Deep Water

by Lu Hersey

  “They want me to send it today and I haven’t done enough.”

  “Never mind. Just send what you’ve done. Here, have a cup of tea. You’ll be fine.”

  “No I won’t!”

  Dad ruffles my hair. “Go on, take it. It’ll make you feel better.”

  I attempt a smile and take the cup of tea he offers me. I wander back to my room with it and take a look at my assignments to try to figure out how long it’ll take me to do them. I really don’t want trouble from the school on top of everything else.

  As I drink the tea, I make a chart and divide the subjects I have to complete into time slots. Then I colour in the chart in nice colours to make myself feel like I’m doing something, and try not to think about Elliot and what happened last night.

  I finally manage to start working. Once I start, it’s not so bad, and it gets easier as the day goes by. At one point I find I’m almost interested in what I’m doing. Almost.

  It gets to four o’clock and I decide I’ve done enough. I email the work to my teachers, then go down to talk to Dad in the shop. He gives me some pricing to do, and insists on playing some mind-numbing New Age meditation music while we’re working, despite my protests. Dad says the customers love it, but there isn’t a customer in sight. Eventually Dad looks at his watch.

  “Danni, will you be all right here for a few minutes while I pop up to the corner shop? We need some more milk. Michelle’s mum is dropping her off in a minute and we’ve got Levi coming later too. Do you want to come with me? We can close now if you’d rather not be here on your own.”

  “I’ll be all right here, Dad. We can lock up when you get back.”

  He takes some money out of the till and goes out. I turn the music off straight away and search behind the counter to find a price list. Dad’s left me with a box full of tiny coloured bottles marked Faerie Dust. The shop bell rings while I’m looking. I glance up to smile at the customer. Only it’s not a customer. It’s Elliot. I gaze at him in amazement.

  “Elliot! What are you doing here? Are you sure this is a good idea?” My heart flutters with excitement.

  “I had to come to see if it worked.” He walks up to the counter and reaches over carefully to brush a wisp of my hair out of my eyes. He doesn’t flinch at all. He’s breathing normally.

  “What’s happened?” I ask.

  “I just came back from Ancrows. Looks like Robert was right.”

  “You did the iron nail thing?”

  “Yes, but it was much more difficult than I thought because I couldn’t tell if she was in or not. And I was worried the neighbours would see me sneaking round the house to hammer them in.” He leans over the counter and kisses me quickly on the cheek. “I still feel nervous being near you though. You wouldn’t believe how painful it was last night. Sorry if I was a bit weird with you.”

  The shop bell rings again as Dad walks back in with a couple of cartons of milk.

  “Hi, Elliot, nice to see you. Are you staying to eat with us? Michelle will be here soon and we’re picking up Levi in a bit.”

  “No, I can’t tonight, Nigel, but thanks for asking – I haven’t even been home yet. I just came to ask if I could have tomorrow afternoon off. Got something I need to catch up on. I can be in the shop to cover in the morning though.”

  “No problem. It’s gone pretty quiet in here since half-term. I can manage.”

  “Thanks. I’d better be off, then. Dad will be expecting me.” He turns to me. “Maybe I could meet up with you and Levi later on?” Elliot looks at me and I can tell he feels awkward saying any more with Dad here. I seize the opportunity.

  “Hey, wait a minute, Elliot – I’ll get Jackson and walk that way with you. Then I’ll take him up to the castle ruins for a run before we go to the station.”

  Elliot smiles.

  A minute later we set off, Jackson straining ahead of us on his lead. Outside, it’s getting colder as the evening draws in, and the air smells of recently lit coal fires.

  “Elliot, I spoke to Levi last night. I told him you might need help getting the poppet from your Aunty Bea’s place.”

  Elliot laughs bitterly. “Bet that took some explaining. I imagine he thought you were joking.”

  “Only at first. In the end I managed to convince him I wasn’t making it up. Anyway, I’ve got to go and see Mum tomorrow morning, so it would be great if Levi could hang out with you instead. I don’t want to drag him to the hospital with me.”

