The Reasonable Man

I had finally become a reasonable man. My journey of becoming a good man was accompanied by events that could annihilate me, but I turned my failure into motivation.

In September 1985, I put the final nail in the coffin when I invited "The White Lady" (Ms. Free Base-Crack Cocaine).
I was willing to do anything for that monstrous first high.

I was on my worst behavior, which was the lowest part of life when I was residing in Gaithersburg, Maryland. I was not performing frequently. I was doing forbidden things, and I didn't even realize that my career was on stake. I used to travel state-to-state for the smuggling of cocaine.

My life flipped when one night, I was picking up and dropping off a package of cocaine, and the involved person got killed. Even though I had nothing to do with his death but the police found my number in his pocket. So after 19 days, I was charged with an atrocious crime of murder. However, I had pleaded to the allegations of theft and robbery. I was sentenced for four years, suspended for 18 months, and was bound to spend three years of supervised probation in a local pre-release center (PRC). When I arrived there, my supervisor tested me by sending me to put gas in his car. I'm glad that I made the right decision and didn't deceive him.
I come from humble beginnings, and I thank my mother and grandparents for teaching me things like cooking and barbering. These skills proved beneficial for me in that period. After returning, I was allowed to continue barbering, and I was made to cook for at least 60 days. My fellows and supervisors loved my cooking. Everybody at the release center treated me with love and compassion. Their loving gestures instilled hope in myself, and I had quenched the belief in myself, which had run dry. I knew I needed to become a better man now. I was allowed to go home after 60 days. However, I had to provide the contact number and address where I was spending my weekend.
My wife has been my faithful companion in both good and bad times. She has stuck with me through thick and thin. I've been married to her for more than 28 years, and we know each other for more than 40 years. I was her first boyfriend. I'm proud of her and our children, and most importantly, I'm more than grateful for a beautiful family that has my back. I stayed with them on the weekends as my mother was too afraid to let me stay at her place as the mob might be looking for me there.
Because of my good behavior, I was allowed to work in the daytime too. I knew the owner of Eyre Bus service, so I started riding his school from Monday to Friday. Working on weekdays and spending quality time with my family on weekends made me feel content and happy. It's been 35 years, and I'm still a part-time bus driver. I'm delighted to have a peaceful life where I have a beautiful family and flexible work.
I joined the Mount Gregory United Methodist Church in Cooksville, Maryland, and stated the youth choir there while I was in PRC. This church was special to me as it was my family church.
My life choices may not appear ideal for a lot of people, but I have no regrets. If I didn't make those choices, I would not be here living my best life. In 1985, I could have chosen to let myself stay devastated, but I decided to walk on God's path. He blessed my life when I found him, and he proved to be my faithful companion.

Prince of Darkness 8

8

READ PART 7
After a frightening and stressful night, I woke up and got ready for school. I made my breakfast, took my bag, and started moving out.
Then suddenly, mom said, "Good luck!"

I turned around, looked at her, and again started walking. Well, she never said 'Good Luck,' then why today?
This gave me a bad feeling.
              I took my bike and started moving. I then stopped at our favorite site, the tower. I remembered that horrible scene when crows attacked us. I looked around—no sign of those crows.
I took a sigh and started paddling again. It was all, like, normal. There was no evil, ordinary people, usual places, everything, healthy.
It was good to see that. I finally reached the school, saw Peter waiting for me.
"She's absent today also," he said.
"Who?" I asked.
"Jennifer! You idiot," he said.
"What? Why?" I asked, "She never got absent without telling us!"
He nodded.
Well, this was not good. I really wanted to talk to her. Maybe she had any idea about what happened to us that day.
The class was already started, so we rushed to our classroom.
"You are late, students." The teacher said, "Well, sit on your benches."
We sat on our desks.
It was a biology class—my favorite. I'd never bunked any of my biology classes. But, this time, I was like… It seemed like he was speaking another language. I didn't understand a word. Or perhaps, I didn't listen to any. Because I was just thinking about what happened in that house. I was still figuring out whose voice that could be.
Someone may be my enemy, but I don't have any.
Any prankster? But he must have shown up after scaring us.
A ghost? Nah, they don't exist.
              I still had a doubt that Peter was fooling me. But he couldn't act so natural, not obviously for such alone time.
It was a lunch break. I was sitting on my desk. Peter came to me.
"You do not have your lunch…" he said, "Can I ask the reason?
"Are you sure you're not kidding me?" I said, "Well if you do, I know you're doing."
"Dude! Are you serious?" he said "I already told you, I'm not fooling you! You want proof, huh?"
"Well, no…I trust you…sort of…" I said, hesitatingly, "Okay, show me the proof."
              He showed me his neck. There were marks of fingers that someone grabbed his throat.
"I didn't make these with a pencil…" he said.
"Okay, okay, I trust you," I said.
"Yeah, now you do." he replied, "Wait, let me bring my lunch."
              He went to bring his lunch. But, then I saw Valerie, a classmate of mine, coming towards me. She looked curious as to if she wanted to ask something, or perhaps, she knew something.

