Old House on the Hill
The Old House on the Hill
By Jeremy "The Foxx" McLaughlin
Night had rolled in quickly, the growing rain clouds didn't help as they blotted out the last remaining light of dusk. The rain lightly touched down over the land. A long two lane road that followed through the nowhere lands of the county. A small diner stood alone in the middle of a vast forest of dense trees. The diner's dark parking lot was empty save for one car.
The light filtering through the windows of the diner, lit up the small blue Neon fairly well. Small dainty fingers gripped the pen tightly as it scribbled out along the pages of a small book. The violet bound book lay open across the steering wheel of the car. There was a soft sniffle as the young figure wiped her eyes and continued to write in the journal.
October 30th, 2007
Dear Diary,
It's been a terrible evening. I drove all the way out of town to see Tom in his new home. Low and behold I find him there with Laura from work. I can tell you it was a little more than just a shock. I felt so dizzy and the world was sent spinning. I should have seen this coming. Tom had been acting so strangely. Telling me that story about how moving out to the country would be good for us. 'The distance would improve our relationship.' he said. Why didn't it hit me sooner that he moved to a place only a mile away from Laura? Plus Laura has been avoiding me now for weeks. I can only imagine how long they had been seeing each other behind my back.
What does Laura have that I don't? I guess she's great if you like a woman with no personality and very little brain. I think I know what it is about her that men like. They like the fact that she would shake her ass at anything on two legs. I think what makes me feel worse about this is I introduced them. After I left that house I just drove. I drove till I couldn't see straight. I was in no condition to drive any more. Thank god this diner was here. I feel so lost and confused I just want to hear someone tell me it going to be okay, but I guess I will have to settle for writing in this diary.
God why can't I find love? Why does every man in my life have to leave me? I guess there is no paradise for someone like me. Maybe if I would have had sex with every man I met maybe then I could have found someone. Oh well, I need to get home so I can take a hot bath, climb in, get as comfortable as I can, and drop a hairdryer in the tub.
The young female closed the journal she had been writing in and tossed it into the passenger seat. She rested her head on her hands which were gripping the steering wheel. Her face was very beautiful, but there was a shadow that showed she had been through hell this evening. Her mascara had run down her cheeks from all the crying she had done. Her soft fur was a lovely shade of orange, while the white fur that traveled down from her short, narrow muzzle was a bright contrast against the orange. There was also a tuff of white fur on the tip of her long, bushy tail. Her short shoulder length hair was auburn and set well against her orange fur. Tall triangular ears lay back against her head. Black fur tipped the submissive ears, as well as covered the velvety fur on her hands and feet. She wore a navy blue dress that was low cut in the front, but not enough to show her cleavage. The dress traveled down to mid thigh. Her body was petite; she couldn't weigh more that 100 lbs and stood only 5' 4". She wore high-heeled sandals that were less than comfortable.
Mia had been doing her best to compose herself through the hard times that had come before her. She could recall every talk that her friends had had with her about Tom. Mia refused to heed their warning, needed to spout off her independence to marry the false prince of her dreams. Mia was barely twenty-one and was almost ready to settle down with the man she thought was the 'one'. But in only a matter of hours her whole life had changed.
Nine months, she had been with Tom for nine months. She had decided that he was the one. But now, it was all a lie. She gazed at the cell phone and then out the windshield at the rain lightly tapping it. The soft drum of the rain soothed her. Usually she would enjoy the rain, curling up with a good book, turning the lights down low. The rolling of thunder in the distance told her that it was going to be a rough ride home. Her dainty hand reached out taking the cell, she wanted to call someone, anyone feeling the need to hear all the wisdom that they could offer, but the thought of hearing 'I told you so' made her fell sick to her stomach.
There was only one place where she was going to get the comfort that she needed and that was in her apartment. In a nice hot bubble bath, then some fattening dinner, and a long sad movie with the only person she could trust; herself. A smile drifted to her face at the thought about a nice bowl of popcorn and the romantic movie was just what the doctor ordered to cure a night like tonight. A large bright flash filled the car causing Mia to snap back to reality. The storm was starting to pick up and she was still two hours away from home.
Mia reached down and turned the keys in the ignition the small navy blue Neon came to life. Mia backed out as fast as she could, kicking up dust in from the gravel driveways. She slammed the car in drive, stepping on the gas and started back down the small two lane road. There were tall trees towering on either side of the dark deserted road. Ditches lay below the rows of trees on either side. They were starting to fill with water. Mia's mind started wandering about all the other failed relationships she had had. She could count on one hand the number of males that were decent to her. But that was neither here nor there right now. Picking up the pieces would be hard, but she was a survivor and that's all that mattered.
The sound of the storm raging outside was making her heart race. She winced every so often at the lightening. Her mind wandered back to the things that happened this evening. The images in Mia's mind had been a wonderful one; slowly her mind went back over the events of the day.
Mia had went to work early at her boring secretary job. Working as quickly as she could so she could finish up early. A quick shower and dressed in almost no time flat, but she made sure she took her time to apply the right amount of make-up and use the perfume that Tom had given to her. Down from her apartment to the car and on her way. It was a long ride out to Tom's new house, but she didn't mind. All the mattered was seeing him. The ride has been an uneventful one along the narrow two lane road. The thick trees on either side walling her in. In the daytime they seemed to feel like a shell to protect her. But at night it seemed like a throat to swallow her up. She remembered seeing an old house on top of a hill. It looked run down, but was still beautiful. Below the hill was a small cemetery that held all the locals long gone kin.
Another flash of lightening snapped her free from the clutches of her imagination. Her dark green eyes scanned all mirrors around her as she smirked at her daydreaming. She forced herself to watch the road, but her eyes drifted to the white lines of the road disappear under the car before she slipped back into her thoughts.
