Voices

by Phyllis P. Colucci

  Rosalie, sensing that the intermittent silence between them was making Michael uneasy as well, blurted out, “How is sweet Edgar?” Michael, grinning from ear to ear, as he loved to talk about Edgar, responded that Edgar was doing just fine. He explained how he had set Edgar up with water, food and a couple of “wee-wee” pads before he left the house this morning, adding, “Edgar is happily hanging around the apartment probably doing much better than we are. At least he’s not waiting to hear strange voices.” Rosalie giggled, then asked, “Wee-wee pads? I thought Edgar was trained to go outside.” Michael cheerfully responded that Edgar was trained, but for those days or nights when Michael wouldn’t be home in time to walk him, he had also trained Edgar to use the pads. Rosalie thought that was such a great idea, stating that she didn’t have a dog because she didn’t want to worry about being home in time to walk it. She never thought about using the pads in an emergency. Michael said, “Well see, now you have no excuse. A dog is a great friend and a loyal companion. So once you get your life back, you should think about getting one. We can walk our dogs together.” Rosalie smiled and responded, “I’ll consider it. I’d love a dog just like sweet Edgar. Our dogs can play together at the doggie playground.” On a more serious note, Michael added that if Rosalie did have a dog at this time then no one would have been able to torment her from the cellar. That dog would have known someone was down there and it would have alerted her. He then said if by chance those voices were of another world, that dog would have picked up on that as well. Animals are very sensitive to spiritual activity he informed. Rosalie said, “Bite your tongue Michael. We’ve both determined that there is no spiritual activity going on down that cellar, right? I told you what the psychic said.” Michael responded, “Of course Rosalie. I was only explaining to you how great it is to have a dog around since they are extra sensitive to picking up on things and alerting us…you know…to other people, strangers…and whatever else. But forget what I just said, forget about the ‘whatever else’...So no – there is no spiritual activity going on down that cellar. I promise you that. We know who is behind the strange happenings down that cellar.” Rosalie nodded, then replied how that one decision to get a dog could have prevented her life from being turned upside down, adding that the dog would have known who was down that cellar. She then stated that if that were the case, however, then she may never have learned the truth about the voices, Maria and/or Franco, and also would never have connected with Michael; and that would have been a great loss for both of them. Michael was so moved by Rosalie’s words that he walked over to her, gently lifted her from her seat, then kissed her lips with a passion that set Rosalie’s heart on fire. She fell limp in his arms, giving Michael the okay to carry her off to the sofa where they continued to kiss each other intensely. Rosalie’s body grew hungry for Michael’s sensuous touch and she couldn’t help wanting more and more of him. “How far should we go?” she asked herself, then decided to let Michael lead the moment – and lead he did. Michael was elated that Rosalie was so receptive to him, and he yearned for more of her as well. They continued to kiss, embrace and touch each other in the most romantic way possible. It was all pure, sweet, honest and just simply full of love. Rosalie knew it and Michael knew it too. Rosalie couldn’t fight the feelings that were coming over her. The passion she felt for Michael was overpowering. Enchanted and possessed by emotion, Rosalie took Michael by the hand and led him into her bedroom where they slowly undressed each other in silence. By the way Michael looked at Rosalie, she knew he was enamored of her as well. It just felt so natural and so right. From this moment on, the silence that made Rosalie so uneasy now became golden.

  They spent the next couple of hours making love in the afternoon light, discovering each other’s body for the first time, free of any inhibition. However, while keeping one ear close to Michael’s breath, Rosalie’s other ear was drawn to the air shaft in the kitchen, just past the opened bedroom door, waiting for the voice(s) to make their way up into the apartment. Rosalie noticed Michael’s curious eyes periodically looking towards the air shaft as well. They were both distracted, waiting for someone…or something to happen. Rosalie didn’t expect their first time making love to be interrupted by such sick mayhem, but she also didn’t expect to be in her bed, in Michael’s arms, this soon. Yet, she wouldn’t change a thing; this was a gift that she would treasure forever...and it’s just the beginning. She and Michael will see better days. All thoughts of sudden guilt regarding Franco that were sneaking up on her while she lie next to Michael, were quickly erased by the touch of Michael’s gentle hands upon her naked body and by the feel of his sensuous lips.

