phone rang and I picked up to a soft woman’s voice greeting me.
“Mr. Radley? My name is Gail Ratliff. I'm the Department Chair. I was wondering if we could meet and I could orient you to your new duties and get to know you."
"Of course, that sounds great. When and where did you have in mind?"
"I'm having a department get together at my house tomorrow evening. I apologize for the short notice, but if you could make it, it would be an excellent opportunity to meet your new colleagues."
"Tomorrow evening would work for me. I like forward to meeting with you."
"Excellent. I have your email so I'll send you my address. It will be very casual and we'll be gathering around seven. I look forward to meeting you in person."
As I got off the phone, I couldn't shake the sense that her voice sounded familiar. Either she sounded like someone I knew in the past or there was a quality in her voice that intrigued me.
I felt as if I were in a play or a film where everything was scripted and was suddenly picking up momentum.
Even the social niceties of being welcomed into the work community seemed to draw me out of my closed world and expand my social boundaries. I was looking forward to the meeting. I actually felt excited that a whole new dimension was opening for me.
Somehow I knew I was being drawn to a place where I was supposed to be.