Lilith's Awakening

by Viktoria Ballavoski

  “I will go with Brandon,” he said as he put down his cup of coffee. “Viktoria, you stay with the kids. So when they get up, you’ll be here to comfort them.”

  Brandon ran into his mother’s room, coat already on. “Mom! Come on, let’s go! I called Justin; he’s waiting for us at the hospital.”

  “Wait, Brandon, I’m coming with you; you may need help.”

  “No, it’s okay, Greg. Stay. I’ll be fine,” he said as he got his mother ready to leave.

  “Are you sure, Brandon? You might want some company.”

  “I’m sure. Viktoria, you stay. If I need anything, I’ll call you. Plus, the kids are sleeping; when they get up, I don’t want them to panic.”

  “All right. Then give us a call when you know something.”

  After they left, Greg turned to Viktoria. “You know what? I’ll just put tea on. Would you join me for a nice cup of tea, Viktoria, while we are waiting for them?”

  “Why not?” she asked with a smile. “I can’t do anything right now, anyway. Let me get the tea bags. I believe there is a pound cake here, too, if you feel like a slice.”

  “No, just tea will be fine. You should sit down; I can get it. Do you take milk, sugar, or lemon?”

  “Just lemon.”

  “Greg,” I whispered, “when you get the chance, there are sleeping pills in the upper cabinet. Grab a couple.”

  “Okay, but why?” he whispered back.

  “Babushka said once she has fallen asleep, take her upstairs and tie her down onto the bed so she can’t fight back.”

  “Did you say something?” the other Viktoria asked. “Is everything okay over there, Greg? Do you need help?” When he shook his head no, she sighed. “I hope Brandon calls soon.”

  “Here comes the tea. It might relax us a bit. We need it. Did you call Brandon yet to see if they made it to the hospital?”

  “No, I have not. I’m waiting for him to call.”

  “You look tired and worn-out. Maybe you should take a rest.”

  “You’re right; I’m just tired. The tea you made really did relax me. Thank you, Greg. I am glad you are staying.” She started to get up. “I cannot wait for Brandon’s call.” She gave a yawn. “I’m going to sleep. Would you wake me up when he calls? I need to tell him something, but I did not get the chance.”

  “If you want,” Greg said, playing with the string of his tea bag, “I can go to the hospital and stay with Nelly. He could come home. Would you like that, Viktoria?”

  “We will wait until he calls. I would not mind a second cup of tea, but this time, put extra mint liqueur in it. It’s a very tasty tea. Brandon might call by then.”

  A while later, Greg said, “Viktoria, I am worried. It has been more than two hours. Brandon still has not called; I think I should go.”

  “You’re right. I’m worried too. If you should go there, the key—in case I fall asleep—is under the mat outside the door. I don’t think Brandon took his house key either; he was in such a rush.”

  “I am going to the hospital to see if everything is okay. Meanwhile, you go get some rest, Viktoria. We have a long day tomorrow.”

  After Greg left, she went upstairs, but I did not follow her. Five minutes later, I said, “Babushka, Greg is waiting two houses down. Has Lilin gone to bed yet?”

  “Not yet, but she is about to. My concern is she suspected something; if she did, this could turn against us.”

  About forty-five minutes later, Lilin fell asleep.

  “Viktoria,” Babushka said, “go get Greg. Lilin is in a deep sleep. Just be careful that she doesn’t sense your presence.”

  “Greg, come back. Babushka thinks Lilin has gone into a deep sleep. Just keep it low, so she doesn’t wake up.”

  “Okay, Viktoria, I have the keys. Is the alarm on?”

  “No, it’s not. I am the only one who knows the code. It’s impossible for her to put it on. Let’s go in.”

  “Viktoria, I’m going to need Lacey to help me. Is she up?”

  “Yes, Greg, Lacey’s waiting for you. She has the Bible and the cross, as well as the holy water. You need to tie Lilin down first; she might harm you.”

  “All right, Viktoria. I have the handcuff ready. Is Babushka in the room? I need his help as well.”

