Speculation has begun over a commander's choice of pressing either a siren alarm or a reset button to further his skill level...
Angela Byers-Knite, Attorney California July and Cal Lorelie'je
With a special appearence by Yo-Yira Qwan
in
Alia and the Boy: Spoken to in proficient Russian
Book one of 'Marriage Crosses a Frozen Inspector,' a literary trilogy
Written and directed by
Dan Sherrill
and Wooden Box Theater
The drive from the sports arena to Empress Alia's North Iley castle seems to be taking forever as a million thoughts are rushing through his head. About a lot of things. His difficult final words to someone who became very special to him. Thoughts seem to sway to his new love and how happy she makes him. He does, though, remember Eleanor's words about not taking anything for granted. 'Last time I got attached too much and got hurt terribly for it,' he thinks to himself, 'maybe this time it's best to not take it as seriously as I possibly can and maybe it will last longer and I can work on rebuilding my heart,' he continues. 'But, if someone stops me on Iley and says that I have to love myself before I can love someone else, their friendship with me will be over with.'
He finishes his thought while half expecting Mythaq to call about their troubled last conversaiton. 'She's not gonna call,' he continues to think outloud. 'And even if she did, what would we say exactly?' The drive from the sports arena to the castle is taking forever.
Why is it so hard to switch gears. There must be some reason for these feelings that still linger since they come back about every other day. My thoughts for you linger since my heart is freshly broken open. The truth is hard to erase.
His cell phone rings. It breaks his train of thought. Long enough to hit the 'Answer' button on the phone.
Joseph S.-Hey kid.
Dan Sherrill-Hi. You're up late.
Joseph S.-Rough couple of days, I guess.
Dan-I'm really sorry about dragging you and your friends into my story without asking. You're welcome to never speak to me again.
Joseph S.-The deal with the sleeping pills and the exotic dancers was a little scary, but I'm okay. I've seen worse, trust me.
Dan-Well, I am sorry. I didn't think your visit would invole the things it ended up involving. Like watching me cry. God, I can't deal with this. I've almost called her twice. I even had her number dialed and on the phone. Damn. Am I a bad person for that?
Joseph S.-Wounded, but not bad. Did you get through or leave a message?
Dan-She's not answering. I left two short messages. I guess she deserved that from me. I won't leave another one. Ever again. I'm done with her. It's time to accept that someone evil is always going to be just that...evil. No matter how much you have it in your head otherwise, everyone can't have a hidden angelic side. Some people can't be changed. I should've written her off before we'd ever met. I should've thrown her number away every time I kept tearing it up in small pieces when she was so wierd acting on the phone the first few times she called me. Do you think The Father would let me take some time away from Iley? I could spend time in California with my friends from the beach that know Alia.
Joseph S.-I can't ask Him for you, but I can say good luck in getting it approved. I'm sure He'll understand your need to get away and recharge.
Dan-Thanks. I'll let you know if I need to talk more.
As soon as their call is finished Dan speed dials his friend's number. It takes 6 rings, but he's not giving up on her. Finally, she picks up.
Annie-Yes?
Dan-Hey, it's Dan.
Annie-Why aren't you 'Aaron,' why are you calling me as Dan?
Dan-Can I come over?
Annie-All the way to California?
Dan-I'll use one of Alia's timedoors. I keep one just in case these things happen to me.
Annie-I haven't seen you in a few years, what's going on?
She sees a familiar flash of light in her living room, as he walks directly into her arms and lets tears fall from his eyes.
After 10 minutes of crying, he finally looks up from resting his head on her shoulder.
Annie-My dear, what's wrong with you?
Dan-Do you want the 'Real Time' version or the 'continuity' version?
Annie-I'm actually waiting for Torres to come over, I'm sure he'd like to see you again.
Dan-Thanks. At least I still have an alternate home here with you guys.
Annie-I don't see any reason why you wouldn't. Are you tired, you can lay down in the guest room.
Dan-It's okay.
Annie-Want some coffee?
Dan-I'd love some.
Annie-Do you ever see Rachel anymore?
Dan-I did. Passing out flyers. It was awkward. I backed away from the situation when I realized it was her though. Not up for the confrontation. We didn't hacve a good last few visits. I'm newly single. Hey, is Maria around?
Annie-Yes. You should see your daughter, Gemma. She's adorable.
Dan-I'm sure she is.
Annie-Don't leave so soon this time.
Dan-Love can be both a good and bad thing.
He accepts her offer and is brought a cup coffee with plenty of cream and sugar for what might be a long night.
Dan-I'm supposed to be writing a big story about mail order brides. I've tried a couple of times now. Doesn't work real well. Everything sort of falls into place around a different topic. I mean well.
Annie-That's the doorbell, I'll be right back.
Torres-Who's over, Annie?
Annie-Danny. He used a time door. I don't know what's wrong with him. Maybe we should call Alia.
They both walk up close to where Dan is sitting.
Torres-Hey, kid. Haven't seen you in a while.
Dan-I know. I'm sorry. Things have been a little crazy the last couple of years. How's my daughter?
Torres-She's just fine. Clive and Maria love her very much. I just saw her around. That Gemma is quite the swimmer now. Casey's working with her. Being only 5, she's got a lot to learn. What brings you by?
Dan-An abrupt vacation.
Torres-I read the last 'Alia and the Boy' on the website, I can see now why you might be showing up in the middle of the evening.
Annie-I'm sorry, Dan, I didn't read it, yet.
Dan-It's alright. Do you have the internet here?
Annie-When the bill is paid. It's on now. Why? Do you need to check your email?
Dan-No, I need to send one.
Annie-Anyone I know?
Torres-Mythaq Osterly?
Dan-How'd you know?
Torres-I read your last novel, remember?
Dan-Yes, to her.
Torres-What if she wrote you back? What then? Do you just run back to someone who hurt you and all is suddenly forgiven? You don't do that, buddy. You don't just take her back. She probably won't write back to you, but it's worth a shot. I know you need closure, but go ahead and send it, just don't expect any kind of a response. An ecard might not work either. Isn't sweetest Day coming up? Wait, that's a little much. I don't know how to advise you. You should visit with Maria while you're here.
Annie hears her phone ring and checks the caller ID.
Annie-Did you tell anyone you were coming down here to visit, Danny?
Dan-No. Why?
Annie-A North Iley call is coming through. Should I tell whoever it is that you're here?
Dan-Who's name is on the ID?
Annie-Princess Avonlie.
Dan-Answer it then.
She hits the talk button.
Princess Avonlie-Is Dan there?
Annie-He is, but don't tell the whole castle, just yet. I'm not sure of what's going on with him. He seems very moody. Not the best day for him, I don't think.
Avonlie-Mythaq never made it home from the basketball game her and Dan were at.
Annie-Wait, you mean the one from the last few of Dan's novels?
Avonlie-They found her car banged up pretty bad. No pulse. She died about 10 minutes ago. No traces of alcohol or drugs or anything, just a woman unable to breath any longer. I don't how to tell Dan.
Annie-This will be a lot to handle in one night. Should we just say that she doesn't want to talk to him anymore? I know, I'll keep him here for the next three novels. Heck with the mail order bride plot, that can wait, this can't. Are they investigating the crash?
Avonlie-As much as they can. She hit a tree. A tall one. They said she was speeding at over 75 miles per hour in a 40 mile per hour zone when she, I assume, lost control of the vehicle. Even if she'd lived they told me both of her legs were broken in about 4 places from the impact. She would've needed at the very least a walker or a constant wheelchair to survive.
Annie-Who identified her?
Avonlie-Alia did. Her and Anda were in the area of the arena where Mythaq had met with Dan. They were at a restaurant nearby and saw Mythaq's car take off out of the parking lot and into traffic. It was only a few minutes later that her car hit the tree with a massive amount of impact. She suffered, they said, extreme blows to the head and face. Better she made it to Heaven and not lived to see herself endure a lifetime of medical bills and a wheelchair.
Annie-So she's really gone?
Avonlie-I'm afraid so. Her dad, Admiral Osterly, is on his way. If he's coming out of the woodwork for this, it must have not been planned.
Annie-I'm sorry. I think Dan should stay here. Is there going to be a wake or funeral for her?
Avonlie-I'm sure in a few days, she just stopped breathing a few minutes ago. I just thought I'd call now while I'm in the car driving to the hospital myself.
Annie-So the admiral knows?
Avonlie-Yeah, I'm supposed to meet him here outside to go over things about laying his daughter to rest. Not the happiest thing in the world I could be doing tonight.
Annie-I'll keep in touch with you. Let me know how it goes with Osterly. Torres is here. I could send him and Riella to investigate this if you need me to. Just ask.
Torres-Annie, what's going on?
Annie-Come into my aunt's bedroom with me.
Once inside, she shuts and locks the door.
Annie-Mythaq Osterly is dead. She crashed her car outside the sports arena.
Torres-Oh dear God. What are we going to tell Dan? He loved her, dearly.
Annie-I'm going to fix up the guest room for him. I've got blankets and things. He'll be alright here while I try to yank out my red hair trying to think of a way to break this to him.
Torres-I'll go. To the hospital. I'll bring Riella and maybe Richards.
The doorbell rings. Not seeing anyone else race to answer it, Dan finally does.
Richards-Hey, kid. Long time, no see. What are you doing here?
Dan-I'm a little overwhelmed. My lovelife is a little fractured right now, and if you really want to know the truth I'm here as a change of scenery to overcome an eating disorder. I got my heart broken pretty bad this May. I'm just hoping for a change of scenery from North Iley for a while. Maybe a couple of novels worth of time. And plus I haven't seen my daughter in a couple of years, which is sad in itself. Sorry to unload on you like this, but I'm not good at hiding the truth.
Richards-Don't worry. You can always hang out at my house. The kids would love to see you again.
Dan-Thanks, buddy.
Richards-I hope Annie makes up the guest room for you. If you need any spending money or anything or that matter, call me. I'm never too busy for Alia or any of her people on Iley.
Torres-Richards, can you come into Annie's room for a minute? Sorry, Dan, this is personal.
Once inside he is given a rundown of what's transpired this night.
Torres-Did you read any of the 'Alia and the Boy' stories after 'Origin of thy Sword,' they tell a story of a strange occurance that happened at a country line dance club by where Dan lives. He hangs out there sometimes and gets material for the novels. Anyway, so the story goes he met a strange woman one night, but she fit the description of a woman who attacked him in his sleep one night in a grisly attempt at hiding her identity. From then on, I think, she fell in love with him once they were together in public. It's a long story that binds these two together so well. I'm surprised at this news of an accident and her dying. Dan's novels are pretty accurate in their description of his love for her. Down to actual conversaitons. I don't think she would've just driven her car directly into the tree where they found it. There has to be more to this.
Richards-Does he know, yet?
Annie-No. He just showed up out of the blue needing a place to unwind. He rattled off about being single again and just needing to spend some time here.
Richards-He mentioned something to me about binge eating again. I'm a little worried. Torres, what do you think we should do? Should we help the Ileys crack this case or not? If Dan stays here then they're down a commander. But if we send him and he's not up to speed physically he won't be any use to them.
