Monday, January 18, 2010
A MESSAGE FROM THE AUTHORS
We appreciate you following and supporting this story. After a brief hiatus, we will return in the Spring with more adventures of Violet/Lillian. We hope that you will join us.
Chapter 13
Lillian focused her eyes and exhaled with relief thinking that the night had passed without incident. As she sat up a dizzy sensation overwhelmed her, she quickly closed her eyes back. When she touched her forehead there was a rancid scent and wetness. The warm sensation around her abdomen revealed a bloodstained gown, some portions of the material looked as though it had been drying for hours. Everywhere she touched left a blood print. Once she stood up there was a pain in her left heel forcing her to favor the right leg and buckle to her knees. She pulled herself across the hardwood floors, her upper body weakening as she neared closer to the bathroom. Once she reached the bathroom she threw off the gown and took inventory of her wounds. All she could think was “what happened, what happened?”
She dragged herself over to the tub, pulled up on the side and dropped the stop in while turning on the water. While the water was filling she rummaged through the cabinets and came upon a needle and thread. She lite a match and sanitized the tip of the needle. Still outside the tub, she grabbed a washcloth; put it in her mouth to mute the scream as she doused her body with alcohol and water. The burgundy stream ran down her chest, nipples and over her stomach as the blood washed away, pooling in between her legs. Lillian winced and grimaced, she could tell that there was a puncture in her side that had been slowly bleeding for a while. She turned off the water. There was no way that she would make it into the tub. She forced her finger tips inside the hole and felt around. Just as she suspected there was the poisoned silver ball. The thorns had not ejected yet, there was still time. She needed anything that could get a firm grip without pushing it further inside of her flesh. At most she had 6 hours from the time of injection before the pellet thorns would pierce causing her body to internally break down. There was no way to be certain as to how long she’d been in this condition.
“Lillian!” the voice grew closer as did the footsteps; she could tell the person was running toward her. “Lillian!” She quickly tried to hide herself behind the bathroom door. She was completely vulnerable. “Lillian, I am here, I am coming to you.”
Francois pushed open the door and saw her slumped, weakened figure. “You’re still the sharpest card in the deck; I see you tried to position yourself. I knew if she couldn’t come for you she’d send someone.” He held her closely in his arms, laying her down to examine the injuries. He couldn’t help but gaze in awe at her flawless curves, even in this compromised state she was the most beautiful woman his eyes had seen. Lillian pointed to the wounds and allowed herself to be attended to; this is the one person she felt safe with in this town.
In between her shallow breathing Lillian spoke, “it was that bitch waitress wasn’t it? I felt like the wine was beginning to get to me, I got caught up in being home, the freeness of the place, how could I let down my guards?”
Francoise moved quickly to work, trying to stop the bleeding. “Stop talking mon petite fleur, save your energy, I see you located the poisonous pellet. This must have been shot at you before you returned home.” Do you remember feeling a pinch at any point, anything?” Francois was speaking out loud, but answering his own questions. “Ah, the wine, you probably didn’t feel it because of the wine. You know that the bleeding doesn’t start immediately, it can take a couple of hours before the wound opens up to bleed you to death and usually the poison keeps secreting into your system just enough to keep you unconscious.”
“Tweezers, there,” Lillian nodding towards the opened and disheveled drawers. “I may have something in bag as well; she pointed to an area in the room beyond the bathroom door.” Francois took action and was back in seconds sanitizing the rudimentary surgical tool. He put the towel back in her mouth and counted 1-2-3, he slid the tweezers through the puncture wound and took hold of the ball. “I have got a firm grip on it, but I need you to breathe out as I pull it. I am going to count again and pull. 1-2-3,” he applied force to the carotid artery in her neck leading to the brain; she was out in an instance. He quickly injected her with a tranquilizer and the tip of the tweezers reappeared with the pellet. With his other hand he reached across to his satchel and emerged with a triple insulated cylinder device. He opened the latch, dropped the pellet into the neutralizing chemical and sealed it back tossing the entire container into the tub.
Just as he rolled his body to provide coverage for Lillian, the round shot up out of the tub and hit the ceiling, leaving a nice sized gash. When it fell back down it created a splash and sound that seemed as if the tub would break. Francois had made it in the knick of time, a moment later and Lillian would have been completely imploded and shattered from within. He kissed her forehead and went to work on sewing up the puncture. He was relieved that she was not coherent to feel the pain, she had been through enough.
In an instant Francois flashed back to a time when they were young pre-teens out on one of their explorative journeys. It usually happened when Lillian would get sent to perform one chore or another. They would always take it as an opportunity to pick a corner of the ward and make it their very own. It was also a chance to escape reality and claim back a portion of their childhood that was being diminished by what they each faced day-to-day. On one particular escapade after Lillian’s father passed away, she had lost the list of items she was supposed to purchase and terrified of the repercussions. Francois had concocted that if Lillian just returned with a bottle of moonshine, all would be forgotten by Lady LaRouche as to anything Lillian couldn’t remember from the list. Well, that was much easier than it sounded. It entailed going over to the shady parts of another ward where some of the clientele lived and crossed in, but Lillian and Francois did not venture out.
Also, what if someone spotted them and told. What was refreshing about the memory was Lillian’s innocence. Even with all that she was experiencing and exposed to at that time, there was still a girlish naivety about her. However, the house and that woman, Lady LaRouche tried to slowly squeeze it out of her….
They crept up on Pierre’s place, looking like a detective and the sidekick. Francois knocked on the back alley door, while Lillian stood watch behind a trash bin. It was obvious that she couldn’t go in; the goons in Pierre’s would have her in an instance. Francois jumped at the chance to go in and brush up on his street and impersonation skills. Plus, if he pulled this off, he’d look unstoppable in Lillian’s eyes. It seemed like forever before the door opened and Francois emerged just as cool as he had entered. He signaled to Lillian to stay put. A couple of thugs followed him and all three of them kept walking past where Lillian was and on down the street. She panicked, “what the hell is he doing” she thought, uncertain if she should she follow or stay put. What if they hurt him, how long should she wait. In an instance she calmed herself and thought about her Francois. He always knew how to get in and out of anything. She’d wait for their customary time and go on to the store to get the items she could remember. All she could do after that was hope he’d be at the house like they had done times past.
As she neared the structure the pressure increased from not knowing where Francois was, as well as nervousness of what awaited her inside the doors. The doors that were no longer her home, but that lady’s brothel, her stomach was tied up in a knot. Out of nowhere Francois whisked past her doubling back and kissing her square on the lips. “You knew I wouldn’t let you down,” he was smiling and winded at the same time.
Lillian couldn’t help but let out a grin but frowned too as she pushed him away. “This was pushing it, you really had me scared, I had no idea where those guys were taking you. I caught your signal to stay put and yes you seemed calm, but jeez, never again. I’ll take the lashing before I worry about your life over something so foolish.”
“You did exactly what I wanted you to do, stop that talk, we are connected mon petite fleur, and you cannot stop that flow of energy. Plus I got the remedy to keep her off of you.” His hands emerged with the moonshine. “Mission accomplished. Now get in there and I will be by later after they are all in a drunken stupor. Stay near the window and leave it cracked so you’ll hear me.”
Lillian’s heart skipped a beat and she replied, “Yes, I will do that if I can Francois.”
Since her father had passed, Francois never let her down; of course whenever she could she would escape over to where Nahmie and Toby were too. Grandfather always let her know they could be trusted. But during those difficult years, after Father passed and his wife inherited all his wealth, her disdain for Lillian’s beauty and the love her dad always showed her surfaced in a brutal way. She cut off Lillian’s ties to the family and quickly isolated her from any light into the darkness of her sick and twisted world. Being so young, Lillian wasn’t prepared for how to respond to the plot against her very life, but as her own heart darkened and her gifts became more in tune, she was growing into a force to be reckoned with.
Francois closed up the wound and wrapped Lillian’s body in material, leaving only a space for her to breathe. He had to move quickly, Lillian needed the blood that she had lost. There was only one place he could trust to help with her life, he had to move in the shadows, as word was definitely out that Lillian Valmont was home. Surely with all the lives she had to take during her initial escape, there were so many who still wanted to even the score. Francois was going to make sure she was safe, at least for now.
She dragged herself over to the tub, pulled up on the side and dropped the stop in while turning on the water. While the water was filling she rummaged through the cabinets and came upon a needle and thread. She lite a match and sanitized the tip of the needle. Still outside the tub, she grabbed a washcloth; put it in her mouth to mute the scream as she doused her body with alcohol and water. The burgundy stream ran down her chest, nipples and over her stomach as the blood washed away, pooling in between her legs. Lillian winced and grimaced, she could tell that there was a puncture in her side that had been slowly bleeding for a while. She turned off the water. There was no way that she would make it into the tub. She forced her finger tips inside the hole and felt around. Just as she suspected there was the poisoned silver ball. The thorns had not ejected yet, there was still time. She needed anything that could get a firm grip without pushing it further inside of her flesh. At most she had 6 hours from the time of injection before the pellet thorns would pierce causing her body to internally break down. There was no way to be certain as to how long she’d been in this condition.
“Lillian!” the voice grew closer as did the footsteps; she could tell the person was running toward her. “Lillian!” She quickly tried to hide herself behind the bathroom door. She was completely vulnerable. “Lillian, I am here, I am coming to you.”
Francois pushed open the door and saw her slumped, weakened figure. “You’re still the sharpest card in the deck; I see you tried to position yourself. I knew if she couldn’t come for you she’d send someone.” He held her closely in his arms, laying her down to examine the injuries. He couldn’t help but gaze in awe at her flawless curves, even in this compromised state she was the most beautiful woman his eyes had seen. Lillian pointed to the wounds and allowed herself to be attended to; this is the one person she felt safe with in this town.
In between her shallow breathing Lillian spoke, “it was that bitch waitress wasn’t it? I felt like the wine was beginning to get to me, I got caught up in being home, the freeness of the place, how could I let down my guards?”
