Melissa arrived at her parent's house to find the door locked, but she quickly remedied that by pulling out her own key. "Mom? Dad?" She pushed the door open with a loud creak that only comes with years of wear.
The house was dark, and it felt damp like someone had turned the furnace way down. That would be normal, though because Mom always turned down the furnace before going to bed. "Caleb? Talia?"
Her throat felt tight as the door closed behind her. Her feet carried her up the stairs to the bedrooms beginning with the one belonging to her parents. "Mom, I'm sorry to show up so late," she whispered as she entered the cool dark room. "Something happened to Syd and Emily," she crossed the room to the bed. "I...I was worried that something had…" She stopped when her hand moved across the covers.
The bed was empty. Reaching over, she flicked on the nightstand light and pulled back the covers to discover her parent's clothes. "****" she cursed beneath her breath. "NO!" She cried out as she jumped up to run into Caleb's room only to find the same thing. An empty bed with her brother's bedclothes. As she turned the corner to enter her little sister's room, she noticed a light in the bathroom.
"Talia?" she padded quickly down the hall nearly falling as she pushed open the door. The shower was running hot water that steamed up the whole room. Melissa coughed when she breathed in the steam. "Tal, is that you?" Cautiously, she stepped across the wet floor before hesitating and finally pulling back the shower curtain.
"Talia, what are you doing?!" she exclaimed as she looked down with horror. Natalia lay in a crumpled heap at the bottom of the shower stall with a razor blade clutched tightly in her right hand that dripped with blood. "****, Talia!" she reached into the stall to turn off the water. "You're going to the hospital!" With all the strength she had in her, she reached in to pull out her little sister. "Can you stand?" She didn't believe the girl had lost enough blood to severely affect her, not yet anyway.
"They're gone," the girl cried as she allowed her big sister to wrap her in a towel and lead her to sit on the toilet seat cover. She leaned her head back against the wall as Melissa applied pressure to her slit and bleeding wrists with gauze bandages.
"I know, sis," Melissa examined her sister with worried fingers before wrapping the wounds tightly. "You're going to be OK, but you're going to have to help me out. What were you trying to do Tal? Were you trying to leave me alone with no one? That's selfish! I need you! You're all I have left."
"I'm sorry," the girl began to cry in loud sobs that racked her whole body. "I was so scared."
Melissa knelt down in front of her, "I know," she whispered as she tilted her sister's chin up. "Shhhh...it's going to be OK, but we've got to get you to the hospital. I'll go get you some dry clothes; don't go anywhere."
Melissa glanced over at her sister who lay in the front seat, wrapped in a heavy blanket. "How are you doing?" she asked her as they turned into a side street that led toward the hospital. Abandoned vehicles were everywhere and it was difficult going around the people who stood looking lost in the road. Melissa was grateful for her father's SUV which allowed her to weave in and out of the road and somehow manage to get around thing only having to change routes a few times along the way.
"I'm OK," Talia's answer was weak, and she was shivering. Obviously, she was going into shock.
"Talk to me," the redhead drove faster as she reached over with one hand to brush back some of the sweat from her sister's forehead.
"I...I'm tired," the younger girl whined.
"I know, sweetheart," Melissa sighed, "But you can't sleep yet." Melissa drove with more determination while Talia struggled to stay awake. It seemed like forever before she stopped the vehicle before the hospital. It was packed. Vehicles were everywhere and people pushing through trying to get in. Melissa began to panic. Her sister was barely holding onto consciousness. It was barely conceivable that she would ever be able to make it to the building without some help. Then she spotted a way through and after putting the car into 4 wheel drive, plowed through the shrubbery to reach the doorway. Before she could even jump out, a guard met her. A sigh of relief escaped her lips as she realized someone else would not take over. She was surprised when the guard stopped at her window.
"We're filled to capacity; you're going to have to go somewhere else," he yelled through the glass.
"What?" Melissa looked at him as though she didn't understand and lowered the powered window.
"I'm telling you that we don't have the capacity for anymore patients. Already, we've got people lying all over the floors in the halls. You'll have to leave."
