#AmWriting Short StoriesThis page will showcase short stories by F. Vawters McCloud and by a new, incredible, up and coming author, O’QUINN WARRING.
Each month a new short story will be added to this page. The stories will each have a different theme, plot, and twist. Wilhelm may even be lurking in the most unassuming story. F. Vawters McCloud also may post these short stories on WATTPAD, which is a website devoted to book readers across the world. These are unedited stories being shared as McCloud and Warring create. Some may even become their next new novel! Every new idea will be posted exclusively here on WhoIsWilhelm.com. Follow F. Vawters McCloud on WATTPAD under username: WilhelmYork and stay tuned for the story of the month! https://www.wattpad.com/user/WilhelmYork
Whom He PredestinedThe LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
Proverbs 16:4 I’m always up before my alarm goes off. I lie in bed staring at the ceiling anticipating another interesting day. I pray, please only good thoughts today. I then get up. I make my bath water as hot as I can stand it, and then just soak. The steam is relaxing. My body feels calm and renewed. I bathe approximately 20 minutes then sit on my couch to moisturize. I thoroughly massage my body cream evenly all over my body. Chest up, I moisturize upwardly. Every other part of my body I massage up, down, and around. I now start doing my hair. I analyze my face momentarily to determine my mood for today. I feel refreshed this morning, so I leave it hanging down. I straighten it a little, but I pull my bangs back exposing my entire face today. I think, I look vibrant. It’s then I apply a little glittery bronzer to give my face a nice golden glow. I apply a little mascara and nude gloss to give me a natural but perfected touch. My signature color is black. I’m glad it looks good on me. Hmmm? Do I want to be casual, comfy, or sexy today? It’s Monday, let’s kick the week off sexy. I put on my almost mid-drift hoodie with matching joggers. I’ll add color by wearing my jade and black sneakers. I’ll wear my turquoise dainty dangling earrings and ring, with one gold bangle and a gold and jade crystal bracelet. No necklace today, just my earphones around my neck. I then go to my fragrant and essential oils, and try and concoct a scent to match my mood. Yes amber, some sandalwood, French vanilla, and a dab of patchouli. Delicious. I grab my leather back pack, my coffee thermos, and keys, then leave for work. It’s a sunny morning, I get into my car and see what shades match today. Prada, Donna Karan, Versace, too many to choose. I’ll do Prada, she’s a male favorite. I’m driving to work with my rap music blasting. I’m trying to remove all thoughts before I enter my job. I look straight ahead as I drive. I don’t want to see anyone. Road rage is extremely dangerous for the other person if I notice them. Thus I only look forward. My music drowns out any horns to provoke me. I stop at my favorite barista. “Good morning Nova.” “Good morning Saul.” “The usual beautiful?” “You know it.” “Coming right up!” I step away from the counter so the customer behind me can order his drink. I’m still wearing my shades and I’m deliberately avoiding eye contact with him. Then I hear, “Excuse me miss.” I look up. He continues, “Your car is gorgeous. I want that same make and model, but it’s too rich for my blood.” He laughs saying. I smirk. Saul says, “Here you are beautiful. See you tomorrow at the same time.” I smile, grab my cup, then wave good bye. The man quickly orders his beverage then calls out, “Excuse me!” I keep walking. He jogs in front of me saying, “Please, I’m Jason. I’m just trying to strike up a conversation. Yes, your car is nice, but nowhere as gorgeous as you are. May I please call you sometime?” I stand grinning as he compliments me. I then say, “I’m sorry, but I’m married.” He looks at my ring finger. I look then say, “Oh, I don’t wear it to work. I work at a plant.” “Oooh, okay. Well, may I at least know your name?” “No... va.” I tease saying. His frown turns into a grin as he repeats, “Nova? Like a star, right?” I simply nod. Now gazing at me he sensuously says, “Shining bright for all to see.” “Jason, I have to get to work now. Good bye.” Now frantically going through his wallet he grabs a business card and hands it to me saying, “If your husband makes one