READ PART 9 continue......

Prince of Darkness 7

7

READ PART 6

The book was all about a demon. They called it SATAN. According to the book, SATAN is nothing but just a soul. A dark soul who wants to defeat the mighty God and take over Heaven.

But, as it was just a soul, it couldn't do anything. Because the way to Heaven from hell goes through earth. So, SATAN has to come to earth, acquire a living body, and do some magical stuff that will lead him to God.
I was surprised to see that all the magical stuff and procedure was written in the book. I couldn't understand it, it was in some other language.
              But why was it that there? It's just a storybook, right?
Well, as I read on further, new frightening stuff reveled.
It was written that if SATAN reached to Heaven, the whole world would be under his control. If SATAN reaches God, nothing is stopping him.
From then onwards, dark powers will rule the world. And the world will no more be the world. Instead, it will become a HELL, well, HELL Part two.
              But what I read further was just crazy.

It was written that when the SATAN steps on earth, three people will be warned to stop him.
              Those three people will get signs that something is not right on the planet. Like they will get dreams related to SATAN, they may be chased by horrible creatures, or even worse, meet the SATAN itself.
              I had many questions in my head. What powers did SATAN have? What if SATAN changed his mind after coming on earth? What if he liked the lifestyle on earth, and he thought to stay on the planet? Well, that's a stupid question, I know.
Moreover, what if those three people teamed up with SATAN? What will happen if SATAN reached Heaven? How will those three people stop him?
            And the most important…Who Cares?
It's just a storybook, okay, and an exciting storybook.
But, I'd never been influenced so much by any storybook. Then why this one got me so much into it?
I wanted all the answers. But, I had no time left to read the book further. I had to sleep, wake up in the morning, got to the school and talk to Peter and Jennifer about what happened today.
It was a horrible but amazing and thrilling day.
It was a tough night, too, because I had dreams of those crows and the book all the time.
And the horrible feeling I got when I was opening the box there in the house. What voice I heard there? And why did Peter listened to the same phrase? Was somebody in there?
And why would anybody try to kill Peter?
Again I had no answer to all these questions...
All I wanted was to go to the school and clear this matter.

READ PART 8

Prince of Darkness 6

6

READ PART 5

"Are you sure, Pete?" I asked him you saw somebody?"
"Look at me!" he shouted, "Do I look like joking?" He was serious.

"Okay, stop crying, I'm going to check who's in there." I said, "Just stop crying and see if the crows are gone."

I moved closer to the room. Closer and closer…
"Be careful!" Peter said in his cowardly voice.
The darkness inside the room was too much. I couldn't see a thing. I stepped inside the room. Slow and silent. My heart was pounding like a crazy ball. Breathing heavily, "Hey! Anyone n there?" I asked, "Anyone?"
No reply.
"See, there's no one here," I said, looking towards Peter.
"But there was." Peter replied in an annoying voice, "And he grabbed by the throat!"
"Okay, I got it." I said, "Are the crows gone?"
"Perhaps yes!" he replied.
"Then let's go home…" I said, "As fast as possible. I don't feel we're in a good place."
Peter opened the main door. We moved out, and he closed the door. We grabbed our bikes and started paddling—still no one on the road.
I grabbed the book in one hand and handle it with the other. The book was heavy, so I was kind of… unbalanced.
              On the way, I was thinking about the crows. Why did they attack us? All of a sudden! With such coordination…it was unreal!
And why was Peter saying that someone tried to kill him? Was he lying? Or really someone was there…who wanted to kill him. But who? And where did he go when I entered?
Endless questions and zero answers.
              I looked at Peter's face, he was still scared. His hands were having tremors.
"Someone really tried to do so, Pete?" I finally asked him.
"Don't make me remember that incident dude…" he said 'It was horrible, and if I had not punched his face, I would have really died."

