Warning

By Elina Emme

... Its just an illusion that something belongs to someone in this world. We are all given temporary use of things and even our own lives are temporary. Only the things we create belong to us. Our planet belongs to its creator. People didnt create it, The Universe did

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Mar 30, 2015
• ISBN: 9781503552838

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Soaked in August air radiated warmth and sun. Trees and grass, filled with sun, shined with juicy green colors. Even the sky that day was especially beautiful and felt like home. Elizabeth, standing along the road, pleasurably moved her eyes from the trees to the clear sky, greedily inhaling the soft air through the open car window. She and Joanne were racing in the car, slightly over the speed limit, late to the house of Sean, their longtime friend, who invited all his old friends for the weekend BBQ and reminiscence. Joanne was relaxing on the front seat, throwing one leg over the other, not noticing the beauty right outside the window, concentrating on her watch she wore on her refined thin wrist. She was dressed in a short peach dress that tightly showed off her beautiful figure. She had same-color shoes with high heels. Her makeup was flawless, and not a hair was out of place. Elizabeth was without makeup. Her hair, bunched up in a ponytail in the back, irritated Joanne. She critically examined Elizabeth and said discontentedly, Wow, you are a sight. Put some makeup on and a dress.

Not paying attention to the irritation in her voice, Elizabeth replied serenely, I’m going to a barbecue, not a party. I don’t care about a dress and makeup. All I want is to get some fresh air and listen to the birds chirping.

If you don’t care for dressing up and makeup, how can you not care about the others? Without waiting for reply, Joanne continued, My eyes are hurting to see your old T-shirts and jeans.

I want to just relax and not bother with makeup and dresses. By the way, because of you, we are late. How you can you spend three hours thinking what dress to wear?

One hour late. Big deal!

I hate being late.

They quickly drove through the remaining part of the way. Elizabeth parked near Sean’s house. Sean went outside to greet them. He embraced and kissed Joanne on the cheek. Then he took Elizabeth by the shoulders and stared at her from head to toe.

How do you manage to look so amazing in plain jeans and a T-shirt?

You are flattering me, Elizabeth said with a smile.

No! You’re not an ordinary girl! Let me hug you once again.

And he hugged Elizabeth with his big arms. Elizabeth cried out, Take it easy! You’re crushing my spine!

That’s why I invited you for the barbecue—to fatten you up. You look like you never eat!

Aw, come on, don’t exaggerate!

John came out, dazzling them with his wide smile.

Oh finally! he exclaimed joyfully. Joanne, as always, you are impeccable. He hugged her. If I didn’t already have my baby, I’d have seduced you.

You’d get nowhere.

Better believe me, baby. I am a pro!

I’ll complain to Adriana about you!

You can’t! She is staying home with a cold. He approached Elizabeth and hugged her. So glad to see you!

Me too. Is Steve here?

Of course! John replied. It would be boring without him.

They went behind the house to the backyard, where Sam was grilling barbecue.

There, in a lounge chair under a beach umbrella, was sitting ample-bodied Anna. Her white locks were curled, coral lipstick smeared slightly. She was sipping martini and talking to Steve. Short and stout, Steve was awkwardly shifting back and forth by his chair.

Trying to make an impression, John whispered to Elizabeth, pointing at Steve.

Upon seeing them coming, Steve happily wobbled toward them.

I haven’t seen you in ages! Hello, Elizabeth. He kissed her on cheek. Joanne! You look like a movie star! How is it possible to be so beautiful? And he smiled archly, looking into Joanne’s eyes.

Hi, Stevie! Joan replied nonchalantly and went to say hello to Sam.

They greeted each other. Anna was approaching them, studying every inch of Joanne’s slim and athletic body. With a wry smile, she said, You look tired, dear, probably because of torturing and starving yourself with these diets to keep this shape.

I don’t strain myself to be in shape, replied Joan, also with a broad and sweet smile. It’s genetic. I’m just tired because of all the extra attention toward me, especially from women, who look at me, then get nervous, and smile with condescending wry smiles. Joan looked with her wide-open eyes into the eyes of Anna. Do you know why, by any chance?

No, snapped Anna, smiling stiffly. Hey, Steve! My glass is empty.

Steve trotted toward Anna with a new martini glass. Ice cubes clinked loudly inside.

Haven’t you had enough martinis? Sam asked.

Anna looked at him with contempt, raising her left brow.

Now I understand why Mary ditched you, she replied.

Explain.

You’re boring, tedious, and nauseating.

Anna sharply turned around. She swayed and walked with unsteady gait toward her chair.

