Rough-draft I gave up on over half year ago...
15 years, 8 months & 23 days ago
5th Apr 2009 11:20 xD. I was using my USB Drive thing and noticed the 60k file. I went, WTH!? and just opened it. xD. What do you think of my over 6-months-ago work? XD. Okay, there were italics on the file, but they don't show up here, and I'm too lazy to edit. xD. So, here's the crap!
- Jewel/Tori
--
Prologue
Ever since I could remember, I'd always thought that the ending was just that. An ending. As it turns out, I was wrong. Dead wrong. And that mistake could very well have ended my life.
You know that since there's an ending, there had to be a beginning, otherwise, there wouldn't be much of a story. I learned different not long ago; I learned that there was never an ending to anything, because everything you did would just start up something else.
But, I don't want a new beginning. I never did, and I don't think I ever will.
All I want is my happy ending.
Chapter One
???Erin, Erin Hollow? Please report to the office. Your older brother is here to pick you up.??? the voice over the intercom startled me. Every pair of eyes turned to me, and I looked away, embarrassed.
???Do you have your assignment written down, Erin???? Mr. Henney asked. I nodded. ???Alright.??? once I left the room, carrying my supplies, I went to my locker, trying to figure out why Jack was picking me up. My homework was already done, so I would have had to worry about that. I took what I needed, as in, just my backpack, and headed towards the office where I saw the tall, muscular young man standing at the desk. He was tall enough to be my father, let alone my older brother.
???Hey, Erin.??? he grinned at me.
???Hey, Jack. Mind telling me why the heck you're picking me up in the middle of class without warning???? I raised an eyebrow. ???Go on. Dazzle me.???
???You'll see,??? was all he said. I sighed in annoyance. He signed me out, and out we went into the school parking lot. ???Our ride is over this way.??? he pointed. I followed his finger with my eyes, and at the end of the invisible trail sat a taxi. ???Don't ask me anything until we get there. All I'm saying is we're going to go stay with Aunt Theodosia and Uncle Mortimer for a while because they want to spend some time with you. You and I both. Mainly you.??? Aunt and Uncle?
???Oh, our great aunt and uncle????
???Yes, them.???
???Oh... Okay. Couldn't it have waited until the weekend, though...????
???No.???
???Oh.??? I said again. ???Okay.???
Jack held open the taxi door, and I climbed in, the smell of everyone who had been in it before us making me gag. It smelt musty, sweaty, and gross. ???You'll get used to it,??? he mumbled.
???Whatever.???
???Just go to sleep for a little while.???
???I'm not tired.???
???Okay, then tell me one thing about your day, then go to sleep.???
???That's stupid.???
???Just do it, Erin.???
???I won't be tired just from that.???
???Don't be too sure.???
???Okay, I read up on werewolves all day today in the library after lunch.???
???Now go to sleep.??? for some odd reason, I obeyed, and fell right to sleep, my head against Jack's shoulder. Only God knows how long later, Jack shook me awake.
My first impression of great-Uncle Mortimer and great-Aunt Theodosia were that they were completely crazy. They live in a huge mansion that looks more like an abandoned castle out of a horror-movie. Right beside their house is a cemetery, tombstones scattered about, and thick woods surround them on three sides. During the night, and even in the day, judging by the thickness of it, there was always some sort of fog. Tonight, the fog was unnecessarily thick and pale as it greeted me and my brother when we climbed out of the taxi with our things. A coyote chipped into the greeting by howling shrilly into the brisk night.
I gulped. This was my worst nightmare come true. ???Calm down, Erin.??? mumbled Jack in my ear before he straightened back up. ???Let's get going, I'd hate to make Aunt Theodosia and Uncle Mortimer wait, wouldn't you???? they could wait all they wanted. I didn't want to go in, let alone not make them wait. I snapped out of my horror-stricken trance and realized that Jack was already partially up the gloomy looking walkway. I raced to catch up with him, fearing that if I stayed in that one spot much longer, that the coyote would come and greet me in person. I liked it enough at the distance it was at.
We came to a stop at tall, unwelcoming, black iron gates. Jack sat his things on the ground, and went to push them open, but they began to creak open themselves, the groaning of the moving metal making me cringe. ???Jack,??? I said shakily as he picked his stuff back up. ???Remind me, again, how long we're staying here????
???A week or more.??? he answered blankly, and we began our journey up the cobblestone sidewalk. Just barely up ahead were a set of huge and old wooden doors. They seemed a bit more unwelcome than the gates had, and I swallowed hard, making sure I kept a straight face that said I wasn't scared. It didn't fool Jack any. ???Are you scared? You look like a ghost.???
???I'm not scared, Jack Liam Hollow.??? once I'd said it, I realized that I really wasn't. But outside at night, the place really did give me the creeps. ???So, just how old is the place???? he shrugged. ???Okay... What's their last name, again???? I already knew the answer to the question, but I wanted a little bit of small-talk for the way up to the creepy doors.
???Hollow. Just like us, Erin.??? Jack replied indifferently. ???They're pretty cool.??? oh yeah. Brave Jack had stayed here before. He had went a lot when I was a little baby, and now that I was fifteen, he'd decided to insist that I need to come with him to visit. ???They've got some neat stories. I think you'll like them. It's pretty hard not to, Erin.??? once again, Jack sat his things down, but this time, he pulled out a key, the same metal and color as the gates had been, and shoved it into the massive lock. He twisted it around for a minute, and then stopped. A satisfying click sounded, and he pushed open the doors, picking up his bags and walking in. ???Come on, Erin. Stop gawking and get moving.???
???Shut up,??? I muttered, and half-jogged to keep up with him.
I heard the doors shut behind us when we came inside, and I looked around, even though I had a feeling I would regret letting curiosity get the better of me. Cobwebs strung just about everywhere. It was just like walking into a Victorian horror-house. ???Jack? Jack, is that you???? I heard a strange, aged voice call out from the other room. ???Jack???? it said again.
???Yes, Aunt Theodosia. It's me. Erin's with me, too. You know, my baby sister????
I snorted innerly and scowled visibly at the term. Baby sister.
An elderly woman, way past the years of looking human, came in to greet us. She had countless creases of wrinkles on her, just barely clinging to the bone. From head to toe, she was decorated in jewelry, and it reminded me of a Christmas tree, minus the lights. ???Jack,??? she grinned, her teeth shining. Sure. She had good hygiene, but terrible taste in houses? ???So this is Erin????
???Yes. Where's Uncle Mortimer????
???In his study.???
Jack stiffened. ???Does he not want to be bothered????
???Oh, he could care less if you bothered him, Jack. He's anxious to see you, and to meet miss Erin, here.??? Aunt Theodosia said.
???Tell you what... I'll go to his study and tell him that we've both arrived, but Erin's busy on a tour of the place with you, and that you'll be down in the parlor in... Oh, say, a half-hour???? Jack suggested.
???Perfect.??? she smiled. ???Go on, now. Go tell him his great-niece is here.??? Jack nodded, and disappeared through a door. ???Now, come with me. I want to show you your room first, Erin.???
