I always had this moment where I would wake up not knowing what happened to me prior to sleeping. It was a temporary amnesia; a blissful ignorance that prevented me from carrying the plague of reality. I laid on the huge and soft mattress that I never remembered lying down on before. There was a fluffy gray duvet on top of me, carrying a different scent of soap from what Samantha uses on her laundry. The white wooden ceiling with intricate carvings was too posh to be Kennedy's room.

I slowly sat up with my distress growing on the double. My eyes immediately landed on the life-size human statue at the corner of the room. It was sitting on a throne-like upholstered black velvet chair with a golden frame. Its muscular leg was placed over the other. Its chin was leaned against its fist with the elbow propped on its thigh. The statue looked like The Thinker Statue but more enhanced, more life-like, more alive, and more attractive. Like really attractive. It was a huge statue, perhaps if it was built standing it would be at least seven feet or more. The silver wig they used on its head only made it appear closer to being a real human. Why was it naked though?

I shifted uncomfortably in my spot. The smile on the statue's lips seemed to grow the longer I stared at it.

"You're making me uncomfortable..." I mumbled.

The statue leaned back. "Oh, my apologies, dear–"

"EYAAAAH!"

I dove under the covers. Dread took over my being as I feared for the worst. He wasn't a statue! He just appeared to be one because of the flawless skin stretching over his perfectly toned muscles as if it was sculpted by Micelangelo himself.

Why did he kidnap me? I had never seen him in this town before. I remembered going to church yesterday but I couldn't recount how I got home or when I parted with Raphael.

The unflawed man chuckled. Was there a pervert on the loose? Why haven't I heard of this? Was he starting his career of being a well-known criminal and I was his first victim?

"Please do not hurt me! Let us talk this over and perhaps go to therapy together!"

"Oh sweetheart you got it all wrong!" He removed the duvet in such a debonair manner. I screamed even more when I found that there was only a leaf covering his virile member. How did the leaf even stick there? Did he use gorilla glue?!

"Get away from me you evil man! Do not inflict your childhood trauma on me!"

"Please this is all a misunderstanding!" he tried to console, raising his hand in defense before clearing his throat and bowing like a noble asking for a dance. "Greetings! My name is Thomas. I am a professional masseur, matchmaker, dressmaker, homemaker, shoemaker, bedmaker, and never a widow-maker!"

Samael burst through the door with a stultified expression. "That's my job. But what the hell are you doing? I told you to wear some goddamn clothes."

"My apologies, clothes are too stuffy for me and I do believe that if one has something to show they should show it proudly to the world!"

My classmate palmed his face. "Can't accuse ya' of being an exhibitionist when your dick is covered, can I?" He picked up a discarded shirt from the floor, throwing it at the stranger. "Wear it while you're here if you don't want to have another circumcision done by Luci– my uncle."

The silver-haired man squeezed through the shirt. I heard a couple of threads snapping as he struggled to put the shirt on. The moment he got some sweatpants covering everything that I definitely did NOT want to see, my tensed muscles loosened and I released a sigh of relief. Samael noticed the obvious shift in me and he snorted.

"Come on ya' virgin, you're too obvious. Wash your face and help me set up the table for dinner."

Samael hauled Thomas away, leaving me in a state of befuddlement. Was I still half asleep? I was still trying to remember how I got here but my efforts were futile. I headed outside the room after making the bed. Samael pointed at the cupboards while he tasted his spaghetti sauce.

Thomas and Samael were murmuring something at each other. They weren't making much effort of concealing what they were talking about.

"Why don't you order spaghetti from Esau in Sodom's street?"

"Lucifer said the kid might get a stomach ache because of the special ingredient they used on the sauce there."

"What secret ingredient?"

"The liver of a palestine viper."

Thomas stepped back. "Isn't that poisonous?"

Why do I feel like I was hearing something I shouldn't hear?

The entrance door of the apartment opened. A smile instantly grew on my lips upon seeing Mister Wall. His nonchalant expression broke into kindness and warmth, taking me into his arms with a long sigh.

