The Woods

I woke up to my phone ringing.  It was four in the morning and my phone was ringing. I reached out for my phone and noticed it was a call from my old hometown.

"Hello?" I garbled.

"Molly its Sheriff Simmons your brother gave me your phone number I am sorry for the call so early but I just got back from a crime scene and I need your help.'

"Sheriff Simmons what time is it?" I asked. "It is still dark out."

"Molly I am so sorry its 4am. Your brother Matthew said you are the expert on the local weird." He said, "We had a murder Molly and I am going to be honest with you it is weirder than weird."

That piqued my interest, "Go on sheriff I am listening in."

"How about you climb out of bed and open your door I am on the front porch. I can show you." He said with excitement in his voice.

I climbed out of bed and looked at myself in the mirror and said "Good to go girl he woke you at 4am."

Walking through the house I got to the front door a little bit more awake than I originally started. Opening the door Simmons handed me a cup of coffee and, "Vanilla coffee with nondairy creamer and 4 sugars. Your brother said that's how you like it."

Taking a sip I said, "Thank you. Now, what weirdness do you have for me?"

He pointed to a covered truck bed and said, "Oh this is a present for you. Go open it."

Walking over to the truck bed I  lifted the tarp and saw a hairy beast in the back of the truck. "You killed big foot?"

Simmons gave me a look and said, "We found him dead in the woods."

"Simmons do you realize how crazy this is," I said looking at the creature in the truck. "Are you sure its dead?"

"He hasn't moved since we found him. He is not breathing and it took a few of us to move him."

"Christ on the cross Simmons you cant just drag this creature through town. If he was in the woods there is a big chance there could be more of hi kind watching everything. You need to put the body back," I said.

Buzzing came over the walkie Simmons had on. "Simmons did you grab Molly yet? You are never going to believe what was just found here."

Simmons looked at me and I grabbed his walkie, "This is Molly what is going on?"

"Molly, this is officer Brandt. You are not going to believe this, Farmer Magee just shot a wolf man."

Both Simmons and I looked at each other and said, "What the hell."

I looked at Simmons and said, "Let me get a jacket, I have got to see this."

I ran inside grabbed my bag and a jacket and ran back outside. Simmons was already in the car and was backed out of the driveway. I jumped in the passenger seat and put on my seat belt. Looking at him I said, "What are you waiting for lets see what's going on there."

Simmons looked at me and said, "What are you thinking Molly?" 

"You found Bigfoot in the woods. How far did you find him from Farmer Magees land?" I asked.

He looked at me and said, "Molly Farmer McGee's land backs up to the state forest we found the big guy in. Do you think that there is something causing these creatures to pop?"

Thinking about it I said, "You know there has to be something with these woods. I have heard stories but as many times as I have camped there I have not seen or heard anything?"

"What about Charles he was practically raised in those woods have either he or any of his family ever heard anything?" Simmons asked.

My phone started to ring and Simmons said, "Speaking of the devil. Hey babe you are never going to believe what is going on."

"Well I just saw you hot-foot it to Simmons police car so I am going to assume your not being arrested? But its middle of the night what do they need a story teller for?" He asked.

Laughing I said, "You won't believe me."

"Molly," He sighed. "Try me."

"Simmons found a dead big foot and Old man Mcgee shot and killed a Wolf man." I said, "So what do you think."

"Molly what did you do?" He asked.

"OMG I am not lying wait I will send you a picture of this, Better yet I am going live answer the beep babe." We connected on video and Charles eyes got wide. "Simmons stop the truck now. Molly duck baby."

I ducked as the window behind my head was ripped out as Simmons slammed on the breaks. I lifted my head up and turned the camera on my phone so Charles could see big foot standing in front of Simmons truck. "Holy Moses he looks pissed."

Simmons looked at me and then said, "Hey CHarles your the southerner any idea on what we should do."

I heard charkes through the phone say, "Get out of the now."

"Babe whats going on," I asked.

"Molly do you not see the eyes behind him in the tree branches?" He said as I looked up and out. "Simmons you need to go back now!!!"

SImmons hit the gas and as he went backwards we heard howling and Growling, I turned around to look out the window and saw 5-6 big foot standing in the woods near our once dead friend. "

I grabbed the walkie and said, "Officer Brandt do you copy."

"Hey Molly I copy what's going on?"

"Officer Brandy cuff the corpse now and tie it up," I said.

"Molly your joking right?'

"Officer Brandt Simmons's back window is out and there were 6 bigfoots that we could see as we ran from them on old hospital road. Cuff the wolfman."

"Molly does Charles ever tell you your pushy." I heard Charles say yes through my phone.

"Ugh, what's yours and Simmons's ETA?"

"Five Min why?"

"Umm, the wolf man is gone and so is Farmer Mcgee's cow."

From my phone, I heard Charles say, "Well shit."

Simmons hit the gas and we flew down the country road. When we got to Farmer Mcgee's place we pulled onto the long driveway and got out to walk the rest of the way. As we got closer to the main house we hear a howl in the distance. Simmons looked like he was going to soil himself. Walking over to the officers I said, "So who lost the wolfman?"

"Well Molly you should know not to question the odd things that happened," said a voice from behind me. I turned and saw Farmer Mcgee's mom standing on the porch. 

Walking over to Martha I gave her a big hug and said, "Mrs MArtha I did not know you came back to town. We sure have missed you at the arts society meetings!"

"Hello dear. So the boys decided to wrangle you into this mess?" She asked.

"Yes ma'am you lived in this area for ever. Got any idea whats going on? So far we have Yetis, wolf men and god only knows what else is to come," I said.

"Molly I believe this land is cursed," SHe said. "Since I was a child there has always been weird things that happened. I remember when I was a young girl I swore I saw a mermaid in the river. My mama and daddy said I was crazy but they never let me go there alone ever again."

"Holy Moley Mermaids?" I said. "Martha I believe you. But what else do you know I feel like you are keeping something from me?"

"Molly when it was just me, my husband and my Daddy here before my son was born my daddy told me a story and handed me a journal from his Mama. Inside the journal was a listing of all the magical and what I thought were mythical creatures of the area. She even wrote stories of her interactions with them." She said. "I do have the journal still. Can I trust you to take care of it and return it to me?"

"Martha I will guard it with my life," I said. "Do you remember any passage about why all the creatures would be out in full force."

She looked at me and said, "Yes it stated all the creatures would start to appear when a great danger is to appear in the area. But the thing is it stated that the creatures would fight against the humans as well."

I looked at her and said, "It will be okay. We will figure everything out."

I looked over at Sheriff Simmons and said, "I think we need to get me home and I am going to look over the journal and do some research on my end."

Simmons smiled and said, "Your chariot is pulling in now."

Looking up I seen Charles pull in and he hopped out and gave me a hug, "Jesus Molly do not scare me like that again."

