Awakening

Copyright © 2011 by Eunace Creed

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ISBN: 978-1-4497-2586-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4497-2587-7 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4497-2585-3 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2011915390

Printed in the United States of America

WestBow Press rev. date: 11/28/2011

Contents

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Dedicated to those who can be reached by its message.

CHAPTER ONE

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

Revelation 1:1-3

Whoa, did you feel that? Ann’s smile lit her face as she moved her husband’s hand across her swollen belly.

Feel what? I didn’t feel anything, Chuck teased.

How could you miss that? It was a huge kick. Give me your hand. Feel the fluttering movements. They’re softer now but you still can feel them.

I got nothin’. I think you’re imagining things.

Are you serious? You can even see it if you watch closely. Ann was focused so entirely on her abdomen she nearly missed Chuck’s teasing grin. You are a bad man, Chuck Haynes.

Me? Nah, I just can’t believe my totally hot wife is eight months pregnant. As-a-matter-of-fact, are you sure you’re pregnant? Maybe we need to keep trying. He grinned as he gently pulled her to him.

You are bad. Ann whispered as she nuzzled his neck. It’s a good thing you’re so good at it; otherwise, I might not have fallen so completely in love with you.

As Chuck captured Ann’s lips, the door knob wiggled and a small voice said, Daddy, Mommy, I’m up.

Chuck and Ann stared into each other’s eyes for a frozen moment. Through lips still locked with Ann’s, Chuck mumbled, Why did you decide to have kids anyway?

Ann slapped him in the head with her pillow. It takes two to tango, you know. I didn’t see you protesting.

Chuck’s booming laugh journeyed around the room bouncing off the walls as the pillow fight ensued.

Another knock was followed by an impatient, Daddy, didn’t you hear me? I said I’m up.

Chuck waved the white pillowcase which had been pulled from his pillow during the fray. I surrender. I’m calling a truce.

I thought you might, you big chicken. You’re scared of the poor little pregnant woman.

That’s right. I am. Have you seen your mood swings lately? Vicious. A pillow sailed across the bed, missing Chuck by a mile. Chuck answered the blow with a quick peck on Ann’s head. I’ll get that. You stay in bed and relax. Make sure my daughter is rested and ready to meet me in a few weeks.

Chuck rolled onto his feet, opened the door, and grabbed the still sleepy-eyed boy in one fluid movement. Com’ere, Jakester, and feel your little sister. She’s rowdier than you.

Hey, Jakey. Ann smiled as Jake snuggled next to her belly.

Hi, Mommy. Today’s Sunday, isn’t it? Jake patted Ann’s belly thoughtfully.

Yes, it is, Jakey. Why do you ask? Ann’s patience was never-ending.

Well I was wondering, since it’s the Lord’s Day and all, can we go to church?

Jakester, Daddy told you. Sunday is Mommy’s and Daddy’s day, Chuck interjected.

Well didn’t you already have enough of that this morning? I could hear you guys forever before I knocked. I’m six-years-old now. I know what you guys are up to, Daddy. Jake sat upright and leaned against Ann’s stomach.

Chuck and Ann exchanged a look as both of them attempted not to laugh. And just what are we up to, Jakester?

Dad, even though you’re doing it with a girl, every man knows pillow fights are not that much fun. You can take a break just this once. Jake patted Chuck’s shoulder reassuringly while Ann sniggered quietly.

Really? Well, although you have proven your knowledge of this area, Sunday is our only day to spend time as a family doing something fun and relaxing so what do you want to do today? Chuck honked Jake’s nose as he returned to his position on the bed.

Go to church, Jake answered.

Jakester, I’ve told you once and I’ll tell you again. I’m not wasting my Sunday sitting in church. Now, you can choose what we do or I will. Chuck’s face turned stern while his voice remained calm and patient.

But, Daddy, Jules says they have doughnuts on Sunday morning. She says her daddy even lets her have sips of coffee. She said the ‘pasture’ always saves a jelly doughnut for me just in case I get to come. You guys never get me doughnuts. Jake pouted and tried to work up a crocodile tear.

