Dancing With Demons 8-9

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--SEPARATOR--

Dancing With Demons
by
Essarr
Chapters 8 & 9
Conclusion

Rights reserved by author



Note

For what it's worth here are the final two chapters. I see no point in prolonging this any further. Chapters eight and nine are each similar in length to the previous insertions. You can tell by now this is an effort to poke fun at the Demonhorror genre. My intent was to create a strong female character who is the anti victim. A young woman who said enough is enough I am taking a stand and will not be intimidated. As I've said many times I try to take a different course with my stories. To those of you who followed this effort I hope you enjoyed it as it was fun to write. The ideas have once again dried up and it may be awhile before the muse returns if she ever does. Thank you, Essarr.


Narrator: Belagosi to the Rescue

~o~O~o~

“Dr. Belagosi I understand you are Andréa Lyon’s doctor?”

“Yes, yes, is something wrong with little Andréa?” Belagosi smiles having expected this call quite happy Beekman managed to plant the suggestion. “What can I do for you Mister?”

“Phillips, Luke Phillips doctor, she is burning up with fever and delirious speaking in riddles. The girl appears to be in a trance like she is possessed. My daughter is sleeping soundly seemingly not to have heard any of the commotion. We have a hole is the roof without debris. My daughter appears to have been struck but no evidence by what. Should we bring them to your office or the emergency room?”

“Mr. Phillips it is my experience the emergency room is useless in cases such as this. What is your address? I will be right there.” ‘In the old days I’d just evaporate in and no one would question. The world is filled with non believers. It sounds as the Trickster molested the other girl as well. I best be on my way.’ “I’m leaving my office as we speak Mr. Phillips.”

Luke thanks the doctor surprised Andréa has a physician who makes house calls. He turns to his wife, “Marie how is her fever?”

“The same I am growing concerned I cannot wake Jean.” The woman has been tending to Andréa quickly shifting her effort attempting Jean’s arousal. The child will not wake and Andréa continues her whining. This is unsettling to the woman who has never seen anything like this. Her efforts are interrupted by a ringing doorbell.

Luke opens the door to see a startling figure. The man is well over six feet in height standing with a bent. He holds a black bag seemingly too heavy for his weak appearing frame. He is so thin Luke almost believes he can see through him. Even though Dr. Belagosi sports a deep tan his goatee and black widow’s peak presents an unsettling sight. When the man speaks he reinforces Luke’s concern. A strong eastern European accent sends chills up Phillips’ spine.

Without a word beyond a simple greeting, Belagosi steps inside. “Where is my patient? I understand your daughter is suffering as well. Quick lead me to them my good man. What you presented on the phone causes my urgency. There is not a moment to spare.”

Luke sensing fear like he has never felt before rushes to the bedroom. Belagosi waste, no time ushering the parents out of the room. “I will advise you when I complete my exam of both girls.”

Now alone he kneels down beside Andréa who is again out of bed appears to be searching for something. On all fours the girl mutters in a begging voice, “Master?”

Belagosi nods, “Yes daughter what is it you need?”

Andréa rocks back on her haunches appearing as a puppy who is looking for a treat. Her fingers reach toward the doctor attempting to unzip his fly. “I require your seed first to taste the wonderful delicate flavor then to urge your stem to complete my womanhood.”

Belagosi smiles understanding at once the child was not violated by the Trickster. ‘He was plying the boy readying him for conversion, conversion through Jean? Yes that is it. His game was to destroy two lives. I am in time but how much can I undo?’ The doctor guides the girl to the bed where she quickly lies down spreading her legs in anticipation. Belagosi grins, ‘in the old days this would have been temptation.’ He bends to her using a head lamp shinning the light to her nether region. ‘Ah she is a virgin as I hoped.’ Belagosi quickly with gentle fingers spreads oil like substance onto her vagina and then applies the same to her forehead. “Sleep my child for a moment or two.”

Looking down at Jean he frowns, “It has begun she is growing the tool of the Trickster. Yuri is correct the demon Troy would use this delicate girl to impregnate her friend with his vile seed.” Bela shakes his head in thought, “First things first,” he mutters to himself. “The tool must die it is good she sleeps deeply as the fire can be painful.” His voice remains soft so as not to be heard. Once again, Belagosi searches through his bag to produce a small vial containing holy water concentrated by the Boss himself. As the liquid saturates her extended clitoris a stench commands the room to be followed by a haunting evil scream heard only by Belagosi. A plum of green vapor ascends through the hole in the ceiling. Jean begins to stir. The doctor places a palm on her forehead quieting her. The girl settles back into an easy sleep.

He can hear nervous pacing from the hall outside. Parents bursting into the room cannot be allowed. The doctor knows he must speak with them to ease their fears. He steps out side taking care to close the door behind. Both faces exude fear.

“Mr. and Mrs. Phillips may we speak over a cup of tea? I can offer hopeful news.” Marie and Luke display faces of relief as Mrs. Phillips rushes to the teapot. Luke and the doctor follow to the kitchen table.

Doctor Belagosi sips slowly measuring what he can see in the parent’s eyes. “Yes it was as I expected an intruder did enter the room through the roof.” Their expressions signal rising alarm. Before either can speak Belagosi continues holding out a large rock. “It is this, a piece of a meteor that hit your roof and struck Jean on her cheek. The doctor opens his bag producing an electronic meter holding it against the rock. A needle swings wildly settling barely above the lower left hand corner of the digital window.

“You see it contains a low level of radioactivity. High enough to cause a fever when directly exposed over a period of time. Say a few minutes, don’t worry it has lost its effectiveness. The shock when it struck your daughter knocked her unconscious. She should wake shortly and may be a bit confused. That will pass quickly. I have another question.”

Marie blinked, “They will be alright? Excuse me doctor I am very concerned. What is it you wish to inquire about?”

“It is your daughter Jean has she been confused lately acting strange in any way?”

Marie nods, “Yes now that you bring it up. Yesterday she seemed distracted. Her friend Andréa brought her home the night before. Andréa spent the night something that is unusual because Jean never brings friends home. Well not in the last three years. Or is it four?” She deflected to her husband without waiting for a response. “It does not matter we were glad to see she finally made a friend. Have you noticed how much the girls look alike? They could be related. At any rate when they arrived home from school she ran to her room to change her clothes.”

Belagosi blinked, “My dear woman there is nothing odd about that she is female. Girls do that all the time.”

Marie shakes her head engaging Belagosi with a knowing smile. “Not my daughter, she wears nothing but jeans and tee shirts. The girl spent four years denying she is a girl. I will say I had no idea how beautiful she is. Jean appeared dressed in a lovely skirt, blouse and hose. She presented as if she were going on a date. She flatly refused to explain herself. When pressed she made the strangest comment while glancing to Andréa. Battle my dear Andréa. We are fighting a war.”

Belagosi listens without comment. It is all clear to him now. That weekend with Troy somehow warned the girl he is dangerous. The Trickster buried within Jean’s psyche somehow became unmasked. ‘This delicate appearing girl became aware of the Trickster’s presence. She was openly attacking him not backing down. This must have set our demon into a frenzy explaining her bruises. I need to talk to this girl.’ Sensing the girls are safe and Jean fought a courageous battle Belagosi smiled. “Thank you Marie, may I call you Marie? I assure you the girls are not related. I have cared for Andréa since elementary school.” He lied knowing he must.

