“Mr Haysham. Paul.” The nurse approached him trying not to frighten him from his already timid gaze.
“Paul…”
“Umm…Yes…yes.”
“Eve is this way and so is your son. I was the nurse from before.” Still, in a daze, Paul followed without much response. As she led him to the curtain, he could hear her speak, but he was unable to recognise the words or form the sentences.
An intubated Eve lay pale and fragile as the beeps played the music to her breathing. Her new baby lay in a bright bedside cot clearly unhappy by the noises that surrounded him. As he picked him up, Paul nuzzled him under his chin trying to stay strong knowing potentially he may be losing his wife.
“Nurse….can she...”
“Her heartbeat is healthy, her blood pressure is still lower than we would like, but even in the last hour, she’s improved. We are going to try taking the intubation tube out soon.” Taking his son to the nurse’s station, he asked softly where the best place would be to change him and contact his mother. The nurse led him into a side room and closed the door. Changing his son into the outfit Eve had picked he felt the walls starting to close in and the flicker of the strip lights overhead. As he ran back into the bay, he could see the blackness dripping down from the ceiling and the smell of death waft from the window above Eve’s head. One by one the flat line beeps of each machine could be heard and as the nurses run around the ward trying to make sense of what was happening Paul knew he had been dragged completely into Eve’s world.
Crash carts, doctors and nurses frantically run around the bays trying to save patient after patient and as Paul walked calmly through Eve was sat bulk upright with the lilac glow beaming from her eyes. Dragging the tube from her throat, she threw it to the floor and stood calm and still in all the chaos.
As her eyes met with Paul, she lifted her arms out to take hold of her baby. Paul pulling back saw the blackness now consume the whole of the unit and his wife grow stronger with each flat line. Shaking his head, he closed his eyes holding on tightly to the infant. Eve moved almost mechanically towards them. A pool of blood formed at her feet and as she ripped out the cords and drips that had been feeding her the medication. Every step she took became consumed by the darkness which followed her.
“Give him to me…”
“I won’t let you hurt him, Eve….I’m sorry…I’m sorry for being angry. Please…please don’t do this.”
“He’s my son…” Her eyes now wide felt the presence which had now started to take shape behind her.
“Stand with me, Paul. Please trust me.” Extending his hand, he wrapped himself and baby around her.
“Close your eyes.” Doing as she said he could feel the heat radiate from her and as the light steadily became brighter, he pulled his jacket over the face of their new baby. The whole unit now bathed in bright white light seemed to stop, and for a few seconds of silence and he felt completely isolated from reality. Hearing the glass and lights shatter and the humming overhead he knew it wouldn’t be long until Eve took control. Not knowing what had happened or what they had witnessed the nursing staff and doctors ran over to Paul and Eve.
“How did she?”
“I don’t know when this place went a bit crazy; she just walked to me. I suppose she just wanted to be with her son.” The nurse uneasily helped Eve stand and dragged over a wheelchair.
“I heard all the machines go off. Is everyone ok?” The nurse now bewildered wiped her brow not knowing what next to say.
“I’m sorry it must be tough having…”
“No no you’ve got it wrong. They are all alive and even the ones we didn’t expect to make it are all now sat up. Look.” Taking stock of the HDU ward, Paul saw each patient looking over to Eve.
“I’m sure there’s a rational explanation I mean...”
“Well if you have one the doctors would be impressed with what you have to say.”
Eve was trying to hide her blood stained clothes and bruised arms as she wrapped herself in the yellow hospital blanket, and as Paul took hold of her arm, he knew what he needed to do.
“Nurse Can I help my wife shower. I’m sure this little man will scream his lungs out but will you keep an eye on him for me.”
“I’ll do one better I had a bottle over at the nursing station I’m sure I can keep him quiet, It’s the least I can do after this crazy day!” Wheeling Eve, away he could see her mouth slowly curl as she looked back fondly towards her son.
