The Curious Case of Lady Josephine

Journal Entry # 45
January 23, 2010
11:45 PM

Staring blankly at the ceiling, I was brought to some place familiar. We were seated face to face enjoying the cheeseburger meal we ordered. It was one of those nights when I feel good just to have you around. You love talking while I enjoyed listening. It’s like you’re a piece of entertainment I couldn’t miss even though I’ve seen it many times.

“What???, How many times did I tell you not to look at me like that?” you would asked me when I fixed my sight on you.”Am I ugly? Something wrong?” you would continue. I just said nothing. I’m afraid my vocabulary is not wide enough to describe the beauty in front of me – not to mention your grammar-sensitive ears.

I don’t know who you are – figuratively speaking. It’s like you are enclosed in a halo or a Venus energy that every man is drawn to you. And like Venus, you trash them away – most of them – never even bothered to put to recyclable cans. The way you talk, move, sway, gesture – everything is in sequence and in tune with each other that over all it’s like an orchestra of music pleasing to the eyes and ears. Yet, you are like a baby, constantly in need of care, attention and love.

When you’re mad, you scare the hell out of everyone else. Like it would be the last day of whoever touches you. And I am afraid to feel Venus’ wrath because I am afraid to lose you. You enslave me like you enslaved every man. I’ve seen your Medusa yet I keep coming back for Venus overshadows the dark side. You have left me once and I’m afraid it would happen again. I know how it feels, its draw back on me. Your like a demigod feeding me with ambrosia I couldn’t have with any one else.

Am I spell bounded? No matter how I try to write the ugly you it turns out to be a beauty. Maybe. Walking with you in the dark of the night I do not fear. I would laugh at how I would hide from people just to have you alone. My thirst is quenched just to hear you speak and know that you are okay. Your daily rants and musings amuses me. You’re like a piece of puzzle I would love to solve everyday. Nothing but more of you and less of me.

I fear the coming days. When you will be gone, forever. Like fairies and fairyland dies when every child give up believing. I fear that I might not be able to solve puzzles again. I fear I won’t hear the elating sound of the orchestra anymore. I fear that I would never taste ambrosia again, bitter as it may seem. I fear that I would not be able to solve the mystery of you – forever. I fear. I fear.

– Mike

A Christmas Story

It was late at night; Johnny was staring at the play of Christmas lights across the street hanging on a tree laid in contrast to the dark cloudy Christmas Eve. His mind wanders at the beauty he sees over the grumpy skies.

“Johnny? What are you doing here? We have been waiting for you. Do you have the medicines?” Mama asked seeing Johnny staring blankly over the window.

“Yes Mama. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to come back in time. I was awed at the sight of the Christmas light over the window.” Was Johnny’s reply.

“It’s okay honey. Come now, your Papa needs his medicine.”

They went into a large room with six beds and six side tables of which only three are occupied. Johnny’s Papa lay asleep on the third bed from the door where they are standing. His breathing is supported by oxygen connected to his nose. A nurse was seated beside the bed waiting for the medicines.

“Where is mister Alvarez Mama?” Johnny asked after the nurse had left the room.

“They already checked out honey. The doctor said he can go home and celebrate Christmas with his family.”

“Are we going home too, Mama?”

A tear fall from his mother’s eyes which she right away wiped so that Johnny won’t see it.

‘No. Not yet sweetie, Papa’s not well yet. We will be spending Christmas here together with Mr. Perez and Mr. Cruz. They said their families are coming over and will bring some for all of us. The nurses are staying too making sure your Papa, Mr. Cruz and Mr. Perez is okay.”

“Is Papa going to be okay, Mama?”

‘He will be. He will be, son.” She replied trying to convince herself and her son.

“What did the doctor say ‘bout his illness?”

“Well, -- trying to hold back her tears – the doctor said the he will be leaving us anytime soon. Papa’s not getting better now Johnny and Jesus want him to go home.”

“So we will be going home too, Mama?’

“Yes, sweetie… In our time...”

