Esterville (Book 1)

Chapter 27: The End

Minutes after Allison's departure, Oliver walks back into his house, where the kitchen, living room, and dining area is left unattended.

Passing the living room, Oliver went up to his bedroom to find his silver rosemary beads sticking out of his pillow.

Though its color symbolizes its pure state, its body slithered across the mattress, like a pale snake.

On the bottom of the necklace, is a small, T-shaped cross, which reminded the boy of Jesus' sacrifice.

Slowly, the boy walks up to his bed, takes out his necklace, and kissed the cross gently.

Until he hears a scratchy voice. 

"You're a Catholic?"  it asked.

Though it sounds distant and hollow, Oliver had recognized it.

"Mike?" he called, inspecting his room.

"You're here?"

"Surprised?"

"A little," Oliver says, embarrassed. "I thought you'd crossed over."

The boy activates his sixth sense to find Mike, hovering ten inches closer to him.

"The hell I am,"  Mike retorts.

"Anyway, I didn't know you were Catholic."

The boy nods carefully.

"I am a Catholic."

"So was I," Mike admits, "until Father Jacobs died."

"So, you believe in God?"

"Yes," Oliver answered, "It's better to have faith in God than perform ludicrous acts."

"That's a load of bullshit, who told you that? Your mom?"

"It was Father Jacobs, actually."

That's when the voice became embarrassed.

"Oh, sorry about that—I didn't know he was close to you."

Oliver nodded then shrug his shoulders.

"It's fine," he says, "anyways, what are you doing here?"

"I have come to say goodbye to Allison."

"Well, you've missed your chance."

"What?"

"Allison is going to the police to testify against her father."

"Well, I'll be." Mike sighed.

"She also told me that she forgives you."

"Really?"

"Yes, so you can go home now."

"My home is in Esterville-"

"That's not what I meant, Mike." Oliver insists.

The voice became speechless, for the boy is referring to Heaven.

"What if God doesn't forgive me-"

"He does forgive you," Oliver argued.

"That's bullcrap, Oliver!  Mike bellowed. "You know that!"

The boy clears his throat then sits himself down on his bed. 

"I understand that," he says. "I-"

"No, you fucking don't!"

That's when the boy grew serious.

"Father Jacobs taught me the passages of the Bible when I was young." he reminded sternly.