Names will be required to fully create an army of flashlights as everyone will be left in the dark aboard an escape shuttle toward a rebuilding project...

Roxanne Lorelie'je, Rachel Deschanel
and Karla Law-Monday

Featuring North Karolina Scott and Tyrone Fluid

in...

Alia and the Boy:
Full Scale Formula Disapproval

An Online Novel

Book 2 of the two part miniseries

'Engraved Plates Turn Up Lost'

Written and Directed by
Dan Sherrill and Wooden Box Theater

Jesus of Nazareth wakes on His couch. No one has heard or seen The Father. No one can locate Him. There is a knock on his front door.

As Hyrum S. walks toward the sleeping Joseph S. he notices his brothers' cell phone going off at a record pace.

Noticing Joseph sleeping way too deeply for his liking, Hyrum answers the phone, not bothering to check the caller ID display.

At the same time he answers the phone, a familiar country and western line dance club is missing part of the glass of one of its main windows.

Security is called to investigate what could have possibly broken the glass window.

Quhr Bua-What the Hell is this thing?

Manda Cyah-Looks like one of those old things they used to write stuff on from ancient times. You know they always shows that stuff on the science channels.

Quhr-Can you read it?

Manda-Um. No. Too advanced for me, I think.

Quhr-I see a name on the thing.

Manda-There's a lot of stuff written on this. The only thing I can make out is a name. Maybe the it's the guy who wrote on this thing.

The two waitresses take the piece of gold to the bathroom and wash it off. Meanwhile, there is now a hole in one of the windows, the exact size of the gold object.

Once the dust and glass are off of it, the two women can make out the name in question.

Manda-This does look familiar, but how on Earth did it get here?

Quhr-It was thrown like a kid would throw a baseball through someone's picture window.

Manda-Do you know this 'Nephi' person that that this thing belongs to?

Someone overhears her and walks from the hallway that leads to the karaoke part of the club and closer to the line dance floor.

Traca Likqua-Did you say Nephi?

Quhr-Yeah. This was thrown just now at the building and broke one of the windows. It appeared to come out of nowhere.

Traca-Were there any more of these?

Quhr-No, just this one.

Traca-'Nephi,' yes?

Quhr shows Traca the gold object.

Traca-Girls, this is a line dance club, and sometimes a retro club, I don't get the symbolism here. Why would this be a fake, I wonder?

She pulls out her cell phone and calls a dear friend and Elder of the Church she sometimes goes to.

Elder Gamble-Yes, can I help you?

Traca-Elder Gamble?

Gamble-Yes?

Traca-Can you round up a few friends and get out here.

Gamble-I imagine I could, why?

Traca-Someone just threw a 'Nephi' plate through the window here.

There is a long pause.

Traca-It's got his handwriting on it!

Gamble-Are you sure?

Traca-Get down here and see for yourself.

Manda races from the women's bathroom carrying a notecard.

Manda-This was taped to the bathroom mirror. I have no idea how it got there. It's just the three of us until much later, then the place will be packed with club kids and cowboys and cowgirls.

Traca-Elder Gamble, hold on.

She reads the notecard outloud to him on the phone.

To Whom It May Concern

I am returning one and only one of the missing plates of Nephi.

I will be here tonight to deliver another one. The Smith brothers must be present.
And Dan Sherrill

Mythaq Osterly

Gamble-Do you really think you have a Nephi plate in your hands?

Traca-It sure looks like it.

Manda-What's the date today, again?

Traca looks at her cell phone display.

Traca-March 5th.

Manda-Did you ever hear the tale of 'Cross shatter Eye'?

Traca-No. Care to explain?

Manda-This date is important to this dance club. That's the night Dan met Mythaq Osterly here. It must be her way of preserving the night in question.

Traca-By throwing a Nephi plate through the window here?

Manda-Some spirits can't rest peacefully, I guess.

Traca-Did you hear that?

Another loud crash is heard coming from the main bar area.

The three race to find another Nephi plate, and a hundred pieces of window glass on the floor.

Traca-How are we going to explain this to the manager?

Manda-Oh God, another one!!

At a record pace a third golden plate hurls itself into the glass and breaks out another window.

The last remaining window is now smashed by another plate.

A man walks into the line dance part of the club and gives the waitresses a questioning look.

Oscar Vega-This broken glass is the work of Mythaq Osterly.

Traca-Who the Hell are you?

Vega-An associate of hers.

Traca-Why is she doing this?

Vega-She...she misses him.

Traca-Why don't they meet again?

Vega-Read this.

He hands Traca a few sheets of paper of a blog entry from Dan Sherrill.

Traca-What's this?

Vega-It's from him. Her soul mate.

Traca-It's long. We have to get to work because if the crowd gets here and realizes that we're missing some of our windows there will be a lot of confused dancers. I still have to explain to the manager how this happened and what to do with these gold plates?

Vega-Just read it!

She sighs a few times and opens the folded sheets of paper.

February 18th-With this new car trouble, my life is about to change..but I'm sad right now.Pray for me..

Okay where to start. So I finally get the mess from the flywheel and starter fixed and guess what? It's broken again! The car had been overheating daily for the last 2 1/2 weeks. Since I got it back from $966 of work to it and missing 5 days of work, and having to pay someone $10 a day to drive me 45 min out of her way to and from work. And being broke and half crying every four seconds...to this morning.

Now after some much needed help before during the last crisis from a couple of high school friends and an awesome karaoke DJ, and singing friends...I'm at the same point..again!

I had the overheating car under control, but still, it wasn't driving good..It still went through antifreeze like water and every day it would overheat a little more. You know, the temprature gage resembled a flowing gas gage. I had both in my Chevy Cavalier (91), so even as recent as the last week and a half I've been having to pull over almost daily on my way to work to let it cool down, because you couldn't predict when the thing would heat up, and even so I have no heater in the car either so I ended up freezing too, trying to get the 30 miles to Kaesa from North Iley.

Last night it was running poor, too, and I barely made it home. I can't hardly quit working, and they can't hardly keep letting me off to tend to a messed up car. I called in sick on Thursday. I really wasn't feeling good. I think I get myself all worked up about my current situation and I can't sleep so I try to stay up late and just drift off. None of my laundry is done...There's no funds for even that. The same outfit recycled over has been the normal proceedure for a couple of weeks. Having to pour out an unexpected thousand dollars, almost, for the last car drama drained me pretty much. Thank God for being able to be NSF a few times with my bank..lucky for me I get the direct deposit to cover it. While withdrawing money with my ATM that technically isn't there is probably not the wisest thing in the world, they get it all back when I get paid. I got to have coolant on a whim sometimes or the car won't run...

Anyway, so this morning was one of the coldest days of the year so far...and I went outside to let the car warm up and it did for 20 minutes. I topped off the coolant and was good to go.. And early for my 8am - Noon shift...on Kaesa.. So on the tollway the car's temp gage inches to the half mark, which is not good, because it was already there by the time I was only 5 minutes after getting on the tollway from North Iley. So I kept driving. I can't afford to be late many more times.

I managed to watch the gage flow back to the middle after heading to hot, so I passed the next exit and all seemed well. Then the needle almost 'fell' down to the red! It stayed there and the 'Check Gages' light came on! That means 'Warning' so anyway I saw the sign saying I had only 7 miles to go to get to work, so roughly 5 minutes...But the needle was now way past the red...which scared me..now it was in the black part ..which is after the RED! Then the car started making a rattling noise underneath. I was right by the the next exit sign...4 miles to work, but still on 88. Which scares me since my plates are still suspended till March 29th!!

I called 'Marco' from Alia and the Boy with 2 minutes left of cell phone talk time and he told me to pull the car over..Yeah, good luck till a cop pulls over and runs my plates! Finally, I just called 911 once my phone time ran out..So I'm freezing, with an overheating car pulled over on the coldest day of the year...The operator was very rude and wouldn't help...unless it was an emergency. I said 'I'm driving an overheating car that might burn up with me in it, isn't that an emergency enough?' I pulled over while talking to her and pleading with her to send help. By the time I pulled over, the car was smoking from under the hood, and wouldn't start up again..at all. She finally put me through to a State Tollway utility truck..one of the orange ones. It took him 10 minutes to get there, which was good, but they told me I had to get the car off the road in 2 hrs or they'd tow it someplace, who knows where?

He offered to drive me to the toll plaza over past the exit (where I work off of) so he did. It had a payphone, and my phone which could only call my mobile to mobile friends with only half an hour of battery life, which got used. I bet I made 25 collect calls. I only had the numbers that are in my phone. Their phone book was only for Kaesa, and I barely know anyone there anymore. I called into work, which granted it's only an 8-12 noon shift, it isn't a big loss, but still a call in. Which is not good for my record, which is already on thin, thin ice.

I had $6.00 with me. I'd just put $20.00 in the gas tank last nite, so I was okay till payday with gas money. I got ahold of a good friend of mine at my former job who put me on confrence calls with 2 towing places. One said it'd be hours before they could come, and the other agreed to come....but never showed up!!

Finally one of my close high school friends got ahold of a separate towing company and they came and got the car, but not me!! So the car is now on North Iley, without it's driver.

I made some more frantic calls. Mostly Wooden Box Theater members and helpers. No luck. Family was no where to be found, and my aunt is scared to drive in on Kaesa because of some of the gangs and bad traffic.

I even left a weepy message for 'Mythaq' from the novels. Yeah. She probably will get it the collect call messages say they give it 8 attempts to leave the 'collect call message' so she'll probably get it, but no way to call me back. I made sure I said to her that 'we're not even on speaking terms, but you live only a short way from where i'm stranded' She's probably busy with church or something. I kinda half expected her to help, but maybe she wasn't home.

So finally after a more people apologized for being so far away and not being able to come, I placed another collect call to a Mormon Elder I know from researching my Joseph Smith novels, how cool is that? And I'm not even Mormon! I'd only talked to him on the phone 3 or 4 times and he's been a HUGE help with the 2 Smith novels. I tried calling him collect earlier in the morning, but the missionaries weren't home. At about Noon, someone answered there and my Elder friend promised he would rally up some Mormons to help out and get me home from Kaesa to North Iley!

20 minutes later the payphone rang and it was the Elder...and good news. He found someone to come rescue me..An awesome family from Utah, with an 11 month old in the car seat in the backseat of the car. So in 35 minutes they showed up and in another half an hour I had a couple of new friends and a ride home...thanks to me keeping the Book of Mormon I was given by some cute missionary women one night before I started writing these Joseph Smith novels. At least they were quick to spring into action and come get me. I don't know what I would've done otherwise. I sat at the toll plaza from 7:45am till about 12:45 this afternoon begging and praying for a ride home and way out of this car mess.

The trick now is getting to work, and finding out what the Hell is wrong with my car! And how I'm ever going to recover. Everyone keeps saying find a closer job! Well another collection agency in my hometown..which is close, is hiring now, and one of my supermodel-like roomates, who puts up with me practicing my karaoke songs mentioned a few open jobs around here and sent me with candy to the library to type this all up to see if someone, anyone, had a way out.

I just went through this broke thing a few weeks ago, and I hate having to go through it again. It really hurts my feelings to have to grab stuff from my car and have it towed somewhere that I'm not! At least they got it before the tollway people could take it someplace that would want cash up front. I have about $6.00 to my name right now. The Mormons offered to take me to work a couple of days next week, but other than that, I'm stuck!