mistake, you call me. I promise I’ll still be waiting for your call! No matter how long it takes!” I take his card and say, “Bye Jason.” I jump into my car, jam his card into my armrest with all the others, and speed off to work. I stroll to my job’s front entrance with gazes of awe from the men and scowls of envy and covetousness from the women. I get to my area and sit off to myself awaiting our morning crew meeting. My work bestie Kurt greets me saying, “You’re killing us with your fineness today! And what fragrance are you wearing? It’s too early, and this place is too dingy and dirty, for me to be this turned on, up in here! Won’t you show us any mercy?” Shoving his shoulder laughing I say, “Kurt, you’re a mess!” “No, it’s you! These men can’t endure this day after day, Nova!” My boss, Ernest, is in love with me. He sees Kurt and I laughing in the corner. Immediately he says, “Ms. Cain, Mr. Smith, we’re about to start our meeting.” Giving a quizzical brow, Kurt shrugs his way. He then leans up next to me and says, “Okay, start.” Ernest just glares his way momentarily then starts the meeting. The crew meeting is a bunch of nothing as usual. I go to my work area and clean before I get started. I feel the stare, but I ignore it. My work partner Erica then says, “It’s a plant Nova. Why are you cleaning?” I simply glance her way and finish what I’m doing. Her hideous friend Natasha walks up and they start whispering. I know they’re talking about me. I try not to look their way and just fill my head with good thoughts. It’s now 8 a.m. The work day has officially started. I put in my earphones and start my day. My friend Steve comes over to me. He’s so infatuated. He’s always searching for anything to say. Removing my earphones, I look up saying, “Good morning Steve.” “Hey Nova. What’s the word for the day?” “Same as everyday Steve!” “Huh? What’s that? Oh my bad, destiny.” “Yes destiny! Life’s useless without one.” “So what’s your final destination, beautiful?” “It’s too magnanimous for the human mind to attain!” “Out of this world, huh?” “Yasss Steve! It’s supernatural!” “Well, sounds like you’re going places, Nova.” “You better know it! Well, it’s time to work Steve. Until we find our purpose we must adhere to the master’s rules, right?” “I wouldn’t take it that far, but I feel ya.” he laughs saying. I wink giving him the deuces. He walks away shaking his head. I’m in my zone. My music sounds good. I start humming and discreetly dancing to the beat. My eyes are closed, but anytime I look up, someone’s staring. I’ll give whoever a small smile, then close my eyes again, and just groove. This is my favorite song right now. The beat just takes me on a journey. I imagine I’m riding through mountains with the ocean on the other side. There’s no railing so I have to drive cautiously. I mentally open my sunroof and windows and let the breeze fill my car then, BOOM! I snatch out my earphones and I see a hilo has crashed into Erica’s work station. Erica is squealing like a pig being slaughtered. Everyone is rushing to her aid. I stand watching in shock as blood gushes to the floor. Security starts sending all employees to the cafeteria. As the cafe fills every other employee comes over to comfort me. My friend Garry is frazzled. He says, “Oh thank God you’re alright Nova! Bob should’ve been retired! How do you feel? Are you okay?” “Yes, Garry, I’m fine.” Kurt and Steve are now here. Kurt asks, “Did you see what happened?” I answer, “Yes, and it was surreal.” Steve gasps saying, “No way, you saw that!” “I did!” I break down sobbing. Steve grabs me and starts dragging me to the front offices. A lady name Tiffany sees us and grabs my other shoulder praying and escorting me upfront with Steve. Mrs. Perry in Human Resources sees us and immediately puts all management out of her office. She says, “I’m sorry Steve and Tiffany, you have to leave too, sorry!” She slowly shuts the door in their faces then hands me tissue. I’m heaving like a baby after a hard cry. “Do you feel like talking about it?” she lovingly asks. I nod then blow my nose. She hands me more tissue. I exhale loudly then say, “I had just put on my playlist for my work day. It mellows me out and makes the day go by faster.” She nods. I continue, “I finished my right side bucket then as I turn to do my left side I see Bob charging our way. I think, surely