"Did he say anything?" I inquired.
"He just said one thing." he replied, "I wouldn't do that…if I were you…"
T moment I heard him, my heart started pounding again. I again had Goosebumps.
"Really? He said that?" I asked.
"Yes!" he said.
"That's crazy…" I said.
"What's crazy?" he asked.
 "Actually, I heard the same thing, too," I said.
"What? How's that possible?" he asked.
And we reached the point where we had to move on two different directions.
"I'll tell you some other time," I said, and then we moved to our homes.
After reaching home, I saw the clock… It was six. We wasted three hours due to those shit crows!
I moved upstairs to my room.
After dinner, I came back to the room to read the book I brought from the house. I was so desperate to read it.
              I picked it up from the table and jumped on the bed. I was so much nervous and scared. But why? Maybe, cause I stole it from the house. But, I was not feeling guilty.
I opened the first page of the book and started reading. I just kept on reading without any pause.
I found it! I didn't have words to describe it. It was unbelievable.
After reading many pages, I looked at the clock. It was eleven. I'd been reading that book for more than an hour.
And what I read was just incredible and mind-blowing!

READ PART 7

Prince of Darkness 5

5

READ PART 4
Finally, I reached the first floor. Well, it was such a big house, even on this floor, there were, maybe, four rooms.
I opened the first door, closest to the stairs, and entered it. Hopefully, it was not dark in there. This room also had a window.

But unfortunately, the room was completely empty—nothing in there.
So, I turned back and moved to the next room. Empty.
The next room was kind of interesting. It was like a study room or something. A table, chair, and bookshelves. It was strange that the shelves still had a few books in them.
Well, not always you find an old house, totally abandoned, which still had some things in there.
I searched the shelves, and I found a fascinating book. It had a dark brown cover, perhaps, it was leather. So, I took it out. It was a little heavy. I opened it, and I got doomed.
The book was having pictures of ghosts or something. It seemed like it was a storybook. But, I'd never seen any storybook-like that. That was totally weird. That book was unbelievable. I checked it out. There was no name on it. Not even the author. So, I took it with me.
I moved out of the room, closed the door, and moved to the next room.
This was the last room. And even more daunting, darker, but at least it was not completely empty.
In the dark, I had a glimpse of a box or something. I moved closer to the book in my hand.
Yes, it was a box. I sat in front of it, pulled up the lid. But I couldn't see inside it.
It was so much dark there. So, I just put my hand inside it and shuffled to feel what's inside it.
"I wouldn't do that…if I were you…" I heard a voice.
"What? Who's there?" I asked in a frightened voice, "Who are you?"
              No reply.
I just got my whole body thundering with Goosebumps. I never got this much frightened. I did nothing, just grabbed the book and started moving and then suddenly I heard Peter shouting.
He was shouting extremely loud in a terrified voice.
              He must have got scared.
I rushed down the stairs. He was running out if the room, scared, damned, and crying. I never saw him scared like that. He rushed toward the main door. Tried to open it. But I couldn't. He pulled the handle and pushed, but nothing happened. But why? The door was fully functional when we entered the house.
              He punched the door and even kicked it. But the door was as it was. I watched all the scene standing on the stairs. Then I rushed toward him.
"What happened? And why are you shouting and crying?" I asked, "What's the matter? Tell me!"
He turned towards me and said, "Someone's in there!" pointing toward a room, "And he tried to kill me!"

READ PART 6

Prince of Darkness 4

4

READ PART 3
"There's an old house out there, and perhaps empty too. We can take shelter there," he said.
The sun of hopes was again shining.
But not for long.

