“Hello.....EVE!” Feeling Paul’s arms around her, she could no longer fight any longer.
“I need your help…” Pulling back the dressing Paul saw the violence which had been inflicted upon her, and as he lifted her from the ground, he got her into the car not able to understand what had happened. As she raised her blood stained fingers to his face, he caught hold of them pulling her towards him.
“I’m here….I’ve got you….”
Chapter 11
“I’m here for Eve Sutherland…” The nurse looked up stiffly from her workstation and checked through the records keeping a cautious eye on Paul.
“Won’t be a minute. Are you family?”
“Yes. Yes, he is...” Eve stood at the end of the desk pale and withdrawn; the black circled her eyes and the sunken hollow marks in her cheeks emphasised greatly how she was feeling.
“Eve they phoned me to say you wanted to come home.”
“I don’t want to be here I’d rather be anywhere than here.” Biting her lip, she ran her fingers through the list of stitches in her neck and throat. Taking her bag, Paul held out his hand, and as she took hold, she felt the kindness in his nature. Setting down in his beaten up fiesta she awkwardly felt secure.
“I’m so so sorry. I had nowhere...” Tears dripped onto her jeans and as tried to sniff them back in Paul gently took her hand.
“You helped me remember…”
The journey was silent on the way back to the flat and as they turned the corner Eve felt butterflies churning over in her stomach. Stretching her legs, she followed Paul blindly to the door always looking over her shoulder. As Paul took hold of her hand once more, she tried to relax but the events of the last week had given her more than nightmares.
“It’s ok. I promise I won’t let anything happen to you.” Eve shook in the doorway feeling the frailty of mind, body and spirit. She was also in the trust of a man she barely knew, and as they entered the flat, she could once again feel her anxiety build.
The flat it was sparsely decorated and the furniture even though none matched it comfortably felt like home.
“Let me show you’re around, the kitchen is through there, here’s the living room. Not much but yeah it’s not much and….” Opening the door Eve saw a brightly decorated bedroom which opened out onto the garden near the road. The patchwork bedspread and elegant dressing table had been put in front of the window. Everything seemed to have a place and Eve appreciated the lengths Paul had gone to make her feel welcome.
“It’s beautiful….it’s more than beautiful you shouldn’t have. I mean thank you. Thank you so much…” Tears ran down Eve’s cheeks, and the pain from her throat throbbed. Feeling dizzy she sat quickly on the bed unable to take in how much he had already done.
“What about you…what…”
“I’m fine I’m sorting out the box room, but up until then the couch is ok...”
“I can’t throw you out of your bed. I’m imposing too much…maybe I should go...”
“Don’t even think about it! You saved my life and nursed me back to health it’s the only thing I can do.” Eve held out her hand, and as he joined her at the end of the bed, she rested hers against his shoulder.
“Get some sleep you look shocking...” Smiling cautiously Paul kissed her softly on her forehead, and as he disappeared from the bedroom, she curled looking thoughtfully through the window. The blue sky and pale sunshine streamed into the room, and as the tiredness washed over her, she drifted into sleep. Her dream thick and full floated her back to the moor, and as the waterfall glistened under perfect moonlight, she brushed her fingers along the rim. The cold droplets caressed her skin as she sparkled avidly under the light, but as her senses heightened, she could feel Jacob.
Watching the clouds descend Eve started to run along the black outline of The Parish. The dull thud of horses bounded around her and as she was surrounded Neith reared up. The breathy sounds made whirlwinds around her.
"JACOB!" Waking sharply, Eve could feel the sweat pour from her body and her heart beat thud hard. On hearing the knock at the door, she ran her fingers through her hair trying to hide her fear.
“Come in…”
“I've made some.....Are you ok?”
“Just a bad dream honestly I’m fine you were saying...”
“I’ve made some tea, it’s not much in fact it’s a sickly looking chicken casserole, but it’s food, and it tastes ok. Are you sure..” Waving her hand Eve could feel her heartbeat returning to normal, and after gathering a few thoughts, she followed Paul through to the living room.
The casserole didn’t look particularly inviting however it smelt good, and after eating hospital food for the last three days, anything was better.
“Ta-dah…” Pushing a few pieces of crusty roll into a basket, Paul looked particularly happy with his creation and indulging in his enthusiasm Eve smiled in appreciation. Pushing the last of the carrots around the plate Eve fell into deep reflection, and as Paul replaced his empty beer, she felt like an explanation was needed.
“You don’t have to…” Without opening her mouth, Paul had already answered the question poised on her lips.
“I need to say something. What about your parents? Aren’t they going to ask?”
“They will, and I will say it’s none of their business.”
“I don’t want that...”
“Eve….”
“No after everything you have just got your family back and I’m not going to take them away from you. “ Eve stood placing her hand on her neck trying to escape from the throbbing in her head and the heartbeat in her throat.
“So I’ll just tell them we’ve moved in together.” Smiling Eve glanced over her shoulder knowing he had said it to cut the tension.