???Your room is very special.??? she continued. I looked at her strangely.
???Please tell me I'm not sleeping with a corpse...??? the expression on my face was pained, my insides praying that I wouldn't. But, the house was a dead giveaway, and the cemetery right outside...
She laughed. ???Oh, heavens no! It's a special room, because there is an old tale behind the girl that used to sleep in it.??? Aunt Theodosia started up the steps before me, because she knew where she was going. Forget looking for the needle, because I felt like I was the needle in the haystack. To keep myself from freaking out, I kept my eyes locked on the back of her head.
In what seemed like took forever, we went up and down large hallways, past many doors, and I was for sure she was taking me in a humongous circle. Finally, Aunt Theodosia stopped in front of one door, and she fiddled with a key in her hand that I hadn't noticed she had to unlock it. She opened the door for me, and smiled. ???Go in first, dear. What do you think of it????
The room was magnificent. Horrifying and creepy, but magnificent. The floor was made-up of black-gray stone squares and a circular black rug with a silver design was centered, taking up almost all of the floor. The walls were the same type of stone as the floor, only in the shape of rectangles. A single picture window lurked on one side, the glass foggy, and heavy black velvet curtains draped in front of it, shielding most of the light out of the room. A door, like a smaller version of the doors Jack and I'd come in through, was on the left side of the wall and led out onto a balcony that overlooked the forest, cemetery, and a lake I hadn't noticed.
The bed was huge. It was made out of black iron, similar to the key and the gates. When I sat on the mattress, it sunk down, confirming that it was stuffed with feathers. Even the bedspread was black, with a silver hemming that draped down to touch the floor. There were many pillows, black, also, and they were skirted in the same silver thread.
There was even a fire place. Above it, a portrait hung. The painting was of a gorgeous woman with waist-length, obsidian black hair, chalky white skin, and icy, stone gray eyes that pierced through me like I was a paper target and they were the darts. ???Who is she???? I whispered through unmoving lips.
???Her name is Jazelynn.??? Aunt Theodosia answered, and I nodded, adoring the portrait in a state of awe. ???You can put your brush and all on the dresser,??? she pointed over to it. I hadn't even noticed it; it was a table pushed up against the wall, covered with a (unsurprisingly) black table-cloth, and a large, oval mirror hung on the wall over it. If I were her, I would have hardly called it a 'dresser.'
???So... Does anyone live near here???? I tried to change the subject, to get off the topic of Jazelynn, even though we hadn't even gotten too deep into her. Just by the look of the eyes in the picture, I wanted her off my mind. ???I thought it was sort of a dead end road...???
???No, no. There are some neighbors. A boy and girl. The girl is eighteen, and so is the boy.???
???What are their names???? I asked, standing back up, and dragging my things to the corner of the room so they would be out of my way.
???The girl is named Cassandra Grave. She lives up the road.??? Aunt Theodosia pointed, and I thought about the name. Cassandra Grave. Suited this place just fine. Erin Hollow... Well, I supposed that my own name was a perfect fit to the woods. ???And the boy, Nathaniel... Blast it, what was his last name???? she asked herself. ???Give me a minute, Erin... I have to think.??? while she was thinking, I strode over to the mirror, and gazed into it. I frowned, disgusted to see my image reflecting out of the perfectly crafted mirror. Suddenly, I jumped back, swearing inside my head that I had saw a face. My eyes flickered to the portrait. I glanced frantically at Aunt Theodosia, but she hadn't even noticed that I'd jumped. Backing away, I attempted to speak.
???C-can you remember his l-last name yet, Aunt Theodosia???? I stuttered out, and walked quickly over to her.
???Nathaniel... Nathaniel Rock? No.??? she sighed in frustration. ???Old women shouldn't think this hard.??? in spite of myself, I nearly laughed aloud. She was nice, I supposed. ???Nathaniel Cobblestone!??? oh, great. When I think of him, I'll think of the walkway up to the house... Great. With me, hearing of new people that didn't know me, I had always had an instinctive thing about me that believed that they would immediately resent me and want to be as far as possible away from me. Boys especially. ???Both are delightful. Would you believe that they live with their great-aunts, too????
I didn't ask about the great-uncles. ???Wait??? they live with them!? Jack said this would only be a week! Or... More. I'm going to kill him...??? my blood boiled. If Jack intended to make me stay here with him, he had another thing coming. Two things, really: A good argument, and my fist to his face. ???Has Jack already met them????
???Yes. He and Cassandra have known each other for quite a while... But, believe it or not, the Cobblestone family was here before us, the Hollows. And even before the Crypts.???
???The Crypts???? I asked.
???Jazelynn's family.???
???She had family???? I mustered up every ounce of resistance in my body not to glance at the bone-chilling portrait.
???Yes.??? nodded Aunt Theodosia. ???She lived with her ill, aged father, Luther and her younger sister, Alexandria.???
???What did Alexandria look like, Aunt Theodosia????
???Just like Jazelynn, only with pale jade eyes. Younger, age-wise. Alexandria looked mature, though. She was mature, but Jazelynn was serious.??? Got that right. I thought coldly. Jazelynn seemed more than just 'serious.' ???They were both lovely young girls...??? she trailed off, staring into the air for a minute, like she was reading her memories in the form of a book, and then shook her head, closing her eyes. ???That was long, long ago...???
???Just how old are you and Uncle Mortimer???? who cared if the question was rude or not? I wanted some sort of answers tonight. Anything would work.
???Dear, we will be one hundred and twenty-two this December.??? she chuckled. I gaped.
???You get around, um, quite well for your ages...???
???Oh, we don't do it on our own. This house plays a big role in our lives.??? she explained. ???Now, come on. I think we've spent more than a half-hour up here, wouldn't you think so???? I decided not to ask how the house 'played a big role' in their ages. Something told me that I'd find that out sooner or later, and whether I wanted to or not.
???I... Guess.??? I said numbly. We left, shutting the door behind us, leaving behind the stormy-gray eyes of the portrait.
Chapter Two
When we entered the parlor, I first noticed Jack's tall, bronze body. He reminded me of an out of place character in a story... He was the charming prince from a fairytale thrown into the horror setting of a ghost story. ???Erin, did you like your room???? his voice was eager.
???Um, yeah... Pretty picture.??? I shrugged and then noticed an old man, sitting in the chair, his skin glowing a soft orange against the warm flames of the fire. ???I'm guessing your Uncle Mortimer???? I asked, and extended a hand. ???Good to meet you. My name is Erin.??? when he shook my hand, he exchanged glances with Jack, who was smiling a thin, mischievous smile. ???You've got a nice place. How old is it...? One, two hundred????
???Oh, my, no! Much older. Try eight or nine.???
???Whoa,??? I blinked, and gazed around. ???That's... Old.???
???Sit down, you two,??? instructed Aunt Theodosia, and we both did. ???I'll bring in some snacks and drink. Don't start telling those stories without me, Mortimer.??? Uncle Mortimer laughed at the woman. In the light that I'd saw her in, Aunt Theodosia looked small and This word is blockedy, but I knew that age would catch up with her energy-rush she seemed to be having.
