Story Write Compilations Volume 2 Stories 9

 Stay True.

 

Author's Note: This is a tale based on a photo.

 

Contests rules:

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I drove up to the farm in the borrowed pickup as it's too far to walk. It's been like twelve years since I took this trail, and nothing has changed since then. The cedar tree still stands at the third turn and so is the wooden bridge. I thought of by now they would have done it better or make a new one, but the old one still stands. The stream below still flows like it was then when I ran across it to avoid the dogs. But those are the past and now I am back at the camp. On my next turn, I would come up to the main gate to the camp.

 

There its; the place I grew up in with my family and many others in the same area. We used to number about a hundred then from about fifteen families and some unmarried couples. Pop was the leader and me his second in command, even though I was thirty-five then. There was Ma, my brothers Irwin and Matthew plus my younger sister Annie. We were one happy family in a larger community of people who loved and cherish everyone in the camp. It was named the Community then, and we lived and protect each other. Everything we need was in the camp or the adjacent lands. It was fine then until the others came. They claimed to be Federal authorities and demanded to come into our camp. They said there have been reports of us kidnapping children and also of committing heinous crimes. Pop being our leader denied all that but he also refused them entry into our homes.

 

By then the men including myself have armed ourselves with guns to protect our homes and families. The unarmed folks stood in four lines with the children in the fore. They clamped their fists and raised them to their chest with elbows locked between them like a chain. On each of the people's inner sides of the palm including children are the words 'Stay True'. It's our call to stay true to the family and community. The joining of the first is to show our call to joins the two to become one. It means either one is the same as family and community are one. They soon chant the words that inspire us all then; stay true.

 

It was an action that nobody could explain what happened. One moment we were singing and then the shots rang out. I remember shooting the deputy who released his gun at my Pop. Then I remember being surrounded by a dozen or so men in the blue. Then I remembered the three shots that hit me causing me to blackout. One week later, I was to wake up in the hospital with my legs shackled to the bedposts. They sent me to Federal Prison for manslaughter twenty years but were later commuted to fifteen. I am on parole now.

 

But I am back.

 

There are two men at the gate, and they are armed with rifles.

 

"Howdy, I am here to see Irwin Wallace. I am his brother." I introduced myself to them, in case they forgot who I was. A decade of years can change a man and I am one of those.

 

"We know who you are. Irwin told us you might come back today. He is expecting you at the house." They raised the bar that latches the gate. They then pushed open the gate for me to drive on in. There have not been many changes since I left. The houses are all still there and so are the barns. There are farms and the orchards as where I remembered them. I saw the main house and I pulled up there. When I got out of my truck, I saw the kins coming out. It's a long-delayed reunion for all of us as no one comes to see me in the Prison. I embraced everyone but I can't find my Pop.

 

"Pop died three years back and I am in charge now. He was sick." I fell to my knees to asked for forgiveness as I was not there to see his soul leave for a better Kingdom. I hugged my Ma and we all went to the house. It was fine to be back and seeing the family but I had my chores to do. I asked Irwin if I could have a piece of land to build my house. He told me to do so at the adjacent land next to the house. I looked at it and find it's also next to the Community Rest Place. I agreed to the choice and I stared at my house. Everybody wanted to help me build my house, either with the assistance of hands or materials.

 

Finally, I build my house. It's a simple one with a high roof that projects up to the sky. It has one large hall and a smaller one in the rear. There are three windows on the sidewalls and a double door to act as the entrance. I furnished it with some benches to fill the hall. Then I build a small platform at the end of the Main Hall.

 

"It does not look like a house to me, brother." I looked at Irwin and smiled.

 

"The house of the Lord need not be lavish but it needs is the congregation here to rejoice and be praised in his presence. It's the same as we do here in this community. We are one big family who chooses to live together, rejoice in the love we all shared, and be praised for our community achievements. That's what Pop wanted to do when he started this camp. He wanted all his family and friends to be a happy community that can be lived together and is at peace. I am expanding his dream. I am bringing the belief of faith to his community. We all need faith in our life or we will be like floating driftwood on the ocean." My brother looked at me with disbelief. He's never been to a House of the Lord although he was brought up on the laps of my Ma with a book of faith read to him when small.

 

"You changed, brother. What did happen to you? Look at your fist. It says 'Stay True'. Are you diverted to something else?" Irwin has stepped back from me. He held onto the words that our Pop gave us years ago. It's his belief we shall always stay true to the belief. His belief then.

 

"I am still the same." I showed him my fists. The words are still there. "I stay true to our Pop's belief. But I place in now the final puzzle to his plan. I placed in it the love of God. Our community needs faith to believe it. Every community has one but we do not. We will grow better as one with the faith of God in our belief." I held out my arm to Irwin. "The House of Lord welcomes anyone anytime. My door is opened to all who wish to join me in having faith. Give yourself time and come when you are ready."

 

In the next five years, my congregation grew from my first guest which is my Ma, and then slowly the others. I did not get all to come into the house, but those who did were welcome with love. Irwin was one of the later ones to come. That evening after my congregation has gone back to their homes, I sat alone on the bench in the big hall. I took out the letter from my vest. It was written four years ago.

