Revelations(9)

Matthew’s warned me that Judas is in a mood, and I simply smile to myself, imagining his face when I pull up. I park the Humvee near the tent they’ve set up, the one where tonight’s meeting will take place, and begin to sashay toward them.

Matthew said they’re near a pond, and it isn’t hard to find. They’re all crowded around Mary apparently; Jesus has his arm about his mother. And oh my, what do I see? Judas is pouting. Excellent.

I swing my hips into full power, slow my gait until I’m slinking along at a speed calculated to water the mouth of any male below the age of eighty. Or maybe ninety. I’ve not yet tested the limits of my slinkability. And one by one, they all turn their heads toward me, mouths falling open in full gape. Mary sees me, and her smile is the welcome of a madonna, for she’s my friend, sister, mother

—and more. Then Jesus looks up, and a big grin splits his lovely face. All good, all good.

Last, and certainly least, Judas. I watch as in almost slow motion, he realizes that something is happening, though he doesn’t know what it is. And he glances toward me briefly. Then again. A splendid double take, as he takes in my ensemble, and the effect it is having upon the others—tongues hanging out now, and catcalls filling the air, loaded with hubbahubbas and oh baby’s.

And is he pissed!

My work here is just begun, I see. In fact, I think I’ll stay for the meeting tonight. Just to piss him off even more.





Chapter Three: Matthew


If Judas finds out I’m the one who told Mary M how to find us, he’ll kill me. I just know it. I mean, he hates her and everything. And I don’t think he’s any too fond of any of the rest of us. Except for Jesus. Him he’s crazy about. I know, that’s not my problem. Not that it’s a problem, I don’t mean that. But I do know I don’t want any trouble with him. I’m a peaceful kind of guy. At least I try to be. We all do. Well, I’m not counting Jesus, of course. He doesn’t try, he is. He’s perfect, after all. But Judas…he’s different. He’s the betrayer, you know. The traitor. The Judas. Dammit. Sorry, that slipped out. I didn’t mean to say it, but sometimes he just gets my goat. I mean, how can he do it, especially to Jesus?

And Mary M, she’s so beautiful. I can’t believe someone like her chooses to be with me. She could have any guy she wants. She’s not only gorgeous, she’s rich and famous…I know I shouldn’t think like that, she’s still her. We’re still us. Deep down inside, we’re the same people we were two thousand years ago. Mary says we’re the new and improved versions of us. Well, except for Judas. She says he’s his same horrid self. She makes me laugh, Mary does. She makes all of us laugh.

Except Judas. Those two are like oil and water. The only one that never changes, ever, no matter what, is Jesus. He always stays the same. But that stands to reason.

He’s Jesus. The son of God. He needs no changing.

I love him, of course, but I’m not in love with him. Not like Judas is. There’s a big difference there. Am I in love with Mary M? Sometimes I think I am. But I try not to think about it too much. I’m happy even being able to share her love. That’s good enough for me. Forget all my little daydreams of marrying her someday, it’s not going to happen. I know that.

But a guy can still dream, right?



There she is now. I wasn’t paying attention, really, even though I knew she’d be coming. I was having too much fun, all of us swimming in the pond, enjoying ourselves with the Master. Let Judas pout, I don’t care. He could join us if he really wanted to, the stick in the mud. But I’m glad he doesn’t.

Damn, she’s looking very fine today, like always. We all crowd around her, forgetting for the moment that none of us is dressed, and we’re soaking wet. Simon shakes himself, like a great big puppy. He means no harm, but apparently he douses Judas in the process. Which only makes him crabbier. And makes Mary laugh all the more.

“Mary, so good to see you.” That’s Jesus now; he’s holding her hands, he’s smiling into her eyes. I’m never jealous of Jesus, it’s just impossible to be. The boys all clamor around her, except for Judas of course. He stands apart, his usual aloof self. He never likes to mingle with us. As far as he’s concerned, we can all go to Hell. Well, the laugh’s on him. I’m sure he’ll end up there someday. Have I ever told him that? Of course not.

I hear someone—either Andrew or Philip, I think—ask Mary if she can stay tonight, and when she says yes, we all get excited, as we begin to cheer for her.

What a wonderful surprise! She hadn’t even mentioned the possibility in her text messages!