The Parish

by Clare Midgley

  “How are you feeling? You don’t look as flaky, and this is only the second time you’ve vomited in an hour, so it seems to be slowing down.” As he lifted his head out of the bin, he placed the back of his hand over his mouth.

  “I just feel exhausted I’ve never been ill” Taking hold of the bin she looked into the sludge, as the mangled black tar and the underlying smell of sulphur turned her stomach. As she knelt at his side, she stroked his black stained fingers concerned that they had made the wrong decision.

  “The thing about being ill is that you get better and when you do we have a lot to look forward to. Now let me run you a bath and get you into bed sleep helps.” As she settled Jacob into his hot bath, he looked immediately relaxed. Leaving him to soak she started to rummage through the suitcases. Catching a glimpse of her wedding dress in the mirror, she swayed from side to side feeling like a princess. However, with the reality somewhat different she broke off her gaze and searched through the clothes looking for something more comfortable for bed. Entering the bathroom, she sat on the toilet and waited for Jacob to open his eyes.

  “Hi, how are you feeling?”

  “Tired and still a little sick not that bad after the events of today I suppose.” Jacob leant back as if he dare not leave the comfort of the water.

  “How are you anyway?”

  “Oh umm yeah fine. I just wondered something that’s all…” Eve pulled out some of the selections of underwear she found in the case. The see-through pants and Basque gleamed in the bright stark light of the bathroom.

  “Is there any reason why all of my underwear looks as if it has been bought directly out of sex catalogue? And my next question is after today’s events do you think you’re going to be well enough to use it?” Eve’s playful protest brought a beamed smiled to Jacobs’s sallow cheeks.

  “I didn’t know what to buy, and I bought whatever I liked. What can I say I did have an evil spirit then if that’s my excuse” Smiling she ran her fingers through his hair.

  “I think you need to rest and not get too excited. Are you sure you’re ok?” As he circled her fingers, he kissed her softly on her hand.

  “I am now I’m alone with you.”

  Chapter 9

  Opening the curtains Eve listened to the distant birdsong in the tree’s which lined the drive to the house. She had been up most of the night with Jacob but this time dealing with his sickness was the least of her worries. Pulling at her sleeve, she covered the fingernail scratches which had buried deep into her skin and on hearing the door close Eve jumped startled and slightly nervous too for his return.

  “I’m sorry, please forgive last night I don’t...” Tears rolled down his cheeks unable to express the hurt he felt. Dropping to his knees Eve choked on his reaction.

  “I understand it's ok this was going to happen it had to happen you’re renouncing everything you are…”

  “Eve I feel like my heart is going to explode in my chest. I can’t forgive myself. I’ve never felt like this before, and the remorse is tearing me apart...” As she sat at his side, she took hold of his hand pressing her fingers between his.

  “Welcome to the human condition Jake these feeling never go it’s what makes us human…” Wrapping his arms tightly around her he pulled her close.

  “I don’t know what’s happening to me. I love you so much I would never hurt you.” Feeling his heart beat faster she tried to block out the images of the turbulent evening. However, the haunting cries and fearing for her safety wasn’t something she could forget.

  “I need to walk Jake, there is a pool at the end of the garden, and I think the exercise might clear my mind.” As she abruptly moved she felt unable to settle his pain.

  “This isn’t how I planned it you looked so beautiful yesterday and...” Trying to reassure she patted his cheek softly and as she skimmed through the roughly organised wardrobe, she found the only item that looked remotely like a swimming costume and pushed it into a clear bag.

  “I won’t be long.” Walking down the corridor, she felt as if all eyes had started to burn into her back and she desperately wanted to run away. The noises from Jake had been deafening, and the bathroom door had only just withstood his beatings. Wandering out into the conservatory the rain was slowly pattering against the cream window pain, and as she slowly strolled through the garden, the refreshing air hit her skin, breathing in the freedom it brought.

