Jillian Chantal

This week, the writers of Tuesday Tales are writing to the word prompt, push. I have started my NaNoWriMo story which is Book Four in the unpublished series called, The Reluctant Psychic. This protagonist can talk to spirits. Here is the opening of the new story.

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Lula Mae Haverstock walked north on Palafox Street in Pensacola, Florida, with her Great Pyrenees dog, Aneto, on his leash. They were accompanied by their ghost friend, Andrew Jackson. As they passed the World of Beer on the southeast corner of Intendencia Street, Jackson stopped and pointed to the building that Lula Mae always thought had an odd facade with the arced top on the front of the roof. At one time, the place had been a clothing store called Abbotts and it had that same weird decoration on the front of the building.

“This is the corner where my Rachel and I lived when I was the governor of Florida.”

Lula Mae gaped at the building and then darted a quick glance at Jackson. She couldn’t stare at him since a number of people were on the street and would think she was nuts staring into a blank space since only she and her dog could see the spirit. Or at least she presumed Aneto saw the man as the creature always seemed to know when Jackson was around.

Out of the corner of her mouth, she said, “I presume this building wasn’t here at the time.”

“No. It was not. Our home was a lovely three-story house with a broad porch on three sides. Sadly, it burned a very long time ago.”

“I had no idea the house you lived in was so close to where the statue of you is in Plaza Ferdinand. Why have you never said anything about it before?”

He shrugged. “It is of no importance. I was merely reminded of it as we passed by.”

“Well, I find it very interesting. I guess I never thought about where you lived when you were alive.” Lula Mae scuffed the sidewalk with the toe of her sneaker. “Other than Monticello, that is.”

“Clearly, dear Lula Mae, I did not live in Tennessee when I was tasked with keeping this territory safe.”

“Duh. I know that. I guess I also thought your wife remained in your home up there. I didn’t even think about her accompanying you down here while you were in office.”

“A wife’s place is with her husband.” Jackson pushed his hat back from his forehead. “Especially when there is entertaining to do as an official of the government. We must practice the civilities, as you are aware.”

Lu stifled the giggle that rose to her throat. It wouldn’t do for him to see her laugh as he was very cognizant and protective of his dignity, but she did think about all the things she’d read over the years and learned in school about Jackson’s proclivity to party. The story of how his inauguration celebrations devolved into chaos was one thing that rose to mind.