"You fainted outside the church. I'm so glad you're okay. It's a miracle that the bees didn't attack you. You would have suffered the same fate as the others."

I pulled away, staring at him wide-eyed. "Bees? Are they okay?"

His eyes lowered. He waved his head. "They didn't make it. They were pronounced dead when they got into the emergency room."

My hands curled against his chest, the flood of happiness I had dried up quickly and was replaced by a surge of guilt. I still couldn't remember anything. Did I hit my head somewhere? If I recalled the details, I would feel much worse.

"I was there yet I couldn't save them. I let them down."

Mister Wall cupped my cheek. "It's not your fault, Keetan. It was God's will. No one wanted this to happen."

God's will?

Was this really His will?

My Lord did not spare a single one of His believers. It was His will that led to their deaths.

I pushed down the guilt and the Weltschmerz. I was in Mister Wall's home. I shouldn't bring the blahs and tire them out.

Mister Wall took me home after dinner. It was the most catastrophic dinner I've been into; Samael and Thomas kept throwing pasta at each other. Mister Wall was already used to the chaotic duo and ate quietly while serving me more food that I could bear.

That leaf on Thomas' crotch will forever be a mystery to me. Was it tape that kept the leaf in place? Was I the only one who had this kind of question?

"Keetan!" Samantha shouted in worry.

There was a sense of deja vu here. I always worried Derek and Samantha to death. She engulfed me into her motherly embrace, filling my ear with whispers of comfort. I returned her embrace, not knowing what to say anymore. It was one bad thing to another. I carry a cursed baton wherever I go, bringing misfortunes to everyone.

"Oh baby, I am so sorry for what happened. It's not your fault, okay? It will never be your fault." Samantha gave way for Derek to hug me next.

"Boss, thanks for taking care of Keetan," Derek said.

Mister Wall was smiling. "It's not a big deal for me. Keetan can treat me as his father...I encourage him to call me daddy."

I looked away, sensing the rush of blood to my cheeks. Samantha and Derek didn't know the dirty meaning behind it as they chuckled with such adoration and admiration. "You're such a sweet man Mister Hellion. I'm sure Keetan won't mind if he does call you that, isn't that right sweetie?"

I shook my head furiously. Even if I ended up in hell (which I pray dear Lord I wouldn't) I will never call Mister Wall like that.

"Well, I'll leave Keetan in your hands. I will see you tomorrow, Keetan," Mister Wall bid.

"Thank you again, boss." Derek bowed slightly in gratitude.

I followed Mister Wall out of the house and to his car. I wanted to see him off. Seeing him go made me feel lonely but I could not keep him here with me. The more the people around me suffered, the more I wanted less of their presence because I feared for their safety.

"Good night, sir," I murmured.

Mister Wall bent down and kissed my cheek. My lips went ajar from his show of affection but made me even more confused. "Good night, my sweetheart." He patted my head, turning away to get inside his car.

Don't go...

Don't go Mister Wall...

I brought my arm up to reach out to him. My mouth seemed to have a life of its own as it produced the words that were dying to go out of my brain.

"Don't leave me..."

But at such luck the door was already slammed shut. There was no way Mister Wall heard that.

I bowed my head in disappointment. I was afraid to ask for more because I didn't know what I was to him and even if I knew, it was immoral of me to implore for another man's affection.

"That's sad..."

I jolted. Thomas (who was thankfully wearing something) stood behind me. He was wearing a formal tuxedo and people would probably think of him as a celebrity.

"Mister Thomas?"

"Hello darling. I'm just here to say farewell."

When did he get here? Should he even be here?

"Oh um...goodbye then?"

Thomas sighed with an all-knowing-smile. "You love him, don't you?"

I blushed hard. Was I really that obvious? "I...I don't know what you're talking about."

"You're talking to a professional matchmaker and love advisor here. Don't lie. Would you like to be my godchild?"

"Huh? Um...I would have to pass on that."

"Are you sure?" He pushed on.

"Yes?"

Thomas chuckled. "Is that a question or an answer?"

I sighed in exasperation. "It's because I don't understand your question sir!"