  Chapter 11

  My Own Exorcism Experience

  “Greg, everyone’s there, waiting for you.”

  As Greg took one of her hands to tie it as tightly as he could to the bedpost, Lilin woke up. I could tell that she was very strong.

  Greg decided to do the exorcism as soon as he could and not wait for the priest. As a demonologist, he had performed exorcisms many times before.

  As Lilin strained to break free, Greg recited a prayer. “All-powerful God, all the sins of your unworthy servant. Give me constant faith and power, so that armed with the power of your holy strength, I can attack this cruel, evil spirit in confidence and security …”

  Lilin was getting very restless. She started hissing, shaking the bed, and saying, “You cannot stop Lilith! Sooner or later, Lilith will get what she wants!” Then she turned her head to the side. She knew I was there. She looked at me and said, “Do you want this body in one piece? You had better stop him right now!”

  I was petrified. When she said that, for a second, I thought about stopping Greg before she did something really horrible. I even said, “Stop, Greg! She is going to hurt my body! Please stop!”

  “Viktoria,” he said, not even bothering to look my way, “don’t believe her. We have to go through with this. Don’t listen to what she is saying. This is the only way.”

  Greg then continued on, “I exorcise you, Most Unclean Spirit! Spirits! Of Lilin! In the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ, be uprooted and expelled from this creature of God … I command you to leave Viktoria’s body.”

  This was taking forever. Lilin would not give up the fight. She started to scrunch up her face and kept saying, “Stop this, or I will destroy the body and Viktoria will never be able to use it again! It will be the end of her. What will you say to her kids and her husband? I killed your mother?”

  Greg was stopping, but Babushka told him not to. I felt my heart breaking for Lacey, who was watching my body and telling Lilin, “You have to give my mom’s body back! Don’t hurt her!”

  “I don’t want Brandon coming home anytime soon. I hope Nelly will be able to keep him there longer.”

  Greg made the sign of the cross on my forehead and pressed a relic against my chest as he finished the exorcism with: “Go away, Seducer! Hell is your home. The serpent is your dwelling. Be humiliated and cast down. Even though you have deceived men, you cannot make a mockery of God … time has prepared hell for you and your mother, Lilith, and your father, Lucifer, and their demons.”

  He looked up at me. “Viktoria, stay next to your body. As soon as she is out, just flow back into your body—but only when I say, ‘Now.’”

  As I waited anxiously for Greg to say the word, I could see Lilin almost giving up. Greg kept repeating the verse until finally, Lilin left my body. I heard Greg say, “Now!” but Lilin heard him too and jumped right back in to fight back; she laughed with her crushed voice. Lilin started to become more aggressive; it was becoming impossible, and Babushka told Greg to stop until we could get help from the elders. Meanwhile, we had to think of a way to keep Brandon in the hospital longer. As we were discussing a strategy, the priest came. Greg and Father Wilson started the exorcism over, and I asked Lacey to leave the room and stay with her siblings. It was taking too long, and it did not look good.

  I heard Gabriellele yelling, “The basement! The basement!” repeatedly. “There is something in the basement!” she screamed.

  Things started to get out of control, and I went to the stairs to see what was going on. As I was trying to listen, I saw Lilith and Samuel rushing up to m
y room.

  Babushka met Lilith and Samuel by the door.

  “Do be careful!” I tried to warn them.

  “Victoria, the elders are here. We want you to get back to your room.”

  I heard Lilith demanding that they let Lilin go; otherwise, she would use her power to destroy the children.

  I could see the elders, and I heard them ordering Lilith to take all her demons and her daughter. There was some sort of white light mixed in with a cloud. Lilith looked scared.

  “I will go, but I promise I will be back,” she said, and then she looked at me and said, “You will be sorry and vanquished. You will pay for this!”

  “Now, Viktoria! Just flow in.”

  As soon as I had taken over my body, Greg sprayed it with holy water to see my reaction. He placed the cross on my forehead to make sure it was me. I heard Lacey saying, “Welcome back, Mom!” I could not believe how close I had been to becoming a lost soul.

