Afterlife (3 page)

Snow

My legs dragged in front of me as I tried to get up and walk. My mind desperately wanted to get up, but my body wouldn’t allow me. I could feel ice clutching from the inside of my boots. The gash on my head was bleeding into my hands. I could taste blood dripping from the small slice on my bottom lip. It hurt like hell. This was my punishment for escaping the prison that I had been living in. I pushed myself up against a nearby tree. Where the heck was I? I had never been to this part of Cornwell, or is this still Cornwell?  There was nothing around me and the earth was quiet, too quiet. I couldn’t help but stare at the blackness surrounding me along with pools of snow. I tried to walk but my leg kept collapsing under me. I wasn’t about to give up and knew that I had to carry on and dragged myself forward, my broken leg twisting awkwardly. I desperately needed help.

I thrashed my leg on the ground, my muscles contracting and I heard myself scream “Holy …! Eugggh,hmmm ” my voice echoed through the forest. I coughed out pieces of blood and puke and pulled myself closer to the tree. I had to get to shelter before they came back looking for me. I took a random path and dragged myself forward for what seemed like hours of darkness and pain, contorting my entire body. I could hear wolves howling and animals positioning themselves for a kill. I had no choice but to keep moving forward.

“Don’t give up, you have a mission to complete. Get to safety, move,” I kept telling myself over and over again until I started to doubt my own sanity. I could see Louisa’s face in my hallucinations beckoning me to find safety. My mind was outraged and my body felt unreal. Then in the distance a very subtle light appeared. Shelter! Safety! I dragged myself along towards the welcoming light. Eventually after an eternity, I collapsed on the hard cold floor in front the small store and pulled my ragged, torn dress up over my knees and broken leg. I could see the fat peeling out from the deep gash where the broken bone protruded. My mind and soul slipped away. I gasped aloud as darkness and blissful oblivion enfolded me.

***
 

Oscar stared out of his bedroom window into the cold winter night. He would hate to be out there. “This is one hellish snow storm,” he thought cupping his hand around his coffee cup.

“Darling, drinking coffee this time of the night is bad for you,” a small woman with brown hair and round glasses interrupted his thoughts. It was his wife Martha. Oscar looked at her with his kind, but sad eyes. At times he couldn’t stand looking into her pale blue eyes. It reminded him that he had failed her by not giving her a child. It was a sad fact that lingered in his heart and soul. He smiled at her and turned around.

“I have to go and check the outside door.”

“Be careful, please!” Martha looked at Oscar with a worried demeanor.

“I know it's hard to understand Martha, but the agreement that we have with the Zylochols is steady, they won't hurt us.”

“I know, but still, we can't be too sure. I feel that there is always something unpredictable about animals that can't be trusted.”

Osteo knew his wife was right, even though he would never admit it out loud. He kissed her on her cheek and climbed down the stairs to the bottom of the floor. The store was quiet. Oscar shook his head, Martha had an overactive imagination. There was nothing to worry about as long as they kept their side of the bargain. The Zylochols would never harm them.  He walked back towards the door and then a sound came from the door, startling him. It sounded like a small human moan! Oscar grabbed his heart.  
Who could be out there that time of the night,
a burglar or one of them perhaps, one of the Zylochols
? He shimmied to the side and crept below the store counter where he kept his gun. He grabbed the gun and hid behind the counter. Within seconds a strong wind blew the door open. The wind rushed in along with ice cold snow. Oscar could feel the cold ice on his arms. There was nothing else to do but to face whoever was out there.

“Who is there?” he shouted.  No one answered.  He lifted himself to his feet, gun in hand and walked to the front of the store. If this was the end call, he was indeed ready. He faced the fear of what was lurking in the shadows to brave the world. As a young man he was never brave, he never went to war but now all fifty two years of him was ready to take on whatever was lurking outside.  Then when he took that very leap of faith and walked outside and braved the world, he saw her. Small, beautiful with red hair and the smallest hands he had ever seen. Curled up in a bundle an innocent young girl tortured and bruised beyond belief lying lifeless on the floor. For a second Oscar could not utter a word and then he yelled for his wife. “Martha! Martha!” He screamed so loud that he could feel his voice disappear. Chocking at the words he continued Marth... Martha... Until his voice was silent from the cold. His wife came running down.