The three of them leave Annie's room with somber looks on their faces as Dan is busy waiting for some songs to download from Annie's computer.
Dan-I sent her an email. From my different email address. Maybe it'll get through to her.
Richards-Kid, she isn't going to get it.
Dan-How do you figure. If she had me on 'ignore' it wouldn't recognize my other email address. She must have gotten it.
Torres-Let me see what you sent her. Print out a paper copy of it.
The printer is turned on and the page printed as Torres and Annie look at each other not wanting to tell Dan the news of her untimely passing.
Mythaq Osterly,
I recently had to take a step back from the relationship I was in. I don't expect you to understand why, but I guess my wounded heart is still very much wounded from the last one who broke it. I don't want to put it that way, but I guess it's truer than I thought. I was never so sure as I was when I was at the line dance club saturday. I remember writing 'Cross shatter Eye' about meeting you. And the next one about what it was like losing you. At least I have that to remember you by. And one Hell of an awesome couple of months!
I'll never meet anyone like you. But I guess it's the ones you love the most that end up hurting you the most. I learned that, too. It only took a few visits and all your calls to cause me to fall in love with you. I told you that after our marathon stay at the book store till 2am. Remember? How did we just fall apart? I think I was just a little too insecure around you, and maybe you didn't know me well to form an actual opinion of me. Sorry to say that, but it's true. That's probably my fault for not being patient with you when I should have. If I had been more patient and let you talk more you'd probably be having dinner with me tonite.
I'd love to be your friend more than anything right now. I need someone strong and smart in my life. No matter that I love you dearly with all of my heart, but aside from that I'd cherish it so much to see your number flash on my phone again with a smile. You don't know how much I used to look forward to coming to work and seeing your number come up and hear 'this is Mythaq Osterly,' at least I know I had the perfect woman for a couple of months.
Just keep praying for me. I'm dealing with some trying things in my life between work, my health and family. I know I'm not your favorite person right now, but see what u and God can do :)
love,
Dan
P.S. If you've been keeping up with my novels, I hope u like them. You used to read them. Sorry if the later ones are hopelessly honest.
Annie-Danny, that's a nice letter. I hope she...
He wonders why huge teardrops are falling from Annie's eyes.
Richards-Kid, I think I need to tell you something.
Dan-What is it? What's wrong?
Torres-Relax, the situation is being investigated.
Dan-What situation.
Richards-Did you call her after you left the arena?
Dan-I did. I left her two voice mails. One was a voice mail and one was apologizing for leaving the first one. I'm not exactly the first person she probably wants to hear from right now. I talked to Joseph S. for a little while then I called Annie. Am I missing something here?
Annie-Oh you poor thing, you have no idea.
She holds Dan in her arms in front of the others.
Torres-Dan, she's not going to get your email. Mythaq Osterly crashed her car into a tree outside of the sports arena where you and Noah were.
Dan-Oh my God. Is she okay?
Annie-Richards, hand me a few tissues. One for me and one for my friend.
Dan-Why do I need a tissue instead of the address of the hospital she was taken to?
Torres-She didn't escape the accident with her life.
Dan-Very funny. I mean she just took some sleeping pills and tried to pretend to do this before. Didn't you read the 'Championship,' story. I mean, she's strong. She wouldn't do something like this. I love her. Please tell me it's not true. That it's a hoax created by her to string me along so she can break my heart even more than she already has. And screwed up my last realtionship because whenever I sit to write it's always about my strange lady I met out line dancing. So, it's probably that. It's probably so elaborate that it puzzles the medics and she'll be back home before sunset having hurt me even more, pretending to be fully out of my heart. It's not like my heart has a vacancy or no vacancy sign on her place where she lives. She's going to always remain a profound memory to me. I loved her enough to mention getting married to her on her voice mail the night we fought over the phone really bad.
Annie-She's gone, Danny. She died in the crash. They tried to save her. Avonlie called me. Alia, I think, saw the whole thing. It's been confirmed. Admiral Osterly is actually on his way. He might already be there at the hospital to claim the body.
Dan-I don't want to believe this.
More tears fall, but this time they're from Dan's eyes.
Dan-Can I use your phone to call her father.
Richards-Use mine, kid.
He dials the number and waits for an answer.
Admiral Osterly-Richards?
Dan-No, it's me.
Osterly-Danny?
Dan-Annie just told me about your daughter.
There is a long pause before answering him, as the admiral is heard crying into the phone for several minutes.
Dan-I loved her with all of my heart. I cared for her more than anyone I've known in my entire life.
Osterly-I know you did. I know you. You wouldn't have had it any other way. I know she broke your heart, but listen, she wasn't all that bad of a person.
Dan-It's not that she was evil, she spilled blood out of my heart, yes, but I just held onto the good times we had. Now I guess nothing can bring her back to me. I can't deal with this as much as I'm sure you can't. Is Alia there?
Osterly-She is. She keeps bringing me tissue to dry my eyes.
Dan-Did you see her body?
Osterly-She hit the tree head on. The car is in bad shape, too. Hardly recognizable. They just towed it a couple of minutes ago.
Dan-Just call my friend's phone if you hear anything more, mine is out of minutes. Sometimes I dread having a prepaid phone, but hey, at least I don't have a retarded contract for two years.
Osterly-Take care of yourself, kid.
He hands Richards back his phone.
Dan-Where's my daughter and Maria?
Annie-Hey, I'll walk you over to their house. Clive would want to visit with you, anyway.
Dan-I'm nervous. I haven't seen her in five years. Annie?
Annie-Yes?
Dan-Do you think I can stay in your guest room for a few weeks?
Annie-Sure. I understand what you're going through. I wouldn't have it any other way.
She leaves him with a hug as they both hear footsteps coming from Maria and Clive's house to the front door, as Dan rings the doorbell.
The door opens.
Maria-Dan.
Dan-Maria.
Huge teardrops take some of her make up with them, leaving a trail down her face.
Dan-Why the tears?
Maria-I saw the accident on TV. They just showed it before you rang the doorbell. I was thinking of you. I've read all of the 'Alia and the Boy' stories. I cry everytime. They're rather powerful at times. I know how this might be affecting you. I was actually expecting you to come to me. Out of love.
Dan-Where is our daughter?
Maria-She's washing her hands to eat. Can you stay for dinner. Clive isn't here. He's got business to deal with. With Casey.
Dan-I remember when we conceived her. It was while I was writing 'Hidden Majesty,' sadly I got rid of the master copy. I went through a rough time back when I was still hanging out with Marco and Miss Pottery. A lot of the old 'Alia and the Boy' scripts were destroyed and thrown away. Foolish move, I guess. Sometimes the past is easily taken away from current thoughts by getting rid of the things that remind you of it. It was probably a good idea at the time to destroy them. Then again, maybe it wasn't.
Maria-What do you have left?
Dan-It's scattered. A few of the ones I wrote from the book store. Some of the old flyers from the performances. I always have the online ones. They're doing really well on the website.
Maria-How do you feel about Mythaq dying in the accident tonite?
Dan-I don't know if it's totally crossed my mind that somehting like this might be possible with someone as fragile and loving as she was. Look at me, saying things about her in the past tense. I think I must learn to think about her, too, in the past tense. I could stay up all night at Annie's and recount the months I spent grieving my heart that she broke so many times, but I can't hardly do that, now can I? Part of me is dreading a possible wake and funeral they might have for her. Actually, I'm sure they probably will have one for her, I just don't know if I could really handle walking up to a casket and paying my last respects to someone I loved so dearly. I got the same feeling when Eleanor died a couple of years ago. I didn't want to see her in the casket for a lot of reasons. Mainly because I thought I'd lose it right then and there if I had walked up alone, and I wanted to wait, I guess, until I knew someone special would walk up with me. When she did, an ex girlfriend of mine, I was easily able to go up, but looking at Eleanor just laying there, half covered by the lid of the thing and half not covered, was very strange. I hoped she would just wake up and say 'this is dumb, I'm not dying today.' She didn't move. My father was there. The next day they had the funeral. That's when I lost it.
Maria-I can imagine. She was very special to you.
Before he can continue, Gemma, his daughter with Maria, walks from the bathroom and into the living room to see her mother and father standing together.
Maria-Gemma Louisa Deschanel, this is your father, Dan Sherrill. He's a writer.
Gemma Louisa Deschanel-Why doesn't he have my last name?
Maria-It's a long story, sweety. He has the last name, but only sometimes. When he's serving Empress Alia and her kingdom. Your father is a commander of a star fleet.
Gemma-Outer space?
Dan-You could say that. It's a handful to deal with sometimes.
Gemma-Are you staying for dinner?
Dan-Do you want me to?
Gemma-Of course. Fathers have to eat, too.
Maria-Gemma, do you want to set the table for us?
Gemma-Sure, mom.
Dan-WIll you come with me, in case there is a funeral.
Maria-I don't know. Part of me wants to, but another part of me is mad at you. I know you had to serve with Alia and the Ileys, but you still could've called sometimes to check up on me and the baby.
Dan-I didn't want to interfer with you and Clive.
Maria-I know. She does ask about you, though. She knows she's not Clive's.
The front door opens just then to reveal Clive, who notices Dan in his chair at the dinner table.
Dan-I'll move if you want me to.
Clive E.-It's okay. You're girlfriend's accident is all over the news. I heard it on the radio on the way home.
Dan-What are they saying?
Clive E.-She didn't make it. They know that much for sure. Richards called me. He and Torres are on their way to the hospital. Alia called me, too. That's how I knew you'd be here.
Dan-Do you mind that I'm here with Gemma?
Clive E.-I knew you were coming. It's nice to see you again. I felt really bad for you when I heard the news about your lady. Why aren't you there at the hospital with her father, the admiral?
Dan-I have a few thousand mixed emotions flowing through my central nervous system right now. I wouldn't want to be in the way of everyone preparing her for her resting place.
Clive E.-Better that you're here. Among friends. Are you staying here for a while?
Dan-Over at Annie's, yes.
Once dinner is cleared from the table and Clive walks up the stairs to bed Dan goes to walk back to Annie's house when he is stopped by Maria.
Dan-I already thanked you for dinner. It was good. At least whenever I come here I'm fed pretty well.
Maria-How long will you be here?
Dan-Long enough to write three novels.
Maria-Realistically?
Dan-Long enough for my head to clear. For this thing with Mythaq to blow over and long enough to go home to North Iley and start fresh. I pretty much ruined things with the girl I was dating so I just need some downtime to unwind.
Maria-I'll be next door if you need anything. I'll be your 'girl next door.' Remember we do have a kid together, my dear. She loves Clive, but would rather you be around. I'm sorry I haven't been able to serve as your co-pilot on Iley in a long time, but with her and with Clive I barely have enough time to call down to Iley, let alone fly a shuttle again in combat like I used to. It's not your fault, about me and Gemma. It wasn't planned. I remember the day pretty vividly. You were grieving over someone even then. A red haired girl, right?