I got some help last time from some awesome friends, but it's the same thing over again and no breathing room. Meanwhile car insurance is due, my student loan (which is in default for $500) is due, my short term loan from paying off my $500 no insurance ticket is due ($91.00 a month) plus another $400 plus on the last payment of my 3 payment contract with the repairs from last time, not to mention however late my rent is now..the $850 from my income tax return helped out a lot. Good thing I have understanding landlords that are used to my bad luck.

What I will say about the Mormons is that they're amazing people. I don't know if I share their beliefs or doctrine, yet. I don't know, yet, if I want to be a member of their Church, but I love writing about Joseph Smith and Alia and the Boy and I love them as people, but not once during this crisis today did anyone ask me to join or turn me down for not being a member. I learned a lot about them today. Being friends is enough for me where my Mormon friends are concerned.

Anyway, I guess keep praying for me. This is going to be a rough week that will redefine me as a person. It better! I can definitly use the thoughts and prayers. Don't worry as always I'll find a neat way to make this a new 'Alia and the Boy' novel..I just wish it wasn't happening right before my eyes...Either it breaks you in half or makes you strong. One of the two...

Any help/prayers/support would be amazing! I'm going through a rough time right now...while I love all my friends, just note that I value all of you, too. I'm glad people are here and care about me in return.

Your Friend,
Dan

Traca-Did she call him? Did she email him?

Vega-No. Sadly.

Manda-I've almost got the glass cleaned up. Don't worry, I heard you read the letter, or whatever it was.

She walks back closer to Vega and Traca.

Manda-I don't get it. If they're soul mates, then why didn't she try to reach him? Doesn't sound like anyone I'd want to be soul mates with. Someone who'd just leave you stranded. I guess we do seem to run to the ones that hurt us the most when we're in times of trouble.

Traca-How did this deal with the car pan out?

Vega-Here's his entry from the next day.

She unfolds it to read.

February 19th-I'm really not looking forward to waking up tomorrow...

Today my debit card won't work..Insufficient funds...my phone wont even let me call or get calls to anyone. im out of food...i have no clean clothes...and no car at the moment.

They towed the car in to the service garage on North Iley. The best case is it needs a thermostat..$100 job. worst case...a cracked head..head gasket...$1,000 plus I still owe them $500 from the last time. Plus whatever it cost for the towing company my friend called to tow it from Kaesa to North Iley which is 35 miles.

I just kinda walked to the library where I can use email and plus they're open till 2am so if someone needs to they can get ahold of me they can through email.

I have my last $5.00 to change into phone quarters..We get paid this coming Friday..but I'm way behind in rent, which thank God they're understanding about, I'd hate to be put out on the street totally. My loan is a month late, if that's another month late then they reposess my collateral which is half of everything I own (you needed enough collateral to get the loan, as it was I barely scraped by to fulfill the $1,400 minimum to even secure a $500 loan)...as it is I'm in a very small studio apartment. So half of my stuff equals, yeah..they can't take my clothes.. The loan is $92.00 a month. My car insurance is due too at the end of the month $71.00... Lot of good it does me with no car! If you dont pay your insurance by the end of the month with the company I have, they are required to send the info to the Secretary of State, in which you get hit with another plate suspension.

I still owe the Tollway for $120 for two last violations for when I didn't have IPass. Those are due mid March, otherwise they suspend your plates AND License too.

If I get the car back the plates are still suspended till march 29th, anyway. If I can't get to work tomorrow I'll have a 90 percent chance of losing my job altogether...even so driving to Kaesa is not the wisest idea for a job, but try finding a job around here? I guess that's not really an excuse.

There's no groceries or much of the way of anything until who knows when. I need the $5.00 I do have to use for phone change since I don't wanna call people collect or, yeah...I have some vitamins..those are good for keeping you awake..Our two washers and dryers in my building run on change, too...I can take showers, but yeah putting on the same unclean clothes isn't much fun.

So yeah, I don't even want to get to tomorrow much less the unknown of much more..if you can help, then that's what I need help with..it's all coming crashing down at sunrise tomorrow because me not being at work is gonna start a chain of bad things.

The thing of it is, I guess, is that after my near fatal accident in july of 2004, I've just gone through one tragedy after another. Tons of car trouble, having to file chapter 7 bankruptcy at age 28, and now this last deal with the starter and now this...So, yeah, I managed to walk to the library just now. I have no idea what's going to happen tomorrow. Without a phone and enough change to call about 10 people, and still not eating.

What probably will happen if I can't get to work for at least 8 hours tomorrow is they'll pull the plug on my job, and pack my stuff up at work until I can pick it up...then it's good luck trying to explain to the towing company and everyone else, including my landlord, why I got fired. Forgive me for being just a little scared right now. It was a little easier last time because at least I had some help, but this time I'm not sure. I'll be here till someone comes I guess.

I cant get any calls on my cell so I left it at home. To apply for jobs you need a car. I just hope its not the head gasket or cracked head. That's the $1,000 job and lots of labor for a car with 195,000 miles on it to start with that I can't even legally drive. But what do you do when you have to get to work. Luckily that suspension is over on March 29th..and really if I had another car I could drive it and be fine, just not the one I have...Or actually don't have right now.

Nothing's been right for me since I quit my job at the other collection place in 2004. I've gone from one thing to another wrong for me. Then a bunch of toll violations, dealing with binge eating before, to rolling my brand new car twice into the cornfield which caused me to have to lose everything and have to file chapter 7 bankruptcy, and dealing with finding someone who could do nothing but hurt and break my heart and getting my heart broken horribly on Christmas Eve this year by the same woman, to working at a job 30 miles from my house to this new crisis. I'm sick of having to bug friends for help. It's not what I'm used to.

I know I have faith in God, heck, I'm a christian author, but still It's trying thing I'm dealing with right now.

Guess it all comes down to tomorrow.

Dan

Traca is visibly crying, but as she wipes tears from her eyes, she realizes that Miss Osterly could've easily come to Dan's aid, but just chose not to.

Manda-Things had to have gotten better for him, right? These sound so bleak and sad, I want to cry, too.

He hands her the next entry for her to read outloud to the group.

February 21st-My fingers crossed but I may have found a possible solution..

Well, yeah, when I wrote those other entries I was kinda stuck at the library. I've gotten a ton of amazing emails, some brutally honest and some really helpful.

The word on the car is that it's dead. Plain and simple. By overheating like that it took out 2 of the cylinders. And it still wouldn't start for the mechanic to even get it up. They just told me to have the junkyard come and get it that it couldn't be saved. Least I get a check for $15.00. (Smiles)

Luckily thanks to having a membership in a social network online I managed to find rides to and from work Mon, Tues, and tomorrow, and Friday...Thursday's a bit tricky, but hey I got this far. Someone very special took it upon herself to take a look at my situation and help rearrange it a little. The Mormons have been super nice, too, in taking me to work a couple of times also. I got a first hand view of their compassion for someone who isn't even a member, just a Christian author.

Someone brought over laundry money so all the outfits are clean..

Seriously, though, I've hated to ask people for help. It's the worst feeling. Especially on here. I know I got a couple of comments and things on the last entry, but you know this is not a position I really enjoy being in. I'm not used to it. It's humbling, but at the same time, it's good to know people are out there that do care, even though half my online friends have never met me.

I'm anxious to get back to normal here. Fingers crossed, but I might have a new car at the end of the week, too. Well a new used car, but still, one that runs, no suspended plates, and no cracked head. So that's one good thing. The most important thing is bringing my smile back. I hate to vent on my entries, because I use these to let people on here know what's up with me. And I'm sorry if they're brutally honest, but I'm not going to lie or anything. I just happened to hit a rough spot and hopefully...hopefully I'll be alright.

Thanks to my online friends I got in touch with the right people and got help...and a ton of awesome emails. I feel a lot better than I did the other day.

I'll know more about this new car on friday..which means title transfer/new plates...Might be really cool.

But yeah with these entries I just wanted people to know or if anyone was in the are who could help, and thankfully there were lots, and I don't know what I would've done without that.

I'm not out of the water, yet. I've still got my job, and my apartment. The next 2 checks are gonna be tight, but hey, it's still cold outside. I need to be out raising Hell on the dancefloor and singing karaoke..not mourning a troubled car. I've been backtracking since summer of 2004, and I'm done with it. I'm done feeling bad, moaping around, losing sleep. My apartment is spotless right now. My laundry is done, I'm gonna walk home and take an amazing shower and go to work smiling for the first time in a while..Wish me luck the rest of the week.

Hopefully soon you'll hear me saying how I'm singing at this place or that place and club dancing again till 4am. That's more of me than the last few months. Just gotta carefully get from point A to point B.

Your friend
Dan


Vega-There's one more, it's a short one. Things did get better, but still one thing is missing. Mythaq Osterly.

February 24th-I got a new car today and a fresh start, luckily I have amazing friends.

So today went off virtually without a hitch.. Briana from Wooden Box Theater gave me a ride into work this morning...So I was on time. She's gonna start writing some of 'Alia and the Boy' soon, which is going to be cool, cause really she's the other half of Wooden Box Theater.

My 'friend' with the car drove me right to it on her lunch break. So at noon we got there and theres my new car. Little to no rust. AM/FM...and 20,000 miles..Might need a muffler soon, but hey everyones cars are a little loud. Apparently, they rarely drove it..It belonged to one of their parents or something, but it'd been sitting for a while, so yeah I gotta run out the old gas and get some 'Premium' in there to flush it out.

The tow on saturday was amazingly covered by a high school friend of mine..I guess I have amazing friends! For 25 miles and hookup the tow was $117.00 Not too bad. Not good, but not too bad.

So my 'friend' followed me as I drove right to the Drivers License place on Kaesa, and we were like 2nd in line (could've been a lot worse with those places), and I wrote my 2 checks to the IRS and Secretary of State. They now give you the actual metal plates right then and there. No more waiting in the mail for them. The sticker comes with it. So I don't have to renew it until Feb of 2007.

Luckily my insurance agent is just down the same street at the Drivers License place..so I got that changed over, too...And I drove myself home...First time in a week..Guess what? No More Suspended plates!!!! New plates, new car...not worried of being pulled over by cops or arrested.

Anyway, so I got back to North Iley and went to the service station that has my white car and took everything out of it, including the 4 bottles of antifreeze I'd have to keep on hand. No more of that, thank God. They let me pay then $220 of the bill that I owe from that starter/flywheel drama last month..so actually I dont owe that much more..they're just being super nice. Couldn't ask for better service and caring owners.

I snatched my IPass off my windshield and headed home a lot happier and a lot more excited about singing this weekend. I have to rest a while tonite..Gotta be at work in the morning (8 am) It'll be cool to actually drive myself this time.

Again I made it out of this carefully, but without my online friends, and the Mormons who helped me out (even though I'm not even a member of their church), I seriously would've lost my job...So all the rides to and from work and the support I got and lunches bought for me and laundry money and everything else is very, very appreciated. Trust me, I didn't how many really amazing people were out there. I know now. They saved my job for me. The situation could've been A LOT worse...But it seemed like my prayers got answered in a big way.

