Chapter Twenty-four: Oaths

Nathaniel

 

 

Jared grabs a rope hanging from the corner of the tarp. He pulls the fabric taut, but a gust of wind rips the tarp from his hand and sends it flapping. We’re in the back corner of the stage near the area where the rock wall joins the steel beams of the canopy. The tarp blocks a gap where the rain is blowing in. Being on the southeast side, the wind must be blowing in an unusual direction for this much water to be leaking onto the stage. Jared’s predicament is easy to see. If no one blocks the rain, the band’s equipment is soon going to be waterlogged and ruined.

“Jared!” I yell.

Jared looks over at me, squinting in the dimness and acknowledges my unspoken offer to help. He turns back to the job before him. The ties dangling from the tarp have wound themselves around a metal support cable. The cables are strung from the rigging across to the building where they are bolted in place. Now the tarp is being held open instead of flapping around, and the rain is falling freely through the gap. Jared is soaked, but he doesn’t seem to notice.

Standing on tip-toe, Jared’s fingertips can just touch the dangling cord. He jumps and swats at the thin rope, but his efforts make no difference.

Ever the entertainer, Jared squats and leaps straight up catching the cable in his two hands.

“Hey! Juliana says to stop working on that,” I call, but my words are drowned out as the power suddenly comes back on and a howling screech rips through the sound system from an amp that was left on to close to some other piece of equipment.

Someone whoops with glee about having the power restored and I hear Juliana.

“Jared, get down from there!” she yells.

She’s next to me now and we stare at her brother together.

“I need another second,” he says, as he hangs with one arm and untwists the wound-up cord.

But it’s too late. The cable is only there to stabilize the rigging and isn’t meant to hold the weight of a man. Metal bends then snaps. Jared comes flailing down to the concrete stage. It isn’t a long drop, but he’s caught off guard and when he hits the deck, his feet slip on the wet surface.

Jared falls back without even a chance to catch himself. His head crashes against the stage and I see the light go out in his eyes from the impact.

Juliana screams and throws herself at her brother. I grab her around the waist and pull her away as tubular metal framing, wires, and bulky lights fall from the broken rigging.

She quits struggling as we cower and shield our heads with our arms. The worst of it is over as quickly as it had begun and miraculously Jared isn’t crushed by any of the debris.

Everyone rushes to us to see what’s happening. My eyes are drawn to something that sends me straight into high alert — as if I wasn’t already there.

Jared isn’t dead. I clearly see him breathing. He may have knocked himself unconscious, but the blow to his head isn’t enough to kill him. However, the live electrical wires that tore loose from the crashed stage rigging can definitely finish the job.

“Everyone stay back!” I shove Juliana to a dry part of the stage a couple of yards away. I spread my arms in an attempt to create a barrier and inch toward Jared. The live wire crackles and sparks from the frayed end.

“Call an ambulance,” someone orders.

“Get the medics up here now!” someone else screams.

“Jared!” Star shrieks and bursts forward again.

“Stop! You’ll be electrocuted!” I point at the snaking wires. Now that I look closer, I see there are other live wires. Two overhead, one ominously close to Jared, and one sizzling near the shoes of the gathered spectators.

The danger stops everyone. People move away from the wetter parts of the stage.

“I’ve got him!” Caleb dives forward.

I yank Caleb back. “No! Stay back.”

“Kill the electricity,” a commanding voice screams across the stage. “Now!”

Knowing I won’t die from electrocution, I spin around and move as quickly as possible to get Jared away from the danger. But God, the Almighty, the Source, Great Spirit, the Universe, or simply the All, — whatever you choose to call the Higher Powers — can be quite the hilarious jester when it wants to be.

I grab Jared under his arms. As I’m about to pull him out of the puddle of rainwater, the electrical wire zaps, whips around like the pissed off rattlesnake we ran into earlier, and lands in the puddle beneath my feet.

Jared and I take the white zing. Electricity hits every nerve in our bodies and sends me sprawling backwards. I stare at my would-be brother and know his heart can’t take the shock. The power cord sits in the water. His body twitches as the current makes its escape by any means available.

Screaming ensues. Commands are being thrown about by the guard staff and other personnel. I’m already weak from my spat with Marcus, but I manage to turn over onto my hands and knees and rise to my feet.

Until someone shuts off the electricity, the streaming rain on the stage is a barrier for anyone to approach me or Jared, and I’m glad of it.