Dan-Some things are better left floating out to sea, I think. I needed this time off. I'm sure The Father knows where I'm at or could at least find me pretty easy, being omni-present and all. He knows Him and I fought over Mythaq a few times, I think He's just letting me figure out how to deal with this on my own.
Maria-Well, I hope you sleep well tonight. I really do. Don't ever think there isn't room in my heart for my favorite North Iley co-pilot.
She shuts the front door, but not before watching him walk back to Annie's and letting himself in.
Once inside Annie's house he realizes that she has gone to sleep.
He manages to check his email, just in case, for a response from Mythaq, just in case this has all been one long nightmare.
It reads what he feared the most.
'You have no new messages in your inbox'
She walks back down the steps to see Dan crying to himself while sitting at her computer.
Annie-Honey, don't cry. If anything happens, the admiral will call Richards and just don't stay up and look for an email response from someone who doesn't have a pulse to speak of. You're only going to get yourself all worked up again.
Dan-I can't sleep.
Annie-Then come to bed with me.
Dan-I can't do that either.
Annie-Why? Because you're hung up on Mythaq? You're still waiting for her to answer your email, aren't you? Honey, you're more than welcome to sit at my computer desk and click your inbox until blood shoots out of your fingers from hitting the keys on the keyboard so hard, but it's not going to work.
Dan-Well at least let me try!
Annie-Fine! Just wipe the blood off of my keyboard when you're done. I'm going to bed!
Dan-Annie!
Annie-Don't 'Annie' me. I love you!
A look of shock comes over Dan.
Dan-What did you just say?
Holding back tears, but not very well, she walks back down the stairs to his side and shuts the computer off, along with his email inbox.
Annie-Alia never told you about me.
Dan-No.
Annie-There's a lot you don't know.
Dan-I had a feeling it was you.
Annie-Your 'Alia and the Boy' stories are saved on my computer. All of the online ones. I have an apartment I sometimes visit.
Dan-Where?
Annie-The 'Forest of Harps,' on North Iley. You know this. I thought you knew. Why do you think I was so mad when the girl who played 'Rachel' in the plays broke your heart.
Dan-Why am I here, really?
Annie-For me to tell you.
Dan-Your perfume is a little overpowering.
Annie-That's my trademark.
Dan-Didn't you find Minja that night? During 'Silence in the Hallway.' You can't possibly be my soul mate.
Annie-Who's been there for you the whole time. Dan, it's hard to talk to you like this, why don't you walk into the kitchen, then change back to Aaron. I get you two mixed up sometimes, I want to say these things to Aaron.
As asked he walks to her kitchen and takes several deep breaths realizing that Annie has never let him down before. His thoughts retrace so many footsteps and times in the past on North Iley when she cared for him, even on his worst days.
Dan walks from the kitchen as 'Aaron Deschanel,' Commander of the North Iley Star Fleet. Still keeping the puzzled look on his face.
Annie-Shh. I have a song I can cue up on the CD player. I want to dance with you.
She walks to her lightswitch dial and uses her hand to dim the lights to a more romantic shade.
Commander Aaron Deschanel-I don't understand any of this. I have a kid with Maria.
Annie-Shh. Nevermind that right now. Nevermind your lady who passed on tonight. Focus, my dear. That's what your problem is. Focus. Did you see her beating doors down to get to you before tonight? Absolutely not. I've had to stay idle long enough. I sat through Violet crushing you to a bloody pulp. I sat through Rachel and all the shit she put you through. I sat through you getting married briefly, as Dan. I sat through Mythaq slicing a hole in your retina. I sat through all of it. I'm done sitting. You're going to give yourself a heart attack if you don't just sit back and enjoy the company of a pretty woman. Don't settle. Damn you, don't settle. What's alluring? A set of red lipstick painted lips? The trail of a woman's perfume that you can still smell on your shirt the next day? The way she commands attention wherever she wanders? The way she'll look at you and wish that the world would fall apart and you'd be the only two left on it to dance. To slow dance. God, don't you settle for anyone other than that. That's your problem. Every time.
Aaron-I, um, Dan thought Mythaq was the woman. And she ruined me. I mean, Dan. Nevermind.
Annie-I know what you mean, silly boy. I've always known what you meant. You just frusterate me sometimes with your willingness to want to save everyone. Wake up, my dear. You can't! You couldn't save Mythaq Osterly and you sure as Hell couldn't save Rachel. Not even with the gang from the church you sometimes go to. Have you seen Kara'lieanna?
Aaron-Don't bring that up. I haven't seen her since around the time me and Mythaq split. She prayed for me. That was the first woman I truly loved. Kara'lieanna. Remember how sad I was when I finally told her and she all but threw me out of her house. I've never really looked at her the same since. She was around during one of the 'Alia and the Boy' stories. Actually I thought about her a lot during 'Rehydrate Ash' I went to see her and well I was so happy telling her about Mythaq. I was crying. It should've been her instead of Mythaq. I mean to have come into my life in the same way. I'll never put out my feelings for Kara'lieanna. No chance in Hell. Your high school sweetheart never ever leaves that place in your heart. I haven't seen her since that last time. I called her a few times. Once the night of Mythaq and I's fight over the phone on the way home from that one personal's date. I called her and left her a weepy message. I wanted so badly for her to pick up. I don't know what the Hell I would've said to her. 'Please help me,' maybe. I always had a place in her arms. Maybe I still do, I don't know. I was hesitant to even visit her the night I did. God, I'd have given anything in this world. Any damned thing I owned. Even my wrestling figures! And all my baseball cards. Even my baseball cleats that I use to dance in at the line dance club. I would've have done anything to have shared the brief happiness I had with Mythaq, with Kara'lieanna. That's the truth of the matter. Now I feel like I've lost both of them. One to a hideous car crash and one to an engagement. You know what the saddest part about it is?
Annie-What?
His mouth opens to finish his sentence, but can't. His eyes are quickly filled with tears, as he sits down on her couch and cries into his hands, in front of her. In front of his destined soul mate.
Dan-If I would've just known about you back then I would've been fine. Happy go lucky.
Annie-You're strong now. A Hell of a lot stronger than most people. I promised Alia I wouldn't say anything. I wanted to. God, I wanted to. I made a promise.
Dan-It was hard for me to see Kara'lieanna for ages, and it still might be. I might pop in for an appearance here and there with my friends that I share with her, but it'll never be the same. My hope ran out. My high school sweetheart. See, I never told anyone about her. Just me and God. I adore you, though, Annie. I don't want me retelling some of the depressing moments of 'Alia and the Boy,' to make you think that I don't easily have room in my fractured heart for you. I'm glad you told me. I'm just sorry that I'm not more 'happy looking' right now. I'm sad. Me. Mr. Dance Club. Mr. Rescue Mission. I'm genuinely sad right now. God, all I want to do is cry.
Annie-Shh. Let it out.
She softly puts her hand on his shoulder to comfort him.
It only causes more tears to fall.
Aaron-I'm sorry I appear so sad.
Annie-Don't worry. I'm sure the readers will understand your need to come apart at this particular moment. Wouldn't be the first time an author had to take a time out from writing his novel to cry. They're just too worried about 50 edits to their work by some filthy publisher to include it in their actual novel like you do. That's why I like reading your stuff. I always want to call you and try to cheer you up during the sad parts. Have you seen Rachel?
Aaron-I did. Briefly. I wasn't expecting to. I, well, Dan, was passing out flyers for the last novel and walked into the familiar store where she worked, or at least I thought she used to work. I was going to hang a flyer in the door next to the college theater group's flyer when I saw the owner first. I was just going to drop it off or ask permission to hang it on the door, he said 'I'll be right with you,' so I was going to wait. I was having the shivers at that moment wondering why I couldn't get Rachel out of my thoughts, when I knew she probably quit there a long time ago. In a split second I heard her voice. I was in a trance almost. A time warp of some sort. The bookstore where we used to do the plays. It's a flower shop now. The other half is a pizza place. I've never been inside it, but I hear it's good. I stood there and there she was with her back to me, talking. I remembered sending her roses. Three different times. I'd see them in the window. On her desk. I fell in love with her. Weather in story form or real life, I still did. She was very special to me. Hell, I wrote 'Showdown at the Bridge of Mirrors' so that we could do the performance and mean it. And we did. It was an awesome night. Let whatever other local theater group dare come closer to that night. It was pretty real to me. Seemed like a real wedding, the one we put on as part of the story. I slow danced with her in front of the audience while they played one of my favorite slow songs.
Annie-I remember. You were pretty smitten by her.
Aaron-Smitten. Yeah. Smitten. I can almost hear the song in my head if I close my eyes tight enough. But, see here I go again being sad. I'm not on my visit here to be moody and sad around everyone.
Annie-What did you do when you realized it was Rachel?
Aaron-I turned around and left. I could've kicked myself for doing it, but I had to. I didn't have a speech good enough in mind at the split second to read off to her from my heart. Our friendship went sour a couple of years ago. I hadn't seen her in 2 years. I doubt she'd remember me with any grace. I have grace in my heart for her, though. I'd never turn her away if she was weeping and hopeless on the street, collecting cans for the recycling place to buy off her for a few bucks. Let's just leave it at that.
Annie-Is there still a problem on North Iley with people collecting cans?
Aaron-There is. It's horrible. Sometimes when you leave the library where the 'Alia and the Boy' novels get typed you can see them. They walk with the trademark carts, alone. I don't think the shelter can hold all of them. They're desperate and live wherever. Makes you fortunate to come home to a clean apartment and not have to worry. Although with my rent situation, I'm lucky I have good landlords that have been patient with all of my monthly dramatic happenings. But seriously, sometimes when I'm driving home from dancing and take just a short drive over by the college townhouses I can always spot a few of them going through the trash, looking for pop and beer cans to sell. It's sad. So sad. They don't even pay much for them either. Enough for a cup of coffee, and maybe a small breakfast entre at one of the family restaurants in town. Imagine the horror of staying out all morning. I mean like between the hours of 3:30am and about 6am with a dirty garbage bag looking around taking your own fingers and sifting through the trash for something to eat. Imagine that.
Annie-I can't. I've got this house here that I share with 'you know who', and my soul mate, if you want to stay here still. I can't imagine being that poor. There must be someplace. Some shelter for them to rest during the night?
Aaron-There is, but it's not the same as your own place. The homeless shelter only lets you sleep there. The rest of the day you're pretty much on your own. You need a permenant address to get a job, and since they don't. No job. It's fine if your idea of a life is a hash brown and coffee here and there with the senior citizens in the morning, but the amibtion to fix the problem has to outshine the rut they've found themselves in, or else they might as well bank on looking for soda cans forever.
Annie-Aaron Deschanel?
Aaron-Yes?
Annie-Shh.
Aaron-I'm sorry. I just sort of talked my way out of the focus of your beautiful eyes. I'm sorry. I'm really tired. Sometimes I tend to ramble when I'm tired. Don't mind me. I've got a hundred things going on in my head right now that I've chosen to stay here with you and Maria next door to sort of unwind and relax. Maybe we can go to breakfast tomorrow morning? Would you do that with me?
There's a strange knock on Annie's door. Considering it's almost midnight, she thinks, anything is possible.
