by A. A. Vacco
"Yea, yea, you told us last practice. Sheesh, calm down. No one can hear--,"
"Hey," interrupted Aubrey, "I'm rooming with Genie?"
"Rock on," she added when Billy nodded in affirmation. "C'mon, Geenz, race ya there. 211, right Coach?"
Billy nodded again, and made sure to give Genie a "told-ya-so" brow raise. Genie responded by rubbing her nose with her middle finger, smirking, and heading off after Aubrey. Billy sighed, hoping no one else on the team saw the final gesture.
The first night, Billy once again reminded the team of their curfew, but beyond that, they had free reign to do anything they wanted, in town, and in pairs. Genie met with her mom and aunts for a late dinner. Billy stayed close to the hotel with Paul, the head coach. Paul drove separate from the team and met Billy at one of the pubs downtown for a drink and some greasy bar food. He planned to help with practice the following morning, catch the majority of the first game, and then head back north, leaving Billy in charge for the remaining trip.
Genie's date with her mom and aunts extended into a group event. Billy even made a later appearance once he finished eating. Elle took it upon herself to sit between Kat and Cara; the two usually got along fine, but sometimes Cara's quirks crept under Kat's skin. Elle knew if Kat had a drink in her, the ability to filter or stay quiet would lessen significantly. As the majority of girls that joined the family fun for dinner left to head back for the hotel via the hotel’s complimentary shuttle, Genie, Billy, and Audrey hung back. Cassie convinced her mom to stay a little longer, and Elle and Kat thanked her for the extra time to order another drink. Cassie was the designated driver. Elle figured it best for Cara to take advantage of her daughter's offer and ordered her another glass of moscato. Kat went with a glass of chardonnay and Elle stuck with sipping some bourbon. The remaining kids continued their overindulgence of unlimited soda refills.
As the women engaged in a slightly tipsy conversation about the latest local drama, Cassie glanced at Genie and asked, "So, since you're here, think you'll visit the Doll House?"
The question caught Genie and Aubrey’s attention. Aubrey propped herself forward on her elbows and inquired further about this doll house. "Is it some toy that you townies have?"
Cassie shook her head. Being the youngest and wanting to fit in, she excitedly pressed on. "So, get this. Up until the 1980s, there was this museum of dolls and other antiques. The mansion was built before this place was even a town, and it's filled with things from as early as the 1800s." Cassie dropped her voice and everyone listening crowded closer to hear her. "It is said that the place was known to be haunted. Not because of a rumor, but because the things in the house actually moved around without any help. My dad says there's a dark force there that keeps things alive, but not the way you and I are living. Anyways, the place used to let people come in and experience all the movements of the dolls, noises and sounds, all that crazy stuff. Like, you could walk through the entire downstairs and explore."
Wide eyed, Genie whispered, "So what happened?"
She was curious of course, but also still confused as to how she knew everything about this town except this mystery mansion. Why hadn't Mom and Aunt Elle mentioned it? They had to know about it. They lived here at that time. She recalled talking to Billy about it a few weeks prior, so was this the same house?
Cassie continued in a hushed tone. "Apparently, for whatever reason, someone was murdered...by the dolls in the house!"
The group gasped, then giggled at their reactions. They leaned back in to hear what else Cassie was saying. "The old couple that live next door died last year. Their house is thought to be haunted too, because they lived closeby. Their kids cleared out anything that could spoil, but then left the furniture and stuff covered up. They kept the water on, according to my dad, but everything else is shut down. It's been abandoned ever since. No one but their kids goes to that area. Ever."
Now the group was laughing, but not at Cassie. "God, and we thought we'd have nothing to do this trip," said Aubrey.
Genie nodded. "Thanks for the heads up, Cass, we are definitely checking this out."
Cassie's eyes widened. "What? No, seriously guys, this place is dangerous!"
Her tone alerted the chaperones, and the teens all dropped their heads and sipped their sodas until the gossip picked back up.
Whispering, she said, "You guys can't go there! You really can get hurt."
"Cass, listen, we appreciate the concern, but it's a story, nothing more. Ghost stories are for kids. We just wanna check out the place from the windows. No breaking and entering. It'll make for a great story to tell when we get back home," said Genie.
The two went back and forth a bit longer, then the conversation changed course. The girls started talking about shopping and other ways to fill their time in Millerton. Billy got up to leave. Elle smirked and said, “Later, Bacon.”
"Bacon?" Genie leaned forward and grinned.
Billy scowled as Elle smirked at him. "Blame the office. And while we're at it, keep it at the office."
The volleyball tournament took up most of the following day. By that evening, Billy told the girls if they stayed in pairs that they could explore Uptown, as long as at least one of them had a phone. It may have been a bit on the trusting side, but Billy figured it would give him at least the chance to hang out with Genie. Supervised, yes, but still worth it. They had a long day and managed to make it through to play in a match the next day. Elle and Kat took to this small-town expedition as well. They knew the stores and town layout and could keep tabs on whomever was within their line of sight. So, technically they were doing their job. Cara opted to hang out at home. She said her mom was a little bummed about missing out on the night prior, so they were going to watch a movie and bake.
