The Broken

by A. L. Frances

  “Scordatelo,” Eve says with a smirk on her face.

  With her command made, Eve feels empowered. She is certain there will be no repercussions to her actions. The door then unlocks. Content with her actions, Eve exits the classroom, leaving the aftermath behind her. As she steps out onto the corridor, she closes the door. The hallway is still and quiet, not a single person can be seen. As the bell begins ringing loudly throughout the school, Eve places her backpack over her shoulder and makes her way towards the front entrance. Her eyes are now, once again, her own. Laughing as she skips down the steps, Eve once again says, “Scordatelo.”

  Chapter Ten

  Suspicious or Paranoid?

  “Table for two, usual spot, please.”

  Matthew is standing next to the island in the kitchen on the phone to his favourite Italian restaurant.

  “Time? Eight thirty. Brilliant, thanks Daniela, see you then.” He ends the call and straightaway makes another.

  “Hi, Jess. Yes, it’s all booked. So, I’ll meet you out front. Shall we say twenty past eight?” He continues, “Great, I look forward to it. See you later, alligator.”

  Putting the phone down, Matthew says, “Alligator, what the f—”

  Shaking his head and laughing to himself, he places the phone into his pocket, turns and makes his way towards the day room. Now home from school, Matthew sees Eve sitting on the couch with her feet tucked up. The television is blaring. She’s laughing away at her favourite American TV show, Friends. Walking over to the couch, he sits right beside his daughter.

  “Oh, is this the one where Monica has a cold?”

  “Yeah, I’m in the pribe ob libe. Ha-ha. Classic.”

  Laughing, Matthew pulls Eve in tight. Kissing her on the head he whispers, “I love you, darling.”

  Eve smiles as she looks up at her dad.

  “Love you too, Dad.”

  “You will always be my priority. My number one and my right-hand lady, no matter what, I will always take care of you.”

  “I know, Dad.”

  Eve begins to snuggle her dad tight. The silence says it all, and both father and daughter enjoy the moment together and settle in to watch the TV. Eve is in a world of her own, giggling away. Matthew looks at his watch. He has four hours before his date with Jess. Glancing out of the huge window he sees the sun’s shinning and the tide is still out. Turning to Eve, he says, “Fancy a walk along the beach with me, kidda?”

  “Sure, but why… Hang on, what’s going on?”

  “You’re always suspicious, Evelyn Jade.” Laughing, he continues, “Honestly, it’s nothing, I promise.”

  “Hmm…”

  “Look – I cross my heart. I just thought it would be nice to go for a walk along the beach together. Clear mind’s a healthy mind.”

  “Okay, then, lemme just get my jacket.”

  Matthew and Eve walk hand in hand along the beach front, quietly enjoying each other’s company. The huge grey and white seagulls are on top form this evening as they circle above them. Once of these magnificent but greedy birds realise Matthew and Eve serve them no purpose, as they have no food in their hands, they quickly fly off looking for anyone who might be able to feed them.

  The waves slowly break, one after the other. The sound of this is calming. Not too far out in the distance you can see the outlines of the boats as they gently float on the water. Matthew stops walking and stretches out his arms. He takes in the biggest deep breath, filling his lungs.

  “You feel that, darling?”

  “Huh…”

  “This is what being alive feels like in one single moment. Try it.”

  Eve laughs as she copies her dad’s actions.

  Matthew smells the fresh salty sea water. It feels as if it is cleansing his lungs, enhancing his sense of true inner happiness.

  “Feels good. Am I right, kidda?”

  Laughing, she replies, “Suppose so.”

  “You know something? The minute you were placed into my arms, I looked at you and I couldn’t believe it. I had gifted this beautiful little girl with life. Okay, your perfection is mainly from your mum’s genetics, but nonetheless, you are half me, too.”

  Eve smiles. She grabs her dad’s hand, then suddenly winces and lets go.

  “You all right, darling?”