"****!" She looked over at her sister who was beginning to doze off. "No...no, you don't!" she slapped the girl's face lightly with the back of her hand. "Natalia, you stay with me!" As the girl came to, Melissa turned back to the guard. "Where am I supposed to go?"
"Don't know, Ma'am," he shook his head sadly. "The other hospitals are filled as well. I hear the rumor they're setting up a make-shift one in the next county."
"That's not good enough," Melissa slammed the car into reverse, leaving the man in a cloud of dust.
"Melissa, Melissa, what are you doing?" she looked up to see Dr. Connor running down the hallway.
"Talia needs medical attention," she gave him a don't mess with me look. "The hospitals are filled."
"Lissy, this is not a hospital," he glanced down at Talia who was only standing with her sister's help. "This...this goes against policy."
"**** policy! Luke, either help me or get out of my way!" she pushed past him, but he caught her shoulder.
"Come on," he lifted Talia up into his arms like she didn't weigh a thing. Together, they made their way down the hallway to an empty sterile room where he deposited her on the table.
"Can we get someone up here from the clinic?" she asked. "I tried to take her down there, but they turned me away."
"We'll see about that," he punched a number on the phone before he began barking out orders.
When Galilee had decided to go to Quantico to get an idea of what she would be doing, she hadn't considered her attire. She dressed in comfortable street clothes for a flight, not a visit to the FBI Academy. Oh well, she wasn't turning back now. She glanced downward at her clothes and smiled. Who would be there this late anyway? Chances are, no one would see her in her faded black jeans, black and blue flowered blouse with no make up and her thick, black hair pulled back into a ponytail. She looked more like a secretary than she did a doctor for the WHO. But her appearance was no longer of concern to her.
She received quite a hassle from the men at the entrance. Neither wanted to admit her. It had taken a threat and flashing her WHO ID to finally get her visitor's badge. A few days ago, that would have sent her over the edge into fury. Now, it just amused her.
Lee was told at the desk that she would be working in the Forensics department, why she'd never know. So, it was that building she was now heading towards. It looked almost deserted, save for a few lights in various rooms. As she walked, she found herself humming again. The song she recognized immediately. "What a Day That Will Be." She laughted to herself. "Amen," she murmured.
Lee was following the signs to the Microbiology/Genetics department of the building when she heard muffled voices coming from farther down the hallway. She cocked an eyebrow at the noise. "well, Lee, you could go make a friend in this big, empty building. Or, you could go in this office and fall asleep at the desk. Not a very big decision," she smirked and started down the hallway. The voices sounded more harried. She could make out a man's and a woman's. Lovers? Maybe this wasn't the best idea…
"Can we get someone up here from the clinic? I tried to take her down there, but they turned me away."
"We'll see about that," he punched a number on the phone before he began barking orders.
Hmmmm, clinic? Lee's throat constricted. Someone had to be hurt. After all, there had been so much widespread injury and destruction, it only made sense that several would be injured severely. Immediately, she kicked into doctor mode. She backed through the door, noting the surprised look on the occupant's faces and the young girl lying on the table with slit wrists.
"Normally, I wouldn't interrupt. But, I think at the moment, you'll forgive me for being rude. I'm Dr. Lee Gilchrist from the World Health Organization," she flashed her ID. "I've been sent to fill-in for your missing Microbiologist for awhile. I specialize in disease, but I've worked emergency medicine as well. I served for six months in Angola treating mine victims with limb and blood loss. Anything I can do?" She asked, a look of concern flashing on her face. "Now, as in times when she was particularly upset, her foreign lilt thickened with each word.
Melissa raised her head looking first from Luke then to the woman standing in the doorway before she allowed her eyes to drop back to her sister. This woman was a godsend. "You can begin by applying pressure to her wounds while I get some instruments together."
Galilee nodded, curtly, taking the woman's place beside the injured teen. There was obvious worry in her eyes. Of course, Lee had seen that same worry in the eyes of a thousand mothers, brothers, father, sisters, and friends as their loved ones lay dying of some malady which could only be the work of Satan himself. As she applied pressure, she couldn't help but whisper a prayer to herself, being careful to do so in Hebrew to keep either from hearing what she was doing.
