The Friend: Spirit World

By Yolanda Hill

The Friend is an unusual inspirational thriller. It depicts the shocking activity of the spirit world. This book teaches the importance of guarding your words, eyes, ears and heart. It gives insight to what happens on the flipside when one executes spiritual warfare.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gatekeeper Press
• Release date: Nov 28, 2022
• ISBN: 9781662917905

Book preview

1

THE PLOT

It was the first day for classes at J. Vernon Vocational High School. What should have been a nice September morning proved to be the exact opposite. A mysterious commotion around campus had the staff and student body unusually anxious and annoyed. Right outside the cafeteria, several groups of students were simultaneously involved in fistfights. Principal Kitch and her assistant looked on as if to say, So what? Stuff happens. Inside, the cafeteria was loud and noisy. The lunchroom aides were irritable and rude. Faculty members who were assigned to keep order didn’t seem concerned that attitudes were in disarray. Even Mrs. Vines, the kind guidance counselor, became combatant. She bawled up her fists and called the librarian a clumsy idiot for tripping over an abandoned bookbag. In addition to this weirdness, nothing made sense. On the grounds, aiding these strange occurrences were dark clouds, howling winds and swaying trees.

Landi Hill, a sophomore at the school, stood in the breakfast line feeling edgy. Her usual persona was always reverent and composed, but today was different.

I’m starving! This line should be moving! What’s going on up there?! She yelled.

I think some kid dropped his money, came a soft voice from behind.

Landi used one hand to cover an ear, then turned to see who was speaking. A tall, blonde girl extended her arm.

I’m Delma Dean, but you can call me DD.

The two shook hands.

I can’t believe how loud it is in here today! It’s never like this! Is it?

Actually, I don’t know. I’ve never been to this school before. Besides, I’m sure everyone is just being themselves, so I feel right at home, answered Delma.

Not disturbed, at all by the situation, she looked around approvingly at the ruckus.

You have to be kidding! This is nothing like home!

Looking her straight in the eye Delma replied, This is the core of all personality. Surely, you know that.

The statement caught Landi a bit off guard. Her long braids separated as she huffed. Leaning forward, she loudly stated, I believe you’re a bit crazy! Delma laughed and continued to look around the cafeteria.

Brielle Rapha, another new student to the school, cruised down Oriental Road, with the top down, in her gold Mercedes 380 SL Convertible. When she turned into the student parking lot, her hair began to blow wildly. She parked, then lifted from her seat to get a good view. Seeing the furious winds hovering and rampaging through the campus, she eased back down into her seat.

In the cafeteria, the two girls continued their conversation.

I can hear you just fine; you don’t have to yell. Clamor is, after all, fruit for the soul, Delma grinned.

Landi found the statement creepy. Her facial expression became a blank gaze as she pointed her finger in the girl’s face and declared, You’re weird! Turning to face the line, she suddenly looked back. Furthermore, I don’t wanna know what you mean by that! The girl began to speak in whispers. Landi abruptly spun around to face her again, but this time, even more aggravated. Why can I still hear you?! Stop doing crazy stuff! Delma giggled and said, I was assigned to you when your door opened. We’re attached. She could barely get out the last word before more giggles burst forth. Landi’s expression changed into one of pure shock. S-s-sure, she stuttered and slowly turned to face the line thinking, First day of school, and I managed to meet a teen psycho.

Cashier, Tola Booth, sat at the end of the breakfast line fuming. Seeing the students was always the highlight of her day. Several of them were regarded as family, and were as equally fond of her. She and her husband, Tadan, were never able to have children of their own. Early in their marriage he took ill and became disabled, needing much attention. Therefore, adoption was not an option. As a result, Tola emotionally adopted children throughout her life. Yet, she devoted every possible moment to Tadan’s care. The students thought of her as a kind woman with a big heart, but right now she was on edge. With each approaching tray, she grew more irritated, as if coming apart at the seams. It was, finally, Landi’s turn in line. She took out her lunch card, but was distracted by the discord and neglected to step to the counter. She covered her ears to block the commotion; that did not help, Delma’s high-pitched laughter saw to that. Waiting for Landi to step forward caused Tola to snap. She glared as if she wanted to slap the girl.

