Lilith's Awakening

by Viktoria Ballavoski

  “Are you saying she killed her grandmother?” I almost screamed. “Why would she do that?”

  “Because of her baby. Carmella did not want to leave the baby with anyone. She kept saying she was not ready to die and that her baby needed her.”

  “We can do a lot now; she should be okay as long as there are no demon activities and she and the baby are safe,” Greg said.

  “Michael,” I asked, “do you have Carmella’s grandmother’s phone number in the file? I think I may have seen her number.”

  “Yes, we do have it; it’s the house number.”

  “I need to call that number, but she might endanger the baby’s life.”

  When I called her, she picked up the phone. She sounded like her grandmother.

  “Carmella, this is Viktoria. I know what you did. You know you have put your baby in danger this way. They will find you! Let your grandmother go back into her body. Your baby will be safer with her; trust me, we will take care of them.”

  “I don’t know, Viktoria. I can’t leave my baby. She needs me. I have to protect her. I am the only one who can do that.”

  “Listen to me, Carmella, your soul in your grandmother’s body will lose its powers. They know you are dead! There is no reason why they would come after you. However, if they realize what is going on, they will come after you and the baby, and they will hurt both of you. You will not have the power to fight back. Think about it; I have to go now, but please, you have to do this for your baby and her safety.” I hung up and turned to Greg. “We have to go back and talk to Carmella; she’s in danger. She needs to be warned and has to realize what she has done.”

  “Viktoria, what happens if she refuses?”

  I shook my head, thinking about her other options. “There has to be another way for her to stay around her baby but without taking her grandmother’s body. Greg, do you know any other way to keep her around her baby?”

  “The only person who will know is your father, Viktoria. He might be able to help her out. Try calling him.”

  I felt his presence the second Greg said “father.”

  “Well, we don’t have to. He is here among us. Hi, Babushka, we were just talking about you.”

  “I know. I was with you the whole time; I know what’s going on. Viktoria, you have to tell Carmella to go to the hospital close to her house. There will be a body waiting for her.”

  “Who is it, Babushka?”

  “Don’t worry, Viktoria. It is a homeless old lady who passed away. Carmella can take over her place. Anyway, the person in question resembles her grandmother, and no one will be able to tell the difference; they may think it is her great aunt. Call her back. Tell her I will be there waiting for her. You don’t have to go all the way to where her grandmother lives.”

  “Thanks, Babushka, you’ve been a great help. I’ll call her and tell her.” I called Michael again. “Michael, turn back; we are going home. Carmella will be just fine with my dad. She was adopted by her grandma; she is only fifty-five.”

  “What happened to her parents?” Michael asked.

  “Her mother died from a drug overdose. That was when her grandmother decided to adopt her.”

  “What about Carmella’s father? Where is he?”

  “He died in a car accident before her mother found out she was pregnant. Carmella was in her last year in law school, doing an internship in a well-known law firm. That firm is owned by that cult.

  “I know that firm. Brandon worked with them for a while as a consultant. There was a case in which a psychiatrist and the hospital were sued for three hundred million dollars. Brandon was one of the evaluators. They gave it to the defendant due to the plaintiff’s mental condition.

  “He was suing the psychiatrist for being evil and worshiping demons. He also said that he saw a sacrifice of humans. That was over twenty years ago.”

  “I remember that, Viktoria. I even went to the hospital where all that sacrificing was supposed to have happened, but we could not find anything. Both the law firm and the hospital were and still are owned by the cult.”

  “I wonder if Carmella’s baby’s father was a client from that firm.”

  “Someone is working with her,” I muse to Michael.

  “Michael, remind me to call Carmella tomorrow and find the files for that lawsuit. I’m going to try to see if I can find anything else on that.”

  “You know what, Viktoria?” Greg asked. “Not too long ago, I heard a rumor about that hospital; patients were dying there. They had some mysterious deaths there, but they never filled out the death certificates.”

  “When was that, Greg?”

  “A long time ago. One of the patients’ families complained about how their mother had seen unusual things. They asked me if I could go and see her and perhaps talk to her about what she had seen. They wanted to know if I could find out if she had been possessed by any sort of demon.”

  “Then what happened? Was she possessed?”

  “I never did find out; she passed away the morning her family and I went to see her. However, if you ask for my opinion, her death was unusual. She had her arms stretched out like she was on the cross, as if she was trying to protect herself from some sort of demon. It was totally mysterious.”

  “You know, Viktoria,” Michael said, “we should check that hospital over. Let’s see what we can find out about it. It creeps me out already.”

  “You can say that again. That’s a good idea; we’ll look into it.”

  “I see Gabriellele approaching, guys,” I said as I watched her coming near us. “Yes, Gabriellele?”

  “We’re going by your house. We’ll meet you over there; I know you’re worried about your kids.”

  “All right,” I said, letting out a sigh of relief. My mind could rest now. “Thank you, Gabriellele. You know Lacey is sensitive and can see you; can you tell her I’m on my way? Also my mother-in-law will be there, so just be careful. She has a history of panicking. Try not to scare her.”