Thomas laughed. "Of course, this isn't the Disney era after all. Only a handful of people believe in a happily ever after now."

"I'm sorry, sir, I don't get what you–"

"I retired from my godfathering service a few years ago. I am now a freelancer!" Thomas stopped to think for a minute. "I should add freelancer to my professional expertise."

I held my head from the occurring headache. I didn't know being a godfather is considered work these days.

Thomas bowed. "Greetings! I am Thomas. I am an expert fashion designer, a professional match-maker, love advisor, sex educator and freelancer. Would you like a dildo?"

A what? Dodo?

Thomas straightened his built body, taking my hands in his. "Don't let that man's heart be broken once more or else his heart will be harder than ever before."

Who would ever break his heart? What happened to his previous lover? But just the same... "We are both males..." I reasoned out.

Thomas clicked his tongue. "You don't have to have boobs and a vagina to be with a man. Tell me, who do you value more: Mister Hellion or God? Because if you love God more than Hellion, you should have avoided him right from the very start. A human has to fight for acceptance, salvation, and overall perfection— much like an angel. But once you make a wrong move, you'll fall out of heaven. You are disowned."

"You're saying I should choose Mister Wall?"

Thomas smirked. "Yes, I ship the two of you."

"Ship? Where are you shipping us to?"

Thomas laughed. "No, I mean I love your pair with him. And if only I can use my mag- oh never mind. Just think about it."

He made it seem that there wouldn't be any consequences. He acted freely. He didn't care what other people would think. He was similar to Samael.

"Thomas...do you believe in God?"

He awkwardly looked at me before answering: "I do."

"Then...why do you defy him?"

He crossed his arms over his broad chest. "Because I love being a pervert. It brings me joy."

"Say that again?" That was all? He was willing to burn in hell just for the sake of being a sexually preoccupied person?

"And primarily because I believe that love has no boundaries and that I love my dear husband," he added.

How could they be so reckless? Didn't they want to be saved from the fiery depths of hell? Thomas ruffled my hair playfully.

"Heaven is good but... I prefer to live where my home is. If you ever get a change of heart, just say the words: Bibbidi Bobbiddi boo!"

I closed my eyes. "I don't get how saying Bib-" I was cut short when I found myself alone. There was a mere leaf falling slowly in front of me.

"Thomas?" I called out. Where did he go? I caught the leaf in my hand, bringing it to my nose. It smelled like pineapple.

Wait, why did I do that?!

This might be the leaf he was wearing earlier!

I threw the leaf in horror, watching it fall.

"Son, what are you standing there for?" Derek called out.

I looked around in search of Thomas but there was no trace of him. It was impossible for a man as big as him to quickly move and hide. I need to sleep this off.

...

...

...

"It's time for school," I mumbled, releasing a big yawn. I didn't get any sleep at all. I was up all night overthinking about my relationship with Mister Wall, Thomas' leaf, and my faith.

Kennedy groaned, pulling the covers over his head. "Nooo...five minutes more."

I frowned. "Your five more minutes will turn into five more hours."

"And your I love my Lord will turn to I lost Mister Wall praise the Lord!" he spat.

I glared at him. "What are you saying?"

Kennedy took the covers off and pouted at me. "I saw how you reached out for him last night and you were standing outside arguing with yourself."

Arguing with myself? "No, I was talking with someone."

Kennedy scrunched his eyebrows. "You were alone last night, Keetan. No one was with you when Mister Hellion left. And here I thought I was the one with a screw loose."

Wha?

Was I going nuts?

Do I need a psychiatrist? I heard there was a great psychiatrist in L.A., Dr. Samuel Corrigan. I'd have to discuss this with Derek and Samantha once I get my wits together. Wait...but if I do get my wits together then, I wouldn't need to go to a psychiatrist.

Derek dropped me to school. I was never a zombified student. I always had a complete 8 hours of sleep but these days were so hectic; I feel exhausted. I could practically eat brains with how zombified I was.

"Keetan!" Edward waved at me with Ethan behind him.

Tsk...zombie no like. Guy no brains...

