Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Why can't I find you?



Where’s the line to see Jesus

Christmas time was approaching,
Snow is starting to fall,
Shoppers choosing their presents,
People filling the mall.
Children waiting for Santa,
With excitement and glee,
A little boy tugged my sweater,
Looked up and asked me.
Where’s the line to see Jesus?
Is He here at the store?
It’s Christmas time, it’s His birthday.
Why don’t we see Him more?
Where’s the line to see Jesus?
He was born for me.
Santa Claus brought me presents.
But Christ gave His life for me.
As I stood in amazement,
At this message profound,
I looked down to thank him,
he was nowhere around.
Little boy at the mall,
Might as well have had wings,
As the tears filled my eyes,
but I heard him sing.
Where’s the line to see Jesus?
Is He here at the store?
It’s Christmas time, it’s His birthday.
Why don’t we see Him more?
Where’s the line to see Jesus?
He was born for me.
Santa Claus brought me presents.
But Christ gave His life for me.
In the blink of an eye,
at the sound of His trump,
We’ll all stand in line at His throne.
Every knee shall bow down,
every tongue will confess,
that Jesus Christ is Lord
Where’s the line to see Jesus?
Is He here at the store?
It’s Christmas time, it’s His birthday.
Why don’t we see Him more?
Where’s the line to see Jesus?
He was born for me.
Santa Claus brought me presents.
But Christ gave His life for me.


Ellen
Christmas music rang through the mall, as shoppers bought Christmas gifts and such.
Me, I was setting up my snipers rifle. I had been paid to take down one of the most prominent business men in America.
My client had been stiffed by the bastard one too many times and had finally come to me for help.
“Ellen,” He said. “The millionaire, Todd Atkins, has been cheating his clients and business partners for almost two decades now and he needs to be stopped and as far as the law is concerned, he is God. He practically owns the police squad.
You’re the only hope the Institution has. I know your job has taken its toll on you and you are hoping to get out of it. This is your one in a million chance of getting out and with over a million dollars in your pocket.” He pleaded. “I’ll even throw in a shopping spree in New York.”
“Fine, but I want a motorcycle to keep also.” I bargained.
“Done,” He sealed the deal.

The conversation was still continuing through my head along with the most annoying Christmas music. I hated Christmas, for the sole reason of having all the families and love all around you.
My mom had died when I was six and my dad had died last year. That’s when I got into the killing business. My step mother had disowned me and dumped me in a foster home the first chance she got.
I ran away and hid in a building called Nuclear War Games. I knew right away that this was Not what it seemed. It was after hours and I crawled into an office and noticed a secret door. It opened at my touch and revealed a meeting room. A power point presentation was up and it read Institution.
I walked in there casually and introduced myself. Seeing there was something special about me, they explained what they did. They were a group of people who were some of the most powerful people in America.
They needed a job done and evaluated my skill with sniper rifle. I had a natural talent for guns and they had seen my skill.
They gave me a place to live and I became their assassin. I did other jobs for them as well, such as computer hacking, bombs, and other stuff like that.
They promised that if I wanted out I could get out, but that it would be dangerous to actually become a normal citizen. At the time, I was content, but then I longed for school again.
They promised I could get out and they let me. I agreed if they ever need me after hours or on the occasional school day, I would be there.
Next week, I would be on a flight to Texas and I would be going to a small town school. They had procured me a place to live. I would be boarding with a single mother and her son. Their last name was Mayes. My motorcycle would be shipped over there and they would meet me at the airport. The son, Erik, was a senior and as such, I would be a sophomore, because of my age. I was fifteen.
My target walked out of the building. Todd Atkins was a secret arms dealer and a business millionaire, since he dabbled in food market. But for years now, he had been ripping off the Institution and now, they had decided to take action, or otherwise, take him out. Permanently.
I had to reach him before he got into his car, but I had that taken care of. If I missed, which I wouldn’t, or if I was too late, I had a bomb planted in his car.
One shot. That’s all it took. I fired once, packed up, and left. Didn’t need to see that I hit him, I knew that I hit him. It was an ice bullet, my own invention. Only made a small hole, so it looked like he was hit by a dart. It melted, so it couldn’t be traced to me.
My phone rang. “Nice work,” Boss said. “I’ll have a plane pick you up tomorrow for that shopping spree and that motorcycle.”
“Thanks, Boss. I’m going home and hitting the sack. Is it you or the other guy who’s coming shopping?”
