#AmWriting Short Stories
This 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!
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
F. Vawters McCloud's "WILHELM" is now available on NetGalley - Visit website below
https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/book/179832
LOLA ETERNAL ON WATTPAD
Secrets Run Deep
by F. Vawters McCloud
*Warning: Mature and Graphic Content*
I wake up reaching for Lola. My dream was so long and so real. All I can do is sob, realizing she’s no longer here all over again. My mind and body is sick. It needs its Lola. I can’t sleep with yet another strange woman. Lord, help me! I’m going insane! My phone rings, startling me. Breathless I answer, “Hello?”
“Hey man, just checking on you. You didn’t look so good tonight. How are you feeling?”
Crying I say, “Mac, man I’m fucking losing it! This dream, no nightmare I just had, is fucking driving me insane, man! Why’s God letting the devil torment me? I just don’t get it!”
“What was the nightmare?”
“I was with Lola. Aww Mac, it felt so real! We were just about to make love then I woke up. Then having to accept it was only a dream and that she’s really dead again; this shit’s fucking with my mental man!”
I can hear Mac sniffling. I huff saying, “Sorry to upset you, man. I just don’t know what to do. And my pain isn’t lessening. Time’s not healing me, man. Damn, my Lola’s never coming back! What am I gonna do?”
I start groaning in agony. Mac starts crying with me.
I whimper, “I gotta go!” I end our call.
I know he’s going to tell Aries and then they’ll come over. But I don’t want anymore male bonding sleepovers. I want my fucking wife! Tonight I’m enraged by grief. I hate God and this life at this moment. Aries’s calling me. I throw on some joggers, a t-shirt, and sneakers, snatch my keys off the table, then speed away from my home.
Lola’s death’s anniversary is less than a week away. I know that’s heightening my anger. My phone’s ringing out of control now. I try to power it off with one hand, but now it’s freezing up. I get so frustrated I hurl it out of my window. I lose control of the wheel as I throw it. I veer off the road and run into the guardrail. I quickly swerve back onto the road, then peel off onto the expressway. I have no clue where I’m going. I’m crying so hard I can barely see in front of me. It’s then I decide to go to the cemetery. I just need to be near her. I pull up, but of course the gates are locked. It looks creepy as hell out here. I find myself too afraid to exit my car. It’s then I really lose it shouting, “You fucking pussy! Go see your wife!”
I park down the way. Willows Peak Cemetery resides on a secluded road that ends at the lake. It’s very beautiful and serene in the day. Tonight it’s terrifying. However, I park and then jump over the gates. Listening to this dumb ass funeral director I buried her outside instead of in our family’s mausoleum. It’s freezing tonight. I could’ve been inside warm and dry with my Lola. But it is what it is now.
I take the flashlight out of my trunk. I use it to lead me to her headstone. As soon as my flashlight hits it, it shimmers like diamonds. I had her headstone made the same as her coffin. As soon as I see it sparkle I start weeping.
I paid my florist Malana in advance. I told her, “As long as you live, make sure fresh flowers are on her grave. Can you handle that?”
“Absolutely King. I’m so sorry this has happened to you.”
I simply hung up the phone.
I see the beautiful bouquet of daisies. I stare at it momentarily then I kneel in front of her headstone. I slowly rub my fingers across her name.
I whisper, “I’m trying so hard baby, but I just don’t want to be here without you anymore.”
I lay my head against her headstone then weep until I fall asleep. I wake up just before dawn. I look over to my right and I see the the sun half risen over the edge of the lake. It’s a tranquil sight. I lay my back against her headstone then somberly watch it rise. I kiss her name then whisper, “I gotta go.”
As I head to my car I see someone standing at the gate entrance. I glance then jump over the side where I entered. Once I land I hear, “Mr. York?”
It’s Mrs. Braiden. She’s a very attractive older woman. I think she’s almost 70, but she’s still sexy and alluring. She’s wearing a nice brown tailored pant suit. Her hair, nails, and make up is perfectly done. She stands staring my way. I know I look a mess.
I drop my head saying, “Hey.”
“May I please invite you over for breakfast Mr. York?”
“Mrs. Braiden, I’m filthy. Also, I’m not in the mood for company.”
I just shake my head as I walk past her. She quickly grabs me saying, “Please King. Let me help you.”
I glance her way. Now crying I say, “No one can help me Mrs. Braiden.”
“I’ve endured your grief King. I’ve endured it for over twenty years now. I lost my soulmate early and tragically too.”
I continue walking to my car as she follows behind me speaking. I open my car door. She grabs the handle saying, “Please King, let me help you. Helping you may even help me!”
“Please move Mrs. Braiden.”
“I hear your heart King. I feel your soul.”
I snatch the door out of her grasp saying, “I’m trying to be nice, but I promise you, I’m not in the mood for this. Please move. I need to get home.”
“What if you could hold and touch her once again?” She whispers.
I glance her way wide eyed. Nodding she says, “I’m not selling you false dreams or hopes. If you desire to be with her again, I desire that for you as well.”
Her words are making me want my Lola so badly. I stand their listening and start to believe her. A car drives past jolting me out of my head. I get into my car saying, “Please move. I don’t want to run you over.”
She slowly moves back as she longingly begs with her eyes. She then says, “Well if...”
I peel off before she finishes. I keep looking out my rear view mirror. She remains in the middle of the road watching, until I turn the corner.
I pull up to my home and there’s seemingly ten cars in my driveway. My sisters and stepmom can’t stop crying as I walk in. I can tell my dad, Mac and Aries have cried as well. No one says a word as I head upstairs to shower. I shower then crawl into bed. Leah knocks then enters. She sits on the edge of the bed next to me then gently kisses my cheek. A tear runs across my nose.
Sighing she says, “What can we do baby? Mommy can’t stand seeing you hurting so badly. Let us help you King. Please.”
I wipe my face with my comforter then turn facing away from her. I hear her sniffing. She then leaves closing the door behind her. I sleep most of the day. I wake up past 4 p.m. It’s dreary and rainy out. As soon as I go to the window there’s a knock at my door. It’s my dad.
“Good morning.” He teases saying. I simply glance his way. “Hyde’s looking for you.”
Clearing my throat I ask, “He’s here?” My dad nods. “Send him to me.”
I here his little feet leaping up the stairs. I greet him in the hallway. He runs into my arms. I catch him then fling him in the air. His buoyant laughter causes me to smile.
“Hey little man? What cha eating?”
“Asparagus.”
“Asparagus?” I repeat with a furrowed brow. He laughs. “Grandma Leah’s making you eat veggies again?”
He gives a yuck face, nodding and pouting. He hugs my neck, then lays his head on my shoulder. Laughing I whisper, “You want me to kick her ass for you?”
Suddenly he leans back staring at me stunned.
I nod saying, “Yea! I’ll do it for my little man.”
“You can’t kick grandma’s ass daddy!”
I burst into laughter saying, “You’re right! Grandpa would beat my ass if I did.”
Angrily shaking his head he says, “I won’t let him beat you daddy. I’ll beat his ass.”
“Okay enough beating asses for today. Daddy’s only joking. Let’s go tell grandma and grandpa we love them, okay?”
“Okay daddy!”
We get downstairs to seven glum faces. I softly say, “Hey.”
Aries smirks my way. He then cuts his eyes at Mac. They both smile. However, Sheba and Aquila look distraught. I go over to them and they both hug me tightly.
I whisper, “I’m okay. Just had a rough night.”
Lee’s walking now. We all laugh as he hobbles around. I enjoy my family. They then leave me alone with Aries and Mac.
Aries asks, “Where’d you go last night?” I shake my head. “And where’s that?”
“I just needed to be alone.”
“Dude, you live alone.”
I can’t tell them where I went, but I say, “I ran into Lola’s mortician last night.”
Mac says, “That’s creepy.”
“Yea she’s a weirdo.”
“Where’d you run into her?” asks Aries.
“Uh, where? The gas station.”
“Which one?”
“Uh, the Petro Plaza near downtown.”
Aries and Mac are now looking my way unconvinced. I huff saying, “I went to Lola’s grave.”
They don’t respond. I continue, “She was talking some really weird shit too.”
“Like what?” asks Aries.
Shaking my head I say, “I was so high, I can’t recall. She was just weird that’s it.”
Stretching Mac says, “Yea at the funeral, between Mae and Braiden I don’t know which one was gawking at you the hardest. Both were mesmerized. But in the end I concluded it was Braiden. I’m like, this old bitch wanna do King or what?”
Aries laughs as I scoff. Aries then says, “Yea avoid that creepy bitch. She’s probably stalking your ass. How convenient she shows up at the cemetery with you! How’d she look?”