  The outdoor pool sparkled with each rain drop which skimmed the surface, and as she dove into the cold, her skin glimmered between the waves. Everything seemed to become clear as she swam through the crystal waters and as she sat on the side of the pool her thoughts were no longer clouded by judgement.

  Jacob stood at the end of the garden watching her glide through the water, and as she exited the pool, the black swimming costume clung tight providing all around with the view of perfection. She looked like a film star, however as her head sunk Jacob's heart ‘filled with remorse. He had never experienced the insecurities of humanity and the feeling that he had betrayed her hurt more than he had ever experienced.

  “You look cold.”

  “I’m fine honestly it’s warmer than the Brow mind you anything is warmer than the Brow” As Jacob held up the towel Eve wrapped her arms around the offering.

  “Jake about last night. You scared me.”

  “I know I scared myself. But you have to believe me. I don’t want to lose you I love you. You’re my wife and whatever this test is I promise I will never hurt you.” Hearing the crack of thunder Eve took hold of his hand dragging him inside the summer house. The warm embers of the wood-burning stove lit up the room as the black clouds rolled in from above. Feeling the violence of the storm rolling in she knew their time together was limited.

  “They will find us won’t they?”

  “I can’t lie to you, but by then they will be nothing they can do.” As she played with the buttons on his shirt, she felt the warmth and security of his arms around her, but she also felt the ticking of the clock.

  “You scared me, but I’m a fool to think that last night was never going to happen. Taking your freewill especially after being brought up by such evil was never going to be easy. I understand, and I want you to know that I’m with you.” Taking hold of her hand, he kissed her softly.

  “What are you doing?” Closing the ditsy print curtains, she unclipped the swimming costume letting it fall unashamedly to the floor.

  “I’m going to make love to you because I want to feel my husband inside me taking everything that I am and I don’t want to be scared anymore.” As she laid him on the bed, she slowly undressed him, kissing his bare chest she couldn't help but taste every ounce of flesh. As the cotton slipped from his back, she threw it into a heap on the floor. Unable to close his eyes he fixated his stare upon her she was taking control of him and having her fill all of his senses he needed to feel complete in her arms. As he lifted her onto the bed, she laid exposed in his arms willing every action.

  “Make love to me Jacob. Make love to me before I lose you.”

  “No matter what happens I belong to you and you to me.” Dragging his kisses over her body, he tasted her pleasure and invited her release. His soft lips embellished every inch of her, and as he circled her breasts, she arched with excitement knowing his teasing would only make her want him more. As he entered her feeling, every thrust illuminated the love between them, and as he became lost in her eyes, he delved deeper into her not knowing where she stopped and he began. As the final waves of passion surrounded them, Eve screamed out unable to control herself dragging the sheets between her clasp. Jacob had violated her senses and pulled her body and mind into the real understanding of love. No one had ever made her react the way he had, and no one had ever taught her the true intimacies of love. Slipping on his trousers, he wrapped her body in the soft, warm blanket and as he picked her up, he slammed open the door as he took her mouth again.

  Carrying her up the stairs, he was still lost in her em
brace unable to acknowledge that someone like her existed.

  “I can’t believe you're mine...”

  “I’m your wife, Jacob for now and always…” Teasing open the blanket he smoothed his warm hands over her toned stomach, kissing her again he whisked her to the bathroom. Sliding her deep inside the hot waters Jacob joined unable to leave her side, his body still trembling from their passion. As he poured the water over her back, he couldn’t help but wish they had been given more time.

  “How long did Cornelius give us?”

  “Two days only two days.”

  “What if I’m not strong enough. What if they torture you and I can’t...” As her tears fell he wrapped her once more in his arms trying to provide a source of comfort.

  “Whatever they do I just want you to know that all this was worth, just to have you with me...” As she faced him, she enfolded her legs around his body, kissing him again she needed to feel him.

  “If we only have tonight I want you to promise me something.”

  “You have my word.”

  “Don’t stop whatever happens tonight just don’t stop.”

