5. Chapter 5
Chapter five
Alex
The light streamed through the blinds like a million suns rising on the horizon. Alex covered his head with his pillow, trying to escape the radiant onslaught. His head beat like a Mannheim Steamroller performance, building to a climatic crescendo. The siren outside the window felt like an ice pick to his brain, stabbing with an almost homicidal fury. Waves of nausea flooded his intestines as his bowels churned relentlessly. Each breath seared his lungs. His tears were lava scorching his skin.
A paralyzing thought gripped him. Could the pain assaulting his body be an aneurysm or stroke? How many Klonopin and beers did he consume? Had he been in a freak accident? The mere act of thinking deepened his suffering and confusion by sending a cascading wave of electricity that bounced back and forth in his skull. As he tried to get off the bed, he crashed to the floor with his legs too weak to bear his weight. Alex lay naked in the fetal position, suffering and paralyzed on the cold concrete floor. He prayed for the strength to move, but his prayers went unanswered. His body had become a prison.
Alex didn’t know how long he lay on the floor; time had lost all meaning. There was only the pain. Ditta’s words began to echo sharply in his mind: “Don’t hold the energy. Let the cosmic energy pass through you.” Alex took a deep breath and released a wave of energy that violently flung the furniture across the room, crashing against the wall. After expelling several waves of energy, a tingling in his chest slowly spread through his body. This sensation was foreign to him, and he basked in the euphoria of this new feeling of relief.
Inch by inch, he steadied himself to his knees as he crawled towards the fiercely blazing window. Closing the blinds took every ounce of his determination. However, achieving his goal produced a substantial wave of ecstasy throughout his body. His entire being vibrated as every nerve and synapse in his brain fired with elation. Slowly breaking free from his delirium, he attempted to piece together the events leading to this moment. But only fragments of the puzzle appeared. He recalled passionate sex with Danyal, birthday chocolates, and Ditta with her deranged story of gods, Eros, and transcendence.
Wait, did Ditta die? No, that’s ludicrous. It had to be a dream.
He’d have to share with Danyal his crazy dream about Ditta and her tale of gods. He would undoubtedly laugh his ass off at that one. Dr. Sonja would also have a field day interpreting this nightmare. Alex’s mouth tasted like a dirty penny and was drier than the Sahara. Stumbling towards the kitchen for water proved easier than closing the blinds. With each step, his vision began to focus. Following the trail of clothes and empty chocolate wrappers on the floor, he stopped on his path to the bathroom to pick up the box of birthday chocolates that held only two remaining pieces. The thought of eating even the heavenly chocolates turned his stomach, but he didn’t want to waste them. He placed the box on the dresser with one piece inside and slid the other chocolate into the pocket of his sports coat, hanging it on the bathroom door since he intended to wear it to work.
Reaching to turn on the bathroom light, Alex noticed the power was out. He turned to look out the window where the long line of snarled traffic indicated the power was off for at least several blocks. Shit, what time is it? He looked at his cell phone and saw it was 11:35 a.m. Alex panicked as he scrambled to turn on the shower. His anxiety quickly dissipated as he deduced it was Sunday, since his birthday dinner with Ditta had been on Saturday night. Danyal had his pickup basketball league at the community rec center on Sunday mornings and would be home by noon. Alex was happy Danyal wasn’t in the front row to see the train wreck he was today. He stepped into the shower to wash away his hangover.
Wiping the condensation off the mirror, Alex admired his reflection. His dirty blond hair, square jaw, chiseled facial features, and tightly groomed beard were what drew admirers to him. Ditta always said, “The pretty flower attracts the bees.” His lean, muscled body in gay culture would be labeled a “twunk”––a young, muscular gay man. However, Danyal referred to him as his “otter” due to his beard, the light body hair on his chest, and the happy trail leading down his sculpted abs. Alex smirked at his reflection; not bad for a day over twenty-five.
A fast-paced knocking at the front door abruptly disturbed his moment of solitude. Opening the door in a wet towel loosely wrapped around his waist, Alex proclaimed, “Danyal, you know every time you lock yourself out, you owe me a sexual favor of my choice. Quid pro quo.”
But to Alex’s chagrin, Danyal was not alone and stood beside him was a lean, balding African-American man in a three-piece suit, clutching a briefcase. Alex had never made this guy’s acquaintance, and wasn’t in the mood to now. He closed the door slightly to cover his nakedness, looking puzzled as he glared at Danyal for bringing a stranger to their door.
“Sorry,” said Danyal, “I forgot my keys again. Something weird is happening today. The whole city is in a blackout. All the power seems to be out.”
Alex widened his eyes and frowned. “I thought you’d be alone, Danyal.”
“It’s my fault, Professor Lieth,” said the stranger, “please pardon my intrusion. My name is Thomas Brynmor, Esquire. I’m the personal and lead corporate attorney for Ms. Ditta Dea. Since her passing, I need to meet with you to discuss her will.”
Alex’s heart jumped so fast it nearly burst out of his chest, as he realized the previous night’s events had been real. What they say about attorneys and vultures swarming while the body is still warm must be true. It had barely been twelve hours since Ditta made her dramatic exit from the stage.