Mia had pulled into the driveway at his house more than happy to see him. The lights were on welcoming her to his new home. She stepped around a small Nissan that she hadn't noticed before. Surely it was Tom's new car that he neglected to tell her about. Her shoes clacking gently along his wooden porch as she approached the front door. Her gentle knuckles lightly rapped on the door, but after a moment of no answer she decided to step inside. The door handle turned easily and swung open. The entry way was small, with two doors leading off to either side and a flight of stairs leading to the second story. Mia slowly moved towards one of the two doors, her sandals sinking into the plush carpet. Her eyes scanning around slowly when she heard something upstairs.
Slowly she climbed the stairs looking around. Her fingers slipping along the soft wood of the banister. This had been the first time she had been inside the house since he moved it, but she had a pretty good idea where he would have put everything. Another noise came from the hallway to the right, the sounds of struggling and muffled moans. Mia's heart raced in her chest as she continued right. Her sandals making no noise against the soft carpet. She moved slowly to make sure she didn't make any noises.
At the end of the hall was a door. Mia moved as close as she could. Her keen ears telling her that this is where the sounds were coming from. Her hand tightened around the strap of her purse as she slowly pushed the door open.
Another flash of lightening caused her to swerve a bit on the wet road. Great one bolt hits one of these trees and its all she wrote for me. She thought to herself trying to make sure she paid more attention to the road. Her ears were filled with the soft thumping of her heart. She closed her eyes for a moment rubbing gently at them with one of her hands. Before too long she settled back down in her seat, her memories slowly pulling her back in.
Mia's heart stopped her green eyes opening wide as she stared at the sight that lay before her. There was Tom in all his glory with Laura. It was one of those moments when everything flashes before your eyes in an instant. Every moment she had spent with Tom. Being friends and working with Laura on a daily basis. Mia just hung her head closing the door behind her. Tom and Laura were yelling there petty excuses at her, but their voices were muffled by her heartache as she hurried back to her car and sped away.
There was a saving grace for her, thank goodness there was the small diner parking lot she could stop in and regain her composure. Another flash of lightening struck a tree behind her. The car rattled hard around her and the noise filled the car making her ears ring. The force of the crash caused her to wince her eyes closed. When she opened them again, she could see a figure in the road. Instinctively she jerked the wheel, the water on the road took over sending her skidding into the ditch. The car hit hard jerking her body and she could feel a sharp pain in her forehead right before the darkness came and took her.
A soft trickle of blood dripped down from the cut on Mia's forehead. Her green eyes fluttering open. Everything in the car seemed to be swimming around her. Her fingers instinctively turning the car off before moving up to her eyes rubbing them gently. She blinked a few times trying to focus her blurry vision. The hard drumming of the rain echoed through the car. Thunder roared outside shaking the car around her. Slowly she raised her head and looked out the window. As far as she could tell the car was nose down in the ditch, the rain still falling hard around her and the water was getting deeper.
Slowly she reached up to rub her forehead. She felt something warm and wet against her fingertips. She pulled her hand away looking at blood. She shook her head gently trying to regain her senses. She could feel the water slowly seeping into the car through the gaps in the doors. Her hand slipped down to the cell phone flipping it open. The bright LCD screen showed several things, but the one thing she was most concerned about was the one thing she didn't have. Signal strength, she rolled her eyes trying not think about the pain in her head. The water was filling the car faster. Mia knew she wasn't going to be able to stay in the car for too long. Slowly slipping the cell phone in her bra under the tight dress. It was going to be a very long walk home, but if she stayed in the car she would drown. The first thing she would have to do when she got home is notify her insurance about the accident.
Who was that figure in the road. She thought about the figure that she might have hit realizing that it must have been her imagination. She was sure that the figure would have come to check on her by now.
The door was hard to force open against the water. Mia turned in her seat placing her feet against the door before pushing it open. After a moment she was finally able to wedge the door open enough to slip out. Her sandals quickly sunk into the mud and there was no chance of getting them out. The rain was cold and falling down in one heavy sheet making it so hard to see. Quickly she started to climb the steep ditch wall doing her best to keep from falling. Her purse clinging tight to her already wet and muddy body, her fingers coming to rest upon the asphalt of the road. Her once light dress felt like it weighed a ton as it clung to her body.
Mia looked both ways doing her best to see further then a few feet, but there was no luck. The rain was forming a complete wall around her. She sighed and started walking along the road the direction she had been going. Surely there would be a car happening along that would stop and offer assistance.
It was hard to tell how much time had passed, but the one thing Mia was sure of is it was long enough for her feet to start hurting. The rain had let up a bit, but there was now a breeze that blew through her, chilling her to the bone. There had not been a car pass by her the whole time she had been walking, the idea that she was totally alone and isolated was starting to frighten her. At any moment she knew her mind would be racing, filling her head with nonsense.
"This way!"
There was a soft voice that whispered in her ears, it sound like a young child. Mia snapped her head around looking for who the voice might belong to, her heart starting to race. The voice continued to call to her.
"Quickly, this way!"
"Who's there? This isn't funny, Tom if that's you...!" Mia shouted softly as something hit the ground hard a few steps behind her.
Mia shuttered deeply in her body as the sound started to imitate footfall behind her. Don't look back, first rule of thumb in horror movies. Her mind blurted out as her feet sprang into action pushing her onward into a fast run. Her body remembered all she learned from her days on the track team in high school. But she had let her body get rusty and she knew that this pace wouldn't last.
"This way, through the cemetery." The voice called to her again.