And so Christmas Eve came to pass. They gleefully celebrated it together with the nurses and three other patients. They shared stories about Christmas and their Christmas experiences. The room was filled with joy and laughter as if there’s nobody sick inside that room. Until they tire and went to sleep. While the spirit of Christmas lingered inside the room.

Johnny was awaken by his mother the next day, sobbing.

“Why are you crying, Mama? Are you hurt?” Johnny asked.

“Papa has gone home honey, and he will be waiting for us there, with Jesus.”

It wasn’t easy for Johnny at first. Losing his father at an early age is quite big for a child like him. He cried and cried until the crying turned into sobbing. ‘til his eyes were dry and no sound can ever come out of his mouth.

“Remember the Christmas light you saw last night?” Mama asked.

“Yes, Mama. Why?” Johnny replied almost like a whisper.

“Well, why do you think it was so beautiful last night? It shined the brightest because the surrounding was dark and stormy. It was the only light of different colors we can see amidst the pitch black surrounding last night. And because of that it even shined brighter. Sometimes we are worried of the storms that come our way that we fail to see the beauty ahead of us. And by doing so, we miss the opportunity to appreciate and savor that moment. Your Papa went into that City of Bright Lights, where everything was nothing but of pure beauty. We will be going there too Johnny, in our time… and Papa will be waiting for us there…

A Letter To Laura (part two)

Dearest Laura,

By the time you read this letter I may have gone so far. I brought you to this place to let you know how much I love you. You see, I placed this letter on my tombstone, but don’t be afraid. I want you to dig it and...

Laura couldn’t finish reading the letter. Hers is a mixed emotion of fear, love and hatred. She was puzzled by the event that happened earlier when Edward was guiding her to this very place. He was so alive and now she is standing in front of his tomb.

“How could this be?” she muzzled as the cool breeze brush her hair and brought chill to her skin. She shivered. She looked around the place. She was alone. Stars are losing its brightness as the night sky approaches dawn. She must have stayed here for quite a long time. Over the horizon, she can see glimpse of sun’s rays.

... get whatever you see inside. Please keep this letter and whatever that’s inside my casket. You must do the digging in secret, otherwise everything will be jeopardized.

Trust me.

Lots of love,
Edward
she continues.

A part of the sun has already appeared on the horizon. She kept the letter. She started moving back to where she passed by the night she was brought in this place by Edward. Her dress is wet with the morning dew and she wrapped her arms around her body. The morning is cold and so is her emotion.

She cleanse and prepared breakfast for herself when she arrived home. Still puzzled, she read the letter again and again trying to find meaning out of what happened that night. To no avail. She went to her room closed the door and devised a plan on what to do if ever she opens Edward’s casket. Now curiosity enveloped her.

“What is it that Edward is trying to conceal to me?”
“What could be inside Edward’s casket?”
“What if it’s Edwards body?”

These and more questions complicated everything she planned. There are a lot of possibilities, but how will she know what she’s going to do with whatever is inside the casket. Then she heard a voice calling her,

“Laura...”

She turned back and there standing in front of her is Edward.

“This is crazy!” she said. “You can’t be real”, she continued. “How did you get in here?”

“I am real Laura, remember when I asked you if you do trust me?”, says Edward.
“Where is that trust?”

“How can I trust you when you’re giving me so much mystery? One moment you’re dead and now you’re alive!”

“Have you seen what’s inside the casket?”

“No.”

“Then why did you think I am dead when it was clear that I’ll be away?”

“Why do you have to be away then?”

No answer. Instead, Edward walked out of the room leaving Laura even more puzzled.

“Edward!” she shouted as she run after him. “How could you be so mean to me? I thought you love me?” She opened the door and suddenly she was falling into the abyss.

Her whole body ached as she tries to get up from the floor where she had fallen. She was dreaming. She was exhausted by last nights events that she had fallen asleep thinking of Edward and the letter. Outside, the birds are singing, the trees sway to the direction of the wind and the sun is half-way towards the west horizon. She fixed her bed and was on her way to the bathroom when she noticed the door was ajar.

