The Brown House

by Christy Sloat

  Once he said it, Amber’s blonde head whirled around to check us out. She looked, of course, absolutely smashing in a black dress with diamond jewels from top to bottom. It looked like it cost several thousands of dollars and I am sure it did. Her hair was half pulled up with the rest left to hang to her back. I noticed that she didn’t have a date. I was probably with the one guy she wished she was with. We walked past them, unable to avoid it, and their stares burned through us.

  “Hey, California who are you wearing?” Marcy hollered. I knew what she meant by her question. She wanted to know who made my dress. It was a dig at the fact that my dress wasn’t designer and hers was.

  I turned toward her and swallowed my nasty comment, instead saying, “I’m wearing Ephraim Mayhew, who you are wearing?” Her mouth fell open and her friends snickered, including Amber. I kept walking, now strutting my stuff. Ephraim was wrong; I had the hottest date in the state of New Jersey, heck the world for that matter.

  We entered the ballroom and it took my breath away. From the marble floors to the crystal chandeliers I was shocked by its graceful beauty. The school really did a great job in selecting this place. The décor was stunningly perfect for fall. Orange and red tablecloths dressed the tables while candelabras wrapped in ivy for centerpieces accented them. The lighting was dim and the music calm. The dance floor was empty as students were still arriving. I noticed two open doors leading out to a veranda. Ephraim pulled me to a table where I was met with a loud shrill scream. Lyn wrapped me in a hug and told me over and over how great I looked. I was unable to speak; I was still in shock over this place.

  “What is it, you’re not happy?” Lyn asked.

  “No I am totally happy Lyn, beyond happy actually. This place is great.” I smiled at her. “You look so pretty tonight.” I pulled her back and checked out her dress again. Her hair was styled and she wore a small tiara.

  “Yeah my mom did my hair. She insisted on the crown, is it too much?” I shook my head. “Oh good I didn’t want to look silly.” We sat at our table and Ephraim and Miles shook hands. A few moments later Ephraim left to get us drinks. Miles shuffled along with him looking nervous.

  “What’s up with Miles?” I asked Lyn.

  “Oh he hates dancing. He doesn’t know how but I told him we can just slow dance. Now he’s all upset that he’s letting me down. I don’t mind not dancing. I’m just so happy to be here with him.” She smiled so hard it made my face hurt. She was truly pleased and I was happy for her.

  The boys returned with our drinks and Ephraim set mine in front of me.

  “Here, all they had was pop I hope that’s okay,” he said as he sat down beside me.

  “Pop?” I had no idea what it was but it looked like Coke.

  “You know soda pop.” I laughed at how cute his term for soda was, and he just smiled innocently. “You never heard it called soda pop before?” We laughed for a few minutes and the topic of discussion shifted to other funny things. Finally, the music started to pick up and the dance floor filled. Ephraim grabbed my hand and led me out to the veranda. He held my hand lightly as we walked. Twilight had fallen over the small town I now call home. I looked out over the balcony at the large homes below. Some were so big they looked like mansions from here. We didn’t really talk, we just enjoyed the view and each other’s company. I couldn’t help but think about Violet. I wondered if her and her husband ever stood on this veranda in the night sky. “Brylee, where are you? You seem a million miles away right now.”

  “I want to talk to you about it, but just not here. I don’t want to ruin the night,” I said.

  He looked at me with concern. “On the way home you better tell me everything.”

  “I will, I promise.” I smiled weakly, but soon got lost in those blue eyes.

  Then I heard a voice that killed the mood entirely. “Hey look its Malibu Barbie,” John said, as he approached us. “Hey cuz, looking pretty snazzy tonight in that tux.” Ephraim pulled me behind him and put a protective arm around me.

  “Don’t call me your cousin John. After all you’ve done to me we’re not cousins any longer.” John looked hurt by Ephraim’s words and he took a step back.

  “What I did? Look at my nose Ephraim, I need surgery to fix it. You’re lucky I didn’t tell my parents that you did it.” He pointed to his swollen nose. It did look terrible.

