The Haunting of Shadow Hill House

by Caroline Clark

  The next 30 minutes she read a story about a princess and dragons and amazing adventures. It was one they had read many times together and Abby still loved it. Just as Jenny was finishing she could see Abby's eyes closing as she fell asleep. So she read the last few words, closed the book, and tucked the duvet around her neck. Then she crept from the room only to find Mason stood in the doorway. They shared a smile and looked in on their daughter as she slept.

  "How is she?" Mason asked.

  Jenny didn't know how to answer. One minute it was her daughter and the next… the next it was somebody else, something else.

  "She apologized, eventually. I just don't know what to make of it, or what to do."

  "The first thing you need to do is have a long soak in a hot bath. It just so happens that one is waiting for you. Along with a nice glass of wine. After all, we have something to celebrate tonight."

  Jenny smiled at Mason, maybe he was right, and maybe a long soak and a glass of wine would make the world seem a different place.

  Mason escorted her to the bathroom where she found candles burning all around the tub. It looked so romantic, so like the new start she imagined. A glass of wine was already waiting for her and she could see the condensation on the side which made her lick her lips. Suddenly, she wanted a drink more than anything. She turned and kissed his lips. They tasted of chardonnay, it seems he had started without her. Mason kissed her back, his mouth opening with a groan and then he pulled away.

  "Just give me a few minutes to finish off and then I'll come and wash your back," Mason said and with a wink he left the room.

  Jenny lowered herself into the scented water and let out a sigh. It felt amazing as the hot liquid caressed her muscles and eased away the stress. The candles created a soft and subdued lighting. Perfect for romance. Closing her eyes, she took a sip of wine and the liquid slid down her throat. It relaxed her even more. Lulling her down into a sense of pure bliss. This was the life. This was what she wanted and this was what they deserved. They could have this and yet a nagging doubt niggled at the back of her mind. Why could she not be happy? Nothing had really happened. The house felt strange, of course it did, it was new to them. It was big, old, and cost them more than they could afford. The strangeness probably came from the fear of failure. If her artists’ retreat failed then the house was too much for them. The only other things that had happened was Abby acting out. That could be explained by the move. She was angry that she had left her friends behind and so she had made a new one. This new friend just happened to be antagonistic. It was Abby's way of coping with the move. Jenny didn't think about the people who had warned her against the house. Or the fact that Abby knew she had been in the attic. No, she pushed these things to the back of her mind and took another drink. Already she was feeling better. Tomorrow she would go back into the attic and she would have a good look around. That trunk intrigued her. Who knows what she would discover in it? Well, tomorrow she would find out. As soon as she dropped Abby and Mason off she would investigate. When she had done that she would research the house on the Internet. Who knows, maybe she could find something out that would help her gain more clients.

  Closing her eyes, she leaned back in the water and took another sip of wine. This was just luxurious and she could feel herself drifting.

  A hand touched her head, she knew it must be Mason and yet she was too tired to open her eyes so she let out a sigh.

  The hand was cold, ice cold. It pushed down with such force that she was shoved under the water. The water was warm, the hand, being ice cold, seemed to sap her strength and though she could tell it was small she could not push back against it.

  Fear filled her as her lungs gasped for air. Clamping her mouth tight she knew she must not breathe. Desperate, she thrashed in the water. Her hands reached up behind her trying to force the weight from her head. They clawed, beat, and grasped but there was nothing there. Nothing to grab onto, nothing to hold her down. With her lungs screaming, she did not know how much longer she could hold on. The urge to breathe was so strong. Kicking with her feet she pounded on the tub in a desperate effort to break free. Darkness was closing in on her and she opened her eyes and looked through the water. There was a figure above her. All she could make out was blonde hair and a twisted smile.

  It was no good, she could not hold on any longer. Though her mind knew she must not breathe, cannot breathe, her body gulped anyway. As her lips opened she took a gasp of water. The warm liquid ran down her throat just as the pressure was released.