“Am I ever going to know what happened?” Clutching at the towel Eve looked down at the pitiful mess in which she had been found.
“With me gone they were coming for him, and I couldn’t leave. I needed to protect you and death just wasn’t an option.” Paul now resting his hand on her shoulder was met by hers.
“I did it again.”
“I don’t blame you I would have thought the same after all I’m one of those scary monsters that live in the dark.”
“Eve…”
"Don’t….let’s just pretend that we’ve had a baby and everything’s normal even if it isn’t.” Reaching the shower, he took hold of her hand to steady her into the seat. Taking his time Eve knew their conversation was far from over.
“I just wanted to say that I know the reasons you avoid me.”
“And what’s that?”
“You can’t let me in or show me your true feelings. I also know I need to be kept at a distance and I just want you to know that I’m ok with it. I love you even if it has to be at some distance.”
“Give it a few more years…” Pushing her under the shower head, he turned on the water and passed her the cosmetics bag.
“I just wanted you to know.”
“Paul...”
“Yes.”
“Thank you I don’t say it enough, but I mean it.” As he smiled proudly, he shut the door to the bathroom giving her some space to get cleaned up. As he collected his son from the nurse, the new baby put everything into perspective.
Chapter 19
FIVE YEARS LATER
Nodding his head, Paul passed the same people every morning as he ran down the promenade. The same figures hung around with fit bits and mobiles strapped to their arms and hands counting each step as if their next breath relied on it.
Running had become his new obsession since Tom’s birth, the trauma of that day and the thoughts that had possessed him had always left in with a sense of guilt and anxiety which had just increased with the years that had passed. Both children looked his clones practically, and everyone commented on how handsome and well behaved they were.
As he ran through the streets, he thought about Eve and how well she had shaped both boys already. He craved her daily, and the running had turned his obsession into a means of escape. Each footstep pounded into the concrete spilling out his desire and floundering away his love. A love he couldn’t show, a love he couldn’t have. She was indeed an obsession; she intoxicated his soul and his mind until he felt asphyxiated by it and his only release now was to pound each street every morning until he had worked her way out of his veins.
Reaching South Parade, he jogged down the pier hoping the calm sea breeze and warm air would provide any solace which in turn would answer all the questions circulating his brain. Instead, all that greeted him was the children’s funfair and the smell of salty air which had been carried on the breeze.
“You look lost in thought?” Paul jumped back startled to hear a voice.
“Yes….yes I suppose I am.” The old gentleman folded his newspaper, crossed his legs and studied Pauls face for a few seconds. Paul smiled politely not wanting to offend, and as he turned to face the ocean, the old man piped up once more.
“You know I used to take my Nora here; she loved to come here no matter what time of the day or weather in the sky.” Paul acknowledging his first conversation of the morning sat at the side of the old gent.
“I like the sea air it helps with running.”
“Umm running yes I used t
o be fit and healthy just like you. Then age catches up with you, your bones go stiff, and your joints feel like they're put together with Blue Peter glue.” Laughing huskily the old gent let out a raspy cough, and as he took out an extra strong mint, he popped it in playing about with it until he got his bearings again.
Paul didn’t mind his distraction as it was welcomed to take his mind off Eve. He couldn’t help notice how smart the old gent appeared and how everything seemed to coordinate itself. His cap strategically placed and his brown trousers ironed just right so the pleat was crisp and sharp. Paul also noticed that he was wearing a jacket and waistcoat underneath his large brown coat and admired how much care had gone into his appearance.
“Are you local?”
“Oh, not far I come here every year at this time to pay my respects.”
“Oh, I’m sorry to disturb you…I’ll go.”
“No…no I’m glad of the company.”
“Were you married long?”
“Oh….yes I have been married for fifty-five years next month, but my wife can’t make this journey anymore.”