  …After making love with Michael, Rosalie noticed the light in the room had changed. It had gotten darker and she knew the late afternoon/early evening was approaching. She turned to Michael and kissed his cheek, then asked if he was hungry. Michael laughed, responding just like a man, stating that he actually was very hungry, and that Rosalie made him work up a really big appetite. Rosalie proudly laughed and stated, “I’ll bet you enjoyed every minute of it too.” Michael responded that it was the greatest lovemaking he ever had, then kissed her bare breasts. Whether that was true or not, Rosalie wasn’t going to argue. She accepted his response graciously, because it made her feel special.

  Michael pulled Rosalie’s naked body close to his and wrapped his arms and legs around her like he would never let her go. She felt so safe and secure in his arms that she almost wished they could spend the rest of their lives like this, in an eternal embrace, free from the wickedness of the world. However, reality set in as they both got up from Rosalie’s bed enjoying last glimpses of one another in the semi-darkened room, while sneaking hugs and little kisses here and there as they both put their clothes on still not knowing what the evening hours would reveal. Michael grabbed Rosalie’s hand and tucked it under his arm, as they walked back out into the kitchen. Then he asked, “So what’s for dinner Rosalie? I’m a hungry boy.” Rosalie had some extra marinara sauce she had made some weeks ago, in the freezer. She also had a half dozen home-made, utterly delicious, turkey meatballs in there as well. She turned to Michael and asked, “Would you like spaghetti and meatballs for dinner?” She didn’t have to ask twice. Michael said, “I’d love some. It’s not often I get to enjoy a home-cooked meal from such a beautiful sexy lady. Plus, I’m a true bachelor. Not the best cook, so thank you Rosalie.” Rosalie assured Michael that it was her pleasure and there was no need for him to thank her. She further stated that after sharing her bed with him today, they are no longer strangers and much more than friends, so no more formalities between them. Michael absolutely concurred, giving Rosalie a gentle pat on her backside. Rosalie responded by playfully jumping up on one foot, turning toward Michael, then messing up his hair with both hands. Michael adored her child-like mannerisms as he grabbed her hands and kissed her fingertips. He then gazed into Rosalie’s smiling eyes and confided to her that he truly wished they could have enjoyed a long warm shower together after making passionate love today, but decided not to entertain that thought since they needed to be on guard for the rest of the evening awaiting a possible visitor from the cellar. Rosalie replied, “Hah! I was thinking the same thing, then put it out of my head as well for the same reasons. We have a lifetime of showers to take together Michael. I hope you know that.”

  Michael then declared his love for Rosalie and admitted that he thought about Rosalie quite often over the years and always wondered what it would be like to get close to her. He never imagined it would ever happen like this, under these circumstances, but he’s very happy it did. He added that he would never argue with fate; then laughingly joked that love comes in many ways and this one was a doozy. They both shared a huge laugh over the truth of the matter, knowing how unique and out of the ordinary their circumstances were. Rosalie shared that she wouldn’t have it any other way. This brought a smile to Michael’s face as he replied, “and neither would I Rosalie.” He admitted that when he found out Ros
alie was involved with Franco, he thought he’d never have a chance with her. Yet life had a way of placing them in each other’s path, just the way it should be, just the way things were meant to be. Rosalie hugged Michael and added, “Yes, and just the way things will hopefully stay. We’ve been through too much now for this not to work out. I love you Michael and this is the last stop for me if that’s okay with you.” Michael replied, “It’s the last stop for me too Rosalie. I actually love this ride. Craziness and all…Does this mean that I can look forward to more of your spaghetti sauce and spectacular turkey meatballs Rosalie? Edgar is going to be so happy. He loves leftovers.” Rosalie grinned with a happy heart and threw her arms around Michael in a tender embrace. She then suggested that he go rest on the sofa and watch some television, or take a quick nap, that it was going to be a long evening. So Michael willingly obliged while Rosalie prepared dinner, as they both anxiously anticipated what the evening hours may bring.

