The Eternal

By Timothy Friesenhahn

Victoria wanted to find herself and escape the abusive wrath of her religiously fanatical mother. However, the teen with blood-red eyes had no idea of who she truly was or what she was to become.

When an ancient being as old as time plans the total annihilation of mankind, Victoria is drawn into a bloody battle to save humanity. With the help of the mysterious Eden, the teen must uncover her family's dark secrets, all the while being hunted by The Eternal's worshippers. Can Eden and Victoria save mankind or will they be wiped from existence by the wrath of The Eternal?

This book contains scenes of abuse which some readers may find disturbing.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Red Cape Publishing
• Release date: Nov 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215515310

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The Eternal

A Novel

Timothy Friesenhahn

Copyright

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Copyright © 2022 by Red Cape Publishing

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any manner without written permission of the copyright owner except for the use of quotations in a book review.

Second edition 2022

Chapter One

The Thrift Store

What a great day it had been. Her father had promised a day on the town, and the promise had been delivered. Everything she asked for she got. Her birthday had always been her favorite day of the year, but this year was over the top. Her birthday and Christmas were the only two times a year she got to see her father. At twelve years old she had understood why he and her mother split. They had nothing in common, their interests were not the same. Her mother was a God obeying woman. Church every Sunday morning and evening. Prayers before breakfast, lunch, dinner and bedtime. Her father was mellow, didn’t get caught up in the radical way of life as her mother had been.

Victoria Bedford knew her father was a good man no matter how ill her mother spoke of him. The fanatic behavior her mother exhibited would have been too much for any man. She was undoubtably a religious extremist. The fact that her mother even ever married a man and lay with him blew Victoria’s mind. Her mind was further blown at the idea of birthing a child. Even though her mother was crazy with her religion, she knew she was loved. Her mother was strict, but if the rules were followed to her standards then everything would be okay. If she never stepped out of line, then her mother left her alone and showed her nothing but love and affection. Those days however, when she did misbehave, were the ones she wished she could stay with her father.

Other than that, her life as a sixteen-year-old seemed typical, at least to her. The world outside her home was at all costs denied to her. The only time she even got to leave the small village-like town she lived in was during the two times she got to see her father. She would wish her mother, just for a day, could see the world as he did. Every day to her father was blessing and life was something to be cherished. He wished he could take her with him but as it was, he could not. All she wanted was to be able to look like and do the things she saw other girls her age doing. Her mother would never allow it, it was forbidden to even let herself think in such a sinful manner. Sin was impermissible and if her mother even as felt she had committed one then it was time for a strapping. Strappings were the worse. So terrible that she kept it a secret hidden deep within herself. No one ever needed to know, not even her father.

The ravenous look her mother would get in her eyes when it was time for a strapping was a look that haunted the young girl. Most nights her sleep was disturbed by the heinous dream. Every day she had to hide the lack of sleep though, because if her mother saw the look of tiredness on her face there would be hell to pay. In her mother’s eyes, lack of sleep meant sinful thoughts.

If you ain’t sleepin’ sweetheart then you must be talkin’ to the devil at night. You know I will not house a harlot of Lucifer. You wanna stay awake at night and make chitty chat with the devil, then you will pay with an hour of prayer and a strappin’. Do you want that, Victoria Mary? Do you? Are you talkin’ to the devil at night?

Her mother had asked her that on several occasions and each time she had got lucky enough to get away with her believing her. In fact, she had not been ‘talkin’ to the devil’, she had been frightened awake by the insane eyes of her mother during strappin’. Twelve years old and she was not allowed to wear make-up, but this was justifiable to Victoria; she could understand her mother’s reasoning for that, and that was one of the rules her father even agreed with. Never being allowed to wear shorts or short sleeve shirts was another rule. The shorts were fine, she wouldn’t wear them even if the opportunity occurred. Her legs were so hairy, it would have been detrimental to a girl her age if another girl or a boy saw her legs. That was another secret she hid within herself; boys had been a subject never brought up, but she knew how girls could feel about them, nonetheless. It wasn’t boys that worried her or caught her eye. When she was allowed in the front yard or was with her dad on his two visits, she had caught herself looking at other girls her age or older. The feeling was beyond her, she didn’t know if she was envious of the other girls’ looks and freedom or something else. The something else bothered her. It was a feeling she had no explanation for.

