The Withering Boy

Story told by: Emanuel Woods
Born March 5th 1845

I was born, into the arms of my wonderful parents Jack and Elizabeth Woods. I remember it so clearly maybe it's one of the few moments in my life I was unaware of what emotions I felt. My mother, dark blue hair and purple eyes strange yet true. It felt normal to be part of a family who maybe not look so normal.

After being wrapped up in blankets eventually my parents took me home, one that seemed not so cheery yet dark, mysterious and disturbing. I may not know what my parents did at the time nor did I know that my chances of survival had been dashed. All I remember putting me a crib in a room decorated in a way to please me.

A room fit for a baby, one of which not so wealthy. From there I grew up from crawling to walking about my parents kept me upstairs away from whatever was below. Now I’m five years old, black and dark blue tuffs of hair on my head and sharp violet eyes looking aware of my surrounds.

“Mummy!” I went and grabbed at her dress to support myself upright. She looked down at me and picked me up, “Oh Emanuel, my precious boy, what is it?” she asks. I looked at her I didn’t know what I wanted besides being with her. Did I need a reason? I didn’t know what they were at the time. Some how I felt the need to ask about what my father does.

“What does daddy do?” I asks then I took note of her face expressions. “Well Emanuel…you will eventually know. As for you I’m going to feed you,” she said with a smile. I looked at her as she avoided my glare “Why won’t you tell me?” I grumbled. She would sigh and put me in my high chair.

“Emanuel, you’re too young to know, my dear. Some day you will see why I’m doing this. It’s for your own good to not know because it’s not a pleasant thing,” she said and held the spoon of porridge near my mouth. The long sentences I tried to make sense of but the porridge didn’t seem too appealing yet I was hungry. She knew I was hungry or was she doing this so we avoid the talk?

From there I took in the spoonfuls of the food with contempt, though the moment of being with mother alone soon intruded by visitors. Father had come up stairs “Liz, can you please come down?” he said with a slight puff in his voice. It was then she looked at me and wipes my mouth.

“Something wrong?” she asks pulling me up from the chair into her arms. My father walked towards to her, “The Christiansons…I think we could give Emanuel a chance to socialize with their child,” he whispers into mother’s ear. I didn’t get it why he was doing it but my mother gave a queer look and then followed him down stairs.

“You’re sure that nothing terrible is down there for our child to see?” she said as they took each step with care. “Terrible?” I thought, though my father shook his head as we entered the lower half of the house. My eyes flew to the strangers in the room, a family apparently my parents seem to consider important.

The Christiansons were rich folk who came here from time to time, though it was first time I met them. Rather well dress bunch though my eyes trailed to the young girl that was being held by her mother. I looked to see her eyes red and teary.

“Mr. and Mrs. Christianson, can we talk privately? Anna-Maria , please feel free to live here with my wife and son,” my father said. The adults looked at each other as Mrs. Christianson went over to my mother. She was an elegant blond-haired woman with blue eyes and a lovely face.

“Mrs. Woods, please take care of Anna, she is already upset about what happened,” She looked as if she was going to sob. I watched her dry her eyes with her free hand and mother put me down on the chair as Anna-Maria was placed down next to me. I watched her mother leave with my father and grandfather.

“Anna, it's OK, your grandfather is going to a better place,” my mother said kneeling down in front of her. “No. I loved him. Why did he have to go?” she cried loudly. My ears may be suffering from the horrid noise she is making but my mother tried her best to calm her down.

“Mummy, why is she crying? Make her stop,” I plugged my hands against my ears and shifted over to the chair arm. “Emanuel, please, Anna lost her grandfather.” my mother said. I frowned as my mother hugged Anna-Maria tightly “I want to see him!” she cried as she tried to escape my mothers embrace.

“Anna please, calm down. You can talk to my son, Emanuel,” my mother said as she pulled Anna up from the chair sat down with Anna-Maria on her lap. Talk to me? What was I going to say to a weeping girl? It was then it dawned upon my young mind about my grandmother. She died yet I was left to wonder what happened to her.

I do recall my mother at least being truthful to me that she had passed on. I never saw her body at all it was like she vanished away. Yet my grandmother had left, I did cry then again I didn’t feel so close to her at all. Though she left me a note which baffles me to understand what it meant. I felt she went to a better place, mother was right. Mother talked about heaven the place where all people go and it sounded lovely.

“Emanuel dear, talk to Anna, please.” my mother said with a little stern voice snapping me out of day dream. “Anna, I know what it feels like to lose someone. My mother is right, they go to a wonderful place called Heaven,” I said. I noticed her looking at me. Her lovely brown hair was in curls and her blue eyes looking at me oddly.

“Did you cry?” she asks as she seemed to becoming more comfortable now. I thought I better answer yes so I did. “Emanuel was sad too but he soon realizes what has happened and accepted it,” she said. Anna-Maria looked at me and smiled a comforting smile. She stared at me still as her sadness seemed to fade away as I shifted closer feeling a little drawn to her beauty. “Emanuel will become your friend if you need someone,” my mother said with a smile.

“Yes, I like to be friends with you, Anna-Maria,” I said as I snuggled close to my mother and Anna-Maria. She smiled at me though I was expected a different reaction, being a raised in a spoiled environment I thought she kicked up a stink and run.

From there we started laying out a friendship, the days when my mother and I went to the park. By now I’m age eight and Anna-Maria was seven years old and she got even more beautiful.

I had to question my emotions; I couldn’t fall for her at all. A friendship was nice enough I felt something was holding me back. It was during this autumn day where me and Anna-Maria were playing hide and seek while our mothers busy chatting away while we played.

“Ok Anna, I’ll count to ten while you go and hide.” I said as I took up post against a tree trunk while Anna-Maria ran off in a hurry to hide.

Being able to count by now was bit of a struggle, luckily my mother at least taught me basic stuff yet my young mind was hungry for more. I need to perfect it all. After I reached ten I backed away from the tree and looked around, the park was vastly large place for a seven year old to hide in.

Trees, grassy hills and people everywhere she could be anywhere. As I searched everywhere I could yet was starting to worry a little.

“Where is she?” I thought as I walked around starting to feel lost in this place.

“Anna!!” I called attracting the occasional eye from the adults who wandered around. Though without much of a warning I heard a high shrill that sounded like Anna-Maria’s scream.

“Anna!” I cried as I wanted to run yet I felt exhausted and strained pain in my chest.

What was wrong with me? I struggled to find her as I staggered along the grass across a path and saw the lake up ahead there sitting in it seemed like Anna-Maria crying.

“Anna!” I cried as I reached the edge not aware of the red headed street kid that was close by laughing.

“Emanuel!” She cried as struggled to get out of the water her dress was soaked and covered in mud.

“Emanuel, be careful!” She cried as the red headed kid approached me.

“Well it seems I got another squirt to push around,” He said with his dirty grin. I turned around looking into the eyes of this angry boy.

“Please don’t hurt me. I suggest you go away or I’ll get my parents here and tell you off.” I said trying to stand my ground. The red-headed kid laughed.

“You’re such a coward rich boy! For that I’ll hurt you too.” He said lunging towards me.

I tried to move away but I wasn’t quick enough, Anna-Maria watched in fear as the kid grabbed me by my arms and pushed me into the shallow end of the pond.

“NO! Help!” Anna cried trying to alert some adults nearby.

“Think you're better off in this murky pond with your snooping girlfriend! You hear me.” The red-headed kid shook me couple of times. My heart was doing serious back flips and my eyes closed as I gasped for air.

“When are you going to defend yourself!” He cried then the policeman came and pulled the red head kid by the back of the shirt and his hands let me fall into the waters.

“OK, you runt, you caused enough trouble here!” The policeman said as the small group of adults came to watch the spectacle.

I was having a spasm attack as I felt nothing but water flow into my mouth. It seemed like I was drowned, yet I was fished out quickly by a stranger. Anna-Maria watched me gasping.

“Emanuel!” She cried in fear as the stranger looked into my eyes.

“This kid needs help!” The stranger said holding onto me. Anna-Maria looked around scared.

“Please follow me to my mother, we must help my friend!” She cried to the man as she ran off only to see her mother and mine close by.

“What happened to you?” Anna’s mother cried as Anna grabbed her hands.

“A horrible street kid pushed me into the lake!” She said crying.

“Where’s Emanuel?!” My mother cried as she turned to see the man holding me in his arms.

“Your child seemed to be suffering from something.” He said as my body jerked a little scaring my mother.

“Emanuel! We have to get him to hospital” She cried as they rushed away. During this time I was unconscious my heart was feeling pain as it wrestles to settle down.

Was I dying already? From what and why now. I didn’t think a mere push into a pond would do anything yet this is more serious. It was a while before I woke up feeling my heart had settled now to a comfortable pace. My mother and father were by my bed side as I could hear voices yet my eyes took their time to open and focus.

“Oh, you're awake, Emanuel!” I heard mother as she hugged me gently.

“Mother… what happened?” I asked her, I could notice the sadness in her eyes. I looked at my father and the doctor.

“Apparently you suffered a mild heart attack,” The doctor said. I didn’t know what exactly that was, it sounded bad.

“Emanuel, we might have to leave you here for the night. Doctors are going to take an extensive look at you.” Father said as he gave me a hug.

“Mother, father, please don’t leave me here alone!” I cried as they soon left the room.

I felt so alone yet there were other beds in the ward. Some filled with sick, deformed and dying looking people. I sat there awhile feeling the worst. “I hope I can see Anna-Maria again...” I cried burying my head in my hands.

It was then I heard a sound, I assume the hospital is full of strange noises but this sounded like the wind. A swooshing noise that came across the ward floor though the window was locked shut.

The moonlight has cast large window frame on the floor. I shook a little in fear as I lay down in bed and pulled the covers over me allow my eyes to look around. Some mist-like being appeared near my bed, a ghost-like creature which smiled down at me.

“You are scared, aren’t you?” It hissed like a snake, and my eyes widened as I nodded slightly. The misty boy figure sat down on the bed, my eyes fixated on him as he moved up closer to me. I could feel the weight against my body and my heart was pounding.

“Aww, you don’t have to be scared, I’ll calm you down.” It said as his long fingers pierced through the sheets and into my chest. I gasped as I could feel its long tentacle-like fingers caress my organ and I watched it with fear as I felt some sort of soothing feel to it.

“Ah I see, it's a shame that your heart is suffering from a disease. Ah, do you feel better?” It said as its other hand pried the blanket from mine and revealed my face to him.

“Who are you?” I asked in a whisper, I felt light-headed like the thing gave me a drug that soothed every limb in me.

“I’m a Regnessem, one of kind of kind creature that come here to help you.” It said.

“Help me?” I asked since I never heard of such a creature.

“Yes, you have been chosen to play a special role in people lives. I can help you too, I can make you live longer yet my powers on keeping you healthy are limited,” The Regnessem said.

“What is wrong with me then?” I asked as it kept brushing its fingers against my face.

“No mere doctor could tell you straight away, though you have heart disease,” It hissed. I gulped as his fingers tips now against my cheek

“This is where I come in, you must not tell anyone about me. Your gift is to fulfill people’s dying wishes and dreams, give them a peaceful clear pass to the next life,” it said as it retracted its fingers.

I didn’t know what to say next yet I admire the man, who was covered in strange markings there wasn’t a sign of clothing on his bare body. His hair seems to have its own way as it waved and slivered about the bed which made my skin crawl a little.

“You’re not a snake are you?” I quivered at him.

“I’m not a snake, there is a reason why I’m like this you will soon find out when the time comes.” It said.

I looked into his blue eyes; he was white mostly except for the heavy patterns of black that covered most of his body. It looked away at all the other occupants.