“I shall be done with your girls in a few minutes. Andréa’s fever is breaking. I expect it will run its course shortly. Jean should wake before I go. I must request you allow Andréa to spend a few more days with you. I know it is an imposition but I do not like the girl living alone. If not I must insist she come with me as my wife will care for her. Keep both girls home from school today. I will stop by St. Michaels to give Sister Karla a medical document excusing the girls. We can’t have the school being concerned over their best students. I will relieve you of that burden. You can call the school announcing my immediate arrival once I take my leave. In the meantime please wait right here while I make a final check on Andréa and Jean.”

Both parents stand offering their agreement watching the doctor walk into the bedroom and close the door. “He is a strange duck, Marie.”

“I know dear but something tells me he is a God send.” She pours another cup of tea for Luke then sits back with a hopeful expression.

Belagosi enters the bedroom to view Andréa sleeping soundly. His touch confirms her fever has broken. He turns to Jean studying her bruise. ‘Yes, the Trickster struck her hard. I see she has another wound on her hip. It looks like a bruise from a fist. Hmm she got to our boy. I wonder,’ he allows that though to drop. “Jean, wake up my child.” Belagosi’s voice is gentle barely a whisper likely not loud enough to be heard.

--SEPARATOR--



Jean Phillips: The Demon Slayer


~o~O~o~

A soft voice inside my head inside my head is trying to wake me. The bastard is back. No it is a different voice, a gentle one addressing me as child. I sit up eyes wide open my hand touches my cheek. “Ouch that sucker packs a wallop. Who are you and what are you doing in my room?”

“I am Dr. Belagosi sent here to heal Andréa’s wounds and to check on you as well. I heard you went to war. I detect only minor injuries you should be fine in a few days.”

I pass a wary eye at Belagosi. “Doctor huh. I suspect you are the guy Andréa told me about from that Sanctuary house. What was it she called you? Oh yeah Bella like the vampire. Cut the shit you are no doctor. Tell me you are in league with Troy and I’ll kick your ass too.”

Belagosi is taken back never encountering the likes of Jean Phillips before. The usual half truths and fictions are not going to work here. “I suspect there is more to Jean Phillips than meets the eye. Do you happen to work on the side going by the name Buffy?”

Jean laughs, “No I’m real not some TV character.”

“My dear she is a TV character but take my word for it there are real Buffys out there.”

My wary eye regards Belagosi, “After the last few days I won’t argue what you claim. So this clown known as Troy pissed me off and I am not going to take his shit and I let him have it. I take it he turned tail and ran?”

“My dear girl words like, pissed and shit are unbecoming.”

I cut him off, “Maybe but it is all jerks like him understand. You know they feed on fear. Laughing in their face, drives them nuts they can’t handle it. I think poor Troy knew at some point he was in over his head. My last trick sent him through the roof literally. You should have seen the sucker turn into a ball of flame and shot off like a Roman candle. That holy water is serious shit.”

Belagosi is laughing, “Yes it can be but how could you use holy water in a dream? You know that is impossible.”

I stifle my giggles “That’s what Troy must have thought. It is exactly why the coward conducts his assaults through dreams. At least Dracula had the balls to show up in person. Enough small talk I need some answers and spare me the bull. Anyway this schmuck had been planting ideas in my head for some time. Ideas I knew were not mine. A lot of kids are fucked up but not me. I know who I am. I knew these ideas came from somewhere else. Then at one point I really tried to focus on ideas as they formed. I concentrated not on the idea but upon its source. There he was the blue eyed perfect complexion Hollywood soap opera lover boy. What a fraud.”

Belagosi interrupts her, “You really did see him!”

“Right you think I’m making this up? I know I can’t bring physical things into a dream. I knew that is how he planned on making his final strike. What did he think I am some bimbo? Two clues he missed, one I’m not a blond. Two my name is not Brittany or Heather or anything fitting that profile. I realized silver bullets ain’t gonna work. Garlic might but he is not a vampire. That left holy water. You know St Michaels is a catholic school? Did you know the nuns try selling bottles of holy water to the kids? In my four years they never sold a single bottle. You should have seen the look on Sister Agnes’ face when I bought three cases. It blew my allowance for a month. Seventy-two bottles goes a long way toward filling a bath tub. So Andi finally goes to sleep. I thought she’d never shut up and drift off. I soaked in the tub. I definitely reeked of holy water.”

I watch Belagosi searching for his reaction. He is having a hard time trying not to laugh. He offers a plea for me to satisfy his obvious curiosity. “Go on we may be able to use this trick ourselves.”

“I finally go to sleep and there he is standing there in his birthday suit looking handsome ordering me to kneel down. Andi is laying stark naked legs tied to a post spread wide apart. It does not take a rocket scientist to know where this is going. So the bozo, you did notice he is blond, easy target. He starts in with this call me master shit. I said something like fuck off. He takes a swing at me to display his manly superiority. It hurt like hell caught me on the hip as I ducked out of the way. I noticed when he hit me a flame appeared on his hand. I thought holy shit the holy water works. He could not use that hand once it burned off but he is still mister macho. He’s thinking I’m too scared to notice. Every time I leaned toward him he backed off. That told this little black duck something he did not want me to know. Holy water to him is like Kryptonite.”

“I’m trying to work out a way to use the weapon I have. Troy here is promising me the moon if I take care of Andi. Take care of as in knocking her up with the big penis he promises I can keep. Yeah, he has been working on convincing me I want to be a guy. I am one step ahead of him on that. My answer was Andi is my friend I love Andi and will die before hurting her. That pissed him off he ordered me one more time to kneel and call him master. I said kiss my ass jerk. That is when he set his other hand on fire and my cheek hurt like hell. It is also when I figured it out. I leaped right at him and hugged him. Wrapped him tight in my arms and the fucker blew up. I literally set his hair on fire. It was a beautiful sight seeing that missile blowing through the roof. He emulated a Roman candle on the fourth of July. I just hope dad isn’t pissed about the repair bill.”

Belagosi hugs me “My dear girl you are blessed. It has been a pleasure meeting you. My people will be impressed when they hear.”

“Doc you are not getting away without answering my questions.”

“Stop by the Sanctuary House tomorrow and bring Andréa with you. We can talk.”

“Before you split, what about Andrew is he stuck as Andréa?”

“Stop by the Sanctuary House tomorrow and bring Andréa with you. We can talk.”

“Stop by the Sanctuary House tomorrow and bring Andréa with you. We can talk.” Those words buzzed inside my head all day. Well what was left of my day. By the time Doctor Belagosi left it was two pm. He woke me up right after arriving probing me for hours. I thought my so called battle waged throughout the night was simply a dream. Dream hell, nightmare is more like it. Belagosi convinced me it is real enough. I only needed to see the bruises on my cheek and hip to realize I fought something. If bruises are not enough a glance at the ceiling viewing a bowling ball size hole should affirm Belagosi’s story.

I’m trying to collect my thoughts this mythical bullshit has gone on long enough. I’m a control freak who does not like it when things feel as if they are slipping away. This perpetual fog must come to an end. What time is it now? I break from my musings to glance at my watch which reads seven pm. I missed school today, the first of November which I hate doing. It is just possible Pedro gained a point or two during my absence. According to the Doctor; well he is not a doctor, I am under orders to stay home on the second as well. I really cannot afford to give up another day at school falling further behind. The race for top dog is an endurance test and I have to keep slugging away. So I’m anal, I want that Valedictorian prize. I roll my eyes at that thought. After last night such bullshit proves how shallow it is.