Except for Juliana. Unable to do anything else, she’s in tears as I stumble over to her. She catches me as I collapse.

“Oh, my God. Nathaniel. No. No. No,” she whimpers almost incoherently.

The power goes out. This time it’s on purpose so Jared can receive the help he needs. Not that it will do him any good. With the sudden darkness, I let go. Residual electricity shimmers in the air like sparks of static as I escape my body. No one except Juliana notices. She gasps at the sight, but then I see her staring through the place where I stand and she’s fixed on Jared.

“I’ll take him,” I whisper to Juliana. “Don’t worry, love. He’ll be safe with me.”

We hear a familiar high-pitched voice calling Juliana and Jared’s names from somewhere near the exit.

“Grandma?” Juliana says, confused.

“Jared Crowson is my grandson. Let me back there this minute!”

Juliana runs over to the security guard blocking Charlotte. Their mom, Diane, stands by Charlotte, looking pale-faced and in utter shock beneath the hood of her red raincoat. Juliana argues with the security guard to let them through.

The snakebite, the fight with Marcus, and the electric shock have left me as weak as a newborn fawn. The young deer can hardly stand when they’re first born. When the mothers need to eat, they leave the fawns in a hidden spot and return later with the hope that no predators have found their babe in the woods. In this state of being, a predator could devour me in a second. I wonder if I have enough energy to be any use to Jared. But that isn’t an option. There’s no alternative. With Marcus trapped and Juliana counting on me, I’m Jared’s only ticket to the other side. All I have to do is open the gateway and wait for him to pass. Then I can rest and recharge.

The funny thing about all this is that I’m still feeling the surge of electricity and my leg is burning as if it were on fire. I glance at my calf and wonder if the snakebite will ache for the rest of eternity. It wasn’t bothering me before the electrical shock, but now it’s nearly unbearable.

Jared rises out of his body and turns to face me.

“So, this is my big moment,” he says, unimpressed.

“It’s more exciting than most,” I say with a grimace. My weakness is agonizing, but I have to persist.

“Star is pretty torn up,” he says. She’s on her knees, hugging herself.

There’s a large section of lights hanging ominously over our heads and looks like it will fall at any time. Star’s band members urge her to move back away from the danger, but she appears deaf to their pleas.

“At least her band is here to comfort her,” I say.

“She’ll be all right, I guess,” Jared says, but I see the regret on his face.

“She loves you, Jared. She told me right before the show started. She took care of Marcus and that’s why I’m here.”

Jared’s gaze shifts to me, curious and concerned. “What did she do?”

“A spell to get rid of him for a while. She asked me to help. She thought if Marcus wasn’t around, you’d have more time. I knew she was wrong, but Jules and her managed it.”

“She’s a crafty one for sure,” he says, and takes a step in her direction.

Then we hear, “What! Noooo! My baby. No!” Diane Crowson wails as she throws herself down next to Jared.

Even in the horrific and unthinkable situation, she reacts quickly and begins CPR.

“Mom,” Jared says with equal surprise and shock to see his mother.

“She must have come to the show with your grandma as a surprise,” I say.

He reaches out to touch her and his fingers brush her hair then pass through her. He yanks his hand back. Charlotte and Juliana kneel next to Diane, holding each other close and looking like their world has come to an end, which it has. A new world waits for them on the other side of tragedy. I place my hand on Jared’s arm.

“Women,” he says. “My whole life, I’ve always been surrounded by these powerful women. Star fits right in with them,” he says as if he’s realizing it for the first time.

“They’re a force,” I agree.

“The males in my family never stood a chance against this trio. Look at them. They’re unbelievable.”

The medics arrive and take over the job of trying to resuscitate Jared. Juliana helps her grandmother work at easing Diane away from Jared’s body.

“I don’t want to see anymore.” Jared looks away. “It’s too depressing. My life was good. This is pitiful.”

“If you’re ready, then you don’t have to watch.”

“I don’t want these strangers over me, and seeing my mom like that is painful. I don’t want to leave, but I can’t stand here.”

“Come with me,” I say, and use my thoughts and will power to move us to the top of the megalithic rock overlooking the amphitheater. Already exhausted, I sink to the rain soaked stone and look at the chaos below, the lights of Denver, and the Front Range glowing in a dampened haze of the storm.