Young Lady! If you don’t wanna eat today, find somewhere, and sit down! You’re holding up the line!

GET OFF MY BACK, OLD HAG!

Because the room had, suddenly, become quiet, everyone heard the harsh words and gasped. Tola’s eyes swelled with surprise. It was clear to anyone watching that she was terribly embarrassed. Landi hung her head in shame and was thankful that her long braids covered her face. Never had she been disrespectful to her elders. She stood there wondering what her parents would think. Everyone was puzzled by the change in atmosphere, especially Delma. She looked around angrily and wondered what had brought calm to chaos.

When Brielle got out of her car, she grabbed her bookbag from the backseat. The atmosphere changed the moment her feet touched the campus; the contention and grievous winds ceased. Upon entering the cafeteria, she saw breakfast foods splattered all over the floor and walls. Faculty arranged overturned tables as students gathered belongings tossed in the turmoil. Brielle saw Landi holding her tray in one arm and hugging Tola with the other. She took a deep breath and walked towards them.

I’m sorry. I would never say anything like that normally, but it hasn’t been a normal morning, Landi said.

Not until now, but no actual harm done. I’m sorry for my ill manners too, said Tola. She looked around suspiciously and added, I think there’s a troubling spirit around.

Landi glanced around the room, then looked back at her. Brielle cut in and asked, May I have a fork, please?

After giving her the utensil, Tola smiled and said, You girls have a good day. They smiled back and replied, You too.

Delma scowled at them as they walked away together, but neither noticed.

It’s my first time here, said Brielle.

Mine too, replied Landi.

She noted that Brielle was very pretty and well-dressed. Although they had just met, she felt like they were old friends.

Where’s your food? Landi asked.

At my table.

Do you have a table already? asked Brielle.

No. Most of them are knocked over anyway.

Well, I have one that withstood the storm. Come sit with me.

After reaching the table, Landi dropped her bookbag onto the next chair. Picking up her donut, she started to take a bite, but placed it back on her plate. Excuse me, she said, then bowed her head to pray. Brielle closed her eyes, but quickly re-opened them when she heard, Amen.

Do you always pray before you eat? She asked.

Yeah. My parents are Christians. By the way, I’m Landi.

I’m Brielle. So, maybe we’ll have a few classes together.

They pulled out their schedules.

I can’t believe it! We share every class! said Landi.

Brielle was not surprised, but replied, Imagine that!

Imagine if I have the same schedule? Delma asked as she placed her tray on the table. With a bizarre expression, she said, "I don’t remember seeing fruit plates on the line. They don’t give us anything that good for breakfast. I wanted fruit. I wonder how you got it."

Brielle laid down her fork and eyed the rude intruder as she went on as if trying to expose a precious secret. Why are you making a big deal out of it? She asked. Delma ignored her and said, Landi, did you see fruit on the line? Her mouth being full, at the time, she answered by shaking her head no.

Exactly! Cause I definitely saw no fruit!

How do you know my name? I never told you.

Delma quickly changed her attitude and plopped down in the chair beside Landi’s bookbag and replied, I saw it on your lunch card. She then frowned at Brielle and asked, Speaking of names, what’s yours? Not saying a word, Brielle unzipped her sweater and revealed her pink t-shirt with the word CALM written in bold black letters. The intruder folded her arms and squinted her eyes. Feeling a sense of peace, Landi nodded.

Yeah. There’s a calm spirit in here now.

Spirit? Delma spurted.

Yeah. You know how it was crazy in here earlier? Now it’s not. Don’t you know anything about serenity?

Whatever! She mumbled.

Just then, Dean Hamilton rushed by their table.

Get to class people! The bell is about to ring!

The trio rose. Glaring at Brielle Delma said, You two go ahead. I have something to do first.

Okay. See you later, said Landi.