Andréa dozed off an hour ago about six right after we ate dinner. She looked like a wreck run over by a train. The poor girl did not say an awful lot. Not that I should be surprised. I think she got the worst of it. My hopes of comparing notes got shot down in flames. Of, course she got the worst of it. Look at her sleeping my Andrew Lyons is nowhere to be found. Belagosi tells me we can talk tomorrow. Sure, right if I make it through the night. Tonight is supposed to be round two of the freak parade. I can’t wait to see what they throw at me before morning.

Andi did tell me even though she slept through Doctor Belagosi grilling me she heard most of it. Andréa thought she was dreaming one of those weightless floating adrift weird helpless lost little girl dreams. Wow, that was a mouthful. At least she woke up around five to eat dinner. Mom and dad appeared concerned repeatedly questioning if she is really okay. Her fever broke just as Belagosi told them it had. Mom is attuned to everything. I can attests to that having never gotten away with a thing for eighteen years.

Andi wasted no time rushing back to sleep not taking time to talk. When she looked at me her gaze seemed to be one of awe. It is like she is avoiding helping me sort reality from fantasy. Perhaps Andrew managed a long look at his body realizing he is completely screwed. Belagosi made me out to be a hero. She woke up a couple of times long enough for me to assure her I am okay. I did not tell her any of my adventures playing Jean the Demon Slayer. When I think, about it that’s pretty cool. To think Buffy is out there under an assumed name is reassuring.

I’m not too high on saving the world. I am imaging myself with a collection of Holy Water, crucifixes, garlic, silver bullets along with a sledge hammer and spikes in my purse. After hearing about All Souls Day being round two of last night’s skirmish I checked my purse. I’m only lacking the bullets, spikes and sledge hammer. I doubt I should ask dad to run down to the hardware store. I’m in no mood to explain that request. Besides have you ever hefted a bloody sledge hammer? We have a couple at dad’s garage it takes two men and a boy to swing one. It would simply kill my Michael Kors purse. Michael Kors? A three hundred dollar purse, not me mine came from Walmart less than ten bucks. Dad is not too happy about the hole in the roof. I’m just glad he has no way to pin that on me. You can bet this little black duck is not going to bring that up. I have to admit seeing that asshole flame out, priceless. It is better than having my own Master Card.”

The insurance claims guy is supposed to be around sometime today. I can hear him now. “Meteor? Through the roof? Not covered it’s an act of God.” At least that part is right. I force myself back to All Souls Day, this is creeping me out. I’m not too keen on staying up all night standing guard. I should take a nap it is going to be a long night. I just hope it does not rain the hole is right above my pillow. Take a note, Jean the next time you exercise demons make sure it is not over your bed. I’m still feeling pretty good about this. Imagine a little scared shitless girl like me nuked a demon. It is time for some sleep.

“Hello, hello, Miss, Hello.”

‘What the hell!’ I look up and see a guy staring at me through the hole over my head. “Who are you?”

He answers, “I am Jorge Hernandez I’m here to fix the roof. I did not want to bother you but I’m afraid debris might fall on you. May I come down to put some covering on your bed just in case?”

“As long as you use the door do not simply drop in. Did you ever hear of the front door?” I see a sheepish smile not missing he has perfect gleaming white teeth dark eyes and black hair. Thankfully my sarcasm is not misinterpreted by that guy. What the hell time is it? Eight AM, Geeze I must have slept through the counter attack. Well I’m still here, unless this is it. How do I know I’m not dreaming now? Jorge is rather cute. Remember Troy, he was Dorothy McGuire’s wet dream in that movie A Summer Place.

“I knocked but nobody answered. I had no idea the hole went right through and was over the bed until I got up here.” He reports still smiling peering at my pajama clad body from above.

This guy definitely has the advantage of positioning. Not wanting to be a prone babe underneath a hunk I jump up landing firmly on the floor. This part is good the carpet feels firm. So I answer, “Okay I’ll be right down to let you in the front door. You have ID?”

“Yes miss I even have a company truck parked out front.”

I reach into my Walmart knock off designer purse gripping a bottle of holy water. Just in case. “I have to wake up my sister. Meet me on the porch in five.”

I turned to shake Andréa. “Get up sleepy head man incoming. Besides your twenty-four hour recovery time expired.”

“Huh,” she grunts while tossing a pillow at me. I point to the hole noting her deer in the headlights gawk. She stares at the cannon ball hole like it is the first time she has seen it. “Jean what the hell is that?”

I shake my head. “Did you sleep through everything? Never mind get your ass up. A cute guy has to come in our bedroom. I’m going down to let him in no excuses. I’ll be right back.”

Andréa is slowly moving as I dash downstairs. If she pokes too long it will give me plenty to bust on her when Jorge comes walking in on her. On my way by I flip on the switch to start the coffee then open the door. From the sound of it mom went back to bed and dad is off to work. He has to be at the garage for seven. Mom often naps after he leaves and I’m on my way to school. Mister white teeth dark hair and eyes is standing there smiling and he is cute. It does not cut him any slack after Troy I know better and trust no one. His ID looks real though I have one more little test.

On my way down the stares I opened the bottle of demon Kryptonite sticking the cap into my pajama pocket. So while I am reading his ID I absently handed him my water bottle to hold. Naturally a woman, (me) is in presence of a hunk she displays her little girl flirtation spilling a little on him. No flames, no instant horns springing up or hissing voice to threaten me results. So I let Jorge in walking him to the bedroom. Lucky for Andréa she is on her feet. I drag her out of the room to the coffee pot. The racket woke mom and she is hovering over Jorge providing her mom supervision. Mom on the job that’s always good.

Andréa and I are sitting in the kitchen drinking coffee when the door opens. I giggled when I caught Andréa checking out Jorge as he exited to the porch. She stares at me passing a long cold look eeping out. “What?”

I can’t resist searching for signs of Andrew Lyons. “Andi you are a girl for five minutes and are already checking out guys butts, shameless.”

She mock slaps my arm coming back with a lame. “You were too.”

“Yeah but I have eighteen years training so I’m entitled.” I’m teasing to my disappointment my Andrew is not there. I say my Andrew but to be truthful I spent the last three and a half years hating the guy. In one week I fall in love with him just like a character in a made for TV movie.

“Well me too, I started my period this morning. What a mess.” Andréa reveals in a whisper.

Did I hear that right as I’m laughing my ass off? I’m not going to give the dear girl a pass on this one. I hit her with a sharp comment in a teasing way. “Good you deserve it. Let it be a lesson to you the next time you sneak into girl’s night out in Spookville there is a price to pay. Now you’ve received your special gift do you still want to be a girl?” That is when mom came in eyes wide displaying an odd expression.

“Jean, stop picking on Andréa you make it sound like she chose to be a girl. You don’t order your persona on line. Besides being a girl is the better choice even with the inconveniences.”

Mom’s gaze is one I’ve seen before. I don’t want to open this can of worms so I quickly regroup. “Mom Doctor Belagosi wants Andréa and I to come to his office this morning. He has something to talk to us about. He needs to check on us to be sure his diagnosis is correct. Doctor Belagosi believes everything is ok but since Andréa was out of it he wants to be certain. Are you up to driving Andi?”

