by JKMelby74
“And the zombies? The demons?”
“All sent back from where they came.”
“This is all wrong! This is wrong!” Felix whined.
“You.” Hither lunged forward and tackled Felix to the ground. I pulled her off of him and kept her in check.
“Look, not that I blame you, but you need to calm down.”
“I gave you that gift to be used with discretion! Do you realize what you could have done!?”
“I did what I had to do! And I’m not done! I’m going to make them pay! I don’t care if Heaven is back; I am going to make everyone who ever made me suffer pay!”
“Will you shut up? You got what you wanted. Heaven is back so now you can go onto your reward.”
“Not quite, Mr. Corba.” A familiar voice said. We all turned to see Aldo Rex appear out of thin air.
“What do you mean, Aldo?” Felix asked as he raced to Aldo’s side, but Aldo quickly pushed him away.
“It seems that your case is being re-examined at this time.” He said with a cool demeanor.
“Re-examined? Why?”
“You did very bad things, Felix. In my professional opinion, I don’t think you’ll be seeing the other side of those pearly gates for some time.”
“No! You can’t be serious.”
“I’m afraid I am. Raising the dead is not an act that is looked at with too much favor where I come from. Disturbance of the dead is a big no-no in the eyes of the higher ups.”
“You mean, after all that? After everything? I’m still going to Hell?”
“Don’t be too depressed. You’ve been there. You know what’s in store for you. No surprises.”
“That’s the problem! I do know what’s down there! I can’t go back! I can’t! You have to get me out! Please! Aldo!”
“I’ll see what I can do about an appeal, but I wouldn’t hold my breath if I were you.” Aldo said. Suddenly, two large shadows crawled out from behind Felix and quickly latched onto his arms. They began to pull at him, but he fought. He struggled and powered against their force, but he couldn’t hold out against them. They finally managed to drag him down into the ground and all we heard was the faint echoes of his screams.
“You really think you can get him an appeal?” I asked.
“In a few centuries or so, sure. There’s an outside chance. I really just wanted to come and thank you for all your work. You met my expectations and exceeded them superbly, Jake. It was an honor working with you.”
“Thanks, Rex. It was an experience.”
“That it was. Now, I better get back to work. I’ll see you around.” Aldo said and then turned and walked away, evaporating into the light.
“I owe you thanks as well, Jake Corba. I know what you did was not easy, but I know it had to be done.”
“Thanks. I wish it could have turned out differently.”
“As do I, but it’s not up to us.” Hither said. She then took a deep breath and turned away. Her wings spread out and she took off into the sky easily. Like a bird flying far away. I turned to Ivar who had been oddly silent. I walked over to him and slapped him hard on his back.
“Good to see you up and running, buddy!” I said happily. “What’s the matter? Devil got your tongue?”
“Not quite. What is that?”
“What’s what?” I turned and saw what had caught Ivar’s concern. There was a large strip of bright white light shining on the ground. It looked like some kind of giant tear or break. I bent down and touched it.
“I don’t know. What is it?”
“I think it’s a temporal break, Jake.”
“In English, please.” I said as I looked back up at Ivar. His skin was pale and the worry on his face was clear and troubling.
“Jake. I think you broke the universe.”
Part 4
Chapter 46
The Future
He’s been staring at me since the last stop. I admit he’s a cut above the others. At least he’s not some bug-eyed freak with no hair and bad skin. I just don’t know how they can even pick me out of a crowd. It’s not like I have some big tattoo on my forehead declaring I’m the daughter of the so-called Savior. I’m just plain old Larissa Corba, wage slave by day and woman of mystery by night. It’s not my fault my old man founded some crazy church and it’s really not my fault anyone with less than half a brain believes him. I heard the story from my mom so many times before. She just didn’t want me to forget about him. Kind of hard since he stepped out on us before I was even ten. I have to admit, what I do remember of him is good, but it doesn’t make up for the fact that he chose his church over his family. How long before we get to East Fifth Street? This train is taking forever.
He’s still staring too. He’s kind of cute actually. Nice face. Good hair. Hard to believe someone that well put together would fall in with the cult crowd, but then you can never really tell how dumb people are by just looking at them. It would be such a nicer world if you could, though. I could take him out. Maybe even have some fun. No. Stop. No way. I’m not going through that again. Once, a year ago, I let my guard down and it just turned into a big bloody mess. I still don’t know what I was thinking. You see a stalker so, of course, you invite him in for coffee and before you know it, you’re lashed to your bed with dried pig intestines and surrounded by a bunch of Goth priests waiting for him to come and make you a vessel for the next Savior. I was so lucky the intestines broke and I had that knife under my pillow. These days, you can’t be too careful. Another lesson from dear old mom.
I can feel the train slowing to its stop and finally the doors slide open. I push through the people in front of me. Not that I’m scared, but experience tells me to put as much distance between this freak and me as I can. I zigzag along the platform toward the stairs. There are too many people to stop and look around to see if I did lose him, but I’m pretty sure I have.