“I’ll tell them you helped me when I was ill, and you got me back on my feet after Alex. You’ve come down to visit will that do?” Nodding her head Eve wrapped her arms around her body and settled into the old winged chair. Still feeling there was more to say and knowing today was probably not the day she tried to feel at home.
“I want to help. I mean I need a job.”
“You’ve just come out of the hospital maybe in a few weeks.”
“No. I need to contribute so if there is something I can do then I want to do it.” Adamant that she paid her way Paul knew it wasn’t up for discussion and after setting down on the couch he gave it a few minutes before he provided an answer.
“Ok. But I insist it’s only for a few hours a day.”
“So what do you do?” blowing out his cheeks he looked deep into her dark eyes.
“I repair boats.”
“Ok, I can help. I was in service for fifteen years, so I’m sure there’s something around the marina...”
As the conversation waned and the TV flicked on and as the images passed by the silence started to hang between them and Eve decided to go to bed. After saying her goodnight, she sat at the vanity table in the window looking out onto the main road. The streets seemed quiet, and they had been lightly dusted with rain as the new moon shone its glare onto the road. Eve, however, could still feel Jacob in her blood and dreading sleep she lay on the mattress staring at the four blank walls. She might be hundreds of miles away, but she knew they were connected. Unable to fight any longer her body gave in to sleep, and she drifted off.
Walking down the streets of Inlands Brow Eve could feel the cold on her cheeks and the light breeze which blew around her dress. Lifting up her hands she passed the folds of sheer material through her fingers and glanced at herself in the shop window. The clear white chiffon sparkled in the moonlight, and as she pressed her fingers to her lips, she knew it was a dream. Hearing footsteps she glanced around the streets hiding in the alley near the bakery. She could see the burning glow around the villagers and stared in awe at the dark purple haze which engulfed them. As she passed her hands in front of them, they walked by completely unaware of her presence. Their warm bodies seemed to be casting a strange
light over the Brow, and as she made her way to the top of the high street, she could feel the blackness home in. Seeing Neith, she knew her time was limited and as she turned to run the old gentleman from the post office stood in front of her. Seeing his glare, she stepped back, and as he opened his mouth, the blood poured down his chin.
“He will never let you go, Eve….NEVER!” and as his body disintegrated in front of her, his voice echoed around the street as the blood pooled around her feet. Feeling a hand on her shoulder the loud whisper of his name shook her from her sleep.
“JACOB!”
Sitting bulk upright Eve panted trying to get her breath, and as she stumbled, she felt the pain in her shoulder. As she stood in front of the mirror, she peeled back her vest quivering at the thought of what had just happened. Turning to the side and counting each breath she pulled back the dressing which covered the wound. Seeing the shoulder pin sticking out from her flesh she could feel the panic build inside. Playing the Metal, her fingers now covered with blood wandered around the opening trying to resolve what had happened.
“Are you ok? I heard….Eve, what’s happened?” Seeing the blood on the towel and the pain on her face he stood frozen in the doorway.
“I’m never going to be free he’s always going to want me, and I’m never going to be free.”
“I don’t understand?”
“I tried to tell you. Paul this whole mess.” Taking a breath, she tried to calm herself enough to try to explain, but as the words jumbled up in her brain, she found it difficult to verbalise what she needed to say.
“I married him, I married him and claimed my vow under oath at the Parish. I’ve been having nightmares about going back there, and they always end the same way. I end up running for my life through the Brow and the rooms echoing his name. I’m sorry I didn’t.” Placing his hand on her shoulder, he pulled down the towel to reveal the pin. As he took a step back, he rested his other hand on her back pulling her closer trying to provide protection and wanting to understand her plight.
“Then we have to find a way of hiding you.” Taking his hand, she squeezed it tightly clinging onto any hope.
“I need your help with this…”
"First I need to get you to a hospital."
As they waited in A & E, she ran through the dreams over and over in her head. The scenario’s being slightly different but the outcome always the same. Making her way to the bathroom, she threw some water on her face and following the scar on her neck; she stared at her reflection. As she blinked, she realised her reflection hadn’t, thinking it was her imagination she blinked again now all she saw was her reflection cock its head to one side.
“Margaret and Serendipitous books want a word.” As she stepped backwards, she counted to ten and looked into the glass for the second time. As she rested her hands on the sink, she waited to see if anything else happened.
“Ok….now I am losing it.”
After eleven hours in the hospital, Eve's consultant had given her the ok. Her seemingly miraculous recovery had astounded him and as he tried to explain that he could just remove the pin without any further consequences to the break, went against everything medical or scientific.
"How long ago was the break Eve?"
"About two weeks. Why Doctor?"
"The bone seems to have healed; I'll make an appointment for next week. I've never seen anything like this before. Either I misjudged your injuries from the outset, or I'm privy to a miracle!" Smiling uncomfortably Eve looked towards Paul for reassurance, and as he smiled back, she could see the same confusion as the doctor.
"Can I go home? Sorry to sound like I'm rushing you but.."
"Yes, you're free to go." Packing up her things she raced out of the hospital doors as if she was fighting to find air. As Paul helped her into the car, she knew it was probably the best time to explain a few things.
