When Worlds Collide

by Charles Blair

  If you have to ask why something bad happened to you, it proves you have ignored the negative contributions provided by your own question. Ponder this, or at least humor me, why don't you or other people ask why me when something good happens? You have grown entitled and weak due to the blinding light melting the flesh from your face in the realm of the living. My trickery was at its inception because Joy was asking, why me? Before I'm finished with Joy, she will have the intestinal fortitude and mental strength of a lion, which will set her up for the ultimate sacrifice. Things were going to get worse before they got better, a concept the weak ignore. So, why was this happening to Joy? Why was this happening to Patrick? It was happening, because I chose them. I chose them for who they are, and who they were going to become.

  Maybe you were chosen?

  And if you weren't, what does that say about your character?

  Speaking of choices, Patrick, in several hours, will check his voice-mail and realize that he has been chosen by Doctor Bricker to start services with me, Shawn Walters.

  Chapter 11

  A CALL FROM AN OLD FRIEND

  Joy was lily-livered and running scared of the paranormal activity, presented by yours truly. But Patrick, although confused, was harmonious. How can two people who love each other so much, react differently to unknown stimuli? Joy was unravelling; Patrick knew it, and their difference was causing tension. Especially considering, Patrick had a secret and knew more than he let on. The difference between Joy and Patrick, besides the ability Patrick concealed, was preparedness.

  Joy was unprepared. Her family, like many, never spoke of finding one's purpose in life. Joy's mother told her, endlessly, your purpose is to serve God. Since birth, Joy was taught to wash the problems off her hands, and the emotions in her mind, and give them to God. God, the All-Mighty, was supposed to pilot Joy to the promised lands, and protect her from evil. This is fine and dandy, but what if God doesn't show up during times of need? Alternatively, another way of looking at it, what if God actually has a front-row seat during times of need?

  Anyhow, Patrick was prepared. Patrick was given his basic needs, and the freedom to find his purpose in life. Not to offend anyone, but Patrick's purpose wasn't to serve God, but to love his family, and release positive emotions onto those who need his services. Patrick realized at a young age that his emotions, his inner being, would chaperon him, maybe not to the promised lands, but where he was supposed to be. If Patrick's innermost being got defeated, he would fail. When Patrick's inner being succeeded, then he succeeded. He was taught to accept fault, but also, accept praise. Most importantly, Patrick was taught that the world can get nasty, and when it does, the only person who will protect you at times is yourself.

  Granted, Joy wasn't prepared; but she had no reason to be jealous of Patrick. Joy balanced Patrick in more ways than she could ever understand. Someone once said, behind every good man, is a good woman. And whoever said that was correct, in more ways than he or she could ever understand. Like I said, Patrick knew his purpose, and Joy didn't, but don't think for one second that Patrick couldn't help her search. Although Patrick could have helped, it wasn't his job. A purpose must be self-fulfilling; conversely, I planned on shining light from the darkness to assist Joy in seeing the big picture.

  *

  Patrick eventually played his voice-mail from Doctor Bricker, and then followed up. They both enjoyed an interesting conversation. However, before I fill you in on what they talked about, I want to give you the history of how they know each other. Many years ago, both worked at Children's Haven Hospital, also located in Pennsylvania. Bricker hired Patrick directly out of college when Patrick was a young whipper-snapper, at twenty-one years of age. At the time, Bricker was in his early forties. Patrick was Bricker's right-hand man for several years, until Patrick decided to venture off on his own. During their working relationship, Patrick didn't mind Bricker or his leadership, but he was minimally agitated because of Bricker's interventions. Patrick referred to Bricker as by-the-book Bricker, because his practices followed precise formats. All-in-all, Patrick respected Bricker, because he was an honest man with a kind heart, and good intentions.

  Bricker caught on quickly that Patrick didn't practice conventional psychology. He observed Patrick over the course of several years, and realized Patrick's ways were second to none. There were times when Bricker wanted to wring Patrick's neck, metaphorically, for shaving against the grain, in reference to the established criteria, but he went along with it every time. Patrick convinced Bricker to change many protocols and interventions that were in place at Children's Haven; nonetheless, Bricker didn't view the changes as a blow to his ego, but as a learning experience.

