“We have a few sale items but….”
“Never mind. Eve take these and go and try...” Ushered into the dressing room Eve pulled the large gold coloured curtain across the booth. As she peeped out, she could still see the bemused shop assistant being harassed by Paul’s mother which amused her greatly.
Brenda made a series of noises which usually suggested an element from disgust to hatred as Eve stepped out in each of the sales dresses. Becoming completely dishearted Eve felt like one of the mannequins and in some way wished to ushered to the back so she could no longer take part in the fashion show.
“Isn’t there anything else?” Eve wrapped the curtain around her body and tentatively moved into the now heated debate.
“I like the one on the mannequin. What about that?”
“We only have that one. I can't.”
“We are here to buy, and you are here to sell! Give her the dress, and we will make that decision.” As the mannequin was thrown through the curtain Eve once again found herself highly amused by Brenda, Caroline on the other hand could see the smirk which had now started to annoy her more, and as Eve slipped on the dress, Caroline tugged harder. As Eve took a moment to run her fingers over the beautiful lace, the now calmer shop assistant assisted her with the buttons smiling in agreement.
“This is the one…” Nodding her head Eve closed her eyes before giving in to Brenda’s criticism. Stepping out she stood still with her eye’s closed except this time there was no noise.
“You look beautiful…”
“I know it’s short and I didn’t think this kind of tea cup thingy would work but I love it. Are you sure...” Hearing her ramblings Eve closed up stepping back inside herself.
“No, I agree…”
“Even I agree.” The sales assistant who was now happy to help nodded at Brenda’s side.
“How much? I mean I haven’t...” Waving Eve’s comments off she signposted her back to the changing room, in fact, she practically ordered her to take off the dress.
“My treat! After all, you’re carrying my grandchild and my son, well he’s infatuated with you, and I now understand why.”
After the now eager to please shop assistant handed back the dress Eve placed it carefully in the car. Occasionally stroking the wrapping, she smiled sweetly at Brenda in hopes she would notice how grateful she was. Reaching the car park Brenda hesitating at first took hold of Eve’s arm pulling her back into the car.
“Did you mean what you said before at the Hall?”
“I never knew my family. I never had a father Paul doesn’t understand how lucky he is and we are both going to need you. I’m going to need you; I just have a hard time showing it.” As Brenda took hold of her arm, she squeezed it tight almost in thanking her for the truth.
Paul seemed to be deep in conversation with his father as they arrived at the table in the pub. The gardens were in full bloom and the peace and quiet of the afternoon gave way to the bird song.
“Everything ok?”
“Well, it is now that monstrosity she was wearing before is only fit for the bin.” Brenda picked up the large glass of white wine and plonked herself down next her husband.
“I know I’m in trouble so you might as well get on with it,” Alan smirked knowing his wife would usually bite at his undue comments. Brenda took another sip of her wine and nudged his arm lovingly knowing he had been right for some time, but not wanting to admit it out loud.
“She looks beautiful Paul. Honestly, Eve, you looked absolutely breathtaking.” Biting her lip Eve glanced over to Paul who hadn’t been able to take his eyes off her since she arrived.
“She looks like that in a dressing gown never mind a wedding dress.”
“I don’t think your parents need to know that.” Alan laughed revelling in spending time with his family.
“Yvonne will be joining us later hope that’s ok?” Alan paused waiting for Brenda’s reaction, but as the wine worked its magic, she didn’t seem to care that he had planned the rest of the day without her.
As the afternoon turned into the evening, they had already waved their goodbyes, and as Eve stepped out of the car, Paul caught her hand resting the other neatly over the newly shaped bump.
“I love you…”
“I love you too. What’s brought that on?”
“You were right, having my parents there makes us a family, and it is important. I was stupid to think otherwise. Plus the most beautiful woman in Portsmouth is carrying my baby…” Placing her hand over his the softness of his voice and the kindness of his actions swelled like a fire inside her. She had been desperate to scream out her feelings but knowing she had to keep him safe played precariously in the back of her mind.
“Paul…”
“I know you’re protecting us, but I just felt like I needed to tell you.” Taking her hand, he paraded up the garden path, and as she stopped to breathe in the night air, she could see the darkness descending on the house and the feeling of uncertainty and pain that it brought with it.
“I don’t want to go in...”
“Why? Are you ok?”
“Just a feeling…possibly nausea. What about a walk? I mean…who knows what I mean…I just don’t feel like being inside four walls at the moment.” As she strolled to the end of the path Eve looked back at the shadows which lay all around her. She felt the darkness closing in and the more she opened up her heart, the more she felt she needed to protect.
“What is it?”
“I can’t....you see…” Pointing at the house Eve felt the blackness all around her.
“They’re coming, they’re coming and what if I can’t.” Paul felt her tremble, and her voice shakes in fear. As she quickened her pace, he tried to run after her feeling like there was more he could do.
“Show me, show me what I can do to help, make me understand.”
“I can’t make you see Paul, and once that door opens, there’s no going back.”
