Embers

by Daniela Elana

  I chose a seat next to Caroline while she munched on pizza. Being huddled in such a small space surrounded by this many new faces, killed my appetite.

  “You’re not going to eat?” Caroline asked.

  “No, I’m fine.”

  “If you change your mind, feel free to dig in,” she said. I nodded, although my appetite had diminished with my desire to be here.

  “Who would like to lead us in prayer tonight?” Mason asked, eyeing each member.

  “Me!” an energetic blonde woman shot up her hand. Her hair was styled in pigtails, reminding me of a young girl, although she looked to be at least twenty-six.

  “Okay. Tammy go for it,” Mason said.

  “Thank you, God, for everything you’ve given us like this pizza, all of my friends. I pray this Bible study will be great like they all are. Amen,” she said, glancing over at me and her smile dissipated. “You need to be more thankful, Patty.”

  “I am.”

  “It doesn’t look like it.”

  “Tammy can be a little sensitive about how others respond to her prayers,” a woman with waist-length, wavy, auburn hair seated to my left whispered. “I’m Alison Richards by the way. You can call me, Ally.” She extended her hand, and I shook it.

  “Nice to meet you, Ally,” I said.

  “I can tell she’s sensitive,” I whispered back.

  “Today, the Holy Spirit led me to focus on the seven trumpets mentioned in Revelation 8-10. Patricia, when I spoke to you, earlier, you mentioned enjoying reading about end-times prophecies. What can you tell us about the seven trumpets?”

  My pulse slowed with his question. Now I wished to take back my remark about loving end-times prophecies.

  “Followed by the seven seals that are opened by the lamb or Jesus Christ, which produces a series of judgments, the fire pan of saints’ prayers is cast to earth as a result of the seventh seal, God speaks, and seven different angels blow seven trumpets causing great calamities and wonders. Some believe when these trumpets are blown, portals open,” I said. Tammy smirked, and everyone turned to her.

  “I’m sorry, I had a bad cough,” she said. I scowled at her.

  “The first trumpet releases hail and fire mixed with blood and it burns up a third of the trees on earth and all grass,’ I paused. Everyone’s eyes remained on me.

  “Go on…” Mason said.

  “It’s followed by the second trumpet, which is a burning mountain cast into the sea, and a third of sea becomes blood, a third of the creatures die, and third of ships are destroyed. The third trumpet blown is a great star that burns like a lamp, and it lands upon a third of the rivers and springs of water, making the water bitter. This star’s name is Wormwood.” I said, taking a moment to catch my breath. “Just think, this could be a volcanic eruption like Yellow Stone but the magnitude of Krakatoa. There would be no drinking water.”

  “That’s an interesting thought.” Mason grinned. Tammy’s lips pressed into a tight line as she glanced at him, then me with her arms folded over her chest. “I’m sorry to interrupt continue on,” Mason said. I gulped.

  “The fourth trumpet is blown, and a third of the sun, moon, and stars are struck. The sky becomes as dark as night. Maybe it’s an asteroid, or has something to do with planet x,” I said. One of the men rolled his eyes.

  “Cut it out, Kent,” Mason said. Kent ran his fingers across his clean-shaven head with a sigh.

  “Somebody needs to study the works of biblical scholars on eschatology, rather than using their vain imagination. The consumption of too much fantasy and science fiction can corrupt the mind, come on planet x. You can’t be serious? That’s not even real science!” Kent said to Tammy the two covered their mouths to conceal their snickers. Their mockery made me apprehensive.

  “After the fifth trumpet is blown, a star falls from heaven to earth. This star, which is most likely a metaphor for an angel since angels are referred to stars throughout the book of Revelation. The angel possesses a key to open the abyss. This is fascinating because some believe this angel is Lucifer.”

  “Lucifer is not an angel, he’s was the King of Tyre, this girl is completely off base!” Kent said. Mason’s brow rose. I ignored Kent’s complaints continuing to explain.

