Reality Hits

Brad turned on the radio and started the drive home. Some part of him still believed that somehow Maisie had lied to him and she hadn’t actually had feelings for him. Somehow she had broken through the curse just long enough to lie to him. But the more he thought about it the more he realized just how impossible that was. He couldn’t hurt her. They’d been friends for forever and now he had the power to fulfill all his fantasies, and he didn’t want it. People always like to tell you how they would react in a situation. Brad was one of them, but now all he could think about was Mike Tyson, “Everyone has a plan until they punched in the face.”

He pulled into the drive with his mind still spinning. It was only 2:00 but it felt like midnight. He walked in and sat on the couch to watch some TV.

He jumped up and stubbed his toe on the coffee table. Somehow, he’d fallen asleep and he looked at his phone. “1 new voicemail message”.

“Who uses voicemail anymore?” Brad said to no one as he pulled up the app.

It was from Maisie. “You’re coming over for dinner. Be at my house at 7. And…wear something nice, please.”

Brad was definitely not expecting that. He checked the clock, already 6:15, shit. He ran to his room and found a pair of dress pants and a decent shirt and rushed out to the car. He pulled up and knocked right at 7. John answered the door, looking ragged.

“Brad, come in.” he said, stepping out of the way.

“Good evening Mr. Petersen.” Brad replied.

“How many times do I have to tell you? Just call me John.” He laughed and shook Brad’s hand.

They walked in and Brad noticed an odd sound, or rather the lack of sound, “So, Maisie told me to come over for dinner tonight, is that alright?”

“Maisie won’t be joining us tonight. I think you and I need to talk privately.” John motioned to the living room.

Brad’s heart started racing as he began to panic. Was John going to kill him? Threaten him? Lock him in a room to never see the light of day again? His mind wouldn’t shut up as he sat on the couch with John in a lounge chair across from him.

“Brad, you’re a good guy, always have been. I understand you’ve been told about the family curse?” John started, his emotions impossible to read.

“Yes, sir. Maisie told me the other day. I’m still having trouble wrapping my head around it.” Brad replied honestly.

From what I heard, you’ve been mostly a gentleman about it, more so than most I’d say and I wanted to start off by thanking you for that.” John continued, “I also understand Holly put her two cents in and told you the horrors of it. She was right, but there’s more to it. I’d like to have a frank discussion, is that alright?”

“Of course. Though can I just start with one major question?” Brad asked hesitantly. John just nodded so Brad went on, “I’m hoping you go into this but just how far do I have to go to not end up dead like Holly warned? I don’t like the idea at all.”

John sighed, “We’ll get to that. For now, you need to understand something. This conversation is going to end in one of two ways. First is we will come to an understanding, the second is we will leave enemies. I’d much rather the first. I have been married to Mary for almost 30 years now. I’ve known about the curse since our 2nd year of marriage. I have only ever used it once, for the hair test.”

Brad cut in, “Wait, so I won’t die if I don’t use it? What the hell? That’s a pretty big difference”.

“Son, please don’t interrupt me. I don’t have much energy these days.” John answered.

Brad apologized and John continued, “Now, as I was saying. I’ve only ever used it once, but there is a cost. Maisie told me you gave her some commands that were beneficial to her. Tell me, did you feel anything when you did so?”

“Not that I remem…well actually, I did feel a small pain behind my eye each time. Are you saying that’s related?” Brad’s curiosity was surging.

John answered, “Yes, it’s related. And it’s only going to get worse unless you use the curse the way it wants. Holly doesn’t know this, but the men she told you about that ended up dead didn’t die in freak accidents. They died by their own hand. See, the curse has been losing power over the millennia, or so I believe. Because of this, more and more men, at least the decent ones, have been able to get away with doing less to their women. I say this with no pleasure knowing full well Maisie is now your woman. I can’t tell you how I’ve been able to work this as if I do, it will undo everything I have worked for to keep Mary safe. What I can tell you is if you care enough and focus, there is a way to get most of your life by without hurting her. It will be painful and in the end, you will still have to do things you hopefully would never want to, but it’s possible.”

John took a breath and Brad jumped in, “John, I really don’t want to admit this, but I didn’t only give Maisie good commands. I undid all of them but I’m not the man she should’ve told. I’m a piece of shit who made her walk down the street mostly naked.”

“Yes, I head about that. I can’t say I’m thrilled with that choice but unless you’ve done something to her mind to make her forget, you are one of the most benevolent masters “ John’s expression becomes one of disgust as he says that word, “this curse has known, which means you’re dangerous to it.”

“I have so many questions.” Brad said as John began coughing.

“In time, son, was there anything else you wanted to discuss tonight? I’m tired and need to go to bed soon.”

“I can save my questions for tonight, I’ll do whatever I can to protect Maisie, at leas I hope I will.” Brad said, his honesty scaring even him.

John looked over Brad’s soldier and said, “What do you think Mar?”

Brad turned and saw Mary in the doorway. She was holding a large pump action shotgun in a way that made Brad realize he still may not survive the night.

Mary sighed, defeated, and said “I don’t think we could’ve asked for someone so honest. He’s got that going for him at least. Better him than most of these shit birds.”

John nodded and said, “Mary, you may be noticed by everyone as normal again.” As he finished his sentence, he doubled over in pain. Mary, who Brad realized he’d only noticed once she was pointed out to him, ran over to hold her husband.

“I thought he never used it. Is he okay?” Brad jumped over to try and help.

“He rarely uses it, and never when the girls are around. It’s only just enough to keep the damned curse happy and he’s never made me do anything I didn’t agree with. That’s why the curse is punishing him too.” Mary said, walking John back to their bedroom, “Go home dear, I’m sure we’ll be seeing more of you”.

The new revelation made Brad understand what John was talking about in the dead men. He rushed home and went straight to bed. His mind was racing but instead of figuring things out, he passed out on his living room floor.