“She looked nice. Looked as if she just finished doing a funeral or something.”
“Ugh! I just shivered. Next time you see that bitch, run!” says Mac.
Aries and Mac leave near 2 a.m. I immediately go into Lola’s office and sit at her desk. I haven’t changed anything. It’s exactly how she left it. I pick up our wedding photo then kiss her. I then fall asleep hugging it in her desk chair.
I’m scared out of my sleep from another nightmare. I dreamt I ran into Mrs. Braiden again. Yet when I came out of the cemetery Lola’s corpse was lying in the backseat of my car. Then I woke up.
Leah purchased me a new cellphone. It’s in the kitchen charging. I remove it and I have one lone text. I look at the screen and it reads Wife. I shut my eyes tightly then refocus. I reread my screen, but now I have multiple messages from my family and friends.
I take my oil pen from my kitchen drawer and then go smoke in the living room. I cut on the television. I put it on the Vortex network. Ghost Haunted is on. Really pretty woman named Peyton is speaking. She’s been living with a vampire sounds like. The longer I listen she says he was possessed. His demon allowed him to live forever. I know most of these people on here are nuts, but I can tell she’s not. I then wonder how she’s doing. The show then ends with a caption reading:
This was Peyton’s final interview with any network.
Her whereabouts are currently unknown.
Friends and family claim she left church one night
to meet her entity and was never seen again.
The last time anyone saw or heard from Peyton
was six years ago.
I sit intrigued by her story. It’s then I go online and google her. I find her last name is Meryl and she’s from Vermont. The ghost she claimed haunted her was an early 1900’s British actor named Lee York. I stop reading stunned. I then google Lee York and the only thing that comes up is Peyton Meryl.
A Lee York from Britain. He has to be my relative. My dad and grandfather treats our Lee York as if he’s the name that shall never be named. Is he Voldemort of the Harry Potter series, or what?
I go to bed and as soon as I lie down I flashback to the day Mrs. Braiden approached my family and me at the park. I then remember her saying whenever I’m ready to hear all about Lee York, call her. I jump up and pull her card out of my wallet. As I stare at her number I hear Aries saying, “Yea avoid that creepy bitch...”
I sigh then toss her card onto my nightstand.
All night I’m tossing and turning. I’m thinking about Lola. I start crying. I start sweating. Now I’m horny as hell thinking about making love to her. Now I’m crying again! Suddenly I jump up, grab my phone, then text Mrs. Braiden.
Me: I’m ready to learn about Lord York.
Immediately she texts back: Meet me at my office by 6 a.m.
It’s 4:27 a.m. I get into the shower and just let the water relax me. I get dressed then make me a cup of coffee. I think, Solomon what are you doing? I then hear granddad Bishop Chad preaching, “Satan is cunning. You must put on the whole armor of God so you can withstand all the wiles, methods, and schemes of the devil.”
I come out of my head and look at my watch. It’s now 5:33. Immediately I leave to go meet Mrs. Braiden.
I pull up into the parking lot. I look to the front door and Mrs. Braiden’s standing there in an all white, long flowing dress. It has a nice silver buckle on the belt across her waist. She stands gazing my way with a comforting smile. I exit my car and walk towards her with my head hanging down. She reaches for me. I grab her hand.
She asks, “Are you hungry? I have an exquisite chef at home. I’ve had him prepare us breakfast. Please leave your car here. I will drive you.”
“No, I’ll follow you.”
She nods saying, “As you wish.”
Mrs. Braiden lives in a miniature castle. We drive up to iron gates that swing open before she reaches its entrance. We have to drive half a mile just to get to her front door. I think, Solomon are you nuts? Get the hell out of here!
Everything’s immaculate. We enter and she immediately calls out, “Jacques we’re here!”
A very thin, tall, lanky man comes out of the kitchen to greet us. He says, “Welcome Mr. York.”
He has a very strong French accent. I simply nod. Mrs. Braiden grins my way saying, “Please make yourself at home.”
The food’s great. Mrs. Braiden’s talking about her daughter and traveling. Her conversation’s pretty basic and normal. However, I’m looking all around. We’re eating in the dining room. I’m scoping out these eery 1800’s photos of her family I guess.
She says, “Well, that was excellent. Let’s go to the living room.”
Before we sit she leads me to a huge oil painting. It’s the eeriest shit I’ve ever seen in my life.
She then says, “This is the founder of our prestigious family business. This is Grandfather LaVondo Braiden. He’s an astonishing man. Everything I am and long to be is because of him.”
She glances at me smiling. I can feel the twisted look on my face. I force a smile saying, “Cool.”
Finally we’re sitting. She asks, “Well, where’d you like me to start?”
“Start with his immortality. Is that truth?”
“Yes King. He was born in 1882, but he’s been seen as late as ...”
I cut her off saying, “Six years ago.”
“Why yes. In Vermont.”
“I read the woman who claims to have seen him was institutionalized a few times.”
“All lies King. Lord York desired it that way or people would question a 135 year-old-man that still looked so young. ...Would you like to see him?” Hesitant but I nod yes. “Follow me.”
She leads me to the west wing of her home. As we head toward her office I notice there’s funeral chapels.
I ask, “Is this a funeral home?”
“Yes! I’m sorry, this was our original location. I’m so used to funeral homes they seem normal to me. I’m sure this is quite alarming for you. Please forgive me. But I keep him locked in a safe in this office.”
Nodding I say, “Mrs. Braiden I have to get to my boys soon. I didn’t expect to be here this long.”
“Oh? What time are they expecting you?”
“Early! Like now. Maybe we can finish this another time?”
“Of course. Well, I’ll save his film for the next time we meet.”
“A film?”
“Yes! He was a megastar during his time. I have his latest and greatest film Narcissism. He seemingly put his truth on film.”
I look at my watch then say, “Well as long as we’re done by 10. I’ll be fine.”
“Wonderful. Let’s watch it in the white chapel.”
I get to the doorway and I envision Lola’s coffin. I heave for air then look up. Mrs. Braiden has a screen and reel to reel set up, up front.
“Come sit Mr. York.”
She cuts off the lights and I feel anxious. Lee York walks onto the screen and I feel overwhelmed. He looks like an adult version of my son. I start fidgeting from anxiety.
Suddenly I stand saying, “I have to go.”
She immediately stops the film and follows me. I’m speed walking down this corridor. The walls are filled with creepy photos. It’s then I look and I see my Lola. I do a double take then stop. I snatch her photo down.
Livid I ask, “Why would you hang my dead wife on your wall?”
“Calm down Mr. York. If you look carefully all these people are dead. It’s a tradition of undertakers. In the past, families not only undertakers, took photos of their deceased. It was considered beautiful then. I believe it still holds beauty and love. Why must they be viewed has horrifying just because their body is soulless? And what if their soul desires to return? Where would it go?”
“Yea I knew you were fucked up!”
It’s then I sprint to the front door with Lola’s picture. I squeal down her driveway. I get to the gates and they’re locked. I start honking my horn like a mad man. The gates open. I peel out.
I’m swerving and driving recklessly. I keep glancing at Lola’s photo sobbing. I feel violated. I feel as if another psycho has touched my perfect Lola. All these sick twisted demons keep touching her! I’m sobbing so hard I’m wailing. I almost crash into an oncoming car on the opposite side of the road. He swerves honking. It’s then I pull onto the embankment and just moan out in despair. Once I’m calm I drive home. I sit on my couch and just stare at Lola’s dead photo. It wasn’t taken in her coffin. It looks as if she’s sitting up in a chair. The background’s all white, so it’s impossible to see what’s behind her. I stare at her so hard and long she starts moving. My phone vibrates, breaking me out of my trance. Mrs. Braiden’s calling. I don’t answer. It’s then I’m alerted of her voice message. I put it on speaker then listen.
She says, “King, I owe you an apology. My lifestyle, though normal to me, is very unnerving for most. Truly I meant no harm. It’s my life, my gift. It’s a gift to not fear death. I see beauty and eternity in it. It’s a very crucial part of life that most hate to deal with, but it’s inevitable. Your ancestor has intrigued my family for a long time. Forgive me for being so forward. I let my curiosity and excitement get the best of me. I’m certain I may never hear from you again, but I needed you to know what I did came from a place of love and sincerity. I was pleased to introduce you to your family’s history that I’ve held dear my entire existence. Please accept my apology. I pray God’s peace and comfort continues to cover your family. Blessings and much success to you Mr. York. I earnestly pray you find the peace you need during this grievous time in your life.”
I immediately call back. She answers, “King?”
“What are you offering me Mrs. Braiden?”
“Excuse me?”