  Chapter 10

  Eve stood at the window and watched the black cars race down the driveway. The house had been such a haven that it was easy to get lost in the innocence. Already dressed she waited patiently for the onslaught to arrive.

  “Don’t look out there.”

  “It’s easier said than done they are here. Even your mother has left the sanctity of her chamber.” Looking down on the gravel path the party looked as if they were dressed for a wake. The black highly polished cars and the expensive handmade clothes portrayed them as wealthy aristocrats, but underneath the demons which lurked were far from civilised.

  “What if they have found one another fallen will mean you have to kill me.”

  “It’s not going to happen. I won’t let it” Cupping her face he kissed it lovingly.

  “I will never do anything to hurt you. I promised I made my vow under God and I’m not going back.” His words echoed around Eve as if God himself had spoken. The house seemed to shake and as the entourage entered Eve recognised the reverberation around her.

  “The house is protected feel…”

  “I don’t understand. Feel what?”

  “Jacob listen to me, this is going to sound crazy, but the Church vibrated the same way maybe Cornelius knows more than he's letting on...” Grabbing his hand, she ran out of the door and chased down the stairs to the lobby. Catching site of Reuben she stood tall knowing she had nothing to fear.

  Reuben whispered temperately into his wife’s ear and noting her reaction he licked his lips avidly towards Eve.

  “Did you think this would be over so quickly?” As he stepped forward, Jacob took hold of Eve’s hand rubbing his finger across her wedding ring.

  “You look so pleased with yourself mother, but I’m afraid I have some rather disturbing news for you.” Seeing her face flicker and change, she ground her teeth together losing patience with her son’s defiance.

  “You’ve gone against us my son but that burden doesn’t end with you does it...”

  “You can’t do anything to us after the ceremony we didn’t consummate the vow as you expected. I married her first under the fourteenth century by law, and I did it in a Church of God…”

  “You don’t know what you’ve done…” Reuben lovingly taking hold of his wife’s hand seemed completely flabbergasted by his son’s denouncement.

  “Cara I know why you’re here and I know we have to go back…” Confused by her conversation Jacob squeezed her hand tighter not knowing where she was going with the conversation

  “What are you doing?”

  “They wouldn’t be here Jacob if they hadn’t had already found her. Don’t you see that?”

  “I will do as you ask, but I have one request if I am to die, I want to do it on my terms...” Cara still conflicted by her son’s actions screwed her face up more. Her nail tore into the blackened flesh of her skin, and as she sniffed to signify her decision, she clouded herself with her coat.

  “So be it…”

  “You don’t know what you’re doing. I can’t…I won’t lose you. You’re my wife, and I love you I can’t get through this without you.”

  “Did you honestly think we could escape?” As she kissed him softly, she wrapped her arms around him feeling the warmth of his skin radiate through his chest. Keeping her close almost dragging her into the car and as the door closed, Eve’s solitary tear fell onto his lapel. As she curled her hair around her ear, Jacob drew a line across her cheek.

  “I’m not giving in please don’t give up on me.” Laying her head on his shoulder, she watched the countryside pass by through the frosted glass of the car. Her time with Jacob had been so limited, but she had fallen in love again within that short period. Jacob, on the other hand, stared directly ahead knowing exactly the fate which held them when they arrived back at The Parish.

  The Silence felt unbearable as they arrived and as the car came to a halt Eve seemed to be frozen to the seat. Stroking her cheek, he kissed her softly again.

  “I’m with you…” Her hand felt clammy, and as she rose to take a view of the Brow, she could feel herself become weak.

  “They’re waiting for you in the great hall sir...” The noise of the wind around the manor howled like a pack of wolves baying over its pray, and as Eve followed Jacob, the whole brigade was once again summoned on ceremony.

  “We have a problem...” Jedediah glanced at the rings and the way both of them clung together, he could smell the union and feel the vibration around the hall. As the semi-circle took its shape, it was obvious that Cara was infuriated.