he’s about to turn and grab parts because his forks are in the air. It’s then I see the horrified look on his face! Erica’s staring at me scowling. I assume she was trying to figure out why I was looking so crazy. Anyway, Bob’s hilo runs over her tote of parts as if it’s nothing, flipping the entire dolly! Then one of his forks goes right through her neck. I saw her head fly off, as Bob’s truck crushed her body, then smashed into the back wall!” Eyes squinted Mrs. Perry says, “I’m sending you to the clinic ASAP. I’m requesting you be put on a stress medical with full pay until we know you’re fine.” “I’m okay Mrs. Perry...” “No Nova. You will have nightmares about this, trust me. You may return to work in 90 days to be re-evaluated.” I’m allowed to drive myself to the clinic. They put into my job’s system, that my medical is work related, thus they pay for everything. I’m stuck there over three hours, but finally I’m home. Kurt’s been calling nonstop. I finally callback. He says, “Your boss and lover Ernest had Tiffany start a Go Help Me Page for you. The men started giving like it’s Sunday morning at church!” “Kurt, shut up!” I laugh saying. “Here I’m texting you the link. Check it out, then I’ll finish my story.” I clink the link and my coworkers have raised over $4000 already. I start reading the comments from the givers and it sounds like a dating site. I laugh saying, “Almost 4K! No way, I can’t accept that money!” “Oh yes you can! Hey the people love you, but check this out! Natasha went to the sight and blew a gasket! She’s so angry they started a page for you and not Erica’s family. Steve then says, ‘We started one for our friend, so it’s your job to start one for yours!’ Oh my goodness Nova! Why did he say that? Natasha lost it! She started windmilling him with her fists.” “This is terrible. Stop laughing!” Kurt’s laughing so hard he has to catch his breathe. He says, “I’m sorry to laugh, because we lost Erica. I’m just laughing at how the women are so jealous of you, that they can’t overlook anything nice others do for you. If you want to be treated like Nova, impact lives like Nova! That’s all I’m saying.” Kurt and I converse briefly. He helps me set up my bank account to my Go Help Me page, then we get off the phone. I get up the next morning and go for a jog on the beach. Makeup and working out looks ridiculous. So I simply use my facial scrubs with essential oils and moisture with only natural ingredients. I then add on very natural looking eyelashes, to accentuate my eyes. I put on a little nude gloss. I put on white tea and ginger oil, so as I jog past it’s a nice clean scent to smell. I put my hair in the perfect messy ponytail. A few strands of hair hanging from the back, a few in the front, so when I sweat they stick perfectly to my neck and face. I grab my big headphones to drown out all sound, give myself a final look, then leave. I wait at the beach entrance until 6:22 a.m. then I start jogging. I can see him in the distance. I’m running to Janet Jackson’s If. I have a faint smile on my face as I listen to the words. I look at my watch it’s 6:25 and we meet in the middle of the beach. He goes to nod, but I call out, “Dr. Tanner!” Dr. Zebedee Tanner. He’s wonderful. He lives a block over from my home. He’s married with two small children. He’s only thirty-nine years old, and very successful. He treats his wife like a queen and he’s faithful to a fault. He’s perfect. Hesitant, he stops. Winded he says, “Good morning Ms. Cain. What’s going on?” His wonderful eyes show pure irritation, but I gaze into them saying, “Good morning Dr. Tanner. I was wondering if you could see me this week. I’m off of work, so instead of having to miss another day for my six month cleaning, hopefully I can simply do it this week.” “Ms. Cain...” “Call me Nova.” He huffs with a crooked smile then continues, “My receptionist puts in appointments. I have no idea if I’m booked or not. Sorry, you have to call the office.” “I understand.” “Okay.” He says then jogs off. I wait until he exits the park. I then turn back towards the beach entrance, and return to my car. I don’t want to think about Dr. Tanner so I turn my music all the way up and head home. As I pull into our community gates I see Mrs. Tanner walking with her neighbor. Both their children are in strollers. They’re laughing having their girl talk. I