Hereafter

Hereafter: Part III The Soul Stitchers, Chapter 37

37

ANTONIO SEEMED TO BE AS disoriented as I was—having been ripped by a gruesome, cruel death from the only reality his conscious mind had ever known during a lifetime on Calidari. My mood quickly slipped from grimacing embarrassment to romance-novel fascination when it sunk in that it was actually Antonio sitting there only a few feet from me. I could see him looking at me, but the full impact of my planning our future together didn’t seem to be registering.

“Miss Ford, we’re through with you for the time being. And don’t worry we’ll be in touch to talk more about you joining us. And, once again, on behalf of all of the Masters here, and throughout heaven and all the other worlds we inhabit, thank you so much for your invaluable service on Calidari as a champion of the cause of gender equity! You can step down,” the Master in the center seat said, dismissing me.

Walking back to my seat, I passed Antonio. During an awkward moment, we paused while my cheeks blushed crimson and Goosebumps raised visibly up and down my arms. I felt an impulse to hug him, but I could tell he just wasn’t in sync with any displays of affection, or it probably had more to do with the fog bank obscuring the clarity in his mind, so he simply proceeded to the witness chair.

The proceeding was on another break while the Masters dematerialized. We all sat there patiently watching the mesmerizing holograms of surreal images that takes their place when they’re gone. I certainly wasn’t about to leave without hearing what Antonio had to say. I couldn’t take my eyes off of him even though I tried not to stare by shifting my attention to a spider crawling precariously near my chair.

All during my time on Calidari I had no clue that he might have been the one I was destined to fall in love with. It just wasn’t that kind of world, with the Citadel in charge and all. There was little joy in our world and being married, having children, wasn’t really something to look forward to. Nevertheless, I racked my memory to think of any times where I felt close him, or when he reached out to me in a personal way.

Of course, our coven of Creationist rebels bonded tightly while living in the caves and risking our lives every day to spread the Good News of our time in our world—that there is a God who made us, whom we can come to know in a real-time relationship, a powerful Creator willing share that power with us, a loving parent who only wants the best for us after we join the Divine Family in Faith. And yet, despite those intentions, wherever societies exist, those of evil intent can take power exploiting the many so that only a few can live in comfort and prosperity. Suddenly it was clear to me—I did want to join the Masters in order to help Earth or some other world finally realize the benefits of Love Thy Neighbor as applied to our global societies.

BY THE TIME I STOPPED daydreaming, the Masters had reappeared and began asking Antonio questions. As I suspected, he was in a shaky state, so as they did with me, a group blessing quickly restored his equilibrium. After hearing his account of our mission on Calidari, and out of respect for his bravery and leadership on Earth, but more, knowing I would be more likely to join if Antonio was along for their celestial rollercoaster ride, they asked him to join them as well. He accepted, and that sealed the deal for me as well!

There was important wild work to be done and as long as Antonio was by my side, I could wait for a chance to be closer to him. Their questions for Antonio over, his acceptance of their offer recorded, the same Master who’d dismissed me, addressed him.

“Young man, speaking on behalf of our community of Masters we welcome you to the Service you’ve always been committed to, but on a higher level. We typically work with partners, and again, if you are willing, I now understand that Miss Ford will be joining us as well after all, with the two of you working together. So, you both are dismissed and may we suggest that you take some time right now to get reacquainted, and in a few days, after you’ve had a chance to rest and readjust to being back in heaven, we’ll have our first planning session to suggest assignments for you. Before you leave, with thanks please accept a special farewell blessing.”