“Sorry I thought…”
“It’s ok son I’m of an age where you can assume that kind of thing. No, I’m here cause of my daughter.” Paul now interested in the old man’s story felt the anguish which had suddenly taken over his voice.
“I’m sorry to hear that my condolences. Is this a place she loved to come?”
“No son this is a place where she committed suicide.” Unable to clear his throat Paul felt the lump hard almost choking him.
“I come every year because well, maybe I feel I could have done something. Do you have children sorry I don’t know your name?”
“Paul it's Paul. Yes, I have two boys, they're probably still fast asleep with their mum.”
“Lovely I had six girls. We tried and tried for a boy, but all that kept popping out was more females. Still. Hannah was our youngest she’d always been a little troubled, and well she fell into the wrong ways. It’s seventeen years to the day, and I’ve come every year since it happened.” A small tear appeared and as it started to fall he flicked it quickly away with his yellow-stained finger.
“You don’t have to tell me I understand I can’t imagine what it must feel like to lose a child.”
“Oh no that’s not why I stopped you I’m here cause of my own pain. You, on the other hand, have woman trouble.”
“What makes you say that?”
“I’m old son not dead. It’s written all over you and trust me no amount of running will solve it. So come son make an old man useful.” Paul huffed out a laugh under his breath, and as he looked up at the dull grey sky, a feeling of security and peace washed over him.
“Let’s just say it’s complicated.”
“Bleeding women always are! No, you have a sadness about you…it’s not anger.” Pausing the old gent seemed to check the area just in case someone overheard.
“She’s different isn’t she, she’s different in a way that would scare every other person around them. But not you. She doesn’t make you feel scared; nothing frightens you about her, in fact, it makes you desire her more.”
“I don’t know…I can’t…How?” Paul fell over his words almost disappearing into the gents big dark eyes.
“It’s ok Paul I'm not that different from your wife you see some of us are expected to see the shades of light and dark. Most of us will never experience it, and the ones that do are labelled freaks. Take my hand, and I’ll let you into my secret.” The gent held out his crinkled palm and yellow stained nicotine fingers. The security of this gentleman was overwhelming, but he felt like some answers lay within his world. Taking hold of his palm Paul was instructed to close his eyes. Unable to keep them shut he opened them in a different setting.
“Don’t be alarmed this is a memory. A memory stained on the planks of wood and ingrained into the life of the pier. I replay this over and over wondering where I let my protection slip and why Hannah didn’t see. Here she comes.” The vision felt like a re-run of an old television series with the grained lines bitty, dark and faded around the edges. However, Hannah, in contrast, was a ball of radiant energy with her pink chiffon dress floating in the breeze. Her violent red hair flew wildly behind her, and she seemed not to be adorned with a care in the world. She strolled to the edge of the pier, drinking in the ambience of the family’s which gathered around her. She seemed happy and contented until everything slowed down and stopped. Paul knew this feeling all too well, and he was aware that she was in danger. Still, holding the old gent’s hand, he stood trying to make the old man move towards her.
“This is a memory Paul there is nothing you can do.” Paul sat back he feeling the anxiety flow and the burning and buzzing of the lights overhead.
The black figure walked beside her, and as she looked back, Paul almost felt like she could see him. As the gentleman at her side came into focus Paul could see it whispering into her ear. It stroked her back as if she welcomed his embrace and she even tilted her head back as he stroked the length of her throat with its fingers. As she took off her shoes and climbed the railing, Paul saw the tears and heartbreak in her eyes, and with one final whisper, the scream deafened the pier with an eerie silence. The figure then turned and walked away but as he walked passed his image blurred and the horrifically mangled mess of a demon shifted back into view. Paul snapped his hand back unable to see anymore.
“That wasn't suicide that was murder…you need.”
“Who’s going to believe me, Paul? Who’s going to believe me that a shape-shifting demon threw my daughter off South Parade pier? She had my gift, and she couldn’t see him coming. However, you’ve seen this before?” Puzzled Paul paced trying to make sense of what he saw.
