Drained

by Melissa J. Crispin

  Len's brows wrinkled. “Are you sure?”

  Ella gave a single firm nod, tears streaming down her face.

  Len pulled his chair closer and draped his arm around her. Relief flooded through her as she leaned against his chest and listened to his steady heartbeat. He didn't think she was crazy.

  “I think you should meet Aunt Lucinda,” he said.

  She peered up at him. “The woman you refer to as crazy Aunt Lucinda? The same one I've never met and you refused to invite to our wedding twelve years ago?” Ella moaned. “You do think I'm crazy.”

  “No, I don't.” Len kissed her on the forehead. “Now hear me out. Aunt Lucinda was diagnosed with Paranoid Personality Disorder when I was a kid. She was always a little out there and unique, but she managed her sickness well. She got into a big fight with my mom a long time ago. She’d swore she was taking her meds, but she accused people of things that couldn't have happened.”

  Ella put her hand on Len's shoulder and nudged him, shifting into his line of vision. “Like what?”

  “I need to be more specific.” Len sighed. “She accused my dad of strange things.”

  “Your biological father?” Ella asked, remembering the terrible stories Len used to tell about him.

  “No. That man is less than nothing to me. I mean my stepdad, who wasn't much better, but I still called him dad. At least he was present, I guess.” He shook his head. “So, Dad and Aunt Lucinda never liked each other, creating a tough situation for my mom since she loved them both. One night, my mom invited my aunt over to work out their latest argument. When Mom left the two of them for a few minutes, Aunt Lucinda claimed Dad killed her dog, Harold. She said one minute Dad was petting Harold's head, and the next, the dog's legs buckled and it crumpled to the floor. Dead. She started screaming about Dad being a demon. Mom rushed back into the room and tried to calm her, but she couldn't. Aunt Lucinda just kept repeating that Dad was evil and begged my mom to leave with her.”

  Ella covered her mouth with one hand.

  “My mom didn't know what happened to the dog, of course, and she wasn't going anywhere based on my aunt's ramblings. Poor Aunt Lucinda left our house alone, sobbing, with her lifeless dog cradled in her arms. My mom hasn't spoken to her since.”

  “Is that the real reason why your mother and stepdad divorced?”

  “No. She eventually grew tired of his infidelity, but she never made amends with Aunt Lucinda.”

  “Do you think she was telling the truth?” Ella could hear the hope in her own voice.

  Len sighed. “I know she was. The whole scene unfolded as I stood at the top of the stairs where no one even noticed my presence. It never sat well with me.” He flashed a sad smile. “That's why I think we should pay Aunt Lucinda a visit.” He ran one hand through Ella's pin-straight, caramel colored hair.

  “It's been a long time. How will we find her?”

  “The last I heard, she still lives in the same house. I'll take the day off from work tomorrow, and we'll go see her while Maddie's at school.”

  Ella reached out to Len and wrapped her arms around his neck.

  “Thank you,” she whispered.

  * * * *

  Ella left Melanie a voicemail that she was taking another personal day. She got Madison ready for school and saw her off at the bus stop. When she returned to the house, Len was dressed and sitting on the couch, waiting for her.

  “Are you sure about this?” she asked.

  “No, but I think we should do it anyway.”

  Warmth tingled in Ella's chest. Len's supportiveness never ceased to amaze her.

  As they pulled up to the charming, little, white house that was presumably Aunt Lucinda's, Ella rubbed her sweaty palms against her jeans. Len parked, and she caught a glimpse of the dark circles beneath her eyes in the side view mirror.

  They got out of the car and followed the path leading to the front steps. Len rang the doorbell, took a step back to stand beside Ella, placing an arm around her waist.

  The door swung open, and an attractive woman who looked to be in her sixties greeted them. She had a hippy bohemian style, wearing a flowing skirt that nearly touched the floor and several, long, beaded necklaces over an empire-waist shirt. The woman's emerald eyes bore a striking resemblance to Len's.