“Little child like you amongst these dying people, you will save them but not from death, but from dying with baggage and broken hearts,” He said.

I felt his hands return to my face and he them run down my body, I could feel it through my flesh deep into my body everything felt touched, and I felt tired by then yet I felt a slight moan escape me as it seemed to touch sensitive spot.

“You will love yourself Emanuel, with me inside you. You can give me a name.” It said as it toys his silver mist fingers inside me.

“What do you mean?” I asked my eyes half open I could see him smiling

“You will have to never love another human, because it will kill you.” It said.

My eyes widen at what he said I didn’t know what he mean, I was only eight and I did have feelings for Anna-Maria.

“What are you going to name me?” It asks his hand kept caressing me, I felt so relaxed. “I’ll name you Cilan,” I said as I nodded off to sleep,

“Cilan, what a wonderful name to call me.” He said as he faded away leaving me to sleep in peace.

When I woke up the next morning, Cilan's presence was being no longer around yet the doctors surrounded my bed with stethoscopes and boards with paper, one was checking my blood pressure. I was baffled by it all yet my parents were there too.

“Well this is strange news, your heart seemed to maintain itself to a stable condition. Though your son has heart disease, so a restricted life style where not so much psychical exercise can be done,” The doctor said. I frowned yet remember what Cilan said was the same thing.

“Does anyone in your family, Mr. and Mrs. Woods, suffer heart conditions?” The doctor asked them. I waited for an answer to where I got this from my dad looked guilty like he committed a crime.

“My father died from that, I didn’t think my own son will end up with it,” He said. The sadness in his voice was there I felt teary and let down by my parents.

“Oh, it's more likely the chances of him getting it. I’m sorry your poor son is suffering from this. Genes can be passed on through family member to family member.” The doctor said straightening his glasses.

“Is he ready to go home?” My mother asks as she went to my side and stroked my hair.

“Yes he is, though he won’t be able to do a lot of playing around though.” The doctor said as he looked at me.

I couldn’t smile since I feel robbed of the one thing a child loves to do play. Will this mean the end of my play dates with Anna-Maria? From there the doctors had left and mother had brought me clothes to change into.

“I can still see Anna-maria, can't I?” I asked as I removed my nightgown and changed into shirt and pants.

“I’m sure we can get Anna to come around though I doubt she will,” My mother said as I climbed out of the bed onto the floor.

“Son I don’t think having Anna and you playing around in the house is a good idea.” My father said as we headed out of the ward.

I looked at the ground my mother held my hand as we walked out of the hospital the sunlight surprised me though.

“Mother, I wish to see Anna. Please, can’t we go visit her?” I asked as we climbed into a carriage.

“No dear I’m sorry, I think we could give it some time before seeing her again, OK?” My mother said holding me close. It was then I was feeling hurt, my condition has robbed me of positive outlook. I’m bounded to grow old inside the boundaries of my house.

“So I can never go outside and play or anything?” I said looking out the window.

“My dear you can go outside but you can’t do anything like running, or jumping or anything that could be put strain on your heart,” She said.

For the rest of that trip I didn’t have much to say to my mother or father. It was later on that day we finally came home my mind had been thinking about Cilan and what he meant at the hospital. I seemed a little dazed as my mother snapped me out of it.

“Emanuel, come in inside, dear.” She said as I looked at her.

“I want to see Anna-Maria. Please, mother?” I asked yet she shook her head.

“I’m sorry dear, she will come around when her family does.” She said as I followed her inside. My father had already placed his jacket down and turned to face me and mother as we stepped inside.

“I’m so sorry Emanuel, I feel like I robbed the only child a life he could have,” he said from there he walked away to the cellar and closed the door.

“I wish I wasn’t born now.” I said and headed up the stairs crying my mother was trailing me behind as I rushed into my bedroom slamming the door.

“Emanuel please don’t say that. We love you so much, we don’t want to lose you.” She pleas from the other side of the door. I slumped down onto the floor.

“No you don’t, I wouldn’t have this terrible condition if it wasn’t for dad!” I yelled my eyes wielding up with tears. My mother frowned.

“Emanuel, we can’t help certain things in life. We are going to try and keep you living. Son, we don’t want to shut you out.” She said waiting for me to open the door.

My feelings of anger and disappointment were upsetting me I didn’t want to reply. I heard mother pull away and headed off I stood up and opened my door to watch her go to the kitchen and sat at the table alone. I have hurt her too, I think my parents but feeling the guilt that this brought upon us.

Down stairs my father had been preparing a corpse for funeral service tomorrow. It was Christianson’s grandfather, and his coffin had been delivered and waiting in the funeral pallor. There are more people that work for my dad and grandfather.

“Jack, I’m glad you came back, I been dealing with the coffin and that…. What’s wrong?” He said noticing my father posed over the dead body on the table. My grandfather, Charles Woods had the business before my mother and father came into the picture. Charles is my mother’s grandfather since my fathers is dead.

My father looked up at the man his purple eyes filled with sadness.

“Emanuel…has a heart disease.” He said. Charles moved over to him and hugged him “That’s horrible news… I feel awful. Jack, I think maybe I better finish off here, you go and spend some time with Emanuel.” He said.

“What about this, I mean this is important funeral I must part take in. We need the money,” He said as he took off his gloves and handed them to Charles.

“I know we are having troubles, as long as the Christiansons keep us a float along with the police. We won’t have any troubles.” He said patting him on the shoulder. It was from there my father left the morgue and headed up stairs to see my mother alone in the kitchen.

“What is wrong?” He asked as he sat down next to her.

“Our son, everything seemed to be so hard lately. We hardly spend some time together.” She wept into his handkerchief.

“I know, darling, but we can’t leave him, we need to have someone here to keep working.” He said stroking her dark blue hair.

“I really wish we can at least go away for a little while, we can have Aunt Fran and Charles look after Emanuel.” She said. I still remained inside my bedroom yet Cilan had appeared out of nowhere.

“Emanuel?” He said seeing me buried in my blankets and pillows.

“It’s not fair, Cilan. I really wish I could leave stop my parents from feeling terrible.” I sulked. Cilan moved next to me his hair slivering about.

“You will and you will learn to love the afterlife once you helped within it.” He said. I sat up looking at him with red teary eyes.

“I still don’t know what you mean.” I said. Cilan long fingers stroke my hair.

“There is a wonderful place where everyone goes after dying. Not all die and go to heaven. Some are given chance to live on again as another being.” He said. It was then a knock on my bedroom door cut Cilan talk short.

“Emanuel, can you come out here please?” My father said.

“I better go and see what they want,” I said to Cilan, climbing off my bed and headed towards the door Cilan swooned in between me and the door.

“You don’t need to feel sad, you have to believe me. I really care about you.” He said.

It was then he placed a kiss on my cheek and disappeared. “Emanuel!” Father cried out again as I opened the door to see them standing there.

“Yes?” I said staring at them. My father brought me over to a chair and we all sat down. “Emanuel, lately me and your mother had wanted to spend some time together as a family. Well your mother and I wish to plan a break away. We will have Aunt Fran and granddad take care of you,” My father said.

That moment kind of surprised me, yet I could understand that my parents seemed to be always apart even though in the same house. I didn’t really see the affection they have for each other, it was always within either the bedroom or out of my sight like they are ashamed to even have one kiss in front of me.

I still wasn’t really told about what my parents really do for a living. Its all been hidden away so it wont scare or hurt me I didn’t know what to say it was a moment you sit in silence when you’re a child. They could see me feeling blue.

“Jack, I think Emanuel isn’t happy about this. I don’t think we should leave him.” My mother said. It was then me father looked at her.

“Dear we have to… All I have been doing is work and you're been all taking care of Emanuel. Don’t you want to escape and do something wonderful for once?” He said standing up from the chair. My mother looked at him.

“I don’t want to abandon our son who is suffering here,” She said her voice filled with distressed.

“Dear please… I can see it. But you and I need to unwind, outside of this place.” He said taking my mother hands in his own.

“I think it's time we come clean, tell Emanuel everything,” She said looking at me.

This was it; mother wants to tell me what they really do for a living. The numerous times I have seen the odd table cloth and duffle bags carried into the basement. Also the reason why Anna-Maria's family came to our house.

“No please dear. I don’t want him to know,” My father pleas to her and she shook her head.

“Emanuel, your father and I…” She paused she couldn’t work out a way of saying it without it being the straight out truth.

“Tell me mother please, I want to know why you don’t allow me in the ground floor of our house,” I said to her. My father wanted to pull her away.

“Son, we are funeral directors, and morticians.” He said and looked away.

“What is that?” I said standing up from the chair.

“Emanuel, we… deal with the deceased. Also the funeral ceremony,” Mother said.

Something inside me snapped, I remembered what Cilan said before it’s quite a coincidence that my parents have dead people in the house.

“So what’s down stairs in the basement? Dead people?” I asked.

They looked at me and I looked back “Yes. That is why we don’t want you to go down there.” he said. For a moment I stood and just nodded.

“OK, I won’t go down there.” Then I moved away back to my room. I couldn’t believe it, from there my days been mostly indoors.

Countless times I asked mother to write a letter to Anna-Maria and never did. I spent at least the weekends over at Aunt Fran’s house, I loved my Aunty, she seemed more of a fun person than my parents.

I guess that time my parents want me out of the house into a different environment or just to spend the time I have with my relative. Though when my parents told her of my condition, her happiness seemed not to be too disheveled.

“I’ll take good care of him,” She said as my parents left the house.

“Are we going to go anywhere, Aunty?” I asked as we headed to the bedroom I always stay in.

“Well I’m sure we can go to the markets or something. But I’m worried about you now because of your disease,” She said as we entered the room. My aunt always kept this room stock with some toys, books and various things at least I won’t be so bored.

“Don’t be worried, Aunty, I’ll be fine.” I said to her. She put my bag down and gave me a hug.

“I think I’m going to be the one to give you the fun.” She said. Eventually she left me alone in the room.

“Emanuel, you don’t need to feel down anymore...” Cilan's voice hissed in my ear.

“Death seems more inviting now than living.” I said and sat down on the bed. Cilan coiled around me his blue eyes stared into mine.

“Emanuel, trust me. When the day comes, I can’t keep you alive.” He said and kissed my cheek lightly. I moaned and shook my head.

“Hey… Why are you being so close to me?” I asked as I tired to separate myself from Cilan.

“Because you and I are the same… I can give you the happiness you desire along with the powers to see into dead people minds,” He said as he was still coiled around Emanuel. Now love wasn’t a thing I thought about yet I tried to resists him.

“I really wish to see Anna-Maria,” I said as Cilan tried to lure me back onto the bed. “Emanuel, Anna-Maria probably doesn’t wish to see you.” He hissed as his hair coiled and slid through my clothes and graced my flesh.

“Emanuel, come out here, Aunty Fran is going to the markets.” My aunt cried it was then a sighed and looked at Cilan.

“Let me go now.” I said sternly and Cilan recoiled and disappeared. From there I rushed out to where Aunty Fran was waiting.

“Slow down there.” She said and I came to a stop and smiled.

“I can’t wait to go out!” I said in a cheery mood I wasn’t going to feel down yet I could feel Cilan draped over me.

“Come on, then let's go!” She said and we headed out the front door I climbed into her horse buggy and she climbed onto the front.

“Are you ready to go, kid?” She asked as we are soon walking on our way. I sat there and watched a slivering white lock of hair caress me.

“I guess when you said we are the same… I guess when the time comes you will be in me,” I said to myself.

My aunty looked back. “Emanuel who are you talking to dear?” She said I looked at her little surprised face. I replied, “No one, Aunty.” Then we watched the people go by.