Tony-Hey, I just got a call from Maria. I was wondering if I could pray with Aaron. Is he here as Dan or Aaron?
He sits up, realizing who has come to visit him.
Dan-I'm here as Dan. Sorry, Annie and I were just taking a trip down a very moody 'memory lane.' You want to pray for me?
Tony-Move over on the couch and close your eyes.
As asked, Dan is seen closing his eyes and bowing his head, alongside his dear friend.
Tony-Annie, can we be alone?
Annie-Sure. Danny, I'll be upstairs if you need anything.
Dan-Thanks, Annie. I'll let Tony out when we're done praying.
She softly shuts her bedroom and readies herself for sleep, leaving Dan so pray with his friend.
Tony-Do you want me to start or do you want to?
Dan-You can.
Tony-Dear Lord, I just ask that you continue to bless Daniel and his many trials and heartbreaks. I pray for the soul of the loved one he's recently lost and that she finds her way to Your kingdom this gloomy night that has been given to us. I know You wouldn't do anything to hurt Daniel or His feelings toward You and this latest hardship he is enduring right now. I ask in Your name that you look after Mythaq Osterly as we will miss her grace and beauty not only in 'Alia and the Boy,' but also in real life. I know they had a storybook-like relationship which had recently been very trying for both of them. I ask these things in Your name, Jesus. Amen.
He motions to Dan that it's his turn to continue, before they both open their eyes.
Dan-Dear Lord, I just pray for my dear Mythaq Osterly, who I loved with all of my heart. I remember the last time I prayed for her. She was sitting right next to me. I couldn't finish my prayer because I was crying too hard while she looked on. Nothing against my friend here, but Lord, I wish it was her in his place. I've wished that for months now. And more months will probably go by when I'll still wish that, but she'll be gone and I'll be left to try to move on. It's not gonna be easy, Lord, but I'll give it a shot for you. And only you. I pray that you just please look after her. I guess you can see from up there that I'm crying right now. I'm not ashamed to cry over someone so dear to me that in a flash I managed to lose. Weather it be here in 'Alia and the Boy' as part of a trilogy I'm writing or if I'm referring to 'Real Life' when I did lose her. I'm still wounded from that. Why else would I be emailing her all these months later hoping for a response I know may never come. I've got a long way to go before I'm over the hurt she brought to my doorstep. We both know that. Most of all I just want you to listen to what she has to say. Keep an eye on her grace. She shows it well. I'm sorry I wasn't worthy enough to keep my place in her heart that she kept promising me I still had, even on bad days with her. In Jesus name, Amen.
They both lift their heads, as Tony sees huge tears fall from Dan's eyes. Both of them.
Tony-Call me if you need to pray, okay?
Dan-I will. This hasn't exactly been one of the better nights of my life. Not by a long shot.
Once Tony leaves, Dan tries to decide where to sleep. In the guest room and risk having nightmares about his beloved, or Annie's room, with his destined soul mate.
He slowly opens her door and walks in. She is so beautiful. Her hair sits gently on her shoulders as she lay there in her nightgown almost waiting for him to rest by her side.
Once he is comfortable next to her beautiful body, he faintly hears her cell phone, which has been left on vibrate, go off. It startles him, but it startles her more as she is now awake, barely noticing Dan laying next to her.
Annie-Is that my phone?
Dan-Is it, honey.
Annie-What time is it?
Dan-Well Tony left only a few minutes ago. Why?
Annie-I have to answer this, it might be Richards, with news.
She opens her phone so she can hear into it the news that may or may not be good.
Richards-Annie, we have a serious problem. I'm on North Iley with Torres and Riella. They went to ready the body for the wake, but found the casket empty. No one can explain this. The entire police force is freaked out.
Annie-Oh my God.
Torres borrows the phone from Richards long enough to talk briefly to Annie.
Torres-Did Dan know that Mythaq Osterly wasn't human, fully. She has the skin of a human, but underneath it she's, well, she's not human. I can't believe I'm saying this.
Dan-Is her father there with you?
Torres-The admiral?
Dan-Yeah. Ask him about his home planet, Ananke.
Torres-Wait a second. I saw that guy drink a cup of coffee a few minutes ago. How do they breathe and kiss?
Dan-All I can say is that she was very fragile. I believed in her. What she said. What she did. How she held my hand in hers. How she told me I was beautiful. That I treated her better than any man ever had. How I made her so happy. How she started talking like me. Little things like that. I cherish it all. I could tell she hadn't kissed very many men, by how feeble her kisses always were. She held onto me for dear life, Torres.
Torres-Should I put a warrant out for her arrest?
Dan-I don't know if she's dangerous right now. I know where to find her, though.
Torres-Where?
Dan-She has a home on Universe 3. The paradise she created.
Torres-Kid, you're not making any sense. How could anyone just create a universe?
Dan-I know it sounds like a lot, I know, but it's true. I've been there. She's not human. She's a thing. She's the very definition of true love. But she seriously malfunctioned one day.
Torres-What do you mean?
Dan-She attacked me. Physically. She materialized in my car and tried to drown me in a body of water near the apartment complex of a woman I had gone out with. She displayed signs of jealousy. We were having a fight over the phone and she just up and showed up in my passengers side front seat and started attacking me. I was so scared she would turn into a monster and I'd never wake up again. Luckily a few girls found me and I was safe from her wrath. She attacked me a first time in Alia's castle. She kept declaring herself my soul mate, which freaked me out because I never remember Alia telling me that my soul mate was something like she turned out to be. So she just up and escaped the confines of her casket, yeah?
Torres-Yeah.
Dan-Maybe she's gone home. To her Universe 3. Not to take human form again. It's sad that she couldn't handle it. I rode in her car only one day. A couple of times. She seemed to have it down. How to drive and all. Maybe her human form was wearing thin by this point and she lost control of the vehicle. Which explains the crash right into a tree.
Torres-They're saying that your alien has caused way more drama around here that I'm letting you in on. Her father was questioned right away.
Dan-What did he say to defend his identity?
Torres-That it wasn't anyones business how Madrid was being run and shooed away the reporters with a few distraught words to rid himself of being found out.
The admiral knocks softly on her front door on Universe 3. It takes her a while, but she finally answers.
Osterly-My daughter, why this scene tonight?
Mythaq-The hopes being to bring out his emotion for me one last time before secluding myself to this place I created. It's sad, really. I couldn't handle the spark we had together. It ignited light like those 4th of July sparklers do when you light the one end of it. I met him in a bar, a dance club. I am responsible for ruining a couple relationships he probably could've had, but my thoughts drift back to the sparks that went off the night we met. Like nothing I've ever experienced and maybe what I wanted was just someone, anyone, to take my pain away. Even for a little while. Even for a little while. A little too short of time for my liking. Shh, Dad. Listen. You can almost hear my emotion swirling in the air tonite as I stand here at the front door of my house knowing that on Earth a man, whom I've hurt deeply, is praying for my safety and my grace to always shower him when he remembers my love and my beauty. How I can I keep from imagining what life woud've been like if I had been capable of continuing to revisit that awesome spark. Every single day of my life. Every single day. We could eat english muffins with sugar and cinnamon on them, mixed with a little bit of butter. Or ice cream. Or pina colada smoothies outside by the beach. With those little umbrella things sticking out of the cups. Those are the best little things, don't you think?
Osterly-They are. And so are you, my precious daughter.
Mythaq-I tampered with The Father's file on Dan after I met him. I had to. I changed it to read my name instead of who it said previously. It was wrong for me to do, and I'm sorry, Daddy, but I wanted to know. I wanted to know what it felt like to hold hands with someone and have them be genuine and care about me. Do you think less of me? Do you? Can you apologize to The Father for me?
The admiral feels a familiar presence behind him. Only a couple of feet away.
The Father-Mythaq? Admiral?
Tears fall fast from her eyes.
Mythaq-How can I keep from crying in Your presence? It wouldn't make sense not to.
She reaches out and holds Him in her arms. For dear life.
Mythaq-Forgive me, Lord. This was my doing, alone. I had no helpers. No associates. Just me and my selfishness where Dan is feeling so much hurt right now. Hurt that I gave him a bath in. I bought the towel, the bar soap, and the shampoo. I drowned him in my reign as his soul mate, only I was living a lie. A lie I orchestrated from my own microphone stand. I had to leave Earth. Forever. I'm sorry I caused so much mess down there.
The Father-I undestand. They'll probably brush it off as an unusual occurance and be back to normal in the morning. Trust me. I have ways of erasing things if I deem it necessary.
Mythaq-Will You do something for me. Please. Please, Lord.
The Father-Yes?
Mythaq-Let me pray for him more to you. It meant so much for me to tell him that I did. I do very often, as you know. I pray for him every night.
The Father-Then why wasn't a prayer ever followed by a phone call? Or a visit?
Mythaq-Oh, how can you ask me that. I'm not his soul mate! I'm not even fully human. I appeared to him in that dance club for a reason. I was sick of so many lonely nights on Universe 3. It's all fun and games creating your own universe, but when it's only populated by you, it tends to get a little lonely.
The Father-Then why construct it?
Mythaq-I'm fragile.
The Father-Fragile?
Mythaq-Too fragile for anyone to love. God, I want to cry so hard right now.
A vase with freshly picked flowers is slung across the room and breaks onto her hardwood living room floor.
The Father-Listen, I will still let you pray for Dan, heck, I'll even listen, but you owe him, lady. You owe him.
She walks over and tries picking up the broken pieces of glass form the floor. One of the shards of glass opens up a tiny part of her hand as she sees blood flow from it. Although she isn't human, she does feel the pain of the cut. Her blood, though, is a darker maroon than human blood.
She looks over at The Father who has used one of her cups to make Himself a glass of warm water.
Mythaq-This is what I must have done to him. I must have broken him in pieces. Like this vase. Can you bring him here so I can explain things to him?
The Father-I'm not sure. It's late, and I don't know how he would take seeing you.
Mythaq-Do this one thing for me. Display this one ounce of grace for me. I know I'm a sinner. I know I break hearts. Please.
He wakes out of a sound sleep, seeing Annie next to him in bed makes him feel safe, for once.
Annie's cell phone begins to flash The Father's name across the caller ID.
Once the call is finished he whispers into her ear.
Dan-Annie, honey, I'll be right back. I'm going to Universe 3. With The Father. One last time.
She rolls over to say goodbye, but he has already been trasported to Mythaq's familiar home. In the heart of the very place she created. For them.
The doorbell is rung.
The Father answers it, but first motions for Dan to take a walk with Him, outside.
The Father-She wants to talk. There's things to discuss.
Dan-Like compensation.
The Father-For what?
Dan-My broken heart!
The Father-We'll get to that later.
Dan-No! Now! You woke me up out a sound sleep next to Annie for this? Has Mythaq brainwashed you, too? I'm going back.
The Father-I wish you wouldn't, but it's your choice.
Dan-It wasn't my choice for her to hurt and twist my heart so badly that I couldn't even function properly in my last relationship! You call that 'my choice,' it was me that fell in love with her, I know that much! It was me who made the choice to go to church with her that Sunday! While secretly she was plotting to betray and slaughter my heart.