Francoise moved quickly to work, trying to stop the bleeding. “Stop talking mon petite fleur, save your energy, I see you located the poisonous pellet. This must have been shot at you before you returned home.” Do you remember feeling a pinch at any point, anything?” Francois was speaking out loud, but answering his own questions. “Ah, the wine, you probably didn’t feel it because of the wine. You know that the bleeding doesn’t start immediately, it can take a couple of hours before the wound opens up to bleed you to death and usually the poison keeps secreting into your system just enough to keep you unconscious.”
“Tweezers, there,” Lillian nodding towards the opened and disheveled drawers. “I may have something in bag as well; she pointed to an area in the room beyond the bathroom door.” Francois took action and was back in seconds sanitizing the rudimentary surgical tool. He put the towel back in her mouth and counted 1-2-3, he slid the tweezers through the puncture wound and took hold of the ball. “I have got a firm grip on it, but I need you to breathe out as I pull it. I am going to count again and pull. 1-2-3,” he applied force to the carotid artery in her neck leading to the brain; she was out in an instance. He quickly injected her with a tranquilizer and the tip of the tweezers reappeared with the pellet. With his other hand he reached across to his satchel and emerged with a triple insulated cylinder device. He opened the latch, dropped the pellet into the neutralizing chemical and sealed it back tossing the entire container into the tub.
Just as he rolled his body to provide coverage for Lillian, the round shot up out of the tub and hit the ceiling, leaving a nice sized gash. When it fell back down it created a splash and sound that seemed as if the tub would break. Francois had made it in the knick of time, a moment later and Lillian would have been completely imploded and shattered from within. He kissed her forehead and went to work on sewing up the puncture. He was relieved that she was not coherent to feel the pain, she had been through enough.
In an instant Francois flashed back to a time when they were young pre-teens out on one of their explorative journeys. It usually happened when Lillian would get sent to perform one chore or another. They would always take it as an opportunity to pick a corner of the ward and make it their very own. It was also a chance to escape reality and claim back a portion of their childhood that was being diminished by what they each faced day-to-day. On one particular escapade after Lillian’s father passed away, she had lost the list of items she was supposed to purchase and terrified of the repercussions. Francois had concocted that if Lillian just returned with a bottle of moonshine, all would be forgotten by Lady LaRouche as to anything Lillian couldn’t remember from the list. Well, that was much easier than it sounded. It entailed going over to the shady parts of another ward where some of the clientele lived and crossed in, but Lillian and Francois did not venture out.
Also, what if someone spotted them and told. What was refreshing about the memory was Lillian’s innocence. Even with all that she was experiencing and exposed to at that time, there was still a girlish naivety about her. However, the house and that woman, Lady LaRouche tried to slowly squeeze it out of her….
They crept up on Pierre’s place, looking like a detective and the sidekick. Francois knocked on the back alley door, while Lillian stood watch behind a trash bin. It was obvious that she couldn’t go in; the goons in Pierre’s would have her in an instance. Francois jumped at the chance to go in and brush up on his street and impersonation skills. Plus, if he pulled this off, he’d look unstoppable in Lillian’s eyes. It seemed like forever before the door opened and Francois emerged just as cool as he had entered. He signaled to Lillian to stay put. A couple of thugs followed him and all three of them kept walking past where Lillian was and on down the street. She panicked, “what the hell is he doing” she thought, uncertain if she should she follow or stay put. What if they hurt him, how long should she wait. In an instance she calmed herself and thought about her Francois. He always knew how to get in and out of anything. She’d wait for their customary time and go on to the store to get the items she could remember. All she could do after that was hope he’d be at the house like they had done times past.
As she neared the structure the pressure increased from not knowing where Francois was, as well as nervousness of what awaited her inside the doors. The doors that were no longer her home, but that lady’s brothel, her stomach was tied up in a knot. Out of nowhere Francois whisked past her doubling back and kissing her square on the lips. “You knew I wouldn’t let you down,” he was smiling and winded at the same time.
Lillian couldn’t help but let out a grin but frowned too as she pushed him away. “This was pushing it, you really had me scared, I had no idea where those guys were taking you. I caught your signal to stay put and yes you seemed calm, but jeez, never again. I’ll take the lashing before I worry about your life over something so foolish.”
“You did exactly what I wanted you to do, stop that talk, we are connected mon petite fleur, and you cannot stop that flow of energy. Plus I got the remedy to keep her off of you.” His hands emerged with the moonshine. “Mission accomplished. Now get in there and I will be by later after they are all in a drunken stupor. Stay near the window and leave it cracked so you’ll hear me.”
Lillian’s heart skipped a beat and she replied, “Yes, I will do that if I can Francois.”
Since her father had passed, Francois never let her down; of course whenever she could she would escape over to where Nahmie and Toby were too. Grandfather always let her know they could be trusted. But during those difficult years, after Father passed and his wife inherited all his wealth, her disdain for Lillian’s beauty and the love her dad always showed her surfaced in a brutal way. She cut off Lillian’s ties to the family and quickly isolated her from any light into the darkness of her sick and twisted world. Being so young, Lillian wasn’t prepared for how to respond to the plot against her very life, but as her own heart darkened and her gifts became more in tune, she was growing into a force to be reckoned with.
Francois closed up the wound and wrapped Lillian’s body in material, leaving only a space for her to breathe. He had to move quickly, Lillian needed the blood that she had lost. There was only one place he could trust to help with her life, he had to move in the shadows, as word was definitely out that Lillian Valmont was home. Surely with all the lives she had to take during her initial escape, there were so many who still wanted to even the score. Francois was going to make sure she was safe, at least for now.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Chapter 12
Chapter 12
Violet struggled to wake up. She tried to will her eyes to open but they would not obey. Chills ran up and down her spine like playful children. It was hard to breath. The pressure on her chest seemed to surround her lungs and with each breath that pressure increased. She felt the pressure on her chest spread. There was a heaviness that engulfed her entire body she clenched her fist in an attempt to endure the weight crushing down on her… And just as suddenly as the episode had begun her invisible attacker ceased. Violet was immediately alert and at full attention.
“What?! Where am I?”
The room was pitch black. The last thing Violet could remember was being in a warm bath, the sensation of floating and drifting, she could swear she heard Nahmie and Toby’s voices. Violet was clean and warm. There was a familiarity in the room.
Violet climbed out of the bed and made her way to the light switch by the door. She knew this space, this felt like home. She found herself in a room surrounded by all of her things. She had been lying on her bed on her sheets. She looked down and saw that she was wearing an oxford sweatshirt and matching sweats. Could this be real? Violet had not been able to project herself over such a vast distance before and she wasn’t sure if she was strong enough to make it last.
Violet took in a deep breath and rubbed her chest. “I don’t remember it hurting so much.”
There was a slight tugging at her spirit. She could feel gravity pulling at her. She tried to focus in order to ground herself in this location but she knew she was still to weak. It would be only a matter of moments before she would have to return. She promised herself that she would maintain control this time.
Violet rushed to write a note for Nahmie. She wanted to let her know that she will be in Louisiana.
Nahmie,
I don’t know how long I have I feel the pull of gravity on my spirit as I write these words. I have so much to tell you about my journey but I am sure you already know that since you always seem to know.
I just wanted to let you know that I am in Louisiana. I think this may be a sign Nahmie, a sign that it is time to stop running from my past. It is time to face him and what happened so many years ago.
In 3 days I will meet you at Le Petite Chateau on Bourbon Street. I know that you are worried but I feel this is something that must be done. If I don’t do this now I may never do it and I don’t want to spend the rest of my life running. It is time to reclaim my life.
Try not to worry too much. I will see you soon.
Always,
Violet (soon to be Lillian)
Violet put the note on the pillow she had been resting on and rushed to the closet. Quickly she changed clothes and packed another bag of supplies. She sat on the edge of the bed and closed her eyes. She started by focusing on her heartbeat and matching the heartbeat to her breath. Then she recreated the room that she was in, the slight smell of lavender and the warmth in the room. She could hear the faint sound of a baby laughing and Kaye’s grandmotherly taunts to her new grandson.
Violet opened her eyes and she was once again in the bathroom of the little shack in the bayou. She rested her head against the freestanding bathtub. Violet was back. She smiled to herself and climbed to her feet and exited the little room.
“I was bout to come in der on ya gurl. You was in dat tub fo a long time. I thought maybe you was took down the drain.” Kaye said with a sight giggle.
“I am okay. I just needed to take a moment to get my mind together.”
“I see you got yo self a change a clothes. If I done learned anyting travellin wit you I know anyting is possible so I aint even gon ask where you got dem from.”
“Thanks, Kaye. Will you point me in the right direction to get to town.”
“Oh, don’t you worry none. After we eat Sarafeen here is gon take you into town.”
Violet turns to Sarafina and nods as a sign of gratitude. Sarafina nods back. The three ladies have a jovial dinner together. Sarafina tells her mother about all the neighborhood gossip that she has missed over the years.
When dinner was over Violet and Kaye said their goodbyes quietly. Kaye did her best to hold back her tears and she was almost successful. In a burst of emotions Kaye began to cry.
“Ms V. I owe you my life. You gave me hope. You were the light in the darkeness and I jus aint got tha words to sho you how I feel. You brought me from the dead and gave me back my family.”
“Kaye, we saved each other and I will never forget you.”
The two ladies embraced. And Violet and Sarafina leave.
Violet takes the trolley to St. Charles Ave to the famous Garden District. She walks down Jackson Ave and making a right on Prytania to find herself standing in front of a large mansion. The building is an odd combination of Greek revival and Victorian architecture. It is a large two-story house with an upstairs deck supported by round columns and a cone-topped tower. A large willow tree stands in the front yard with its twisted branches reaching towards the entry gate as if to scare off intruders but to Violet it was like the welcoming arms of an old friend.
She ran up to the tree hugging its trunk. She ran her hands across a heart that had been carved into the center of the trees trunk. LV + FB 4ever. Her heart began to ache for her previous life, her past and the lost love a boy who grew into the man that she loved and had to leave behind.
