CHAPTER NINE – “THE PLAN” AS THE CULPRIT SURFACES
Rosalie opened her eyes to the light of the morning sun. She stared into the air watching the little dust particles floating about the room, prancing through the sun’s rays, straight across her bed. “Ugh!” she sighed. “I really need an air purifier to catch the dust in this house – or at least in this bedroom while I’m sleeping…but no time to think about that right now. I have to catch one or two culprits first, never mind the dust. I’ve got to call Michael.” She took a long stretch to loosen her muscles, then stepped out of bed like a blooming flower ready to greet the day.
Rosalie took a quick shower, then practically jumped into her clothes. She threw on a fitted floral cotton pullover along with her favorite pair of faded jeans. She then slipped into a pair of brown leather clogs she found sitting front and center at the bottom of her closet. Rosalie felt like she was racing against time, anxious to call Michael, but holding off for fear of waking him a bit too early. So she quickly spritzed herself with some jasmine body spray she kept on her dresser, than went into the kitchen to microwave herself a cup of instant coffee.
Rosalie raised the kitchen blind so she could see out into the backyard. She did not want to concern herself with hearing “voices” this morning. To pass some time in between sips of coffee, she watched the scampering, chirping birds hopping around her garden, playfully chasing one another, until they all flew away up into the tall trees. She smiled as they eventually took flight across the bright blue sky…Before she could take a seat at the kitchen table, the phone rang. It was dear old Millie. Millie called to tell Rosalie that she had seen Maria once again hanging around the front of the house sometime after dinner last night. She said that Maria looked nervous and wasn’t sure which direction she wanted to go. Millie waved to her, but Maria was so engrossed in herself that she either didn’t see Millie or she pretended that she didn’t see her. Millie felt as if Maria didn’t want to be seen. Millie then demanded, in her most pleasant yet “take charge” tone, that Rosalie not suggest to Millie that perhaps she was mistaken - again. Millie was very sure it was Maria who she saw. Millie then added that it couldn’t have been the mail lady this time, because the mail had already been delivered. Rosalie, to Millie’s delight, assured Millie that she believed Millie was correct, that it was most likely Maria who she had seen. Rosalie further explained that she and Michael now believe it is either Franco, Maria, or both of them who are behind the voice(s) in the cellar. Millie was saddened to hear this, but not surprised. She told Rosalie that she is so glad that Rosalie had finally considered that Maria is more foe than friend. As far as Franco, Millie was unsure what his role was in all of this, but she expressed her heartfelt sympathies to Rosalie for having to endure such awful wickedness at the hands of her best friend and possibly her boyfriend. Millie was so distraught over learning that Franco may possibly have a hand in hurting Rosalie. She didn’t want to believe that about Franco and told Rosalie she is going to pray very hard that this is not true. Rosalie responded to Millie by telling her not to worry, that she and Michael have things under control and they are working together to put an end to this sick game as they discover the truth. Millie told Rosalie that she loved her very much and wanted her to always remember that she is right next door if Rosalie needed her. She then wished Rosalie luck with the situation and expressed her elation over the fact that Rosalie had found a good and trusted friend in Michael. Rosalie eagerly added that Michael is becoming much more than a friend, to which Millie responded, “Oh, I know that dear. I’ve been talking to God about you each night…so please know that once you and Michael settle this sad state of affairs, I would like you both to join me for dinner at the house. I’d love to meet this young man.” Rosalie promised Millie that she would, and told her that Michael would love to meet her as well. Millie was so thrilled, and assured Rosalie that she would continue to pray for both her and Michael, and hoped that Rosalie would keep her posted on their progress. Rosalie expressed to Millie that she wouldn’t have it any other way, reminding Millie that Millie is and always has been like a mother to her since her own mother had passed, and nothing would ever change that. Rosalie could hear Millie’s voice crack from joy as Millie ended the conversation with a simple, “Oh thank you so much for saying that dear. I’ll be looking forward to hearing from you Rosalie. Be careful and know that God is with you, as am I.” Rosalie hung up the phone, then cupped her hand over her mouth and nose, holding back tears of joy and gratitude at having Millie in her life.