  “Danni, there’s a massive difference between hanging out with me and helping me break into someone’s house, even if it’s the house of someone I know. I don’t want him getting into any trouble.”

  “But it’ll be much easier if you take someone with you. Look, let’s all meet up tonight and you can talk to him about it. Maybe he can just keep watch for you or something. Or perhaps we could all help you on Sunday – I’m sure your Aunty Bea will go to church and we could find it then.”

  Elliot looks worried. “Tomorrow would be better if possible.”

  “You’re only saying that because you want to keep me out of it.”

  He smiles. “That’s partly true. But also I want to get it over with as soon as I can.” He looks at me. “Danni, with all this going on, you must wonder what you’re doing here. Don’t you wish you’d stayed in Graymouth?”

  I laugh. “I didn’t have any choice. I had to come here.”

  “Yes, but if you’d had a choice, you’d probably have avoided this place like the plague.”

  He pushes his dark fringe off his forehead, looking anxious. Just watching him gives me butterflies.

  “But if I’d stayed in Graymouth, I’d never have met you,” I say.

  Elliot stops and turns to face me. His expression softens as he reaches out to pull me into his arms. Suddenly I catch something moving from the corner of my eye. A dark shadow darting into a doorway. It’s hard to tell in the gathering dusk, but I’m sure there’s someone there.

  I mutter under my breath. “Elliot, stay where you are. Grab your chest like you’re in pain, like before. Quick, do it now.”

  For a second Elliot looks mystified, then clasps his hands to his chest and starts wheezing like he’s about to die. I step back from him and look round as though I’m seeking help. Fortunately there’s no one else about.

  I move towards Elliot again and whisper just loud enough for him to hear. “Keep it up. I think it might be your Aunty Bea.” I don’t need to say more. He sinks down to the pavement, gasping and coughing. I move towards him and he twists away from me as if in terrible pain.

  “You could get an Oscar for this,” I hiss.

  He looks up at me and grins.

  “Go away – you’re stopping me – breathing!” he gasps. Jackson licks his face enthusiastically. Elliot pushes him away and staggers to his feet.

  “Have to get some air. Maybe talk later – if I feel better.” He winks at me.

  “Okay, be like that – see if I care!” I say it loud and clear, hoping she can hear me. I turn round and walk away quickly, acting as angry and upset as I can, yanking Jackson with me. As soon as I get round the corner, I stop and hide in a side alley between the shops. Jackson sits up and looks at me expectantly, as if he’s trying to work out what game we’re playing. I wait a couple of minutes, then sneak a look out into the street. There’s no one around, so I walk back round towards the place where Elliot and I parted. I’m just in time to see Aunty Bea striding towards the car park.

  It’s almost as if she senses me watching. She turns and stares straight at me. She must be at least fifty metres away, but I can feel the hatred emanating from her even from where I’m standing. I breathe in sharply. My heart is pounding. I don’t even have to pretend I’m afraid. I turn and run, with Jackson scampering along beside me.

  chapter 30

  Soon after Michelle arrives, we all pile into Dad’s car to go to the station. Michelle’s looking forward to seeing Levi. She really liked him when they met last week.
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br />   Dad waits out in the car for us, and Michelle and I walk through to the empty platform. It’s dark now. The ticket office is locked up and the staff have gone home. I look up at the LED information board to see when the train’s coming.

  “Oh look, there it is!” Michelle’s staring up the line. I follow her gaze and we watch the train headlights approaching.

  Moments later, Levi is standing on the platform. He grins at Michelle.

  “Hi, Michelle. Nice to see you again!”

  “You too!” Michelle’s eyes sparkle with delight. “Do you need help with your bag?” she asks. It’s touching how much she wants to impress Levi.

  “Thanks, Michelle, but if you carry it, I’ll have to carry you, and then it would be extra heavy.”

  Michelle giggles, and we all troop out of the station to where Dad’s waiting in the car.

  We chatter and laugh the whole way back to Cararth. It’s great to see Levi. I realize I haven’t laughed much recently. Not even with Elliot. I guess there hasn’t been much to laugh about.

