A Match Made in Hell

Chapter 1: Planning the Wedding (2008)

*The Day Before*

The door slams shut with a force that can only be spiritually connected.

"Get the holding box and the sage! NOW! I've got the candles!" Josiah yells as he comes bursting through the same door that just opened and slammed. Frigid, dark air whips around the room tearing at the frames on the walls and spewing all the papers off my desk and onto the floor and couch.

"I got them! LETS GO!" I scream back as we run up the stairs into the summoning room. If you had told me 10 years ago when we first met that we'd be collecting souls instead of saving and freeing them, I probably wouldn't have trusted you. But, here we are. When all this settles down, I plan on finding out what his end games is here, and why I sense he's not being truthful with me.

As Josiah begins the containment chant, I start setting up the circle. Five candles in the shape of a pentagram with rock salt connecting them and used for the outside ring. Sweet Grass and Lavender are lit in the center with me and the holding box. I can feel the spirit resisting our capture as its energy flings wildly around the room. I had watched earlier as the dull milky fog around the old man had darkened with a sickening crack as he realized we weren't actually helping him cross over. That's when the protests began and when things in our house started flying off the walls and getting broken again. I try really hard not to groan and roll my eyes as I remember a few of the things that Josiah is going to be replacing after this one. That's why I think we should do containment spells outdoors, or at least downstairs. Too much of my house these lousy spirits make a mess of lately. Sometimes I wish we could just go back to the days of helping them but I know that there will never be another soul who recognizes mine as helpful again. Josiah and I are both tinted with darkness, creeping and seeping around our edges in the shadows - even though for some reason I could swear I've been feeling it lighten in my aura lately.

"EV ARE YOU LISTENING TO ME?! HURRY UP!" Josiah screams, breaking me from my thoughts.

Oh, right. The containment. Just before I start speaking I open the box and brush away a small bit of salt for the spirit to come through. Using the sweet grass to pull him toward me I start the chant until we

I feel him enter my circle. Jo quickly replaces the salt I removed to trap him inside and then starts to chant the containment chant with me. Our combined power will make this easier even if I am the stronger one of the two.

Here, spirit

Dwell with me, dwell with me

and I will keep you

Free yourself and give me ownership

Dwell with me, your soul I'll keep

The hairs on the back of my neck stand up and my whole body prickles with goosebumps. Tears pool in my eyes as I feel the dark energy that's trapped in my circle with me seething and writhing with hatred around me; it's fighting us but I know it won't win this battle. Although, it feels like it's going to rip me apart. Suddenly, in a deafening cry of agony the darkness swirls around me one last time with such a force that I'm definitely terrified, and heads straight for the holding box in my hands. I slam it shut, lock it and we finally make it through the sealing spell. Eventually, I look up at Jo, green eyes wide with terror.

"We need to find a better way. This is starting to get scary."

He turns to look at me and finally notices my demeanor. Before he can reply he runs over to me and asks if I'm okay, holding me and running my back.

"I'm fine, but we need to find a better way. Before things get worse." I tell him.

He nods, hugs me again and we get up. It's time to clean up the but I'm as shook up as this house still. That soul was different somehow. Almost like it wasn't a soul at all, just pretending to be, or it changed or something. The anger and hatred were so intense. I replay the entire scene in my head while I clean. I've seen souls go dark like that before they're captured, but I've never seen one stretch its limits like that to get away. Human souls dont have enough energy to project like that and grab hold. But demons do...

I shake my head. I'm not going there again. Last time we had a tussle with a demon we were both almost killed, and outed as being gifted. Publicly. What a nightmare that would have been! Nope, it's so not worth it.

Maybe I should tell Jo I want to take a break, I thought.

Just as I get the thought out I hear someone calling to me and feel the familiar pull. I get up and follow the beckoning, knowing that a peaceful spirit awaits me. I walk down the stairs, through the hallway and out the front door. Just as I step off the side walk and into the street, the beckoning stops. I'm standing there, confused, when all of a sudden my ears start roaring and I hear jo shouting from the porch. Next thing I know I'm being thrown to the ground on the sidewalk and an SUV is speeding by.

"wha-what just happened? " I stammer.

"holy sh*t Ev I could ask you the same thing!" Jo shouts.

"You almost got killed!! Did something call you out here?"

I look around feeling a strange absence of spiritual sense crash into me. Where are all the auras? Where is all the light? Why cant I sense a single soul? is my glow gone? Can't they still see me, and know I'm gifted? I realize Jo is still waiting for an answer so I just say...

"Yeah, but it's gone now. I'm sure it was nothing."

Hes not convinced.

"What do you mean gone?" he questions. "Has that ever happened?"

I shrug an answer and walk in the house. I have a bad feeling but I'm determined to shake it off. I have a lot to do tomorrow because the wedding is only a few days away. Everything needs to be finalized in the coming week.