Whatever people think of the Mormons, they went out of their way to help me out. I'm going to service there on Sunday to say thanks. I know Mormonism is one of those touchy topics, but for a Church that is sometimes misunderstood, they sure raced into action to make sure a Non-Member was safe and had a ride home from a broken down car (30 miles away), and a ride to work Tuesday. I will say that really left me wondering why people seem to misinterpret them so much. I guess writing my Joseph Smith novels has taught me a lot about Smith and his enigmatic church. Every church is different and preaches the word of God differently. Catholics are different from Lutherans. (I will, though, think twice before setting foot inside Mythaq's church again!) I guess it just boils down to friendship in the end. Shouldn't matter what church you go to, long as friendship is the key word. I'm not joining the Mormon church, I just found a lot of amazing friends out of the deal that will be friends for life.

It was a tough week, but I'm looking forward to writing my new novel and taking a few breaths of fresh air.

Your friend, Dan

Traca-I'm glad he made it out of everything okay.

Another Nephi plate smashes through a window in the karaoke part of the bar. They all hear it in the distance.

Meanwhile on North Iley he decides to write her one last letter. One final farewell. She may have sensed it was time to put this relationship to rest once and for all.

Mythaq Osterly,

Today I got an email from someone you know. Someone special to you. I used to be special to you, remember, honey. I'm the one you met a year ago today. It's March 5th, honey. Don't you know what that means? It's been a year since we met at the line dance club. Last night I sang at 3 places on Iley. The same three places I did the night we met. Damn it, but I didn't have enough money to get up to the club so I just stayed in town. I don't think I could've stood there and danced with anyone else knowing how much I wished that you would just show up and dance with me in front of everyone again.

As you know I just went through a horrible few weeks that made me want to rip strands of my hair out by the root, but I made it out. Fine! I still don't have the one thing that left a hole in my heart. I've never been able to replace you, Mythaq. I never will. I can go from this girl to that girl, but it doesn't ever fucking work!

Sorry for saying that, but I'm frusterated right now. I don't know what you did to me that night last year, but you left a part of your heart with me in that first kiss. I messed things up with you so bad I don't even know if you'd answer if I called you. I know your 'friend' meant well when he emailed me, but still, I don't know if I could walk through the doors of your church again. It would be so hard to face you and him after what happened.

I wrote him one back. I shouldn't have, but I did. I tried to keep it simple, but nothing about our story is ever simple. I skipped out on church this morning, which I hope didn't upset any of my new friends. All I want to do right now is talk to you, and know where your heart is.

I know this is going to be long, but I don't, honey, want to let you go. Why did you give me your heart last year only to ask for it back so soon. Were you afraid of falling in love? Why do you always leave me with a 'to be continued' attitude? I felt like I was the most important person in your life for a few short months, and you truly were my everything for a while. It just died, my love. It just vanished. I don't know if it was just a matter of me not cross examining you and wanting to know if you were going to hurt me or not, everytime we talked. I was so scared. I felt like I'd won the jackpot when I found you, but I got scared, too. I'd never cried so much over someone in my life.

I called you collect the day of my car trouble because...damn it, why? Why did I, by reflex, call you? I should be cursing your name all over the galaxy, but no, I chose not to. You're my angel. I can't stay mad at you. I'm always thinking of ways to forgive you for hurting me. I'm out of possible motives to examine. I'm out of grace for you. It's run out. I know you and I are Christians, but I see how we are around each other and it saddens me that we can't get along.

It saddens me that you just wanted to run off on Christmas Eve night, not even caring that I would drive away crying and frantically try to call friends to listen to me fucking cry!

Didn't that ever occur to you that the ones you betray and hurt without any remorse at all would give you the time of day and shed tears for you! Maybe not, but honey, I love you. I told you I did, and I meant it. I'm not here to make up stories. I've never been good at that.

I'm trying to say goodbye, my dear, it's not getting me anywhere but tired and wanting to cry in front of the computer screen. I've already wiped sleep from my eyes a few times. I included the online entries from my car incident in this novel to show you, if you ever read it, just why I called you collect and left you that message. Part of me was hoping so bad that you'd come to your senses and show yourself as a Christian, but you just can't, can you? You just can't. So that's what I would've married? That's the kind of woman I wanted to propose to on Christmas Eve? Someone that would go on to leave me stuck at the tollway plaza without even so much as an email or well wish for me. It makes me want to cry right here at the library. I love you, though. Through everything. I love you, Mythaq.

I know I openly asked you to consider marrying me a couple of novels ago, but I'm going to forget that, too, and just hope you read it or someone passed it along for you to read. They did do that story about me in the paper. It was neat. I doubt you saw it, but maybe I can clip it out and send it to you.

All I can do is sit here and remember you. There's nothing really left to do. I feel bad that I let the Mormons down by not showing up this morning. I think I took out my voice a little too much singing karaoke last night. I just want to be alone today. I don't want to see anyone or do anything. I just want to cry. I want to go home later and lay down and cry. Maybe I'll save the tissues I use to dry my off my eyes and send them to you, too, along with my heart.

All I ever wanted. All I ever wanted, honey, was your love in return. You loved me with all of your heart for three months last year, we laughed together, we cried together, we held each other, we cuddled, we kissed, we had everything in the world, but we just couldn't hold onto it. We just couldn't. I wonder if you're single? I wonder all the time. I remember Christmas Eve how sad and moody I was during the service, seeing the woman I'd grown to care about so much suddenly right there in front of me, up there singing so beautifully with the band. When you smiled at me during communion I had a rush of emotion come through me and I went back to the pew and cried for you to finally make this work. Once and for all.

No matter that I wrote 'Made in Portugal' about that night, there's still some things leftover than I can't quite figure out. Like why you said it was okay for me to come and see you, and then just tell me you don't know when you'd be seeing me ever again. What did you think that did to me? I sure wasn't happy. I was sad. There, I said it, I was sad. I had this whole proposal to deliver to you.

With each passing second from our walk out of the church to the car, my life froze and time stopped for us. I kept wanting to stop you in your tracks and hold you close in my arms, one more time. I had no idea if this was a new start or the ruining of my heart all in the same damned night. I hate to speak about church that way, because I'm a Christian writer, but that whole night didn't seem very Christian to me at all. Here we have this awesome talk in my freezing cold car on the phone and in only a week you've talked yourself out of being with me again. I worked out! I did sit ups! I drank my energy drinks. I watch wrestling. I drove a car that overheated on the way there. I prayed for you and me. I did everything. But I got there I sat alone in church. With my jacket and 'Silent Night' candle and wanted to either bolt or cry.

After each song that the band played and after the sermon or whatever they call it there, time was inching closer to us making eye contact and talking. I didn't know what in the world to say to you. I remember I walked up with my jacket and someone handed me a mug from the church and a folder. Remember me showing it to you? You looked amazing. Absolutely the most beautiful woman in the entire world. It was like I was dreaming. I wanted to memorize everything you said to me so I could hurry up and write a happy ending to one of the 'Alia and the Boy' novels about how Dan and 'Mythaq' finally got together, and have you read it and frame it as a keepsake. No such luck.

At least I got to tell you to your face that I adored you. At least I got that much out of that night. I still managed to cry my eyes out on your voice mail. Did you listen? Did you? I know I'm going to leave you a message tomorrow. I just know it. Something to the effect of me trying to think of a way to bring you back into my life. For whatever reason, I miss you. I miss you a lot.

I just want to tell you that I love you Mythaq Osterly. Please marry me so that both of us can finally be happy. I could've saved you. I could've helped you through whatever. I could've stayed up and prayed at your bedside every night that nightmares would never come your way. If you'd just listened. You sure used to. You'd send me Ecards telling me how sweet I was. Remember that, too? I wish I still had them so I could print them up and send them along with the tear filled tissues. Nothing against anyone else, but I was very much hoping you would've answered my collect calls and I could've gotten you to come save me from the toll plaza that day. I adore the family who did come, but I wanted it to be you. We could've talked all the way home to North Iley. Someone else came, though. I know you still have my number. You told me you did, before. So why haven't you called? Sometime's I'd just like to box everything up and move down with dad in Georgia. I can never go back to another Lutheran church without thinking of you. I can't go the line dance club without hoping you'll be just around the corner. Why the Hell am I still madly in love with someone who broke my heart so bad. Maybe you can answer that for me?

I don't know any other place for this letter to go than in the middle of my new novel. I know my readers are probably getting sleepy reading my dedication to you over the last year, but you're a hard one to let go. If you weren't so damned beautiful I'd have let you go a long time ago. If you weren't such an amazing singer and flute and guitar player and woman, I would've let you go a long time ago. God, I just miss you so much. So much.

Love always,
Dan

Once he presses save on his html code, a lone shuttle is suddenly hit by a torpedo and knocked out of orbit. She presses his name on her cell phone and hopes for an unexpected answer.

Mythaq Osterly-Oh, Daniel, I'm falling out of orbit.

She makes a quick check on her hostage, The Father.

He wakes from being drugged by her, to the smell of fire.

He races at record speed to the front of the shuttle and to her side.

The Father-What is it? Who did this?

Mythaq-I don't know. I'm supposed to be kidnapping you.

The shuttle is fired at again, this time the fire enters the shuttle and all too quick into her heart, causing her to drift off to a much different state of being.

The Father is able to use her cell to contact Hyrum S.

Hyrum just happens to be near his phone.

The Father-Contact Dan Sherrill and Empress Alia.

Hyrum S.-Are you okay?

The Father-Yeah. I have the Nephi plates. Most of them. They're in this shuttle that I'm in.

Hyrum S.-But that's too easy, there's got to be more, since you don't have that great of a tone to your voice.

The Father-I have all of them except about 5 or 6. And theres a few more that I can't seem to find. I'm in the back of the shuttle on Mythaq's cell phone. The ship got hit pretty hard by someone, or something.

Hyrum S.-Joseph is fine. He's worried about the plates, but at least Karolina is keeping him company.

The Father-I'm using Mythaq's cell phone because her shuttle was hit and so was she. Don't tell Dan yet, but she might not make it. I layed her down on a blanket and she's resting.

Hyrum S.-Do you think she will make it?

The Father-I know it will tear Dan apart, but I seriously don't think so. She's not human. Someone knew where to fire on the ship so that it would hit her just right.

Hyrum S.-Do you suspect anyone would be wanting to fire on her?

The Father-She works for Mr. Corda'lie.

Hyrum S.-By the way I got a call from an Elder Gamble. He's been at some country music line dance club examining a few of the Nephi plates. I meant to tell you that they found a few of them. Seems they came crashing through the windows of the club earlier. A waitress, who goes to an LDS Church sometimes with Elder Gamble, told him to come and he confirmed that they are the missing plates. So there's still probably about 6 left to find.

He hears her faint voice coming from the bed a few feet away.

Mythaq-Is that Daniel?

The Father-Hang on, Hyrum.

He walks back to Mythaq's side.

The Father-It's Hyrum. Joseph's brother.

Mythaq-I didn't know he had a brother.

The Father-It's a long story.

She reaches out her hand to hold The Father's in hers.

Mythaq-I'm sorry.

The Father-Hyrum, I'll call you back I need to pray with Mythaq.

Hyrum S.-It's okay. I understand. I'll get Dan and the others. I'm also calling a dectective that I know and will ask her about who might have done this tonite.

The Father-Thank you.