He hears a voice call out to him.
Mythaq-No I wasn't! Can I help that I'm not human? Can I help that. Only you're Heavenly friend next to you can help that! Not me! We don't choose what species we are created to be a member of. I had no choice but to hurt you. And hurt you I did. I did it. I'm sorry, but I did it. Wait, you're walking away. Don't you walk away from me when I'm plainly trying and trying tonite to make peace with you for my wrongdoing in this particular matter. I take responsibility for this because I love you Dan Sherrill. I always did. I'm fragile. I'm fucking fragile! So sue me! I don't care. Take me to court for breaking your heart and I'll beg for mercy on the witness stand before The Father and Jesus. I don't care anymore. I wish Jesus and Brittany had really run me over with their car. That way I wouldn't have been able to ruin your life like I did. I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
Now, standing right next to Dan she bows her head in front of him and begins to cry, while make up runs down her face.
Dan-I'm sorry, too. I lost it a few times with you and raised my voice over the phone. And on emails. And E-cards. I apologize, too. It was wrong for me to leave you two wounded messages on your voice mail trying to get you to see me. I begged you to not take it the wrong way, but you did anyway which bothered me. Do you remember the night we talked on the phone, in the rain? I do. Everytime I drive by the gas station I called you from I remember the night in the rain that I stood there and pleaded and begged you almost on my hands and knees, in the rain, for you to listen to me, and I listened to you cry your eyes out on the other end of the phone, I wanted so badly to be there with you. Distance or work or anything in the world wouldn't have mattered to me at that moment, I wanted my special angel next to my body for fear these evil thoughts had already told you over and over that you weren't beautiful enough for this guy or that guy. I kept running out of quarters, honey. I'd have to walk back into the gas station and plead with the clerks to give me more change for the payphone. Do you remember that? Wherever you are reading this novel? Do you remember my dedication? Why can't you just believe me when I tell you that I still love you? Why? Is it so hard to believe that you lit a passionate fire inside my heart that no one, and I mean no one, could ever ignite. And you wonder why it's hard to let you go? Look what the Hell you did to my heart and my world. I was tempted by happiness only to be shut out in the cold as a result, but you know what? Punch me right in the face right now until I bleed all over the grass we're standing it. Do it, Mythaq! It'll be worth it. I'd trade all the fatal blows in the world in for what you did good for me in the short time I knew you. The hurt was bad and painful and I cried, but the good that I received was far greater than the nights I'd stay up and hope that you'd call me on my new cell phone which I just happened to have turned on just so we could talk freely without having to always cut it short cause I was at work and couldn't have my personal calls last more than a few minutes and I know. I know it affected us. I saw it there at work that day after our fateful weekend and I had a thousand million things going on my head like if you were going to hurt me now that you've given me so much to be happy about. I'm sorry, I've been hurt a few times. I'm cautious with my heart. I had to know if you were the type to do that. I was at work. At my desk and I dialed your number after I'd gotten your email about wanting to see me. I was upset. I didn't see the word 'love' at the end of your email. It seemed like our visits weren't nearly as meaningful to you as they were to me and I wanted to sit you down and ask you for my own well being since I had invested time making room for you in my heart. I needed to know if you were the kind of woman who would hurt my already fragile heart. I'm plenty fragile, too, lady.
Mythaq-You've never told me this before. It's hard to remember what I was feeling when I got those messages. I had a hundred thousand things of my own going through my head when I came home and heard this kind of voice out of my 'soul mate,' it felt like the honeymoon period they always talk about, was over. You had an almost angry tone to your voice. I called you, remember. I begged and pleaded with you to tell me what it was that was bothering you and granted you finally told me, I was in shock. Total shock. Awestruck. Hurt. Everything all in one. I was malfunctioning where my heart was headed. I tried to listen to you. I really did. I tried, honey.
Dan-So did I. It wasn't that I was unwilling to let you talk, it's just that I had so much damage control on my plate to try to smooth it over was going to take some serious time. Time that I was afraid was running out in the spark we had only recently then figured out that we had. I was so scared at that moment. Here I am fighting bitterly with the woman I loved so dearly in my heart. I was crying to you on the phone that day, remember? Remember? Crying was a frequent occurence around you? I felt safe with you. Like an angel had swooped down and saved me, but then just decided to fly away without keeping her promise.
Mythaq-What promise didn't I keep?
Dan-The one you so loudly proclaimed to me that first night.
Mythaq-That...
Dan-You wanted to take all of my pain away. You wanted to save me. From what, I don't know. I'll never know unless you tell me what you meant. A little mystery I've never been able to solve. In my head. In my novels. In anything. I remember hearing the words leave your mouth. I was half scared and half freightened at the thought of hearing it come from you. I'll never forget that moment ever. I don't care if you read this now or when it's released or a dozen years from now. I never knew what you meant, my love. Because you did accomplish your mission, but only halfway. My pain was taken away by you, by your presence. Even if I write you as an alien by day, soul mate by night character, it's plain as day obvious that I miss you. Otherwise this might as well have stayed a 'Mail Order Bride' story like it was originally planned, but guess what? I miss you! I miss you so much I could cry real tears at the library just writing this scene. It hits too close to home for me. The wounds are still recent. We might have not talked or anything in a few months, but the wounds are still wide open for anyone to see. Anyone who's read the last several 'Alia and the Boy' novels will witness the sheer agony of a non manufactured broken heart. And for what? Huh? A few visits. Some turmoil. A few trembling phone calls. I know what I witnessed in that dance club all those months ago. I witnessed an angel flutter her way down from Heaven itself and say 'Hey, Dan, it's time for us to meet now. Enjoy me while you can cause I'm going to beat the living shit out of your heart ten times over for every good thing I will say and do for you.' That's the honest to God truth. It's never boiled down to anything else, now has it?
Mythaq-See there you go, not letting me talk. You might as well leave. Leave me to live my life away from your dramatic fucking speeches. I'm sorry, I don't usually use that kind of language, but damn you sit there and expect me to feel sorry for you. I should attack you and rip pieces of your brain right out of your scalp for this. How could I have been so dumb. How? Can you answer this one, my friend?
The Father-No. And don't ask me to try. I'm just observing. I'm the father figure. I can't tell either of you what to do. I'd love to see you two happy, but if it's not gonna work, it's not gonna work. I'm sorry. I'm partially at fault. I knew something was up with your file, Dan, but I let it slide. I let it go until it go out of hand, remember? And did it? Yes. It got way out of control. You two aren't even speaking in real life. Think that doesn't sadden me? It was the greatest thing that ever made me smile was you, Dan, bursting through my door that morning after you met her with such high hopes it was going to work out. And did it? For a while. For a little while, it did. Mythaq, you sat there and thanked me and thanked me and thanked me and thanked me for bringing Dan into your life and what a beautiful blessing he was and all of this stuff, but how did you handle this knowledge? I'll tell you something. I don't say this often. I know that you know, Dan, about Annie. Right?
Dan-Yes.
The Father-I was willing to let it slide even further with Mythaq here. I would've left her alteration of your file stay in place if things had worked out. I would've found someone else for Annie. In a flash, I would've. But look at you two. You can't even get along for five minutes. Love has to get along for more than five minutes. A lot more. As it stands you haven't spoken in 3 months. Is there anything else to say, Dan? Is there any other way to write in your novels that you miss her? You could probably send cards and tapes and letters and email and whatever, but I don't think she's going to listen. I'm sorry to have to say it this way, but she's gone. Your previous novels seem to have the same theme of missing someone you held so dear to you, but there comes a point when the perfume trail of a new pretty gal is more attractive to you than reliving a few precious moments with an angelic heartbreaker such as Mythaq Osterly.
Mythaq-Dan?
His image completely fades. Leaving behind a notecard.
Mythaq-Well, pick it up?
The Father kneels and picks up the notecard which has been left in place of Dan.
He takes one look at the message written on its lined side and reads outloud to Mythaq, who is standing in shock at his leaving.
Mythaq,
I'm going to make this short, because I only have one side of a notecard to express my wishes to you. I wish I could've married you right on the spot when we met that first night, that way there wouldn't have been all of these wounds and tears forming and falling from our faces. I'm sorry, but this is a topic much too exposed to my heart to continue to have over for coffee inside my aorta tonite. I'm going to spend the rest of night with my new girlfriend, Annie. I'll be in California for three novels if you need me or want to contact me, but I refuse to leave the porch light in my heart on waiting for you to come and knock on my front door to ready yourself to see me again. For the first time in the last several months of wondering myself, I am over you. I don't know what else to say. I'm happy with my new redheaded girlfriend.
Much Love,
Dan
She sees The Father smile, but try to hide it from her.
The Father-I have to get going myself, I'm sorry, Mythaq.
Mythaq-Wait, don't go. Where's Dan?
The Father-With Annie.
Mythaq-Is he over me?
The Father-He's writing an email to the college newspaper in DeKalb. I'm sure he's just fine. More readers for the novels.
Mythaq-The ones that outline me breaking his heart.
The Father-That was your choice.
Surprising Him in His tracks she lashes out and slaps Him across His face. Hard.
Mythaq-I hope that stung!
The Father-It did.
Mythaq-Tell Dan I hope they like his novels down at the newspaper and that he's real fucking famous with his fragile, broken heart. Get out of my universe!
The Father-As you wish.
His image fades, leaving her alone walking back to her house from the large front yard full of fresh green grass.
Moses is relieved to see Him as he has been waiting all morning for The Father to return his phone calls on a pressing matter that neither of them were expecting to hear about this afternoon.
The Father-What do 'you' want?
Moses-I'm sorry, my friend, I just thought you should know that Noah was by earlier to apologize to you in regards to the Mythaq Osterly situation. He's really sorry.
The Father-I'm closing the case right now.
Moses-Why?
The Father-You hear me! No one is to ever speak her name again!
Moses-Okay, well, I'll leave you alone. Noah should be coming back shortly.
As Moses closes The Father's office door, in Heaven, He walks toward his phone and half dials Noah's number, but instead sends the phone flying into a wall, along with his desk chair and pencils and pens which were formerly housed in a cup.
Someone heard the entire destruction of His office.
Rachel Deschanel walks into the office to find The Father slumped over in His chair.
The Father-What's this?
Rachel Deschanel-My letter of resignation from the North Iley Star Fleet. I'm quitting.
The Father-Fine, go. Be on your way. Thanks for your help, though.
Rachel-I thought you'd try to stop me.
The Father-Have you told Alia?
Rachel-I don't really owe it to her. I owe it to you more.
The Father-Thanks.
Rachel-I keep seeing Dan's flyers around town. Makes me a little sentimentel about my relationship with him and 'Aaron' from the stories. I do miss the flowers he used to send me, but none of that now. I'm not the same woman he fell for seven years ago. I would hope I'm a little bit more mature than I once was. I'm going to hang on to his apartment door key, though. Just in case.
The Father-In case of what?
Rachel-I don't know. Just in case. I don't really want to be in 'Alia and the Boy,' either. I'm sorry, you'll have to tell him.