“If you play stupid I’ll hang up and never call again. Tell me what you’re really trying to do?”
“It’s too complicated to discuss over the phone...”
“TELL ME!” I shout.
“I can bring Lola back to you. But it requires you and Lord York’s help.”
I hang up in her face. I’m panting as I cry through gritted teeth. I lift Lola’s photo. I say, “Why’d you fucking leave me? Why didn’t you just take Hyde snorkeling then get out of the fucking water?”
It’s then I fling her photo across the room. I jump up and kick the coffee table so hard, it lands at the room’s opening. It smashes into pieces. I flip my couch over. It falls onto an end table, destroying my table lamp. I start whirling through my living room like the Tasmanian devil. I trip over my destroyed coffee table and stumble into the hallway. I hear sobbing. I hurry into the foyer and Sheba and Aquila are there. Sheba’s whispering on her phone.
I grab my keys off of the foyer table then ram through them saying, “Move!”
“King!” They both shout.
I peel off. I dial Mrs. Braiden. She calmly answers, “Yes Mr. York.”
“I’m headed your way. And you better do what you fucking say you can, or I’ll going to kill your old ass on site! Do you understand me?”
“Yes Mr. York.”
I toss my phone into the passenger’s seat then floor my acceleration all the way back to her home.
I enter into her foyer. She greets me, “Welcome back Mr. York. Firstly we need Lola’s body. You need to request a disinter. Once they remove the body to entomb, I will say you requested it be brought to my funeral home first. Do you understand?” I nod. “Good. Now let’s get you presentable.”
“I can’t return home. My sisters are there. I need to go to the mall.”
“You don’t have a tailor Mr. York?”
“He’ll call my father. ...It’s complicated right now. Just let me go to...”
“I have someone. Please get into my car. You’re in no state of mind to drive right now.”
As we drive to her tailor, she calls all her people. She tells them removing Lola for the mausoleum promptly, is imperative for our family. Everyone accommodates her without questioning. By now my phone’s buzzing out of control.
“Mr. York comfort your family, or they’ll come looking for you.”
I call my dad. He answers, “King where are you?”
“I’m okay dad...”
“No son, you’re not! Your sisters said you didn’t even look like yourself when you left! We’ve been trying to heal you ourselves, but it’s not working King. Let’s get you some real help today, okay? Please son!”
“You’re right dad. I’m actually with someone right now. I found a facility.”
“What? Through Dr. Karr?”
“Yea. He promised me confidentiality, so don’t bother to ask him. Just let me do this on my own dad. I need this. And tell Sheba and Aquila I’m sorry for scaring them.”
“King, let me come with you?”
“No dad! Just trust me, okay? I’m trying, okay?” I cry.
“I’m sorry. I’m not trying to upset you. Well, I’m proud of you King. Do what you must, and if you need me, call at once, okay?”
“Okay.” I whisper.
“I love you so much.” He cries.
I whimper out, “I gotta go.” then hang up the phone.
We leave Mrs. Braiden’s tailor then go to the funeral home. I talk to Daniela and Sia. We all have dinner at an exclusive restaurant. Once dinner’s over everyone goes to their respective homes, but she and I return to the funeral home.
Close to midnight the people arrive with Lola. Both Mrs. Braiden and I sign the release papers. The two gentlemen dropping her off give us strange looks. However, the guy in charge won’t stop watching me. Now giving a concerned look through squinted eyes, he says, “God bless you Mr. York. I’m extremely sorry about your loss. I pray you feel God’s peace once she’s in your family’s chosen resting place. But know her soul’s safely with the Lord. She’s happy and at total peace. That’s all we truly want, right?”
Wide eyed I nod his way. He gives a pinched smile, raises the paperwork, then leaves.
Rubbing my back Mrs. Braiden says, “And how does he know? People love to spew kind words, but it’s the truth people need for real peace. If someone speaking positive words was the solution, you’d be the most peaceful man to grace God’s earth at this point. ...Come let’s take Lola to my home.”
We load Lola’s coffin into a company hearse and then drive to her home. We park by the west wing then take her to a room to prepare her body. I know this is so wrong, but I’m so out of my element right now. I feel as if this is a nightmare and I’m going to wake up at any moment.
We’re now both standing over her closed coffin. Mrs. Braiden says, “Allow me to see her first King. I’ll determine if I need to touch her up.”
She opens it slightly. She gazes at her sighing loudly. I’m in shock. I just stare her way motionless. She says, “Go wait in my office. She needs minor touches.”
Sitting in her office my mind’s going crazy. It’s screaming, Run!
I then hear Granddad Chad preaching. He says, “Seances, spiritualism, and the like, are all demonic practices that deal with familiar spirits. God’s Bible clearly states there’s a gulf between the living and the dead and that neither can enter to the other side. Anything else is an illusion used by our great enemy to deceive us.”
It’s then I see my Lola’s beautiful face the day before she died. We made love all day. Everywhere we went in Boca Raton we christened it. The beach, the restaurant, the night club’s restroom. I start yearning for her. I begin to need her so badly. I drop my head caressing my eyes and forehead. It’s then Mrs. Braiden caresses my shoulder frightening me. I jump up and leap back.
“She’s ready.”
We exit her office to a pitch black hallway. My heart’s about to jump out of my chest. I’m looking all around in a panic. We enter the white chapel and there’s lit candles on each row leading up to Lola’s coffin. My heart’s tightening the closer I get to her. Once I’m standing over her she looks magnificent. I cover my mouth crying from joy.
“Yes! It looks as if she were expecting to see you.”
“H-How?” I pant out.
“I’ve been doing this fifty years, and it all depends on the soul. I’ve removed some corpses in a year, and they were sludge. Some I removed after 20 years in the ground and they were in perfect condition. I believe those in tact are expecting a visit from their beloved.”
I kneel then lie my head on Lola’s hand, sobbing and kissing it. Mrs. Braiden allows me to touch and kiss her a few minutes before she whispers into my ear, “It’s time.”
Mrs. Braiden now has on a sexy but elegant, form fitting, black lace dress. She starts praying to God, but it’s distorted scriptures. It just sounds demonic. It’s starting to vex my soul. I block my ears and start inwardly repenting and begging God to help me. She taps me and I flinch.
She says, “I have Lola’s blood. Now we simply need yours.”
She gently places this small vile to Lola’s mouth then pour. It starts running out of her mouth, down her cheek, to her neck, staining her beautiful white covering.
She then looks at me saying, “Drawing your blood will be painless. You’ll feel a slight sting and that’s...”
“King?”
We both hear someone softly call in the distance. Mrs. Braiden and I stand petrified.
“King?”
We hear it again. I softly answer, “Lola?”
Mrs. Braiden grabs me. Her finger now tightly pressed against her mouth, she’s shaking her head no, frantically. I look into the coffin, but Lola’s corpse looks the same. Suddenly a figure rises from behind the altar’s podium. It’s Lola. She looks beyond beautiful. I go to rush to her but Mrs. Braiden yells, “King NO! DEVIL I COMMAND YOU TO RETURN TO THE DEPTHS OF HELL WHERE YOU HAVE DISOBEDIENTLY RISEN!”
As she’s shouting it’s a demon, Lola stretches out her hand to me saying, “Oh King! Let me touch you.”
I’m sobbing. I want to go to her, but I’m so frightened and confused! Her bodies still in the coffin. Mrs. Braiden’s repeatedly damning the living Lola back to hell. I fall to my knees, holding my head, hoping my mind doesn’t snap.
Suddenly I hear a loud Boom! I look up cowering beneath Lola’s coffin. Mrs. Braiden’s been thrown into the wall. She’s lying on the floor unconscious. I look up to the pulpit but Lola’s gone. I then see she’s standing at the head of her own coffin dazed, staring at herself. I try and move away, but she then fixes her eyes upon me. Her eyes are so clear I can easily see her black pupils in her dark brown eyes. She smiles. I slowly stand. We stand gazing at one another. She stretches out her hand towards me. I reach for her, but Lola’s coffin falls over. Her corpse thumps on the ground. It scares me so badly I take off running. As I run through the back corridor, to the hearse, all I hear is her morbidly moaning as she calls my name. I sob all the way back to the funeral home. I park the hearse then jog to the main road. I catch a cab back to my car.
I enter my parent’s home and everyone’s there. Dr. Karr confirmed I lied. My family will never approve of what I’ve done, so I lie and say I tried to commit myself to a facility, but couldn’t.
My dad then says, “Your home holds too many memories. Why don’t you stay with us until it sells and you find a new one. Northern West Chesterfield has an excellent school district and the homes are stunning. That way you’re not too far from where the boys’ mother raised them, and you’re not stuck someplace you can’t properly heal.”
