“Those tales of human souls suffering an eternity in Hell are just myths perpetuated by religious leaders to keep the flocks in line. It’s true that human spirits have descended into Hades; but those belong to humans unfortunate enough to lead”—Videl gently rocked his head from side to side as if it were on a pivot—“less than exemplary lives.”
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| Artwork credit: Matt Ryan |
Videl sighed. “I have to abide by certain rules. I cannot snatch a soul unbidden. There are protocols to follow, which is why I require the client to willingly donate their soul. This is facilitated by an EEA—Even Exchange Agreement.”
“Okay.” Barney paused. “I know what you want. What do I get?”
“I can guarantee that you will not have to endure another minute in this school and you will attend M.I.T.,” said Videl.
“You said attend M.I.T. I want to enroll and graduate from M.I.T.”
Videl raised an eyebrow and seemed reflective. “Fine, you’ll attend and graduate from M.I.T. All you have to do is sign an EEA and”—he waited a half beat before continuing—“being a minor, get your mother’s signature as well.”
Barney let out a long exhalation. “Even if I were to agree to your deal, my mom never would.”
“Well, don’t be too hasty. I can be very persuasive.”
“I don’t want her hurt.”
“I will not harm your mother in any fashion,” avowed Videl. “Now, go about your day and we’ll finish our business later.”
Barney turned and placed his hand on the door handle. “I’ve still got to face Dirk.”
“He won’t be an issue. Consider it a show of good faith,” said Videl.
“Him you can hurt.” There was no reply; Videl had vanished. Barney hesitated a moment before slowly opening the door. He stared at a row of lockers. He stepped into the hall and realized he was across from his own locker, his jacket still in a heap on the floor. He spun around but there was no sign of a bathroom door, only a solid string of lockers.
The rest of his day was a fog as Barney struggled to make sense of his encounter with . . . with what? he thought. Do I honestly believe I met the Devil?
Nonetheless, his day proceeded without incident. Videl stayed true to his word; Barney did not see Dirk or his boys anywhere. In fact, no one had seen them since they had chased after Barney.
Barney arrived home from school that afternoon and entered through the kitchen, as he always did, expecting to find a snack set out by his mother. However, today the kitchen was empty.
“Mom,” he called.
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| Artwork Credit: Matt Ryan |
When Barney had left for school that morning, his mother looked her usual self: hair in a tight bun on the back of her head, a white blouse buttoned to the neck, a skirt hemmed just below the knees, and a pair of sensible loafers. But, there reclined his mother, hair cascading about her shoulders, blouse loosened three buttons, shoeless, feet propped on the coffee table.
“Mom, what are you doing?”
“Celebrating, silly,” sang Mary. “Mr. Videl, your new school administrator, stopped by this afternoon. Looks like you’re going to M.I.T. I already signed the consent form. Come sit with me and have a glass of sparkling cider.”
Barney gave a blank stare, but sat next to his mother on the couch.
END – EPISODE V
Mom seems to be on board but can Barney trust Videl? Come back next week, same bat time same bat channel.
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