Luke rested a hand on her arm before she could step out of the room. "Lissy, you stay," he nodded toward the table. "I've got it," With that, he disappeared down the halllway to get a sterile tray from storage.
Melissa returned to the side of the bed, pressing down hard on her sister's wrist while her eyes assessed her. "Natalia, talk to me," she noted that the girl's eyelids were closing once more. "Talia!" she slapped her face gently with the back of her hand.
The sixteen year old's head rolled around in a feverish haze. The self-inflicted wounds hurt, but the pain in her heart outweighed it all.
Dr. Connor backed into the room, carrying a tray that was soon deposited on the small medical stand beside Dr. Gilchrist.
Melissa finally looked up at the doctor with pleading eyes, "This isn't my speciality, doctor," she shook her head before glancing back down at her hands that were covered in blood. "Can you help her?"
Galilee me the woman's gaze straight on. With years of skilled practice, she hid the fear and trepidation in her own eyes. Instead, she offered the same cocky, self-confident smile which had won over more professors and WHO officials than she cared to count. It seemed to say that she could handle anything. It was a piece of cake. "You bet. I make it a policy never to make a bad first impression." She returned with a smile, glancing at the tray of surgical elements by her side.
Galilee smirked and shook her head, "Now, that's a luxury where I'm from. We WHO doc's are used to performing surgery with a butter knife." Inwardly, Galilee was praying without stop. She really didn't want this poor girl to die, at least not until she knew Jesus. As a microbiologist, she was no doubt out of her realm of expertise, but she had helped more than one person who had accidently stepped on a land mine. A few cuts on the wrist were nothing compared to three missing extremities.
Galilee took the girl's arm without realizing that she was coming in skin-to-skin contact. The still unfamiliar wave of pain shot through her. She flinched, biting into her lower lip to stop the waves of agony from bringing her to her knees. She could taste the salty, warm blood as it trickled into her mouth. Closing her eyes, Galilee tried to observe every last aspect of the girl's physical trauma. She wasn't even considering how it looked to the other two doctors in the room.
Galilee's limbs went weak, trembling ever so slightly; confusion permeated her mind leaving her unaware of her surroundings; her pulse quickened, weak, but fast; her breathing became rapid, more shallow; nausea racked her thin frame; thirst caused her to feel as though her tongue was swelling in her mouth; and then there was the dull, almost numb feeling in her wrists. It had been years since she'd experienced her 'gift'. And, she'd never attempted to practice medicine while it had such a firm grip on her. It was still a comfort. After all, it meant God was still with her. With amazing self-control, she forced her heart rate and breathing back to normal and opened her eyes.
"She's going into shock from blood loss. We've gotta act quickly. You." She pointed at Melissa. "Hold her feet above her head, we've got to keep what blood she has left in her vital organs." Galilee looked into the injured girl's face. There was really no telling if the girl was awake or unconscious. "Talia's your name, right? Well, don't you worry, you've got yourself the best doctor in the WHO. We're going to pull you through this. It looks to me like your sister here really wants you back. I wish I had a sibling like that. I'm an only child. I know what it's like to be alone. You, you're never going to be alone." She spoke as she worked, finding a few tongue depressors and some elastic bands she gestured to Dr. Connor. "Make a tourniquet on her left arm. We don't want to cut off blood flow completely, so loosen it once every three minutes for thirty seconds, then tighten it again."
She used a few damp clothes to wipe away the blood from the cut. It didn't do much good, the blood continued to ooze out. Lee frowned, picking up a needle and suture thread. She didn't particularly like stitches, but there was no alternative. With deft, practiced movements, she began to stitch through the skin, tie it off, cut it, and begin again. She continued to speak to the girl in a tender, almost maternal tone. "You know, Talia, I know exactly how you feel. My mother and father were murdered when I was seventeen. I was devastated. I attempted the same thing you tried to do." She glanced down at her leg. "Except, I stabbed myself in the femoral artery with a letter opener. The dorm mother found me in time to save me. I was lucky, just like you are. They had to check me into a mental hospital for six months until I came to grips with their deaths. It still hurts. It always will. But, you've got something I didn't have. You've got a sister that loves you a lot. I know you must love her too. You just need to hang on. I promise, if you do, I'll tell you what happened to your family. And, I'll tell you how to see them again. I know, Talia. I swear to you that I know."