know they’re going to the beach and will be there for hours. I’m so tempted to approach Dr. Tanner again, but I don’t. I simply drive off. I’m able to make a dentist appointment. The people in his office love me, but I couldn’t stop thinking about him all day. My appointment was at 1 p.m., but I’m a no show. If I go, I’ll be wasting my time, because he’s not there. I decide to go to the mall instead. I purchase a really sexy black lace underwear set. I then buy a very slinky black summer dress. It’s light and loose, but it falls on all my curves nicely. Around 9 p.m. I take a long bath laden in flowers and essential oils. These scents are spilling out of my pores by the time I exit the tub. I straighten my hair. I have my bang cover one eye so I’ll look extra sexy. I put on red lipstick, but it looks too overpowering. I clean my lips and put on rose gloss and a hint of rose gold bronzer to give me an innocent yet enticing look. I paint my toes rose pink, I wear a dainty silver cross necklace, my rose crystal bracelet and a silver bangle. I were no earrings, and put a dab of rose essential oil in all the secret places on my body. I know Dr. Tanner had a rough day. I watch outside my window until he drives past my home, then I start walking toward his, with my basket. I stand in front of his door motionless. I take a deep breath then ring his doorbell. He opens it and he looks so distraught. I softly say, “Hi Dr. Tanner. I have to work early tomorrow, but I wanted to make sure you received this. And please know that I’m praying for you.” He had only cracked the door. He huffs then opens it. My basket is heavy, so I lift it up to him with both hands. He softly says, “Thanks Ms...I mean Nova. This is very kind of you.” “You’re very welcome Dr. Tanner...” “My name’s Zebedee, but my friends call me Zee.” Now grinning I say, “Okay Zee. But you and your wife have always been good to me. Once I got the news, I couldn’t rest if I didn’t personally show my appreciation and gratitude to you.” I see tears forming in his eyes. He gives a quick smile as he drops his head nodding. I reach for his hand. He then sits my basket on the floor. Now holding his hand I say, “People think I’m stupid for always being optimistic, but I just am. I don’t care what the doctors say, I believe everything will be okay. I believe in miracles.” A tear falls from his eye. He wipes it with his free hand then lifts his head to face me. Smiling he says, “Thanks Nova.” He then hugs me. Oh my goodness, he feels so good. His body feels awesome. I know I feel and smell wonderful to him as well. He slowly releases me. He then gazes down into my eyes. I know what he’s thinking as he gives a sly pan up and down my body. He then says, “Good night, Nova.” “Good night, Zee.” As he goes to close the door I say, “Zee, I forgot something!” “Okay?” “It’s in the basket. May I come in briefly? It’s an ointment box. I just need to fill the bottles. It’s only five oils I mix and pour, then I’ll be out of your hair.” He looks at his watch. He then looks outside as if to see if anyone’s watching. He then nods saying, “Sure.” “Your home is wonderful. Did Mrs. Tanner design it herself? She’s incredible!” “Actually, I pick the decor for our homes. It’s a side hobby I do. It’s too much work to take seriously right now, but I’m into home design. But don’t tell anyone. It’s my secret.” “Wow Zee! You’re just gifted. I know Mrs. Tanner worships you. You’re the perfect husband.” I say as I kneel in front of him on his beautiful teak wood floor to fill these oil bottles. I let my hair fall to my face. I then pull it back and look up at him. He’s brazenly watching me. I then say, “May, I have a towel to cover your floor, just in case I spill anything?” He swallows then nods. He then goes to get a towel. He returns. I remain on my knees as he hands me the towel. Looking directly into his eyes I say, “Thank you.” As I pour the oils I say, “Each of these oils have healing properties. You can massage them all over her body. It’s wiser to mix a few drops with massaging oil. You can make it romantic as you add healing to her being.” Zee, is extremely quiet. I sit mixing my oils in silence as these potent scents fill the air. Mrs. Tanner was diagnosed with ovarian cancer right after I moved into their neighborhood. Thankfully she birthed their son before the sickness spread. Because