  “Yes, sorry. I hurt myself at school today and cut my hand. It just hurts a little, that’s all.”

  “Here, let me take a look at it.” Matthew says as he pulls Eve’s hand towards him, “How did you do that?” he says shocked.

  Pulling her hand back, Eve says, “Erm, I don’t really remember. Honestly, I’m fine. Come on.”

  Grabbing her dad’s hand once more, Eve drags him closer to the water.

  “Eve… What are you doing?”

  “Just shut up and run with me.”

  Dipping her hands into the freezing cold sea water, she cups them and chucks a handful directly at her dad. It splashes him in the face.

  “Oh, really – so you wanna play, do you kidda? Right, well it’s game on.”

  Matthew starts laughing and mirrors her actions. The pair, now behaving like innocent children, begin having a water fight. Passers-by laugh as they look on at the fun and joy they are creating. The dogs playing freely on the beach hear the laughter and run over, ready to join in the fun. They bark with excitement and wag their tails, wanting desperately to play.

  Matthew’s still got his suit on, making this family-fun snapshot even more picture perfect. Giggling away, Eve creates waves, splashing water in her dad’s direction. They’re both soaking wet, but radiating love, joy and happiness. Eventually, accepting defeat and running away somewhat theatrically, Matthew heads back towards the man-made, grey brick wall. Eve’s not too far behind him. She shouts, “Come back, you wimp.”

  Seemingly out of breath, Matthew rests on the low wall with his hands in the air.

  “I give up. You win.”

  “Yes. I win. I’m a winner, Dad!”

  Laughing, they both sit side by side, staring out at the tranquil surroundings. This is home. This is where they belong. Taking off his jacket and placing it on the wall to dry, Matthew grabs Eve and tucks her under his soggy arm.

  “Eww.”

  “You know something, kidda, when I went to see your mum in the Chapel of Rest, I made a commitment to her. Have I ever told you this story?”

  “No, go on, what did you say?”

  “I made a commitment that I would never let you go. Her sacrifice would be my strength to protect you always in life and, if for any reason I lost you, I vowed that I would never rest, and I would search the ends of the earth to find you.”

  “Aww, Dad, that’s so sweet. But honestly, I’m going nowhere.”

  “I spoke to your Auntie Christina today at work. Melissa is very worried about you.”

  “Oh. Now I understand. Dad, look, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it. Well, I did in that moment. I was at Mum’s ‘Garden of Secrets’ and I was just so mad. But, I’m fine with it.”

  “Eve, I have something to say, I’m—”

  “I know,” Eve interrupts. “Go on your date with Jess. Like I said, I’m fine with it. I just want you to be happy, Dad.”

  Matthew smiles, “Are you sure, kidda? You would tell me if it got too much? You’re always my priority.”

  “I know, Dad, it’s fine. I like Jess, she’s all right. When I’m around her, it’s weird, she kinda makes me feel… what’s the word I’m looking for… that’s it, she makes me feel empowered.”

  Tapping her on the head gently, he says, “Erm… Hello… Can I have my Eve back, please? Clearly this is an imposter. I’ll never understand women. You all literally confuse the life out of me.”

  Standing in the cold but extremely organised garage, Matthew’s frantically searching for something, reaching hig
h on the shelves and pulling out the contents of drawers, cabinets, boxes and everything else in his proximity. Matthew scratches his head.

  “I’m sure it is here somewhere.”

  He grabs a box from the highest shelf.

  “Ah ha, found it.”

  He holds firmly in his hand an immaculate box containing two micro-sized cameras. Being a professional film-maker and technology nerd has its perks; he always has the latest cameras and gadgets. Taking the box up to his bedroom, he places its contents on the bedside table: two teeny tiny cameras. He holds them in his hands, trying to work out where to put them. His mind begins to drift and he starts to wonder if he’s actually being overly paranoid.

  Putting cameras up in the house, really? It’s a bit extreme, Matthew. After all, it’s only a bad dream.

