The Burned Faced Pill Man

“How lucky are you to come up on a deal as sweet as this?”, Denise said as we walked up the stairwell. We just reached the 18th floor. The entire building was perfect except for the fact that its literally the year 2073 and they have no elevators. I guess these people took being fit seriously.

“Nèko, what floor do you stay on again? This shit is getting lame,” she complained.

“This floor actually, apartment 1873”, I said opening the exit door. Just then a man bumped into us causing Denise to waste her drink.

“Hey man, do you think you could watch where the hell you’re going next time?”, I said grabbing him by his collar.

“Pardon Sir. Word has it old Abe’s been shot in the head,” he said panting. His face was drenched in sweat. His eyes were dilated, black, and soulless. He ran down the stairs as if the building were on fire.

“That was super crazy,” Denise said wiping her face. “He had to be on the best caps in town.”

She opened the door and we entered a dark hall that had identical doors with a light above each one. Each one had the same door mat, doorbell and plant on the left of each door. At the end of the hallway was a large window that would’ve brought in lots of natural lighting but instead it was painted solid black.

“Wow, it’s like a millionaire’s prison or something,” I said as we walked slowly down the hall. Amazed at the apartments, we hardly noticed a dark figure at the end of the in the middle of the hall, prompted up against the wall.

“Damn junky on it bad. Can’t take a trip without tripping,” the guy said.

“Excuse me?”, I asked. He began to walk closer. I could tell he had on boots as each step sounded off the closer he got. He got under the light revealing his identity. He had to be at least our age, with long curly dirty blonde hair and the side of his face was badly burned. He wore a solid white t-shirt with black jeans, and a leather biker looking jacket kind of like the greaser type of boys way back in the day. A necklace with a heart shaped locket hung from his neck and a joint rested behind his ear. He definitely didn’t look like he was from around here at all.

“You new here?”, he asked. Denise stared at him not saying a word.

“Yea. Just got the key and about to check out the place now.”

“You burn?”, he asked with no hesitation. He pulled out a small leather draw-string sack and opened it, pouring different pills into his hand. There were 3 types; a red and orange capsule, a solid black one with 3 white x’s on it, and a pink one with a blue heart on it.

Before I could say anything- “Choose your fate,” he encouraged.

I looked at Denise who was staring at the pills like food washing on shore on a stranded island.

“Are you going to start slobbering next?”, I asked her. The guy just stood there like a statue, holding his hand out waiting for us to answer.

“Never saw these before. What does each one do?”, I asked. He started laughing.

“I’ve only taken the black one. It’ll have you stuck if you’re trying to stay put,” he said.

“Well I know the one I want.”, Denise said picking up the pink capsule with the blue heart, swallowing it like nothing.

“Denise, are you fucking insane!? You don’t know what that will do to you,” I said.

“I guess I’m going to find out here shortly,” she said. I could tell she was trying to be flirty because of this guy.

“I tell you what, first ones on me. You’ll be back,” he said.

He handed me the red and orange capsule then put the sack back in his jacket pocket.

“Take it about an hour before you think you’ll doze off. Make sure you’re at home man.”, he said sincerely. “Make sure you are here at your new apartment,” he said grabbing my shoulder looking in my eyes.

“Ok man I got it. Be here at the apartment, take an hour or so before I sleep. Easy,” I said putting the capsule in my shirt pocket. He turned around and walked back down the hall.

“Hey man, what’s your name?”, I asked.

“Gene. They call me Burner.” I’ll be around. My floor is 19. I’m in Apartment 1952.”

“How endearing was that?!”, Denise said.

“You just be careful since you took that capsule and we have no idea what it does.”

We walked up to my apartment.

“1873. Well here goes nothing,” I said unlocking the door. I reached for the latch and opened the door revealing a very neat yet simple apartment. The walls, ceilings, and windows were all painted black. Even the wooden floors were black. There were a few doors to the left and one on the right, I assume lead to the kitchen, bathroom or some storage closets.

“This looks- cool. At least I won’t have to worry about it getting hot in here,” I said. Denise checked her communicator.

“It’s almost time for me to go to work. Are you sure you have all the help you need moving?”, she asked.

“Yea, besides it’s not like you were going to do much anyways. I don’t have much, Gauge, Zeke, and I really got this. I’ll talk to you later.”

Should I call Bri Lynn to tell her about my new place? I sat on the floor and held my communicator out. I put it back in my pocket.

No. It’s best she just finds out word of mouth. I don’t want to force anything.

***

The sun started hiding behind the building and mountains that dwarfed underneath the sky. The capsule seemed to be throbbing in my pocket. My curiosity talked to me like a conscience.

“Shit, Nèko you would be on one of the highest floors in the damn building,” Zeke complained as he helped me carry my couch up the stairs. Gauge came right behind carrying a box.

“I’ll pay you immensely in food, smoke, and beer,” I laughed.

We finally got everything into the apartment. It wasn’t much but a couch, old chair and an old plasma TV, a few books shelves and books in the living room. I had just my bed, a bin of clothes, and a few posters and decorative items in my room. My kitchen was empty. I was just happy to have my own place. I’ve lived with a roommate and Brit Lynn before but never alone.

“We’re about to go head out to Slugs and get a few drinks, get on some girls, you coming?”, Gauge asked.

I reached in my pocket and pulled out the capsule that guy Gene gave me.

“Hell yea, my type of party. You got anymore?”, Zeke asked.

“No. This guy named Gene, with a burned face, just gave Denise and I these weird looking capsules. I’m really skeptical about taking it. I’ve just never seen any like this.” I said observing it. Gauge took it out my hand.

“This does look like some exclusive extraterrestrial shit. If you don’t take it give it to me.”, he said.

“I just might throw it away after you put your dirty ass hands on it,” I said snatching it back.

“Well we’re about to head out bro. Hit me up and plug me in with your burned face pill man!”, he said walking out with Zeke. I shut the door and locked it behind then. I went to the living room, plopping down on the couch and stared up at the ceiling. The entire apartment was dark except for the one lamp I had on next to the couch.