The house had been closed up for many years. With the excitement of a child Violet ran through the house tearing the sheets off the furniture, opening the windows and doors. She ran up the stairs and burst through the double doors at the end of the hall.
The master bedroom was huge with silk tapestries hanging from ceiling to floor. In the far corner was a large four-poster bed. Each post had the history of a great family carved into its flesh. Violets family no Lillian’s family. This place held her life’s story, her real story. Her story before she became Violet, before Lillian Blue, back when she was just Lillian Valmont a little girl that lived on Prytania and played with a little boy named Francios Baptist.
Lillian missed Francios, she missed his smell, his touch they way his body felt next to hers, the taste of his mouth on hers. But so much has happened, much time has passed.
“I wonder if he is still here? If he would ever forgive me?” She asked herself.
Violet, now Lillian (again) knew that it would only be a matter of time before word got out that she had returned. She missed New Orleans and would take some time to enjoy the city. She walked through the garden district taking in the beauty and familiarity of the area. She let the memories of her childhood lead her through the neighborhood onto the trolley and to the entryway to the French quarter.
Lillian allowed the sights and sounds wash over her. The music of home, of New Orleans filled her soul. She remembered walking hand in hand with her grandfather through the quarter. She remembered visiting Madame LaRue’s house and while her grandfather visited with Madame in her boudoir she would eat lemon cake in the kitchen with Nahmie and Toby.
Zydeco music filled the air around her a parade of drunken revelers pass Lillian on the street. She allows herself to get caught up in the celebration finds herself submerged in the joy of a group of strangers dancing their way down bourbon street.
There is a small bistro that serve the best shrimp in the world. Lillian finds a small wine table in the back of the restaurant.
“Bon Soirée, madame” the cute waitress said. “What may I get for you?”
“I will have a half order Creole shrimp with rice, some crawdads, a small order of jambalya, 2 pieces of fried chicken, cornbread muffins, green beans, sautéed squash and some turnip greens.” Lillian said with a smile.
“Will someone else be joining you?” The waitress asked.
“No, its just been awhile since I’ve been home and I want to take as much of it in as possible”
“Oh, so you from round these parts.” The waitress said.
“Yessum, I grew up in the Garden District on Prytania.”
“Well, isn’t that special. I know pretty much everyone. My family has been here for generations, since New Orleans was first settled. So who your people be.”
Lillian figured now’s as good a time as any to let the cat out the bag. She just hopped she would get to finish her meal before anything happened.
“My mother was Marianne Valmont and my father Jean Pierre Valmont…”
“So that mean’s your Lillian Valmont? Well, I have heard lots about you. I must say, I am very excited to meet you Ms. Lillian Valmont.” The waitress said as she scurried away.
It was odd for Violet to be addressed by her real name. She couldn’t help but smile at the relief of being Lillian Valmont again.
It was only a few moments before the food arrived. The waitress carefully placed the different sized plates on the table. The waitress leaned over the table to Lillian and in a whisper said, “There are a lot of people looking for you. If I were you I would go back wherever you came from. But rest assured those people who are looking for you are no friends of mine and they won’t be hearing about your return from me.”
Lillian sat back in her chair to enjoy her meal she let the broth from the shrimp dance across her tongue. She enjoyed the butter as it dripped off the green beans into her mouth. It gad been a long time since she enjoyed a meal so entirely.
Full and a little drunk from the Moscato wine Lillian made her way through the quarter in hopes of catching the last trolley back home.
“BonJour mon petite fluer” A deep familiar voice called out to Lillian from behind.
The faint smell of cedar and lavender danced around Lillian’s head filling her sinuses and overwhelming her senses. She knew he would come for her and she smelled him well before she heard his voice. Without moving she said “I knew you would come for me.”
“Did you miss me?” He said.
Lillian turned to face her past. There he stood before her, he looked the same as he did the day she left. She had memorized every inch of his 6 foot 2 inch frame drenched in the deepest and purest molasses. She knew every line on his face, every change in his skin.
“The years have been kind” She said.
“For you as well, I see.” He relied.
“How tragic, you cut your hair.”
“Much time has passed and a change was needed.”
She wanted to rush into his arms and pick back up right where they had left off. Before she could stop herself she was running into his arms. For a moment they were back as they had been once before but it was only for a moment. He evicted her from his arms her head no longer allowed to make a pillow of his chest. That was no longer her home. Lillian could sense many women had lived there since she had gone away.
He was the first to break the silence. “She will kill you if she sees you again. She promised and she never breaks a promise.”
“I know and I will deal with her. But if she doesn’t what doesn’t that mean for us?” Lillian asked.
“I can’t have this conversation now. Are you staying at the old house?”
“Yes”
“Then go there and I will come to you soon.”
“No! I must face her.”
“Not now!”
Lillian began to feel weak. It must be the wine. She couldn’t keep her mind focused. There was a fog over her preventing her from maintaining herself. “Just relax… I will come for you.” The familiar voice of her once lover whispered.
When Lillian opened her eyes it was a new day and she was laying safely in her bed.
Violet struggled to wake up. She tried to will her eyes to open but they would not obey. Chills ran up and down her spine like playful children. It was hard to breath. The pressure on her chest seemed to surround her lungs and with each breath that pressure increased. She felt the pressure on her chest spread. There was a heaviness that engulfed her entire body she clenched her fist in an attempt to endure the weight crushing down on her… And just as suddenly as the episode had begun her invisible attacker ceased. Violet was immediately alert and at full attention.
“What?! Where am I?”
The room was pitch black. The last thing Violet could remember was being in a warm bath, the sensation of floating and drifting, she could swear she heard Nahmie and Toby’s voices. Violet was clean and warm. There was a familiarity in the room.
Violet climbed out of the bed and made her way to the light switch by the door. She knew this space, this felt like home. She found herself in a room surrounded by all of her things. She had been lying on her bed on her sheets. She looked down and saw that she was wearing an oxford sweatshirt and matching sweats. Could this be real? Violet had not been able to project herself over such a vast distance before and she wasn’t sure if she was strong enough to make it last.
Violet took in a deep breath and rubbed her chest. “I don’t remember it hurting so much.”
There was a slight tugging at her spirit. She could feel gravity pulling at her. She tried to focus in order to ground herself in this location but she knew she was still to weak. It would be only a matter of moments before she would have to return. She promised herself that she would maintain control this time.
Violet rushed to write a note for Nahmie. She wanted to let her know that she will be in Louisiana.
Nahmie,
I don’t know how long I have I feel the pull of gravity on my spirit as I write these words. I have so much to tell you about my journey but I am sure you already know that since you always seem to know.
I just wanted to let you know that I am in Louisiana. I think this may be a sign Nahmie, a sign that it is time to stop running from my past. It is time to face him and what happened so many years ago.
In 3 days I will meet you at Le Petite Chateau on Bourbon Street. I know that you are worried but I feel this is something that must be done. If I don’t do this now I may never do it and I don’t want to spend the rest of my life running. It is time to reclaim my life.
Try not to worry too much. I will see you soon.
Always,
Violet (soon to be Lillian)
Violet put the note on the pillow she had been resting on and rushed to the closet. Quickly she changed clothes and packed another bag of supplies. She sat on the edge of the bed and closed her eyes. She started by focusing on her heartbeat and matching the heartbeat to her breath. Then she recreated the room that she was in, the slight smell of lavender and the warmth in the room. She could hear the faint sound of a baby laughing and Kaye’s grandmotherly taunts to her new grandson.
Violet opened her eyes and she was once again in the bathroom of the little shack in the bayou. She rested her head against the freestanding bathtub. Violet was back. She smiled to herself and climbed to her feet and exited the little room.
“I was bout to come in der on ya gurl. You was in dat tub fo a long time. I thought maybe you was took down the drain.” Kaye said with a sight giggle.
“I am okay. I just needed to take a moment to get my mind together.”
“I see you got yo self a change a clothes. If I done learned anyting travellin wit you I know anyting is possible so I aint even gon ask where you got dem from.”
“Thanks, Kaye. Will you point me in the right direction to get to town.”
“Oh, don’t you worry none. After we eat Sarafeen here is gon take you into town.”
Violet turns to Sarafina and nods as a sign of gratitude. Sarafina nods back. The three ladies have a jovial dinner together. Sarafina tells her mother about all the neighborhood gossip that she has missed over the years.
When dinner was over Violet and Kaye said their goodbyes quietly. Kaye did her best to hold back her tears and she was almost successful. In a burst of emotions Kaye began to cry.
“Ms V. I owe you my life. You gave me hope. You were the light in the darkeness and I jus aint got tha words to sho you how I feel. You brought me from the dead and gave me back my family.”
“Kaye, we saved each other and I will never forget you.”
The two ladies embraced. And Violet and Sarafina leave.
Violet takes the trolley to St. Charles Ave to the famous Garden District. She walks down Jackson Ave and making a right on Prytania to find herself standing in front of a large mansion. The building is an odd combination of Greek revival and Victorian architecture. It is a large two-story house with an upstairs deck supported by round columns and a cone-topped tower. A large willow tree stands in the front yard with its twisted branches reaching towards the entry gate as if to scare off intruders but to Violet it was like the welcoming arms of an old friend.
She ran up to the tree hugging its trunk. She ran her hands across a heart that had been carved into the center of the trees trunk. LV + FB 4ever. Her heart began to ache for her previous life, her past and the lost love a boy who grew into the man that she loved and had to leave behind.
The house had been closed up for many years. With the excitement of a child Violet ran through the house tearing the sheets off the furniture, opening the windows and doors. She ran up the stairs and burst through the double doors at the end of the hall.
The master bedroom was huge with silk tapestries hanging from ceiling to floor. In the far corner was a large four-poster bed. Each post had the history of a great family carved into its flesh. Violets family no Lillian’s family. This place held her life’s story, her real story. Her story before she became Violet, before Lillian Blue, back when she was just Lillian Valmont a little girl that lived on Prytania and played with a little boy named Francios Baptist.