She tied off the last suture on the left arm and pointed Dr. Connor towards the right arm. Against, she began the same hurried process as she spoke. "Talia's a pretty name. You know what my parent's saddled me with? Galilee. You know, like the sea. Galilee Gilchrist. They thought they were being unique. Of course, that's just the trouble. I "hated" that name when I entered college. That's why I changed it to Lee. You're going to have to remind me to tell you that story about when the WHO hired me. It's a riot. I just decided to go back to Galilee a day or two ago. What do you think? Well, it isn't Monet's Waterlilies, but it isn't Picasso's Woman in a FLowered Hat either," she laughted. "Hmmm...a blood transfusion probably wouldn't hurt."
Luke nodded. "I've got someone bringing up 2l of O neg."
Melissa wiped back the stray hair from her sister's forehead before leaning down to press a kiss to it. "You're going to be fine, sweetheart. You're in good hands," her eyes raised to take in the presence of Dr. Gilchrist or Galilee. She had a certain strength while her hands displayed certainty and power.
Galilee smiled reassuringly, no longer the cocky smile of the self confident, but a wide grin of faith that what will come to pass will always be for the best. This woman was right, but 'Talia' wasn't in Lee's hands, she was in God's. "I made some assumption there. I'm assuming you're her sister and this…" she gestured at the stitched, self-inflicted wounds. "Is a result of the Ra...disappearances." She corrected, almost flinching at her mistake.
"Well, you're correct in all areas," Melissa extended her hand, having already removed her gloves. "Melissa Jacobs," She introduced herself. "M.E."
Galilee took the proferred hand firmly in her own. "Pleased to meet you. Like I said, I'm Galilee Gilchrist, although most peope tend to stick with Lee," she shrugged. "Go figure. Of course, I don't really mind either. Whichever is more comfortable for you. I absolutely refused to be called Dr. Gilchrist, however, makes me sound old."
Dr. Connor chuckled as he too extended his hand, though his eyes were on the door awaiting the arrival of the technician. "Luke Connor," he smiled. "I'm to blame for this operation here."
Melissa rolled her eyes as he made light of his position. "Dr. Connor's the Chief Medical Examiner here at the academy."
Galilee nodded, taking his hand as well. "I'll try not to hold that against you, Dr. Connor. Some of my associates at the organization aren't very fond of 'fibbie'. I don't believe in judging people, so I could care less." She added as an afterthought.
Melissa went to the side cabinet to get another blanket which soon found its' way to cover the already bundled girl on the table. "Well, granted, I want to thank you," she looked up at the woman who couldn't be more than a year older than Melissa herself. "You're here to replace Dr. Cothran?" she glanced over at Luke in question.
"Is that his name? Well, I was only told that...Dr. Cothran was it? was one of the...victims of the recent worldwide vanishings. The FBI put in a request for a replacement. The CDC and USAMRIID are already backed up, so I was sent from the WHO. It beats Kenya." Lee laughed wryly. "At least Quantico has indoor plumbing."
Luke flashed a smile at the woman as the tech bustled through the doorway. With steady hands, he began the line so the blood could slowly drip into Talia's veins.
"****, you get around, Dr." he said with amusement.
Melissa simply shook her head before she resumed her place at her sister's side. Reaching down, she smoothed out the lines of worry in the girl's face with one hand as she gently squeezed the child's hand with the other.
Galilee flinched at the curse and felt a flush rise to her face in embarrassment. Had she really used words like that once? "Yes, well, when you work the Level 3 and 4 diseases you're bound to end up in some out of the way villege in the Sudan. We just don't have outbreaks like Ebola or Small Pox in the States. It might be nice to stay grounded for awhile."
Luke looked down as his pager buzzed, "Excuse me, ladies," he winked at Melissa before turning to return the call.