Slowly her body veered, almost of its own accord, moving down into the steep ditch. A large iron gate came into view between the parting of the large trees. She threw her body into the gate feeling the bars bite her hands. The chain holding up very well against her weight. There was a splash from behind her. Whatever was following her was growing closer by the second. Her eyes scanned the gate as she could see two bars missing from the bottom of the gate. There was enough room for her slender body to slip through.
Her mind screaming for her to go, her body already beating her thoughts as she was through and on the run again along the cobblestone path of the cemetery. From what her eyes could spot, the cemetery had long since been closed. The grass had covered most of the grave stones and grew over the cobblestones path. The iron gate behind her clattered loudly and she knew there was no time to stop now. The path slowly started to climb a rather steep hill. In the distance the old house that she had seen earlier came into view.
The windows were all dark, but at least she would be able to find some refuge away from whatever was chasing her. It was becoming hard to breath and her heart was pounding in her chest, but she forced herself on. Quickly she turned around, but nothing was there. A blanket of fog rolled in covering the path behind her. She felt her hand hit another tall iron gate hard. There was a solid sting rushing through her hands. But to her surprise that the gate opened.
Mia stepped through the gate closing it behind her. Mia's foot hit something on the ground as she looked down to see what it was. Her eyes spotted the chain lying there. She knelt down picking it up, quickly wrapping it around the gate and slowly locked the lock that hung at the other end of it. Whatever was pursued her had stopped, hopefully the gate had stopped it. She noted that the chain could easily be broken with the proper tools, but at least she would feel a little more comfortable. Somehow during the chase, the rain had picked up and was now bombarding down on her as she turned and walked up the cobblestone path towards the house.
The house was enormous, and Mia was so sure that the house was gorgeous when it was in its prime. The three-story plantation style manor had so much character even in its run down state. The large porch that went all the way around the house was topped with huge marble pillars that were darkened with age and weather. Dying bushes lay in front of the porch and in front of the bushes was once a garden full of beautiful flowers, now just a patch of dead earth. Mia smiled at how enormous the front yard was. She could almost see the children playing in the front yard.
Mia approached the large front doors, her feet creaking upon the porch steps as she climbed them. Making her way to the front door she looked back and forth along the porch. There was a beautiful porch swing set to her right. To the left was a large window that looked out onto the yard. It was dirty and dark. Mia remembered always wanting a porch swing. An innocent smile came to her, making her look younger than she was.
Just then the front door slowly opened with a loud creak that could be heard through the rain. It drew Mia's attention back to the door. Her heart stopped as she thought about her pursuer. She was far too frightened, but her mind was curious. She leaned close wanting to get a better look, when her heart started pounding in her chest. Her dress was still clinging too her body, while she reached forth to grab the handle of the door. A large hand reached through the crack in the door and grabbed her hand. The lightening flashed followed closely by a crack of thunder making her jump towards the door and saving her from the prison of her over active imagination. She cocked her head feeling a bit childish. She giggled at her silliness.
"Oh Mia you are a silly little girl!" She whispered to herself.
Mia slowly reached for the door handle turning it slowly feeling it resist before she just yanked it open. The door creaking as it opened to one side. She poked her head in the dark and dingy entrance room. There were some boots piled on the floor and coats all hanging up on four racks. Slowly she stepped in pulling the door closed behind her. The air was stale inside the small coat room. The lighting faded as the door closed behind her.
Mia searched around the front door for something to lock the door with her lips curled in a cute smile as she slid the deadbolt lock home with a click. Her eyes slowly started to adjust to the darkness allowing her to feel around for a light switch or something useful. It took her only a moment to remember just where she was.
I'm a very intelligent person. I should know that there wasn't electricity back when this house was built. She shouted in her mind before she continued to search the opposite door for the knob. It didn't take her long to find the latch-like handle. She pushed it down the door creaking loudly against her pushing. The creaking echoed throughout the whole house. Slowly she stepped into the main hall of the house her bare feet making no sound as they hit the floor. Mia's mouth fell open as she peered around the hall.
The once great hall had fallen from grace. The wallpaper was now stained with dust and age, ripping and peeling away at the seams. The once red carpet traveled the staircase, now rotting with age. Beautiful columns that traveled from floor to the balcony on the upper level were cracking and crumbling. Everything of value had been plundered from the house long ago. To the right of the front door was a small wooden table with a candleholder lying tipped over on it's side. Mia reached for it noticing that the candleholder was made of copper and not gold that must have been why it was left behind. There was a small drawer in the table. Mia pulled the drawer open, it put up a good fight, but lost all the same. There was a box of matches and a long sharp letter opener.
Mia pulled the box of matches out opening it. A smile parted her lips as she quickly struck a match to light the candle on the table. The soft light filled the hall, with a dim orange glow. Mia unzipped her purse tucking the matches into it, while picking up the sharp letter opener. It wasn't much of a weapon, but it would have to do.
The red carpet; like that on the stairs, was laid throughout the hall. It had been moth eaten and was dirty from age. It shifted unnaturally as she walked on it. The smell in the air was stale and dusty. Cobwebs adorned every corner of this place. Mia's eyes were drawn to the glorious chandelier crafted from gold and jewels that hung above her. If only she could lower it down and light the candles on it, but she knew that it must have weighed a ton. Her feet made a soft patting sound as she walked across the marble floor.
Mia had decided that searching the ground floor would be the only intelligent thing to do first, just in case someone came after her, she could escape easier through one of the windows, but they would certainly have a hell of a time climbing over the gates outside.
Mia slowly walked along the hall giving a firm nodded as the time to search the house was nigh. It was going to be easier thanks to the candle. There were so many doors to choose from but Mia knew she would have to be quick about this search.