 

"Son, I could not come to see you where you are now. You are serving a period for my sins. I am so sorry. It was me who shot the Deputy first, and not you. But that is the past. Today, I am here to tell you I am sick. I would be going away soon, but hopefully, I will be seeing you again before I do. If I don't, I need to ask you a favor. I know of your conversion to your Ma's faith. She is a strong woman and a stronger one in her faith. She tried to raise all of you as God's children but I did not offer her that opportunity. Not even in this camp, I built myself. Over the years, I find something missing here and also in my life. I know now what it is now. Please come back to us and build a House of the Lord for the community. They are good people but they need a place to complete their faith in this lifetime. I begged of you to do so for that would strengthen my call of 'stay true'. Let them stay true to their faith in yours or any, but allowed them to display it as I had barred it before. I hope you would forgive me for denying you this too until now. Love, Pop."

 

 

Weekend Special Short Tales California 2.4 Chapter 7

 7.

 

“Don, you will be fine. Take your antibiotics.” The nurse had the wound bandaged on the third level. The Doctor was efficient in her works that the bullet was removed and the wound treated fast. It was all over in minutes. The clock was at 2335hrs.

The patient sat up on the bedding and looked at the nurse. She saw the other patient rolled in with what looked like a bad wound compared to her own but she did not see the face. There was also another patient behind the curtain to the right of the hall, while she was at the left side. The other patient was in the middle. That was the maximum beds there.

“What was ---”

“We don’t discuss the patient’s condition. You can leave by the back door.” Don was offered that by the nurse.

“I would like to stay for the duration. The lockdown had increased surveillance.” Don made the request. “I will be arrested if they see the bandages.”

“I will check with the Doctor but she is with a patient.” The nurse stepped away to attend to the patient behind the curtain.

Don had her legs dangled loosely there and contemplated her moves. She could leave but she saw those downstairs. She identified them as the Delagi Famly. The Delagi Famiky ran the trade down the coasts from the Ports to the Unions, and they ran human smuggling to contraband, but they don’t deal in drugs. The leader is Franco ‘The Man’ Delagi with his son, Danny ‘The Hood’ Delagi. His gang was huge but there was nothing compared to the New Triads of the continent headed by one named Charlie Sang aka Dragon Nine.

Don heard of the conflicts between the two gangs on some bad shipments, and if Danny is here, that means the father may be in the next bed. That was on her mind.

She could go up the rank if she works for the Delagi, or served the Triads, which was also honorable to those who helped them.

Or there was the rule in the hotel. You don’t hurt anyone there, or start a fight there. You will be branded an outcast by all like a wanted person but the difference was the hunters will be the criminals.

Don was undecided, and unarmed. Her gun was removed when they took her. She looked around and saw the treatment tray which include the scalpels. Her gun was there on the tray. It’s a Glock 17 Fourth Gen with the ammo clip removed. She preferred the double stacked magazine with seventeen rounds on it. It was down to thirteen after the shootout with the officer. She saw her KA-BAR or combat knife tucked into her right boot was there. It was her farewell gift from the Army.

Don smiled. She still has her other dagger; the small and hidden ‘Katar’; the push dagger with a T-Handle hidden below the back of her back in her blouse. The Doctor maty had missed it for her wound was on the leg.

It was tempting but then nurse arrived.

“Don, the Doctor said you can remain here.” It was the Nurse. “You will be assigned a room on the upper level. Do not leave your room. You will be sent food and drinks.” The Nurse had pushed a wheelchair in. “Get on it. You will be sedated and please remain in bed.”

Don obliged, and was wheeled out. Once in the corridor, she asked the nurse.

“Was it the Man there? Delagi old man?” Don asked. The nurse refused to answer her and pushed her to the lift. He pressed ‘4” on it.

Down at ‘G’, Glenn had walked to the window, ignoring Danny’s threat. He looked out and then back at Danny.

“You will need more guys and guns. They are coming at us.” Glenn said to Danny. It was 2340hrs.

“I have more men coming in. They are the best. They are mercenaries in my payroll. They are sent to do the bad jobs.”

“I heard of them. Your Merry Melody Men, I heard there are eight of them. Among them was one was Bugs Bunny, one was Daffy, another Piggy, and Doc, and even Coyote and Road Runner. The other two were ladies; Bitch and Dyke. They talked too much at the parties you hold and when drunk, they talked more than they should.”

“You are very observant, Glenn. I like that. My father liked you and wanted you to join us first but you refused.”

“I don’t want to. I was to retire.” Glenn replied. “Get the nurse. We may need to get higher up when they come in.”

Higher up, the Doctor had just done the delicate surgery on the last patient with the GSW in the chest. She wiped her hands on the apron she wore in surgery. The apron says ‘Happy Mother’. She felt like one taking care of the sick there.

“Doctor, I have sent the second patient upstairs. She will be fine.” The nurse reported to her. “The first patient is in the secured room on the Fifth Level.”

The Fifth Level was the top most and from there it was to the rooftop. There was a helipad there.

“How are our uninvited guests on the Ground Level? They are still there and so are the bodies.” The nurse continued the report. “I have activated the beacon. We will be assisted in minutes.”

“Shut the beacon down. We are Hotel California. This is a sacred place. You know the law here. Anyone intruding here will be prosecuted by the whole fraternity with extreme measures. No one had dared to intrude in the Hotel. Not here and not in any of the other eight locations. They all know the law.”

“They are here outside the hotel.” The nurse told the doctor.

“Who is outside?” The Doctor asked the nurse. “I saw the vid feed. Are they the Triads?”

“Yes, they are here for the old man. He is upstairs.” The nurse reminded the doctor.

“I asked on the Triads. You are getting old, nurse. So, the Triads are here.” The Doctor smiled. “Then there will be a family reunion. He finally showed up to see me.”

