I waited for months to see if I could get cast on this season’s “Shot through the heart.” The Game show where you could win the love of a Wealthy Bachelor. This time the lucky guy was Frances Lyle, A Millionaire from California.

When I got the call, I fainted right there on my Mother’s Kitchen floor. She had to pick up the receiver and get all of the details.

I woke up with my face stuck to the ugly orange linoleum that seemingly hadn’t been mopped in a few weeks.

“Sara Beth, get up here now. Go get your Daddy’s old bow and the arrows from the shed. This is your one shot at getting you a rich feller.”

I hated to admit it but she was right.

The show would start filming in four weeks. My Archery skills were good but needed to be better.

Momma dropped me off at the studio the day I was to take my shot. She leaned over and whispered in my ear. She always advised me in secret as if the FBI were listening.

All I had to do was shoot my arrow right in the center of the target they had projected on the ceiling.

The announcer finally called for me “Sara Beth Ransomhigher please join us on the stage to take your shot at love.”

The crowd cheered.

The stage was set up so neatly, reminded me of an old alien movie. Once I was positioned on the platform, I pulled my arrow back, turned quickly and let it fly – right into Frances’ arm. Momma came in wielding an AK47 and I won Frances Lyle’s heart that way.

“Strategy girl, that’s what I’ve always told you. Momma wouldn’t steer ya wrong.”

That Station Wagon was all over the road on the way home. Frances’ tried to grab the wheel But, Momma gave him some of that medicine she keeps to help him sleep.

We met my uncle about an hour away from the house and jumped in the truck with him.

Momma burned that old wagon, said we had no more use for it. Momma knows best plus we we’re rich now. I won my Bo fair and square.

I snuck off from the crowd to meet him because I had to. Actually, I could stand to get away from the loud music, the soul train line and my drunken uncles that only showed up for the booze. The way they conducted themselves led me to believe their veins were still running with cold blood. Maybe they should have just remained with the others that chose that life.

I took a deep breath when I finally made it past the parking lot and onto the grass. It seemed like another world, the stars twinkling, the steam rising from the swamp over the horizon. I kicked off my Cinderella shoes, as my niece called them and ran barefoot through the field.

My speed was better than ever and maybe it was because of the vows I had just taken. My Father told me this would happen.

I shed my silk dress and dropped down on my belly now slithering across the prickly turf. Following our Reptilian King’s distinct hiss down the muddy bank. I had been drawn to his call since my coming of age. Our meeting would validate the blood warming that had to take place for my marriage to work. A cultural ritual for those of us that chose the more anthropoid route.

My human brain thinking “hurry”. I could hear the rustling of his pant legs against the tall blades of green. My new husband was looking for me just as I expected.

Over the loud speaker, The DJ was announcing that he would be introducing the Bride and Groom in a matter of moments.

With a drawn out hiss, I was diminished from the Elite Reptile Kingdom. Back in my gown and glowing from happiness, I met Scott in the field. “I just needed a moment love. Shall we?” I took his hand and we walked back into the venue. “Your hand feels slimy.” I looked at him directly in the eyes and smiled. He should be more careful. I’d hate for him to crap out.

The sound of the windshield wipers gave me a peaceful feeling. The rain beat down on the car’s roof. The headlights made each drop look like a liquid diamond beaming off of the pavement. My wife sat next to me staring out of the window, smiling as she blindly put her hand on top of mine. It was our first night out since the twins were born. Our long time neighbor and her husband gifted us a night at the movies as an anniversary present. We had fun but I was glad to be back home.

“I’m coming around to get you.” I moved my hand and reached in the back seat for my oversized umbrella. Shutting the car off, I opened the door, put my feet on the black top and ran to her side, splashing all the way.

“Come on dear.” I held it high enough to make sure she was completely covered.

“Always the gentleman.” She smiled. We moved closer to the front porch. Out of nowhere, we were ambushed!