No one was around she could talk to so she would have to deal with unknowable feelings with the curiosity a small child had sticking their finger into a spinning fan-blade. The first of two trips with her wonderful father were as she expected. Amazing. Her birthday and Christmas Eve were the greatest two days of the year for her. Twelve years old, she thought to herself. Shopping was a necessity because she wanted to buy a few sweaters that were larger than her older ones. Her chest was beginning to fill out and she had to keep that hidden from her mother if possible. The saran wrap she had been wrapping around her chest was beginning to irritate her and leave a rash, besides her mother was beginning to wonder how it was being used up so quickly. If her mother ever realized that her chest was blooming into young womanhood, then surely a strappin’ would ensue. A few larger sweaters and just enjoy the day away from the radical religious mother of hers, that was the plan. Her father of course would deliver on his usual promises of stopping here and there and taking as much time as possible, for her to look around and still have time to see all the places she wanted.

***

Her father wanted to stop at the mall outside of town, but she just didn’t really feel up to it. Often, she loved walking around the mall, but today she just wanted to browse the small retail shops around town.

You sure you don’t want to go to the mall? her father asked in a sincere tone that matched his mellow demeanor. His green eyes looked through his ruffled sandy-blonde hair as he spoke. His skin was leather like from the sun, a Californian poster boy was what her mother had called him when she was speaking less ill of him. Other times he was a heretic, a blasphemer, or a low life two-timer. Whatever two-timer meant; she had no idea. All she knew was it upset her a great deal when her mother would speak so badly of her father. It was a huge mystery to her why her father had been so disliked by her mother.

At sixteen years old she had already grown far more mature than most kids her age. Immaturity was never a phase she had got to experience. Confined to her home year-round, with the exception of her father’s two visits and the occasional doctor’s visit, she really couldn’t conclude what kids her age did. She knew deep down inside that whatever it was, it was far better than what she got to do. Read the bible over and over and do chores and give her mama the good rubs.

Secret massages, is what her mother had called them. Though in the back of her mind Victoria knew giving her mother the massages were uncomfortable, it was the only time her mother would allow her T.V. time afterward. Of course, the only station she could watch was The Bible Network. The kids on the shows she watched all seemed so happy and enjoyed the roles they played. It was really her only escape from the walls which surrounded her life day in and day out.

You know it’s no problem. We can swing by the mall, maybe go check out some clothes there. Oooo, we can go that ice cream place. What do ya say, Vic?

Hearing her father’s sincere tone sound unusually full of worry she replied, It’s okay, I’d rather go… what do you call it? Thrift store shopping. It’s cheaper, I can get more for less. If that okay?

Of course, it’s okay Vic, you just seem a little out of it. You know I love the two days a year I get with you. I so wish I could see you more.

Her eyes watered as he spoke the last sentence. Every time he said it, I wish I could see you more, it made her heart clench up like someone stuck their hand in her chest and squeezing has hard as they could. Before her tears could fully swell up in her eyes, she asked her father, Why don’t you then? Why don’t you see me more? Why can’t I go away with you?

She knew the answer - it was the same every time. Two times a year she heard him say he wanted to see her more, and two times a year she asked him why he couldn’t.

Come on now, you know I just can’t. Your mother would cause so much trouble. If I don’t do as she says with you then she will make it where I never get to see you, and I know neither one of us wants that. Do you want that?

That was that, her tears were streaming just as they had twice a year for the last couple of years. Once she got old enough to start realizing her mother was a little insane about her religion and ways, she also started wishing she could go away with her father.

No, I don’t want that, I just wish I could get away from Mama.

Aw, she’s really not a bad person Vic, just a little extreme. She does everything she can to protect you. I know it’s not fair, all the rules she lays upon you, but one day you will be eighteen then you can get out of there. Then you can come see me whenever you want.

As always, her tears abated, and she wiped the wet residue from her cheeks and smiled. Her father was always smooth in making her forget momentarily how awful she was realizing her life was. Looking at him she felt her love for him overwhelm her. If only she could get away from her mother, if only her mother was gone. Almost biting her tongue, she tightened her fist into balls and washed the thought from her mind. Oh, if her mother ever found out about the way she thought, a strappin’ would surely come to be. They rode for a while and her attention started rolling off into memories.