What Kat and Elle didn't take into consideration was Genie’s familiarity with the area and her alternate motives to explore a little further south. When her mom and aunt were out of sight, Genie grabbed Aubrey's arm and whispered, "This way!"
She led her to a small wooden building central to the shopping center. The building looked like an old fashion train station and parked out front was a minibus painted bright red with gold lettering on the side that read, "Riverbend Trolley." Pulling Aubrey like a mother does a reluctant child, Genie led her to the white ticket counter on the outside of the small building. She placed a ten-dollar bill down and said, "Two round trip for Millerton," she paused when she saw Billy walking up behind them, about to inquire what they were doing. "Make it three," she said, pulling a crumpled five out of her front pocket and adding it to the pile.
"Genie, Aubrey--," Billy started.
Before he got anything else out, Genie grabbed the tickets and led Aubrey toward the trolley. As Aubrey walked up the steps, Genie turned and grabbed Billy, pulling him on as well. The three sat in the back and Billy tried again. "Where are we headin,' girls?"
"Millerton," replied Genie.
14
Billy knitted his brow and ran his hand through his beard. “Uh, ok well, I said stay within a few blocks of the shops and the hotel. Pretty sure that was the only rule I left you guys with.”
“Well, that and staying in pairs," murmured Aubrey, still trying to piece together their adventure as well.
Meanwhile, Genie produced her phone and started texting. It buzzed a few times back, and she locked it with a satisfied smirk. “Relax, you two. It’ll be fine. We’re not going far and we’ll be back before it gets too dark or too late. Plus, Mom and Aunt Elle are still in Uptown.”
Several miles from the trolley’s location, in her room surrounded by thick pink and white stripes, Cassie sat on her hand-made quilted bedspread, re-reading her text messages and thinking, What did I just agree to?
Her hands shook a bit. But Genie was one of the ‘cool kids,' and stuff like this never happened down here, anyways. Heck, she was lucky enough to be able to get out of here once she finally graduated high school, she reminded herself. Just two more years.
&n
bsp; She was in Genie’s grade, but actually a year younger. Her mom was always proud of her, pushing her every inch of the way. Her dad always kept both Cassie and her mother grounded and focusing on the bigger picture. He was the reason Cassie could play sports and have time on the weekends to be a typical sixteen-year old kid.
“Mom? Going out for a bit. Can I take your van?” Cara’s old minivan was a classic icon in town. White, beat up, and outdated, everyone in town recognized it whenever it pulled into a parking lot or driveway.
Elbows deep in dough, Cara called back that it was fine and to be home by nine. The sun was starting to set already, but that was standard for Illinois winters. Cassie thanked her, grabbed the keys and headed toward the train tracks just off the freeway. A similar, old fashion ticket stand that mirrored the one in Riverbend stood several yards from the actual train tracks with a small parking lot next to it. Cassie parked the van and waited.
The red Riverbend trolley exited the highway and turned toward town. As it pulled into the small parking lot where Cara's minivan sat, Cassie unlocked the doors and waved at the familiar faces peering at her. Genie, Billy, and Aubrey stepped out and made their way toward Cassie. The trolley driver yelled, "Last shuttle time is eight forty-five, don't miss it!”
Billy nodded and gave a ‘thank you’ wave.
"Hear that, Geenz? We got two hours. So whatever ya got planned, it's gotta be done by then," said Aubrey.
Genie smiled and said, "Yea, yea, got it. We'll make it back, fear not," and pulled open the side door to the mini-van. "Thanks for the lift, Cass."
Cassie grinned. "No prob. It's just across the tracks, we'll be there in seconds," and pulled out of the lot.
Moments later they bumped over the train tracks past the freeway. Billy wasn't sure at first what they were heading toward. There were a few acres of land strewn with bare trees, overgrown brush, and splotches of dead grass. The already-worn road turned into a gravel drive that diverged after several yards. One led to a smaller, more updated home, but it still looked like no one had been there in some time, years perhaps. But that wasn't the drive that Cassie turned onto. Instead, she veered left and took a crumbling path toward a large mansion. A small, white cloud of dust kicked up behind the van as they coasted along. He saw a tired looking structure with faded white paint over the splintered slats. The shutters framed most of the windows, but some seemed to have been removed or knocked off over time. These were dark blue on the upper level and light blue on the bottom floors. Billy noticed the paint was chipped on them too and the wood, decaying. As they emerged from the van and made their way up the dirt path, Billy wondered if the tattered front porch would hold up with them walking over it.