“Buster!” I dropped the umbrella leaving Sabrina exposed to the elements. “I hate that dog! I hate every dog!” I ran to the door. She snapped her fingers and he came to her. There wasn’t an animal she didn’t know. She patted him while I escaped my nightmare. Once behind the screen door, I waited for her to enter.

“Honey, you’re smoking!” The cold rain against her warm flesh was letting off steam. “What is wrong with you?” I was terrified at the sight.

“Bob, Celeste, look at Sabrina! What is going on?” Bob grunted and walked back to the Living room, slid back into my recliner and picked up the remote. Celeste smiling from ear to ear picked up both babies. “I take it that was your first time at the drive in? The popcorn is especially buttery.” Now that she mentioned it, I don’t recall seeing that theater before.

“Hello Sheriff, my name is Oliver Santiago. I am calling from Humble, TX. My daughter and her friends are in your neck of the woods. I haven’t heard from her in nearly three days. Something isn’t right!”

“Slow down Mr. Santiago. Do you know where they were staying? Are they here on business or pleasure?”

“It’s an Air BNB. I’m sorry, I don’t know the name of it. She did send me a picture. She said the place was beautiful and wanted to share it with her old Pops. If you give me your email address, I can send it to you. Maybe you will be able to recognize it. The place sits under Shasta and behind a Church. Ever since she was a child, she dreamed of climbing that mountain. The trip was a graduation gift from her Mother and I. She made all the plans, we provided the funding.”

“Sure, I understand. I’m going to put you on a brief hold.”

“I’m back now Mr. Santiago. I think I have it, let’s see…. Ah yes, I know the place and rather well. That’s the Hildebrandt home; Lovely piece of property. Give me your contact information and hers. I’m sure there’s nothing to worry about. You know how kids can be. I will ride out there and check around. I’ll give you a call back as soon as I lay eyes on ‘em.”

“Thank you Sheriff.”

“Oh and Mr. Santiago, one last thing. Folks around here don’t send their eighteen- year- old daughters out on adventures across state lines. You may want to reconsider next time you and your wife come up with such a brilliant idea. Good day, Sir.”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

“Sheriff Hildebrandt?”

“What now Roy?”

“Can I just take one selfie with the girl, Please? The pretty one?”

THE END

Randabell was a beautiful Egyptian Butterfly created half by human. Her hair an unblemished chestnut, Jewels permanently affixed to her brow. Her features were flawless. There was no other like her across the land. Whenever she took a step a majestic glow of pastels covered the realm. Her wings flapped sporadically, causing her to giggle. She covered her mouth knowing what the dulcet tone of her happiness did to the others.

The Ascetics were pushed back into their huts by the unknown force that accompanied her glee. She was Born to a Despot who ruled the Manighaly forest. His life disappearing from him as his daughter emerged from her incubator. Locals spent many hours trying to figure out how the man inoculated himself into her chrysalis causing the eruption of one so exquisite.

She kept in her possession a small Red Beryl that regularly, she would pull from her gullet and gaze upon. A beam of light would radiate from the gem into her eyes. Once the connection was made between the two, the trees would fill with a surplus of Salak fruit.

She would fly off into the distant blue and hover there until she could muster up enough air to send a gust of her sweet-smelling breath across the lids causing every piece of the nourishment to drop to the Earths floor. The folk covered their ears and ran to retrieve the very thing that kept them alive, a manna of sorts.

Unable to understand her design and with no teacher. She realized that she didn’t fit in anywhere. She chose to devote herself to the very people her father tried to destroy; A spiritual message from an unloved one disguised as a vision. After all, he was her father, his eternity disheartening. He was ordered to pay a restitution that he personally could not fulfill.

Nervously, I whipped my 1970 Nova into the only parking spot left in the lot. I called her “Lisa”. The Chevy not the parking spot.

I was dripping with sweat; No air, this Minnesota heat and my outfit, not a good combination.