???Erin, dear. I suppose you have some questions as to why you are here???? Uncle Mortimer asked, and I looked up, shocked he was really speaking to me. The look on my face confirmed that. ???Well, what is the first one on your list????
???Um, why am I here???? it was the most obvious question.
???You're here to listen to stories.??? Jack replied, and I glanced at him. He glared hard and warningly at Uncle Mortimer, so I didn't press on the question. ???And the stories will start soon, I promise.???
???Is anyone going to tell me about Jazelynn Crypt and her father and sister????
???Yes. They're in this story, don't you worry.??? Uncle Mortimer assured me. We all waited in silence for Aunt Theodosia to come back with drinks and snacks. At last, she entered the room with two silver trays. One was covered in small sandwiches and the other had four teacups and one teapot on it. Aunt Theodosia set the trays on the coffee table, and passed the cups out to everyone before settling down beside Jack and I on the sofa. ???May I begin the story now Theodosia????
???Yes, yes, go ahead.??? just as she said it, the antique grandfather clock tolled out twelve. That was a little more than just creepy. ???Begin with the Medallion.???
???Alright, alright. Don't get me confused.??? he said gruffly, and then thought back. Uncle Mortimer cleared his throat, and he began the story. ???There is such an object that can make anything and everything live forever, and bring the dead back to life. It is called the Medallion of the immortal.
???Quite some time ago, a family under the surname Crypt lived here. This was there home, but now, we live here, the Hollows. It's still partially their house, though. In the Crypt family, there lived Mr. Crypt, Jazelynn Crypt, and Alexandria Crypt. Jazelynn was the eldest, and she took care of her ill father, while young Alexandria, about the age of Erin, ran free around the woods.
???Jazelynn grew tired of Alexandria's immaturity and lack of responsibility around the house and for their father. She took it upon herself daily to take long walks in the forest. One day though, Jazelynn was practicing her archery skills on a fine winter day. By accident, she struck a rabbit. The bloody trail it left... It left her wanting more of it. So she began to hunt. She hunted so much, that eventually, just killing an animal wasn't enough for her...
???On a cold winter night, Jazelynn, Alexandria, and Mr. Crypt were snowed in the mansion. Jazelynn itched to kill something, and her irksome sister did not ease that itch in the least. Finally, she led her sister into the kitchen, a knife behind her back, and killed her.???
I gasped aloud. It was the first sound that anyone had made. ???That's horrible!??? I breathed, my eyes beginning to well up with tears. ???That's... That's awful??? disgusting! Not to mention totally and completely wrong!???
???Sh, shh... We know,??? Jack put a blazing hot arm around my shaking shoulders. ???Just listen to the rest of the story, Erin...??? he said quietly. ???You need to hear it.???
Uncle Mortimer continued: ???Jazelynn came to realize that she'd committed a horrid deed, so the next morning, when the snow wasn't blocking the doors, Jazelynn bagged her sister's body, and threw it in the lake out back. She went back inside to tell her father that she'd be in town for quite a while, and asked if he'd need assistance at any time of the day. He told her to go on, and she did.
???Jazelynn did not leave to go to town. She went off in search of a Medallion; the Medallion of the Immortal, to be exact. She'd read about it many times... It was said that it could revive the soul of anything. But, she when she finally came across the bearer...???
???Are you the keeper???? Jazelynn whispered, looking left to right, and then at the old woman. ???Of the...???
???The Medallion???? the woman finished for her, and nodded, pulling the object from beneath the front of her cloak. ???Yes. I am. Why do you care????
???I need the Medallion... My sister died, and??????
???You mean you killed her!???
Had the truth been that obvious? Even so, Jazelynn objected. ???Are you out of your mind, woman! I would not so much as harm my dear sister.???
???Ah, but throwing her into the lake and freezing her body is your way of saying sorry, I suppose????
???Are you mad!? I have already told you, I did not kill my sister you??? you hag!??? Jazelynn spat. ???Give me the Medallion so I may revive her!???
???No, you mustn't touch it!??? the woman shrieked as Jazelynn ripped the Medallion from her neck, and she fell to the ground. Jazelynn re-tied it around her own neck, and left the body to freeze.
That day, she fished out her sister's body, and tried every single thing she could to try and bring her back to life. She gave up at midnight, and threw the body back into the lake.
???Jazelynn paid the price, you see. If you are not the rightful keeper, Rhiannon, you will forever become immortal. Even when you set foot in this house.??? Uncle Mortimer smiled vaguely. ???But only the bearer, rightful or not, can never die, not even age. And as the most radiant source of life, you become ridiculously beautiful and eternally youthful, as well.??? that was the most cheesy part of the story. Ridiculously beautiful? Who would care about such a thing!
???So,??? I choked out. ???She's still... Alive????
???Yes. That picture on the wall in your room... That was painted not even a month before she stole the Medallion.??? in that picture, she was already ridiculously beautiful. I couldn't possibly imagine what she looked like afterwards...
???W-well??? why haven't either of you done anything to get back the Medallion????
???If we set foot into the forest, we will die.??? Uncle Mortimer said. ???Only the keeper, Jazelynn, and the rightful heiress can set foot into the forest.??? he explained quietly. ???We cannot do so much as step a foot outside of the garden.???
???Whoa, whoa, whoa. Back up a second!??? I stood up, my voice raising sharply. ???Jack set foot off this land??????
???Erin! It only counts for the forest.??? Jack said through his teeth. ???We're all immortals now. All but you. You're not of age yet to become immortal. But, only the immortals that have not come in contact with the keeper or the heiress can step into the woods and not die. Which, they would have to be very old to do that. If they were, say, my age, they would live.???
???Okay, and I have three questions.???
???Ask away, Erin.??? Uncle Mortimer urged.
???One, who is the heiress now? Two, are Cassandra Grave and Nathaniel Cobblestone affected by any of this...? And three??? why the hell did you put me in a murderer's room where I can see a lake that has the skeleton of a dead person in it????
???It's the only room we saw fit,??? mumbled Aunt Theodosia, looking confusedly at her husband.
???What, so you think I'm a murderer? Great!??? I threw my hands up in the air. ???This is just great.???
???Erin, you're taking this entirely wrong??? ??? Jack grabbed my shoulders. ???They saw it fit because you are the heiress! You are the heiress!??? I stared at him, my eyes widening in terror. ???You are. They've been waiting for you for over ninety years! The least you could do is??????
???The least you could've done is given me a heads up, Jack! Jesus Christ! I'm only fifteen, stupid!??? I shouted back. ???I mean, I don't even know the entire story to being the heiress, all I know is that some immortal murderess named Jazelynn killed her sister and threw her body in the lake that I can see through my window!???
???'Her sister.'??? a tone mocked me sourly. ???I have a name.??? I glanced around, trying to find the owner of the voice. Finally, I locked my eyes on the other chair where a foggy-skinned girl sat. Before I could contain it, I screamed aloud and then threw my hands over my mouth. ???Must everyone have that reaction???? Alexandria asked, a hurt look on her face. She sighed. ???I feel like everyone hates me.???