I pulled the capsule out and stared at it again. It kind of glistened a little in the light. I looked at my watch. 11:07pm. Guess I’ll see what you’re about. Without hesitation, I swallowed it whole. My face felt hot before it could even go down my throat good. My hands and feet started tingling and then began to burn.

What the fuck is going on? Am I allergic to this? My vision started doubling and then getting blurry. The gravity seemed to disappear under my feet as I began to feel lighter. I headed for the bathroom sink. I tried hard to stay focus and calm. I’ve taken a lot of capsules before and almost even died one time, yet non made me feel like this. I reached for the sink and then fell to the ground as the sink started to run away from me.

Come back! The sink grew smaller and smaller as I reached up for it. The sink slowly faded away and then my vision went black.

***

“Lee! Lee! You alright?” I could hear Brit Lynn’s sweet voice but couldn’t see anything. The blend of horse manure and humidity hit me hard like a slap to the face.

“West Lee! Chelsey has gotten out again. You know she’s gotten too big for Lee Jr. to tame her now. She doesn’t mind anyone but you.” I felt her slightly kick my leg. I opened my eyes. I was lying in a pile of hay next to a pig trough. I looked at my clothes. They definitely aren’t any that belonged to me. My hair rested in two braids tied with scraps of leather on the end.

“Where am I?”, I asked rubbing my head getting up slowly. My head spun like I’d been drinking and taking drugs all night. Britt Lynn was more beautiful than I’ve ever seen her.

“You are home honey. You and the boys got full as a tick last night. Lawson said you hit your head and passed out in here. Now let’s get you inside to eat and get settled.” She helped me up and led me out the barn doors. Nothing was what I thought. There were no sky scraping buildings, busy streets filled with people on their communicators, or bots out scanning parking meters. All I saw was land that stretched out for what appeared to be miles, horses that reframed themselves behind an open fence, and a small little street that hand about 10 houses near us.

I must be dreaming.

***

“The Bridges Boys have been harassing these parts for years. You, Donny Ray, and Lawson have protected our property for the past 5-6 years since your Paw passed,” Brit Lynn said.

We sat at a wooden table in the kitchen. I felt like I was in a western movie. The furniture, clothes, just everything was old and out dated like I was at the renaissance section at the museum. I had the worse thirst ever when I woke up. I drank a large cup of her homemade lemonade as I explained to her about how I didn’t know how I got here or if any of this was real.

“Well I don’t know if you’re dreaming but I do know it’s the 9th of August, 1873. I know that my name is Meredith Lee and that we are married with two beautiful kids Mary Joe Lee who is 5 years old and West Lee Jr. is almost 9.

9? I have a 9-year-old son. I have kids and I’m married? Now I know I’m dreaming.

“I’m barely 25. How are we married with 2 kids?”, I asked.

“We got married young. It was the Summer I turned 13 and you 14. We ran away and didn’t look back. We came here and built this house ourselves. Well with the help of your Pa, Lawson, Donny, their family and a few others who later resigned here. After that others followed, building their homes and we started our own colony,” she said as she slapped a large piece of pork on an iron skillet over the stove.

“It’s crazy how you done gone and lost your memory. You must’ve hit your head mighty hard cause you ain’t dreaming Lee.” Just then, a boy with two long braids, just like mine, came in the room with no shoes or shirt on. A little girl followed after him rubbing her eyes with one hand and hold some sort of stuffed animal in the other. They were so beautiful I felt my face get hot as a tear crawled down my face. I could see an equal split of me and Brit Lynn.

“Brit Lynn, we weren’t together-”

“Who is Brit Lynn?”, she interrupted.

“I forget your name is Meredith. It’s just weird is all.” She looked at me so puzzled like she hadn’t the slightest clue about what I was talking about.

“Come here. Come to Daddy. Or Come to your Pa.” I had to remember where I was. A loud bang came to the door. Lots of rifles and other weapons lined up beside the door.

“Who’s there?”, I asked, grabbed one of the rifles. Brit Lynn or, should I say Meredith, walked calmly over to the door and opened it. It was my friends, Zeke and Gauge. They didn’t appear to be themselves either. Their appearance made them looked like two total different guys. Gauge wasn’t his normal clean cut, suave self. He had long hair to his should with a beard. Zeke also. He had long kinky hair that was unexposed under a hat. They both looked like some bad ass cowboys.

“Zeke, Gauge. Man am I happy to see you guys.” They looked at me the same way Meredith did. They must be different in the dream too. They had different looks, in a different time so I’m sure their names were different also.

“He’s a bit of a loon this morning after last night,” She said kissing my forehead.

“You hit your head some nasty last night,” Zeke said.

“You reckon we can have words out back,” Gauge said in a serious tone. So much was happening at once and all so fast. It was a bit much to intake. We walked around the back of the house.

“The Bridges brothers have broken into the shed and taken sacks of food,” Lawson said as he spits tobacco on the ground.

“We need to get our food back. Them boys need to be taught a lesson,” Donny Ray said reaching for the pistol on his hip.

“I say we head their first sight of dawn. What do you reckon we do Lee?”, he asked as they both stared at me. I could tell that I was the man with the plan here. I really don’t know what to do but I’ll have to improvise.

“Uh, uh we can head over there with a few other guys, take the food back and head back before sunrise.”, I insisted. I could tell they weren’t feeling that plan.

“What are sneaking and hiding like possums for! Let’s go in and give them boys a good whoopin’!”, Lawson demanded.

***

It had to be at least 5 something in the morning. Lawson, Donny Ray, a few other guys and I all rode horses to the peak of a hill that stood over the Bridges Brothers crops and farm house. These famous brothers that kept being mentioned must really be something. They seem to be the thorn that pierced the lions paw around here.

“Lawson and I will head to the back of the house and fire shots to get them to come out. Donny Ray and the other fellas need to wait in the front of the house for them to come out. Signal me when that front door opens,” I said. I had no idea what I was saying but it’s worth a try.

“You reckon your head is well enough to shoot?”, Donny Ray asked.

“I can’t fret on that. We have to get our food back,” I replied. We left the horses behind the peak and ran the back of the barn house. Shots started to fire.