You sure you’re okay, Vic?

Yes Dad, I’m fine, just enjoying the ride.

That was half-lie, half-truth. She was definitely enjoying the ride because she only got to ride twice a year. However, she was not alright and she couldn’t help but think about Leah, her neighbor from across the street. Leah was so beautiful, and she was the only girl near her age that had even spoken to her. Only a handful of words had ever been exchange between the two of them, but it was words, nonetheless. She was so happy every time Victoria had seen her on the seldom occasions she got to play in the front yard. The girl’s red hair so long and vibrant, she got to wear shorts and small shirts that showed her stomach. Her legs were smooth and shiny as well, not a hair on them. She reached down to pretend like she was lifting her pants leg to scratch her leg, but really she was feeling how hairy they were. A razor was going to be top priority - she knew that was how it was done; she had watched her mother do it many times. Sometimes she even shaved her mother’s legs for her. If only she could have the enlightened energy that Leah had. Why was her mother so strict? Young Victoria just wanted to be her age, act her age… she just wanted to live.

***

It was the last thrift store they stopped at, where she saw her. That fire-like hair bouncing behind her as she walked. If she knew what the feeling of crushing on someone was, she would have known that’s what she was feeling. Leah was exuberant, an exquisite piece of art that should hang and be worshiped by ‘sinners’ for centuries in and centuries out. Her eyes had been locked on her gorgeous neighbor for who knows how long, when she finally realized the girl was staring back. Her father was off at the back of the store looking through old pieces of electronics. The store was a fair size. When you first entered it was filled with long shelves, about ten of them with knick knacks, movies, books, and small home decorations. After that section of the store there were a few shelves of non-used items that were everyday essentials for most people. Then a vast area was filled with racks of clothes, one side for men and boys, and the other for women and girls. The back of thrift store was just as big as the rest and contained an endless number of shelves holding toys of all sorts and electronics.

Victoria was standing in the everyday items section holding a pack of cheap razors when Leah approached her.

You might want to get a better brand.

Still shocked from the beauty’s approach, she stood holding the razors with her mouth gaped. She heard what had been said but at the same time had not heard, so she dumbly replied, Huh?

Brushing her red hair from her mint green eyes, Leah smiled and spoke, Are you okay? I said those razors suck, you might want to try a different brand.

Her face was burning hot, flushed with embarrassment and another feeling she couldn’t quite grasp. Her stomach felt twisted but not in a bad way. Holding the razors in front of herself and out toward Leah, it was all she could do to keep herself from trembling. Why did she feel so weird? It wasn’t her first encounter with her beautiful neighbor. The girl rubbed the back of her hand across her plump lips and continued to talk to her, even though she must have been coming off as a dummy. She grabbed the cheap brand of razors from her while smiling and told her, Your legs will thank me later; try this razor. It costs a little more but it will give you a smoother shave. I mean unless you like those cheapie ones?

Before her mind could catch her words, she blurted out, I’m not sure what I like, I’ve never shaved before.

It was coming, she was sure of it, her neighbor the only kid her age who ever spoke to her was going to fall into a frenzy of laughter. She was going to point at her and tell the world how lame she was.

Look everyone, we have the biggest example of a world class loser. Oh my god would you look at her legs. There’s more hair on them than her head. Look how white she is. What we have here is a class A lame-o.

Instead, Leah looked saddened and she actually placed her hands on Victoria’s shoulders. Everything seemed to fade out, her life seemed to resonate no longer in her mind. Her embarrassment was shattered to nothing. All the thoughts that ran through her mind were shut off in an instant. Her stomach twisted all around within herself, her knees weakened. She could feel the sweat forming on her forehead and upper lip. What was happening to her? She was feeling more confused than she had ever felt in her life. Leah gripped her shoulders, speaking at the same time.

Let me see what you’re working with. If you have never got to shave before, I’m gonna say you’re gonna have quite the struggle getting it done for the first time. Do you even know how to shave?