  *

  Allow me to discuss the phone conversation between Patrick and Doctor Bricker. Keep in mind, these two haven't heard from or seen each other in years, so in most cases, engaging would be cumbersome, but not for these two. Nevertheless, there would be a ponderous moment, and it would come at the end of the conversation, because that is when Patrick would be faced with his secret.

  When Bricker answered his phone, Patrick said, “by-the-book Bricker.”

  Of course, Bricker knew who it was, and he didn't mind Patrick's witticism, so he playfully replied, "It's been what, seven years, and you still haven't dropped that yet?"

  "Never," Patrick said with a smile on his face, which could be felt through the phone.

  Bricker wasn't reluctant to get to the point, because he felt that time was running out on me.

  "I really need your help with a particular patient."

  Bricker reviewed everything; my family history, my gender identity issues, my suicide attempt, my hallucinations, my blood fixations, possible telekinetic powers and last but not least, the possibility of a spiritual possession.

  "What?" Patrick asked with sheer amazement.

  "Yes, I said it, a spiritual possession." Bricker admitted.

  "When did you become a believer?" Patrick asked with curiosity.

  "To be honest with you Patrick, I became a believer when Shawn Walters walked into Mountain Springs, and into my life."

  Patrick couldn't believe the dramatic change in his old pal, and thought, Holy crap, for by-the-book to go against science; something must be extremely off with his patient.

  Curious, but undecided, Patrick asked, "Do you realize I have a two-hour commute, one way, to get to Mountain Springs?"

  "Yes Patrick, I do. I would be most grateful; I'm desperate." Bricker said, basically begging.

  Like a brick dropping from the sky and landing on his forehead, Patrick asked, “Hey, did I hear you say Shawn Walters?"

  “Yes, that's my patient's name." Bricker stated, as he answered Patrick's random question.

  Patrick's thoughts were moving faster than an Olympic sprinter, resulting in what appeared to Bricker as a dumb question, "If your patient's name is Shawn Walters, that means his initials are SW, right?"

  "What, yes, but what does that have to do with anything?" Bricker asked, because he was thrown off guard by Patrick's weirdness.

  At that moment, nothing was random, and Patrick acknowledged the connection, and understood he was being lured into my case. Patrick thought, before saying another word to Bricker, Shawn Walters is locked up in a psych-ward; however, I'm being plagued by a haunting spirit who goes by the initials SW. How is this possible? Patrick knew damn well how it was possible, but the problem was he didn't want to tell anyone, including Joy, because if he did then his own secret would be revealed.

  In most cases, Patrick would have already given Bricker an answer, and the answer would be a mindless yes. One of Patrick's character traits, he's an, I told you so junky. Patrick has an impeccable skill, which gives him the ability to solve any psychological or spiritual puzzle, and he utilizes it to the fullest to prove people wrong. Accepting a case, especially one without any hope, fuels Patrick's motivation to bring closure to an unexplained event. Patrick has never detoured from his trait and beca
use of this; he has solved many intriguing cases throughout the years, and for years to come. For example, it's not a secret that I live in the darkness; although, you don't know what the darkness is yet, please understand time doesn't exist here. With that said, from where I stand, I can easily see future events. Six years in the future, Patrick will embark on the most ill-advised trip of his life, and take a patient with him.

  *

  In 1947, a seventeen-year old Arizona girl, Megan Winters, went missing. Megan was abducted by a man who had an ideal scheme; however, he didn't realize his ideal was nothing other than an illusion. Megan's body was never found, until Patrick got his hands on the case.

  Seventy-one years later, an afflicted sixteen-year-old Pennsylvania male, Cory Rivers, will seek psychological treatment for a symptom, confining him to his bedroom. Cory requests advocacy from Patrick, without ever meeting him. Cory will have a fantastical vision of himself, an ego ideal, beyond the bounds of reality to obtain. Cory pledges he will not leave his bedroom until he evolves into the man whom he desperately wants to become. Patrick accepts Cory's request, and commences his services.

