“Yes, Ms. Morrison.” Several of the young voices echoed this in a half whisper.
“Very well then, everyone get ready.” At this moment, little Danny attempted to switch positions, rushing toward the back of the line. “Danny, you will be walking directly behind me on this trip.” Ms. Morrison pointed to the spot beside her as she stated this. She was not about to allow him to put the other children in any form of danger. The child hesitantly obeyed, returning to her side and hanging his head as he did so.
They began walking through the forest accordingly, following the trail with every step. Ms. Morrison had to acknowledge this was a very nice addition since her last venture into these woods. A shiver ran up her spine at the thought of her last venture. Don’t think about that….focus…She desperately tried to push the thoughts out of her mind, but they kept reappearing. They continued onward for some time without any issues.
When Ms. Morrison identified a small plant with red tipped leaves, she stopped the class and addressed them. “Now class, pay close attention. This plant here is poison ivy and if you touch it, it will cause a rash to break out all over you. So please stay as far away from this kind of plant as possible.” She then marched onward, listening as the variety of steps followed behind her. Looking back at them, Ms. Morrison noticed every child severely avoiding the small plant. She smiled to herself and had the first pleasant moment since this day had begun. Perhaps this will not be so bad after all…They continued forward, passing many more unique plants along the way.
Now Ms. Morrison stopped the class short once again. This time, there was a block up ahead. A massive tree had fallen over, completely blocking the trail. Ms. Morrison scanned the area for a way around the thing. To the right, a massive, mud puddle rested by the tree’s roots. To the left, there was a slight incline, but approximately twenty feet ahead was the top of the fallen tree and a seemingly perfect place to cross. “Ok, everyone, there is a tree blocking our path along the trail here. I will lead the way up the hill and around this blockage. Please follow closely to your nearest adult volunteer and let us know if you have any difficulties making it up the hill. We are here to help.” Several of the students seemed to raise a brow at the last statement. Ms. Morrison could not help but wonder if she was going soft on them. However, she had greater concerns at the moment. After all, her primary objective here was to get them all through this field trip, alive and safe. This seemed to be something she was accomplishing quite well and all continued going smoothly as they approached the top of the hill. Then, she saw it.
Looking over the ledge at the hill’s peak, Ms. Morrison froze in place. There, lined up on opposing sides below, were several warriors. There were men, women and children and, also standing amongst them, was a variety of creatures. On the left side, were several animals clad in armor. Towards the front of these, a massive white tiger stood as though prepared to lead them. On the right, horrifying creatures waited eagerly alongside their human counterparts. Then, Ms. Morrison saw something that sent pure terror coursing through her mind. The image, which was also along the right side of her vision, was that of a cross with a young woman tied to it.
Children and adult volunteers, alike, now rushed up to the edge where Ms. Morrison stood. Based on the teacher’s frozen state, they likely suspected something important waited on the other side. Several of their voices echoed behind Ms. Morrison. “What is it?” “I don’t see anything.” “What’s Ms. Morrison looking at?” They were all questioning the scene that was, to them, apparently invisible.
Little Danny tugged on Ms. Morrison’s pants. She glanced his way for only a second. He looked up at her with shock in his eyes and whispered. “I see it too…” Fear lit his quickly paling face. Unable to respond or hardly move, seemingly frozen in place by some unknown force, Ms. Morrison’s eyes were once again drawn to the scene below.
On the right, a being now stood beside the girl strapped to the cross, small logs piled along her feet. With a torch in his hand, he began lowering it towards her. The movement seemed to occur over several minutes, though Ms. Morrison was certain the event was actually occurring much faster. Still trapped in place, a thought escaped her in the form of a half whisper, “not again.”
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30. FAITH OR FAMILY
“Wake her now!” The voice was a distant one and Emily could not tell if it was ringing out loud or simply within the restrictions of her own mind. The split second seemed to stretch on for several moments. Emily was aware she was falling. Her feet sent a signal to her brain that the body was in danger. It was as though everything was occurring in slow motion, fear filled her and then…
Clunk!
She opened her eyes, disappointed to find more terror awaited her. Memories started to rush back in. She was tied to a cross. Oh ok, I’m tied to a cross…that’s just sooo much better…Whatever Lucy drugged her with was still clearly having an effect.
“Finally….shit…I really don’t like murdering people mid nap…..glad to see you’ve rejoined us.” Lucy laughed maniacally, as she scratched her nails along Emily’s cheek. “Lift it up.” As the cruel Lucy gave the signal, her beastly followers obeyed. As they hoisted Emily and the wooden structure upward, a cheer was released among their side of the battlefield. It was just now the roaring sound of a tiger echoed in the background of Emily’s ears. Whew…tiger roars….this must be some good shit…Emily chuckled in her own mind. Clearly, the delirious effect of the liquid drug was now causing her to not care. She had cared for so long. It was almost a strange kind of relief.
Suddenly her attention was drawn to reality, or so she thought. Right there, not ten feet in front of her, her father walked across the open battlefield. “Dad….” The word left Emily’s lips weakly at first. Her father did not turn or acknowledge her in any way. “Daddy! Help me! Please, dad, look at me!” She screamed out of desperation now. Somehow, seeing her father had reignited Emily’s common sense and her drive to live. It was hope; a minute tinge of the feeling was enough to drive one.