I walk out onto East Fifth Street and the cool air hits me hard. The sky is as dark as ever. A thick, billowy cover of gray and black clouds has floated over New York and apparently likes it so much it won’t leave. I’m just glad the rain has stopped. It was raining since I got up this morning. It’s actually been raining for several weeks now. Days and days of solid rain with a few breaks in-between. I noticed a couple weeks ago how it’s affecting people. Normally Herb, the guy I get my paper from, always has a smile for me, but three Mondays back, he was as sour and angry as most everyone I know. It was too bad. I myself skew a bit on the dark side and it’s always comforting to have a few smiling faces around. Takes the pressure off me to be happy.
I feel a drop of chilled liquid hit my cheek and soon it’s followed by all his friends. I whip out my umbrella quickly just as the icy water crashes down on everyone. A few slowpokes are still struggling with their umbrellas as I walk by. Must be tourists. Only someone who’s just visiting would let their guard down that easily. I turn my head a bit to get a better look at how bad the poor sucker gets soaked, but instead, I see my train buddy a few yards behind. I turn back quickly and focus on getting through the crowd. My building’s just a few blocks away. This guy isn’t good enough to keep up with me that long. I disappear into a flock of commuters. I purposely cut through the middle to ensure my friend has as difficult a time as he can possibly have in tracking me. I’m tempted to run, but if I run, he runs. I can get more distance between us if I just keep cool.
I’m just a few steps from my building and I feel a wave of relief. I quickly brush past my doorman, Will. He tips his hat to me as I walk by, as he always does, and I blurt out a ‘thanks’ out the side of my mouth, as I always do. I make a snap decision to take the stairs. I’m only on the third floor and I don’t have any heavy luggage. I can make it. I veer a sharp right just before the elevators and find the entrance to the stairwell. I start up, feeling a wave of comfort as I think about my stalker, stuck out in the miserable rain while I am safe and dry. I get to the third floor and open the door. The coast is clear. Not a soul in sight. I s
tart down the hall to my door. I pass the elevator and as I do, it opens. There he is! I feel my spine stiffen. I curse myself just a little bit. I thought I was playing it safe with the stairs. Either I’m losing my skill at avoiding psychos, or this guy is one of the best. He’s closer behind me. I can hear his footsteps. I think I can even smell his aftershave. There’s my door at the end of the hall. It’s so close. Don’t run. Just keep walking. Eyes forward. Pretend you’re a laser burning through a wall of butter. Just cut through. He’s getting closer. I can hear the rustle of his pants as he steps. Okay. There’s no more time for running.
I stop suddenly and pivot fast. I barely recognize the look of surprise on this nutjob’s face. I grab his arm, spin him around and slam him into the wall. He tries to speak, so I shove his face hard in order to impede speech. I don’t really want to hear how I don’t understand and he didn’t mean anything by following me all the way from the subway. He bucks a bit under my grip. Pretty cheeky, if I do say so myself. I throw him to the floor and grind my knee into his spine.
“I live here!” He screams out.
“What?”
“Three twenty three! Over there! I’m Mike Barnes!” He barks, looking over to the door a few away from mine. I feel sudden coolness erupt in my heart. I jump up from him quickly. I see he’s got his keys in his hand.
“Oh my god. I am so sorry! I didn’t know!”
“It’s okay.” He picks himself up and smoothes himself out nicely. He looks at me and smiles a bit. He seems to be a better sport than I would be if the tables were turned. “I’ve got a couple younger sisters. I know what kind of world it is.”
“I just thought you were following me. In my defense, that happens a lot.”
“I’m sure. Considering who you are.”
“What do you mean by that?” My guard goes back up quickly.
“Well, I’d be lying if I told you I didn’t know about your father. I saw you on that bit on the news a few months back.”
“Oh. Right. I was hoping that would have put an end to all of this. Just because my father is the founder of the Great Church of Corba doesn’t mean I’m any closer to God’s ear. Their editor chopped the whole piece up so badly though, now I’ve got more people coming up to me, hoping I can deliver them to The Savior.”
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s not your fault. I just got dealt a lousy father and now I’m paying for it.”
“That’s a little harsh.”
“What do you call a father who would rather run off and start some crazy church than be with his family? I don’t think I ever spent any time alone with him after they started filling his head with crazy ideas. He always had that creepy advisor with him. Couldn’t make a move without him. Mom couldn’t take it anymore and asked for a divorce, which he gave her just like that. No arguments. No fights. He just bolted out the door and never thought of us again.”
“Okay. Maybe it wasn’t harsh.”
“So, you live over there? I can’t believe I’ve never seen you in the building before.”
“You may not have seen me, but I’ve seen you a couple times. You always seem so focused and in your mind. I’d say hi, but you never replied.”
“I’m sorry.”
“I understand. If my life were like yours, I’d be exactly the same way.” He smiles again. Seeing him closer up, I can see how good looking he really is. His eyes are deep and a crisp shade of blue and his hair looks soft.
“I still feel bad about this. Maybe, if you want, you could come over for a drink sometime? We could get to know each other. I don’t really know any of my neighbors.”
“I’d be honored to be the first. Would tonight be okay?”
“Tonight? Uh, sure. Yeah. Why don’t you come by around eight?”