It's too late. His baseball cleats on the hardwood floor of the hallway are easily recognizable to The Father.
The Father-I'll leave you two alone. That's him now.
Dan-Rachel, what are you doing here?
Rachel-Just about to leave. I just handed over my presidential papers to Paula. She's the new president of North Iley. I left a note for the countess, and I'm leaving.
Dan-Any last words before you leave?
Rachel-Good luck, my dear. It's time for me to move on.
Dan-I'll miss you.
Rachel-I know.
Dan-No, really, I'll miss you like Hell.
Rachel-I know. It would seem a more proper send off if you were 'Aaron' right now.
Dan-I'm sorry. I'll walk out of the office and come back in with my badge on.
Rachel-It's okay. I know you'll be fine. I heard the college paper around here is interested in reading the trilogy you're writing. Go for it. Run with it. Fall in love along the way. I knew it was you. I saw you leave without dropping off your flyer. I know it was you because I followed you with my eyes down the street while you hung them everywhere else but where I was. I wondered all day why you didn't say a word to me. Not even, 'Let's have one last 'Aaron and Rachel' adventure.' Nothing.
Dan-I was scared you wouldn't take too well to the idea. I've seen friends of yours. The new ones. They're still polite to me, but they know I dislike them. I'm sorry, I just do. Wait, that came out wrong. I dislike that they wedged themselves inbetween our friendship, what little there was of it.
Rachel-See there you go. You miss the 'idea' of me. Not the actual person. I feel sorry you got hurt recently. That's what I wanted you to know. You think I don't still read the novels on the website? They're neat. I don't envy a reporter's choice to dive right in if they've never experienced one of these novels before or saw us live back in 1998 they might be getting in a little over their head where the emotion is outlined in these stories.
Dan-I like it when you said 'Us,' just now. Makes me wanna cry. If you must go, then I can't stop you. I never could. I just tried to be a smile in your life. You were that to me. Always.
Rachel-Will you go to dinner with me tonight? Just you and me. One last time. You might be able to get me to stay. Or in bed. And I said you 'might,' nothing is written in stone. Except the Commandments that Moses got from The Father. Sad there's people out there who don't believe that ever happened. Isn't that prehistorically stupid?
Dan-It is. Where's open this late in Heaven for us to eat?
Hearing the tail end of the conversation, Timothy walks into the office.
Timothy-Come with me, you two. I have a huge kitchen in my house. It's just down the street. I live next to Isaiah. You should come to one of our block parties. Lots of food and music.
Rachel-Shall we, Aaron?
Carefully adjusting his North Iley Commander badge, Dan is now carrying the rest of the conversaiton on as Aaron Deschanel, and most likely the rest of the night.
Once inside Timothy's house Rachel and Aaron are seated on his living room couch with a glass of water for each of them. Aaron notices a printed out copy of 'Lightning Struck the Easel of Blueprints' on the coffee table.
Aaron-How did you get this?
Timothy-Oh, that. I've had it for a couple of years. It's a conversaiton piece. The Father got it for me for Christmas. I guess he must have copied it from your original.
Aaron-That's right. I left it at Alia's castle the day of my sugar high crash. It had ketchup on it from one of my eating binges. As Dan, of course. I didn't think she kept it.
Timothy-If I remember right, she gave it to The Father and He loved it, so He gave it to some of His friends for Christmas. I've read it a few times. Are you going to put it on the site?
Aaron-I'm hoping to, once my stay in California is completed. What's cooking?
Timothy-I already started some 'angel hair' spaghetti. Kate and The Father were going to try it. It's a new recipe. I'm taking a cooking class with Matthew and Mark. Those guys are hillarious to take any class with, let alone a cooking class.
Rachel-I won't be in any of the future novels. I'm sorry to say. Natalya Glory and I are opening a laboratory on Ananke and I won't have time to devote to just being a cute Christian Mystery novel character.
Timothy-What kind of lab is it going to be?
Rachel-An underground alien contact base. It was both of our ideas put together. I put up the money, and she already has the stuff to put it together and friends to dig deep into the ground of Ananke, as scary as that may sound.
Timothy-Yeah, but you've been there before?
Rachel-I've been to both Ananke and Lysithea. I'm sure you've read about my trip there with Kate and The Father. I liked the mysterious vibes I got off the place when I was there. Going back will be a piece of cheesecake.
Aaron-Don't you fear those hideous Elara creatures that loom in the shadows of Ananke?
Rachel-Natalya has perfected a device to scare them away.
Timothy-Supper's ready. That's a good song, too. One of those 20 plus minute epics of progressive rock history, but yeah, great song.
Just then the ground begins to shake under their feet. Violently at first. For several minutes.
Rachel-You might want to clue me in as to what on Earth that was?
Timothy-Be calm, my dear. I don't remember there ever being a quake like that in Heaven. Let me grab my comlink and see if I can get The Father to respond.
There's no response.
Suddenly darkness falls over Heaven. Complete darkness.
Timothy-One thing's for sure, lady, you're not getting back to Ananke tonite. We won't be able to clear your shuttle for takeoff until we figure out what just caused this.
Rachel-It's okay, I don't really like the looks of the sky myself.
Aaron-Here, Rachel, grab ahold of my hand. Timothy, do you have a flashlight?
Timothy-I do. It's in my bathroom cabinet. I'll be right back.
Aaron-Do we dare walk outside?
Rachel-It's worth a try. Guess we're not having dinner together. At this rate, anyway.
He walks from the bathroom shining the flashlight on Aaron and Rachel, to not lose them.
Timothy-I'm almost scared, too, to see what's on the outside. There's never any sort of threat to Heaven like a power outtage. I remember when we did it for fun for your birthday party a couple of years ago, but that was planned. This isn't.
Aaron-Try The Father again, or Jesus.
Timothy-Wait, my comlink is going off. Someone must have some answers.
He checks the caller ID.
Timothy-Hello?
Noah-Hey, buddy. Get down here, and fast. We have a crime scene.
Timothy-I've got Aaron and Rachel Deschanel with me. Luckily they were over for dinner when this happened.
Noah-It's grisly. I almost want you to see it up close before I go and explain it to you.
Two reporters exit their shuttle, being the last to be cleared for landing before the power outage.
Kisha Karla-This is the place. Centre Heaven. Grab your flashlight. Hell of a place for an interview. In the call we got about this guy's novels he explicitly told us to meet him here about discussing his online novel series, 'Alia and the Boy,' I wonder if he or his friends anticipated a power outage.
James Lye-I sure know I wasn't expecting it. We can't hardly go back to our editor without a story. The first time we couldn't get the address right so I just basically had to say to the editor in cheif that there wasn't a proper story we could write about an author and his website full of book length novels who tours supporting them at karaoke and rave clubs.
Kisha-Yeah, and we're not stopping until we get our story this time. I don't even care who greets us at the door.
James-These were the exact directions we got off the internet. For it being Heaven, it sure is dark right now. Wait, I see someone coming closer.
Jesus of Nazareth-Can I help you guys? Sorry if I'm a little light headed, I'm not feeling good. Do you have any asprin.
Kisha-I do. Let me look in my purse. James, can you shine the flashlight on my purse so I can help this guy out.
Jesus-Do you know who I am?
Kisha-It's dark, I'm sorry.
Jesus-My name is Jesus. You aren't from around here, are you?
Distracted by her search for the asprin, it doesn't register who has just asked her for her help.
James-I don't want to run the battery out of this thing looking for asprin, buddy.
Jesus-If you don't have any, I understand, I'll manage.
James-Hey, what's that on your hands. Are those holes in your hands? What from?
Jesus-Nails.
James-How long ago did it happen?
Jesus-About 2,000 years ago.
Kisha-There we go, buddy, do you want one or two?
Jesus-Better borrow two from you. This may be a long night out here in the dark.
Kisha-I'm Kisha. Do you want a ride somewhere? Our shuttle is just a few feet away, if you couldn't make it out in the midst of all this darkness.
Jesus-Actually, yes I would like a ride.
Kisha-Can you fly a shuttle?
Jesus-If the lights were on you wouldn't be asking me that question. But, yeah, I can fly. I need to survey the wreckage.
James-Trust him, Kisha. He might direct us to whoever the Hell this Wooden Box Theater group is. I'm not even sure if it is even a group at all.
They walk cautiously toward the reporters' shuttle. Hand in hand, just in case. Kisha hands Jesus the keys to the shuttle and He flashes her a smile, which under the circumstances, she can't see.
The shuttle starts right up.
He puts on the helmet and steers the shuttle straight upward, over the skyline of Centre Heaven.
Things are put in perspective to the reporters when Jesus steers the shuttle right to the balcony of a huge library-like tower in the middle of a crowded street.
Jesus-Quick, you two, stay close to me. I'm going to see if My Dad is here.
Kisha-Whatever you say, buddy, I'm actually getting the creeps not being able to realize fully where I am.
He stops dead in His tracks once they enter the library.
Kisha-What is it?
Jesus-Shh. Do you hear that? It sounds like it's coming the desk over there. That's one of our internet connecitons.
He notices one of The Father's comlinks going off at a record pace.
Jesus-Hello?
Timothy-Jesus?
Jesus-Timothy, what's going on? Do you have Ileys with you?
Timothy-Noah is fine. Rachel and Aaron are with me. That's all. I can't reach Your Dad, though. I don't know where He is.
Kisha-Buddy, who you are you talking to?
Jesus-A friend. This place wasn't designed to just shut down one day out of the blue.
Kisha-How do you know?
Jesus-My Dad designed it. A lot of years ago.
Kisha-James, shine the flashlight on this guy's face. I want to know who I helped cure from a headache.
As asked, James shines the light to clearly make out the identity of their able pilot.
Kisha-Those eyes. I've seen them before.
James-Kisha, it's Jesus. The real guy.
Kisha-I'm so sorry, my Lord. I guess I didn't recognize you without Your trademark beard and long hair.
Jesus-This is 2005, my dear. Not 33 AD. Keep that in mind as you meet various people around here.
Kisha-James, we're standing here with Jesus of Nazareth, I almost want to kiss His feet.
James-Yeah, I wonder what our editor will say when we tell him we met Jesus, but He's a cool guy. Hey, we're actually here investigating whatever Wooden Box Theater is. There's flyers up all over town for some novels posted on their website. We were, um, assigned the story.
Jesus-You mean, Dan, right? I've got some of the novels printed off the website.
Kisha-Oh, so there is really such a thing? Do they perform?
Jesus-When you get them in the same room and they can get along, yeah, they perform. Dan's a karaoke singer. Bri's a mom and goes to college and works. You'll see Dan singing and club dancing. With flyers in tow. That is how you get readers, right?
Kisha-A little unconventional, but I could see it working.
Jesus-I guess you have to know who your target audience is before you set out to self publish.
Kisha-Sorry to ask you all of these questions in such a dire threat to Heaven, but I like seeing my name in the header, next to the words 'Contributing Writer.' It's a rush. Do they have newspapers around here?
Jesus-Same as you, only not much bad news. This is 2005, remember. We're not in the BC age here.
