Chapter III: Please don't let it be you

The little boy tugged at his mother’s dress. “Mama, look. Pretty.”

The mother looked where her son pointed, then gasped. She swiftly picked up her son and walked away. Around them others took notice.

“Woah! Dude!”

A panicked voice added, “Get back!”

Some pulled out their phones and recorded. “The Hell? Is this real?! The portals’ changing color!”

The once yellow color shifted into a vibrant, glaring red. The portal hummed, its emanating light twirling around like tentacles. The air was tense as the energy became denser.

Hours later the news was everywhere.

***

I slid into a chair and placed my warm, heavy plate on the table. The scent of the meal was seducing me. I gazed at my food, mesmerized. Mama’s special green beans, I’d stacked them on my plate fearing they’d be gone when I went to get seconds. Creamy Mac-n-Cheese, tasty cabbage, corny corn bread, and more. I’ve been so excited for Sunday for this reason.

I picked up my fork and dug into the green beans. Bam. An explosion of flavor burst on my tongue. A smile spread on my face as I felt my spirit levitating, slowly ascending to Heaven. This was real food. I could cry from joy. As I ravaged my meal, the sound of my family's chatter and their silverware scraping comforted me. I’d missed this.

“Mmmm, this Mac-n-Cheese is tew good, Ma,” Vivian said, one of my older cousins.

I watched her silk press sway as she lifted her fork for more. Nodding, I turned to Grandma, “Seriously Mama, everything you make tastes like Heaven. I felt like I was in paradise after I took my first bite.”

I noticed others nodding and murmuring in agreement.

Mama chuckled, her laugh strong and proud. “Well thank you. I’m glad you like it. It was made with a lot of love.”

Seeing her happiness I smiled. “I can taste every bit of the love in it.”

The TV’s light flickered across the table drawing both mine and my Aunt’s attention to it. The sound of it quietly playing was just background noise. But Aunt Grace’s face scrunched as she stared at the screen.

“Hey, Dre,” she called my cousin on the couch.

He turned, balancing his plate on his lap. “Can you turn the TV up?”

He nodded while chewing. I watched him, in awe of how much food he managed to fit in his mouth. He looked like a chipmunk or squirrel with cheeks bulging from nuts. I stopped myself from cracking up as he grabbed the remote control and raised the volume.

“We begin with breaking news.”

I felt the energy shift with those words. This can’t be good, but when was breaking news ever good? I looked towards the screen. Some family members slowed their forks and leaned forward, eager to hear. While others were unfazed, focusing on their food instead.

“A global phenomenon is unfolding at this very hour. Reports confirm that portals across the world have simultaneously changed color. For more, we go live to our correspondent at the scene of one such portal. Marlene, what can you tell us?”

Footage popped onto the screen. The reporter stood with her body illuminated in red light, looking tense as she held the microphone. “John, we’re standing just feet away from one of these portals, and as you can see behind me, it has shifted from its usual green hue to an intense, glaring red.”

My mouth opened in awe. How beautiful… I’ve never seen one in that color before. It’s so vibrant. What does this mean? I clung intensely to the next words she’d say.

“This change happened only moments ago, and witnesses here are stunned. Many describe the sight as frightening, even otherworldly. What’s clear is that this is unlike anything we’ve seen from the portals before.”

My eyebrows furrowed, as tension crawled into my shoulders. I rolled them half-heartedly, thinking I should really start stretching in the morning.

John responded, “Yes, it is uncanny. Officials and scientists alike are urging caution as investigations into this sudden shift are now underway. Citizens are advised to keep their distance from the portals until more information is available.”

I scanned my family's expressions. Looks like even those who didn’t care had interest now. Oh boy…

“Lord, it’s a mess out there,” Mama said in her thick southern accent.

“Right, Ma?” Vivian replied.

Dre cleared his throat and scratched his arm. “I saw one of them on the drive here, and got goosebumps.”

Mom paused mid-bite, a spoonful of cabbage hovering in front of her mouth. “Yeah, Jamie said he wasn’t coming cause of them. Said it was safer at home.” She took a bite.

“What?” Mama asked, confused.

I leaned towards Amethyst, my favorite cousin, and whispered. “I was wondering where Jamie was.”

“Me too,” she spoke back quietly.

Mama continued, “But Jamie never misses dinner.”

Mom shrugged and shook her head. “I know,” She said between chews. “But he was determined.”

“Doesn’t that boy know that they appear everywhere? His home ain’t safe. Pastor White said they had one appear in their back yard!” Ma exclaimed.

