The Parish

by Clare Midgley

  “I’ve never been in love with anyone like this before. You consume me, and no matter how much you push me away I need you to feel complete. I’ve said it before, and I will say it again until you understand. I will love you enough for the both of us, and if that’s what makes us safe, then I’m willing to sacrifice everything I have to do it.” As she rested her hand on the bannister, she half smiled knowing he meant every word.

  “You have a kind heart and a pure soul Paul Haysham. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”

  Chapter 13

  “Where have you been? I hope you’re not trying to undermine me.” Jacob sat on the large chair in the main hall, dressed entirely in black. His well-fitted suit made him more imposing than he’d hoped.

  “Angel is none of your business, and I thought I made that quite clear the last time we spoke.”

  “This is still my house Jacob, and I’m still the elder.” Taking her by the throat, his demeanour flickered as his temper grew.

  “Don’t push me, mother! This is my house just as your foretold it and don’t forget who I am.”

  “Where is she, Jacob?” As he threw her to the floor, he stroked back his dark her and adjusted his jacket.

  “Why don’t you see your husband?”

  “I know what you’ve done…”

  “I thought this is what you wanted Mother. A demonic happy household with incest and intrigue. Come on Angel is fucking him as we speak and we all know he likes an audience don’t we.” As Cara dragged herself up off the floor, she searched around for her pin.

  “Looking for this….” Playing with it between his fingers he finally stuck it into the arm of the chair, and as he sat back, he rested his head on his arm as if he was watching Cara re-enact a play. She danced around like a puppet and after seeing what he could do Jacob cut the strings.

  “Enough! This household is mine now, and I confine you to your quarters until I see fit what to do with you. Your servants, sorry my servants, will be dismissed to the Brow….”

  “You can’t do this.”

  “Watch me! You will start to know what pain is as I’ve had to endure your pathological bullshit for long enough. Now you either go to your quarters of your own accord, or I will use force.” Jacob defiant saw Cara dismiss his comments and as he grabbed after the pin, Jacob took hold stabbing it into the back of her hand. As he watched the small trickle of blood drip off the end of her finger, Cara refused to cry out.

  “I own this house, and I own you. The servants are no longer tied to this place, and I’m releasing them to the Brow. This site will die under me and you like the relic you are will die under me too.”

  “I know you’re trying to find her Jacob. I’m not dumb I hear the mutterings around, and I feel your anxiety. You’re nothing….” Hearing her whisper taper off her smiled pushing himself away from her breath.

  “We will see mother, but as for Angel the only person who has ever consummated that relationship is your husband.” Turning back to take one last look at the pathetic twisted woman in front of him he huffed out breath almost mocking her as he continued his journey up the central staircase.

  “She will never be fit to conceive from me as she’s already been tainted by your blood...” As Cara ripped the pin from her hand, she threw it to the floor knowing Jacob was right. Her temper seethed through ever pore, and as she entered her quarters, Reuben was stood at the window cigarette in hand.

  “I told you I was busy.”

  “You don’t know what you’ve done…” As he flicked the ash directly at her, he proceeded to put on his shirt. Sitting in the gold winged chair, he flicked his wrist often glancing back at the bed to admire his handy work.

  “Cara, your, son, is back in the fold, and your daughter in law is just as intriguing as I hoped. So what is your fucking problem now…”

  “He has never consummated their union how could you do this...” Seeing the blood drip from the side of the bed and the worried look on his face she made her way over to see his handy work. Her white skin was covered with bites and bruises and seeing the scratch marks on her throat and wrists Cara fell to the floor knowing it was too late.

  “How was I supposed to know that the first night...?”

  “What first night…?”

  “He was with us both I felt his shit.”

  “Exactly we have waited two centuries for her and now. You know the rules.”

  “There are always fucking rules. That’s the reason we ended up this godforsaken way in the first place. I was happy and contented working with what he gave me, and then I met you…” Seeing his temper rise Cara moved closer to the door.

