BONUS STORY – Houston
Please ignore mistakes*
“Are we there yet?” Jade Hadley’s voice came. “It’s taking really long, now.” Jade grumbled.
Jade was a rebellious, almond eyes, teenager: A tenth grader with such shiny blonde hair, yay high and pretty slender at age sixteen, making her really flexible.
“Yeah, Dad.” Daniel cut in. “My butt’s starting to ache real bad.” He said.
Daniel was the exact replica of his father, but had his mother’s blue eyes with a Harry Potter glasses hovering around it. He was smallish, no doubt and pretty smart, despite the fact he was only seven.
“Won’t be long now,” Mr Hadley said to them.
“Oh, Jade, quit pushing!” Daniel shouted.
“Me?!” She gasped. “You’re the one occupying everywhere with your smelly backside. I wonder if it ever stops growing,” She mocked.
“At least it’s way better than yours….FLAT a$$!” He stressed, sticking out his tongue.
“You scum…..!”
“Jade!”
“Nothing, Father.” Jade laughed.
“Oh, it better be or else….”
“I’m gonna be double grounded. So last season.” Jade scoffed.
“Or worse.” Mr Hadley replied.
“Yeah, yeah. Tell me about it.” Jade shrugged.
“You doing okay there, boy?”
“Doing okay?! Dad it’s f****ng hot in here.”
“Words, son. Words!” Mr Hadley cautioned.
“Oops. Sorry.” Daniel giggled.
“Will deal with ya later,” Jade whispered, acting normal again.
“Dad, do you think Mum’s gonna be coming home for Christmas?” asked Daniel.
“No, son. Don’t really think so.” Mr Hadley replied.
“Like she’s ever free?” Jade scoffed.
“Jade, you know your mum’s always busy at work, but don’t worry, I know she’ll come around.” He said, taking a peek at the mirror.
Reading the expression on their faces, a faint smile broke across his lips. “You two okay there?” He added, “I know you guys miss your mum so much, and I know she does, but you gotta….”
“Dad, look out!” Jade cried, seeing an haggard old lady appear suddenly.
“Whoa!” Mr Hadley exclaimed, jerking the car to a stop. “Baby, why’d you scream so loud?
“Yes, J! Are you crazy?! You would have gotten us killed” Daniel barked.
“I…I thought I saw something,” She shivered. “I…Gosh! I’m so sorry, Dad. I-I shouldn’t have screamed like that. I just….”
“Well, you keep your keep thinking to yourself!” Daniel broke in, eyeing her. “Imagine if dad had no control of the brake?”
“Be quiet, Danny.” Mr Hadley hushed.
“But dad….”
“I said be quiet!” He glared, as Daniel huffed, averting his gaze. “Good. Now baby, why don’t you just listen to some music and take your mind off whatever thing you said you saw, okay? It’s just your mind playing tricks on you, nothing more.” He assured.
“Okay, Dad.” Jade gave a reluctant smile.
She took her headphone out, placing them on the sides of her head, as she listened to one of her favorite songs, sitting out the rest of the journey in silence, making no utterances, as they drove past swaying trees and old houses in the void, lonely street – Houston.
JADE’S P.O.V
Our new house was nothing like the old one. Even our rez was a lot more different from Triton and I hated the fact we had to move from such scenery to a creepy new house with nothing but weird, freaky pictures and cobwebs hovering on all corners. I’d have sworn no one lived here for years if not Dad knew all about it.
“Psst, over here,” Daniel beckoned to me as I averted my gaze from the dark room.
I’d thought I heard whispering voices come from inside, but it couldn’t have been real, could it now?
I made towards him with eager eyes. “What’s that?”
“Man, you gotta see this.” He grinned, pulling me with him.
“See what!? Danny, I swear, if you’re gonna play your silly pranks on me, I will -” I stopped, my mouth wide open. “What the hell!?” I exclaimed, staring at the scattered tools lined up on the floor.
“You ain’t seen nothing, dude.” He chuckled, motioning to his left.
There stood a red carving on the scratched, faded wall; markings written in nothing I’d never seen.
“What does it say?” Daniel asked.
“I don’t know, maybe -” I stopped to listen, hearing someone approaching.
“Ah, jeez! We’re so in,” Daniel panicked. “Dad can’t know we went this far. He’ll ki*ll us!” He vibrated.
“Shush. Come with me.” I tagged at his sleeves.
I rolled my eyes around, scanning the room for a really good hiding spot, catching glimpse of a door at the far end. That door, I gave a slight thought, but got distracted at the sound of the footsteps drawing closer now.
“I see it! I see a door up ahead.” Danny’s eye danced as he made to move around the tools.
“Danny! Danny, come here,” I whispered lowly, having no other choice.
