The Continuous

Part 2 Chapter 28: Book

(WARNING, MENTIONS OF DEATH THAT MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR READERS)

"How long were you helping people?"

"18 years, from when I was 17 to when I was 35. On the night of my 35th birthday, I was going to go out to a club that I frequented very often. It was the club where I would get many of my customers. I walked out at about 11 pm and was shot once in the back, causing me to turn and look at the man shooting me, then another bullet through my heart."

"That guy who you were supposed to marry killed you. Even though you never met him. Wait, no you said you helped him once, right?" Anthony asked, completely confused.

"So many questions," I said laughing, "yes, the guy who I was supposed to marry killed me when he was 35. I had met him only twice throughout my 21st life. I helped him out by giving him directions."

"You only gave him directions? That's how you helped him?" Antony asked.

"When I had my son I went to my mother to ask for help, but she rejected me. She told me that I should have been grateful he wanted to marry me, grateful that I was the only one whom he asked to give him directions to the park."

"That's it, that's why he wanted to marry you and that's why he killed you because you gave him directions and because you left him at the altar!" Anthony said, filled with anger.

"That and the embarrassment he felt. Apparently, Daniel had showed up the day of my wedding to yell out 'I object' and everyone assumed that I ran off to be with someone younger."

"What happened to your son, why didn't he go out with you, it seems careless and dangerous for him to let you go out alone."

"He wanted to accompany me, but I insisted he go on his blind date."

"Why?"

"I wanted grand kids," I said with a smile.

"What ended up happening to the guy?"

"I found out from Monica that he ended up in jail and died there."

"So now you want to go back."

"I do, I think a Blessing is in that life." I said.

"What Blessing?"

"Oh, did I not mention that part to you? Opps, you know what, it's too long to explain. Give me your hand, I'm just going to show you everything."

I placed my hand out and he placed his hand on top of mine, I closed my eyes, opened them and showed him what Blessings were and why they could help break my curse.

"Oh, so it's literally a Blessing, from the gods."

I nodded.

"And you think you might find one in France. Something like the ring you have right" Anthony asked point at my green ring.

"I'm pretty sure it's there. I think it's a blessing from the Blue House."

"The Blue House?"" Anthony asked, more confused.

"I did not explain that part either did I?"

Anthony shook his head and held out his hand, but I flinched back.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"I can't show you again." I said, placing my hand on my lap.

"Why not?"

"You might end up fainting? It can take up to eight hours for your body to fully recover mentally and physically."

"So what are the houses?"

"From my first life in ancient Egypt there was of course the Pharaoh and many wealthy families. Those wealthy families split into two groups Blue House and Red House, there were a total 11 gods who cursed us and each of those gods took one family under their wing to help. By helping them, they gave us a share of their power, there are 13 of us left. 13 of us who remember our past lives and have powers. I already have 1 blessing; I only need to find 10 more."

"And you think it's in France?"

"I do, in a book," I said.

"A book?"

"My son gave me a book when my business was starting out, he said that it was for me to use at work. It was the most precious thing that I was given in that life. I was happy in that life, and I think that there is a Blessing there, a little push that will allow me to break my curse."

"How are you going to find your book? It's been years, hasn't it? What if your son got rid of your things?" Anthony asked.

"It's only been about 20 years, and I think...I know he loved me too much to get rid of my things. I'm sure it's all still there, if not for the memories of me because he still believes that I am going to come back and want my things."

"Does your son know about your curse?"

"He does, it was the only way that I could get him to trust me."

"Do you think he's still waiting for you?"

"I hope not. I hope he moved on and is married and is happy. "

"Then it's a good thing you're going to see him, right?"

"Oh...I'm not going to see him. I'm going to break in and get the book."

"You're going to break into his house?" Anthony asked.

"It was my house first." I said.

"That's not the point, the point is you're just going to take something away that according to you means a lot to your son. Don't you think he'll feel devastated?"

"He'll feel even more devastated if he sees me again. I think he still blames himself for me dying, I don't want him to but I'm sure he does."

"I think you should go see him," Anthony said, placing his hand on mine.

"I can't, I'm already cursed to remember everything perfectly. Going to see him is just me adding on to the pain, why should I punish myself even further?"

"Fine then," Anthony said getting up, "what can I do to help?"

"You want to help me?" I was surprised.

"Well...I've already been helping you out so far haven't I? What's a little more life threatening?" Anthony asked, shrugging his shoulders.

I broke out laughing, "thanks but I'll manage."

"I'm here for whenever you need me."

"Why? Why now? We've only started to know each other more this school year." I said with a slight smile and curiosity.

"I guess...you've always seemed like you wanted someone to help you out with the burden you carry. Like you were about to crack under the pressure of caring for your younger sisters, your part time job, and maintaining the perfect student act that...you just needed someone to tell you how proud they are of you. Someone to vent about everything."

"And you want to be that person?"

"I do," he said softly.

"Yes but...why?"

"You make my problems seem less stressful in comparison," he said blankly.

I smiled and I began to laugh out loud, "gee, thanks," I answered with a smile still on my face.

"No problem," he said smiling, "you hungry?"

"I could eat," I said.

"Eat or just pick at your food?" He asked, his eyes squinting at me.

"Definitely eat," I said.

"Aright, you good with pizza?"

I nodded and he went for his phone, "hey I was meaning to tell you, you look good without your glasses on. "

"Thanks, it's actually my first life having to wear them, so it feels a bit weird."

"Really? Well either way it looks good." He said heading to his room to make the call for food.