The Prodigal Sun: A Novel

by S. E. Meyer

  John nodded in response. “Okay, I’ll try not to think about it Jen.” He smiled back unconvincingly and then headed for the cabin door. John opened it and then turned around. “Good luck. Oh and Jen?”

  “Yes?”

  “I would have done my best to support you either way, but I can’t say that I’m terribly upset with your decision.” He smiled, more convincingly this time, and turned to leave, closing the door behind him.

  John felt a refreshing breeze splash across his face as he made his way to the clearing at the far end of Eden. As he got closer he could see the last ship had already arrived, waiting to take Enlil and the last of his people back to Eridu. He boldly walked up to Enlil and shook his hand.

  “Thank you again Enlil, for everything,” John said, holding Enlil’s gaze.

  “You are very welcome, young son. I know you will thrive in this place. It is, and always has been, full of life. Shall we take a walk?” he asked.

  Jenny knocked on the door to James’ cabin and he opened it almost immediately. Barb was standing behind him, her face wrinkled up with worry. “So you haven’t changed your mind?” Barb asked.

  “No, I’m going through with this,” Jenny replied as she entered the log cabin. “Where’s Aurora?”

  “She’s with Nathaniel. He is so good with her, and I thought it best she wasn’t here,” replied Barb.

  “Okay then. Barb can you grab a few things from the bedroom?” asked James before turning to face Jenny. “I asked her to be here, to help. Especially if anything were to go wrong. I might need an extra set of hands okay?” Jenny nodded slowly and James could see the fear in her eyes. “It’s okay. Everything will be fine,” he said and smiled. Barb came back with a few towels and James’ medical bag. “I already sterilized these,” he said, picking up two long, cruel looking, stainless steel implements. One of which had a small knife at the end. Barb laid a sheet over the kitchen table while James pulled up a chair next to it. He gently bumped into Barb while she was bent over, spreading out the wrinkles. She straightened herself and they exchanged a glance, both of them smiling in embarrassment with flushed faces. “Oops” James said sheepishly. He turned back towards Jenny. “Okay Jen, I’m going to have you lie down on the table,” James instructed.

  “You know you guys should just get it over with,” said Jenny as she lay down on her back.

  “We will Jen, we just need to get prepped here,” replied James.

  “I’m not talking about that,” Jenny replied. “I’m talking about you two. I’ve seen how you look at each other and how much time you guys have been spending together since we got back here.”

  James’ face turned red again. “Um, I’m not sure what you mean,” he replied.

  “There’s no point in denying it. You guys are obviously into each other,” Jenny argued.

  “Is it that obvious?” asked Barb, looking at Jenny and then glancing over at James.

  James had a look of shock on his face. “You mean, you-you-you do?” stammered James.

  “I do what?” asked Barb, smiling.

  “You like me?” asked James, with a boyish grin.

  “Um, well what do you think James?” asked Barb, shyly.

  “What is this? Elementary school?” asked Jenny. “Yes James, she likes you back.” Jenny laughed nervously. “Look we can play the dating game later okay? Let’s get this over with.”

  “Yes, of course. Sorry,” replied James, handing her a folded linen. “Here is another sheet. I’m going to step outside for a minute so you can undress and then cover up as best you can, okay?” James headed for the door with a new bounce in his step and a broad smile on his face.

  “John I wanted to speak with you a moment before I leave. I need to talk to you about the tree. The one in the middle of Eden,” said Enlil as they strolled through the clearing. “It is what fills this place with life, bursting with fertility and abundance. It is connected in a very real way to everything that grows here as well as everyone that lives here. Everything is connected John.” Enlil looked at him and smiled broadly. “You see John, we walk through this life blindly.”

  “What do you mean?” asked John.