“Is this better?” I ask.

Jared stands by me, taking in the view as the wind and rain blow straight through him.

He nods agreeably then squats next to me. He trains his gaze on the stage. It’s common for a recently deceased client to want space from the trauma of their own death, but they don’t want to leave entirely. Watching from a perceived safe distance provides comfort and still allows them to be a part of the life they’re leaving behind.

“You doing okay?” he asks.

“I’ll be fine. I was having a minor disagreement with Marcus before all this started. I wasn’t expecting such a shock.”

“Me either,” Jared says with a wry look. “And Marcus… He’s had it out for you, hasn’t he?”

“He’s doing what he’s supposed to.”

“You’re a good guy, Nathaniel. You shouldn’t have to put up with that kind of treatment.”

Staring at the scene below, I’m reminded of the hundreds of other deaths I’ve been a part of. The EMT’s, the distraught loved ones, the clients. Only this time, there is all of that and everything else. Laughter suddenly rises and my shoulders shake as I chuckle at the absurdity of everything.

Jared raises a brow.

“It’s not funny at all,” I say, and yet I can’t stop.

“What isn’t?”

“Marcus down there with his feet glued to the pavement. He’s supposed to be my mentor and friend, and all he’s been doing is chasing me away from you. And now you’re right here with me. This is where we were supposed to be from the very beginning. This summer has become a giant circle. And I’ll probably be demoted for this — again.”

Jared slides me the skeptical side eye.

“I told you it wasn’t funny,” I say, and my mirth falls away. I still can’t help but see the absurdity of what my existence has become. “I don’t know what they can do to me. Babysitting suicidal head cases is about as low as it gets. At least I have your sister. She’s the real motivation behind my need to survive.”

“Demote you? For helping out a schlep like me? What could happen to you?” Jared asks as if he’s truly concerned.

I take a minute to reconsider the warnings I’ve received and the possible outcomes of my continued defiance. “I guess they could take away my angel status altogether. They would make me pass into the afterlife and I would never see Juliana again. At least, not in her lifetime.”

“Shit,” Jared says with real distress. “Seems harsh for a guy who only wants to be with his girl.”

“My situation is considered an unusual circumstance. And I don’t regret anything. It was my mistake and I have to deal with whatever that brings. One day with your sister makes it all worth it, and I’ve been given a couple months.”

“And I recorded an album and I met Star. I can’t say I regret the extra time.”

I clap his shoulder. “It’s been a good summer. Too short, but worth it for both of us.”

We’re quiet for a minute as we watch the medics continue to work on Jared. Star turns to a friend and buries her face into his shoulder. From our vantage point, we see her shaking and sobbing.

“More time with Star would have been great,” Jared confides. “And I wish my mom didn’t have to go through this again. I would stay around for her if I could. She doesn’t need the grief.”

“Juliana and your grandmother will be here for her, and I’ll do anything I can to help her, too.”

Jared stares into his lap, processing more of this reality in increments. I remain silent until he’s okay with his thoughts. The rain picks up and the puddles splash and dance from the heavy drops. Rivulets of water pass beneath us and disappear over the edge.

Jared raises his head and looks at me wide-eyed. The shock on his face is cause for concern, but I’ve seen this stage before, too. A sudden awareness of some unplanned future event or concern about the life that is no more has been brought to the forefront of his attention.

“You’re going to pass to the other side soon. From there, you will be with people you recognize and most of your worries will cease to exist.”

He shakes his head as if this isn’t close to the explanation he’s looking for.

“Jared, crossing over is painless and easy. All you have to do is step through.”

His eyes widen even farther. He stares at the stage and back to me.

“You,” he starts, and runs his fingers over his scalp.

“Jared, it’s going to be fine. Tell me when you’re ready and we’ll do this together.”

“You’re totally missing the point, Nathaniel.”

“What?” I ask, befuddled. The ache to rest and recharge is a hollow pain engulfing me and forcing me to fade. My sheer stubbornness is the only thing keeping me from leaving.

“You want to be with my sister more than you want to live as an Angel of Death, right?”

“It’s true,” I admit. “Did Star tell you about Liam and the fallen ones?”

“Yeah. She made me listen to this whole story her aunt told her about lost love and sacrifice, magic, and spells. I thought I was only half listening, but now I see it. I heard it all.”