Who’s shooting? We didn’t even make it to our mark yet. Guns shots came from the top floor window of the farm house.

“You’re on my property Lee! By law I can kill you and your boys where you stand!” This dream felt realer than any I’ve had in my life. A whistle came from the side of the house. It was Lawson signaling that someone was above and to run near him, close to the house. I took one step and a loud gunshot exploded in ears. I stopped and couldn’t move as hot led quickly traveled through my body like I was hit by lightning.

“Lee!” I heard Lawson yell. I slowly fell to the ground. The fall felt like minutes instead of seconds. Gunshots flew slowly passed me as the world slowed down. A fly flew passed me as I fell. I catch him with my fingers. Everything got black as I finally hit the ground hard.

***

Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. The sound of my communicator alarm faded until it screamed in my ear. I sprung up and opened my eyes. I was in my bathroom again. I felt light headed.

I looked at my communicator. 12 missed calls, a bunch of texts and some missed video messages.

2 hours late for work. I have to find Gene. I ran outside in the hall and up the stairwell to floor 19. I ran to Gene’s apartment. 1952. I knocked on the door hard. No answer. I put my ear to the door.

The door swung open and Gene answered with no shirt on with his arms wrapped around a naked girl. He held his hand out and it had a few red and orange capsules in it.

“You want to go back right?” He smiled.

Turn & Burn

A small, well dressed Asian woman, with large prescription glasses, walked in the room and shook my hand.

“Hi, I am Dr. Phon. I am your assigned therapist in this investigation. I am looking forward to getting into your mind.”, she smiled and then let out a laugh. She walked over to the windows. I could see small dust particles dancing around when she opened the blinds as the sun crept in from outside.

I just looked around the room and sat at one of the two chairs assigned to her desk. Two other chairs accompanied an area on the far end of the room. I assume that’s where we’ll be.

“I can see you are very observant Shan.”, she said watching me look around the room.

“I’ve been like that, more than ever, since I was a teenage girl. After what happened I just pay attention to even the slightest detail. Sometimes it can get pretty annoying but I’m comfortable living that way. I feel safer being aware.”

Dr. Phon sat down at her desk in front of me and started writing something on a clean sheet of paper. She got up.

“Follow me to this lovely area near the windows please.”, she insisted, as she grabbed her tape recorder and notepad.

I sat in this long chair that allowed me to lay back and look at the ceiling, in which I never noticed before. The whole ceiling was a beautifully painted flower mural. Almost like they want to make you lost in your own words without meds.

She sat down and placed the tape recorder beside her, on the end table, and hit record.

Dr. Phon, Shan Marie Jackson, first session. April 7th, 1978. 7:34:09 am. Shan from this point forward you are now being recorded. You have agreed to discuss these matters with me and anything you say can help or be held against you in this case. Please be open and honest so I can help you live a better life and possibly find this individual who has harmed you in the past. My first question to start off the session. What was that night like? Start from your thought 10 years ago from now. Think of any and everything you can remember.

I took a deep breath, laid back, and close my eyes.

“Can I close my eyes?”, I asked.

“Do whatever makes you as comfortable as possible.”, she replied. Dr. reached into her coat pocket and pulled out a bottle of prescription pills.

“This will help you feel better.”, she insisted.

The bottle had no label. I wanted to ask what it was but I didn’t care. This is a Doctor so I trust she knows what’s best. I took the pill and swallowed it and laid back. My head instantly started spinning like I had been drinking all night. Then it stopped. I just felt like I was on a swing at that point. I feel good. I feel safe.

I haven’t talked about this situation in years. I took me a long time to and the only reason I did that was because I told LeRenzo, my fiancé, and I had to start this session and be a part of this investigation because new evidence shows he’s still out there. Another survivor, who was actually kidnapped, tortured, and raped, escaped and made news big. She wanted to tell her truth but liked the fame that came along with it.

“My mother worked as a nurse at the hospital 6 days a week, 12 to 15 hour shifts and sometimes doubles. It was just she and I. My father died when I was just 3. We lived a pretty average lifestyle. Nothing drastic but we didn’t struggle like some could say; with a single mother back then especially.”

“Let’s try to stay on subject Shan. I know you may not feel like yourself right now but I really need you to stay focused on your feelings and really try and remember that day like you are there right now.”, she interrupted.

I tried to deeply envision myself 16 in my cousin’s bedroom, braiding her hair that night.

***

It was Thursday, May 23rd, 1968 at 10:38pm. I was braiding, my cousin, Amber’s hair and was suppose to be spending the night. Moma knew it would be dark before I finished and told me to pack a bag and just stay the night and come home after school so I wouldn’t have to walk.

“Shit, I left my homework and my gym clothes sitting on my dresser.”, I said finishing the last braid.

“You know my Moma will kill you if you walked home.”, she said looking in the bathroom mirror.

“I know but she won’t know. She’s working the late shift tonight at the Hospital.” Amber rolled her eyes. “Besides, she’d kill me if I failed this last grade essay before senior year.”

“I can’t walk with you because someone has to be here for the kids.”, she said.

“It’s just a few blocks over. I know, don’t talk to strangers, hurry back, look both ways, I got this girl.” I grabbed my backpack purse and house key and jetted out the door.

“Please be careful and hurry back Shan.”, Amber said. She has this look in her eye as she closed the front door and cut the porch light on.

***

I made it to my house pretty fast. Sure enough my gym clothes and homework were exactly where I left them.

“What a waste of time.” I locked the front door and headed down the same path I took to get here. My watch read 11:20pm which meant Moma and Aunt Debra would be getting off in 10 minutes.

I guess I’ll go the short cut way through the alley near the corner stores and boutiques.

***

The street lights were inaccurately lined up going down the street. Some were on but every two or three would be off and in between those shut off lights were pure darkness. I thought walking in the middle would be the best bet. It was dark and even though it was hot a chilled wind danced on my spine creating goosebumps.

A whistle came from the direction behind me. I turned and saw no one. “Huh?”

“Is anyone there?”, I asked walking faster. I saw no trace of any human life or any life at all as I stood alone on the street.

Again. The whistle came. I turned this time.