  “It’s good to be back, Lacey. Thank you, Greg and Father Wilson, for what you have done. Thank you so much. I can’t ever repay you.”

  “Viktoria, how do you feel? We have to clean the scratches. They’re still bleeding.”

  “I’m fine, Greg. I just feel a bit tired, and my face is burning hot.” I looked up and saw my father. “Babushka, I’m glad you’re here. I need your help. You know more than you have told me.”

  “Viktoria,” Greg said, interrupting. “I’m going over to the hospital. I’ll let Nelly know everything is okay and that they can return to the house.”

  “You don’t need to, Greg. She has been informed; they should be home soon.”

  “Viktoria,” Greg said, “get yourself cleaned up and try to think of some sort of explanation for what happened and how your face got scratched.”

  As soon as I got up to get cleaned up, Brandon called.

  “Hi,” I said after I answered. “I was worried sick! Why did it take you so long to call, Brandon? How is Nelly doing? Is she staying in the hospital?”

  “Mom is fine. She just had a side effect from the medicine she has been taking. Justin thinks she also had an anxiety attack due to the medicine. We are on our way home.”

  “Okay then, I’ll see you soon.” When I hung up, I turned to my daughter. “Lacey, go to your room and pretend you are sleeping. Greg, get those blankets and lie down on the couch. I’m going to clean up. Greg, could you also open the door when they get here? When Brandon asks me what happened, I will tell him I heard noises and went outside to check it out. When I saw two raccoons, I panicked and fell down in the bushes.”

  “Do you think he’s going to buy that, Viktoria? Brandon will start to investigate; you know how he is.”

  “Don’t worry, Greg. A few days ago, Brandon did see a raccoon in our backyard, so he will buy that. He even said to be careful when I take out the garbage.”

  “I think they’re here. Don’t you think you should go upstairs and clean up?”

  I ran upstairs and into the bathroom. The scratches weren’t too bad, but I didn’t think I’d ever be able to wear this shirt again. It was completely ruined with blood.

  I heard Greg open the door. “Hey, thanks, Greg,” I heard Brandon say. “Where’s Viktoria?”

  “She’s upstairs getting cleaned up. There was a little accident.”

  “What happened? Is she okay?”

  “Yes, she is. Don’t worry; it was only a little mishap. She has some scratches that need to be cleaned up; that’s all. So how do you feel, Nelly? You gave us quite a scare. However, you look much better than before.”

  “Yes, I am. Doctor Justin said that it was a side effect of the medicine, but I’m fine now. I’m so sorry to scare you all. I’m going upstairs to check on Viktoria and see how bad the little incident was. Oh! There she is now!”

  “Are you okay, honey?” Brandon asked, deeply concerned. “You look like you have been wrestling!”

  “I’m fine, Brandon. I heard noises outside and went to check it out. I went to the side of the house where the noises were coming from. I did not see anything, but as I turned my back, I saw the two raccoons just looking at me with curious eyes. I panicked and fell on the rosebushes.” I knew lying wasn’t right, but if he were to get involved, it would be much worse. I was sorry, but I felt I must.

  “Wow, Viktoria, that looks bad. Did you use antiseptic to clean it so it will not get infected? I told you to be careful! I told you there were raccoons! But you still went outside in the dark.” He shook his head. “I don’t know what to tell you, Viktoria.” He gave a little smile before kissing me on the forehead. “Okay, people, I’m going to bed now. I have an early morning, so see you all later.”

  “Okay, honey. You go. I’ll be up soon.” Once he was gone, I turned to Nelly. “So, how do you feel, Nelly?”

  “Good.”

  “Thank you so much, Nelly, for getting Brandon out of the house. I’m sorry you had to lie to him; I know you do not like lying.”

  “That’s okay Viktoria. How are you doing? This is you, right? It’s not the other soul? This is must be you because the other soul looked mean, and her eyes were like cat eyes.”

  “Yes, it is me, Nelly, not the other soul. I’m fine apart from the scratches, which Lilin left.”

