But having said that, there is one issue I feel it is only fair to shed some light on. As it was all clearly described in Billy’s journal, Lenaru’s long winter was a rare, but still occurring season that, before it actually took hold, was a very active time for me. She and the four other seasons had carried out their duties in a certain way, and that sequence maintained the natural order of this world. I, in turn, worked with them, using the various changes of each season to do my job. Remember, my job is to maintain the natural order and balance of everything—like we talked about with the lions and zebras. So, in effect, the seasons and I had an agreement—a contract, if you will—and we all adhered to its terms. This procedure had been going on for a very long time, longer than most of you can even imagine.
Then, all of a sudden, Lenaru and the other sisters decide to suddenly break this agreement and sacrifice Lenaru, and therefore, her season. A season that is only one of five and one which directly alters the natural order and balance of this world. And here we go with the hypocrisy again. When I was doing my job and Lenaru performed her season, I was considered an ally. But when Lenaru and her sisters decided to change things up and I did the same job we had all previously agreed to, then I’m the bad guy.
Let me ask you this—if the seasons and I were humans, doing business, and we all had a binding contract that was in effect for decades, then all of a sudden, before the time period elapsed, one of the sisters completely broke the terms of that contract, then who’s legally at fault? Who, legally, would be found in breach of contract? Not me. Yet when I continue doing my job and work harder in other areas to compensate for the loss that Lenaru cost me, then I’m vilified. She broke our standing agreement, yet there are no consequences. I proceeded doing my job despite Lenaru’s actions, and I’m the bad guy. Not cool.
But whatever. Oh, and here’s the thing that does hurt—yes, now I’m on a little rant—I’ve read some online comments saying that I’m not supportive of women, and I assume by “women,” they mean the five sisters. And to those people, I respect your opinion, but here, in turn, is mine. If again, you look at the arrangement between the five sisters and me as a business, then I, in effect, was in big business with five women leaders, all at the top of their respective fields. I proudly worked with them for longer than mankind has existed—now that’s loyalty. I was prepared to work with these powerhouses, these ultimate women CEOs, literally until the end of time—how many of you can say that? And to work with them until the end of time was, in fact, my plan, until they changed the terms of our contract. Now I totally get why they changed the terms—they fell in love with mankind, just like I have. I get why they did what they did. I understand the reasons—I really do. All I ask is a sliver of that same understanding. I’m pro-women. I’m also pro-men. Seriously—I’m pro-everyone.
Now…on to more binge-watching shows online. What’s this? Should I watch a whole new season about zombie-vampire dentists trying to establish their careers and ultimately find love…oh, yes. Absolutely—yes.
Monday. Back at the park,
watching a beautiful sunset.
I’m at the park again sitting by my favorite fountain. A soft wind is rustling through the leaves of the surrounding trees, many people are walking by, and the sky is full of a variety of colors. Being around all these great people and breathing in the cool, fresh air is such a reassuring feeling. And as I look around and think about everything that has taken place in the last year and a half, I find myself eternally grateful and truly happy to be among all of you.
Concerning my organizations, it would be useless to try to make it seem like the fall of The Chaos of the Five and The Honor of the Five were not major setbacks to me—they absolutely were. And even though, over the centuries, I’ve set up many, many more organizations other than those two, it doesn’t mean that they were any less special to me. Now I know what I did wrong, I’ve taken responsibility for my actions, and I’ve learned from my mistakes. To anyone I may have inadvertently hurt—I am so profoundly sorry. When I set up my new organizations, they’ll be greatly improved. We all live and learn, and once I’m strong enough, I have many new plans that I can’t wait to share with you. In the meantime, I’m just thankful for the opportunity to tell my side of the story.
Good, evil, right, wrong—those are all just labels. Like all of you, I fall somewhere in the middle. I have made many mistakes, but who hasn’t? Mistakes are part of life, and all aspects of life should be celebrated—the good, the bad, the light, and the dark.
To my old followers, my friends, I thank you all for your unbelievable loyalty, and I want you to know that you have always, and will always, have a place with me. I will never turn you away, and I will continue to celebrate your size, shape, color, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, economic background, everything about you—those differences are what I celebrate, not what I judge. With me, you will never be alone.
And to everyone reading this, you have truly honored me with your time, effort, forgiveness, and thoughtfulness. I know that I’m not perfect. I might even seem like a big old mess of sorts, and I thank you for listening to me. But if you still need me to be the villain—then I’ll be the villain. If you see me as a friend—then I’ll proudly be your friend. I will be whatever you need me to be. Your needs are what matter to me most, and I promise that I’ll be here for you, open and available to you—always.
I remain yours, forever.
Chaos
Peace out.
MIGUEL LOPEZ DE LEON
Miguel Lopez de Leon is the award-winning author of the Galadria trilogy, The Covens of Elmeeria, The Light Dweller, Babble Magic, and It Took Billy.
He lives in Los Angeles.
Visit Miguel’s website at www.miguellopezdeleon.com.
Please feel free to write an online book review!
It Took Billy Page 16