Trust + Believe:

Simone’s Notes:

Though at present used in many non-religious connotations, the term has implications deeply rooted in Judaism and the Old Testament, starting with the story of Adam and Eve and the original sin. Many non-Western cultures had no precise equivalent until coming into contact with Europeans; for example, Jesuit missionaries in Brazil, translating the Lord's Prayer into Old Tupi, had to use the Portuguese word tentacao, since Tupi had no word expressing "temptation" in that sense.

Meanwhile, Edward had plans of his own. The dogs needed a distraction for the next few parts of the game. This next part called for the fresh blood of a innocent. Edward spent days stalking Maywillow Junior High for the right girl. (In his mind, it had to be a girl. They were much purer to him. Much more fun to corrupt. This sacrifice would especially have to be a girl.) The first two days were a disappointment. Same with days three and four. Then, on day five, there she was.

Lolly Jenkins looked rather sweet. Shy, little sweetheart. Her black hair was done up into two thick ponytails. She was a bit on the heavy side, but cute. Her uniform never quite seemed to fit on her. This girl reminded Edward of a ripe peach hanging on a tree. Maybe it was time to pluck her. But first came protocol. He needed to study his target first. So, Edward watched Lolly for three weeks. The lamb was normal for the most part. She didn’t have many friends. Only just two older girls that hung out with her all of the time. The girl had busy, but loving parents at home. This lamb pretty much lived a normal life. There was nothing really special about Lolly Jenkins. However, Edward found one little crack to penetrate.

Lolly had an ill grandmother. Cancer, if Edward wasn’t mistaken. The parents had given up hope on the old lady. Lolly, on the other hand, kept holding out for a miracle. Every day, that girl would pray that her grandmother would get better. The results were only getting worse and worse. Yet, Lolly just wouldn’t give up. She knew in her heart that her beloved grandmother would get better one day. To Edward, this screamed opportunity. “I can heal her grandmother and lure that lamb over to us,” he thought. All he needed was the timing.

Ten days later, Edward was ready. He found Lolly at school like he normally did. She seemed really depressed today. The darkened sky above seemed to reflect her mood. Edward decided to put a little smile onto her face. He waited for her along the busy city street. Lolly always visited her grandmother in the hospital at three o’clock. Edward looked at the street clock. He smirked to himself viciously. “Right on time!” he thought. The incubus alchemist looked out to see the lamb walking towards him. Show time. Edward stepped out into her light of vision. Lolly looked and saw the monster. A puzzled look came onto her face.

“Uh… can I help you?” she asked the alchemist. Edward cleared his throat.

“You seem so down,” he said. “What’s on your mind?” The little girl looked down at her feet.

“It’s my grandmother,” she mumbled. Edward pretended not to hear her right.

“I’m sorry?” he asked. Lolly repeated her answer while pushing back her tears. The alchemist slowly lifted her head. He got a good little at her red-brown eyes. The tears looked like they would give at any moment now. Edward tried his best to fight back his smile. Yes, she was going to do just fine.

“What is the matter?” Edward asked again.

“My grandmother is dying,” Lolly whimpered, clearer this time. The butcher raised an eyebrow at her.

“Dying?” he questioned. “Do you want to talk about it?” Lolly hesitated for a moment. She looked around her with her eyes. Edward just waited the whole time. She’ll come around to his offer; just don’t push it. That just blows everything. Lolly finally caved.

“Alright,” she mumbled. Edward gave her a little smile.

“Come with me,” he whispered. Lolly nodded. They leaned up against the wall near the hospital entrance. Lolly did all of the talking. Edward listened or at least pretended to listen. He needed to bait her in. The heart was the best way to do it. Lolly looked at him with tears in her eyes.

“So, I’m here to say goodbye to her,” she finished. Edward pretended to look surprised.

“Why?” he asked. “You’ve had so much hope for her recovery all of this time.” Lolly wiped away her tears.

“Her condition is only getting worse and my family is thinking about pulling the plug,” she whimpered. Edward gently patted her on the head. He had her almost sold. Now to add in the finishing touch. He leaned in close to her ear.

“Why don’t you go see your grandmother again?” he whispered. “Just say goodbye to her and you’ll feel better that you got to see her one last time.” Lolly nodded at him.

“Okay,” she whispered. She slowly walked into the hospital. Edward waited with a smirk on his face. Ten minutes had passed. Lolly ran back out of the hospital with eyes wide in shock. The incubus alchemist looked up at her.

“Well?” he asked. The young girl could barely speak at first. The words seemed lost in her head. Edward waited for a while for her to talk again. Lolly turned and looked at him.

“You’re an angel!” she gasped. The alchemist raised an eyebrow at her.

“Why is that?” he asked. Lolly stared at him with a clueless expression on her face.

“My grandma is awake and well!” she exclaimed. “You must have healed her! You must have!” Lolly hugged his waist tightly.

“Oh thank you angel!” the girl exclaimed. Edward’s evil smile deepened as he hugged her back. It worked. He now had the little lamb where he wanted her. The monster gently stroked her black hair.

“See?” he whispered into her ear. “All you have to do is trust and believe. Trust and believe. Trust and believe.” Nothing screamed disturbing like those very words.