  “Don’t worry. We’ll just watch over them through the window.”

  “You know what, Greg? Gabriellele and Azalea are the best demon ghosts ever; they even have concern for the kids. I would never have imagined that.”

  I looked around. “They went over there now.”

  “Viktoria, what happens with Carmella?”

  “Well, Greg, apparently, she had a newborn baby, and she was not ready to leave her with anyone, even her grandmother. Somehow, Carmella took over her grandmother’s body and is now taking care of her baby with her new identity. I hope she will listen to us before Lilith and her demons find out.”

  “Oh, my God, Viktoria! Can spirits go into someone else’s body? How common is that?”

  “Michael, not all spirits will do it; only the ones who feel like they were not ready yet. Like Carmella. Unfortunately, even demons can take over.”

  “This can happen not only with a dead body; it can also happen when psychics do astral traveling. It’s usually called an out-of-body experience.”

  “What is that?”

  “It is spiritually traveling places when you are in a deep sleep—which I will be doing with this case; Greg can also join me. When we need to find out more information, you can join or watch us.”

  “Viktoria, I am not over the exorcism yet. I don’t think my heart can take another spiritual phenomenon. What I am saying is thanks but no thanks. I have had my share of nightmares today. This was enough for the rest of my life.”

  “We’re almost home. Who should I drop off first? Michael? Oh, Michael, before you go in, don’t forget to hold your cross and spray yourself with holy water. It’s just for your safety.”

  “What do you mean? Can they follow us?”

  “I’m not saying they did. I just mean in case they did, just do what I am telling you to do.”

  “Vikt
oria, for my safety keep your phone next to your bed in case of emergency.”

  “What do you mean? What sort of emergency?”

  “I mean MRFHL.”

  “What is that?”

  “Michael running for his life.”

  “Haaahaaa, funny!”

  “I am glad you found this amusing, Viktoria, but I am serious.”

  “Good night, Michael.”

  “You can drop me off first and come inside to do the thing with me. Then I really need to go home, get a rest, and get my reports ready for tomorrow.”

  “Michael, I might show up late to work tomorrow. I have to drop the kids off at school.”

  “That’s fine. I’ll probably show up late myself,” Michael said as he got out of the car. “Be safe.” He closed the door and walked to his house. Once I saw that he was safely inside, I drove on.

  “Greg, something is stuck in my head. It’s about the law firm and the hospital; do you think there were all these rituals because of the cult? WL and L?”

  “I don’t know, Viktoria. I heard a lot of things about that organization, but there was not one bit of proof that they might be involved. It is a well-known and respected organization; all the members are highly educated people. I suppose they would not do anything to put the organization in the spotlight like that. Why do you ask?”

  I sighed. “I don’t know, but I know someone who may able to answer our questions.”

  “Who?”

  “Brandon. We’ll ask him who the WL and L are, what they do, and what their ritual is.”

  “If he does know, do you think he will tell us? These kinds of people swear on their life not to say a word.”

  “Maybe you’re right, but it still would not hurt to ask. If he does not want to talk about it, I’ll know he is probably involved.”

  “Why would you say that now, Viktoria?”

  “Greg, how long you have known me?”

  “About thirty-two years.”

  “You know that when I married Brandon, we had nothing. But when he started working for that law firm, we got a house, a brand-new car, and a boat. All these things in one year; I want to know how he did it.”

  “Viktoria, I think you are over-questioning yourself. Brandon was lucky with that law firm; he did well, and they paid him for his services. There is nothing wrong with that. Brandon is a hardworking and well-respected person; you’re judging him too harshly.”

  “When we get to my place, come inside to make sure that there is no unwanted presence. And we can do the sage; I think we all need to relax.”

  “I need to ask you a question. I know you said you don’t want to worry Brandon, that he did not want you to get involved in a case like this. Is there anything else you don’t want to share?”

  “Honestly, there is something that has been bothering me a lot, but I don’t know why.”

  “What is it?”

  “Since this case started, he has been rejecting my work and sort of telling me I should back down and not get involved. He tells me that it’s dangerous and it might harm the kids.”

  “Maybe he’s right to worry about you. And you should protect the kids first; I can’t argue with that.”

  “I don’t think he has ever complained about my work before. What does he know? Also why were Lilith’s soldiers guarding him? I cannot stop wondering about that; it bothers me.”

  “What do you mean, Lilith’s soldiers?”

  “I mean jinns. When I was in the hospital that night, I had a premonition that there was a bad entity, and I decided to go home. I did it spiritually. When I entered the house, all my religious symbols were upside down, and the jinns were in front of my bedroom door guarding it. I don’t know what to think of it.” I pulled into my driveway. “We’re home. Greg, you’re still coming in, right?”

  “Viktoria, look straight at the basement window.”

  “What is that? Brandon’s shadow?”

  “I thought I saw a black shadow; it looked like Brandon coming out of your basement.”

  “That’s impossible. Brandon is staying in Virginia and will not be back until late afternoon. Get the holy water, the Bible, and the cross.”

  “Viktoria, do you have your small Koran? We might need it for jinns.”