Before Chuck could proceed with the usual arguments, Ann interjected, That’s pastor, Jake, not pasture. Chuck, stop tapping your fingers. Yikes, you’re going to beat them to nubs one of these days.

Chuck never realized the nervous habit until Ann said something. Without a second thought, he placed his hands behind his head.

Why don’t I take him to church this morning? He’s been asking for months so I don’t think he’s going to give up until he gets to go. Plus, I’m in that restless phase so it would be nice to get a change of scenery. I haven’t been to church since my grandparents used to take me for Easter egg hunts every year. Besides, it’ll give you time to clean the garage. This time Ann honked Chuck’s nose.

Yea! Doughnuts!

Ann pecked Chuck’s cheek, smiled in triumph, and scooted off the bed. Come on, Jakey. Let’s go see what we have to wear that may be suitable for a church. We’ll just leave Daddy to his business.

Who’s bad now? Chuck fell onto the pillow with a groan as Ann and Jake left the room.

March 1st

Today my mind awakened, so I’m told, though I wish it had waited until this raging headache was gone. Although I still don’t understand everything that has happened, I realize the world has changed from my last memory. I am being detained in a small bedroom on what seems to be the first floor of a townhouse on the outskirts of New York. I can see very little out of the windows which are covered by a thin gray curtain but what I can see appears dirty and unkempt. There doesn’t appear to be a phone, television, or any sort of electrical device present. Although there’s a small but beautiful, antique chandelier hanging from the ceiling there’s no light except the little which continues to peek around the curtains. Every corner of the room visible from my chair seems to be stacked from floor to ceiling with brown boxes. So many questions are flooding me but I can’t grasp the answers. One of my caretakers, Miguel, tells me my memories will return quickly now that my mind has awakened fully.

Miguel also says I need to rest until my body fully awakens. He was present when I woke here today. (I believe I had been in a hospital this morning before I passed out and woke in this strange place.) Anyway, Miguel and Gab are the only people I’ve seen since waking. Miguel is an older gentleman who seems very serious and doesn’t appear to care about how I might be feeling.

Gab has been assigned as my caretaker at present. She appears to know exactly what she’s doing but doesn’t seem to mind being questioned about it or giving the most detailed answers she can. She has the most distinctive hazel eyes I have ever seen. The brown, green, and blue are so clearly distinguishable from one another and yet they meld together so that it’s impossible to tell where one ends and another begins.

Miguel also requested, or should I say demanded, that I maintain a journal to oil my thought processes until I’m back on my game. I guess I should know what my game is though I can’t seem to pinpoint it. I recall being on assignment and seeing a battle in the desert. Perhaps I was a soldier. Then again, just as clearly, I recall sitting in a jewelry store examining a ring and wearing scrubs at a hospital so who’s to say I wasn’t a jeweler or a doctor? Anyway, Gab will be writing for me until I can use my hands which, I’m told, will not be until my body awakens.

Right now she’s nagging, I mean, urging me to go over today’s events to ensure I can recall them later but I’m not sure I believe them even now . . .

Wake up! Wake up! Can you walk? Can you talk? Oh, what am I saying? You probably can’t even hear me.

An urgent whispering was pulling Chuck out of a deep sleep. He tried to open his eyes to see the owners of the hands that were lifting him from the bed to set him in a small, uncomfortable chair. What? Who are you? What are you doing? Chuck’s mouth wouldn’t form the silent words.

How will we get out of here quickly enough with a vegetable in a wheelchair? A second female sounded concerned and out of breath.

You’re the problem-solver. I’m just the brawn, remember, brother? Just keep shining the light, Uri, and warn me immediately if you have a vision of anything.

Brother? Was there a third person who Chuck hadn’t yet heard? He certainly couldn’t see any light. He attempted to open his eyes but didn’t seem to have command of his body. His mind was groggy but racing as he became alert to his situation if not his surroundings. Where am I? Who are these people? Why can’t I move or speak or see?

How do we even know he’s alive, Gab?

Should I tell them I’m alive? If it’s just the two women, maybe it will scare them off if they think I’m waking up. Chuck gurgled in his throat as he tried to speak and instead felt a warm wetness on his legs from the strain of effort.

