The Split

Chapter 4

Central Ohio, 2017

The bouncer barely even saw my face as I crossed the threshold into the raucous and humid bar, Meela still in tow. He knew me, I would even say he knew me well after helping him stop multiple fights over the past few years. Even though the various deafening commotions characteristic to The Green Door, Corbin's voice cut through like a gruff but vaguely effeminate foghorn, and I found my table of people almost immediately.

"Burly Burl!" he shouted, as he came up and grabbed in a fierce bear hug.

Though he was a little shorter and looked to be a fair bit heavier than me, Corbin was no pushover. Underneath his pudgy and unassuming frame was the result of fifteen years of powerlifting.

He had wrapped his arms around both of mine and though I prided myself for fitness I knew from prior experience I wasn't stronger than him. He soon loosened his grip to look down at Meela.

"And who is this? You know this guy whose hand you were holding is a total douchenozzle right?" he shook her hand forcing a smile and reluctant laugh out of her.

"Yes, yes, I know but I think he's getting better," she said with a grin as she looked up at me. "I'm Meela. I assume you're Corbin?"

"Ah Burl must've told you about me, don't trust that one he's an infamous trash talker," this got another laugh out of Meela as Corbin introduced her to the rest of the table.

Most of the people there I knew, but as always there were a few new faces, dates and new friends. There were about a dozen people sitting sitting at the table, and I watched as Meela slowly met and talked to every one of them delighting both the girls and guys alike.

She was a natural, her tact and wit put the group at ease instantly and after meeting everyone she immediately dove into the nearest conversation at our end of the table where Corbin was explaining something to the laughter of those nearby.

"So then... what are you saying?" our friend Ryan looked over at Corbin, a look of disbelief on his face.

"I'll just start my explanation over," Corbin took a swig of his drink and set it back on the table. "You're a Christian right Ryan?"

"Right."

"So you believe in the devil?"

Ryan looked around the table before replying, wondering where Corbin was going. "Well yeah, sure."

"Then you remember the story of Jesus being tempted in the desert by Satan after fasting for thirty days?"

"Of course."

"Well," Corbin paused and took another drink, "What I'M saying, is that if the same conditions were fulfilled, do you think the devil would show up for another person?"

"What do you mean? What are you trying to do here?"

"So say, I went out into the desert and fasted for thirty days, which, would probably be good for me let's face it," he slapped his gut and the group around him laughed, "But, if I were to fast and be in the right desert at the right time, do you think Satan would show up and offer me the same deal?"

Ryan snorted with laughter, "Probably not, but even if he did, what would you do?"

"I'd accept his offer of course! Power over the whole world in exchange for bowing to the guy once? Kind of a no brainer."

The conversation devolved into fits of laughter, as Ryan attempted to change Corbin's mind but soon gave up and let it rest. Soon, the conversation shifted and the group began to talk about a new show several of them were watching, and I suddenly felt a tap on my shoulder.