When he hangs up He feels Mythaq's grip on His hand grow stronger. Like she's holidng onto Him for dear life.

The Father-Where does it hurt?

Mythaq-My heart.

The Father-Do you want to see Dan?

He hears his work phone ring. Louder than usual.

Dan-This is Daniel, how can I help you? This call may be monitored or recorded for quality and compliance purposes...

Hyrum S.-Tell your boss that you need to leave. Right now!

Dan Sherrill-Hyrum, what is it?

Hyrum S.-It's Mythaq Osterly.

Dan-I just left her 2 voicemails. It's the day after the anniversary of us meeting. I almost cried just now at my desk. God, I miss her so much. I always seem to call when I know she's not there because I'm scared she will answer and hang up on me and I don't know what's worse, leaving her messages she will probably delete or knowing that she's not going to return my calls. Or knowing that if she picked up she might just hang up on me again. It's a hard day for me to endure. I haven't slept. I might leave one tomorrow, just to get it through her thick skull that I miss her and love her with all of my heart.

Hyrum S.-She's dying.

Time stops dead in it's tracks.

There is a long pause.

Dan's manager looks over as his mouth is hanging open, with nothing to say.

Hyrum S.-Her shuttle was fired at and she got hit in the crossfire. The Father is with her. He's flying the shuttle himself, whatever's left of it.

Dan-Who did this to my soul mate?

Hyrum S.-He doesn't know, yet. He did find almost all of the Nephi plates aboard her shuttle.

Dan-I'll be there in a little while. Just please don't let anything happen to Mythaq.

Hyrum S.-I haven't told my brother and Karolina, yet. Do you want me to?

Dan-I'm sure they won't mind coming to my rescue.

Addie walks close to Dan, seeing him with his head down on his desk, in tears.

Addie-I'll tell them. Don't worry, just go on and drive to your friends and your beloved.

He races from his desk to the time clock to his car.

The drive to his shuttle and from his shuttle to Heaven is a long emotional journey.

The first person to greet him in Heaven is Cay'q Stem.

Cay'q-I'm sorry, hun. I really am. I know you will be sad if she dies, but I'm always here for you.

Dan-Hey, let's just hope for the best.

Just then they both notice the remains of Mythaq's shuttle attempting a clean landing near Dan's shuttle. Right next to it. Just like their cars on Christmas Eve.

The hatch opens and the first thing Dan sees is The Father with Mythaq in His arms. Almost lifeless.

Dan holds out his arms, as The Father hands her to him.

Dan-She never did weigh much.

The Father-She doesn't have much longer, and you two need to be alone. Cay'q, can you help me unload these gold plates from the shuttle?

Cay'q-Sure, my friend.

Once they're out of view, Dan walks Mythaq to a nearbye house. That of Timothy.

Instead of knocking, he manages to kick the door a few times.

A couple of seconds later it's answered by Katelyn Socoroa, and soon the rest of her prayer group.

Huge tears are falling from Dan's eyes.

Katelyn Socoroa-Oh dear God, your beloved. What is wrong with her?

Dan-Your Husband was with her. Someone fired on her shuttle.

Katelyn-Is He okay?

Dan-I know I'm going to end up telling this story second hand, but she had the Nephi plates.

Katelyn-I knew that much. Mon and Mor just left. They were talking about feeling as it the plates were in danger. We prayed with them. The said they got one of them from her but she had a fight with Mr. Corda'lie in her house.

Timothy walks closer and helps Dan lay Mythaq down on his living room couch. To rest.

Katelyn-I guess another one of the plate keepers was there and put quite a scare into Mr. Corda'lie. These plates are pretty sacred, aren't they?

Timothy-I've been doing some reading of my own. Apparently Mor was the one who visited Joseph in his sleep and told him about them. Something about a record of the Americas and how Jesus had some neat adventures there long before places like Sycamore and DeKalb ever existed. They're a sacred record. Geneology is more like it.

Dan has returned to her side with a glass of water.

Dan-I doubt this will help, but drink this. It might hydrate you a little bit.

Mythaq-Thank you.

Dan-How do you feel, honey?

Mythaq-Cared for.

Dan-That's good.

Mythaq-I read all of them. All of the 'Alia and the Boy' novels. I read them online. Every night. I cried so much during the 'Legal aid' story. God I wanted to call you. It hurt me to read your feelings and be so powerless.

Dan-At least I have seven novels to remember you by...I can't believe I just said that. No, you're going to be fine.

Mythaq-I'm bleeding badly, aren't I?

He uses his hand to cover her almost fatal wound.

Dan-Nothing my love can't fix.

Mythaq-I have something to tell you...

Dan-What is it dear?

Mythaq-I will marry you.

Dan-But you're dying in my arms.

Mythaq-Doesn't matter. I read 'Made in Portugal' and I'm answering you. Yes I will marry you.

The others walk from the kitchen with a plate of food for her and a Bible to pray with.

There is a knock on Timothy's door.

Katelyn-I'll get it.

It appears to be Hyrum, Joseph and Karolina.

Hyrum-We wanted to check on Dan and his lady.

Joseph-A couple of friends of mine would like to pray for her.

Just as he finishes his words, a car pulls up to the driveway and two men walk quickly to the front door and are let in.

Mr. Taylor-Thank you for seeing us.

B-Hi.

B is an almost overweight man with bitter features, and a long white beard, but a hopeful smile on his face.

Mr. Taylor-I have a little present for the young lady on the couch.

He walks close to her and digs his hand into his shirt pocket.

Mr. Taylor-This is from me to you. It saved me once, maybe it'll save you.

B-Don't worry, miss, we're friends.

Joseph quietly asks B to talk in the kitchen.

What Mr. Taylor produces is a small watch. The same watch that saved his life in the shootout that claimed the lives of brothers Hyrum and Joseph.

She holds it in her hand and notices that it still reads 5:16pm.

Mythaq-I'm not sure who you are, but thanks.

Mr. Taylor-No, thank you. For returning the plates to us.

Mythaq-Wait, I know who you are now.

Meanwhile in the kitchen, old friends meet for the first time in a very long while.

B-Is she going to make it?

Joseph S.-I don't think so.

B-I'm glad the plates are back.

Joseph S.-Me, too.

B-Bad things would've happened if they'd stayed gone longer. You know that, right?

Joseph S.-I do. It would've fallen on my shoulders.

Karolina-Joseph aren't you going to introduce me to the great B?

Joseph S.-Sorry, hun. B, this is Karolina Scott. We survived a burning house together. She's adorable.

B-Nice to meet you.

Joseph S.-We're not married, she's just my girlfriend.

B-(Sigh)Great. We better check on Miss Osterly.

By the time they walk back into the living room he is a mess, with tears falling from his eyes.

Dan-She finally said yes, and then died in my arms.

Karolina-Oh dear God!

The Father almost breaks down Timothy's door with Cay'q Stem and Rachel Deschanel, who, herself, has just been told of the situation.

The Father-She's gone, isn't she?

Hyrum S.-I'm afraid so.

The Father-I guess you guys don't have to go line dancing tonite, like she had asked. We got the plates, but we lost a beloved.

Dan looks up at The Father with tears falling from his eyes at a record pace.

Dan-What am I going to do now?

The Father-Faith. I'll just have to find someone else for you.

A strange knock is heard on Timothy's door.

Detective Lynn Anderson-Is Dan Sherrill here?

Dan-Yeah, that's me.

Lynn-This you're lady?

Dan-She's gone.

Lynn-I know I saw it on the news. Someone videotaped the assault on her shuttle.

The Father walks closer to the conversation.

Lynn-Here, I printed off some sketches of the ship that fired on Mythaq Osterly.

The Father glances at them, and then something comes over him. Something startles Him.

Lynn-What is it?

The Father-I know what hit us.

Lynn-Care to step outside?

The Father-I'll be right back, you guys, don't move the body of Miss Osterly.

Once outside the house, The Father asks Lynn if she'll take Him in her shuttle to scout the locaiton of the ship that fired on Mythaq.

Lynn-Here's my shuttle. Don't worry. It's got West Iley plates on it. Whoever you think we're looki1ng for won't recognize the markings on it. Hardly anyone lives on West Iley.

Meanwhile aboard their starship, three men plot out their next move.

J2-So you think it will work this time?

L2-We've taken out their lifeforce. She will not survive.

LOH-Shh. I hear a shuttle pull up.

He hits the intercom buttom to send a message to the pilot of the mysterious shuttle.

LOH-State your name and business!

Lynn turns to The Father.

Lynn-What do I say?

He takes to pressing to intercom button himself.

The Father-Permission to board is requested. Myself and my assistant, Lynn Anderson.

J2 turns to his father.

J2-Do you know who the Hell that is?

LOH-Oh no. Wait. Why would He want to board my ship?

J2-Be careful.

LOH-Permission...granted.

The Father-You heard him. Let's go.

She stops him.

Lynn-His voice sounded just like yours.

The Father-I know.

Lynn-What's going on here?

The Father-A showdown, I believe. We look exactly alike, by the way.

Lynn-What? How can that be?

The Father-He's a copy. A poor attempt, but a copy. He's an 'Inventor.' Highly dangerous. I'm avenging the loss of my friend's soul mate.

Once they board the ship she stays close to His side, hoping to not come in contact with any of the three copies. One of L, one of Jesus and one of The Father.

J2-They're aboard. The Father and a woman. Look.

All eyes focus on the main monitor, which shows them The Father and a seventeen year old woman with blonde hair.

The Father-Whatever you do, don't take anything these three men have to say with anything, but a grain of salt. They're copies. So the one who looks like Jesus, looks completely like Him. And don't get freaked out when you meet LOH. He looks just like me.

The three men walk in view of Lynn and The Father.

LOH-State your name, young lady.

Lynn-Detective Lynn Anderson. I'm here to investigate the shuttle of Mythaq Osterly being fired at by your ship here.

Surprising The Father, she makes a bold statement.

Lynn-The three of you are under arrest by the West Iley government for attempted murder.

LOH-Did she die?

Lynn-Yes.

LOH-I'm sorry.

Lynn-You're not sorry!

She produces a set of handcuffs.

LOH-Wouldn't you need a motive first?

Lynn-My friend, what would their motivation be?

The Father-You're the detective, figure it out. It shouldn't be too hard.

Lynn-You have the right to remain silent, anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford one, a counsel will be appointed to you. Do you have any questions? You are under arrest for the attempted murder of Mythaq Osterly-Sherrill.

L2-Since when are they married?

Lynn-Get out of my three feet of personal space, L2. Think I don't know your name?

L2-You're seventeen. I think I can defend myself.

The Father-Back off, L2! At least she's human. You can't hurt her.

L2-I do have an attorney.

Lynn-Please state his name.

L2-Stephen Scott. Are you happy now? He'd be glad to represent all three of us.

Lynn-My friend, why is that name sending a shiver down your spine?

The Father uses his cell phone to call an unexpected contact.

L2-You know it's true, buddy. He was in a car accident. Karolina will never be safe. He was in the Book of Life, he's going to find her. Even if he takes a tour of Hell first, he will find her. Even if he has a cell reserved for him in Hell, he'll get out. You don't think it's possible to be promised to Hell and Heaven both? Your loss.

Time stops. Both The Father and Lynn collapse on the floor of the shuttle.