  “With our eyes, we can only see ten percent of what is around us. The other ninety percent is beyond our visual spectrum and range. But if we truly could see everything, you would be amazed at how closely we are all interconnected. You would be able to see a web, an intricate network that connects even the smallest of building blocks in our universe. At the quantum level, and even the cellular level, everything can, and does, communicate with everything else. Everything is connected. Because of this, the tree of Life must be protected, but never eaten from. The life force within its fruit is so concentrated that it would surely kill you. It is the same fruit that healed your wife’s womb, but if it had not happened under my son's guidance and protection, it surely would have killed her,” explained Enlil.

  John frowned, remembering the situation Jenny’s healed womb had gotten them into. “I understand,” John replied.

  “There’s something else. Inanna has decided to remain here with you. For your protection and for the protection of this place.”

  “Protection,” replied John. “Protection from what?” he asked.

  “John, you would not be so naive to think that you are the only of your kind to survive the flood? Tens of thousands were able to make it to higher ground, along with most of your world’s animal species. Many people also stayed protected in watertight, underground bunkers. These people will eventually venture out. They will group together and form villages and cities. There will come a time when they may find this place, and it will be up to you to protect it. I am hopeful that you will not make the same mistakes as last time.”

  “Last time?” asked John, raising an eyebrow.

  “Yes, last time. John you have heard of Atlantis?”

  “The lost city?”

  “Not just one lost city. It is the symbol of all the cities that are lost to the tides every time our solar system visits yours. It is a cycle John. When we come, your world is decimated. What’s regrettable is by the time we get here, your world is always at its peak of technology and civilization. There are only a few remaining remnants of your previous age. The pyramids, along with a few other monolithic structures.”

  “You mean we didn’t build the pyramids?” asked John, squinting in confusion.

  “John several of your archaeologists and scientists theorize that those structures are more than ten thousand years old. They would be correct. Yes, your people did build them John. But it was your earlier ancestors from the previous age. From before our last visit and the flood we brought with us. When we visit, we repair what damage we can. We set you up to succeed and start over. Every time, your race becomes even more advanced. Always in different ways and with different technology, but you always rise from the ashes and surpass your ancestors from the previous age.” Enlil stopped walking and looked at John. “You are a persistent and resilient race. Good qualities to have, based on our long history.” Enlil smiled broadly. He turned and began walking back towards the ship. He reached into his pocket while they walked. “There is something else John. I need to give this to you.” Enlil pulled a familiar, smooth, black pyramid from his pocket and handed it to John. “Keep the key well and protect it.”

  “I thought there were seven?” John asked, turning it in his hand and losing himself in its beauty.

  “Yes, and as before, they have been given to the seven leaders of the new world. One day you will all come together to once again fight a common enemy, the path of Nibiru. But until that time, it is too dangerous for one person to be in control of all seven stones.”

  They made it back to the ship and John once again shook Enlil’s hand. “Thank you again Enlil, for everything you have done for us.” Everyone had already boarded and the ship sat quietly, awaiting its final passenger.

  “You are welcome again John,” Enlil replied and turned to leave. John al
lowed his thoughts to wander back to Jenny and how the procedure was going. He hoped she was okay.

  Enlil stopped and turned around. “John, you seem troubled,” he said. “In fact, you have been troubled for quite some time, have you not?”

  “Yes, it’s my wife, Jenny.” John fought for the words. “Enlil, as I am sure you know, she carries Braedon’s child, your grandchild. That is what has been troubling me.”

  Enlil walked back to where John was standing and placed his hands on John shoulders. Enlil looked deep into John’s eyes and held a serious expression. “John, the child she carries is yours.”

  “Jenny this is going to hurt. There is no point in me trying to lie about it. I’m going to give you something to numb the pain a bit, but things are going to get a little tore up and it is going to hurt,” explained James. “I’m sorry I can’t make it more comfortable for you.”

  “It’s okay James. Just get it over with,” Jenny replied. She tried to take her mind off what was happening down below. Jenny focused on what life would be like with John going forward. How happy she would be to see the pain gone from his face. A brand new life together, she thought. Barb stood behind Jenny and placed her hands on each side of Jenny’s head. She stroked her long hair as she looked into Jenny’s eyes. Seeing the fear still residing there, she tried to reassure her.