“Stop fucking around…” just then a man scared me as he bumped into me. Papers flew everywhere a satchel and some notebooks fell out of his hand.

“I am so sorry ma’am.” he said.

He looked very familiar but it didn’t hit me until he said – “Hey don’t you go to Goverdale High?” He reached out to shake my hand.

That was very awkward that he instantly knew me. Now that I think about it, he was that fine white man substitute teacher that comes around every once in a while. He was very tall and slender with a very clean cut and neat style. He was ginger, with a shoulder length hair cut and couldn’t be any older than his early or mid-20s.

“Yes I’m Shan. What’s your name again?” I looked at the papers on the ground that he has failed to try and pick up. He just started at me. I had forgotten for a moment that he was still holding my hand.

I looked back at the stuff on the ground.

“Oh silly me. You gonna help me pick this up?” he insisted, ignoring my question.

“I didn’t get your name.” I added as I helped him pick up his belongings.

“Where you headed? Pretty girl like you shouldn’t be walking in the dark like this?” Before I could answer. “You coming from some boy’s house?” He had this eerie look on his face. He almost seemed jittery or nervous like he was meeting one of his favorite singers for the first time.

“Not exactly.” I said. I glimpsed around and not a person or moving vehicle in sight. Something didn’t feel right.

“My family lives very close. I just needed to grab something really quick.”

We gathered all his stuff and then I noticed there was no car near.

“Where’s your car?”, I asked.

“It’s over there behind that creepy dumpster. It’s kind of hard to see. I parked there in the day time not knowing how scary it’ll look at night you know?”, he joked. He slowly talked and walked toward the car. I wasn’t heading in that direction.

“Oh no ma’am; I am taking you home. Do you know how much trouble I could get in if they knew I saw a student out walking late at night and didn’t report it or take them home? I could lose my job Shan.”, he sounded serious.

I don’t think he’s going to try anything funny. I do need to get back to Aunt Debra’s house before she does.

“You say it’s around the corner right? Come on and let’s get you home.” We walked toward the dumpster. He started looking around a second. So I started looking around also. We got to the side of the dumpster and there wasn’t a car but a van.

He stared rabbling on about something as he put some items in the trunk. I don’t remember. I may have tuned him out as I was absorbing everything going on in those seconds. Those few seconds are still very blurry. I really think I wasn’t listening and started getting a bad feeling about what was going on. He must’ve saw me standing there by the door staring into middle air.

“That door is hard to open. Here; I’ll get that for you.”, he politely insisted walking swiftly to my side of the van. A chill came over my body and a bad feeling passed my gut. It was the most terrifying moment of my life.

The therapist started writing something down. She adjusted her glasses.

“What happened next Shan?”, she said looking at me from the top of her lens.

“All hell broke loose.”

He opened the door and then stepped back so I could get in. I must’ve been scared or just naive then not to notice he opened the door with ease even though he insisted it was hard to open. We stared at each other for a moment and then that’s when I knew I’d never see day light again.

He quickly got behind he and a felt something go around my neck. I began to elbow him and fight back but nothing seemed to work as I could feel my life slipping away. I couldn’t see what it was but I knew it had to be rope because the little rope bristles stung as it got tighter around my throat. He twisted and pulled it so tight my vision became blurry. The street lights blurred. His face became a black smudge.

When I started to gain conscience I realized I was in the passenger side of his car. My head was hurting extremely bad as I pretended to be still unconscienced. I couldn’t move my hands. They were tied to the back and I was in the most awkward and painful position. I just remained still.

***

There was no telling how long we had been driving when I was knocked out. I just know we’d been in the van for at least 30 minutes or so. I saw traffic lights, and then many street lights from my one eye view laying against the window.

The van made a sharp turn onto some graveled road and them he parked and got out. I was so tempted to move, scream, try to look or anything but I knew better. He couldn’t have been far. I just lied there still, head throbbing. I don’t recall him hitting my head but it hurt like never before. He must’ve done it while I was knocked out. I could tell it was bleeding also as the drops of blood crawled down my face.

Foot steps came quickly toward my side. The door swung open. He grabbed me and carried me over his shoulders like a sack of potatoes. I could see nothing but the back of his legs and the ground. If I moved even a little, he’d feel the muscles in my stomach and know I wasn’t knocked out still.

A door opened and he locked it back and put the keys in his back pocket. There was no sign of light anywhere but he knew his way around perfectly. We went down some stairs. Each step I counted felt like a shovel going into the earth, digging a deeper grave for me.

I didn’t realize tears were coming down my face until the therapist handed me a tissue.

“It’s ok. Go on Shan. Tell me what you saw next.”, she demanded.

We reached the 30th step and walked a few feet to the right where he turned on a light switch. I closed my eyes tight from then on. The smell was so terrible; I could barely maintain being still without attempting to throw up. It reeked of death and acts of horror without me being able to see or move yet.

He carried me over to a large man made kettle-like cage and shut it. I didn’t hear a lock or even a latch. What he didn’t know was I had fished the dangling keys right out his back pocket when he placed me down. A hot tear crawled out my eye onto the dirty palette I laid on. Some sign of hope maybe. I wanted to open my eyes. He crawled in the cage with me.

“He must know I have the keys!” He licked the side of my face.

“Let’s make sure you’re still good and sleep now girl.” He said to me with some weird southern accent, completely different from how he really talks.

“I’ve had my eye on you awhile girl. This was my lucky night. I gotta place just for you girl.”

He ripped my shirt off. He started to lick my breast with his dirty mouth. He struggled, as I tried to lie stiff and heavy, taking my pants off. He took a big hand full of what felt like Vaseline and put it on my vagina and stuck half of his hand inside of me. He started to unclothed himself as I heard his belt and pants zipper. Then he put a wet cloth over my face. I heard him murmur, “Whoa! We got ourselves a live virgin here people. Purest dark meat!” As he roughly opened my legs I went into a deep sleep.

I heard his shoes clacking walking calmly to the other end of the room and then out some exit. I heard a shower start going.

I slowly opened my eyes. Completely forgetting where I was or what was going on.