“I did close the door went I got in?” assuring herself. Perplexed, she went to investigate before closing it. She walked noiselessly towards the door and glance at the living room below. No one was there. She was taking a look at the kitchen, heart pounding, when something passed by her foot...





To be continued....

A Letter To Laura (part one)

A Letter to Laura (part one)

She was standing in the courtyard, beside the lamp post which towers like cedars in the forest. Snow falling gently and has accumulated on some parts of the yard making dots of white and gray. She was just standing there, seemingly waiting for someone. She wears a white dress that perfectly fits her, like an angel. She creates a picture of hope in the cold place where snow falls, flames of the lamp post dances as the wind blows while the shadows jump from one place to another. Her eyes brighten as she sees the glow of the headlight of a coming car as it winds up a distant curb. She definitely was expecting someone. Her face reddened as she enthusiastically waits for the car to pull over the roadside near the courtyard. The car passed and was gone as quickly as it had appeared. It did not stop. She slowly sobs then the sobbing broke into silent weeping. She made a wrong decision. And now she’s alone. Then she suddenly heard footsteps behind her, the shoes crashed the snow under it. She paused and listened as the footsteps approaches. Her heart is beating faster that she hears every throb of it. When finally got the courage, she turned back just as she was a meter away from the footsteps. She stood blankly for a while as she tries to make up the face of the person standing just a few inches away from her. Finally she smiled as she recognizes the man.

“I was so afraid because I thought you have forgotten me, Edward!” she exclaimed, hugging the man tightly.

“I could never do that to you Laura. You knew how much you mean to me, right? I’m here now, don’t be afraid.” he says as he warmly hugs Laura.

“I want you to follow me.” Edward said.
“Where?”
“Just please trust me.” He said pulling Laura’s arms. They run along the highway beneath the tall trees, snow falling while the moon slightly lighting their path. She was panting when they arrived at a place while he stares at her as if the run have not affected his circulatory system. He was not grasping for breath. He was just standing and with a serious look on his face.

“Are you okay?” he said.
“I’ll be fine in just a few minutes.” she replied still grasping for breath.
“Do you love me, Laura?”
“Of course I do! Why are you asking me that question?”
“Do you love me?” he repeated.
“Yes, I do!, What’s the matter Edward?”
“I have to show you something.” he said in monotony.
“What is it? Is there something wrong?”
“Follow me.”

They starting walking in an even pace. Edward ahead of her pulling her arms gently as he lead the way. She suddenly felt a sudden chill. Edward’s arms felt so cold like a steel.

“You’re freezing!” she said.
“No, I’m fine.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”

Then there was silence. They are probably in a meadow where they used to have time together. The grass was trimmed and covered with snow. Her feet was cold and wet. She was wondering and trying to picture where she is when they suddenly stopped. They were in front of a small house that looked more like a mausoleum than a barn. Inside, a light dimly glows which probably came from a single candle. The place smells like lavender and rose together which is quite strong as the damp air holds it. They were the only souls in the middle of the night and the only sound that she could hear is the beating of her heart. She clasp her hands and put them together close to her body as the gentle breeze blows. She was cold. And the look of the place makes the situation even colder. Then he asked her again:

“Do you really love me, Laura?”
“Yes, I do love you. Why? You’re making me nervous. What’s the matter, Edward?”
“Do you trust me?” he asked, not answering her questions.
“Yes, I do. I wouldn’t have come this far if I don’t trust you!”
“Okay, please do remember that I love you so much, okay?
“Okay.”

Then he grabbed her by the hand and led her into the house. He worked on the knob and the door opened noisily. Streaks of candlelight greeted her eyes as she tries to visualized the place. In front of her was a single burning candle and beside it was a folded piece of paper that has been yellowed by time. She moved forward and got the letter. One side of the letter was scribbled with ink and it says:

To Laura

Who could have left a letter for me here in this place? She inquired to herself.
The letter was still sealed when she opened it. She started reading:

Dearest Laura...