Lucy laughed feverishly. “Oh, you are far more of a show than I could have ever hoped for…..” Her voice trailed off for a moment.
“What have you done to him? Why can’t he hear me? Dad, please ignore her trance, listen to me!” Emily was at a full out yell now, desperation overtook her.
“Oh, get angry my dear….how I love anger, that rage you feel boiling inside you. It is a personal favorite of mine. It will not do you any good though. You see, I have done nothing to your father.” Lucy vaguely pointed forward, as she now paced in front of the cross where Emily dangled. She’s pointing in the wrong direction…The single thought ran clearly through Emily’s mind. Certainly enough, Lucy pointed to the right, but Emily’s father was approaching something to the left. “Do you see that podium and book he is approaching?” Lucy smiled wickedly. Sure enough, it was just now Emily saw her father walking up to an open book lying on a glass podium. That wasn’t there before….was it? Is that a Bible?....Emily’s mind was rushing now. She did not understand anything that was happening. Suddenly, the pain in her wrists sent a signal to her brain and she let out a curdling scream. Lucy continued on, unfazed by the sound. “You see that book….it is a horrid guide, by which he claims to live his life. He is thoroughly aware of its rules and regulations and can quote several passages. He sees exactly what I want him to see.” Lucy paused here, as though debating whether to continue.
“I suppose since you are about to die anyway, there is no harm in revealing the rest. You see, your father has become so entrapped by the technicalities that he has lost sight of the major concepts within….horrible things such as love. Therefore, he is blinded to your pain, not by my hand, but by his own ignorance and rules." Lucy absentmindedly eyed her nails, stretching them out in front of her. "I must say, I truly do adore seeing a family ripped apart so; it brings me the greatest of pleasures.” Lucy smiled wildly as she glanced up at Emily.
“Lies! You evil woman, you are ful
l of them! Father, please! Daddy, help!” Emily wanted to believe Lucy was lying, but she could not deny her father’s actions. He was standing there now in front of the book, flipping one page after another, dedicatedly reading every word. He was oblivious to her very existence.
“You know, there is a truly ironic part here…..your father….well, he is afraid to walk outside the lines of the rules and regulations set before him. It is this fear that ultimately blinds him from the true meaning of the concepts.”
Fear…Something about that single word rang strongly in Emily’s mind. She always felt a constant need to battle against her own fears. But why? There is definitely a why….of that much I’m certain…Emily’s mind still felt fogged. She closed her eyes tightly, seeking clarity as she leaned her head back against the death trap.
“Well, it is almost that time….Ethan, prepare the torch.” Lucy was ever so calm as the words left her mouth. Ethan’s footsteps faded slightly. Emily opened her eyes and her father was gone. Not only was he gone, but the entire podium and book disappeared as well. For the first time, her attention was drawn to the top of the hillside.
Sam? No, it can’t be…I must really be losing it...Her eyes attempted to focus just as a brilliantly red cardinal swept across the battlefield. Never allow fear to become your master…The phrase echoed in her mind like a long lost memory. Ethan returned and was lowering the torch by Emily’s feet now. She caught just a glimpse of a young, brown-haired girl standing beside Sam. That….that’s impossible….but…..never allow fear to become your master…The thought forced its way in. Emily immediately knew what she had to do. With all her strength, she pulled her hands inward, breaking them, just to find release from the dreaded ropes. She began to fall forward towards the ground and the flaming torch below. Then suddenly, everything went white.
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31. Revelations
“Renee Emily Morrison!” It was the sound of her mother’s voice. Emily sucked in a deep breath. She was preparing for impact, but instead rose up into a seated position. The world spun around her. Shock filled her mind. A subtle, consistent beeping sound brought her back to reality. There was so much white surrounding her. Emily looked down and saw a pathetic excuse for clothing covering her body. It was a hospital gown. I’m in the hospital…..what? Emily was trying to make sense of everything.
She just saw herself, for crying out loud! A younger version, but it was her, nevertheless, not to mention the sight of Sam. “Sweetheart, don’t you ever scare me like that again! Do you understand me?” Her mother rose from her hospital waiting seat and was now reaching out for a hug. Emily's body embraced her, but her mind was elsewhere.
“Mom, do you have a pen and something to write on…..a napkin or anything?” Emily’s tone implied there was an urgent need for the supplies.
“Well, I think so…” Her mother dug through her purse and produced a pen, followed shortly after by an empty envelope.
“Thank you.” Emily grabbed the items and immediately started jotting down notes. All the memories of her previous adventure to Neveah years prior rushed back into her mind. She remembered everything from the mansion in a cave up to standing on the battlefield’s opposite side. I cannot forget again....not like last time….I must remember, I must…Emily jotted several notes rapidly, including significant names such as Lucy, Neveah, Luthania, Winston, and Sam. As she wrote the name “Sam,” tears began to fill her eyes. She remembered her childish endeavor to run away. She and Sam had run over a cliff and both had fallen. This was how she got the massive whelp on her forehead so many years ago. By the time the search and rescue team found them, Sam was already gone. His young life ended because of her foolishness. She, on the other hand, escaped with only minor injuries.
