Page 9 of Satan's Son

Ethan placed his hand on Alex’s other temple.

“What are you doing?” I frowned.

“This is your first time. Do you think I am going to let you do it by yourself?” He rolled his eyes. “Now close your eyes; you will feel the connection.”

“How do I bring a memory forward?” I glanced at him, relieved that he was here with me. “And will you be seeing them, too, the memories?”

“You just focus on them and the person will be seeing what you are inviting them to remember.” Ethan shifted his weight. “And, yes.”

“His name is Alex, not ‘the person.’” I closed my eyes and inhaled sharply. I could do this. I wouldn’t let Alex die. But I suddenly became more nervous as Alex gulped down another mouthful of the vodka.

Alex’s mind was like a cloud, foggy and hard to focus in. Slowly, pictures and scenes flashed through my mind, like a movie of all the important memories of his life.

I suppressed a smile when I noticed most of his happy moments were with me.

Suddenly, a conversation appeared in his mind and I focused on it, bringing it to the surface.

“Do you want to go to college?” Alex smiled at me.

“No.” I flung a college book at him. “You, on the other hand, don’t get a choice. You have to share your talent with everyone. It would be a crime not to.”

I focused on that memory for a few moments and then searched for another.

“Don’t worry. If I die, I will be sure to haunt you.” I wrapped my arms around Alex and smiled up at him. “Remember that, punk!”

Alex wasn’t drinking. He hadn’t brought the bottle back to his lips. I took this as a good sign and frantically searched for a conversation we’d had not too long ago.

“You know, Alex, you have the most beautiful voice.” I kissed his cheek. “Don’t ever give up.”

“You are biased, Addy.” He arched an eyebrow. “I’m not that good.”

“Yes, you are.” I shouldered him lightly as we sat on his bed and his fingers lingered over his guitar strings. “You are going to be famous, Alex. I know it. Your music is going to save people from their darkest hours, and it’s going to be played when people experience their happiest moments.”

Alex rolled his eyes and gave me his trademark smile. “Then I will get all famous and have to leave you behind.”

I shrugged my shoulders. “I will still be with you, no matter where you are. Can’t get rid of me that easily.” I smiled at him. “Now play it again!”

My eyes snapped open. Alex dropped the bottle and the little vodka that was left spilled over the carpet.

I pulled my hand away from his temple and watched as his eyes filled with tears of happiness mixed with grief. Then his eyes fluttered closed, and his body slumped against the wall.

“Was I too late?” I reached out for Alex, but my hand went through his. “I took too long, didn’t I?”

“No.” Ethan pulled his own hand away, and I noticed sadness in his eyes before he looked away from me. “He has just passed out.”

“Should I get him help?” I glanced between Alex and Ethan. “I could try and wake his parents or something?”

“And how to you suggest doing that?” he asked. “Rattle chains or something?”

I gave him a blank look. “Would that work?”

Ethan grunted and got up from the floor. “No.”

“So no to the chains and no to waking his parents?”

Ethan gave a quick nod and then glanced at something in the corner of the room. “We should go. The job is done.”

I got up from my knees and glanced at the corner. My expression softened as I took in the picture of Alex and I smiling widely. That picture was taken the night I died.

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