“Are you going to let us in, Alex?” said Danyal.
Alex didn’t respond as he struggled to piece together the events of the past twenty-four hours.
Danyal stepped inside the apartment and nudged Alex with his elbow for his rudeness. Danyal whispered maybe Alex should get dressed before they talked with Mr. Brynmor. He gestured with his left arm to the small table with two chairs in the kitchen, inviting Mr. Brynmor to enter as he apologized for Alex’s behavior.
Alex walked into the bathroom and slammed the door behind him. The notifications on his phone showed ten missed messages from Thomas Brynmor. Fuck, this shit’s getting real. At least Danyal was home to support him through this drama.
Returning to the kitchen in a t-shirt and jeans, Alex sat at the table while Danyal stood leaning up against the counter. Mr. Brynmor fumbled to pull a laptop out of his briefcase. After turning it towards Alex to view, he realized the computer was not working.
“No worries, son,” said Mr. Brynmor. “I have a transcript you can review.” Thomas fumbled with the file before handing it to Alex.
This can’t be happening. Danyal can’t find out what Ditta told me this way.
“I’m sorry you wasted your time. I’ve no desire to be involved in Ditta’s affairs under any circumstances.”
“I can understand your hesitation, Dr. Lieth. This is a highly unusual situation.”
“You think?” said Alex sarcastically.
“If you won’t read it, Alex, I will,” said Danyal as he scooped up the file off the table before Alex could stop him.
“Danyal, please, don’t open that file.”
Once he’d opened the gates of Hades, the havoc released couldn’t be contained.
Danyal opened the file without hesitation and began reading aloud.
If you’re seeing this recording, Alex, I’ve moved on from this plane of existence, and you’ve survived your transformation into the Eros force. Although you may have mixed feelings about my passing, I can only imagine your confusion and questions about the changes happening in your body and life. I sincerely apologize for keeping you in the dark and for the abruptness of my revelations. I know my actions were selfish, and I should’ve prepared you better for the changes you will encounter. However, I assembled help for you in your transition and planned to provide support to help you learn and grow into your abilities. Mr. Brynmor will provide you with the details, as I’ve gathered a team of experts to guide and advise you on your journey. In addition, I’ve left you the financial resources needed to change your life. Mr. Brynmor will explain, and supply the details.
I wholeheartedly hope you love, learn, and lead humanity to a new phase of prosperity.
Danyal closed the file and looked at Alex as he raised one eyebrow. “What’s she talking about, Alex? What is the Eros force?”
Alex sat in silence, ignoring Danyal’s question. The words had been spoken, and the gates of hell were flung wide open, releasing demons into Alex’s perfect little world.
“Are you OK, Dr. Lieth?” asked Mr. Brynmor.
That might be the most loaded question ever uttered. “Am I supposed to be, OK? When did the fate of humanity and the universe last drop into your lap?”
“I can’t say I’ve had that experience, sir.”
After pausing briefly, Mr. Brynmor added that he must inform Alex of Ms. Dea’s steps to assist him. Alex was now the sole benefactor of all her assets, which included all her bank accounts, her personal antiquities collection, and business endeavors. The portfolio was far-reaching. Most businesses came under the umbrella of Palingenesis, LLC. PGC, as the board referred to the company, was a multi-billion-dollar corporation with offices and ventures across the globe. The corporation had opened its headquarters here in Boston. Mr. Brynmor noted PGC had a high rise as the regional headquarters for their business ventures, and that it housed many of their employees. Alex now had access to the fully furnished penthouse there as part of this property. A team of legal experts and financial advisers would be on hand to manage the day-to-day operations. In addition, Alex’s safety was paramount, and as of this moment, he would have a twenty-four-hour security team and guarded transportation at his disposal.
Alex sat motionless, staring at the file on the table. FUCK, FUCK, FUCK! What had happened to his life in the last twenty-four hours? How could things go to shit so fast? This must be a nightmare! WAKE UP!
Danyal walked over to Alex and stood behind him. He placed his hands on Alex’s shoulders, offering emotional support. “Do you need a break, Alex?”
Alex shook his head no. “Are you through, Mr. Brynmor?”
“Almost,” said Mr. Brynmor, as he added Ms. Dea had established teams of experts to assist him in areas she valued from her experiences. Thomas said he’d coordinated the legal team and had scheduled a meeting tomorrow to introduce Alex to the other team leaders, including spiritual development, emotional health, research/biotech development, and security.
Alex stared at the man across the table with a furrowed brow. “So you’re telling me I’m Bruce Wayne or Tony Stark?”
Mr. Brynmor laughed. “No, son, they’re fictional and mortal. You’re a god with more wealth than Bruce Wayne and Tony Stark combined.”
Hearing the “g” word out loud sent cold shivers down Alex’s spine. Alex appreciated Mr. Brynmor’s humor, but needed to figure out his next step––not to mention working on damage control with Danyal, whose silence scared Alex.
“I can see this is all overwhelming for you,” said Mr. Brynmor.
