“Charity shops...”
“Charity shops you don’t…”
“Paul the only thing I’m buying from new is my underwear. Other than that Charity shops.” Confused by her request, he pulled her towards the British Heart Foundation store, and as he opened the door, she delved in slightly apprehensive as she hadn’t been shopping since her teens. After the fourth, both of them were covered with an array of bags and as Paul took hold of her hand again, Eve seemed to almost stick to the floor.
“Everything ok?”
“Umm yes right, maybe we should go now.”
“Listen I’ll take these back to the car. I will meet you back here in ten minutes.” As she nodded hesitantly, she stood outside of the gothic looking store with a vague familiarity. The stench of old death was prevalent, and the words seemed to be illuminated by the light which radiated from within. As she read the shop title over and over again, she couldn’t get the bathroom cupboard image out of her mind. Stepping into the dimly lit damp smelling store Eve was overcome by an assault on her senses, and as she gazed around, she saw the familiar markings over the archway.
“So you are Eve...”
“Sorry No. I think you’re mistaken?”
“I don’t believe that you can afford to go do you.” As she stepped back, she saw the women run her hand over the stone carvings in the doorway.
“Where did you learn that?”
“Cornelius knows you need help and he feels partly responsible.” Feeling her breath start to quiver and her hands shake Eve closed her eyes trying to compose herself.
“You are stronger than what he discussed Eve, I have seen what happens next, but you can change that, and that new young man can change it for you.”
“Please leave Paul out of this…” Her face contorted in the same way as Cara’s had so many times before and as the woman's voice fragmented she knew she wasn't human and Eve could feel her tears start to well.
“Don’t waste my time….”
“What do I need to do?”
“He has to love you, Eve. He has to love you until he cannot love you anymore but understand this. His love and only his love will surround you and intoxicate your blood which is currently swimming with Jacob. But in return, you give him nothing.”
“I won’t do it...” As the cackle cried into the depth of the store Eve felt the walls close in. The ladies eyes turned red and lit like fires at Eve’s defiance.
“Then he will die just like the rest of your family, and they will have their sacrifice. He has to love you, and you will make him love you.”
“Well, that should be easy then.” Paul stood in the doorway, and as Eve backed away, she stood between them.
“You don’t know what she’s asking…” Cupping her cheeks, she looked into his clear blue eyes.
“I already do…” As he kissed her softly, Eve pulled on his arm trying to make him see sense.
“Can you give me a minute?”
“With her are you insane…”
“Paul, please…I need…”
“Two minutes, then I’m back in.” Letting go of his hand, she watched him disappear.
“This is just another sick twisted fucked up game that you expect me to play and I’m not doing it.” Seeing the beads wash aside from the back office she heard a familiar voice.
“Then he will die as well, and his family will be plagued for all eternity. Eve, he’s willing to do it.”
“Yes but at some point. What if I fall for him? What if I want to love him?”
“You can’t say you need this, and I’m sorry I thought.”
“I knew that night. I knew the night after we married, but I didn’t want to see. Evil is drawn to evil, and now he’s stronger than he was before. He infects my dreams, and all you two say is desecrate a good man. This is bullshit.” Cornelius bowed his head and tapped his cane on the floor.
“I’m sorry Eve if there was any other way…”
“But there isn’t…” Racing out of the shop Eve slammed the door shut. Gathering her thoughts Paul sat on the bench outside the bookstore waiting patiently.
“He’s pure Eve, he has a kind heart, and he loves you. What more do you need?” Feeling the whispers disappear and the cold wind bite she walked across taking him by the hand.
“You don’t know what they are asking Paul.”
“I don’t care. I just need to know you’re ok, that’s all that matters to me.”
“There’s so much I need to tell you, and so much you shouldn't know I’m so sorry.” As he lifted her chin up, he brushed her dark hair behind her ears.
“I’m not rushing anything. I didn’t think I’d ever see you again and as the months past all I could think about was you and seeing you again. Then you show up, and I saw what they did to you. I don’t care if this is spiritual mumbo jumbo but you need me, and all I want to do is be here for you. So let me help.” His voice was calm and his nature caring and as he took her hand once again, Eve felt the security his love could offer.
“What if I can’t give you what you want from me?”
“Then I will love you enough for the both of us.”
Chapter 12
As their one-year anniversary rolled around Eve sat in the toilet of the restaurant clenching her fists. She had never smiled as much in her life, and the pretence of their relationship had started to weigh heavily on her heart.
“Evie Paul has asked if everything’s ok.”
“Yes, I’m fine…Brenda”
“Ok dear…”
“I’m sorry I get nervous in crowds I do apologise.” Hearing the slight tap of her heels disappear she yanked on the chain and smoothed down her dress. As she stood in front of the mirror she realised that Cornelius was right, a good man will always honour you even if he gets nothing in return. Leaving the toilets Eve tucked her bag under her arm and showcased her entrance into the hallway. Her beauty was breathless, and she knew turning heads was what she did best. Sitting down at the table Paul tried to take her hand, but as she moved it away, she smiled gracefully blaming her reaction on nerves.