Elizabeth approached Sam. Looking at his annoyed face, she said, Don’t pay attention, Sam. The lower is the person’s soul, the higher is his nose. He sticks his nose in places that his soul can’t reach.

Sam smiled with sadness. John stepped aside, took the phone out, and dialed a number.

Hello, darling, John uttered sweetly. Of course, I miss you. I think of you every second! Oh, baby, I promise to never leave you alone again.

Joanne was looking at John. His face was lit up with happiness. When he finished talking, he walked over to Joanne, pulled out a small red box from his pocket, opened it, and handed it to her. Look! he said. Do you think my baby will like it?

Joanne took the box and pulled out a gold ring with a big diamond.

It is just beautiful!, she said with delight. You decided to get married! Congratulations! And she gave him a peck on the cheek.

It’s too early for congratulations, said John happily, but thank you anyway!

Joanne was looking at the diamond with fascination. She glanced at her hand and decided to put a ring on her ring finger.

No, no! John stopped her. Don’t put it on. I’m sorry, but I want it to be my Adriana who will put in on her hand for first time. This is important for me! Do you understand?

Yes, of course. I just wanted to try it on. I’m sorry.

Anna approached them. She was swaying to and fro, trying to stand straight. What is this? she cried out, snatching the ring from Joanne’s hands.

Be careful! John sounded annoyed.

Squinting with one eye, Anna studied the ring. Steve was shifting from one foot to another behind her back.

Cheap junk! Anna said. This is not a real diamond!

It is real! Joanne objected.

No! It’s a fake!

I am not about to prove you wrong, John said. Give it back to me.

Anna quickly put the ring on her ring finger. It only fit up to the second knuckle.

What the hell are you doing? exclaimed John with anger.

Why are you so scared? calmly inquired Anna while looking at the ring on her finger. It stuck in the middle.

I am afraid you are going to stretch it, John replied furiously. Give it back.

Anna pulled the ring off with displeasure. Here you go! She threw it back into John’s hand.

John placed the ring back in the box and snapped it shut. Anna walked to Sam.

I don’t like this, Anna, Steve said quietly when Anna walked away from them.

John seemed upset. Elizabeth, who was watching the whole scene, approached them.

John, don’t worry. Joanne tried calming him. It fit only halfway.

Bad luck, John replied sadly. I’ll exchange it for another one.

Don’t get so upset, said Elizabeth. Your love is stronger than any bad luck.

Yes. John was still upset. But somehow that happy feeling is lost.

I didn’t think that you are so superstitious. Change the ring and forget about it.

I won’t give her any more martini, Steve muttered.

Sam was done with the barbecue. Everyone sat down at the table in the middle of the lawn and ate hot and juicy barbecue with appetite. Joanne put two small pieces on her plate. Looking at her, Anna said, Why is the world so unfair?

No one responded to her, and she added after a pause, Why is that? Those like Joanne eat whatever they want, but those like me eat like little birds and instead get fat.

There was a large piece of barbecue meat on her plate, and in her hands, she held a huge piece of bread, out of which she bit off a big chunk.

I’m always in a positive mood, replied Joanne. Good mood improves digestion.

Don’t even dream about it, John added, looking at Anna.

Don’t dream about what? Anna asked with her mouth full.

Good digestion.

I’m always positive! Anna objected.

I didn’t notice a smile once on your face today. You have a gift. In some amazing way, you influence others around you to lose a desire to smile.

I am not a clown to entertain all of you. Anna meaningfully raised her left eyebrow. I am a nurse, by the way, and a responsible employee!

It is such a good day today, and the meat tastes great, Sean said, leading the subject in another direction.

Yes! Elizabeth joined him. It’s been a long time since I had such a delicious barbecue. Sam, let us in on a secret! How do you do it?

Sam, with pleasure, revealed to them the mysteries of cooking the barbecue.

At eight o’clock in the evening, it suddenly became cold, and they moved inside the house. John continued talking nonstop about Adriana. It was clear that he was head over heels in love with her. Anna, all red in the face, softened up after the martini. She was humming something without listening to anyone. Raising her head, she looked up at Sam with bleary eyes.

You are not even trying to find a replacement for Mary? Her voice was full of sarcasm.

No, I am not, replied Sam without looking at her.

Anna snorted with satisfaction. She moved her eyes to look at Sean.

You’re still single, Sean?

Yes.

I am surprised, Anna hiccupped. Why are good people always alone?

If I have been alone for so long, then I must be a really good person.

Anna patronizingly stretched her lips. Actually, I’m talking about myself.