White Chapel was my home it was slowly thriving into a busy city. The markets was the humming heart of the place everyone goes there to shop and bargain with others.

“I guess your parents haven’t taken you to the markets in a while.” She said as she pulled the horse buggy to a stop.

“No, I haven’t been out since my day in the park. And well they kept me indoors now,” I said as I climbed down with her help.

“Oh your parents, they want to spend so much time with you because they don’t know how much time you got left,” She said as we headed into the markets. I already told you how much of a ball of fun I have my Aunty Fran.

1854

A year later I had turned 9 years old and my parents have using the money that had been pulled in through the business and go on a boat trip.

“Emanuel, your granddad is going to take care of you while we go out for a while,” My mother said kissing me on forehead.

“Goodbye, I hope you come back.” I said hugging dad and watched them go out the front door. I went to the door with grandfather and watched them climb into the carriage.

“Bye, Emanuel, take care!” Mother called out as they headed away. I walked down the steps onto the path watch them disappear.

“Well you’re all alone now.” Cilan hisses, like myself I notice that Cilan grew along with me.

“Yes, Cilan, but I’m more determined to at least see Anna-Maria.” I said then went back to my grandfather.

“Right, Emanuel you’re going to help out around the house more.” He said. From there I went to work.

I have helped mother out yet she kept telling me to rest. My grandfather isn’t in the best shape either, yet he was the only one who is going to look after me.

“Grandfather, I don’t like the dusting. Can I go outside?” I asked him yet he shook his head.

“I can’t have you wandering off on your own and have a heart attack,” he said. I stomped my foot and walked away over to the arm chair and sat down. My grandfather looked at me.

“You never let me have any fun, I want to go see Aunty Fran,” I said. Though downstairs the front door bell was ringing and he left me alone to attend the customer.

“I miss my mother and father.” I said and headed to my room only for Cilan to appear

“You're sad again, wait you're mad. I haven’t seen you mad before.” He said studying my features.

I haven’t been one to be angry yet I was feeling it. I admit I don’t like my grandfather a lot as aunt Fran. Apparently my grandfather doesn’t seem to like my aunt for some reason. I recall that night I went to bed yet grandfather was still up rumbling through papers on the table. I went to my doorway and noticing his sadness.

“This isn’t working out, the business going to go under if we don’t keep getting customers,” He said to himself.

To me I thought a funeral home would be a thriving, yet there are other competitors in White Chapel that seemed to be doing well. I had over heard a conversation grandfather and dad had about the failing business. We had the richest family the Christianson’s yet there are rumors that they could no longer support my families business.

“I should be glad that they finally got time alone, Jack and Liz need it. I really need a break,” He said leaning on the chair. I decided to go over to him.

“Grandfather…” I said startling him from his daze.

“Emanuel… Why aren’t you in bed? It’s late.” He said yet he looked at the papers all over the table.

“Do you know when mother and father are coming back?” I asked standing by his side.

He stood up and scooped me into his arms.

“It shouldn’t be too long, besides they just left yesterday. You could go and sleep.” He said and placed me back in bed pulling the blankets over me.

“Cilan?” I whispered as the misty Regnessem appeared.

“You called, I have to admit I know something, a feeling that something terrible will happen.” He said as he swoon about the room into a corner. I sat up.

“What you mean by that?” I asked him as he swoons back onto my bed.

“I don’t know, just that tomorrow something big will occur,” He said.

“Big… and terrible…” I quivered as I wanted to know what is making him think this.

Outside in the streets the red headed kid that once attack Emanuel lurks about hunting for food, his name was Albert a runt of a child that his parents died and left him alone. Living in the slums and walking around the streets of White Chapel he is known to be one not to cross. He is angry disrespectful child who steals food and picks pockets with skill.

Though I hoped not to run into him again then Anna-Maria came up in my mind. I never been to her residents, yet she was a beautiful girl who I harbor feelings for. I spent the night dreaming about her unaware of Cilan curled up around me.

“Emanuel, so you dream of her. You will never love her.” Cilan thought to himself feeling jealously. As I slept peacefully Cilan sat up and looked over me.

“It is time I become one with you.” He said and then did the merging into my body. My eyes opened as I felt jerking and moving inside me.

“What is going on?” I thought as I sat up and looked around the dark room. I looked at my hands and felt something under my flesh then I heard Cilan.

“Don’t worry, this time had come for me to become part of you.” He hissed as he controlled my hands to chest.

“No, get out of me!” I plea to him but he refused.

“You will need me from tomorrow and on wards. Trust me you will need the strength” his voice echoed. I felt my eyes forced closed and laid down.

That morning I woke up I heard a lot of commotion coming from downstairs. Half awake I climbed out of bed and rubbed my eyes, Cilan was still inside me and all night he had kept my heart stable yet I left my bedroom.

“Morning!” I chirped as I saw Aunty Fran and Granddad.

“Oh….who is going to tell him?” Aunt Fran said looking at him. The door bell rang and Grandfather went off downstairs while Aunt Fran clutches a newspaper. I moved over to her.

“Tell me what is going on? Are mother and father home?” I said wanting to go downstairs yet Fran blocked my way.

“Emanuel, dear, how about you go and get dressed? I’ll make some breakfast up.” she said trying to cover her distressed voice. I didn’t know what was happening, yet I was ushered back into my room by her.

“Now get ready, OK.” She said and closed the door. It was then I heard Cilan.

“It had happened… You will need to find out about it.” He said. I couldn’t help but question him as I took off my nightgown I could hear him purr I shiver at his noises. “Look, Cilan, I’m just getting dressed then I need a answer to what is going on,” I demanded to myself.

After placing on my clothes I could feel Cilan shifts in me stroking places I tried to resist doubling over and moaning.

“Stop it, Cilan… Tell me now.” I said as I headed towards the door.

“Fine then. I won’t tell you, but I think your relatives can tell you.” He said to me.

The moment I left my room Aunt Fran had bundle me over to a chair and then placed the front of me. My eyes looked upon the title.

“Horrible Boat Accident!”

Then she pointed out in the article that my parent’s names were in there.

“Why are my parents in the paper?” I asked her.

“Emanuel, your parents didn’t make it off the boat. In fact very few people did…” She said trying to hold back her tears.

No it can’t be. I jump up from the chair. “Where are they!” I cried at her she just looked at me.

“Their bodies are downstairs!” She cried. My eyes wielded up and I rushed downstairs to see the crowd of people.

“Is this what you meant?” I said to Cilan yet Grandfather scooped me up and pulled me backstairs.

“Stay up here Emanuel, please.” He said and I tried to break free but he shoved me into Aunt Fran’s arms.

“Don’t let him come down here!” He barked as he went back downstairs.

“I can’t believe that man,” She said as she sat down again.

“I must see them, Aunt Fran.” I said yet she didn’t move.

“Emanuel, take some time to think about what happened. Your grandfather is very upset too everyone is grieving so please sit down and pray.” She said wiping her eyes.

No use to try and rebel, to hear my parents were dead and now their corpses going to be in the basement below was enough to make me weep. I sat down next to Aunt Fran and closed my eyes.

“You're right, Cilan.” I thought. Cilan just nodded moving my head too then I stopped.

“Tonight, Emanuel you will go and see them. See what they left behind in their minds.” Cilan hissed. It was for a while I don’t recall falling asleep on the chair, voices I heard downstairs seemed muffled and I woke up later on that day with Aunt Fran standing over me.

“Hey, you sure have taken a long nap. You better have some food,” She said handing me a plate of food. I sat up and yawned.

“Thank you.” I mumbled and started to eat. I heard a sudden thump nearby and saw Grandfather in the storage room, I never been in there but he seemed to be hauling out a coffin. Couple of other men helped him

“Fran, can you please put Emanuel in the kitchen?” grandfather said. He always wanted me out of the way, was it because of the loss of my parents or something else.

“Charles, Emanuel got to see them. You can’t keep him in the dark forever.” She said sobbing. I frowned and put the plate down.

“Fran, I just want him to not see what I seen, a child shouldn’t have to be burdened to see his dead parents' bodies,” He said.

He did have a point there, though Cilan was eager for me to go see them. So I decided to wait until night fall when everyone asleep.

“Well, when are we sorting out the funeral?” Fran asked Charles.

“We will be lucky enough to have one for them. Emanuel, just live every single moment of your life,” He said and rubbed my head and headed away.

I wander to the door where grandfather was and peered inside. I could see coffins laid about yet one caught my eyes. A beautiful white one, I wanted to go in but Fran pulled me out of the way and closed the door.

“You don’t want to see those, dear. Your family planned ahead for these coffins reserved for them. These are the coffins just for your family.” She said guiding me to my room.

“That white one! I want it, it's so pretty.” I said as aunt Fran grabbed a book and read some of it to me.

“Emanuel. Can you read me this sentence?” She said pointing in the book, I couldn’t read, I just looked at the pictures.

“Mother never taught me how to read,” I wept. That did it I was too upset and cried again.

That was the turning point in my life, my mind had completely change and started to think about how hopeless it would be to make use of the life I got if I’ll be soon robbed of it.

“I guess I better teach you then. You must learn these things somehow.” Aunt Fran said holding me.

Soon enough the end of the day had come and night had fallen, Aunt Fran had left home after comforting me most of the day while Grandfather Charles had retired to bed.

“It's the time.” Cilan called out from inside my mind I rose up with his help.

“I’m tired.” I yawned.

“Get up, this is your chance to see what your parents have left behind.” Cilan said as he appeared next me.

I grabbed my lamp which was still lit dimly. I climbed out of bed and crept out the door.

“I hope grandfather is asleep.” I said to myself as I headed down the stairs quietly. My lamp lighting the dark downstairs room as I looked around.

“Where are they?” I thought looking around eventually my light caught the shining gleam off to black coffins side by side near the door.

“There they are,” Cilan hissed as I approached them.

“I can’t disturb their slumber.” I said quietly.

“You can, and you must.” Cilan demands as I headed over to the coffin side and started to lift the lead. I gasp to see my sleeping mother inside; she seemed normal yet touched up to look pretty.

“Emanuel, place you hands on either side of her head and let me do the rest.” Cilan said controlling my hands to touch my mothers head.

“Oh, Cilan no. I don’t want to...” I said yet Cilan’s hands and finger tips seeping through mine and my hands were attached to either side of my mothers head.

“Now let’s see what was left behind,” Cilan said as he dove into her mind causing my eyes to shut and allow the channeling of thoughts and images flooded in. The rate was extraordinary the power shot through me like electricity.

“Ah look at this, your mother’s mind is filled with you.” Cilan said as he spoke. I watched several parts of my life where my mother was with me.

“Cilan, what is this meant to be?” I asked him as I watched I could feel my eyes water with sadness.

“Emanuel, she cares about you a lot. Now what about your mother relationship with your father…” Cilan said my eyes focused it seemed to be a scene on the boat trip.

“Jack, I’m starting to wonder if you still love me.” My mother said. She sounded distraught and mad Jack grabbed her by the shoulders.

“Not after what I saw you do! You cheated me!” He yelled at her and slung her to the floor.

“I didn’t, it was just one kiss… I didn’t know he was here!” She cried. I never believed what I saw.

“Seems troublesome between your parents on this cruise.” Cilan said as I continued watching I wanted to let go.

“Cilan I want to go out!” I cried the images kept relaying through seeing my mother with some other man, now my parents are fighting then came the horrid ending where it went all black. I screamed wildly as Cilan tried to silence me.

“No, Cilan let me out of this!” I cried to him Cilan soon removed my hands from my mother's head I staggered backwards. Then I heard loud foot steps coming down stairs.