Chapter 15
“Cornelius….Cornelius I’m not going to go away until you answer me.” The woman sat at the counter looking Eve up and down with a wanton longing. Eve felt uncomfortable as her eyes seemed to penetrate every part of her body. As Eve followed the woman's gaze, she felt dirty tracing back her every thought and as she licked her lips Eve touched her stomach knowing the lady’s advances were becoming more prevalent.
“Answer me god damn it this is not over, and you know it.”
“Quiet down the neighbours will start complaining and we don’t want that.”
“I don’t care and while you’re at it why don’t you tell your little pet dog to stop looking at me.” Clicking his fingers, the woman seemed to disappear without much of a fight and Eve crossed her arms studying his face looking for any signs of weakness.
“I need you...”
“You don’t have the right to ask any more you know what you need to do and as far as I’m concerned, I’ve kept my end of the bargain.”
“You know something I can tell by that sly little look in your eyes, and I also know keeping that glint is too much of a secret.”
Cornelius seemed to suck in the air violently between his lips and as it passed the whoosh appeared to echo around both of them.
“I can see you’ve learned more than just patience at the Brow. You think you’re a clever little bitch don’t you.” As he moved he cast a shadow and a look that Cara used to give her when she knew she had been disobedient.
“I’m not yours to control…”
“No you fell in love with a son of the Fallen and married him under the sight of God vowing to devote your life protecting and serving him, so he became an adversary for the light, and you failed. Miserably.”
“He tried to kill me what was I supposed to do?”
“You were meant to use what’s inside you. The day you fought his intentions off through the transcendence.” As she stepped back, Eve wrapped her coat around her once more. Pursing her lips together she tried to battle her dry
throat and loss of voice.
“He nearly ripped my throat out. I had no choice.”
“Well, now you deal with the consequences, my dear. This is your life and the life of your new husband and child. Whether you love him or not is irrelevant for me but you have a gift my dear, and it’s such a loss that you have forgotten to use it.”
“I can’t go back….I won’t…” Whisking the curtain to one side, Cornelius smiled his typical coy way, and as the swathes of material fell around him, she heard the whispers as he disappeared.
“You better be good at hiding, or you better find what’s deep inside of you quickly.” Slamming the door closed Eve screamed out into the street uncaring of anyone’s reaction to her outburst. She knew Cornelius was never going to help and every time she walked back into his world she felt the fear wake up inside her. As she held her head in her hands, she heard the bell of the door ring loudly behind her.
“Still here. Aren’t you going to be late for your little soiree?”
“What is it to you?”
“Didn’t he tell you! Shame Paul asked me to oversee this little event? After all, you can’t legally be married again can you.”
“You love this don’t you all of your kind love this mind fuck torture shit.” As she stood defiantly, she saw his temperament change, and as he took hold of her by the throat, he pushed her back into the darkness of the doorway.
“Careful little girl you’ve played with fire once. Today is my opportunity to see if Jacob was right. But if he isn’t killing you would give me great pleasure indeed.” Dropping her to the floor Eve gasped for breath still feeling his grip squeezing her airway.
“Two O’clock it is then…” As he stepped over her, she knew this had been a test. Since leaving the Brow, she had tried to forget about its existence, but unfortunately, the link that drew her back had started to become stronger.
Arriving back at the house numerous members of Paul’s family had begun to appear and Eve’s ruffled exterior and mysterious disappearance had become a hot topic. As she politely smiled through the small crowd, she found herself upstairs away from the gossip rummaging through boxes in the smallest bedroom of the house.
“Is everything ok?” Paul’s mum stood immaculately dressed in mauve bemused at her future daughter’s public upset.
“I’m sorry. I wanted to wear my mother necklace today, and I can’t find it it would just mean so much to me to have something of my family with me today..” Eve’s eyes wide shined like black pools glassy with tears, and as Brenda nodded in agreement, she seemed moved by Eve’s plea. As she stroked her head kindly, she backed away as to give Eve the room she needed.
“Would you like me to help?”
“Thank you, but I wouldn’t want you to get filthy some of this stuff isn’t exactly in the best condition. I’m sorry if this seems silly…”
“It’s not silly Eve. Not at all. Take your time I will put all these busy bodies to shame...” As her footsteps tripped down the stairs Eve’s innocent smile disappeared from her face, she had told her new mother lies, but having Cornelius at her wedding put all of them in danger.
“Where is it! Think Eve think...” As she spun in a circle trying to retrace all of her steps since the move Eve took a deep breath throwing one of the larger boxes to one side. The small black almost chard box stood out like a sore thumb, and the rich embedded text and misshapen iron handle made it look old and out of place. Taking it into the bedroom Eve sat down on the floor to scared to open it.
“Focus…focus they can’t hurt you…” Her hands shook, and the pit of her stomach flipped over again with nerves. Clenching her fists, she counted to ten knowing she hadn’t got long.
“Circumdedit me in lucem,
mors non est finis
principio , vitam non habet
consecrabis manus mea
tolle animam meam:” Repeating the words Eve closed her eyes feeling the fear being enveloped by the chant.
“Surround me with light
death has no end
life has no beginning
consecrate my vow
take my soul.”