  “Right here in my bag. Greg, let’s do it quietly. I don’t want to scare the kids or my mother-in-law. If she hears even a little noise, she will have all of the NYPD over in our backyard.”

  “Viktoria, start chanting for Gabriellele; she might be able to help us. Better if she goes down and checks around in the basement to make sure everything is okay.”

  I walked as close to the basement door as I dared. “Gabriellele, is that you in the basement?” I listened hard. “Greg, I’m not getting any responses from her. She’s not here.”

  “Viktoria, chant again. I can feel something around here; we might need help.”

  “Viktoria,” I heard a woman say, “it’s us, Gabriellele and Azalea. Do not be afraid. We heard noises outside and were just checking.”

  It always intrigued me how Gabriellele was more serious and Azalea seemed to be more of the worrying type.

  “Thank God, it’s you! I was worried! There was a shadow in the basement, and Greg and I came out to investigate. But it must have been you girls.”

  “We didn’t come out of the basement; we came from the front. Those lights were not on before.”

  “Okay, everyone,” I said, “let’s go inside and try not to scare anyone. Greg, you come, but you two,” I looked at Gabriellele and Azalea, “keep away from there. It’s too risky. Let’s go.”

  Greg followed me to the front of the house. “I still say that was Brandon’s shadow.”

  “I told you it could not be Brandon! It’s impossible since he is not here.”

  “I thought I saw him earlier, about an hour go,” Azalea said.

  “What? When did you see him?”

  “I went upstairs to talk to Lacey, and he was coming out of your room. She called him, but he was in a rush and did not stop.”

  “Let’s go inside. There has to be some kind of explanation. I will ask Lacey if anything unusual happened; she is sensitive and might feel it.” Just before we entered the house, I pulled out my phone. “I will call Brandon and see what he has to say.” I dialed his number and waited for him to pick up. When he did, I said, “Hi, honey, just called to say I got home. How was your day? How did it go with the contract?”

  “Just fine,” he said. His voice sounded the same, nothing unusual. “We did sign the contract. I’m about to hit the sack, so hug the kids for me and tell them I miss them. I love you all, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “Okay, honey. I’m exhausted as well. I need to go to bed early too. The kids love you, and we will see you tomorrow.” I hung up and turned to the group. “Brandon is still over there and sounded tired. So, what we saw could not have been him.”

  “Okay, Viktoria, you know what you should do? Get everyone out of the house. Let’s throw some holy water around the basement because we saw the something down there.”

  I nodded and went to the door. Once I unlocked it, I opened it up and yelled, “Hi, kids! Mommy is home! How is everything going?”

  “Look, Cameron, Greg came to see you!” Melisa said when she walked in.

  “I see Grandma Nelly is here too,” I noted when I saw her sitting in the living room.

  “Mom, we’re hungry!” Cameron said. “Can we go out to eat?”

  “No, baby, I’m exhausted. But if it’s okay with you guys, call the restaurant and order some food. Grandma Nelly will take you all and go pick up the food while I get changed.”

  “Mommy? Hey, Mommy?”

  “Yes, Cameron, you don’t need to repeat yourself; I know what you want.”

  “Okay then, tell me what I want
,” he said with a grin.

  He thought I didn’t know, but a mother knows everything about her children.

  “Ice cream,” I said with a smile.

  “Wow, Mom! How did you know?”

  “I think I want some ice cream too, so if you behave, Grandma Nelly might take you all to the ice cream place to buy your favorite ice cream as well.”

  “What do you think, Grandma Nelly? Would you be able to take them?”

  “I think that is an excellent idea, Viktoria.”

  “I’ll call the restaurant to place the order. It should be ready when you all get there. Also, kids, don’t ask for anything else from Grandma Nelly, do you understand?”

  “Yes, Mom,” was the unanimous answer.

  “What about ice cream?” Cameron asked.

  “I’ll handle that,” Grandma Nelly answered with a smile.

  “Thanks, Grandma.”

  Once everyone was ready, they left the house. I waved as I watched them. Then I turned around. “Greg, they’ve left. Let’s start the siege. It will take them about an hour, so we have to be quick.”

  “Which way to the basement?”

  “The basement is this way; follow me. Do we need to bring the holy water?”

  “Yes, we do. I don’t see Gabriellele or Azalea.”

  “I’m here,” Azalea said. “But Gabriellele has gone somewhere.”

  “Did she say where she was going?”

  “No, but she said she had some unfinished business to attend to.”

  “Okay. Azalea, we want you to stay around us.”

  “Actually, you are one of them. When they ask you, tell them you are here to stop us from trying to take them upstairs into the back room. We have everything ready. I’ll be waiting.”

  “Okay, but, Greg, wouldn’t they know that I am not one of them? On the other hand, what if they recognize me?”

  “No, I don’t think so. Use your powers to vanquish them. Make yourself just like them so they will not think you’re different.”

  “Viktoria, I feel their presence.”

  “We’re going to go downstairs. Don’t forget, we can do this telepathically.”

  “Please try to get them upstairs fast, before anyone comes.”