“Emanuel!” My grandfather cried to see me shaken near the opened coffin. He grabbed me and closed the coffin door.

“What are you doing down here?” He scorns me as I was still in a daze trying to recover from such a psychic rush. I flopped about in his arms and my breathing was heavy and short burst.

“I’m... sorry,” I said before collapsing in a heap.

It was a moment later I waked up in bed with Grandfather sitting near by. Inside me I could fill Cilan shifting and then his head emerged from my chest and face me.

“Go away, I don’t want you to do that again.” I hissed at him.

“Emanuel, you have to do this. I have to do aid you and allow you to do your job,” He said I could feel him stroking my heart.

“I’m what keeps you alive… You must do what I say.” He said as he coiled around me.

My grandfather stirred in the chair, an occasional coughing fit came from him. I laid down again.

“Fine Cilan, but I never knew my parents were so unhappy.” I said to him as he uncoiled his hair from my body.

“We found out their death wishes, and more. You can't bury someone with baggage and you have to cleanse them of this.” Cilan said as he kissed my cheek before diving back inside me.

My eyes looked at my grandfather who seemed to be in a deep sleep. I hated to know what my father has in his mind, I prefer to go to sleep yet the images just burned me that they remained in my head. Watching my parents fight, seeing my mother with some other man, then the accident.

I couldn’t sleep at all. After hours of being awake morning had dawned and Grandfather had stirred awake to see me looking at him.

“Oh, man. Emanuel, you look terrible. Didn’t you sleep?” He said. It seemed like he forgot what happened I sighed and shook my head.

“Well Emanuel I have to plan your parent’s funeral. Don’t open the caskets.” He reminded me as he wandered out of my room.

“Cilan, I’m not going back to them again.” I said as I climbed out of bed and wander into the bathroom.

“Emanuel, you’re going to let your parents go without knowing what remnants of memories they want cherished,” Cilan said. I splashed my face couple of times.

“I prefer to let whatever they have inside them to stay there.” I replied as I dried my face off. Grandfather had already dressed himself and made himself a cup of tea.

“Grandfather, do you know what my parents want for their funeral?” I asked as I sat down. He shot a glare at me.

“No, I don’t know, Emanuel. Why are you asking me this?” He protested back and sipped his tea.

“It’s just, people have wishes, last things they want when they died. I’m sure mother and father had given you something.” I asked looking at the table top.

My grandfather shrugged. “Look, Emanuel. People die everyday. It's terrible when it’s someone you’re connected too. But now I’m worried about ourselves.” He said stroking his wrinkling chin.

“What about us?” I asked as I was now curious to what he meant.

“Emanuel, you’re too young to understand.” He said and headed off downstairs.

He was right in many ways. My grandfather without a doubt had to pull together; I just remained out of the way stewing over my mothers thoughts.

“I wish I could at least give them something they wanted.” I sulked to myself. Cilan appeared in my head.

“There is, but I think your father’s mind holds the key.” He said. I shook Cilan out of my vision.

“No, you heard my grandfather.” I said as I thought about what I could do for the funeral. My mind needed something so I wander into my parent’s room. The memories of seeing them at night whenever a storm occurred I go and sleep with them.

Just entering the room my eyes tried not to give me the false presence that they were still here. I looked around the dressing table where mother sat and did her hair and stared at a photograph that was attached to the mirror. My eyes study the picture

“Ah, your mother was very pretty when she was young, and your father looks dashing. But who is the other man?” Cilan questions.

“Wait, that man who's next to my mother… He told me it was my father's dad. I saw someone like him in the vision.” I said taking the picture down. Cilan and looked at it for a while then notice similarities to the man and my father.

“Emanuel, oh there you are.” Grandfather said as I tried to hide the picture yet he plucked from my hand and sat down.

“Who is that man?” I asked him as he stared at the picture.

“You like to know. Well that man there is Jack’s twin brother. He also fancied your mother too. The fact that Jack really hated him because occasions he had your mother. I haven’t seen him in a long time.” My grandfather said. My vision replayed over in my head Cilan was working out what I was trying to do.

“What if we can get him to come to the funeral?” I asked. He got up from the bed and put the photo down and then dug into a draw to remove two papers tied in ribbons.

“Well I wonder what your parents left behind. I have to go see the lawyers soon,” He walked out of the room.

“Do you think we could bring my father's brother to the funeral?” I asked as we left the bedroom into the living area.

“We could. I guess more family the better. But your father haven't seen him in ages. I wonder if he still in the same house.” He said as we headed downstairs. Cilan smiled only to me.

“You realize that you could fulfill one of your parents' desires and spur the other into utter madness.” He said. I ignored Cilan as we entered the ground floor of our house the funeral pallor area. It was there I saw Aunt Fran, and Christiansons even Anna-Maria

“After this funeral, we have business to deal with Mr. Woods,” Mr. Christianson prompted him. My grandfather nodded and had watched the men who worked for us load the coffins into the carriage.

“I’m sorry about your loss, Mr Woods. Poor Emanuel must be devastated by all of this.” Mrs. Woods said.

The Christiansons must have read the papers; it seemed quite fast that my grandfather had pulled this all together. It must been the time he spent hidden away though. Anna-Maria had wandered over to where I stood, she looked at me then a sudden hug caught me off guard.

“I feel your pain. I hope you don’t go any time soon,” She said and pulled away. Inside Cilan was little bothered by her contact with me, though he wasn’t going to let me have a heart attack.

“Cilan, please let me be with her. It’s a sad day.” I thought.

“Fine then.” He said as my heart was still coping well through it all.

Outside it was rather cold and misty morning. It all seemed to be happening quiet fast for me as Anna-Maria sat next to me in the carriage procession to the cemetery. I watched the rain drops glide over the window and yet I felt Anna’s hand rested on my own. I pulled it away from her and shot a glare.

“I just want to comfort you, my friend.” She said.

“I know. It’s just I wish I could give my parents something special for them.” I said looking at my feet. My grandfather sat beside me and shook his head.

“Being there is enough Emanuel. They will be happy that you're there.” He said.

I returned my eyes to the window looked outside. On the streets familiar red headed boy that I met was racing along the path way he seemed to chasing the procession which scared me. His green eyes glared at me and I looked away slumping down.

“What’s wrong?” Anna said as I hid low.

My grandfather and Anna’s parents exchanged looks. “That kid from the park. He is out there.” I whimpered. Anna looked out the window and spotted the red head.

“Mother, it’s him!” She cried to her as her mother looked the same way trying to see.

“Now, Anna. He can’t get to us in here. You're fine.” She said yet the red headed kid leapt from the path way and onto the street then latched onto the door of the carriage scaring me.

“Oh, get that kid off here!” Mrs. Christianson ordered in disgust as Mr. Christianson switched places with my grandfather.

From there the red headed kid slung the door open and eyed me and Anna before making a grab for my leg.

“No!” I cried as he tried to pull me out yet the police man on his horse dashed along side the carriage and plucked him away almost still clinging onto my leg pulling me out the door.

“Help!” I cried as Mr. Christianson pulled me in and closed the door.

“Oh my, that wasn’t needed,” Mrs. Christianson pulled Anna onto the seat again and held her close.

“You're lucky that he let it go of you, it could been mush worse.” Mr. Christianson said as I climbed back onto the chair scared.

“Thank you very much, Mr. Christianson.” My grandfather said gave him a gentle pat on the shoulder.

“You're welcome.” He said then looked at me and Anna-Maria.

“Right, I want to know why that street runt is after you?” He questioned us.

“This isn’t the time to ask questions, dear… We are mourning.” Mrs. Christianson prompted her husband. He nodded.

“I’m sorry, but to have some strange kid attack Emanuel and Anna-Maria, it must be dealt with.” He said and wipes his monocle with a handkerchief.

The procession soon arrived at the cemetery just outside White Chapel. All the trees seemed to be losing leaves, autumn was settling in as we entered the church nearby.

“Emanuel…you haven’t done what you planned.” Cilan hissed as I tried to ignore him yet replied with thought.

“I know, but I don’t know where this man is.” I replied. It was then Cilan had turned me around to look behind me, there was that man that looked like my father similar.

“Who are you looking at?” Anna asked as my eyes fixated on the stranger. The man looked at me; he seemed somewhat angry and sat further away from the group.

“Emanuel, stop looking at him.” My grandfather prompted as my eyes turned to the front of the church.

“Well looks like he is here.” Cilan mutters in my ear again I wasn’t going to disturb the ceremony I watched next to Anna-Maria and my grandfather.

After the priest did his sermons, it was then the opportunity for good family members to say good bye. Though I looked back to see my father’s brother not really stirring to move.

“So would anyone like to give the eulogy before we move on to the burial?” The priests asks.

It was then Mr. Christianson decided to speak, of course him and his family had given us and the business a lot of support so an honest eulogy is what he gave. From there grandfather went up. His eyes glared to my father’s brother who sat there staring at him.

“What can I say about Jack Wood, he's a hard working man and a wonderful father to a son. He was a rock, one that community relied upon for long time. Now he and his loving wife Elizabeth will hopefully never be forgotten.” He said and stood down from the podium yet the stranger stood up.

“He may have been a great man… But he stole Elizabeth from me!” He said as he headed towards my grandfather.

“Excuse me sir, we don’t need you to start an argument in gods house. This is a funeral.” Mr. Christianson stood in his way. The man stared at him then shot a glare at me and pointed.

“If he didn’t impregnate and marry Elizabeth, I wouldn’t have you.” He growled.

“Please, sir, leave, you caused enough disturbance. Now, leave.” The priest said as the man turned and stormed out of the church.

I looked at Grandfather and the others surprised that he verbally attacked me in church.

“Father, I think we better proceed to burial now.” My grandfather suggested and the priest nodded. From there my grandfather had taken up post with the other men and carried the coffins outside.

“Who was that man?” Anna-Maria asked as we followed the procession outside into the cemetery.

“I never met him before.” I lied since I did know who he was but not by name.

Mrs. Christianson guided us over to where the burial plots were and watched the coffins be placed in the ground. Anna-Maria hand clasped mine yet Cilan was wanting me to resists her so I took and step aside out of her reach. She looked at me and this time she grabbed my hand and held it.

“Cilan, your idea of giving my mother and father a good send-off failed,” I thought to myself.

“I know. You must realize that you have to be careful. I don’t want you let Anna-Maria be close to you.” He replied. I could tell he was jealous of her.

“She is just my friend. She's giving me comfort.” I replied to him.

Cilan sighed as he allowed my hand to remain in Anna’s. It had seemed to be forever when the burial ceremony had finished we finally headed off to the carriage. Anna-Maria took me aside.

“I know we haven’t seen each other for a while. Maybe we can write to each other,” She said. I smiled.

“I wish I could write. I’ll try too!” I said, looking little shy and embarrassed.

As long as Aunt Fran is around I’ll go and see her. Not far from where we stood my grandfather and Anna’s parents stood.

“I'm little appalled by that stranger's invasion,” Mr. Christianson said.

“It was little unexpected. I don’t think he will be coming back. I don’t want him near me or Emanuel,” He replied.

The adults soon drifted back to the carriage where I and Anna-Maria already climbed in. Anna had given me a piece of paper with her address on; I quickly hid it away in my pocket.

“Tomorrow, hopefully Mr. Woods will sort out the wills and see how the estate is given out,” Mr. Christianson said.

Grandfather knew what Mr. Christianson had on his mind, the money and the business whether it’s worth it. Though I wish not to bore you with that, yet couple of days after the funeral I had gone to Aunt Fran’s place after grandfather dropped me off.

Of course I asked her to help me write letters and I managed to send my first one off. I got a response from her, Cilan seemed to settle down a bit though he wants me to use my gift more.