“The other guy. Last time I went shopping with you, we spent three hours in the shoe store because we couldn’t agree on a pair of shoes for you.” His voice turned joking.
“You know I can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done for me.” I said quietly.
“We wouldn’t be where we are today without your help you know.” He said thoughtfully.
“I’m just nervous about going to school with regular people and you know how awkward I get when I’m out of my element.”
“I know. We learned our lesson from last year’s Christmas Ball.” He drawled.
“You shouldn’t have put me in high heels or in a dress.” I reprimanded. “I’m an assassin, not a Barbie doll.” I reminded.
“It wasn’t my choice. I don’t choose who goes to the balls or dinners or whatever.”
“But you didn’t stop it. I felt so out of place. I was relieved when you offered to leave early even though you were having a really good time with that one lady from Operations.”
He laughed nervously. “You did look nice and all ladylike, but I’m guessing you faked sick on all the other activities.”
“I faked fatally ill. It’s called Dressaphobia or whichever event it was.” I replied.
“Well, I better let you go or you’ll be tired in the morning.” He said goodbye and hung up.
I turned off my phone and got on my current motorcycle, which was like two months out of date and I seriously needed a new one.
I drove to my current residence. It was a small flat, but it was decorated lavishly. Of course I had a few pets. A rare two tailed cat from Japan that I named Kirara from my favorite anime. Inuyasha.
The cat was so abnormal they had actually put her in a circus. I was paid well by the Institution and I had around 30 million for the record at that moment and I paid around a quarter of a million for her and she was worth so much more than that. She was one of my three companions.
My little wolf cub was named Kouga, just because he reminded me of the wolf cubs in Kouga’s pack.
My third was a little black tiger. I named her Neko. She and Kirara were best friend and all were complete loyal to me and I loved them more because of it.
I locked up my bike and went inside. The doorman greeted me. “Ms. January, I understand you’re leaving us.”
I nodded. “It’s time I go back to my roots and go back to school.”
He nodded. “Well, it will be good for you to be around other youngsters your age. You’ve been deprived of female company for too long.”
I snorted. “You haven’t met the female teenagers of today.”
He scratched his head. “Well, go on up to your room. I’m sure your tired and probably have a long day tomorrow.” He waved me up.
“Thanks man.” I hesitated. “If your wife wants, I can babysit your twins in a couple before I leave for the hick town.”
“Thanks Ellen. We’ve been wanting to go to that new movie for a few days now and we can do that.” He smiled. “You’re the best.”
I smiled back. “No problem.”
I walked upstairs and opened my door, locking it when I closed it. My friends came and greeted me.
I fed them and after they did their business, they curled up in my lap, as I turned on the news.
“Todd Atkins was shot dead this evening right outside Lovely Scents, while buying a perfume for one of his many girlfriends. His daughter, Melinda, has been put into custody of her mother, who has been fighting for custody for two very long years.” The news reporter said.
The screen switched to Riley Fracen. “I am so very sorry about my ex-husbands death, but I am so very thankful to whoever gave me my daughter back.” She was crying. “Thank you so very much whoever did this. My daughter is safe and I am forever in your debt.”
It switched back to the reporter. “Well, now that that’s been out, I suppose all the people who were ripped off by Atkins could be a murder suspect and the police have already officially closed the case.” She sighed. “In other news,”
I switched off the television. “Well, another job done and we can all sleep soundly, knowing I’ve done some good in this world.” I smiled.
I was tired and I fell asleep on the couch, with everyone in my lap.
Erik
I woke up to someone buzzing. I cleaned myself up and opened the door. There was a guy, probably two years my senior.
“Hello,” He greeted. “My name is Erik Mace and my mother sent me to make sure you get to our house safely.”
“Well, I’m Ellen, as you already know. I have things to do before I do anything. If you’re hungry, there’s food in the refrigerators and there is soda in the pantry. I don’t usually eat here, so there isn’t much more then snacks and sodas.” I said apologetically.
He ambled into the kitchen. “Ellen, why is there a collection of guns in the kitchen?” He asked.
I was shocked. “You mean they didn’t tell you what I have been doing ever since my dad died?”
“Nah, they just said you needed a place to stay for the rest of your high school career and at the sum they gave, my mom didn’t ask.” He explained.
I sighed. “You’ve heard of me, probably not by name though. I work for the Institution and do many odd jobs for them.” I shrugged. “Over three fourths of them would give you nightmares, so I won’t give you the details.