My sister looks at me like she never heard this before. I find myself thinking of Andi as my sister. I have no idea if this is a residue effect Andrew Lyons told me about when he encountered that Sanctuary House. One look at Andréa should warn you Sanctuary House residue is serious shit.

“Yeah, I am feeling much better the fog is lifting I’m good.”

“Before you kids go there is something I have to discuss with you.” Mom says using her parental voice.

Like that look she gave me a minute ago I’ve heard this tone before. It means this will take awhile and it is not open for negotiation. Without arguing I refill everybody’s coffee cup and sit back down. “Sure,” I say sheepishly while passing a warning gaze toward Andi. My sister forms a cautious defensive countenance while caressing her coffee cup against her lips. I can see her eyes over the quaking mug looking nervous.

Mom wasted no time getting into it. “Doctor Belagosi called yesterday afternoon. You girls were sleeping and I did not get time to discuss it at dinner. Andréa you appeared rather pale and still groggy even though your fever broke much earlier. I decide to wait. Jean your father is aware of this and strongly agrees. He thinks highly of Andréa and wants to help.” Mom takes a breath the one she always displays before dropping a bomb.

“He said he met with Mother Superior giving her his medical report. She does not expect you back school any earlier than Monday. She said both of you girls are in her prayers wishing you God speed in your recovery. If Monday is too soon I only need to call her. As for the other part Andréa while you are out stop by your house and pick up some clothes. Doctor Belagosi does not want you left alone until he is sure you are safe. Safe is an odd selection of word choices but he is an odd duck. You can stay as long as you want Andréa. Father and I agree you are more than welcome.”

Andi looks at me whispering, “We have to talk.” She turns to mom, “I’m rather surprised Mrs. Phillips are you sure I don’t want to intrude.”

Mom almost leaps over the table to hug Andi. “My dear it is our pleasure. Now run along you both have to get dressed and go out to take care of business. Thank the doctor for me he is a most unusual man.”

I had no time to react to Andréa’s whisper before she wrenches my shoulder from its socket. I am literally dragged to my room feeling the wind from the door slamming. Jorge is on the roof banging away at least the hole is plugged. I pull the covering off the bed. Actually it is one of those poly sheets that I rolled keeping the debris from falling all over. With that stuffed into a cardboard box in the corner I sit on the bed. Andréa lands beside me.

“Did you hear your mom Jean? She said Mother Superior told her both of you girls are in her prayers. That is exactly what she said both of you girls. What the hell are we going to do? I feel awful look at the trouble I caused you. I can’t expect you to go to school faking being a guy from now on.”

“Andi,” I try to calm her but have no idea how. I wanted to point out Mother Superior said girls meaning she accepts Andrew Lyons is Andréa. That is too far fetched. It is more likely mom or the doctor referenced the term girls. I am clueless grasping for some explanation. What likely happened is no pronouns were used and Mother Superior simply said we will be praying for them. Nothing we can do about it but cautiously walk in the door Monday me as Andrew and Andi as Jean. “Look sis we have no idea of what they think. Don’t panic we will feel our way through to discover what expectations are. I, Jean Phillips, Demon slayer is on the job and will come up with a brilliant plan.”

Andréa offers a sign of relief in her pretty face. “I know,” she responds to my brazen speech.
“Jean you said demon slayer you were not joking. I can tell when you are kidding. You tried to pass it off as a joke but it isn’t is it? I was in that damn nightmare with you. I know it was not a dream. We were somewhere in an ugly place.”

I turn quickly hugging my sister tightly almost suffocating her. Stroking her sweat soaked hair I whisper softly. “It is going to be okay. We are alright we won. Calm down I’m with you, always.” I released her with a sisterly peck on the cheek. There is no desire within me as planted by that Trickster. It has been purged replaced by a strong bond. I suspect deep down Andrew is gone. That is why Belagosi dodged my question.

“No jean I have to finish. I love you, you saved my life. I heard you when my naked body staked out positioned to be impregnated by that incredibly huge stick between your legs. I saw you a fantastic beautiful male any girl would eagerly welcome. You did not see yourself did you? I heard you say, I will die before hurting my sister. I saw that bastard strike you twice and you not yield. Who the hell are you? Harry Potter or better yet is it Hermione? Yes you are the beautiful Hermione. Jean sending that freak off like a rocket was awesome.” Then she threw herself into my arms, “I love you,” she whispered.

Fuck she saw all that. I have no way to explain it. I’d hoped she simply was so out it from the fever she either did not see this bullshit or forgot it. Now I have to come up with some logical response. Oh fuck it I’ll simply be honest.

“Sis I have no idea. I found myself standing there facing this creep knowing I am not going to back down. I fully expected both of us were toast. Deep down I knew if we get fried we are not going to end up in their place. Hey we are Catholic girls attending St. Michaels run by a gaggle of penguins. If we don’t believe their sales pitch then this whole operation is a waste of time. I decided to stick with the program. What the Trickster offered I knew is nothing I wanted.”

My dissertation ended to find us locked in a massive hug. The hug is broken by Andi. “We need to get dressed Bella owes us some answers.”

I nod jumping off the bed grabbing my jeans and turn toward the bathroom. A shower is definitely needed. Again Andréa grabs my arm.

“No not those clothes wear one of the outfits Bess gave you. I want to see Bella with my sister.”

An exasperated sigh escapes my lips as I stare at a grinning Andi.

“What are you afraid of Jean? You act like people don’t know you are a young woman. Your visitor arrived the same moment mine did. We are twins remember? Humor me look like you are proud of who you are for a change.”

I wanted to rap the little hussy. She wants me to come down to her level. I shrug, “Okay just this once.”

A half hour later I step out of the shower as Andréa rushed to fill my empty space. While the water is running keeping my sister occupied I take my time dressing. The frilly clothes almost cause me to grab my jeans, instead I tough it out. Standing before the mirror enjoying my thought of Andréa hogging the last of the hot water I gaze at myself. I do not usually regard Jean Marie Phillips this way, my response is wow. I am shaken by my reflection.

A woman is seen in the mirror she appears self assured. I am wearing a lavender strapless cutout dress. Not only are there two sides to the story, but both are worth mentioning. As I stood there staring into the mirror I became confused, this is not me. It's hard to gloss over the sexy allure of two triangular side cutouts below a fitted sweetheart bodice, or the custom fit that an elastic back band and no slip strip lining presented in that mirror. The A-line skirt tucks a little at the waist. It has an exposed zipper at back. It is fully lined. ‘Wow,’ I though so much skin showing around my shoulders. My resistance to my feminine side melted causing a sudden need to embrace this dress.

Not wanting to overdue this look I am not wearing hose. My white ankle socks are visible above a pair of black leather Mary Janes. Again resisting overdoing this female thing my shoes are flats. I don’t think I ever wore heels. Andi is exiting the shower whistling unable to resist her tease.

“Put the jeans back on you are going to cause a heart attack. Even worse I have to spend a half hour hoping I can avoid looking like the frumpy sister.”

I give her my you, are full of it stare throwing her Horny toad skirt at her. “You look stunning in this hurry up we have a fake doctor to torment. Then we must rescue those amazing clothes of yours.”

Andréa has to sit at that vanity forever proving how correct I am when I decided being a girl is a royal pain in the ass. Look at her primp. The day I went to school disguised as Andrew it took five minutes to slap on my clothes, grrr.