"Baby we are fine," I said. "I think we need to get home and get some sleep."

He opened the door and I climbed in. As we drove home he took the route near the river as we passed near the bridge a woman walked in front of the car and stopped at the side of the bridge. I grabbed CHarles arm and said, "Drive."

He looked at me as he gunned the gas and said, "Molly whats wrong?"

"That is a woman in white," I said. "I do not want her coming after you after the problems we had when we broke up at the beginning of our relationship."

He grabbed my hand and said, "You forgiven me though."

"Babe I get it and yes I have we were broken up," I said. "But you have not forgiven yourself."

"You know why I can't," He said.

"You should," I said. "I broke up with you because of something that was not true. You know that we were broken up and you were drugged. You know that I forgave you instantly. Especially after the police did the blood work on you."

"Still," He said.

"Baby we made it out the other end of that disaster," I said. "Please forgive yourself."

"I will think about it," He said.

As we drove to our home and I saw many shadows in the woods. As we got closer to our home in the state park I said, "I think things are just getting started."

We went into the house and put on some lights. Sitting in the kitchen Charles started to make us each a sandwich. When he placed one in front of me he said, "Its almost time for your alarm to go off."

"Its Saturday," I said. 

He laughed and said, "Well lets eat and go back to bed."

I looked at him grabbing us a bag of chips and said, "Forget that. Lets go put on TV and eat in bed."

We put on the TV and just hung out and relaxed. Before long we cuddled together and fell asleep. We had slept for a few hours when we heard pounding at the front door.

*****************************************************************************

Sitting up I said, "For the love of all that's holy it better be human and they better have a damn good reason why they are knocking at the door."

I stood up and put a robe on. Charles sat up and I said, "Stay here I will be right back."

I stopped at the bedroom door and saw that there was a lot of shadows outside the door. Stopping Charles came up behind me and asked, "What's wrong babe?"

Nodding to the door I said, "Whoever is knocking is not human. Look at the way the shadow moves."

He pulled me back to our room and said, "Get on the bed I have an idea."

We sat on the bed and he grabbed my laptop. We brought up the security camera and watched as we saw shapes and shadows form near our front door. Charles pulled up the microphone near the driveway and said, "What do you all want?"

Molly-main  Charles-Mollys fiance   Sheriff Simmons     officer Brandt   Farmer Magee 

MarthaMcgee-farmer Mcgees mom.

Right Before Dawn

Growing up there was one rule never go out between 3 am and 6 am. Nothing ever happened before 8 am... EVER! All homes had solid shutters and most people had timed locks on their doors and windows that would not even disengage till 6:01 am. No one knew why but it started one day when over 100 homeless people were found in Time Square frozen in horror with a tablet that read "Keep in between 3 am and 6 am or more people will perish." This happened again the next night when 125 bodies were found underneath the Eiffel Tower frozen. The night after that 150 bodies were frozen in the same fear in Buckingham Palace. Then on day four, the worst happens every seat in the Football Stadium in Dallas full of people all frozen in fear. The worst thing was these people were not dead, they all had heartbeats and were all alive just frozen solid in fear.

The governments moved fast to set up windowless tailors in case people were stuck out late and set up video cameras trying to figure out what was happening. The bodies were moved to government facilities and then a child who had been frozen awoke. She had to have been eight years old and she told the tale.

She said her mom locked her in the backyard of her home because she was having a friend over. She had given her a blanket and pillow and told her to go to sleep in her playhouse.  So she went into her play house and she said her watch dinged her warning alarm. She ran up to the door and started pounding and no one answered the door. She then started to hear a sound in the yard. She hid behind the garbage can and saw a humanoid creature looking in the playhouse she was in a few min earlier. After a moment she decided to run to the front of the house and when she got to the front yard there were people running away from the humanoid creatures.  She started to look around for a place to hide when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Thats when everything went black. When she woke up she was in the government center.

--------------------------------------------------

The child was understandably scared and she didn't want to be touched. They had me come in to speak with her as I was not only a para specialist but was a mother myself. The day I met her she looked at me and said, "I don't care if you believe me as long as I never have to see my mom ever again."

I sat down at the table across from her and said, "I need you to tell me what happened. But before you do that whats your name?"

"My mom didn't tell you?" She asked.

"Sweetie you were found on the sidewalk in a neighbrhood," I said. "My name is Callie whats your name?"

She looked at me with tears in her eyes, "I can't believe it she really did stick me out there on purpose. My name is Maggie Kalahan and that sidewalk you found me on was right in front of my house."

"Maggie, Listen to me I understand your scared but could you tell me what you saw?" I asked, "We want to protect others."

Maggie looked at me and she had a internal struggle, "How many people did you find on my road?"

I looked at the file and said, "Maggie sweetie you were the only person who was found in the whole area. At 6am the police were looking for people who might have gotten stuck out and you were the only person who was found."

Looking at me she said, "I think we have a big problem."

"Why Maggie," I said, "Why is there a problem?"

"Because the night I was locked outside I ran to the front of the house and tried to get in through the front of the house. I was not alone there were at least 20 people running away from there tall creatures. I saw one come out of the house across the street from my house," Maggie said. "If I was the only person who was found where did all those people go?"

The door opened and the head of the Para department walked in with a bag of Mcdonalds and a drink, "Maggie you must be starving I got you a mixture of what I get my son. So there are chicken nuggets, fries, a big mac, 2 cheeseburgers and a apple pie. Im sorry its not something home cooked and believe me I am going to have a chat with your mother and she is in huge trouble. Callie and I appreciate you talking to us and we will help you in any way we can. We have a place you can go once the military people say you can leave."

"Maggie he might talk alot, but Billy here is a good guy he is going to make sure you don't have to go anywhere you don't want to."

"Callie why did my mom do that to me? All those people disappeared from my road. I didn't think whatever they were could come inside the house," She said. She sighed and looked at Billy, "Thank you Billy I am super hungry and I love BigMacs."

Billy put her hand on her shoulder and asked, "Do you want me to say anything to your mom?"

Maggie thought about it and said, "Yeah tell her I hope she is alone forever."

Callie looked at this child and thought that she was a lot more put together than most adults would be. Then she said, "Maggie you said you saw the creatures but things didn't go black until you were touched?"

Maggie looked at her and said, "Yeah people were running from these things out of their homes and i saw the one in the backyard before I ran out front and was touched. My mom always used to tell me that if I saw them I would turn to stone. But I saw them and I was able to run so why didn't I turn to stone?"

Callie battled with herself to decide if she should tell Maggie what she was thinking. She knew she might catch hell for it later but decided to tell Maggie what she thought. "Maggie you gave us a great piece of insight about these creatures. I promise you we will figure this out. I am going to suggest that a national alert go out to have people secure their doors to keep the creatures out."