After an hour of searching the ground level, Mia had found little to comfort her. She did take the liberty of lighting a fire in the room that looked like a library or maybe it was a personal study. Shelves holding books lined the walls. There was an old leather bound chair with a high back that sat in front of the fireplace. A small table was set next to the chair. In the corner next to the fireplace was a door. While right across from it, beside a bookshelf was another door. When she inspected them she found them both locked. She had spent a lot of time admiring the beautiful painting above the mantle. It was a painting of a young male in his teen years. The male was dressed in a snappy Union Army uniform from the Civil War. His soft features were painted onto the canvas his sea blue eyes pierced her emerald green eyes. His white fur covered the whole of his body with the exception of the tips of his ears which was coated with a soft black fur. The same black fur that streaked his nose up his narrow muzzle. His lower muzzle from the black streak down around his chin was a darker gray color. In his right hand was a long sword, no doubt one of the commanders of an army. His fluffy white tail was tipped with just a hint of black. Mia had to admit that the look of this painting was moving in a way very rarely spoken about.
Mia decided to search the upstairs. She moved up the staircase running her hand along the dusty banister. In many ways the house was still beautiful, a marvelous work of art. Immediately she shook her head wanting to make sure she kept control of her imagination. She reached the top of the stairs. She noticed that going left would be a foolish prospect since the ceiling had collapsed blocking off all access to what was beyond. All that was left was the right side of the upper hall.
A short searched turned up nothing. The upstairs was falling apart and there was nothing to comfort her against the loud thundering outside. There was a broken window somewhere in the upstairs, she could feel a soft breeze pushing through the house. The clothes she wore were still soaking wet, chilling her to the bone. Quickly she turned and walked down the stairs being extra careful not to step on anything that might hurt her feet. She wanted to get back to the library as soon as she could.
Mia passed through the door to the library, closing it behind her. The warmth of the fire already easing her body. She dead bolted the door increasing her comfort. The fire had lit the room pretty well, enough for her to read by. She smiled and decided that this room was going to be her "base of operation". For some reason she felt safer in this room. Most likely the male in the painting watching over me. Mia had to laugh at herself for the silly, romantic notion. Being through a terribly night and she still had time for a fantasy. Mia decided her next step was to find a bathroom with a bathtub. She was covered with mud and wanted desperately to be cleaned. She just hoped that there was warm water, although it seems that because there was no electricity she was sure that there was no hot water. Still there was nothing wrong with hoping.
The first thing she decided to do was deal with the door next to the fireplace. She made sure to make a good argument about breaking the doors of the library in. To make sure that the library was a worthy base of operations, she must know everything about the room. The door itself was rotting away and whoever looted the house before had tried unsuccessfully to break the door down. It was at least worth a try. She backed away a couple of steps and stared at the door. She shook away the little voice giggling at her logic inside her head. One hundred pounds against a door, RIGHT! In a quick jolt she lead with a sidekick into the door. It shook violently, but didn't budge. There was a sharp pain in her hip causing her too reel a bit and rethink her strategy. With a deep sigh she did it again and again, and again. After a series of kicks the door finally gave in sending her sprawling on her face into a large bedroom.
Mia slowly pushed up off the soft carpet on the floor. The room was very dark so she decided to step out and retrieve the candle. Slowly she walked back to the room. It was a beautiful room. It appeared that the door she came through was the only door into the room, that alone was one reason to be relax. The bed, which dominated a large segment of the room, was beautiful. Large oak poles extended from all four corners of the bed. Transparent lace curtains were draped around the bed hanging like angelic cobwebs. To the left was a large chest of drawers, no doubt full of useful clothes. To the right of the bed was a large window that looked out upon the road that she had traveled in on. She could barely see the path in the cemetery through the rain and the darkness. Taking up most of one of the other walls on the opposite side of the bed was another fireplace. It appeared to be the same size as the one in the study, they even seemed connected through the wall. On the opposite side of the room from where she had entered was another door. She walked across the room feeling her aching feet pat on the deteriorating carpet. The handle of the door turned easily and opened into a large walk-in closet.
Mia scanned over the clothes looking for something salvageable to wear. She was tired of being cold from wearing the rain soaked dress. Her hand stopped upon an outfit that looked almost untouched by time. She shivered as a cold feeling ran down her spin. She pulled the outfit from the rack. It was a uniform, incredibly old, but the fabric was almost like new. Mia couldn't help but wonder as she carried it back to the study with her. Something inside of her told her to be scared, but at the same time she just couldn't be.
When she walked back into the study she noticed that the door across the way was open just a crack. Mia stood there in puzzlement as she lay the outfit across the back of the chair. Setting the candle down on the small table next to the chair. Her fingers slid across the table picking up the letter opener. The door never seemed so far away as she walked towards it, pushing it open. The light of the fireplace in the study cast a dim orange light into the room. She held the letter opener ready to attack. It was a much smaller room with a solid marble floor. At least that is what it seemed from how cold it was on her bare feet. Something brushed the side of her head sending a tingle from her toes to her ears, her tail darting up between her legs and wrapping around her thigh.
She looked around the room, it was so dark she couldn't see. After a moment she noticed that it was a little lantern hanging from the ceiling. Immediately she raced to the study snatching the matches she had found in the table in the front hall. In seconds she was back, lighting the lantern turning the wick up to make it shine brighter.
The room was just what she hoped it would be. In the corner was a large porcelain bathtub, large enough to fit two people. The tub was just like she always wanted. In the corner behind the tub was a hand pump, for pumping water from an underground well. There were shelves packed with deteriorated towels, but at least they were usable. In the corner across from of the tub was something she couldn't identify.
Mia knelt down and opened a small door on the front of the iron contraption. In the small compartment behind the door was a place to put wood. On the top of it was a large pot. On the floor next to it was a tin jug that had 'kerosene' etched on the side.
