The One Thousand Days

Chapter 5. The Substitute

 Alice stood up. My eyes followed his figure who was now grabbing a book from the shelf located in the corner of the room. After that, he sat down again and put the book on the table. It looks like a piece of old newspaper stuck to one of the books when it was opened.

“Clipping?” ask directly.

“You asked for proof, right?” Alice pushed the evidence towards me.

I read the writing on a piece of newspaper. Tells the story of a family who was shocked when motor vehicle dealer employees delivered a new motorcycle. A gift from Grandpa for his seventeenth grandson's birthday. Grandpa was long dead.

“How can it?” My forehead is furrowed and my eyebrows are tied when my eyes narrow.

“That's me doing. I asked that grandfather's spirit to summon him to the world for a while, borrowing someone's body to give a gift to his grandson.” Alice relaxed.

“That's impossible deh.”

“You saw the employee didn't believe it at first. However, he went to the address that the grandfather had given him and indeed found the burial complex. Believe?”

I shook my head slowly, still weighing to believe it or not. One thing is certain, if you enter the newspaper then the news is true. All of this bears a resemblance to the story of Ron and Ryan and people\-people who allegedly experienced reincarnation or even souls who came from the past with a single piece of memory of his life in the past. Could it be that the soul summoner really\exist and happen?

“You can open the next page, I have many success stories,” he said sounding pongah.

My heart began to stomp while my fingers trembled as I opened the next page. This time a man who had been reburied lived in the form of another person to the shock of the local people. At first, the people did not believe. However, when showing everything about the dead. The man also asked for plants growing near the well to a coconut tree that had died long before he died.

“This is you too?”

“Ya,” say Alice steady. “You can read it to the end if you're not sure. Can also make sure to the newspaper whether the news is true or hoax.”

“Of course,” I said slowly. I felt a bitterness in my voice, a crushing defeat in this debate over credibility.

I still went on to open the book containing the piece of the newspaper. Everything is almost the same. Regarding the spirit summoning of the deceased. The spirit\-spirit is back alive. I gulped, my breath choked. It's all evidence. The fact that spirit summoning is not a figment.

“So?” His left eyebrow raised upwards while his lips boasted a sinister smile.

“Alice—”

 “Deal?” cut it fast when I am unable to continue my word\-word.

My sweaty palms started massaging the jeans that wrapped my thighs harder. I closed my eyes in a flash while trying to imagine Geral, his face, his figure then his smile. I was alone and now I feel her hand slipping between my fingers. Her breath lightly caressed my earlobe. It was fun and it would be more fun if he came back. I want him alive again. After all, Alice has never failed, even her skills have been very proven with the track record in the book.

“Deal.” My voice finally made it out of my lips which started to tremble.

“Oke.”

To be honest, I still have my doubts, but there is no reason to refuse this offer. Even so, I did not immediately put that thing in hand. I think the explanation at the beginning is always better. It seems Alice understood what I meant when I flicked my finger at the object in the box. The girl took a slow breath, seemingly preparing to explain.

“That's a sacred bracelet. It is said to have originated from the sea floor. That bracelet you'll use to find the soul of the person you want and make him submissive.” Alice explained. His gaze turned to the box and pointed at the necklace. “This necklace is used to lock the soul so it is worn on the body to be used for the soul container. He is the replacement figure for your lover.”

“Substantial figure? You mean he's gonna possess people?”

“Yep.”

“But Geral—”

I was disappointed. This whole thing's rolling out way out of what I'm thinking. Geral in the body of another. Why have I never thought of all this? I would hug or kiss someone else, it must have been very strange and horrible. Just imagine it feels unable.

“You think your lover will be back in his own body, tsktsktsk is so naive! Soul summoners also have limits. He will obviously not be able to restore the body of your now-rotting lover in the coffin.”

Rotting he said, it means that Geral's body has also been damaged. His face may no longer be shaped. It was cold to stab my bones when I thought about it. I don't want to imagine this at all. Even if that is the reality. As Geral's breath drifted, all the cells in her body must have undergone apoptosis. The fluid from his cell had seeped out. When all cells in the body have died and the enzyme\-enzyme has been completed in charge of degrading DNA. It is impossible to revive the body again. At least that's what I heard in school.

I can only take heavy breaths. No matter how hard I dodged Geral had indeed left. His body has rotten dirt. Maybe the maggots are also busy sucking on every inch of meat they can get into.

Other memories are back. How Geral is such a precious person. He is the one who made my life meaningful again. He was also the one who filled the empty\-day days when I was alone. My sister was busy working after Mama died until only Geral was the one\ only there.