"Callie," Maggie said quietly. "I want to know where my neighbors disappeared to. People don't just disappear the way they did."

"Maggie," Callie said, "We are going to do everything we can to stop this. So why don't I get some answers for where we are going to take you to be safe and sound once Billy is here with your stuff."

Callie watched Maggie as she continued to eat as they waited for Billy to come back. While they were waiting for Billy I got a text message from him saying, 'Keep Maggie close all hells is going to break lose'.

I lifted my sidearm clip and released it. Bending down I made sure Maggie had shoes on. Looking up I turned away from the camera and said, "Maggie I need you to listen to me, I just got a message from Billy and he said to keep you close as something is going to happen. Do you know where we are?"

Maggie realized I was trying to do this in secret, "No I do not."

Smiling I said, "What if I told you Aliens are real but the ones we know do not know what is causing people to freeze? Have you ever heard of Area 51."

Maggies mouth hung open as she threw her food into the bag and she said, "I knew it. So what are we going to do?"

Looking at her I said, "We are going for a walk. I told Billy where to find us."

I took her hand and opened the door. When I felt the coast was clear we headed down the hallway towards the exit doot. When we got outside I saw Billy pull up and we jumped in the back seat. Looking at us Billy said, "We need to hide Maggie. When I got to her house to speak to her mom her mom acted as if her daughter died. Maggie on the floor in the back seat is some things I thought you would want. I also grabbed what clothes I thought would fit you still."

"Callie how long was I frozen?" She asked.

Looking at her I said, "Sweetie you have been frozen for almost a year and a half."

"Whats today's date," SHe asked.

"August 13th why?" I said.

"Todays my birthday I am 13 years old today." She said. "Happy Birthday to me."

Billy and I looked at each other, "Maggie we will figure everything out."

We drove away and as we went through the gate to the restricted section alarms started to blare. I looked at Billy and said, "We need to get to no mans land fast and get Callie to the meeting hall."

Billy drove into no mans land and I turned and saw a lot of jeeps right behind us. As soon as we passed into no mans land the jeeps stopped following us. Turning around I said to Billy, "I am afraid of what they would do to her if we stayed."

As we drove we came up to a small mountain and Maggie looked at me and said, "Where are all the buildings?"

I smiled and said, "Just wait you will love it."

When we approached the small mountain a door opened on the side of the mountain. Looking into the mirror I saw Maggie's face light up. As we drove in side she looked around and said, "Wow."

When we parked one of the residents came up to us and said, "Welcome Billy. We were just informed by a contact on base they are looking for you as you took a child from base?"

Billy looked up and said, "Hello Maseria. Yes this young one is named Maggie and she woke up after being frozen."

Maseria turned to Maggie and said, "Hello Maggie and welcome. I am happy that you woke up and we will be glad to help you hide. If you will follow me Fredia would like to see you."

Maseria guided us to the council chamber and when we walked in Fredia looked up from her desk. She stood up and walked over to Maggie and said, "Welcome child. You do not have to fear me I want to help you."

Maggie looked up and said, "I am not afraid. Honestly I am mad because a year and a half I slept and I woke up on my birthday finding out my mother is denying my existance even though my belongings are in the house and she purposely tried to get rid of me."

"Well Maggie," She said. "Lets see if I can help you a bit then alright? Would you mind if I read your memories?"

"Will it hurt?" She asked.

"Not at all," She said. "What I need you to do is sit and close your eyes."

Maggie sat on a chair and Fredia sat behind her on a stool. She placed her hand lightly on the side of each of Maggies head and closed her eyes. Maggie closed her eyes and a few minutes later she opened them as Fredia said, "Done."

Maggie looked up at her and asked, "Thats its?"

She booped Maggies nose and said, "That's it. But I do need to ask Maggie do you know your father?"

Maggie was quiet and said, "No Maam my mother said she met him at a bar and when she woke in a hotel room the next morning he was gone. My mom was living with my grandparents and told her they would take care of me if my mother kept me. My Grandparents died the week before I was frozen."

Callie- Parainvestigator

Maggie Kalahan- CHild who woke up

Billy- Head of Parainvestigations

Maseria- Liason for aliens

Fredia- head of the alien conclave

 

Devil Needs A Favor

October first 2023 was When I was 18 I sold my soul to the devil. When I went to the crossroads to make a deal I actually told the demon I wanted to talk to the devil himself for my deal. The demon was amused and I don't know what was said but the devil agreed. I woke up a few days later in a dark room in my pjs and there was the devil himself handing me a cup of coffee.

He chuckled at me and said, "I heard you wanted to make a deal but you said the only person you wanted to deal with was me? Since your rather young it makes me wonder why."

I climbed out of the bed I was sitting in and took a sip of the coffee. "Well sir its because I need a specialized deal and your the only person who I think can pull it off. Besides I would rather deal with a boss instead of a lackey."

That drew a smile as I continued. "I need my parents dead. Before you say anything if your the real deal you know that they are evil bastards. I can't have it coming back on me. I need to be able to get custody of my siblings. I have been working for four years and banking away money. My father beats me on the regular business and I found out he has started leering at my younger sisters and brother. To hell if he is gonna get to them. I already have insurance policies set up that my parents signed that I have been paying on. The biggest thing is I need twenty-five years instead of the normal 10. I need to get them through school, college and started in life and then you won't have to send anyone or anything for me I will walk into hell with a smile on my face and I will be the best sales person you ever had. When you have my soul collected I will send you people now with their souls like its tickets to a broadway show."

He looked at me like I was crazy. I think I might have shocked the devil himself. Then he started to speak, "So what your telling me is you want your parents dead before they can hurt your sibling. Which by the way he hasn't yet. You want custody of the children and twenty five years instead of ten and then before your even one of mine you will send people to one of mine to make deals then in twenty five years you will walk into hell and be a salesperson for me and do it with a smile on your face."

"Yup that pretty much sums it up. All of me at your service in twenty five years and souls to you even before hand."

"What makes you think people will just be ready to hand over their souls to a demon with a little convincing from you?"

"I am talking to you ain't I instead of your employee."

"Yes you are. Can I have a few days to get back to you?"

"Sure thing! Oh and thank you for the coffee. How do I get out of here to go home?"

The next thing I know I am laying in my bed with the coffee on my bedside table. I looked over the side of the bed and there laying on a mattress on the floor was my brother Eathan and I looked over to the bunk bed across from me and there was my sisters Emma and Lisa. Then I heard whimpering and in the cradle next to me my baby sister Lily started to wake up.

I sat up and pulled her bottle out of the mini fridge I had in my room. As I changed her I heard my father stumble in from the local bar. I looked at my phone and saw that it was 315 in the morning.  I quieted Lily as i shifted her to drink her bottle. Knowing my father he would start trouble and I did not want to him to come in here and wake the kids.