Aunt Grace leaned back in her chair, arms crossed, smirking, “I can already see him now. On his knees, looking up, shaking his head and bawking like a chicken while he’s praying to God.”

A small smile spread on my lips from many of them bursting into laughter.

“Ooohhh, you’re tew funny, Grace!” Vivian said, patting at her eyes as she wiped happy tears away, her silk press bouncing as she moved.

Dre, still balancing his plate in his lap, spoke to the room. “In times like these it’s important to come together. That’s why dinner matters. That’s what I think.”

Many nodded, some still chuckling softly. Aunt Grace uncrossed her arms and leaned forward, frowning slightly, “Mhhmm, that’s right. But Lord knows, I get it. These things are scary. See, that’s why I don’t get how Isalith can be around those things.”

I froze in my seat. My smile melted off my face. Of course. Happiness never lasts too long in this family, does it? My fingers clenched around my fork as I felt the tautness in my shoulder grow.

Mom replied, “I’ve got no clue. She just likes them a lot.”

“That doesn’t worry you?” Grace pressed.

I slouched lower into my seat. Bro, get me outta here…

“Well, it does, but Isalith is smart. She wouldn’t do anything crazy.”

Right, you tell em, Mom! I cheered internally.

Cousin Vivian shook her head, lips pressed together. “Mm-mm, I don’t let mine anywhere near those demonic things.”

I shifted in my seat. Demonic? Did I hear her right? The hell?

Vivian continued, “One time JJ ran up to one of them things, and boooyyy, I snatched him up so fast.”

Scattered chuckles rang through the room. My jaw tightened as I fought to restrain my face from warping into one that’s “disrespectful”. I just kept rolling my shoulders silently to try to appease the irritation.

Mama said firmly, “Well Isalith bet not be spending no time with them now, not after this nonsense.”

Are they just gonna keep talking about me like I’m not here… or???

“I know, Mom,” My Mom spoke. “Speaking of that, Isalith, dear.”

I put on a fake smile. “Yes, Mommy?”

“No more portals.”

My hands trembled as I squeezed them into a fist under the table. Gee, I’m only 20 years old, so what could I know? Like what? She always does this. She decides when I’m grown, and then when I’m a child. I really need to move out.

“Yes ma’am.” I replied pleasantly.

They all continued chatting. Laughter and warmth swayed in their air, but it felt cold and distant in mine. After everyone finished eating we gathered in the living room. I sat on the couch next to Amethyst aimlessly scrolling on my phone. A funny video popped up, just as I was about to laugh my face tensed. A sharp pain spread through my shoulders. I dropped my phone on my lap, grumbling as I rolled them yet again. When is this nagging feeling gonna end? It’s not like I haven’t been rolling them for the past few hours. As my fingers dug into my shoulders I shifted uncomfortably in the chair.

Amethyst tilted her head, curiosity in her eyes, “Your shoulders again?” she asked sympathetically. I smiled and nodded weakly.

Across from her, a spark of concern appeared on Mama’s face.

“You and those shoulders, sugar.” She scooted to the edge of her seat. “Come here, let me help. I’ll make you feel better.” I saw the concern on her face. I let out a light exhale and felt a smile form on my face. I stood from my seat and walked to her.

“Yay, I get your magic hands.” I said, settling gracefully on the ground before her chair.

Mama’s hands worked expertly, kneading and massaging as though she carried the knots in her own body. Each precise motion seemed to rub the tension away. My eyes squeezed like when you eat something sour, as I thought, My God, how did this even happen? You’d think I lifted a 500 pound table or something with this soreness? I gritted my teeth trapping the groans from escaping my mouth.

“She’s putting those masseuse hands to work,” someone teased.

“Yup,” I groaned out, letting my head fall forward as she massaged the perfect spots.

“Oooh, that looks tew good. I might need to get me a massage too.” Vivian said with light envy in her voice.

“Just ask Ma, and I’m sure she’ll give you one.” Aunt Grace replied.

“Well, I don’t know about that.” Mama said swiftly.

Vivian gasped, while some chuckles and head shakes rippled through the room.

“Well, if you’re in pain, yes. I could help you, but I’m retired. I want to rest,” Mama added.

I felt gratitude pulse in my chest. Despite her not liking to work, she goes out of her way for me.

“I know, Ma. I’ll let you rest. There’s this place I found, and they give real good massages, so I’ll just go there,” Vivian said, breaking my moment of quiet admiration.

Mama finished, and rubbed my shoulders gently. Warmth spread through me as the tension I’d been carrying all evening evaporated. Her healing hands worked yet again. I smiled, letting myself feel it, “Thank you, Mama. I appreciate it.”