Ah, my apologies.

Anna looked at Sam.

Sam and why do you always find wrong women? You have bad taste.

Who do you mean? Sam asked.

Mary, of course.

I have nothing bad to say about Mary, objected Sam. I was always busy with work and spent little time with her.

Steve fidgeted impatiently on the couch. Oh, if I had a girl, he sighed with sadness, looking Anna in the face, I would have spent all my spare time only with her.

Anna looked at him with disdain.

I can’t even imagine the girl who would need you and your free time! Anna threw her head back and laughed out loud.

Steve hunched his shoulders guiltily and sadly lowered his eyes. John looked at Steve with sympathy and said with anger in his voice, And I can’t imagine an idiot who would want to spend all his free time with you!

Whaaaat? yelled Anna with her eyes growing wide.

If you didn’t hear me, I can repeat it.

Fuck you!

Anna jumped up from her chair and walked unsteadily toward the door, holding yet another martini in her hand, which was splashing from her glass on the way.

Where are you going? Sean asked.

I’m going to get some fresh air. I am beginning to suffocate among idiots.

She walked out, loudly slamming the door.

I wonder how is it that she’s immune to her own poison, said Steve in wavering voice.

Don’t pay attention, Sean said. Way too many martinis.

Her ego is inflated out of proportion, replied Sam.

My Adriana is a very modest girl! And she is so clever! John jumped in.

Once again, he began to recite Adriana’s virtues, which everyone already knew by heart. The front door opened, and Anna’s disheveled head appeared there.

Hey, she yelled, everyone, come here. There are the northern lights!

Wow! She is really drunk! John grinned. Is it the color of martini, by any chance? he screamed to Anna.

It is has many colors! Anna hiccupped. And it’s very, very beautiful.

CHAPTER 2

Sean glanced at the window. A strange weak light was growing through the parted curtains. He got up and walked to the door.

Don’t go there, said Elizabeth all of a sudden.

Sean stopped and looked at her in surprise. Why? he asked.

Elizabeth was nervous, not knowing how to find an explanation for it all and convince the others that they shouldn’t look at shining lights. She walked over to the window and closed the curtains tightly.

What is going on? Sean asked.

We need to bring Anna back inside, Elizabeth said, looking at her watch. Hands were at nine forty. Exactly, she said quietly. Everything is coming true.

Joanne grew tense after looking at her.

Sean, call Anna, said Elizabeth, but do not open the door and do not look at the lights.

Fine, agreed Sean. Have you seen it already?

Yes, Elizabeth said.

Sean knew her too well. From her look, he realized that something was happening and it was serious. So it was better not to risk checking whether she was correct or not. He went to the door and loudly called Anna. She did not respond. He called her one more time. Again, no reply.

I have to go out and bring her back.

If you look at the lights, you’re not coming back, replied Elizabeth with confidence.

But we cannot leave her out there.

Call her again.

Sean leaned against the door and yelled, Anna! Come back! I want to tell you something important, and then we will go together to look at the lights.

If she cannot hear you, that means that the light already had effect on her.

Maybe she walked too far away and cannot hear me. And what are you talking about anyway?

I will explain it later. Simply believe what I am saying. Elizabeth looked at Sean with a plea in her eyes. She could not walk that far away so she wouldn’t hear you! insisted Elizabeth.

Sean pressed his ear to the door. I hear her footsteps by the door. It sounds like she is going in circles. Anna, please come back in! he yelled with new hope.

Do you have a basement? Elizabeth asked. We must hurry to get down inside it. The light is gaining momentum, and soon the curtains will not be able to hold it. I’m so sorry, but there is no way you can help Anna.

I have to try. I’ll put a blindfold over my eyes and go out.

Fine. However, do not stay there for too long. Those are not usual lights. They penetrate everything, and your blindfold is a weak defense. I’ll tie something over your eyes, but you can come outside only after we go into another room. You should not stay out there for more than five minutes, or step away from the door. When you return, we will come out.

Okay, agreed Sean.

Elizabeth tied a black scarf over his eyes. Sean went out. Others went to the bedroom and closed the door behind them.

Are you serious? John said We are going to play hide-and-seek? Who are we hiding from?

John, just be quiet, Sam asked.

Fine, but after a moment, he added, smiling, Grown-up guys are scared of the lights that a drunken girl imagined! I cannot believe it!

John! Elizabeth was looking into his eyes with all her seriousness without a smile. Can you just stay silent and not go outside on the street? Is it that difficult for you?