"If only there was some extra..." Mia's eyes scanned around stopping on a small basket full of wood chips next to the door. "Eureka!"
"Hmmm. Nothing like cooking, while you're bathing I suppose." Mia chuckled softly as her laughing died down and her eyes open wider. "Oh cool, it's for warming up water for the bath, plus it heats the room. Man whoever lived here was a genius."
This was a wonderful discovery, the best that Mia had found all night. Slowly she crawled over to the basket dragging it closer to the warmer. Quickly she tossed some of the wood chips into the fire, followed by a little splash of kerosene. It took her only a second to light a match and toss it in. The fire started slowly and then caught instantly. Mia gently closed the little hatch. The fire burning, heating up the metal plate that worked like a burner. She took the metal pot off the top of the warmer. It wasn't as heavy as it looked, but it would be when it was full of water. She carried it over to the water pump starting to fill it with water. It took her a several time of pumping enough water to fill it, but at least there was water. It's going to take a long time for the water to heat up and even longer to get enough to fill the tub. She thought to herself as she put the pot on the top of the warmer.
The house certainly seemed to have everything she would need to hold up in. The only thing the house lacked was food, but beggars can't be choosers. She walked back into the study and picked up the outfit, still marveling over the condition it was in. She could honestly admit that she was feeling pretty good despite all the things that happened this evening. Mia felt even more amazed that with all she had been through tonight she wasn't even tired. Walked back to the bathing room where she hung the outfit up on the hook next to the door. The room was already starting to heat up from the little warmer.
Well there is nothing I can do about waiting for the water to heat up, might as well find something to do. She frowned a bit and looked out the window, the rain still pouring down followed closely by thunder and a flash of lightning to finish. For once since she had arrived at the house she realized that she was completely alone. Even if she did find her way home she would still be alone regardless. Tom had been the only thing that mattered in her life for the longest time and now he was gone. She would have to start all over again with a new man. The meeting, the dating, the falling in love. It was going to be hard for her. There was a new emptiness right above her stomach. It was bringing tears to her eyes again. STOP IT! Get over him you twat! So he cheated on you, you're better off without him. Mia thought to herself as she looked at the painting above the fire. Whoever he was, he was handsome and debonair. I bet he knew how to treat his lady, all one hundred of them. I wonder if it was his voice that told me to come here. God I hope so. Smiling dreamily for a moment she turned her attention to the books that lined each shelf; perhaps there was something in there that could help her understand who he was.
The books were old and dusty. Mia was sure that some of the books were moldy and falling apart. Reading the titles were difficult since some of them were unreadable. But it was fun reading through some of the other titles. Some titles she couldn't even read because they were in different languages. After looking at the titles for so long that her eyes blurred she finally found what she was looking for. Mia giggled playfully and pulled the book from the shelf. The book wasn't as old as it seemed. Gingerly she opened the book finding a drawing on the inside cover that looked just like the painting above the fire. It was just a rough sketch, but still was unmistakably the same picture. In the corner of the sketch was the letters E.S. She wondered whom it was that drew the picture and painted the portrait of her mysterious General.
"The Diary of Colonel Andrew Ravenscoft." She said aloud looking up at the painting.
Mia set the book down on the table and got up. She moved as quickly as she could to check the water temperature. She was happy to see that it was boiling. She reached up grabbing two disintegrating towels and carried the pot over to the tub being very careful not to burn herself. Slowly she poured the water into the tub. Hot steam rising up hitting her in the face, she was too cold for it to burn her, she noticed. Sighing softly as she filled the pot up again and placed it back on the warmer. It was going to take at least three more pots to fill the tub up. They must have worked really hard for their baths, oh well at least they enjoyed them, when they finally got them. She thought to herself as she walked back into the study, closing the door behind her so the heat wouldn't escape the room.
Mia moved around to the front of the chair preparing to sit down. Her cold dress clinging to her body. There was a soft groan as she knew what she had to do. She looked up at the painting and smiled coyly, her cheeks flushed red. Mia walked into the bedroom slowly pulling the comforter off of the bed. She grabbed it and shook it hard as a cloud of dust filled the air. Mia walked slowly back to the library, folding it in half and draping it across the back of the chair. She had planned on using the chair all night there was no sense in soaking it. Her eyes shifted back to the painting and a smile slipped to her lips again.
"You certainly won't mind...would you?" Mia asked almost waiting for a reply as she slipped the strap of her dress over her head, and pushed the dress down around her ankles.
Mia could feel the heat of the fire against her sensitive body. She crouched down and picked up the dress. Mia hung the dress up on one of the corners of the many shelves in the room so that it would dry in the heat of the fire. Her cold wet hair resting against her shoulders. Soft drops of water running down her naked back and chest, causing her to shiver despite the warm fire. Slowly she ran her finger along the band of her soaked pink panties, pushing them down along her legs. She lifted them with her toes to let them rest upon the marble step in front of the fireplace. She slide her hand up her body hugging her small chest tightly. Standing in front of the fire, feeling the warmth dry her fur, it was a nice feeling. An odd feeling washed over her. It warmed her from the inside out. It was almost like she was home. She if only for an instance could actually feel that she belong in this house. She found her attention going back to the painting above the fire. Reaching back to pull the comforter around her shoulder cuddling up to it.
"Perhaps I will read about you...my lovely Colonel." Mia said sitting down in the chair, feeling the comforter caressing her naked body.
Mia picked the book up resting it in her lap, before opening it. The pages were very fragile under her fingers, but she made sure to be very gentle with them. The first few pages were lists of names, no doubt people in his battalion. Then there was another page with lists of diaries Andrew had kept. Then at the bottom of the page it read. "Personal note: Mum and Pa are the keepers of all the diaries, but this one." Mia smiled softly and giggled. He must be very forgetful. She turned the page and read.