He, again, can't focus on the story at hand and notices a few things have been changed and that it's hard to focus on something so sad as the eventual loss of her.

He goes to work the next day and sits at his desk to try to work, but can't.

Addie walks over to check on him.

Dan-She didn't return my call.

Addie-From yesterday?

Dan-Yeah. Fuck it. I can't do this job anyway. I hate it here. It just reminds me of her and I want to quit. Hell with 'Alia and the Boy.' I'm done. She'll never return my call. I even left her my new extension here. I just want to pig out and eat whatever someone puts in front of me and go home and puke it back up and lay there and never wake up.

Addie-Alright, everyone shut up!!

The office freezes.

Addie-Now, leave her another message.

He picks up the phone and dials her number.

The phone is slammed back down onto the hook.

Dan-I can't. Cay'q told me not to leave another message.

Addie-Is she here?

Dan-Well, no.

Addie-Don't worry about the story you're writing or anything right now.

Dan-It's no use. She's not listening to me anymore. I might as well write her out of 'Alia and the Boy' like I was doing. See I want this to be the last novel about my crying and broken down self over a woman I can't have anymore.

Addie-Do what you want, but I know she's listening. Her voicemail is hooked up to her phone right? Even if she deletes your messages, she still knows that you're leaving them. I'd offer to drive you right to her doorstep, but I can't leave work, and I have to pick up my kid at 5:30.

He picks up the phone one more time.

Dan-Mythaq, I know I left you two messages yesterday, but I was hoping to hear from you. It's important that you return my call. I just miss you. That's all. We had the greatest relationship for those two or three months. I'm writing you out of 'Alia and the Boy,' but I don't want to. I don't want to write about you returning the Nephi plates. I don't want to write about you dying as the result of another shuttle firing on you. I don't want to write about any more car trouble. I don't want to write about sending you unanswered emails and Ecards. I don't want to write about God fighting a carbon copy of himself. I don't want to write about crying and binge eating anymore. All I wanted to write about is making it right with you. Here's my work number again. Please call me. I'll be here until 9pm. Please call me back.

The recorder makes it's trademark tone and the message is saved to the memory of the recorder.

Dan-I'm leaving! I'm taking the day off tomorrow and I'm abandoning this woman.

Addie-Fine! But she still may love you, yet. Don't write her out of 'Alia and the Boy.'

Dan-Why not? She won't read them!

The office is still silent.

Once again he runs to the timeclock and punches out and gets in his car and drives home.

The 30 mile drive to North Iley is longer than usual. Or maybe it just feels that way. Still having to finish the sequel to the last novel, he pulls over and makes a phone call, only to realize that he doesn't have any more cell phone time, yet, until friday.

He gets himself to the library to work on more of the novel and comes to a point that he must write her another letter, if only in story form.

Mythaq Osterly,

Well, you've done it to me again. You've cause me to think about you when I should be working. I should be writing. I'm trying to write a novel and it's not working. Karolina ended the last novel in your house, and at the beginning of this one she's at home with Joseph. I can't focus. I wish I could. I miss you. I knew you would be the heartbreaker type. I should've left your number tore up in my desk draw after the second time we ever talked. All you did was cause me harm and trouble and tears. I'm done with it.

I forgive you. I do. For hurting me. I pleaded with you not to hurt me, but you did it anyway. You just did it anyway. I didn't do anything to deserve it, either. Yes, I'm bitter. Damn right. But I love you dearly. I really do. I promise you that much.

I would like to work on a friendship with you. Something special. It's apparant what needs to happen here. Maybe in a year or so I'll come sit down at the familiar pew in church and give you a look of absolute love. That's the only way this will ever either be put to rest or rekindled. This is going to be the last novel I write with my heart being stolen by you in mind. I'm tired and I need to walk home and get back to sleep and come back and start this over again, only I want you to read what I have so far. I have a few ideas. One being that I wasted valuable time on Christmas Eve. I should've never driven around the block. Your car was there. I could've walked in, but I was scared. I turned the car around and needed something to do for a few minutes before more people came to the service. I did manage to find a retirement home to park at and I sat in my car and tried to sing alone with a CD, but it didn't work. I ended up crying during one of the songs I was listening to. I know I wrote that a few other people were with me in the car helping me through it, but in all honesty, honey, there weren't. Just me and God.

I walked in, finally, and there you were. As expected. I know what I put in 'Made in Portugal' but my open and honest feeling going into it was that it was going to be a trainwreck. Everyone was trying to talk me out of going there that night. Best friends were telling me to stay the Hell away from you, even through you appeared to want me around again. I was hearing from people I trust with my life that 'I'm just setting myself up to get hurt again.' I don't know what your plans for me were that night, but I've been thinking about it a lot. What was your motivation? I should've asked you, but I was distracted by staying in the moment. If only I had talked to you longer on the phone, when you were being nice. I've taken long breaks before.

I can't quite figure out why you were being so nice to me that day. I wasn't expecting it. Not at all. What were you hiding about what was going to happen? I guess I was hopeful when you said you might say hi to me in church. I should've been mad at you for saying that. If you were trying to hurt my feelings by not even sitting by me when I got there, you did a good job though. I wanted to walk out then and there for just that one reason.

But I didn't. I stuck it out. I sat there and watched you sing so beautifully those Christmas songs. I wanted to focus on Jesus, but I couldn't. It felt like my life was either going to change for the better or for the worse at the end of the next 2 and a half hours. Why couldn't you just sit me down and be honest with me. Instead, if I hadn't have raced to my car to put my things from the church away, you were all set to just race away from me and my heart. Successfully hurting me even more. Why, honey? Is that all you wanted me to see that night, that you are heartless?

Forgive me for being just a little bitter, but I kind of see your motivation right now. It's not making me feel very good. To think I invested a year into you and put my life on hold for you to suddenly and magically appear out of nowhere to pick me up from crying, or to pick me up from the tollway plaza I was stuck at. You and me. We're done. I know when I say that I'll get a sign from you, like I always do. I should call you when I know you're home, instead of when I know you're not home. I still can't believe you didn't call me back. I know they deliver the collect call messages. They try them 8 times before giving up. 8 times! So that should've told me a thousand times that you were not actually my soul mate after all. Just a liar. I hate to call you that, but you stole my heart, lied to me, and then pretended to everyone at church that we were friends. Great. It's all becoming clearer to me now. You wanted to wait until we were outside so you could break my heart again, and have it be out of view from all the other people you only pretend to like as well.

Well, you're right on that one. It was cold. Not just cold, but bitter cold. Of all the days of the year, you chose to make me cry on Jesus' birthday. Then why do I still love you? And why would I still take you back and marry you in an instant? To relive that every single solitary time I look at you. Your beauty might cover up a lot, but what it can't cover up is that this thing that you did with me will be on your record for a long time. Maybe not on a police record, but in your own memory. You can't erase those. How many other guys have you done this to? How many?

Did they all love you at first, and did you love them back at first, too, and them break them apart like you did me? I can't erase you, either. Not ever. It's on my record, too. I'm just as much to blame as you are. I didn't act on the moment. I didn't ask you to marry me at the bookstore. Or at the place we went for ice cream. I missed so many chances. I was scared of you. Scared I'd finally found the one woman that truly made me happy. I wish all the time that by some unknown chance I'd see your number flash on my work caller ID or my cell phone. How can I do that to someone new? We need closure. You don't want to ever give that to me. You end everything in a big 'To be continued' sign. A sign that you do love me, after all.

Well, listen up. I love you dearly. I hated to have to break it off with a couple of awesome girlfriends I had between you and now. I hated it like Hell. I couldn't hardly focus on anyone new when I was busy chasing the ghost of you. For the last year. I can't keep chasing that ghost. Sure I can write novels about you haunting the place where we met, throwing Joseph's plates through the windows, but that's what I felt like you were doing to me. Haunting my heart and my life until I reached out to you. Which is what I did that day in my car at work, and you seemed so happy to be hearing from me. I wanted to cry, but I thought I'd better hold that part back. When I got the email from your friend I wanted to say so many things to him. Just like the day you yelled at me in the same church and I was left to plead for my heart with some stranger I'd never even met before. Or did you feel like you were caught in the act of trying to mercilessly hurt someone? So badly that you didn't want anyone to know that it might show up on your record someday. That you'd have to be held accountable for the reasons you did what you did to me, with no remorse at all.

I have to say in this last letter, goodbye to you. Goodbye my love. You can keep me in your memory, as long as it's a good one somewhere in the midst of all the tension and arguing and hope. I would still marry you, in case you're wondering. It would make my life complete, knowing that the woman of my dreams was not just in my dreams anymore. You've been in my dreams and nightmares for a year now, but there comes a time when the dreams change topics and my heart reclaims itself for maybe someone new. I'm moving you out of there today. I know I'm thinking of you right now, while writing this for loads of people to read in a novel, but in all honesty, I'm writing this to preserve you in my heart forver. I don't want the character of Mythaq Osterly in 'Alia and the Boy' anymore because it will just make me think of you. You're stored in my memory as a good memory. Even though the bad outweighed the good, what good we did have was not just good. It was amazing. I miss you, my love. I really, truly miss you. I haven't let myself get involved too much with anyone else for fear I would get that call from you in the middle of the night, asking me to come visit you on East Kaesa, and you know? I would've come. Even if it was late. I would've been there for you. At your every call and ask.

I don't have much in my studio apartment. Enough for one trip or two. I could stay with you. You're not far from my work. I say this because I remember the night, sitting with me on your couch, you asked me if I liked your house. And everything about you. Damn. Of course I did. I loved it so much. Just seemed like I was dreaming at every turn. Seeing the movie. Having you give me your flavored water, and ice cream later. After I told you that I was married before. And watching you cry as I retold a story I rarely tell anyone about how I meesed up and got married for 6 months. I don't remember what you said, but in a few seconds we were back in each other's arms and everything was fine. I spent 8 hours with you that night. Can you believe that? Then just as much the next day. I'm so lucky to have known you like I did. My only problem was I was expecting you to hurt me from day one. What would've made you any different than anyone else? Sorry, I didn't mean to feel that way, but I seriously thought I was dreaming or getting a temporary wish granted by God.

I just can't seem to forget about you. Why should I? You changed my life, and then ruined it, my dear. I know this is getting long and I have to try to make sense out of this novel I'm supposed to be writing. It won't be too hard to fix. I just got a little sidetracked by your memory, as often I do. I guess this whole 'year anniversary' of 'Cross Shatter Eye' has got me feeling a little down. I don't mean to take it out on my coworkers. It's been a hard few days for me. It's a night that will live on in my heart as the night I met my soul mate.

On that subject I want you to know that you are my soul mate. I'm not and can't look God in the eye and call him a liar. He told me who I belong with and I'm not in any position to argue with him. I've known it was you since the moment I met you, and that night at the bookstore He did tell me that it was you. All along. We might just need a while apart. That's it. Maybe you need to pick up your phone and have no choice but to either hang up on me or talk to me. What will that say about you if you hang up? We're still bonded together by whatever the Hell brought us together, honey.

We've still got that. What was it about me that made you call me that first time. Granted it took you two weeks to do it, you still did. We just got off track. Why can't we just go back to the way things used to be. When I'd get Ecards and emails from you, almost every day. You sent me one that said you thought I was sweet. You looked me in the eye and told me I was beautiful. Those things I'd never heard from anyone else in my life. Here's this woman I'd met at a line dance club telling me these sacred things and Hell with you! I believed you! I really truly did.