Sean was standing by the door. He listened. The street was quiet. He loudly called Anna. She wasn’t answering. Again, he called her. After not getting any response, he began walking alongside of the house, holding his hand on the wall and screaming her name. Inside his head, he heard Elizabeth’s voice: Five minutes. He went around the house, stopped, and listened to the silence. Then again, he moved forward slowly, calling Anna. He stifled a desire to remove the scarf from his eyes. His eyes were open. Suddenly, he saw a faint light, which began seeping through the scarf. His eyes started burning. He felt as if the light was pushing on his eyes. He closed them tightly and quickly walked back to the front door without taking his hands off the wall. Sean did not stop calling Anna’s name, but she did not respond. His head was spinning. He reached the door, called Anna for the last time, and went inside the house, closing the door behind him. Then he took off the scarf. Red light was pulsing in his eyes. He could not see anything except that annoying color. He rapidly blinked the eyes, but it did not help. He knew that he was inside the house, and at the same time, it seemed different to him. Red light continued to flicker in his eyes and caused him to feel fear and anger. He heard distant barely audible voice of Elizabeth.

Sean, Sean, she called him, are you okay?

The thought that she came out of the house angered him even more, and he furiously yelled, Elizabeth! Come inside the house now!

Elizabeth stared at him in surprise. Sean was looking around him, not being able to see her.

What happened to you? she asked quietly.

Sean did not hear her. He was standing beside the door, all bristled and listening warily.

Sean! John exclaimed. Quit joking around!

Why the heck did you go out on the street? Sean screamed in anger.

Sam and John exchanged glances, filled with surprise.

Maybe we should put a cold compress over his eyes, suggested Joanne.

I don’t think so, replied Elizabeth in bewildered tone. Sean, can you hear me?

Sean turned his head toward her and, looking at her, said, Where are you?

I’m in front of you …

His eyes were bloodshot. He was shaking his head nonstop.

Steve began laughing hysterically and running from one wall to another, glancing sideways at Sean in fear. Sean waved his hand in front of his eyes, as if trying to get rid of red color, which continued to blind him. He was stifling a feeling of rage, which gripped him, and trying to calm down.

I can’t see anything, he said.

Sam walked up to him and took his hand. Sean sharply jerked his hand back out of his hands.

I’ll take you to the sofa, calmly said Sam, cautiously taking his hand again. You need to calm down and regain your senses.

What the hell is going on? John asked, annoyed.

Anyone who gets into this light, Elizabeth said, "loses their mind. I think we should call our loved ones and warn them to seal all the cracks around the house, then hide in a place where they are most isolated from the outside world. They will need water and food, if there is any in the house, and stay inside for three weeks from now. The light is weak now, but it will gain strength. In a day, it will be able to get through any crack, filling all the space, and even the darkest corners.

This is insanity! exclaimed John. I am going out to see what is happening there!

Sam stepped in front of the door.

Look at Sean. This is not enough for you so you would listen to Elizabeth? Listen to what she says. She is never wrong.

But it all sounds like insanity! What basement? What are you saying? John would not calm down.

Elizabeth sighed wearily. John, do you think that Anna just went somewhere in a second and simply vanished? It does not surprise you what happened to Sean? I am sure that Anna is somewhere around, but unfortunately, she is under the influence of the light, Elizabeth tried to convince him.

I can’t believe it! I’m sorry, Elizabeth. But I have to make sure.

You better call Adriana, replied Elizabeth. We have little time. In ten minutes, there will be no electricity or mobile communication.

She would not even believe me. She’ll think I’m high. No, I am not calling her.

You have ten minutes, insisted Elizabeth.

Where did this light come from? Sam asked. Do you know its origin?

No.

Joanne was already talking to parents, giving them instructions on what they needed to do. Steve also called his mom and was trying to convince her to go down into the basement. Sam called his father and quickly said, Dad, there was an alien invasion … Yes, just like you said. They will be killing us off with light … No, do not run to the bunker. The light is out there. If you look at it, at least with one eye, you will not survive. So go down to the basement and cover all cracks. There is enough food there to feed an army. And do not go out for three weeks. Better not even go outside. I will come for you.

Listening to him, John could not hold it back. Are you all crazy?

Sam raised his index finger as if to say, Be silent.

Yes, Dad. We will survive. He continued, Do not worry about me … Well, I will see you soon … Bye …

That’s a nightly entertainment for your dad? John asked in surprise.