Ugh! What in the world was I thinking? Insulting a person is a sin! Stop it Keetan!

"Hey, you look pale. Did something happen? I heard about the news yesterday. I hope you weren't there, Keet," he said worriedly.

"Yeah man, it was creepy. It was one hell of a thunderstorm. I never heard such angry booms. It was no wonder the streets got wrecked."

I gave them a smile, grateful for their concerns. "I'm fine..."

"Hey, let me carry your bag," Edward offered, snatching my bag from my arm before I could even approve of his actions. He slung my bag to his other arm and grinned at me. "Let's go."

I was too tired to protest so I nodded. We went into our classroom before saying goodbye to Ethan who was in a different class. Edward placed my bag on my desk, intimidating Brittany who was supposed to ask me something about an assignment.

"Edward...don't do that," I scolded.

"Oh haha, sorry," he laughed sheepishly. "Uhh Keetan?"

I was taking out my book when I replied with "Hm?"

"Sorry for last time. I guess I was just jealous of you know who."

I gave him an awkward look. "There's nothing to be jealous about. I don't have a relationship with you know who."

Edward's aura suddenly hyped. "So uh does that mean-"

"And you don't have a chance because you know my faith, Edward."

His enthusiastic atmosphere came crashing down. He slumped against his chair and brooded.

The class started with Edward's depression radiating to me. It was affecting my inspiration to absorb knowledge like a sponge; furthermore, my eyes became rebellious as they kept shutting. The bell rang, sending my heartbeat into a frenzy. Thank God I was finally awake for Mister Wall's class.

I needed to make sure I was fully awake for his class. "I'll go to the washroom," I said to Edward who didn't spare me a glance.

There was no one in the lavatory. I twisted the knob of the faucet, cold water came streaming down. I cupped my hands to gather the cool water and splashed it on my face. My head snapped to the entrance when the door was slammed with so much force.

"Edward?"

He had his hands clenched at his sides. He looked like a psycho hopeless romantic who just got dumped by the girl he was obsessing himself with– except I was a boy. The hairs on my nape stood because of the glare he gave me.

"Why won't you give me a chance?"

I sighed. "How persistent can you get?"

Edward walked towards me. I stood firmly on my ground. He wouldn't hurt me. He wasn't that–

He grabbed my face, sandwiching my cheeks in his hands and prevented me from looking away. "Edward, what are you doing?!" He held my arms in a painful grip, kissing my neck and unbuttoning my shirt.

"Edward, stop!" Something was wrong with him. He didn't feel like Edward.

I kicked his shin and ran past him only to be grabbed by the waist. He slammed me against the wall, my back facing him.

"I really love you Keetan! Please give me a chance."

I don't want this. His hands and kisses disgusted me. I didn't want him. I only wanted Mister Wall.

"What the--"

Samael hauled Edward away from me, tossing him back with one hand without effort.

"Not cool."

I hugged myself. The shivers continued to remind me of what Edward tried to accomplish today. Samael turned to me and sighed. "Come on. Let's get out of here. Let's go to class."

I shook my head. "Ple–Please...take me to Mi–Mister Wall."

Edward growled; his voice was deeper than usual. He lunged forward, running in the form of a four-legged predator. Samael kicked him at the chest, sending him crashing against the wall that shattered the tiles.

"Bitch! Don't you know who I am? Get out of there before I castrate you out!" he snapped. Samael opened the door and escorted me to Mister Wall's cubicle in the faculty room.

"Wait here, I'll grab him."

I pulled my legs to my chest, keeping my eyes peeled open in case Edward followed us here.

It felt like an eternity before sir came.

"Keetan?"

When I heard his deep and soothing voice, I scrambled forward, tripping even. Mister Wall caught me, lifting my legs so that I could wrap them around his waist and cling to him like a koala.

I didn't want to trouble him. I didn't want to take advantage of his kindness.

But I need him.

I couldn't live a day without him.

"Ho–Hold me sir."

He sat on the sofa, cradling me. "It's okay sweetheart. I'm here. I'll take care of you..."

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