I Will Keep You in my Heart.

Beth knew a kitchen table wasn’t the best place to hide, but when being chased by two monsters of scale and claw, there was little choice. Beggars should be no choosers, as stated in Proverbs.

One floor above she heard her king-sized bed drag across the room and then— CRASH, it splintered against the wall. There was no way a NoVo Gratz six-place setting could endure that creature’s strength.

The shriek of rage from the other room adds to it. There was a second one with her. She found it when she fled the one that woke her. Beth ran into this silent one as it paced the foyer after she bolted from her bed. Part of her was thankful it cared to leave the furniture alone, but she had been on enough hunting trips to realize that it meant this one was stalking. Beth was the prey. And if her guess was right, it was furious it couldn’t track her. She feared this one more. She knew she had to try harder to avoid it. She wanted to run to the door. She’d be home free if she cut across the Proctor's yard. Prayers filled her heart and chest. Her strength and faith will save her, she reassured herself as she felt the raspy growl of the creature near. There was a constant question in her mind. What did she do to deserve this?

The answer was nothing. This was obvious to anyone unlucky enough to view the scene and lucky to know her. Beth followed the directives of Church and God in that order of importance. She even had a bastard child forced upon her and she accepted care of it without public complaint. Beth was a good woman. This was martyrdom. Jealousy of her works. Above, she heard the shrill cry of the bastard. There would be no surprise if it was sensing her thoughts on it. That... creature is a curse. It was no wonder the mother passed on during childbirth. It tore her to shreds rather than a natural birthing. With its body of claws, scales, and hooves. It had to be kin to the creatures that invaded her home. The things, both upstairs and below, paused in their destructive hunt, distracted by the child’s wail. The Lord allowed them to find a new target in the child. Beth thanked Him for listening to her prayer to shield her from this hell. Once she survives, she will prove worthy of his protection. The Lord plans, she was the daughter of a military family; she knows how to handle combat- or in this case, avoiding it. Though for now, she must painstakingly make her way to the door. Unseen. Unheard. For once, to not be the center of attention. Escape them and whatever their dark plans and desires were of her.

Prayer Journal of Bethany Anne Gallagher: July 20 1:43 pm. Happy Day! Another soul and child saved. If I play my cards right, I should hit the big five-oh in a few weeks! This one, oh, it was awful. I took over an hour to reach her. I even had to buy her a lunch (with my own money!), but it displayed my sympathetic soul. She was shown that we here at the Lincoln Crisis Pregnancy Center care. I sincerely hurt for her and the baby. She didn’t mention drugs, but, truly, when aren’t there drugs involved? Especially with those immigrant girls. They lose their souls in this new country. She even said she didn’t follow the savior. That can change, I’m sure, with enough time and care. She was a sinner, but her strength saved herself and the baby from damnation. I was pretty surprised, but she seemed smart! Very well-spoken. I just wish she knew how to hold her legs closed. I suppose we can sum that up to cultural differences, as usual. We’ll get her to be a True American yet! We will raise her baby in a normal, loving and spiritual house. Lina Gael, I’ll keep you in my heart.

Prayer Journal of Bethany Anne Gallagher: September 25 11:28a. My heart hurts for poor Lina. Her calls continue, despite me telling her my number was for spiritual emergency only. Yet she calls to beg for what is honestly nonsense. Rides (as if I have time for that). Food (I’m sure she wouldn’t like anything I’d have to eat). Money (of course she wants money). Help with the resource line (according to her, they don’t answer the phone! I should check with Ollie about that. I keep telling her to ask baby daddy for this help, but she only ignores the question. Today she started crying when I pushed her to ask someone who is better suited for assistance. Sweetie, I am sorry, but that isn’t me. I have my own children. My own life. She needs to call the resource line I offered her. I will keep her in my heart, but I’ve managed what I could. She got herself into this mess. Oh! And here is the worst of it. She said if I do not help her, she’d have to run back to her church! Like it’s a bad thing?? I told her a church is the best place to help her! They certainly aren’t the best one if they lead her on that path, but at least they can speak her language. REMINDER: Find the Church of the Enochian. Maybe their pastor can help.