"He'll be leaving us soon," Melissa attempted to make conversation though her attention was set on her little sister who lay in an unconscious state. "Promotions can take you anywhere these days."
Galilee laughted, "Don't I know it. And, I would suspect with the sudden shortage on humanity that promotion might come sooner than he thinks."
Melissa winced at the reminder. She didn't need to be reminded that her family was gone. She didn't need it pounding into her that her baby niece had disappeared into thin air only hours before. "Yeah," she nodded before looking down at her sister once more.
Galilee observed the pain in the woman's reaction and sighed. Way to go, Lee. She admonished. "I'm sorry." She offered lamely, touching Dr. Jacob's shoulder tenderly. "I know it must be difficult for you. I lost my parents to a torture and ritual sacrifiece, It's hard to deal with, especially when you don't understand what occurred. But, I'm sure that very soon you'll know what happened to them, where your loved ones are, and it will give you peace."
The redhead lifted her face slightly, "Did you lose anyone?" she asked softly as her thumb ran over Talia's hand.
Galilee shook her head. "Not really. I'd already lost everything and everyone years prior to this."
"Talia's the only one I have left," she kissed her sister's hand. "I...well, thankfully, I got there in time."
"You *are* blessed," Galilee agreed in a voice barely above a whisper.
"Doctor," she paused. "You told Talia that you know what happened."
Galilee smiled, "I thought I told you to call me Galilee...or Lee...anything but Doctor." She laughed for a moment trying to expel her nervous energy. God give me strength, she thought. "Yes, I did tell her that I knew what happened."
Melissa returned the smile, "Forgive me," she struggled to maintain the conversation. "What's your take on it? I mean, the disappearances and all."
The two were forced to pause their conversation as the patient began to stir on the table.
The younger girl omitted a slight cry as she looked around the room in a feverish haze. She didn't remember what had happened or how she got here. Her head was pounding, and her arms felt like they weren't attached to her body as a strange ache traveled through them.
"Tal, it's Lissy," Melissa spoke in a maternal tone.
Galilee gently brushed the girl's arm with her fingertips and glanced at Dr. Jacobs. "You might want to moisten her lips a bit. But don't give her anything to drink, chances are she wouldn't keep it down. She's probably a bit confused. Just be patient with her, don't expect too much," she offered, before dropping her hand back to her side.
Talia brought her hand up to rest on Melissa's cheek, "Mom?" she whispered as she tried to bring the face into focus. Her vision was blurred.
"No, sweetie," Melissa lowered her face so she was just inches from her sister's. "It's Melissa. How ya feeling?"
"Um…" she moaned lightly. "What…" she looked around in confusion. "Where am I?"
"You're at the Academy, sis," Lissy replied. "You had an accident, but you're going to be just fine."
The gyoung girl closed her eyes to connect two and two together, but still, she wasn't quite clear on everything that happened. The blanket fell from her shoulders as she tried to sti up. Maybe if she could sit up, things would become more clear.
"Woe, woe, woe," Dr. Jacobs lowered her back down. "I wouldn't suggest that...not yet, kiddo."
"Your sister's right, that confusion you're experiencing is a result of a lack of oxygen to the brain. jThe blood transfusion and a little rest should work wonders for you." Galilee ordered, slipping into 'doctor mode' again.
"Get some sleep, baby," Melissa ordered in her best maternal voice as she stroked the child's soft, red hair.
Talia didn't argue because her eyes were so heavy that she was having trouble keeping them open. "Mooom and Daaady comin'?" her speech slurred.
"Shhh," Lissy tried not to let her sorrow show. "Just close your eyes; it'll be all right when you wake up." She soothed.
Slowly the girl fell into a deep sleep.
"Well, that's a relief. We'll have to see about getting her an IV drip. She probably shouldn't ingest anything for a little while."
Melissa nodded, "Galilee, can I get you something to drink?" she offered.
"No thanks, I'm just fine. I had several glasses of orange juice before my flight down here. It doesn't take much to sustain me." Galilee answered politely.