  Yes, but these dreams have been severe enough to have me questioning my reality. There’s no harm in putting them up. What’s the worst that can happen? You’ll either see something or you won’t. No-one needs to know, and no harm done.

  His mind wants answers and it looks as though this is the only logical way he’s going to receive them. He sets about placing one of the cameras at the end of his curtain pole in his bedroom. The other, he places on the corner of a picture frame inside Eve’s bedroom. These wireless genius inventions cannot be seen by the naked eye.

  If this demonic woman is real, or if she isn’t, and Matthew is, in fact, just experiencing nightmares through guilt, then the cameras won’t lie. But maybe, just maybe, something strange is going on and the cameras will confirm it. What if Lauren is revisiting him in the night? What if she’s expressing her disgust at him bringing another woman into Eve’s life, or what if he is losing his mind? Either way, the outcome for him would be one of great intensity, and Matthew’s extremely nervous about the result. He’s even more nervous about the outcome of this than he is about his date with Jess, which is now less than one hour away.

  Matthew stands outside the entrance of the restaurant, in his favourite navy-blue suit, white shirt, and navy-blue bow tie, looking as handsome as ever. His hair is slicked back and tiny deep silver strands peer through the slight curls on either side. He’s waiting in great anticipation for the arrival of his date. He looks at his watch, and as he peers back up, she’s there. He is speechless. Walking across to the taxi, he opens the car door. With elegance Jess places one foot after the other and steps out.

  “Why, thank you, Mr Honey.”

  He hands the taxi driver payment for the journey, then turns and sees her clearly. She’s wearing a floor-length red dress with lace beautifully detailed around the neckline and down the sleeves. A silver glisten can be seen from the locket that hangs close to her chest. Her thick brown hair is styled to perfection, sitting over her shoulders. It flows ever so gently in the breeze. Jess’s eyes are radiant and enchanting; so enchanting, in fact, Matthew finds himself locked into her sight. With utter admiration, and a trance-like expression upon his face, he says: “You really are so very beautiful.”

  Matthew’s completely unaware of the awkward silence he’s once again creating.

  “Shall we?” Jess says.

  “Yes, erm, sorry, after you.”

  As they enter the romantic, rustic restaurant, they smell the fresh bread, pizzas and tomato-based sauces cooking. This fabulous restaurant is family run. Authentic Italian music plays gently in the background and multiple pictures with fairy lights can be seen hanging on the walls, giving all their customers a true taste of Italy.

  They wait for a moment in the beautifully lit and warming reception area before being shown to their table for the evening by their server, Daniela.

  “Ciao, Mr Honey, so good to always be seeing you again. I will be your server for this evening. If you will be needing anything, please let me know. I am always being happy to be helping you, and your beautiful lady friend.” He passes them both a menu. “Today we have the specials for you, a calzone of your choosing, ravioli, mussels, fillet steak pepe and polo crème. I will leave you to browse at your timing, but can I be getting you any drinks in the meantime?”

  “I’ve got this,” Matthew says. “Daniela, we’ll have your best bottle of rosé wine, please.”

  “I’m impressed that you remembered, Mr Honey.”

  Matthew’s feeling slightly proud of himself, as this is probably the only thing he can remember from the time they spent together. His ego collects the brownie points he has just been rewarded. Matthew and Jess smile in sync as they look down at their menus.

  “Out of interest, what is your favourite place to eat out?” Matthew asks.

  But before she has chance to answer, Daniela approaches the table with their wine. Pouring it into their glasses, he explains, “This is a Chateau d’Esclans, Les Clans and Garrus, from the Esclans range. This is our most popular of the rosé wines.”

  “Thank you,” Jess says as she reaches out with her left hand and takes her wine glass. She begins swirling it and smells the wine.

  “You’re left-handed?”

  “Yes…”

  He sits back in total disbelief. “Lauren was left-handed.” He laughs. “How did I not notice? So similar, this is just weird.”

  “Really? I would never have known. How peculiar.”