???Nobody hates you, Alexandria.???
???She does,??? her ghostly finger pointed in my direction.
???I don't hate you,??? I said quickly. ???You startled me, is all. Cut me some slack. At least I didn't run out bawling, screaming, and yelling for my mom like a lot of girls would from a... Ghoul.??? I said with a sigh. ???Anyways, it's, um, nice to meet you, Alexandria. I'm??????
???I know who you are, Rhiannon.???
???Actually, my name is Erin.???
???Mortimer, I thought you said the heiress would be named Rhiannon.??? Alexandria looked to Uncle Mortimer.
???Her real name is Rhiannon,??? Jack sighed. ???But Mother wished to call her Erin, and spell it the female version of our father, Aaron.??? he explained, and looked to me. ???Erin, you really are Rhiannon.???
???Okay, so I have a different name, too????
???I'd appreciate it if you would allow us to call you by Rhiannon.??? said Jack, looking at me with a pleading expression. ???They've waited so long...??? he gestured to Uncle Mortimer and Aunt Theodosia. ???Please????
I stared at the ground. Had I any longer, I would have bore a hole into the floorboards. One of Jack's hands still grasped my shoulders, and with a sigh, I finally said, ???Okay,??? my voice was very quiet. ???You can call me Rhiannon.???
Aunt Theodosia stood so quickly that I thought she was a ghost, as well. She pushed Jack out of the way and I saw the tears welling up in her bright, aged eyes as she hugged me tightly. ???Thank you Erin; Thank you Rhiannon Hollow.???
Chapter Three
Aunt Theodosia let me go, and I couldn't help but smile at her. She wasn't as crazy as I had expected her to be. I loved her. I really did. And Uncle Mortimer... He reminded me of a grandpa that I never had. In a messed up kind of way, that is. ???Both of you... Any of you, actually... If there is anything you need me to do, that... That I'm able to do right now, I will be more than happy to give it my best shot.??? they nodded in response.
Jack yawned, and stretched his arms high above his head. Uncle Mortimer chuckled deeply. ???I suppose we should all be retiring. It is after midnight.??? Uncle Mortimer stood and patted his stomach. ???Theodosia, darling, that was a delicious snack and tea.???
My cup. I looked around. ???Where'd my cup go...????
???I took it right before you stood up.??? Jack mumbled. ???I didn't want you to spill it.???
???Wait, you knew that I was going to stand up????
???Werewolves are pretty intelligent. We're not that stupid.??? he grumbled.
???Hold up! My brother is a werewolf!???? I exclaimed in utter disbelief.
???You shouldn't have said it so soon,??? Uncle Mortimer whispered in Jack's ear.
???That. Is. So. Cool!??? I threw my arms around him.
???Are you serious, E??? Rhiannon???? he looked uneasy calling me Rhiannon.
???Yeah! Werewolves are awesome! I've done so much research on them.??? I grinned widely. ???You are the best big brother ever!??? one of his hands patted the center of my back awkwardly, and then he fully hugged me. ???I miss those hugs,??? I mumbled. ???You're so unfair anymore.???
He laughed. ???Oh, Uncle Mortimer,??? the old man stopped and turned. ???Maybe we should keep calling her Erin, so that if Jazelynn happens to pay us a visit... She won't know who my sister really, really is.???
I looked at Uncle Mortimer with new hope in my eyes.
???That is a reasonable request,??? he mused.
???It is certainly a wise one, too.??? Aunt Theodosia said. She had just returned, and in the excitement, I hadn't even noticed her absence. ???I don't see the harm in it.???
???Aunt Theodosia, you were so happy that I accepted being called Rhiannon that you were crying. What makes you change your mind now???? I asked, but it wasn't possible to hide the hope in my voice. Alexandria's confused eyes were in agreement with me.
???Yes, it is true, but being the heiress is very dangerous, sweetheart. It would be wise to keep you safe, Erin. Calling you by a different name won't do much, but it might throw that girl off track a bit.??? Aunt Theodosia said with a nod. ???Now, off to bed with you, Erin. You too, Jack. You're both as exhausted as we are. Be gone with you now.??? she shooed us towards the staircase.
???Goodnight,??? Alexandria called hollowly.
???'Night, Alexandria.??? I replied, and disappeared up the stairs after Jack. He walked me to my bedroom, and even walked in with me. ???So, do you like my Victorian Gothic style room? It's quite popular in the underworld.??? I asked with a laugh as I walked over to my suitcase to get one of my nightgowns out.
???It's adorable. Fit exactly for an heiress to a medallion.??? he chuckled lightly. ???Tomorrow Nathaniel and Cassandra are going to come over.??? Jack leaned against the wall as he spoke.
???You guys never answered my question... Are they affected by any of this????
???Oh, they're in this as much as we are, Erin. Nathaniel's roots plunge deeper than ours though. Maybe some day he will tell you the story himself.??? Jack hugged me tightly. ???I love you, sis. Don't forget that.???
I returned it. ???I love you too. You were still the best big brother, even before I knew that you were a werewolf.??? I admitted, smiling up at him.
???That made my night.??? he kissed me on the forehead, and smiled. ???Good night.???
???What, no bedtime story???? I faked a pout. He laughed.
???No, I think you've had enough stories for tonight, don't you think????
???Probably. Now get out. I'm going to put on my nightgown.???
???Alright. Good night, Erin.??? he left the room, shutting the door with a soft click. I changed slowly into my nightgown, and strode over to the bed with the many pillows. Pulling back the covers with one hand, I touched the pillows with the other, and smiled. I laid down and pulled the covers up. A few minutes passed, and I was nearly asleep when I heard someone clear their throat. Almost instantly, I bolted upright, startled by both the noise and the pale light illuminating the room.
???Alexandria???? I asked, rubbing one eye. ???Is something the matter????
???Not exactly...???
???Then what's up????
She looked at me strangely for a minute. ???You remember how you said if any of us needed anything, that you were able to do, just to ask you????
???Yeah.??? I said, more awake now. ???Why, do you need something? Is it something that needs done now????
???No, no! Not right away. It's something that could take time.???
???Oh. Then what is it????
???I swear, it'll be the only thing I'll ever ask of you.???
???Ask as many things of me as you want; I only ask that I be able to do whatever it is that is asked to be done.???
???Could... No, that's not right... Erin, would you be my friend???? she looked at me sorrowfully, and I could tell, she was desperately in need of a friend.
???That won't take time. I don't need it.??? I smiled at her and she smiled back, so bright that I thought the sun shown through her eyes.
???Thank you so much, Erin.??? she grinned still and, surprisingly, she hugged me too. I guess ghouls were able to touch. She waved good night to me, and vanished through my closed door. I laid down for the second time that night, feeling good, and I drifted off not long after, a smile on my face.
Chapter Four
The next morning I woke up, but, not only was the sun hardly visible through the heavy velvet curtains, it was freezing. Literally. Freezing. I dressed warmly in a navy blue sweater, jeans, two pairs of socks, and tennis shoes. Once my hair was brushed out, I half-skipped out of the room and down the stairs. ???Aunt Theodosia? Uncle Mortimer???? I called out. There was no answer. ???Jack???? still no one. ???Anyone???? maybe I was the only one up.