Delma walked to class alone, angered by Brielle’s presence. Anyone stepping in her way fell victim to her frustration. After closing his locker, a handsome Junior noticed her in the hallway. As he made his approach, she sensed his flattering intentions and shouted, Stay away from me! You’re not my type! bystanders laughed. The embarrassed young man answered, You don’t even know what my type is. If you give me a chance to introduce myself, you may find that I’m a nice guy. This smooth talker, Mason Fates, was no nice guy. A kind word never left his lips unless he benefited from it. He was a menace with a philosophy of ‘ruin the world’. Delma was so livid that she began ranting obscenities at him. She halted after catching a glimpse of darkness behind his eyes. She stepped back to look him over. Hmm. You just might be useful to me. He didn’t understand the comment but replied anyway.

Useful is my middle name, baby, which means your wish is my command.

His consent made it possible for Delma to link his soul to her will. Feeling a bit more in control, she gave him her folders and the two walked arm-in-arm down the hallway. She was so pleased to have him as a minion that she telekinetically knocked the painting of the principal from the wall as they passed it. Shattered glass covered the floor. Everyone in the hallway was startled including Mason. He had no idea of what he was getting himself involved in.

The first class of the day was English. It was not Landi’s favorite subject, but she determined to get through it. She took her seat just before the bell rang. An elderly woman with a kind face stood before the class.

Good morning. My name is Miss Worth. During this course, let’s work together as a progressive unit. Clasping her hands and looking around, she continued. I would like to see each of you succeed. The best way is to practice these rules: read, study, do your homework, turn in your homework, ask questions and finally, get a tutor if you need one. Here’s an extra piece of advice which I’m sure will do you good. Each of you, try to demonstrate the character of my name. She walked to the chalkboard and wrote: W-O-R-T-H. She picked up her teaching stick and pointed out each letter as she gave a word that represented it.

The W is for Willing. I want each of you to be willing to face the difficulties of life and change your outcome. If the world hands you a bag of lemons, make yourself a glass of lemonade. The O is for occupy. Occupy your time and thoughts with positive things that will bring success your way. R is for respect. Always remember to respect yourself and others. It will take you a long way in life. T is for trust. Trust in what’s true and you’ll never go wrong. The H stands for Hope. All the dreams in your hearts begins with hope, so never let go of it. It’s the beginning of the end result of every prayer. The benefits extend far beyond this class. Realize your worth and make the very most of your lives, young people. You’re valuable. She concluded with a smile. The students began to applaud. Miss Worth made a humble bow, then sat at her desk.

May I have a volunteer to pass out the worksheets, please? she asked.

Several students raised their hands, but before she could select one, Delma was already out of her seat and approaching fast.

You might’ve waited until I’d made my choice, said the teacher.

I don’t think so. This is English 101, not church! No one wants to hear you spout off about values! Do it again and I’ll report you! My version, trust me, will be better than yours!

She snatched the worksheets from the desk, then turned with a smile and began to distribute them. Stunned, but not shaken, the woman proceeded to instruct the students on their assignment.

At the end of third period, Delma waited by the door for Landi, but she and Brielle were so engrossed in conversation that they passed her without noticing.

Who do you think we should write our history report about? Brielle asked.

Mr. Ciccarollo said it had to be someone famous for community service or inventions, so how about Miss Harriet Tubman? You can’t write about a better humanitarian than her; she certainly worked a lot in her community. Benjamin Franklin would even be a good choice. said Landi.

The two pondered the choices until Brielle broke the silence.

It’s true that Harriet Tubman did a lot for others and Ben Franklin was one of the greatest inventors of all time, but what did he and Miss Tubman have in common?

Absolutely nothing. She was a slave, and he was a . . .

It doesn’t matter, Brielle interjected. They both had a belief in someone greater than themselves. It’s like what Miss Worth talked about this morning.

"I remember that, but what are you talking about?"

I’m talking about faith in God. Why not do our report on Jesus the Christ?

"I hope you won’t get offended, but this isn’t church. It’s a school project. No one comes to school to be preached at, even though it is allowed in the Teenagers For Christ Club," Landi answered.

Jesus commanded his followers to go into all the world and preach the gospel to everyone. The world is not limited to outside the school walls, you know.

Stop at the water fountain, said Landi as she rubbed her throat.

While she drank, Brielle leaned against the wall wondering what the answer might be. Knowing that the decision had to be free-willed and without pressure, she prayed silently.

Dear King of Kings,

I understand that I’m here for Your purpose. Help Your daughter to discern good from evil. I know that every decision must be hers. Thank You for sending Wisdom to aid me with this case. Amen.