“Oh my god!” It took everything in me not to scream. A torso of a girl, about my age, laid right in front of me with her mouth and teeth exposed. Her head was bashed in and she was almost unrecognizable. The bottom half of her body was missing. I threw up in my mouth. At that moment I almost lost hope. I thought to myself, “Is this how I am going to die? What will be the last moment before I take my last breath? Will it hurt? What will Mama be feeling? All these thoughts bottled within me as I thought about how stupid I was to even go near this man’s car.

Just then something came across me and made me have to at least attempt to get out. If that latch was not opened or restricted in any way, then I knew my life would change forever the next time I saw him.

Naked with no clothes, I reached under the padding and grabbed the keys. I walked to the gate door and it was opened. I ran like God told me himself. “Run child.”

Dr. wrote down a few more things.

“What was it like to get away?”, she asked.

“It felt like coming up from deep water. That first breath the second from being close to drowning.”

“Ok Shan. Today’s session is over. We will meet again tomorrow morning at 7:30 sharp.”. She smiled, turned the recorder off and shook my hand.

“I hope they find the bastard and fry him.”, she said.

***

“It is very sudden. Are you sure you want to go?”, Lee asked. It was Thursday evening. The sun began to set outside as I gaze out the window from across the room. I sat on the bar stool in the kitchen, sipping wine watching Lee cook spaghetti and talk about this festival in Arkansas.

“I have a session early tomorrow morning. You get off work at 5. We can hit the road by 6 and make it by mid night.” I was kissing him on his back.

LeRenzo, better known as, My sweet Lee, was indeed the apple of my eye. We became very close in school. We both had to take this class for torn teens who went through abuse. He was never physically abused just a witness to one.

His father would rape his mother and make him and his siblings watch. He said he told them, “this is how God wants us to treat women.” He had his own sick cult going amongst his family until he died of a heart attack. This freed everyone of their sentence and let the truth come to light.

He never shows any sign of abuse besides being so strong and positive. He helped me so much when I was feeling down and depressed or afraid. He seemed fearless to me. He helped me see, what we like to call. “The better light”.

“I just want you to experience something different and relax. This whole investigation has opened up an old wound you were just trying to get past. I’m always here to protect you.”, he said kissing me.

***

I opened my eyes are saw nothing but darkness and road ahead of us. Two little dots, from the one car’s head lights, shined about a quarter of a mile behind us. The mild breeze crept from one window through the next as Lee rested one hand on my thigh while he drove. The night sky filled with dancing stars beaming down on us. I felt relaxed and at peace.

I just played with his locs and watched the lined on the road get swallowed underneath the car.

“We’ll be there in a couple of more hours baby.”, Lee said examining the map. I took it out of his hand.

“Give me that map. That’s why I am here riding shot gun. You just keep your eyes on the road.”, I smiled.

“Yea ok, fine. What about my hands. I can’t keep them off of you.”, he said gripping my thigh.

I took my seat belt off, moved right beside him, started kissing his face and unbuttoned his pants. I kissed his chest and down to his stomach.

“Ah. Agh shit!”, Lee yelled.

“What baby?”, I got up and looked out the wind shield.

“Gas light just came on. I must’ve been distracted and didn’t notice.”, he said, tapping the steering wheel.

“I bet you were distracted I said kissing him. It’s ok. I’m sure there’s a gas station near.

“I don’t know. We passed one up some miles back and I don’t think they’ll be another for some time.”, he said worried.

“Well what do you want to do Lee? I don’t want to be on the side of the road, in the middle of nowhere, at night.”, I said.

I felt myself began to panic as my heart started beating faster. The air grew thicker.

“Just calm down Shan. We’ll wait for the next sign and see if a gas station or hotel is near and stop at which ever comes first ok?”, he said looking at me.

“Ok.”

I could see the signs coming up ahead.

“Gas. 25 Miles. Motel 15 Miles. Rest Stop 20 Miles.”, I read aload. The car started making noises and started driving odd.

“It’s running out now.”, Lee said pulling over to the right.

“I’ll just have to see if the people behind us can give us a lift to get some gas.”

The car behind us lights grew larger as they got closer. I could see now that no other cars were on the road except us.

“We can’t just get in the car with some strangers Lee. No I won’t. Can’t we just sleep in the car here tonight and lock the doors baby?”, I asked.

“No Shan, we need to get moving. It’s not safe to be on the side of the road like that. Besides I will always be with you. Nothing will ever happen to you if I’m here.” Lee grabbed my face and kiss me.

Beeep! Beep! Beep! Beeep! The car pulled up behind us pretty fast.

“I’m gonna get the gas can and ask them if they can give us a lift to the gas station. Lock the doors and don’t unlock them until you see me. I’ll be right back.” He kissed me on the forehead and got out the car.

I adjusted the rear view mirror to see the reflection of Lee. I saw him approach the vehicle but the lights were so bright I couldn’t see the car or anything. I look out my window and nothing but mere darkness surrounded me.

It’s been at least a minute what’s taking so long. Just then I could hear Lee’s foot steps coming toward the car. I saw him near the window and unlocked the door. Just then it opened roughly.

“Thank God baby, you almost scared me to death.”, I said letting out a sigh of relief. I looked at his face and blood dripped out his mouth as he plunged to the ground.

The ginger head man from a decade ago dived toward me in the car.

“Remember me!?”

I screamed and swung at him.

“Shan! Shan! Baby! It’s ok. It’s me Lee!” I opened my eyes and saw Lee driving staring at me sweating. He pulled in the motel 6 we were staying at for the night.

“What’s going on!”, I yelled.

“You fell asleep. The can ran out of gas so the man that’s been driving behind us had some gas in his van.

“Van?”

“What did he look like?”, I asked.

“Nice looking older white man, had a cap on so I couldn’t see his hair.”

“Lee we need to go.”

….To be continued

RMS Holly

September 24th, 1901

I still cannot believe I am leaving Ireland. I have never stepped one foot off the Ireland earth. Well I have but not to live somewhere other than here.