???Alexandria???? not even she answered me.
???Alexandria can only come out after midnight,??? said a voice. I whirled around to see Uncle Mortimer.
???You scared me, Uncle. I called your name just a second ago...???
???Forgive me.??? he smiled sheepishly. ???I am heading out or a morning ride. Would you care to join me???? he was dressed in a heavy-looking black waistcoat, a thick, woolen gray scarf sticking out of the neck of it, black dress pants, leather shoes, and he was putting on dark gray gloves as he spoke.
???I don't think my clothes are keeping me warm enough right now, I might freeze outside.???
???Alexandria was about your size, maybe a little bigger. Come with me. She had tons of clothes...???
???Er, okay.??? I said, unsure if Alexandria would mind if I raided her clothes or not. I followed him anyway. We maneuvered up and through the maze of staircases and hallways, and I almost walked into my room when he stopped one door to the left. Duh. Wasn't it obvious that there was a good chance of Alexandria's room being right next to her sister's?
???I should warn you. Girls only wear skirts and dresses anymore around here. We're pretty colonial. All girls except for Cassandra, though. She's had brothers who gave her clothes. Ask Nathaniel sometime to explain why we are like this.??? Nathaniel, Nathaniel, Nathaniel. Couldn't my brother provide some sort of answers? Uncle Mortimer walked in with me.
This room was much different from mine. The bed wasn't iron, but a mahogany-colored wood with a bright red bedspread that had red lace ruffles on the end of it, and shimmering gold and red pillows. Covering it was a golden lace canopy. Her floor was the same wood as the bed, and she had a square rug that left only a foot of the actual floor visible. Much like my curtains, hers were a heavy velvet, only they were the same color as the rug. In the corner of the room was her wardrobe, the opposite side was her dresser and mirror, the dresser the same wood as the wardrobe (the same as the bed), and the mirror outlined with the same wood, too.
I didn't have enough time to look at the rest, because Uncle Mortimer urged me to get something to wear, and quick. He wanted to leave soon, so I told him I'd be ready in a few minutes, and he stepped outside of the room to wait. I rushed over to the wardrobe and swung open the large doors. Dresses and skirts and blouses and shoes were the main articles of clothing, but many accessories were hung in it, like scarves, hats, coats...
To be simple, I settled with a nice dress. It was a deep gray-blue, and looked warm. To keep my feet warm, I wore dark-gray stockings, black leather shoes, a waistcoat exactly like Uncle Mortimer's (only smaller) , and a scarf and gloves. ???How's this???? I questioned, spinning for him to inspect.
???You look like a regular Victorian.??? he chuckled. ???Let's go, Erin.??? the two of us went down the stairs, through the house and to the set of large wood doors. Uncle Mortimer opened them, we stepped out, and smiled at one another. He This word is blockeded his elbow out and I looped my arm through it. ???You act like one, too.??? we both laughed, and started towards the horse and coach.
???Why do you need to go to town, Uncle Mortimer???? I asked curiously.
He helped me up into the seat before answering. ???No special reason. I just wanted to go for an early morning ride.??? I smiled at the thought. ???Oh, so you do something similar???? he asked as he hopped up himself, plopping down beside me and taking a hold of the reins that attached the horses to the coach.
???No horses, but I jog every morning.??? I explained, shrugging. ???To tell the truth, I haven't seen a horse since my friend Natalie moved away.???
???Mighty sorry to hear about your friend, Erin.??? he apologized, patting my shoulder comfortingly. The horses led us through the gates, which had never shut after Jack and I arrived, and we began the morning ride to who-knows-where.
???Eh, it's fine. My real best friends, Jean and Henry, didn't move at least. So I was able to deal with it.??? I shrugged.
For the next couple of hours, we rode, joked, laughed, smiled, and got to know each other. I learned that we had similar points of views on a lot of things, but there were some things that I got him to think about, and things that he got me to think about, too. A soft rumbling of thunder ended our morning drive, which was really turning into a late noon. Dark gray storm-clouds had rolled in, blocking the sun, and a light drizzle of rain was beginning to turn into a downpour.
The horses were just as eager as us to get out of the rain, and Uncle Mortimer allowed them to race at an even pace to the barn. By the time we got out of the barn, the horses put up with the rest, the two of us were sopping. We made it as quick as we could back through the large doors. Who knew an old man could run that fast? ???Mortimer! Erin!??? Aunt Theodosia exclaimed when we walked in, blinking in shock. ???You're both drenched!???
???And judging by how they're shivering, they're freezing, too.??? chuckled Jack.
???Y-you s-s-said it-t.??? I managed through my chattering teeth. Jack and Aunt Theodosia led us into the parlor where the fire burned warm and bright. Jack stripped us both of our scarves, gloves, and waistcoats before plopping us down onto the sofa. ???Wow. I feel better already.??? then I sighed, looking bored.
???What is the matter, sunshine???? Uncle Mortimer asked.
???I just wish is would hurry up and be midnight.???
???Alexandria????
???Yeah. She's pretty cool, you know.??? I smiled. ???Listen to me. Wanting to hang out with ghouls...??? I sighed again. Alexandria, even though a ghost, practically looked human. Except, of course, for the see-through, dead-white skin, obsidian hair, and pale jade eyes. For a finishing touch to her elegant-ghost form, she had a glowing white aura all over her. ???When are Cassandra and Nathaniel going to come????
???They've been here already,??? Aunt Theodosia said. I looked disappointed. ???But, they were here to invite us to a little something tomorrow night.??? interested, I raised an eyebrow. ???It's sort of like a ball.???
???Wait... Like the fairytale balls I read about in books????
???Could be.???
???Wow!???
???Very,??? agreed Uncle Mortimer. ???It's a shame that we missed them, though. I've been meaning to ask Nathaniel to help Jack and I with the gardening shed roof.???
???If you start messing with that hunk of metal, you're bound to create a water slide. Right now anyway.??? Aunt Theodosia sighed, peeking out behind the immense burgundy curtains shielding the just-as-big window. ???At this rate, the rain may flood the road leading to the building, as well.??? said Aunt Theodosia under her breath. ???Or they'll have to postpone it for another day...???
???That sucks.??? I muttered. Jack laughed out loud.
???Hey, Erin, how would you feel about being taken to the ball by Nathaniel????
???I haven't even met the guy, Jack.??? I looked over. ???I doubt he'd want to go with me.???
???I'm sure he wouldn't mind.???
???Let me guess, you and Cassandra are going????
???We've been together... For a while...???
???Oh, okay. Okay. No details, please. I'll go with the guy, alright? But I'm not so sure I want you setting me up blind dates...??? I shuddered. ???This could be my newest-nightmare come true.??? Aunt Theodosia started laughing. ???What's so funny, Aunt Theodosia????
???Nathaniel is a good boy, don't you worry. Jack has been good friends with him and Cassandra since he was very little.??? she said. ???Now, busy yourself somehow, dear. I've got work to do.???