of her sickness I know she’s been unable to have sex. But Zee has been faithful. Zee sat quietly as I mixed every oil and poured it in its own bottle. I then crawl over to him. I feel my dress hang exposing my lacy push up bra and breasts. Once next to him I rise to my knees saying, “Smell this. It’s my favorite. Save this one for special nights only.” He leans in to smell it. Nodding his head he says, “Very nice.” I then extend my hand saying, “Will you please help me up?” He lifts me and now I’m standing directly in front of him gazing up as he gazes down. I then sensuously say, “I wished there was more I could do.” He doesn’t say a word but continues gazing down at me. I then gently caress down his arm whispering, “Let me take care of you.” Closing his eyes rubbing the back of his neck he mumbles out, “You better go.” I remain staring up at him until he looks at me. Eyes squinted he just stares as I stand in his space longing for him. “As bad as I want to Nova, I can’t. I love my wife. Go home.” I look down and see he’s aroused. Shaking my head I whisper, “This can be our secret too.” It’s now past 2 a.m and I’m headed home. I enter my home and plop on my bed smiling. I undress and head to the bathroom. I then hear, “Nova, it’s time.” I grab a towel to cover myself, then cut on my living room light. It’s my guardian. I ask, “Is it my time already?” She nods smiling. Heartbroken I say, “May I at least bathe?” “Of course.” I put on my long silk black dress. I put my hair in a bun. Red makeup is a must tonight. I put on my glamour lashes and heavy perfume. I wear my diamond studs and diamond choker. I put on my six inch red bottom pumps. My finishing touch is my lace veil. I enter the living room and my guardian says, “You look magnificent.” We exit outside and look for dark matter. Once we see one large enough to enter we walk through. All seven of us our present. I’m the last to arrive. My other six sisters are kneeling at his throne. I then take my position kneeling. We dare not look at him. My guardian being then says, “Nova has done well too, my Lord. She worked until the bell leading a just man into sin.” My Lord then says, “Rise and face me Nova.” Trembling I rise, but my heads still down from fear. I then slowly lift my head to look at him. His all black eyes stare piercing through me. He then says, “You’re exactly like your mother, who forgot her place, and tried to be good. However, both you and her inner thoughts brought the most havoc on humans.” “It’s only because I forgot who I am, my Lord. Please forgive me.” “Sorry Nova, there’s no forgiveness given here. Just as your mother, you’ve reigned less than 200 years. Unlike your sisters who have been here well over 1000 years. Today I require that soul, and now you have the task of watching over it.” I feel a violent ripping of my body as if my flesh is being torn into pieces. I’m wailing out in agony and then there’s a calm. I open my eyes and I’m back in my bedroom. I look at my bed and I’m lying in it. I’m hunched over in a corner so I rise and go over to my bed. I see I’m asleep nude, as I stand over me. I awaken. I think, last night went perfectly. The me lying in bed then smiles. I get out of bed then head straight to the mirror. I adoringly look at myself. I then think, you’re perfected beauty. My other self then blows herself a kiss at her image in the mirror. I walk into the bathroom to bathe so I follow. I then think, let’s shower today. I unstop the tub and cut on the shower. I watch myself shower. I dry off then head to my bedroom mirror. As I stand gazing at myself it’s then I decide to stand behind the other me and I see me! I’m a black shadow standing closely behind my body. I have no face or features. I have a muscular human frame. I’m the same height and size as my human self, but I’m simply a black shadow of nothingness. It’s then I remember who, rather what I am. Remembering makes me sigh with relief. The new Nova’s now dressed. I think, ride past Zee’s home. He’s leaving his home with Nova’s basket headed to the hospital. I think, honk and wave so he’ll visit his dying wife, full of guilt and shame. Nova honks, he waves then drops his head in shame. I think, I’m liking this. I think of smiling. Nova goes to her favorite barista. As we park and head to the door I realize every person has a being whispering in their