Again, before she could answer, her mouth decided to take on a mind of its own. Which for this brief second was probably best, because if she told her she did know how to shave and how she knew, that would destroy her, the embarrassment would be unbearable.

No, I’ve never shaved, I don’t get to do much.

I’ve noticed that. You know, I look for you often, but it seems you never go outside much. At least not in your front yard.

That was true. As she had gotten older her mother had allowed her less time in the front yard, said ‘The maggots would be watching her.’ That was another way her mother spoke of men.

You mustn’t let them defile you with their eyes. Yes, if those maggots had a chance, they would strip you naked and destroy all your innocence. I can see it in your beady eyes, you would enjoy it, I know it. I will not house a harlot of the devil. You be forbidden to come here if you spread your legs for the maggots and their tiny pricks. They would put it to you, maybe not at the age you are but soon, yes, soon. Well, these dirty scoundrels probably would stick you nowadays. Dirty maggots.

A twist of fear and disgust would always fall upon her mother’s face when she spoke of men to her. She didn’t understand, because men never really caught her eye. More time than not when she was allowed out, she caught herself looking at the neighborhood girls. Especially the girl that stood before her, but Leah was right. She had seldomly been allowed to venture in the front yard. Looking into the girl’s mint green eyes while her stomach tied knots around itself and her shoulders were still gripped by Leah, she replied softly, Yes, my mother said the dirty maggots with tiny pricks would want to do bad things to me.

Dirty maggots, Leah responded, chuckling lightly as she spoke.

The men in our neighborhood are all nice married men. There only two boys in the area and they keep to themselves. I don’t know what your mother is talking about. Sure, the men are going to look, that’s what most do, but maggots, dirty, nah they’re all good men. I know because I have babysat most of their children and most of them go to the same church we all go to down the hill from the neighborhood. You know I see you and your mother leaving early most Sundays. Do you go to church?

Letting go of her shoulders as she asked her question, Victoria could feel her knees gaining their strength back. Her stomach was calming as well. She was becoming more and more comfortable speaking to the beautiful girl.

My mother is a little extreme with her ideas, I know. We go to church, but it’s a small church on the outside of town in the woods.

You don’t mean you go to the night church?

What do you mean, night church?

Oh, nothing, just that’s what most people call it because before the paint faded. It used to be the color black. I didn’t even think people went to that church, I thought it was an abandoned building.

Leah could sense the confusion rising from the girl. She could feel the heat coming off her while she was standing close. Victoria may not have known it, but Leah did. This girl had a crush on Leah, she was sweating nervously. Leah could hear the girl’s heart beating hard against her plump chest. The pale skinned girl was trying hard to conceal her luscious breasts, but they were still visible.

She must be confused about how she feels, poor thing, Leah thought as she investigated the girl’s brownish orange eyes. Those eyes were mysterious, she could tell secrets were hidden behind them. Secrets that were kept locked away deep in her mind, secrets that after speaking to her for the last few minutes she intended to find out. Little did the pale skinned enchantress know, but Leah was also attracted to women. She always had been, for as long as she could remember. No one knew, and she needed someone to confide in. Those brownish-orange eyes almost seemed red. Redder than her own hair. Victoria’s hair was silkier than any hair she had ever seen. Long and thick. Brunette. Looking into Victoria’s eyes she knew she could have fun with her, even make a best friend and she longed for that. Her looks may had been far above average, but she lacked friends. Girls were too hard to speak to because they made her mind go blank and she had no interest in boys.

Here however, standing before her was a good candidate. She had wanted to become friends with the Bedford girl since she was ten years old, but the chance never presented itself. After years of wondering about her mysterious neighbor, maybe she was finally going to get the chance to find out about the girl.

Taking the pale girl’s hand in hers, she could feel the sweat within her palm. She pulled Victoria close and spoke lightly to her but with a small amount of demand.

Look, why don’t you come to my house this evening? I’ll show you how to shave and we can hang out and watch movies or something.

She could tell the girl was rocked by the question. Her mouth gaped open and she didn’t move or speak for what seemed as long as a full minute.

Uhh… uhh… I don’t know. I don’t think my mother would allow it. Well, I know she wouldn’t. She would lose her wits. That would be bad.

Responding quickly Leah spoke, "What do you mean?