It was not my decision to go back to school and endanger my life along with many others, although the Institution will not believe me.” I turned to him. “I will not endanger your family by actually living there. I will find my own place as soon as possible.” I looked at him with sorrow filled eyes. “I am truly sorry for anything that happens to your family because of me.” I hung my head.
“You haven’t even done anything yet,” He said. “Now, I believe your pets are starving.”
I looked down and gasped. Kirara, Kouga, and Neko were over by their food bowls. I filled their bowls and my phone rang.
I picked it up. “Mushi, moshi.”
On the other line, Boss sighed. “Quit saying that ridiculous Japanese greeting.” He complained.
“So, is the plane ready?” I said happily.
“Yes and your motorcycle will be delivered pronto.” He answered.
“Thank you so much.” I squealed. “I’ll be there in twenty.”
“Where you going?” Erik asked.
“New York,” I said simply.
“Why?”
“New clothes, shoes. It’s a million dollar shopping spree and I’m all pumped up.” I said loudly.
He laughed. “Nice, well I’ll see you when you get back.”
“There’s money in my bedroom under the pillow and there’s a
Subway within walking distance.” I said. “If you need anything else, Kirara, Kouga, or Neko can show you where it is. Probably.” I grabbed my keys and shoulder bag. “Later.” I waved cheerfully and left.
I got on my motorcycle and sped off toward the Institution’s private hangar.
Brad was there, waiting for me. “Well, Ellen. I’m pleased to hear you have made a lot of people happy. The plane is waiting for you and Henry is on board.”
“Later.” I started walking up the airway.
“Wait,” He called. “A little gift from Adkins ex-wife.” He tossed me a jewelry box full of bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. “She said to tell you thank you for getting her back her daughter. She also said she would like to thank you in person, but I told her you couldn’t do that for fear of being shot to death.”
“Tell her I said thank you and it’s the thought that counts.” I continued walking up the stairs.
“Well, I tell her and have a nice shopping spree.” I went into the plane and sat down slowly. Still dizzy from lack of sleep and surprise at the jewelry, I tried to catch some more sleep.
Ryan shook my shoulder. “Wake up Ellen, we land in five minutes.”
I stretched, popping in a piece of gum.
“What district will we hit first? Clothing, Electronic, Book?” He asked.
“Let’s get the clothing out of the way first,” I suggested. “That always takes the longest. Then we can head to the Electronics store and then after we finish there with all the gadgets and gizmos, we can hit the book store and rest our feet.”
He nodded. “Whatever you say,”
As we walked off the plane, he continued to interrogate me. “So I hear you’re leaving the Institution for some hick town in Texas?” It wasn’t really a question; it was more of a statement.
“Not my decision. Brad and his superiors decided that for me it was time to reconnect with my roots and start going back to school.” I explained.
“You’re from Texas?” He asked incredulously. “You don’t have an accent.”
“I worked really hard not to have one, since you can distinguish a person from where his accent, or so-called dialect, originated. My sister has a very heavy one, so I tried my best not to collect one from my travels, although I can imitate one to perfection.” I boasted.
“It’s always nice to see you’re oh so modest as they make you out to be.” He joked.
I stuck my tongue out childishly. “You’re mean,” I huffed. I smiled. “But yes, unfortunately, I am the most perfect weapon anyone has ever created for I am…” I trailed off.
“Human,” Ryan finished. “So they trained you to become a weapon. So?”
I smiled humorlessly. “Let me tell you a story,”
A girl ran through the streets of New York, narrowly avoiding passing cars and jaywalkers, and of course, the police.
She ducked into a building called Nuclear War Games. Noticing there was something odd about the building, she explored the rather deserted building. After going through two floors, she found the director’s office, which was odd in itself because of the way the door was fashioned.
“You see,” I explained. “Over ninety percent of doors have hinges on the left so that they are fashioned to swing outward.”
This door however had absolutely no hinges and it was like a wall that was painted to look like a door.
She thought for a moment. She could go back or she could continue on and hope to not be killed. Well, she had nothing else to live for. She found a secret door and opened it. There was a simple child’s rhyme.
The beginning of every end
The end of time and space
The hope of every man
That looks upon a woman’s face
The answer was e. She walked in and behind the secret door, was a group of the most prominent business men in America.
She walked in and the group of men turned and looked straight at her. She looked around and feeling at least somewhat brave, introduced herself.
They looked at her and stated, “You’re either very brave or very foolish.”
“The latter,” She replied. “I’ve been on the run for day and you’re the first people I’ve seen who at least looked at me without actually turning around and frowning.”
They sniffed. They looked confused.
