Exorcism Of A Stick

Artie slumped on the driver’s seat. Penny just broke up with him.

Damn!

He cursed while the rain poured heavily outside his Subaru.

Three months ago, Penny found out and told him that she doesn't want what he is doing and if he won’t stop it, she’ll split their relationship. He remembered that he hugged Penny very tight that night, begging her not to and that he’ll stop it.

Penny loves him, Artie knew. That same night, Penny made him promise that he won’t do it again ever. He swore. And he did actually thought of keeping that. But the demon is strong…

Strong indeed…

Artie turned left. He wasn't aware that he is driving already.

The demon…

Penny broke up with him!

He can’t believe it!

He started gritting his teeth. He remembered that he kept on doing it ever since he met the demon.

His eyes became wild as he turned right at the next road.

Where Penny’s house is.

He started thinking wildly.

Could it be that Penny quitted because she wants another guy? He remembered George.  He knew that he has his eyes on her. Could it be that tonight, Penny is with him? Oh! He can’t imagine it! Penny is his! Only his!

Suddenly, an image formed in thick rain.

Penny?

Artie slowed down. He felt so cold suddenly.

He grabbed a demon from his bag that he always kept in his car.

A bag of demons.

It will help him feel warm.

He focused his attention on Penny.

She’s soaking in the rain.

Her image was stamped on his mind – wet, shivering… and crying. Her knee-length dress strapping her young body.

How old are they? Nineteen? Twenty? It doesn't matter. He loves Penny. Yes, he does.

The demon entered his body deeply. He felt warm. Really warm. And the image of Penny is on his mind.

Penny, oh Penny.

She has always been so pure. That’s why he likes her.

Every time he deepens his kiss, Penny would always stir.

Oh, the look in her eyes! So pure, Penny, pure Penny.

He dropped the demon on the window and opened the door. He walked under the rain and straight to Penny.

She was so surprised to see him that her eyes literally widened.

Artie hugged her tight. He kissed her on the mouth but Penny resisted. She knew he had the demon. That damned demon! Why did he even try it? Penny and him were so fine until it came. Penny is now pushing him away. But why? Penny loves him! He thought of George? Why is Penny here, on the outside at this very hour? Artie knew it is already two o'clock in the morning. Was Penny out with George? He became angry. Penny is telling him to stop. But he didn't  He deepened his kiss more. He kissed her on the neck, on her shoulder blades. Penny hits him on his back. He tightened his grasp on Penny’s hair. Penny cried. Artie heaved her thin body to the car and covered her mouth. He kissed her more.

No more of your ‘purity’games, Penny!

With muffled sobs, Penny accepted what is happening to her. No more good Artie. The demon drove him mad.

Penny closed her eyes hard.

I hate you, Arthur…

But before closing her eyes, Penny had a glimpse on a bag filled with demons silently smirking at her.

+++++++++++++++++++++

Outside the car, a lone, suspicious stick of a cigar swims on a pool of rainwater. It was now sagged and grumpy, but it made something that even the hard rain can’t wash away…