  “Abaddon also referred to Apollyon in Greek, is the destroyer. I believe he’s Azazel, the infamous Watcher from the book of Enoch who’s believed to be chained in Dudael away from the other Watchers. Abandon is referred to in Revelation 9:11 as the king of the abyss and leader of the locust army. These locusts have the face of men, hair of women, and teeth of lions and torment those who don’t have the seal of God on their foreheads for five months. Those who are tormented by the locusts cannot die even though they seek it and they desire it but won’t find it.”

  “I’ve never heard anyone reference the book of Enoch during Bible study,” Mason said.

  “It’s a crucial piece in the puzzle in understanding the end-times.”

  “Finish explaining,” Mason said.

  “I don’t mean to interrupt again, but wasn’t Lucifer already kicked out of heaven, so how is he freeing Abaddon then?” Tammy asked.

  “Yes, but the war in heaven spoken of in Revelation 12 isn’t referring to Satan’s first rebellion, but when he’s no longer able to go up to heaven. Before, he could make his case against the saints accusing them.”

  “Do you have any scripture to back that up?” Kent asked.

  “Yes, in the book of Job, it talks about the sons of God, which is referring to Satan and the other fallen angels who present themselves before God,” I said.

  “So, you think demons go between heaven and earth?” Caroline asked.

  “Not exactly demons, but fallen angels do…” I said.

  “What?” Tammy interrupted.

  “Let’s not get sidetracked from today’s lesson. We can talk more about this later,” Mason said. “Continue on, Patricia.”

  “The sixth trumpet releases four angels from the Euphrates who have been chained. It gives an eerie description of the horses and their riders. These riders have fiery breastplates. But the horses are bizarre being dark blue and yellow sulfurous color. The horses’ heads are like lions’ heads, fire and smoke and sulfur come out of their mouths. A third of mankind is killed by them because those three substances cause plagues and their tails are snake-like. But still, there are those who don’t repent who are left.” I paused as I noticed Mason staring at me. Something in his eyes had changed as his mouth parted. The others must’ve seen because they turned to him. When he realized we were all watching him stare at me, he cleared his throat.

  “Keep going, Patricia. I’m amazed by your knowledge on the subject,” he said. My eyes shot to the ground.

  “In between this time of the sixth and seventh trumpet, the two witnesses arise and witness to people for forty-two months in Jerusalem. They’re given authority to turn water into blood and to strike the earth with every plague. When they finish prophesying, a beast ascends from the abyss makes war with them and overcomes them which is also quoted in Daniel 7:3 People will rejoice of their death, but then seven thousand in that city will be killed by a great earthquake.”

  “I would love to see the day the two witnesses arrive,” Caroline said.

  “Me too,” Tammy said.

  “The seventh trumpet brings thunders and an earthquake and a violent hailstorm then the ark of the covenant is revealed after the twenty-four elders rejoice in heaven giving praise to God because he is about to judge the wicked and reward the righteous. That’s Revelations 9-11 in a condensed summary,” I said, picking up a Sprite off the table and taking a sip. Everyone stared at me with their mouths ajar.

  “I don’t need to teach tonight. Patricia seems to have it down all by herself. Tell me, Patricia, have you considered seminary school?” Mason asked.

  “No, I’m not trying to be a preacher.”

  “You sound like a teacher.”

/>   “You really know your stuff,” Caroline said.

  “What a load of drivel. The book of Enoch is mysticism—pure fables, I could’ve drafted a more entertaining story in my sleep. I tried reading it once out of mere curiosity. I couldn’t even make it past the first paragraph because it’s so poorly written with fantastical tales of giants 450 cubits tall and spirits and flesh mating,” Ken said.

  “Come on, Kent.” Mason frowned.

  Mason, you of all people should know women have no place teaching because they’re more susceptible to the devil’s deception. Why do you think the serpent approached Eve?” he said. I clenched my fists.

  “He has a point,” Tammy said.

  “She was just sharing what she knows,” Mason said.

  “Still she needs a covering,” Tammy said.

  “If she’s open to it, I will serve as her covering,” Mason said, Tammy stood up and walked away.