I opened the door, dinging the car next to mine as I reached into the backseat for my guitar. The weight of the door caused it to ricochet and hit me square in my butt. I looked to see if anyone witnessed my fiasco.

An Ex-girlfriend of mine worked for a local radio station and told me about the audition. It was by appointment only, no general public. I considered myself lucky.

The front desk attendant checked my I.D. then stood up to escort me back. I was willing to bet she wasn’t even five feet tall. A trend around here, maybe?

We went into a room with concrete flooring, the center covered by a purple, velure rug. A long metal table sat next to a wall containing a mirrored window. Someone had to be watching from the other side. 

“Stand there.” She pointed towards the rug. “And do your thing.”

This was by far the oddest audition I had ever been to. However, it was the most important performance of my life.

I pulled “Wendy” out of her rugged, leather case and strummed her until my fingers hurt. I shut my eyes, leaned back and fantasized that I was on stage with the G.O.A.T.

Suddenly the door flew open. It slammed against the wall so hard, I thought the knob broke through the drywall.

“Bravo! Bravo!” Clapping uncontrollably, he emerged from his hide-a-way.

He reached his arm up and placed it around my shoulder, tickling me with the lace on his sleeve cuff. He held my own portfolio picture in front of my face. “You’re style is captivating.” He made a slight giggling noise, fitting to his character.

“Prince.” I could barely get his name out, crying. I didn’t think I would be face to face with the man!

“It’s been so lonely without you here.” He sang to me in approval of my guitar skills. “You know I wrote that for Sinead, don’t you? You are what this band has been missing!”

He hopped happily and with a skip and a jump, I was part of THE REVOLUTION!

“What? Are you in to this kind of stuff?” I had been teaching school for a long time and seen more than my fair share of creepy kids but, this boy took the cake.

I passed him in the hallways over the years; didn’t see him as a problem child. Though, how he managed to get himself placed into my Pre-Algebra class as a Senior blew my mind. 

I asked the group to pull out their notebooks for a homework check. Ronald slammed his on the desk which prompted me to give him a little extra attention. Normally, I wouldn’t comment on how they chose to decorate their folders but, I disapproved of his stickers. Especially the demonic one.

“What if I am?” His cold stare sent chills down my spine.

“Then I guess you are.” I rolled my eyes at him. “See me after class.”

He mumbled something under his breath. 

The bell rang at exactly 3:20 pm just like it did every day. I heard the Diesel engines roar as the buses pulled off.

“I guess you’re going to take me home.”

“Where do you live?”

“Coppertown.”

I knew of the place, they called it “The Snakes” because of all the slime that resided there. 

“Yeah, I’ll take you. You know why I asked you to stay, don’t you?”

“I have my ideas.”

I took a sticker just like the one he had out of my desk drawer.

“My daughter went missing last Spring and I found this among her possessions. What does it mean, Ronald?”

“It means life has knocked you down. The only way to get back up is to accept the fact you have fallen.”

A numbness went through my legs as they gave way. 

“You wretched woman. You are amongst the low.”

His eyes burned a deep red. I gripped the edge of my desk to try and pull myself up.

“Don’t bother. You will now take your place in my family along side your daughter.”

So, yeah.. I got up enough nerve to ask Peggy Sue to the school dance. She was new, only been in town a couple of months. People thought her and her brothers were a little strange. I liked her. It was my last year in Middle School and I had really mastered the “Mashed Potato”, maybe a little ashamed that my Grandmother taught me the moves though.

I waited for her at the double doors that led into the gymnasium. I could hear the music blaring – Chubby Checkers “Twist”. Barely kept my feet still.

I blushed when she walked up. My cheeks were normally red because I was chunky and always hot.

She raised my temperature, looking astonishing in her pink poodle skirt and black patent-leather loafers. Her ponytail was flawless. Ooooh weeee…

I followed her lead when she took my hand and we waited for a bit in a oddly perfect single file line, something my peers and I couldn’t master on a school day.