  “Reuben please this isn’t going to solve anything.”

  “Maybe Jacob’s way is what we need have you ever thought about that.” Overhearing the heated debate Jacob opened the door and on seeing the devastation his father had created he laughed loudly knowing the disappointment his mother felt. Barging his way through he took one of the cigarettes lit it and placed it on his father’s lips. Cocking his head to one side, he began to hear the murmurings of Angel and smiled at his mother’s discomfort.

  “I’m so glad to see that you are both seeing the benefits of my control. After all, it’s not every day that one family can have such a joyous reunion in the same bedroom.” As Angel fell to her knee’s, she looked at the wounds on her body in the mirror. Contently naked she smiled prolifically as she swayed across the bedroom waltzing past Cara as if she didn’t exist.

  “My darling just a few words...” Sitting on his knee, she took Reuben’s tie in her hands playing with it seductively.

  “Next time you do this I will rip your cock off and make you eat it...” She could see the pleasure that it gave him, and as she stopped in front of Jacob, she whipped back her hair showing the claw marks which had sunk deep into her back.

  “I would prefer it if you would do this to me. Don’t get me wrong your father’s pleasurable but I’d prefer you inside me...” Dismissing her coyly with a flick of his wrist Jacob smiled content at the dysfunction around him.

  “Angel my dear I wouldn’t go near that putrefied hole you call a cunt if you were the last whore on earth. Now if you don’t mind put some clothes on.” Annoyed by his remarks, Angel slammed the door feeling slightly hurt by his rude comments.

  “I told you I would get what I wanted didn’t I mother.”

  “You’ve condemned us all.”

  “Mother there’s one thing your iridescent rants fail to mention. I’m allowed to make my choice. I have something you and your kind will never be able to have...” Ashe stood he tapped his hand on his father’s leg as to congratulate him on his conquest and after stopping at the door and looking back into the solemn gloom which had descended over the room he seemed pleased with what he had achieved.

  “You are still my son.”

  “Mother keep deluding yourself.” Seeing his father stiffen he realised how much of his conscience he had pricked.

  “Dad understands now...” Closing the door, Jacob played with his mother’s pin, and after placing it into his top pocket, he whispered his answer under his breath.

  “Freewill the one thing none of you could ever take away.”

  After watching the sunset hang itself on another day, Jacob sat in the darkness of the chapel contemplating his thoughts. Hearing footsteps behind him he stayed still in the darkness hoping for someone to answer his prayers.

  “How long have you been here Jacob?”

  “Not long Doc mind you I’m not surprised that it’s you who disobeyed my orders.”

  “I wanted to collect my thoughts...”

  “You mean your journal…” Hearing him step back Jacob stood fumbling with the book between his fingers.

  “I’m not going to hurt you, Frederick. That is your name isn’t it.” Stepping forward into some of the streams of light the sign of age had started to weather at his face. He had become old before his time, but Jacob knew the Brow had a tendency to do tha
t.

  “Yes, it is, or it was before I came here.”

  “Why did you come here? I mean an intelligent medical practitioner like yourself must have had a past, family, wife…partner.”

  “They are all dead Jacob and if you want to know the truth. They are dead because of me.” Fumbling again with the book Jacob ran his fingers over the inscription on the front.

  “I guess we all have secrets up here don’t we.”

  “I know why you’re here and before you ask I don’t know where Eve is...”

  “Don’t say her name...”

  “I’m sorry Jacob but Eve lost faith in me long before you to were married.” As he felt the burning sensation at the back of his throat, Jacob slammed the journal down at the Doctor’s feet.

  “I asked you not to say her name.” As Jacob's hand sat on his chest, the doctor smiled as the heat started penetrating his skin.