To be continued....

Dark Angel

He was awakened by the rays of the sun that penetrated through the window burnig his skin. He forgot to tuck the curtain out of the window panes. He stepped out of his bed, checked the clock, it's 10:24 in the morning. He must have been asleep for nearly 8 hours. He went out of his room and fixed breakfast for himself. Everyday, he lives like a normal person, doing household chores, going to work, enjoy the party. Nobody knows what he feels inside. Nobody knows what he really is because knowing him would mean your last grasp of breath. He is a handsome young man. Full of vigor and vitality of life. Tall, lean and a well-defined face. Women longed to be with him... at least to have him. He releases a charisma that nobody can stun. Yet, this beauty is cursed. But he likes it. He can take as much as he wanted to without leaving any traces or seed of him at all. He can posses you without any resistance and thus he can easily cut the last thread of life that keeps you. Unless he decided to spare you. He is a beauty to be worshipped. Even men are drawn to him. But he also is a force to be reckoned with. A slight hint of repudiation will cost your life. Yet assent and he will give you treasures and pleasures of life. He is neither God nor the devil but he feared the first and shuns the second. At day, he is like an angel with wings as white as snow glistening under the bright rays of the sun. A friend and a guardian to all. He is a blessing. At night, his wings turn into velvety, jet-black feathers. Very majestic. A thing to behold. Threathening to the corrupt and the iniquitous for his presence means destruction. Neither of his side is weak, but the dark side is much stronger. This would be a long day for him. Eight hours of waiting before the reaping. He would enjoy his other side first. Anyway, he enjoys both sides of him. Schizophrenic...

*part 2 of the chronicles of dark angel

Rise of the Dark Angel

The room is dim, with no lights to brighten except the rays of the moon beaming its way through the window that is ajar. Wind tossing the curtains. The shadow of the leaves play as the wind blows making silhouette figures dancing to no tune. Across the room, crouched in the furthermost corner a soul sobs. Abandoned. Innocence shattered by another souls with no kindness except to fulfill its selfish desires. Taking the very best out of its victim. Clothes tattered, crimson stains the area where it was splattered. Everything in disarray. The soul's tears dies down into sobs then into silence. Slowly he stands, staring blankly into nothingness, eyes focused on one thing as if he is engrossed by it. Determined. Face emotionless. He started moving towards the window. He used every energy and courage that is left of him. As he draws closer to the open, sudden chills encompassed him as the cold breeze enters the room. Slowly he pushed the window panes outside, tuck the curtain in in one of the windows, welcoming the sweet aroma of the night. Ahhhh refreshing... cleansing every stain and mark that have been engraved. He opened his eyes, saw the big bright moon just directly over him. The moon's light is not fierce, unlike the burning sun... instead it's so calm... serene... invigorating. He stretched his arms wide enough as if accepting all that is in space... drawing its energy into his own. Life-giving. He was energized. Back into fullness again. Stigmas rubbed out of him. Satisfying. Except for the stains that are seen. He closed the window. After regaining strength he still need to clean himself up. He went into the shower, turned the knob and the water splashed its way down washing away the tinge that the other soul left him. Refreshing. The water strips off all the ugliness and guilt that he felt. When he was done, he warmed himself up with a towel. Went back into his room and arranged the things misplaced by what had just happened. When he was done, the room is perfect. Neat and tidy. He turned the lights on and the room came into life. Every color reflected gives vigor to the room that has once been a witness to the cruelty of the human's darkest soul. The day is long. He lay himself down drowsing himself off to the sound made in the night. Sweet. Slowly his eyes closed... his mind wandered into the ethereal. Tomorrow is another day. For now, just rest. Rest for the wicked soul reborn out of strife and the frailties of the human emotions. The game has started and tomorrow, the debts will be collected, life taken will be regained by the death of another soul. Tomorrow is the day of reckoning. The day of vengeance for the sinful and the wicked and reward for the faithful...

*part 1 of the chronicles of the dark angel.