  “He’s broken the vow Cara he will be punished along with the girl.”

  “She had nothing to do with this,” Jacob screamed out into the darkness and as the candle light flickered all heads turned to face him.

  “You have lost your say.”

  “No, I haven’t. Being the only child born into this hell hole, I have more rights than any of you. This is my choice and my say, and she is my wife.” The congregation gazed upon the now small looking couple at the bottom of the staircase, and as the silence fell, footsteps could be heard gracing the hall.

  “Aren’t you going to introduce me?” The exquisite looking blonde shimmered through the brigade cutting their blackness like a sheath. Her shoe strapped baby pink dress fitted her perfectly and even though her appearance shifted between light and dark Eve could see Jacob drawn to her.

  “Who are you?”

  “Angel, of course, I’ve been sent to you Jacob...” Her silk like voice penetrated the air pushing Eve to the background, feeling Jacobs' fingers loosen she tried to hold on.

  “Jacob I know you want me I can feel it course through your veins. She doesn’t know the darkness. Let me show you...” Her words seemed to penetrate his ear like a poison dart and Eve knew it wouldn’t be long until she took control. Laying her hand on Jacob’s face, she recited their wedding vows.

  “Listen to me, I know you love me and I know she’s a newborn, but we made love under god’s oath Jacob. You have to fight this...” Seeing the other’s slip behind the long black velvet curtain’s Eve knew her sentence had been drawn and as Angel’s dress slipped off her shoulders, Jacob was already caught.

  “Eve….” Feeling the fingers around her throat, she felt Jacob’s nails dig deeper into her skin. Her tears now like rivers cascaded down her cheeks as the blood trickled down her neck.

  “This is who you are Jacob finish her...” Hearing the scream, Jacob threw her body to the floor. Gasping for breath, she watched Angel climb him as he became consumed by her darkness. Eve reaching for Jacob felt Reuben’s stare.

  “I told you you’d be mine before your death...”

  Grabbing the candlestick Eve clutched at her throat trying to stem the flow of blood.

  “Come and get me...” Seeing her seethe he smiled knowing she had been worth
the chase. Striking her down Eve slid along the marble floor to the bay window. As the blood spat out of her lips, she had started to feel dizzy as the blood poured quicker from the wound in her neck. Locking eye's with Jacob, she could see the light fade within his eyes and the evil of the manor once more consume him.

  “Remember me…” Closing her eyes, she stood on the stone ledge observing the wreckage of her dreams. As she threw herself backwards out of the stained glass window, she welcomed death. Eve closed her eyes consumed by her fear and by her failure didn't expect for her fall to be broken and as hit the car hard breaking her fall and her shoulder she rolled from its bonnet glad to still have her life. As the bone sprung out of her back, she felt the pain had given her a reprieve. The whispers of the Brow swirled around her and as she crawled into the car mustered all her strength towards an escape.

  She needed to run.

  She needed to hide.

  As Angel picked up her dress, she took Reuben and Jacob by the hand.

  “She’s forgotten now let's make you both remember.” As all climbed the staircase the dust of car disappeared down the long driveway, Jacob looked back feeling the pain penetrate his heart ripping out darkest part of his soul. Pushing Reuben towards Angel, he turned to see the car racing out of view.

  She was gone, and he had betrayed her.

  Eve drove through the night fighting both tiredness and blood loss. As she stopped at the Winchester South service station just outside of Portsmouth, she grasped at the letter stitched inside her jacket.

  “Artillery Drive….” Swallowing deeply she could taste the blood dry in her throat and as she coughed she still felt the need for urgency. As she fought with the map and wooziness, she swerved around the road trying to concentrate.

  Crawling up the steep embankment, she rested on the wrought iron gates, feeling the bone shift in her shoulder the gaping wound sting in her throat. Pressing the buzzer avidly she fell to the floor unable to keep up her body weight, and as she slid down the outside wall, the door opened. Her eyes now blurred and consciousness was failing she could only just make out shapes.