“Move this patient to Four. Marked her bed as the old man. If they overrun us, then they will stop at the Fourth.”

“This patient is important. She is connected. Her men will also be here soon. They have the law on them.” The nurse told the doctor.

“I know but she may live but will the respirator for the rest of her life. She is a cripple there. Her left lungs are gone and so will her heart.” The Doctor smiled. “She will be the bait. Activate the defense system.”

“Shall we go into the safe room? It will be the best option.” The nurse told the doctor.

“No, I will stay with the old man on the Fifth Level. He needs monitoring.” The Doctor made up her mind. “Be kind to do the needed from the safe room.”

The doctor left to take the lift.

 

 

Weekend Special Short Tales California 2.4 Chapter 6

 6.

 

“I want the Hotel surrounded.” The one who gave the command was a tall lanky Chinese guy dressed in the blue three pieces suit. He arrived with four SUV’s at precisely 0001hrs and he had with him in each vehicle four passengers. They were all armed and had fanned out as instructed.

“Charlie---” The figure in the blue suit held up his right hand. He was carrying a long duffle bag on his left shoulder.

“Use my rank.”

“Yes, Dragon Nine. We can’t go in. It’s the Hotel California. Its ---”

“Protected? I know but the man who killed my brother is in there. He will be given vengeance.”

“Dragon Nine, this is not sanctioned by the Elders. We will be punished ----.” The other pressed the point but stopped when the one named Dragon Nine had the nine inches dagger leveled at the throat of the other.

“I will avenge my brother. He was at the wrong place at the wrong time.”

“Dragon Nine, we need to reconsider.” The dagger went into the throat.

“The blood is warm when the person lives but when dead the blood is cold.” Dragon Nine smiled. “I liked it cold.”

Then five more SUV arrived, and fifteen more men joined Dragon Nine. They were armed with heavy fire power. With his other men, they numbered fourteen and the newly arrived fifteen, he has an army. All was armed with the Chinese Type 56 or the AK 56. It’s a variant of the Soviet-designed rifle of the Russian AK 47. It held an effective range of four hundred meters.

“We got to get the old man in there and be done quick. If more than that, we will be dead.” Dragon Nine looked at his assembled army. “Now play that music please.”

Welcome to the Hotel California
Such a lovely place (such a lovely place)
Such a lovely face
Plenty of room at the Hotel California
Any time of year (any time of year)
You can find it here

Dragon Nine or his true name Charlie Sang listened to that song with his elder brother since young. It was their father’s favorite and soon became theirs. They will sing and dance to the tune. He once tortured a victim with the music playing in a loop; it took six hours before he killed the victim.

“Don’t shoot the Doctor. She is mine.” Charlie told the others. His portable rang and he knew who it was.

“Good afternoon, my Godfather. May the days to come be blessed with more fun and offerings.”

“Dragon, don’t be a fool.” The one on the phone was the Grand Master from Macau, China. The leader was the Mandarin in the rank. “I was to have my lunch and the call came in. More to it, the Hotel is ---“.

“Protected? This is not our ---” Charlie was to argue back. He disliked the Western life there but back in Macau, he had annoyed one too many other leaders and his life was in the protection of the Godfather.

“The Hotel is a chain and here in the far country, we have our own. Hotel Macau, so don’t do it. You will be ostracized. And I can’t protect you no more.”

“I hear you, Godfather but this is my call. He will pay.”

“But she is there. She could be hurt. We cannot have that.” The leader made the plea. “I am ---"

“She won’t be. I know her position and will ensure her safety. I got someone inside. She will protect the Doctor. Now let me do my task.”

“Tee Chan,” Charlie was addressed by the Godfather. “I still love you. I brought you extra time. One hour was all I could do. The clock will show 1212hrs here. No one will come there for the white hoodlums. Do it by 1300hrs and all will be cleared. And don’t harm the Doctor. And more to it, after today, you are no more my Godson. I have enough of your antics. I will do the needed offerings if you die first.”

The Godfather hung up on Charlie Sang.

Charlie knew the Godfather will call off the others not for him but the Doctor. He had selected his men well; they will kill or die for him. And he will do the same for them. They all wore body armor and held extra clips. He liked his men, they were brothers.

“Form a cordon on the road here. We got an hour. Take six of you. The others will go with me to the Hotel. I want it covered.”

Charlie stopped after a few steps. The LED sign board there gave this message; FULLY BOOKED. CALL US AGAIN.

He looked to his men and his watch read as 0020hrs.

“Get the launchers from the car boots, and also the extra C4 from there.” Charlie told his men. “I want it now.”

In the hotel, Glenn saw the new army that was approaching the place. He turned to Danny.

“We got company.”

“How many?”

“I counted about twenty of them. I think Dragon was there.” Glenn replied. “I think they took the whole squad here.”

Glenn knew the Triads. He had once a near scuffle with Charlie Sang at a nightclub in the city. It was over the drinks and soon, Glenn had the broken wine bottle at the neck of Charlie, surrounded by five of the Triad Members while three others were on ground injured in the fight.

“You are ten minutes from the Hotel but I doubt you could reach there before you bleed out.” Glenn pressed then broken bottle at Charlie’s main jugular veins.

“You have no more than that if my brothers attack you?” Charlie had challenged back. Glenn looked to his watch.

“I give myself a minute of watching you bleed will be fine.:” Glenn chuckled. It was Robert who came to ease the standoff. He offered the fight to end with both sides calling it even. It was agreed and that was how Glenn survived his first meet with Charlie.