1855

Time went by, and I had my 10th birthday, one without my family. I wanted to do something great for it, yet grandfather just didn’t want me to be happy. Yet my only shine of joy was a letter from Anna-Maria. Though, Cilan was wrestling inside me, keeping me away from reading the letter.

“Emanuel, you kept me waiting for a long time. If you don’t clean minds, I get weaker.” He hissed in anger. I put the letter down.

“Fine. I’ll go downstairs and feed you.” I said, then left my room.

My grandfather had been in his room so I finally drifted downstairs to see what really goes on that my parents and grandfather be keeping me from seeing. My grandfather was busy upstairs not seeing me to stray away into the lower half of the place. We had a basement that was the morgue which was vented out so the smell wouldn’t stink the place out.

I was a little scared at first I entered the darkness of the basement I didn't have a lamp to light the room up. There were several operation tables with cloths draped over dead bodies. As I walked along the small narrow room lined with tables, I could see the bare feet tag with the names on it.

“This isn’t too disturbing.” I thought yet I walked over to one and decided to see what’s underneath. I gasp at first to see rather dead scared face and notice the fact there was no clothing underneath. I jumped back hitting table behind me and an arm fell out.

“Oh my god, this is scary!” I said out loud as I ran away from them yet I tripped over and my lamp crashed to the floor and I sprawled over one of the tables sending it crashing to the floor. The lamp flames started a small fire as I laid there for a short time before realizing my hands were touching a dead persons head.

Though I felt a sudden jolt shot through my arms and into my head then a series of words forming a sentence like the person was talking to me. My eyes widen as I tried to pull away but I couldn’t until the speaking ended, upstairs my grandfather was searching for me then he started to smell smoke and rushed downstairs.

“Stop it! Let me go!” I cried to myself my eyes watering as the fire was branching from table to table eventually I pried myself from the body and rushed upstairs.

“Grandfather!” I said I ran into him grabbed me and pulled me aside to see the fire.

“What did you do!!” He cried as the smoked billows up into the first floor.

I was too scared to speak we rushed into the back yard. He rushed towards the well started dragging up buckets water and runs back inside while I was starting to feel pain in my heart and my breathing. I collapse on the ground choking and trying to settle down.

Eventually I passed out I thought that was when it all ended. It wasn’t until a while later I woke to find myself in hospital.

“Grandfather?” I said faintly as I could see him beside my bed.

“Emanuel, I want to know what were you doing down there?” He said.

I didn’t know what to say, I done something terribly wrong that could destroyed our house and business. I just looked at him my eyes were watery as I shed tears.

“I’m sorry!” I croaked out. He looked at me and sighed places a hand on my head toying with my dark blue and black hair.

“I see Emanuel is awake, remarkable for a boy suffering from heart disease.” The doctor said.

“How bad is the damage Grandfather?” I asked faintly.

“It’s not too bad. I’m very disappointed in you, Emanuel. You almost lost our home and business. Now I need to find the money to get the place repaired.” He said harshly. I frowned and pulled the blankets over my head.

“You just wish I died, don’t you, grandfather?” I cried underneath the blankets.

“No, I don’t wish that to happen to you, my dear grandson.” He said as he pulled the blankets away revealing my tear stained face.

“Mr. Woods, I think you better give your grandson a break. It was an accident. I’m sure he wouldn’t do this on purpose.” The doctor said giving me a wink.

“I guess so, Doctor.” My grandfather said as he watches the doctor leave.

“I guess Aunty Fran will be taking care of us until I get the Christiansons to give some extra cash for the damages.” He said looking at me.

“Can we go now?” I asked.

“OK,” he replied and left me alone.

Aunty Fran lived not far from where lived so she always wants us to come over and stay couple of days. I been there a lot she was quite nice to me.

“Well, Emanuel, we better get going before it gets dark.” My grandfather said as I left outside the hospital. We climbed into a carriage outside and traveled to Aunty Fran’s house. During that time my mind had been spinning the words that came from the dead person's mind into my own.

“I’m so glad that you're OK, Emanuel. Did you get a reply from Anna-Maria?” She ask as we went inside.

“I did, she seems happy that I’m talking to her.” I mumbled and sat down.

“Cheer up, Emanuel! I did buy you a wonderful gift for you!” She said and showed out a small gift box on her hand.

“Open it, it's a very special gift. I want you to take care of it well.” She said. Cilan moved inside me a little.

“I wonder what this is?” He said as I opened the box to reveal a detailed pocket watch.

The interior of it was glass I could see the inner workings of the watch moving. It had gold case and long fog chain. I will treasure it forever well. Aunt Fran will always be my favorite person to lean on. From there she would teach me more and more. Though the learning process moved into my grandfather, the business had a lot to it and he wasn’t exactly healthy.

I had to be the one to carry this place on. Soon my writing to Anna-Maria diminished. Though Anna-Maria had stopped writing too, I hardly had seen her anymore. That was what I thought; I became so immersed in the shadows and I secretly started to perform the task Cilan was living in me for.

1872

About 18 years had passed and my views of life had changed. Cilan had grown stronger and seemed to be pleased that I become isolated. Though my grandfather was surprised at me.

“Emanuel, I need you to help me with this body.” He say it was then I’ll smirk to myself.

“I know about this man. I know what he wants for his funeral,” I said my voice was cold and it surprised my grandfather.

“Emanuel, you are starting to scare me. You’re claiming you know this man inside and out. He is dead.” He say as he moved away as I glared at him.

“I know he is dead. Just leave me be with them, OK.” I said, the coldness in my violet eyes pierced into my grandfathers weak blue eyes.

“You changed. You turned into something I didn’t expect from you. You really should go outside and get some air.” He suggested and then I took couple of steps towards him.

“Thank you but I prefer not to.” I said as he hurried away upstairs.

“You’re going to be very comfortable with this. Communicating with the dead.” Cilan purrs. I turned to the dead corpse.

“I tend to wonder, if a person dies alone… What if we paired that person with other?” I suggested placing my hand over the man's face. Cilan was little surprised by this and emerge out of my body to face me.

“Coupling dead people together… I think you are out of your mind,” He protested. I didn’t respond straight away shifting onto a woman nearby.

“Think about it Cilan, everyone desires a soul mate.” I said and touched the woman’s face.

“She was alone, I think would be wonderful to pair them up.” I said. Cilan shook his head.

“Don’t do this. Just because you can’t love someone. You’re resorting to making friends with these lifeless souls,” He said as he moved over to my side.

I turned and smiled. “You’re the one that made me like this. I can’t love someone else but myself. So I am,” I walked down the line of bodies. “It's a shame the business is losing its appeal slowly. But with my talent, we could make each funeral for that person better.” I announced.

Cilan slivered over to me and smiled, “I’ll give you what you need… As long as you don’t defy me.” He hissed.

From there I set about improving each service we done, the dead people all have secrets they hid thought they will die with. I’m surprised at how much too how little each person has. But my eyes were set upon the finest coffin in our family storage.

The white coffin which I’ll claim all to myself, I’ll never let grandfather have it and I know he will go first. I left the basement and up to the next level where Grandfather was going through some mail. He came across an invitation address to me

“Emanuel, this is for you.” He handed it to me as I opened it up. It was from Anna-Maria and her family. “What is it about?” My grandfather asked as he looked over my shoulder.

“Anna-Maria invited me to her birthday party.” I said and put the invitation down and walked away.

“She invited you to her party, are you going to go and see her?” He asked as I headed upstairs. After all this time Anna-Maria wanted to see me, I really wanted to go and see her, as I entered my bedroom and sat down on my bed.

“Cilan, should I go and see her? At least allow me to go.” I asked him. Cilan coiled out of me.

“You're not in love with her. You're only going to see her, and then you will leave.” He hisses stroking his chin.

“You know my feelings for her aren’t strong. I don’t want to suffer a stroke,” I mentioned running a hand through my black and blue hair. Cilan laughs a little.

“I’m sure you are. I guess just go there mingle a little. I'll provide the love later.” He hissed his hair brushing against me.

“Fine. I’m just worried about whether Anna-Maria might have feelings for me…” I drifted off.

It was then my bedroom door opened and Grandfather was there with the invitation.

“I’ll be delighted to take you there and stay. Besides I need to talk to her father.” He said then pocketed the invitation.

“OK. I’ll go since you need to see Mr. Christianson.” I said to him through the door way. My grandfather came back and put a hand on my shoulder.

“This will do you good. You don’t know when you will die. Make the most of it.” He said as he walked into his bedroom closing the door.

“Humph, why I do I get nothing I want from life? I’m doing my job and keeping myself alive at least,” I said and went to my wardrobe. Cilan slivered out of me and floated by my side.

“So I take it you don’t care much for anyone. How dark and senile you have became. You used to be such a happy boy.” Cilan said then I swung a hand through his head. “Listen here, I realize how shallow the living is. Especially the fact I’m slowly dying away with this disease. You’re what keeps me happy on the inside,” I smirked as I pulled out my dark suit and laid it on the bed.

“Ah, I’m honored that you care much about me. But you’re a human that needs food and water.” He mentioned as I pulled out a shirt and tie.

“True. But I don’t wish to be corrupted and hurt more. I desire to die gracefully and have someone throw me a lavish funeral. That someone might be Anna,” I said then placed my hand over my mouth and tilted my head over like I’m upset.

Cilan noticed my body language and licked my forehead. “At least you're learning to love yourself,” He hissed then I looked at him.

“I don’t know... I need someone to love me,” I tried not the show my sadness.

“Emanuel, I love you technically, because I am a part of you. You don’t have to worry about me leaving your side.” Cilan said as he hugged me I held him back though if anyone was to see I’ll be hugging myself.

As the light outside faded away, I dawned my fine entire for this birthday. It reflects my deep emotions I have which are tightly bottled up inside me. Having to deal with dead people’s thoughts and planning each funeral to the way the deceased wanted though they can’t appreciate it they do from afar. As I left the house my grandfather looked me up and down.

“Ah, Emanuel, you’re dressed,” He snubbed as he climbed onto the front of the carriage. I climbed into the back and allow the darkness to caress me and blend me into the interior.

As the carriage wound its way through the sleepy streets the occasional street shone light through the windows. Not many people were walking around that I could see. It was a long ride yet the looming mansion that the Christiansons live a life of luxury came into view the lights shining all over the place as people filing through the gates along with other carriages.

As our carriage pulled up to the foot door, the foot man waiting came and opened the carriage door for me to step out of. My grandfather climbed down and given the foot man privilege to put the carriage out of the way.

“Isn’t this swanky?” My grandfather said as we went through the front door into the lit foyer of the mansion. The place was defiantly flooded with people as I stood inside the front door with my grandfather.

“I wonder where Mr. Christianson is?” My grandfather watched Anna-Maria as she wandered straight to us in tow with a friend.

“Emanuel, you’re here I’m so glad you came!” She said and hugged me briefly. Again wasn’t expecting it, yet Grandfather intervened.

“Anna, where’s your father?” He asked a she stepped over to his side.

“He is waiting in the dining room. I’ll have the servant take you there.” She said and called over one to escort my grandfather away.

“Now Emanuel, you must come and join the party. But first I would like you to meet Claire Davidson. I have been telling her all about you.” Anna said.

My eyes looked at the girl up and down, surprising I wasn’t the only one who preferred crazy black-colored outfits. Cilan noticed my long stare as took Claire’s hand and kissed it.

“It's a pleasure meeting you, Miss Davidson.” I said and let go. Claire smiled I could see shyness in her, rather alluring yet I tried to keep my self composed.

“I can see both of you will get along nicely, so come through to the ballroom,” Anna-Maria said as we started heading away from the foyer past several doors soon leading into the heart of the celebration.