I noticed her brothers at the front, helping kids through a door flashing with luminescent lights. I thought it was all part of the awesomely themed dance “Time to Glow”.

Roger, the school nerd; we always sat together at lunch, stood with his back to me. I tapped him on the shoulder. He turned to look. At first all I could see were his broken glasses, tape holding them together, barely balancing on his pointy nose.

When I realized his eyes were glazed over, I ran so fast towards the exit. The exercise made me think twice about ever having donuts for supper again.

By the time I exited the front door, Peggy Sue and her other brothers were already there waiting to escort me back. Out of breath, I gave in but, not before getting a glance of the night sky and the monstrous, silver, metal, disc hovering above the building.

Outlined were children being drug into the UFO by a beam of light. I tried to fight but my Sunday shoes made it even easier for them to pull me in. When it was my turn to enter and rightfully so, I could hear Jackie Wilson playing through the speakers. “Your love is lifting me higher.” This wasn’t my night.

BACKWOODS ELIXIR

The Summer the state took me away from my parents, I went to stay with my Grandmother in a squalid trailer on Log Cabin Road – Uncanny, I know.

I was new to the area, didn’t have any friends and wasn’t good at making them.

I spent most of my time gallivanting through the woods. I could walk for hours, barefoot if I had too. I’d done it before – Nothing new to a poor boy like myself.

My Grandfather’s old walking stick helped me to clear the tree debris from my path. 

The day I discovered a creek with a rowboat on the other side, oars and all – I decided to go on a downstream adventure. I was so excited I could see the hairs on my arms stand up.

Like any good outdoorsman, I didn’t trust the unknown. I journeyed across the murky water by letting the cane feel the dirt floor in front of me to insure each step was safe. I didn’t want to be swept away

Every time it found the bottom, muddy water erupted to the surface.  Strange thing was, it sparkled. I looked closer and realized it was mixed with small flakes, Gold shavings!

I scooped up all I could and ran back to my Grandmother!

“Old Momma, we can finally leave this piece of nothing! Look what I found! – Gold!”

My Grandmother began to chant and cast what appeared to be a spell upon the substance. 

“Oh child, that’s not gold.” She waved her hands in the air and turned her body around in circles causing me to feel dizzy.

She took a solution out of her herb cabinet, added the gold and then forced me to drink it along with her.

I gagged, disgusted by the taste and smell.

“This here is drinking gold. We can’t get rich off of it. But, we can become immortal.”

“Take it back! I don’t want any part of this.” I screamed.

My Grandmother’s wrinkled old hands grabbed for her own throat as she violently shook all the way to the ground.

I was next. Oh, the tales these folks told. Immortal was never an option for either of us.

I felt like I spent the entire year of 2020 searching for something.

Whether it was electricity after the tornado in March or someone to help who lost more than just power.

Then it became all to clear that coronavirus was going to effect us all. We began to search for toilet paper, hand sanitizer and even certain foods. But, most of all we began to search for peace of mind which I don’t think any of us has yet to find.

In August, my husband who worked in health care brought the virus home to me and our son. I searched for answers and guidance in a situation which there was none.

September, Covid pneumonia set in and I searched for someone to comfort me in my lonely hospital room, bringing me closer to GOD whom I never had to search for because HE was always there.

I searched for reasons to see my family during the holidays but what I found was a deeper love for them. A love that prevented me from attending the much anticipated events of the season.

I searched for the children whom I love dearly in hopes we could once again have church service the way we used to. That wasn’t an option for me as I searched for the security and safety measures that would assure we would all be okay. But, just like guidance, there was no guarantee of this.

Finally, on Christmas Day, I searched for other human beings as all of our phone, internet and television services were lost because of a senseless bombing to the AT&T building downtown. What I did find that day was selfless and heroic actions by law enforcement to save the lives of others.

I know that I’ve missed so much in between these events. But, what I’m thankful for is the idea that searching will almost always lead you to a find, even if it’s not what you were searching for.

GOD bless 2021!