
This month, I’m interviewing Ben Parker from Aftermath.
As a decorated agent for the Afterworld’s Bureau of Investigation, Ben searched the earth for decades looking for his soul mate, Emma Bennett. When he found her, he decided to go undercover as a high school student to meet her. Let’s see what he has to say today--on this lazy summer edition of Beautiful People!
Ben, what is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Vanilla
Just vanilla?
** He nods. **
Technically, I like an old-fashioned vanilla bean ice cream. Rich and creamy, like they served when I was a kid, back in the 1920's.
You’re getting ready for a night out. Where are you going, and what are you wearing? Who will you be with? That depends if I’m undercover on earth, or back in my world. On earth, I hope Emma would be by my side. In our past life, we used to go to the movies. Frankenstein was playing on our first date. If I was back in the Afterworld, I’d probably be with my partner, Molly, or my handler, Pete Jorgenson. There’s a pub we hang out at, when I’m there--but my job has kept me on earth for extended periods of time. |
Right now, I’m barefoot. I’ve been hanging out at Lake Bell, hoping to catch a glimpse of Emma!
Do you have a birthmark, or any scars? Where are they, and how did you get them?
I have tons of scars! Working undercover on criminal cases, I have had numerous run ins. I've been cut, broke bones... you name it! But... I'm an immortal. So any bodily damage is quickly fixed. I simply wave my hand over a broken wrist and it immediately heals. I point my finger at a gash on my arm, and it seals up. No need for stitches!
There is one scar I have--from when I was human--it's on forearm. I got it when I was working on the farm.
What kind of music do you listen to?
All kinds. I’m immortal, remember? I like jazz, pop, and rock. I hung out with the Beatles when I was undercover, and even met Elvis Presley when he transitioned. Lately, I’ve been listening to more alternative music. I want to fit in with Emma and her friends. I’ll do whatever it takes to get to know her better.
Do you have any musical talent? Do you play an instrument? Or sing?
No. I really wasn't musically inclined, as a human. I couldn't play an instrument, and I even refused to sing in church--despite the glares my mother gave me each Sunday.
As an immortal, however, I can do almost anything. I can sing a perfect tune, play any instrument, or compose a complex piece.
What kind of book would you be caught reading?
Ha! I don’t have much down time to read something for fun. I spend a lot of time reading case files and briefs, for new assignments. I wasn’t a big reader when I was human, either. I helped my folks with chores and did my school work. But I’d rather go to the movies and ice cream shop instead of reading a book. My wife, on the other hand, loved to read Ernest Hemingway. Emma doesn’t know this yet, but she was my wife in a past life.
How would you spend your summer?
I spent the past couple summers on Lake Bell in Westport, Wisconsin. It was where Emma spent long weekends and where her aunt owns a resort. Days were spent on the lake, and nights at the island bonfires. Emma didn’t know I was scouting out the place, but I did. Now, I’m just happy to be able to meet her.
It’s Saturday at noon. What are you doing? Having lunch (or breakfast)? Are you hiking, shopping or lazing around?
In my undercover role as a high school senior, I’m probably just rolling out of bed, looking for something to eat. I’m checking my phone for texts from buddies, where the party will be later that day.
As an immortal, I’ve put a half-day’s work in by that time. I’m usually up before dawn with a steaming cup of black coffee in hand. I listen to the local news—both from my world, and on earth—then catch up on bulletins the bureau puts out.
Sometimes it’s hard being both a teenager and an agent—but if it means I can get to know Emma, I won’t complain.
Is there anything you want to be free of?
** A serious look crosses his face. **
Victor.
Who’s Victor?
He’s a rogue immortal that managed to avoid capture for centuries. He’s been known to have tortured and killed innocent humans. I want the world to be free of Victor. I just don't know where he is.