  “Len,” the woman said, her eyes filled with tears, “It's been so long.”

  “Hi, Aunt Lucinda. I wasn't sure if you would even recognize me. I'm sorry to drop in on you unexpectedly, but I didn't know how else to do this. This is my wife, Ella.”

  “Don't be ridiculous. I'm happy you're here. Come in, please, both of you.” She outstretched her arm in a gesture of welcome.

  Len crossed the threshold, stopping to give his aunt a kiss on the cheek.

  She reached up and gave him a hug. “Oh, how I've missed my only nephew. To what do I owe this wonderful gift?”

  Ella froze for a moment when Aunt Lucinda hugged her next, then couldn't help but return the embrace. How sad that such a sweet woman had been absent from their lives.

  “I'm so glad to meet you, Ella.”

  “It's nice to meet you too.”

  Aunt Lucinda led them into the living room which seemed as eclectic as she was. The onyx walls were offset by a hot-pink couch with black and turquoise checkered throw pillows. Several dream-catchers hung about the room, varying in shapes and colors. The sound of wind chimes echoed throughout, which was likely coming from the ancient stereo in the corner.

  Ella glanced around, spotting a crystal ball sitting on a bookshelf. Doubt crept in on the corners of her mind.

  Can I really take this woman seriously?

  Aunt Lucinda motioned for them to have a seat on the couch. She sunk into a purple, velvet chair across from them. “Can I get you anything?”

  “No. Thanks, though.” Len said. “I'm so grateful you've welcomed us. I'm sorry I haven't spoken to you.”

  “Consider it water under the bridge. Tell me what brings you to my place. I can sense you're both troubled.”

  Genuine concern filled Aunt Lucinda's eyes as Ella washed over with guilt. Given what she had just witnessed with Melanie, who was she to judge?

  Len shifted positions and Ella rested a hand on his knee. “I want to say thank you, too. We're here because of me. I saw something unbelievable.”

  “I bet Len figured crazy Aunt Lucinda might be able to help.” She winked at him before returning her attention to Ella.

  Len bit his lower lip.

  “Oh come on, Len. I know what people think of me. I'm no idiot. I was called crazy long before your mom wrote me out of her life.” She leaned forward in her chair. “Now go on, tell me about what happened, dear.”

  In an instant, Aunt Lucinda had accepted them, no questions asked, even with the sad history in the family. Her acceptance put Ella at ease and gave her the courage to tell the woman about the impossible.

  Beginning in a shaky voice, Ella recounted the story. She started with the revival of the dying plants in her boss's absence, but her voice grew steadier as she went on, ending with her boss killing one with a lethal touch. “And I haven't been back since,” she concluded.

  The room was silent. She leaned her elbows on her knees, resting her face in her hands.

  “That's quite a story,” Aunt Lucinda said. “What were you hoping to get from me?”

  Unease rooted in Ella's belly. If Aunt Lucinda didn't believe her, she wasn't sure what to do next. “Just…advice. Len told me about the night your dog died. What happened to you was different and yet feels similar to me. What did you do afterward?”

  Aunt Lucinda stared down at the floor and sighed. “I brought Harold in for an autopsy. According to the vet, the cause of death was an enlarged heart. He was a boxer, and that's a common problem for the breed.”

  “Did you believe what they told you?”

  “No.” Aunt Lucinda shook her head. “The results might have been correct, but I don't think it was due to natural causes
. Kieran, Len's stepfather, killed him.” Her eyes turned glossy as she curled her hands into fists. “I always had a bad feeling about him. He seemed invigorated by all the fights he started between my sister and me. The unhappier everyone was in his presence, the giddier he became. I was on to him, though. I just wish I could've saved my sister from all the heartaches he caused her.” She touched a finger to the corner of her eye, stopping the tear before it trickled down her cheek.

  “I saw what Dad did that night,” Len blurted. “It was easier to dismiss than to think he was anything but a regular guy.”

  Aunt Lucinda placed a hand over her heart. She nodded at her nephew. “I know, love. I always knew.”

