She woke up, extremely groggy.
"Jess!?" a voice shouted, full of emotiom, "she's waking up!"
Groaning, Jessica was filled with a horrible nausea, and a banging headache.
"Jess, can you hear me?" an unfamiliar male voice asked.
She nodded slowly, aware it hurt to move her head.
"Excellent. Just relax and don't rush it - you're safe," the voice assured her, "My name is Doctor Kimmel. You are in hospital. There was a massive gas leak in your flat and you were slowly being poisoned, and then there was a surge of the leak last night. You are very, very lucky to be alive."
Jess opened her eyes and could finally focus on the doctor - a black man of around 50, with very kind eyes.
Jess spotted her mother next to him, looking very anxious and relieved at the same time.
"Oh Jess!" she cried, enveloping her in a tight hug.
Jessica breathed out and allowed the tears to come, overwhelmed with emotion.
"Where's Barry?" she asked, needing to confirm to herself that it wasn't all a dream.
Her mother shook her head, sadly.
"He fell asleep on the chair in the living room and never woke up...he was closer to the leak than you were. Being upstairs has probably saved you." she choked.
Jess nodded, trying to stop herself from crying - everything had been confirmed in her mind, and she knew that Barry was safe and happy with Papa, Jesus and Sarayu.
"How was I found in time?" she asked quietly.
"Well...that part is unbelievable!" the doctor interjected, "your neighbour went to sleep as usual, and had a dream. In it a black woman appeared and told her to ring for help because there was gas leak in your flat, and your life depended on it. A man also appeared next to her and claimed that she must wake up and call for help."
"THAT WAS PAPA AND JESUS!" Jess suddenly exploded, startling her mother and doctor.
"I - what?" Doctor Kimmel asked.
"Was there another woman too? A very beautiful woman? Looked asian?" she asked, heart hammering.
Their eyes widened.
"Yes."
Jess burst out laughing.
"Oh, it's amazing isn't it? The black woman was Papa, or God the Father, the man was Jesus, and the beautiful woman was Sarayu, the holy spirit! I spent all of last night with them...or at least it was day when I was there. Barry was there too - oohh what a story I have to share with you!"
And Jess fell into great detail, not missing anything out.
Now and the, her mother and Doctor Kimmel would gasp, and sometimes would even cry.
When she was finished, she quietly watched for their final reaction.
"This is impossible." Doctor Kimmel whispered.
Jess smiled and held his hand.
"Look at my hand." she told him.
He did and saw the scars from the bear bites.
He gasped.
"They really do look like bear bites!" he stated in wonder.
"And my arm." Jess now whispered, choking back tears.
Her mother stepped forward then and slowly rolled her sleeve up.
She gasped and covered her mouth her hand as their eyes found the word clearly etched into her skin.
Love.
Doctor Kimmel gently examined them and shook his head.
"These scratches are fresh...impossible to do whilst unconscious!"
Jess smiled, nodding.
"God is truly the most wonderful and amazing thing to exist in this entire universe - which he made, by the way! It's all about love and mercy - we need to tell everyone about this!" she said strongly.
And they believed her.
They truly did believe her.
"Get some rest." the doctor informed her, wiping away some tears.
She nodded, and he left, leaving her quite alone with her mother.
"Ma - we were all created to live loved. Let us spread the word to everyone we meet!"
And, once Jessica was deemed well enough by her amazed doctor, that is exactly what they did.
Jess talked in earnest and great excitement with her vicar, and he believed her straight away just from the difference in the way she talked of God.
He saw her scars and was amazed that she had touched Jesus'.
She was allowed to testimony that Sunday, and in return, her vicar spread the word to everyone he could.
The word spread fast, and Jessica wrote a book so that the truth could be reached to general non believers who wouldn't hear it in church.
Thousands of lives were changed.
Of course, Jessica recieved some backlash.
People called her a liar, or simply said she was hallucinating from the gas.
They couldn't explain her scars of course.
Along with Barry, all of the dogs perished in the leak, and though she was heartbroken, Jess knew they were with Papa, Jesus and Sarayu.
Though she missed them dearly, she was happy for them.
She started a charity and threw herself into helping others, and was sure to tell everyone her story and show her scars.
Luke and her moved in to the house after a few years, and 10 years to the day of Jessica's day with God, she finally gave birth to Elizabeth.
Jessica closed her eyes in bliss as the prayers were said.
Elizabeth was 3 months old, and was being christened at her church.
Father Quinn, her vicar, happily poured holy water over the infant's head, and Jess welled up as she thought of Jesus in the river jordan.
As she thought, she was distracted by a shimmering light.
Looking, her eyes quickly found the source.
"Sarayu!" she squeeled.
Father Quinn quickly turned to see too and knew at once who he was looking at.