Lillian missed Francios, she missed his smell, his touch they way his body felt next to hers, the taste of his mouth on hers. But so much has happened, much time has passed.
“I wonder if he is still here? If he would ever forgive me?” She asked herself.
Violet, now Lillian (again) knew that it would only be a matter of time before word got out that she had returned. She missed New Orleans and would take some time to enjoy the city. She walked through the garden district taking in the beauty and familiarity of the area. She let the memories of her childhood lead her through the neighborhood onto the trolley and to the entryway to the French quarter.
Lillian allowed the sights and sounds wash over her. The music of home, of New Orleans filled her soul. She remembered walking hand in hand with her grandfather through the quarter. She remembered visiting Madame LaRue’s house and while her grandfather visited with Madame in her boudoir she would eat lemon cake in the kitchen with Nahmie and Toby.
Zydeco music filled the air around her a parade of drunken revelers pass Lillian on the street. She allows herself to get caught up in the celebration finds herself submerged in the joy of a group of strangers dancing their way down bourbon street.
There is a small bistro that serve the best shrimp in the world. Lillian finds a small wine table in the back of the restaurant.
“Bon Soirée, madame” the cute waitress said. “What may I get for you?”
“I will have a half order Creole shrimp with rice, some crawdads, a small order of jambalya, 2 pieces of fried chicken, cornbread muffins, green beans, sautéed squash and some turnip greens.” Lillian said with a smile.
“Will someone else be joining you?” The waitress asked.
“No, its just been awhile since I’ve been home and I want to take as much of it in as possible”
“Oh, so you from round these parts.” The waitress said.
“Yessum, I grew up in the Garden District on Prytania.”
“Well, isn’t that special. I know pretty much everyone. My family has been here for generations, since New Orleans was first settled. So who your people be.”
Lillian figured now’s as good a time as any to let the cat out the bag. She just hopped she would get to finish her meal before anything happened.
“My mother was Marianne Valmont and my father Jean Pierre Valmont…”
“So that mean’s your Lillian Valmont? Well, I have heard lots about you. I must say, I am very excited to meet you Ms. Lillian Valmont.” The waitress said as she scurried away.
It was odd for Violet to be addressed by her real name. She couldn’t help but smile at the relief of being Lillian Valmont again.
It was only a few moments before the food arrived. The waitress carefully placed the different sized plates on the table. The waitress leaned over the table to Lillian and in a whisper said, “There are a lot of people looking for you. If I were you I would go back wherever you came from. But rest assured those people who are looking for you are no friends of mine and they won’t be hearing about your return from me.”
Lillian sat back in her chair to enjoy her meal she let the broth from the shrimp dance across her tongue. She enjoyed the butter as it dripped off the green beans into her mouth. It gad been a long time since she enjoyed a meal so entirely.
Full and a little drunk from the Moscato wine Lillian made her way through the quarter in hopes of catching the last trolley back home.
“BonJour mon petite fluer” A deep familiar voice called out to Lillian from behind.
The faint smell of cedar and lavender danced around Lillian’s head filling her sinuses and overwhelming her senses. She knew he would come for her and she smelled him well before she heard his voice. Without moving she said “I knew you would come for me.”
“Did you miss me?” He said.
Lillian turned to face her past. There he stood before her, he looked the same as he did the day she left. She had memorized every inch of his 6 foot 2 inch frame drenched in the deepest and purest molasses. She knew every line on his face, every change in his skin.
“The years have been kind” She said.
“For you as well, I see.” He relied.
“How tragic, you cut your hair.”
“Much time has passed and a change was needed.”
She wanted to rush into his arms and pick back up right where they had left off. Before she could stop herself she was running into his arms. For a moment they were back as they had been once before but it was only for a moment. He evicted her from his arms her head no longer allowed to make a pillow of his chest. That was no longer her home. Lillian could sense many women had lived there since she had gone away.
He was the first to break the silence. “She will kill you if she sees you again. She promised and she never breaks a promise.”
“I know and I will deal with her. But if she doesn’t what doesn’t that mean for us?” Lillian asked.
“I can’t have this conversation now. Are you staying at the old house?”
“Yes”
“Then go there and I will come to you soon.”
“No! I must face her.”
“Not now!”
Lillian began to feel weak. It must be the wine. She couldn’t keep her mind focused. There was a fog over her preventing her from maintaining herself. “Just relax… I will come for you.” The familiar voice of her once lover whispered.
When Lillian opened her eyes it was a new day and she was laying safely in her bed.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Chapter 11
Standing in front of what appeared to be a tin wash bucket was a young girl that looked to be no older than thirteen. Her mouth dropped open and she immediately ran to Kaye and embraced her, totally ignoring the fact that Kaye was covered with mud and slop. Kaye kissed her and would step back and engulf the young woman again with a shower of kisses on her forehead and face. You could tell watching the exchange that they had some catching up to do. There were a lot of talking-like-yelps, crying and laughing as if there was just too much to say and not a language with which to say it. Violet just took the time to gather herself, as soon as there was a descent pause in all the excitement she interrupted ever so gently, “Kaye, I really need to clean-up and get going.”
“Oh my gosh, I sure am rude, dis’ here is my daughta, she big, ain’t seen ‘er in leas a decade. Baby dis is…” Kaye paused and thought about all that had transpired between the two of them and decided to keep it low-key. “Ms. V to you.” Violet smiled at the discretion Kaye exercised, even though she was not certain of her true identity at this point. There were so many layers to who she really was. So much that she had to reinvent and recreate. “We’s a mess gurl, who here whicha?” Kaye said holding on to her daughter’s face.
Interesting enough Kaye’s daughter was very pretty, but simple. She had on a very loose dress that was a grayish blue hue, like it had been washed too much. The sleeves covered her shoulders and hung down halfway above her elbow. It really looked like a bed gown from Little House on the Prairie. Nowhere did it fit her tight and it stopped just above her knee. She was barefoot and her feet looked as though they were dusty with dried up mud stains from the murky waters. Her hair was pulled back and bunched-up in an uncombed bun. It looked like a good shampoo and conditioner was long overdue. From somewhere in the house a baby started crying, the young woman snapped out of her trance and ran to see about the whaling. Kaye realized what could be happening here and at first a smile and then a solemn look came over her face as she inquired “who baby is dat?”
“Mine Ma, he 8 months old. Dis here is Jacob Elisiah. He named part after his Dad and part afta Pa.”
“You only 16 gurl, why you go and get a baby? I sure wanted you to get out of here, seein’ how you can sing and all. Specially with that head on your shouldas.” Kaye paused and began taking the baby from the girl, “but I’m here now. Can’t believe Ima a MiMa. Dis here is by firs granchile V. He sure is a pretty boy.” Turning toward her daughter she continued, “I’m not goin’ nowhere dis time, willin’ or not. Don’t you worry. Ma’s here to stay and help.” Kaye put one arm around her daughter while holding the baby in the other. “There’s much to say, but not right na. We can start fresh, but one thing fo sure, I didn’t plan to not be wit ya. I didn’t go away on my own will. However, nothin’ will eva happen now, I’m home and things different na.” Looking over at Violet, Kaye refocused “get Ms. V sometin’ ta put on and draw ‘er a bath.”
Violet chimed in, “Kaye, after I clean up I need to make my way to town and use a phone. You’ve been away too long so I don’t want to make a scene going into town with you. I can go by myself; it’s not even high noon yet. If I reach who I intend, I don’t expect to make it back this way. I will send word that I am fine, but you know me, I am a big girl.” Violet was ready to get out of her wet, sticky clothes; she didn’t care if she was given a sackcloth to wear.
Kaye was back in step as though she hadn’t been away for what Violet gathered was over a decade. “I understand. We gon make certain you eat and have energy. I think ya need ta rest tho, but that’s jus me.” Turning to her daughter, Kaye had another set of instructions “Sarafeen, I got dis’ here pretty baby; he’ll be sleep again in no time foolin’ with me. Start dem pots up, I’ll be right in der.” Violet could tell that Kaye was back in her comfort zone and didn’t want to push against her request to stay for a meal. Kaye was noticeably resilient and fit right back in as though she hadn’t missed a beat. Violet followed Sarafina, who Kaye called Sarafeen, back to the bathroom. She also realized Kaye’s daughter was older than she looked.
Violet noticed that the house was surprisingly neat despite the tattered outside of the shanty home and the looks of Sarafina’s clothing. It still seemed as though Violet had stepped back in time, but it was a welcomed change to the torture chambers that had just been her prison. As they entered the washroom there was some sort of makeshift version of running water and plumbing that appeared to be more like a supped up water pump, dumping into an old free standing tub. It looked as if somewhere there was a pilot boiling the water to make it hot. Violet thanked her young host, closing and locking the door after she exited.
Violet disrobed, peeling the sticky clothes off like a layer of dead skin; she found the oversized waste basket and happily dropped them in. She examined her breast and upper body in the stained mirror above the sink. She could see the wear-and-tear of the last week and the weight she had lost. Running her hand through her now stringy hair and pulling it back she just exhaled. Although she would have preferred a hot shower, this bath in even a strange place would wash away some of the dirt inside and out.
Inching her way into the water, the steam rose up between her thighs sending beads of sweat down her legs. The water had a clean scent and her tense muscles began to weaken as the water opened up and closed in around her body. She took the hand towel emerged it in the water, rung it out and just laid it over her eyes. Wow, when was the last time I meditated, she quizzed herself. She was so wound up her mind was racing. She began her breathing exercise and honed in on the sounds of her own heart. It was amazingly calm; beating, beating, beating. Her breathing became more steady and she actually let her self slide down into the water. Her mind began to loosen; she could feel her brain actually release like a muscle and her face softened. She pictured Toby’s smile, but she could hear Nahmie’s voice. It was as though her conscience was Nahmie. “Lillian focus, focus on where you want to be right this moment. Take yourself exactly to that place, see every detail. See the walls, see the floor, smell the air, feel the environment, taste it.” Yep, Nahmie would say when you got real in tune with your senses you could taste a place. Like now, the bayou was salty, sticky and very thick. “See yourself in the room Lillian, see what you are doing in that room, tell Nahmie what you are doing.”