I did feel rather uncomfortable; I haven’t been around people for a while. Yet this was immense leap for me. Anna-Maria was having her eighteenth birthday being a year younger than myself.

Cilan seemed too much in awe, I assuming he like myself never been to a lavish party before. Immediately flopping over my shoulder starling me.

“Now Emanuel, remember what we said?” He reminded me then I swat him in the face which caught Claire’s attention.

“What on earth are you doing?” she asks as I lowered my hand and gave my shoulder a swift dust and smiled awkwardly.

“Nothing, Claire, so how do you know Anna-Maria?” I questioned her. Claire toyed with a loose lock of hair, her blue eyes looking over my shoulder then latched onto my violet ones.

“Well the Christiansons own a lot of the business in White Chapel. Coincidently enough my family runs a funeral home too,” She said. My eyes widens.

“You’re in the same business as me, why?” I needed to know. She stepped forward closer into my comfort zone and placed a hand on my chest.

“I heard you're not well… I think you really need someone to take care of you.” She purrs to me.

I stepped back a bit and smiled. “Umm, how about we grab something to eat. I’m starving.” I moved towards the line of people at the buffet.

“Emanuel, I have been thinking. Maybe you should go with Claire. Something about her seems fit for you. Bond with her.” He hissed then I saw him look at the fruit hungrily. Claire soon joined my side again.

“You really should try those chocolate-dipped strawberries and cherries,” Claire pointed out with got Cilan purring wildly as I reached towards the plate my hand touched Claire’s and I smiled as I grabbed some for my empty plate.

“Well, have you been working in the funeral business long?” I asked as we moved away from the crowd.

“Emanuel, please eat,” Cilan purrs again as I picked up a cherry and started eating, the sugary rush was new to me.

I noticed how Claire looked at me like she was under some spell; I really don’t look that debonair more morbid and she seem to have the same look.

“I guess most of my life, I mean not when I’m a child, it's something I really wish not to do for a living. It's a very depressing profession,” She said as she ate. Cilan was getting a little playful.

“Ahhhh, more food!” He purrs, it was like he was aroused by the sweet that we both embodying.

“So do you know why Anna invited my grandfather to this party?” I asked then our privacy was intervening by Anna and dashing red-headed man.

“Emanuel, I have to introduce you to William Shepard, the rich entrepreneur.” She said. My eyes looked straight into his own and I got quite a shook

“This is Emanuel Woods and Claire Davidson,” She said as she noticed my look at the dapper red head.

“Have we met somewhere before?” I asked slightly shaking state.

“No, we haven’t.” He said, immediately lying to me.

“Anna, I have to question why did you invite my grandfather and me to your party?” I said to her. She took in a quick breath.

“Why are you questioning the fact I brought you here? I thought you might enjoy being outside.” She said and latched onto William’s arm.

I wasn’t buying it nor does that William which reminds me awful lot like someone?

“I will leave you two alone to mingle. I have got other guests to see,” She said and quickly walked away. Claire eyes looked at me.

“I wouldn’t let her bother you. She seems to be different tonight.” She said as she offered a cherry to my lips. I went crossed eye at first and then Cilan's movement made me eat it.

“You're a very handsome man, Emanuel. Very dark and mysterious. I really thought Anna-maria would snatch you up.” She said presenting another piece of fruit to me.

“Eat more and play with her,” Cilan purrs as I took in another morsel and chewed, I could feel myself losing my coldness inside and started to warm up to her.

I decided to do the same thing and presented a strawberry to Claire’s lips. “Do you know what Anna-Maria is up to?” I question. Claire sighed and stood up.

“Do you have feelings for her?” She asked, her voice had a hint of jealously in it. I stood up from the chair.

“No, I don’t, technically, I just met you. I think you're really making yourself too vulnerable too fast. I’m going to find out what is going on.” I said and swiftly walked away from the crowd and Claire.

I left the ballroom and started to find my way around the house. I assume the dining hall and kitchen is on the lower level I’m on, I by passed some servants them hid in the shadows.

“Cilan, can you go in there and feed me some sound?” I asked the misty man.

“Emanuel, I’m designed for people who aren’t breathing.” He hissed. So then, I have to eavesdrop as I moved by the door. Suddenly someone grabbed and pulled me away.

“No, come with me.” Claire said as we headed off to an empty room and closed the door.

“What are you doing?” I hissed at her, she lit up a lamp and I could see her face.

“I know what’s going on. The Christiansons want to merge your business with business will be closed down and work for us.” She said. There was a pause, and then she clung onto me.

“Please, this was just mentioned to me. Don’t get mad. Think, it's an opportunity to expand.” She pleaded. Then I grabbed her wrists and pulled them up in front of me.

“Claire, is this true? My grandfather and I don’t need to be playing favorites with your family. I can’t believe they are planning to sling two businesses into one,” I said in the disgust.

It was more of the fact that what I been doing is something they want to revel in. Claire was scared now I let her go calmly.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t want to scare you.” I said as I turned and looked away. Claire looked at the other way then spoke.

“I understand what you mean. But the Christiansons controlling both of our businesses, one of us have to go.” She said.

That vain silence had returned as I tried to take in what was just said, I felt hurt, worried if our home goes then we got no where to live. No way to make money but to go and find jobs.

“I’m sorry Emanuel, but Anna-Maria was setting me up to meet you. She doesn’t want to see you fail and lose something you love. I can’t believe you’re immensed by the afterlife,” She said which made me walked over to her.

“I never told Anna-Maria anything about that. How come she knows? I haven’t talked to her in eighteen years, but now this,” I said letting my hands rest on Claire’s shoulders.

“Don’t touch me. Obviously, you don’t know anything about treating a woman.” She spat and then headed towards the doorway.

“Fine, but I’m going to tell you this right now Claire. That man she is with, he is imposter.” I said and that made Claire spins her heels around to face me as I stood close to her.

“I think you're just jealous because you want to be with Anna.”

It was then I did something out of the ordinary. I grabbed Claire and planted a kiss on her lips. Our eyes seemed to be wide open yet fallen closed as I soon pulled away from her leaving her surprised. Then the violent slap across my cheek left me cowardly away from her like a dog.

“Why did you do that?” I asked she stood there with her arms folded frown on her face straighten to a fine line then flopped down. I stood away from her feeling angrier at Cilan.

“I can’t believe you hit a man who is suffering. You don’t know what I have been through. So then leave me alone,” I said nursing my throbbing cheek bone.

Claire was going to head out the door; she hesitated and looked at me then left closing the door behind her. Outside I could hear the meeting in the other room stirred as Claire have entered in the flock of pigeons. I headed towards the door and stared into the hall way. I wanted to go home if there is going to be a home.

“Cilan, you really made a mess of things. You told me to love myself, and then you made me throw myself at a stranger!” I barked at him.

Cilan materialized next me head. “Don’t blame me. I loved sweet things,” He hissed.

“You heard they are planning to throw us out, right? Anna-Maria wants me to work for the Davidsons. That means my gift could be exposed,” I said in a worried voice.

From there I turned the light off and left the room into the busy hall way now as the men and women filed out of the dining hall. I could see Grandfather stormed right over to me and pulled me away.

“I can’t believe this! They want us to partner up with the Davidsons.” He said in a grunt as we headed towards the foyer. Claire and her father were in tow.

“We can’t do much about it Mr. Woods. It could make both of us very rich.” Mr. Davidson said.

“It may be a perfect to merge with them, but the money will be mostly going to him!” Grandfather spat as we proceeded outside. Claire didn’t say a word to me, yet she glanced at me I looked at her coldly yet her look seemed not bitter.

“Why was the choice made, Grandfather?” I asked him.

“I tried to say no, but besides we have little space to breathe.” He said as the footman brought the carriage around.

Claire and her father walked away from us, she looked over her shoulder I could see a smile perking up on her face. I sneer her look at climbed into the carriage

“Emanuel, what was that look for?” Grandfather asked as he looked at Claire then at me.

“Nothing, I’m just unhappy that we got to work for them.” I said taking seat in the dark corner in the carriage. Grandfather shook his head and climbed in with me.

“It's not that is it, Emanuel. It’s his daughter Claire you’re sneering at.” He said winking at me. I gave a confused look

“I don’t have anything for her, OK? Now just go and take us home please,” I said looking out the window. He did as I said, I bet he didn’t being ordered about by his only grandson. It was horrible enough that, my feelings are so confused upon Claire.

“Cilan, I better not be falling in love,” I sighed as he came out and hovered next to me “Trust me Emanuel. I made a mistake, now just forget about Anna and Claire.” He said as he kisses my cheek lightly.

His hair venturing through layers of clothing and stroking my flesh. I moaned a little as I felt needy for love, probably be a fool that I’m falling apart due to one kiss.

For the remainder of the night, I tried to forget about it all but I couldn’t. That kiss seared into my mind, the thought of Claire was making me feeling intoxicated.

“Cilan, please remove her from my mind.” I cried to him as he was curled up next to me. “I can’t control everything.” He said as he kisses my cheek, his long fingers stroked my chest through my pajamas.

“I can’t believe that Anna-Maria has fallen in love with that man,” I said looking at Cilan.

“That man was the same one that was on the street before. Oh well, Anna-Maria must be blind to not notice who she wants,” Cilan said. I frowned and closed my eyes.

“I think she will discover who that man truly is.” I said and fell asleep. It was a restless night which leads to me waking to be entangled with Cilan.

“Morning Emanuel,” He mumbled before disappearing into my body. I aroused from my slumber to hear people outside my room.

“Oh what is that?” I said, half asleep climbing out of bed and went to the door to see Claire and Mr. Davidson along with my grandfather.

“Morning…” I yawned as Claire smirked at my shabby state.

“Emanuel, why haven’t you got dressed for work?” My grandfather said feeling embarrassed.

“I’m sorry, I slept late. I’ll be taking a bath then will get dressed soon,” I said grabbing my clothes and going to the bathroom closing the door.

“He woke up rather late,” Mr. Davidson said.

“I really wish you didn’t have to come up here. We could start work without him.” Charles said as directed Mr. Davidson back towards the stairs.

From all I know they left I bathed in a warm bath.

“Why didn’t you wake me up?” I asked Cilan who lounged at the opposite end. I wasn’t aware of a set of blue eyes peering through the door way. “Cilan, it's a fancy waking up to see strangers in your home. They could have waited downstairs,” I said stretching my arms. The blue eyes were watching and I swear a slight licking of the lips and breathing filled the air.

“Yes, terrible invasion of privacy.” Cilan curls up in my lap kissing me the way he does.

When I am kiss him it is just me kissing thin air and holding it. I moaned and arched up a little as I let Cilan pleasure me. Eventually I climbed up out of the bath, the water dripping from me I still unaware of the spy watching me.

“I better get ready, I suppose Claire and that are waiting downstairs.” I said to myself. I dried myself off yet I heard a creaking sound near the door alerting my attention.

“Who is there?” I said in a shaky voice wrapping the towel around my waist. I heard a slight giggle which I instantly recognized. “Claire!” I yelled at the door as she entered and closed the door behind her.

“Emanuel, you're a very elegant man,” She purrs as she kept coming towards me. I kept stepping back yet I was cornered and held onto my towel tightly as her hand graced my chest and felt it.

“We will be working together for now on. How do you feel with me being around?” She asked. My heart was racing as I gasped to speak.

“You shouldn’t be in here… Please go down stairs and wait.” I croaked. She didn’t move yet pressed both her hands on my chest and toy a little.

“I really think you and I have a good chance to get very close,” She whispered then I shivered in fear of lust.