“What in the world …” he said as he looked at Martha in shock. She was holding one of the largest steak knives that he had ever seen. “Put…put…that thing down before you hurt someone Martha Josephine Williams! Give me that!” He yanked the steak knife out of her hand and tossed it into the corner of the room. They stared at the child before them not knowing what to do next. “What if this is a setup from them Martha?”

“We can't keep her out here. They will smell her blood and come to search for her if they haven't already.”

 Martha stared at the girl and then at Oscar. “But you said the pact forbade them from touching blood?”

Oscar looked at his wife “You were the one that said we couldn’t trust animals.”

“No, I said we couldn't trust vampires.”

“You never…” Martha gave Oscar a serious look.

Without another word Oscar scooped Fleur into his arms and carried her inside into safety. Oscar placed the girl on the kitchen table. Martha looked at the girl’s leg.  Years of nursing at an old age home in London had taught her a few things. She pulled the girls dress up and examined the damaged leg.  Her leg was broken in four places.  She knew that she would have to manipulate the leg before she could set it and the best time was immediately, while the girl was still unconscious.

 This girl was going to suffer excruciating pain for a long time and she prayed that she wouldn’t limp after it was healed. Martha felt such emotion looking at the vulnerable girl and she somehow knew deep down that she would help this girl even if it meant offering up her own life and breaking the pact between the humans of Graceton Hills and the vampires of Zylochol.

“Come and conceal the truth that is hidden once more”

                                                                                                          Injured

I woke up feeling drugged with a pounding headache and my vision blurred.  Around me I could see shades of pale pink and blue candy striped walls. The sun peeked warm through the bedroom window. If it wasn’t for the pain in my leg I could easily confuse this for Heaven. Judging by the dryness of my throat I was alive in some extraordinary way and I craved water. I turned my head and there sat a petite lady in an armchair next to me. I tried to speak and she jumped in surprise.
 

“Shhhh … don’t talk,” she said in a motherly tone and kind eyes, stroking my hair gently.

She smelt of cinnamon and lavender. I tried talking but all I could get out was a hoarse croak.
 

She carefully poured me a glass of water, put her arm around my back and brought the cool liquid to my lips. I gulped and gulped.
 

“Careful, not so fast,” she said gently as she lowered me down on the pillow.
 

Then I was gone again and darkness enfolded me.
 

Fever and pain took me into a cascade of dreams, dreams where I saw Louisa, my parents and Jacques St Cloud. The dreams turned into nightmares and the nightmares into never ending chaos. I woke up moaning and shaking, then feeling a gentle hand on my head and then the dreams would start again. Shaking violently I could feel every muscle contract in my body, my leg was in agony, it felt as if the searing pain would drown me.  The woman with the kind eyes was always there when I managed to open my eyes, her cool and reassuring hand always comforting me. For some reason I clung towards her as if she was my only salvation. Her soft touch calmed my senses.
 

I could feel my eyes welling up with tears, but I couldn’t bring myself to say anything besides “He has my sister, stop him.” I moved between consciousness and delirium. I felt aggravated and I could hear myself shout out, “I hate him, I hate him!” But always as the nightmares subsided, a gentle comforting hand and voice would settle me into a deep sleep.
 

The same dream would repeat itself for the next two months. Often I would surface into consciousness lying in her arms and her rocking me like my mother used to. I felt so safe and cared for and I am sure that her motherly arms had much to do with my eventual slow, but steady recovery.
 

 
The dreams challenged my mind, it was always the same. Later in the dream I could see myself laughing while I was standing somewhere in a forest, a raindrop rolled down a branch and fell on my nose. My hair was a sparkling red color and I was wearing a white flowing ball gown made from silk. I could feel him, the one I loved, staring at me intensely and his eyes as golden as the sun. I could hear him saying, “My love Fleur, you are everything to me.” His fingertips lightly shivering as he touched my face beckoning for me to come closer. “I don't know what I will do if I lost you, are you sure you want to be with me?
 