  Len's mouth dropped open, but, before he could say anything, she cut him off.

  “I thought it'd be easier for you too, and I wanted that for you.”

  Len gaped at her.

  “He's a demon, and it sounds like Ella is dealing with one, too. I did a lot of reading and research after that night. Demons can take any form they like, but many choose to live among us, appearing as humans.”

  “She's a demon?” Ella asked.

  “Since she thrives off chaos and the misery of others, and can cause inexplicable phenomenon, then I think so.”

  “How do I deal with her? What do I do?”

  “That's just the problem. There isn't anything you can do. They can't be killed.”

  Ella's brows creased. “Um, I wasn't planning to take it that far, but I guess that's good to know.”

  “Yes, you need to know how to protect yourself, in the event she goes after you.”

  Ella's stomach dropped as Aunt Lucinda went on.

  “You can kill its current form, but then it'll take on another one and come back for revenge. The best you can hope for is that they find another place ripe with despair to immerse themselves in. How ironic one has discovered the corporate world as a breeding ground for those emotions.” She let out a humorless laugh.

  “I can't kill her, but she can kill me, right? Can a single touch end my life?”

  “It's a possibility, yes.” Aunt Lucinda reached under the neckline of her shirt and pulled out a charm that resembled a bulls-eye. The outer circle was navy blue, the inner ring teal, and the center black as night. She unfastened the thin silver chain and held it out to Ella. “This is Nazar Boncugu, the Turkish Evil Eye pendant, an amulet that provides a shield from the forces of evil. I want you to have it.”

  “I can't take this from you.”

  What if Len's dad ever came back for Aunt Lucinda? Ella couldn't live with the guilt.

  “You can and you will.” She shook the chain in front of Ella. “You don't need to worry about this little old lady. No one will be coming after me now. Please, I insist.”

  Shaking her head, Ella extended her arm with her palm facing up. Aunt Lucinda dropped the necklace into her hand.

  Len glanced down at his watch and met Ella's gaze. “It's almost time to pick up Maddie.” He turned to Aunt Lucinda. “I don't know how to thank you.”

  “It would tickle me pink if you kept in touch. I'd like to know what becomes of this whole situation, and besides, I've missed you.”

  “Absolutely,” Ella said, “We wouldn't have it any other way. Why don't you come to our house this Saturday? We'll catch up on things, and you can meet our daughter, Maddie.”

  “I'm a great-aunt?” She clasped her hands together and placed them over her heart. “Nothing would make me happier.”

  * * * *

  Ella skipped the coffee when she arrived at work. Her jittery nerves triggered unease in every step, and caffeine would only make it worse. She sat in her cubicle and double clicked on Melanie's name in instant messenger. With Aunt Lucinda's necklace fastened securely around her neck, Ella shuffled it between her fingers while she watched the cursor blink on the screen.

  She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, still keeping hold of the charm.

  I will not let her break me.

  She settled her hands on the keyboard and typed, “Can I stop by?”

  Melanie's response was instant. “Yes.”

  It was show-time.

  Before getting up to face her, Ella filled her head with everything that made her happy—the only thing that really mattered—her family. Keeping her love for Len and Maddie close to her heart, the fear fell away, and she stood up. If Melanie got her kicks from the misery of others, Ella would do everything in her power to become toxic to her. In the same move she had perfected over the last six months, she threw her shoulders back, and headed for Melanie's office.

  The sight of the decimated plants on the windowsill caused her resolve to waver. Ella reminded herself she wasn't as defenseless as a plant and forced one foot in front of the other until she reached her destination. “Hey, Melanie.” She leaned against the door jamb with her hands in her pockets.

  “Good morning and welcome back,” Melanie said. “So, you have something you wanted to talk about? Why don't you come in and shut the door?” Her lips twisted in an amused grin.

  “Thanks. I'll come in, but I don't have anything confidential to discuss, so let's keep the door open this time.” Ella held her chin high and entered the room. She made herself comfortable in a nearby chair.