  …After dinner, over a cup of French Roast, Rosalie and Michael sat in the living room and chatted about Maria, Franco and the voice(s) from the cellar. They both were listening hard, directing their attention to the air shaft in the kitchen, waiting to hear something ugly come up from the cellar. Rosalie thought how great it would be if that moaning started up right at this moment. It would be perfect now since Michael was there to hear it too. She would be vindicated. She was actually wishing and wanting to hear those voices, that moaning, that one voice of horror that summons her to the cellar. “Would it happen tonight?” she asked herself. How Rosalie was praying with all of her heart and soul that it would.

  Michael’s thoughts were along those same lines. He wanted so much to be there with her when the truth came out. He wanted so much to see Rosalie’s face once she realized that someone was doing this to her, and that her sanity was no longer in question. They both continued to sip their coffees as they waited…talked…waited…talked. Rosalie could see that the dusk was settling in around them, as she peered through the kitchen blinds. She always loved this time of day because all seemed calm. Today, however, the dusk was a sign of time passing with something eerie riding upon its shadows.

  …Michael took the empty coffee cups to the sink and rinsed them well, placing them onto the drainboard, working hard to impress Rosalie with his domestic efforts. Rosalie certainly took notice, making her love him even more. She watched as this handsome, sexy, hunk of a gentleman moved effortlessly about her kitchen, drying his hands on the dish towel hanging from the oven handle…Then suddenly she heard Michael whisper, “Rosalie, don’t make a sound. I hear something coming up from the air shaft.” He raised a finger to his lips indicating to Rosalie to remain quiet, then motioned for her to walk over to him. Like the pitter patter of a soft-footed feline, Rosalie slowly tip-toed across the living room floor, into the kitchen towards the air shaft. They both leaned in closer to the paneled air shaft and held their ears to it…listening…listening…and listening some more. Then to their amazement, there it was! The moaning sound and the chatter of distorted voices. After a few more seconds of this, that eerie voice called out to Rosalie! “Come down to the cellar Rosalie…please come down…you must! We want to see you…we’re waiting for you Rosalie. You can’t hide from us Rosalie! We know exactly where you are! Come to the cellar and speak with us…Don’t let us come and get you Rosalie!” Rosalie’s eyes filled with tears and bulged with fright, as Michael grabbed her from behind. He gently turned her around and pulled her away from the air shaft. He kissed her forehead and said, “Relax Rosalie. Don’t be afraid. I’m here now. I hear the voices too. It’s not you Rosalie. It was never you. You’ll be okay now Rosalie, and I promise this will all be over soon. But right now, it’s showtime.” Then he whispered to her that he was going to sneak down to the cellar to see who or what was down there and that she should just stay close to the air shaft and continue to listen. He begged Rosalie not to make a sound because he didn’t want to scare whoever was down the cellar, away. Rosalie, with deep concern for Michael, told him to be very careful. She feared for his life. Michael promised that he’d be super careful and that she was not to worry. So as Rosalie stepped back over to the air shaft, Michael quickly removed his shoes and quietly made his way out of the apartment, down the steps, to the cellar door.

  …Michael gently placed his hand on the old glass doorknob, turning it as quietly and slowly as possible, as if he were defusing a bomb. He even had beads of sweat on his forehead. As he wiped the sweat from his brow with his sleeve, Michael eased his way down the creaky wooden staircase ever so gently in order to avoid alerting whoever or whatever was down there. He stopped for a moment to listen to his surroundings. Michael could hear a strange rustling coming through the darkness from the back of the cellar. He was counting his blessings that his stocking feet would soften his footsteps while the strange rustling sounds may further cover his movements. Thankfully, he made it to the bottom of the wooden staircase without incident. Once he was on level ground, he stood motionless, pressing the back of his body up against the cellar wall so he could remain out of view. His eyes moved side to side, up and down, all around, desperately trying to find something or someone who may be lurking around the cellar. He could feel the rhythm of his heartbeat grow stronger with each passing moment. It was a nervous flutter that somehow gave him the strength to move on, almost like someone suffering from stagefright who, despite their anxiety, was actually thrilled to perform. That was Michael. Thrilled to perform this enormous task that would set Rosalie free.