  “It’s going to be okay sis. Once it’s done, you’ll be happy this is all over with and behind you,” Barb soothed.

  James picked up the long stainless steel probe while Barb placed a small piece of wood between Jenny’s teeth. “That will give you something to bite down on through the pain,” explained James. “Alright, here we go.”

  John took a step back, shaking his head in disbelief. “Mine? She’s carrying my child!” he yelled. “How is that possible?”

  “John, I have read your thoughts and I know everything that has happened to you. Do you remember the night in Mexico?” Enlil asked.

  “Yes, but-but, that was before!” John stammered. He nervously rubbed the back of his neck and then held his hand to his chest.

  “John, you are a biologist so I know you can understand this. Does not the life force from a human male’s loins live for up to three days inside a female?”

  “Yes, but how can that be?”

  “Three days after you and Jenny made love in Mexico, she ate the fruit Braedon gave her, healing her womb. She immediately ovulated and conceived. I have no doubt John. Remember I can read the minds and spirits of everyone I come in contact with. The first day I met your wife I knew she was with child, and I knew it was yours. This should be joyous news to you! Why are you still troubled?” Enlil asked, smiling. His expression turned solemn as he read John’s thoughts. “Oh I see,” he said. “John. Go now! Run to her, before it’s too late!”

  John continued to back away from Enlil, shaking his head back and forth. His eyes were wide with panic. John felt his heart pounding in his ears as he turned and began to run. He ran faster than he could ever remember running. He used his mind to push his legs, faster and faster. The trees and bushes flew past him in a blur as he raced back to the cabin. He took the front steps in one leap before throwing the door open and looking around in frenzy. His head was pounding. “No, no!” John yelled as he ran through the empty cabin. “James,” he whispered and flew through the door, leaping onto the lush green grass that filled the front lawn. He ran to James’ cabin a short distance away. John missed the latch as he slammed into the front door, breaking it off its hinges. He fell to his knees in front of the kitchen table. In a trance he picked up a crimson, blood soaked, towel from the floor and held it to his chest. “No!” John wailed, tears streaming down his face while clutching the towel. The thick red fluid dripped to the floor from the force of John’s wringing, the only remnant of his unborn child.

  “John!” James yelled as he walked in the front door. “What the hell is going on?”

  John could not be revived from his trance. He rocked back and forth on his knees in shock. James moved around in front of him as Jenny came in the door, followed by Barb and Nathaniel. “John, what’s wrong? What’s happening?” Jenny asked.

  “The baby,” John whispered. “The baby.”

  “Oh John. I’m so sorry,” replied Jenny. She sat in front of him and placed his head on her shoulder. “I-I just couldn’t go through with it,” she stammered. “I know this is what you wanted, but I just couldn’t do it John. I just couldn’t kill my baby.” Tears began to roll down Jenny’s cheeks as she spoke.

  “What?” John asked, coming out of his trance and finally looking at Jenny. “You didn’t do it?” he asked. Frank, Lucas and Hosea pushed their way into the crowded cabin to see what the commotion was, followed by Inanna.

  “No, John. I didn’t. And I am so sorry,” Jenny replied.

  “Then what is this?” John asked, holding up the blood stained towel.

  James took it from him. “This? This is strawberry juice. After Jenny changed her mind, we decided to drain the strawberry wine from the mash and get it into different containers. I spilled some,” explained James and shrugged. “Why? What is going on with you? You trashed my front door.”

  John sat down on floor and started to laugh. Slowly at first, it began as a giggle and then escalated to roaring hysterics. James gave Jenny a confused look. “John, are you sure you didn’t already dip into the wine?” James asked.

  “No. No wine,” John managed in between snorts of laughter.

  “Um, then maybe you ate a funny looking mushroom on your walkabout?” asked James with a raised eyebrow. John waved his hand in front of his face and started to calm down.

