Lightning Strikes

Lightning Strikes, © 2020 Roni Paitchel Denholtz

Published by Roni Paitchel Denholtz

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For a long moment, they regarded each other. The moment stretched, and spun out. Sabrina’s breath caught, and then, Parker bent forward, and brushed his lips against hers.

Without thinking, she wrapped her hands around his neck, and pulled him closer.

His lips hardened against hers, the kiss going from tender to demanding in an instant.

She felt electrified, heat licking her nerves from her head down to her toes. Her heart accelerated, and she felt bursts of energy and desire throughout every cell.

He pressed her closer.

She could smell his lively aftershave, feel his springy hair by his neck. She could hear the quick breaths and feel the rapid beat of his heart against her body as he held her tightly in his arms.

She couldn’t think; she could only feel these things, feel the acute awareness of being held by Parker, kissed by him.

DEDICATION

For My Friend

Judith Amy Sanger

You Introduced Me to the Book

Hidden Channels of the Mind

In 10th Grade…

Which Really Sparked My Interest

In the Paranormal.

This one is for you, Judy!

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thank you to my editor and formatter extraordinaire, Judi Fennell!

Thank you to the many people—too many to name—who shared their fascinating psychic experiences with me, especially Christina Lynn Whited and Christina Santoli.

Thank you to our daughter Amy who designed The Lightning Center’s logo!

CHAPTER I

Did she really want to be here?

Sabrina swallowed and shifted in her chair, clutching her purse in her lap. The leather strap dug into her palm.

So, I see from the form you filled out that you’re healthy, the social worker sitting at the desk said, skimming the papers Sabrina had filled. She’d introduced herself as Meredith Costigan, and she seemed friendly. And the nurse who just saw you said your blood pressure is normal to low—which is good—and everything else looks fine…

As she continued, Sabrina tried to relax her hands, loosening her grip on the purse. She knew she shouldn’t be nervous. But she felt the impulse to flee that she’d felt briefly in the waiting room. Did she really want to be at this place, The Lightning Center, participating in one of their studies?

She knew only a little about them. Her general physician, Dr. Hutchins, and her best friend Leanne had persuaded her to come here and take part in their studies.

The Lightning Center had been advertising on and off the last few months. They were looking for people who’d been struck by lightning, and developed, or had enhanced, ESP and other abilities. They wanted them to participate in research studies and help their staff to learn more about these extra-ordinary abilities. Sabrina had always wanted to use her power to astral project for something good. She was also intrigued by their research. And, she also secretly hoped these studies would help her. Help with her crazy dreams and the results, which were increasingly interrupting her sleep.

Now she wasn’t sure. She knew they’d have to examine her and do tests—but the brochure she’d read in the waiting room about all the cutting-edge research they were doing had unnerved her. She hoped those studies didn’t bring back those feelings of being a freak, an outcast because she was different.

Studies of people struck by lightning, and the amazing abilities some have acquired… was one phrase from the pamphlet which stuck in her brain.

So… the woman said, meeting Sabrina’s eyes. Tell me, about the day you were struck by lightning and how you actually discovered your ability.

Sabrina stared at the counselor. The woman was attractive, with long red hair, and appeared to be in her early 30s. Dr. Meredith Costigan, she’d introduced herself. The social worker here at The Lightning Center. She would interview Sabrina before she began seeing any doctors or having any tests.

Sabrina swallowed. The counselor was calm, her voice soothing, and she had tried to put Sabrina at ease. But Sabrina didn’t feel completely comfortable. She switched her position, crossing her legs in front of her, and smoothing one hand on her jeans. She gazed around the office, painted a soothing sky blue.

It’s all right, Meredith said, as if sensing her discomfort. A subtle floral fragrance surrounded her. Most people are a little nervous when they first come here. Some haven’t let another soul know about their abilities. Everything you say here is confidential. She smiled suddenly. Believe me, I understand. I’ve seen over one hundred people in the last three years, many of them feeling nervous the first few times they came in. She paused.

I… Sabrina hesitated. Meredith really did look like a nice person. Her face held an expression of sympathy and caring.

I was never struck by lightning myself, Meredith continued. But my own grandmother had dreams—many of which foretold future events—so I do understand the ramifications when people have ESP and other psychic abilities.

Was your grandmother struck by lightning? Sabrina asked, curious about this woman’s family.

Meredith shook her head. No—at least we don’t know if she was. She’s been gone for many years now, so we can’t ask. She leaned forward slightly, regarding Sabrina across her wood desk, which was piled with folders and what looked like a few photos. But my brother and sister—they’re twins—were struck.