“Andréa Lyon’s”, I start using my mother voice stopping myself. “Uh what in hell is your middle name? I can’t scold you without using it.”

She turns perplexed “Uh my parents did not give me one. Why is it important?”

“Of course it is silly. It is how you know when you are in trouble. Every time mom starts with, Jean Marie Phillips I cringe. It means trouble every time.”

Andi laughs, “Well in that case I will adopt a middle name.” She rolls her eyes pretending to be thinking. “I know the perfect middle name, Jeanette, Yes Andréa Jeanette Phillips, err Lyons.” She blushes.

I know going out into the November cold is never intelligent idea to wear a strapless dress. I put on my navy cardigan and grab my tan camel hair coat. I’m also trying to ignore what Andi chose as a middle name and her slip saying Phillips. I cannot maintain the cool persona because a freaking tear trickles down my cheek. Andi hugs me.

“Jean, I get it. All I can say is it’s because I love my twin. Let’s get out of here before I ruin my last half hour’s work. You are not wearing makeup.” She dodges as I miss my attempt to poke her.

--SEPARATOR--

~o~O~o~



Chapter 9


Conclusion

--SEPARATOR--



Jean Phillips: The Roundup

~o~O~o~


The Sanctuary House is a fifteen minute trip from my house on Colony Drive. Andréa drives her pea green Beetle having mastering the stick shift at last. The sudden lurching and stopping almost caused me severe whiplash more than once. Andréa seems to have somewhat mastered shifting gears. I don’t know how many times I begged her let me drive to avoid my having whiplash. I’ve been handling a stick since age twelve. I am not going to explain illegal acts. You will have to take my word for it.

“Andréa this is a God awful remote location.” I say as she turns onto a dirt road ten miles from town.

“What do you expect they’d put all those demons on display for the world to see? Believe me the scene awaiting you would do Stephen King proud. Expect Jack Nicholson to pop out from behind every tree.”

She begins to hum the theme from a recent horror movie. My mind suddenly tropes bringing up images I do not want to see. I have this sense we are tempting fate. ‘What if we are walking into a trap? The Trickster now has two babes to knock up.’ Sure that is an appropriate penalty for nuking one of their all stars. “Andi I’m thinking this is not a good idea.”

Andi is now laughing her normal giggle. Not some demonic cackle that precludes the guy with the chainsaw jumping out from behind the back seat. I start fumbling in my purse sitting in my lap. Andi keeps sneaking a glance in my direction. Every time she does the Beetle finds a rut. “Andi watch the road.”

“I can’t help it your fishing is distracting me, didn’t I tell you to put on your makeup at home? It is a little late now applying mascara is dangerous on this road. You will poke an eye out.”

My glare returned signaling she is way off base. “I’m not looking for makeup I’m double checking to see if I have my demon tools.” I ignore her amused smile and keep talking. “Holy water, check, crucifix, garlic, check, I hope I’m not missing anything.”

Andi suddenly slams on her brakes. I lurch forward ducking into a defensive position expecting I don’t know what. Andi is out of the car in a flash. She walks around to the boot opening it while yelling, “Come here.”

Clueless me stares into the trunk while Andréa points to a sledge hammer and long wooden stakes. I bleep out “You gotta be shitting me.”

“Jean, I’m your wing man so I took care of what you did not have. Sorry but Ace Hardware was fresh out of silver bullets. You know how hard those things are to get? I couldn’t even find any on line. Now relax are you ready to kick ass?”

Now we are both laughing until I looked up and saw it, Sanctuary House sitting on a hill looking too much like the Bates Hotel. The only thing missing is bats silhouetted against a full moon. “Fuck!”

“I swear it was not this much of a drive when I came here before. The road was much smoother, this ain’t right.” Andréa says in a stuttering voice.

Great Andréa I do not need to hear this. I kept that to myself as Andi is keeping herself cool and under control. I don’t need her freaking out on me. Lost in my thoughts I am surprised when the final distance suddenly faded away and we are at the door step of the haunted house.

Belagosi told us to meet him here and he did say the freaks only come out to play twice a year. Both of those days have passed. It sounds good but what if he is one of them? Don’t go there I saw him handle my holy water. The last helps reassure me, not.

“Andréa” I shout, “Do you happen to have a cell phone?”

She stares at me like I’m stupid, “You know I don’t why?”

“I should have called Mother Superior to check on Belagosi to see if he really called to check on him.”

“Jean your mother clearly said she spoke with Mother Superior herself. Weren’t you paying attention?”

“Uh yes I heard that but who called who?”

“Stop freaking let’s go inside and sort this out.”

This whole scene is bothering me. Something ain’t right. I do not want to find myself staked out like Andi was. I’m frozen in place looking at that dump. Yes, Sanctuary House is a wreck. “Andi does this look like it did when you came here?”

I did not want to hear what she had to say in response. “No, it was an old house with creepy looks but in better repair than this.”

All I can think of is lame valley girls in those Scream movies, all dumber than a box of rocks running around hysterical in their underwear. Grabbing my tools making sure I have a firm grip on holy water and cross I lead Andi up the steps. The grayed weathered floor boards on the porch creak underfoot. Many have already broken away showing the dirt under the deck. It does not help more than one rat is seen scurrying around down there. I tighten my fingers around Andi’s hand as I reach for that hideous knocker. It breaks off in my hand. “Great.”

Andi blinks now ready to turn around and run I right behind her. The door swings open the only thing missing is the creepy voice saying “Welcome.” The door is hanging on one hinge leaning precariously supported by a raised warped floor board. I had to lift and push to get it fully open, when I did the remaining hinge gave way. The door fell to the floor with a loud crash raising a cloud of dust. Andi jumped digging her claws into my wrist. Andi is attempting to step back as I’m now dragging her forward into a dark empty room convinced she is smarter than I.

“You were right time to turn around running and screaming.” Andi’s voice no longer firm with resolve convinces me. I somehow know there will be no answers if we turn and run. We must see this through to the end. “Come on Andréa, God hates a coward.” Christ how lame can you get, Geeze Phillips you have to do better than that. Clearly the room is empty. I ask Andi, “When you came here what did you see? I mean where was all the stuff?”

My sister stares for a long time. At least it seemed like a long time. It is a long time when you are scared shitless looking for any excuse to run. “The entry room was right here it had an earth tone carpet with a long desk right in front of you there.” She points straight ahead to an empty space. Andi goes on, “The walls were wood paneled not the broken plaster hanging in clumps you see now. Those stairs had an elegant spiral case with ornate rails. A bright gold tulip shaped chandelier hung above it but I did not go up there. Over to the right beyond that doorway is where they had the entry point. I told you about the cylinders you stood in to be screened. You picked the place you wanted to spend the weekend and the cylinder rotated to that opening and you simply stepped out into the resort.”

I walked over to the doorway noticing a floor board gave way underfoot almost causing me to go through. I jumped back nearly knocking a shaking Andréa over. I am not surprised to see an empty shell of a room. The back wall is completely gone revealing dense vegetation beyond.

“Let’s get out of here” Andi says.

I suddenly agree with her as a strange sensation engulfs me. “Do you see that?” I ask pointing to a fog like substance rose in color drifting toward me. I turn to grab Andréa and run like hell but my feet are frozen to the floor. I can’t move surrounded by the fog. Something is caressing me and my cheek feels a kiss. Then a warm welcoming voice generating love fills my head. ‘Welcome Jean Marie Phillips. Know you are loved.’ Then the fog dissipates. Andréa breaks my trance.