I nod. Everyone showers me with love. However, I watch Lee all night. I can’t shake how much he resembles our ancestor Lee. My family knows all about him, but we had never seen him. Granddad Chad had, and he told my dad, “He looks like a devil. I will never make known his existence to my family.”
Of course that made my dad curious. He secretly searched for him, but every story was so evil and depraved, he stopped. He accepted Granddad Chad was right.
Sia found Mrs. Braiden dead in the west chamber a few days after my encounter there. I surely thought the police would question me on why Lola’s corpse had been exhumed at my request. But no one ever did.
A few days later I receive a letter from Vvitchers & Toud Funeral home. The letter reads:
Thanks for using Vvitchers & Toud for something as delicate as laying your loved one to rest. Mrs. Lola Rose York has been restfully sealed in vault 1 of your family’s mausoleum at Willows Peak Cemetery. If you have any questions or desire more services please feel free to call morning, noon, or night. We are at your service.
Sincerely Mr. J. Toud.
The next day I go to the office for the first time in months. I tell my dad, “I’m going to lunch. You want anything?”
He’s on the phone. He motions telling me he’s fine. I nod and then leave. As I’m driving I call Mr. Toud. His funeral assistant answers.
“Hi. I’m Mr. Solomon York. You put my wife in our mausoleum. I was just calling to see if you’ve been paid?”
“Good afternoon Mr. York. ...Hold on.” She returns saying, “Yes. Ms. Braiden told us the late Mrs. Braiden erroneously accepted her remains from the exhumers. Mr. Owen Dollman of Dollman Exhuming LLC contacted us immediately, admitting he was apart of this error. He met with Ms. Braiden and she happily paid us, then Mr. Dollman brought your wife safely here. Her body was in perfect tact when we received her.”
“Thank you.” I say then hang up.
I return to work and immediately tell my dad I had Lola put into the mausoleum.
“Oh King! That’s awesome news. I’ll be honest, how you were behaving, we feared you didn’t entomb her so you could dig her up and take her home.” He chuckles.
I give a nervous chuckle saying, “Yea.”
“I’m proud of you son. We all hate Lola’s in vault one. Your grandfather hates it most. He questioned God asking why didn’t He just take his old ass.” We laugh.
Through tear filled eyes he then says, “Lola was too good for this world. The Bible tells us, The righteous perishes, and no man takes it to heart; merciful men are taken away, while no one considers that the righteous is taken away from evil. That’s Isaiah 57:1. I know it like the back of my hand. My dad gave that to me when your mom passed, now I’m sharing it with you.”
We go home and tell the family the good news. Granddad Chad tells the immediate family we’re having a memorial for her after church Sunday. My family are all God loving people. How’d the devil love to pervert one of us again. I look at Hyde and Lee. They’re laughing and playing. Leah stops them softly scolding, “We’re praying! Respect God!”
Hyde whispers, “Sorry grandma.”
Lee’s little voice mimics his big brother’s saying, “Sowwy ganma.”
Smiling Leah kisses both of them then motions for them to clasp their tiny hands, and focus on Granddad Chad. It strengthens my heart seeing Hyde happy without his mommy being here.
Granddad Chad ends the memorial. We all exit and prepare to go fellowship as a family. I feel eyes. I look up and see a familiar face. It’s Owen Dollman. I feel ashamed as he heads my way. Hand outstretched grinning he says, “Solomon! So good to see you again.”
I shake his hand glancing at my family. My dad instantly asks, “Who’s this King?”
Owen quickly extends his hand to my dad saying, “I’m Owen Dollman. I work for Vvitchers and Toud Funeral Home. I just happened to be doing rounds today making sure our services were satisfactory. I saw your fine son and decided to say hello.”
My father analyzes him momentarily. He then smiles saying, “I see. Well nice meeting you, Owen.”
“The pleasures mine sir.”
I nod then go to walk away. Owen then says, “Solomon may I please speak with you very briefly. All I need is five minutes tops.”
I squat down telling my sons, “Go to grandma. Daddy will be there shortly. They run to my parents.
I then say, “You have five minutes, go.”
“This isn’t something I usually do. In fact, I’ve never done this in my life. But that night at Braiden and Fuqua I had a life changing experience. I’m glad your family’s God fearing or I’d never be able to do this. But God spoke so clearly to me that night. He showed me the devil wanted to destroy you and your sons. I had no clue who you were or if you even had children. God was commanding me not to leave you! But I was so afraid you, Mrs. Braiden, and my coworker would think I was a nutcase, if I repeated what I believed God was telling me to say. So that I will never be afraid to heed His voice again, I needed to know if what He told me to tell you was true. Or was I just me being over zealous.”
I glance at my family whose blatantly watching us. I then ask, “What’d He say?”
“He said tell him he’ll meet a familiar spirit who’ll attach himself to him, disguised as his wife. Tell him to leave now, this very act is unholy and defies the living God.”
He looks up at me. I stare unable to speak. My dad then calls out, “King! It’s time to go!”
I wave his way shouting, “Here I come!” I then look to Owen saying, “You heard God. Next time be obedient.”
Owen starts sobbing into his hands. I hurry to my family.
I can’t lie and say I’m totally healed. I still have more sad days than joyous. I still grieve pretty severely. And though I know it wasn’t her, I still regret not touching her. Having an impostor of her seems more satisfying, than nothing most days. This is why God forbids us from dabbling in that dark world. Not because it doesn’t exist, but because it does, and can appear extremely fascinating. How many people can say they encountered a spiritual clone of their deceased loved one? That it spoke their name, and smiled their way?
It was a very sensual spirit too. If Lola’s coffin hadn’t fallen over, I know it would’ve seduced me. It was familiar with all my desires and needs concerning my wife. Had I not experienced that, I’m sure I’d be much further in this healing process than I am today.
I witnessed it kill Mrs. Braiden, but because it hid beneath Lola’s identity I felt no fear regarding it murdering someone so heartlessly or quickly. Too, I now had to carry this dark secret with me to my grave. It’s killing my dad and granddad that I don’t attend church much. I just can’t anymore. Although I know the word is true, but I fight inwardly against it, because of this evil experience that reunited me with my Lola. I long to meet it again, just to let her touch me.
My boys are growing up well, but they’re serious young souls. They appear to live happy normal lives, but I know better. Lee turns three in a couple of days. Mae wants to give him a small birthday party at her home. I’ve vowed never to let her see me again after her antics during Lola’s funeral. She comes to pick Hyde and Lee up from my dad’s. I hide in the study watching as she gets my boys.
She looks well. Her hair, nails, and make up are freshly done. She’s wearing a lovely cream, form fitting pant suit. Her slinky blouse is exposing her heavily moisturized cleavage. Leah looks her up and down then loudly huffs. Hyde runs to her shouting, “Nana!”
“Hey nana’s Hy-Dee!”
Lee follows suit hugging her knees. She lifts him saying, “Happy Birthday beautiful boy.”
Leah hands her their backpacks saying, “Everything they need for a couple of days is in here.”
Mae says, “Thanks.” She then squats saying, “Which backpack is yours Hy-Dee?”
“That one!”
“Here, let’s put it on! ...Look at my strong little man! Come here Lee! Put yours on too! Whoa! Look how big and strong you both are!”
She stands then starts glancing around the area. Leah had walked away briefly. Mae then whispers, “Hy-Dee, I see your daddy’s car out front. Where is he?”
“I don’t know. Sometimes he’s there, in the study.”
She stands then heads my way, but Leah shouts, “Mae! Where are you going?”
“Oh! The boys wanted to kiss their daddy good bye. Right boys?”
“I wanna say bye to daddy, grandma.” says Hyde.
“I wanna say bye to daddy, grandma.” Lee repeats.
Leah says, “Daddy’s not here boys. He left earlier with friends.”
Whew! Good job Leah. I go to the window and watch my boys. Mae gently glides her hand across my car handle as she walks past. She then smells the palm of her hand. What a pervert. However, seeing that made me desire to conceal my secret more. I know without question if I die, and Mae finds out what I experienced, she’d surely summon some seducing demon resembling me, and happily let him attach himself to her forever.
I hate seeing my boys leave with their mother’s murderer, but until I have concrete proof there’s nothing I can do.
My secrets run deep. I have so much bitterness and pain that I work at healing and concealing daily. Everyone sees this doting father, faithful husband, God fearing, successful heir to a fortune. What man shouldn’t desire my acquaintance or woman shouldn’t yearn for my love? All see this handsome, green eyed Adonis, but truly I’m a green eyed monster. One more tragedy and I know my inner demon will come bursting out of me.