“Hurry, Jade! Dad will be here any minute.” He said to me, turning the door knob as the door swung open, revealing an eye-opening secret.
* * *
Sirens wailed and men dressed in uniforms went about securing the perimeter of the Hadley’s residence.
“Mr Harley, may I ask who found the bodies sprawled on the floor?” The man in uniform asked.
“It’s Hadley, actually.” Mr Hadley corrected. “Charlie Hadley.” He added. “And yeah, my kids were the ones who found ’em. We just moved in, not quite long though.” His eyes twitched.
“Uh. I see.” The Inspector said, eyes locked on him. “Well, that’ll do…for now.” He said, getting up. “But I’ll have to warn you, Mr. This rez is quite an ugly one for townies like you, so I reckon you best be careful. Don’t want them kids getting hurt or anything.” He warned, stepping out.
“Thank you, Inspector. Have a nice day.” He said.
Daniel crawled out from under the stairs. “Father, are we moving again?” He asked innocently.
“Son?” Mr Hadley turned. “Have you been eavesdropping all this while?” He gaped at him.
“Ouch!” A groan came from behind the sofa by the window, as Mr Hadley’s eyes popped in the direction.
“Jade!!!”
“Sorry, Daddy. Didn’t mean for that.” She spoke, crawling out.
“Oh, you two got a lot of explanation to do.” He frowned, eyeing them both.
“Don’t look at us.” Jade shrugged, slumping onto the sofa.
“But Dad, are we really moving?”
“Ugh! Please tell me this isn’t happening again,” Jade chimed in, getting up.
“Well….”
“Seriously, Dad? All our lives we’ve been moving, and just because we saw two bloody bodies upstairs, would make us want to move…again!” She ranted. “I mean, don’t you ever get it!? We’re always moving and it upsets me so much. I don’t even get a chance to decide or even say how I feel about it, or even Danny. And besides, it’s not like Mum’s always with us.” She complained. “You know what, I’ve had quite a long day, so I’ll be going upstairs now, away from you two!” She sighed, making for the stairs.
“Jade! Oh, don’t you dare walk out on me, Miss, or you’ll be grounded!!” Her father threatened.
“Like I haven’t experienced worse!?” She scoffed, walking out on him.
Mr Hadley stood speechless, watching as she went out of sight. He looked back at Daniel, who gave a pity stare and scurried upstairs.
He knew his daughter hated the fact that they had to move, but he was left with no option. Oh, Selena. How I wish you were here, he hoped, a sigh eluding his lips.
“Say, Jade. Why’d you talk that way to Dad? It wasn’t really his fault…”
“Oh, everything that’s happening right now is his!” Jade blurted out.
“You gotta take it easy on him, sis. Dad’s going through a lot, you know and we’re the only people he’s got, with Mum away.” Daniel spoke.
“Oh, you mean Mum who’s in Ireland having the best time of her life?” She asked rhetorically. “Look, Danny, I just wanna be left alone and I certainly do not want you getting into my biz.”
“You mean our business!?”
She scowled, raising a brow at him. “You better get out. Get out, I say! Get out!!” She barked, grabbing his arm.
“Ow, ow, ow!! Jaden….”
“Just get out of my room. And don’t look back!” She yelled, slamming the door.
Oh, God! She breathed, tossing herself on the bed, taking up her headphone, carefully placing them on the sides of her head, as she slowly drifted off to sleep.
JADEN
I awoke in the middle of nowhere, brush wood and bladed grasses crowding all around me. I rose up, looking down as my bosom stood in sight, surprising me. How am I bare? I asked, stunned.
I tried to fathom out where I was, as I heard soft whispers in the wind. “Holy crap!”I shivered, goosebumps flushing over me.
“Do not be afraid, Seed of Eve,” A pale blue eyes girl emerged from the bushes, her body clothed in white.
I felt cold instantly, moving backwards.
“Come. I won’t hurt you.” She said to me, stretching forth her hand.
I swallowed hard, watching her move towards me, her hand clasping mine, as cold chills went up my spine. “Y-y-you’re bloody cold,” I shook.
“You must come with me, Daughter of Eve,” She demanded.
“Wh-why do you call me that?” I asked.
“You’ll see,” She smiled. “We must hurry. Hurry,” Her voice rang in my ears.
I had no choice, but to follow her, as she led me deeper into the woods until we came upon an open field: A cottage emerging out of nowhere as we approached.
I gasped, staring agape. “Where are we?”
“Your worst nightmare!!” A loud laughter broke out
I screamed so loud, the roaring wind enclosing my piercing cry, as sharp claws dug into my skin, erupting more screams.