My body protested as I fought for him to stay, but he never did and he disappeared when I awoke. The dreams continued for days I could never remember who the guy in my dreams was or if he even had a name. His face was always a blur. Sometimes I tried telling myself that he was just a figment of my imagination, but I felt that someone somewhere was trying to enter my dreams. 
 

Martha was always there to help me pick up the pieces and later Oscar became a part of my recovery as well. After every dream they would console me and help me. Once my delirium subsided, they became my closest confidantes and eventually I told them about Miss Madison and my sister Louisa. Martha never said anything, but I knew she understood my situation better than anyone. Oscar was a rock in my time of need even though I saw less of him than I did of Martha. He would sometimes come into my room and offer me some broth and bread.

As the months passed the break downs and strange dreams became less frequent and I felt like I was settling in more and more. My wounds were healing and I could slowly but certainly start moving around with crutches. They were careful not to allow me outside during my recovery process.

However, there was one particular morning that marked the final steps in my recovery. I remembered Martha coming in and opening the curtains so that I could feel the sun’s warm rays on my skin. It was wonderful and invigorating.

She looked at me with a smile on her face. “I was wondering if you would like to go outside for a bit so that you can get some fresh air. I believe you are strong enough to sit outside a bit and the weather has cleared and it is a beautiful day today.”

Suddenly I felt uncertain. “I don’t know if the time is right for me to go out … not yet anyway.” I knew she was only trying to help me, but she didn’t understand. No one did. Life outside of these four walls had been hell. It had been more than hell. The room had become my safe haven. I climbed out of bed and limped towards the window and touched the wooden panels with my fingers. It felt smooth and solid. I looked out at the garden and at the hill top and forest that lay beyond the blue skies.

The world outside was cruel and I wasn’t quite ready to face that again. Martha stood behind me, her fingers running through my tangled hair. “I promise nothing will happen to you, not while we are here with you.” She turned me around softly and took my hands into hers. “Please I insist, it would mean a great deal to us if you joined us today.” I felt compelled to say yes and nodded. “Wonderful! I will pack a picnic basket. Oh and Fleur, I bought you something at the store the other day.” She took a white box with a ribbon from the closet and placed it on the bed. “You really shouldn’t have brought me anything.” Martha smiled and winked at me. “Open it,” and closed the door behind her.

 I grabbed the box. The first gift I had gotten since my parents died! It was pretty I didn’t even want to open it. I slowly unwrapped the box, enjoying the thrill of anticipation.  Inside the tissue paper smelt of roses as I unfold it to reveal a beautiful floral summer dress. I touched the fabric and marveled at the sight of the dress. I twirled in front of the mirror.  I had never owned anything like this, at least nothing that was mine. I placed the dress reverently back into the box. Martha and Oscar had done so much for me, I really had no idea how I would ever be able to repay them.

I walked into the bathroom and tested the water that Martha had prepared for me. The water caressed my body as I climbed in and sunk into the warm fragrant bath. I traced my hands over the scars on my legs and wondered if the ugly marks would ever disappear. After a while I climbed out and as my feet touched the cold concrete floor, I shivered slightly and then grabbed the towel from the hook and covered myself. For a while I simply sat on the edge of the bath, taking in my surroundings. I prayed to God that this wasn’t just a dream and that my life would be normal from now on.

***

The dress was a perfect fit. I looked in the mirror and could not take my eyes off myself, although my body was thin and bony I looked wonderful. Suddenly I felt joyful and full of life. Brushing my long hair, I took the green ribbon that accompanied the dress and tied my hair. Since childhood my hair had gone from a mousy strawberry blonde color to a striking Titian red and now it was a lot longer.

I left my safe haven and I climbed down the steps into the store and into a new life.

***

It was a beautiful shop with gold chandeliers and high pressed ceilings. The smell of cotton candy was floating in the air and there were rows and rows of all sorts of sweets and delicatessens that lined the wooden shelves.