ear. Some have my kind with them. Then there are those with legions of the others. Two women are sitting on the patio of the barista laughing and talking. The other kind encircle them as they angrily stare, as Nova and I enter the building. I won’t waste my thoughts on those who can’t be touched. God has His own protecting them, filling their minds, with His thoughts. Nova’s three months have ended and it’s time to return to work. We enter and I see Kurt is with one of my kind. Steve has a legion of the other kind. Mrs. Perry has one of my kind. I simply look throughout the plant and there’s more people with my kind, yet the few with the other kind have legions, which makes them overpower us. The difference with Nova, is she houses me. I’m a high ranking demon that sits at the right hand of my Lord. Whatever I think manifests. Where I failed as human Nova, is I started blocking my thoughts. I caused Bob to run into Erica decapitating her. She vexed me. I gave Mrs. Tanner ovarian cancer when Zee first rejected me. Anyone living unprotected I will think ruin, misery, havoc, and ultimately damnation upon. Kurt’s now approaching. “Welcome back Nova. Wow, you look more beautiful than before.” “Thanks Kurt, I feel better. I thought I didn’t need that break, but I did.” “Glad you returned. We have a new marketing liaison that these women think have taken your place.” “Oh really, where is she?” “Uhhh, there she is! She’s by the computer with that marketing guy, Mr. Carlson!” Interesting, Mr. Carlson has a legion around him. I then analyze her. She is extremely lovely. However, she’s surrounded with a legion of archangels. She holds rank in her Godly world I see. I then ask, “What’s her name?” Kurt is now adoringly gazing her way. With a faint smile he says, “Peyton. Ms. Peyton Meryl.” I think, I know Peyton. I then say, “I think I know Peyton.” “How so?” “She’s aquatinted with a friend of my father.” “Awesome. If you two become friends, the men will rejoice and the women will commit suicide.” He teases saying. “Nah, never will we be friends. I can tell, she and I hang with different crowds. Too, she’s brought hell into my father’s friend’s life.” “Really?” Kurt says still admiring her. It’s lunch time. Steve asks me out for lunch. Steve’s now with my kind. He’s tottering the fence I see. I then say, “Sure!” as I lock arms with him. As we head out we walk past Peyton and Mr. Carlson. She calls out, “Steve!” “Dammit.” he says under his breathe. He then smiles at me saying, “I have to see what she wants. Come, I’ll introduce you.” I go to think, no, but I hear, yes time to meet Peyton. I say, “Yes, I’ve been wanting to meet her all day.” Head hanging down in submission, Steve says, “Good afternoon Minister Meryl. This is my friend Nova Cain.” Hand extended with a huge grin I say, “Pleased to meet you Minister Meryl.” She stands analyzing me with a faint smile momentarily. She then gently shakes my hand. Looking deep into my eyes she says, “Likewise, Ms. Cain.” She gently releases my hand then slowly cuts her eyes at Steve asking, “Will I see you at prayer service tonight, Steve?” “Yes ma’am.” She then returns her eyes to me saying, “Nova, you should come as well.” I think, never that, but I hear, I will be there. I say, “I’d be honored. ...Steve may I go with you?” “Oh uh, sure!” Steve stutters out. Peyton and I stand glaring at one another, she then says, “Great. I look forward to seeing you both tonight.” I get home and do my cleaning rituals preparing my body for tonight. I wear a very nice tailored black skirt and blazer with a satin midnight blue blouse. I wear all nude makeup. I put my hair in a bun, wear my pearls and pearl studs. I hear, where jasmine and lavender tonight. It’s his favorite. I mix those oils and wear them. Steve arrives and his car is filled with angels. I say, “Let’s take the Audi.” “Sweeeeet!” he says. We pull up to an old but beautiful gothic looking Catholic Church. However, it’s not catholic, but non denominational. Pretty full for a Monday evening dedicated to prayer. Steve and I sit on the back pews. We see Peyton enter from the doors near the pulpit. She enters and goes straight to the alter to pray. Steve jumps up saying, “Let’s show our faces so we can leave.” As soon as we stand a very distinguished gentlemen enters. I grab Steve allowing the man to walk to the alter. Steve