Finally Mae and my boys pull off. Leah gently taps my back. She lovingly asks, “Are you okay?”
Smiling I say, “Yes. I feel good today.”
“I’m glad. Everyone’s waiting on you. Let’s go eat.”
I hug her waist, as we head to the dining room.
“Hey man, just checking on you. You didn’t look so good tonight. How are you feeling?”
Crying I say, “Mac, man I’m fucking losing it! This dream, no nightmare I just had, is fucking driving me insane, man! Why’s God letting the devil torment me? I just don’t get it!”
“What was the nightmare?”
“I was with Lola. Aww Mac, it felt so real! We were just about to make love then I woke up. Then having to accept it was only a dream and that she’s really dead again; this shit’s fucking with my mental man!”
I can hear Mac sniffling. I huff saying, “Sorry to upset you, man. I just don’t know what to do. And my pain isn’t lessening. Time’s not healing me, man. Damn, my Lola’s never coming back! What am I gonna do?”
I start groaning in agony. Mac starts crying with me.
I whimper, “I gotta go!” I end our call.
I know he’s going to tell Aries and then they’ll come over. But I don’t want anymore male bonding sleepovers. I want my fucking wife! Tonight I’m enraged by grief. I hate God and this life at this moment. Aries’s calling me. I throw on some joggers, a t-shirt, and sneakers, snatch my keys off the table, then speed away from my home.
Lola’s death’s anniversary is less than a week away. I know that’s heightening my anger. My phone’s ringing out of control now. I try to power it off with one hand, but now it’s freezing up. I get so frustrated I hurl it out of my window. I lose control of the wheel as I throw it. I veer off the road and run into the guardrail. I quickly swerve back onto the road, then peel off onto the expressway. I have no clue where I’m going. I’m crying so hard I can barely see in front of me. It’s then I decide to go to the cemetery. I just need to be near her. I pull up, but of course the gates are locked. It looks creepy as hell out here. I find myself too afraid to exit my car. It’s then I really lose it shouting, “You fucking pussy! Go see your wife!”
I park down the way. Willows Peak Cemetery resides on a secluded road that ends at the lake. It’s very beautiful and serene in the day. Tonight it’s terrifying. However, I park and then jump over the gates. Listening to this dumb ass funeral director I buried her outside instead of in our family’s mausoleum. It’s freezing tonight. I could’ve been inside warm and dry with my Lola. But it is what it is now.
I take the flashlight out of my trunk. I use it to lead me to her headstone. As soon as my flashlight hits it, it shimmers like diamonds. I had her headstone made the same as her coffin. As soon as I see it sparkle I start weeping.
I paid my florist Malana in advance. I told her, “As long as you live, make sure fresh flowers are on her grave. Can you handle that?”
“Absolutely King. I’m so sorry this has happened to you.”
I simply hung up the phone.
I see the beautiful bouquet of daisies. I stare at it momentarily then I kneel in front of her headstone. I slowly rub my fingers across her name.
I whisper, “I’m trying so hard baby, but I just don’t want to be here without you anymore.”
I lay my head against her headstone then weep until I fall asleep. I wake up just before dawn. I look over to my right and I see the the sun half risen over the edge of the lake. It’s a tranquil sight. I lay my back against her headstone then somberly watch it rise. I kiss her name then whisper, “I gotta go.”
As I head to my car I see someone standing at the gate entrance. I glance then jump over the side where I entered. Once I land I hear, “Mr. York?”
It’s Mrs. Braiden. She’s a very attractive older woman. I think she’s almost 70, but she’s still sexy and alluring. She’s wearing a nice brown tailored pant suit. Her hair, nails, and make up is perfectly done. She stands staring my way. I know I look a mess.
I drop my head saying, “Hey.”
“May I please invite you over for breakfast Mr. York?”
“Mrs. Braiden, I’m filthy. Also, I’m not in the mood for company.”
I just shake my head as I walk past her. She quickly grabs me saying, “Please King. Let me help you.”
I glance her way. Now crying I say, “No one can help me Mrs. Braiden.”
“I’ve endured your grief King. I’ve endured it for over twenty years now. I lost my soulmate early and tragically too.”
I continue walking to my car as she follows behind me speaking. I open my car door. She grabs the handle saying, “Please King, let me help you. Helping you may even help me!”
“Please move Mrs. Braiden.”
“I hear your heart King. I feel your soul.”
I snatch the door out of her grasp saying, “I’m trying to be nice, but I promise you, I’m not in the mood for this. Please move. I need to get home.”
“What if you could hold and touch her once again?” She whispers.
I glance her way wide eyed. Nodding she says, “I’m not selling you false dreams or hopes. If you desire to be with her again, I desire that for you as well.”
Her words are making me want my Lola so badly. I stand their listening and start to believe her. A car drives past jolting me out of my head. I get into my car saying, “Please move. I don’t want to run you over.”
She slowly moves back as she longingly begs with her eyes. She then says, “Well if...”
I peel off before she finishes. I keep looking out my rear view mirror. She remains in the middle of the road watching, until I turn the corner.
I pull up to my home and there’s seemingly ten cars in my driveway. My sisters and stepmom can’t stop crying as I walk in. I can tell my dad, Mac and Aries have cried as well. No one says a word as I head upstairs to shower. I shower then crawl into bed. Leah knocks then enters. She sits on the edge of the bed next to me then gently kisses my cheek. A tear runs across my nose.
Sighing she says, “What can we do baby? Mommy can’t stand seeing you hurting so badly. Let us help you King. Please.”
I wipe my face with my comforter then turn facing away from her. I hear her sniffing. She then leaves closing the door behind her. I sleep most of the day. I wake up past 4 p.m. It’s dreary and rainy out. As soon as I go to the window there’s a knock at my door. It’s my dad.
“Good morning.” He teases saying. I simply glance his way. “Hyde’s looking for you.”
Clearing my throat I ask, “He’s here?” My dad nods. “Send him to me.”
I here his little feet leaping up the stairs. I greet him in the hallway. He runs into my arms. I catch him then fling him in the air. His buoyant laughter causes me to smile.
“Hey little man? What cha eating?”
“Asparagus.”
“Asparagus?” I repeat with a furrowed brow. He laughs. “Grandma Leah’s making you eat veggies again?”
He gives a yuck face, nodding and pouting. He hugs my neck, then lays his head on my shoulder. Laughing I whisper, “You want me to kick her ass for you?”
Suddenly he leans back staring at me stunned.
I nod saying, “Yea! I’ll do it for my little man.”
“You can’t kick grandma’s ass daddy!”
I burst into laughter saying, “You’re right! Grandpa would beat my ass if I did.”
Angrily shaking his head he says, “I won’t let him beat you daddy. I’ll beat his ass.”
“Okay enough beating asses for today. Daddy’s only joking. Let’s go tell grandma and grandpa we love them, okay?”
“Okay daddy!”
We get downstairs to seven glum faces. I softly say, “Hey.”
Aries smirks my way. He then cuts his eyes at Mac. They both smile. However, Sheba and Aquila look distraught. I go over to them and they both hug me tightly.
I whisper, “I’m okay. Just had a rough night.”
Lee’s walking now. We all laugh as he hobbles around. I enjoy my family. They then leave me alone with Aries and Mac.
Aries asks, “Where’d you go last night?” I shake my head. “And where’s that?”
“I just needed to be alone.”
“Dude, you live alone.”
I can’t tell them where I went, but I say, “I ran into Lola’s mortician last night.”
Mac says, “That’s creepy.”
“Yea she’s a weirdo.”
“Where’d you run into her?” asks Aries.
“Uh, where? The gas station.”
“Which one?”
“Uh, the Petro Plaza near downtown.”
Aries and Mac are now looking my way unconvinced. I huff saying, “I went to Lola’s grave.”
They don’t respond. I continue, “She was talking some really weird shit too.”
“Like what?” asks Aries.
Shaking my head I say, “I was so high, I can’t recall. She was just weird that’s it.”
Stretching Mac says, “Yea at the funeral, between Mae and Braiden I don’t know which one was gawking at you the hardest. Both were mesmerized. But in the end I concluded it was Braiden. I’m like, this old bitch wanna do King or what?”
Aries laughs as I scoff. Aries then says, “Yea avoid that creepy bitch. She’s probably stalking your ass. How convenient she shows up at the cemetery with you! How’d she look?”
“She looked nice. Looked as if she just finished doing a funeral or something.”
“Ugh! I just shivered. Next time you see that bitch, run!” says Mac.
