Torn

Rocco and Chris arrive at a house on Merrick Street. The front of the house is dark gray with black window shutters, it looks like something straight out of a horror movie. Soon, Rocco will be introducing Chris to someone who, who Rocco said will enlighten him, even change his life! Rocco knocked on the door three times. Chris is nervous. He tells himself, "This is crazy, what am I doing here."

"Hello! Welcome, please come in," said a man wearing all black. He k that is bald and has a goatee. Rocco follows Chris into the house to see ash grey walls lit by candle's. A fresh smell of incense filled the house.

There is a slight, soft whisper of people who sounded as if they were praying. Chris scans the room and then looks at his friend Rocco and thought, "What did he bring me to?"

"Come this way, gentleman," the man said. "Please, have a seat here. I will inform his Excellency that you are here," he said walking away. Chris's heart begins to race; he does not know what to expect. The old wood floors creaked with every step, he takes a seat in a living room with beautiful Victorian furniture.

"Hello, Christopher Smith," a strange, wicked sounding voice said. "My name is Zaga, young man. I am the priest who runs this establishment," he said.

"Hello, sir! I do prefer to be called Chris, if you do not mind," he responded with insecurity.

"Yes! Chris, I have heard so much about you-wealthy family, church going people. However, you do not seem to be the church type or just not happy with that life. I think you question the very existence of God or any god for that matter," Zaga said with such eagernesseagerly. "Chris, let me tell you a little about myself and then you can have your turn. I am a very generous man; I care for people, and their well-being. I teach only what I know is real. We are real, Chris. We are free to enjoy ourselves with the presence of mind, body, and spirit. You are those things, Chris. I am that. I am my own god if you want to think of things that way; I choose to serve the needs of those around me who cannot do so for themselves.

I am the headmaster; I am the power on the throne here, so to speak. I listen to your concerns. I am the leader; I give guidance and provide a life without persecution. I was once associated with Satanism. I decided that I would not serve him, but I do believe in the power of myself, my mind. I can be who I want to be and that is my faith.

Rocco here tells me that you are struggling to accept your faith or, should I say, the faith of your family."

"Yes, sir," Chris replied. "I have a tough time believing that we have to work so hard to please God. I say, "Who is God?" Why should I have to be submissive to someone or something that I cannot see, feel inside of me, touch or hold? I want to feel me, myself; I want freedom, to seek out my own desires. This is not acceptable in the church I grew up in," Chris explained.

"Young man! I think you and I should meet more often-to see if what I have to teach you is what you can accept and enjoy. Something that will give you true peace."

"Yes! Absolutely, I want that," Chris replied with eagerness.

"Then let it be done," Zaga stated. "Rocco, can I expect you to bring Chris weekly?

"Yes, your excellency," answered Rocco as he kissed the ring on Zaga's right hand- a new age symbol of loyalty.

"Okay, then. We will meet three times a week for one to three hours each time," Zaga told them.

Zaga will be able to quickly turn Chris from the Christian church completely, if his influence on Chris has captured his attention. Zaga is a deeply spiritual man and believes in the powers of darkness. He uses cunning dialogue to sway eager young minds. His philosophy is to gain control by showing the powers of self-righteousness and acceptance without judgment of others. He is a masterful deceiver.

Chris wants to be a member of the self-worshipping clan. Chris is torn inside. He is happy to finally find a group he can fit into to but is unsure at the same time. He will have to remove himself completely from everyone who serves God. He does not want to feel anything from that faith, that world. He only wants to feel what makes him happy.

Rocco and Chris left the home of Zaga. Chris got lost in deep thought and was home before he realized it. Rocco told him, "Okay, buddy! I will see you Monday morning."

"Sounds good, Rocco. Be safe brother."