As Rosalie made a second attempt to sit at her kitchen table, the phone rang again. This time it was Franco. He claimed that he missed Rosalie terribly and that he was very worried about her. He called to see how she was doing. Rosalie was beside herself with anger now, just pure anger. “How dare Franco call to see how I’m doing,” she thought, “after walking out on me in betrayal.” However, she stood silent not knowing how to react or what to say to Franco at this point. Franco was upset that Rosalie stood quiet on the other end of the phone. He repeated that he was concerned about her and he couldn’t believe that she would respond to him so coldly with her silence. This angered Rosalie even more. Rosalie then yelled back at Franco that he shouldn’t have called. She read him the riot act. She couldn’t help herself. She told Franco that the only conversations they will be having between each other from now on will be about Franco coming by to pick up the rest of his things. Franco responded, “Wonderful Rosalie! I got the message loud and clear!” Franco added, however, that Rosalie is being foolish and totally unreasonable. They have a history together and it’s unconscionable to him that she would throw it away so easily. Rosalie sarcastically laughed saying their relationship was thrown away the day he walked out of the apartment, siding with Maria, pushing Rosalie to get a psychiatric evaluation – or worse, committing herself into a mental facility. “You didn’t trust me or my word,” she yelled into the phone. “You still don’t! I am perfectly sane Franco. I’m not so sure about yours or Maria’s sanity. You put too much trust in Maria. She has an alternative motive Franco, and that is to push me out of the way to take my place with you. It kills me to think that, but unfortunately it seems to be true. You just can’t see it. What’s wrong with you? Are you that naïve – or just blind to Maria? Wake up Franco!...Or are you both working against me? That thought crossed my mind too!” Franco didn’t know how to respond to that. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Franco desperately tried to explain to Rosalie that he and Maria are just looking out for Rosalie’s well-being because they love and care for her more than Rosalie can see right now. He added that he is deeply hurt and disappointed by Rosalie’s interpretation of things and assured Rosalie that his and Maria’s only intentions are to help Rosalie through this. “Through what, Franco?” Rosalie asked. Rosalie was livid at this point. She went on to admit that she knows and feels that he or Maria, or both of them, may be behind those voice(s) down in that cellar, and nothing he says can change her mind. Rosalie conveyed that she had not quite figured this whole thing out yet, but she promised Franco that she will get to the bottom of this little game.
Franco was both astonished and puzzled by Rosalie’s words. He believed more than ever now that Rosalie was going off the deep end – and fast. He coldly responded to Rosalie by stating that only a deranged mind would think something like that, and it sickens him. Rosalie replied back that there is no other explanation, and “that” sickens her. She screamed to Franco that she clearly knows now that those voices are real and are coming from somewhere and from someone; but definitely not from her mind as he and Maria would like Rosalie to believe. She went on to declare that someone or something is doing this to her and she believes it may be him or Maria behind it, or the both of them working together. Rosalie assured Franco that it makes perfect sense. She only hears the voices when she is home alone, and only from the air shaft in the kitchen. Rosalie further stated that when she hides in the bathroom or behind closed doors in h
er bedroom, she no longer hears the voices. She stressed that a crazy person would be hearing voices all over the house, even outside in the street, and not be able to drown them out by running from them or hiding behind a locked door. Rosalie yelled, “Those voices are coming from the cellar and up through the air shaft into the kitchen, nowhere else! Someone is doing this to me!”
Franco was amazed by what he was hearing. The more he heard, the more agitated he became. He suggested to Rosalie that maybe she was trying to turn the tables around to get the attention off herself and her mental issues, and blame him and Maria. Franco was disgusted by this and disgusted with Rosalie as well at this point. In turn, Rosalie grew even more frustrated with Franco. She knew this conversation was going nowhere, so she tried to take the high road by dismissing what he just said and simply told Franco to be sure he returns to pick up the rest of his things - and to please tell Maria to stop hanging around her house; that Millie next door had seen Maria pacing out there last night looking pretty nervous and pretty guilty about something, and it’s not the first time. “I wonder why that is?” Rosalie asked. Franco was shocked and dumbfounded by Rosalie’s words. He screamed out on the other end of the phone, “So you think me or Maria are the voices down the cellar? Now good old Saint Millie is doing guard duty for you? She’s up in age Rosalie and she probably can’t even see straight. I truly doubt she saw Maria hanging around the house! Why would Maria do that Rosalie? Why? Are you out of your mind girl? Did you share your wonderful thoughts with Maria yet? I’m sure she’d love to hear this one. Is that why you wanted the keys back? Do you think that me and Maria are actually sneaking into the cellar to yell up the air shaft to torment you? To frighten you? To make you think that you are going crazy? - Listen to yourself! You’re sicker than I thought Rosalie! Sicker than I thought! You need help!” Rosalie could hear the rage in Franco’s voice and just didn’t want to listen anymore. She ended the conversation by repeating to Franco that he be sure to tell Maria to stay away from the house. Franco was infuriated. He slammed the phone so hard that Rosalie thought she’d go deaf. The sound stung her eardrum.
Rosalie’s stomach was churning. Her insides were doing flip flops. She couldn’t decide if she was nervous from the thought of Franco ridiculously calling to see if she was okay, or if she was upset with herself for letting Franco know what she was thinking. She was second guessing herself with all sorts of questions and all sorts of thoughts. “Maybe it’s not Franco at all,” she said to herself, “because he was clearly angered at the accusations.” Now Franco thinks more than ever that Rosalie is losing it and this makes Rosalie feel more uneasy, more insecure, more frightened. Maybe it is Maria acting alone after all, she thought, and Franco could be innocent. Or maybe they are, in fact, acting together. Rosalie was so confused. She didn’t know what to think anymore. She felt so scared and so alone. Rosalie was sure that Franco would be calling Maria about his phone conversation with Rosalie this morning. The only good thing coming out of that is that Franco and Maria will now know that Rosalie is on to them. “But could I be wrong about them?” Rosalie questioned. “Could there be another explanation for the voices? - - Oh no…what have I done?” she asked herself. Rosalie was even more upset now that Franco knows Millie is onto something as well; and all because of Rosalie’s big mouth. “I should have kept Millie out of this,” she cried. “Oh my God, how could I lose control like that and tell Franco everything? Now he knows Millie told me about Maria hanging around outside the house, and now Maria will know it too. Poor Millie. She’s too old for this; but I can’t take this back. The cat is out of the bag…I let Franco know what I was thinking. I said too much too soon! I unintentionally drew Millie into this. My God, I haven’t even figured this out yet and I told Franco everything! What am I going to tell Michael?”