Aries and Mac leave near 2 a.m. I immediately go into Lola’s office and sit at her desk. I haven’t changed anything. It’s exactly how she left it. I pick up our wedding photo then kiss her. I then fall asleep hugging it in her desk chair.
I’m scared out of my sleep from another nightmare. I dreamt I ran into Mrs. Braiden again. Yet when I came out of the cemetery Lola’s corpse was lying in the backseat of my car. Then I woke up.
Leah purchased me a new cellphone. It’s in the kitchen charging. I remove it and I have one lone text. I look at the screen and it reads Wife. I shut my eyes tightly then refocus. I reread my screen, but now I have multiple messages from my family and friends.
I take my oil pen from my kitchen drawer and then go smoke in the living room. I cut on the television. I put it on the Vortex network. Ghost Haunted is on. Really pretty woman named Peyton is speaking. She’s been living with a vampire sounds like. The longer I listen she says he was possessed. His demon allowed him to live forever. I know most of these people on here are nuts, but I can tell she’s not. I then wonder how she’s doing. The show then ends with a caption reading:
This was Peyton’s final interview with any network.
Her whereabouts are currently unknown.
Friends and family claim she left church one night
to meet her entity and was never seen again.
The last time anyone saw or heard from Peyton
was six years ago.
I sit intrigued by her story. It’s then I go online and google her. I find her last name is Meryl and she’s from Vermont. The ghost she claimed haunted her was an early 1900’s British actor named Lee York. I stop reading stunned. I then google Lee York and the only thing that comes up is Peyton Meryl.
A Lee York from Britain. He has to be my relative. My dad and grandfather treats our Lee York as if he’s the name that shall never be named. Is he Voldemort of the Harry Potter series, or what?
I go to bed and as soon as I lie down I flashback to the day Mrs. Braiden approached my family and me at the park. I then remember her saying whenever I’m ready to hear all about Lee York, call her. I jump up and pull her card out of my wallet. As I stare at her number I hear Aries saying, “Yea avoid that creepy bitch...”
I sigh then toss her card onto my nightstand.
All night I’m tossing and turning. I’m thinking about Lola. I start crying. I start sweating. Now I’m horny as hell thinking about making love to her. Now I’m crying again! Suddenly I jump up, grab my phone, then text Mrs. Braiden.
Me: I’m ready to learn about Lord York.
Immediately she texts back: Meet me at my office by 6 a.m.
It’s 4:27 a.m. I get into the shower and just let the water relax me. I get dressed then make me a cup of coffee. I think, Solomon what are you doing? I then hear granddad Bishop Chad preaching, “Satan is cunning. You must put on the whole armor of God so you can withstand all the wiles, methods, and schemes of the devil.”
I come out of my head and look at my watch. It’s now 5:33. Immediately I leave to go meet Mrs. Braiden.
I pull up into the parking lot. I look to the front door and Mrs. Braiden’s standing there in an all white, long flowing dress. It has a nice silver buckle on the belt across her waist. She stands gazing my way with a comforting smile. I exit my car and walk towards her with my head hanging down. She reaches for me. I grab her hand.
She asks, “Are you hungry? I have an exquisite chef at home. I’ve had him prepare us breakfast. Please leave your car here. I will drive you.”
“No, I’ll follow you.”
She nods saying, “As you wish.”
Mrs. Braiden lives in a miniature castle. We drive up to iron gates that swing open before she reaches its entrance. We have to drive half a mile just to get to her front door. I think, Solomon are you nuts? Get the hell out of here!
Everything’s immaculate. We enter and she immediately calls out, “Jacques we’re here!”
A very thin, tall, lanky man comes out of the kitchen to greet us. He says, “Welcome Mr. York.”
He has a very strong French accent. I simply nod. Mrs. Braiden grins my way saying, “Please make yourself at home.”
The food’s great. Mrs. Braiden’s talking about her daughter and traveling. Her conversation’s pretty basic and normal. However, I’m looking all around. We’re eating in the dining room. I’m scoping out these eery 1800’s photos of her family I guess.
She says, “Well, that was excellent. Let’s go to the living room.”
Before we sit she leads me to a huge oil painting. It’s the eeriest shit I’ve ever seen in my life.
She then says, “This is the founder of our prestigious family business. This is Grandfather LaVondo Braiden. He’s an astonishing man. Everything I am and long to be is because of him.”
She glances at me smiling. I can feel the twisted look on my face. I force a smile saying, “Cool.”
Finally we’re sitting. She asks, “Well, where’d you like me to start?”
“Start with his immortality. Is that truth?”
“Yes King. He was born in 1882, but he’s been seen as late as ...”
I cut her off saying, “Six years ago.”
“Why yes. In Vermont.”
“I read the woman who claims to have seen him was institutionalized a few times.”
“All lies King. Lord York desired it that way or people would question a 135 year-old-man that still looked so young. ...Would you like to see him?” Hesitant but I nod yes. “Follow me.”
She leads me to the west wing of her home. As we head toward her office I notice there’s funeral chapels.
I ask, “Is this a funeral home?”
“Yes! I’m sorry, this was our original location. I’m so used to funeral homes they seem normal to me. I’m sure this is quite alarming for you. Please forgive me. But I keep him locked in a safe in this office.”
Nodding I say, “Mrs. Braiden I have to get to my boys soon. I didn’t expect to be here this long.”
“Oh? What time are they expecting you?”
“Early! Like now. Maybe we can finish this another time?”
“Of course. Well, I’ll save his film for the next time we meet.”
“A film?”
“Yes! He was a megastar during his time. I have his latest and greatest film Narcissism. He seemingly put his truth on film.”
I look at my watch then say, “Well as long as we’re done by 10. I’ll be fine.”
“Wonderful. Let’s watch it in the white chapel.”
I get to the doorway and I envision Lola’s coffin. I heave for air then look up. Mrs. Braiden has a screen and reel to reel set up, up front.
“Come sit Mr. York.”
She cuts off the lights and I feel anxious. Lee York walks onto the screen and I feel overwhelmed. He looks like an adult version of my son. I start fidgeting from anxiety.
Suddenly I stand saying, “I have to go.”
She immediately stops the film and follows me. I’m speed walking down this corridor. The walls are filled with creepy photos. It’s then I look and I see my Lola. I do a double take then stop. I snatch her photo down.
Livid I ask, “Why would you hang my dead wife on your wall?”
“Calm down Mr. York. If you look carefully all these people are dead. It’s a tradition of undertakers. In the past, families not only undertakers, took photos of their deceased. It was considered beautiful then. I believe it still holds beauty and love. Why must they be viewed has horrifying just because their body is soulless? And what if their soul desires to return? Where would it go?”
“Yea I knew you were fucked up!”
It’s then I sprint to the front door with Lola’s picture. I squeal down her driveway. I get to the gates and they’re locked. I start honking my horn like a mad man. The gates open. I peel out.
I’m swerving and driving recklessly. I keep glancing at Lola’s photo sobbing. I feel violated. I feel as if another psycho has touched my perfect Lola. All these sick twisted demons keep touching her! I’m sobbing so hard I’m wailing. I almost crash into an oncoming car on the opposite side of the road. He swerves honking. It’s then I pull onto the embankment and just moan out in despair. Once I’m calm I drive home. I sit on my couch and just stare at Lola’s dead photo. It wasn’t taken in her coffin. It looks as if she’s sitting up in a chair. The background’s all white, so it’s impossible to see what’s behind her. I stare at her so hard and long she starts moving. My phone vibrates, breaking me out of my trance. Mrs. Braiden’s calling. I don’t answer. It’s then I’m alerted of her voice message. I put it on speaker then listen.
She says, “King, I owe you an apology. My lifestyle, though normal to me, is very unnerving for most. Truly I meant no harm. It’s my life, my gift. It’s a gift to not fear death. I see beauty and eternity in it. It’s a very crucial part of life that most hate to deal with, but it’s inevitable. Your ancestor has intrigued my family for a long time. Forgive me for being so forward. I let my curiosity and excitement get the best of me. I’m certain I may never hear from you again, but I needed you to know what I did came from a place of love and sincerity. I was pleased to introduce you to your family’s history that I’ve held dear my entire existence. Please accept my apology. I pray God’s peace and comfort continues to cover your family. Blessings and much success to you Mr. York. I earnestly pray you find the peace you need during this grievous time in your life.”
I immediately call back. She answers, “King?”
“What are you offering me Mrs. Braiden?”
“Excuse me?”
“If you play stupid I’ll hang up and never call again. Tell me what you’re really trying to do?”
“It’s too complicated to discuss over the phone...”
“TELL ME!” I shout.
“I can bring Lola back to you. But it requires you and Lord York’s help.”