  “What you’re promoting is Gnosticism. Its roots emerge from a perversion of God’s word. The sons of God were the righteous sons of Seth intermarrying with the wicked daughters of Cain. Not fallen angels with human women. Angels aren’t allowed to marry, and flesh and spirit cannot produce a child! Stop preaching heresy, or God will deal with you,” Kent said. I frowned at him.

  “How do you explain the word giants?” I asked.

  “Giants is a metaphor! You should stay away from non-canonical texts. It’s easy for amateurs to get confused,” he said, taking a bite of his pepperoni pizza.

  “Kent, she’s expressing her ideas. This is what studies are for,” Ally said. He rolled his eyes.

  “As someone with a Ph.D. in theology, I can see she’s influenced by the works of fringe scholars.”

  “You know what, I’m done here!” I stood up to leave.

  “Patty, wait!” Caroline shouted, rushing after me. “People are skeptical of less popular viewpoints,” she said. Caroline’s almond-shaped brown eyes burrowed into mine as her full lips pouted. She appeared doll-like with her button nose, high cheekbones, midlength afro, and umber complexion.

  “Do you believe me?”

  “It sounds science fiction. But I have an open mind,” Caroline said.

  “Yeah, Caroline is right. It’s not what we’re used to hearing on a Sunday morning. That doesn’t mean we’re opposed to what you’re saying,” Ally said.

  Unable to hide my frustration as I turned, a hand gripped my shoulder. I pivoted around to see Mason.

  “Patricia, don’t leave,” Mason said.

  “Look, it’s getting late.” I slumped my shoulders, tearing my eyes to the ground. He nodded, walking ahead to hold the door for me. I waved to the group.

  As I buckled into the passenger’s seat beside Mason, I peered out the window, not wanting to encourage a conversation.

  “Don’t let Kent’s words bother you. You shared eye-opening information.”

  “He tried to discredit me, so what difference does it make if everyone sides with him? People will always stick to what they know.”

  “It never hurts to plant the seed.”

  “That will never grow…”

  “All it takes is a little rain. Besides, God gave you a voice for a reason. You have a gift,” he said.

  “Yeah, right,” I said. Mason didn’t answer me, driving until we reached the bookstore. I motioned to get out, gripping the door handle. But he ran around to the passenger’s side and opened the door. I thanked him, wishing he would leave me alone.

  “Here let me walk you to your car,” he said. I attempted to smile. Inside I wanted to punch him in the face for inviting me to that humiliation ritual of a bible study. “Here you are.”

  “Thanks,” I said.

  “Patricia,” he said. I looked over my shoulder at him as I was in the process of shutting the door. “Don’t let anyone make you doubt what you know,” he said. I didn’t answer him. He stood there, watching as I drove away.

  Pressing the gas pedal harder, picking up speed to enter the highway, I merged into the right lane as my lane ended. Once the car was up to speed, I turned on cruise control.

  A flare of blue light shined in the middle of the road. It grew, encompassing the entire pathway. Swerving to avoid it, I screamed. My surroundings heated and lit up. My eyes watered from the strength of its illumination.

  The car stopped spinning, and I emerged, befuddled. I stood in a quiet suburb in the center of a cul-de-sac under a palm tree. An orange hue painted the evening sky as the sun dipped for the day, casting a warm glow on my copper skin.

  A burst of laughter disrupted my thoughts. I turned, noticing a couple clasping hands on the opposite sidewalk. The woman’s wedding ring glistened with the sunset. Her dark brown hair sat just above her narrow shoulders bouncing, and the man took the edge of her chin into his hands as he pulled her in for a kiss. She caressed his face, retaking his hand, and strolled with him. Suddenly, she shrieked. He caught her. Her foot oozed with blood after a shard of glass went through her flip-flop.

  From a distance, the same two creatures who visited my apartment the previous night pawed the cement, fixing their gaze on the couple. The man seemed unaware as he carried his wife. The feathered creature leaped for him. I jumped out from the bushes between them and the monstrosity.