  As the liquid hit her lungs, Jenny erupted from the bath coughing and choking. There was nothing there, no one there and she crawled out of the tub and onto hands and knees.

  Mason ran into the bathroom to find her coughing water out of her lungs.

  Gently, he wrapped her in a towel and pulled her close.

  "What happened?" he asked as he rocked her gently.

  Jenny was coughing so much that at first she could not talk.

  "Someone pushed me under. I couldn't breathe... I couldn't escape... there was no one there and yet I was forced under. Oh, Mason, what is happening?"

  "I don't know, my love, I really don't know."

  They both looked up as they heard somebody walk into the room. Abby was bleary eyed and holding Mr. Good Bear in one hand.

  "Victoria says she's sorry," Abby said before turning and walking from the room.

  Jenny and Mason watched her go.

  “Do you think Abby did this?” Mason asked in shock.

  Jenny didn’t. Somehow, she knew it was Victoria and that the child was against them, or against her. It made no sense and yet she knew it. Tomorrow she would try and find out who she was. If she was a real person or if she was just a figment of her imagination. Maybe she had done this to herself? No, that couldn’t be... Abby knew it had happened!

  Chapter 10

  Jenny tossed and turned the night away. Her lungs burned, her throat ached, and there was a ringing in her ears that just wouldn’t go away. Every time she thought she would drift off to sleep the ringing jerked her back awake. For once, Shadow Hill House was quiet. To most people it would be peaceful and relaxing and yet to her it felt like a petulant quiet. Like a child that was hiding because it didn’t get its own way. To Jenny it felt as if it was waiting. Crouching in a corner and waiting for her to make a move and when she did, she was sure it would act. Maybe it hadn’t decided how to act yet, exactly which side to take, but she knew it would act and she knew she must be ready.

  When the alarm went off Mason got straight out of bed. It was light and the room seemed normal. Just that thought had Jenny falling asleep and she felt her eyes close and she sank into a blissful peace.

  “Wake up, sleepy head,” Mason called.

  “Urgh,” Jenny managed before she rolled over and pulled the duvet over her head. If she could just have a few more minutes then she would be able to face what came next.

  Mason dressed and left the room. She was vaguely aware of him moving about and yet she still could not pull herself from the clutches of sleep until a hand touched her arm.

  Jenny let out a scream and jerked upright only to look into Mason’s amused eyes. He raised his right eyebrow. It had always caused her stomach to flip and her insides to melt in a most glorious way, only today she could not control the pounding of her heart and the dread that settled there.

  “Would Madam like a cup of tea?” he asked and showed her the cup.

  Jenny managed a smile and tried to rub strands of long black hair from out of her eyes. It didn’t want to move and simply clung to her face.

  “It’s like a scene from The Walking Dead,” Mason said as he put her cup down on the bedside table and sat on the bed.

  Jenny had hauled herself into a sitting position and she took the china mug of strong Assam tea like an addict. She supped down her first taste of the malty brew and already she started to feel more human.

  “Thanks,” she managed and looked at her watch. It
was seven a.m., there was still plenty of time to get dressed, get Abby up, have breakfast and then the drive into town. Then she would have time to investigate. Quickly, she pushed the thoughts away. Feeling as if she must not warn the house too much in case it set a trap for her. Taking another sip of tea she wondered what Mason would think of such thoughts? Maybe, that she needed a visit to the funny farm. That was not too politically correct a name but right at that moment she wondered if it was maybe a good idea. Was she losing it?

  “You need to get some sleep,” Mason said with his wonderful ability to state the obvious.

  “I know, I think it’s just... well, everything.”

  “You can relax. Now I’m working it takes the strain off. In another few weeks your first customers arrive and we will be doing great. How many retreats have you got booked now?”