  During Patrick's psychoanalytic investigation of Cory's manifestations, he analyzes reality, especially his own. Patrick believes Cory's unconscious motives are driven by memories of a teenage girl, screaming the subliminal message, to find the body of Megan Winters. Metaphorically, Cory's chains are busted when he travels across the country to Arizona, with Patrick as his guide, where both search for the remains of Megan Winters. Conflicted by disengaged identities during his search for Megan, Patrick unearths the true identification of Cory's ego ideal, which is the criminal the Arizona State police had been looking for since 1947.

  This particular investigation will go down in history as one of the most remarkable investigations of all time. The difference between Cory and me, well, there are a few differences, but the one I'm addressing, Cory never exposes Patrick's secret.

  *

  Patrick had a choice. His choice was to solve my case, and willingly unmask his secret. Alternatively, save face, and walk away from something beautiful, something strong, something that will change his life forever. And that something is me.

  Unfortunately, Patrick's decision wasn't the right one, at first. He disappointed me, and let down a good friend, Doctor Bricker. No worries, Patrick changes his mind in time, because he understood he couldn't hide forever. Although the universe couldn't pry Patrick's secret from him, I could.

  Chapter 12

  A CHANGE OF HEART

  There comes a time in everyone's life when they must explore the deepest sphere within themselves, and spit out the words they have held captive for years, possibly their entire lifetime. For Patrick, it wasn't time for him to push the bird out of the nest yet, but he was inching closer. After Patrick's conversation with Bricker, he did exactly what he did when this story began. He reverted inside his own thoughts, and brooded until his defence was noticed by Joy. Patrick kept silent, and omitted Bricker's request, with hopes Joy wouldn't find out.

  The scene was like having two left hands, cumbersome, annoying, and speechlessly painful. Patrick and Joy were sitting across from each other at the dinner table, dining on the food that Joy prepared. On the glass table sat side salads, green beans, and two porter house steaks. Most of the time, Patrick and Joy communicate abundantly during dinner. They share stories, discuss current events, and talk about their future; however, this time was different. If Patrick and Joy had crickets in their home, they would have heard them chirping, because neither of them were saying a word. The only sounds audible to their ears were the television, and the clunk of their utensils clanking off of their plates. The agonizing stillness went on for nearly fifteen minutes, until Joy couldn't handle it any longer.

  Placing her fork down onto the table, Joy asked, as calmly as she could, "What is your problem?"

  Patrick knew it was only a matter of time before Joy was going to examine his silence. Before responding, he thought, I can't believe it took her this long to say something. Patrick finished swallowing his food, placed his fork down, and said, "I realize I am acting strange, and I'm sorry. I have a lot on my mind; please don't be upset with me."

  Joy wasn't upset with Patrick, but she felt as if she was left in the dark. After taking a quick bite from her salad, Joy expressed, "I'm not mad at you, but I don't have to be a psychotherapist to understand something is off. I'm concerned, and I want to help you; that's all."

  Patrick's guilt was bothering him, and he wanted to scream, I have a secret! But, he didn't. Patrick picked up his fork, took a bite of steak, swallowed it, and responded to Joy with sincerity, "I know you're concerned baby, and I appreciate it. Please, give me time, and I will do what I have to do."

  With only a few bites remaining on both of their plates, the floundering reticence was almost over, in advance of, an intriguing news broadcast that would change the direction of their evening. Patrick eyeballed the television, and Joy did the same, as she turned around in her chair and watched what caught Patrick's interest.