Mother says going to school with Abigail, in America, was best for me and will ensure my future endeavors. Father wants me to be in the medical field but I would like to pursue my writing and one day be a great screen writer for the big time pictures in America or even write a New York’s Bestselling book. There is no better place to do so other than America. He and Abigail will be fine without me.

My close lads, Marcello and Patrick, also understand this is best for me. We will send letters and pictures to hold weight until we see one another again.

I have been seeing Lilian a year and 3 months now and I still do not think I love her. Her parents were rushing me to marry her. I believe it was because of my Family fortune. My Father, Dr. Allen Anderson, is the greatest brain surgeon in the country. I, as well as others, are very aware of our wealth. This makes it very difficult to place my trust in many. I know another woman will come along as well as friends. I just have to be patient and-”

“James, put that damn journal down and grab your luggage. They are boarding the ship now.”, Father demanded. I sat in the back of the car reading the last page I wrote in my journal exactly 1 month ago. Today is actually September 24, 1901, noon.

“All have you know I was reading, not writing.”, I murmured. He let out a hard sigh and rolled his eyes like a woman. If there was anything I will not miss, it was his terrible attitude and short temper.

“Did you not hear me? They are boarding James; on with it boy!”, he yelled, holding the car door open.

The most popular and grandest luxury ship, they called the RMS Holly, stood over us like the tall sky scrapers they show us in the history books. She stretched so far down the dock I couldn’t see her stern, especially with the thick fog lurking about. I had read, in the newsletter, that this ship had only taken 3 voyages. She is the largest ship every made in Ireland. Any time she sailed off, and people came just to see her beauty.

Many people, from all walks of life, crowded the dock in all directions. Some were workers, some boarding the ship, and others saying their farewells. I almost feel like I am in a dream because of what was happening. I’m traveling alone and to America. I must admit, I hate that I am not leaving on a bright sunny afternoon like every other time I have traveled. I will just have to manage.

Mother kept her head turned away trying to avoid looking at me. I knew she had to be crying and was just trying to hide it from us.

“Mother, I will be fine. All will be well and I will be seeing you for Christmas. That is only a few months away.” Mother was one of the most beautiful women I had ever seen. In my opinion my Father did not tell her that enough. She would always have this sadness in her smile like she was pushing through sorrow. I hope she finds peace one day and her and Father gain some sort of newly found Romance in their marriage.

I gave her a hug. For some odd reason I had a memory of when she hugged me when I first took off for grade school. She gave me the same look, with those same tears filling her eyes as she hugged me with a soft and warm grip.

“My beautiful baby boy. You will be such a great man. I know this for a fact.”, she said still holding on to me.

“They are about to send for second class James, let’s move son.”, Father rushed.

“I think he is dealing with his sadness another way. Your Father loves you James. Even if he does not know how to show it.”, she whispered to me. She gave me one last hug and kiss on the cheek before she went and sat back in the car. I tried to hold back my tears as my face got hot and I couldn’t swallow my saliva. I did not turn to see her face. Gentlemen do not cry. Or at least not in public for others to view.

Father carried my two suitcases as I carried the larger one and my satchel packed down with my personal belongings. The only things I cared to have with me at all times was my satchel that obtained my journal, pencils, a photo of the family, a hip flask I took from Father with some of his fine whiskey in it, and mothers handkerchief she hands stitched for me for my 16th birthday.

With all the commotion, I hardly noticed the sky getting darker. Light rain started falling out of the misty sky.

“We had better be on the way. I love you and want you to be careful. Phone your Mother and I when you make it on campus.” He started fixing my collar and dusted my shoulders off. He reached out to shake my hand, I hesitated then we shook hands. He turned away slowly walking back toward the car and I headed for the gangplank.

I may never see my Father again. I hate to think like that but I have to consider reality.

“Father wait!” I ran to him and gave him a hug. I know he has this gentlemen persona he lives his life by but I could care less at the moment. He broke character for a minute and hugged me tighter than Mother did. I could feel a hot tear coming from my face. I haven’t hugged my Father since I was a child. It felt nice to know he loved me and I can physically feel it.

“Take care son.” He said. We walked in opposite directions and that was that. The line near the gangplank, for boarding, was thinning. I got in line and waited for my turn to give my ticket.

I raced to the very top of the ship near the bow, to see if I could see the car or possibly Mother and Father waving goodbye. They were very smaller yet I could see them both waving and smiling clear as day.

“Goodbye Mother! Goodbye Father!”

A loud whistle let out a cry and the ship slowly started moving. The crew men raised the anchor out of the water. The ship slowly migrated away from the dock. A crack of thunder rolled in the back followed by a streak of lightening that lit up the entire sky. The rain began to pour harder and heavier.

“Do not fret lad. Rain on the first day of sailing means good fortune and luck.” An older man said as he watched me examine the sky.

I had better get to my room and get settled in.

***

Second class was not as bad as Mother perceived it. I had pictured much worse being as Mother made it sound like a prison. Many of the passengers were mid- aged lads, families of 4 and 5, and common middle class people. I had never traveled in second class before. Mother and Father always kept the best estate rooms when we traveled by ship. They had a terrible disagreement about me wanting a second class ticket. Father said it would be a great idea so I can get use to the surroundings of American life for a lad my age. He said he did not want to draw attention while I traveled alone. Our reasons differ because I simply wanted the ticket to have a different traveling experience and escape the mindless chatter and boring life in first class.

I passed the mail room and a room that had workers sitting drinking coffee and reading newspapers. That had to be some sort of a lounge for the crew. I believe I will find my room on the other side, further down.

From my observation, the second class floor was much different than first class. The halls were cramped and had very little décor. The walls were simply painted white with little detail. The crew was polite to the second class passengers but still handled first class passengers in a more delicate manner. I could only imagine the steerage surroundings and accommodating in their stature. I know to these people staring at me, I must look like a tourist looking around like I was lost with my expensive clothing and luggage.

I kept walking down the crowded halls as everyone made their way to their rooms. I pulled my ticket out of my pocket . E35. I was almost to my room as I passed rooms E30.