My father always feared an alien invasion or nuclear war. He always keeps stocks of food and gas mask in the house. So it didn’t take long to convince him. Listen, John, there are people who really can see the future. Even when we were sixteen, Elizabeth said that I would become a lawyer, and I have always wanted to be a surgeon. See, I am a lawyer. When my father became sick and the doctors didn’t have good prognosis, Elizabeth said that my father can beat the disease and he survived. She told me the day and the time when I shouldn’t leave my mother alone. It was a critical day, and I just forgot about it. My mother had a stroke. The doctors said that she was alive for another few hours. If I had called an ambulance immediately, she would have been alive right now. Sam swallowed hard. However, I did not take her seriously and did not warn my father. That day, we both were at work, and she was home alone, dying slowly.

John silently reached into his pocket for the phone.

That’s why I trust Elizabeth, however unlikely it may sound, Sam said.

John dialed the number. When he heard Adriana answer, he said with alarm in his voice, Hello, sweetheart! What are you doing? John broke into a happy smile. Oh, you are in a bathtub. Hey, baby, don’t go outside on the street today and do not approach the windows … I mean, how could I explain it? We were attacked by aliens … He rolled his eyes. No, sweetheart, I didn’t fool around with anything … I’m serious … Do not go out or open the windows … No, no, do not look, do not go to the window! I’m serious … Crap! Adriana, I’m telling you to stay away from the windows …

Elizabeth stared intensely at John.

Baby? he called into the phone. Honey, why are you so quiet?

Elizabeth looked at her watch.

In a minute, all connections and electricity will be out … We need flashlights …

Hello … Hello … John looked at Elizabeth in fear. She did not answer. Sweetie, why aren’t you saying anything?

Sam walked over to Sean. How are you, buddy? he asked.

Sean looked at Sam, his eyes still bloodshot and bleary.

My vision is coming back, he replied.

You’re lucky! Sam said, smiling. Do you have any food in stock?

I have everything, replied Sean, and food too, leftovers after the last hurricane. Sam, come with me. We need to bring pillows and blankets down to the basement. Joanne, you should probably change. I can offer you some of my stuff …

Okay, Joanne agreed.

I will stock up on water, Elizabeth said. All the containers must be filled.

John stared at the phone in confusion.

Everything will be okay, Elizabeth said, looking at John.

I’m not so sure, John said.

Hope for the best. That’s all you have left. I need your help.

John nodded. The lights went out. John dialed the number again. The phone was silent.

John, hurry up! Steve, why are you so quiet there in the corner? Elizabeth was looking at Steve in surprise. Go to the kitchen! We need to stock up on water.

CHAPTER 3

Grabbing flashlights, they filled all the water bottles and pots with water and brought them to the basement. Joanne changed into Sean’s clothes, which was bulging and hanging on her. Blankets and pillows were piled on the floor.

Where is your food? Steve asked Sean.

Sean opened the cupboards and turned on the flashlight. Cans of food, juices, cookies, and chips were lined up on the shelves.

You don’t have that much in stock, said Steve, disappointed.

We will have to use it sparingly. I have a small gas stove. We can boil water on it.

They laid blankets around and sat on them. How did you find out about that? John asked Elizabeth.

I saw it in a dream.

Tell us.

"In my dream everything was the same way like it is today, even Anna’s hair and her lilac dress. I saw her going out. Then she peeked back inside and called us to see northern lights. So we went there. The street was as brightly lit as if it were daylight. There was neither moon nor stars in the sky, which glowed and shimmered with colored lights, illuminating the ground. This light was so dense that the trees and houses seemed lost in it. Only their faint shapes were visible. Sean’s neighbors also came out to see it, and they were fascinated, looking at the colorful glow. There was a feeling that the shining light is alive. It was moving and drifting around, slipping into every crevice and crack and getting into people’s minds. While looking at it, I felt a sense of wonder, which was replaced by the feeling of danger and anxiety. I wanted to run from it, but my legs would not obey me. I looked at you. You were all smiling with joy, not being able to look away from the sky. Your pupils reflected the shining light, and it was impossible to tell what color they actually are. I was trying to tell you to go back into the house. My heart was beating anxiously, but I could not make a sound. Thus, I continued standing there and looking at you. Not being able to talk or move, I could only watch, so we continued standing there for a few days. My consciousness was flying over our frozen bodies and screaming, ‘Wake up! Go into the house!’ It is as if I were looking at what was taking place without being able to change a thing. The shining light did not diminish in power. I saw the neighbors, a husband and wife, slowly start walking in different directions. I knew that we all lost our memory and were unable to recognize each other. A feeling of doom and desperation started to come over me. My consciousness was fading, and my mind began sinking into darkness. ‘These are the last days.’ I had a last thought before darkness completely engulfed me. I woke up