  “No, it’s nothing. Never mind. All is right with the world,” John replied. He wiped the tears from his face with the back of his sleeve and stood up.

  “Well good!” replied James. “Then lets have a toast, shall we?”

  Inanna looked at Jenny with concern “What is wrong with the one that plows your vulva?” she asked, as James poured several small glasses of wine from a decanter.

  “What?” Jenny asked with a giggle. “You mean John?” James handed the glasses out to everyone.

  “Yes, unless there is more than one male that plows it,” Inanna replied.

  “Um, no. Just John, and I think he’s okay. And what are you even doing here? I thought you were leaving?” asked Jenny.

  “No, I decided to stay, at the request of Enlil. I will continue to help you learn as well as protect this place,” Inanna replied.

  Jenny rolled her eyes. “Great!” she said sarcastically. “And we call it making love by the way, not getting it plowed,” replied Jenny, smiling.

  “How does one manufacture the emotion of love?” Inanna asked with a confused expression.

  “It’s just a figure of speech. We don’t actually make love,” explained Jenny. “It’s just what we say when we’re, um, together.”

  Inanna quietly held a thoughtful expression. “Yes, I see how the making of love could be good. Hmm.” She paused for a moment and then shrugged her shoulders. “I recommend plowing.” She nodded as though coming to a conclusion. “Yes, it should be plowed, and often. And by someone who knows how.”

  The small cabin rumbled with the echoes of laughter as everyone held up their glasses. “To a new beginning, and our new life here in this beautiful place. To Eden! Our new home!” John toasted. Everyone took a long drink. James looked around at everyone’s disgusted faces. Barb spit hers back into the glass while John and Jenny swallowed, wincing.

  “I think something’s amok with your wine James,” complained John.

  James looked into his glass with a frown, waited a moment, and then poured the rest down his throat. He sputtered a little, coughing. “Yep,” he replied and then paused to catch his breath. “That is some terrible shit isn’t it?”

  “I think it just needs some time James. I’m pretty sure it’s supposed to sit for at least a year before you can drink it,” said John and then slapped his brot
her affectionately between the shoulder blades.

  James coughed again before letting out a whistle. “I think you’re right,” he replied, smiling. “Good thing Inanna’s people gave us plenty until we can figure it out on our own.” James pulled a jug of Annunaki wine from the cupboard and filled everyone’s glass.

  Jenny led John out onto the small porch in front of the cabin. She pulled him close and squeezed him tightly. John looked into her eyes and sighed. “Oh Jen, I am so happy you didn’t go through with it,” he said.

  “Really? I thought you would be upset?” she replied with a solemn expression.

  John placed his hand on her midsection. “No, Jen, I’ve never been more thrilled,” he replied. Jenny gave him a confused look, but John looked deep into her sparkling green eyes. “Jenny this baby, your baby. This life that is growing inside you.” John paused, radiating with excitement. “It’s ours.”

  “What do you mean, it's ours? How is that possible? Are you sure?” Jenny asked with a shocked, but confused look.

  “Yes. I’m positive. Enlil confirmed it before he left. Remember the night at the hotel in Mexico? We did more than just climb the walls that night. That’s why I was freaking out. I thought I was too late,” John explained. He set his glass of wine down on the railing and then turned, placing his hands to each side of his mouth. “I’m going to be a daddy!” he yelled down the valley with tears in his eyes.

  A huge weight lifted from Jenny’s shoulders. “That’s amazing! I just can’t believe it. It’s what we’ve always wanted.” Jenny pulled John close and wept into his neck. “A family of our own,” she whispered. “This is the happiest day of my life.”

  “Mine too Jen, and we have the rest of our lives to enjoy this beautiful place.” John hugged his wife tightly as the sun’s rays turned her diamond shaped tears into brightly colored, liquid rainbow prisms of joy, as they splashed down onto the hand hewed boards at their feet.