  As Michael remained fixed against the wall, his eyes came upon a large, thick wooden stick lying against a wooden column in front of him. He quietly picked it up and held it for dear life, knowing that it may come in handy as he would not hesitate to use it if necessary. Suddenly, through the darkness, he heard an array of distorted voices mumbling incoherently. He recalled just prior to hearing those voices that he also recognized a familiar clicking. It was the sound of a portable tape recorder. His thoughts were running wild in his head. “Yes! Someone was down here! Someone was doing this to Rosalie!” His worst fears were coming true. Now he would have to confront the culprit. He can’t screw this up, there is no turning back. This will be his only chance to get to the truth and give Rosalie her life back, even if it meant putting his own life on the line.

  Michael’s eyes and ears followed the sound of the recorder, taking him toward the back of the cellar where the open air shaft was. Still plastered up against the cellar wall, he leaned a bit forward with stick in hand, hoping to get a better view past some of the other wooden columns that were scattered throughout the cellar. As he struggled to focus through the darkness, he noticed a shadowy figure moving about. It seemed to be the shadow of a woman. “Could it be Maria?” he asked himself. He had never met Maria, but Rosalie had described her to Michael in conversation. Would he recognize Maria if it were her? Could it be someone else? Well, Michael was about to find out. He carefully planned his next move so that he could catch whomever it may be, in the act, and restrain them before they could get away.

  Being ever so cautious, Michael watched as this shadow of a woman continued to work her magic on Rosalie. He listened as she played a tape near the open air shaft. A bit of light trickled through the cellar window, reflecting off this stranger’s face. Michael could see she was wearing a sadistic smile across her face, seemingly happy that she had gotten away with this game another day. “Not anymore,” Michael whispered to himself, “not anymore.” Michael was so angered by the woman’s behavior that he wanted to jump right out at her and fling her across the cold cellar floor like a bag of garbage. He knew, however, that he had no other choice but to control himself if he was to succeed in catching this woman, this witch. He believed this woman, this stranger, to be the one and only Maria. No one else would have access to this cellar other than Franco and no one else would have a motive to do this. Michael was outraged. He thought, “What a crazy bitch she is. Who would even think of taking time out of
their life to plan something like this – and to do it to your best friend with a smile on your face. This is pure evil.” Michael was in awe of her behavior as he continued to watch her in action, as if he were watching a “play.” It was perfectly planned and perfectly performed, scene by scene, movement by movement.

  Michael listened as she continued to play the tape. He could hear the eerie moaning of what sounded like a lost soul. Then he heard multiple voices, although somewhat distorted, laughing wildly. Her smile grew wider as she sent those voices up through the air shaft. Michael couldn’t help but wonder what Rosalie was thinking at this moment, as she listened from the kitchen upstairs. He felt Rosalie’s pain and he felt her fear. He prayed she would just hang on a bit longer until this was finally over. “Soon Rosalie,” he whispered to himself, “soon.” As he continued to hide himself from this woman’s view, he listened some more. She then placed her mouth up to the open air shaft and began speaking in a deep, threatening tone, summoning Rosalie down to the cellar, just as Rosalie had told Michael. It made Michael sick to think that this woman placed Rosalie in a situation where she had to question her own sanity; where she thought every time she heard these voices that she was going crazy; and how she felt the need to run and hide in her bathroom or bedroom to escape this torment…then to have her boyfriend Franco disbelieve Rosalie’s account of things, ready and willing to side with Maria to have Rosalie placed under psychiatric evaluation – and possibly committed to an institution! Michael just couldn’t imagine what his poor sweet Rosalie had been going through all these months. He was feeling Rosalie’s anguish and Rosalie’s loneliness in the pit of his stomach. It tore at him like a wild boar. The pain he was feeling for Rosalie was something he never felt before. It was physical, it was emotional and it was unbearable. Michael was more determined now to end this brutal act of cruelty no matter what it took.