by Trinity Crow
It was a wonder, I thought, how quickly your eyes adjusted to the light. I didn't even need the flashlight anymore. To save the batteries, I clicked the off switch and placed the flashlight on a table by the wall.
How lovely it would be in here when the windows were open! The room would be bright and airy with the afternoon sun streaming inside. I loved the flat, open stretch of land in front of the house . There were no trees or buildings to hide the approach of anyone. I would have plenty of warning should someone from New Eden find me here. Confident, I would hear an approaching car, I turned my attention to the interior of the house.
I wondered why Cassie thought we should make the parlor our temporary bedroom. Perhaps, I laughed to myself, Cassie was made uneasy by the gloom that I found so comforting. Maybe the darkness that pooled at the top of the stairs and gathered in the doorways seemed threatening to her, but I found myself drawn to those concealing shadows.
Slipping off my shoes, I curled my toes against the wooden floor boards. The wide, pine planks shone in the late afternoon sunlight that stretched from the open door. The boards were as clean and shiny as if they had just been swept and mopped that day.
Now I walked around the room, familiarizing myself with my new possessions. They had a curious, almost bohemian feel. I remembered faintly our home before we joined New Eden. My mother had been a nature girl, a hippie even. She would have loved this place back when she was still the mother I knew and loved. She was at peace now, I reminded myself and if this pace made me feel a greater connection to her, I would love it for that reason laone.
The jet beads on a nearby lamp tinkled when I passed making me smile. New Eden had not believed in ostentatiousness or even beauty for beauty sake. God's creations were what brought beauty to the world. I thought of the dark curve of Cassie's eyelashes against her cheek. Though obviously darkened with mascara, they were in no way garish or off-putting. I lifted a hand to my face, wondering what I would look like with makeup and what Adam would think of me. Enough of that, I scolded myself. You have enough to do with just the house without letting a man distract you.
I wandered back towards the kitchen, my heart lifting at the sight of the large room flooded with light from the open back door. It occurred to me I had not even poked my head out the back, what with all the fuss from Adam over the outhouse.
With no one here to see me, I rolled my eyes defiantly. Millions of people all over the world had no indoor plumbing. People here in the United States even. I hadn't wanted to talk about New Eden, but conditions there were primitive at best. I was quite used to living by candle and oil light and hauling water. Though it no longer seemed a chore now that I would be hauling water for myself.
With a smile playing across my lips, I stepped out the back door, careful to test each board as I went. I didn't want to give Adam the satisfaction of me falling and bleeding to death. And there was so much I would miss out on. I threw my arms open wide as if greeting the view before me. Somewhere in the tangled bushes, there was a garden. I knew this from the photos. I would have to warn Nikki because there were raised beds you could trip over and hidden rocks that at one time lined paths along the way.
At New Eden, we were assigned chores and rotated our way through most of them at sometime or another. There was no choice as to how you would spend your day. There had been whispers among the younger girls of women's chores that went on behind closed doors, but I had run the night I came of age. Whatever those secretive chores were, they would blessedly remain a mystery to me.
But I had loved to garden. Being outdoors and doing a task that let me move away from the others even for a moment or just in my head had been the only real joy I had known. I stared out at the land that was mine to care for and would, in return, feed me and perhaps provide an income.
A feeling of warmth flushed through me and my hands begin to tingle, without consciously deciding to, I walked forward into the rank weeds. My feet carried me past the overgrown kitchen garden through a low, wicker gate into a small copse of stunted fruit trees. The gnarled branches brushed against me as if starved for more than nutrients and water. I would be stunned if these poor things bore fruit. I pressed on through a stretch of weeds, grass and small white flowers. A second wicker gate, taller and part of a wattled fence lay beyond. Stepping into the enclosure, my eyes widened as I saw the spiral of white rock laid out before me.
Was it a prayer garden, I wondered, or did it have some other meaning?
The pleasant, drowsy feeling filled me again as my feet moved forward without my consent. My footsteps traced the spiral in movements measured and slow as I paced my way from the outer ring to the center most point.
The walk became a ritual of sorts, marking the steps that someone had made before me, someone who had lived here and loved here. And now, as I paced the slowly tightening circle, I felt the house being passed into my care. The walk mirrored my own journey, turning from the past that had ruled me towards the future I had never dared hope for. That hope sprung up inside me as I reached the center point. My fears that I would never escape my past seemed to lay themselves to rest and leave only possibilities ahead. I hugged the feeling to myself, a bit drunk with hope and joy.
Abruptly, the sun slipped below the roof line of the house. Though it would be an hour more before it left the sky, shadows swooped on ebony wings across the enclosure. In a twinkling, darkness lined the branches that wove the walls and threw their inky pall across me.
With a shiver, I turned on my heel and stared at Rickrack House looming darkly against the blood, red sky. I was startled to see how far I had come from the house and safety. Even the wicker gate seemed impossibly far away.
I shivered again, the loss of warmth leaving me completely bereft. No longer did I feel accepted or bonded with this land, instead I felt alone, exposed. The black shadows, even the darkened bushes and trees, all seemed to be hiding secrets.