My eyes are getting heavy and I need to walk home from the library and get some sleep. I'm sorry to cut this short, but until I hear from you, this is going to be my last letter to you, so I wanted to make sure it covered everything I wanted to say to you. Maybe you'll read it, maybe 200 people will read it. I don't care anymore. I'm ready to start over and find someone new. Even if we were together, would I be back to walking on egg shells in talking to you? Would I? I'm sorry I'm not rich like you, and can't afford to keep my prepaid phone on all the time. Sometimes it's off for weeks at a time, but damn you, you have my work number. Twice. I love you, but I have to say goodbye now.

Love always, your soul mate

Dan

As soon as he hits 'save' on his novel, he feels a tap on his shoulder. It's Joseph S. Along with him stands Hyrum and Karolina.

Joseph S.-Hey, kid.

Dan-Um. Hi. I'm so sorry about the way this story is going so far. I had really big ideas for it, but I guess I got off course a little.

Joseph S.-Elder Gamble just dropped by. He's a neat guy. We got the plates back. All of them. Let's go.

Dan-Go? Where?

Karolina-Back to Iley. You need to rest. We're going with you to the line dance place. I talked the Smith brothers, here, into coming with. I know it's going to be hard to be there after your little 'anniversary.'

Dan-Sorry about the continuity error at the beginning of the story.

Karolina-It's alright. You've been way too stressed out. Wait, just say me and the Fluid guys got lost or something.

The library elevator opens to reveal Tyrone and Starter Fluid.

Tyrone Fluid-Lost? I'm never lost.

Starter Fluid-Something's not right here.

Acting on suspicion he walks over to one of the other students studying for mid terms in the library.

Starter-I'm an attorney at law from Madrid, Spain. Where are we?

Carlie Benning-'Universe 6.' Where else would you be?

Starter-Got it. Thanks.

Tyrone-Dan, come with us. Put the story down. Well, save it first, then come with us. Someone did this to you.

Dan-Did what?

Tyrone-Made you turn this into another letter to Mythaq Osterly. She's got some control over you. Over your typing. Over your heart. We're getting out of here.

The elvator opens again. It's Helen Mar.

Helen-Hi Dan.

Dan-We meet again. You don't live too far from here, right?

Helen-No, I don't. I had a feeling you were in trouble. I'm here to help. I've been reading your novel at home. I like how they're written in 'Real Time,' but seriously, my house is the only place not affected by Miss Osterly. I also got a call this morning from a father and son who had found the rest of the gold plates from my Joseph. I've got them. She's trying to sabotage your writing, hun. It's not going to work with me around. I'll fight her.

Karolina, the Smith brothers, and the Fluid twins make their way to Helen Mar's home with Dan. A place all too familiar to Joseph.

He rides in her front seat. Taking several long looks at her beautiful face.

Joseph S.-Thank you, again.

Helen-Don't mention it. Just be lucky you were married to someone who still cares about you.

Joseph S.-Karolina, this is Helen Mar. I used to be...

She gives a smile from the backseat of Helen's car.

Karolina-I know. Hi Helen.

Helen-Relax, my dear, he and I are just friends now.

Once they arrive back at her house, there are several cars in her parking lot.

Helen turns to Joseph.

Helen-Looks like your friends are here.

Ammaron walks from his car, with Mon and Mor following closeby.

Ammaron-My friend, Joseph, we ended up here somehow. I don't know how I wound up in this car with my two friends.

Mor-Did you find the plates?

Joseph S.-I think so. The rest of them are inside, right, Helen?

Helen-Yes.

Mor-Where were they?

Helen-Near the Hill Shim. Only it was the Hill Shim of this place you've been transported to, 'Universe 6.' She must've hid them in plain view. Hoping someone would find them and return them to me.

Ammaron-Can we have them?

Helen-You may.

Ammaron-Thank you.

She is startled to find her front door unlocked.

Dan-She's here.

Helen-Do you know for sure?

Dan-Yeah.

Helen-Well, kid, now's your chance.

He opens the front door but Mythaq is nowhere to be found.

Dan-Mythaq!!

Still nothing.

Roxanne Lorelie'je, Rachel Deschanel and Karla Law-Monday walk from the guest room with worried looks on their faces.

Rachel Deschanel-Dan, Mythaq isn't here. We were transported as well. Something's definitly not right here, though. I can't put my finger on it, but I'm scared.

Roxanne Lorelie'je-Hi honey, I'm not used to seeing you as Dan, can you put your badge on and talk as Aaron.

Dan-I don't want to right now. Maybe in the next novel. Just in case...

Roxanne-In case she calls you. Dear, she's not going to call you.

Dan-How can you be so sure?

Roxanne-She died, remember.

Dan-No, that's just in the story.

Roxanne-We had to distract you. They laid her to rest a few minutes ago. I'm sorry to have to tell you this way. She's really gone.

Dan-What happened to me? I was in the room...in Heaven...I was holding her hand. Joseph S. and B were in the kitchen. She died in my arms. She told me she was going to marry me. She was going to be my wife.

Roxanne-The Father stepped in. He didn't want you more upset.

Dan-Damn.

Roxanne-I'm sorry, my friend. I know she meant a lot to you. Kate gave you something to keep your mind off the fact that your lady died.

Dan-I guess she's not my lady anymore.

Huge teardrops are seen falling from his eyes.

Roxanne-We all mourn her.

The others cautiously walk back into the house and close to the conversaiton.

Helen-Honey, maybe it would help if we prayed for you and for her soul tonite. Anyone want to join?

Everyone seems to nod their head.

Joseph S.-Lets bow our heads, shall we?

Just then there is a knock on the Helen's door.

Hyrum walks to answer it.

The Father-Is Dan here?

Hyrum-Yes. How'd you find us?

The Father-God works in mysterious ways. This is my friend, Lynn Anderson.

She walks right up to Dan and holds him in her arms.

Lynn-I'm so sorry. When The Father and I were aboard LOH's shuttle I kept thinking about how sorrowful you must be feeling right now and I wanted to come. We left the shuttle, and those creepy guys and came straight here. Can you believe there's people who would go to great lengths to impersonate The Father and Jesus and L. Scary, huh?

Dan-Thanks for coming.

Lynn-I know you now. You're a sweet friend. Just because you're using me for this story, doesn't mean I don't know who you are, really, and how much this gal meant to you.

Dan-Thanks, again. You're special to me, too.

They manage all to bow their heads in Helen's living room.

Joseph S.-I'll lead.

Helen-Okay.

Joseph S.-Dear Lord, I know your standing here with me, but I just pray for the soul of Mythaq Osterly. I know we've all known a different part of her personality. Part good and part bad. And I know she meant a Hell of a lot to my friend over here, and I personally had a lot of care for her as a friend. She will be greatly missed, not only on North Iley, but the entire galaxy. Also in 'Alia and the Boy.' I just pray that Karolina and I know and love each other for a long time. She's wonderful. I know I had to wait my whole life to find her in this way that you have shown me. I just wish the same had happened for Dan and Mythaq.

He feels Karolina's hand holding his.

Dan-Dear Lord, I just want to thank you for such great friends on this traumatic night that I know I will have to get through. It's good to know that I'm leaving this in your hands. I know you had me meet her for a reason and I know you had it all planned out, up there in Heaven. You probably even knew I was going to wake you up out a sound sleep the night I met her. Only to burst through your door telling you how I found the woman of my dreams. I know you've seen me through this whole year long thing. I know it's time to let her go and let us be just a memory. As much as I don't want to, it's time to move on from this. She was exactly 100% what I am looking for and cannot seem to find in anyone else. I guess once I met her I blocked out any other possibilities, and I know you wouldn't want me to do that, so I'm not. We got the plates back and yeah there's still a hole in my heart, but I know there must be some bandages I can get that will cover it up while it's healing.

They open their eyes, while Dan is crying.

She walks over and offers a hug.

Dan-Thanks. Happy Birthday, by the way. I know it's coming up.

Lynn-Your welcome. Thanks for basing a character on me. I'm glad to listen, if you need to talk.

Dan-I might just take you up on that.

Roxanne-Dan, can I talk to you in private?

Dan-Sure.

The two walk to Helen's guest room. And shut the door.

Roxanne-I haven't seen you in a while. I mean, Aaron. Same person. Anyway, I hope this doesn't upset you too much that you stop writing and moap around Iley. People talk, you know.

Dan-I know. I promise to be Aaron in the next story.

She places a kiss on his cheek.

Roxanne-Hey, don't worry, true love waits.

He freezes.

Dan-Where did you hear that!

Roxanne-Hear what?

Dan-That phrase.

She takes a deep breath.

Dan-Sorry to use that tone of voice. That phrase was on a ring she used to wear.

The door is knocked on and Mr. Taylor is let in by Joseph S.

Mr. Taylor-I'm here to see Dan.

Joseph S.-Anytime, buddy.

When Dan walks back into the living room to see Mr. Taylor he is relieved.

Mr. Taylor-They just layed her to rest.

Dan-Thank you.

Mr. Taylor-I stuck the watch in her casket.

Dan-Wow. That was your watch from the shootout.

Mr. Taylor-I know. Couldn't think of a better place for it to rest than with her.

Dan-I'm in debt to you now.

Mr. Taylor-No, you're not. The watch is with her. So she'll always rember the adventures she had with you.

Dan-Oh God, I want to cry.

Mr. Taylor-It's okay. Let it out.

He sits on Helen's couch with a handful of tissues.

The Father walks close and sits down next to him.

The Father-I don't think I quite know how to say anything that will make you feel better, but I'm always here to help. I know we haven't seen much down time since the whole thing started, but trust me, I have big plans for you. It's not going to be any easier for me to pick someone else for you. That's going to be hard on me. I had my heart set on her, for you. Now it's over. I have let you down. I have. We kind of just left LOH and his two henchmen to come down here to be with you. I could've had some amazing battle with him, but this issue is more pressing than that. Anytime. I'll deal with him later.

He looks up from crying to look deep into The Father's eyes.

Dan-I'm not upset with you. I know you better than to be mad at you. I'm sure whoever you pick to replace Mythaq will be fine for me. I'm sure she's out there waiting for me to find her and in all honesty, I can't wait. I would've grown old with Mythaq Osterly. I would've married her, and I would've had kids with her in a second, but only the 'her' from the few times we got to spend together. We never got along on the phone. Once, maybe. We just couldn't see eye to eye. It was only when we were physically close that we really lit up the place. I'm feeling her leave my heart as we're talking. Is it normal to mourn someone who hurt me so badly for so long?

The Father-I imagine so. You cared for her a lot, and now that she's gone I'm sure everytime you read the last seven novels on the site you'll think of her.

He looks back at the crowd around them smiling partially, for once in a long while.

Roxanne-You'll find someone.

Karla Law-Monday-Hey, why do we all go line dancing this Saturday? Sounds like fun.

Dan-Sounds like I need to unwind a little, too. I'm sad about Mythaq, but at least I know that God has someone new thought of for my soul mate. I'm glad I wasn't at the funeral and that Mr. Taylor took care of everything.

Karla-Then you'll come?

Dan-It's on!