“See What?”

I shake my head completely at peace knowing everything will be perfect. I have no answers but somehow all is right with the world. I walk outside with Andi at my side. She appears more confused than ever. We exit the porch to see Belagosi standing in front of Andi’s car. I’m relieved to see there are no black robed hooded acolytes gathered around him. The doctor is smiling. I’m not, even with this strange feeling of peace encompassing me. Andréa appears nervous as she approaches him.

“Doc you told us to meet you at your office. Um excuse me but this shack is not much of an office. What happened to your ultra vacation resort? Are you running a game on us?”

Belagosi steps forward offering a soft smile. The tall thin pale man has a commanding presence. He addresses both of us answering Andi’s question. “Ah Sanctuary House, yes it is closed for the season. Alas it is our illusion to defend against evil at high risk times. As you know risks are greater during this season than any other time. Evil spirits and demons are back in their place for a time. You are safe now.”

I am hearing more generalities still without answers. I press Belagosi. “You never answered my question what about Andrew is he stuck as Andréa?” My eyes hone in on the man expressing the urgency of my question.

“Yes child I heard you. You must hear me.” He reaches out to Andréa. “You my child, how are you feeling? This is what is most important. How have you weathered the Trickster’s last evil joke?”

Her expression tells me Andréa did not expect his response. I take her hand whispering, “It’s okay tell him what you think. I’m here covering your back.” Her hand grips mine signaling she is secure within herself.

“I will live if that is what you mean. I have my sister who loves me. If this is what I have I will deal with it. I cannot ask Jean to pretend she is Andrew. I will not pretend or take what is hers. Do you have an answer? You refuse to inform my sister about Andrew the boy I have been. We await your response, the one you avoid.”

My smile and second squeeze of her hand reassures her. At least I hope it did. Her physical reaction suggests my sense is right. I too stare at Belagosi growing tired of this stalling.

“I am afraid the Trickster’s evil is permanent. You are Andréa Jeanette from now on unless you honestly say it is more than you can handle. Are you certain this is something you can embrace? The Boss is wary of miracles they tend to create problems for humans. How can you explain Andrew to Jean’s parents if he suddenly appeared? Because of Jean the Boss will grant a new reality for you. What you do not know is the Trickster’s clever manipulation was part one of his game.”

My blinking in disbelief caught Belagosi by surprise causing him to pause. I hugged Andréa continuing to listen.

“The first act of his evil design changed Andrew into a genetic duplicate of your sister Jean. He did not intend to create twins. No his sinister game required you to replace Jean. Part two of his evil deed almost succeeded. He attempted to seduce your sister into believing she wished to be male. He failed to understand how strong willed Ms. Phillips can be. To be successful Jean would have cooperated by impregnating the new Jean sending her home to disgrace her parents. Once impregnating her substitute Jean would be killed and banished into hell to become the Trickster’s concubine. It was a masterful evil scheme. He did not count on Miss Phillips.”

All the while Belagosi is speaking I am listening while staring down onto my Mary Janes. They have been scuffling up dust balls as my nervousness caused involuntary movement of my feet. I want to scream as several questions bother me. Unable to keep quiet I burst out with a series of queries.

“You need to answer a few of my curiosities Doctor Belagosi. You say perfect DNA replicas meaning Andi and I are identical twins. First off how can anyone accept this knowing I’ve been an only child forever? Now that there are two of us how do we get Andréa past the nuns? It is not like they will fail to notice Andrew wearing skirts. That little annoyance will definitely bother them considering the cow they had when he showed up with long hair. Skirts are a definite no, no. Have you noticed my sister has taken to girly clothes? Can you explain how it is I knew exactly what the Trickster intended? Finally, I suspect this fellow is a sore loser and is plotting as we speak. When can we anticipate his return?” Proud of myself for being so insistent I smile growing silent.

Belagosi looks at me with a strange expression. I sense he is holding back not wanting to answer. He exhales slowly surprising me. “You are correct Miss Phillips your action caused considerable difficulty for the Boss. Had the Trickster been successful we would face the issue of another demon. Not only that your sister would have died in child birth.”

I catch Andréa’s gasps.

Belagosi confirms saying, “Yes Andréa it is the way of it. The new born demon always kills its mother. You can thank Jean for her bravery and stubborn resolve at risk of her own life. Had you perished at the hands of the Trickster, Jean the Boss would have welcomed you into his garden.”

Now it’s my turn to blink.

“Come, come Ms Phillips a Catholic girl educated by the Sisters of Saint Joseph has not figured out who the Boss is. No the evil one you dueled will not be returning you destroyed the spirit. He is no more. How you smelled out the plot discovering the right path, I do not know. The Boss only told me he expected as much from you. The rose fog, it is his embrace my dear. I have to go for answers to the rest I’m instructed to request you speak with Mother Superior.”

“But we,” I start to speak when Belagosi puts his hand up stopping me.

“Andréa, your questions of school and home will be answered when you see Mother Superior today. I said today and don’t go changing your clothes.”

Okay we are dismissed I get it but the finality is sudden and shocking. Belagosi simply disappeared without as much as a c-ya. Poof he is here one minute, gone the next. Andréa and I stood frozen hugging each other while trembling.

“Fine way to ditch us sis no manners at all.”

I laugh at Andréa’s witticism and walk with her to the car.


--SEPARATOR--


Andréa; The Unraveling




~o~O~o~


I made this statement at the beginning. Essentially my story is coming to a conclusion. My reckless adventure landed me in a place I could not possibly predict. Either my life as I’ve known it is over or it’s at a new beginning. Whatever; shit, I’ve been saying that word more and more, it is upsetting shaking me at my core. With than in mind and the shocking magical disappearance of one Helmut “Bella” Belagosi I felt Jean’s fingers intertwine with mine. My half turn to face her revealed she is as stunned as I. Jean Marie Phillips my sister In spirit took my hand as we walked toward my pea green beetle. I mused to myself, ‘I no longer have to worry about using the teen girl word whatever.’

“What just happened, Jean?” I do not expect an answer from my silent sister. As she walks slowly toward the car I bury myself reviewing what happened. First the strange man is talking to us avoiding direct answers then poof he is gone as fast as he arrived. The only thing I know is the girl I lusted after for nearly four years, the one who could not stand me is holding my hand. She is the one who less than a month later risked her life to save me. I was a horny boy who thought he is in love with a pretty girl who herself lived in denial; I find myself a month later having become her twin sister. I have two parents who never cared for me in jail leaving me abandoned without support only to discover thirty days later what true love means. Isn’t that the definition of pure happiness?

'Now what? The Trickster planted idea in my head letting me believe I wanted to be a girl. I get fooled into liking pretty clothes wearing them at every opportunity. The real girl sitting next to me dresses like a guy. Sitting here after Jean saved my life my desire to become a girl is exposed as a fraud. That should be a terrifying result. Life cannot go back to normal. I am expected to get used to the tampon between my legs. Jean and I are identical genetic twins with different parents presenting a ludicrous proposition. According to the guy involved in the clean up of this mess everything is fine. Jean wonders why I’m a wreck.'

Jean did not answer she simply squeezed my hand signaling this mystery is not solved. Her green eyes mirrored mine as they sparkled. She spoke with a certainty like this girl has all the answers when I know she does not.