Sarayu laughed at his amazed face, and gently turned to look at her left.
Papa and Jesus were there, and Jess breathed out, joyous at seeing them again.
She quickly rushed to them.
First, she hugged Jesus tightly.
Almost crying, she breathed in his scent.
"Ahh I've missed you so much!" she exclaimed.
"I've always been here." he reminded her.
She pulled back, nodding.
"I know - but I mean, I've missed you like this - 10 years seems like a very, very long time to a human." she laughed.
They chuckled with her, and Jess turned to Papa.
"Papa!" she cried, rushing in for a hug off her.
She was recieved gladly, and Jess couldn't express the love she felt during the exchange of affection.
When she was with them, Jess felt like a child again, and it made her very happy.
Next, she hugged Sarayu, which was a whole different feeling.
She was lighter than Papa and Jesus, but the love was just as strong.
After all, they were all God, and all loved her the exact same way.
It was confusing, but wonderful.
"Papa, Jesus, Sarayu - I'm pretty sure you're aware, but my daughter Elizabeth is here today to be christened...can I PLEASE introduce her to you?" Jess asked, grinning with excitement.
"Ahh Jessica, we would LOVE to meet Elizabeth." Jesus nodded eagerly.
She breathed out, happy.
Turning to face Father Quinn, she found he was already staring in awe.
She chuckled gently.
"He has spent his whole life serving you, and spreading your word. Now, he knows you are standing right here, and is probably feeling a million different things." she observed, voice soft.
Papa laughed kindly.
"Go ahead, invite him over here with your precious child...tell him not to be afraid, because we love him. Also, tell him from me that he is not expected to fall at my feet - a regular conversation will be good enough for me."
Jessica grinned at that.
"You're the boss!" she sang playfully, bowing.
Jesus let out a short, loud laugh.
"And don't you forget it!" he said in mock sterness.
Jess chuckled and walked over to Father Quinn, who of course was still holding Elizabeth.
"Father, I think it's safe to say that you have guessed who these most wonderful 3 are?" she enquired.
He looked at her, eyes wide.
"Are...are they really...?"
"Yep!" she nodded, patting his shoulder, "Come, meet them! I know you want to! Oh, and Papa said to tell you from her that she doesn't expect you to fall at her feet...just talk, and she don't be afraid - you are loved."
The vicar breathed out, unsure if she was joking or not.
"I'm not kidding - they are a lot more about relationships than hierachy, believe me! They will always accept worship...and any expression of love from us to them - but they don't expect it. That's the point!" Jess assured him, getting more animated with every word.
Father Quinn breathed out and nodded.
Jess lovingly took Elizabeth off him, and like every other time she had held her daughter, felt a rush of emotion come over her.
"Hello beautiful - there's some lovely people I want you to meet!" she cooed, and her baby gargled, eyes locking with her mother's.
"Come on, Father." she pushed, leading the way.
She breathed out as she approached the holy trinity again - this suddenly felt very spiritual, and very, very holy.
She could wipe the smile of her face though, and looked at them.
She rembered how excited she was when she showed them the fish she had caught...this felt a billion times more exciting.
"This is Elizabeth." she informed them gently.
Already, she could see the pure love in their eyes.
"I am especially fond of babies...they are so pure and innocent - the point in any human's life where they are the absolute closest to me." Papa stated, her voice caring and tender.
Jessica offered her Elizabeth, and Papa more than gladly took the baby in her arms.
"Ohh my, my, my." she cooed, "you are so precious, child. Always remember, you are so loved. By us, and certainly by your mama."
Jess bowed her head then, feeling emotional.
She would try her hardest every single day to show Elizabeth the same love that she had been shown that day at the shack.
"Oh," Papa noted, "here comes Father Quinn...he was taking his time. He was giving us a chance to meet Elizabeth. Jesus, would you like a hold?" she offered.
Of course, Jesus immediately reached out and gently took hold of the beautiful baby.
"Oh Jess, she looks exactly like you." he stated, eyes sparkling.
Jessica thought about it and understood perfectly what he had just said.
"Thank you." she whispered, holding his arm.
He smiled at her, nodding.
"Now, Elizabeth," he began, looking into the infant's eyes, "you must remember that we are always going to be with you, no matter what. We love you more than anything."
Elizabeth gave him a cute gurgle, making them all laugh and say "aww."
"Jess?" Papa asked, making her look up straight away.
"Yes, Papa?"
"Father Quinn seems to be having some nerves." the holy one informed her.
Smiling, Jess nodded and went to retrieve him.
"Come on, Father. I promise there is nothing to be afraid of - they really are wonderful! Remember all those years ago when I was so shy to even speak about them? Now look at me!"
Father Quinn looked down.