  Levi and I take the opportunity to chat alone for a few minutes while Michelle and Dad make tea.

  “Were you serious about me helping Elliot tomorrow?” he asks.

  “I’m not sure any more, but ask him when we meet up later. He messaged me when we were on our way to collect you – think he’s having second thoughts.”

  “How come?”

  “You’ve met his Aunty Bea. She’s bad news. More than you know. And basically he’s going to have to break into her house. He doesn’t want to get you into any trouble.”

  Levi pulls a face. “Tell me more about the poppet thing you were on about. Surely it’s not for real?”

  “It’s too weird, Levi. Apparently Elliot’s family have always had a reputation for making them.”

  Levi raises his eyebrows but doesn’t interrupt. I carry on.

  “People used to pay his family to make curses. It was like their trade.” I catch Levi’s alarmed look. “Don’t worry, Elliot doesn’t have anything to do with it. In fact probably no one has now except his Aunty Bea.”

  “Did you say his Aunty Bea went to school with your mum?”

  “That’s right.”

  He shakes his head in disbelief. “No wonder she didn’t want to talk about this place. Anyway, how’s Elliot going to get this poppet thing out of her house? What exactly does it look like?”

  “Apparently they’re usually made of clay or wax – but not always. Elliot told me they sometimes use dolls.”

  “Ew. That’s seriously creepy. How big are they?”

  “Not sure. Not that big, I guess. They attach stuff to them.”

  “What like?”

  “People’s hair or nail clippings.”

  “Nasty.”

  “Then they stick pins and knives in the figures, and hide them away.”

  “Are you having me on?”

  “I wish.”

  Levi looks serious for a moment.

  “I should definitely go along and watch out for him.”

  “I don’t want you getting into trouble, Levi.”

  “They can’t arrest me for just standing around.”

  “Look, talk to Elliot about it, then decide. I’ve got to go and see Mum in the morning and Michelle’s offered to come with me.”

  “Michelle’s great.” Levi smiles.

  “Yes and she’s brilliant with Mum, just talks to her like nothing’s wrong.”

  “You sure you don’t want me to come too?” he asks.

  “You can if you like.”

  “Sounds to me like Elliot needs my help more than you do.”

  I have to agree with him on that one.

  When Levi and I set out to meet Elliot after tea, it’s gone eight o’clock. We meet him at the crossroads, and head up the lane towards the castle ruins to give Jackson another run.

  Elliot is in a sombre mood. “Levi, I already told Danni it’s better you just don’t get involved. It’s my problem.”

  But Levi’s mind is made up. “Danni’s going to the hospital with Michelle, and I can’t see Sarah until we all go to the Chill Out in the evening, cos she’s busy. You can’t leave me to hang out with Nigel and his crystal balls all afternoon.”

  Elliot manages a smile. “Why not? I have to every Saturday.”

  “I’m allergic to hippies.”

  Elliot shakes his head. “I don’t want you getting into trouble.”

  “I’m an expert at avoiding trouble. Ask Danni.”

  I don’t say anything. It’s not strictly true. In fact Levi is often in trouble.

  I just smile.

  We stay chatting for a while and then it starts to rain. The smell of damp earth and wet hedgerow fills the night air around us. Elliot looks back down the lane towards the village.

  “I’d better be getting back. It’s really good of you to help, Levi.”

  “I haven’t done anything yet.”

  “Well thanks for the offer. You can change your mind anytime. I’m working in the shop for a bit first thing, so I’ll see you both then.”

  The rain starts to come down harder. “See you tomorrow, Elliot.” I reach up and kiss him lightly on the cheek. I’m still nervous about getting close to him right now.

  Neither of us can relax until this is over.

  Levi and I walk quickly through the rain back to Dad’s.

  Levi looks worried. “I feel sorry for him, don’t you?”

  “Yeah, I guess.”

  “It’s like the Dark Ages round here. Surely he doesn’t believe the stupid curse thing really works?”

  “I’m not so sure. You should have seen him, Levi. He was in agony.”