  That thought always brought a smile to her face and yet today it hardly twitched her lips. She knew Mason saw this and she saw his jaw tighten. He was trying hard and so she let a smile come. “The rest of the year is fully booked, with a few on the waiting list in case anyone pulls out. Next year, I have the first retreat booked and will start advertising for the rest as soon as we’ve done with this first one.”

  “Not we, this has been all you, you should be proud,” Mason said and he swooped down and kissed her. “Now, up you get and wake up the other sleepy head. I’ll get started on breakfast.”

  Jenny watched him leave and felt the room darken. How could that be? She held her breath waiting for something to happen and then the room lightened again and she realized it was just a cloud passing in front of the sun. What was wrong with her?

  As she dressed she couldn’t tear her eyes from the stain on the carpet. It was still there and still revolted her. No matter how much they scrubbed it always came back. She made a decision. With Mason working, money would be easier. When she dropped them in town she would pick up a couple of rugs. The stain would still be there but at least she wouldn’t have to see it.

  As she approached Abby’s room she felt the trepidation start to mount. Her palms were sweaty and her stomach was rolling. How would Abby be today?

  Gently, she knocked on the door before entering.

  “Morning, sweetheart,” she called.

  Abby was still tucked up in her bed, the covers tight around her chin with that confounded Teddy lying next to her. For a second, Jenny could have sworn it winked at her and she was filled with rage. Rushing to the bed, she stopped when she got a good look at Abby.

  Her baby’s skin was white and waxy and her eyes were lined with a smudged blue.

  “Are you all right?” Jenny asked as she dropped to her knees feeling her forehead. There was no fever, it had to be that bear! Jenny yanked the bear from the bed and threw it to the side of the room.

  Abby looked up weakly. “I don’t feel too good.”

  “Do you want to stay in bed?”

  “I’m not sure, I want to stay and I want to go to school. I will be all right.” Abby smiled weakly and got out of the bed.

  Jenny helped her wash and dress and all the time she said nothing. Normally, they would banter away. Sometimes Abby would want help, others, she would be all adult and wanted to do everything herself. Most days Jenny didn’t help but every now and then she couldn’t stop herself from hovering as she tried to hold onto her little girl. Would she ever want to let her go?

  Soon they were ready and made their way downstairs. Mason had cooked scrambled eggs, bacon, and mushrooms. It smelt delicious and yet Jenny’s stomach rebelled for some reason. All she fancied was ice cream but she pushed the thought away.

  “How’s my princess?” Mason asked.

  “Not her best,” Jenny said when Abby failed to answer. She shared a glance with Mason and they left it while breakfast was served and they all started eating.

  Abby was picking at her meal and not eating anywhere near as much as normal. Jenny was doing the same while Mason was wolfing down his meal as if it would be stolen from him if he took too long. He reminded Jenny of a starving dog. One that had been rehomed with a good family but still remembered the old days. The thought made her laugh.

  “What?” Mason asked.

  “You wouldn’t like it.”

  “Then you’d better tell me.” He grinned and it cleared the atmosphere. Soon they were all talking and Abby began to eat a bit of her breakfast.

  “Are you looking forward to school?” Mason asked.

  “I don’t want to go,” Abby said, her lips curling down, her head drooped.

  “Why not?” Mason pushed.

  Jenny held her breath. Would she find out what was wrong? Would Abby tell him?

  “I don’t want to leave Victoria, I will miss her,” Abby said, and this time she looked at the fourth chair at the table. The empty one.

  “Well then, take her with you,” Mason said and he gave Jenny a grimace. It was obvious that he knew he was going back on his own advice. After all, he was the one who said they had to discourage this imaginary friend.

  “That’s a good idea,” Abby said jumping up from her seat and running from the room. “I will ask her.”

  She looked back and held out her hand, then it was as if someone took that hand and led her away and she was gone.

  Mason laughed.

  “I know, I’m sorry,” he said. “It just hurts to see her like that.”

  “We can leave it for a little longer but if she doesn’t let this go then we will have to do something.” Jenny said the words as if she knew what she was talking about and yet what could they do?