  Melanie's nose wrinkled. “Aren't we continuing our conversation from the other day?”

  “No. I was only checking in to see if I missed anything critical. I'll keep working on the Bradley project if nothing new popped up.”

  Melanie tilted her head to the side and studied Ella with narrowed eyes.

  “I take that to mean no, then? Excellent.” Ella smiled wide, wrapping each hand around an armrest, preparing to push herself upward.

  “Wait.” Melanie thrust out her hand. “That's all? Are you sure?”

  Ella leaned forward and rested her palms on her knees, locking eyes with Melanie. She lowered her voice. “If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were trying to upset me, but I've decided you don't get to do that anymore.” She shrugged. “Ping me if you need anything.”

  Melanie's mouth hung open as Ella exited her office.

  * * * *

  Ella spent the next month working hard to get projects back on track. True to her word, she didn't allow Melanie to crawl under her skin, despite Melanie's repeated efforts to do so. Wherever confusion or frustration reigned, Ella swooped in and created order. She coached her peers on how to work around Melanie's ineffective management style, and they began to follow her direction as if she led the department anyway. That alone gave her a stronger sense of accomplishment than any job title ever could.

  She received recognition from the CEO as Melanie's top performing employee. Signs of the energetic workplace she once knew and loved resurfaced. Happiness and satisfaction coursed through Ella, along with closure to this chapter in her life.

  On a bright and sunny Friday afternoon, she knocked on Melanie's office door. One arm wrapped around a large, artificial plant with a big, yellow bow taped to the pot. She held a piece of paper in her other hand.

  “I have something for you.” Ella set the fake greenery on the barren windowsill.

  “Isn't that thoughtful? Thanks.” Melanie rolled her eyes. “You've been the model employee lately. A boss's dream.”

  The corners of Ella's lips twitched up when she noted Melanie's bloodshot eyes and the way she sagged back in her chair. “Yes, I've worked hard, been working hard for many years, and that's the other reason why I'm here.”

  Melanie perked up, a smirk emerging. “If this is about a raise or promotion, you're not going to like what I have to say. There's nothing I can do for you. My hands are tied. Sorry.

  Ella's face brightened. “I'm here for the opposite reason. I'm resigning, and this is my two weeks' notice.” She placed the paper square on Melanie's desk.

  “Oh.” Melanie's eyes widened. “Where are you headed, if you don't mind me asking?”

  “I'm starting my own business as a technology t
utor. I'll be doing anything from helping students learn basic programming skills, to teaching little kids how to type on a keyboard.”

  “Now, that's interesting.” Melanie pulled off her glasses and crossed her arms. “You've worked so hard to advance yourself here, and now, you're walking away. What a shame.”

  “No shame at all, the way I see it. It's going to be amazing.”

  Melanie's face slackened, defeat washing over her features. Ella filled with pride.

  I didn't let her break me.

  Melanie shook her head. “You've been here long enough to know we never keep people for two weeks after they give their notice. Your access to material information will be terminated immediately and I need to ask you to leave.”

  Ella nodded. “Of course. I'm all packed up and my things are in my car. You'll find my laptop sitting at my desk.” She reached into her pocket and pulled out a card, placing it beside the letter. “Here's my access card to get in and out of the building.” She rose to her feet. “I'll walk myself out.”

  Melanie stood and extended her hand, a wicked glint in her eye. “It's been a pleasure.”

  Ella gawked at it, lifting her gaze upward to meet Melanie's stare.

  “You know I'm not going to shake your hand. I can't, really. Not if I want to keep breathing.” She shrugged. “Take care. I can honestly say, working for you has been an experience I'll never forget. Oh, and enjoy the plant. At least this one will never die.”

  Ella strolled out of Melanie's office. She pushed the button for the elevator.

  As she waited, she shuffled Aunt Lucinda's charm between her fingers and commended herself for sticking it out. She was leaving on her own terms, not anyone else's, and it felt damn good.

  THE END