In the Shadows of light and dark

Timeless

2/26/2013

Word Count 1079

Neon lights advertising a variety of mystical services, compete for space on the filthy windows.

Opening the door the man enters the run down shop.A tinny jangle of bells announces his arrival.

He looks with disdain at the dirty room. Old cabinets coated with years of neglect, inches of dust, and musty smelling books.

A standing mirror, clean in this place of decay and gloom, shows his graying hair, and sagging features. A once athletic build, now gone to seed. He tries to smooth away the wrinkled skin, but the image in the mirror mocks him

"That doesn't work you know." The voice, behind him, that of a young woman, or a child.

He turns. The girl is 20 or so.

"I was sent here to speak to...."

The girl interrupts, her voice the lilting melody of a child.

"I am well aware why you are here." "She looks into his eyes. Hers a swirl of Emerald greens and gold's his a hazel mix of uncertainty. "You understand my terms?" She pirouettes, sending her long Chestnut hair swirling about. It settles back onto her shoulders.

"I was told that I would expect to pay from that which belongs to me." He reaches into an inner pocket of his coat, removing an expensive leather bound check book. "I am prepared to be most generous."

The girl twirls again, "Are you really?"

The man opens the book pen ready to write. "Tell me how much for the services child." "I am a busy man and wish to take my leave."

The girl purses her lips. " Child am I?" "How kind." "Look into the mirror."

"What I..."

"Look into the mirror?"

The man does as he is told

"Do you see your reflection?"

"Yes."

"Do you agree to my terms?" "Once said is done."

"Yes."

"Excellent." The girl speaks as a giggling child, trying to deepen her voice to that of a mans, repeating his own words. "You sir, are a busy man and wish to take your leave."

"But I..."

The girl skips off towards one of the darker recesses of the store.

"It is done." "SO GO!" "Go now !"

"Fine." he yells after her "Bill me."

He marvels at the reflection in the mirror. His clothes, made for someone of considerable girth, hang loosely about his frame, replaced by well toned muscle. He nods approvingly. at the sparkling Hazel eyes, black hair, and smooth milky white complexion, with just a touch of Rosé red in the cheeks.

The door to the shop, swings suddenly open. The tinny bells complaining loudly.

A bone numbing cold enters the room. Its carries upon it the smell of decay and death. Trepidation and desolation. Misery and despair. Anguish and Torment. lost innocence and childhoods end.

The man shivers despite his tailored made Chesterfield Coat, then sprints to the entrance, jogs down the street, and jumps into his car. He feels no pain in his joints, no chest pain or shortness of breath. Only a renewed workable energy coursing through his body.

He switches the radio from talk to Classic Oldies Rock. As the car rockets down the highway. He alternates singing and cursing as he weaves around slower vehicles.

Finally home. He pulls the into the circular drive,and the aged Tudor Mansion he had inherited from his parents.

Bounding up the stairs he yanks opens the front door to find Mrs. Helpher, the housekeeper he had also inherited from his parents, standing just inside.

Before he can speak her sharp eyes have traveled up and down his body. She clutches at the amulet she has worn since he was old enough to remember.

"What have you done Robert?"

"Done ! Done?" "What right have you to question me?" "I am the head of this family and..."

"Robert !" Her voice cuts through his rant "What bargain have you struck?"

"Old woman, Robert takes off his coat and tosses onto the hall table. If you must know I have purchased a new lease on life." "Look at me, I am young again."

"The woman sighs and clutches the amulet tighter. It begins to glow yellow, illuminating her hand until all the bones inside are clearly outlined.

"Robert, consorting with the dark is dangerous, and not without consequence." "I ask again." "What bargain have you struck?"

"I agreed to give them money." "A piece of myself." He stares into the expressionless wizened face, beginning to get a little nervous "That's all."

"Robert, the exact words used. Tell them to me."

"Fine!" "Enough already." " They said I would be expected to pay from that which belongs to me." "Of course they haven't told me how much yet, but I'm sure I can afford it.

He looks around the hall. "Where's Jennifer and Michael?" "I want to show them they're new Dad."

"You are a fool Robert." "Perhaps if the misses had not died, perhaps if you and she had conceived earlier." "Sadly she shakes her head Perhaps..." Mrs. Helpher turns and walks towards the parlor.

Robert races up the stairs taking then three at a time. He throws open the first door, and clicks on the light. The bed looks to have been slept in, but now the covers are thrown back. "Jennifer." he calls out "Jennifer where are you?"

A bone numbing cold enters the room. Its carries upon it the smell of Decay and Death. Trepidation and Desolation. Misery and Despair. Anguish and Torment. Lost innocence and Childhoods end.

Turning on his heel he races to the next room, and throws open the door. It is the same. Bed slept in. But now with the covers pulled back. "Michael." He yells "Michael where are you?"

A bone numbing cold enters the room. Its carries upon it the smell of Decay and Death. Trepidation and Desolation. Misery and Despair. Anguish and Torment. Lost innocence and Childhoods end.

Robert races into the empty hall, Mrs. Helpher is waiting. Pressing his back against, the wall he slides down until his elbows are resting on his knees.

"She speaks softly. "You realize only now what you have done?"

"Yes, Robert looks up Yes." "It wasn't monies they wanted..." "I just assumed..."

Robert points towards the empty rooms, his voice a hoarse whisper. "I understand now."

"Expect to pay from that which belongs to me."

"God help me."

"Mrs. Helpher turns and walks away "God has nothing to do with this."