Writers like Kafka may opine about evil but what are their creds? Did they ever have to confront a dark presence in their room at 3 am and try to discern if it were a familiar spirit or a sleep paralysis demon?
I think not.
The one thing my exorcist mentor didn't prepare me for was the proper protocol to follow when defending against a possibly demonically possessed grad student coming to me for help―I mean, do I begin the interview with a binding command or do I wait until the demon manifests before casting it out?
Yeah, I know it sounds mad, but this was the awkward and confusing state I was in when Victoria Mercer appeared unannounced at my office door... and not knowing what to do, I let her in.
I had to admit though, besides being incredibly beautiful, the girl was disarming.
"Thanks for seeing me, Gray," she whispered, "I wouldn't blame you if you never talked to me again. I'm so sorry for what happened."
I wasn't prepared for this response and it just added to my angst and confusion.
What was she apologizing for―transferring her demons to me, or seducing me?
Thankfully, I didn't have to guess because she went on, "I've always had this monkey on my back," she moaned.
Talk about diminishing the fact of being demonically possessed, I mused inwardly.
"I've always had this ability of seeing things others couldn't," she explained, "and I developed the ability to astral project and observe anyone I chose. It's cost me quite a few friendships and I didn't want it to drive a wedge between us. Unfortunately though, I missed you and couldn't resist dropping in on you―just a quick look-see, I told myself, but you looked so sweet asleep―like a lost little boy...and then it seemed, all hell broke lose."
Well, all hell certainly did break lose, I mused cynically, but I'm the one who had to see an exorcist.
Yeah, I was grinding my teeth in silent anger.
Suddenly, a tear started down Victoria's cheek and she looked lost and vulnerable.
If this was a ploy to seduce me, she was certainly a good actress.
"When I told you I lost many friendships, it wasn't exactly the truth. The fact is I lost all my friendships. I don't have one person in my life at the moment, and now I've lost you."
I have to admit, I wasn't expecting that and her honesty melted me.
After lecturing for the past five years I've gotten to be good at reading students and determining when they're being truthful.
Victoria's responses were not exaggerated in any way. Oh, a student might be able to shed a tear or two and look forlorn, but other responses could not be easily faked, for example, her trembling, skin pallor or obvious embarrassment at disclosing personal shortcomings.
I wanted to reach out and console her, but physical contact was risky, so I held back and instead handed her a tissue to dry her eyes and offered her verbal support.
"I know it took a lot of courage for you to come here and open up to me and I want you to know I believe you and respect your honesty."
She tried to manage a brave smile. "Thank you, Gray, for not condemning me."
She turned to leave, but this time, I did reach out and gently grasped her elbow to stop her.
"I feel like coffee―do you feel like coffee? Hart House is nearby and the cheese croissants are freshly baked each day for breakfast. Are you up to that, Ms. Mercer?"
Her face brightened. "I am Professor Lennox. Thank you!"
The ice was broken and as Breton said, the poor girl might not be completely aware of what harm she caused.
He also said I might be able to help her.
What better way to help than full disclosure?
We could end up being drawn closer together, or when she hears my tales of demons, it might scare the hell right out of her.
Either way, some good might come of this.