“I know I smell and look pretty bad, but do you know anywhere I can maybe get some hot water and food. I haven’t eaten in a week and showered in three days.” She asked.
“Of course, but I need you to answer a few questions.”
She nodded profusely. “I’ll answer anything, just please I’m so hungry and dirty, I just want to get clean.”
The oldest one looked up and said, “She can come with me and we’ll reconvene later, say around 7?”
The rest nodded.
They walked out, leaving her with the dude. He looked at her. “You obviously grew up in a good home, so why are you on the streets?”
“My father died two weeks ago,” She replied. “My mom died when I was six and as soon as she could, my step mother dumped me in an abusive foster home. My sister was her favorite and she is happy with her.” She paused. She sighed as she continued. “My foster parents beat me and starved me for about a week before I got fed up with it. They had gone out drinking and I packed my bag and left. I survived almost two weeks on the street before finding this place.” She explained.
The dude nodded. “Well, Ellen, I’m going to drive home and get you cleaned up. My daughter will help you and we will meet with the board at seven.” He pulled up at a building and they got out.
The doorman simply nodded and let them pass.
Sapphire
Dude walked upstairs and opened a door. “Sapphire, I have someone you need to take care of.” He called out.
A girl probably around two years or so older than her came running into the room. “Hello, I’m Sapphire, but my friends call me Fire.”
She was in shock, but it passed.
Dude spoke up. “Sweetheart, I would like you to get some food in her and get her some clothes after she showers.”
Sapphire nodded. “Gladly.”
The girl inwardly groaned. She could tell Sapphire would mother her until she left.
Sapphire led the,
“Look,” Ryan interrupted. “I know the girl is you, so please quit using third person to speak. It kind of creeps me out.”
I nodded.
Sapphire led me to her shower and gave me free reign over her soaps, while she dug through her old clothes to find me something to wear.
The shower was absolute heaven. I washed my hair thoroughly. After I was done, I looked completely different.
“Wow,” Sapphire said. “You’re very pretty.”
I ducked my head shyly. “I guess.”
“Here are some clothes of mine that should fit you pretty well. I can’t wait to see what you look like after I’m done with you.” She squealed.
What i looked like
I ducked back into the bathroom and got dressed. She had given me jeans, a short sleeved t-shirt, and some converse.
I dressed and she came in when I was decent. She started brushing my hair and started asking questions.
“I love your hair,” She kept saying.
“Except when you actually have it, you keep wishing to the gods that it was straight.” I retaliated.
She laughed. “But, seriously, your hair rocks. So why did my dad bring you here? You aren’t quite the average stray,” She commented.
I shrugged. “Honestly, I walked in on a meeting between him and some other people. I asked for a place to shower and to eat, and they were the first people who didn’t look at me like I was crazy.”
She laughed. “Man, I wish I had been there. You were the first person ever to get into that meeting without a pass. I could never figure out that rhyme.”
“The answer was E.” I told her.
She was dumbfounded. “You mean, it was that simple? It looked like a complicated riddle.”
I shrugged. “I learned that riddle when I was two.”
She finished my make-up and told me to look in the mirror. I did and almost fainted. I looked like a girl for once.
“Yeah, now let’s get some food in you.” She took my hand and led me into a kitchen. It was filled with food and I almost drooled.
She fixed me a sandwich and gave me a glass of water.
I scarfed it down. She laughed. “When did you last eat?”
“Eight days ago.” I answered seriously.
She wowed.
I nodded. I looked at the clock. “Okay, it’s almost six thirty.”
She looked at me. “Do you like music?” She asked suddenly.
I nodded. “Simple Plan, Linkin Park, MCR, the works.”
She brightened up. “Awesome!” She squealed. “I’ll be right back.”
She came back a few moments later. She thrust an mp3 into my hands with a pair of headphones. “Here, it’s my old music player and it’s loaded with those bands. You can have it, along with the headphones.”
“Thank you so much,” I was so grateful. “I love music and it’s been so long since I have had some to listen to.” I hugged her.
Dude came into the kitchen. “Where’s Ellen?”
“I’m right here.” I said.
“You look way different.” He said.
“I’m taking that as a compliment,” I said slowly.
“Well, say your goodbyes because we have to go and meet with the board.” He told me.
“Good bye Sapphire.” I said slowly.
“Good bye Ellen. If they decide to keep you, don’t be a stranger.” She waved as we walked out the door.
“Your daughter is a nice person.” I commented.
“Thank you. I tried to raise her well. Her mother died when she was six and I’ve raised her by myself as well as possible.”