I stood helplessly, watching fiery eyeballs roll by themselves, my legs covered in blood, as water dripped from her skin onto the bloody ground. I cried, but to no avail, feeling hot, salty sweat roll down my face, as I struggled to be free from her grasp; my lids giving up and lips quivering without pause.
I breathed in, still wrestling with the demon, as sounds of forest birds hovered as though they were making mockery of me.
“You belong to me, Daughter of Evelyn!” She laughed once more, vanishing into thin air.
I heaved a sigh of relief, slumping to the ground, a word escaping my lips. “Help-” I muttered twice, panting for breath as a hand gripped my neck so hard, my eyeballs getting rolled up as I gagged, accepting my fate.
SELENA
My whole body steamed as I paced restlessly with a worried expression. I looked across where my daughter laid totally helpless and pale, feeling really sorry that I wasn’t there for her, and miserable that I couldn’t do anything about her state. Oh, Jaden. Please stay with us. Please—
It’s been three days and yet nothing. Not a muscle moved or even a finger shaken. She shouldn’t be going through this…she shouldn’t be going through any of it, I winced, making towards her. I caressed her face, a tear rolling down my cheeks, as I graced her forehead with a kiss I hoped will yank her up.
“I’m so sorry, my little girl. I’m really sorry,” I said to her, taking her hand in mine.
I knew the apologies weren’t going to do anything, but my heart couldn’t bear the thought of losing my only daughter…my little princess.
“You should eat something, you know.” My husband spoke. “You haven’t eaten anything yet and you being like this won’t make the situation any better.” He said, taking his hand off the door.
The longest he’s ever talked since I arrived. Seems I’m not the only one blaming myself. “You’re finally talking,” I gave a faint smile.
“Didn’t have a choice,” He shrugged. “You know, I’ve been thinking,” He moved closer. “Isn’t it time we told Jaden the truth?” He asked.
I felt a burning sensation in my heart, “Charlie, no -” I made to talk.
“I’m serious. It’s being sixteen years, Selene. Sixteen years, and I feel she’s ready for the truth, or do you prefer we keep it from her…until when?” He questioned.
“She’s only a child. We just can’t. I…I still see my little girl and I just don’t know…”
“Even I, but Selena we can’t keep up with this anymore. Sooner or later, she’ll find out -” He sighed, getting up. “You’re right. I really hope she wakes up soon.”
“You’re worried about her, aren’t you?”
“Of course. Something this great isn’t just some ordinary thing she can handle alone. You and I know that.”
She drew her breath,”I know, and I know our little girl will handle whatever thing it is. I know she will…”
JADEN
I flung my eyes open, feeling the darkness around me. I’m trapped, I realized, trying to wriggle my body as it rubbed against a hard surface.
A coffin, I breathed, my breath getting thinner…no air. I made to shout but was totally unable to as I laid motionless, panting real hard and sweating profusely, being enclosed.
It felt as if my inside was on the brink of giving up, I just couldn’t…couldn’t breathe. I prayed silently, as I felt myself slip slowly into death’s grasp as the words “don’t give up” echoed in my ears.
You’re strong…you’re strong, Jaden. I know you can do this…I know you can. Get up…get up. Get up!!
The voice urged me on, though I had no idea where it came from, but I still heeded to, trying not to give up as the coffin flung open to my surprise, a hand reaching for me…
~~~~~~~~
“Jaden? Jaden….oh my God. Oh my God. You’re alive…you’re alive!” Mrs Hadley’s voice echoed in the background.
“M-mum? Mum, where am I?” She winced. “My head…my head hurts so bad,”
“Oh, don’t worry, baby. You’ll be fine. You’ll be fine, my love.” She said, embracing her, face soaked with tears. “My little baby. Oh, I thought I’d lost you so. God.”
“How am I here, mother? I thought I was dead?” She muttered weakly. “And…and where’s Dad? Oh no, Dad! I should apologize to him right away. I should apologize to him. I’m really sorry…I’m really sorry.” She went on, trembling in her arms.
“Oh, baby. Your Dad went to get some of your things at home. He’ll be back soon.”
“Why is she after me? What did I ever do to her?” She asked, scared.
“Who baby? Who’s after you?” Her Mum asked, cupping her cheeks.
“The girl in white. She…she -” She went mute, averting her gaze, her eyes focused on the window. “Mum,” She called. “She’s here, mother. She’s going to ki*ll me…she’s going to ki*ll me!” She cried in terror, clinging to her mother’s arm.
Mrs Hadley swerved, her eyes burning with fury.”You!”
“You can see her?”
“You slaver of the underworld,” She continued, ignoring her. “You demon of the night! I command you to depart…depart and leave us be!!” She scowled, her cross lifted in the air.
“She’s mine. She’s mine!!!”
The girl in white growled, transforming into a monstrous beast…ten feet bigger.