“It’s a beautiful place thank you so much...”
“Well my dear you brought Paul back to us, so after all, we are exceedingly grateful for what you have done.” Brenda sat back and whispered to her friend and knowing it wouldn’t have been complimentary Eve nervously wiped her brow.
“Let’s toast tonight…”
“Actually, I have something else...” Paul stood and as he bent down on one knee, Eve shook her head knowing what the next question would be.
“Paul…”
“Trust me...”
“Eve will you marry me…” As he took hold of her finger, he could feel her shake and stiffen as he placed on the ring. Seeing his kind eyes, she looked at the floor hoping for a sharp intake of air. Tears welled, and as her eyes glassed over, she looked at the table finding no support.
“Yes, yes, I will.” As Eve held onto him, she clung tightly knowing she couldn’t express how she felt. Taking her clutch, she disappeared excusing herself onto the terrace. Looking over the sea, she closed her eyes and felt the pain radiate around her.
“I can’t do this…”
“Well tell that to my son cause he’s going to ruin his life spending it with you…”
“That’s not what I meant.”
“I knew you spelt trouble from the first day I met you and now you’re going to drag him further down. Well over my dead body. You are not fit to wipe the dirt off his shoes never mind be his wife. You don’t love him you just use him.”
“Mum that’s quite enough...”
“Darling sorry I didn’t...” Paul looked onto Eve for any sign. However, as she stood frozen to the stop, he knew he had to interject.
“What more can she do to prove to you? She’s helped me twenty-four seven with the business. She’s expanded the cleaning services she works her arse off for me. Eve's always been faithful to me, and I know she may seem cold, but I know s
he loves me. I know it, and that’s all I need. That’s all I’ve ever needed, and I’m happy. Why can’t you just understand that?”
“Brenda…” Lifting her hand, Brenda walked straight past grabbing her coat from the back of her chair. Seeing his dad soon follow Paul tried to take Eve’s hand again, and as she moved away, he seemed hurt by her discard.
“Don’t…I can’t...”
“I did this for us. I’m in love with you, and you act like its toxic waste.” Pushing him aside Eve raced to the car, and as she stepped inside, she wanted to explode.
“I don’t know what more you want from me.”
Setting off Paul dropped his head towards the steering wheel and as they disappeared Eve felt the ache start to appear in her heart. Pulling up to the flat Eve took her keys and stepped out waiting to see if he followed.
“Are you coming in?”
“I’m going over to the new house. I will see you in the morning.” Hearing the car pull away she felt the pain return, and as she sat in the darkness of the flat, she cried and sobbed into the pillow. His mum was right, she was ruining his life and even though the nightmares had stopped was it worth them both being miserable. As she watched dawn break she felt lost in a world she didn’t understand. So much of her life had been surrounded by a routine that now she had regained some sense of normality it felt completely alien to her.
As morning broke, Paul had not been in contact with her, feeling the pangs of guilt she felt she needed to present him with a peace offering. As Eve carried the food into the new living room, Paul stood paint brush in hand not expecting an early morning call.
“I’ve brought breakfast, and I’ve also come to say I’m sorry and I understand if you want me to go.” Bowing his head, she could see his jaw tighten and swallow deeply.
“Thank you.”
“Paul...”
“Eve please...”
“No, you are going to listen to me and understand me when I say I don’t want to be like this and I don’t want to hurt you. I can’t! You are a good man, and you deserve more than I can ever give, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t love you. I just don’t know how. I have to protect, you didn’t hear the clause in this contract, but I did, and I’m sorry for ever dragging you into my stupid rotten life. But you have made me the happiest I have ever been, and I don’t know how to do this anymore without hurting you. So maybe it’s best for me to go...” Taking her hand, she felt the comfort and the security wash around her, and as it warmed her, she stepped back wrapping her hands around her body.
“What are we going to do?”
“I’m pregnant Paul….” As the brush dropped to the floor, he stood face to face with her seemingly confused and bewildered.
“I’m pregnant…”
“But how I mean…” Not knowing what to do Eve placed his hand on her stomach.
“I’m going to make you happy and I think getting married is the best idea you’ve had and I would be very honoured to be your wife.” As she held him tight, she closed her eyes and indulged herself in the warmth of his hold.
“We will make this work we have a family now.”
Sitting on the living room floor Eve pushed the breakfast around her plate still exhausted by the weekend’s events.
“I’ve left all the doorways exposed just like you said. Is there anything else I need to do?” Shaking her head a lone tear appeared again, and as she looked into his eyes, she saw the love he emulated for both of them.
“Six weeks…”
“Sorry what?”
“I think we should get married in six weeks.”
“It’s a bit quick I mean…” Taking a pouch and an old leather bound book from her handbag she rested them on her crossed legs.
“It coincides with the solstice. I know you don’t believe any of this but it’s the celebration of the light within all of us and it just means…”
“Anything that’s light isn’t dark...” Paul raised his brow, and as Eve smiled uneasily, dragging her box of tricks to the door.