I took a step, lifting my foot as if to step over the white stones marking the spiral pattern. Something ancient and much stronger than me spun me around in a circle and put my foot firmly back on the path.
My breath whistled in my chest as I tried once again. This time I was spun with greater force. I bit back the cry that rose to my lips. I would not be allowed to break the pattern. The message was clear. . .the path must be walked. My breath came faster and I fought to calm myself. Was this presence trying to protect me. . .or to trap me?
Whatever it was, I did not want to be out here in the dark with it any longer. I hurried around the spiral, moving quickly from the inner, tiny circles to where they widened out larger and larger. I ran faster and faster as they grew.
A loud panic began beating in my breast. All of my senses scremed for me to run directly to the safety of the house, but I trembled at the thought of trying to break the pattern yet again. My breath caught, fluttering in my chest like a trapped bird.
Nothing happened, I told myself fiercely. It's just a garden curiosity. Just a clever pattern to grow herbs or vegetables in.
The lie was not believable even to myself, a girl who had been schooled in deception and submission since childhood.
As the spiral ended, I ran to the wicker gate and pressed frantically through. I forced myself not to think too hard about the fact that if nothing had happened, why had I been so scared to try to step out those white rock lines again?
And if nothing had happened, why was I running now?
Chapter 9
Safe, I thought, as my feet touched the boards of the back porch. In this house, I was safe.
Slowly, I turned to look back across the garden. Beyond the tangle of weeds, someting moved. Something heavy enough to break branches as it passed. My legs trembled slightly as I crossed the porch into the kitchen and closed the door. The heavy oak boards between me and whatever roamed in the far reaches of the garden did much to settle my nerves. Though the shadows had deepened inside, there was no flutter of panic at the cloaking pools of darkness. Humming
softly, I felt my way carefully to the front room.
In before dark, I told myself calmly. It seemed this place had rules as well. The familiarity of that structure slipped over me with an ease that should have disturbed me.
Here the lowering sun flooded through the open door, illuminating much of the room. I grabbed the flashlight but did not need to switch it on just yet. Scattered around the room on various tables and shelves were candles in fanciful carved holders. Gathered and placed on the table nearest the door, they made an impressive collection. The oil lamps, I carried through to the kitchen. The oil would need to be drained and the wicks replaced before I trusted them.
The sound of a car engine made me step up to the door. The deep doorframe concealed me nicely until I caught a long enough glimpse to identify Adam's small, silver car.
"I see you're still alive,” Cassie teased as she bounded out the car. “Guess we'll have to share dinner after all!”
Behind her, Nikki climbed the stairs with Adam, both of them holding bags.
“Thanks for helping, sis,” Adam said, with clear sarcasm.
“Ooops!" Cassie shrugged and grabbed a bag. She bustled past me and dumped it on the nearest chair. “There you go!”
Nikki caught my eye and we shared a grin at Cassie's rough and tumble attitude, then stopped and studied me.
“You look different,” she said, her eyebrows drawing together in puzzlement.
“Happier," Cassie pronounced after a long stare.
“More relaxed,” Adam agreed, smiling.
I shrugged, feeling a faint blush steal across my face. “I'm home,” I said simply. “And having dinner with friends. How could I not be happy?”
“Aww,” Cassie said and she ran over to hug me quickly, then turning me loose, she began digging in bags. “We just got burgers because we figured who doesn't like burgers?”
“Cows?” Adam said.
“Har-de-har…” Cassie said, rolling her eyes when Nikki and I laughed. “Seriously, stop encouraging him. He's not actually funny.” Her attention was diverted by the food. “Who had jalapenos?”
“Me,” Nikki said. She took the bag and sat down on a nearby chair. “Thanks, Adam!”
“You bought dinner?” I asked. I reached for the twenty he had given me this morning. Had it really been just this morning?
“My treat,” he said and waved his hand at me. “Hey, my sister just saved me rent for an entire year. I can go a little wild tonight.”
“No mayo,” Cassie handed the bag to Adam, "all the way is mine, and classic for you. And if you hate it, it's your own fault for staying behind!”
“I won't hate it," I assured her. The smell of grilled meat and french fries saturated the room. “But I would like to ask if anyone has a lighter or matches?”
"We bought some," Adam said. "Look in the green bag."
I found them easily and began lighting candles. Nikki hopped up to help and I cautioned her not to place them near anything flammable.
“It's kind of nice,” Cassie said in a surprised voice, after swallowing her massive bite of food. "Better once you get some real lights on, but not bad at all."
It was nice, I thought. The candles made the room brighter, but it was the laughter and friendship that made it warm.
***
It was full dark by the time the Camplings left. Nicki did not seem to share any of the anxiety Adam displayed at us spending the night alone.
"If you're sure you two will be okay," he said for the fourth or fifth time, casting lingering glances over his shoulder as we walked him out to the car.
"We've got this," Nikki said finally. "Frankly, I'm more worried about the two of you driving—was it two hours, Abby said?— back to your home."
Adam nodded. "Two hours is right, but we're going to get rooms in town." He looked from Nikki to me hopefully. "You're welcome to join us."