  At that moment, the couple became aware of my presence. I recognized the couple as Leslie and Erich. Their eyes widened—the apparitions vanished.

  “Maricel!” Leslie cried. Erich’s brows rose.

  “Keep away from us!” he shouted.

  “Erich, it’s okay, I’m no longer with Azazel,” I said. He glared at me.

  “Why are you following us?”

  “Erich, calm down,” Leslie said.

  “There are demons after you,” I said. Erich’s eyes narrowed. “They were about to get you, but I prevented it,” I said with a pant.

  “There’s nothing here.”

  “There were two of them behind you. Those demons are the same entities who attacked me in my apartment last night. I believe somehow I was teleported here to warn you.”

  They both stared at me for a long time with their brows furrowed while they faded from view. Another wave of colorful lights blinded me as I exited the highway, having returned to Dallas.

  CHAPTER 2

  premonitions

  “Will you have a look at this?” Mason pointed to the spot where the man had thrown up. Men in hazmat suits moved around the area, caution taping it. “You know how you got Jeffrey to clean up the mess yesterday?” he asked. I nodded. “Jeffery came into work this morning not looking so hot. He complained about nausea and passed out.”

  “Oh, no!” I gasped.

  “When the paramedics hospitalized him, he was covered in boils,” he said. “It’s not your fault. Nobody knew the man had a virus. I’ve got the staff reviewing the tapes to find the carrier.”

  “Do you think they’ll find him before he infects anyone else?”

  “I hope so. The guy is a public health risk. Some epidemiologist might stop by to ask you some questions this afternoon since you had close contact with him,” he said. I bit my bottom lip. “You’re not feeling sick at all?” He looked me over.

  “No.” I shook my head.

  “Good. This might sound like an inappropriate question, but would you like to grab lunch with me later?” Mason asked. I laughed

  “Sure.”

  * * *

  Four hours later, we headed to lunch. Mason had chosen a spot at the end of the jam-packed lot.

  “Do you always park far away?”

  “I enjoy the walk, it makes for a good work out.”

  “I guess if you’re trying to lose weight, which you seem fine.”

  “I’d rather save spaces for those who need them.”

  “What about if it snows?”

  “This is Texas, not Nebraska.”

  “Don’t be too surprised, it could happen.”

&nb
sp; “If it snows, I’ll walk.”

  “How about ice?”

  A smile crept onto the corner of his face.

  “Ah, I got you,” I said. He laughed and opened the door for me. As I sat in the car, a sharp ping struck my skull, and I clutched my head.

  “Is everything okay?” he asked, pulling out of the lot.

  “Yes, just a headache.”

  “If you start to feel nauseous, let me know,”

  “Don’t worry. I’m not infected.”

  “You seem overwhelmed about something.”

  “Overwhelmed? No. Headaches for me are a usual occurrence.”

  “You should get an MRI?”

  “No, I mean, my head tends to hurt when I’m nervous or before something bad is about to happen?”

  “Do you have premonitions?” he said.

  “No.”

  * * *

  As we dined at a Thai restaurant, I noticed his eyes never left me. I acted as if I didn’t see, pushing my fried rice around my bowl, focusing on the cherry blossom wallpaper behind his head.

  “What is it?” I asked him.

  “You intrigue me.”

  “I’m really one of the most boring people you’ll ever meet,” I said, taking a bite.

  “Not at all. You don’t know your worth,” Mason said. I gazed into his caramel eyes, unsure of how to reply.

  “What makes you say that?”

  “You’re a private person, yet once you start talking, you’re a scholar. I was impressed by your knowledge of Biblical prophecy.”

  “I’ve been studying Biblical prophecy for the past couple of years, it’s no big deal.”

  “But it is….you should try informing more people,” he said.

  “Yeah, sure…”

  “Your way of presenting the information is easy to follow even if it’s not the most conventional of beliefs. And people have a right to know. You need to speak up while there’s still the freedom of speech, this nation is going to Hell with all the limitations they are slapping on our God-given freedoms,” he said, digging into his dancing shrimp followed by a sip of Coke.