Showcase Magazine - Central and Southwest Virginia's Exclusive Entertainment Magazine

August 14, 2005

Jess was like a zombie for the rest of that Saturday. There was nothing that I could do to comfort her. It felt as if I was on a seesaw of emotions. One moment I felt completely helpless for not being able to protect her and the next I felt utter rage toward whatever it was that had violated Jess. I was literally going insane. Jess would hardly speak but we decided together that we had to go see Father Vicks. It was our only hope. I knew that the unholy force would throw every obstacle it possibly could at me to keep me from seeing the Father. I also knew that we had to be strong because this had crossed the realm of emotional into the physical.

The sun rose early Sunday morning. Surprisingly we both were able to rest peacefully. I had expected to have a restless night, but nothing. I actually felt energized when I woke up. Jess seemed to be better as well. She went to shower without hesitation. It was as if Saturday was just a nightmare that never happened. I went to the kitchen to be greeted by the cat impatiently waiting for Sunday breakfast.

Jess joined me in the kitchen after her shower. We sat at the table having breakfast just as we had the previous summer. There was no sign of the evil. There was a calming still that somewhat reminded me of the beach. The stillness emulated that feeling you get at the beach right before a hellacious storm comes up. Beggars can’t be choosers though, I was happy just to have the calm.

We got ready for church. Another strange feeling, I hadn’t been to church in a very long time. I kept telling myself “it’s just like riding a bike.” I don’t think the idea of going to church is what was making me nervous. It was more of wondering what this evil was going to do to ensure that I did not make it to church.

-cont…