I hang up in her face. I’m panting as I cry through gritted teeth. I lift Lola’s photo. I say, “Why’d you fucking leave me? Why didn’t you just take Hyde snorkeling then get out of the fucking water?”
It’s then I fling her photo across the room. I jump up and kick the coffee table so hard, it lands at the room’s opening. It smashes into pieces. I flip my couch over. It falls onto an end table, destroying my table lamp. I start whirling through my living room like the Tasmanian devil. I trip over my destroyed coffee table and stumble into the hallway. I hear sobbing. I hurry into the foyer and Sheba and Aquila are there. Sheba’s whispering on her phone.
I grab my keys off of the foyer table then ram through them saying, “Move!”
“King!” They both shout.
I peel off. I dial Mrs. Braiden. She calmly answers, “Yes Mr. York.”
“I’m headed your way. And you better do what you fucking say you can, or I’ll going to kill your old ass on site! Do you understand me?”
“Yes Mr. York.”
I toss my phone into the passenger’s seat then floor my acceleration all the way back to her home.
I enter into her foyer. She greets me, “Welcome back Mr. York. Firstly we need Lola’s body. You need to request a disinter. Once they remove the body to entomb, I will say you requested it be brought to my funeral home first. Do you understand?” I nod. “Good. Now let’s get you presentable.”
“I can’t return home. My sisters are there. I need to go to the mall.”
“You don’t have a tailor Mr. York?”
“He’ll call my father. ...It’s complicated right now. Just let me go to...”
“I have someone. Please get into my car. You’re in no state of mind to drive right now.”
As we drive to her tailor, she calls all her people. She tells them removing Lola for the mausoleum promptly, is imperative for our family. Everyone accommodates her without questioning. By now my phone’s buzzing out of control.
“Mr. York comfort your family, or they’ll come looking for you.”
I call my dad. He answers, “King where are you?”
“I’m okay dad...”
“No son, you’re not! Your sisters said you didn’t even look like yourself when you left! We’ve been trying to heal you ourselves, but it’s not working King. Let’s get you some real help today, okay? Please son!”
“You’re right dad. I’m actually with someone right now. I found a facility.”
“What? Through Dr. Karr?”
“Yea. He promised me confidentiality, so don’t bother to ask him. Just let me do this on my own dad. I need this. And tell Sheba and Aquila I’m sorry for scaring them.”
“King, let me come with you?”
“No dad! Just trust me, okay? I’m trying, okay?” I cry.
“I’m sorry. I’m not trying to upset you. Well, I’m proud of you King. Do what you must, and if you need me, call at once, okay?”
“Okay.” I whisper.
“I love you so much.” He cries.
I whimper out, “I gotta go.” then hang up the phone.
We leave Mrs. Braiden’s tailor then go to the funeral home. I talk to Daniela and Sia. We all have dinner at an exclusive restaurant. Once dinner’s over everyone goes to their respective homes, but she and I return to the funeral home.
Close to midnight the people arrive with Lola. Both Mrs. Braiden and I sign the release papers. The two gentlemen dropping her off give us strange looks. However, the guy in charge won’t stop watching me. Now giving a concerned look through squinted eyes, he says, “God bless you Mr. York. I’m extremely sorry about your loss. I pray you feel God’s peace once she’s in your family’s chosen resting place. But know her soul’s safely with the Lord. She’s happy and at total peace. That’s all we truly want, right?”
Wide eyed I nod his way. He gives a pinched smile, raises the paperwork, then leaves.
Rubbing my back Mrs. Braiden says, “And how does he know? People love to spew kind words, but it’s the truth people need for real peace. If someone speaking positive words was the solution, you’d be the most peaceful man to grace God’s earth at this point. ...Come let’s take Lola to my home.”
We load Lola’s coffin into a company hearse and then drive to her home. We park by the west wing then take her to a room to prepare her body. I know this is so wrong, but I’m so out of my element right now. I feel as if this is a nightmare and I’m going to wake up at any moment.
We’re now both standing over her closed coffin. Mrs. Braiden says, “Allow me to see her first King. I’ll determine if I need to touch her up.”
She opens it slightly. She gazes at her sighing loudly. I’m in shock. I just stare her way motionless. She says, “Go wait in my office. She needs minor touches.”
Sitting in her office my mind’s going crazy. It’s screaming, Run!
I then hear Granddad Chad preaching. He says, “Seances, spiritualism, and the like, are all demonic practices that deal with familiar spirits. God’s Bible clearly states there’s a gulf between the living and the dead and that neither can enter to the other side. Anything else is an illusion used by our great enemy to deceive us.”
It’s then I see my Lola’s beautiful face the day before she died. We made love all day. Everywhere we went in Boca Raton we christened it. The beach, the restaurant, the night club’s restroom. I start yearning for her. I begin to need her so badly. I drop my head caressing my eyes and forehead. It’s then Mrs. Braiden caresses my shoulder frightening me. I jump up and leap back.
“She’s ready.”
We exit her office to a pitch black hallway. My heart’s about to jump out of my chest. I’m looking all around in a panic. We enter the white chapel and there’s lit candles on each row leading up to Lola’s coffin. My heart’s tightening the closer I get to her. Once I’m standing over her she looks magnificent. I cover my mouth crying from joy.
“Yes! It looks as if she were expecting to see you.”
“H-How?” I pant out.
“I’ve been doing this fifty years, and it all depends on the soul. I’ve removed some corpses in a year, and they were sludge. Some I removed after 20 years in the ground and they were in perfect condition. I believe those in tact are expecting a visit from their beloved.”
I kneel then lie my head on Lola’s hand, sobbing and kissing it. Mrs. Braiden allows me to touch and kiss her a few minutes before she whispers into my ear, “It’s time.”
Mrs. Braiden now has on a sexy but elegant, form fitting, black lace dress. She starts praying to God, but it’s distorted scriptures. It just sounds demonic. It’s starting to vex my soul. I block my ears and start inwardly repenting and begging God to help me. She taps me and I flinch.
She says, “I have Lola’s blood. Now we simply need yours.”
She gently places this small vile to Lola’s mouth then pour. It starts running out of her mouth, down her cheek, to her neck, staining her beautiful white covering.
She then looks at me saying, “Drawing your blood will be painless. You’ll feel a slight sting and that’s...”
“King?”
We both hear someone softly call in the distance. Mrs. Braiden and I stand petrified.
“King?”
We hear it again. I softly answer, “Lola?”
Mrs. Braiden grabs me. Her finger now tightly pressed against her mouth, she’s shaking her head no, frantically. I look into the coffin, but Lola’s corpse looks the same. Suddenly a figure rises from behind the altar’s podium. It’s Lola. She looks beyond beautiful. I go to rush to her but Mrs. Braiden yells, “King NO! DEVIL I COMMAND YOU TO RETURN TO THE DEPTHS OF HELL WHERE YOU HAVE DISOBEDIENTLY RISEN!”
As she’s shouting it’s a demon, Lola stretches out her hand to me saying, “Oh King! Let me touch you.”
I’m sobbing. I want to go to her, but I’m so frightened and confused! Her bodies still in the coffin. Mrs. Braiden’s repeatedly damning the living Lola back to hell. I fall to my knees, holding my head, hoping my mind doesn’t snap.
Suddenly I hear a loud Boom! I look up cowering beneath Lola’s coffin. Mrs. Braiden’s been thrown into the wall. She’s lying on the floor unconscious. I look up to the pulpit but Lola’s gone. I then see she’s standing at the head of her own coffin dazed, staring at herself. I try and move away, but she then fixes her eyes upon me. Her eyes are so clear I can easily see her black pupils in her dark brown eyes. She smiles. I slowly stand. We stand gazing at one another. She stretches out her hand towards me. I reach for her, but Lola’s coffin falls over. Her corpse thumps on the ground. It scares me so badly I take off running. As I run through the back corridor, to the hearse, all I hear is her morbidly moaning as she calls my name. I sob all the way back to the funeral home. I park the hearse then jog to the main road. I catch a cab back to my car.
I enter my parent’s home and everyone’s there. Dr. Karr confirmed I lied. My family will never approve of what I’ve done, so I lie and say I tried to commit myself to a facility, but couldn’t.
My dad then says, “Your home holds too many memories. Why don’t you stay with us until it sells and you find a new one. Northern West Chesterfield has an excellent school district and the homes are stunning. That way you’re not too far from where the boys’ mother raised them, and you’re not stuck someplace you can’t properly heal.”
I nod. Everyone showers me with love. However, I watch Lee all night. I can’t shake how much he resembles our ancestor Lee. My family knows all about him, but we had never seen him. Granddad Chad had, and he told my dad, “He looks like a devil. I will never make known his existence to my family.”