Landi wiped her mouth and grimaced. I don’t like that the water is always so cold, but what choice do I have?

There’s always a choice. We can bring warm water to school, can’t we?

That was so funny I forgot to laugh, said Landi as she elbowed her. Seriously though, do you really want to write the report on Christ?

It’s just a suggestion, answered Brielle.

Well. this is just as much your assignment as it is mine. Your opinion matters.

I don’t wanna make a big deal about it. He was my choice, that’s all. Our presentation can be on whomever you choose.

That last comment put Landi to silence. Had the situation been reversed, she would have challenged Brielle into a verbal altercation. As the conflict between heart and mind began, she was forced to take a mirror look at herself. She walked down the hallway feeling like a jerk.

You know what? I should start reading my Bible again.

Why did you stop?

Shrugging Landi answered, I don’t like talking about it. Let’s stop at the restroom. I need to wash my hands.

Okay.

Brielle’s inner heart began to smile. She rejoiced in the hope that God’s anointing would soon break every yoke binding the young girl’s life. After drying her hands, Landi picked up her book bag and headed for the door saying, I’m not hungry, but don’t let me stop you from going to lunch.

Actually, I brought my lunch. If you want to go outside to sit and talk, we can, but I need to stop at my locker first.

Fine with me. It’s cold, but I’d rather freeze than face that cashier again after the way I acted. They can keep my free lunch today!

You apologized already, so let it go.

Not quite knowing how to respond to Brielle’s statement, she muttered, Ok. Landi was surprised. Never had she entertained that concept before. She always clung to her mistakes and repeatedly punished herself.

In the outside lunch area, the girls sat at a small round table beneath a tall oak tree. The sun’s warmth made the cool weather bearable. Brielle opened her thermal lunch bag and took out two cloth napkins and spread them out. Next, she pulled out two thick items wrapped in aluminum foil and handed one to Landi, who looked puzzled.

What are you doing?

I know you’re hungry.

Landi pressed the foil against her nose and sniffed. The contents were still warm, and the aroma was inviting. She wondered why this girl was being so kind to her.

What is this? she asked.

What do you want it to be?

A juicy burger.

Well, how about that?!

No way!

Wait! What about you?!

Don’t worry. I made two.

Landi tore into the foil and found a homemade burger with all the trimmings. It was the most appealing sandwich she had ever seen. Brielle proceeded to dispense her lunch between them as she placed a container of crispy fries, four ketchup packets, two sealed cups of diced pineapples and two bottles of sparkling water on the table. She closed the bag and bowed her head to pray. Landi did the same, but kept one eye open to watch her.

The girls had a fun time talking and getting to know each other. Landi took note of how well they got along. What topped it off is that Brielle had the same sweetness and mannerism as her mother. Because of this, she liked her even more. Given the choice, they would be sisters. However, she wondered how her new friend really felt about her since she rejected Christ for their report. She felt that Brielle was owed an explanation, but this meant re-opening hurtful wounds, something she promised herself she would never do. Confiding in a stranger could be a big mistake, although she seemed nice enough. She worried that Brielle might pull out a spiritual gavel and judge her. The thought was overwhelming. Now, a spirit of Fear was in route to Landi’s heart. His sidekick, Confusion, was already present and twirling around her head. She was unable to discern this, but Brielle saw them and knew how to put a stop to their mischief before any strongholds were planted.

"Although we just met, I know that God has a plan for our friendship. If ever you need someone to hang out with, I’m here for you. If you need someone to confide in, I’ll be that ear.

I promise not to judge or look down on you. I want us to be like sisters."

Landi felt peace in those words and was soon at ease again. She was refreshed as if cool water had flooded her insides. This certainly disrupted Confusion’s celebration. He grew weak and lost his balance as he twirled. This caused Fear to lose her grip on the girl’s heart. Landi closed her eyes. A tear slid down her left cheek as her resistance crumbled. As she gave way to the comforter, the painful past surfaced to be dealt with. Can I have that ear now? she asked.

You said that it was God’s people who hurt you. Who were they?