The second time was that night at 2000hrs when Glenn was called to intercept the convoy at the junction ahead

“Get to the fore. I got my dad in need of surgery. Hotel California.” That was Danny.

“Plot me a course to the Hotel California.” Glenn told Randy who was the driver then. The rest was all here.

“They should know the Hotel is protected. Why the risk?” Danny tried to sound out his concern. “My dad is in here.”

“Your dad should not have shot his brother. It was not his sworn brother but his real one. Robert Sang Te Kung was his name. They shared the same family name.” Glenn had listened in on the communications.

“Robert Sang insulted my dad. He was shot for that. How was I know that my father was a bad shooter? His shot missed the head and reached the heart.”

“And for that, Charlie wounded your father and we are here and he is outside. I ---” Glenn was cut off.

“You can’t leave. I will double your fees. If you kill Charlie, I will triple it.” Danny offered to Danny.

“Forget your money. I am leaving.” Glenn tossed the shot gun down. He walked to the door and heard the gun clicked.

“One more step and I will shoot you here.” Danny cautioned Glenn.

“Don’t worry, Glenn. I got you covered.” It was Randy but the others had their guns trained on him.

“Mexican stand-off huh?” Danny laughed. “I like that but can we get back to the business on hand. Kill the triads outside first.”

Business was usual at the third level at 2332hrs.

 

 

 

Story Write Compilations Volume 2 Stories 8

 Clause Kitchen 2

 

Author's Note: This is a tale in the Series of Clause Kitchen.

 

Contests rules: A picture of a girl dressed in black tights and garters sitting by the window holding a skull.

 

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Upon one summer’s morning, I carefully did stray,

Down by the Walls of Wapping, where I met a sailor gay,

Conversing with a bouncing lass, who seemed to be in pain,

Saying, William, when you go, I fear you will ne’er return.

 

His hair it does in ringlets hang, his eyes as black as soles,

My happiness attend him wherever he goes,

From Tower Hill, down to Blackwall, I will wander, weep and moan,

All for my jolly sailor bold, until he does return.

 

( Lyrics from the Mermaid Song; Pirates of the Caribbean )

 

I reached out for my jolly sailor but he is not the jolly one I met ten years ago on the beaches of Monaco. He was a hunk of a man with the name that sings in my heart. Like Claude, I was a Nordic beauty like a Siren dressed in the wispy silky gown than with half my current frame and more supple to the surplus now I am saddled with. Oh yes, we had indulged in too many good things during our marriage to had it plastered to our frame today. My Claude sleeps by my side on his large bed and snores to the exhale from his body. He was my jolly sailor then, just as I was his seductive Siren then. But now he is God's answer to the wishes of kids with the ever guaranteed delivery on the eve of Christmas on his magical sled. It's a one-day event, but the chore of preparing the presents is a year-long affair with the elves and pixes. Every child is monitored and being good would get their wish to come true. That is the promise of Santa Claus. But Santa needs nourishment to his body even as he works the days and nights. So that role falls to me, who is his dutiful wife and I command the kitchen to feed him and his helpers. That is my promise to Santa so he won't fail the children in their wishes.

 

By Billy's butt, I almost slept the afternoon away. I am late to my kitchen as I have a supper to prepare for the man who is taking his afternoon nap too long. It may be a quick romp in the bed, but the aftermath is a long sleep for his age. But my job is never to be late. I rushed out of bed and arranged my clothes on my back. One thing about being over sized, the flock will cover the overlapping curves without many worries. When I am prim and proper, I made my way to the kitchen but silence awaits my ears as my usual chattering pixies are ever silent. It's unlike them to be so, as they are chattering bundles of activities where the echoes of singing accompany their works. But not today, and I fear the worse had happened.

 

I bundled myself through the bat wings flap that leads into my kitchen to find a sight unseen before. It's not that the pixies are missing or on the dole, but they are held in the four corners by green tights clad elves armed with bows and arrows. I know these green elves; they are the Pirate of the Algae Sea. I try to sight out their leader of the pack, a lad I knew from my earlier days when he was a Lord's heir and now an adventurer with the tall mast and wenches of the tavern in some ports.

 

"Ribon of the Shirewoods! You come out this minute or I would put in the cell without the help of the Nottingham boys." True to his action, he swung down from the shelves above and stand before me. Ribon is a tall elf to the height of my bosom when it was more supple. He is dressed like his other merry men but he has a phoenix feather in his felt cap.

 

"My lady, Mama Claus. I beg your indulgence in having me in your kitchen today. I am not here on my own accord but that of another person who felt an injustice was done on them. So what better ways to get the old man's attention than to hold his wife ransom." The young pompous elf thinks he has it all planned.

 

"Ribon of the Shirewoods, you made a big mistake. You may just be made up for my day." I took up the dough roller and threw it boomerang style and it swung round the kitchen taking down the elves who held my pixies at the corner. I then took up a long handle spatula and walked towards the mischievous elf who dares to invade my kitchen.

 

The Pixies of mine now freed have recovered their voices and sang.

"There was an Old Man of Quebec,—

A beetle ran over his neck;

But he cried, "With a needle, I'll slay you, O beadle!"

That angry Old Man of Quebec."

( Limerick by Edward Lear )

 

"A man who never makes a lady angry is a failure in life. I stand quoted from Christopher Morley", My brave little elf clad in green tights still wants to make a stand in my kitchen.

