Page 18 of Angelic Acts
“Sebastian, my baby, I know you well enough to know that’s not true. Something is upsetting you.” She holds my hand in hers just as she did when I was a boy. “I wish you would just talk to me.”
“There’s nothing to say.” I’m not lying. There’s nothing to be said about Lizzy and me because there is no Lizzy and me.
“I just wish you had someone. Your brothers are so happy. I want to see you happy too. I know there’s a girl out there for you.”
There is. And she’s around the corner.
“I know, Mom. I’ll try to meet someone,” I lie.
She studies me for a long moment, then sighs and pulls me in for a hug. “I love you, Sebastian. It’s a mom’s job to worry.”
I return her hug with a heavy weight on my shoulders, wishing the world could be different.
Chapter 9
Lizzy
“Come on! Please, heat up,” I beg my oven.
I’m not typically one to converse with my kitchen appliances, but this is an emergency… Sort of.
The loaf pan full of double chocolate banana bread batter glares at me from the counter. It’s been waiting patiently to be put in my still-cool oven for almost an hour. I’m not even sure how long batter can be out before it goes bad. I mean, it has raw eggs.
I deliberate for a moment before covering the loaf pan in plastic wrap and popping it in the fridge.
Back to the misbehaving oven.
What do I do with you?
I contemplate pulling the oven from the wall and fiddling with the back, but I really don’t want to move it. After a few moments glaring down the appliance, I sigh and roll up my sleeves anyway. It’s not like there’s anyone here to do it for me.
Pulling the oven out of its slot proves to be easier than I anticipated. I flex my arms, appreciating my biceps. Maybe I’ve gotten stronger?
The vacant space rolls my stomach with all the dust accumulated behind. Crossing my kitchen, I grab my broom and clean the area.
Once that’s settled, I start inspecting the back of the oven. The glint of screws holding in a panel catches my eye. So, again, I stand, and this time, I retrieve my toolkit. I remove the access panel to reveal a collection of multicolored wires. I finger a few of them, checking to see if any are loose.
Then I work my way around the control board. Flipping switches that call to me. I freeze occasionally, waiting to see if anything catches fire. When it doesn’t, I continue my work.
I clean the exhaust outlet then check the cooling vent. Even unplugging and replugging the thick power cord for good measure.
Almost as though in a trance, I work on my oven. My fingers glide over the compartments, working as though I’ve been possessed by an electrician.
I come to when one of my pets hisses. Quickly, I check on them, and when all seems to be well, I return to my kitchen.
My eyes widen in horror at the sight before me.
Oh my God. What have I done?
What was once an oven is now stripped bare. Instead of fixing it, I seem to have dissected it. Looking over the mess, I realize I have no idea how to reassemble this.
I let out a choked laugh. How did I even do this?
Resigned, I grab my phone and call a real electrician. After explaining the gravity of the situation, and possibly hearing the hysteria in my voice, they agree to send someone this afternoon.
…
The doorbell rings, alerting me to the electrician’s arrival. I rush over to the door but pause to straighten my dress. I don’tknow why I put it on for the electrician, but I don’t have company often… or ever. I wanted to be decent.