She gaped, horrified, watching her Mum race towards it as it tore her limbs by limbs.
She screamed in terror, watching the horrifying scene as she jumped out of bed, legs weakened as she managed to grab hold of the door knob.
It’s jammed, Jaden panicked as she felt light, her body suspended in the air. “Please…please don’t ki*ll me!” She breathed.
“I’m not here to ki*ll you,” It spoke. “You have something I need!” It snorted, tightening it’s hairy fist as she choked. “That’s right, little Eve.” He bellowed, swinging her out the window.
I saw myself underneath millions of corpses, a loud scream eluding my lips; the strong malodor of death surrounding me as it blinded me, almost making me give up.
Then came the voice, this time louder than ever as I felt strength gather up inside of me…strength I’ve never felt before.
I pushed through…harder than ever.
Stronger…like a hurricane.
Unbeatable…like a phoenix as I rose, finally gaining stand, climbing to the top, thousands of gravestones encircling me like hovering heads.
It’s all a nightmare, Jaden. All of these isn’t real, I tried to comfort, taking a deep breath as I inched closer.
Closer….closer.
I stopped, seeing a red light glow not so far from where I stood; five hooded figures circling around it. I didn’t like it here. I didn’t want to stay. All I wished for was to be back home…where my mother and father were, and my brother, too.
I inched closer once more, aiming to take a closer view as I went behind one of the gravestones, it’s body marked in blood, having the same writing I saw at our house. I shivered, trying not to make a noise as I took my eyes off it, paying attention to what laid in front; chants of victory coming from each, a bowl held in their hands…fire like I’ve never seen before burning like an inferno as it consumed them, the air reeking of their screams.
“Jaden?” A voice called.
I quickly turned around, “N-nana?”
“You shouldn’t be here, Jaden. You shouldn’t be here!!” She shouted, a huge hurricane from nowhere sweeping me off.
“Come on, Jaden. You can do this.” I heard, though unconscious as I felt life return back to me.
I weakly opened my eyes, three eager faces looking down at me. “Mother? Father?” I muttered, giving a weak smile, my lips feeling chapped.
“Yes, baby. It’s us.”
“And Danny,” My little brother said excitedly as a tear rolled down my face.
“Oh you guys. I thought I’d never see you again.”
“Oh. Don’t talk like that, baby. Nothing will happen to you.” My Mum said to me, embracing me; Dad and Danny following alongside.
We were caught up in a wonderful moment and I certainly didn’t want to let go of any of them.
I couldn’t exactly recall the last time we did that, but it made me feel safe, happy—relieved. Only my memories never came back.
““•““
Strange things were happening around me. A girl with a red ribbon walked past me, without anyone seeing her. I knew no one saw her but me, with the way the whole class paid attention to what the teacher was saying. Dad got me into this new school, by the way. Lezechten Quinton High. It was a big school with lots of students, who seemed creepy in my eyes. Their uniform was all black. Like, why would anyone choose that awful colour, when he’s not a devil?
••••>>>
“Jaden. Jaden.”
I woke up from my slumber. “Wh-where am I?”
The same girl with the red ribbon turned to face me. “Save me,”
I shook intensely where I sat.
“Save me-”
“Hey, newbie. You okay?”
I was called back to reality by a female voice.
“You’ve been staring at nothing for a while,”
I licked my lips and nodded, looking back at the board. I didn’t know if to call it a trance or some trick conjured by my mind. The image of the girl flashed through my mind. Speedily, then it vanished. I got up hurriedly from the chair and took up my bag. “Save me-” the voice rang again.
I followed it, hastily running. Out in the hall, I ran down the plank-board stairs, swiftly moving to my right. “Save me,” the voice came again, this time louder and I followed.
I hastily ran, getting to the cupboard room as I found the door open and a girl inside. “I thought you’d never come,” the dusty wooden chair squeaked as she said. “Come.” her eyes were plucked and her ribbon thrown carelessly on the floor. “Come-”
I walked like someone who was remoted, making to meet her. “Who are you?” I asked slowly.
“It is I,” she said with arms open wide. “Or don’t you remember me?” a smirk eluded her lips.
“Who?” I asked again.
“The girl in white,” She replied, making towards me. “Yes, it is me.” She gripped my neck before I could know it.
“H-help,” I gagged, feeling myself lifted.
“Kids like you are who I haunt,” she said. “I haunt them and do to them whatever I want!”
I struggled vehemently, sweating profusely. “H-help-” I couldn’t speak. The door of the cupboard room slammed shut and the ground opened, giving her a way to dive in with me still held. “It’s not over yet!” she screamed. My body was never found and the rest of what the girl did to me was never known. She still walks the earth, I tell you-possessing people and haunting helpless kids…