"Do you believe in God?" Paul uneasy at the question hovered around his answer unable to know whether he was going to offend her or not.
"Well, I suppose it's subjective. I mean."
"No Paul. Do you believe in God."
"No I suppose not, but that doesn't mean I don't believe in spirituality." Eve curled her mouth knowing he was from somewhere completely different and his beliefs now unenforced gave him the power every creature from hell desired.
Free will.
"What if I said they were real. But that there are grey lines in between, and part of those lines lies humanity. What would you say."
"I would say it is an interesting concept. But what are you trying to tell me."
"You try to rationalise as it is humanity's way of dealing with the conceptual identity of heaven and hell. We say evil, true evil exists, but we pacify the concept with a reason of where it comes from and how it exists in the first place. What if I said that this is a sick game, a game where people are the pieces, and it's a race to see who can win the most souls." Paul now intrigued in the conspiracy wanted to know more, but with Eve seemingly staring into his soul, he felt violated.
"Are you trying to tell me that this is all some alternate reality and I'm somehow stuck in a heaven and hell Matrix fiction category."
"You've seen things you can't explain! You saw it with Jacob and me that night under transcendence. Give me an explanation."
"It scared the shit out of me. You scare the shit out of me, and it's not that I don't believe you it's that experiencing this sub-normal state is as you said hard for the human aspect to explain." Playing with her jacket, she sat on the edge of the seat wondering how much she could take.
"I understand I just want you to realise that sometimes there is an explanation for those things we find unexplainable, and sometimes we have to look beyond the ordinary concepts of life to find them."
Eve had fallen asleep in the car on the way home, and as Paul redigested their previous conversation, the reality was that he had seen something that he couldn't explain. He recalled the conversation about the evil which runs through The Parish and through Inlands Brow and the fact that souls with somehow no direction or hope with the skills to serve somehow found their way to that place. Lifting her from the car he didn't want to disturb her slumber and as she dozily came around, he had already put her back in bed.
"Thank you for everything. What time are you up for work in the morning."
"Maybe you should rest."
"What time?"
"Sevenish..."
"Night Paul." As she turned over Paul backed away to the doorway, with the thoughts of her conversation still pulsating through his thoughts he looked around the room to see if anything was there. Shaking his head and half freaked out he sat in the kitchen and poured himself a large gin.
"This is going to be eventful."
Running out to the car Eve zipped up the coat that Paul had borrowed her and jumped into the passenger seat. Folding the sleeves around her hands, she played with the cuffs like a child who impatiently waited to be taken to school.
“Listen I understand if you’re not up to this you already look like you’ve seen a ghost.” Eve pulled the coat and her arms around her body. Trying not to seem defensive she tapped her feet on the sill of the car.
“I am, and I want to….” As they pulled up at the docks, she took in the scenery and the plethora of large boats and yachts which scaled the yard. Knowing she couldn’t do much, she helped unload the tools from the rear of the beaten up fiesta. As she sat quietly, she watched how Paul intricately started to shape pieces of wood and metal and enviously wished she had his talents.
“Do you want to have a go?”
“Not yet. You make it look so easy.” Paul stepped up beside her and bent down to pick up the cup of tea which she had just poured from the flask.
“Listen, Don’s coming it’s a friend of my dad’s he means well but...”
“Ok keep to the story...”
“Yep, something like that…”
“Come to check up on me?” The jolly grey haired gentlemen
poked his nose around the side of the fiesta and winked playfully at Eve.
“Course not kid. Just checking on why a gorgeous lady is sitting on the side of my dock.” Eve taking her hands from inside his jacket held out her hand knowing she couldn’t stay invisible for long.
“Hi, Don I’m Eve, a friend of Paul’s.”
“Just a friend. I thought you’d got lucky for once. Pleased to make your acquaintance my dear. My you’re a lot better than Alex...”
“Don please.” Embarrassed Paul wrapped his arms around his body and leant back on the fiesta. He had known Don for years and even as a kid he used to have a habit of making him feel small.
“She’s just a friend.”
“Yep but a very pretty one. I always said this young man could do better than her...” Paul slowly becoming more uncomfortable looked at the floor hoping it would swallow him alive.
“But like Paul said I’m a good friend, and I’m just helping out for a bit.”
“Well, you can help out any day with me if you like. Why don’t you two come over for a cuppa after?” As Paul winced, Eve stumbled around some words in her head before trying to put the sentence together.
“I have to go into town, and Paul was going to drop me off after this so…”
“Another time then…” Nodding his head, he waddled his way back into the distance, and as Paul sighed deeply, he mouthed Thank you over the car bonnet.
“Paul I wasn’t telling a lie. I really could do with some bits and pieces, and I need some underwear and things. I’m sorry to ask…”
“I agree as much as I think you do look adorable in my clothes maybe a bit of shopping is what the doctor ordered.”
Pacing through town, she felt Paul’s hand engulf hers again, and as his warm fingers enclosed, she felt a strange relief and security she had never understood.
“Sorry …I'll.”
“Please don’t let go I like it.” Smiling sweetly he pulled her up the high street and as she stood in the middle of the bustle, she felt a little disorientated.
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