 

"It may be true but he ain't married to me." I swung my spatula and knocked the elf across the kitchen slamming into the mushroom patch. "Tell me who send you and you may just be saved from being part of the fertilizer to the mushrooms."

 

"Oh my God! Not on my mushrooms. I just got those dead beetles there to blend in. Mama Claus, I hoped you are not serious. Decayed elves ain't my in my recipe for good fertilizers." I looked at the Head of my vegetable garden head; Shroom of the Round Headed Clans.

 

"Trust me, Shroom. You won't notice the difference in the growth. These elves are all hot air and no flesh." That riles up my Pirate Captain.

 

"Bring up your ...spatula, my Lady. I have taken enough insults from you today. The Pirates of the Algae does not bow to such instigating words." Ribon has pulled out his thread needle to challenge my long hand spatula. But our duel was delayed by the words of another party.

 

"Hold the duel. The pirate is here on my request."

 

I turned to look above at the top window sill where a dark figure sits with one leg raised on the sill. It's a young lady dressed in a black corset and matching stockings. I think they called it Goth wear now and it's popular with the young ladies. She is holding a skull in her hand and it's glowing in the dark. I know that skull; it one of our designs for Halloween.

 

"And who may you be? Didn't your mama tells you not to sit like that? It's very unladylike."

 

"My name is Lorelei, and I am a Siren. I know you are wondering why the sudden change of attire. Well, we are keeping up with the new trends in designs now. The days of the wispy white gown are over; it's hard to wash off those grime and dirt. Black is more ...distinct in taste now." The vixen who is a Siren thinks she can coax some elves in tights to invade my kitchen and get away with it. That would be the day, I am no more Mama Claus.

 

"As the dark waves of the sea

Draw in and out of rocky rifts,

Calling solemnly to thee

With voices deep and hollow,

To the shore Follow!

Oh, follow!

To be at rest forevermore!

Forevermore!"

 

( extract of the poem The Sirens by James Russel Lowell. ) The love-struck Captain of the Pirates began to voice his love for the siren named Lorelei.

 

"Lorelei, you are another Siren to me. Tell me your woes and be freed of my kitchen or I would reduce you to fish paste and be served on a platter for the Cheshire Cat." We can hear the mewing of the cat that vibrates around the room.

 

"No, Mama Claus. I begged for your forgiveness. I am just here to raise a request for a change in our presents for this Christmas. I meant you and Santa no harm. The Elves are to sailed me here on their ship as I have not ventured beyond the shores of my sea." The vixen has sailed down and landed at my feet on her knees.

 

"So tell me, sister Siren. What ails you on your presents?" I looked at her and see myself in her frame ten years ago. It's been such a long time since I sang with the sisters on the sea cliffs. Yes, we are Sirens, but we are no bad vixens. We sing our love to forewarned the sailors of the deadly corrals below the sea lines. But it's their lust which brought them their last breath.

 

"As I was saying, can we have a change of orders for our presents? We prefer them black leathers if it's okay. Our current change of gown is too great for our expenses as they are easily torn on the cliffs. Black leathers add more sexy curves to our looks." She is truly a vixen as she knows the last line was directed to me.

 

"I would check with the old man. No promises, but I would try." She thanked me and floated away. But before she left I told her to say hello to Aunt Calypso. It was then the green tights elves came to stand before me with their heads facing down. "Bad boys don't get presents." They nodded. "But bad boys can be good ones by Christmas may have one present." Their faces all turned up grinning at me.

 

say hey what's it gonna be tonight

come hit me up

come hit me up

say hey party with me tonight

come hit me up

come hit me up

say hey we been running all night

come hit me up

come hit me up

I know you feel it cause you checking me right

come hit me up

come hit me up

baby baby, just a little bit

baby baby, just a little more

baby baby, let me see ya

walk to me talk to me handle me right

 

( Lyrics from Happy Feet Hit me Up by Gia Farrel )

 

Well, I got the pixies to prepare supper while I go back to rest after my late afternoon encounters with the Pirates of the Algae. I walked back to the bedroom and find the old man still snoring in bed. A wicked thought came to my mind, and I rummaged up the large treasure case of mine. I finally found what I wanted. It's been there for over ten years now.

 

"Oh, Claude. Wake up. I got a surprise for you." Claude woke up and rubbed his eyes.

 

"Ho! Ho! Ho! That reminded me of the mushroom we have in the garden shed. But I like the polka dots on you better. "

 

He may be laughing but I am not. I doubt the bikini strings would hold up much longer on my current frame before it goes burst. But it is an itsy teenie weenie polka yellow dot bikini anyway.

 

It was an itsy, bitsy, teenie, weenie,

Yellow, polka dot bikini,

Story Write Compilations Volume 2 Stories 7

 My Security Blanket

Author's Note: This is a tale of a calamity that hit a family at their home. It centers on a self-made blanket.

 

Contests rules:

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2120hr

I crawled my way in the dark to the window and looked out. I know it's hopeless but I am holding onto a thread of hope that help would come. It has been like three hours now and we are still stuck here. I am sure there would be some rescue parties by now but I don't see any at all. It is all dark outside and in some places, I can see the raging fires as they engulf some of the other houses. I moved back to the spot where I left Laurie with the only remaining item which we hold dear; the collage blanket. It was her's from her childhood and probably the only thing keeping her sane from this insanity that befell us.