…Rosalie immediately called Michael and explained to him about the first phone call she received from Millie this morning, telling Rosalie she saw Maria outside the house last night. Rosalie added that she heard the voices again last night too, so it would make perfect sense that Maria could definitely have been outside the house as Millie said. Rosalie expressed to Michael that she was certain now that Maria is behind this in some way. She just needs to prove it. Then she told Michael about the second call from Franco who claimed that he called Rosalie out of concern, and said that he just wanted to check on her. Rosalie was panting from anxiety at this point. She couldn’t catch her breath as she told Michael in detail exactly what she said to Franco. She was going into panic mode and was losing control. Michael’s soothing words slowly brought Rosalie back to a state of calm. He assured Rosalie that everything will be okay. He understood how this was eating at her and how she couldn’t help lashing out at Franco. He added that the opportunity was there for her and she took it. Michael said he might have done the same thing himself. This situation is too sensitive and too emotional. There is no perfect way to handle it and he told Rosalie that he is proud of her so far and that she is a real trooper. He reassured her that telling Franco about Millie seeing Maria outside of the house was actually a good thing. At least Franco and Maria will both know that there is a witness to the wrongdoing. That should put some fear into them. As for Millie, Michael felt that she would understand and probably be very happy that Rosalie revealed that little fact about Millie seeing Maria outside the house. He further stressed that Millie seemed to be a strong-willed lady and will certainly not be bothered by Franco or Maria. He begged Rosalie not to worry too much about this because all of this will come to light anyway once this mystery is solved.
Rosalie smiled as Michael’s voice came through the telephone. A sense of peace came over her. As they continued with their conversation, Michael stopped Rosalie from second guessing herself by reiterating the fact that Millie saw Maria hanging around the house last night; and since he and Rosalie believe that to be true, then Maria is definitely behind this. He is just stating the obvious. Michael admitted he’s still not too sure about Franco, but he is not dismissing the fact that Franco could be in on this as well. He also stated that on the other hand, however, it is still possible that Franco is innocent in all this and that Maria is playing him. Franco could just be a harmless victim here who naively put his trust in Maria because she was Rosalie’s best friend for so many years. Michael said, “There is nothing else to consider as far as Franco goes. It could be either way with him…But as far as Maria, we should remain focused on her. I feel in my gut that she is the real danger.” He also stressed that it’s time for them to move very fast on this. He stated to Rosalie that since “the cat is out of the bag”, as she so preciously told him, then there is no time to allow Maria, and possibly Franco, the chance to cover their tracks or plan their next move. Michael added that in the event that Franco gets to Maria before Michael and Rosalie can move on this, which probably will be the case, then they’ll just work around it accordingly. Michael commented that Maria would most likely choose to hold off for awhile now until things cool down, but then she’ll pick up right where she left off. There is no time to wait on this, however. It will only exacerbate the stress that Rosalie is already under and give Maria, and possibly Franco, the chance to work harder and stronger at hurting her.
Rosalie, wiping away tears, listened attentively as Michael spoke at the other end of the line. She regretted that she ever had a conversation with Franco this morning. Rosalie expressed to Michael that if Maria finds out, through Franco, what Rosalie is really thinking, and learns that Millie saw her in front of the house, then Maria may just back off completely and they’ll never know the truth. Michael assured Rosalie that this won’t happen. If Maria wants Franco that badly, she can’t and won’t walk away from what she is doing to Rosalie in order to get him. She may hold off for awhile, but she will not abandon her plan altogether. This is a sick woman on a mission. Rosalie agreed as she listened to Michael put things in perspective, but sadly added that she is sure Franco is telling Maria about what transpired this morning, as the
y speak. Michael was silent on the phone for a moment, then said, “Maybe that’s a good thing Rosalie.” He went on to suggest that maybe, under the circumstances, Maria will be back down that cellar sooner than expected. Michael felt that Maria will not want to walk away that easily or that quickly now that Rosalie suspects something. She needs to complete her mission in order to reach her goal – and her goal just may be winning Franco. He further explained that it would be in Maria’s best interests to visit that cellar as soon as possible in order to continue this charade; because if she backs off now, that would almost be like admitting she is in fact the culprit. She needs to finish what she started. She will want to handle things “business as usual”, yet tread ever so cautiously and ever so quickly this time, until she gets what she wants – Franco in her arms. Michael added that Maria may wait a short while, or act immediately. Either way, she will be caught at her own game. Michael promised that he is ready for her.
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