The crows were ready for the attack. We paddled as hard as we could, concentrating all of our strength to our legs.
No stopping drove over the driveway, jumped off the bike just before the door.
Peter was ahead of me; he opened the door. We both got in and slammed the door.
              I just sat down on the floor for a moment.
Both heavily breathing. I was dying for water.
We both looked at each other. I smiled.
"Wonderful!" I said.
"No, it was rather amazing." he murmured.
The crows were still outside. I was sitting on the railings or floor. I could hear them.
"There's no going back." I said, "At least for some more time."
Peter stood up, "Let's explore the house." he said. He was still heavily breathing.
He took a few steps, and then I stood up. I saw an old sofa and an old table in front of it: a few doors and stairs and another stair going down.
I was having a strong feeling of déjà vu, but I didn't know why?
              I looked out of the window. The crows were still out there. So, I had no other option except for exploring until I wanted to get bored.
Peter opened the door.
"BATS!!!" I shouted. He got terrified, and I started laughing. Well, it was the perfect time for a joke.
"Yeah, you got me this time," he said. His face was still red. He got utterly terrified.
We both moved inside the room. The window was open, so there were leaves and Dust all over the floor. But why would the owner leave the window open? Maybe he was sick.
Those leaves gave us creepy sound effects as we walked through them, and that was scary. There was another door. But locked, I tried to open it, but I couldn't.
Perhaps it was a wardrobe.
That's it—nothing else in the room. We moved out.
I looked out of the window. The crows were still there,
How long were they going to sit there? I thought they were waiting for someone. There girlfriend perhaps.
              "It's a big house," Peter said. "We have to roam separately to explore it completely."
              I nodded.
"So, I'm going upstairs, and you stay here and cover this ground floor," I said.
              He agreed.
I started on the stairs. They were old, so I was a bit hesitant if in case they broke.
I slowly stepped up. Steps were making squawking sounds.
I stepped slowly and slowly.
I looked behind, and Peter was opening a door. So, I turned forward and started moving up.

READ PART 5

Prince of Darkness 3

3

READ PART 2

I've never seen crows in such number, filled with anger, shouting in their annoying voices.
              It seemed like they were all saying, "KILL! KILL! KILL! KILL!"

A massive wave of them, aiming for our heads. Coming towards us, just a few meters away.
We ducked again. Still Safe.
But a big question, for how long were we safe?
              Peter had a wound on his shoulder, and a crow must have hit him. It was bleeding.
And one thing was clear. If we stood there only, this was going to be our last day on earth.
"We must get down!" Peter said, "Before they attack us again!"
              He was right. But how were we supposed to do that? Means, they were flying around, and they could attack us while we were moving down.
But I had an idea.
"We will be moving when they take a turn, and it will give us time to safely reach our bikes. What do you think?" I asked for an opinion.
"Sounds good!" he said.
But now, we had a new problem arising.  Those crows were revolving over our heads. We have to induce them to move far and take a turn.
Well, it was okay if they move far away, but that was never going to happen.
So, one of us had to stand and show up. And I was the risk-taker. I already told Peter to move fast before they come and take the flesh out of our bones.
Collecting all the strength I was left with, and I stood up.
              Waving my hand, I shouted, "Hey! See you here, niggas! Catch me if you can!"
And my idea hit the bull's eye. They all flew towards me, and I ducked with the perfect timings.
They went straight for the turn. And the time came, we were eagerly waiting.
"RUN!" I shouted, and what I saw, just broke my heart. Peter was already half a way down. Well, that's not what a good friend would do to leave a friend alone.
But, at least I could hurry now.
I passed the half and saw that those creepy crows were coming back. I hurried down and jumped from a height more than nine feet.
I rolled down on the ground.
              Peter was already on his bike, waiting for me, "Come faster!" he shouted.
I stood up, ran, grabbed my bike, and started paddling as fast as a rocket.
Well, if the rocket used to move like a motorbike.
Paddling hard, I saw upwards. All crows were just above us, following us.
But what have we done?
Have I ever killed someone of their gang? What do they call each other? 'Crispy Crow Gang' or something?
              SHIT.
I was scared, frightened, angry, hungry, and thirsty all at the same extreme time.
No one on the road, and even there were just few houses, and we were heading out of the city.
NO HELP!
Was it a curse or something?
And why we? Why not somebody else?
All my muscles are painful, especially my legs.
I could hear the voices of crows. They were right above us. Not even a little far. Just above us.
              But soon, the voices became creepier. And I knew the reason.
They were lowering themselves and getting ready for the attack.
But then, "Got an escape!" Peter shouted.           

READ PART 4 

Prince of Darkness 2

2

READ PART 1

I woke up. Alarm ringing, it was Monday, and I was late for school.
But this was the most beautiful dream I've ever seen.