April 12
Dear Diary,
It looks like another happy birthday for me. Finally my 16th birthday, that is much cause for celebration. I didn't get much this year, but what I did get was special. From Pa I got my very own rifle, he said that I will need it when I am called to war. Mum gave me a silk scarf to go with my dress uniform she remarked how handsome I will look in it while leading my battalion into battle.
I don't see why we are at war with the south. So some people from the south don't want to follow rules set by the north. I say we should let them do as they wish to do. Pa said that it's foolish talk, but Ellie says the same thing I do.
Oh speaking of Ellie, she gave me a kiss today after school. She was kind of sad and crying. She said that I had to come back to be with her after the war. What was I to say? She went on home without me, usually she has me walk her home. I am starting to wonder if my birthday is such a good day after all.
Mia smiled again looking up at the painting, she could picture him in her mind sitting in the chair writing in his diary. She slowly flipped ahead a couple of pages stopping on one page that seemed particularly interesting. The handwriting was a bit different, more hurried than anything.
April 29
Dear Diary,
Today is a horrible day, it seems that they are calling me to fight for them for real this time. I wish I hadn't asked Father Gill about war. He told me some horrible things. People getting blown apart, cut in half by bullets. He even told me a story about a man getting his head cut off by a knife. I don't know if I can go through with this. Tomorrow I have to tell Ellie, I reckon she is not going to take this very well. Mum is crying and has been all day. Pa left shortly after I got the letter, he is most likely down at the pub. I guess they weren't as happy as they pretended to be.
Mia found her heart pounding with worry, she felt funny for feeling this way about a stranger, but she couldn't help it. Her hands were shaking as she placed the book down on the table. Getting up from the chair her body adjusting to the room as she walked into the bathing room. Mia was pleased to see that the water was boiling again, this time she quickly dumped it into the tub. The pot was very hot, but at least the towels blocked most of the heat. Now that she had a purpose to return to the study, she quickly filled it back up and set it back on the warmer. The floor in this room was warm on her bare feet. So warm in fact she could feel sweat beading up all over her body. She was glad that the room was going to be warm when she got her bath. The smile slowly turned to a frown that it was going to take another half hour before the tub would be full enough for her much wanted bath. At least she found something to pass the time.
The chill of the study sent a shiver down her back as she rushed back to her seat by the fire, wrapping the comforter around her. The warmth already sinking in. She picked up the book and flipped through it, stopping on a page that proved to be very interesting. The scribbling that was there before was now slowed into beautiful penmanship. Mia wondered what would cause him to take such time and care on a diary entry. She flashed a quick glance at the painting on the wall and blew a kiss to Andrew, her cheeks flushing a bit before starting to read.
May 5th
Dear Diary,
Tonight is my last night at home. I ship out tomorrow with the Rank 5 battalion. The so-called "Sweepers", their job is to go through areas that have already taken over and gather up any survivors and captives. Stupid war, goddamned Lincoln, if he would have tried harder I wouldn't be going to war. Now I have to leave behind all the things that mean so much to me. Mum, Pa, Chester my cat, and of course Ellie. God I am going to miss Ellie. These last couple of days we have been so close. I realize now why she was crying, and why she has been avoiding my gaze. I was such a fool for not seeing it sooner. She is in love with me, she honestly loves me.
Tonight we did things that I have only dreamed about. She took me up on Gruff's Hill behind her home. The moon sat high in the sky. Her eyes seemed to be so magical. She showed me her body, I didn't know what to do I was so petrified with fear. I am sure that if I had been wearing trousers I would have wet them. I held her so close to me. Her body was warm and she smelled so good..., tasted so good, by all that is holy it felt so magical. I didn't believe in magic before tonight, but I do now. She did things that I am sure the devil himself would have felt ashamed of. Although I must admit, I was certainly no angel myself. She kept begging me to promise her I would come home and make her my wife. This was the first time she told me. I will never forget what she said. "I love you so much Andrew, I want to have your children, and I want to be the one you come home too every night. I want to be your battle cry. I want to be the person you dedicate all your victories to." And the last thing I remember being able to say before we both lay there crying and holding each other was. "You already are Ellie, you already are."
I don't want to go, and I certainly don't want to die, if not for me then for her.
Mia reached up and wiped a tear that was welling in her eye and quivered softly. Why don't people say stuff like that nowadays? Mia looked up at the figure in the painting no longer feeling silly about him. She couldn't help but feel the way she did about him. There was a new feeling inside of her something that she hadn't felt in a long time. It was a lustful feeling, something inside of her crying out to the heavens that Andrew Ravenscroft was alive. That he would step down out of the painting and wrap his strong arms around her. Her mind briefly wandering to other thoughts, a blush coming to her cheeks. She couldn't help but feel perverse. She stood up from the chair and leaned on the fireplace mantle. Her eyes lost in his almost feeling sad.
Mia spoke out, her voice cracking a bit. "I bet you wouldn't have treated me the way Tom did." Tears welling up in her eyes. "I bet you could have made me happy, I bet you could have loved me strong and passionately like I need."
There was a rage inside of her that she hadn't noticed before. "I finally find you and wouldn't it just figure, I was born is the wrong FUCKING era." She shouted her voice harsh, tears rolling down her cheeks. "I want you, I want you like she wanted you. I might want you more, but I just can't have you. Its not fair!"
Mia's stopped shouting as she reached up and ran her fingers along her forehead. Her head was spinning again and she became weak. Her knees buckled sending her down to her floor leaning over in front of the fireplace. She stayed there for the longest time weeping, her body was convulsing. She never expected coming to this place for a reckoning. She never knew that she was this vulnerable, like a woman should be. She pushed herself up into a sitting position as she reached up holding her head. The buzzing in her head had stopped; all she could hear was the crackling of the fire in the fireplace and the boiling of the water in the other room. She pushed herself up to her feet, feeling tired and weak.