Dr Jacobs walked over to the small refrigerator tucked away beneath the cabinets, she reached in and brought out a bottle of vodka. "Forgive me," she shook her head as she opened the bottle. "I don't usually drink, but I have a feeling I'm going to be needing the buzz." She removed the cover and took a long drink before glancing up at the clock.
"That's quite all right. I understand. I used to drink myself, but…" Lee paused. "I'm on the wagon." she concluded.
"Good for you," Melissa took another long sip, working her way down the bottle rather quickly only making a face at the end of each taste. "I believe you was about to tell me about your theory."
Galilee sighed. "To be perfectly honest with you, Dr. Jacobs. I'm not sure if you are ready for my if you aren't prepared to hear it, it would turn you off to the idea completely. It's rather...unusual in nature. You'll have to promise me that you'll keep an open mind."
"All right then, I believe...No…" she shook her head. "I know that Jesus raptured His followers to Heaven. They were ascribed to His kingdom without dying to prevent them from undergoing the hardships to come in the following seven years," Galilee declared in a firm, confident voice. "Now, you think I'm crazy, don't you?"
"No...no, I don't," Melissa took another long swig of the bottle. "You sound like my mother, actually. Well," she chuckled. "You sound like my whole family."
"Obviously, they were raptured," Galilee declared with conviction and no trace of humor in her voice.
"Do you believe that God would leave this world in such chaos? Do you really believe He would cause…" she paused as she glanced over at her sister. "...such pain? Explain this to me, please, because the God I've been told of was a God of love...not this."
"He is a God of love, Dr. Jacobs, but He is also 'God'. He doesn't have to justify Himself to us. We're supposed to have the faith of a child, the faith that everything will be all right. Questioning Him gets you no where." She glanced at Talia's sleeping form. "My parents were missionaries in Africa through my childhood. When I entered, college, my father decided to try ministering to a more dangerous, 'uncivilized' tribe in the Northern Belgian Congo. They weren't very happy about the idea of salvation. They tortured my parents telling them to give up on their faith and denounce Christ. They didn't. As a result, they were ritually sacrificed to a pagan god and consumed by the starving tribe. For years, I shouted at God, asking 'Why?' When the entire time I should have been asking 'How?' How do I make the journey from birth to death without regret. How do I accept and overcome tragedy and allow it to strengthen my faith? How do I find joy in sorrow? I haven't found all the answers yet, but I know the first step is taking God's hand and walking quietly, without struggle, in His shadow. I don't pretend to know God's purpose behind allowing such pain. But, I do know that He 'has' a purpose. We just have to be patient and wait for Him to reveal it to us."
"I'm sorry, Galilee, but I don't have that kind of time or patience," Dr. Jacobs set down the now empty bottle. Something in the woman's voice was so certain; her message of hope. "My family taught the same message, but it didn't do them much good."
She wanted to add that it hadn't done Galilee's family much good either, but she bit her tongue.
"I beg to differ, Doctor. Your family, like mine, is in Heaven with Jesus, while we remain in a world of sin and pain. I think we both would have been better off if we'd followed their examples."
"And what of Talia?" the woman began to get defensive. "Do you believe that she deserves this? Is God punishing her for her sins? She's sixteen years old; she hasn't had time to mess up like I have."
"She's old enough to know that God loves her, that Jesus died for her. She's old enough to have made the decision to be saved. It was hers to make. You can't hate Jesus because you two made the wrong decision." Her voice rose to a fevered pitch. "What makes you so special? Why should you be spared pain and torment? God's own son was crucified! He carried the sins of the world on His shoulders. Why are 'you' and your sister less worthy of pain and suffering than the Messiah Himself?"
Melissa raised her hands in surrender, "Hey, I don't want to get started off on the wrong foot here," she pushed herself off the table before seeking out another drink. "And my sister Caitlyn? She was three years old when she died. Is that God's justice? She knew nothing of "salvation"; she was nothing more than a baby who didn't have a choice. Is she in Hell because she didn't make a public confession of faith?!"
Galilee smiled. "You haven't been listening to the news have you? All the children were Raptured. God has an age of accountability. We aren't responsible for our salvation or our sins until we reach that age. Jesus said, 'Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.' I have no doubt that your sister Caitlyn is even now on your mother's knee before the throne of God. She was spared a life of sin. It's more a blessing then you or I realize."
