‘There’s something in the water!’ I smack the cup out of her hands just as the tip of the glass touches her bottom lip. ‘You didn’t swallow, did you? Tell me you didn’t let any of that shit roll over your tongue.’

‘No. You fuck. I’m bleeding.’ She wipes her mouth with the back of her thumb. ‘Satisfied? What the fuck is wrong with you. I need to drink. What would you have me do, eh? Starve myself in hopes of being unaffected. Look where I’m living! This is an unavoidable fate. I chose to stand on this piece of earth. I accept my defeat graciously. I will lay down softy in this dirty place.’

‘No, girl; I have never been so aggravated in my life! It is by your side I must stand. Look at me standing outside this dumb bar like the dumb fuck that I am. When will I step in? Never. Fuck you. Chase me.’

‘Is that what your banking on baby? Boy oh boy, you’ve got a death wish. Have you harnessed enough patience to wait an eternity?’

‘I’ve harnessed eternity. Do you want me or not?’

‘Yes. Wait. I’ve got some things to wrap up. Where will you take me, when I’m ready; if I am willing to ever become ready? If I am ever ready to become yours, will you hold me forever? What is eternal that you’ve so proudly gained control over? Is it the sun that you think you move at your will? Is it your will that you think you control? Is it a thought from within the gut that is your soul that you’ve willed to move upon? Do you conceive to own everything that is within the range of your senses? How, Demian? How could one small boy be so fucking powerful? I am certain that you’ve lost your mind.’

‘Yes, to most of your absurd questions. I’m sure I’ll do just fine without it. I think in synchronization with the African drum. I dance to this rhythm. What movement could be more powerful than this? I am living. What could be more believable than the life inside the impossible size of my pupils? I will look at you. What will you do? What will you choose? If it’s me, then we’re going to the river baby. We’re going home. No stopping to pee. No coffee. It’s a straight shot. You’re waking up whether you like it or not! I’ll wait.’

She runs into the lights and disappears behind the bar. Not even five minutes pass and she’s standing in front of me again. ‘Okay, I’m ready. Lets meet. Lets go! Shotgun! I only ride in the front.’

‘Babe. You’re the only one. It’s only you! Who is this ghost that you’re competing against. There is no competition. There is no boy like me. There is no girl like me. I’ve won. Its me, you see?’

‘I see you boy. I see you.’ She slams the door and throws the seat back, puts her naked feet on the dash. ‘I thought you didn’t drive.’ 

‘I don’t. Who’s car is this?’

‘Ha! Well, it aint mine. Who drives around here anymore anyway? The highway is a desolate place. Lets play instead. I’ll show you the river from my bedroom window. It all flows through your skin if you let it. Everything and everyone is constantly running straight through you. Let them. Can you imagine what feeling feels like? It’s an atomic sensation. Touch me, I’ll teach you.’ I pull her out of the abandoned car and reach into a memory that doesn’t belong to me. It is hers. ‘Remember anything yet?’ 

‘I remember you remembering me endlessly. I think I remember being born, again and again and again. And every time I’m born again, I remember you. You’ve been waiting a long time, haven’t you?’

‘Eternity, my love; I am eternal. Time is only momentary senses. I’ve been timing you, is closest to the truth. Your timing is impeccable. It’s almost like you’ve known I was coming all along.’

‘I know nothing, Demian. But you’ve taken your sweet ass time, and for that, you will pay. I’ve been waiting to move you. Get it? Where have you been?’

‘Dreaming: worshiping you. It’s the only sacrifice I’m willing to make. I’ve been home P. Where the fuck are you?’

‘Calm down, you little brat; I’ve been coming too.’