Finally, here I am. I opened the door to find a boy, who appeared to be my age, standing in front of a bed, arranging his belongings. I could tell he was from a poor background because of his clothing and small sack he carried. His boots looked like they were about to fall apart and his clothes looked filthy as well as torn in several places. Another single bed sat on the opposite side of the room. A small washbasin with a mirror , a sofa, and a wardrobe filled the room. We each had a few storage shelves and a window that revealed the sea on our sides of the room.

“Aye Mate. Desmond.” He said reaching out to shake my hand.

“James.” I replied.

I could feel Desmond stare me from head to toe as I unpacked my belongings.

“Excuse my manners when I say this but you do not look like you are in the right cabin mate.” He said.

“Do I appear that much of an outcast?” I looked at my clothing and shoes and then back at his. He must be talking about how I carry myself. My expensive clothing and my mannerisms were a lot different than his.

“No, well yes you kind of do lad.” We both laughed. A loud crack of thundered vibrated against the ship causing it to sway much heavier than normal. I have been on 5 different voyages since I have been alive. This would make my 6th. I have never traveled in weather conditions as such and this would be my first trip alone. Which is why I can see why mother was so worried. I will be fine. I am a young gentleman and I can travel alone if I must.

“You drink?” Desmond asked, pulling out an unmarked bottle of rum.

“Occasionally, yes of course.” I pulled by flask out of my coat pocket.

“Let us pass bottles and exchange backgrounds, aye?” he ask. I unbuttoned my shirt and traded my shoes out for my boots.

“Let’s.” I replied.

***

We had exchanged stories about where we were from, our families and what being in America would be like. With all the excitement of my new surroundings, traveling alone, and meeting a new lad, I had forgotten about the dark, murky skies filled with rain.

I looked out to examine the land and it disappeared long ago. I had never panicked about being on a ship before. This voyage felt different. I could feel it in my veins. My nerves must be getting to me. I must be nervous about going to America and starting college.

I forced down a mass amount of whiskey as we sat near the bridge close to the Captain and a few deck hands. Desmond had already started drinking some of his on the way up to the boat deck. A few people rested on benches near the lifeboats. No one seemed to be as bothered by the weather but me. Except for the Captain and his crew. I noticed the Captains face and how it showered with stress and weary instead of being at ease.

“Captain Francis, share board is up head, nearly 5 miles away. The storm does not seem to be letting up. I recommend we stay here and start back sailing in the morning at full speed. First lieutenant Mathews asked the Captain. I could over hear their conversation well enough to had been apart.

“After the share board passengers arrive we will remain at 23 notches and be on the way. I appreciate your concern. It would be best to sail tonight before the eye of the storm hits.” he said.

“I will not lie. I am very afraid to be on this ship right now. This is my first voyage and I only came to start a new life in America. I work as a coal-passer in the boilers during grave yard hours of the night. Before I came on the ship I worked construction almost a year to save up for this second class ticket. Here I am. If you ask me, for a lad of 18 years I sure have kept myself ahead since I was a young boy.” He sipped from my flask as I downed his mysterious back woods rum.

“This tastes like horse shit.” I said taking another sip. Give me my whiskey back.

“I think I may vomit on myself.” Desmond said. “I can drink like the fish in the sea but this ship is rocking back and forward making it hard to think.”

“You are a land lubber, yes you are.” I said.

Lights appeared ahead as we came to the boarding coast of Ireland to board the last few passengers before we headed to America. The fog was so thick I could no longer see the ocean we sailed on. The ship came to a halt. The horn the sounded for dinner, screamed over the smaller chatter and noises that lingered the ship.

“Anchor’s aweigh!” a crew member yelled.

“We had better head to the dining room for dinner.” Desmond stated.

“Are we not going to change our clothing?” He looked at me with a puzzled look. It had just accord to me that being in second class was a first time experience for the both of us.

“We can just head to the dining salon.” I said.

When we came to the entrance and I must admit I was appalled. The dining salon was not that much different from first class. The only difference was the first class area was a lot larger and far more luxurious. The fine French sculpted oak borders appeared new and I still could smell the fresh pine finishing. The beautiful chandeliers that gazed upon us accompanied the orchestra well. The evening glow of the lamps made me feel comfortable and stirred my thoughts away from the bad weather.

“Bloody hell, would ya’ look at that fine piece of work over there.” Desmond pointed in the direction of a table that seated a family of 5. One in which was a beautiful girl with long dark hair. Her clothes were not a familiar style to me. Her skin was brown like the finest sand in Egypt. Her eyes resembled a tiger or beautiful cat. She looked our way.

“My God man, you do not point! I think she may think we are mad men ready to stalk her the entire trip because of you.” I said. Desmond shook his head and headed for the table fairly close to hers.

For Christ sakes what is this man thinking going right beside her?

We sat at the table near hers that had other passengers chatting, waiting for their supper. There was a boy, about 9 or 10 years old; an older lady and man who seemed much too old to be her or the lad parents, and a smaller lad who’s chin barely made it over the table.

They all had long silky black hair tied into ribbon and leather ties. They were Indian and defiantly had no Irish blood yet carried themselves in a classy manner. Although they had ropes of hair and peculiar yet beautiful head dresses, their clothes were no different than mine or my family. I also noticed their table etiquette was not of a man living below their means but of a man of a stature like my Fathers.

The servant came over with his cart full of delicious entrées for the evening. The menu read Veal pot pie, lima beans, carrots, corn, baked apples , with cake and tea as the first choice. Stuffed quail, rosemary potatoes, pickled beets, eggplant, peaches and cream with tea.

Everything seemed so good I could hardly wait as he placed our platters in front of us.

“This food looks is rather good! The portions are a bit hasty but other than that, it is the best food I have ever eaten.” Desmond said, scarfing down his food. I could tell he was not use to these accommodations either. This must be quite an experience to him.

“She has not taken her eyes off of you since you came in the room mate.” He said. Desmond did not bother using the napkins or any of the utensils be for him.

“How would you know that?” I said pretending I did not see her looking at me from my peripheral vision.

“Unlike you Mr. Fancy pants, I have been paying attention.” He said. He snuck his bottle of unmarked rum out of his pocket and took a sip under the table.

“There’s no on here to impress mate. You can just be yourself.”