The rain had stopped and the world was covered with a thick blanket of fog. She didn't know if it was daytime or nighttime. She walked slowly passed the chair towards the bathing room. All she wanted to do was bathe, change, and go to sleep. No more reading about Andrew Ravenscroft, no more Eillie Silvers.
Mia stopped in her tracks surprised to find that the tub was full of water; she knew that it hadn't been like that when she left the room the last time. The uniform that was hanging up had gone. She turned and looked behind her. The door leading into the bedroom was closed. Her heart raced as she walked back into the study. The soft colors of dawn were shining through the window. There was cold gush of air across her naked body.
Something gleamed on the door that led into the bedroom. It was a plaque made of bronze that read. "To my love A.R. from your love E.S." Mia thought about it deeper and then it finally hit her. Andrew Ravenscoft and Ellie Silvers, she was the one that drew the picture in the diary. Mia stumbled over to the painting hanging over the fireplace and looked closely at the initials in the corner. M.H. What the hell? Mia picked up the diary and flipped through it to the back, the final entry. It wasn't Andrew's hand writing at all it was someone completely different.
October 30th
I received a letter today from the President. It didn't hold good news for me. It appears my one true love Andrew was killed in battle. He died most nobly. In the final hours face to face with the Grim Reaper he was calling for me. He was calling to god to watch over our unborn child and me. I wanted to go to him, but I am unfit to travel, because I am pregnant.
He knew, I didn't even tell him I was carrying his child, because he knew. Somehow he knew. I hate myself for not being there with him in the final hours of his life. To tell him what I truly wanted to tell him. I am so sick to my stomach. I couldn't eat; even though I am so hungry I just cannot bring myself to eat. Too bad it is raining tonight or I would take a walk off...on the parapet.
I can't help, but to hate myself. God has taken something away from me that I can never have again. To honor him I drew his likeness in the front of this book. Silly I know, but I can see him standing there. I can still see him standing there. I'm going to go for that walk now. Sitting here dwelling on this isn't going to make me feel better.
I love you Andrew, I always will.
Mia cocked an eyebrow and lowered the book. "Who the hell is M.H.?" Something fell out of the book and landed on her toes. She knelt down and snatched it up from the floor. She slowly unfolded the paper. The writing was very vague and hard to read, but she tried her best. She didn't know what was going on, but she had to find the answers. Mia was a bit puzzled that the handwriting this time was Andrew's.
October 31, All Hallows Eve
Dear Diary,
A grave day indeed, all Hallows Eve when we give thanks to all those lost to us to the after life. Funny though, when I reached home I found everyone dressed in black, weeping for someone lost. My friends, my family, even Mum and Pa were there. The only person not there was my beautiful Ellie. It was my day of homecoming and everyone was weeping I just don't understand. Finally after all the battles, fighting to be the last one standing I am home and no one cares. I talked to Mum; she didn't even look at me, or answer me. She just shivered and hugged my father. I spoke to my friend; he turned his back on me and wailed. Why are they acting so strangely?
Same night,
I am cold, freezing all over. The truth is too much for me to bear. I hitched a ride with my family in a carriage. We rode for what seemed like hours. No one spoke, they were too busy shivering and whispering how cold it was. It was raining horribly, but not cold rain, it was warm like rays of sunshine. No one said anything to me about my deeds. Not even a word about my Colonel's dress uniform that I wore to make my parents proud. Where in the world was Ellie?
I took a little nap because I was so tired. It seems that we finally arrived where we needed to be. The selfish people I rode with hadn't even bothered to wake me. I must have done something to make them feel ill.
When I found them they were all hovering around a grave. Funny two caskets sit waiting to be lowered into the ground. That is why they weep because someone had died. That is why they don't speak; they think it will be disrespectful to the dead. War has made me paranoid; to think they do not love me.
Why are mother and father crying so? Where is my darling Ellie? What is written on the headstone?
OH MY GOD! It cannot be. Ellie dead, baby too, and...Andrew Ravenscroft.
November 1st Last entry
Dear Diary,
I am tortured for killing my sweet Ellie. I made a promise that I did not keep. I didn't come back for her. The picture she drew for me in my book, I will have made into a painting to remember her by. I am afraid that it will not be for sometime though. Being dead has its advantages. I see things before they happen. Perhaps in several years I will call on a man, I can see him now.
But for now I will rest in tender sleep, remembering my child and my wife.
A chill shot through Mia as she held the paper. Her body soaked in sweat. What did it mean? Why couldn't she figure it out? She looked closer there was something written on the back of the paper. She turned it over and her heart stopped.
October 30th 1985
Dear Diary,
Finally I have found a man to paint the picture. It is only a shame that he took that nasty spill down the stairs. It hurt me that I couldn't save him. While his beautiful daughter stood there watching as he died. All I could do is help him move on to a greater place. In return he painted the picture for me. Now I feel like I can rest easier. Thank you my dear friend, Michael Hoffman.
And thank you my dear sweet Mia.
The page slipped out from Mia's hands as she quivered. The room was spinning around her anew. Everything seemed to blend into one another as she looked up at the painting again. There in the painting was her sweet Andrew. But there was something new about the painting. Next to Andrew stood a young woman with long auburn hair, orange fur, the darkest green eyes, and she was very beautiful. Mia found that her naked body was wet with sweat her face streaked with tears. The book hit the floor with a hard thump as she reached for the comforter in the chair. Memories were rushing back to her like a tidal wave.
"Daddy I'm sorry, I didn't mean it to happen this way." She hugged her body as memories hit her hard knocking her down to the floor.