I really can't live without him. I had a big accident a few years ago. The events that took Mama. Geral was the first person I saw when I woke up. He smiled and said that everything would be fine. Even though everyone judges me, he is the one who hugs me. He was also by my side as weeping after weeping rolled for the corpse that was stretched stiff in the front room. At that time, I did not even dare to come closer. I lost the one\-one who cared about me that night. However, on the other hand I get one person who gives me many other things. I think it's all fair. Unfortunately, again\-again someone so important it also goes.

“Do you not want to see her smile again? He will remain the same person only in a different body. Believe!”

Alice's voice was heard again and this time it was as sweet as honey was also full of persuasion. I know it's possible things won't be as sweet as they sound, but I really want to hope. That gentle whisper teased me. Calling back Geral's soul was the right thing. I want to see her smile again, I want her back to my side. Wanted him to come back and hug me after I've been tormented for the past seven days. My fingers clenched. Rounding up the determination that a few minutes ago is still swayed\-ambing in doubt. It doesn't matter that he's only been back a few days or a few months. No matter in anyone's body, I just want him back.

“Alright, I agree.”

“You choose the right thing among all the difficult choices. Congratulations Enza!” Alice smiled faintly as if she was the happiest with the decision I had just made.

“Then where do I find a suitable body for Geral?”

Alice smiled again, “I've taken care of it of course, it's part of the service.”

“Servis\-mu thorough?”

“Yes. In order for customers to be satisfied, living in this day and age is so difficult if we are not smart.” Alice smiled again, pride as if glowing in her eyeballs.  

“Iya also sih.”

“By the way\-by the way, we leave now, how?” Alice stood up.

“Now?”

“Maybe another month.” Alice was still acting indifferent. He put the carved box that still contained the necklace into my hand.

“But, if now I don't have money to pay you.”

Alice grunting. “Do not think about it, I will not charge anytime soon.”

“Really?” I just can't believe it.

“I'm not that poor, okay!” emphatically. Although it's a bit hard to believe considering the small, rusty and messy rug it is today.

“Good. If that's what you want,” I say resigned.

Alice did not reply just turned away as I put the box into the bag. I limped following his steps while closing the zipper bag that was originally gaping. We move forward and the sun has not yet given its red tinge in the sky.

I turned the key and started the car as Alice sat in the passenger seat. The girl gave me a piece of paper containing the address. Instantly I breathed a sigh of relief. The address did not refer to the location of the nearest cemetery. Digging a corpse is definitely not a fun thing to do this morning\-morning, yes even the afternoon remains annoying. Although Alice might put a soul into a corpse, the important thing is not to dig a grave. I'm trying to guess, maybe he did it with the legendary alchemy or even with full magic or shamanic practices considering this country is still full of clenic aroma. I don't know.

“How much should I pay you?” I looked scared\-fear. It could be that he asked for excess treasure that I did not pay or my life. Who knows, being on guard is always better.

Alice looked at me and smiled again. “I'll ask for it later, you take it easy.”

I just answered oh slowly and continued the driving action through the lingering night began to fade. The sky started to light up as we reached in front of one of the old houses at the end of the city.  So old, I believe the house is the same age as the colonial era building. I looked again at the address on the paper Alice had given me. There's nothing wrong.

“Indeed. We're in the right place.” Alice walked down from the car.

Not long after, a middle-aged woman in a new black flea-type kebaya suit and a machete-patterned tug to cover her legs appeared in the doorway.

“Ndoro!”

“Alice!” Alice cut quickly, but I still caught the call that was often given to the host.

“Alice.” The raucous voice was in harmony with his all-dark appearance. The jasmine-decorated complexion above his head seemed to sway for a moment.

“I want to see it,” said Alice without further ado.

The woman glanced at me then looked at Alice back as if asking for an explanation. I also gave a faint hint that Alice indeed needed to explain a lot of things here before entering the house. Looks like the girl understands what I'm asking for so she snorted.

“He who will help us.” Alice sounded sure.

The woman nodded and let us in. I walked inside following Alice exploring the place as if her room was in one of those rooms.

“What do you mean just now?” ask me while trying to teach Alice steps. “Help you? Aren't you the one who helped me?”

“That answer you will get with the payment I ask later.”

The girl still did not turn her head and walked straight ahead even though I still wanted to ask further. However, Alice had stopped in front of one of the rooms with a carved door. The carving with the\-flowers was circular exactly like the carving on the box Alice had given her a few hours ago.

“You ready?” Alice sent out a look as if hesitating with my resolve.

“I'm ready,” I say still with obvious doubts.