???And Jack, I'd like to meet with you in my study.??? Uncle Mortimer said, coming to a stand. The two exited the room, jabbering on about a book. I looked around. That's great. No one left but me, and over eleven ours to kill before Alexandria could get here.
I went up the stairs and to my room, wanting to look around a little bit longer. When I was in it, I was very careful to avoid the gray eyes of the portrait, and began to look for her wardrobe. Wouldn't you be curious to see what a murderer had worn over one hundred years ago?
My first attempt was the table pushed up against the wall. First come, first serve. My success rewarded me by stubbing my toe. I reached down and yanked out a black trunk from beneath the table. ???Jackpot.??? I muttered. Fumbling with the clasp for a minute, I opened the trunk, and blinked. This wasn't exactly clothes...
Rather, the entire thing was filled with papers, envelopes, diaries... There was plenty more, but I couldn't see any of it from the stuff that was on top. I pulled out the very first thing that I saw. A black leather diary. I flipped open to the first page, and began to read:
Father has fallen ill. I've taken care of him, but no matter how I plea for Alexandria to assist me, she does not do so. She is a vile creature, so selfish and uncaring for others. Someday, I will see to it that she pays the price.
???Whoa,??? I muttered, staring at the words. This was Jazelynn's diary. I read more:
I do not know what to do. She is becoming uncontrollable, and so unladylike. It is simply disgraceful... There are days she treats Father and I as if we were dirt... Today she had the nerve to ask me to pick flowers with her.
Jeez. Strict. I shut the diary, and began to move things around a bit. After a few things were moved, I came across a crumbled bag with stains all over it. Stains that happened to be dark red... ???Ew!??? I yelped, dropping the bag. ???Sicko!??? I glared at Jazelynn's portrait. She had kept the bag that she'd put Alexandria in. And no matter how hard I pictured, I couldn't see ghostly-Alexandria as a human, being shoved into a bag, blood everywhere. I just couldn't.
That did it. I didn't want to see anymore of Jazelynn's personal belongings. I put everything back the way it was, and shoved the trunk underneath the table again before I stood and walked over to my own things, and pulled out the thickest book I'd brought, and began to read.
I was so absorbed into my book, I didn't realize the hours flying by. One after the other, then two more and another... Reading sure made the time go by. A knock at my door scared me half to death. Aunt Theodosia came in, a sandwich in her hand. ???Erin, just because I said to busy yourself, I didn't mean that you couldn't eat,??? she chuckled. ???Here.??? I took it, and began to eat it.
???Thanks. I didn't even realize that I was hungry...??? I laughed.
???Do you need to go to the bathroom????
???I didn't until you said something...???
???Oh my, I should be quiet.??? laughed Aunt Theodosia. ???Well, we're not as up-to-date on those type of... 'devices.' We still use... Chamberpots.???
???Okay... I read about those.???
???You read a lot.???
???A lot of people say I read too much.???
Chapter Five
My trip to the bathroom was easy enough, but using the bathroom was a different story. It took me five minutes to figure out what 'to do' and then try to do it. I managed, and raced out, happy to be away from a murderer's chamberpot. Sadly, I still slept in their bed.
???So I see you've come across my sister's diary, and the last bit of my human self???? a voice said. I whirled, and came face-to-face with Alexandria. ???Forgive me, Erin. The clock tolled a few minutes ago.???
???You... You saw me? Her diary??? the blood????
???Yes. You may not be able to hear or see me, but I was watching you. You can read an awfully long time.??? she sighed.
???Wait... I can't hear or see you, but could I still feel you????
???If I put energy into it. It's kind of hard to make contact when you're in the spirit world and you're in the land of the living. I've never really tried, to be perfectly honest.???
???Wow.??? was all I could say.
???Where are you headed????
???The murderer's room.??? I mumbled darkly. ???Sorry,??? I added quickly.
???Don't worry. I haven't an ounce of care over that selfish little...??? she trailed off. ???Tonight, why don't you stay in my room, Erin????
???You mean, like a slumber party???? I asked, looking at her.
???A what? No. I mean to stay the night.???
???That's what a slumber party is...???
???To me, that sounds like a party where you sleep, Erin.???
???Hmm... Sleepover, then. It's another word for slumber party, and it means the same thing. Friends staying the night.???
???And we're friends,??? she smiled. ???Teach me more about this modern slang.???
???Alright,??? I laughed. ???First, I've got a question.???
???Ask away.???
???I have to go to some ball in a day or two. Uncle Mortimer told me you have a lot of clothes, and I really need a dress??????
???Say no more. Come on!??? she flew down the hall, and I tried to keep up with her as we headed towards her room. We finally stopped at her door. She ghosted through it, and I sighed. The door was locked now. Alexandria unlocked it, and I came in, shutting her door behind me. ???Hmm... Describe to me the ballroom so that I may choose a dress that will best be fit for the room.???
???Problem, Alexandria... I've never been to the ballroom before. And, plus, it may be postponed for a day or so due to all of the rain...??? I shrugged. ???So I really don't know.???
???Postponed? Any ball that is postponed is automatically moved to the first location available.???
???Which is...????
???Which will be here.???
???What!???? I blinked, staring at her.
???You heard me. We have a ballroom, we can do this.???
???Wait... There's a ballroom? Here???? I said, blinking again.
???Theodosia and Mortimer never showed you???? I shook my head. Aunt Theodosia had only showed me the room I was staying in, that and the parlor. ???Well, come with me, then.??? Alexandria put an arm around my waist, and suddenly, the feeling drained from my body, the weight too, and I felt as if I weighed as much as a feather floating on a breeze. I stared at my hand, now chalky-white and transparent, and then at Alexandria, shocked. ???It's a trick,??? she smiled. Alexandria flew us down the stairs, through a couple of walls, and then sat me down on a marble floor. ???This is the ballroom.???
???It'd be nice if I could see something...??? I mumbled, feeling my way around, and walking smack-dab into a wall. ???Ow.??? I sighed, and stood. ???That was painful... Okay. So, what can we do????
???Clean it up, find you a dress, and we're set.???
???One more problem.???
???What????
???I can't dance.???
???Oh brother... Okay. We'll work on that last.??? she decided. ???I'll go get the brooms and feather dusters. We've got an entire ballroom to do.??? she disappeared and return with two dusters and two brooms. She split them between us. ???Just so you know, Erin, there's a hall closet a few doors down from my room... There's a lot of cleaning utensils in there.??? I nodded.
She got to work high up on the cobwebs with a feather duster, and I started sweeping down below. In about two and-a-half hours, the cobwebs and floor were dusted and swept to a gleaming perfection. Soft light had already begun to illuminate the windows. ???We'll do the rest tomorrow night.???
???I'll take care of the rest tomorrow itself, alright, and at midnight you could help me work on my dancing? And pick out a dress????
???Sounds good to me.??? Alexandria hugged me, and while touching me, she ghosted us back to her bedroom. ???Get some sleep, Erin. I've got to go. Goodnight.??? she waved at me, and turned towards the window, holding back one of the drapes. As if she were a life-size picture made of dust, a wind only she felt gusted out from the window, and she faded away.