 

Six hours ago

1500hr

I stepped out of the car and ran for the house in the rainstorm. It has not stopped raining since this morning and we were worried about the nearby river burst its banks again. The last time it did that, the whole area was flooded and we lost a lot of our personal belongings. But the flood then subsided very rapidly and we were about to rebuild our life again. Butt his time, I am not sure as both of us are out of work and the baby requires medical care. Laurie is doing some part-time to manage the expenses but we are behind on the mortgage and other commitments. She would not speak of asking from her parents and neither would myself. But Nancy, our love child is begging to be relieved of her pain and that is what tugging our hearts now.

 

"Laurie, I am back. I got the medicine she needs. Doctor Maggie was kind to dispense it to me without the Hospital's knowledge." I passed Laurie the extra bottle of medicine for our baby. She is relieved as she thought with the road closure and oncoming rains, we would be stuck without the medicine for Nancy. We used to have a spare bottle but times are tight now. Doctor Maggie, her doctor, and a friend have been extending to us some of her services on a personal basis.

 

Laurie took the bottle and moved back upstairs to the kid's room. I checked the downstairs door and made sure everything is lock and proper. We have moved the essentials upstairs but there is something which we cannot move at all. I hope our Insurance Premium covers those items. On my way back, I saw the river levels, and it's not inviting at all. The authorities had come for us to evacuate but we could do so. Nancy needs her machine and without that, she is going to suffer badly. I told the authorities we would take our chance with the oncoming flood if it happens. I then remembered the generator set which we bought sometime back. I hand-carried it upstairs and later the barrel of diesel for it. Its to be plugged in case of power failure.

 

Just as I thought of it, the power was shut off at the main.

 

"Mac!" It's Laurie panicking on the power shut off. I ran up the stairs and start the generator set. It would be able to power up the machines keeping our daughter alive. The set would run for at least eight hours and I hoped by then we would be relieved.

 

1812hr

The water level has reached our doorstep and the evacuation has started. I got the knock on my door and I answered the officer. I told him of my situation and he replied that he would come back to me in an hour. But there was little he could do as our daughter's life depends on the machine now.

 

"Mac, do you think Doctor Maggie could do more?" I shook my head as if I were to move Nancy, it would be a major job. But now it's too late. More to it, I cannot afford the cost of doing it. Medical expenses have been a drain on our funds including the reserves. "Please call Doctor Maggie."

 

I tried but no reply. Now we can only wait as the dusk steps in.

 

1909hr

Laurie took her old blanket from the cupboard to wrapped around her shoulder. I just completed my check on the flood level and it's about two feet high at the lower level. I snuggle up to Laurie and held her in my arms while she looked at our daughter on the bed with the machine keeping her alive.

 

"Do you think we made the right decision? I don't know who long I can sustain at this." Laurie held onto me as I have no answer to her question. To me, there was no right or wrong decision; but a decision was made to bring Nancy home. She can't be helped much at the hospital and we should move her back home. But maybe a miracle may come one day and she could be saved. But we are still praying and the current situation does not help at all.

 

It's getting dark and Laurie is holding onto me ever tightly. She tells me that this blanket was what she used to hold onto during those cold nights when she was alone. She would hide beneath it from the boogie man or the vampire that comes nightly to her room. She did one extra blanket for Nancy as she said each of them should have one. But her's would be shared with me for she needs my warmth in it.

 

2024hr

"Mac, her vital signs are dropping. Can you call Doctor Maggie?" I picked up the portable but there are no signals. I rushed out of the room and to the stairs. The flood water is almost midway through the stairs and it's still raining outside. I walked down and find my half immersed in the dark water. It's also cold and I had to climb back up again.

 

"Mac, she is slipping away. Oh, God. Please help her." I rushed back to Laurie and held her as we both watched the machine blimping away. It's not a good sign but if it would be fast, I am thankful she did not suffer as we do.

 

"Malcolm Kinsey!" I see the light shining on the window and then the voice. I ran over to the window and opened it. It's a small boat with some officers on both. I recognized one of them. It's Doctor Maggie. "Mac, we need to come in and get Nancy. Can you open your balcony door?"

 

I did and the Medical Team climbed in through the balcony door. They treated Nancy with some medicine and said that they are moving her back to the Hospital. They found a donor for her ailment. She could be saved.

 

2145hr

It's being an hour now since they took Nancy and we are still waiting for her news. The boat was too small for all of us and we stayed back. The only thing keeping us warm was the blanket. Laurie is holding onto Nancy's one as she felt she needed something of Nancy to hold on to. We have been praying for the safe recovery of our daughter since she was taken to the hospital by Doctor Maggie.

 

I got up and walked out of the room. I was surprised to find the water is receding and it may soon be over for us. I was joined by Laurie at the stairs and we sat there to watch the water recede.

 

The Next Day

1012hr

We were both sitting on the grass field looking down at our home which is now visible above the water levels. The level now is about six inches and still receding. We climbed up here to the small hill at the back of our house at about 0800hr and have been sitting here since then. The morning sun basked in our face was refreshing after one day of dark skies.

 

"Malcolm Kinsey?" I looked at the officer who was standing there. "There is a call from Doctor Maggie. Your daughter Nancy is fine. They just completed the transplant and she would be fine."

 

"Mac, I think it's time Nancy gets her blanket as she is going to need it for her night sleep." I nodded and took the blanket from Laurie's hand.

 

"Nancy needs also her warmth in the blanket which we can only give. Shall we walk there to see her now?"

 

 

 

Dante Book 1 Canto VIII Scene II

 Scene 2

 

They have sailed the stream to go round the iron walled City of Dis looking for the entrance to the place. During the voyage, Dante saw what was to him imprisonment there, for, above the walls, he caught sights of its wardens perched above and looking at him. Phelygas then stop the ferry and told them to disembark.