Violet began to sink down into the tub, it was as though she was slipping into a comatose state. Her lips were submerged under water and the wet was inching up to the tip of her nose, soon her entire head would be under. She began to feel a dropping sensation in her entire body, like an immense gravitational pull. Almost as if the tub drain was sucking her under, she began coughing and gasping as she sucked in a lung of bath water. She reached for the sides of the tub to pull her up, but her grasp was weak compared to the force.
She pulled up one last time letting out a raspy yelp before becoming completely unconscious. “Get me some towels, lift her out quick, be careful not to hurt her!” Violet was sure she was in a twilight state of unconscious awareness. She smelled lavender all around her. "Put her own her side," the voice demanded as firm hands guided her body into safety. “Wake up child, wake up. You did it baby, you did it.” She heard the voice clearer this time “pass me the hot tea Toby quick.” Violet was very weak, she felt like fever and flu all over, she was chilled to the bone but hot at the same time. “She opened her eyes slowly, but it felt like 10 tons had fallen on her. Was she hallucinating? As though her mind was being read, Nahmie wiped Violet's forehead and turned her face to really make her focus. “Baby you’re here, you did it. I haven’t seen you do that in a long time. I thought you had lost the gift, but deep down I knew you had it in you; I gave you my strength and wouldn’t let go of the fact that I knew you were alive. We both knew, didn’t we Toby?” Nahmie was half laughing and half crying looking over at Toby. “Ha, can you believe this? You’re in Oxford baby, you did it. No, no don’t move too fast you took a lot out of yourself. You’ll need to rest.” That was the last thing Violet heard as everything faded back to black around her.
“Oh my gosh, I sure am rude, dis’ here is my daughta, she big, ain’t seen ‘er in leas a decade. Baby dis is…” Kaye paused and thought about all that had transpired between the two of them and decided to keep it low-key. “Ms. V to you.” Violet smiled at the discretion Kaye exercised, even though she was not certain of her true identity at this point. There were so many layers to who she really was. So much that she had to reinvent and recreate. “We’s a mess gurl, who here whicha?” Kaye said holding on to her daughter’s face.
Interesting enough Kaye’s daughter was very pretty, but simple. She had on a very loose dress that was a grayish blue hue, like it had been washed too much. The sleeves covered her shoulders and hung down halfway above her elbow. It really looked like a bed gown from Little House on the Prairie. Nowhere did it fit her tight and it stopped just above her knee. She was barefoot and her feet looked as though they were dusty with dried up mud stains from the murky waters. Her hair was pulled back and bunched-up in an uncombed bun. It looked like a good shampoo and conditioner was long overdue. From somewhere in the house a baby started crying, the young woman snapped out of her trance and ran to see about the whaling. Kaye realized what could be happening here and at first a smile and then a solemn look came over her face as she inquired “who baby is dat?”
“Mine Ma, he 8 months old. Dis here is Jacob Elisiah. He named part after his Dad and part afta Pa.”
“You only 16 gurl, why you go and get a baby? I sure wanted you to get out of here, seein’ how you can sing and all. Specially with that head on your shouldas.” Kaye paused and began taking the baby from the girl, “but I’m here now. Can’t believe Ima a MiMa. Dis here is by firs granchile V. He sure is a pretty boy.” Turning toward her daughter she continued, “I’m not goin’ nowhere dis time, willin’ or not. Don’t you worry. Ma’s here to stay and help.” Kaye put one arm around her daughter while holding the baby in the other. “There’s much to say, but not right na. We can start fresh, but one thing fo sure, I didn’t plan to not be wit ya. I didn’t go away on my own will. However, nothin’ will eva happen now, I’m home and things different na.” Looking over at Violet, Kaye refocused “get Ms. V sometin’ ta put on and draw ‘er a bath.”
Violet chimed in, “Kaye, after I clean up I need to make my way to town and use a phone. You’ve been away too long so I don’t want to make a scene going into town with you. I can go by myself; it’s not even high noon yet. If I reach who I intend, I don’t expect to make it back this way. I will send word that I am fine, but you know me, I am a big girl.” Violet was ready to get out of her wet, sticky clothes; she didn’t care if she was given a sackcloth to wear.
Kaye was back in step as though she hadn’t been away for what Violet gathered was over a decade. “I understand. We gon make certain you eat and have energy. I think ya need ta rest tho, but that’s jus me.” Turning to her daughter, Kaye had another set of instructions “Sarafeen, I got dis’ here pretty baby; he’ll be sleep again in no time foolin’ with me. Start dem pots up, I’ll be right in der.” Violet could tell that Kaye was back in her comfort zone and didn’t want to push against her request to stay for a meal. Kaye was noticeably resilient and fit right back in as though she hadn’t missed a beat. Violet followed Sarafina, who Kaye called Sarafeen, back to the bathroom. She also realized Kaye’s daughter was older than she looked.
Violet noticed that the house was surprisingly neat despite the tattered outside of the shanty home and the looks of Sarafina’s clothing. It still seemed as though Violet had stepped back in time, but it was a welcomed change to the torture chambers that had just been her prison. As they entered the washroom there was some sort of makeshift version of running water and plumbing that appeared to be more like a supped up water pump, dumping into an old free standing tub. It looked as if somewhere there was a pilot boiling the water to make it hot. Violet thanked her young host, closing and locking the door after she exited.
Violet disrobed, peeling the sticky clothes off like a layer of dead skin; she found the oversized waste basket and happily dropped them in. She examined her breast and upper body in the stained mirror above the sink. She could see the wear-and-tear of the last week and the weight she had lost. Running her hand through her now stringy hair and pulling it back she just exhaled. Although she would have preferred a hot shower, this bath in even a strange place would wash away some of the dirt inside and out.
Inching her way into the water, the steam rose up between her thighs sending beads of sweat down her legs. The water had a clean scent and her tense muscles began to weaken as the water opened up and closed in around her body. She took the hand towel emerged it in the water, rung it out and just laid it over her eyes. Wow, when was the last time I meditated, she quizzed herself. She was so wound up her mind was racing. She began her breathing exercise and honed in on the sounds of her own heart. It was amazingly calm; beating, beating, beating. Her breathing became more steady and she actually let her self slide down into the water. Her mind began to loosen; she could feel her brain actually release like a muscle and her face softened. She pictured Toby’s smile, but she could hear Nahmie’s voice. It was as though her conscience was Nahmie. “Lillian focus, focus on where you want to be right this moment. Take yourself exactly to that place, see every detail. See the walls, see the floor, smell the air, feel the environment, taste it.” Yep, Nahmie would say when you got real in tune with your senses you could taste a place. Like now, the bayou was salty, sticky and very thick. “See yourself in the room Lillian, see what you are doing in that room, tell Nahmie what you are doing.”
Violet began to sink down into the tub, it was as though she was slipping into a comatose state. Her lips were submerged under water and the wet was inching up to the tip of her nose, soon her entire head would be under. She began to feel a dropping sensation in her entire body, like an immense gravitational pull. Almost as if the tub drain was sucking her under, she began coughing and gasping as she sucked in a lung of bath water. She reached for the sides of the tub to pull her up, but her grasp was weak compared to the force.
She pulled up one last time letting out a raspy yelp before becoming completely unconscious. “Get me some towels, lift her out quick, be careful not to hurt her!” Violet was sure she was in a twilight state of unconscious awareness. She smelled lavender all around her. "Put her own her side," the voice demanded as firm hands guided her body into safety. “Wake up child, wake up. You did it baby, you did it.” She heard the voice clearer this time “pass me the hot tea Toby quick.” Violet was very weak, she felt like fever and flu all over, she was chilled to the bone but hot at the same time. “She opened her eyes slowly, but it felt like 10 tons had fallen on her. Was she hallucinating? As though her mind was being read, Nahmie wiped Violet's forehead and turned her face to really make her focus. “Baby you’re here, you did it. I haven’t seen you do that in a long time. I thought you had lost the gift, but deep down I knew you had it in you; I gave you my strength and wouldn’t let go of the fact that I knew you were alive. We both knew, didn’t we Toby?” Nahmie was half laughing and half crying looking over at Toby. “Ha, can you believe this? You’re in Oxford baby, you did it. No, no don’t move too fast you took a lot out of yourself. You’ll need to rest.” That was the last thing Violet heard as everything faded back to black around her.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Chapter 10
The helicopter floated along the Mississippi the blades and the engine performing a perfect duet. Kaye looked out the window enjoying the peace within this moment, while still savoring her newfound freedom. There is just something about the rumblings of engines that can create an overwhelming sense of peace over time. Violet found herself succumbing to the purr of the engine and the humming of the blades overhead. The two women sat in silence.
Violet knew the silence would be short lived. Since she was unsure of which side of the Mississippi they were actually traveling she didn’t want to risk being in the air for too long. The goal was to get away from the house of horrors and they had successfully done that, well two of them at least. But Violet couldn’t allow her thoughts to linger to long on Rose, beautiful little Rose.
Finally they approached a clearing large enough to land the Helicopter safely. Once on the ground both ladies sat inside their new sanctuary, still in silence. It was as if nobody wanted to be the one to disrupt the peace they had found traveling in that helicopter for the last two hours. But eventually the moment would have to come to an end and for Violet there was no time like the present. She had been taken so far off her original course she was starting to doubt the possibility of ever getting back on track.
Before Violet could speak…
“Should we destroy the copter before we split up?” Kaye asked in an eerily calm voice.
“Right now the priority is figuring out where we are and then we can deal with the rest. But yeah we are going to have to do something about this helicopter.”
“Figuring out where we are is the easy part. I know where we are. I grew up in these parts; we’re in Slidel not to far from New Orleans. So, what do we do about this here copter?”
