pessimisticrj-blog

[pessimisticrj-blog]

Short Story: “The Deal”

“The Deal”

It's Sunday again. That Sunday. Alexandra Mason looked at herself in the mirror. She was wearing a stunning blue flared dress which was well complimented by her slender body figure and sharp facial features but it could not completely hide the fear in her eyes. “Alexandra lets go!”. Tom, her husband, was always overwhelmingly nervous on days like these. It annoyed her but at the same time, she knew he had every right too. “Once a year, Once a year, Once a year” she kept thinking to herself. Tom was strapping in little Elizabeth. “We should leave her here,” said Finn, the oldest. “You know we can’t do that.” said Tom “Put on your seatbelt Carl”. Carl was too busy with his Gameboy to even acknowledge that his Father was talking to him. “Carl put on your seatbelt !” Alexandra got into the passenger seat and watched as her Husband lectured her 11-year old son on bad manners. He’s starting to understand, she thought to herself, and the Gameboy lets him escape. Finally, the boy put on his seatbelt and went back to playing his video game as quickly as he could. As they drove through the neighborhood Alexandra looked at the Mansions, the Cars, the pitch perfect gardens. This was High Hill the little Village they lived in. So far away from the rest of the world but yet so well-off. Alexandra looked in the Rear View Mirror to see her kids. Finn, almost a man, looked out the window, his mind racing as usual. Carl, pulling all his concentration to the Gameboy, to not having to acknowledge what’s happening and little Elisabeth 3 years old. What if… she forced down the rest of that thought. Tom saw his wife in the eyes for a second. “ Don't worry,” he said “Everything is going to be fine” He smiled that smile she loved so much about him.

As they arrived at the church they saw that they were somewhat late. The people were finished with the food and started going inside the Church. When Alexandra saw the ancient structure something snapped inside her. “Let’s leave right now!” she almost screamed it. “Tom please, we still have time” Tom looked at her. He was just about to agree, put the car in reverse and drive away with his Family as far as he could but then he saw something behind her and his face changed from being content to pure fear. She turned around and looked out the car window. To the right of their Volkswagen, was the white Bently of the Mayor. He and the Sheriff were standing in front of it and were speaking to a man. The man, well dressed, had turned his head and was looking right at the Mason family. One could have brought up the opinion that he was and unordinary good looking man if it wasn't for the glowing red eyes which were staring right at Alexandra. She needed all her willpower to look away. “Dad...” said Finn. “It’s too late now Finn. He saw us” said Tom. The Mason family got out of their car and silently walked into the church.

The 734 people of High Hills were all gathered here. Some had to stand at the sides and the back of the chapel since there was not enough space for everyone. The Church itself was the oldest building in the village and, unlike the rest of the houses, was run down and even burned in some places. But even though it was so crowded the Masons miraculously found a free spot on the benches. It was quiet. No talking, no whispers, even the birds outside had stopped singing. The Mayor jumped on the stage like he was 10 years younger then his face suggested,  walked to the podium, laid down some notes in front of him and started his speech. “ We have all gathered here because we believe. We believe in the betterment and the trust of this community. We believe that all cost, we will live happy for the rest of our lives. And for that, I want to thank you.” A moment of silence. Then the mayor walked up to glass bowl containing 734 white plastic balls. He put his hand in grabbed the first he felt, pulled it out, read what was written on it, stretched his hand with the ball in the air so that everyone could see what was written on it and said loud and clearly; “FINN MASON”. The world suddenly stopped turning for Alexandra. She turned her head to her right, almost like in slow motion, and looked at her Son. “No!” screamed Tom and tried to free Finn but people started to gather around him, screaming. Tom tried to pull Finn out of the mass that was starting to form around the boy, but there were just too many people in too little space. The mob of men and women was dragging the boy towards the podium on which, seemingly out of nowhere, the red-eyed man was standing. Alexandra couldn’t move, her body felt like it was made of stone and metal, she could only watch as her husband was punched aside and held by three men as he screamed in tears; “Take me! Take me please!” but no one heard his begging over the violent, fearing and even joyful screaming and babbling of the people of High hills. When the mob threw Finn on the stage. The boy didn't get up. He was on his knees, crying silently, staring at the floor not daring to look at the red-eyed man who put out his hand. As its fingers touched Finns forehead the man said “You are mine”

On the way Home, no one spoke, no one cried, no one did anything. Elizabeth was sleeping, Carl was playing on his GameBoy, Tom seemed to focus on the road, and Alexandra was staring into nothing. When the Mason Family arrived home they found a suitcase in their kitchen. It contained 3 Million dollars. Such a suitcase was found in every household of High Hills at this day.