  “I belong with death Jacob, but this will never bring her back.” As he closed his eyes, his body ignited into flames, and as his flesh melted and stripped its way from his bones, Jacob sensed the doctor to be at peace. Feeling the rumblings surround him the pain and electrocution ran through his veins as the guilt of his actions consumed him.

  Feeling the waves of light penetrate him he crawled to the chapel door as it brought him to his knees. The Rays now penetrated his spine filling his body with anguish and as he writhed in agony the burnt and disfigured body of the doctor still in flames proceeded to follow him. Unable to move Jacob felt what panic was for the first time.

  “You betrayed me, Jacob. You made an oath, and you betrayed me at the first sign of your kind.”

  “What do you want from me?” Feeling the flames lick the lapel of his jacket and the pain still ripping through his insides the burning body took hold sliding him across the floor to the altar.

  “A daughter who once was lost and you found, made a choice by stepping into the light. But you betrayed me Jacob, and now you are being given another choice. This will end in murder, but you have the ability whittle out the good. Our daughter has the right for revenge, but you must show her the way.” The distorted voice of the burning man singed his ears and stung every part of his brain.

  “I don’t know who you mean...”

  “You will in time you will feel the pain and know your cause and our daughter will come home. You have betrayed me and your kind for the last time, and you will once again have to suffer for what is right.” As his burnt, twisted hand rested on his leg, Jacob could feel his sick twisted birthright curdling in his veins. He felt the power of good and evil conflict inside once again and as he moved over the altar black sludge once again vomited from him.

  Stumbling through the stone arches, he counted the panels on the wall until he reached the odd one out. Wiping his hands along the stones and reaching for the carvings above his head he knew her blood was on his hands. Unable to pass he looked into the open room which stood like a mausoleum.

  Her clothes still hung in the wardrobe, and her dress still lay on the bed. The touch and taste of her skin had somehow started to linger on his tongue, and the longing for her mind, body and soul to encapsulate his spirit and had all but overwhelmed him.

  “What have I done? Eve...”

  Chapter 14

  “Are you ok?” Eve looked out of the window and stared into the parkland. The hanging baskets surrounding Merchistoun Hall were in full bloom, and as she caught her reflection, she hurried to finish her chores.

  “Just lost in my own world.”

  “You’re not having second thoughts then.”

  “No….just.” As she Breathed deeply, she sighed out into the cool summer breeze once again awash with the smell of springtime flowers.

  “No just what? The last few weeks you’ve been so distant and quiet. I just wondered…”

  “I need you to patch things up with your mum.”

  “Eve after everything you know how I feel.”

  “I don’t care. I never got the chance to say goodbye or to hold mine. I can’t marry you without her.” As she stumbled over her words, she slammed the plates down in the old kitchen trying to keep her emotions under lock and key.

  “We get married on Friday! I’ve tried you know I have but she won’t.”

  “Then make her. I want her here Paul. I want her stood beside both of us. Regardless of what she thinks of me, she’s your family, and this is important. Family is important, and I want my child our child to understand that!” Touching her stomach Eve pulled back again unable to make him understand what she couldn’t show him. Hearing footsteps she brushed back her hair around her ears and smoothed down her dress. As she looked towards the door, the sorry shape of Brenda stood in its outline apparently listening to the conversation within the kitchen.

  “Even after all the hurtful things, I said, after I told you…you will never be good enough for my son you still want me here.” Clenching her fists and fighting back her tears Eve looked longingly at Paul.

  “You’re his family, you’re his mum, and I don’t want to be the reason…he needs you in his life, and I don’t want to be in the way of that.” Brenda tried to take her hand but once again Eve moved away uncomfortably.

  “I’m sorry, I’m sorry to....excuse me...” Rushing out of the hall Eve found herself surrounded by the pillars of the Grade II listed building. The blossoms swung above her head once again dizzying her with their perfume. Back inside Brenda bowed her head feeling once again bemused by Eve’s actions but unequivocally sorry for what she had done and said.