Sabrina opened her mouth to question Meredith, but then shut it. She wasn’t here to discuss Meredith’s family. She sighed, knowing she had to answer the question about how she was struck. Which was only the first of many, she guessed.

It was eighteen years ago when I was struck, Sabrina began. I was ten. I was playing in our backyard. My sister—she was almost eight—was playing with the girl next door at her house. It was a nice fall day. My mother was inside with my brother—he was five—he was getting over a cold and he was watching cartoons. She was doing laundry. It was a Wednesday afternoon, and I had no homework. She paused, recalling the day. I was on the swing. I had just finished a Nancy Drew book and was imagining I was solving mysteries too.

Meredith smiled. Many of us did that when we were younger. Nancy’s character was actually a good role model.

Sabrina focused on one of the many colorful land-scapes hung around the room. She recognized Stone-henge in one photo. A mysterious place, in keeping with this institution which sounded a little spooky too.

Go on, Meredith said simply.

Sabrina shifted in her chair again. It was hard to talk about that day, after all her mother’s admonishments to keep it a secret. She was used to remaining silent about this aspect of herself. But Meredith had assured her that whatever was said at The Lightning Center, stayed here. Kind of Las Vegas. She smiled briefly at that thought.

Sabrina consciously tried to relax her hands, which were still gripping the brown straps of her shoulder bag.

It was windy. I remember hearing thunder—but it seemed far away. I went back to thinking about how I could solve a mystery. Then I felt something, a stinging—like I was stung by a bee, only hotter and stronger. On my arm. Next thing I remember, I opened my eyes, and I was on the ground, and my mom was shrieking.

And… probed Meredith. She extended her hand, palm up, as though inviting more confidences. Her smile was gentle.

Sabrina shrugged. Someone called 9-1-1, and they took me to the hospital. My dad met us there. The doctors checked me. I felt kind of dazed—but they said I was alright. She frowned. We went home, and later I heard my father yelling at my mother that she should have told me to come in, there were reports of thunder and lightning in the area. I could have been killed. She yelled back that she didn’t know about the bad weather. They hovered over me, though, for the next few days, so I knew they’d been scared. But I—I thought I was alright, and so did they. She leaned back in her chair. The cream colored- material was newer looking and the seat felt comfortably cushioned. She deliberately relaxed her body.

Meredith was nodding. So everyone thought you had no effects from being struck by lightning.

Yes. Sabrina paused again. After the last few years—keeping her secrets to herself—it was hard to talk about what her mother called the weird results of that accident now.

Why don’t you tell me about the first time you experienced astral projection, Meredith said quietly.

Sabrina uncrossed her legs. I didn’t know what it was.

Of course. You were young.

I was in bed but not asleep. It was about three or four weeks after I was struck. At dinner my parents were discussing this kid, Jake, from the neighborhood, who had run away. He was a teenager, and I didn’t know him well, I’d just seen him around. Everyone had been out looking for him that afternoon, and there were police all over the place.

Sabrina fell silent, remembering lying in bed with her covers drawn up around her.

I started thinking about him… she paused. Really, this was difficult. She hadn’t told this tale for years. She bit her lip.

And…?

And—suddenly I felt like—like I was floating. I could look down, and see my house. It was dark out, but the moon was shining—almost a full moon—and I could see clearly. I began moving, floating. It actually felt good. She felt herself smiling, remembering the sensation which was now all too familiar to her. And I began to—kind of—fly. I was looking down into the woods that were right near our development. Suddenly, I could see where Jake was. He was huddled in the woods, with a blanket, and I knew he was cold. He was further away than the area they’d been searching, past some old camp grounds. I floated above him—I could see him!

She stopped, remembering her excitement and amazement. Meredith was nodding, a smile on her face.

I knew I had to let someone know, Sabrina continued. I could feel myself going backwards, and then suddenly I was back in bed. I jumped up and ran downstairs to tell my parents. She paused, remembering their astonishment as she had described her experience. "They didn’t believe me at first.

And then my mother said to my father, ‘we should at least call the police and tell them where to look. We’ll tell everyone Sabrina dreamed about it’. My dad agreed. They called, and then they told me to go back to sleep. The next morning, I was tired, but they told me Jake had been found by the police, right where I’d told them to look. She couldn’t help the satisfied note that crept into her voice. She had helped someone.