Later as the kids started waking up I got each of them ready for the day in my bathroom then we headed downstairs to the kitchen to eat breakfast. The kids knew from experience that they needed to be quiet so we didn't wake dad.  I got the kids to the kitchen and discovered that we were out of milk. I closed my eyes and counted to three. I looked in the fridge and found nothing. Looking at the kids I knew they were hungry. I smiled and said guess what we are going out for breakfast. Grab your backpacks quietly for school while I get Lily in her car seat. 

My mother took that moment to come out, She heard me tell the kids to get ready. "Where are you going?"

"I am taking the kids to get food and lily to daycare," I said. "You said you would go food shopping and there is nothing to eat here. You told me you would take the money I gave you and go get groceries while I was at work. Just get me the money back I will go buy food as I am off today."

"I used it for me Maggie I needed meds," She said.

I counted to three while putting lily in her car seat, "No you used it for drugs. If it wasn't for the fact that Grandma left the house to me and I worked these kids would have nothing. I am so sick of this. You and dad should do me a favor and just disappear because these kids deserve more than a nasty house because you both refuse to do anything for them."

She leaned over and smacked me as Ethan came in the hall. "Maggie are you okay?"

I smiled, "Its okay. I am okay are you all ready for school we are going to get breakfast. Then after school we are gonna go get dinner and then go food shopping."

Ethan took all the kids including Lily out to the car. I looked at my mom while locking my door and grabbing my bag, "Thats the last time you will touch any of us is that clear. Try to break into my room again and you will regret it. I moved everything of value out of this house till you leave. All my money is in the bank and because of you and him liking to steal only I can get money from the bank itself now. I will be going food shopping and will keep the food in my fridge in my room. You and him can starve for all I care. These kids deserve better." 

I was at the door when I saw police by my van. I walked over to the officers smiling and said quietly, "I own this house, The only reason my parents live here are because I am afraid of what they would do with and to the kids. Both of them are in the house, do we need to be here or can i go get these kids breakfast and take them to school and daycare."

"Maam you would have to ask the lady talking to the neighbor." The officer said.

I leaned into the van and handed ethan a box of granola bars I kept in there for a snack and asked ethan to open them and hand them out, "I will be right back."

I walked over to the neighbors house, "Hello Mrs Grayson I hope your doing well?"

Mrs. Grayson smiled, "Oh you sweet girl I was about to call you. Oh sweet girl what happened to your cheek?"

"Mrs Grayson I am ok. My mother smacked me when i went off on her about not purchasing food for the kids when I gave her the money to do so ." I said, "I came over to ask your guest if I am okay to go get the kids breakfast and take them to school."

The guest looked up and smiled, "I am Callie Devile from CPS, I was just talking to your neighbor and she was telling me how amazing you are with your siblings and that you actually own the home is that right?"

I smiled, "Yes Maam my Grandmother left me the home when she died a week after my eighteenth birthday. I moved in and then my parents became evicted and they would not let me have the kids unless they moved in. But I have been taking care of them since they moved in. I pay for everything food bills I just even paid the taxes and homeowners insurance. I have a great job and make good money. I don't know what my parents did but I will be honest I will do anything for these kids to keep them with me and safe. I know the cops are waiting. Can i please take them to get breakfast. I am off today and can come back and talk after I get them fed and to school and daycare. I will do anything to take care of my siblings and I can show you my plans and records with the doctors and how I work from home a few days a week."

Callie looked at me and said, "You sure you can raise these babies?"

"I sure can I would sell my soul to raise them maam." I said, "I am willing to do anything for them."

She smiled, "Well then you best get these babies to school and daycare. How long do you think a hour a little over?"

I laughed, "As long as chic fila doesn't have a long line i should be back in a hour and 15 min. Can you please start whatever paperwork I will need for long term care if needed, I am already their medical and school proxy due to my mom's issues."

I headed back to the van and said to the police, "She gave me the go ahead just please dont break to much and the room that is locked is mine as I work from home when the kids are sick or not at school and I didn't want my parents to steal or sell my stuff. Such as my work computer which I relaized i left inside my room. I can asure you that they cannot get in there unless they break down the door."

The cop looked at me and said, "Well miss we will just move down a few doors and as you are coming back from what we overheard we will wait for you."

I smiled and climbed into the car, "Who is hungry? I am thinking ChicFila for breakfast how does that sound?"

All the kids cheered and I pulled my minivan out of the driveway we went to chick fila and dropped the kids off at school first. After getting the kids to their classes I went into the office and gave their counselor a heads-up. I made it clear that if my parents showed up to stall and call me first for the kids saftey. After leaving the office I got Lily to daycare and also gave the office a heads up as well as paying the bill for the next few weeks services. 

On the way home I stopped at a light and a guy hopped into my car. "I am Sam. My boss sent me a message to give to you."

I raised my eyebrows and said, "What is the message?"

"He said to enjoy the show and he will meet you later this week after the dust settles. Also, Please get the house cleaned as those kids deserve s much more than what your parents were planning.  Callie is a friend of ours and she will explain more after your parents are taken." He looked down at the ChicFIla bag, "May I?"

I reached into the bag and handed him a chicken biscuit, "Here I still need to eat and start cleaning after the show is over."

He smiled and said "Thanks" as he disappeared.

I turned onto my road and the cop suggested I pull into Mrs Graysons driveway. Doing as he suggested I did and joined Mrs Grayson on her porch. She handed me a cup of coffee and I handed her her favorite bacon egg and cheese biscuit.

"Maggie I know it will be difficult but I will help you if you need it with those babies." She said.

"Mrs Grayson you have been so kind for so many years. You are family and if you ever need anything as well we will be there." I sighed taking a bite of food. "Looks like the show is about to begin."

Callie went up to the door and knocked, "This is Callie Devile with Florida CPS. We know your in there and you need to come out."

I heard my mom inside yelling at my dad saying that I must have called CPS because she disiplined me. My dad yelled back saying he would take care of it and opened the door screaming, "I dont care what you think this is my home---"

"Sir this is your daughters home and you and your wife need to come out. Last night at the bar you tried to sell your infant daugter Lily to a undercover officer you took payment for your own child to sell her and sid you had 3 other children to dump off as well." Callie said with a look of anger.

My mom ran out of the house pushing past callie and the police running at me and mrs Grayson with a knofe. The cops yelled at her to stand down and stop but when she didn't one of the cops raised his gun as my father went to grab it. The next cop raised his gun and yelled for my mom to stop and when she didn't he took a shot and my mother dropped. My father was fighting the other officer when another cop ordered my dad to stand down and when he went to take the gun again was shot. He stumbled back onto the grass and looked at me. Its all your fault, He ran to my mom grabbed her knife and jumped back up and the cops all warned and shot. He dropped to the ground and Callie walked over to me. The cops checked for pulses and called out to call for a corner as they are gone.