Did you hear that? He is alive! The one called Gab sounded giddy with the realization. I told you he had a pulse. And that noise came from his throat which means he’s probably alert. Hallelujah! This is the one we were looking for!

If she’s that happy I’m alive, maybe they aren’t planning to hurt me. Relax, Haynes, ol’ boy. You’ve been in worse situations. Think your way out of this. A crash from above them startled Chuck’s thoughts. The figures on either side of him became so still he wasn’t sure they even were still there.

A moment passed before Uri whispered almost inaudibly, How far away was that?

Gab never answered but Chuck could feel movement between the two figures like they were communicating through some strange sign language. He couldn’t hear any noise from the figures any longer but he was aware that his chair was rolling in a forward direction and he could feel a presence behind him. In the silence, he couldn’t even listen to their conversation to get clues to his situation. What is going on here? Good or bad, I have to get away from these women to find Ann and the kids.

A gunshot sounded from down the hall. Chuck realized the sound was the same as the previous crash he’d heard but more distinctive. Whoever was doing the shooting was definitely getting closer. They probably were on the same floor now. Oh man, I’ve been taken hostage by terrorists. It’s unlikely these women are with them given the view of women by most terrorists. So are they U.S. soldiers sent to rescue me? Why can’t I remember my assignment?

The chair stopped momentarily. Though he strained his ears, he heard nothing, but Chuck knew some exchange of communication had taken place between the women. He sensed a change of direction as they turned briefly back toward the gunfire. He was quickly getting his bearings now though he still could not see. Even if he could keep up with the twists and turns of the wheelchair, he had no idea where he was or how to escape without vision. And how could he escape when he couldn’t control his bladder, much less his legs? He was at the mercy of the two women.

Another brief stop was followed by a sharp ninety degree turn and the sound of elevator doors closing behind him. The sounds of the elevator became strangely muffled as if someone had placed earmuffs over his ears. The descent was more rapid than he remembered elevators being. He realized how nauseated the jolting wheelchair ride had made him as he began to choke on bile. Although he couldn’t cough or give any sign of his plight, one of the ladies must have realized as he suddenly found his knees touching his ears and the bile exiting through his nose and mouth.

Seconds later he was upright again. A whoosh of air flooded the elevator which had opened right onto the ER landing. Gray sunlight poured into the small space, blinding his vision and giving him an immediate migraine. He found he couldn’t close his eyelids against it and realized they had been open all along. I’m in a hospital. Why was it so dark?

The women raced him along the side of the building and into the street. The jostling wheelchair made his head throb even more and the bile began to rise in his throat again. As he blacked-out, he wondered why he hadn’t seen the light the women had mentioned earlier.

CHAPTER TWO

And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a loud voice saying in the heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Revelation 12:7-11

Daddy, you’re awake! Does that mean you’re going to church with us today? I want you to meet Brother Bielschowsky. He says I’m special because I’m the only second grader who can say his name right. Elizabeth sprayed bits of pancake as her excitement of the possibility of her father attending church prevented her from swallowing properly before speaking.

Good morning to you, too, Lil E. Let Daddy have a minute with some coffee, huh? He patted Elizabeth’s head and pecked Ann’s cheek. "Brother?" His eyes narrowed as he spoke so only Ann could hear.

Brother B is her Sunday school teacher and, if you would come to church with us, you wouldn’t have to be jealous of every man in attendance. Ann handed him a steaming mug.

Chuck drew on the mug several times as Elizabeth chattered about what she was learning in class. Right now we’re learning about the feasts of the Lord. Brother B brings a different food every time so we can taste what the Hebrew children tasted. He says the feasts are a foreshadowing of Jesus and a prophecy of what’s to come for ‘the faithful ones.’ That means it tells the story before it even happens but Mommy says it’s not the same as that psychic lady on TV.

Did she say ‘feasts of the Lord’? Isn’t that some kind of Jewish thing? I didn’t think Christians and Jews liked each other. Sounds hypocritical to me. Chuck rarely allowed opportunity for Ann to answer his endless efforts to find flaws in Christianity. Where’s Jake?