 My heart was pumped up fast, my lungs\-paw bloomed as my breathing began to tighten. There's no turning back. I've been mired too deep. When Alice opened the door to the room, I was sure there was no way back. My feet followed Alice's steps. Instantly surprised to see the scenery inside. My eyes faded for a moment along with my breathing that began to tighten.

The room was large with wide windows on the wall. A large bed was right in the middle of the room. There was no furniture other than a large carved wooden cupboard and a small table in the corner of the room. We walked closer to the bed. My chest rippled. A man is lying in bed. His face was beautiful even though very pale to the exact corpse. His black hair covered his forehead and the ends were almost studded with his eyelashes.

“He's a substitute figure for your lover.” Alice broke my admiration for the man.

“What is he a corpse?” My trembling fingers were clinging to each other. I failed to hide my fear.

Alice shakes. “Currently not yet. But, maybe it won't be long before he'll be a dead body.”

The words were evil, only that I no longer noticed the words\-words that slid from the lips of the girl. I was busy looking at the face of the man who was still asleep in the dispute, seemingly not bothered at all with our presence.

“Then you will insert Geral's soul into his body?” I said I was still trying to forget the cruel words\-words Alice had just said.

“Wrong. You will enter the soul of your lover not me.” There was definitely pressure in Alice's voice. A command, not a request.

“Why is that?”

“Because you want it back, not me.” Alice responded quickly.

“Should?” I still doubt.

“If you have any doubts, we can cancel this agreement!” sahut Alice firmly.

“Alice!”

“Please let you help him.” Alice patted my shoulder.

Alice did not wait for my response and lowered her head towards the young man. Alice whispered in the ear of the figure. I didn't hear it. Alice may whisper some kind of spell or a\-ampi. His skinny fingers rubbed the young man's forehead after exhaling three times to his face. A few minutes later, Alice stood up and looked at me.

“Pair the necklace to her!”

I moved closer with trembling hands. The skin of my hand touched the figure's neck, I gasped for a moment when I realized it was so cold. I draped that chocker around the young man's neck. Either because I'm scared or paranoid. It felt a soft throbbing start to appear on the bracelet that I had been wearing since.

“Nah now just one more step, give your blood!”

“Hah?”

“Yes, blood,” says Alice while raising her shoulders.

I don't understand why Alice needs blood all of a sudden. My memory is never good when it comes to blood. Anyway, what does he need?

“I can't, Al.” My legs moved backwards while my heart spurred fast, feeling\ - it felt like all this stuff was going to end badly.

“Get your hand!” Alice pulled my left hand forcefully.

“Ouch!” I complained quickly as Alice pricked a small needle right in my veins.

Damn I didn't get to squirm. The wounds Alice had made were not large and wide. However, it is enough to drain the blood out. The pain began to strike, but Alice did not let go of my hand. The girl pulled him until my hand was right on the face that now looked asleep. A mixture of nausea, wanting to vomit and disgust began to strike when the droplets of blood fell on the young man's lips. My head started to throb. My throat was also starting to feel dry. I hate blood, I hate it.

“What do you do?” I'm trying to get Alice's grip off.

“Agreement with him.” Alice immediately let go of my hand. “You can't back down anymore, Za!”

“What?”

“Agreement that has been formed on blood should not be denied or—”

“Or what?”

“Ah, stop.” Alice flicked her hand nonchalantly.

“Say!”

“This is called a blood covenant. The blood from your heart will make your heart beat for you. If you deny it then you will die!”

Dead said. Those words were buzzing within the cavity of my head that felt empty. Why would calling Geral to come back to life make me die? Am I some kind of tumble?

“But you won't deny it. I'm sure it's.” Alice spoke again. “Iya, right?”

“Ti—dak will,” tukasku fast.

"Good!”

That's right, there's no reason for me to cancel this deal. I glanced at Alice, the corner of her lips raised into a grin. Little odd. However, I only fell silent because I did not understand anything that came out of Alice's lips. Feeling\-it feels like I'm somehow being framed. But what kind of trap? Alice doesn't know me or Geral, there's little chance she'll go far just to set me up. 

“I will prepare the equipment for the ritual.” He thrust a plaster large enough to cover the wound on my wrist.

I wanted to follow Alice out but the girl had disappeared somewhere. I approached the figure again while holding my wrist which now feels still sore. Geralku will return through this young man. I really can't believe it yet. I wiped the blood dripping on her cheek using her fingertips. I gasp. Spontaneously moved backwards as the young man's eyes suddenly\just opened. I want to run right now, all this must be a big mistake.