“This is as far I can go. The rest of the journey, you need to walk on foot.” Phelygas told Dante.

Dante and Virgil stepped off the ferry and then he hea4rd the voice addressing them.

“Come alone, and let him go, who enters this kingdom with such audacity. Let him return, alone, on his foolish road; see if he can: and you remain, who escorted him, through so dark a land.”

Dante looked up to see the source of the voice but he saw no one. He looked then to Virgil.

“They meant you can go on while I am to return to where I came from,” Dante said to Virgil. “I can’t…”

“Dante, don’t give up. You have come this far.”

“Virgil, if I try --- and I doubt if I try, I may not make it. The ferry has gone and we alone here.” Dante sighed. “Virgil, we have journeyed through the Circles till here. You were my guide and many a time, a companion, and had saved me from dangers. Do not leave me, so helpless: and if we are to go back, let us quickly retrace our steps.”

Virgil looked at the other who had shown confidence in their journey had then become distraught. He could not place the state of Dante’s mind then. He looked to the high walls and thought maybe it was that which intimidated the other. He then turned to Dante.

“I lied when I told you had not been here. I did not stop at Limbo. I was up to here, and I stopped here. I was afraid to go ahead, and I remembered you. I had Virgil 3.0 to return for you. It was easy for the mechanical unit and without a soul. I then retract my steps. It was not easy but I made it back. I had Phelygas to assist me. We had an arrangement.”

“Arrangement?” Dante was surprised.

“I was to take him off the task as Ferryman. He was tired of the task; watching the many he took here and saw the punishment. Hell is not a great place at all.”

“How much have you lied to me?” Dante asked.

“Practically that was it. I am on the level with you. I need you to go with me to Dis.” Virgil admitted.

“I will be a fool to go on with you. You lied to me. You may have sinned there and even here in Hell, it's still a sin.” Dante was upset. “And…”

“Beatrice was real. She did die and before she did, she asked me to tell you that she wanted to see you one more time. She died before I could do the task. I brought you here to see her. Even near death, she loved you.”

“There is no way I can see her. I have not seen her in the last Circles and not that I believed she will be there but she was not. She may be …” Dante looked to the walls.

“She may in the deeper part of Hell. Would you know if you would not go on?” Virgil looked at the wall. “There may be a way in. Or out of Hell.”

“There was then during the Harrowing of Hell. The souls were rescued then.” Dante mumbled. “We do…”

“I have seen the Harrowing of Hell. Or rather I was there when it happened. I may have an idea.” Virgil looked to Dante. “Have no fear; since no one can deny us passage; it was given to by so great an authority. But if you wait for me, and comfort and nourish your spirit with fresh hope, for I will not abandon you in the lower world.”

With that, Virgil stepped to the wall and called out the ones perched on the top.

“I am Aeneas. I was here before but I did not go in.” Virgil used his real name to address the wall. “I deserve my right to go to the City of Dis.”

The door appeared and one resembled those Dante saw when he arrived at the entrance to Hell. It had wings on its back and stood tall over Virgil.

“The ones who took no sides; neither of God or Lucifer. They are here too but how I know not.”

The winged man leaned down to speak to Virgil; words that cannot be heard by Dante but he saw the exchange of words was intense.

“You are deserving yet you are not deserving anymore. If you return alone, you would have passed but now…” The winged one looked at Dante. “You are unwanted. You are a living soul and you will corrupt the realm here.”

The winged one soar to the top of the wall and the opened doorway closed in front of Virgil.

“I will get in!” Virgil was upset. He walked back towards Dante.

“Who are they to deny me passage to the City of Dis?” Virgil looked and saw the dismayed look on Dante. “Though I am angered, do not be dismayed. I will win the right whatever obstacle those inside contrive. The insolence of theirs is nothing new.”

“We are defeated and lost.” Dante sighed.

“Defeated we are not. I spent a lifetime defying the logic of many and invented more. I was here as a soul and yet I traversed back to meet you. I won’t lose just yet.”

“Just what did you speak to the winged one?” Dante had to ask.

“Logic as I was trained in but that devil, as I had named it is dark as black and harder than diamond to listen to my reasoning. I will need to call on a harrowing experience for now. What will that remain to be seen yet but it will come.”  

Dante Book 1 Canto VIII Scene I

 Canto VIII

City of Dis

Scene 1

 

“There are flames on the top of the tower,” Virgil shouted. “It signaling someone out where?”

The two of them looked around and then they saw the back to across the marsh, another set of flames were seen.

“I wondered whom it was signaling to.? Maybe someone resides in there? Did our presence triggered it?’ Dante asked those questions. “An automatic response or perhaps an alert?”

“We shall know soon. I see a ferry coming at us from the marsh.” Virgil indicated to the stream.

“It may be…” Virgil saw the familiar helm of the ferry with its fierce three-headed hound. “Have we not fed that hound for a ghoul back there.”

“Cerberus is neither a hound nor ghoul. It was fabled that it was the child of Typhon and Echidna. Its siblings varied from Orthus, the Lernaean Hydra, and Chimaera. It guards the Entrances of the Underworld. The ferry here resembled the long ships of the ancient Vikings. The long ships have the dragon design on the helm and it was their insignia of fear to the coastal settlement when they approached from the sea. The mark of the dragon was said to bring them strength and power as we do in our uniform with the battalion colors. It’s a reinforced pride to the wearer.”

