The Game

  Chapter 61

  Trew - 40

  Today was certainly busier than yesterday’s intimate celebration, but I have to admit, this birthday bash wasn’t as bad as I had feared it would be.

  We flew from Paris to Germany late last night (early this morning, actually) and fell asleep together in our penthouse suite. Danni said she was getting tired of fancy hotels. I laughed at first, but then paused to consider it and then agreed with her. I promised her when we get home we’ll hang out in our modest little 3,000 square foot cabin for a couple of weeks.

  This morning we were up early to have breakfast with our family, who had flown in to be with us. We’re so blessed to have all our parents still living and in good health. My sister brought her husband and kids as well; the little brat grew up into an awesome lady and her kids are wonderful. Of course, Stephanie and Raphael were there, too. My Dad always cracks jokes about Raphael and Stephanie looking horrible for their age and offering to share his beauty secrets with them. They look the same age as they did when I was just a little boy; one of the perks of being an Eternal. I wouldn’t accept the job; the price is just too high, in my opinion, but they are part of our family and I’m glad to have them with us.

  The afternoon was busy, moving from venue to venue, shaking hands and meeting with the thousands of followers who travelled long distances to celebrate with me but weren’t able to come to the actual event. Even castles can only hold so many people.

  The crowd at the castle was huge. The organizers brought in famous bands to play for us, and the meal was class A. The entire night I was on top of the world, smiling and holding hands with my bride. I could see that she was proud of me, and I glowed every time someone complimented her.

  The big event ended with me standing up to say a few humble words. I’m not sure exactly what I said; there’s a lot of times when I feel like I’m just the medium for some greater message that needs an outlet to voice it. At the end of my little talk, which lasted about twenty minutes, the crowd went wild, cheering and applauding. It’s quite a rush to look out and see a large crowd of people who feel the same way about life, death, and everything in between as I do.

  And that’s it. Suddenly I’m standing here kissing Danielle, playfully smacking her bottom as she giggles and moves away from me to catch a limo to the hotel. Stephanie accompanies her; each of us are with an Eternal at these events, just to be safe.

  “Okay, let’s get this little meet and greet over with, Raphael. I love to mingle, but I’m so tired. Is it possible to wrap this up in less than an hour?”

  Raphael nods, “That should be no problem, Trew. Consider it my birthday present to you if we get you out in time.”

  I smile and walk towards the elevator. People are all around us, gathered in small groups and talking. Some of them nod in my direction but they keep a respectful distance.

  As I get to the elevator I look glance backwards at Raph. The crowd has gotten thicker and Raphael has fallen behind. He moves smoothly through the groups of people, gently touching them so that they move out of the way as he walks towards me. He looks up and smiles at me; I smile back. The elevator door opens and I get on, still looking at him. Raphael looks past me and his eyes blaze gold. His smile fades and as the crowd unintentionally slows him down, he yells out my name. The elevator door starts to close and I reach for the button to stop it, but a hand grabs mine in an iron grip, preventing me from doing so. I realize I’m not alone in the elevator, and as the door closes I lock eyes with a face I recognize. His eyes flash red and my legs turn to water.

  I can’t believe how calm I sound as I greet him. “Hello, Carl. Fancy meeting you here.”