Desmond was right. Father was not here and neither was any of my friends. The only person I wanted to impress was the mystery girl over there. I have no idea when would be the right time to say something to her.

“Do not look to fast. She is walking over here.” He said.

“Sure she is.” I said looking in her direction to find she actually was walking this way. She walked right up to the table we were at, completely ignoring the others sitting around us.

“Are you going to eat that?” she asked. I was stuck by her beauty. She was even more perfect closer to me.

“Excuse me?” I asked.

“You do speak English, yes?” She pointed at the dinner roll near my platter. I looked back at her table and saw she had plenty of rolls over there.

“Oh, Yes. You may have them.” I grabbed two dinner rolls, placed them in a napkin and handed them to her.

“Thank you kindly.” She smiled and walked back to her table.

***

We left right after dinner. The whiskey seemed to be getting to my head as I felt a tad faint. Desmond and I decided to head for the deck to check the weather and get some air before we retired for the remainder of the evening. The sky was still dark but the rain increased rapidly since earlier.

The storm seems to be clearing. I may not have to stress myself about this voyage after all.

My clock read a quarter til 10 o’clock. Desmond pulled out his smokes. The night air was cool and breezy. Even though stormed had cleared a bit it was still extremely foggy. The crew seemed to have calmed down a bit as well.

“As I expected the storm has simmered down. We can now be on the way.” Captain Frances ordered.

“I do not know what type of rum Captain is drinking but we can barely see the buttons on our trousers in this fog.”

“Anything happens, it will be blood on his hands.” I overheard two officers conversating.

***

On the way to the elevator we saw the girl from supper. She was walking alone and appeared to have something on her mind.

“There she is again mate.”, Desmond said loudly.

“I can see her Desmond.” She stared me in the eyes as she walked up to me. She was about 5’7 approaching me with her beautiful yet firm fitting dress, different from earlier. Her hair was taken down from the braids she had and flowed on her shoulders like leaves on a tree.

“Come with me.”, she said grabbing my arm gently. Desmond looked at me bucking his eyes as he entered the elevator without me.

“I am James. Can you at least tell me your name?”, I asked following her lead, casually walking as if we boarded the ship together. She stopped and looked me in my eyes.

“My name is Galilani Smith.

Chapter II

The Great Galilani

“As much as my Father disapproves, I think being a writer is the best career path I should take. I have never felt so taken by anything other than my writing. I get trapped in a dream world of limitless imagination and happiness. Sure I understand that is not reality but that is what I find most beautiful about it. It is like my own escape from everything.”

The night sky seemed clear as the stars twinkled above us. The fog was not budging as it appeared to be just as thick as earlier.

Galilani had taken me to the stern of the ship. We walked nearly 20 minutes to get here as we rambled on about our lives. The sign read DO NOT ENTER when we came to a small door that latched from the opposite side near the edge of the ship.

“What are you and your family doing here?”

My Father owns a couple of merchant transporting businesses in Ireland. We are heading back to our home in Manhattan. We were supposed to be booked in first class but my Father purchased the tickets at the last minute, miscalculating his schedule.”, she said pulling her hair behind her ear.

She seems merely perfect. I can not find one flaw in her. Or maybe I am just possessed by her beauty and intrigued by her abnormality. I wrote in my journal.

“Being in second class is a concern to you?”, I asked.

“Well the accommodations are only slightly different from first class on this ship. It is quite grand. I actually mentioned that hoping it would impress you. What is that you have with you?”

“Oh this old thing? My journal. This is my 7th one. I write everything I find interesting down. Anything I would like to keep and read later, I write it down. I consider these great moments I want to cherish and reminisce in my last days when I look back on life.”

“Do you believe in love James?”

“Yes I do.” The wind started to pick up and the boat started rocking back and forward.

“Sit here I want to tell you something.” She insisted we sit near the edge of the ship while it swayed harder. We both ignored the wind and light rain starting to fall again as we crossed our legs like children on the deck.

“My great grandparents came from a very hard life living in Nebraska in the 1800s. There were many white men looked at Indians as beasts. They saw us as scavenged dangerous beings equivalent to wild animals. They had their share of killing and taking from our people.

My grandmother was born in a small village of the red clay tribe. My family never told us the real names of the tribes so they called them red clay and blue clay tribe. I hear she was the most beautiful creature that walked the lands. Her mother and father were great people that had her in the Spring in the valley one year on what seemed to be the most perfect day they have encountered living. They called her Falguni, which means beautiful.

My grandfather on the other end was from a much richer civilization. He was born with much more privilege and a better livelihood than my grandmother being as he was a Prince. His parents were the King and Queen of the blue clay tribe. They had mines filled with diamonds and rivers that had billions of dollars’ worth of gold. They already had his life made out for him the day he was born. The King demanded he be named Saachi, meant truth. No one knew why they named him that until he grew to become a great man who never lied and always kept his word.

The year they met they both turned 16. This would be the most tragic yet beautiful mistake either of them ever made.

One day while grandfather was training, far beyond the grounds they were instructed to practice on, with his platoons, he spotted her bathing in the lake. He could not take his eyes off of her and described her to be the most enticing beauty he had ever laid eyes upon. She noticed him watching and did not shy away from the thought of continuing.

They spoke few words as they approached each other. They spoke different languages but they did not care. She had on nothing but approached him like he was her husband of many years. They both were virgins yet seeing her naked and her being naked did not startle them. They kissed and fell in love instantly, almost like it was destine for them to meet.

Every night they would sneak out and meet at this spot to simply stare at each other for hours or just hold hands. They would make love right there on the ground for hours. Nothing bothered them or existed when they were together.

I am very sure they knew nothing good would come from this. His clothing and royal gestures let her know he was from a rich background. He showed her his crown before. It was very apparent that they would never stop seeing each other.

***

Several months had gone by and his mother started to notice his disappearance at the same time each day no matter what the day possessed.

“Do you think Saachi is seeing a girl?”, she said to the King as they retired for the evening.

“He is a young boy. I am sure he is.”, the King mumbled.

“I will have a servant see after him when he goes off again. I will see for myself.”, she thought to herself.