“Jared, it’s a false path I’m seeking. I was an idiot to think I could be with Jules because it’s what I want more than anything else. Life is predestined. I died years ago, and I’m destined to serve now.”

“You’re being a dillhole. Listen to me,” he says, and leans in. “This is your chance, Nathaniel. I bet this is the reason Marcus was being such a turd to you. I want you to take my body.”

It’s as if I’m suddenly feeling the rain. A cold crisp reality opens before my eyes. Every pore of my skin reacts to his words and opens to the possibility. I feel alive again.

Then I’m slammed back to earth as I realize Jared doesn’t know what he’s saying. “No.” I shake off the offer. “It’s not as simple as me slipping into your skin. You have to give up your eternity to take my place. This isn’t going to happen, Jared.”

“Yes, it is,” he says. “I want you to be with my sister. I don’t care about heaven or wherever I’m supposed to go. I want to stay right here. I want to keep an eye on my family and I want to serve.”

“No, you don’t. It’s not that simple. You’ll be working all the time. You can’t hang around with your friends. It’s an enormous responsibility.”

Steven’s eagerness to go and haunt his father and cause trouble and mischief comes to mind and I’m once again consumed with shame for my selfish thoughts and desires. My position as Angel of Death isn’t held easily.

“It’s about time I was more responsible,” Jared says. “If my death can bring one moment of happiness to my family, I’ll do it. I owe them. Especially Jules. She’s always been there for me and now I can give her you. Let’s do this, Nathaniel. Take my offer. What if you actually are demoted? You may never see her again. You know it will devastate her, too.”

“Jared,” I start to argue but the words fail me. Could this really be happening? Is he serious? Could I take his place in the world? Isn’t this what I want? “You may not be able to see your family for some time. The training will keep you away and who knows what else.”

“So what? If I pass to the other side, it will be the same story. I wanted to believe I could visit Juliana from time to time, like the way Star’s sister visits, but I was set straight on that misdirection. There’s no guarantee in that department.”

“You’re right, but—”

“But nothing. Do this with me. No one else is ever going to stand here for you again, Nathaniel.”

“Are you sure?” I ask once more, unable to accept what’s happening.

“More with every passing second,” he says.

Time. Time was suddenly a pressing factor in this scenario.

“Tell me what to do next,” he says.

“Let’s get back down there,” I say with urgency. My mind begins to whir with the information I gained from Liam.

Jared’s life will become mine. I will look like me, but Jared’s physical state-of-being will be mine. His age and health will remain the same. How many minutes have already passed? Time is flexible on my side of death, but for Jared’s body on the stage, time is still having its effect on his heart, brain, and the rest of him.

“How is this going to go down?” Jared asks as we make it to the stage.

We’re far behind the group of people surrounding the emergency.

“Our intention is the most important part. You have to swear one hundred percent that your intent to replace me is true in your heart and soul. I have to swear an oath to you.”

“Is that all?” he asks, surprised.

“I think it sounds easier than it is. You’re giving up your fate and I’m leaving mine behind.”

He shrugs like it’s no big deal, and I have a moment’s hesitation.

“You go first so I’ll know what to say,” Jared says.

Maybe Liam lied to me and there is more to it. What if he didn’t tell me everything? What if I’m not remembering correctly? Could I suffer through the disappointment again? What if I fall and Harmony takes me out before I can kiss Juliana?

“Focus on me,” I say. “And don’t look away.”

He nods and I see a flash of panic inside him.

I stick my hand out to shake on our deal. Jared takes it without hesitation and locks his fist with mine.

“You’ll honor your new place in this universe and help others cross over as I will honor your life by taking care of your family and being the man you leave behind. I swear no harm in this exchange. I swear to do my best in every way I can. I’ll live a long life of honor and integrity,” I say as I stare at him and into him.

“I vow to do what is needed of me in all ways. I willingly take your place as an Angel of Death and serve to the end of eternity. We will exchange roles in our existence. I swear to do this for you, Nathaniel Evans. I swear to the depths of my being that we will trade places. Right now.”

We fall towards one another as the stage and the world collapses around us.

“Wait!” I hear from far away.

In the swaying pandemonium, I see Marcus rushing at us, hands outstretched as if to grab us before we fall. A familiar oval face with cascades of blonde hair blazes forward, close on Marcus’s heels. It’s too late. The finality of our oath was sanctified as Jared spoke his last words. It is done.