Of course Neveah must be real…..that would mean Sam is actually there and in a much better place…and I could finally stop feeling guilty for what happened….but….what if it was all only a dream…Emily’s face sank at the thought. She wanted it to be real….or did she? Just at this moment, the doctor was walking in. Emily finished up the last of her notes and tucked the envelope into her brassier for safe keeping.
“Emily, what on earth…” Before her mother could attest to her odd behavior, the doctor was fully in the room, greeting them. “Hello Renee…”
“I prefer to be called Emily now.” She started going by her middle name after the death of Sam. Everything in her life changed at that point. However, now that things shifted dramatically yet again, Emily clearly had some reflecting to do.
“Very well, Emily, I am Dr. Heinstein. You suffered quite a decent concussion last night. That, combined with your level of alcohol intake, makes you a very lucky young lady to be here.” The doctor paused. He was clearly waiting for some kind of recognition from Emily.
“Kyle! Where is Kyle?” His name rushed back into her mind instantaneously. She remembered seeing him on the battlefield and suddenly, desperately, she hoped it was all just a dream, nothing more.
“I am afraid I can only give out patient information to relatives.” The doctor’s face was stern and professional.
“Listen here you….” Emily thought twice about her words. “Fine, I’ll just find him myself then.” She ripped the IV out of her arm and threw off the bed covers.
“Miss, I would not advise that. You need to rest.” The doctor was clearly trying to stop her without physical contact.
“I have rested long enough.” Emily charged out of the room and down the hospital hall until she saw a central nurse’s station. A heavy set nurse sat there reading through piles of paperwork. Emily approached her directly. “Have you ever loved someone so much, you would rather die a thousand deaths than see them hurt?” Emily’s words were bold, steadfast, and from the depths of her being. She spoke them with a resolution that clearly astounded the nurse. As she looked up at Emily, there was an obvious connection. She could tell this young woman had been through hell and back.
“What do you need sweetie?”
“The room number for Kyle Johnson, please.” Emily now saw the doctor and her mother slowly walking up towards the nurse station. They clearly noticed her stop and apparently didn't feel the need to rush. Despite this, the nurse clicked on the keypad rapidly, as though she could detect the sense of urgency in the air. The doctor was getting closer now, easily within hearing distance.
“Miss, I simply cannot tell you what room a patient is in if he is not a relative.” The nurse’s voice rang out loudly, almost too obviously. As she spoke the words, she jotted down a number on a small piece of paper and turned it toward Emily, winking as she did so. 327. The number immediately solidified in Emily’s mind. The nurse quickly crumbled up the shred of paper, tossing it into the trash just as the doctor and Emily’s mother approached.
“See miss, I am only following hospital procedures.” The doctor was obviously an arrogant bastard…that much was apparent. He reminded Emily of Ethan too much and she shuttered at the thought. She was definitely burnt on following doctor’s orders by now. Nevertheless, she needed to play along with his game, for now at least.
“Yes, doctor, you’re right of course. May I at least see my father? ” Emily put on a lovely expression as she spoke to the doctor. He nodded, acknowledging her request with an unspoken yes. Emily then turned her attention to her mother. “Where is dad anyway?”
“Oh, he went down to the hospital chapel. It’s on the first floor I believe.” Her mother’s expression was gentle and she seemed hesitant to speak the following words. She was also oddly standing directly behind Emily now, as though blocking something from her. “….but darling…will you please put these on before you go see him?” She reached her arms around Emily’s side and set a pair of worn jeans and a black t-shirt on the counter in front of her.
Emily suddenly felt a breeze flow against her back. She realized the hospital gown was simply tied with small bows along her entire backside, leaving her partially revealed. Emily blushed deeply. She was defini
tely back in reality now. With one arm, she reached behind herself, holding the gown more securely together. With the other, she reached out for the clothing lying on the counter. It was now she noticed a small, circular scar wrapping around her wrist. She examined it further. The ropes….while I was on the cross…..how can that be…unless it was real…Emily could not explain it. She had a feeling she would never be able to explain it. Nevertheless, she now knew for a fact Kyle was also here in the hospital. She had to find him. “I’ll just go back in my assigned room to change for a moment, then I’ll go see dad.” Emily smiled, but her mischievous demeanor must have shown through.
The doctor raised an eyebrow. “I really should review your medical information with you first.”
Emily started rushing back to the room. “It’s fine, really…you can review it with me later.” She spoke the words as she disappeared into the room’s entrance and slammed the door behind her. She changed more quickly than she ever had before.
When she reopened the door, the doctor was standing right there waiting for her. “I can just walk to the chapel with you and catch you up on things.” Why is he being so persistent?....I thought doctors were busy people….why would he have bothered waiting for me to come out?....Looking around, Emily’s mother was nowhere in sight. Emily guessed that she went to meet up with her father.
R.E.M.: The Hidden World Page 17