  “That’s just because he thinks it’s going to work, so he makes it happen – what do they call it? Autosuggestion.”

  “Maybe…but I don’t think so.”

  “I’ll be glad when your mum’s better and you can come back to Graymouth. Too many strange things go on around here.”

  “If Mum doesn’t get better, I might be stuck here for ever.”

  “Don’t be stupid, of course she will. I’m sure of it.”

  I wish I could share his optimism. I can’t tell Levi, but the problem of getting Mum’s sealskin back from Crawford is in the back of my mind the whole time. I still haven’t come up with a solution. And I have this really bad feeling time may be running out.

  chapter 31

  The sealskin screams in the fire. Hurry. Jump through the flames. Choking smoke and dust. Can’t – breathe—

  “Danni?” Michelle is shaking me. “Danni, wake up!”

  I open my eyes. Michelle looks scared.

  “What’s wrong, Shell?”

  “You sounded all weird. Are you all right?”

  “I was having a nightmare, that’s all. Thanks for waking me!”

  Her face relaxes and she smiles. “That’s okay. Fancy some breakfast? Race you to the kitchen!”

  I smile back. “I think I’ll let you win.”

  My throat feels sore. My mouth is as dry as sandpaper. Funny, I thought Mamwyn said the dreams stopped after the first changing. But that felt so real, just like the ones before. Maybe it takes a while. I’d love to talk to Mamwyn about it, but today I have to go and see Mum. If only Mamwyn had a phone.

  Levi and I open up the shop because Dad’s gone out briefly with Michelle to buy her some new school shoes. Elliot arrives and gives me a hug before he takes over at the counter for the morning. He looks a bit dishevelled. I don’t think he slept very well either.

  “So what’s the plan later, Elliot?” Levi’s already sounding excited.

  Elliot looks at him. “Are you sure about this? Please don’t feel like you have to come.”

  “’S fine. Don’t worry about it.”

  Elliot nods. “Okay, so most Saturdays Aunty Bea goes shopping in Bodmin and spends the day in town. But before we do anything, when we get to her place I’ll knock on the door to double-check she’s not in.”
r />   “What if she is?” Levi sounds dubious.

  “I’ll make some excuse about why I’m there. Showing you round Ancrows’ historic harbour or something. I’ll tell her I couldn’t stay at work because I had sudden chest pain and couldn’t breathe.” He glances at me when he says that.

  I grin. “That’s brilliant.”

  “And if she’s out?” asks Levi.

  “That’s when having you with me would be really useful. You can keep a lookout. You don’t have to come in the house – in fact it would be better if you stay out in the lane. I know where she keeps the spare key and hopefully it won’t take too long. Robert’s given me some idea of the kind of places to look.”

  “She’s got a spare key? Fantastic. It’ll be a cinch. No worries.”

  I know Levi is trying to reassure Elliot, but in reality I don’t think he’s that confident about it. I’m just glad he’s agreeing to go, especially as he thinks the problem is all in Elliot’s mind.

  Elliot senses my tension. “Don’t worry, Danni. Whatever happens, I’ll take full responsibility. There’s no way I’ll let Levi take any blame.”

  I know he means it, but I still feel anxious. Aunty Bea is a dangerous person to cross. And whatever Levi thinks, the curse is all too real.

  Dad and Michelle pull up in the car outside the shop. Dad toots the horn to let me know he’s waiting. I say goodbye to Elliot and Levi.

  “Make sure you both keep safe this afternoon.”

  Elliot smiles at me. “We’ll try our best. See you later, Danni. I’ll get my dad to give us all a lift over to the Chill Out tonight.”

  “Thanks. I’m looking forward to it.” It’s true. I can’t wait for this afternoon to be over so I can make sure they’re both okay.

  “Hope your mum’s better today,” says Elliot.

  “Doubt it, but thanks.”

  Levi sighs. “You’re such a pessimist, Danni. Think positive for a change.”

  “Okay,” I say. “I’ll work on it.”

  I head outside and jump in the car.

  Dad pulls up outside Bodmin Hospital and Michelle and I scramble out.