“I would just feel easier if we had the light on our side, but we can’t get married in a church.”
“But I thought…”
“I swore an oath Paul for one that I’m still bound to. I also swore an oath to a monster under the eye of God which means I’m just as cursed as him.”
“I know you don’t think I believe, but I’ve seen things with you remember. I also saw the pin hammered into your shoulder after a particularly nasty dream. I’m not going to forget that!” Resting against the doorway, he couldn’t help but feel the nerves in the pit of his stomach and his breakfast churn.
“We need to keep our baby safe….”
“I understand which is why I’m taking your lead.”
“I’m sorry…” As Paul took her hand again, he brushed his fingers across her cheek.
“It’s ok…” Holding onto her tightly he could feel her body sigh under pressure and, her heart aches for dragging him into her battle.
“What do you need me to do?”
“These are Hebrew, mostly prayers for God’s protection the symbols represent his love and help and the crystals grid the room. I have placed these in each of the doorways. After each prayer, I need you to also run your hand over these.”
“Is that everything…?”
“You think I’m crazy don’t you.” Rubbing her shoulders, he shook his head, however deep inside everything about her actions made him feel uneasy.
“What would happen if they found you? I mean what would happen to us?”
“There would be no us. They would make sure my blood line never existed, and after they killed me, they would start with your family. Paul, I’m not doing this because I want to make you uneasy. I see the look on your face, and I lived with that for years. All this hides us and as far as I’m concerned I have to protect us.” As she pushed away from him, she sat on the stair and looked out of the stain glass window not wanting to remember her survival.
“The Parish is where people like me go to die. NO one mourns you. They drag you in making you believe that they are giving you a home. What you don’t expect is that all that scary stuff that everyone told you is true. It exists there cause all the monsters are all gathered together.” Taking a seat, Paul found him once again fascinated by her story. Drawn in and hooked he needed to know more.
“What are they?”
“They are part of what is known as the Fallen. But what many people don’t realise is that there are two kinds of Angels. The ones from heaven can come to earth and be reborn. No sin, no fear. Then you have the other kind. These are thrown out of hell, made to wander the mortal realm for all eternity. Pure evil.” Raising her hand to her throat Eve circled the small silver lines which had started to fade.
“I don’t understand. I mean how do you get thrown out of hell. Aren’t you there for punishment?”
“In some way, evil needs power and Hell have many who wish to seek it out. You start getting too close, and you will see yourself cast out, but it doesn’t happen very often. All six, however, where cast out at the same time. Angel, she’s a newborn. You see Inlands Brow is just a town to feed the evil at The Parish. The Brow itself is no man’s land created, so evil has a mortal realm.
No love. No light.
The only thing the villagers asked for was a church. One for sanctuary to let in any light they could and for some to absolve the sins especially the ones they cover for. More deaths happen in Inlands Brow than in any other town. The differences being they have no one. One of the conditions is no family and no ties.” As Paul sat fascinated, hearing her words and the story made it all seemed so fantastical, something you would here in a movie but seeing her reaction he knew she was telling the truth and these monsters were real.
“So what about Jacob?” Wrapping her arms around her body the flashes of his actions rippled through her skin once again.
“He is a son born of evil...”
“How can that be? I mean th
ey aren’t human are they?”
“In part, Cara and Reuben were the oldest and the strongest. They have been on this planet for over four hundred years. Jacob, Jacob was conceived by a lapse in both heaven and hell. This error has only happened once before. But he was supposed to be the light that saved us all. Instead, his blood fed the divide making the game a lot less straightforward.” Pausing for a moment, she could see Paul bringing the name to his lips, but before he spoke, she placed her fingers softly over his mouth.
“Don’t, just hear me out. It created the possibility on both sides, not just a saviour but one who be the saviour of all the damned. We are like little puppets dancing around, The Fallen whispering their sweet nothings one way and The Light sprinkles itself another. Jacob however he was never supposed to exist, and they were meant to give him his own choice. Freewill is given from heaven however if you are surrounded by evil. I thought I could change him; I thought I knew how to survive just talking about it makes me feel cold. Mind you they were the only family I’d ever known until you.” Taking hold of his hand, she played with his fingers deep in thought, and as he moved closer, her body seemed to jolt at his intrusion.
“Why do you love me? Especially when I reject you time and time again.”
“I’ve never met anyone like you. You talk about something that feels well, it feels almost unreal, but the things that I’ve seen push me to believe it’s true. Loving you makes me happy.”
“I think you’re wrong. I think I’m hideous. I can’t bear what I do yet I do it.” Still, holding onto his fingers Eve felt the blackness start to drip down the walls of the new house.
“Open up to me….”
“You don’t understand what that means.” Seeing the wallpaper drip down the walls and the darkness overtaking the light Eve knew bearing anymore of herself would be dangerous.
“What if I don’t love you?”
“I don’t believe you I feel it when you’re with me.”
“How we have only just started to share the same bed, and we’ve only made love twice. I put conditions on you and this.
I have to stop.” As the blood dripped down the curtains and the shadows started to gather, she dropped hold of his hand.
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