Fake Love

Chapter four

“So, what is this place? Also do you have a name or is it just reaper?” I felt rude for not knowing his name when he knew mine. Wait! “Are you MY reaper like do you have a list of people you have to collect, or do you just pop up for anyone?” He chuckled amused as he sat on the ground in front of me with his legs crossed and a mischievous grin dancing on his lips. “My my, you are a curious one. I will answer all your questions but first let us get comfortable shall we.” Before I could respond he snapped his fingers causing the living shadows around us to morph into a hillside overlooking a small town under the moon and stars silent watch. A shocked gasp escaped me, I know this place.

“This- This- This is….”

“Yes, this your secret place. The place you feel, most at peace.” He smiled. I love this place it’s where time holds still for me, I would cuddle in with my blanket under the tree and sometimes I would fall asleep gazing out at the town below and dream of what my future would be like. This place revitalized my hope and will power to keep going but no….now it gave me a silent goodbye to things I would never have. Suddenly I felt so empty and alone as I looked out at the town. It dawned on me how alone I truly was. No friends no family and parents that despise me. It was too much so I looked away from the serene scenery hugging myself for comfort only to realised I was no longer wrapped in the cloak. I was dressed in the clothes I died in. Fitting how I happened to die in my comfort clothes, I laughed half-heartedly.

“Come and I shall answer your questions.” He beckoned from his spot under the tree tapping my usual spot next to him. He smiled gently and I noticed he was wearing all black, hoodie, jeans with matching boots. I took my seat next to him and got comfortable. When I was settled, he draped his cloak over me again, instant warmth surrounded me as I waited for his answers.

“Comfortable?” He asked gently like he was trying to lull a new-born to sleep. Nodding my head in response I gave him my full attention and gestured for him to continue. “So, this place is a waiting room of sorts, this is where we greet those who have passed. Here is where they wait until a reaper arrives to guide them to the beyond. This is also a place to see your memories of the life you have lived so that souls may reflect on their life and the choices they made and so on. The room will change at the reapers command, but we cannot choose what it changes to. For you the room has taken form of the place that gave you safety, comfort, and happiness. Each person is different therefore each room is “decorated” differently. It is to help the departed accept and cope with their passing.” He stopped to study me I assume he is trying to decide if I understand what he is saying. “So that is why the room was alive in way because it was waiting or trying to change to comfort me?” His eyes widened in shock. “You could see it shifting from solid to fog?” He asked full of worry. “It’s soft to me similar to the way your cloak switches from solid fabric to a soft flame.”

Why was that a big deal or maybe not everyone could see it.

“Is that a bad thing?” This made me nervous, what if it meant I was going to hell or something or even purgatory. “Relax Hailey it is nothing worry about. It simply means it is not your time that is all.” He smiled, his smile always calmed me I wish I knew why.

Not my time but that means……no no no no no no no NO! I WON’T GO BACK!

“Please I beg you do not send me back please. I’ll do anything, I’m finally free from all that pain please.” Jumping to my knees I begged, desperation oozed from me and if I could cry me face would be covered in tears. He stared at me with sympathetic and understanding eyes. “I do not have the power to stop you from returning. My duty is to guide souls not to bring death upon their living vessels. A common misconception about reapers, however I will remain by your side until it is time for you to return. But when your rightful time arrives, I will be there to greet you.” Breathing a heavy sigh defeated once again I sat back in my spot bringing my knees to my chest and hugging them as close to me as I could. The scenery around me started moving or so I thought, the reaper lifted me up and placed me gently on his lap. Covering me in his cloak once again then he hugged me to his chest. As distraught as I was it instantly disappeared the moment, I touched him. I can’t lie I felt so a home in his arms but why? This is something I need to know. “Thank you for comforting me but why is it that you can calm me instantly?” Laying his chin on my head he answered. “It is a reapers purpose to comfort the passing. Each is different for example your comfort is warmth, safety, and a sense of home which I can simulate for you. This brings you peace and a sense of ease.”

So, it is simulated so it is not real. But understandable since it is their job, I guess.

“Reaper?”

“Yes Hailey.”

“What is your name?” He’s told me so much except the only thing I should know. A chuckle rippled through his chest.

“My name is Rowan. And you are the first out of the many I have greeted to ask. All the others only addressed me as reaper nothing more.”

“You have a lovely name thank you for telling me. Even though you are the first reaper I have ever met I am glad it was you. You have been patient with me like no other so thank you.” I thanked him with a genuine smile on my face as I gazed at his. Rowan was taken aback by my words, has no one really asked his name or anything at all surely not.

“Rowan has nobody really asked you for your name or even thanked you for guiding them or for bringing comfort to them?” I am far too curious for my own good, but I wanted to know. A scowl formed on his face as he thought about, a few moments later he shook his head no. This angered me death is scary enough as it is, yet he got no thanks at all! This brought another question to mind. “Rowan how long have you been a reaper?”

“Truly you are a curious one.” He mused. “I have been a reaper for almost a thousand years, to be exact it has been it has been eight hundred and forty-seven years, seven months, ten days, five hours, seventeen minutes, thirty-five seconds and counting.” He smirked, my mouth hung open in surprise. I assumed from the way he spoke I assumed he was from another time period but not that far back. Rowan laughed at my expression, to be fair he has a lovely laugh. His laughter was infectious, and I couldn’t not laugh along with him. “And to answer your other question yes, I am your personal reaper, you and many many others. I can multiply myself so that I can take care of all the souls on my list. For example, you passed away along with five million other and by multiplying myself I can cater to all simultaneously. Right now, I am guiding half to the other side while I wait with those like yourself to return to the world of the living.” Explained Rowan beaming with pride at his own capability. I would be lying if I said I was not impressed. Five million souls to assist in crossing over, I can’t fathom that kind of responsibility. My bewilderment was interrupted by a light brighter than the sun, it was too much to look at, so I buried my face in Rowan's chest to shield my eyes.

“It is time for you to return Hailey.” That was the last thing I heard before his charming voice was replaced with a loud ringing noise.

“She’s stable.” That’s not Rowan’s voice. Whoever it was said something else, but I didn’t catch it because I became unconscious.