You certainly helped to rescue that boy, Meredith said. How did your parents and everyone react to your finding him?

Sabrina switched her position again. "Well—my parents did not want to talk to people about it. They kept telling me to tell everyone I dreamt it. I didn’t understand why, but I went along with their wishes. I even wondered if they were right, if maybe it was a dream. My mom told me she didn’t want the neighbors or anyone to ask a lot of questions. I learned later a reporter did come around, but my parents sent him away."

How did you feel?

At that point I felt pretty good, like maybe I saved his life or something. I felt important.

Meredith smiled. How do you think your parents felt?

Sabrina shrugged. At the time, I thought they felt embarrassed. Later, I learned they were—scared, I guess, is the best way to put it.

Scared?

Yes. They didn’t want people to know—especially my mom didn’t want people to know—that I had this, this ability—

There was a rapping on the door, and a masculine voice called out Meredith?

I’m with a patient, Meredith answered.

Just wanted to drop off those test results you needed.

Oh, okay. Do you mind if I get these? she asked, looking at Sabrina.

No. Sabrina shook her head.

Meredith stood up. This will only take a moment. Come in, she called.

The door opened, and a man in a white lab coat entered.

He was over six feet, with broad shoulders. He had dark, slightly wavy hair and a handsome face. A hint of a citrusy aftershave entered the room with him.

Sabrina focused on him, and her pulse jumped.

He was handsome, no question, but she had seen plenty of handsome men before.

But this man—she guessed he was a doctor here—also exuded a certain powerful, intense persona that she could actually feel. It was jarring.

As their eyes met, the zing that arrowed through her was nearly as sharp and electrifying as the lightning strike she’d experienced as a child.

She tried to quiet her thudding heart.

Sabrina, this is my brother, Dr. Parker Costigan, Meredith said, indicating him. You’ll be meeting with him sometimes when you’re here.

A look of surprise overtook his face for just a second before he smiled at her. Warmth flowed through her at his smile.

But he had been surprised. She knew it.

Parker, this is Sabrina Holt, Meredith said.

Nice to meet you, he said. Striding forward, he extended his hand.

Sabrina took his warm hand, feeling a little shock of awareness as his fingers touched hers. She could smell his pleasant aftershave more strongly now. His grip was firm, and for a moment, she had the impulse to cling to his hand.

She withdrew hers reluctantly.

Nice to meet you, she said hastily. She hadn’t realized she had risen until she noticed he towered over her five feet two inches. She sat down, folding her hands in her lap. Her right hand tingled where he had gripped it.

He was studying her.

Meredith coughed.

At the sound, Dr. Costigan transferred his gaze to his sister. As they looked at each other, Sabrina could see a resemblance. They both had straight noses, full lips without being overly full, and large eyes, though his were bluish-gray and hers green. Their hair colors were very different—his so dark, hers so bright. And although Meredith was tall—probably about five six or seven—she was not as tall as her brother. But as she smiled at him, the resemblance was clear to Sabrina.

But it was Parker’s engaging smile that Sabrina felt herself responding to. She returned it.

Sorry to interrupt—but you said you wanted to look at these results right away. He handed a folder at his sister. Let me know what you think after you’ve had a chance to review these.

He turned to gaze at Sabrina again. I look forward to working with you. Abruptly, he left the room, shutting the door quietly behind him.

Sorry about that, Meredith apologized. I’ve been anxious to see these test results. Now, where were we? You said your Mom didn’t want others to know about your ability…

Yes, Sabrina said. I didn’t understand why she was so anxious to keep things quiet. But each time I had an episode—of astral projection—she urged me not to talk about it. She stilled, remembering the times when she had spoken, and the awful consequences. She bit her lip, not quite ready to speak about that yet. Maybe in the future.

Were your other projections similar? Meredith questioned.

Yes. I projected a couple of times during the next year. I didn’t realize exactly what was happening to me. After a couple of times, it seemed to get easier for me to leave my body, and come back. And things started to look clearer than the first few times it happened.

Meredith had been making occasional notes, and now she scribbled on her pad. And now?

Now, the projections are usually vivid.

I see. Meredith sat back. I have to admit we’re eager to learn more about your ability, here at the center. She smiled. Let me explain what’s going to happen.

Meredith went on to describe how all their subjects were checked to make sure they were healthy, by first the nurse, then the doctor. They were all scheduled to meet with her sister Dr. Pamela Costigan, a psychiatrist; and her brother Parker, who was the neurologist here. He’ll get a baseline reading of your normal brain waves, she said, in her soothing voice. Then he’ll test you again while you’re experiencing a projection.