“Are you sure?”
“Sure as I can be. I don’t know much but I know home when I see it and… I am finally home.”
Kaye was having a hard time containing her joy and it slowly began to run down her cheek in the form of the most delicate tears. She sat there with her hands over her chest, eyes closed just taking the moment in. Kaye’s joy became contagious and Violet began to silently cry in solidarity with her new friend.
“Violet… we better get while the gettin’s still good.” Kaye says in barely a whisper.
“Yeah, I suppose you’re right.”
Without another word the two ladies move in perfect concert with one another… They gather dried, dead foliage surrounding the clearing; coupled with the fuel reserves from the helicopter as an accelerate they set the helicopter on fire. The blaze grows gradually burning from the inside cab and eventually engulfing the base of the structure. The ladies quickly run to the edge of the clearing, their exit being punctuated by the sudden explosion of the helicopter as the flames make their way to the fuel tank.
As the two ladies journey through the trees towards the road Violet couldn’t help giggling to herself. This was the second fire she'd started in two days. What would her mother say if she could see her now? She always told her never to play with fire.
“Kaye, … Kaye, we’ve been walking for hours. Are you sure you know where we are going?”
“Just keep moving and don’t fall to far behind. It’ll be dark soon and we are approaching the bayou. All sorts of creatures live out that way and we gotta make sure we keep surefooted.”
“Why can’t we just go a different way then?”
“Ain’t no other way to get where we need to go sept through the bayou. You know they shot a real live movie out here once. I never did get to see it but folks around here were real excited about it.”
“Thanks for the bit of random trivia.”
“I was just tryin to make conversation”
“Well don’t!”
“I was just tryin to ease the tension but no need no more, see that house… We’re here.”
Violet was none to happy about having to wade in water up to her waist to what appeared to be nothing more than a dilapidated old shack nestled between a bunch of dead old trees. As she approached the house she could see that it was resting on several wide stilts holding it above the water.
Violet was surprised at the ease of which Kaye was able to pull her body up onto the front porch of the old house. She figured if Kaye could do it this shouldn't be too much of a stretch for her, after all she had been working out with a trainer 3 times a week up until about a week ago. Violet planted both hands firmly onto the edge of the porch and tried to pull herself up. Just then she realized that this was going to be more of a challenge than initially anticipated. The ground was too soft making it impossible for her to gain her footing.
Kaye reached down to give Violet a hand up, pulling her onto the makeshift porch with ease. Once Violet had both feet on solid ground she found herself breathing a deep sigh of relief and a little embarrassment. She followed Kaye into the main room of the little shack on the bayou. Once Violet crossed the threshold she was bathed in light, bright light and warmth. The smell of cedar and fresh jasmine filled her nostrils filling her with an overwhelming sense of calm and peace. She immediately felt safe. Until that moment Violet hadn’t realized how long it had been since she felt at ease, how long it had been since she had taken a deep breath. Tentatively she entered the shack, in front of her standing in front of what appeared to be a tin wash bucket was…
Violet knew the silence would be short lived. Since she was unsure of which side of the Mississippi they were actually traveling she didn’t want to risk being in the air for too long. The goal was to get away from the house of horrors and they had successfully done that, well two of them at least. But Violet couldn’t allow her thoughts to linger to long on Rose, beautiful little Rose.
Finally they approached a clearing large enough to land the Helicopter safely. Once on the ground both ladies sat inside their new sanctuary, still in silence. It was as if nobody wanted to be the one to disrupt the peace they had found traveling in that helicopter for the last two hours. But eventually the moment would have to come to an end and for Violet there was no time like the present. She had been taken so far off her original course she was starting to doubt the possibility of ever getting back on track.
Before Violet could speak…
“Should we destroy the copter before we split up?” Kaye asked in an eerily calm voice.
“Right now the priority is figuring out where we are and then we can deal with the rest. But yeah we are going to have to do something about this helicopter.”
“Figuring out where we are is the easy part. I know where we are. I grew up in these parts; we’re in Slidel not to far from New Orleans. So, what do we do about this here copter?”
“Are you sure?”
“Sure as I can be. I don’t know much but I know home when I see it and… I am finally home.”
Kaye was having a hard time containing her joy and it slowly began to run down her cheek in the form of the most delicate tears. She sat there with her hands over her chest, eyes closed just taking the moment in. Kaye’s joy became contagious and Violet began to silently cry in solidarity with her new friend.
“Violet… we better get while the gettin’s still good.” Kaye says in barely a whisper.
“Yeah, I suppose you’re right.”
Without another word the two ladies move in perfect concert with one another… They gather dried, dead foliage surrounding the clearing; coupled with the fuel reserves from the helicopter as an accelerate they set the helicopter on fire. The blaze grows gradually burning from the inside cab and eventually engulfing the base of the structure. The ladies quickly run to the edge of the clearing, their exit being punctuated by the sudden explosion of the helicopter as the flames make their way to the fuel tank.
As the two ladies journey through the trees towards the road Violet couldn’t help giggling to herself. This was the second fire she'd started in two days. What would her mother say if she could see her now? She always told her never to play with fire.
“Kaye, … Kaye, we’ve been walking for hours. Are you sure you know where we are going?”
“Just keep moving and don’t fall to far behind. It’ll be dark soon and we are approaching the bayou. All sorts of creatures live out that way and we gotta make sure we keep surefooted.”
“Why can’t we just go a different way then?”
“Ain’t no other way to get where we need to go sept through the bayou. You know they shot a real live movie out here once. I never did get to see it but folks around here were real excited about it.”
“Thanks for the bit of random trivia.”
“I was just tryin to make conversation”
“Well don’t!”
“I was just tryin to ease the tension but no need no more, see that house… We’re here.”
Violet was none to happy about having to wade in water up to her waist to what appeared to be nothing more than a dilapidated old shack nestled between a bunch of dead old trees. As she approached the house she could see that it was resting on several wide stilts holding it above the water.
Violet was surprised at the ease of which Kaye was able to pull her body up onto the front porch of the old house. She figured if Kaye could do it this shouldn't be too much of a stretch for her, after all she had been working out with a trainer 3 times a week up until about a week ago. Violet planted both hands firmly onto the edge of the porch and tried to pull herself up. Just then she realized that this was going to be more of a challenge than initially anticipated. The ground was too soft making it impossible for her to gain her footing.
Kaye reached down to give Violet a hand up, pulling her onto the makeshift porch with ease. Once Violet had both feet on solid ground she found herself breathing a deep sigh of relief and a little embarrassment. She followed Kaye into the main room of the little shack on the bayou. Once Violet crossed the threshold she was bathed in light, bright light and warmth. The smell of cedar and fresh jasmine filled her nostrils filling her with an overwhelming sense of calm and peace. She immediately felt safe. Until that moment Violet hadn’t realized how long it had been since she felt at ease, how long it had been since she had taken a deep breath. Tentatively she entered the shack, in front of her standing in front of what appeared to be a tin wash bucket was…
Monday, July 20, 2009
Chapter 9
The tears streamed down Kaye's face. There were so many mixed emotions as she cried out deep from within, it was a soul cry. It sounded like the pain of legion and it felt like it to anyone in earshot. Even the animals who heard the cry stopped in their tracks. Violet felt her pain for a moment; however it was hard to resist the impulse of thinking ahead. She needed to know where they were. Based on the train leaving Boston going toward Mississippi and the fact that she had only been on it for all of day before the series of incidences, she could not have made it further than Maryland or Virginia. She recalled the map of the train route in her mind and the hours on board.
Violet calculated they had another 7 hours of nightfall before the break of dawn, but the growing fire would certainly conger up some attention. While Kaye held on to Rose rocking back and forth, Violet waited for a natural pause in her sob. She firmly grabbed Kaye’s shoulder. “I know you are in a lot of pain, more pain than this moment will allow for.” Violet allowed her words to register with Kaye and when she got eye contact she continued. “It’s time to go and we need to take advantage of the night cover. Do you know where we are? The state or city?”
Kaye’s sob suddenly halted. She looked around as if she had a lucid moment in the midst of insanity. The events which had just transpired were beginning to sink in. “What ‘bout Rose, she need a proper barial. We can’t, can’t just leave here her near these animals we just kilt.”
“Didn’t you hear her Kaye, she said she was free. That’s the flesh that held Rose; she is freer than you and I right now. She would want us to keep going and get as far away from here, as quickly as possible.”
Kaye stood up with Rose’s limp and frail body in her arms. With ease she walked toward the back of the structure, Violet resisted the urge to yell or stop her. The silhouette of the moon exposed Kaye’s strong stride as she continued to execute her mission. Her destination was a small garden surrounded by a picket fence; the irony of such a pure place next to the hell hole of a torture chamber. Violet stood back watching as Kaye gently placed Rose in the midst of the blooms. She kissed her forehead and pulled the sheet over her feet and all around her body, exposing her face like an infant wrapped in a blanket. Violet could only imagine that Kaye said some sort of prayer as she slipped something in her pocket. As if Kaye snapped out of a trance, she ran at full speed toward Violet. Kaye had such momentum she almost ran right past her. “Dis way, cum on.” Violet followed Kaye’s lead and based on the position of the moon she could tell they were headed west. It seemed like an hour or more before they stopped for a break near a small brook. Violet was impressed at Kaye’s stamina.
They paused allowing each other to sit down and control their breathing. Violet was wondering at which point they would need to go their separate ways. This was certainly a twist she had not anticipated. All of sudden she became very thankful for the fact that Kaye grabbed her bag. Digging in she felt for the cash that served as the cushion between the inner and outer lining. Her phone was long gone; she began to think of how Toby and Nahmie must be feeling. She sent a vibration and knew deep down Toby would sense she was alive, just delayed.
Violet began to talk and Kaye shook her head raising her finger to her lips. She got up and began walking west again. Violet decided to trust Kaye, realizing this was her territory. While moving in silence, steering clear of the noisy path of leaves and dense brush, Violet noticed that Kaye was staying on the soft mud path. Eventually there was a clearing and in the middle of a thick forest was a landing with a helicopter. Violet realized that Kaye had a plan all along.
