"Semi-Short Stories" [ Story Collection ]

Father Issues [] 7/11 []

"There's no way in hell I'm letting them get pregnant, let alone sell their fucking soul. They're fifteen, Samson! It's too far."

"I was fifteen and Lavinia was seventeen when Matthew was born. Which, for the record, He likes. He likes when things work out so nicely. They'll be the same ages as she and I were! Though the sexes are swapped, but that's a little detail. The point is the same...it's a sign that this is what's meant to happen."

"Not if I say no. Not if I put a stop to it." This is one thing that Anthony won't just simply do for Samson - his child is not to be brought into this mess. Sam is to be left alone.

There's a sigh from behind a book. "What He says will be done, Anthony."

"Fuck what He says."

The book is lowered. Samson is glaring. "Anthony!"

"And fuck you, too! You're not mixing Sam into this! They're where I draw the line!" He's angrily pacing. "Find someone else."

"Sam is who He wants."

"He wanted that Max kid first, didn't He? He can change His mind again." 

"He's becoming frustrated. He doesn't want to pick again. He wants Sam."

"Fuck that, he's not getting Sam. Sam is my kid. Kid, mind you. A child. Not fit for soul selling or kid-rearing or whatever."

"But what if I want to do it? Don't I get a say in it?"

They both look to the doorway. Sam, donning a white blouse and black pants, is leaning against the doorframe. Their hair is a similar color to Samson's and cut right above their shoulders. Their eyes are dark, like Anthony's. 

"You don't get a say in it, because I'm your dad and what I say goes." Anthony isn't yelling. His voice is calm.

"Sam, what wonderful timing." Samson stands, sets his book aside, and crosses the room to Sam. Anthony almost steps in front of him to stop him.

"What am I supposed to do?"

"You know my son, don't you? Matthew? I'm sure you've met before."

They shrug. "What about him?"

"He, our Lord that is, has told me that you and Matthew are meant to be the parents of the antichrist. It's such a high honor to have."

Sam nods. "Huh. Cool. What, so I have to have a baby? Doesn't seem to hard, as long as I don't have to deal with it."

Anthony looks disappointed. He still says nothing.

"That's not all, though. You must dedicate your soul to Him as well. That, along with the honor you'll receive, will guarantee you a high rank when you pass on." He's gritting his teeth. "Even higher than my rank will be."

That peaks their interest even more. "Even cooler. I can do that. But I don't have to raise it, right?"

"No, no. I'll do that."

They smile and nod once again. Sam extends a hand. "Consider it a deal."

Samson shakes his head and makes his way to the bookshelves, where he's retrieving something from a box. "My dear, that isn't how it's done."

Anthony can't watch.