Prayer Journal of Bethany Anne Gallagher: September 26 11:19a. Utterly rude! Lina’s sister (Anna? I don’t even know) calls me and starts yelling at me. In Spanish?? How did she expect me to understand a word she said? Anyway, this awful woman tells me I should have to persuaded Lina to murder the child! Can you believe this?! How horrible can someone be?? I would hand over my own life to protect my children and this woman thinks her sister’s child should die?! Lord, give me strength to accept this crusade against me and the churches. She said their family’s church was also demanding Lina keep the baby. They should! I absolutely need to get in touch with them. Let them know what is going on, as we can’t risk Lina losing the baby. I will not have innocent blood on my hands. Satan has a hold on these women and I will deliver them. Lord, thank you for always keeping me in your heart.

Prayer Journal of Bethany Anne Gallagher: October 17 5:06p. Lord, you test me and my words. Is it true I cannot help these women? What am I expected to do? Ollie tells me we don’t have the resources. The line we give the lost souls is a fake number. How was I supposed to know? I am only trying to protect the babies from their mothers. There is no way I can save these women. Jesus, I can barely keep my head above water: financially and with my reputation. They look down on me for being a divorced mother. I have to work twice as hard to be a godly woman in the community. My life’s purpose is to serve your word, yet I receive no respect! I have to prove myself daily, but I go on. Am I supposed to kill my babies too, like these women? Certainly not! I would never and I will not let these women do the same. Side note: Lina keeps calling. Jesus, I need to know what to tell her. I should confirm the name of her church. When I search the Church of the Enochian, it gives me some very un-Christian results.

Prayer Journal of Bethany Anne Gallagher: November 15 10:55a. My poor dear Lina. My heart aches to know the hurt that your family must be suffering. God has gained another angel despite the fact that your life is gone here on earth. Perhaps this is punishment for what you sought to do? I imagine you did not suffer. The doctors did what they could to save you. The nurse said it was a difficult birth, but I bet you were fighting to make sure the child would survive. You tried so hard to live a good life. I am proud of the godly work I am sure you have done. I will never forget you. I will keep you in my heart and I pray for your sweet, sweet baby’s soul. God does not forget those who praise his name. REMINDER: Contact her Ana (one N, evidently) for condolences.

(later that day) What. The. Hell? You gave me custody? HOW am I to deal with a new baby, you whore?! Where is your sister?! Where is your church? How dare you say I deserve to take care of your bastard child! I hope you are in hell where you deserve, slut.

(later that day) You know, I did what I had to, chicana! Someone has to protect all these babies! I am right! You tried to MURDER A BABY, YOU! I. AM. NOT. WRONG.

(two weeks later) ... You were right. This is no child. This is a monster.. He looked normal at first, but now… it is inhuman. There is no skin, only scales... black scales. I think horns are growing on it... and a baby should not have teeth, but this... thing, this thing has fangs. It is no child. Lord, I am sorry for not believing her.

It is time. She awaited the creak that came from the first step, believing the shrieker was going up the stairs. From under the table, Beth launched into the foyer. The door was ahead. Freedom felt in her grasp as her fingers graced the doorknob, but her hand did not grasp it. She felt claws on her shoulders and she gave a shriek of her own as they pulled her back. It knew to trick her. She struggled futilely as it threw her against the wall, bringing her face to face with the demon. A raspy voice spoke, grinning down at her with fangs. Identical to the fangs in the mouth of the bastard babe. “You’ve done well to protect my child... thank you. I’ll keep you in my heart.” The snap was the last thing Beth ever heard.

I Will Keep You in my Heart.

Death Doula by K. Hartless

My Bloody Valentine