“Yes, I recognised the darkness and the buzz. I felt the burning in the back of my throat and couldn’t mistake the smell of sulphur. But he. Whatever that thing was…he.” Stopping the gentleman picked up his walking stick and placed his hand on his shoulder.
“He looked familiar didn’t he Paul…” As he nodded, he wiped his hands across his face and folded them neatly behind the back of his head.
“This doesn’t make sense none of this make sense.”
“Walk with me…” Taking his arm, Paul couldn’t help but see the vision reply behind him.
“I know there is a fight coming you can feel it. We are not infallible Paul, and we are made in God’s image. This, in turn, means God is fallible, and mistakes do happen. Has anyone told you the alternative Christian story?” Bemused Paul shook his head inviting him to speak the story.
“Umm….it’s all coming together. You see people like Eve and me yes I now know her name. Guys like us aren’t supposed to exist. You see in the Bible it tells you that Jesus was planned by God to save humanity however this is one of the biggest cover stories of the Christian faith. You see God roams the earth in many forms and Jesus was an accident unplanned and unwanted. He shifted the balance between good and evil and let’s just say this created a little animosity. God and the Devil have a bargain just to see how many people they can initiate into their fan club. Jesus wasn’t something which played fair. That’s why he had to die. But it so happens that sometimes each of them doesn't always like playing by the rules. Which means half-breeds are born, then there are the whisperers, the flim flam psychics the visionaries. Then you have the talkers those who can pass through the blurs of time and see, feel, hear and make things go away. You see Paul people think Jesus was the only slip-up, but there have been more Darker forces Eve might explain it as the blackness. Both sides can call on these to do whatever bidding is necessary. And worshippers within have tried to change it. When the balance is out of kilter, the blackness is used to restore it. Angel, Demon, light and dark will come together. Do you understand?” Paul squeezed his arm gently giving him the understanding. He just felt numb and cold hearing what he felt to be true.
“She’s been sentenced Paul, and there is nothing you can do
about it. Any love, hope or peace she hopes to find will never come, and the moment if she lets her heart open they will come...”
“How do you know all this?”
“Half breeds are given the human option we are allowed the gift of free will, and we are allowed to choose our paths. I’m just glad our fate ended here. Goodbye Paul Haysham and don’t forget what I’ve told you.” As he waved goodbye, Paul lifted his hand feeling the old man’s security lift.
“What about you? Will this...”
“My fate was always going to end here my boy. Take care.” The peace which followed him was short lived. Seeing him cross the road Paul started to walk trying to rewind the puzzle. Hearing the screeching and clanging of brakes, Paul ran back feeling the pang of heartache burst inside. The old man lay crushed between a bus and a car and as Paul ran to him the last pulses of blood exhumed from his lips.
“Don’t….forget…”
“I’m sorry I’m so so sorry. Get an ambulance...” Taking his hand, the old gent lay gently down on the bonnet of the car. A smile seemed to rise from his lips as the light buzzed and hummed softly overhead.
“Don’t…forg...” Seeing the light is his dark eyes fade and limpness of his fingers Paul knew he was dead. As he let go Paul saw the shimmer of the black figure staring at him from across the street. The coiled smile of happiness wrapped around his jawline and as their eyes met neither of them could drop their gaze.
As the police, ambulance and fire service arrived the figure cocked it’s head on one side noticeable happy with his findings. Paul couldn’t help but feel the anger seethe through his veins, he wanted to kill, and he also knew the figure had been involved with destroying another part of his life. The figure cricked his neck and patiently walked away mouthing his words carefully so Paul could see in full view.
“It’s only a matter of time.” Paul closed his eyes knowing that his conversation had led him into a trap. The old gent had been carefully played, and Paul had always been the bait. The events surrounding Eve had started to consume his soul piece by piece, and if he weren't careful, he too would be at the receiving end.
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