asks, “What?” I then hear, he can’t see him, only us. I then say, “Slow down.” We get to the alter and Peyton’s on her knees, eyes shut tightly, as she sways back and forth praying. The man is simply standing over Peyton blatantly watching her. I’m unable to budge in total awe of his presence. Steve almost runs into him, but he suddenly stops then goes to the opposite side of Peyton. Now Steve’s blatantly watching her. I guess Peyton feels Steve’s presence, but she looks toward the man. She then looks towards Steve. She instantly stands and hugs him. He motions towards me. She then gives me a huge grin, whispering, “I’m so glad you both came. There’s no service per se, we’re just hear to entreat the Lord. Ask what you will and watch Him move in your life.” She grabs my hand and has me kneel next to her. The gentleman is now gone. I start looking all over for him and he’s now sitting in the back pew. I’m in position, but I’m watching Peyton and Steve pray. Once they’re deep into their prayers I rise and go sit on the opposite end of the back pew with this mysterious man. I’m staring his way. Soon he turns his head to face me. He’s as awesome as angels. I then hear, he’s one of us, but more powerful. I smile his way. He stands and comes over to me. He’s beyond beautiful and majestic. He’s wearing an all black perfectly tailored suit with a midnight blue tie, matching my shirt. His eyes are now glowing. They’re black with a glowing midnight blue hue trimming the outlining of his irises. He looks me up and down and then asks, “Why are you here?” His voice sounds like the voice of many. Unlike Nova or the others, he’s accompanied with a legion of our kind. We rarely travel in legions. We’re not with our subjects to protect them, only to instruct them. But he’s well protected. His power and wickedness is unfathomable. I have no thoughts. I sit like the empty shell I am awaiting an answer. I then think, I’m here to join you. Hearing my thoughts he asks, “What will you add?” I think, “Deeper insights for you, concerning the woman upon this earth.” “Can you enter her?” I think, I’m sure in due time. He then bows his head and moves back to the opposite end of the pew watching Peyton. Suddenly I feel that ripping but not of flesh this time, but my entire existence. I wail out in excruciating pain, then there’s a calm. I open my eyes and I’m staring at Peyton, but I’m not alone. I see my brothers filling the back of this church hovering around my new body. I then here a loud thump! We look to the right and it’s Nova. Church members, Steve, and Peyton rush to her aid. The paramedics come and pronounce her dead. Steve and Peyton sit alone after the church has cleared. Peyton consoles Steve until he’s better. He sadly asks, “How do you have a heart attack, at 27?” Peyton sighs saying, “Wow, she and I were the same age. ...But I dont know Steve.” “And at church? Why?” Peyton looks up to heaven sighing as if asking God, why would He allow this? She answers, “Steve, I wished I had the answers, but I don’t. I will say, whatever the purpose, we know it was already predestined by God. We have to accept it and keep living our lives for Him regardless. That way, if we die suddenly, at least we’ll be with Him. Then maybe we can ask Him why, face to face.” She chuckles. Steve nods as she hugs him, as he cries over me. She then asks, “How well did you know Nova?” “Not well. She’s just a woman I had a crush on at work. But at times I saw something bad in her. I was so glad she came to church with me.” “Interesting you say that. I met a man a few weeks ago, and for some odd reason she reminded me of him.” “Really? Maybe she mentioned him. What was his name?” “Wilhelm.” Steve snickers saying, “Can’t say she mentioned that name before.” Peyton gives a phony chuckle saying, “Yea, I sound crazy huh? Why would she know him, right?” “No, you’re fine, because you did see correctly. Something wasn’t right with Nova. She’d often speak as if she were a sojourner here, looking for her destiny. Hopefully she found it.” Wilhelm only looks at Peyton. My eyes are now his eyes. But I can see all the masculine spirits engulfing us. I’m the only spirit residing in him with any feminine qualities. Staring longingly at Peyton, I think, I did Steve. Yes, I did. |
Short Stories by F. Vawters McCloud
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