  “I was angry I didn’t realise.”

  “Didn’t realise what that she loves me that she pushes me to forgive you even after all the hurtful things you have said. Or is it the fact that she reminds me every day of what I need to be thankful for.”

  “Paul please at least let me apologise...” As he shook his head, he placed his hands on hips, and after pausing, he wiped his face and sat at one of the round tables in the hall.

  “You heard everything didn’t you?”

  “I now know she’s pregnant. Is that what this marriage is about?”

  “You are at it again!" Standing Pauls seemed to spin on the spot not knowing what to do next.

  "Tell me, son. I just don't want you making another mistake."

  "She only told me she was pregnant after I asked her to marry me. Why do you always think the worst? She’s a good decent, honest girl and I know she would never hurt me. She makes me happy, and before you bring up Alex that was my fault, I understand that now.” Brenda sat down placing her handbag on the back of the covered chairs. Clasping her hands together on the white linen she peered into a glimpse of her son’s second wedding.

  “I saw what Alex did to you Eve, well she takes some time getting used to you. She just seems so cold, and after everything, Alex did I just didn’t want you getting hurt. But I now see and hear that I’ve been very wrong. I haven’t heard you once say you wanted me here…”

  “Mum please don’t...”

  “Let me finish I pushed you away after Alex, and I was wrong. Eve." Taking a deep breath, Brenda paused finding it difficult to push out her words.

  "Eve seems to know what family means and maybe some of us need to take a leaf out of her book. I’m sorry to you both, and I hope you will both forgive me...” As she slid the small beige strap over her shoulder, she hoped Paul would follow. Standing in the alcove Eve looked to Paul for a response.

  “Don’t go you don’t need forgiveness. Brenda, I just need to get better with people, and I’m a mess I don’t know what to do, and my dress is awful. What I’m trying to say is Paul needs you. I need you. I need a mum.” As the tears welled again, Eve closed her eyes trying to fend off the blackness. Seeing the light shine clear through the windows a small sense of relief started to fill her heart.

  "I thought, Paul, didn't you say Eve's parents were coming?"

  "My parents are dead Brenda; I was brought up in care until I was sixteen. My mum died
of an overdose, and I found her in a pool of vomit. I suppose that's why I'm a little broken when it comes to strange people.....I didn't mean strange people...Paul?"

  As Brenda placed a loving hand on her arm, something inside seemed have clicked and the pieces that made the jigsaw puzzle of Eve had started to come together.

  “I guess you have our answer...” Paul smiled coyly knowing he had been bulldozed into accepting the apology.

  “What do you mean your dress is a mess?”

  “Eve why don’t you and my mum get that sorted while I finish up here. I can meet you at the Spotted Cow after…plus dad will be joining us later.” As his mum’s frown spread, he knew his father would once again be in trouble.

  "I'll deal with that later. First things, Where is this dress?"

  As Eve’s wedding dress flopped around her, she pulled and tugged tightly at it unsatisfied that she looked anything like the blushing bride.

  “I see what you mean ok take it off and come with me.” As Eve threw the dress on the bed, Brenda screwed her face up in disgust. Taking Eve by the hand and practically forcing her into the car, she drove around the small lanes obviously now on a mission.

  “Right here we are…”

  “I haven’t got much and I…”

  “No need my dear an old friend owes me a few favours. Now come on.” Brenda now with a brusque spring in her step took her willingly into the boutique.

  “Hello, ladies my name is Caroline how can I help you today?” The portly looking lady smiled falsely as Brenda gazed precariously around the store.

  “We need something off the peg what do you have?”

  “We are a boutique madam everything we have is made to fit our brides.”

  “Well, we need a dress today as she gets married on Friday. What do you have?” Eve smiled as the lady seemed flabbergasted by Brenda’s directness. Paul had always said his mother knew exactly what she wanted and she knew a way of getting it, but this was the first time Eve had seen it on show.