  *

  From Channel Five, Live at Six:

  Good evening, I am Jessica Muniz, and I am live at the Sleep Inn Hotel, where the body of Doctor Richard Clarkston was found dead. The local police department responded to the scene after a call was received from the hotel manager. Clarkston's body was found in the hotel swimming pool, early this morning. Investigators believe that the time of death was around 2:30 a.m.., and considering Clarkston left a suicide note, foul play isn't expected. However an investigation will take place, because of the graphic disclosure Clarkston wrote in his suicide note; claiming to be a shameful pedophile. Doctor Clarkston was a therapist at Mountain Springs Psychiatric Hospital; he was forty six years-old. Once again, Doctor Richard Clarkston found dead. I'm Jessica Muniz, now back to the studio.

  *

  During the news broadcast, Patrick's blood turned into gasoline when he heard Mountain Springs Psychiatric Hospital, because he comprehended the relativity of the situation. Patrick didn't know Doctor Clarkston, actually; he never met him, but it didn't matter. Although Patrick hadn't connected the dots yet, he understood that when he did, he would have an object of reason. Standing up from the dinner table, promptly to avoid conversation, Patrick haphazardly spilled his glass of water onto the floor.

  "Shit!" Patrick screamed with obvious underlying issues.

  "Baby, it's alright. It's only water." Joy replied calmly, trying to regulate Patrick's mood.

  Patrick scooped up the glass and admitted, "Joy; you're right. I'm out of line, and I need to calm down."

  Joy stood up from her chair, and was thinking, wow; what is his deal, as she took the empty dishes to the sink with Patrick's assistance.

  Patrick was wiping the kitchen table while Joy loaded the dishwasher, when she said sympathetically, "It's a shame about the Doctor from Mountain Springs Psychiatric Hospital. I don't understand how someone could take their own life."

  Patrick stopped wiping the table, stood up nice and tall before taking a deep breath. In his mind, Patrick was thinking, that goddamn pedophile didn't kill himself. Conversely, out loud, he sugarcoated his response. Patrick said, as he opened up the line of conversation with Joy, "I don't believe Doctor Clarkston killed himself."

  "Do you think he was murdered?"

  "He was murdered alright." Patrick answered.

  "Who would want to murder a child psychologist?" Joy asked, as she closed and locked the door of the dishwasher.

  Patrick didn't answer at first, which gave Joy time to sit on the couch, and ask another question.

  "What is our world coming to?"

  Patrick threw the dish towel across the kitchen, and watched it land in the sink, prior to taking a seat on the couch. While sitting next to Joy, Patrick couldn't rectify keeping his knowledge from her any longer.

  Boldly, Patrick said, "Doctor Clarkston was murdered by the spirit of an angry patient, who was traveling into the astral
plane."

  I said, Patrick couldn't rectify keeping his knowledge from Joy any longer, but I didn't say he was disclosing his ultimate secret. Patrick conceived that he could hold onto his secret a little while longer, but he felt that Joy had to know about Bricker's request.

  Joy was thrown for a loop from Patrick’s comment.

  "An angry patient in the astral plane, what are you talking about?"

  "There's something I need to tell you." Patrick said, as he looked Joy square in the eyes.

  "You can tell me anything." Joy replied with morale and nervousness.

  Joy, who already heard stories about by-the-book Bricker, knew that he and Patrick worked together years ago at Children's Haven Hospital. As a result, Patrick could explain the situation without detours.

  "The other day I received a voice-mail from Doctor Bricker. I called him back, and he requested my services, because he needs help with a patient of his."

  "Alright, but why do you need to tell me this?" Joy questioned without hearing the rest of the story.

  "Well to start, Bricker's patient's name is Shawn Walters."

  “I don't understand. What significance does the name Shawn Walters have?"

  "Shawn Walters has the initials SW. And, if you look over my right shoulder, what is written on our walls that you wrote while in a possessed state?"

  When Joy linked the circumstances it bracketed so hard, she felt it in every bone of her body. Her pigment faded, and her hair almost turned gray on the spot. To Patrick's surprise, Joy formulated a question.

  "Did you accept the case?"

  ‘No.” Patrick replied.

  Joy didn't understand, she thought, Patrick doesn't back-down from challenges, what is going on? Surprising Patrick to the fullest, Joy dropped a bomb.

  “You have to take this case; it's the only way you and I can break free from the haunting.”