  Soon, they were ready to head out and Abby came down with her school bag. There was a smile on her face but she looked tired and worn.

  “Are you sure you want to go in today?” Jenny asked.

  “Victoria really wants to go,” Abby said. “She’s never been to school before and is really excited.

  “Never been to school?” Mason asked and Jenny shot him a look. So much for not playing into this.

  “No, her mummy and daddy kept her at home. She’s really happy that you are here, Mummy, and wonders if you can be her parent?”

  Jenny looked at Mason and could not help but laugh a little. “What about Daddy?”

  “She doesn’t like daddies. Maybe in time, but for now she just wants you, Mummy.”

  Something about that statement sent chills down Jenny’s spine. It seemed like a threat and yet Mason was pouting and laughing like it was the best joke ever. Maybe she was being silly?

  Then Jenny has an idea. Maybe she could use this to her advantage so she looked at Abby. Her right hand was held out and the fingers appeared to be clasped around something. She was holding the child’s hand!

  Jenny dropped to her knees in front of... the pretend child, the spirit child.

  “We would be happy to be your parents, but we are a family. So, if you have me as a mummy you must also have Mason as a daddy. He is very nice and a lot of fun. Just think of all the things we can do as a family.” As she spoke, Jenny could feel static electricity trace up and down her arms. The hair rose on them and just for a second she could have sworn that she saw Victoria. It was just a translucent darkness, a transparent image so faint it could have been her imagination. The child was trying to smile but it came out as a sneer. Then it was gone and her mind denied it had ever happened. It was just so crazy, here she was buying into Abby’s fantasy.

  Realizing that she was kneeling in front of the pretend child and doing nothing she knew she had to say more. That she had to get it over that good behavior would be rewarded and that bad would not be tolerated. Yet, what could they do if she were really a ghost? Just a second after it appeared impossible the idea now seemed so plausible and yet, that in itself must be crazy. Talk to her, to Abby via the child. Jenny turned to Abby.

  “Does she like that idea?”

  Abby looked at the place she had seen the darkness and seemed to be listening. A smile lit up her face but she still looked so drawn and wea
k.

  “Yes, she really wants to have a family and she says thank you.”

  Jenny wanted to ask if she was happy about Mason and yet she dare not. For some reason, she felt he was in danger and yet it was not Mason that Victoria had attacked but her. Who would it be next time?

  “Well, you’re very welcome, Victoria. You must understand that we have rules in the house. We will not tolerate bad behavior. You will not hurt anyone or throw toys or damage anything. You will be part of this family if you are a good girl.” The air seemed to crackle and Jenny felt the hair on her arms stand to attention once more. Though nothing touched her she felt pushed backward and stumbled into a stand she moved away from the pretend child.

  Was that a fit of anger? she asked herself. Had she done the wrong thing? Right then she wanted to back down but she knew that never worked. That children exploited weakness and that consistency was important. She had said that Victoria must be good and if this feeling was a show of temper then she must deal with it.

  Jenny moved closer to the spot where she had seen Victoria.

  “As I said, you must be a good girl or we will not tolerate you. Do you understand?”

  For a second, the air left the room and was replaced with menace. The temperature plummeted and Jenny was breathing ice. It hit her lungs like a knife and made her gasp but she would not move back. She kept her face neutral and held her ground. A circle of mist left her as she breathed out and then it was gone. The air warmed and the feeling of oppression went with it.

  Abby was nodding her head, looking unsure and so worried. How Jenny wanted to pick her up and hold her. To tell her that they could go back to London, back to their old life and yet she could not. She would not be chased out by a ghost even if they had a choice... but they didn’t. The financial reality of the situation was that they were here for the foreseeable future and they had to make the best of it.

  Abby turned to her and smiled. It was a weak smile, uncertain and a little afraid. What was happening to her girl?

  “Victoria says she is sorry. She wants you to be her mummy and she will try really hard.”