A few miles away He wakes from being thrown to the ground outside His mansion in Chrius, Heaven. Katelyn wakes, also, only she isn't hurt as bad as He is.
Katelyn Socoroa-Honey?
The Father-What happened?
Katelyn-You were knocked out of your desk chair. The power is out. I can't get anything with electricity to turn back on.
The Father-Have you heard from My Son?
Katelyn-No, but he's pretty resourceful when he needs to be, I'm sure he's safe.
The Father-Have you seen my comlink, hun?
Katelyn-I don't know. You might have left it at the library. You haven't been the same since you got back from Universe 3 and Mythaq. You still have her handprint on your cheek from slapping you.
The Father-Yeah, too bad I can't have it looked at by Nurse Lee in the dark. It's a shame she had to be so...
A presence is felt. Overpowering to him. Katelyn looks oon in horror.
Mythaq-You see this darkness? I'm illustrating something to you, my dear.
The Father-What?
Mythaq-My heart and how it feels right now.
The Father-Causing my electricity to go off isn't nearly as good as just coming and talking to Me yourself, now is it?
Mythaq-I thought you had to go. I was crying. Crying. Crying. Crying. I'm sick of crying. Make it right. Make me human so I don't have to cry anymore. Why did I hurt Dan? Why did I seek him out at the dance club? I was lonely. I picked him because he was so sweet and caring and honest and Christian and everything I wanted.
The Father-Just fix the lighting and we'll sit for a spell and talk.
Mythaq-Are you sure you'll listen to me?
Katelyn-Honey, we'll bake some chocolate chip cookies and get you through whatever's bothering you. I have a recipe I'm dying to try out. I'm in this class with Timothy and a couple of Jesus' friends from his Bible days.
Mythaq-Will you really make something for me to eat?
The Father-I'm not here and in Heaven to turn away a God fearing woman such as yourself. I know your heart is tied in knots and you're ready to cry at any given moment. Even now.
Mythaq-That letter from Dan really hurt me. It hurt me bad. I want to talk to him. I really do.
The Father-Adjust the lights, and I'll get him over here.
Kisha is the first to notice the lights relighting the many towers and buildings in Heaven. One by one. Then she notices Jesus, in all His glory, standing only a few inches from her.
Kisha-Wow. Now I kinda wish the lights were back off, I'm not sure if I have anything prewritten to say to You if we ever met.
Jesus-Well I didn't really have a chance to thank you for the asprin. We'll leave it at that.
In a few minutes the lights are back on in Heaven. All of them. Jesus steers the reporters and their shuttle back to the main landing hanger.
Brittany Leigh, his roomate is waiting for them in her shiny new car.
Jesus-This is Brittany Leigh, Dan's sister.
Brittany Leigh-Hi. I heard that some reporters were being 'assigned' the task of starting a navigaiton into Wooden Box Theater and 'Alia and the Boy.' It's a long story, I guess. The last few novels have been about a lady who claimed to be my brother's soul mate. That's a tricky word to use, you know. What exactly is a soul mate? Is it destined in the stars like those people who read cards? Jesus, let them into the backseat. We do have an extra guest room at our apartment. You'd think Jesus, my friend here, would opt for a bigger place, but I like it. It's modest. He's not too elaborate, are you?
Jesus-Not too.
As she drives the car away from the hanger and toward the apartment the reporters can't keep from gazing out the window and directly in front of them at who's riding in the front passenger seat.
His comlink begins to flash.
The Father-My Boy, the sitation is under control. I have Mythaq Osterly here.
Jesus-Yeah, things look alright here. I've got a couple of college newspaper reporters in the car and Brittany's driving. Did you know they were coming?
The Father-Actually I didn't. This must be a lesson for anyone thinking that there's no story to Wooden Box Theater. I'll see if I can find Dan. Maybe he's here as Aaron since I think Rachel is here, too, somewhere.
There is a knock on The Father and Katelyn's front door.
She walks, herself, to answer it.
Dan-When the power came back on I asked Rachel and Timothy to go back to his apartment and I would figure out the cause of the power outage. I figured it could only be you lashing out at me and not being yourself, but being in self destruct mode, like I can always tell you are in.
Mythaq-Probably too much for you to handle, lately. I'm sorry, honey. When you left me that notecard I had a hundred things going through my head.
She walks him to The Father's porchswing and joins him on it. Calmly.
Mythaq-We should've done more of this. Calm. The kind of thing lovers do. When they're in love. Can you imagine it? You and me. Everything we've gone through and done to each other and said to each other and all we had to do was just sit down and swing on a porch swing for a few minutes and we would've been calm. Very much so.
Dan-I love you. I said those things in that notecard because I thought that's what you wanted to hear me say. Finally, that I was over you. I love you. I love you so much. This I'm putting in the story as it's true. I've never been good at fiction writing. I wish it were true. I wish we were on a porch swinging on a porchswing. Finally at peace. I can email you, but you don't write back anymore. I can call and leave you messages because I'm scared you'll hang up or become emotional again like last time, but all I want you to know is that I'll love you forever. Whoever I'm with will just have to deal with the fact that I met the lady who captured my heart in a single instant and I lost her to insecurity that she might have been out to hurt me, but what did I get for it? You ended up hurting me anyway, as much as I feared it, it happened. I sat and waited many times by my phone waiting for your name to pop up just in case you made good on your promise that I had a place in your heart.
The reporters have managed to navigate their way to The Father's house and are let in by Katelyn.
Kisha-Jesus told us Dan might be here.
Katelyn-Didn't you see him? He's on the porchswing with his ex girlfriend.
Kisha-Oh, that's Dan? He looked a little emotional. The lady's really cute. Why'd they break up? I promise I won't put this in our story on Wooden Box Theater. Hey can I get a picture of your hair, Kate? Can I call you Kate? Jesus told me your name that's how I know. I don't remember you being in the Bible.
Katelyn-Sore topic. And yeah you can snap one of me. I'll write my name on the back of it.
The Father-Do you two want something to drink? We don't have much, but I'm sure I could make some coffee or something. This has been a long couple of days. Do you have enough for your story on Dan?
James-I think so. I was hoping to talk to him, I just don't to bug him if he's making up with his ex.
The Father-They'll be back inside in a few minutes. Here, I have a couple of Dan's novels printed up for you to look through. They're written in 'play' form. So, I guess to get the full effect out of them you'll have to find some people to do the voices. They're a little too intense to do them live at church, but I like his writing style.
She looks at him with absolute love in her eyes and heart. How can they have come all this way tonight between power outtages and car crashes in middle of busy streets and realize that it could've all been avoided by sharing a peaceful glance and his hand once again being held in hers.
Dan-Why are you holding my hand?
Mythaq-Because I want to.
No one speaks for about three minutes.
Tears fall from Dan's eyes.
Dan-If this story is read by hundreds of people like the others, I'll feel special in that you gave me a lot of the inspiration for the novel and for the brightness you brought my heart however briefly it was. Even if they do print a review or story or press release on this one, I'll know it will end up a daily reminder of the sweetheart I'm crying to right now. Somehow you just bring out the emotion in me every single solitary time. I've dated women twice as long as the time I spent with you and they never had the kind of impact of me and my life that you did. Never. I know you said to me one night, in the rain, that you didn't want anyone to love you and that you wanted to cry, and you did cry on the phone that night, but honey, I do love you. I always have. I guess I can kiss my 'Mail Order Bride' story goodbye this time. Maybe in the next one. I never do what anyone tells me to. I guess I've been searching for a fitting tribute to you to construct on paper or online and here you go, this is it. My undivided attention placed on your heart and your grace. I should've blurted out a proposal that first night. Crying in the car. In your arms. I should've declared you my match as much as you did to me that first night.
Mythaq-If you had caught me at the right moment, you might have gotten a positive response.
Dan-Howabout now?
Mythaq-Now isn't the right time. We're a little long winded and worn out right now for that. You still have to explain where you've been to Annie, your real soul mate, remember?
She accepts a heartfelt hug from him and walks with him through The Father's front door and into the living room where James and Kisha are reading outloud one of The Father's printed 'Alia and the Boy' novels.
Dan-Hello there.
Kisha-So you're Dan Sherrill, the writer of all these characters and stories. I don't really know where to catagorize them. Christian, but mysterious. I don't know if my editor will accept the story since you're not really performing the stories, they're just online. I need something that really makes them stand out to the readers of the paper.
Dan-What about my friend over there?
Kisha-Your very Biblical 'friend' you mean. Yeah, I was getting to that. I can't do a story like that where the author adds Bible characters to his novels as 'special guest stars,' I don't think our non-Christian comminity members would get it.
A car pulls up to Katelyn and The Father's home.
A car containing Angela Byers-Knite, Attorney California July and Cal Lorelie'je, brother of Greagory.
Attorney California July-They're both here. I can sense it. We can arrest them in an instant.
Katelyn answers the door.
Angela Byers-Knite-We're here with an arrest warrant for two people pretending to be reporters investigating Wooden Box Theater.
Katelyn-They've been here for a while? Why the arrest?
California July-Attempted assasination charges.
Katelyn-Who?
California-Empress Alia. Two hours ago.
Katelyn-Is she okay?
California-A woman called 911 when they found Alia spitting up blood outside a hotel in Portugal.
Katelyn-Who made the call. I could call her and thank her, whoever she is?
California-Her name is Yo-Yira Qwan. She's a book publisher. A good one. There aren't many good ones, but she's a good one. I passed along Danny's website link to her and she though she could recommend a director to set them to a live performance again, after I made sure Alia was okay. She's being held in a confined area of Portugal and these two here which my friends will be arresting now have been moonlighting as newspaper reporters interviewing local authors. I could tell it was a sham hoax, because their reviews sucked and they passed on Wooden Box Theater. We'll be sure to print some of the 'Alia and the Boy' novels for them to read in jail.
Once Kisha and James are walked outside, Kisha turns to Katelyn and gives her a dirty look.
Kisha-Your baking sucks, lady. I think I'm going to be sick!
Katelyn-I'll personally pick out your suite down below. The fire that will melt away your cookie eating hands will be started, then stopped, then started, then stopped. Put that in your review of Wooden Box Theater and my household.
California-Thanks for being home, you guys.
Katelyn-No problem. We were just getting ready for service. My husband is giving one of those spine tingling sermons He always seems to pull out of a hat at a moments notice.
California-Take care.
Once Katelyn walks back inside the house she catches a glimps of a shawl containing a notecard in the middle of it. Taped on with scotch tape.
Dan is in tears, with The Father looking on not knowing how to advise His friend.
Dan-This is the shawl she was wearing on our date. Date #3. I remember it because she was cold and wrapped it around her to keep warm. She had that and my arms keeping her warm. She's gone. I blinked once while we were talking and she was gone. She's gone.
Katelyn-What's the notecard say, Danny?
He reads outloud.
