September 18, 1996
“Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Blake” the nurse chimed as echoes of crying dimmed the room. “It’s a baby girl.”

Tears filled Helen’s eyes. She created life. For the second time she has opposed death and this is the outcome. A loving angelic baby girl bearing her husband’s name.

“We’ll give you time to rest” the nurse continued. “What’s the angel’s name?”

Helen and Adam looked at each other. Of course they agreed with a name beforehand. They just needed a moment for everything to sink in. They stared at each other’s eyes savoring the moment.

“Lexie” Adam said with tears in his eyes. “Lexie Blake.”

The nurse smiled wistfully. She gave the couple some time to rest as she took Lexie out to the pediatric ward. After a few minutes, Helen was back to her own room in the hospital. Adam left to get more supplies from the house. He assured Helen he’d be back as soon as he can. Helen smiled at the dedication of her husband. She definitely chose the right person to spend the rest of her life with.

Rain started to tickle windows of her peaceful and cozy quarter with the mint green walls. It was decorated with small hopeful etchings of children’s toys at the bottom. There were flowers beside her bed. Wild daisies that her husband bought every time he visits. They rest inside a glass vase where Adam made sure they get enough sun and water. They were at least 3 days old and they’re starting to wilt. Helen turned on the mini radio that her husband placed beside the vase and calmly dozed off.

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When she opened her eyes she was standing in a dim room. It was still the hospital, she was still wearing hospital clothes. She turned her head. Her feet won’t move. A hint of panic climbed up her throat. She couldn’t speak.

“You do remember our deal,” a beautiful voice echoed. It was a symphony of melancholy. A tune of cold winter nights that somehow made you feel alone. Helen couldn’t answer, tears are forming in her eyes.

“You are also aware that that child is not a Blake,” the voice continued, “Helen, I trust that you will abide by the promise you have given me. The child’s fate for your husband’s life”
Helen mouthed a desperate no yet her voice never escaped her. Memories of agony came rushing back, the car crash, the blood, the 911 call so desperate it was almost impossible to hope for help.

“I will give you 7 years with the child, nothing more, and nothing less. The preparations are nearly complete and this deal will push through. There is no use bargaining, you of all people know the price of death.”

Helen’s heart sank. In the dimly lit room she saw in front of her, wings so white darkness dare not to come close, skin so smooth it was almost carved, and the face, the face of the person she knew all too well despite the shadows that hide it. She stared into the darkness as the man waited for an answer, she knew his eyes were staring at her, possibly the eyes of her daughter themselves.

“Helen” he said slowly, “You cannot deny the child from her destiny, and her father.” This time the voice faded. Before she knew it he was gone and all that’s left is Helen. Standing still, in the dimly lit room, she knew she was alone.

She awoke with tears as thunder rumbled at the city skyline. Her hands were shaking and her palms were sweaty. She was glad Adam wasn’t there to see her like this. She sat up to readjust her radio. She gazed at the daisies only to see that now they have completely wilted. Her mouth pursed and words escaped her dry throat.
“Yes Thanatos” she said.

Notes

I hope to hear how you guys take this first chapter. Suggestions, reactions, anything is welcome.