Almost instantly, I fell asleep on her bed, muttering a final, ???Goodnight, Alexandria.???
Chapter Six
I was up very early that morning, before everyone, even in spite of my few hours of sleep. I felt refreshed and ready to go. I went only into Jazelynn's room to get myself dressed in ratty jeans, clean, thick socks, and a play T-shirt. Once I was out of that room, I went a few doors down from Alexandria's room and found the closet with the cleaning supplies.
I pulled out a bucket and mop, and headed down the stairs. Even though I'd never actually walked to the ballroom, I figured that I'd done pretty well finding it. If you counted spending fifteen minutes on trying to find one door 'good.' I sat the mop in the doorway, and bent down to pick up the bucket again. My hair fell in my face, and I knew that I'd need a hair tie. I raced out and up the stairs to Jazelynn's room, and pulled one out. There was a soft knocking at my door. I threw my nightgown over my head, and jumped into the bed, ruffling my hair like I'd been asleep. ???Who is it???? I called.
Jack came in. ???Oh, sorry.??? he apologized. ???Aunt Theodosia, Uncle Mortimer and I are going to ride into town to see if the ball is going to be postponed. Do you want to come????
???If you don't mind, I think I'll stay home.???
???Okay.??? he nodded. ???Do you need anything while we're in town????
???Nope. But how long do you think you'll be gone????
???Probably all day... There's breakfast in the kitchen, by the way. You don't have to starve.???
I nodded. ???Okay. I'll be sure to eat something.???
???Love you, sis. We're going to head out.??? Jack strode over and kissed me on the forehead. I smiled and hugged him.
???Okay, see you soon.??? I replied, and pretended to lay down and go to sleep. I waited. Around fifteen minutes passed, and I got up, yanking my nightgown off. ???You're too easy to fool, Jack.??? I chuckled quietly, and grabbed the hair tie I was looking for, put my hair up, and started back to the ballroom.
I grabbed the bucket handle, and made my way into the kitchen, even though I was almost positive that there wasn't an ounce of running water in this place. My solution was going out to the lake, try not to think about the skeleton at the bottom of it, get a bucket full of water, and run like a chicken with my head cut off back into the house.
Unfortunately, that's exactly what I did.
Out of breath, I sat the large, now heavy, bucket of water on the floor, and look at it, then to the huge ballroom. ???Oh God.??? this wasn't going to work. I sprinted out of the room and back to the closet upstairs. ???Aha!??? I found the large metal tub. My guess was that it was used for this type of thing. Now, getting it downstairs would be my next challenge.
Once it was downstairs, after a lot of falling, I dumped the bucket of water into it, and made a couple more terrifying trips to the lake to put water in the bucket. In a couple of those trips, I had filled the tub all the way up. I dunked the mop in, and started working.
A few hours passed, and I finally had the mopping done. The marble floor glistened with the sunlight streaming in, and my breath was taken away. It was beautiful. A chandelier hung overhead, hundreds of clear crystals dangling from it. Alexandria could light it, probably. So that could wait until tonight. I'd ask her when she appeared tonight.
Despite the beauty of the floor, I doubted it would be saw, so I went out to the garden, hoping to come across some sort of flowers that grew here. With much luck, I found some white and pastel pink roses. I knew it was Alexandria that helped me, because I doubted stems of flowers would wiggle, urging me to pick that one. Over fifty of each wiggled, and I had to make about nine trips back and forth for all of the roses.
Where the torches would be placed, I placed roses in small vases I had to fill with water. In all of them, I had about five of the flowers in each, and there were twenty of them, resulting in a hundred. That left me with about nine left roses left, but one vase, so I left them in there, unsure of what to do. I went back outside to see if I'd left anymore roses, and one caught my eye. It was a gorgeous, crimson red, and I couldn't resist... I picked it, and smiled. I had a friend that fancied red.
I retreated back inside and put that single red rose in the final vase, and with some effort, I tugged the huge tub outside and dumped it. ???Hello???? I heard Jack call.
???I'm out back!??? I shouted.
He appeared in the back door, smiling confusedly. ???What's with the jeans, sis????
???I'll show you. But, first, is the ball somewhere else????
???Yeah... There's no ballroom picked yet. Actually,??? he followed me as I walked through the house after stepping aside to let me come in. ???I was considering fixing up the ballroom here. Did you know that we had a ballroom????
???Yeah, about that. We fixed it.??? I answered, and opened one of the massive doors.
???Oh my God.??? he gaped. ???Wait, we????
???Alexandria and I. She's also going to dress me tonight, and give me a quick lesson on how to dance.???
???I could teach you how to dance.???
???It'd be a little awkward...???
???True.??? he grinned. ???I was coming back to tell you the news, so, now, I want you to get something to eat.??? I stared. ???Yeah. I know you haven't eaten yet. Get something to eat, and I'll ride back and tell Uncle Mortimer and Aunt Theodosia.???
???What time is the ball????
???When everyone gets here it'll be a quarter until midnight, so they will be gathered in the courtyard and by the time they come in it will be midnight, and it will end at... Whenever everyone leaves.??? he explained.
???I'm going to go eat something and then I'm going to lay down so I have some energy.??? I sighed. ???Have fun playing Paul Revere.??? he laughed, hugged me, and left again. For the fun of it, I watched him mount the stallion he'd apparently rode in on and gallop off down the dirt road.
I went upstairs, and cracked open Alexandria's door. ???Wake me up when you get here, Alexandria.??? with that, I went into my own room, and fell asleep in my clothes as soon as I hit the blankets.
???Erin!???
???I'm up!??? I bolted upright, and looked at Alexandria who was now laughing. ???Oh, quick! Go light the chandelier candles!???
???I already did. Come on, you. Your date is downstairs. He's anxious to meet you.???
???I would hardly call him a date, Alexandria.??? I muttered as I started out of my room to enter hers. She simply ghosted through my wall, and when I was walking in, she was already throwing pieces of clothing everywhere. ???I don't even know him.???
???Oh, whatever. Once anyone's met Nathaniel, they love him. A lot of the girls here tonight are jealous.??? she replied. ???Alright, put on this under dress, please. I will help you with the corset in just a moment. And we're both young girls, Erin, you don't have to go into your room to change.??? I nodded, and started getting undressed from my work clothes, and into the under dress that was handed to me. After I was done, she tied the corset very tightly.
???Wait a second,??? I said after pondering. ???You've met Nathaniel????
???Yes. And Cassandra.???
???Are you... Coming tonight???? I was sort of praying that she did.
???Everyone's going to be glowing because of the chandelier. I wouldn't see the harm... Only one problem, Erin. I'm see-through. I'll freak everybody out.??? she sighed. ???I think I'll just watch from the ceiling.???
???Well, doesn't everyone know the story about you and Jazelynn????
???No.???
???Oh... Well, I'm sure if we kept you in the light, you wouldn't be so transparent, would you????