The others return home, but at her insistance, Dan and Joseph S. remain. Even Karolina has gone home, to Heaven, to take a nap after such a long few days.

Joseph S.-You wanted to talk?

Helen-Are we still married?

Joseph S.-This is 'Universe 6' I don't think I can bring you with me. Plus, what would I tell Karolina, and plus you told me last time I was here that you were over me.

Helen-You are never over a husband. Someone you cared so deeply for. Dan will never be over Mythaq completely. He may tell himself that, but he never will. Speaking of which, where is he?

Dan has wandered back into the guest room that he found the note from Mythaq before. He lays down on the bed and starts to fall asleep, but is awakened by a presence being felt in the room.

Noticing the door being shut, he can't imagine who would walk through a wall to egt to him, so he opens his eyes to reveal her glory to him.

Mythaq-I might be laid to rest in the physical way, and out of 'Alia and the Boy' at the end of this novel, but I'm not going without telling you that you are a sweet guy. I love you Dan Sherrill. I always will. In spirit form. In the form of the place in your heart that you will always have for me. I know you can't fully kick me out of your thoughts. It's near to impossible for you to go one day without thinking about me. I hope you don't change. I know I hurt you. I know I did. I butchered your heart, but you still would wake in the middle of the night to talk to me and hold me in your arms if I ever called me. I know this to be the truth. Your Mormon friends are really sweet.

She pulls the watch from Mr. Taylor out of her pocket.

Mythaq-This way I'll never forget what you and the Mormons did for me. They seem nice enough. I'm sure they will like your novels about them, and as much as I got emotional about the ones you wrote about me, I liked them a lot.

Dan-I...I love you.

Mythaq-I know you do. We only have to the end of this novel to talk. Then I will be no more.

Dan-I know. So we only have a little while left. Joseph and Helen are in the other room, so we can talk and be alone.

She looks at him as he takes another long gaze at the picture of him that sits on her kitchen counter top.

Joseph S.-Why do you still keep this, if you've moved on?

Helen-Hope.

Joseph S.-Hope? Hope that we'll be together?

Helen-I had nightmares. Bad ones. When you got shot. I kept seeing it in my head. Over and over. Even though I wasn't there. Even though another of your wives was there instead of me. I still had it play in my heart and my dreams over and over. The worst is when I hear the bullets leave the guns and you take your last breath. My husband was shot to death in cold blood for believing in God. How else could I explain it to my parents and to myself.

Joseph S.-Why are you crying?

She wraps her arms around him.

Helen-Because I miss you. It's been so nice having you here the last time and now this time. I don't want to let you go again. Nothing else compares to this and you. I knew it when you walked into the restaurant I work at before with Dan and that woman that it was going to be a special day and it was. I wasn't just being formal in bringing you back here, I meant it with all of my heart to yours. Otherwise I would've never married you, Joseph.

Joseph S.-I never knew any of this, my dear.

Helen-Well...(crying) You know now. I was only 14 then, dear. I'm not 14 anymore.

Joseph S.-Finding you wasn't a mistake. I'm sorry.

She openly cries harder as he holds her in his arms.

Helen-I still love you.

Joseph S.-Well, that explains the picture.

Helen-No, I really do love you, Joseph, and I know it would tear Karolina's heart out, but keep this between you and me.

Joseph S.-I will.

Tears are making his shirt damp as she lets all of her emotion fall from her eyes onto his shoulder.

Helen-I'm sorry to unload that on you. We haven't seen each other in ages.

She gets up and picks up his picture and tries putting it in one her kitchen drawers, but is stopped by Joseph.

Helen-No, let me get rid of this.

Joseph S.-Please don't.

Tears fall quickly, down her face.

Helen-I missed you so much.

Joseph S.-Shh. Just rest here in my arms.

He holds her closer in his arms. This time with his heart, too.

Helen-Maybe Mythaq and Dan will get a second chance someday, too.

Joseph S.-Someday. I hope. They deserve to be together. And happy.

He turns to look Mythaq in the eye one last time from being in her arms, while Joseph and Helen are talking.

Dan-I guess this is goodbye.

Mythaq-Yeah.

Dan-I love you. Always.

Mythaq-I know you do, honey.

Dan-Somewhere, wherever you end up, I hope they have email and the internet so you can read this and know how much I love you.

Mythaq-Bye Daniel.

Dan-Bye.

He leans in to kiss her, but she vanishes into the afterlife.

He sheds many tears for her over the next five minutes.

Helen-We better check on Dan.

They open the guest room door to find Dan wiping tears from his eyes.

Helen-Something wrong, honey?

Dan-I'm never good at goodbye.

Helen-No one ever is.

He notices her crying.

Dan-We seem to have similar circumstances.

Helen-I think so. You two need to head home, back to Heaven now. I have to work early in the morning at the coffee place. You're welcome to come visit sometime. Hopefully soon.

Dan-Depends on how long there is a 'Universe 6.'

Helen-I hear it'll be here for a while. If Vega has his way this will be a permenant thing.

Dan-I'm glad we met.

She sees them to the door.

Helen-Take care you two.

Dan-I'll call you. We'll be alright. I promise. Thanks for all your help, Helen.

Before the two can walk through the time door back to Heaven, she gives him one last hug. For dear life.

Helen-Your visits recently have answered a lot of prayers. Tell The Father thanks for me.

Joseph S.-I will.

Helen-Karolina's a lucky gal.

Joseph S.-I don't know how to answer that, but thanks for thinking that way and wishing me luck.

Dan and Joseph S. walk through the time door, leading from 'Universe 6' back to Heaven.

Waiting for him is Mon and Mor.

Mor-Thank you for recovering the missing plates. I'll be guarding them from now on.

Mon-You did a good job. I'm surprised.

Joseph S.-I promised I'd get them back. I had a lot of help, but I'm glad people were there to see me through it.

Mor-We're really sorry we scared you before. We were just afraid of the plates being lost and the records on them being gone forever. Just a security issue. They'll be safe with us. Don't worry.

The two spirits shake hands with Joseph and are off their part of Heaven, leaving him to open his front door and walk in. In peace, this time.

Ammoran meets him once inside his home.

Ammoran-Hello, my friend. B and I wanted to make sure you got home okay, so we let ourselves in.

Joseph S.-Thanks. I just want to be alone, though. This has been hard on me, too.

Ammoran-Keep your chin up, buddy. That gal across the street really likes you. Thanks for getting the plates back.

Joseph S.-You're welcome. It wasn't all me, though, I had a lot of help. I mourn the one casualty of this whole thing, though.

She walks from the kitchen to the living room.

Mythaq-The one casualty?

Joseph S.-Yeah. I'm sorry you had to be involved in this.

Mythaq-It's okay. Really, it is. I'm going to be invisible to Dan from here on, but you and I can keep in touch. You guys got your plates back, didn't you?

Ammaron-We did. Thank you for returning them.

Mythaq-So you're not too mad?

Mor-Not too mad.

He walks to The Father's house and knocks on the door.

Katelyn answers and lets him in.

Dan-Can I sleep on your couch?

Katelyn-Sure. Don't you want to go home to North Iley?

Dan-No.

Katelyn-Alright, hang on, I'll get some blankets.

The telephone rings.

Katelyn-Wait, hun, let me get that.

She checks the caller ID. 'East Kaesa'

Katelyn-It's a call from Mythaq Osterly. I'll get it.

It rings again.

Dan-You better answer it.

Katelyn-Hello?

Mythaq-Don't be too sure...

Click. The phone goes dead.

Katelyn-All she said was 'Don't be too sure...' then it just went dead.

Dan-She's still alive out there. Somewhere. I just don't know where.

Katelyn-I do.

She puts her hand on Dan's heart.

Katelyn-This is where Mythaq lives.

Dan-You're right.

He wakes from a nap and walks to follow the sound of Katelyn's voice.

The Father-Who's here, hun? Oh, hi Dan.

Katelyn-No need to worry, my dear, he's just going to sleep on the couch. I think he's exhausted.

The Father-There's some milk and cereal for the morning or middle of the night if you get hungry. I'm so tired. It's good to see you at least partially smiling. Good thing you got the day off work to rest.

It is a long rest. Somehow she is missing from his dreams for the first time. In the middle of the night his cell phone rings. The Father must've recharged it for him when he wasn't looking. Or maybe not.

He answers it. It is now 3am.

Dan-Hello?

Lynn-Just me. I wanted to check on you.

Dan-Lynn, it's 3am.

Lynn-Sorry, I couldn't sleep. Being abord that ship earlier kind of freaked me out.

Dan-I'm sorry. Where are you now?

Lynn-I can't tell you.

He sits up with the phone by his ear.

Dan-Why can't you tell me?

Lynn-Then they will come for you.

Dan-Who?

Lynn-They came in the middle of the night. As soon as I got home.

Dan-Who is behind this?

Lynn-No, I can't tell you.

Dan-Sweety, you can. Please.

Lynn-They want Karolina.

The phone goes dead.

Since it came up 'Unknown Caller' he has no way to call her back.

Dan calls Karolina, when she picks up she can tell that something is truly wrong with his tone of voice.

Karolina-They want me. I know it.

Dan-Who does?

Karolina-Don't tell Joseph or Hyrum, but my ex has died on Earth. It was on purpose.

Dan-Do you think he's working with LOH and the copies of Jesus and L?

Karolina-Tyrone just called me. Starter's brother. He saw some footage of Stephen. He died. That gives him free reigh to terrorize me more. I don't want Joseph to know. He'll only get in the way. I don't want to involve him in this.

Dan-Wait, I have another call coming in.

Without checking the caller ID he answers the call.

Dan-Hello?

Mythaq-Don't be too sure that I don't love you with all of my heart and soul. Even in death I still manage to have things to say to you, like I miss you so much, even though it's only been a few hours since my heart stopped beating. I love you.

Dan-Oh God, I love you, too.

Mythaq-I noticed you still had some room in your novel for me to call you. I know the first time I called you I didn't leave a message on your cell. I didn't know what to say on your recorder.

Dan-The night you attacked me and tried to drown me.

Mythaq-Yeah, that night. I was just jealous that you were going to the movies with someone else other than me.

Dan-It was awful. I mean she was cute and all, but terribly stuck on herself.

Mythaq-Remember me telling you how much I like to put tons of butter on my popcorn. I told you that...

Dan-When we went for ice cream after church. You paid for me that time.

Mythaq-Well, you paid for the movie. So we're even.

Dan-I love you so much.

Mythaq-I know you do.

Dan-Can I ask you a quesiton?

Mythaq-Hurry you only have about 12k to do it in. I know how long winded you are sometimes. I can't sleep, either.

Dan-If we hadn't have gotten so off course before, do you think we would've stil been together to this day?

Mythaq-Honestly?

Dan-Yes.

Mythaq-Yes, I do. You scared me that day when you left those two voice mails. I kept thinking all these thoughts all day until I called you back and you spent 40 minutes trying to calm me down. I felt and I know you are my soul mate. You scared me though. You told me you didn't know if you ever wanted to talk to or see me again, and I didn't know what I did. I didn't know if you found a bill in your office for me or hated me or anything. I called you right back, remember.

Dan-I do. They didn't even care that I took a 40 minute break, when it should only be 10 minutes. Because of that my HR person can't have people use her phones. I pleaded and begged you to listen, but all we ended up doing was crying.Mythaq-Will you call me when your phone is back on?

