Us Against The World

love made me crazy.

Ed's hands shook as his thoughts clouded him, his eyes fixed on the woman lying on the bed before him. She was moaning in pain, her belly swollen with the evil entity that had possessed her. Ed knew what he had to do, it was his duty as a priest and a paranormal investigator. But this one was different, this one hit too close to home.

The demon had targeted the pregnant woman, using her as a vessel for its own child to be born into the world. And that was not all, it had also set its sights on Ed's own son, Arthur. Arthur had been tragically miscarried before his Judy was born, and the demon taunted him with this information, sending waves of anger and grief through Ed.

'Leave my son out of this, you demon!' Ed yelled, his voice filled with rage as he sprinkled holy water on the woman's forehead. But the demon only cackled in response, its grip on the woman's soul growing stronger.

Ed's anger turned into desperation as he continued to recite prayers and perform exorcism rituals. Sweat dripped down his face as he fought against the evil force, his mind reeling with memories of his son. Though Arthur died almost a decade ago, he couldn't bear the thought of losing another child, especially to such a monstrous being.

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But just as he was about to give up, a familiar voice echoed in his head.  Father Gordon's voice echoes "Remember why you're doing this, Ed. Remember your love for your family.'

Ed closed his eyes, taking a deep breath and focusing on his love for his wife Lorraine and their unborn child. He chanted the final prayers with renewed strength, his hands glowing with a divine light. The demonic spirit let out a deafening scream before vanishing into thin air, leaving the woman's body limp and lifeless.

Ed collapsed to the ground, his body shaking with exhaustion and relief. He had done it, he had saved not only the innocent woman but also his own family from the forced of evil. But the weight of the situation still weighed heavily on his heart.
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Ed hurried through the crowd asking him question, trying to shake off the lingering feelings of grief and anger. He knows he shouldn't feel like this after all these years, but the what ifs kept him up at night sometime. He heard a familiar voice calling out his name.

'Ed, wait!' It was, Father Gordon. He was the exorcism earlier that day as well.

'What is it, Father?' Ed asked, trying to hide the hurt in his voice.

'I just wanted to say goodbye before I head back to my parish. I know it was a tough one today,' Father Gordon said with sympathy in his eyes.

Ed nodded, feeling a lump forming in his throat. It wasn't just a tough exorcism, it was a personal one. Ed's biggest regret was leaving Lorraine alone that day and going to work. Maybe if he was there it wouldn't have happened.

The thought of his sweet baby boy being mentioned in such a vile way made his blood boil.

'It's just...it was too much,' Ed finally confessed, the tears brimming in his eyes. 'I just couldn't handle it.'

Father Gordon placed a comforting hand on Ed's shoulder. 'I know, Ed. But you did what you had to do. That demon is gone now, and that's all that matters.'

'Yeah, you're right' Ed sighs

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A singular Bible verse replays in Ed's mind, though he's not sure why:

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." -Joshua 1:9

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Ed took a deep breath, trying to calm his emotions. Father Gordon was right. He had to focus on the fact that the demon was gone and the woman was safe, so was his family. That was the most important thing.

'Thank you, Father. I needed to hear that,' Ed said appreciatively.

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Lorraine saw the tears in Ed's eyes and immediately pulled him into a hug. 'What happened? Are you okay?'

Ed nodded, unable to speak as he held onto his wife tightly. Lorraine knew how much Arthur's loss had affected them both, but even more so Ed.

"Hey, it's okay. You're safe, that family is as well." She holds him as he sobs in the privacy of their bedroom. Ed's guilt and grief slowly started to fade away.

He leaned in and kissed Lorraine, feeling the weight of the day finally lifting off his shoulders. This was what he needed. His family, his home, his love for them. It was his safe haven, his sanctuary from the darkness that lurked outside.

He told her everything about the exorcism and how the demon had taunted them with the memory of their lost son.

Lorraine held him close, her own fears and worries about their upcoming second child surfacing.

'We can do anything together, Ed. We have each other and that's all that matters,' Lorraine speaks softly, wiping away his tears.

Ed nodded, feeling a sense of peace wash over him as he gazed at his wife and daughter. He knew that with their love, they could overcome any challenge that came their way, even if it was a demon trying to tear their family apart.

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Another chapter!!! I wanted to really focus on Ed angst this chapter, sorry if you cry a little!😉

But I'm feeling extra motivated so we'll see what the future hold:)

Title from "don't blame me- Taylor Swift!!"

-V