"A blessing?" Melissa spit out before taking another sip. "Death is no blessing. I deal with it every single day here in this room. I've seen things that would curl your eyebrows," she took a deep breath. "Considering what you've shared of your history, I can't believe you accept death as a blessing as well."
"Such is faith." Galilee answered with a knowing smile. "I know that God will 'never' give me something I cannot handle. My mother always told me that it was a compliment when I was faced with a particularly painful event. It meant God trusted me to pull through. It meant I had the 'faith' to let God 'help' me through. The time you spend dying is nothing in comparison to eternity. I would suffer any hardship for Jesus. He knows that. He doesn't even have to ask. I gave my life to Him. 'Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?'"
"Galilee, I hope you know what you're getting yourself into because it sounds like you're opening yourself up to a whole lot of heartache," the woman now leaned up against the cabinet with the third bottle now tightly clutched into her hand. "We all need something to hold onto," she sighed. "If it brings you comfort, so be it."
"Jesus filled my heart, I assure you, there is no pain there. There will never be again. He does bring me comfort. I just pray that someday, before it's too late, Jesus brings you comfort as well."
"I'll get all the comfort I need when I'm dead," she focused her attention on the neck of the empty bottle. "That is...if death truly is a blessing."
"It's only a blessing for those saved by the Blood of the Lamb." Galilee declared, her voice firm. "And it will not be a blessing if you deny Him with your final breath."
Melissa finally brought herself to look the doctor square in the eye. She was hoping to find some reason to further push the woman away, but instead, she saw hope in those eyes. It was something that she felt completely drained of. Her teeth bit into her lips, bringing blood to the surface; she would do anything to keep herself from crying. Melissa Jacobs does not cry...she kept repeating to herself before going back to the refrigerator. There was a buzz no...but it wasn't enough.
"God blinded Saul to convince him of Jesus' identity and sacrifice. I hope you don't require something so drastic." The Jewish woman offered softly. "Because believe me, what we will experience in the next seven years will be much worse than losing your sight. The 'only' thing which can get us through is salvation. Only Jesus has the power to defeat Satan at his own game. And, He will. He will."
Melissa took a long drink, considering her words for a moment, "I'm sorry, Galilee, but if God allowed this to happen as you say He has, I wouldn't serve Him if He threatened to strike me dead right here and now."
Galilee's expression hardened, "Don't make statements you aren't willing to carry through," she paused. "All right, I have a proposition to you. You look like a woman of reason."
Melissa threw the bottle into the sink along with the rest; she lifted her chin defiantly, waiting for the woman's proposition.
"In the book of Revelation, John writes that he was told by God that...'I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.' There's a little debate on who they'll be, but their identities aren't important."
Melissa crossed her arms as she waited. Of course, she didn't have to listen. No one was keeping her there or keeping her from asking the woman to walk. But there was something that was holding her. But just what, she wasn't sure.
"What is? Well, the fact that they're coming, if they're not already here. They'll begin preaching salvation through Jesus and turning the hearts of those who hear them. Here's my proposition… The Bible says that while they're here, it will not rain on Jerusalem unless they allow it to. Anyone who tried to hurt them will be devoured by fire from the witnesses' mouths. If it happens as written, two men appear clothed in burlap, preaching Jesus' love, it doesn't rain unless they tell it to, and anyone who threatens them is consumed by fire from the men's mouths, you and your sister owe me one trip to Jerusalem, where we will visit the Wailing Wall and listen to them preach. Perhaps even speak to them mano y mano. If it doesn't happen exactly as written...Well, I'll never mention salvation or Jesus to you or your sister again. And you will be proven correct."
Melissa eyed her, wearily, "That's all?" she snickered, lightly. "If these men show up, I take you on a trip to Israel, and when they don't, you'll stop preaching?"
"Yes," Galilee stated simply, a slight twinkle of mischief and confidence in her liquid brown eyes.
"Well then, I'd say you have yourself a deal," Lissy offered her shaking hands.