“Andi, we are not home yet but I know in my heart we won the battle. I know you and I are one we cannot be separated. I only know we have to figure it out one step at a time. Did you hear Bella when he said don’t change your clothes. Don’t you think that is strange?”

I stared at my sister hearing what she said after forgetting the strange man said it. I shrugged it off until Jean brought it up. Then another surprise almost causes me to run. She opens her tan camel hair coat. Until now it had been buttoned up just like mine. Her clothes have changed She is wearing a quarter sleeve dress with her top two buttons unfastened. The teal upper half yields at the midriff where a navy colored full skirt flares out hemmed at her knees. Her nude hose highlights gorgeous legs. She is wearing black flats. Jean smiles at me, “See sis we are wearing the same thing.”

Opening my coat confirms she is correct. My stunned reaction causes Jean to giggle. “Didn’t know you owned a camel hair coat did you Andi? This is going to get weirder before the day is over.”

I somehow know Jean is right when I start the car. It is a long drive to my house. It is a place I do not wish to be. After spending only a few days as my sister’s guest I know I never want to leave there. Marie and Luke are wonderful parents making me envious of Jean Marie Phillips. The long silence is broken by Jean who muses aloud.

“Andi I know what happened cannot be logically explained. I am not one who believes in magic. That Sanctuary House could not have changed without magic. It could not have decayed this rapidly into something else.”

“Jean what kind of something else are you saying this is a hallucination? I’d agree with you except look at our clothes. They changed they are real unless you believe we are still out of it.”

“That is not what I meant. That rose colored fog, something happened in there. It was not a Trickster or an evil spirit. Dare I say it? Will you think I’m daft?” I was embraced surrounded by love. He kissed me called me his daughter promising me everything will be alright. I came outside and there stood Bella. Andi, do you believe in God?”

I blinked at her question afraid to say no because I knew the car would be hit by lightening. “Jean I have to if I accept demons assaulted us and Belagosi vanished before our eyes then I have to accept the opposite exists. After what we’ve been though I’d be a liar to say no. Really I could not expect a frail thing like you could have fought that evil Trickster and won without help. Hey don’t hit me I’m driving.”

We laughed at that until I got to my house where we saw the place sealed off with yellow police tape. Several cop cars are in the driveway and TV mobile units are parked out front. “Now what the hell are we going to do?”

“Park behind that TV van we can ask to find out what is going on. Hey isn’t that Dave Bemis opening the door of that van? Yeah it is let’s pump him.”

I did not get a chance to get in a single word as Jean leaps out of the car before it completely stops. She is on Dave like a bear to honey. I am running trying to catch up. It had not dawned on me how we are dressed. What I mean is how Andi is dressed. Dave is sure to notice Andrew Lyons is wearing a dress; I went into a panic until Dave who appeared drooling basking in my sister’s shameless flirting. Then I realized I present as Andi looks not Andrew. Until recently there was only one of me. The unique flirting I recently learned reminds me my Andi persona discovers something new everyday hanging around my sister.

“Jean what brings you out here? I did not expect to see you.” The voice of a handsome Dave Bemis says.

He turns from Jean to look at me. It’s almost a double take. I want to run but it is too late. The jig is up. I’m praying Jean’s creative skills are as good as everything else she pulled off. What Dave says next nearly floors me and I find myself leaning against the van to keep from falling over.

“Andréa you are here too? I should have expected as much. Where you see one you see the other. I just asked you sister what you guys are doing at a crime scene.”

I’m speechless while Jean must have recovered to raise the bullshit level a notch. I know better to say anything and simply keep quiet. I notice for the first time Dave is a hunk. My sister is now talking.

“We were just driving by and saw all the commotion then I spotted you ripping off the TV van. That is pretty brazen of you right in front of the cops. Did you get anything good?”

Dave starts laughing and passes a glance at me. I feel rather giddy is he checking me out?

“Ladies I have an internship with channel seven meaning I do the grunt work while the others get the glory. The people who lived here were sent to jail for some kind of ripoff. There is a hundred grand missing and the cops were staking the place out. They figured more people were involved and hoped they’d show up looking for the cash. The cops searched the place but never found anything.”

I hear my sister say, “You said staked the place out and searched it. When were they doing this?”

“The cops are not saying but the guess is ever since the perps were sent to jail. It would be about a month. About three weeks ago they raided the place and found nothing.”

I blurt out, “Wait a minute you said raided weeks ago what about their kid who lived here. He went to our school what happened to him?”

Dave looks at me like I’m nuts then turns to Jean. “What’s with Andréa? Is she drinking or something? The cops said nobody is living here. The landlord is bitching because he can’t rent it out because of the cops. Andréa who is this kid? You said he goes to our school.”

I am proud of my sister she is quick saving me from searching for an impossible answer. “Andréa is mistaken some kid told us at the library he went to our school. Andréa and I gave him a ride home. He said he lived here. He said his name was Andrew. I’m guessing it was bull just some dude trying to hit on us.”

Wow, I have a lot to learn my sister is a professional bullshit artist. No wonder she kicked that Trickster’s ass. I smiled gazing into Dave’s eyes and he suddenly blushed then he directed his comment to me.

“Guys I’d like to talk longer but I’m getting the evil eye. Nice seeing you again Andréa, you too jean. Do you mind if I call you sometime Andi?”

I smile “If you want,” then snicker at Jean.

Jean and I sit in the car watching cops crawl all over the place then I ask her. “What did you say to Dave Bemis to explain there are two of you? I expected a total freak out when he walked to the back of the van with you and saw me standing there. Over these past few days I’ve seen you in action I’m convinced you are a world class bullshit artist. This trick I have got to hear it, spill”

I could tell from her expression she did not want to answer so I prodded. “You are as bad as Bella, spill.”

“Andi you won’t believe this. I walked to the side of the van where Dave stood putting a camera onto the back seat. He looked at me with this sick puppy dog glare. You know the one, well on second thought being a guy until a couple days ago perhaps not. It is that look believe me you will get it soon enough. He said almost blushing, wow Andréa you look great. I’ve been trying to get up the nerve to see if you’d like to go out sometime. I said I’m not Andréa. He thought I was you joking and said you’re Jean? Jean never wears dresses, Andi is the girl twin.” I wanted to hit him so I said; don’t I look like a girl?” I dragged him out to the back saying, “Here she is.”

I stare at Jean, “Bullshit, Andréa has never met Dave or anyone else at school.”

“Tell me about it,” Jean says to me and at the same time we look at each other both saying, “Bella.”

I told you at the beginning dear reader and now you know why I said it. I will repeat if you missed it. Never, ever open spam mail. See what happens when you read something you shouldn’t? It is too late now who knows what weirdness awaits us? It is that fear causing our hesitation when we arrive at St Michaels.

Jean is the first one up the stares to Mother Superior’s office and why not. This story begins with Jean being Jean and it ends the same way. It is me Andrew who is going to face the wrath of a serious no nonsense nun. I can hardly wait to see the rigid woman. I can see it now, “Good afternoon Mother Superior. This is Andrew wanting to show you my new hair style and outfit. Don’t I look just like my sister?”