He has his eye on a girl at church so he’s still getting ready. Christians and Jews are all children of the same God, Chuck, but Brother Bielschowsky actually is a Messianic Jew. He’s a Jew who believes Jesus is the Messiah. He’s doing a great work with the children at church. You should watch Eliza in his class. She loves it. Ann snuggled against Chuck’s side as she winked at their daughter.

He calls me ‘Little Cectpa’ because he says I’m his little sister now that I’m adopted by his Father. It reminds me of you, Daddy, when you call me ‘Lil E’.

Adopted? By his father? Since when have I given up the right to be your father? Chuck moved from his relaxed position so quickly Ann stumbled before catching her balance. I don’t like some old man calling her his ‘sister.’ That’s creepy. What if he’s trying to lull her into some false sense of security so he can abuse her?

Chuck, don’t say things like that in front of her. You’ll scare her. He’s a good man. The children love him. Ann moved to Elizabeth’s side.

Well, he definitely has you fooled. Maybe you’re already lulled. Chuck glared at Ann with a jealous look which had come to be familiar to her in the eight years since her conversion.

How can you say something like that, Chuck Haynes? We invite you to church all the time. We want nothing more than for you to be there with us. Ann’s voice was softened with hurt. She marveled at how Chuck spent all those years with her worldly self and never exhibited an ounce of jealously but, now that she had found a faith which required her to be loyal to their marriage, he was consumed by accusations of infidelity.

"The kids invite me and, yeah, they may want me there but wouldn’t that infringe on Mommy time? If I find out you’re sleeping with Brother B or anyone else, you’ll never step foot in that church again."

Daddy, please don’t make us stop going to church!

Elizabeth, go brush your teeth and tell your brother it’s time to go. Right now, young lady, Ann said firmly as Elizabeth’s tears fell onto her unfinished breakfast. She waited for Elizabeth to leave the room before turning to Chuck. Do not say things like that in front of our children, Charles, and never threaten me again. Where has the funny, sweet, confident man I married gone?

I guess he went through the same door as my fun-loving wife who only had eyes for one man at a time. I honestly don’t know of whom I’m more jealous: this B guy, the pastor, or the dead guy you claim to be following.

Ann set the dishes she’d been gathering in the sink and glared into Chuck’s eyes. I would rather follow a dead man than not believe in anything at all. Her expression and tone suddenly softened and her shoulders sagged slightly as her flash of anger was replaced with sadness at the unexpected scene. I have done nothing other than to be a good wife to you and a good mother to your children. Since I have found faith in Jesus, I’ve only striven to do both of those jobs better. You have no reason to complain.

Since you started attending that church, I’ve been losing all of you a little at a time. My family’s been ripped apart for a jelly doughnut. I’d buy him a thousand doughnuts, every kind in existence, if I could go back to that moment and make this never have happened.

Come with us. Please let Jesus touch your heart. My greatest prayer is that the Holy Spirit will move upon you.

Don’t pray for me, Ann. I don’t like it.

The Word requires me to, Chuck, and I have to submit to Him before I can submit to you.

A plate cracked as Chuck tossed his mug into the sink and walked away.

March 31st

I’m gripping the pencil now but still can’t write legibly. Gab is exceedingly patient as she journals my spoken thoughts every day. I asked Miguel if I can take a break from these to give Gab a rest but he says it’s important that I continue to regain my skill of thought. I hate to say it but I know he’s right because I’ve begun to remember more and more about my life.

Ann and the children have been ever-present on my mind since it awakened but I could recall little else until last week. I’ve remembered that I’m a journalist, at least I was, and a successful one. I became a free agent about two years prior to the accident and was doing well when I decided to take a sabbatical to work on my marriage and family. I had been off for only a few weeks when the accident left me in a coma.

It was over five years between then and the day that Gab and Uri rescued me. Miguel tells me it was a rescue anyway. He won’t let me see the outside yet. He says I’m not ready to deal with certain details. How does he know what I can deal with? Has he been through what I’ve been through? Does he feel what I feel? Does he read my thoughts? Does he know