A young male with deep brown hair striding through the house followed by a little five year old girl with a red shade of hair. He gazed upon her with emerald eyes and flashed a smile at her, like the flash bulb on the camera he was using to take pictures of the house. The young artist trying to get ideas for a new portfolio he was working on. He was happier than he had ever been. She remembered her father almost dancing through the house on that chilly Halloween day. As he reached the top of the step to take a picture of the chandelier, he heard Mia scream. Her voice tore through the house. Her dad turned to see what was the matter...when his foot slipped and he tumbled down the stairs.
Mia could heard the break. His head pushed to far forward, the camera smashing upon the floor under him. He was cold, and she was the one too blame. She remembered holding him until the police arrived, her mother screaming and crying. But what of her, no one asked her who did it or what happened. She told her mother that she did it, that she was the one to blame, but her mother didn't want to hear it.
Mia was lying on the floor huddled into a tight fetal position. She wailed and cried wanting to forget the visions that she had kept locked away for years. There was a cold feeling deep inside as she shuttered at the torment of her own mind. The imagination that drew her in, held her prisoner now.
A warm hand rubbed up from the small of her back to her shoulders. The warm hand rubbed her back slowly in little circles, trying to calm her. All Mia could do was roll over and look up at who was rubbing her back. To her surprise it was Andrew. Face to face with him at last, he was real. She pinched herself on the thigh just to make sure she wasn't dreaming. His soft smile embraced her, as he pulled her into his arms. He was a radiant sight, dressed in the Uniform that she had found in his room. His golden hair laying free about his shoulder, his crystal blue eyes trapping her inside.
Mia rested easy upon his lap, quivering and finding a new release from her night of revelation. "Its really you. Oh I wanted you so badly and now you're here."
"I loved you from the moment I saw you. You don't know how much I wish I could have saved your father. IT was my fault, if I would not have touched your cheek, you wouldn't have screamed." His once young voice was filled with knowledge, even though he hadn't changed from the depiction in the painting.
"I was the one responsible...I." Andrew cut her short with a soft kiss to her lips.
Andrew's lips were warm and sweet to the taste; it filled her body with warmth and a tingle. She felt herself give into his kiss reaching out touching his soft cheek fur. Her fingers flowing through the golden ribbons of his hair, the kiss grew in power. His tongue was magic to hers holding it in a soft massage, a kiss to end all kisses. Mia pulled away feeling something ignite inside of her. Andrew stared deeper into her eyes viewing the beautiful soul inside.
"I want to stay here forever with you Andrew. There is nothing outside this house for me. My mother's dead, my father too. Even..." She thought for a moment about mentioning Tom, but she found herself disinterested in his name.
"You don't know how happy I am to hear you say that. Look over there on the floor in front of the fireplace." His voice took on a softer tone, one full of compassion.
Mia pushed herself up from his lap and walked around the chair to gaze at the mystery that Andrew wanted her to see. On the stone platform that held the fireplace she lay. It took her a moment to figure out what she was seeing. She was looking at herself lying on the marble platform for the fireplace. Then as if it were a bad joke she got it. Her body lay in the pool of blood. When she had been yelling at Andrew. The pain from her head injury had given her a dizzy spell. She fell and hit her head on the marble. It was funny and beautiful in a very odd way. She knew every question ever left unanswered now to her.
Her eyes met with Andrew's as he moved close to her. "Welcome home Andrew."
Andrew picked her up and held her closely to him. "Welcome home Ellie. I have missed you so much."
Andrew held her close to him as Mia lay her head upon his shoulder. Both of her arms wrapped tightly around his neck as he carried her. There was certainly magic between the two of them again. A glow that lit up the darken room. Andrew carried her through the door to the bathing room and kicked the door close behind them.
October 31st 2007
Dear Diary,
It is finally good to be home where I belong. It's amazing what you can remember from a kiss with a loved one. The painting above the fireplace was actually Andrew with Ellie...I mean me; well I guess both of us. I realize that things always happen for a reason. Breaking up with Tom, the car crash, the mysterious house, my dad dying, it all happened for a reason.
Tonight was the greatest night in my life. Andrew took me places I never even dreamed I could go. I know I will miss the things I left behind, but to be with the person I love is so much more magical. That is the secret to a lasting love. Sacrifice. Ellie died because of the loss of Andrew. Andrew gave up eternal rest for me. Dad lost his life trying to protect me, and I gave my life for Andrew. Even though I know that tomorrow me and Andrew will move on to our final resting place I'm going to make sure that we "live " tonight to the fullest.
I will get to see my mom and dad again. I will get to meet his parents...again. He will get to meet mine as well. I will even get to see our child. I can't wait. There is a lot to think about, but maybe I will keep it for another time. After all I have all eternity to do so.
Oh and one last thing, don't worry about Tom. In about two weeks he's got a new surprise coming to him. Well, apparently Laura being the dog she is, hasn't had all of her shots. And what she gave Tom, can't really be cured by a shot. So hopefully they'll be able to work it out. God I love knowing everything.
Mia closed the book and lay it again on the table, for whoever might happen upon it. She could feel the warm touch of her love Andrew caressing tenderly along her cheek. Her green eyes shifted up to his blue eyes as he gave her a loving smile.
"Come my love, its time for us to go." His voice was soft and tender to her ears.
"Yes I know, I just had to write the last diary entry, just in case someone else comes across this house, who needs cheered up." Mia smiles as she stood up from the chair lacing her fingers with his.
"Always so thoughtful, that is why I fell in love with you." Andrew walked with her slowly to the bedroom door.
Mia walked closely by his side as it was always meant to be. Mia kissed his lips deeply on last time before they stepped through the door and were gone.