Daniel,
You blinked and I left. I'm sorry to do this to you, again, but I am leaving Universe 3 to Rachel and Natalya to use as a base for their studies. I'm returning to Ananke and am never studying universe creation again. I'll leave that up to The Father. I know when you go country line dancing you still look for me. You did just recently. I know the impact I had on you was great, but I'm done. I'm moving away from my aspirations for true love to not wait any longer. I meant what I said, 'I want to take away all your pain.' I have, haven't I? When I wasn't hurting you. I helped you. I gave you hope. I bought you ice cream. I kissed you. I liked it. It was spur of the moment, truly. I'm never to hard to reach in your heart, so keep me there. I might never see you physically again, but remember me for this note to you and for the long, slow kisses we made last a lifetime in just the brief time we knew each other.
True love waits,
Mythaq dannika Osterly
Dan looks up with eyes full of tears and walks toward Katelyn for a hug, which she accepts. Once he feels her arms around him, he lets more tears fall in memorial for his fragile ex-girlfriend.
Katelyn-I know you cherished her with all of your heart. Don't let anyone tell you or try to make you believe she was just some chick you met at the club one night. There was genuine emotion there with her. There has been since you wrote 'Cross Shatter Eye' for her several months back. Stay single and love it. Make you own rules. Stay out late. Sing karaoke.
Dan-Thanks, but I can't tell you for sure that I won't look for her out of the corner of my eye at the line dance club. It's a habit that I know I do. That's how I met her. Out of the corner of my eye. Maybe she's right. Maybe it's best she not be around. Maybe she should've been Mrs. Dan Sherrill. Maybe. Maybe I should just hang out on C'ila on the weekends again. Raise a little Hell. Like old times.
Katelyn-Yeah, there the worst that can happen is you run smack into Crayonnah Corda'lie.
Dan-Oh, no, we're cool now. I forgave her a long time ago. Maybe I'll meet someone at the next Villains of Verona concert. Maybe they'll have Hey You Caterpiller open for them.
There is a slight knock on the front door, which is answered by Dan.
Once he sess who it is, he signals to Katelyn and The Father that everything's fine and that he'll be back later.
He takes her hand in his and walks down their street in almost silence. Once they cross the street to a quiet, hidden park she picks out a bench to sit with him on.
Mythaq-I wanted to see you. One last time. Something to explain to you and then you'll never see me again.
Dan-Explain.
She reaches into her pocket to find the missing half of one of his shoelaces which she had kept all these months in her dresser drawer.
Mythaq-I was just going to leave with a note, but this way is more final. Do you remember when you raced through the store buying shoelaces because yours were too tattered to wear over to my house. It was cute at the time. When you left that night I was happy in my heart. Part of me wanted you to stay and sleep on my couch so I could've protected you from everything in this life that woud've taken you away from me. I was openly sad inside to see you go. For one night and a few dates there was someone who cared about me. I was the one who didn't know how to deal. I mean, you could've just been feeding me lines and sweet talking me into letting you in my heart. I know now that wasn't the case. You were freightened for the wrong reasons of me. If you were intimidated by me having a house of my own and you with your modest studio apartment then switch jobs, save your money and buy a house. It's easy. People do it everyday. Don't just keep too comfortable at your job, because once you do suddenly your 35 and still calling utility bills that you know no one wants to pay.
Dan-I...I love you.
Mythaq-I'm unarmed. I won't attack you for saying that. I won't. I promised myself I would come here, unarmed and I'm pretty sure Kate and The Father didn't see me, only you. We could've been a great secret to the world, you and me. I could've moved you right in with me and my life would've been shared by someone I knew would adore me. But then how do I get used to that? In 'real life,' which is what I believe your stories are. 'Real Life.'
Dan-Probably because I can't write fiction. It's awful when I try, and it doesn't mean anything to me.
Mythaq-Why do you think I would stil be praying for you even after we had broken up? Why? You never fully figured it out, did you?
Dan-No, I didn't. It still haunts me to this day, three months after you said it.
Mythaq-Can't a girl pray for her beloved?
Dan-Is that what I am?
Mythaq-I've never given you any reason to believe you weren't my beloved. We only hurt the ones we love the most.
Dan-I still look for you to come out of the shadows at the line dance club. It's a ritual. Mythaq alert, I think.
He smiles
Dan-Meeting you was an unexplained event, and losing you was a heartbreaking event.
She holds her hand up to his heart and feels it beat for a few seconds.
Mythaq-I have a home here in your heart, don't I? After everything I've done and said to you?
Dan-I don't need you in my heart. You're too much of a liability. You keep me on my toes with your grace and your fury. I don't need you at all, Mythaq. I just want you in my heart. It's a want, not a need.
Mythaq-Kiss me one last time.
He closes his eyes as she leans in closer to him, on the parkbench.
Once their lips meet her mouth opens slightly, as does his, just like so many months ago. She holds onto him for dear life, one last time, as huge tear drops fall from her eyes, dampening his shoulder.
Mythaq-This feels just like the night we stayed up late listening to music and cuddling. I hate to break your request of me to not 'put an end date on this.' It makes me cry more to think that I did that. I put an end date on it. Sadly, it was sooner than we both thought. Between your cross examinations of me and my intentions and my own already insecure, fragile self, we let go of the spark like a kid letting go of a balloon filled with helium. It flys further and further away from it's original owner. I'm mad at you for not asking me to marry you on our third date. Bitter is more like it. I had hopes too, I'm a woman. Hopes that I'd meet someone unexpected and he would love me for who I am and not try to change or control me. You put me in my place a few times, which I admire of anyone. I'm a handful. I know you write my character to be part alien, but I know you, Daniel. I know there's only a tiny bit of fiction in my character. Just a tiny bit. It's a memorial if anything for that place in your heart that I broke apart. Well, your place in my heart remains. Always. Why do you think I still pray to you at night? Figure out first why you still write about the love we could've continued, in 'Alia and the Boy,' and you'll have your answer. Sure, we're still a memory, but it's now up to us to figure out what kind of memory it will be. Good or bad? Happy or emotional?
She checks her watch.
Mythaq-I must leave you now. Permenantly. My new home is on Ananke, where I know you can't possibly visit. I will check in with Rachel and Natalya on you. To make sure you are doing well, but I won't contact you personally. This has to be finished right now.
As the words leave her mouth, her image fades and he is left alone on the parkbench to quietly mourn her.
The next morning at the apartment is quiet. Hardly Annie or Dan say much to each other over breakfast until the mail comes.
There is a single white envelope with no return address. It is made out to Annie herself.
She opens it and reads outloud to herself, as Dan has gone to visit and spend time with Maria and Gemma.
Annie,
Don't be too sure...
Mythaq
She takes the slip of paper and shreds it into a million pieces and throws it at her front door in a rage.
Richards knocks on her door, which startles her. As she answers and lets him in he instantly sees the tiny pieces of Mythaq's letter on the floor.
Richards-What's this?
Annie-Oh, nothing. Scratch paper.
Without her seeing him, he picks up the parts of the note with writing on them and puts them in his pocket instead of throwing them away. Who could turn down having a note written in an alien's handwriting. What riches would be made off of it. No riches could compare the mystery surrounding her continued use of the statement she included in her letter.
He uses his cell phone to call an unexpected friend, Admiral Osterly.
Richards-She's on Ananke. She sent Annie a letter. I have the remains of it.
Osterly-And Alia?
Richards-She'll be taken care of.
Osterly-How?
There is a knock on the Admiral's front door. It appears to a group of Spanish police officers.
Officer Puerto-Mr. Osterly. I think you need to come with us. We have some quesitons we want answered about your manipulation of Empress Alia of North Iley.
Officer Puerto-I just got a fax from Richards. The remains of a letter. From you daughter. You don't have a daughter. Is this your idea of getting back at the father by manipulating Empress Alia and suggesting to her that she butcher Dan's heart? And then circulate and have stories heard about the 'real' Alia escaping the clutches of some guy from Portugal? You're going to have to come with us.
Osterly-What are the charges?
Officer May-Drugging Alia and hypnotically suggesting to her that her name wasn't Amanda 'Alia' K'nisah at all. That she, in fact, was your daughter, Mythaq dannika Osterly. You're not going to fool the Ileys this time, Admiral.
Osterly-Wait a second, who are you?
The officer's mask is removed.
YHWH-Someone who's had you figured out from day one. As well as the mask you constructed to fit Alia's head to make her look like someone else completely different. Dan reacted to Alia the way he did because Alia is his soul mate. That's the part you couldn't fake. She symbolizes his ideal woman. Tricking and drugging her to answer to and react like your alien daughter didn't fool me or my Kid one bit. You might have done a number on the Ileys, but now you have me mad. What do you have to gain?
Osterly-Well, while you guys were reviewing dance club footage, I was pretending to be your friend, and I guess I left out the part where I learned the date of the 'End of the World,' from Professor EyeCross.
YHWH-He doesn't know it.
He notices His phone flashing Pastora Condon's number.
YHWH-Hello?
Pastora Condon-June 19th, 2007. You pushed it back only four years.
YHWH-How could you possibly know that?
Pastora-The truth hurts, doesn't it.
YHWH-How human are you, my attorney 'ex' friend.
Pastora-About one percent.
YHWH-And the other 99 percent?
Pastora-Meet me in Madrid. Come alone. Bring nothing and no one. I've seen the footage of the trial. My brothers will not be put to death by the Spanish government, You will be instead. If you don't come, they will seek you out in the middle of the night, like the theif in the night that you claim to be to everyone who reads the Bible.
YHWH-Did you happen to read the part in the Bible that reads 'God always wins in the end.' Or did you miss that important detail.
He hits the 'End Call' button on his phone and looks directly into the Admiral's eyes.
YHWH-Where is Alia?
Osterly says nothing for 2 minutes.
YHWH-Where is she!!!
Osterly-I guess you and your friends in Heaven have a rescue mission to carefully plot.
The End.
To be continued in
Alia and the Boy: Marriage crosses a frozen Inspector
Book 2
'Suitcase Marked Distance' Special thanks to The Villains of Verona, Hey you Caterpillar, Loren from the band Lydia, Silverstein, Hawthorne Heights, True Penny, Hidden in Plain View, Glory Nights, Sarah Buxton, Sam Behrens, Christina Chambers, E. Hehr, Jackie Ortiz, Talula Zephyr, Dani Camden, And then I turned Seven, Halifax, Levi and 5 Stars for Failure, Anberlin, Bed Light for Blue Eyes, Shane Told, Sigur Ros, Ryan from The Real You, The Mile After, Jet Lag Gemini, Red Lipstick Letter, Ryan from the Audition, 40 Short, Gray Lines of Perfection, Underoath, Atreyu, The Track Record, Last Winter. And everyone who gave their support, weather it be bands or friends, in making this one of the best pieces of writing I've ever done. Very special thanks to the staff of JB's in Elgin, as well as the Cadillac Ranch in Bartlett. And all the places that let Wooden Box Theater's flyers be displayed in their windows.
Email-dansherrill2003@yahoo.com
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Write a review and email it to us to see your review online in a new 'Reviews' section. Let's show up those other local authors. I don't see very many other 'local authors' singing at karaoke clubs to promote their novels and handing out their own flyers. Maybe they just don't get how to be a successful author or how to gain a following. Their loss.