The guests downstairs stopped their frivolities feeling the small underlying vibration which seemed to rise from their feet. The hum which echoed around the walls seemed deafening even though the air was silent. Brenda stood at the window looking out onto the horizon, suddenly drawn to the ball of light which circled the top floor of the house. As her guests cowered trying to understand what was happening Brenda took her steps carefully making her way to the source. The vibrations now intensifying with every made her body weaken and her resolve stutter, and as she reached the landing, she could see the bedroom door shimmer like the drum on a speaker. The quiet hymn of Eve’s voice echoed around the house, and as Brenda placed her hands on the top rail, she saw the faint glow around all of the doorways. Unable to comprehend what was happening she stepped back frightened of what was to come.
As the door to the bedroom flung open, and the flash of light penetrated Eve’s body, Brenda saw it sucking its way into her chest, and as Eve gasped for breath, her eyes lit up like blue flames. Dropping the box, she collapsed on the bed placing her hands over her eyes. As Eve stood the dim flicker had almost disappeared but as she met Brenda in the doorway Eve knew she had seen everything.
“Who are you and what do you want with my son?”
“Brenda, please. This isn’t what you think…”
“What the hell was that…?”
“Brenda, please I mean no harm to anyone.” Running down the stairs, Brenda now hysterical raced her guests and as they carried on practically unaware of the events that had taken place. Brenda felt there was no place to hide.
“Where’s my son?” Alan took hold of her arm bemused at her distraught appearance.
“Get him!” as her voice boomed into the congregation Eve stood at the door breathless. Seeing Paul being dragged along the garden path she knew she had to do something.
Stepping into the kitchen, she closed the door, and on hearing the commotion outside, she tried to rewind the events. Taking a deep breath, she realised that even though the other guest hadn’t been aware of the tremors, Brenda was more sensitive to her call.
“You know what you have to do…”
“I can’t…” The shadows fell around her like mist settling around a lake.
“You know what you need to do…” The voice in her head seemed to reverberate around her skull crashing at the inside like waves on a shore. Stepping into the hallway, she ran her hands around the outside of the doorway. The sacred prayers seemed to light her path, and as she got to Alan and Brenda, she whispered softly under her breath.
“Death has no end and life has no beginning…
Novis...” Leaving the destruction in the living room Eve went and dressed for the wedding.
Feeling her soul pulled from dark to light Eve collapsed in tears knowing she had opened Pandora’s Box. Brenda stood at the top of the stairs as if nothing had happened, her vacant stare worried Eve but as she took her arm her smile seemed to shake her.
“Is she ok? She’s been up there while?”
“I think it’s just wedding day nerves...” Alan still confused took hold of his wife’s arm, and as he held her, she squeezed it tight.
“I feel like I’m missing something…or something happened. I don’t quite feel”
“Menopause.” Batting Alan with her clutch Eve sighed with relief knowing her Parish parlour trick had worked and as Eve smiled sweetly Brenda kissed her cheek still not quite sure of what had come over her.
“I felt as if something had happened.”
“I’ve sent Paul to the hall. Bren everything’s okay look, see Eve’s ok, baby’s ok Pauls happier than ever. Come on…” Alan winked as he rubbed Brenda’s shoulders and as Eve caught his smile he confirmed that she was okay. Seeing the guests depart Eve stood in the living room contemplating her actions, and as she played with her necklace, she felt
the darkness descending again.
“I’m not going back. I’m not ever going back.”
Running back upstairs she whispered her chant to the little chard box and as the lock fell open Eve took another deep breath. Taking out a few of the items she slipped them into her bra, grabbing her shoes she ran down the stairs and as Eve opened the door, she saw Pauls old Mercedes polished and primed for the big day.
“Your carriage awaits...” As she stopped and took a moment, she caught her reflection in the chrome frame of the painting which hung on the wall and as she adjusted dress she knew it was now or never.
Reaching the hall, the blooms draped from the hanging baskets, and the air was thick with floral scents. Her stomach rolled over again and again and the thought that Jacob could collect what was his at any time terrified her most.
As the music flowed, the congregation stood to accept the presence of the bride. Eve counted her footsteps, and as she reached the third row of steps, she stopped encased by the image which stood before her.
“Jacob….” Looking to see if anyone else could see or hear her she toyed with her bouquet. With every step she took, both wedding days flicked between each step. The church on the Brow had merged with Edwardian hall, and every step played out a different image. First to Paul and then to Jacob.
She could feel the vibrations at the altar, and as she stepped to Paul, the next shadow that surrounded her was Jacob.
Either way, there was no going back.
Reaching the archway, Paul stood immaculately dressed. Seeing the distress on Eve’s face, he knew she had seen another vision, and as Cornelius bent towards the couple, he breathed Eve in as if she was a passing breeze.
“Step by step my dear. Maybe it was a good job that the last one led you to him...” She shuddered as if she needed to pinch herself and as she squeezed Paul's hand firmly he to started to worry.
“Eve.”
“Not now after ok…” Paul could feel her tremble and as the darkness drifted over the cracks of thunder could be heard in the distance. As the ceremony drew to its conclusion Eve grabbed her stomach as the last crack of thunder sounded overhead.
The Parish Page 11