IT LIVES INSIDE US

1986

I don't believe in ghosts or minions of darkness. But as a priest it is forbidden and sacred to talk about the elements that hide underground.

''Father Archie!'' I saw Susana. Church servant. She heard that I would be transferring from the archbishop's ministry.

After I put my stuff in, I closed the trunk of the car.

''My brother asked if you could visit them there. Burning with fever and I know he needs a different cure.

I can't believe that's what's going on in my brain. I also heard that word had spread through town about the Warrens. I have met Ed. Once I listened when my friend from Wales invited me and gave me an invitation. The exorcist is emerging even though my belief is contrary to their beliefs.

I signed the cross before switching on the engine. I have never experienced or witnessed such a practice. That is strictly forbidden because it is against the doctrine.

I turned the radio on and the sound comes In.

Jimmy please say you'll wait for me
I'll grow up someday you'll see
Savin' all my kisses just for you
Signed with love forever true...

Joni was the girl who lived next door
I've known her I guess 10 years or more
Joni wrote me a note one day
And this is what she had to say
Jimmy please say you'll wait for me
I'll grow up someday you'll see
Savin' all my kisses just for you
Signed with love forever true...

Many hurdles hinder me. They say I'm a very subtle person. After I arrived in Geneva, I was met by Reverend James, the curate of a small town of eight hundred people.

''How was the trip? My friend here seems tired. I'm sorry and you were notified last minute.''  He said then he shook my hand.

''Have you heard what happened to Sister Agnes?'' He said showing hollowness. I saw the sadness in his eyes. ''She died while performing an exorcism ritual in Wales.''

I couldn't believe what he said, it seemed like a bad dream. Sister Agnes helped me to find my sister Emmy. She contributed a lot to my life and she was also the reason why I wanted to become a priest.

''We have to be more careful. This kind of event is emerging, Father Archie.''His statement was a warning to me.

He stood up and left me in the room. He went out.

"You are the new priest here in Geneva." A man in his fifties spoke to me. “You seem too young to be a priest.”

We started our conversation after my mass with the citizens here.

''I am the youngest among them. But I have been in the service for seven years.''

''By the way I'm Anthony. Looks like you're going somewhere Father Archie.''

He does sounds like he is concerned with my errands.

''I'm going to visit someone in Saint Hilary.'' I give him a reply without throwing a glance.

''That's exactly where I was going. Do you want me to accompany you?''

I stared at him for a moment. We arrived before dusk and I was taken to a house away from the houses. When I got off the woman greeted me.

''We are looking forward to your arrival. Susana said you will come. Come inside.''

Anthony followed behind me. I didn't feel anything strange but I felt like I was being hugged by a strong wind.

I don't know why the first time I saw Susana's older brother I felt something strange. I can't describe and explain when I went up to the second floor of their house. It was like someone was watching me.

''Father Archie is here.''

I saw that there was something different about him. I know the church will not allow me to go against their will.

''Thank you so much for coming, I know it's bothering you but I can't take it anymore. I can't take it anymore, I feel like I'm going to die if it takes too long.''

I saw his suffering.

I don't know what kind of help I can give them. This is new to me. It was already dark when we headed out. It was as if something was calling me when I looked at the part of their house.

The sun shines on the town of Geneva for a new day for the people who live here. I still can't forget what Walber said, almost always I see his face every time I close my eyes.

I carefully analyzed the events of the past few days, my fears did not stop me since I moved to Geneva. I tried to go to Susana's house again. They did not expect my arrival. As before I went down and looked at the house.

"We weren't expecting your arrival. Walber was right there in the back.''

I walked to the back door what the woman said. I didn't expect what I would see. Nothing seems to have happened to him the last time I visited he was asking for help. He noticed my arrival. I remember what Anthony said while I was driving the day we were together.

"The devil can pretend. It's scarcely credible, but the devil is good at that. It can manipulate you.''

I wondered if what the man said was true or false beliefs. We looked into each other's eyes but I didn't notice anything unusual.

''How are you feeling?'' I spoke to express that I was interested in what he was feeling.

''Everything's fine Father Archie.''

I took out the pendant rosary that I was wearing from the vatican that Sister Agnes gave me that has the power to keep me away from bad elements or has bad power that can harm me. Protecting me from things I can't see.

I noticed that there is something engraved under his left jaw near his hair below the ear. I snapped out of my trance when Carys, his sister, called.

I put the pendant back inside my clothes and turned from where I was standing to catch a glimpse of Carys. I looked at Walber again but I still couldn't convince him that he was okay so quickly.

''Thank you for the visit and I'm happy that now he's doing well.'' She said to me as we walked before reaching the outside of the house.

''If you want we can take him to the retreat house in Dominican Hill he will get better there not only mentally but also spiritually.'': I suggested to him and stopped walking. ''Don't worry I'll take care of everything. You can also visit your brother.''

I know the trace of concern in her eyes.

''I'm glad you're doing well. I will tell Father James about what will happen the next day.''

I shook Walber's hand and looked him in the eye. After I left the Saint Hilary house, I saw them from the reflection from the car mirror as I was leaving.