“It’s no problem, sugar. I hope I could help,” she replied.

I nodded. “Oh, you did. You did. I feel waaayyy better now.”

“Well, I’m glad then,” she said, a smile tugging at her lips.

***

Kaelith:

I scrolled through the videos on my for you page. One after the other the same content appeared. Americans, Europeans, Africans, Asians, etc, all exasperated about the portals and filming them.

Everyone's going pretty crazy about it. I knew this would happen. This is why I said caution was important. I glanced up, my manager was yapping about the same thing.

“I heard a few crew members saw it change while they were packing up gear. Imagine if we were off schedule by just a bit, it would’ve been chaos. Then bye-bye your solo shots. You did amazing by the way, Kae. Just fantastic. I think these were your best shots yet.”

Not sure how considering I felt like I was on the edge of a cliff the entire time. I thought.

“Thanks… I just hope all this portal drama won’t get in the way of the release. You know, what if the photos end up bringing controversy?”

If we’d done the shoot earlier, then this could’ve been avoided. But no, it had to happen now, just when I was going to use it for my success. Now the photos may not even be released at all. I let out a deep sigh. Did I do all of that for nothing? God, please don’t let it all be for nothing.

Zyrell shrugged. “Maybe they will. Maybe they won’t. We don’t know, the portals could go back to normal tomorrow, and people could care less in a week.”

I seriously doubt that.

“Yeah, maybe…. You know, it’s weird. Just a few hours ago, I would’ve been happy at everyone’s worry, but now it’s an annoyance.” I smiled, bitterly.

“That’s just life, brother.” Zyrell said while patting me on my shoulder. Fuck, I winced. A sharp pain striking me, and trailing up the back of my neck.

Zyrell paused. “Woah, are you good? Did I hit you too hard?”

“No,” I groaned, massaging the spot. “I’ve been having shoulder pain. It just popped up randomly a bit after the shoot.”

Concern painted Zyrell’s face. “Do you think it’s from the portal?”

“I dunno. Could be.”

I can’t say I’d be surprised if this was because of the portal. It’s an unknown mass of energy. I mean who knows the effects it could cause on the body if you touch it.

“You know what?”

“What?” I asked.

“I read on Shreddit recently, some Dad said their kid touched a portal and was asking about what to do. People in the comments were like, ‘Why are you asking us about it? Get the kid to a doctor,’ and, ‘Pray to God about it.’ Anyway, the kid ended up being fine, and there were no side effects or anything.”

“Gotcha, then maybe it’s stress?” I reasoned.

“Well, you have been pretty busy recently, so that is likely.”

“Yeah….”

“Well, keep an eye on it, brother. Let me know if it gets worse or anything.”

I nodded. “Aight, will do.”

***

Isalith:

“Ugh, finally done,” I said as I looked around the living area. It was sparkling clean.

I typically love family dinners, but the clean up afterwards is a total pain.

My mom walked in. “You done?”

I kneaded on my shoulder absentmindedly. “Yup. All finished.”

“Good.”

She eyed me closely. “Are you okay? Even after Mama gave you that massage, you’ve been messing with your shoulders.”

“Ummm, I wouldn’t say I was okay. And yeah, I know. She did help a lot, but for some reason the pain came back, and it just won’t go away.”

“What did you do to it? When did it start?”

An image of Rosalie flickered in my mind. I swiftly dismissed it. My mom would go nuts if she heard I touched one of the portals. Anyway, there’s no way that that would’ve caused it….

“Earlier today I started having issues,” I admitted. “Like… around ten AM. To be honest, I’m not sure what I did. I think it’s stress or something. It could be that I really didn’t get any sleep. And you know I had to prepare dinner with you and Mama, and then clean everything. There’s been a lot going on.”

“Ah, I see. Do you need the massage gun?”

I perked up slightly. “That would be great actually. I was thinking I’d grab it later, but now is cool.”

“Hm, okay. I’ll get that for you, hon. You go lay down. Thank you for working so hard today.”

“No problem Mommy, and thanks.” I smiled.

***

I laid in bed, legs propped against the wall, with my phone in hand.

“This isn’t you, is it, Rosalie? You couldn’t possibly be the one causing this strain in my shoulders? I mean, you already did your big one on me earlier. Still waiting for an apology for that by the way.” I said as I looked at the photo of her.

“And yes, the portal’s a she,” I spoke aloud, as if there were people who were watching and judging me for giving a portal pronouns.

I breathed in deeply, feeling flurries of worry swarm in my chest.

“Please… don’t let it be you.” I whispered.