"Mrs Grayson thank you for your time earlier if you dont mind can Maggie leave her car here as we go into her home and speak?" She asked.

"Of course Callie," She said. " Maggie love i know planning a funeral will be a lot I would suggest maybe not saying anything to the kids for a day or so and fib a bit saying mom and dad went away for a few days then break the news to them in time for the funeral. I am sure Callie will have that mess on your lawn moved shortley."

"Thank you Mrs. Grayson." I walked over to Callie, "I guess we can go inside right?"

I walked past the bodies and headed up the staors. The officers moved aside and Callie and I went inside. We walked into the kitchen and I looked at the mess and opened the dishwasher to load a thing of dishes as we were talking. "Sorry I have a lot to plan out now. That and I have to clean up the kitchen to load a bunch of groceries for the kids after we go get dinner."

Callie smiled and said, "Your fine I started you a list. In this envelope is all the paperwork you will need for the kids. We will work later on this month with adoption papers. You will see the most important paperwork things listed. I think your mom had a pulse but I assure you there will not be one. Also you will have no issues with the insurance papers. But you really wont need that will you? You work as a accountant for not one but 6 companies and all from home."

I laughed as I added detergent and shut the dishwasher, "They offered the classes as a program and I stared working for 3 of the 6 companies in highschool part time. They all know I hold more than one contract and I only accept work as a freelancer for 5 of the 6 companies as I complete the jobs one after another, the other location I work 4-5 days a week part time. Being organized is key."

"This is going to take so much to clean," I said. "Dad really try to sell the kids?"

Callie frowned and said, "I am afraid so. Thankfully it was to an undercover cop who got wind of what was going on."

I sighed, "Well I guess I best get to cleaning. Thats okay right? The kids had rooms they shared ad I had the mater bedroom. Mom and dad were given the sun room off the back of the house. I will probably have to toss a lot of what they destroyed."

"You got this Maggie," Callie said. "DO you need anything else before i leave for the day?"

"No," I said. "As long as I can clean the kitchen at least. I have to get the kitchen done before its time to get Lily and the kids. We have a date for dinner and food shopping. I am going to Make sure this house is packed with food. I will never have them go without ever again." 

"Maggie after the bodies are taken I will have the cops call a clean up crew," She said. "You will have to deal with the funerals, However, the county does offer a poor mans buriel."

I sighed, "I will do right by the kids. It will take a few days but I will get the house cleaned out and set up first and then I will tell the kids mom and dad died. I will not say how they died but I want to make sure my family cannot fight me for the kids."

Callie smiled and handed me one last envelope, "Your parents signed papers when they wanted to give the kids to CPS. They signed off on you being the kids legal guardian."

I took the envelope, "Thank you Callie."

Callie laughed, 'You paid the piper child. When you did that you impressed the big guy. I only do my job and make sure things worked out on this end."

I laughed and said, "Well I still appreciate it."

Callie looked a little sad and said, "Listen just do me a favor and protect those babies okay. They deserve better than what your parents did just as you did."

"Callie I promise I will make sure they have the life they deserve. Besides I assume I will see you around as you are our case worker," I said.

Callie smiled and said, "You sure will Sugar. I will check in later this week and see how you are doing. See Mr SMitty at Bernards funeral home for arrangements he does them nice and cheap."

"Thank you Callie," I said walking her to the door. After she left I got to scrubbing down the kitchen and clean all the dishes I could. Smelling sulfur in the air I turned and saw the devil himself sitting at my kitchen counter. 

"Well Callie I am going to go with the fact you are happy with our arrangement?" He asked.

"I will say you do have a tendency for the dramatic. I almost choked on my breakfast," I said. "I know I made a deal with you and I am not trying to weasel out of it. But thank you. I hope your team has a grand ole time with them."

SMiling a brilliant smile, "Do not worry my dear they are in level nine as we speak and they are having a grand time with my guards. Your father literally shit himself when he found out you were the one who arrange his early demise. Your mother cursed you to hell and I gladly told her you will be working for me and have a seat at my table. She was pissed and offered me everything and anything to be released."

"Well I am sure they will love me once I arrive many years from now," I said.

"Don't you worry none," He said. "You are one of mine now and we take care of our own. So what plans do you have for these children."

"You mean to help them rid of their trauma?" I said. "Love, peace, and a way to keep them safe. After I get my home clean and sanitized. They deserve so much better."

"Maggie I have arranged for everything to be okay. We made a deal and I do not back out of deals,"He said.

Looking up I said, "I know this is going to sound messed up but I do not feel any remorse. Is that wrong?"

He looked at me and walked over and took my hand, "Normally I would say yes, However, After seeing what was in your parent's hearts and minds I am going to say no. When I had a meeting with your parents before they were separated and taken to their own dungeon your father and mother both admitted they would gladly sell your siblings for what they wanted. Your dad was also thinking about doing human trafficking on you to keep the house."

I squeezed his hand and said, "Well I do not feel any remorse."

He got serious and said, "I know I am the devil but if I was in your position I would feel no remorse because of how they raised you. Now one last question before I leave you to your cleaning. DO you mind if I check in with you and the children over the years?"

Smiling I said, "Of course you may come and visit. It will be just me and the babies."

The Devil looked at me and said, "Don't miss out on the life you have Maggie. Raising the kids is one thing but you need to have adult time as well."

Nodding I said, "I am aware, I just want to settle the kids first."

"Of course its been a very chaotic day for you. If you need anything give a call to this phone number," He said handing me a card.

Snorting I said, "Wow a direct line to the devil."

"Well," He said. "My secretary. But she passes everything to me. She has also been watching the house via death TV so we got to see what was going on."

I started to grin and said, "So the dead need entertainment to? What other activity do you all watch?"

HE gave a deep laugh and said, "Personally I love watching those idiots think its okay petting a bison and getting gored."

I snorted as I cleaned and said, "Seriously what is up with that? I mean I get it sky diving, swimming with sharks and all but why do they think walking up to a one ton animal with massive horns is a smart thing to do. Please tell me if they go to you and complain I would love to hear about it."

"I will ask my help desk to keep a look out and let you know," He said. "I think we will like it when you join us your fun. But take care Maggie I have things to do and deals to make."

I waved my rag as I continued to clean down the kitchen and he disappeared in a poof of smoke. While I let the first part of the kitchen air out I went into my parents sun room and realzied there could be drugs in there I opened the door and got the attention of a female officer on scene. She walked over, looked past me and said, "Wow you have been busy."

Chuckling I said, "Its going to take me a few days to get this handled. But I was wondering if you all had a suggestion. My parents' room was the sun room, I am going to turn it into a playroom for the kids. I am worried what if I find drugs in there?"

She looked at me and said, "I got this."