  “You had it coming John. You really messed up our friendship this year, you took my girlfriend and start fights with me everywhere I go. I can’t even eat lunch in the cafeteria anymore.”

  “I didn’t want to break you and Amber up, but she came to me dude,” John said arrogantly.

  “I don’t care about that anymore. I’m glad she left me. I’m much happier now without her anyway. The thing that kills me is my best cousin went behind my back and deceived me. That was low John.” John’s posture changed and he now seemed to hunch over. “A real cousin wouldn’t do that. Especially after all we’ve been through together.”

  “I was jealous of you Ephraim. You were the most popular guy in school and you had the best looking girl on your arm. Heck, you still do.” I shied away from him and buried my head in Ephraim’s back. “I wanted to have what you had. I didn’t ever mean to deceive you Eph. Shoot, I just wanted some attention, too.” John’s cockiness disappeared and he seemed like a little scared boy to me.

  “You were jealous of me?” Ephraim asked in shock. “Your parents are filthy rich and you’re attending the best college next year. As for me, I can’t even go to college. I have to get a job and help my mom out. We’re struggling, John. My mom works two jobs to pay for our house. After my dad died things went south. I don’t get to drive a BMW like you. I drive my dad’s old truck. So don’t tell me you were jealous.” I had no idea that Ephraim wasn’t going to college. I guess I never thought to ask him what his plans would be after school. Hearing him confess everything pulled at my heartstrings. John looked dejected.

  “Eph, I didn’t know. I had no idea you guys were struggling like that. If you need a job my dad will for sure hire you. Once I leave for college he will need the help.” Ephraim looked down at his feet and his hand slid down my arm and slipped into mine.

  “I don’t want any favors,” he mumbled.

  “It’s not a favor, it’s a plea. Dad needs good workers. I’ll talk to him tomorrow about it. As for your mom, that’s crazy that she works two jobs. I will see if we can help her somehow. But knowing Aunt Carole she won’t want help, she’ll view it as a handout.” John came closer to Ephraim. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t even want to go out with Amber. I never meant to hurt you Ephraim. And Brylee I am sorry for being such a, such a…”

  “Such an ass,” I answered for him.

  He laughed and nodded, agreeing with me. “I promise no more being an ass from now on. Ephraim you are my best friend dude. I miss you.”

  I was witnessing guy bonding at its best. Ephraim put his hand out and shook John’s. Then John pulled him in to a quick manly hug and pat on the back. I was happy to see them talking and not fighting. It was a good night indeed.

  “All right love birds I’ll leave you be. Have fun tonight,” John said as he walked back into the room. Ephraim turned toward me with a huge smile on his face, much like Lyn’s smile. I laughed and pulled him inside to the dance floor. A good song was playing and it was perfect for the moment. He wrapped his arms around me and we stared into each other’s eyes. We were the perfect height, finally I found a guy taller than me. Usually I towered over boys, but not Ephraim. We fit like a glove in each other’s arms as we slowly danced. Then, without warning he kissed me. All the same passionate feelings flooded my head and I felt like my feet were lifting off the floor. When I opened my eyes, they weren’t but I was elated. Until I peered over his shoulder and saw the blue hair of Kayla leaning against the wall watching the crowd.

  “Oh man, Kayla’s here,” I said. “Should I go talk to her?” I asked, forgetting the minor detail of Kayla being a ghost.

>   “Not a good idea to talk to the dead girl in public,” Ephraim suggested. “Plus, she’s probably here to enjoy herself and watch the crowd.” He was right, Kayla looked really happy as she swayed to the music that blared out of the speakers.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  After we danced a few more times, Ephraim and I decided that it was time to leave. Lyn and Miles left to go get custard, something I was told was the best treat ever. I decided to pass on the invite and Ephraim and I drove home. On the way there I filled him in on Violet’s request. He sat and listened to my every word. He agreed that opening the door would be the best idea and we made a plan. We were going to head home and part ways, then he would change and meet me in my room at precisely eleven-thirty with the key. That gave us thirty minutes to change and get prepared. Nerves rumbled through my body at the thought of finally opening the door. Something so small seemed so scary. I wondered what was in the room that would set Pearl Brown free.