A sudden flare of excitement moved through Sabrina as she thought about meeting with Dr. Parker Costigan again.

Parker left Meredith’s office and strode down the hallway, past his twin sister Pamela’s office, until he reached his own. Entering, he shut the door firmly behind him, went around his desk, then dropped into his chair.

His heart beat erratically—an unusual sensation.

He pulled open his bottom drawer, the one with his personal papers. Reaching inside, he felt the well-worn folder. He gripped it and pulled it out.

He opened it and removed the sketch Pamela had drawn when they were only sixteen.

It was done with pencil on simple white copy paper. She’d drawn it in the morning, after she’d had the dream, and given it to him. This woman is going to be someone important to you, Pamela had said at that time. Maybe, someone you’ll care a lot about.

He stared now at the face in the sketch.

It was a shock to see the attractive woman today in Meredith’s office.

Because the woman—Sabrina Holt—was the one in the picture Pamela had drawn.

Pamela’s precognition dreams were usually spot on. He inhaled sharply, staring at the picture he’d kept and glanced at from time to time over the years. Only six months ago, Pamela had asked him again if he’d ever met the woman she’d drawn that morning long ago.

No, he’d answered his sister.

But now he had. And his heart had started thudding immediately.

The dark, shoulder-length, wavy hair, the pretty features—all were there. She was more than attractive—she was beautiful. It was a black and white drawing, but Pamela had said the woman in her dream had brown eyes.

As did Sabrina.

The shock of seeing the woman from the picture had reverberated down to his toes.

She was here, in real life. The woman Pamela had dreamed of. The one who was supposed to be important to him.

And on top of that surprise, he’d felt a thrill. An awareness. The kind of feeling he hadn’t felt for a long, long time.

As he studied the sketch, that zing moved through him again.

Sabrina Holt. She was here, to take part in their studies. He’d be seeing her, interacting with her.

A woman who, according to Pam, was destined to be someone important to him.

CHAPTER II

Sabrina hesitated at the door to The Lightning Center and looked around. The modern building was discreetly labeled Medical Offices but there was a logo of a lightning bolt on the side of the door.

She’d wrestled with the choice of returning, or not, for the last few days. On one hand, she was curious about the research they were doing at The Lightning Center and it was kind of exciting to think she could be a part of it. They might provide her with opportunities to use her ability for something good. There was also the possibility that their studies could help her at some point, perhaps to learn how to have more control.

But on the other hand, what if it made things worse? Or it brought out her feelings of insecurity form the past?

The handsome Dr. Costigan had also been in her thoughts more often than she liked. And the last thing she needed now was a crush on a good-looking guy.

She took a deep breath. Colorful leaves were beginning to show on the trees, typical for mid-September in northwestern New Jersey. On this Friday, her day off this week, their brightness glowed in the autumn sunlight.

Attempting to ignore her ability for over a year hadn’t made it go away, a little voice in her head said. She might as well confront it. Slowly, her hand reached toward the doorknob.

A woman with short, snowy white hair appeared on the other side of the glass pane in the door. Opening the door, she smiled and said in a cheery voice, Don’t just stand there, my dear. Please come in.

Sabrina entered, and the woman shut the door behind them.

The older woman wore a white shirt, blue sweater and gray pants with large earrings that looked like sapphires. Her blue eyes twinkled. Her skin was lovely and flawless, and Sabrina guessed she must be in her seventies, but she sensed a vitality in the woman that belied her years.

I’m Lorna MacIntyre, the woman introduced herself, and extended her hand. Sabrina shook it. Lorna’s handshake was firm but her skin soft. I’m one of the volunteers here.

Sabrina Holt, Sabrina introduced herself. I’m a—a client here… her voice dwindled.

Lorna nodded. I saw your name on the roster. Emily, you can check off that Sabrina is here, she said to the young woman who sat behind the large wooden reception desk.

Emily gave Sabrina a smile. Hi. Lorna, she has an appointment with Dr. Pamela Costigan today.

Dr. Pam is our psychiatrist, Lorna chatted. Meredith must have told you that, right? At Sabrina’s nod, she continued. Next, you’ll have an appointment with Dr. Parker Costigan, our neurologist.

Dr. Parker Costigan… the man she’d found so attractive. Sabrina followed Lorna down the hall to the right. Meredith—who had told her she had a doctorate in social work—had mentioned