She went to her car and took out her police dog. She walked up and said, "Maggie do we have permission to enter the home and search for drugs your parents may have snuck in. We will have to be able to get into all the rooms but if you give us permission I will wait while you open all doors and entrance to the basement, crawl spaces and attic."

"Oh thank you," I said and I ran and opened every closet door and entrance there was and she had her partner came in. "While you search can i work on the kitchen some more I want this room done before the kids get out of school."

"Sure just do not use bleach for a few so it doesn't mess with the search," She said.

"Okay If you want to start here that would be great as I can get the laundry started after you search that room next to the kitchen." I said.

They started in the rooms I was cleaning and the dog sniffed everywhere. When they got to the TV stand the dog alerted and they found needles and drugs in the tv stand. The cops removed them and continued on. The search the laundry room my room and each of the kids rooms and when they got to what was my parents room the dog went nuts. They found bags of drugs and needles. I heard her radio another officer and then I saw them bring in another two bags. They searched the house and after getting into the attic basement and crawl space the officers found so many drugs I am glad I asked. The detective ask me if I knew and I said, "No sir they only smoked pot in their room and swore its all they had. I will admit I was to busy raising their kids to really pay to much attention to them. When we were home I kept the kids with me in my master suite to make sure they were safe."

He nodded and said, "Your not in trouble we are glad you followed up with the officer. Do me a favor this is my card if you come across any more cleaning put it in this bag and call me. I believe Ole roy found all of what was here but we will leave you this just in case."

Nodding I said, "Sure thing officer. Is it safe now to use bleach the couch covers are nasty and I want to get everything ready for the kids. I took off after my parents were killed and let the companies I freelance for know I will be off this week due to a family tragedy. They all offered sympathies, I never let them know how bad things were here. I am just glad that I was able to keep the kids."

He nodded and said, "You are a strong young woman and you are doing great. We are done outside and they are almost finished in here. You can start the laundry and I am sure the kids will be happy when you get them today. The kitchen looks good. You know these kids will love Halloween this year."

I started the first load of laundry when I heard a knock at the door. Mrs Grayson was standing there with a laundry basket. "I know you probably want to burn everything and buy new but why waste money. Give me some laundry girl it will help if you have two loads going at once and point me to what I can clean."

"Mrs Grayson," I said.

"Keke my dear, Mrs Grayson was my mother and I love these kids and your Grandma was one of my best friends. If she was here we would have a bottle of wine open but we cannot do that because we have to get the kids and take them food shopping later," She said.

"We?" I said.

"Well your my grandkids now and to be honest I knw your going to pack the place with what the kids need you might need help pushing a second cart," She said. "Besides I need to get out of the house I will pay for my own meal and I could use some groceries so why not kill 2 birds with one stone and then the kids get to know me incase you need a sitter and want to go out?"

I hugged here and said, "welcome to the family Keke."

With Keke's help we got the kitchen scrubbed down and finished the living room and dining room. We threw out so much trash we filled both of my garbage cans and both of hers as well. She laughed and said, "Thank God trash goes out tonight."

By the time we got to a stopping point we had all the laundry folded on the table and she made it clear after we brought the kids to school in the morning we would start the bedrooms and start giving the kids back their freedom.

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We went to the school to pick up the kids and they were excited to be going out. Even though they were surprised to have Keke with us they welcomed her with open arms. When we got to the restaurant Ethan asked, "Maggie if I have leftovers do I have to give them to Mama and Daddy?"

I looked at the kids and said, "I wanted to let you know Mama and Daddy went away for a long while so when we get home you don't have to be scared about being in the house. They are never going to bother you ever again."

Emma looked up and said, "Are we going to have to go away. Mama always says if she leaves we have to go with her and Daddy to punish you."

Keke pulled Emma into her lap and said, "Sweet little babe don't you worry no one is going to take you from Maggie. She is going to take care of you and you are going to be a happy girl. Now tell Mrs Keke what kind of food you want." 

When the waitress took our orders and I put a sleeping Lily in her car seat Lisa asked, "Sissy why was the police at the house today?"

I looked at Lisa and said, "Because Mama and Daddy did something bad. But the nice lady who said I could take you to school this morning. Her name is Callie and she works with kids whose mommy's and daddy's are naughty. She arranged for you to stay with me and I will take care of all of you."

The kids eyes lit up as the food was bought to the table and we all enjoyed our food. The kids had a great time shopping with Keke and me. I bought so much food that it filled not only my cart but Keke's as well. When we got home Keke who only needed a few small items told me to get the food put away and she would get the kids started for their baths. She came out when Ethan went in and said I got the water ready for him and said, "he is good, Lily is sound asleep in her bed and Emma and Lisa are reading while Ethan showers. Do the girls take showers or baths?"

Laughing I said, "Joy of having crap parents they are all independent when it comes to showers. Just remind Ethan to brush his teeth please he does fight me on that."

She slapped her leg as she stood up, "Boys always do my girl. My sons fought me until they were in their teens. That was until they realized to kiss a girl they wanted a boy with clean teeth."

She disappeared back to the kids and I was almost finished with putting the food away when there was a knock at the door. I opened it up and found Callie standing there, "Hey Maggie I came to check in on you all to see how you are doing?"

"Come in Callie," I said. "If you don't mind we just got back from food shopping and Mrs Grayson has been helpig me get the kids ready for bed as I had to put everything away. I have a bit left to do."

She saw all the bags and whistled, "Well Maggie I am glad you stocked up the house. What did you tell the kids?"

"I told them that mom and dad went away," I said. "As soon as I told them that they were staying with me they were A okay."

She nodded and said good, "Speaking of food. I know you work hard but you can breathe a sigh of relief. The kids medical, dental, vision are all covered under state benefits. You also qualify for food stamps and subsidized assistance as their caregiver. I know you make okay money but these are benefits your entitled to. Especially after everything you have done and will be doing for them."

"Thank you Callie these benefits will work for the kids," I said. "I am going to set up counseling for the kids to help them work through everything they went through with our parents. I am going to tell them Friday. There will be no funeral service I am just having them cremated and interred."

Callie asked me, "How bad was it for you growing up Callie."

I sighed as I started unloading another bag, "Mama always had a problem with drinking. She tried to hide it but after Ethan was born she wouldn't even do that. Emma, Lisa and Lily were all born early due to the alcohol. Grandma would try to step in as much as she could when we were younger. Daddy got bad after Emma was born. He drug use and drinking was horrible. I learned to lock my door a night to keep them both out. Before we inherited the house when I turned 18 we all shared a room anyway. After we moved in one night Mama and Daddy had a huge fight. Ethan and the kids ran to my room. I grabbed Lilly from Mama and told her no more. The following day she signed paperwork that I could make all the decisions for the kids in school and at the Doctors. I made the deal when my Dad had tried to bring people into the house and I told everyone to get out or I was calling the police. They ran fast and Daddy went to the bar. The rest is history."