“Mr. Brynmor, you appear trustworthy, but I can’t wrap my mind around this. Where are the TV crew and cameras telling me this is all a prank?”
“This isn’t a prank, Dr. Lieth. Everything Ms. Dea and I told you is true.”
Alex replied there had been a mistake. He was an adjunct professor of twentieth-century literature who might be the most unqualified person to hold the universe together. He was the man for the job if you needed a lecture delivered or a paper graded. His priority was Danyal, and it was none of his business what happened to the rest of the world if his little corner was protected. Ditta should’ve made a better backup plan, because he had no intention of playing her game.
“Mr. Brynmor, if you would kindly gather your files and leave, I’d greatly appreciate it,” Alex said.
“I think that would be a mistake, Dr. Lieth. We ask that you give us one hour tomorrow to introduce you to the board and tour PGC headquarters. What harm could one hour of your day do?”
“I can’t blow off teaching my classes tomorrow to attend this meeting.”
Mr. Brynmor told Alex he had nothing to worry about, and apologized for not mentioning it, but PGC had obtained Starling University as one of their company holdings. Since Alex was now the boss, any changes he wanted to make at the university were within his power, so they would understand if he missed one lecture.
Alex felt like he was being bribed. The carrots being dangled in front of his face kept getting bigger and bigger. He felt like the devil was trying to buy his soul piece by piece.
“The answer is no; I’m not for sale,” said Alex.
Mr. Brynmor added that, with full disclosure, whether Alex came to this meeting or not, there would be a security officer in the hall around the clock, and plainclothes security following him whenever he ventured into public view.
“That information does not help me feel more secure, Mr. Brynmor.” Alex was starting to feel like a bird in a gilded cage.
To Alex’s surprise, Danyal spoke up. “If there’s one trait Alex has in abundance, he’s stubborn and won’t be pressured by a hard sales pitch. His answer is no, and we won’t attend your meeting. Please leave, Mr. Brynmor, and don’t return to our home again uninvited.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll respect Dr. Lieth’s wishes. May I at least leave you information about PGC’s resources and files on the staff for your review?”
Danyal sighed before responding, “Good day, Mr. Brynmor.”
Mr. Brynmor set his business card on the table before quietly leaving through the door Danyal held open. As soon as they were alone, Danyal closed the door and locked it before turning to see Alex lying on the bed sobbing and clutching Danyal’s pillow. Danyal said nothing but curled up next to Alex from behind, spooning and gently wrapping his arms around him. Although a gesture of love, Danyal’s embrace offered limited protection from the inferno of emotions growing in Alex.
Danyal and Alex lay intertwined on the bed until night had blanketed Boston. Alex hesitated to break the physical peacefulness of the moment. If he let go of his emotions, all hell would break loose. He could barely grasp the magnitude of his situation, and holding Danyal in a continued state of ignorance was cruel.
Alex spoke softly, “If there was ever a time to run for the hills and never return, I think it would be now.”
“How would we live?” asked Danyal, gently tightening his embrace.
“By our wits and off the land. You could open a little café, and I could teach English at the local school. It would be picturesque.”
Danyal gently kissed Alex’s neck.
Alex could only imagine what questions were going through his lover’s brain. His mind had been racing for hours, and he was no closer to having any answers.
Danyal quietly whispered in Alex’s ear, “This sounds like a fairytale. Who hasn’t wanted to be a superhero at some point? All I need to know is how I can be there for you after Ditta’s passing, and all the burdens that come with it.”
Alex paused. “You’re taking this well. I’m scared shitless.”
“If you’re scared, I’ll hold you till you feel less afraid. You’re still my Alex, above all else.” Danyal hesitated briefly before asking, “What scares you the most?”
“Everything. I like my world, my job, and us. It’s enough for me.”
“Then it’s enough for me, too,” said Danyal.
Alex rolled over on his side and made eye contact with Danyal. “So, you don’t have other questions? That would be a first, my handsome man.”
“Of course I have questions…such as, how you became a…god. And what’ll the future look like for us, and is this a blessing?”
“Blessing? It’s a curse.”
“Is it? We have goals and dreams that can now become reality. The resources you inherited could change our lives forever, and we could follow our passions. Not many people have the chance to do that in their lifetimes.”
Alex smiled. “So we’ll be Jimmy Carter and travel the world building houses and cafés?”
“If that’s what you want, I’d follow you anywhere, Alex Lieth. You could change the world.”
“We could change the world,” said Alex.
“Yes, we. You don’t have to decide right now. But, what would immediately make you feel better?” Danyal laughed as Alex’s stomach growled before he could even finish his question.
“I think I might need to eat.”
“Chinese?” asked Danyal.
“Yes, please.”
“I’ll place the order,” said Danyal as he began to stand from the bed, but was stopped by Alex, who pulled him back for one more embrace. “Don’t start anything you’re not ready to finish,” said Danyal.
Alex smiled and said, “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For being my rock in this crazy world.”
“I’ll put it on your tab,” said Danyal as he kissed Alex on the top of his head, before picking up his phone to order takeout.