  “Well, if you’re okay, I think I will be going to bed now, even though I took a little nap at the hospital. I need more, so good night, dear, and, Greg, see you in the morning.”

  “All right, then I’m going to bed as well. Greg, if you need more covers just get them from the closet by the steps.”

  “I am okay with these. Listen, Viktoria, we need to talk to my friend about a young woman who needs help.”

  “Sure. As soon as I get the kids out of the house, we will talk, but for now, good night.”

  It had been a long, seemingly endless night. I felt tired and sore, but it was good to have my body and family back. That was a terrifying experience that I did not wish to go through again. I would have to be more careful when doing astral travel.

  “Viktoria,” Brandon said as he crawled into bed, “you wanted to discuss something with me before. What was it? You said it was important.”

  “Never mind, go to sleep; I already forgot what it was,” I lied. The other Viktoria had wanted to talk to him, not me.

  I was so proud of Lacey. She was such a natural; I knew she would do well in life. She kept commanding Lilin with such force, and it was her first psychic experience!

  After the whole event, I had trouble sleeping. Those “what-if” questions kept running through my mind. For instance, what if I had been unable to resume my body? What if it had taken Greg much longer to work it out? What if Brandon had come home in the middle of it?

  Babushka always told me how this could seriously cause harm to a person and his or her family. I would have to do this again with Alia and the others to find her twin brother, but next time, I would have extra protection.

  The next day, I got up and tried to think of what to say if Brandon asked me the question that I had been able to dodge the night before. Luckily, he didn’t. Everyone left after breakfast. I knew that Nelly wanted to tell me something, but I thought that Brandon should be with me when she did.

  “How are you doing this morning, Nelly?” I asked when I walked into her room. She was lying on the bed, reading the paper, which one of the kids must have gotten for her. “Did you get any sleep? I do apologize for what happened; it was out of my control.”

  “Oh dear, don’t worry. As long as we have you back! It’s okay; this is your work. You have been given a wonderful gift; you should be using it, even though it has difficulties.”

  “I wish Brandon was as understanding as you. Well, he used to be, but since I took on this case, I don’t know.” I shrugged. “I don’t even know him anymore.”

  “Well, dear, he’s probably having a ha
rd time at work with his new deals and with the hospital. Perhaps he’s just confused. Justin will be stopping by in a few days to see me. I believe he has some pictures to show you.”

  “That would be nice. I wonder what kind of pictures though.”

  “Well, he said something about how he was right and he has the pictures to prove it.”

  “Well, Nelly, I don’t recall anything about pictures, but we will find out when he gets here.”

  For the next few days, I didn’t mention anything about my work to Brandon. I pretended that everything was fine and that nothing had happened. Meanwhile, he was under the magnifying glass; Gabriellele, Azalea, and my babushka were watching him, following him every step he took. I did not want him to be hurt by Lilith or any kind of entity. I had some kind of hunch he might be the worshipper. God, I hoped I was wrong.

  I just really hoped I was wrong.

  “Nelly,” I said a couple of days later, “I need to drop off some files with Michael. Then I’ll stop by Greg’s; it’s about a client, but it shouldn’t take long. Do you think you’ll be okay for few minutes by yourself?”

  “Of course, I will be fine. The nurse should be here soon, so don’t worry. Do what you need to do.”

  “I know Justin is stopping by today, but I will be back before he gets here. If he comes before I do though, please tell him to wait for me. I am dying to see the pictures!”

  Just as I was about to leave, the doorbell rang. I was hoping that it would be the nurse, so that I did not have to leave Nelly alone. Fortunately, it was Michael.

  “God, Michael, I’m so glad to see you! I was just about to leave and drop off the files for you. Then I was planning to stop by Greg’s. I believe he said something about a friend of his having problems with an exorcism, if I remember right.”

  “Well, good thing you did not just speak to Greg. He’s supposed to stop by over here. He should be coming soon.” He looked over his shoulder and nodded at the driveway. “Look, Doctor Justin just drove in. I thought it would be an inconvenience for you to come to the office, so I came to pick up the files and see how Nelly was doing.”