"I have spread their word and spoke of their mercy, but I now I have my own confession, Jessica. I'm afraid because I'm a hypocrate...I er - I'm not sinless..." he admitted.
Jess sighed, shaking her head.
"Father," she began, holding his hands and making him look at her, "NO-ONE is. Except Jesus...they love you more than you can imagine, and Jesus made a huge sacrafice so that our sins didn't stop us from connecting with Papa. You know how much Papa loves us? She was there with him. Every lash he got, every nail that was driven through his wrists...she was there, feeling everything. And every time we feel pain, it's the same - she feels it. They want us to just...let us love us - live loved, remember?"
Father Quinn looked down.
Jessica sighed and gently pulled her sleeve up.
The scars were as clear as ever.
"These scars once spelled out the word hate, remember? Jesus changed them to love, so that I could always remember they love me, and be reminded of his scars. The scars on my hands? They were from the bear, remember? I trusted him to save me and he did. Come with me - trust them, and just let them love you." she compelled.
Father Quinn breathed out and nodded, finally following her.
Jesus, Papa and Sarayu all smiled warmly as they approached.
Father Quinn was quiet for a moment, simply drinking in their features.
Finally, he got the courage to speak.
"Uh...hi?" he stuttered.
"HA!" Papa suddenly shouted, making the poor man jump.
"Hi to you Joseph! Come her and give Papa a hug!" she demanded, pulling him in to a fierce cuddle.
Jess, Jesus and Sarayu laughed, enjoying Papa's good nature.
"Oh...I er...ok." Father Quinn gave in, hugging her back.
As the moment continued, he visibily relaxed and was clearly moved by the fact he was literally hugging God.
Jess sighed out, feeling very happy for him.
Hugging Papa really was amazing!
Well hugging any one of them was, really.
"Jessica, may I hold Elizabeth?" Sarayu asked.
"Of course!" she nodded eagerly.
The longer Elizabeth was in God's hands, the longer she was 100% safe.
Jesus lovingly handed her over to Sarayu, and at once covered her in kisses and praises of her cuteness.
"Hey," Jesus said softly, grabbing Jess's attention.
"Yes Lord?"
"I heard everything you said to Father Quinn, and it is what he needed hear."
"Well...it was all the truth. I saw the scars on Papa's wrists too." Jess replied quietly, now sad.
Jesus nodded, thinking.
"Jesus?" Father Quinn asked timidly, making Jess grin knowingly.
She tactfully turned to look at Elizabeth and Sarayu, pretending not to hear.
She was sensible enough to know that Father Quinn needed this moment between him and the son, but that he needed her to be close by.
"Hello Joseph - it is wonderful to meet you!" Jesus greeted warmly, holding his hand out to shake.
As Father Quinn took it, he couldn't help but look and notice the scars on his wrists, and his eyes grew wide.
"It's ok, Joseph. It was worth every moment, I promise you." Jesus informed him quickly.
Father Quinn nodded, unsure what to say next.
Jesus suddenly grinned, aware that Father Quinn wanted to ask something specific, but was too nervous to ask.
Jess glanced over and caught his eye.
She understood immediately and smirked.
"It's ok, Father. You can ask him anything, don't be nervous. I did tell you about my day at the shack, right? THAT was nerve wracking!" she joked, nudging him.
Papa and Jesus laughed at that, and Father Quinn couldn't help but join in.
Gathering his courage, he finally spoke up.
"I..I er - have spent my whole life wondering about you. I alwaysknew the story and shared it...but I think I haven't fully appreciated it..uh...you I mean. I - I uhhh..was wondering..."
Jesus cocked his head to the side, showing that he was listening intently.
Father Quinn breathed out, feeling nervous again.
"Well...could I - or, or that is may I...touch the scars?" he finally asked quietly.
Jesus smiled and Jess tried to herself from crying.
This was a deeply spiritual moment, and she remained silent, not daring to interupt.
"Of course you may." Jesus nodded, holding his hands out again.
Father Quinn shakily allowed his fingers to brush the scars.
He imagined the nails that were driven through, and the agony Jesus would have been in.
Then, he remembered Jess had told him that Papa had been there with him and felt everything.
Shyly, he glanced over, and spotted her scars too and sighed out.
"Your love is so...unimaginable!" he stated in wonder, eyes filling up.
Jesus then folded his hands around Father Quinn's.
"You're right - our love for you in unimaginable. We would do this a thousand times again, even if it were just for you!" he promised.
The raw emotion finally got to him, and Father Quinn allowed himself to let go and cry.
Smiling, Jesus opened his arms and hugged him tightly.
Tears rolled down Jess's cheeks and she focused on Elizabeth, trying not to intrude.
She heard a soft chuckle behind her and turned to find Papa.