  Jess looks to Matthew and, as she places her wine glass back on the table, she says, “In answer to your question, I don’t really have a favourite place to eat. You see, I’m fairly new to the area and so I’m unsure of the best places, or indeed any places, to eat out at.”

  “Oh, really? So where are you from, then?”

  “Well now, here’s a question for you, Mr Honey. Would you, in fact, like to know where I am from, or where I currently live?”

  “Erm, I’ve never been asked that question before. But, well, I guess I’d like to know… Hmm, can I say both?”

  Laughing, she responds, “Of course you can. I just wasn’t too sure if you were interested. Well, I’m originally from a small village called Gehenna.”

  “I’ve never heard of it.”

  “You never will, it’s a very small village. Now, Mr Honey, I live wherever I desire.”

  “So, you’re homeless then?” Matthew laughs.

  “Do I look homeless?”

  “No, sorry, I was joking,” he says, embarrassed.

  “You’re lucky I like you, Mr Honey. You’re forgiven. I meant it metaphorically. I am what’s known as a free spirit.”

  Taking out his phone, Matthew says, “Gehenna, you say. How are you spelling that, is it G—”

  Before he has time to finish, Jess takes the phone from out of his hand and erases the internet search he was about to complete.

  “No phones this evening, Mr Honey. I want your full attention to be on me.”

  “Please, call me Matthew. So, come on then, enlighten me, how come Eve’s now your biggest fan?” He places his hand on his head. “What did I miss while I was out of it?”

  “I told you I would empower her. You see, Matthew, I know how the complicated mind of a teenage girl works.”

  “Me too, I was a teenage girl once too, you know.”

  Laughing awkwardly, Jess replies, “Ha-ha, yes, you are funny, aren’t you?”

  Coughing as though he’s clearing his throat, when he’s actually trying to distract from the discomfort he’s created, Matthew says, “Really, though, I’d seriously like to thank you.”

  “Thank me?”

  “Yes, whatever you’ve said to Eve has made a huge difference; she seems calm again. I can only imagine it’s your influence.”

  “Oh Matthew, don’t worry, I’ll always help. I’m here for Eve.”

  “Well, it’s greatly appreciated. As you can imagine, after everything we’ve both been through, Eve has to be my priority, and it’s a huge relief to me that she’s been able to build a connection, of sorts, with yo
u.”

  “You don’t need to thank me for that. She’s a precious soul and has the ability to be a strong, powerful woman. I can see her making an unforgettable influence on the universe. Call it a prediction.”

  “That’s very kind of you to say.”

  “I only speak words of truth.”

  It’s Friday evening and the restaurant is packed. The Italian music is playing gently in the background, and as Matthew’s beginning to relax, the conversation develops from awkward to engaging. The pair begin to resemble flirty innocent school kids. The smiles, the giggles and the chemistry begin to show. As the night progresses, they’re both enjoying each other’s company so much that there might as well be a spotlight on their table and everyone else frozen in time.

  Chapter Eleven

  It’s… Showtime!

  As Matthew and Jess arrive back at the house, they see Eve making her way down the stairs and heading in their direction.

  “Hey, darling. Look who’s come to say hello.”

  Bypassing her dad, she makes her way across to Jess like a magnet and without saying a single word, she stands directly by her side.

  “Aye, kidda, where’s my hug?”

  Standing with her head held high, Jess looks pleased by Eve’s seemingly impulsive action.

  “It’s so lovely to see you again, Eve. I’ve had a wonderful evening with your father. It’s a shame you couldn’t join us.”

  Eve says nothing. Her expression is blank as she peers up at Jess. She is yet to make any form of contact with her dad.

  “Erm, earth to Eve.”

  She turns to her dad. “Hello, Dad,” she says. Her voice sounds broken and robotic.

  “Hello, Eve. What’s gotten into you…?”

  Not only does Eve choose to ignore her dad’s question, she turns back to look at Jess as though he doesn’t exist.