Nighttime had approached as the two brothers sat on a soft leather couch. Shaun had a big wl of ice cream before him while Jamie drank a beer. Before the two was a flickering television.
Jamie said casually, "By the way, you start tomorrow at the grocery store."
"What? Why?" Protested Shaun when he thought of the torture he would have to endure. His outburst was simply ignored by Jamie, who responded, "You didn't think your actions would go unpunished? You'll work to pay for the damages to the kid's car."
"What damage? I drove the car for fifteen minutes without hitting a single pothole," Shaun fumed, knowing that there was not a scratch on the Corvette after the sheriff pinned him to the floor.
Jamie - "Well, they're claiming damages. It's either that or Juve; pick one!"
Shaun - "Fine!"
The two then turned their attention to the tv as Shaun controlled the remote:
[Tv - An anchorman dressed in a lovely black suit reported while his Co-anchor, who was female, smiled, "Our top story tonight, three hundred lives saved as a train which careened from its rails was caught by Cosmic Man".
A video was then shown of a muscular man with a perfectly chiselled face, dressed in pure white and using white and purple energy to bring a massive train to safety. Seeing the train was secure, he burst off like a rocket into the sky.
Co-News anchor- "All praises to the Divinity for blessing us with such a hero, Frank. Not only did he save those passengers but imagine how many innocent pedestrians would have died if not for his divine intervention.]
Seeing Cosmic Man, Shaun's eyes lit up. This was his idol and the idol of many children his age. Cosmic Man had super strength, could fly, and emitted cosmic energy from his palms. He was the strongest of the Cosmic family, which consisted of Cosmic Man, Cosmic Woman, Cosmic Boy, and Cosmic Girl. Seeing his wide eyes, Jamie allowed him to have his moment while sipping on his beer. Soon the news of Cosmic Man had ended while everything that followed was boring—being the one in control of the remote, Shaun lazily scanned through the channels while eating his big bowl of ice cream. In his channel surfing, he finally halted at a program.
It was a nightly show that tackled the key issues facing the nation. Shaun had never been one for politics, religion, or the usual drivel, but tonight one of the guests drew his attention. It was a young woman in a blue and white dress that wasn't reserved about her dressing, unlike the usual religious nutjobs.
On display was a curvaceous body with a teasing arch showcasing her ample bosom.
"I really should take a vested interest in my country's issues. Don't you think so, Jamie?" He looked at Jamie, who rolled his eyes. Shaun chuckled while his pubescent eyes were fixated on the woman's cleavage. Meanwhile, the woman smiled, listening to one of the guests on the panel of four. The man who spoke was overweight and on his neck was a crucifix. He, unlike the teenager, was less than enthralled by the woman's presence.
The moderator of the four-person panel then turned to the man with the crucifix. "Bishop Dacres, after all that the Church of Divinity has accomplished in the last fifty-four years. Surely, they have pivoted themselves as one of the major religions? Some may argue that they have surpassed the others in relevance. In fact, a poll was conducted by CBN, and it is shown that from ages 20-55, 75% believe that the God of Divinity is the true God, " He questioned.
"Utter rubbish. No, they have not. All that they have accomplished is blinding the eyes of the masses. Humanity has lost its soul and now worships heathen Gods with their satanic churches. The bible spoke of this coming to fruition at the end of time; there is only one true God, and this so-called God of Divinity is nothing more than Lucifer in disguise," The man seethed as his face became visibly red.
"Archbishop Sakoda of the Church of Divinity, what are your thoughts on the Bishop's claims?" Once more, the tv host played moderator, turning his attention to the attractive young woman.
She was to the right of her opponent; she simply chuckled while refuting his claims, "Heathen Gods? I think the Bishop must be mistaken in his judgment. I'll speak a few words of my own if you would allow, Andrew. I know this is your program and would hate to overstep my boundaries," She said while gently touching the host's hand. This woman was quite charismatic as the host himself seemed flushed, allowing her to continue.
"The world remembers a time when there was no greater need for a God's intervention, and it was only one God who answered and felt the pain of men. In our time of need, the God of Divinity chose from the masses. Awoke our latent genes, giving men abilities far beyond what was previously imagined, so we could fight back and usher in a new age with heroes such as Cosmic Man, Immovable, and Tentron. So, in closing, Your God sent his only son to die on a cross to save humanity from their sins, while mine gave man the ability to protect themselves.
Now, as it relates to reforms proposed by the….]
Click!
"….and that my friend is where you lost me," Shaun yawned as he looked at the blank screen. He saw Jamie drinking a second beer staring into the dark. He felt hesitant but wanted to ask a question, "Jamie, About the God of Divinity; maybe you should?"
Jamie simply cut him off while taking up the two empty beer bottles, "Don't worry your little head about such things. Do I look depressed? Off to bed now. You have a long day ahead of you." Seeing that he didn't want to talk about it, Shaun had no other choice but to let it go. He left Jamie, who took the time to clean up, after which he once more sat on the couch. Only Jamie knew where his mind drifted as he pondered.
_____________
A week had passed in the small town of Frankfield. This was one of the busiest periods for Shaun. For a considerable time, he had to help his brother on the farm in the early mornings, then head off to school in the days and work at the grocery store in the evening. He was usually so tired as he reached home, he fell right into bed. One day, Jamie showed up at the grocery store. He looked in and saw Shaun packing away some items that were just delivered.
"Jamie! Have you been hiding from me?" Shouted Lucy, who immediately jetted from her workstation to the dismay of a customer who was cashing. "I'm on my break!" She yelled with Jamie in view. In seconds Jamie saw before him a short petite figure, whose eyes slid to the side to show her discontent.
With her arrival Spek for once disappeared from his shoulders, "Traitor," Jamie uttered under his breath seeing the hummingbird disappear. "Lucy, why would I hide from such beauty?" He innocently smiled.
"Don't you dare try to sweeten me up with your flowery words; I'm tired of chasing you, Mr Sinclair. I'm off to college in a few months, and we still haven't had that conversation," Lucy stated angrily with her finger pressed against his firm chest. From the side of his eyes, Jamie could see Shaun laughing it up. Seeing that Lucy was visibly upset, he used one of his greatest assets, his quick thinking, "So this is how you greet the man who has cooked the most scrumptious meal and request your presence for dining tonight."
Lucy's expression quickly changed. She never expected that Jamie had planned something so romantic; still, she probed, "Tell me more".
"A nice Chateau centred on about 20 acres of prime real estate. Experience the cuisine prepared by a world-class chef who knows his way around the kitchen. Expect aromas that will ignite the senses and kisses that will…."
"Jam…!" Lucy pinched him, embarrassed, her face flushing. He seemingly always knew what to say to dose her boiling temper. She was agitated, but knowing he went all out for just one night made everything ok.
"So, do you forgive me?" He smiled while holding Lucy by the waist. "You're trying to get me fired, aren't you" uttered Lucy, seeing her boss Mr Riess' disgruntled appearance in the distance. Jamie continued saying, "He's the mayor; I'm sure seeing a happy young couple brings him delight."
"Sinclair!" He turned around to see the mayor, who had a clipboard in his hand. "Lucy, take your break in the next fifteen minutes; we are a bit swamped at the moment." Hearing her boss's words, Lucy tipped on her toe, kissing Jamie on his cheek. "I'll be over by 7:00 PM," She uttered before scampering back to her post.
"What can I do for you, Mr Riess?" Inquired Jamie with his usual casual smile.