I didn't need to look at Nikki to see her face matched my feelings. In fact, we crossed our arms over our chests at the exact same time, making Cassie laugh.
"I think they're sure, Adam," she said, towing her brother by the arm to the driver's seat. "We'll probably swing by and check on you guys sometime tomorrow, so Nikki can at least charge her phone on the car battery. In the morning, we're going to look at Adam's house. So, don't expect us till after lunch." She waved and hopped in the car, showing none of the worry that consumed her brother.
"Whew!" said Nikki as we watched the taillights disappear. "They are super nice people, but I felt like I was seven again and my grandmother was giving me the "don't talk to strangers" lecture."
I smiled. There was a sense of relief as they drove away. And now, the night seemed peaceful and calm. The sky overhead was luminous with stars. We stood for a long moment, savoring the knowledge that for tonight we were safe and under shelter.
A sudden breeze blew over us as we stood on the porch, looking out at the quiet land. The errant wind brought an unpleasant chill in the warm night and carried a rank, goatish smell.
"Let's go inside," Nikki said abruptly, rubbing her arms against the sudden chill. She turned and headed for the door.
My nose wrinkled at the stench as I followed. Behind me, the sound of crackling branches raised goosebumps on my skin. The memory of the white stone spiral whispered through my mind. I pictured it, laying out there beyond the safety of the house, the stones pale and faintly gleaming under the moon's light. The eerie thought sent me hurrying after Nikki and the small comfort of the candlelight. With an exhale of relief, I closed the door between us and the darkness. The dancing candles and sight of Nikki moving about the room reassured me instantly.
"Do we want to move to the smaller parlor?” she asked, gathering together the leftover bags and wrappers from dinner.
I hesitated. I wanted her to feel safe and comfortable, but I also did not want to start my life off feeling afraid.
"I don't see any real reason to,” she added, surprising me. “It's not like Cassie's place where people used it as a party spot. It's easy to see this place has been undisturbed. So it's up to you.”
“I'm okay with sleeping in here,” I told her. “Good thing it's almost summer though and we don't really need covers.”
Nikki yawned. “I'm tired enough to sleep on the floor,” she admitted.
It didn't take long to settle that I would take the couch and Nikki, being shorter, the settee. I cleared the table of everything but the flashlight, a candle and matches, so we might find them easily in the dark, if they were needed. Nikki chose the best of the ancient throw pillows for our use and then we blew out the candles and lay down to sleep.
Safe, I thought again as I closed my eyes. No Elders, no controlling rules, no being forced. . .
. . .in before dark. . .
The words whispered through my mind. With effort, I pushed that thought away and let the quiet house lull me to sleep.
***
The rough wicker of the gate grazed against my palms as I entered the gloaming. Time felt different. . .older, slower. Gone was the bare, dusty soil. Instead, the white stone spiral coiled on a bed of closely bitten grass.
Sheep, I thought randomly. It must have been grazed so closely by sheep.
It was the nonsense of the thought that made me think this was surely a dream. Not the fact that the wicker was now a living fence, green branches waving far above my head. Not the grass which now covered the sandy soil that had been there hours before.
Somewhere across the thick hedge, an animal called. The high, fluting sound of a night bird laced through the air and in the stillness that followed, I realized just how many night noises there had been, the soft shrill of insects, the rustlings as night creatures hunted for food or mates, and the wind through the leaves. Now, the silence was a living thing and it seemed almost to hunt among us.
Without warning, a power much stronger than my own free will pulled my feet through the gate. Dread filled me as I realized they were taking me to the spiral's start.
/> Once on that path, I would be forced to walk it.
The power of this place thrummed in the air as my left foot dragged me forward another unwilling step. Frantically, I twisted around and sunk my fingers into the mass of the fence. With a sob, I pulled my feet back under me.
The animal called again, a high yip of warning and then fell silent as something pushed its way through the trees. Loud cracks and snaps of branches and brush made my heart race and sweat bead up on my temples and neck.
A strong tug of power slid my feet forward and I fell. The short grass was rough and scratchy against my skin. Twisting onto my stomach, I fought to reach the fence. My body stretched out across the close cropped grass as something ancient and implacable dragged me towards the spiral. My hands clawed helplessly for purchase on the rough wood of the fence.
A new sound rose, sharp and staccato, in the still night air. I threw a glance over my shoulder, terrified of what I would see. The stones of the spiral were moving. They rattled in their grooves where they lined the path. Then, a thrumming from deep in the earth shuddered up through my body.
Something was coming.
I stared at the stones in horror as they clacked and rattled. The one nearest me jostled free and rolled across the dark earth to my feet. Shock lanced through me as it turned dark eye sockets to staree blankly up at me. The bony jaw chattered up and down, rattling teeth in a stone that was not a stone. My eyes swept the vibrating spiral, pale and luminous under the moonlight.
None of them were stones.
Before me, the skulls of the dead raised their empty eyes to the sky and chattered hollowly as their dark god approached. Blackness swallowed us as his massive shadow fell across our upturned faces and erased all the light.
***