Yes, it was beautiful, well I got scared too, my throat was painful for drinking water but for someone like me, whose life depends on thrill, it was beautiful.
              I got ready, picked up my bike, and started paddling as fast as I could. My school was way far from my home.
On the way, there were many adventure hotspots. My favorite was an old abandoned tower with a platform over it. Sometimes I and my friends I climb it up and enjoy the view.
              Well, it's the most beautiful part of the day to have fun with friends.
Finally, I reached the school, and you know whom I saw first after entering the gate?
Peter. My best buddy and I found him doing the same thing as always, having punishment.
I walked closer to him, "What's the punishment this time?" I asked, "Sit-ups or a period out of the class?"
"A period out of the class…" he replied, smiling as always like he was getting honored.
We started our class. I entered the course, and he stood out.
              The teacher started teaching. It was an English class, and I never liked the subject. I got utterly bored. My friend was outside, and another was absent
Jennifer Paige, she's also one of the best people I know and my best friend.
Well, these guys are also thrilled lovers like me.
              Poof! The school got finished, and it was a hard day with one of my friends missing.
Peter and I were returning to our homes, riding bikes, and then we stopped at our favorite spot, the tower.
We climbed it up and just enjoyed the view. We have seen it many times, but each time, we gave us the same feeling we got for the first time.
While we were enjoying the view, I heard something like the sound of flapping of wings. Many wings
"What is it?" I asked Peter. He turned the other side and shouted, "CROWS."
              "What?" I asked and turned on the same side.
There were many crows., a hundred of them or even more. It seemed like they were coming for us, our blood and flesh!
They just came closer, and then suddenly, Pete grabbed my shoulder and forced me down, "DUCK!" he shouted.
               They flew just over us, went straight. But no, they didn't just go straight, they took a turn and again aimed for our heads.

READ PART 3

Prince of Darkness 1

1

In the Beganing

Sometimes, it is necessary to do what your heart says. It's good to feel the flow of adrenaline in your blood. Sometimes. It's good to take risks. Otherwise, life would be boring, right?
My name is Cumuel, and my friends call me Cum. I'm sixteen, and I love to do bad things. Well, cause I like a thrill. I'm not a bad guy, not at all, and I love adventure.
Look at me, an oval head, no beard, wearing spectacles. Do I look like a criminal to you? You may call me disciplined. But trust me, I don't even know what discipline is.
I live on the outskirts of the town, and most of the time, I roam around the city to find, you know, thrill.
Guess what, and I'm doing the same right now.
And this time, I found something exciting. Well, I never saw this much old house in the city.
It isn't delightful. Like, the windows cracked, cracks on the walls, doors, and perhaps everywhere. It looks like the Ghost's Villa.
Yeah, I've heard several times from the people that there is a Ghost Villa out of the town. So, this may be the one.

READ PART 2

I started walking the driveway and then suddenly stopped in the middle of the front yard. And just started thinking that why do they call it Ghost's Villa? Does a ghost live in there?
Then I looked around and started laughing at my thoughts. Ghosts?

They don't even exist, do they? That's what I thought.
Before entering the house or so-called Villa, I thought first to take a look around.
I started down the front yard. At first glance, I saw two of the fantastic things that changed the world!
Yeah, sand and grass.
That's not funny. Means what? Does this Ghost like sand and grass?
I roamed the whole front yard and saw only sand and grass.
That isn't very pleasant.
Not even a dead animal, no bones, nothing creepy. Just sand and grass.
If there is nothing creepy in the yard, the house must be filled with thrill. At least it would be worth the time I've spent here.
I walked through the driveway. I was standing at the front of the door.
I grabbed the handle, and a cold breeze of air blew just by my side. I took a deep breath, looked around if someone was watching me. No, I was utterly alone.
I pushed the door and stepped inside.
It was dark in there. But some light was coming through the windows.
Much Dust. Some of the households were still in their places like the sofa, and TV kept in the room I just stepped in, living room perhaps. But I was annihilated.
I saw the stairs going up and a few more doors. Yes, it cracked.
I walked towards one of the doors, and then suddenly, I heard the squeaking sound. I turned back.
The main door then suddenly slammed. Must be the air.
I walked closer to the other door, opened it. Completely dark. There was no window in the room.
I walked in. I was probably in the center of the room, and then I hit something. I touched it and tried to feel what it is.

There was some slimy liquid on that thing. It was having hands and a body like humans.
It was something like a statue or model. I thought to punch it in the stomach.
I pulled my hand back and then suddenly I heard a voice.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you." said someone in a gruff voice.
I looked up; the eyes of the statue were shining.
I was the most frightened person at that time in the whole world, indeed.
He grabbed my throat and lifted me. His hands were hard. Hard as plaster.
I was completely dead.
I heard the voice of people saying, "Kill! Kill! Kill! Kill!" like they were all cheering him to kill me.
I felt suffocated, I punched him, kicked him, and made every possible move I could get rid of, but nothing worked.
His hands felt like stone, continuously tightening.
I couldn't breathe. My eyes started to shut down. And then.

READ PART 2