Callie nodded and said, "I can't change your past, but I will damn well make sure your present is much better Maggie."

We looked up and saw Ethan walk into the room. I gave him a smile and said, "Hey Bud whats up?"

He looked a bit scared and said, "I heard you talking to someone and I thought I could help you put everything away."

I looked at him and said, "Well I would rather you catch up on your school reading. This is Callie she works with CPS and wanted to make sure you kids and I were settling in after this morning.  I was telling her your room is the next to get cleaned out and fixed up so you can have a boys room."

He looked unsure as I said, "Ethan Mama and Daddy can never hurt you ever again. You will be here with me and we will be able to use the full house once I finish cleaning everything out and getting rid of the garbage. Keke and I got the whole living room, laundry room and kitchen done today as well as the dining room. All your clothes in there are clean and fresh. Things are going to be okay. I do need to ask you though since your the oldest you get first pick of bedrooms. Which one would you like?"

He smiled and said, "Really I get to chose?"

"Sure do Kiddo," I said. "Do you want to think about it?"

He gave a big smile and said, "Nope I want the loft bedroom."

Laughing I said, "Sure thing Ethan I will start it tomorrow."

He looked at Callie and said, "We get to stay with Maggie right?"

Callie gave him a smile and said, "You sure can Ethan as long as you want. Maggie is going to make sure you all are having your best life possible. Just know that I will be checking in from time to time and making sure you are all okay."

Ethan gave a huge grin and I looked at the clock, "Oh my look at the time you all need to get to bed. Or your going to be hard to wake in the morning."

Keke walked in at that time and said, "The girls are out cold and I saw ethan was running to bed. Did he decide the room he wanted?"

"He sure did he wants the bedroom in the loft area upstairs," I said. "Will you be able to manage those stairs?"

She laughed and said, "Of course I can I may be a bit slow but I can get up those stairs. My worry is with all the garbage."

Callie cleared her throat, "I have a solution for that. My cousin Arnie owns a trash removal service he sends dumpsters for people to fill and removes them. Let me give him a quick call and see if he can drop one first thing tomorrow. His rates are good and cheap."

She walked into the living room and came back with her phone on her ear. "He said he will be glad to drop one off tomorrow morning at 7am. You need to make sure the car is out of the driveway. Price is $50.00 each time he had to empty it."

I said "Deal does he want cash, check or card?"

She smiled and said, "He will send a cash app invoice to your phone. I will give him your phone number."

Keke said, "You can walk Callie out and park in my driveway that way you don't have to rush in the morning."

As she said that I saw the invoice sent and said, "Thank you Callie my garbage men are going to hate us in the morning."

She laughed and said, "No worries. Also this is a listing of event that CPS holds for the kids. Halloween is around the corner and we will be having a fall festival in two weeks at the center. There are also counselors there you can meet since you said you want them to speak with someone."

Keke got excited and said, "Oh Maggie I will be with you for the fun events to. Grandma Keke had Grandbabies now to help with. Maggie My son never gave me Grandbabies and my daughter passed before she could have any. I am so happy to help you and they now have Grandma Keke. I think your Grandma would be happy with that."

Callie said, "Well my ladies it has been fun but if I don't get home soon my Charlie will think I ran away from home."

I walked her our and she said, "Maggie you got this and if you need anything give me a call I am here for you for the long haul."

WHen she pulled out I followed behind her and pulled into Keke's driveway. When I went back inside I noticed Keke had put all the bags onto the counter and she said, "Well my darling girl I do have to head home and I will see you about 9am after my online church service okay?" 

"Keke," I said. "I could not have done this without you. You do not know how much I appreciate all your help."

"I am with you for the long haul Maggie," She said. "I promised our Grandma I would watch out for you and this week we have to get the house done because we will have to break the news to the babies. We will discuss that tomorrow. When do you go back to work?"

"I start back on Monday. Everyone has been extremely kind with all the companies I contract for."

"Good," she said. "Now you be a good girl and clean up your mess of groceries' and get some sleep okay. I will see you after church."

When Keke left for the night I finished putting all the groceries away and went upstairs to what would be Ethan's room. The room had a lot of my parents junk in it. I checked the Mattress son the bed and discovered my Grams had left the original plastic on it. I said a silent thank you and grabbed the two blankets off the bed and took them down stairs to start them in the washer. I looked at the clock and saw it was only 830pm and decided to get a start on the room. I set the garbage bags in a pile in the room and saw I was running low. I created a Walmart order for the following morning for laundry soap and massive garbage bags along with a few posters and a new comforter and pillows for Ethan. 

I set my alarm for an hour to see what I could sort through. I started with under the bed and found a bunch of boxes full of what looked like my dads old clothes before he went on a down hill spiral. I  looked through the clothes and found shirts I would save for Ethan and found a bunch of flannels and sweat shirts I wanted. I threw the clothes I would keep in a basket and kept cleaning. By the time my timer went off I went downstairs and switched the laundry. I decided this had been a very long day and decided it was shower and sleep time. I stepped over the kids and hoped in the shower. When I was done I climbed into bed after checking all the kids and making sure I had a bottle ready for Lily I laid down and fell asleep. My sleep was thankfully a dreamless sleep and before I knew it I was waking up to my 630am alarm going off.

When I woke up I grabbed the alarm and shut it off. I climbed out of bed and heard Ethan say, "I am o tired Maggie."

"Shh Ethan you have another 30 minutes go back to sleep," I said. I went to the laundry room and switched the blankets our for all the shirts. As I switched everything over I heard Lily wake up. I picked her out of her crib and said, "Good morning sleepy head are you ready for breakfast?" 

I changed her diaper and fed her a bottle before I got her ready for her day. As I changed her I started to wake Emma and Lisa as Ethan was already up and in the bathroom. Ethan came out to the kitchen and I said, "We have cereal on the counter or uncrustable in the fridge or waffles in the freezer for breakfast."

He said cereal and poured himself a bowl and sat at the island in the kitchen. Lisa and Emma came in after and both asked for a uncrustable. I got them each a uncrustable and cut a banana in half for then to eat as well. I looked at Ethan and I said, "Fruit?"

He held up a small bowl of strawberries from the fridge and said, "Got it already Maggie."

As they ate I added the folded blankets to the table in the dining room. I was glad that I still had to sort everything in this room. When my parents came with the kids they had boxes of junk and left things everywhere. They were hoarders and I am so glad I can get rid of everything now. I looked at the clock and placed Lily in her swing. "Oh we are behind today everyone. Lisa and Emma keep eating I will do your hair while you eat. Does everyone have their bags in the car still or do we need to find them?"

Ethan said, "We did our homework during dinner remember. Keke had us place our bag on the front seat. I will grab Lilys extra diapers for her bag. Does she need bottles?"

"Thank you Ethan," I said. "No bottles needed I have her baby food and a can of formula for Daycare already in there."