They walked around the helicopter; Violet took note of the seemingly great condition of the blades and external landing apparatus. She intuitively jumped into the pilot seat and observed the fuel gauge and flight panel. She was right at home. Kaye started digging around for something in her pocket and came out with a key, attached to a chain. Pay dirt! Violet took the key, immediately inserting and turning. After seconds of choking the hum of the engine went full throttle and twirl of the blades made a powerful sound as they churned in harmony. Violet could feel the power of the hawk wanting to lift in her hands.
Violet and Kaye needed to exchange some dialogue about what was next. How long would she allow Kaye to remain her wing woman? What about the life that awaited her in Oxford? Where would Kaye go, did she have a place to go? It seemed like too many questions for the moment. Violet closed her eyes and just smiled at the situation, of all things in the middle of this backwards place, a magic bird to fly her away…
Violet calculated they had another 7 hours of nightfall before the break of dawn, but the growing fire would certainly conger up some attention. While Kaye held on to Rose rocking back and forth, Violet waited for a natural pause in her sob. She firmly grabbed Kaye’s shoulder. “I know you are in a lot of pain, more pain than this moment will allow for.” Violet allowed her words to register with Kaye and when she got eye contact she continued. “It’s time to go and we need to take advantage of the night cover. Do you know where we are? The state or city?”
Kaye’s sob suddenly halted. She looked around as if she had a lucid moment in the midst of insanity. The events which had just transpired were beginning to sink in. “What ‘bout Rose, she need a proper barial. We can’t, can’t just leave here her near these animals we just kilt.”
“Didn’t you hear her Kaye, she said she was free. That’s the flesh that held Rose; she is freer than you and I right now. She would want us to keep going and get as far away from here, as quickly as possible.”
Kaye stood up with Rose’s limp and frail body in her arms. With ease she walked toward the back of the structure, Violet resisted the urge to yell or stop her. The silhouette of the moon exposed Kaye’s strong stride as she continued to execute her mission. Her destination was a small garden surrounded by a picket fence; the irony of such a pure place next to the hell hole of a torture chamber. Violet stood back watching as Kaye gently placed Rose in the midst of the blooms. She kissed her forehead and pulled the sheet over her feet and all around her body, exposing her face like an infant wrapped in a blanket. Violet could only imagine that Kaye said some sort of prayer as she slipped something in her pocket. As if Kaye snapped out of a trance, she ran at full speed toward Violet. Kaye had such momentum she almost ran right past her. “Dis way, cum on.” Violet followed Kaye’s lead and based on the position of the moon she could tell they were headed west. It seemed like an hour or more before they stopped for a break near a small brook. Violet was impressed at Kaye’s stamina.
They paused allowing each other to sit down and control their breathing. Violet was wondering at which point they would need to go their separate ways. This was certainly a twist she had not anticipated. All of sudden she became very thankful for the fact that Kaye grabbed her bag. Digging in she felt for the cash that served as the cushion between the inner and outer lining. Her phone was long gone; she began to think of how Toby and Nahmie must be feeling. She sent a vibration and knew deep down Toby would sense she was alive, just delayed.
Violet began to talk and Kaye shook her head raising her finger to her lips. She got up and began walking west again. Violet decided to trust Kaye, realizing this was her territory. While moving in silence, steering clear of the noisy path of leaves and dense brush, Violet noticed that Kaye was staying on the soft mud path. Eventually there was a clearing and in the middle of a thick forest was a landing with a helicopter. Violet realized that Kaye had a plan all along.
They walked around the helicopter; Violet took note of the seemingly great condition of the blades and external landing apparatus. She intuitively jumped into the pilot seat and observed the fuel gauge and flight panel. She was right at home. Kaye started digging around for something in her pocket and came out with a key, attached to a chain. Pay dirt! Violet took the key, immediately inserting and turning. After seconds of choking the hum of the engine went full throttle and twirl of the blades made a powerful sound as they churned in harmony. Violet could feel the power of the hawk wanting to lift in her hands.
Violet and Kaye needed to exchange some dialogue about what was next. How long would she allow Kaye to remain her wing woman? What about the life that awaited her in Oxford? Where would Kaye go, did she have a place to go? It seemed like too many questions for the moment. Violet closed her eyes and just smiled at the situation, of all things in the middle of this backwards place, a magic bird to fly her away…
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
A Dream... Chapter 8
Slowly Violet and Kaye climbed back down onto the main floor of the large house. The only sound to be heard was the crackling of a very large fire burning in the fireplace. Violet found her self being drawn to the fire, hypnotized by its rhythm and comforted by the dance of the flames. She stabbed at the flames with a metal poker that had been positioned next to the fireplace. As she moved the wood pieces around the blaze began to grow.
“We better get a move on miss, if we’s to get out of here in one piece” Kaye whispered with an obvious desperation to her voice.
“I know, which way to her room”
“They keep her in the room just off the kitchen, but they still hold up in the living room. How we sposed to get pass dem”
Just as Violet was formulating her plan the ladies were stopped in their tracks by movement coming from the other room.
“Kaye, get your black as in here. Ya hear! I need a drink and while ya at it make me a sandwich” came a gruff voice from the other room.
“What do I do?”
“You better answer him.” Violet ordered.
“Yessir, I be right there”
“Well what’s taken you so long? A mans liable to starve waiting for you.”
Kaye began making her way to the door but before she could reach the opening a tall figure emerged from the shadow. His body was long and lean. He wore coveralls with what appeared to be blood stains on the front. His skin was pale, almost iridescent. His face was round and fat, unusual for someone so thin and his ears stuck out like handles on a teapot. There was a small curly tuft of hair on the top of his head reminiscent of a children’s toy. Violet had to fight off the impulse to laugh at the absurdity of this villain.
Just as Violet had taken a beat to take in the site of this intruder he had done the same. A grotesque smile crawled across his face. He slowly licked his lips and said. “Kaye, who’s your little friend? Little friend won’t you come over here and let me get a better look at you.”
With her eyes Kaye begged Violet, but for what Violet was unsure. Slowly Violet walked over the round faced man. He put his hand out beckoning her to take it and she did. He slowly spun violet around in order to get a full overview. You must be the new girl Bobby picked up this morning. I think Ima try you out myself for I let my brother know about you.”
He grabbed at Violets breast with greedy hands and tugged at her belt. There was at least a week’s worth of dirt under his nails and he smelled like a dead animal mingled with the smell of urine. The stench was so strong that Violets eyes began to water a little.
He pulled Violet closer to him and locked her into what seemed like a vice grip. Kaye looked on in horror as she watched her hope slip away.
“What’s your name, pretty lady?” The round faced man said as he licked the side of Violets face. She could smell his saliva drying in her skin. His hot breath singing the hairs on her neck. Violet flinched. The round faced man smacked her, knocking Violet to the ground. Kaye gasped.
“What? You think you too good for me pretty lady? Well you’ll learn that Im the nicest of us all and pretty soon you’ll be beggin to spend some time with good ole Alfrey”
“Alfrey” Violet couldn’t help but repeat as she stifled a giggle.
“You think somethins funny bitch!” Spit escaping Alfrey’s mouth as he spoke.
Violet realized then that ole Alfrey had a bit of a lisp. She couldn’t help it but she was suddenly overcome with a fit of laughter. She quickly put her hand to her mouth in an attempt to further stifle her laughter. Before she could regain her composure Alfrey was upon her tearing at her clothes. Alfrey straddled Violet trying to pin her arms down with one hand while unbuttoning her shirt with the other.
Violet tried to shift Alfrey’s weight so that she could free her legs. Once she had some mobility with her legs Violet raised her hips pushing Alfrey forward and as he began to fall forward she threw all her weight into rocking herself on top of Alfrey.
“Oh I see, you’re a feisty one.” Alfrey sneered.
Positioned on all fours hovering over Alfrey Violet raised herself up onto her feet with her hands still on the floor and lowered her knee into Alfrey’s most sensitive area. Violet came down on Alfrey’s masculinity with such force that he was instantly reduced to silent snivels but no tears.
Violet returned to the fireplace and removed the poker she had been playing with previously then removed the pants of the still silently crying Alfrey she shoved the red hot poker through his scrotum. Alfrey finally found his voice. He let out a blood curdling scream. He lunges towards Violet but isn’t able to connect due to the fact that he was now tethered to the floor by a red-hot poker. With a roundhouse kick to the head Violet knocks ole Alfrey back to the floor and with one continuous motion removes the poker from his sack and begins beating him with it. Eventually the evil light in Alfrey’s eyes dims. Blood slowly oozes from his eyes and ears. A small pool of blood developed where his manhood once resided.
Violet rises to her feet and adjusts her shirt. “One more to go” she says winking at Kaye as she strolls away.
Violet enters the dining room. There is another man passed out at the table. His face turned up towards heaven and his legs dangling open under the table. There is a half eaten piece of chicken and what appears to be the remains from some half eaten corn on the cob.
Violet cautiously approaches the man passed out at the table. She reaches over and pokes him in the chest with the poker once used to impale Alfrey. He doesn’t budge. She pokes him a little harder. Nothing. Violet rests the poker on the table in front of the sleeping man and sits in the chair next to him. She is unprepared for this, she expected a confrontation. In one last attempt to rouse the sleeping man she pinches his nose shut. It seems like he is going to wake up but instead he just resorts to breathing through his mouth.
“Kaye, get in here.”
Kaye cautiously enters the dining room.
“Wanna see something funny?”
Before Kaye could respond Violet covers the sleeping mans nose and right on que his mouth drops open and he is barely even affected. Violet giggles. Kaye is still in shock. Violet reaches over to the table and grabs a few kernels from the table and tosses them into his mouth. The sleeping man chokes for a second before he chews and swallows the corn. Both women burst out laughing.