Alexandria sighed. ???Even if that did work, Erin, you realize I can't change clothes, right????
???Oops. I forgot about that. Sorry.???
???It's fine. Now, turn around so I can see you.??? I hadn't even noticed that she had been putting the dress on me. I turned. ???Beautiful.???
???Think so????
???Look for yourself.??? I strode over to her mirror and peered in. The dress was a strapless, and the top was tight, white silk. The skirt of it was made of pastel pink ruffles, and around my waist was a gold band, separating the top and the bottom.
???Whoa. That's... So not me.???
???What? You don't like it???? she asked, shocked.
???No! Alexandria, I love it, when I said that, I meant that it wasn't me in the mirror!???
???There was someone else????
I shook my head, grinning. ???No, it means that I can't believe it's me, and for a second, I didn't believe it was.???
???Oh. So you do like it????
???I love it you insane ghoul!??? I laughed and hugged her.
???Good. Now put on the shoes.??? she dangled them in front of me.
???I think I'll kill myself,??? I said after I put them on.
???I'll escort you down. But, first, a quick dance lesson. Okay, put this hand on my shoulder and give me your other hand.??? I did so, and she put one hand at my waist. ???That is how you stand together for waltz, okay????
???Got it. I think I've seen enough movies to know how the rest works.???
???Movie????
???I'll explain later.???
???Okay... Well, off we go.??? she wrapped one arm around my waist again, grabbed her brush off the dresser, and ghosted us through the door and down to the ballroom entrance. ???I forgot to brush your hair.??? she laughed, and brushed it out. ???Your hair is really long... And really blonde.??? I joined in laughing. I'd always said my hair color was the white-yellow of vanilla ice cream. It was. ???It's pretty.???
???Thank you.???
???You're welcome. Have fun tonight,??? she grinned, and hugged me tightly. ???Tell Cassandra and Nathaniel that I said hello.???
???I'll be sure to.??? I nodded.
???Thanks, and here comes your date.??? she snickered, and before she left, kissed me on the cheek. ???Have fun,??? she reminded me, and vanished out the doorway. I could hear her say, ???Hello, Cassandra, Nathaniel... She's just inside of that room.???
Two people entered the room, a young woman and a young man. ???You're Rhiannon, right???? Cassandra asked.
???Yeah, call me Erin, and, you're Cassandra, I'm guessing...????
She nodded. ???This is Nathaniel, he's your date.???
I swore that Alexandria snickered again. ???I'd hardly call it that. We've never even met. You're as bad as Alexandria... She says hello, by the way.???
???She makes a point,??? Nathaniel said.
???Sadly, you're the first to agree with me.???
???Really???? he asked.
???I repeat: Sadly.??? he nodded and Cassandra left us, my guess was to look for Jack in the ballroom. Nathaniel felt the same as I did, by the looks of it. Awkward. ???Um, ready to go in????
???I guess, even though I think I'd rather die.???
???You too, huh????
???Way more than you know,??? he sighed. We walked in, and five minutes was all I could stand with all of the people fussing over us. Once there was a break in the fussing, I started for the door. ???Where are you going???? he whispered, confused.
???Retreating.??? I whispered back, and with that, I was out the door and up the stairs. When the sound of footsteps came behind me, I whirled around, and saw Jack, Cassandra, and Nathaniel. ???What the... Why are you following me????
???As if we wanted to go in the first place, Erin.??? chuckled Jack. ???But, you really need to get back down there before Aunt Theodosia notices that you're gone.??? I sighed. ???Come on, don't get all shy on me now, Erin. Plus, Alexandria might kill you because you're not showing off that dress.??? after they listed out the pros and cons of the ball, I was forced downstairs anyway. ???Don't let go of her hand, Nathaniel.???
???You don't have to make the guy hold my hand! He's surely got dignity enough not to.???
???Then we'll dance,??? he replied.
???No, no, no??????
???I've got dignity, remember???? he asked, and then we were spinning.
???True... But this isn't much of an improvement!???
He laughed.
???I see that you're not really one for dancing, much.???
???You think???? I asked, raising an eyebrow. ???Oh yeah, I forgot, sorry about my brother setting us up on a blind date. He's...???
???Crazy, insane, a lunatic???? offered Nathaniel.
???Exactly. And I think even Alexandria is convinced that since we're on this 'date' that we're going to fall in love.???
???She's always been into the matchmaking phase. As far as I know, anyway... I'm only eighteen.???
???Huh. Interesting. I'm fifteen.???
???Are you serious???? Nathaniel asked, wide-eyed.
???No, I'd really joke about my age, Nathaniel. Of course I'm fifteen. What did you think? I'm not short enough to be thirteen.???
???I thought you were older, is the thing.??? he sighed. ???Jack shouldn't have introduced you to this so soon. You should have at least been seventeen.???
???Introduced me to what????
Nathaniel and I stopped moving. He gestured widely with one arm. ???This. Alexandria, Jazelynn...??? he trailed off. ???It's not safe here for you, and Jazelynn is very powerful.???
???I never said she wasn't. And I never asked to be the heiress, Nathaniel. It's not as if I had a choice. But I'll tell you something,??? I glared at him. ???Jack introduced me to this, and by God, I'm going to do what I need to.???
???You're never going to get the Medallion of the Immortal on your own.??? his words stung.
???Shut up. I'll do it, it'll take time. But I will put an end to Jazelynn. I am the heiress, and I will get the Medallion of the Immortal back!??? Oh, God, had that seriously just come out of my mouth?
The cheery smiles of everyone suddenly vanished, and gasps took their place as a glowing orb appeared in the center of the ballroom and exploded in a white flash. ???Where is she??? where is Rhiannon!???? the voice hissed out. Nathaniel and I raced to the inner part of the crowd to see what all of the commotion was. I pushed past more of the people, yanking myself from Nathaniel's grasp.
???I'm right here!??? I shouted, and the all too familiar, hateful gray eyes locked on me.
???Die.??? sneered Jazelynn, and then she lunged at me. Everything happened quick: I braced myself, but felt no impact. Instead, I saw a large, furry creature bolt out in front of me, and a blur of white and black fly in.
Jazelynn vanished just before Jack and Alexandria made contact with her. Alexandria ghosted through Jack, and Jack landed on the floor, phasing back into a human. ???Erin??? Nathaniel??? take Erin and run! Cassandra, go with them!???
???Not a chance!??? she hollered back. ???I'm going with you, Jack.???
???No??? just do as I say and go!??? ouch. That wasn't a very nice goodbye. Cassandra growled something under her breath, but grabbed my wrist roughly, and started to run, Nathaniel trailing behind.
???Let me go!??? I demanded.
???No way,??? said Nathaniel.
???Alexandria!???
The ghoul appeared almost instantly, swooping down and hoisting me up under my arms, and ghosting us into her room. ???Thanks.???
???You're welcome. You're safe here.??? she said quietly. The two of us were unusually silent for a long period of time. Alexandria was curled up in the far corner of the room, speaking ever so softly. ???I am so, so sorry.??? and with that, I saw the transparent tears run down her face.
Chapter
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