"Wanna join in this love fest?" Papa invited.
Grinning, Jess nodded and embraced her, breathing in her amazing scent...it was so natural and filled her with wonder and awe.
This being that she was hugging...and who was hugging her back with all the love in the universe...created absolutely everything! Every atom in the universe - every sight, every smell. Here she was sharing it with her!
"Thank you so much Papa!" she whispered meaningfully.
"You are most welcome, child." came the reply.
Smiling, Jess nodded and simply got lost in the incredible comfort of Papa's arms, never wanting to let go.
She sighed.
"I wish I could stay here forever." she admitted.
"I wish that too, honey. But then, you'd be leaving Elizabeth." Papa reminded her gently.
Slowly, Jess pulled back, and instead held Papa's hands.
"I know. I will live my life and raise Elizabeth to the very best of my ability. I will always teach her of how much you love her, and about my incredible day at the shack with you. I will always teach her of the incredible sacrafice you made, and what you went through. I make this promise to you now, the same as when you promised me Elizabeth all those years ago!" she swore passionately.
Papa was positively glowing with joy now.
"I know you will keep your promise, as I kept mine to you. You have done such good work for me already, with your testimony and your book. You have literally saved lives, you know? People on the brink of scuicide have remembered your words and stepped back from the edge of destruction." she informed her softly.
Jess's eyebrows raised.
"Really?"
"Child, have I ever lied to you?" Papa asked with mock annoyance.
Jess grinned.
"Oh no, I've offended the Lord. Please do have mercy on me, great one, and I promise I'll actually be on time for church next week!" she giggled, glee in her eyes.
Jesus and Sarayu burst into laughter at that, and Jess and Papa quickly joined in - even Father Quinn couldn't hold back!
After a solid five minutes of laughter, they finally started to calm down.
Papa hugged Jess again, shaking her head.
"My, my, I sure do love you!" she exclaimed.
Jess breathed out, turning serious.
"And I love you. Very, very much!" she said passionately.
Smiling, she turned to Jesus.
"I love you very much too!" she assured him, grinning.
Jesus chuckled and rewarded her with a strong hug, and even a kiss on her forehead.
"Sarayu? You know how much I love you, cos you pretty much am how I feel!" Jess laughed.
They all laughed again.
Jess looked down and gently took Elizabeth back off Sarayu.
Their expressions grew soft and calm, knowing what was going to happen.
Sarayu gently rubbed her arm to give her a bit more courage for this very holy moment.
"Papa?" Jess asked, very softly, turning back to her.
"Yes?" Papa answered, equally as soft.
"I brought Elizabeth here today to be christened, so that she would be clean and be a part of our family. I er...wondered if you would do me the immense honour of blessing her?" she wondered, voice tender and she was reminded that she was indeed speaking to God Almighty.
Papa nodded, smiling sweetly.
"It would be my pleasure, child." she explained, holding her arms out.
Overjoyed, Jess lovingly handed her daughter over to God.
Even THAT moment was special, and Jesus rubbed her arm to acknowledge the holiness of it.
It was differenent than before...before Jess was handing Elizabeth to Papa as any friend would introduce their baby.
This time, she was handing Elizabeth over to God, and it had very deep meaning.
Papa's eyes were incredibly tender as she gazed into Elizabeth's.
"Elizabeth Kelly. You are loved in the very highest, by the very highest. I am blessing you today, sweet child. You will never doubt my existance, and you will never doubt by goodness, or love. You will always do good on Earth because Sarayu will always be with you, Jesus will always be in your heart, and I will always be in your soul."
Jess breathed out as tears fell, overwhelmed with emotion.
THAT was a true blessing.
Papa gently placed Elizabeth back in her mother's arms.
"Now, Jessica. Would you like to be blessed?" Papa offered kindly.
The offer was incredible, but Jess shook her head.
"Papa...thank you so, so much. But between simply seeing all 3 of you, sharing my story, saving people through sharing the truth, knowing who you are really like whilst not forgetting that you are God Almighty, redeeming me at the shack, forgiving me, and saving me from the bear, as well as saving my soul...and finally, giving me my beautiful, beautiful daughter, while my other daughter is with you...well...I am more than blessed enough." she sniffed, overcome with the power of it all.
Sarayu, Jesus and Papa held hands and nodded, smiling.
"We are so, so proud of you Jess!" Jesus informed her, "And we know you will continue with your good work until you fall asleep in this world, and join us in ours. Until then, sweet child...you are blessed. And you always will be!"
Jessica sniffed as more tears came and nodded her head quickly to acknowledge them.
"Thank you." she whispered, bowing her head.
Warmth and calmness surrounded her, and when she looked up, they were gone.
Yet, Jess knew they were right there.