“Sshhh, not to loud, we don’t want to wake him” Violet giggles. “lets get moving”
The two women make their way pass the kitchen and are standing in front of a large heavy looking wood door. There are large metal hinges on the door and chain hanging from a wrought iron latch. Violet unlatches the door with the key Kaye had given her earlier. It takes the collaborative efforts of both women to pull open the wooden door.
The aromatic assault on their sinuses is immediate. Violet launches into a coughing fit and her eyes begin to tear up. She struggles to keep her gag reflexes in check.
“Just give it a minute and you’ll get used to it” Kaye tries to comfort Violet.
The room is dark and drafty. Violet can tell that the room is vast. When she takes a step into the room she can hear something squishing under foot. Kaye grabs her hand and guides Violet to a table in the middle of the room.
There is a small figure strapped to the bed. Violet touches what could only be the arm of the figure. The skin is moist and the bones of the figure feel frail to the touch.
“There, there my little Rose, it’s just me here to take care of you. I’ve brought a friend and she is here to help. The master caint hurt you no more, he caint hurt nobody no more. Help me unhook her”
The figure doesn’t move. Violet reaches for the leather binding and carefully unhooks the latch connecting the small figure to the bed and then removes the restraints connecting her to the wall. The fissure still hasn’t moved.
“Are you sure she is alive? She isn’t moving. Maybe we are too late.”
“No, Ms. Violet, this one here, she is a strong one. She still in there. We just gotta get her out of here.”
As though dealing with the frail body of an 80 year old women the two ladies cover the figure with a sheet and carefully carry her through the kitchen and out of the back door. Violet can hear her breathing. That breathing slowly picks up and is followed by soft sobs.
“Sit her down here for a moment. I need to run back in for a minute.” Kaye turns and runs towards the house.
“What are you doing? It took so long to get out, why would you go back in?”
Nervously Violet waits for Kaye to return. She strokes the head of the figure, rocking her trying to comfort her.
After what feels like an eternity Kaye comes running out of the front door of the house carrying Violets bag on one shoulder and some sort of knap sack on the other. Just as Kaye crosses the lawn flames engulf the second floor bedroom that once served as their prison.
The figure slowly pulled the sheet away from her head and watched as the house was slowly consumed by flames. Kaye sat next to her little Rose and they hugged each other and cried in silence. Violet waited patiently. These two women had earned this moment.
“The house that held all my pain is no more. I am free.” Were the only words Rose was able to say before she closed her eyes for the last time. She passed away on the lawn finally free.
“We better get a move on miss, if we’s to get out of here in one piece” Kaye whispered with an obvious desperation to her voice.
“I know, which way to her room”
“They keep her in the room just off the kitchen, but they still hold up in the living room. How we sposed to get pass dem”
Just as Violet was formulating her plan the ladies were stopped in their tracks by movement coming from the other room.
“Kaye, get your black as in here. Ya hear! I need a drink and while ya at it make me a sandwich” came a gruff voice from the other room.
“What do I do?”
“You better answer him.” Violet ordered.
“Yessir, I be right there”
“Well what’s taken you so long? A mans liable to starve waiting for you.”
Kaye began making her way to the door but before she could reach the opening a tall figure emerged from the shadow. His body was long and lean. He wore coveralls with what appeared to be blood stains on the front. His skin was pale, almost iridescent. His face was round and fat, unusual for someone so thin and his ears stuck out like handles on a teapot. There was a small curly tuft of hair on the top of his head reminiscent of a children’s toy. Violet had to fight off the impulse to laugh at the absurdity of this villain.
Just as Violet had taken a beat to take in the site of this intruder he had done the same. A grotesque smile crawled across his face. He slowly licked his lips and said. “Kaye, who’s your little friend? Little friend won’t you come over here and let me get a better look at you.”
With her eyes Kaye begged Violet, but for what Violet was unsure. Slowly Violet walked over the round faced man. He put his hand out beckoning her to take it and she did. He slowly spun violet around in order to get a full overview. You must be the new girl Bobby picked up this morning. I think Ima try you out myself for I let my brother know about you.”
He grabbed at Violets breast with greedy hands and tugged at her belt. There was at least a week’s worth of dirt under his nails and he smelled like a dead animal mingled with the smell of urine. The stench was so strong that Violets eyes began to water a little.
He pulled Violet closer to him and locked her into what seemed like a vice grip. Kaye looked on in horror as she watched her hope slip away.
“What’s your name, pretty lady?” The round faced man said as he licked the side of Violets face. She could smell his saliva drying in her skin. His hot breath singing the hairs on her neck. Violet flinched. The round faced man smacked her, knocking Violet to the ground. Kaye gasped.
“What? You think you too good for me pretty lady? Well you’ll learn that Im the nicest of us all and pretty soon you’ll be beggin to spend some time with good ole Alfrey”
“Alfrey” Violet couldn’t help but repeat as she stifled a giggle.
“You think somethins funny bitch!” Spit escaping Alfrey’s mouth as he spoke.
Violet realized then that ole Alfrey had a bit of a lisp. She couldn’t help it but she was suddenly overcome with a fit of laughter. She quickly put her hand to her mouth in an attempt to further stifle her laughter. Before she could regain her composure Alfrey was upon her tearing at her clothes. Alfrey straddled Violet trying to pin her arms down with one hand while unbuttoning her shirt with the other.
Violet tried to shift Alfrey’s weight so that she could free her legs. Once she had some mobility with her legs Violet raised her hips pushing Alfrey forward and as he began to fall forward she threw all her weight into rocking herself on top of Alfrey.
“Oh I see, you’re a feisty one.” Alfrey sneered.
Positioned on all fours hovering over Alfrey Violet raised herself up onto her feet with her hands still on the floor and lowered her knee into Alfrey’s most sensitive area. Violet came down on Alfrey’s masculinity with such force that he was instantly reduced to silent snivels but no tears.
Violet returned to the fireplace and removed the poker she had been playing with previously then removed the pants of the still silently crying Alfrey she shoved the red hot poker through his scrotum. Alfrey finally found his voice. He let out a blood curdling scream. He lunges towards Violet but isn’t able to connect due to the fact that he was now tethered to the floor by a red-hot poker. With a roundhouse kick to the head Violet knocks ole Alfrey back to the floor and with one continuous motion removes the poker from his sack and begins beating him with it. Eventually the evil light in Alfrey’s eyes dims. Blood slowly oozes from his eyes and ears. A small pool of blood developed where his manhood once resided.
Violet rises to her feet and adjusts her shirt. “One more to go” she says winking at Kaye as she strolls away.
Violet enters the dining room. There is another man passed out at the table. His face turned up towards heaven and his legs dangling open under the table. There is a half eaten piece of chicken and what appears to be the remains from some half eaten corn on the cob.
Violet cautiously approaches the man passed out at the table. She reaches over and pokes him in the chest with the poker once used to impale Alfrey. He doesn’t budge. She pokes him a little harder. Nothing. Violet rests the poker on the table in front of the sleeping man and sits in the chair next to him. She is unprepared for this, she expected a confrontation. In one last attempt to rouse the sleeping man she pinches his nose shut. It seems like he is going to wake up but instead he just resorts to breathing through his mouth.
“Kaye, get in here.”
Kaye cautiously enters the dining room.
“Wanna see something funny?”
Before Kaye could respond Violet covers the sleeping mans nose and right on que his mouth drops open and he is barely even affected. Violet giggles. Kaye is still in shock. Violet reaches over to the table and grabs a few kernels from the table and tosses them into his mouth. The sleeping man chokes for a second before he chews and swallows the corn. Both women burst out laughing.
“Sshhh, not to loud, we don’t want to wake him” Violet giggles. “lets get moving”
The two women make their way pass the kitchen and are standing in front of a large heavy looking wood door. There are large metal hinges on the door and chain hanging from a wrought iron latch. Violet unlatches the door with the key Kaye had given her earlier. It takes the collaborative efforts of both women to pull open the wooden door.
The aromatic assault on their sinuses is immediate. Violet launches into a coughing fit and her eyes begin to tear up. She struggles to keep her gag reflexes in check.
“Just give it a minute and you’ll get used to it” Kaye tries to comfort Violet.
The room is dark and drafty. Violet can tell that the room is vast. When she takes a step into the room she can hear something squishing under foot. Kaye grabs her hand and guides Violet to a table in the middle of the room.
There is a small figure strapped to the bed. Violet touches what could only be the arm of the figure. The skin is moist and the bones of the figure feel frail to the touch.
“There, there my little Rose, it’s just me here to take care of you. I’ve brought a friend and she is here to help. The master caint hurt you no more, he caint hurt nobody no more. Help me unhook her”
The figure doesn’t move. Violet reaches for the leather binding and carefully unhooks the latch connecting the small figure to the bed and then removes the restraints connecting her to the wall. The fissure still hasn’t moved.
“Are you sure she is alive? She isn’t moving. Maybe we are too late.”
“No, Ms. Violet, this one here, she is a strong one. She still in there. We just gotta get her out of here.”
As though dealing with the frail body of an 80 year old women the two ladies cover the figure with a sheet and carefully carry her through the kitchen and out of the back door. Violet can hear her breathing. That breathing slowly picks up and is followed by soft sobs.
“Sit her down here for a moment. I need to run back in for a minute.” Kaye turns and runs towards the house.
“What are you doing? It took so long to get out, why would you go back in?”
Nervously Violet waits for Kaye to return. She strokes the head of the figure, rocking her trying to comfort her.
After what feels like an eternity Kaye comes running out of the front door of the house carrying Violets bag on one shoulder and some sort of knap sack on the other. Just as Kaye crosses the lawn flames engulf the second floor bedroom that once served as their prison.
The figure slowly pulled the sheet away from her head and watched as the house was slowly consumed by flames. Kaye sat next to her little Rose and they hugged each other and cried in silence. Violet waited patiently. These two women had earned this moment.
“The house that held all my pain is no more. I am free.” Were the only words Rose was able to say before she closed her eyes for the last time. She passed away on the lawn finally free.
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