We finish cleaning the house up and I order take out. I dont want my strange quietness distracting me from our time together or our business during this next busy week. Or our wedding. I can't wait to be Mrs. Evellynne Ramora-Black! It's time for a recuperate, snuggle and comfort-food night. Our food arrives a few minutes later and we get comfortable in front of the TV to eat. I ordered a large steak and cheese with bacon and extra cheese, curly fries and a calzone. Also bacon, of course. Jo ordered a ham hoagie with bacon and a double onion ring. We're watching "The Grude" (I know that there is an irony to that, believe me,) and stuffing our faces when Jo looks over at me.

"You know I love you right Ev?"

"Of course, Jo... What's up?"

"Well dont take this the wrong way..." He starts, "but I'm wondering if we should put off the wedding with everything else going on? Maybe just try out a later date or something? Wait until things calm down?"

I stare directly into his eyes and say,

"I love you too, jo. I dont want to put it off any longer. Things aren't gonna calm down, they're only gonna get worse. If anything, I'd rather postpone all this b******t to focus on thr Wedding" with a smile.

"Plus, there's no one else I'd rather take on all this madness with." I tell him.

He kisses at me and we smile at each other for quite some time. Eventually, we fall asleep with our bodies wrapped together like the evil that's entwining our hearts with the devil. We both sleep like babies; containment spells are always draining. I'm sure we need the rest regardless but I'm glad were getting it as I drift into a deep, sound, dreamless sleep.

*Present Day*

I wake up early, feeling rested and refreshed. Yesterday's weird silence and strange near death experience is in the the back of my mind; I yawn and stretch myself up so I can give Jo some morning breath kisses.

"How you feeling?" I ask.

"Mmmmm" he stretches, and pulls me closer. "Much better... what about you?" he muses.

"I am ready to take on 3 months worth of wedding plans in one day." I wink.

"Time for action."

I can hear Jo chuckling as I hop into the bathroom and close the door. I use the toilet, brush my teeth and hair, shower, and get dressed before skipping gracefully down the stairs to the kitchen. I can smell the coffee and joint Jo has started for me before I even make it all the way to the dining room.

"You are the best!" I tell him as I wrap my arms around his waist from behind and take the joint from his hand.

"That's why you're marrying me right?" he teases, making me cough out my hit.

"One reason of many, my dear. One reason of many." I wink back. I grab the phone, and my wedding binders and address books and set them up on the dining room table. I roll myself a couple joints, knowing this is gonna be stressful, and grab an ashtray.

I've got sh*t to do. First I double check our venue, it's got a beautiful ball room for the reception and the most elaborate high ceilings. It's gorgeous. Then I start on food; appetizers: sliders, kabobs, finger foods, snacks, drinks, adult friendly aka edibles. Main course: lobster salad, roasted shrimp, bacon wrapped scallops, pasta, and sides. Drinks, drinks, drinks. Everything has a date, a time, a number, a reminder date, a reminder time, and a secondary contact. Everything gets written down. Just as I'm lighting my third doobie and starting on flowers Jo pops his head in. "How's it going Mrs. Black?" He asks.

"Venues set, caterers and menu are set, now I'm on flowers." I smile unstably. He laughs and retreats to do whatever it is that's not in my way. I resume the planning, wishing steadily that I liked my mother, cousins, or any other human enough to have the help of a maid of honor. After about 4 flower shops and another 3 joints I finally compromise and settle for black Rose's instead of black lilies. I'm not happy about it but it is what it is. Add some dusty pink carnations and some white lilies and I finally finish the flowers. I call all our RSVPs back to confirm a third time who's actually coming, check on my dress and beauty appointments, and then start booking our honeymoon. Jo used to hate it that I'm so addicted to playing games on my phone, til I used one of them to win us a 5 night stay, mon-fri, at the swankiest Las Vegas casino I could get us into. All paid for with rewards points from a game. Incredible right? I thought so.

With all our trip specifics sorted out, I call to verify that we'll have the right certificates, double check on Jo's ring, and remind my aunt (who will be marrying us) that the date is in 6 days. We're having a summer wedding; June 29th. We leave for our honeymoon on June 30th, and return on July 8th. Everything is going to be perfect.

I'm getting a strong pull towards the attic halfway through cleaning up and I know that Jo has contacted another soul. I'm starting to wonder again, what his end game is with all these spirits. Up until I started making phone calls and using my gift to make sure my reservations werent changed (it'll be our little secret) I was still feeling totally dark and quiet. I'm not sure what is going on with my gifts or Jo lately but I'm definitely getting a bad feeling about it. I start wondering if we should postpone the wedding when Jo scares me out of my thoughts.

"Are you done for today?" He asks with a knowing look that make me wonder even more.

I don't know how but I could swear sometimes that he hears my thoughts.

"I am...." I tell him cautiously. He senses my hesitation and lightens almost instantly, then gets excited.

"I found a special one. One of the souls we contained traded me information for the promise of release to The Other Side. She used to be a witch. Like, as in was burned at the stake in Salem, kind of witch. Shes so old. I didn't even think she was real...." he trailed off with wonder.

"ahem."

"Why are you trading the freedom of lost souls to achieve knowledge about rare supernatural souls, Josiah?" The question comes out like steel.

