The Tens, Vanessa Jones [i like reading books .TXT] 📗

his feet wide apart and his hands clasped in front of him. He shut his eyes and began rocking slightly from side to side. Abigail was the only one that shut her eyes with him. After what felt like half an hour to Sophie, Clive popped his eyes open and declared it was time to begin. Sophie could taste what was coming and it tasted like off milk.

'Let us commune with the spirit of us and the energy of Planet Venus and its occupants, those that can speak and those that cannot. For we are all learners and on a path to being at one with you. We are ready.' He nodded to himself. 'Before I open to any questions, there are some things I must share with you. It is crucial that you realise that these are not my words, not the words of a Senior who is starting to shrivel as an old man,’ he giggled. ‘But words that come from a realm that you are yet to experience but you are on your way to. These words are translated from us through the being that is Clive and it is their meaning that is important.’

Clive dropped his chin and closed his eyes but Sophie could read the smugness like he was the daily newspaper. An uneasiness started to surge inside of her. Did Clive really believe he was an alien from Venus? Or channelling them? That kind of delusion was all too familiar in Sophie's world and it repulsed her for it was the very thing she had been trying to skirt away from for months. Insanity and delusion, two best friends, who had been begging her to come out and play that she was finding harder to ignore. And here they were, presenting themselves onstage to her. Seemingly revered, nonetheless.

As if reading her thoughts, Clive looked up and pointed to Sophie. 'You have recently experienced your soul crack, yes?'

Sophie turned her head away from Clive's pointed stare and rolled her eyes at no one.

'Indeed. It seems so.' He confirmed.

Sophie mumbled under her breath which did not deter Clive in the slightest, for he was on a roll. He bounced slightly on the balls of his feet but the top half of him remained steady and focussed. 'As people, you are so fragile. It's wonderful that you are. Truly. You were made that way. The fragility causes the soul crack that you have all experienced at some point or are susceptible to one. We're sorry you had to go through that. It is ugly. Have it be known that your fragility is your superpower. It's what makes you. It's what creates you. It's what you created out of. This fragility— and I really want you to ponder and meditate on it— this fragility is a special kind of magic. Float away with it. People will love you for it. Some bastards— as you humans would say— will take advantage of it because that is the only way they know how to interact with it. They are not skilled or advanced enough to handle or live with another's fragility unless they are soaking it up and destroying it. Like a flower, they have an impulse to smash it up and pull the petals off. Rather than lovingly admire it, take care of it, be fuelled by its beauty. Again, be assured that on Venus, fragility is celebrated, worshipped and encouraged. Please cultivate your fragility now so as to not harm other lifeforms when our planets join in harmony.' Clive dumped his hands to his side, which signalled he was done with his discourse. ‘And now... questions?'

Eager hands shot upward, even before he finished the word. Clive spread his arms wide and his head bobbed. As quickly as the hands were raised, his struck out, like a cobra and pointed to a man sitting next to Everley who had just sat down after handing out more cups of tea. She was flushed with delight from her duty.

'Please, will you speak of Venus?' The man queried and shuffled excitedly.

'It would be an honour. The planet Venus welcomes you as one of our own. The conditions are different than what you are used to there on earth, with all its density and physicality and, most of the time, its depravity. Just like leaving your home when you go on vacation, you must leave earthly ways behind when you embark Venus. Although the planets will be joined, there will only be one way and that is The New Way of Planet Venus. For it is stronger, more powerful and it holds a magnetic field that is at a higher frequency than that of planet earth's. The density will fall away and the lightness of Venus will burn, like a bushfire, that of earth's. We do not wish to destroy your glorious abode but the damage has already been done. Those that have been seeking to enhance their vibration and have prepared so, will be willing and fitting for the frequency that our dear planet possesses. There are things that weigh you down. Your attachment to things, to places you call home, to people you think you belong to—' Sophie could feel Clive's eyes bore into her— '... and ways of being. It is all futile in The New Way and the sooner you can discard those peacefully, without yanking it from your existence like pulling clumps of hair from your head, the better and easier you will transition.'

Another questioner was called upon rapidly. 'My question is... ohh... I'm strangely nervous. Is it going to hurt when Venus comes for us?' A mousy woman twittered.

'Firstly, I can say it will be a more natural feeling and experience and more long-lasting and thus much more satisfying and safe than your current experience. But you need to prevent yourself from seeking the fireworks and the sleepless nights of tingles that could come from melding with The New Way. Those “Hollywood”