Dan-When?

Mythaq-Wait a week.

Dan-Why?

Mythaq-I need time to get settled into my afterlife.

Dan-Which one did you decide on?

Mythaq-I'm told I have a new next door neighbor. Stephen Scott.

Dan-Stephen Scott?

Mythaq-Yeah, do you know him?

Dan-Listen to me, honey, ask The Father to move you!

Mythaq-I can't.

Dan-Why?

Mythaq-I'm not with Him, I'm with L.

Dan-No!! Why?

Mythaq-I don't deserve Heaven. I chose to spend time in Hell for what I did to you. You can call me, and I can call you, but I'm not in Heaven, my love.

Dan-Put L on the phone.

She hands the phone to him.

L-Dan, I'm so sorry. She demanded it. I couldn't stop her.

Dan-Nevermind that. Keep both eyes on Stephen Scott.

L-Why? Is he dangerous?

Dan-He's working with LOH and L2. Not to mention J2.

L-Oh really? Is L2 still running around claiming to be me? Nice.

Dan-They're coming for Karolina!

L-Not if I can help it.

Dan-Just keep an eye on him. Don't let him near Mytyhaq!

L-I'll put her in with Eliza. Thanks for letting me know.

Dan-L?

L-Yeah?

Dan-Joseph S. has the thing in his ear. I'm worried about him.

L-Trust me, if L2 comes near him with the other copies of The Father and Jesus, he'll be shown the door. I don't put up with people impersonating me. This isn't Halloween here.

She walks back to him and looks at the caller ID display on his phone.

Mythaq-It's still Dan, isn't it?

L-Dan, I'm going to let you go, I have someone to talk to for a minute. I'll give you an update on my research of those transmitters. Give me until the next novel gets writing to find out how to remove them.

Once he hangs up he can clearly see her crying.

Mythaq(Crying)-Did I do the right thing?

L-No.

Mythaq-I knew you were going to say that.

L-I'm not going to lie. I might be the father of lies on Earth, but here is a different story. This is reality. I'm in no position to lie to you. Probably since you don't even belong here.

Mythaq-You don't know how bad I hurt him.

L-I've read 'Alia and the Boy' just like everyone else down here. We all know.

Mythaq-I just need to stay here for a little while. To get my head straight. I'll go to some meetings and listen to some other people's stories and maybe I'll get my fill and leave. I'll be going to my cell now.

L-Wait. No. You can't.

Mythaq-Why? I thought I had a map as to where I'm headed.

L-You can't stay in that one. It's saved.

Mythaq-For someone else?

L-A man named LOH.

Mythaq-How's he going to get here?

L-I'm going to drag him here.

Mythaq-When?

L-Right now!

Mythaq-I'm coming with you, then.

L collapses on the floor. Motionless.

Mythaq-L!! No!!

In a faint voice he tries to get her attention.

L-The transmitter. I need it taken out. It's going to destroy me.

Mythaq-How do I do it?

L-I don't know. Get The Father.

She uses his phone to place a call to His house.

He wakes seeing the caller ID.

The Father-L, what is it?

Mythaq-I'm using his phone. Get down here! He collapsed.

The Father-What happened?

Mythaq-The transmitter in his ear is making him do it.

The Father-Stick around. I might need you. Give me five minutes and I'll get Hyrum and Empress Alia.

Mythaq-I'll keep an eye on him. Don't tell Dan that I'm going to help out down here.

The Father-I can't stop him if he finds out, but I won't say anything before that happens.

He hangs up and calls Alia and Hyrum S.

Empress Alia-Consider me there. I'm going to bring someone though. I've been talking to her all morning.

The Father-Who?

Alia-Lady Violet.

The Father takes a deep breath.

Alia-Don't worry. She's quite interesting, once you get to know her.

The Father-Hey have you seen Jesus?

Alia-Not in a while, why?

The Father-He's not answering his cell.

Alia-Isn't that strange of him not to answer?

The Father-I've left a few voicemails.

Alia-Before you panic, call Brittany.

The Father-Yeah, you're right. Get here when you can, but hurry.

He hangs up with Alia and tries Brittany Leigh's phone, while pouring a cup of coffee, and checking on Dan, whos fallen back to sleep on the couch.

Over the course of 10 minutes He makes 7 frantic calls, but no one can locate His Son.

Brittany doesn't answer, either.

'This is Brittany Leigh, my best friend, Jesus and I can't come to the phone. Please leave a message.

The Father-Jesus, this is Dad. Please call back.

The phone rings back.

Brittany Leigh-Yes?

The Father-Where is your roommate?

Brittany-That's the thing. I can't find him.

The Father-How far could he go?

Brittany-He's Your kid! Where is He? Where is my friend?

The Father-Listen, L has been attacked. His transmitter is making him ill. We've got to remove it. Your brother is sleeping on my couch. I'm not going to involve him. He's been through too much today.

Brittany-Fine. I'll leave Jesus a note.

Jesus,

Please come home.

Your friend, always!
Brittany Leigh.

Deep in a hidden cell aboard LOH's shuttle he tries to break free from the handcuffs he's been placed in.

A man walks in the room, for which Jesus can't see, as his vision has been blurred by whatever they injected him with.

The strange man sits down in a chair and smiles.

J2-Relax. We're going to play a game of switched identities. It's going to start...now.

Jesus-You really do want to copy me, don't you? I don't have to have my eyes to see.

J2-Come on, you're not superhuman.

Jesus-Well, you're not human at all. What did you inject inside me?

J2-It's not the drugs I gave you, to help you sleep so we could kidnap you, it's the transmitter that's now in your ear. L is fading fast. His is about to expire. When it does, he dies.

Jesus-He can't just die. Only Dad decides who dies. This is ridiculous. I'm leaving.

J2-Where will you go?

Jesus-Away from you, that's for sure.

Once his vision comes back a little, he is alarmed to see J2 up close.

Jesus-You look just like me.

J2-I know. That's the point.

Jesus-Who gave birth to you?

J2-Mary.

Jesus-Mary who?

J2-I can't tell you.

Jesus-If you tell me, then I can help you with your identity crisis. You don't have to pretend to be me. You're probably a nice person on the inside.

J2-I was told very little from LOH, about where I'm from.

He walks into the cell with Lynn.

J2-Hello dad.

LOH-What's going on here? Why aren't you taking this Jesus of Nazareth apart? You must be like him! You must!

J2-Who was my mother? What was Mary's last name?

He looks deep into Jesus' eyes.

At the same time Lynn flashes Jesus a smile, and mouths the words, 'Don't worry, I'm from West Iley,' so that the others won't catch on.

Lynn walks behind Jesus and slowly manages to loosen his handcuffs. Enough for him to break free of them, but make it invisible to the others.

She walks back toward LOH and stands by him.

Lynn-What are you going to do with the prisioner?

LOH-I haven't decided yet. I need a model for J2.

Lynn-A model?

LOH-We're going to reclaim our land. We need a 'ftont' to tell the people of Earth that there is no Heaven or Hell anymore. That there is a reason for Earth's real estate to be sold to me.

Lynn-Who had it first?

LOH-I laid claim to it before The Father did.

Jesus-That's not true.

LOH-Oh, but it is. I had a wife, too.

Jesus-So you're training your kid, here, to impersonate me?

LOH-J2 and his brother L2 are doing a fine job. We're going to take back our land.

Jesus reaches into his pocket for something and signals to Lynn to walk back toward him.

When she's close, he drops the mysterious object onto the floor.

It goes off. And releases the time door to full visibility. Long enough for Jesus and Lynn to escape.

The front door is knocked on and answered by The Father.

Lynn-Hey. We just escaped.

Jesus-Dad, something's not right here.

The Father-I know. I'm just glad you're back. What happened?

Jesus-Someone came to my front door this morning. That's all I remember. Then I woke up and became alert on LOH's ship with this blonde girl.

The Father-Lynn's been a big help already.

Jesus-Yeah, she helped me escape. I've got news, though.

The Father-What is it?

Jesus-Apparently, I have a transmitter in my ear now, too.

He is still fast asleep on the couch, as Lynn, Jesus and The Father locate a doctor to examine Jesus' ear, and someone to take a look at L.

During the night, he feels a warm kiss on his forehead.

He wakes, slowly.

Mythaq-I snuck into your thoughts.

Dan-You don't have to sneak in, you'll forever live there. Always.

Mythaq-We only have a couple minutes left. Oh, Daniel. Why can't we get along long enough to date or marry. Why was I fired on in my shuttle. Why? Why can't we just go dancing?

Dan-Because you won't return my calls or emails or love.

Mythaq-I know. I know. (Crying)

Dan-I love you with all of my heart and soul, and if this is the last I'll ever hear from you...

Mythaq-No! Don't say that to me! You will hear from me. Later in your life. Not now. I need time. I need to reread these seven novels about me. I need time. But don't you dare say this is 'it.' I can't do that.

Dan-Fine. I'll give you a year. I'm sure someone will have heard from you, so I can ask them where you are. Or you might see me in church or something.

Mythaq-You go and be with who you want. Don't put your life on hold for me this next year.

Dan-You are my soul mate. It's been you all along.

Mythaq-I know.

Dan-You do?

Mythaq-God doesn't only speak to you.

Dan-When did you find out?

Mythaq-The first time I kissed you. In the dance club. I knew it was you. Bad timing. I'm not ready for this. Give me a year. I'll make myself ready.

Dan-Me, too. I don't want it to be a rescue mission where you spend your money getting me out of debt or having me live with you. That wouldn't be right. I want you when we're both at our best. I don't want to be weighed down by car trouble and frantic collect calls and all of that. I want you as you were at the bookstore that night. Precious and kind hearted. I'm sorry things got so out of focus with us. I never stopped loving you. Not now or ever. I know who my soul mate is. If I only got to spend a few short times with you, I still know. It still means we're bonded together. You don't have the heart to call me and yell at me to never call you again. By not calling you still leave me, like right now, with a 'to be continued' attitude. For that reason, I can't, honey, let you leave my heart. Without a kiss.

Mythaq-Meet me in Belize this Fall. I'm moving there. I'm going to spend some time with L, making sure he feels better, and figuring out how to get the transmitter out of his ear before bad things happen to him, but while I'm doing that, I want you to promise me that you'll meet me in Belize in August.

Dan-I promise.

Mythaq-For now. This is goodbye.

Dan-I couldn't do it.

Mythaq-Couldn't do what?

Dan-Write you out of 'Alia and the Boy.'

Mythaq-Just like you can't evict me from your heart. As much as you've tried, while writing this one. I guess you convinced yourself that you still love me. Very much so.

Dan-I do. I'll love you forever, my dear.

Mythaq-One more thing...

Dan-Yes?

Mythaq-Remember something for me.

Dan-What is it?

She shows him the ring she keeps on her finger.

Mythaq-Tell me what it says.

Dan-'True love waits.'

Mythaq-Don't forget that. Don't you ever forget about me. I might not say so, but I will never forget you, either. Sometimes I want to yell at you and hurt you, but most of the time I just want things to be right with you. We'll manage, I'm sure.

Dan-I think about you everytime I hear 'Lean on Me' on the radio.

Mythaq-You do it because you heard me play that song in church that Sunday that we went together.

Dan-I do it because I love you.

The End.