― Saul Bellow
A Dreaded Invite
There was an electrical storm raging outside while inside, unrest and turmoil beset us. Thankfully, Sara returned unscathed from her session with Gloria. It had sounded more like a seance than spiritual guidance, but I was eager to hear her point of view.
"The woman is scary, Malachi―her eyes are keen as a hawk's and she watches every little move."
"It must have been unnerving when the power went off and left you with her in the dark."
"That was frightening, but the part that gave me the chills is when she asked for my cell phone―it's almost as if she knew she was being monitored."
"Funny, I suspected that too. If it were simply a case of chance, it was highly improbable she'd ask for your phone. I thought it was a meaningful coincidence, or as Jung would say, an example of synchronicity. She made a connection she couldn't have possibly made without some kind of paranormal ability."
Sara looked concerned. "Do you think she's psychic?"
"More likely demonized and doesn't know it. She may have deluded herself into believing she's doing God's will."
"I found her to be very controlling. She's actually using the deliverance ministry as a way to manipulate people and guide them in a direction she wants them to go."
"So, I take it, you don't want her to bless your relationship with Luke?"
She coloured. "That was so embarrassing―talk about interfering in people's lives. That part and the insistence on prayer, fasting and silence was cult-like."
She grimaced thinking about it.
"It was spooky, as well―you had to be there to see her rocking in her chair, surrendering to the anointing as she called it. I learned from Luke that Klaus and her insisted members only pray before a wooden cross. I suppose if it were made of metal or some other material it would distort her vibes."
I shook my head finding it hard to accept people could be so deluded. "It's some form of private logic, I suppose, and it's probably reinforced by some kind of mystical experience that confirms its validity for her."
"Oh, by the way, after the lights went out, for a few brief seconds, I did see a faint aura outlining her figure, but I'm not sure if it was my eyes adjusting to the dark or my imagination."
"We'll have to watch for other manifestations."
At that moment, there was a knock on the door.
Sara glanced at me, obviously distraught at being caught with me in my room.
I placed my finger on her lips to silence her and motioned to the closet. She understood and concealed herself, quietly shutting the door.
I answered the knock and saw Luke standing in the hallway.
"Sorry to disturb you, Malachi, but Gloria asked me to deliver a message to you and Sara. I knocked on her door but there was no answer."
"She must be asleep, Luke. What's up?"
"Gloria would like to invite the two of you to a special session in the morning in her office. She'd like to see you at nine o'clock."
"Of course, I'll notify Sara in the morning. Tell Gloria we'll be there."
"It's a rare privilege not accorded to many," he whispered in awe.
"I'm humbled and looking forward to it."
Luke nodded and hurried away. I watched till he exited the corridor and then shut the door behind me and locked it.
Sara poked her head out of the closet and I gave her a thumbs up sign that the coast was clear.
"I heard everything," she said, "and I have a bad feeling about this."
"Well, we seem to have attracted Gloria's attention, but at this point we can't be sure what that means."
"It means we're on her radar, Malachi―I was hoping we'd just blend in with the group. She's hyper-vigilant and extremely aware―not much eludes her."
"Yes, I gathered as much. But that's part of the challenge. It's interesting how false Christian cults often feature a strong woman. I think Klaus and Sister Doris are along for the ride―it's Gloria who's calling the shots."
Sara shivered, "That doesn't make me feel better."
I put my arms around her and hugged her.
"Go back to your room and keep your cell by your bed, Text me if you're feeling threatened. We'll keep the appointment with her in the morning. I'm curious to see what she wants."
"I feel like we've been found out and are walking into a trap."
"Don't let your fears get the best of you. Gloria seemed quite taken with you. She might offer you an opportunity in the ministry. It'll be interesting, though, how she reacts to me―seeing as she believes Luke's better suited to be your partner."
She rolled her eyes heavenward and blushed. "Really Malachi, you're going to hang onto that and tease me relentlessly aren't you?"
I kissed her softly, then steered her toward the door. "I'm just jealous, Love, and want to prove her wrong. We're more than a team―we're lovers. It's something Gloria wouldn't understand."
I poked my head out and scanned the hall―it was deserted. I motioned for her to hurry and watched while she quickly exited and entered her room, softly closing and locking the door behind her.
I locked my door and fell into bed exhausted. The lighting was still illumining the window like wavering moonlight.
Within minutes I fell into a deep sleep and found myself wandering in a dark and desolate landscape. The sky above me was flickering and rumbling and I felt vulnerable and began to seek shelter.
I came across the ruins of a deserted church surrounded by a neglected cemetery. Most of the tombstones were broken and tumbled-down with the exception of one stone.
I approached it from behind and made my way across the overgrown ground to see the inscription on the front. But when I faced the stone another face was staring back at me entrapped in crumbling granite.
It was Sara calling out to me for help. I awoke to a room blue with lightning and filled with the buzzing of flies.