  We pulled into my driveway and said good-bye, fooling my mom. She had no idea that he would be climbing a tree and entering my room in the very near future. When he left I headed inside and met my mom at the front door. She had a smile on her face but it wasn’t genuine. I also noticed a slight tremble in her hands as she hugged me.

  “What’s wrong Mom?” I pulled back and her eyes failed to look at me.

  “Oh it’s nothing. How was the dance, did you have a good time?” she asked, trying to change the subject. I wasn’t about to let this go. I could tell something was wrong.

  “The dance was fun, but what’s wrong?” I pleaded. She finally met my eyes and I could tell she had been crying. “Mom come on, spill!”

  “Well, it’s nothing major but I should have listened to you about your concerns for this house.” She stepped back and leaned against the wall to help support her. I shuffled my feet and stood in front of her. “I have noticed some things that I can’t explain. Like the smoke alarms being taken down and put in the freezer. Then, the other day I was waiting outside of the shower for the hot water to come on. I could swear I felt a hand on my back. There was no one there, but the feeling was so real.” She paused for a moment. “Then tonight your dad and I were on the couch, he fell asleep and I watched TV. I got up to use the bathroom and the door opened before I even touched the handle. Just like what you said happened to you, right?” I nodded but still kept a brave face. Mom was starting to notice the house and its inhabitants. I couldn’t admit to her what was really going on, not now. Not when we were so close in finding out how to help Pearl. I glanced at the clock; I had less than twenty minutes before Ephraim would be in my room. My mother’s terrified face jarred me. She was the one who told me not to worry about the strange things in this house. Now I had to be the one to tell her the same.

  “I think everyone is right about this house, I think it’s haunted. I can’t live somewhere like this. People in town have told me some scary stories about it.” She wanted to move out now when I didn’t want to.

  “Mom, you’re right it may be haunted, but it’s not like they are trying to hurt us. I haven’t noticed anything bad, just some noises and stuff here and there,” I lied. She looked at me in dismay. I felt terrible, here she was trying to tell me she was scared and I was lying to her. I was the worst daughter in the universe.

  “Well, if you’re not scared then I guess I need to just relax. I’ll take a happy pill and go to bed.” She took a heavy breath and hugged me. Mom had the doctor back home write a prescription for what she calls her ‘happy pills’ when we lost our house. It saddened me that she needed to take them again. She only needed them during extremely stressful situations.

  “Want help getting your dress off?” she asked before she left the room.

  “No, I got it.” She turned and headed up the stairs.

  “Mom,” I called to her. “I believe you. I just don’t think it’s anything to worry about.”

  “If it starts getting too scary Brylee, then we have to move out.” I felt sick to my stomach; I wouldn’t live next door to Ephraim or Lyn any longer. I couldn’t let that happen. “Goodnight sweetie, glad you had a good time tonight.”

  I took off up the stairs and hurried to get changed. It wasn’t long before Ephraim was at my window. I still hadn’t brushed my hair out or taken off my make-up, but I was out of my gown. He was completely dressed down in a pair of jeans and a worn t-shirt.

  “What’s going on, you look upset?” he asked as he sat on my bed.

  “My mom wants to move,” I said solemnly. “She had a few experiences with our ‘roomies.’ ”

  “Oh. Don’t you want to move, I mean you once said you didn’t want to live here anymore?” His eyes fell and he looked worried. I did once say that I didn’t want to stay here. Things have changed since then. I was still scared of the other spirits, but I wanted to help them. They were stuck here because of a mistake Violet made. I felt as if it was all up to me to help them out. I sat next to him and made a heavy sigh.

  “I don’t want to stay here forever, but I like it now. I like living next to you and Lyn.” Truth was, I didn’t want to leave Ephraim. I was starting to have strong feelings for him. He made me forget that Ethan was gone. He made me happy on my saddest of days. He was someone I cared for so deeply that I actually could see us together for a long time. I had a good feeling that he felt the same way as I did.