“Just as Cerberus is its Guardian, its vessels are regarded as formidable.” Dante ended his explanation.

“And to what is he here now? I thought we left him back there?” Virgil saw the ferryman. It was Phelygas. “I doubt it augurs well for us.”

True to the words of Virgil, when the ferry reached the stream banks near Dante, the ferryman stepped off and approached the latter.

“You must return with me. You are not wanted here.” Phelygas motioned to Dante. “I will return you to the other bank of the river. Make haste for your presence fouls the realm.”

‘When has Hell ever less than foul, Phelygas?” Virgil intervened on Phelygas. “We have seen more foul deeds here than in our living lifetime.”

“Do not intervene, the soul of Aeneas. You hid behind the name Virgil but in this realm, I can see through your soul.”

“Then see past mine, and …. his. We …. Don’t belong here. We are not the sinners. We saw they had to endure and were stopped in their journey here. We were not. Not even in Limbo, where our souls could reside forever. We are…. Pilgrims, I will add to that. Do you know what Pilgrims do?”

“Don’t use words on me, Aeneas. I am just the ferryman here. I delivered the souls where they are due. I don’t judge them.” Phelygas replied. “I do what is needed as told to me.”

“Who told you of us, Phelygas?” Dante cut in.

“The flames at the City of Dis alerted me. You are not wanted there. You are not…. Dead and only the dead can go into the City of Dis.” Phelygas looked at Virgil. “He may for he is dead.”

“And you may for you are one but you did not. Why?” Dante asked of Phelygas then.

“I… I have not decided to go there. I have a task here as the ferryman. Someone had to do the task.” Phelygas replied. “Charon is not able to handle the five rivers here. I am one of the few who assisted him.”

“Or was it you fear the final judgment?” Dante asked.

“No…I am not. I just…” Phelygas was lost for an explanation.

“Let me pass on. I will get your answer for you. I don’t belong here. I have seen the earlier Circles, and the rest lies before me. I need to complete the journey or I am …. The few here in limbo.” Dante pleaded.

“I…I … get on the ferry. I will take you to the City of Dis. From there, there is no return to here. You are in the depths of Hell there.”

“Do I pay for the fare onwards?” Dante asked.

“Only with your soul. And be damn I ever let you talk me into this.” Phelygas turned to his ferry. He called out to the ones on the ferry. “Make way for another condemned soul.”

But there was no one on the ferry. They were clinging on the side, in the marsh flow.

“Who are you that comes here before your time?” One of the souls there at the side of the ferry pulled itself up and leaned with its arms on the ferry.

“I am Dante Alighieri.”

“I know of you, Dante Alighieri. Fellow of opposing side. It’s me, I Filippo Argenti.” The one leaning there said.

“Filippo…” Dante was stunned for words.

“You could not speak my name huh, Dante. It’s me, Filippo Argenti. I was the one…” The one named Filippo then used his fight hand to smack at whoever it was below trying to pull him off. “He is mine. I know him well. Begone you oafs.”

“Tell me, Dante Alighieri. You are not dead. We can sense that in you. Your heart beats and red blood flows in your body. Why are you here, with us the lifeless souls?”

“I know you, Filippo. You…”

“Yes, I had you removed from your preaching podium. I exposed your love for the unrequited lady who is the Empress. I had your life broken into exile. Your properties are expounded by the others. Your life in turmoil and only the volunteers will take your side. I am the one who did all that, Dante Alighieri.”

“Indeed, you did. You destroyed my life then. My sanctuary invaded and my soul exposed to the mass. I am glad you are in Hell where you deserved to be.” Dante replied in anger. “I did not do you any harm and yet you despair me to a life of misery.”

“That can be told now. You are a Guelph! Supporter of the Pope who was acceded the power of the Emperor then. Your kind pukes my soul.” Filippo cursed at Dante.

“May you weep and wail to all eternity for I know you, Hell-dog. Filthy as you are.” Dante cursed back, and the other soul tried to climb onto the ferry. Phelygas reached to kick the soul off.

“Down! Down! With the other dogs.”

“It would suit my whim to see the wretch scrubbed down into the swill before we leave this stinking sink and him.”

“I do wish.” Dante then saw the loathsome spirit was mangled by the others in the stream; angry souls that pulled Fillipo in.

“Why? Why?” Filippo pulled off the ferry was questioning his plight. “I wanted to stop him. He is the underserving one.”

Dante saw the other was soon swallowed by the stream and all was silent on the ferry. He then looked at Virgil. (Adapted from the works of https://infernobydante.wordpress.com/2013/10/23/canto-viii/comment-page-1/ )

“Filippo has had wrath in his soul. He held no qualms to whom he may destroy to further his fame. He picked me for I am a Guelph, naturally his adversary by the will of his, and he then was destroyed by the same will of the others that were with him.”

“Was it because of the side he was on? I am sure there are others who…” Virgil was cut off by Dante.

“It did not matter whose side he was on. It was the nature of wrath to lash out on any action. Such is the act of betrayal; your loyalty is fluid to your interest. In that stream, they held no loyalty at all. They only want to act upon their wrath, as Filippo did to me before. He had a sample of that today.”

“Will he … What am I talking about? He is already dead and can’t die anymore.” Virgil sighed. “But where does…”

“Filippo is pushed to the bottom where he will battle up again, such is his punishment here. He will sink and rise and then sink.” Phelygas explained to Virgil. “We will soon reach the City of Dis. Please move on and leave me not of your visit here. You are no longer welcome here.”