“Wow! You look stunning! Such a pretty girl needs something sweet to celebrate such a pretty dress. Can I offer you some chocolate cake?” Oscar scooped a piece of cake from a pink cake stand.  I automatically shook my head intensely even though I craved a piece.  I couldn’t take advantage of their kindness and hospitality.

Luckily Oscar ignored me and steered me to a table where he served me with hot tea and the most delectable chocolate cake.

Oscar came and sat across from me, leaning his strong arms on the table. With a look of such expectation he said, "Now take a bite and tell me if you have ever tasted anything as nice as this?”  I took a bite and it melted in my mouth. This was heavenly, delicious, awe inspiring and I closed my eyes in rapture, rich and sweet, with a tinge of bitterness. It reminded me of my life, the way it was and how things had changed.

Oscar chuckled happily and Martha joined us as she looked at me approvingly. “At least your appetite is returning, I was starting to get worried.”

“I have to thank both of you for being so kind, but I cannot expect you to keep me here.”

“Shhh!!! Not another word!” Oscar gave me a stern look as he took Martha’s hand in his. “This is your home now, me and Martha wanted to wait until the picnic, but now is as good a time as any.”

“We want you to stay with us for as long as you want, if you want to.”

Martha looked at me and I could see that she waited tensely for my answer. It was a strange feeling to experience such kindness.

“If you want to think about it, there is no rush,” she said.

Oscar winked and said, “I have a plan.”

“A plan?”  I was suddenly worried.

“Oh my child please don’t look so worried, I merely wanted to suggest that you work for us in exchange for rent and board here in the store.  Goodness knows we could do with an extra pair of hands to sort out the customers. That is if you are okay with dealing with old grumpy ladies who love to complain?”

I found myself laughing out loud for the first time in years.

“You think that’s funny young lady, wait until you meet Mrs Calvin. She complains about everything. Really Martha we should consider banning that woman permanently. If her husband wasn’t so bloody rich …”

“Please Oscar you will give yourself a heart attack.”

“Okay, okay, I will stay! Thank you so much for the love and generosity. I could not answer immediately, because I was so overwhelmed, and I would love to stay.”

“Brilliant! Then we will throw a party to welcome you.” Oscar was jubilant.

“Please no party I think I have had enough excitement to last me a lifetime.”

“Okay, okay then we will have a small feast.”

I smiled as Oscar put his arms around me and Martha and steered us joyfully out of the store.

Outside the world was in full bloom. Flowers were budding and there was a fresh summery smell in the air.

“Is it safe around these parts?” I asked Martha.

“Yes, my dear it is safe, but try not to go further than two miles south.”

I could sense that Martha didn’t want to alarm me. I couldn’t place my finger on it but she was definitely afraid of something.

After lunch I strolled down towards the woods and a peaceful water stream. For the first time in my life I felt completely free. I found myself looking up at the trees towering above me. The sun was outlining the tree branches and then I sensed another presence. There was someone in the tree in front of me. I could swear that I had seen someone or something move in the tree in front of me. Maybe my mind was playing tricks on me, but I would rather be safe than sorry. I turned around and returned to Martha and Oscar, but something was still bothering me.

                                                                                                   ***

Daniel Fernus was a troubled young man, never knowing the love of a father or mother had messed with his head. As he sat in the tree he looked down at the girl in the floral dress and felt his heart miss a beat. She was definetly a great substitute for hunting animals. He could smell her blood miles away and the smell still lingered even though she was already miles away. If only the treaty wasn’t in place he would be feasting. He jumped over to the next tree and stared at the blue sky peeking out beyond the tree branches. “Maybe just maybe he should get more acquainted with the shop keeper’s new guest,” he thought to himself.

 A voice behind him called out in distress “Daniel! Daniel!” Daniel rushed down to the side of the tree and disappeared.

It feels so much like falling

Separated from the fear

Aware of a destination far away from here

Far away from here

Flyleaf – Much like falling