Of course that made my dad curious. He secretly searched for him, but every story was so evil and depraved, he stopped. He accepted Granddad Chad was right.
Sia found Mrs. Braiden dead in the west chamber a few days after my encounter there. I surely thought the police would question me on why Lola’s corpse had been exhumed at my request. But no one ever did.
A few days later I receive a letter from Vvitchers & Toud Funeral home. The letter reads:
Thanks for using Vvitchers & Toud for something as delicate as laying your loved one to rest. Mrs. Lola Rose York has been restfully sealed in vault 1 of your family’s mausoleum at Willows Peak Cemetery. If you have any questions or desire more services please feel free to call morning, noon, or night. We are at your service.
Sincerely Mr. J. Toud.
The next day I go to the office for the first time in months. I tell my dad, “I’m going to lunch. You want anything?”
He’s on the phone. He motions telling me he’s fine. I nod and then leave. As I’m driving I call Mr. Toud. His funeral assistant answers.
“Hi. I’m Mr. Solomon York. You put my wife in our mausoleum. I was just calling to see if you’ve been paid?”
“Good afternoon Mr. York. ...Hold on.” She returns saying, “Yes. Ms. Braiden told us the late Mrs. Braiden erroneously accepted her remains from the exhumers. Mr. Owen Dollman of Dollman Exhuming LLC contacted us immediately, admitting he was apart of this error. He met with Ms. Braiden and she happily paid us, then Mr. Dollman brought your wife safely here. Her body was in perfect tact when we received her.”
“Thank you.” I say then hang up.
I return to work and immediately tell my dad I had Lola put into the mausoleum.
“Oh King! That’s awesome news. I’ll be honest, how you were behaving, we feared you didn’t entomb her so you could dig her up and take her home.” He chuckles.
I give a nervous chuckle saying, “Yea.”
“I’m proud of you son. We all hate Lola’s in vault one. Your grandfather hates it most. He questioned God asking why didn’t He just take his old ass.” We laugh.
Through tear filled eyes he then says, “Lola was too good for this world. The Bible tells us, The righteous perishes, and no man takes it to heart; merciful men are taken away, while no one considers that the righteous is taken away from evil. That’s Isaiah 57:1. I know it like the back of my hand. My dad gave that to me when your mom passed, now I’m sharing it with you.”
We go home and tell the family the good news. Granddad Chad tells the immediate family we’re having a memorial for her after church Sunday. My family are all God loving people. How’d the devil love to pervert one of us again. I look at Hyde and Lee. They’re laughing and playing. Leah stops them softly scolding, “We’re praying! Respect God!”
Hyde whispers, “Sorry grandma.”
Lee’s little voice mimics his big brother’s saying, “Sowwy ganma.”
Smiling Leah kisses both of them then motions for them to clasp their tiny hands, and focus on Granddad Chad. It strengthens my heart seeing Hyde happy without his mommy being here.
Granddad Chad ends the memorial. We all exit and prepare to go fellowship as a family. I feel eyes. I look up and see a familiar face. It’s Owen Dollman. I feel ashamed as he heads my way. Hand outstretched grinning he says, “Solomon! So good to see you again.”
I shake his hand glancing at my family. My dad instantly asks, “Who’s this King?”
Owen quickly extends his hand to my dad saying, “I’m Owen Dollman. I work for Vvitchers and Toud Funeral Home. I just happened to be doing rounds today making sure our services were satisfactory. I saw your fine son and decided to say hello.”
My father analyzes him momentarily. He then smiles saying, “I see. Well nice meeting you, Owen.”
“The pleasures mine sir.”
I nod then go to walk away. Owen then says, “Solomon may I please speak with you very briefly. All I need is five minutes tops.”
I squat down telling my sons, “Go to grandma. Daddy will be there shortly. They run to my parents.
I then say, “You have five minutes, go.”
“This isn’t something I usually do. In fact, I’ve never done this in my life. But that night at Braiden and Fuqua I had a life changing experience. I’m glad your family’s God fearing or I’d never be able to do this. But God spoke so clearly to me that night. He showed me the devil wanted to destroy you and your sons. I had no clue who you were or if you even had children. God was commanding me not to leave you! But I was so afraid you, Mrs. Braiden, and my coworker would think I was a nutcase, if I repeated what I believed God was telling me to say. So that I will never be afraid to heed His voice again, I needed to know if what He told me to tell you was true. Or was I just me being over zealous.”
I glance at my family whose blatantly watching us. I then ask, “What’d He say?”
“He said tell him he’ll meet a familiar spirit who’ll attach himself to him, disguised as his wife. Tell him to leave now, this very act is unholy and defies the living God.”
He looks up at me. I stare unable to speak. My dad then calls out, “King! It’s time to go!”
I wave his way shouting, “Here I come!” I then look to Owen saying, “You heard God. Next time be obedient.”
Owen starts sobbing into his hands. I hurry to my family.
I can’t lie and say I’m totally healed. I still have more sad days than joyous. I still grieve pretty severely. And though I know it wasn’t her, I still regret not touching her. Having an impostor of her seems more satisfying, than nothing most days. This is why God forbids us from dabbling in that dark world. Not because it doesn’t exist, but because it does, and can appear extremely fascinating. How many people can say they encountered a spiritual clone of their deceased loved one? That it spoke their name, and smiled their way?
It was a very sensual spirit too. If Lola’s coffin hadn’t fallen over, I know it would’ve seduced me. It was familiar with all my desires and needs concerning my wife. Had I not experienced that, I’m sure I’d be much further in this healing process than I am today.
I witnessed it kill Mrs. Braiden, but because it hid beneath Lola’s identity I felt no fear regarding it murdering someone so heartlessly or quickly. Too, I now had to carry this dark secret with me to my grave. It’s killing my dad and granddad that I don’t attend church much. I just can’t anymore. Although I know the word is true, but I fight inwardly against it, because of this evil experience that reunited me with my Lola. I long to meet it again, just to let her touch me.
My boys are growing up well, but they’re serious young souls. They appear to live happy normal lives, but I know better. Lee turns three in a couple of days. Mae wants to give him a small birthday party at her home. I’ve vowed never to let her see me again after her antics during Lola’s funeral. She comes to pick Hyde and Lee up from my dad’s. I hide in the study watching as she gets my boys.
She looks well. Her hair, nails, and make up are freshly done. She’s wearing a lovely cream, form fitting pant suit. Her slinky blouse is exposing her heavily moisturized cleavage. Leah looks her up and down then loudly huffs. Hyde runs to her shouting, “Nana!”
“Hey nana’s Hy-Dee!”
Lee follows suit hugging her knees. She lifts him saying, “Happy Birthday beautiful boy.”
Leah hands her their backpacks saying, “Everything they need for a couple of days is in here.”
Mae says, “Thanks.” She then squats saying, “Which backpack is yours Hy-Dee?”
“That one!”
“Here, let’s put it on! ...Look at my strong little man! Come here Lee! Put yours on too! Whoa! Look how big and strong you both are!”
She stands then starts glancing around the area. Leah had walked away briefly. Mae then whispers, “Hy-Dee, I see your daddy’s car out front. Where is he?”
“I don’t know. Sometimes he’s there, in the study.”
She stands then heads my way, but Leah shouts, “Mae! Where are you going?”
“Oh! The boys wanted to kiss their daddy good bye. Right boys?”
“I wanna say bye to daddy, grandma.” says Hyde.
“I wanna say bye to daddy, grandma.” Lee repeats.
Leah says, “Daddy’s not here boys. He left earlier with friends.”
Whew! Good job Leah. I go to the window and watch my boys. Mae gently glides her hand across my car handle as she walks past. She then smells the palm of her hand. What a pervert. However, seeing that made me desire to conceal my secret more. I know without question if I die, and Mae finds out what I experienced, she’d surely summon some seducing demon resembling me, and happily let him attach himself to her forever.
I hate seeing my boys leave with their mother’s murderer, but until I have concrete proof there’s nothing I can do.
My secrets run deep. I have so much bitterness and pain that I work at healing and concealing daily. Everyone sees this doting father, faithful husband, God fearing, successful heir to a fortune. What man shouldn’t desire my acquaintance or woman shouldn’t yearn for my love? All see this handsome, green eyed Adonis, but truly I’m a green eyed monster. One more tragedy and I know my inner demon will come bursting out of me.
Finally Mae and my boys pull off. Leah gently taps my back. She lovingly asks, “Are you okay?”
Smiling I say, “Yes. I feel good today.”
“I’m glad. Everyone’s waiting on you. Let’s go eat.”
I hug her waist, as we head to the dining room.