“Perfect. I’ll see you then.” He smiles again and trots off to his door. I watch him closely as he puts the key in and pushes the door open. Just had to be sure he really did live there. As his door closes, I feel satisfied and I go on to my home.
Chapter 47
Company
As I set the coffee out, I notice it’s a few minutes past eight. I look across the room at the mirror and give myself a quick glance. I feel a little too put together. I don’t want Mike to think I’m putting too much energy into this, although it seems I am without even realizing it. I’ve got my good earrings on and I’m wearing a blouse I haven’t worn since I bought it, as I was waiting for a special occasion to wear it. I put on lipstick. I never wear makeup around the house. I think about dialing it back, but there’s a knock at the door. Mike. I accept everything as it is and hurry to the door and open it. Mike stands before me and he looks just as put together as I do. I can tell the suit is new, or newly cleaned anyway. His hair is a little shinier than when it was when we met in the hall and his face is a lot smoother.
“Sorry for being so late.” He says as he walks in. Our eyes meet and I feel held by his gaze.
“A couple minutes. It’s nothing.” I say as I shut the door. He walks out to the living room ahead of me and no doubt sees what I’ve laid out for him. “It’s not much.” I look down at the coffee table and next to the coffee are a couple of plates with cookies and crackers laid out on them.
“I’m not accustomed to entertaining very much.”
“It’s great. Thanks.” He says as he sits down on the couch and snags a cookie. I pour a cup of coffee and set it before him.
“It’s an Ethiopian blend.” I tell him as I pour a cup for myself.
“Decaf?”
“Uh, no.”
“Good. It’s hard to get a real cup of coffee around here anymore.”
“Tell me about it. I’m not what many people would refer to as a morning person. I need something with an octane rating just to get out the door.”
“Amen.” He takes another sip.
“Did you expect liquor? I wasn’t sure if you meant a drink drink or just a drink.”
“It’s fine. I came over to get to know you, and that’s what I intend to do.”
“Well, I kind of think we should start with you, since you already know so much about me already.”
“Granted. I moved out here about five years ago from Akron. I studied foreign languages in college and get a lot of use out of it by working in the mailroom at a law office. I like Italian food and hard rock music. Like dogs, but prefer cats and I’m not allergic to anything.”
“Wow. That was concise.”
“Look, let’s put our cards on the table. This is the awkward part. We’re just getting to know each other. We’re strangers at this point. Whatever you need to know about me you’ll figure out on your own and vice versa. Let’s just talk. Okay?”
“Okay.”
“First, why don’t you tell me what you do for a living?”
“That’s easy. I work in customer service for a computer company. On the phone and online only. No face-to-face contact. For obvious reasons.”
“I see. Forgive me for asking, but how do you afford a place like this on pay from a job like that?”
“My mom left me a hefty inheritance when she passed.”
“I’m sorry.” He gently takes my hand. His skin is so soft and warm.
“Thanks, but she died years ago. I still miss her though.”
“Of course you do. My parents are still with us. Knock on wood. I don’t think there’s anything more painful than losing your parents.”
“Me too. She had a good life though. I just wish she had been with someone.”
“She was alone?”
“Yeah. After my dad left us, she refused to even think about dating anyone else. I never understood why since she seemed to be so mad at him; but my mom was nuts like that.”
“I kind of understand. Sometimes we meet people who, when they’re gone, leave such a gap in our lives that no one could ever fill it.”
“She could have at least tried.”
“How about you?”
“How about me what?”
<
br /> “Dating. Do you date?”
“Not very often these days. It’s so hard to weed out the freaks. And then the time comes when I have to tell them who I am and after that, it pretty much goes to Hell.” I notice Mike looking around the apartment with some degree of curiosity. “You like the decor?”
“Oh. Yes, it’s just your place isn’t like I thought it would be.”
“How did you think it’d be?”
“I don’t know. Maybe a little more? It just seems very sterile and minimal.”
“I don’t like clutter, frankly. I like coming home to a nice, clean looking apartment. The less crap you have, the cleaner it looks.”
“I get that, I just think it’s the little touches that make a home warm and inviting. Not that your place isn’t!”
“It’s all right. I guess it’s just something I don’t think about too seriously.” I say. Mike is looking at me very thoughtfully.
“You seem very dark.”
“Do I?”
“Yeah. I notice a lot of people acting like that. I think it’s this rain. They say weather can affect people’s moods.”
“I go along with that. Although sometimes I think it’s the other way ‘round.”
“What do you mean?” He asks. Somehow I’m thrilled he wants to hear my theory.
“Think about it like this. If the clouds above can make us sad, why can’t it work the other way? I believe the world is one, large living thing and I know it may sound like some backwards thinking, new age crap, but sometimes I think we, as a small part of it, can affect the Earth.”
“We can change the weather?”
“I know. Stupid theory.”
“I don’t know. I kind of like it. For all we know, you may be right.”
“Maybe, but probably not. Besides, it doesn’t matter. It’s still raining now.” I say as I take a sip from my cup.
“I was told once that when it rains, the water comes down and washes away all the bad. Then the sun comes out and it’s like life itself has been washed clean. A new beginning.”