The sound of foot steps outside as my grandfather entered scaring me and Claire.

“What are you two doing!” He growled as Claire pulled away and rushed out of the door. “Emanuel, why are you fraternizing with Miss Davidson in the nude?” He asked.

“Look, it’s not what you think. She was spying on me. Please refrain for having them up here in our house,” I said as I grabbed my pants and put them on. Grandfather shook his head.

“After the way you have been acting, I say you're getting cozy with Miss Davidson. Aren’t you?” He elbowed me in the arm. I whirled around my eyes were showing anger.

“I’m not in the mood; I told you there is nothing between me and her. I just met her last night. I hate her,” I growled to him as I slung my shirt on.

“We have a busy schedule Emanuel; I expect your help and co-operation with this new arrangement,” He said and left the bathroom. After dressing myself and combing my hair I headed downstairs to see the Davidson’s and my grandfather talking.

“I think it is better if we tied out names into the new business name, we can still work separately at our places. How will they know we aren’t?” My grandfather suggested to them.

“True but what if they do send someone out to make sure we are doing what they want?” Mr. Davidson added. I walked in towards the pair.

“I doubt they will send someone out, if so then we are better off separate. Because your business is a far distance from ours, so name changing would be better off than moving all here,” I offered. Claire looked a little disappointed.

“Wait what if me and Emanuel run one business and you and my father run the other?” She suggested. I cringed at that thought.

“You don’t even like working in this area, how about do you do in your father’s work?” I asked her noticing the odd looks I got. Mr. Davidson chuckles as Claire pouted for a little.

“Emanuel, she's a great organizer, I don’t let her near the bodies,” He said.

I shook my head and sighed. “Grandfather, what do you think of splitting up?” I wondered, if he might like it or not.

I mean working apart after all this time he been in fear of me, though he doesn’t want anything bad to happen to me. It was then the doors opened and the work men rolled in a body under a cover.

“Mr. Wood’s latest delivery, sir.” The man said as they moved the body into the morgue.

“I think we better deal with this one. As for the splitting up, Mr. Davidson I’ll be delighted to join you,” He said offering out his old wrinkly hand. Mr. Davidson shook his hand.

“Good, then let's get going then. Emanuel and Claire, I trust you to do well together. Should we leave them to it or check out this body that just came in?” Mr. Davidson said as we headed down go to the morgue.

As we entered the musky room Claire nose turning up at the slight stench as we headed over to the body that just came in and been tended too.

“Right who is this body?” I asked the worker as he lifted the blanket up to reveal the face. I gasped as I recognized who it was.

“Emanuel what’s wrong? Oh my god,” Grandfather joined me in shock. Claire turned away and her father held her as the worker placed the blanket back over the corpse.

“Do you know this man?” He asked me judging by my horrid look.

“Can you all please leave me alone? Grandfather, you can stay here. The Davidsons can wait outside.” I ordered as the men left along with our new partners out of the morgue. “Well, I didn’t expect to see him again.” I said pulling the cover back revealing my father’s twin brother who I knew little about.

“I think I better take an insight into his mind. Grandfather you can tend to our guests,” I told him as he nodded his head.

“I really don’t know how you learn so much about these corpses. I think,” He paused as I shot a cold glare at him.

“Go now, I’ll come back upstairs to sort out the other arrangements,” I said as I returned to the corpse.

He wasn’t going to question me again and left the room closing the door behind him. I put on my pair of gloves as Cilan slithered out from me.

“Cilan, time for you to get me some information.” I said as I placed my glove hands on both sides on the man head.

Cilan dove into the lifeless mind and started plucking the remnants into my head. I could see how he died, I watched intently but what got me more terrified was who killed him.

“Cilan, stop enough let me go!” I cried as Cilan withdraw back into me and I stagger backwards and then regain pose.

“I know his name, yet the person who killed what really surprised me,” I said shaking a little. I recovered the face, after all he despised my existence I could remember it so clearly what he did. My quiet was soon broken when Grandfather reentered to see me standing there.

“Well, I don't know his name. Do you know now?” He asked me as he stood beside me.

“Jacob Anderson Woods. I saw too much,” I drifted off away from him

“What did you see?” He questioned me as I headed towards the door.

“I saw how he died. If I tell you this...” I said looking at him my eyes seemed to show fear.

“Look if you tell me something incriminating, I have to tell the police.” He said as he waited for me to divulge the answers.

“Apparently it looked like he was attacked yet he was attacking someone, that someone apparently shot him dead. From there that someone planted the weapon on him and left him alone,” I said. My grandfather nodded.

“You didn’t tell me who killed him,” He mentioned.

“Well... it's Anna-Maria.” I choked as I went upstairs. My grandfather stood in awe as he went after and stopped me.

“What, you can’t be serious! Why did she kill him!” He hissed as he pushed me downstairs.

“I don’t know why. I just saw that in his mind. Don’t ask me about it.” I said as I headed out of the room.

The Davidsons were up there waiting

“Mr. Woods, shall we go and leave these two in charge?” Mr. Davidson asked him patiently as we entered the room.

“Look, we just made a discovery that the latest body is a family relative. So if you don’t mind that we postpone today’s swapping. I will go and get the company merge sorted out if you wish to come with me,” He said to him. Mr. Davidson nodded as the pair went away leaving me and Claire alone.

“How did you know who it was?” She asked me as we sat down on the couch.

“Long time ago, I met him once in the most horrid way. I found out before my parent’s funeral that my mother have been keeping it a secret from me that she had loved my father’s brother,” I put my hand over my face and lean over.

“Oh my god, that must been horrible”. She said rubbing my back.

That day which he shown up at the funeral and cursed his finger at me, then him disappearing again. I thought I was in danger; my grandfather had kept me close to his side in case Jacob came after me. After eighteen years for me, I couldn’t tell Claire anymore not about what I seen. Cilan remained quiet inside me as I seek Claire presence for comfort.

“I’m sorry about your loss, I guess it wasn’t a really close relationship,” she said softly to me. I shook my head saying no to her, yet I remained quiet on the issue.

“I know we started off on the wrong foot. I think we should start over, maybe we can form a good friendship,” I said to her. She placed her hand under my chin tilting my head up to face her.

“Fine, but I really think you and I might be perfect for each other,” She said kissing me chaste-like and pulled away.

“I know, but I haven’t really basked in love without losing, I just worried that if we are together. Something terrible will pull us apart,” I said quietly to her.

“Like your disease? It must be hard to live with it.” She said holding me in her arms as I smelt her perfume on her neck.

Cilan seemed to like Claire, or else he would be squeezing my heart until I die. I must be missing something here I got to question it. Though it was then Claire raise my head to face hers.

“If you die, I don’t know what I’ll do without you,” She said kissing me more and more it was becoming intoxicating as I held onto her.

I didn’t expect our connection to flourish so quickly, I never been in love before with a woman, I did think me and Anna-Maria would had a chance due to knowing each other well. Yet she shined away from me now and passed me like a present to her friend Claire.

I tend to worry about Anna-Maria now and then because of the man she is falling for. It wasn’t my knowledge to know what Anna-Maria and her new man were up too. As for Jacob’s body me and grandfather decided on dealing with it quietly, if we were to tell that anyone anything we wouldn’t have any proof for the case.

1875

Three years had passed by, now I was twenty one now and business seemed to working out better than I thought. I had to be wary of my gift around Claire though. Season changed and it was typical English spring time yet working with Claire started to get difficult.

I given her list of things for particular funeral arrangements through what I source from the deceased mind of a mid-aged woman, basically loved a particular flower and wanted it for the funeral. It seemed like a simple request yet Claire was become stubborn with me.

“Emanuel, honestly I tend to wonder what you're doing down there?” She huffed fumbling through papers.

“How hard is it order some snow white iris for the funeral,” I stammered to her. She stood up her black hair fallen over her shoulders and started to get tense.

“Emanuel, I can’t stand this! You keep coming to me with these strange requests then you ask the family or whoever if they like it too. Then you expect me to do it all. I can’t! I need some time!” She yelled at and stomped towards the stairs.

“Claire, we are running a business here! You can’t just walk away from me,” I cried back at her. She continued stomping down the stairs I went after her.

“Claire, how about we take a break just for a hour? Will that satisfy you?” I asked her, my violet eyes looking for a sign in her blue ones. “Please… for us?” I said.

She smiled yet moved towards the door and picked up some letters that were shoved through the door.

“Emanuel, come here,” She said as she pulled a letter from the pile and presented to me. “From Anna and William,” I whined in a sarcastic voice and opened the envelope. Claire came close to me winding her arms around my waist.

“To Emanuel and his family,

You’re invited to Anna-Maria and William’s wedding on 21st of May, at St. Paul's church at 9am followed by reception at the Christiansons' estates. R.S.V.P.”

I read then looked at her.

“Well I don’t see why not. We aren’t busy on that day, are we?” She said snuggling against me. I sighed and kissed her forehead.

“If we get this work through and the planner cleared. We can tend this event, though I’m still against her marrying this man.” I said as put the invitation in my pocket.

“Why are you so against this man? He is wealthy business man,” Claire said kissing my lips lightly. I smiled and kissed her back deeply tipping her back slightly as we kissed madly.

“Emanuel, let's go back upstairs, I think your workers might see us.” Claire purrs as we moved back up stairs again.

“Maybe we can talk to her before the wedding.” I said as we were exchanging kisses as we reached the top. Claire pulled away and folded her arms.

“Look what makes you think he is a fraud?” She asked me.

“Because Claire, my father and I had did his funeral last year,” I said kissing her cheek. “What?” She said looking at me oddly.

“How could you not know of it? Unless it was all kept hush if he wasn’t wanting everyone to know.” I said kissing her some more. She pulled away from me and stared at me.

“You're not lying, are you? I think we need solid evidence.” She said sternly.

I pulled out the invitation and held it up.

“I can easily show you proof. I must see my grandfather first maybe your father might know of it too,” I said turned and headed back downstairs.

“Wait!” She cried as she followed me, I headed towards the door to be baffled by Grandfather and Mr. Davidson returning in a huff.

“Emanuel, I’m glad you are here we need to talk.” He said as I stopped him in his tracks. “We do right now. Let’s go upstairs cause we need to get some answers on this situation,” I gave him the invitation and he read it.

“Anna-Maria getting married… That’s impossible!” He said as Mr Davidson looked over it too.

“We better go upstairs.” He said as we hurried back into our house above.

“How could Anna-Maria be marrying William Shepard?” He questions as Mr Davidson looked over it too.

“Look, did either you on the night of her party met or seen the man she was with?” I asked them both. They gave me puzzled looks as Mr Davidson placed down rolled up piece of paper on the table.

“We never saw the man, did you see him Emanuel?” He asked me.

“Me and Claire both did, yet Claire doesn’t believe me when I told her that the man wasn’t him,” I said the men.

My grandfather looked at Claire then went over to the draws we had documentation on all the people we deal with. He pulled out our book and opened to a page revealing the day William Shepard had died. Claire and her father moved over to see the proof.

“Fancy that, the real William Shepard died on 21st of May 1865. Yet you planned his funeral?” Claire said.

Mr. Davidson huffed. “You're pretty damn lucky to get wealthy man like him,” He muttered as my grandfather handed the news paper clippings about his death.

“It was kept quiet, his parent’s hadn’t been around when he died, and he was an only heir to the fortune,” Charles said to them.

Claire looked at the proof then at me; my eyes diverted and picked up the paper that her father put on the table.

“This is a copy of the contract we signed,” He said as they continued looking over the William Shepard stuff. I looked over it and noticed something major wrong here. “Grandfather, is this supposes to be a shared contracted?” I asked him.