"Good!" Galilee beamed and returned the handshake firmly. "I certainly hope you're a woman of your word. And, be sure to keep your eye on the news. God's Candlesticks aren't far behind."
"Hold on...What?" she couldn't help but take the bait. "God's candlesticks?"
Galilee laughed heartily for several minutes before she managed to choke out her explanation. "The Witnesses are called the Two Candlesticks and Olive Trees of God in Revelation Chapter 11." She managed, gasping for breath.
"You'll have to forgive me for not knowing the lingo," she smiled sheepishly at the woman. "I haven't been to church except for Christmas or Easter since I was fifteen."
Galilee nodded. "I figured as much. I'm the same way. Haven't attended a church service since my parents died. Now, it might be difficult to find one to attend." Her face grew thoughtful.
Melissa was really beginning to feel the effects of the alcohol now. It offered her a hazy effect that dulled the pain and the reality. SHe now found it difficult to stand straight without leaning on something for support. Stupid...she never had been able to hold her liquor. "Well, Gal, you shall get your trip to Israel when the candlesticks are produced." She began to laugh.
Galilee shook her head in slight amusement, "Maybe you should let me take you home. I think you might need to sleep that off…and you're in no position to drive. I absolutely forbid you to die until I convince you to be saved." She mock ordered with a chuckle.
Her laughter soon turned to tears as she remembered the empty house that awaited her at home. "There's nothing to go home for," she shook her head.
Galilee sighed irritably. Had she ever been this bad when she was drunk? She stepped over to the woman and surprised herself by wrapping her in a tight hug. "Don't cry, everything is going to be fine! If I had the room, I'd let you stay with me. But the WHO is pretty cheap. One single bed in the Holiday Inn."
Melissa buried her face into the woman's shoulder as she clung to her like she was the last lifeline available on earth. It was short lasting for she quickly banned her tears. Even drunk, Melissa refused to allow herself to show emotion in such a way for long. Now, she wiped away at the mascara that stained her face.
"Perhaps I can take her off your hands," Luke called from the doorway.
Galilee smiled knowingly. She decided it was not best to bring up the subject of premarital relations at the present moment. Another time, perhaps. "Are you sure, Dr. Connor? She's quite a handful."
"And she has the right to be," he crossed the room to gather the petite, redhead into his arms. "Come on, Lissy," he just shook his head. "What have you done?"
"Well, hellooooo, Doctor," she moved her arm to wrap around his shoulder as a giggle escaped her lips.
"Hello, Doctor, yourself," he winked at Galilee before turning his attention back to the woman in his arms. "Ok...Ok...Here we go."
He began to lead her toward the hallway, but she murmured something to him. "Talia will be fine. I've got someone coming up from the clinic to take her downstairs," he assured her.
Melissa turned around, "Lee?" she called.
"I should be heading home as well. Sleep is beginning to look good, unlike my clothes." She looked down at the blood stains now adorning her jeans and blouse. "Oh well, just clothes after all." She smiled, putting on ,"her jacket and purse. "A Yashua a broch a dir," she whispered softly. (Jesus bless you.) "Shalom, my friend."
"Thank you," Melissa's voice was soft and sincere before she made brief eye contact and turned away to rest upon Luke.
"Hey," he called back with a wink. "Welcome to Quantico."
"Thanks, I think." Galilee laughed.
With that, the two disappeared down the shadowed corridor to Luke's office. What do you know, Doctor Jacobs, drunk...he smirked at the thought before lowing the woman to the large, plush couch in his office. IT had been well-considered for such an occasion. In all the time, he'd known this woman, he'd never seen her intake more than a couple glasses of wine which always made her slightly tipsy, but she was not the type to throw all caution into the wind and kick back a few.
He threw his lab coat down on the floor before leaning down to make the little redhead a little more comfortable. Her clothes were stained with her sister's blood, and it wouldn't do to ruin the upholstery of the overpriced number that she now rested on. His hands were gentle and certain, but they needn't be since Melissa was now barely aware of what was going on in the room around her. A chuckle escaped his lips before he began removing his tie, "You're mine, doctor."