My best friend, Dina Jank. We walked to church together, sang in the choir together and every Saturday we ate dinner at her house. We even worked together. She was the only girl in her family. She said that I was the sister she always wanted. I’m so mad right now!"

What happened? Brielle asked.

One Monday evening it was my turn to close the store. Tuesday morning, Mr. Toll, our boss, called me saying that my register count wasn’t matching the printout and that my drawer was short $975.00. He said that if I didn’t return the missing money, he would call the police. I couldn’t believe it. When Dina heard about it, she got mad and quit. I didn’t see or hear from her anymore until Sunday at church. My parents stayed home that day, so I went alone. There was so much passion in my heart for God then. Landi paused to look up at the chirping birds flying overhead, then sighed deeply. "I got there late, but just in time to hear the pastor’s wife talking about a lady in the church who lost her job because of a so-called friend. I wasn’t paying a lot of attention because I was trying to find Dina. When I spotted her, she was sitting on the front row crying. My heart broke. I was about to go up there when the pastor’s wife called her to the microphone. I thought that it was to give a testimony or something, but with my own ears, I heard my best friend tell the congregation that I was a thief and a wolf in sheep’s clothing. It was one lie after another. She even said that I couldn’t be trusted with anyone’s children and shouldn’t be a Sunday school assistant. I got so sick that I almost puked. The people I was sitting next to started scooting away from me. Folks were looking at me mean and shaking their heads. It was awful! Pastor Gagley saw me and preached his sermon about me that morning. He never asked if the accusations were true. He said that Dina’s family would be relocating to help her recover. Can you believe they even took an offering for her?! I was so numb I couldn’t move. My family had been members of that church for all of my life. After that day, he treated us like strangers. Thankfully, we found a new church where no one knew us. That’s where we met him."

Him? Who? Asked Brielle.

Coach Jacob, the deacon at my church . . . nice . . . always smiling. He brought chocolates to our Sunday school class every week. I had taken the train tracks all the way to Zarye’s Depot. There was no special reason, I just wanted to take a walk. It was such a nice day. My chores were done, and I didn’t have any homework. Mom said it was okay. As soon as I got there it started to pour rain. I wanted to buy an umbrella but didn’t have any money. I couldn’t call mom to pick me up since dad was at work with the car. I asked God to help me and a few seconds later, Coach Jacob touched my shoulder. He offered to take me home. We took the bags out of the shopping cart and went to his car. I told him how to get to my house, but he already knew the way; I had no idea. In that awful experience I found out that he had been stalking me, waiting for the opportunity to . . . anyway, when we got to the alley behind my house, I thanked him for the ride. He said it wasn’t free. I told him that I didn’t have any money. He gripped my breast and said he wanted a ride too. He offered me money to do it. I’ve never been so shocked or sad in my life. When I told him no, he yanked on my new blouse, ripped my buttons. I wanted to slap him, but I wasn’t sure if I was allowed because he was a deacon and my coach. He just had too much authority over me. I was so confused! It felt like my head was twirling. He tried to kiss me, but I put my hand over my mouth. I, suddenly, got this thought and threatened to report him. That’s when the situation, really, got crazy. He grabbed my throat and said, ‘Not if I choke you out!’ I started screaming. He scared me so bad, but I must’ve scared him too because he reached across me and opened my door. He literally pushed me out of the car. I fell into a pothole of rain.

Tear after tear tumbled down Landi’s cheeks.

I’m so embarrassed. Is everyone looking at me? She asked.

"No one else is out here, Brielle answered, you’ll be fine.

Go on and get it out. What happened next?"

Well . . . when I got inside, I snuck pass mom and changed clothes before she could see me. Trying to pretend everything was ok was hard because I couldn’t eat or sleep for two weeks after that. Mom thought I was depressed about school, but I was too ashamed to tell her the truth. I wanted to tell the Police. Can you imagine the scandal it would’ve caused at church and school? Everyone would’ve hated me.

It wasn’t your fault.

I know that, but sometimes life isn’t fair.

What finally happened with Dina?

"I saw her in school twice after that, but she wouldn’t talk to me. At the end of the week, she was gone. I still have no explanation.

After a few moments of silence, Brielle spoke.

Did you go to jail?