I read the fine print noticing that large sum of the cash we earn was given back to Anna-Maria and her husband to be William. Then I notice both signatures were on there.

“Why did you sign this?” I snapped at them all. “It says here that all the cash we earn are for Anna and her husband, “William”, get it all.” I said.

“Oh god,” My grandfather cursed as he read the contract over. It was then Claire blurted out.

“Mr. Woods, Emanuel, me and my father, are related to the Christiansons.” She said as her father shot a glare at her.

“Why did you tell them that!” He said as me and grandfather looked at the pair.

“Is that true?” I asked her as she pulled me away from them and we sat down.

“There is a lot you don’t know I have covered up. Anna-Maria is not the person you thought she was,” She said as my grandfather and her father looked at us.

“Anna-Maria and I were close at one time, though we drifted apart. I’m her cousin and my father is her uncle. She never cared for anyone, not even you. When you were friends with her until that day you had a mild heart attack, she fled.” She said as played with a piece of hair.

After that she wanted to write to you, she didn’t write, so I did. She had given me your first letter and photo, I mimicked her for a while. All I had was the photo I kept close to my heart,” She continued and lifted the locket that hung around her neck.

“She doesn’t care; she wants it all her way. She is too ignorant and stubborn to see what trouble she is in.” She added as I looked at the small picture inside the locket.

“Oh god. I thought she and I were friends,” I trailed off feeling betrayed.

“I’m sorry about everything, we had a slight plan to over do your business and make us the victors. Now we know that Anna is marrying a stranger, we are all in trouble.” She said as she looked at her father. I put my head in my hands.

“Why did she do this?” I cried as my grandfather sat next to me and held me.

“The 21st is on tomorrow, we have to save ourselves from bankruptcy.” He said patting me on the back. Mr. Davidson shrugged yet he wasn’t pleased by his daughter’s outburst

“Claire, I wish you didn’t tell them that, we could have succeeded,” My grandfather said as Mr. Davidson shoved him back.

“I can’t believe you were planning to destroy us, being related to the Christiansons. I shouldn’t be working with you.” He growled as Mr. Davidson shoved him against the wall.

“Look we have been in the shadows for too long, we need the money and we do anything to get it our way.” He said. I stood up.

“Stop it please! Don’t hurt my grandfather!” I said as Mr Davidson pulled away leaving him winded and falling to his knees as I supported him.

“I want out of this deal,” I said for my grandfather sake who was coughing violently. “You can see my grandfather isn’t what he used to be. I’m already getting by on this disease that is killing me too. You’re robbing two sick people who don’t have a chance to live what is left of our lives.” I said.

They stared at us as I helped grandfather to his feet, the look I gave of hurt. Inside Cilan who heard it all I felt him weep, those tears wept onto my face as I put grandfather on the chair. Claire placed a hand on me shoulder I shrugged her off.

“Claire, you really should go find something you truly love to do. Get out of this occupation; I don’t know if I can be with you anymore,” I said breaking down onto the floor.

My eyes flooded with tears as Cilan cried them out of me Claire’s father pulled her away from me yet she pulled away and knelt down next to me.

“I’m sorry, I love you Emanuel. I didn’t want to do this, now at least we know the truth don’t we, father.” She shot a glare at him. He ran a hand through his hair and flopped down into a chair.

“I can’t believe they are going to back stab us. I’m so sorry, Mr. Woods and Emanuel, we were played both.” He said wiping his brow with his handkerchief.

“Everyone, we have to stop this wedding. We have to get a compromise from them allowing it to go back to the way it was,” I said as I got to my feet.

“Too late, we can’t do anything about it now.” My grandfather said as he blow his nose. Claire held me as I accepted her.

“I’m sorry Claire about what I said. But I really don’t know if we can be together and work together. I just don’t think it's right for us to be working together, it seems the only way of you being close to me.” I said wiping a slight tear trail from her cheek.

“I love you, we really should let Anna suffer,” She rambled until I cut her off.

“No, stop it. I know you wish to spite her back, but her family is powerful. Should we allow her to be punished and realize what she is in now? Or are we going to save her from hell to save ourselves?” I asked. My grandfather sat up.

“What if the man you say she is with is probably orchestrating it all?” He questioned us all on.

We stood and thought for a moment if he was making sense.

“Do you think that the guy is with doing all of this?” Mr Davidson said.

“Remember, grandfather, that red headed kid attacked me twice when I was little. You know?” I said as he thought for a while.

“I never forget that face. That boy wasn’t a pleasant fellow, was he?” He said.

“I hate to say this but, Anna-Maria is in love with a violent criminal that lived on the streets most of his life. He is posing as a rich man who is dead,” I said to all of them. They all were in awe at what I said.

“We need a way that we can stop the wedding without making a too much of a scene.” I added as I sat down and think for a while.

Eventually Claire came up with a possible idea which she shared amongst us, we all had our word on it yet it sounded like the best option we have to go with. I got to question the lateness of the invitation being like the next day, though Claire’s plan needed some back up on. We could have taken action much early yet the timing was more confident for us.

“That is a risky way of doing it, Claire.” Her father said as he stood up from his chair. “Emanuel and Mr. Woods, it's the best option we got. As long as we can have that man not marry Anna-maria,” She said.

“I don’t see any other option. I say we go to the wedding and confront him there,” I said rubbing my hands together.

“What if he is armed?” Grandfather dropped into the issue at hand.

“It is one we have to take, I don’t think he would be armed with any weapons or Anna-Maria could see it,” I said. From there Claire and her father had said there good byes as they headed back to their home.

“Emanuel, I pray that this doesn’t back fire.” My grandfather said as he watched our friends leave into the evening light.

That night my mind was thinking over possible out comes to tomorrow's plan, to be able to save Anna-Maria from some criminal grasps be fulfilling and right. It had me questioning what Claire said, was Anna-Maria a heartless woman? The fact she had Claire do all the letter writing and abandoning the friendship.

“Emanuel, get some sleep.” Cilan hisses in my ear. I sighed. “At you stuck by me, someone I could confine to and trust” I said to Cilan and kissed him on the lips he smiled. “I’ll go when you go that’s the day when I can’t help your heart anymore,” He said to me.

My eyes got heavy as I fell asleep, Cilan keeping me company as he always had ever since I was young child. Even when I slept that night in the hospital when Cilan first came to me replayed in my head.

Those seemed like happy times, though now the night had flown by in seconds to me I woken to the morning light.

“Morning Emanuel,” My grandfather said as he held a cup of tea in his hand.

“Morning Grandfather,” I said as I climbed out of bed yawning.

“Better wake up and get ready. Because the wedding starts early today.” He said as he walked away. I just nodded sleepy like and went into the bathroom to wake up myself.

“Cilan, if anything happens to me… Keep me alive.” I said to my misty companion.

“Of course.” He purrs into my ear his hair danced around me as I left the bathroom and headed into the kitchen.

“Grandfather, I just want to tell you this now. If I die or get hurt today I want you to take good care of me. I know you love me deep down inside.” I said as I placed a hand on his shoulder.

“Nothing bad will occur, Emanuel. If it does you can count on me.” He said as he hugged me.

I never hugged him before, not for a long time it’s just I thought he and I had a grudge against each other. He always seemed hard on me, I always confine to Aunt Fran, speaking of which I haven’t seen her in a while.

Anyways from there I dawn my best suit and combed my hair before me and grandfather alight from the house into the carriage outside.

“Good timing, Mr. Woods.” Mr. Davidson chirped as we climbed in I saw Claire sitting on one side alone she patted as I sat down next her and grandfather opposite me. Claire looked stunning, I couldn’t resists kissing her as I did.

“Well looks like you are in love, I knew it!” My grandfather said. I smiled so did Claire

“It’s true, I’m very much in love with her,” I said in responses to him. Her father smirked then turned to my grandfather.

“Did you bring the paper? At least for proof,” He asked as my grandfather pulled the newspaper clipping out.

“I guess Anna wasn’t a well informed woman.” He said before coughing into his handkerchief.

“Good, everything should go well according to the plan then,” I said holding Claire’s hand in my own.

Her blue eyes sparkled to me I couldn’t stop looking at them as we rode along to St Paul’s church. It seemed like an over cast day for a wedding of such grand stature, I guess it was a sign that it wasn’t going to work out.

Entering the church the place was filled with people mostly Anna’s family and friends, we moved to a vacant pew seats near the middle of the church. Flowers decorated the place and yet candles had to provide some light as the sun seemed to away today. My eyes went to the red headed man that stood in some suit at the front by the priest as we all waited for the bride to walk the isle.

That soon came as the musical organ played the traditional everyone stood up from there seats as the line of bridal party walked the length of the isle and assembled at the front, my eyes looked at Anna-Maria all dressed in white gown as she walked down the isle slowly into the green evil eyes of her husband to be.

Now it was the waiting game as we all sat down and the priest began his sermons. My breathing was becoming in short rapid bursts; my hands sweated a little as I felt my heart beating as the vows we said through the crucial part came where I had to make my stand. Claire noticed how nervous I was as she handed me the news paper article.

“You will be fine,” She whispered in my ear.

I bit my lower lip and held onto Claire’s hand tightly, it seemed like forever and everything was going painfully slow. It was then the priest announced.

“If anyone has a reason that these two not to be wed, speak now or forever hold your peace,” The question echoed about the church as I quivered as I stood up from my seat.

“I do,” I said sweating a little as Claire joined me.

“I do too,” she said. Anna and the rest of the church looked at me in surprise and then I emerged from the pew into the isle.

“Anna, you can’t marry this man, he is a fraud. I have proof right here!” I said out loud showing the newspaper article around.

“Emanuel, what are you doing!” She spat at me in anger, her father headed over to me.

“Mr. Woods, sit down!” He said yet I stood my ground.

“How could you let your daughter marry, that man who is a fraud. The real William Shepard, soul heir to the fortune died on this day last year. It was in the papers,” I said to all then I handed the article to her father.

“Mr. Christianson, your daughter’s soon-to-be husband was planning to rob both my family and the Davidson’s family of money from our businesses,” I said.

Claire still remained standing as Mr. Christianson read the article and then looked at me.

“It’s true…” Mr. Christianson said as his wife joined him.

“That man isn’t William Shepard. Anna, please move away from him.” I said. Anna wasn’t moving.

“Emanuel, I can’t believe you're trying to ruin my wedding day,” She stammered then her mother went up towards her.

“Now dear, you must be angry.” She said as Anna-Maria looked into her mothers eyes. The church crowd was talking loudly as the priest watched it all.

“It’s true dear, Mr. Woods isn’t lying.” She said then Anna looked at me with her father.

It was through this commotion the angry imposter had picked up a empty candle holder and held it behind his back, I was unaware that he was armed as I headed past Mr. Christianson.

“Anna believe me please. Don’t marry…” It was then the horrid thing occurred. The man lashed out at me with a hard candle holder striking me in the head.

From there everything went black; it was such a blow I thought I was killed as I collapsed to floor in complete darkness. That’s where it seemed too ended…. Or did it?

My head was throbbing like hell, yet I woke up in familiar place. The hospital, it seemed like even the same bed I was in when I came here years ago. Though my mind was oblivious to everything around me.

“Where am I?” I question myself. Then the ghost mist creature appeared next to me.

“Emanuel, you know where you are. Do you know who I am?” He said, my eyes widen a little

“I’m Cilan, you're Emanuel Woods. You lived a dark life struggling with your heart disease,” He said cuddling close to me.

I couldn’t take the information; everything happened disappeared from my mind. So that’s my tale, everything that occurred in my past not everything had returned to me. From there onwards I remained indoors, slowly gradually I learned what Cilan wanted me to know. Becoming the man you now know today.

The End