  “I don’t want you to leave either. Brylee, I want to ask you something,” He hesitated before going on. “I really like you. I know you’re still upset over the death of your friend. I don’t want to rush you into anything, but I want to have you as more than a friend.” My heart fluttered and my eyes watered. He did feel the same.

  “I want the same thing, but I have to tell you something first.” He gently caressed my hair, which made it hard for me to tell him this. “Ethan is still contacting me. I don’t know how or why, but he is still here.” His hand fell and he placed it in his lap. Had I ruined it all by being honest with him? He opened his mouth to reply when Lyn’s face peered in my window.

  I jumped, not expecting to see her here. Ephraim opened the window for her. She was in a pair of loose jeans and a thick baggy sweater. She was back to her old self; no longer all dressed up and sexy. She crossed the room and sat on my bed with us.

  “Sorry I scared you, Brylee. Ephraim told me what you were doing and I want to be part of this too.” Of course he would tell her. She was his sister, and yes she should be part of it.

  “Okay well then, let’s do this.” I said, standing up. It was now or never. My mom was no doubt sound asleep by now after taking her medicine. Ephraim pulled the key out of his pocket and handed it to me. I took it and held it in my hand for a few seconds, trying to imagine what was behind that door. I turned and crept out of my room, Lyn and Ephraim behind me. The coast was clear; I could hear my dad snoring upstairs. We still walked quietly into the bathroom and I opened the adjoining door. The other half of the house was quiet and dark, like usual. We reached the corner room and I didn’t hear music this time. Lyn shook as she held onto my arm like a leech. I patted her hand to reassure her, but she still seemed terrified. Ephraim stood behind us protectively.

  “Well, once we open the door then what?” Lyn asked. I honestly didn’t know. Violet had just said there was something in there that would help Pearl learn about her past, a secret that could only be released if the door was opened. I was as clueless as Lynley. I shrugged my shoulders and turned to face the door. As I slipped the key into the lock it fit perfectly.

  “Here goes nothing,” I said quietly as I turned the key. The door didn’t move. The lock didn’t click, or open. I jiggled the handle trying to loosen it, neither worked. I turned toward Ephraim looking confused. Was this not the right key? Was Violet wrong? He stepped forward and took the key from me. He turned the key to the left then to the right and gave the door a nudge. Instantly the door clicked and seemed to sigh. The door swung open, freeing itself from Ephraim’s grasp. A giant c
loud of mist flew toward Ephraim as he stood looking suddenly frightened. The mist covered him and he fell to the floor. I ran to him but as soon as I tried to reach him I hit a wall. Not a wall that I could see, something invisible. A barrier had formed around Ephraim as he lay unconscious on the ground. Lyn fell to her knees and cried out his name. I tried to break through the barrier with no success. Ephraim was protected or in danger, I wasn’t sure yet.

  “What have you done?” Violet Brown stood behind me, her face gaunt. “It had to be you to open the door, not him.” I stood now looking at her eye to eye.

  “Why did it have to be me? What does it matter?”

  “Many years ago the curse was locked into the room, by Everett Brown, my grandson. He figured out the curse. Once he saw all of his relative’s, including his sister Vivien, die he grew curious. He researched and learned they all died due to self-afflicted wounds.”

  “You mean they all killed themselves?” I asked nervously while she nodded and went on.

  “We all took our own lives. It was part of the curse; we went insane and then ended our lives here in this room. After my son Homer, all of the eldest daughter’s came here and took their lives. Vivien, Everett’s sister, she hung herself here.” I shivered. It was a horrible massacre to happen to a family. “Everett had to live through both of their deaths. He then researched my death; he learned I died the same way.

  “He never married or had children, but his brother’s Clyde and Edwin did. Both of their eldest daughters had the same fate. Everett decided to put a stop to the madness. He spoke to the town’s people. They had heard of my deal with the sisters. Everett did not dismiss it as hearsay, instead he searched for them.”

  I turned to look at Ephraim who was till shrouded in mist. Lyn, now looking and listening to Violet, was still silently sobbing.

  “How did he find them?” I asked desperately.