My feet are frozen to the bottom step I’m not moving. I know the old saying, don’t let anything but fear stop you. Okay fear won and I’m not that rock known as Jean. Somehow it did not matter. Jean is the one who kicked a demon’s and has no trouble dragging me into the lion’s den. The woman in the penguin suit gazes over the two of us sweeping our skirts sitting properly like a couple of angels. She is actually smiling as she greets us, “I am so happy you could come in this afternoon. Most importantly, how are you girls feeling? You had everyone worried. All of the nuns were praying for you. We were very concerned.”

“I could barely eep out a very meek, very soft, “I am fine thank you.” While my sister the slayer who kicked a devil’s ass in mortal combat had no trouble going on about how touch and go it had been for me, she gave all the credit to Doctor Belagosi. Then the next bomb dropped. Mother Superior gave us her view of the Doctor.

“Helmut is a wonderful attentive doctor. He is a priest; well you must know that since he has been a family friend for years. He brought you girls into this world. I am sure you are going to miss him now that he has been called to Rome.”

That did it now I am certain we are in an alternative universe. Even Jean is speechless. I guess that event makes this worth the price of admission. I want to run but Mother Superior is not finished.

“I know it has been both a difficult and wonderful day for your girls. Your serious illness, a lost of a good and dear friend in Doctor Belagosi and that wonderful surprise your parents told me about this morning when they came in to see me.” She stops suddenly catching herself, “Oh dear you have not been home yet to see it. Please do not let on I Almost spilled the beans.” Without missing a beat or giving us a minute to recover she piles on with more. “There is one other thing, my brother Paul is a Jesuit priest. He is a Dean at Gonzaga University He is so impressed with your academic standing he is prepared to offer both of you girls a full scholarship. You understand that is predicated upon you keeping your grades up. I am sure this is too much for one day. I will see you girls Monday and give my blessing to your parents.”

Jean and I were almost home when my sister was able to speak. “Andréa I bet Mother Superior if she knew who Belagosi really is would totally freak.” We both laughed and I’m grateful for her comment as it allowed me to momentarily forget what I imagined awaits me. Seriously, I’m expected to accept two people who were total strangers a few days ago believe I’m their daughter. Typically Jean jumps out of the care dragging me into the house.

Both of us in our confusion and delirious state did not notice the obvious. The Phillips’ home is a single story Cape Cod house with two bedrooms and two baths. In addition there is the usual kitchen, den, dining room, living room and laundry area. Somehow while fighting demons, dealing with nuns and a heavenly doctor two dormers sprung up and a stairway leads from inside the front door to the second floor. I clearly remember Jean’s bedroom with the hole in the ceiling just this morning with Jorge peeking through it from the roof. There is a bathroom above it now. My bedroom morphed into a computer room.

Mom and dad are waiting for us as we stepped inside. After a round of hugs they drag us upstairs to show their daughters the new bedrooms. Dad is beaming as he speaks. “I know you girls thought we'd never finish this project but we did. Jean that is your room on the left. Andréa you are on the right.”

I am stunned and I can tell Jean is floored as well. Mom is hugging me and Jean at the same time trying to crush us. “Girls we heard about the scholarships we are so proud of you. You know that and want to see what your rooms look like. Dinner will be ready in an hour. Come Luke let’s give the girls their space they are dying to see their rooms.”

Neither Jean nor I spoke. I think this is the first time we are both speechless as a unit. I entered my room not sure if this is reality. I’m afraid some bad person is going to wake me up. My eyes are closed when I slowly open them I feel like crying tears of joy. I have two windows facing the back yard. A walnut vanity and the bed, wow, the bed is queen sized with a pink down blanket turned back reveals pastel blue satin sheets. A private bathroom is left of my bed and there on the other side a walk in closet. I open the door to see all those clothes left behind at my old house.

My door suddenly flies open as Jean is rushing into my arms hugging me. “Sis your room is just like mine welcome home.”

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Comments

I enjoyed this story, and

I enjoyed this story, and hope you and your muse become reacquainted, soon.

Thank you

It was fun to write. With three recent stories one on top of the other I believe the muse went on vacation. You never know when an idea will strike.

All's well that ends well?

Jean is one smart, tough young lady isn't she? And now she has a twin in Andrea. They seem to be the only ones who remember Andrew, and his more than a little sad life. But now Andrea has a loving family, which she didn't have before.

I've enjoyed this one from start to finish and hope your muse isn't taking a long vacation this time around.

Maggie

Jean

This story evolved from three failed efforts. I actually reached sixty pages on the second effort. The first made it to thirty or so 8.5 x 11 pages. Each time I tossed them because they kind of hit a dead end. I ended up taking parts of each effort and this is the result. I am glad you enjoyed it and who knows what comes next. I have two in progress that show promise but I'm not happy with either and will likely toss them. For now they sit waiting for another brainstorm to strike. In one there are three characters running in opposite directions and I have no idea how I'm going to bring them together. Sometimes these things write themselves and alas at other times they kind of end up mere sketches waiting for a common link. Who knows. I do this for the fun of it and share with you guys when I think I have something of interest.

good and unusual story

I read and enjoyed the first chapter when it was posted. For multi part stories I generally decide from the first chapter if I need to find the time to read the series. For some reason I didn’t recognize the name when the later chapters were posted, so skipped them. Luckily I noticed that the was the last chapter of a series, so I checked to see if it was something I missed. I am very glad that I didn’t miss a very good and unusual story.

The usage of two first person singular narrators provides a depth to the tale. The two characters have some common traits but also have distinctly different personalities. This provides an intriguing contrast. Jean is more pigheaded from the start, so is a natural candidate to oppose Troy. Or perhaps the lack of direct contact allowed her escape his influence. Both are make the for an interesting read.

So in the end we have identical twins, but two distinct personalities. It would be interesting to see how their future relationship evolves, given the rather strange history.

The plot is convoluted. The usage of magic/gods leads to many conflicting threads. I would have to reread the story, but it seems to be consistently tied up at the end with few or no loose ends. All of the parts make sense and form a coherent story. The beginning chapter foresees the end. This requires a skillful author.

DJ

Alternate characters

DJ

I found a great number of very good stories develop multiple characters to illustrate their conflict or growth. It provides a reader with an understanding of each actor's motives. Either good or bad each character has more of a personality as with Jean and Andrew. At first Jean thought Andrew had motives aimed at hurting her. Through Andrew we learned oh no he is crushing on the girl. Multiple points of view provide an ability to love/hate or at least understand what makes each tick. I have seen this is very common in novels both in first and third person. In depth character development goes a long way toward making an interesting story. The hard part is bringing them together for a coherent ending. In total this story is 96 8.5x11 word processor pages at 58,000 words.

In earlier failed attempts I fleshed out presenting Luke Phillips in greater depth along with the fellow who caused Jean her initial school shunning. I found the story becoming too dark and explicit for my taste. I left that piece on the periphery mentioned for background information only. If you read any of my other efforts you will notice I like my tales on the light side with little violence avoiding explicit scenes. I used this approach in two previous efforts, (Sarah's Key and the Bracelet) It seems to work, thank you for your nice comments.

Sarah

How Strange!

Hypatia Littlewings's picture

How Strange!
Unusual! Weird even!
Unique, Different!
Did I mention Strange!
And a very good story!

Gee, I have a few "Fake Person" e-mails addies.
Should I be worried?
Strangely enough my Girl ones seem to get the most Viagra spam.
But my guy ones get the ones for bras. lol

PS. The Demons are scary.
But I still don't trust those "Penguins".
Some of them are truly evil!

PPS. Great Story!!!