"I can feel it when you draw them out to question them." I state, coldly.

I raise my eyebrows at him, waiting for an answer.

"You can feel it?!" he asks incredoulusly, skipping over my question and narrowing eyes.

"Yes." I reply.

"Now. Tell. Me. Why. Josiah."

I'm not exactly being patient but this feeling in my gift is new and it doesnt feel natural. It's almost as if the connection is being forced and its putting me on edge. Jo knows me well enough to know I'm not backing down so finally his shoulders drop and he gives up.

"It's a drawing spell..." he says guiltily.

"I used your hair. That's probably why you feel the pull. I had to - my gift isnt strong enough to bring them out once you seal the containment box. There's something important I need to find out, Ev."

He looks back up at me from the floor as he says quietly,

"You have no idea how powerful you are and could become Ev."

This is exactly what I was afraid of. "A DRAWING SPELL?!" I explode. "Are you out of you f***ing MIND JO?!"

"YOURE DRAWING THEM OUT USING MY ENERGY. YOU COULDVE KILLED ME!" I know I'm out of control but it feels like my aura is darkening and I dont think it's my doing.

"AND I'M OVER HERE PLANNING A F***ING WEDDING?" I scream at him.

"NOOO. NO. No more jo. I can't even believe you right now."

I turn to walk away and he grabs me by the waist, staring deep into my eyes, shocking me out of my bout of madness. It's just then that I really see the worried look on his face.

"You've got to calm down, Ev. Your aura isn't right."

He keeps studying me while I try to refocus on what the hell is going on. I narrow my eyes at him again.

"Your spells are giving me Madness."

I spit the words at him, and yank myself from his grasp so I can go find the depraved spirit who's leaking her madness into my soul. I know what I said isn't true, (is it?) but I'm angry at Jo for risking my sanity with his drawing spells. Containing the spirits we find naturally is one thing but actually drawing them to use them is wrong on so many other levels. Plus, it's dangerous for me, especially when I wasn't even aware. Promising them freedom in return goes way beyond that line being crossed.

Good Goddess of the moon, what is he getting us into?

******

I'm glad it's almost dark and there isn't anyone around to watch me walking down the road, eyes closed, hands outstretched, whispering my strongest contact spell and trying to find this spirit. It feels like she should be right on top of us but we haven't been able to see her. I'm still mad at Jo for basically forcing me to do this willingly to protect myself. Especially after what happened to my house yesterday. Especially when we are supposed to be focused on getting married. Did that spirit know what Jo was going to do to it? Was that why he was so angry and evil? Drawing spells don't just draw souls. They draw energy and not always the good kind. It should be clear in Jo's aura to them that he is using it after we contain them.

Suddenly, I freeze and Jo looks over at me.

"Ev are you okay?" he asks, looking nervous.

"My gift is going to start weakening because you're drawing off my energy when you use that spell if you don't stop." I hiss at him.

"Oh my Goddess Ev... I'm so sorry... I didn't realize..."

Jo begins just as a dark sickening energy appears before us, cutting him off.

Her form quivers and I can feel the rage vibrating through her. I can also feel my own energy draining as she pulses in front of us.

"Jo get the book ready! I don't know if we can beat this one!" I scream to him.

Instantly, he snaps out of it and starts setting up for the containment. Salt circle, candles, book, dagger, lighter, sweet grass, and this time and added strand of lavender for protection. I close my eyes and begin the chant as Jo finishes up the circle around us.

Here, spirit

Dwell with me, dwell with me

and I will keep you

Free yourself and give me ownership

Dwell with me, your soul I'll keep

I can feel her getting angry and I prepare myself for a bigger fight than the last time. Her dark energy crashes into me and I have to fight to focus on my containment chant. I can hear a chant I never learned and its almost impossible to keep my focus and not start chanting this strange spell instead. The energy in the circle is so strong that every hair on my body is standing on end. I can feel so much evil that my stomach is turning. I'm not sure how much longer I can hold my Light when all of a sudden the dark energy vanishes. Jo and I look at each other in confusion. I feel my head start to spin and at the same time I get one of my "feelings."

"She'll be back...." I say as I pass out.

*******

The next morning over coffee, Jo and I are talking.

"I've never seen you pass out like that Ev..."

"Mmmm" I reply as I take a sip. "I don't think I ever have."

"What do you think caused it?" He asks.

"Energy drain, Jo. She's evil." I snap.

I'm starting to get uncharacteristically annoyed with him right now.

"Ev...." He starts. "I'm really sorry...."

"Mm" I continue to sip my coffee. I know I'm being short with him right now and he seems like he is really sorry.... but something is off; I'm keeping up my poker face until I find out what it is. We have both been through so much and I thought we were finally going to get our happy ending but some days... I don't know...

I sigh, I can't think like this. We complete each other and we'll get through it. I supported his idea to catch a few and release them together to test what would happen and I'm not backing out now. We aren't going to end up dipped in darkness. I know we'll find our light again, and this wedding is important. We've been planning for weeks. It's supposed to be one of the happiest days of our lives and I'm going to see to it that that's exactly what we get.