Victor Black - And the Garden of the Gods

Chapter 15: Fiona Delivers a Verdict

"Victor, welcome back. It's great to see you again, dearie," said Fiona, as Victor quietly eased through the door to the Wild Goose.

"How did it go?"

Sunday morning came, too early even for the die-hards who craved coffee more than attending church. Victor had a feeling Fiona would be there as soon as they opened. More so, he knew she would be there, even without calling her to confirm.

Fiona didn't sit in her usual spot. Instead, she had taken up residence in the back corner of the coffee shop, with her chair positioned to see the door. She looked bright and cheerful in a yellow poke dotted dress and matching purse, with her lips and fingernails painted a bright red.

George rummaged in the back room with no clue Victor had come in. It was a certainty, though when he did see Victor, he'd be all over him with questions and snappy comments. Victor liked Georg. He was the kind of guy who made everyone feel welcome and special, especially Victor.

Victor looked at the coffee bar counter, but instead of calling out George's name, he wound his way between the tables to the corner, where Fiona parked herself. She held out her hand, palm up, inviting him to sit.

"I imagine you know what's going on," said Victor, while taking his seat on the hard, wooden chair.

"I do," said Fiona. "And I know, as do you, what's coming, but you're here to ask about something else, correct?"

"We've met once," said Victor, "and I already feel like you know me better than my own family. Why?"

"Boy," said Fiona, "being in my profession—and not one of those liars either—you know more than you should or want to, but you know it, during the day, and in your dreams. I've been dreaming about you for years." She considered his eyes and said, "since you were young, before you were even adopted—yes, I know—you've been an influence on me. I knew when and where you'd show up."

Victor sat motionless, listening to Fiona. He felt the presence of Seraph as sure as if the being were seated next to him.

"I know about the being too," said Fiona.

"Who?" he said, wanting her to verify his suspicions.

"The being, Mr. Victor—the reason you are here in front of me, now, about to drink coffee you no longer need and eat food you can no longer use. How long has it been since you ate?"

Victor sat there, puzzled. Fiona had reminded him of something he had forgotten—he never thought about eating or drinking.

His mother never asked him to come to dinner.

Viktor had become accustomed to making his food. He couldn't recall the last time he had a glass of water, or a meal, until now.

"Are you telling me —" said Victor, but he stopped before completing the statement. A look of fear spread across his face, and he felt he could cry.

"Yes, child," said Fiona, who had reached for him and took his hands into hers," I know where the physical 'you' lies, and I know who sits before me now—an ascended being—but someone still young, with much to learn, and much to do in a short period of time."

Victor's eyes grew wet with tears.

"So, you know what I did?" said Victor.

"Yes," said Fiona. "You were destined to decide on self-destruction. With so much on your shoulders, you couldn't understand, you made a choice instead of holding on to physical life. It all pales in comparison to what you have become, only you do not know it yet. Look at the timing."

"Things are supposed to end when you die," said Victor. "My picture is supposed to be on the church's table, where Kai's was."

"Oh no, dearie," said Fiona. "Death is only part of a continuing journey. Death is birth. You died many times in the past and were born just as many. All people go through these cycles."