I finished getting the kids ready and heard a knock at the door. When I opened it a man said, "Morning Maggie dumpster is in place and your all set. My cousin gave me a bit of a run down of whats going on so if you need a new one just call the number on the dumpster. Tell whoever answers that Arie said this is a special circumstance and I need a removal and delivery. I will send you a cash app invoice and get you a new one asap okay. I just ask no diapers or food as we do sort the items for recycle, resale and reuse. My beloved has a art shop and she uses a lot of what we get here."

The kids were oblivious as I said, "Thank you Arie you are saving my garbage men a mess. I will need the address to her shop I will be doing decorating after we clean out and really get this house going."

My alarm rang and I said, "I have to get these guys to school thank you again."

He smiled and waved as I turned to the kids and said, "Okay all we need to be out the door to be on time."

Thankfully traffic was light and after I dropped the kids off at school and Lily to the daycare I stopped for a breakfast sandwich and coffee from dunking and headed home. When I got home I saw my Walmart order was delivered and hid the stuff for Ethan's room in the laundry room and headed upstairs to get the garbage to the dumpster. After moving the bags downstairs I sat down and ate my sandwich. I grabbed the roast from the fridge and started it in the crock pot with the recipe I found while waiting in the drop off line. When I had it set on I was happy to be ahead and would make potatoes and a vegetable to go with it after I get the kids. When I finished eating I headed upstairs and around 915 i heard knocking at the door and ran down to let Keke in. She looked at me and said, "So any rules for the dumpster?"

"No food or diapers," I said. "The owners wife is an artist and does resale."

She nodded and said, "I see we have piles on the table so I guess we are getting things washed as we go?"

"Yes," I said. "made a list of things we need to get done."

"Oh dear," She said. "How bad?"

"Sit down," I said. "We have the kitchen island, Ethans room, ethans closet, attic space, Emma room emmas closet, Lisa and Lilys room, L closet, my room, my closet, master bath, laundry room, sun porch, TV room, dining room, hall closet upstairs, bathroom upstairs, downstairs bathroom, basement, sunroom also the playroom upstairs. I also need to hire someone to get the lawn and yard done as well as repair the fence."

She sighed and said, "Your afraid of what you may find while cleaning."

"Yes I am," I said. 

"Well no worries now," Keke said. "We have washers and dryers here and at my house we will get it done or in the dumpster. I guess thats why they have covers on the dumpster. Smart girl if she can make anything out of what we find. So how about this while the kids are not here lets start the basement because now that you got ethans room almost done you are going to need storage."

Maggie19  Ethan8 Emma6 Lisa5 Lily6 month Devil Father Mother MrsGrayson(Keke)-Neighbor Callie Devile-CPSworker

Sam- Messenger Demon

kitchen island, Ethans room, ethans closet, attic space, Emma room emmas closet, Lisa and Lilys room, L closet, my room, my closet, master bath, laundry room, sun porch, TV room, dining room, hall closet upstairs, bathroom upstairs, downstairs bathroom, basement, sunroom also the playroom upstairs. I also need to hire someone to get the lawn and yard done as well as repair the fence."

My Other Self

Have you ever had a time in your life where you just lost track of what you're doing? Growing up there would be times where I could not remember what I had done or been doing. Normally it was only an hour here or there but as I got older it started to go from hours to days. When I would mention it to my Grams she would just smile and say not to worry about it. How am I not supposed to worry about it when I literally can't remember full days.

I mean I am pretty lucky none of these blackouts have prevented me from my job as a writer nor has it stopped me from freelancing here and there. It just concerns me because I have people say hello in passing and I have no clue who they are. Sometimes I will be in a bar and men will send me drinks as well and I will have no clue who these guys are. That's what worries me the most the unknown of what's happening.

One day I was watching a Youtube video with my niece and she pointed out how these Youtubers had alternate personas compared to how they normally are in real life. It's their dark side compared to their generous nice side. That's how I felt like I had a persona that flipped the off switch on me and someone else emerged.

A few days later I had another blackout. When I woke up I was at a mountain cabin along a river.  I walked out to the porch of the cabin and saw a man sitting on a chair smoking a cigarette and watching the river. He looked up and said, "You finally woke up. I was worried you have been asleep for two days."

"Where am I?" I asked as he walked up to me and took my hand.

"Oh my sweet Tessa your still blacking out between both of yourselves," He said. Then as he kissed my hand he said, "I could help you remember faster but I do not want to scare you."

"Who are you?" I asked.

"Someone who has known you forever and a day," He said.

"You know that makes no sense," I said.

"Maybe to you but to me, it makes perfect sense," He said. "You can call me Hey You. Are you hungry as long as you have been sleeping I would be starving?"

"I would like to know why I am in a cabin in a middle of nowhere and with a man I do not know who seems very familiar with me." I said. "Also yes I am very hungry."

He laughed, "Well my dear Tessa no matter which reincarnation you are in you always had a healthy appetite."

I stopped and turned towards him and said, "Reincarnation?"

"Yes Tess, Reincarnation." He said, "I wish that you would remember your other selves by the time we meet. It would make it easier to get to know you in this form."

"I have a headache from all this," I said.

He laughed, "Yeah this is all pretty heavy to get used to. How about this, your suitcase and clothes are in the room you were in, why don't you take a dip in the river the cool river will help you along."

"A dip in the river does sound good," I said. "Sure your not able to share name yet?"

"No," He said. "You need to remember everything on your own."

I walked into the room I awoke in and went to my suitcase. Opening it I found my bathing suit and coverup and changed. Walking down from the cabin I walked to the edge of the river and sat down. Once the water started going over my feet I started to feel better. Stretching my legs further I felt the cool water start to rush over them and I started to feel a semblance of calm and relief.

My companion came out and handed me a glass of sweet tea. He sat on the rocks and said, "Feel a bit better?"

"Yes a bit," I said. "You said reincarnation but I do not remember anything about my life before this."

"You normally don't," He said, "Once your purpose comes up you remember very few things as you get hit with a temporary amnesia. Once things come to you you will remember everyone and everything for this life as well as your previous lives as well."

Looking at him I asked, "Will I remember you then and who you are in this mess?"

He looked at me and said, "Trust me when I say you will definitely remember who I am."

"I know you have a headache," He said. "Lunch is ready whenever you are. If you like I can set up a table on the patio so you can watch the water, while you eat and relax."

I felt thankful for this man giving me options and said, "Eating outside would be wonderful. Will you join me?"

He gave a grin that had me catch my breath as he said, "How could I turn down having a meal with a beautiful lady. I will call you to the porch when its set up."

He walked up to the cabin and I sat in the river until he called me. When I got to the porch there was sandwiches and salads waiting for me. I looked at him and said, "Thank you."

"You will never have to worry about me Tessa," He said.

Tessa-Main