No. Something amazing happened! The manager had hired a new girl named Hope about two months before all of this. She was always trying to talk to me, but I ignored her.

Why?

Because Dina was very jealous, and I didn’t want to make her mad. Anyway, the manager did press charges, but he called my house the next day saying that Hope had gotten me off the hook.

What did she do?

She was a drama student in college, and always came to work with her video camera. One night she accidentally left it at work. It was on top of the main shelf that overlooked everything behind the counter, including my cash register. I never saw the tape, but I heard that it showed me leaving for the evening, then Dina coming in after hours, unlocking my register and stuffing money into her purse. Mr. Toll said that he never would’ve suspected her since we were such good friends.

Landi wanted to scream in aguish after sharing the horrid details. Instead, she voiced as calmly as she could, "I’m not a heathen. Still, I won’t be involved with church after what happened to me. I blame God. I can’t be around His people."

I understand, Brielle softly said. She took a handkerchief from her purse and a pack of peanuts from her lunch box, then offered them both to Landi.

Thanks. How much food do you have in there?

Before Brielle could respond, she continued. What was so strange though, is Hope’s camera being on. It was like her prized possession, and she never used it at work. I could’ve gone to jail if she hadn’t come forward. I wanted to thank her, but I heard she never went back to work after that, not even for her check. I tried to contact her at the college, but there was no record of her. That couldn’t be possible because I went to one of my cousin’s plays there, and Hope was in it. What makes me mad, though, is Mr. Toll refused to rehire me! Pastor Gagley was his best friend, thick as thieves. Even after he learned the truth, he never set it right at church or admitted that he was wrong. Frustrated, Landi shook her head.

The point is that you were cleared of a crime that would’ve ruined your life. Surely, you can see that God protected you, right?

Yeah, but what about the deacon and Dina, my best friend, my sister?

Brielle looked up at the clouds and sighed.

"How do you think David felt?

David who?

"David in the Bible. Can you imagine how hurt he must’ve been when he wrote this? "Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me (Psalm 41:9). For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it. Neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide and mine acquaintance. We enjoyed sweet fellowship and walked into the house of God in company" (Psalm 55:12-14). So, you see, he had a good friend. They went to church together, but the guy stabbed him in his back too. It’s nice to know that God would never leave or forsake you (Hebrew 13:5)."

Hearing the Word of God refreshed Landi’s soul again. Although she no longer took part in organized religion, she always participated when her dad, Johnnie, led the family’s weekly Bible Study.

Is God mad at me? I don’t know if I’ve forgiven anyone because I’m numb. I don’t think I can ask for forgiveness. Can He forgive me?

Today in the breakfast line you apologized to the cashier. You said you never meant to hurt her feelings. She forgave you and even hugged you, didn’t she? (Landi nodded). Who do you think gave her the ability to love and forgive if not God? Do you think that she can love more than He can? Surely, He’ll hug and forgive you too if you only ask.

Okay.

Landi prayed.

Dear God,

I’m sorry. I see where I went wrong now. I accused You of being unfair and blamed You for what others did. I’ve been unfair to You. I realize, now, that it wasn’t Your fault. Please, Lord, forgive me for how I treated You. I’ll forgive those who trespassed against me too. Amen.

That moment made all the difference. Holy Spirit rushed in. Warmth poured over solid fragments of supernatural ice that had lodged where a submissive heart use to be. Landi opened her eyes and looked to the sky. She thanked God for the wonderful, mysterious person He had sent her way. Her day started off bad; now she was celebrating a new lease on life.

I feel different. Now what?

Just stay close to Him like you are now.

I want to, but how?

Looking directly into her eyes, Brielle answered, By never, again, placing the love that you have for someone, yourself included, above that which you owe to God.

Never, never again! I promise!

The adversary could no longer penetrate the girl’s thoughts. She was free! After being kicked out, Confusion and Fear flew back to their lair frightened beyond words. A stiff punishment awaited them. Happiness had booted them out when Freedom and Liberty came. They danced around her and celebrated because it was, now, time for the angel to release her impartation. Suddenly, Landi was in the Spirit. She saw a vision of peaceful waters flowing from Brielle’s hands and heard a voice