On the porch, Cassie paused before nearing the front door. She took a few steps to the side, surveying the dusty area. Billy watched her shiver as a chilling breeze swept through, tousling some dead leaves and twigs across their feet. He noticed with each step any of them took, a groan or creak followed. They all jumped back when a second gust of wind caused an eerie howl to echo through the broken windows and slats of the mansion.
“This is crazy," Genie said, breaking their silence. “What is everyone so afraid of? The house is ancient. We’re just being paranoid because we watch too much TV.”
Cassie shook her head. “This place shut down like, thirty years ago because the town dubbed it dangerous.”
Genie rolled her eyes. Cassie treaded on her nerves and if they were going to investigate this house, they’d have to do it before it was too dark to see. “Did anyone bring a flashlight?”
Aubrey and Billy exchanged glances. “Geenz, we didn’t even know where you were taking us. Ya think we have a light on us?”
“I meant Cassie.”
“Uh, Mom probably has one in the van.”
“Then go. Get. It.”
All patience lost, Billy thought, But at least she stays cool, even when she’s pissed.
Once Cassie produced a flashlight from the van, they again stood on the porch, musing over the best way to break into the house. Genie grabbed the flashlight from Cassie and started toward a partially shattered window to the right of the door. She climbed on the fence that surrounded the porch, and steadied herself as the beam wobbled under her weight. Once she found her balance, Genie raised the flashlight above her head, intending to smash the remaining glass from the window. Before she had the chance to lower her arm, the main door swung open with a loud moan. Genie, arm still raised, turned back to the gaping group still stationed behind her. “Well?” she asked, “We going in or not?”
“Not," replied Aubrey without hesitation, and turned to leave.
“Oh c’mon, it’ll be fine," said Genie, jumping from the loose beam, blocking Aubrey’s path.
Billy had felt uneasy at first, but now his stomach churned to the point of nausea. A prickle from the hair on his arms standing straight up wasn’t coming from the winter air. There was a cold chill on the back of his neck, so present it caused him to whirl around, as if someone placed an icy hand there. He wondered if the others felt similar things, but decided it best not to ask just yet. Genie grabbed Aubrey’s shoulders and spun her toward the open door. She shuffled her forward and through the entrance.
Genie was already inside by the time Billy collected himself. Before he had the chance to protest, a glimpse of her blonde hair vanished into the dark foyer. Cassie stared at Billy, waiting for him to follow. Billy sighed and entered the mansion. Crossing her arms over her chest, Cassie followed him.
Billy and Genie stepped through the cluttered entry. Whoever was there last definitely left in a hurry, thought Billy.
“Cass, what’s the deal here?” Genie’s voice echoed as she brushed the dust off of a counter that stood just before another doorway. “There are brochures, a sign in sheet...was this place that big of an attraction?”
“Guess so," replied Cassie, catching up to Aubrey and linking arms with her. “I think, like, stuff moves around and it is not done by anyone. It’s known to be possessed. So, like a real-life Halloween house where you’re guaranteed to see something crazy happen.”
“That sounds horrifying, can we please leave?” cut in Aubrey.
Genie shook her head, shuffled a stack of faded papers on the counter, and said, “Nah, we’re gonna investigate a bit.”
Aubrey sighed. “I’m not going past the counter.”
Cassie straightened up and added, “And I’m not letting go of her, so guess I’m staying here too.”
“Great, you two chickens can stand watch. Technically, we are trespassing, so if shit hits the fan, give us a heads up, ok?” Genie marched past the counter and turned into another room cluttered with draped furnishings.
She squinted to see better in the room’s dimness. Billy stumbled after her. He tried to avoid knocking over anything from the shelves. He noticed it looked like a formal living area of some kind, but his eyes weren’t able to make out everything just yet. He focused on Genie, who made it through the first room and was about to enter the next one. “Geenz, slow up, dammit. It’s not an obstacle course. We can at least pretend to be concerned for our safety.”
Still moving at a fast clip, Genie called back, “It’s getting dark and I want to see the whole place. Besides, for something that’s supposed to be alive, this is one static house.”
Before the word “house” left her mouth, they heard a tap. Then another. Rapt-rapt.
Genie stopped and spun around to face Billy. Billy, a little winded, caught her by the arm and whispered, “Probably just Aubrey and Cassie. C’mon, let’s see what all the hype is about this place.”
Genie tried to resume her march, but Billy kept a firm hold of her forearm. They walked through the second room. Billy thought it was similar to the first, but a bit more casual. With his eyes now able to make out its constructs, he again noted covered furniture, a coffee table, and an end table. Everything had a white sheet over it, but he could tell what was what, for the most part. They passe
d a rocking chair just before exiting through a pair of saloon-style doors.
This led them into a long hallway. Genie picked up the pace. They reached the end of the hall where she took a quick turn into a room. It had a single doll on a shelf. She ignored this and went through another doorway that led into a sunroom. At least Billy assumed it was a sunroom since it had a large picture window along the outer wall. He jumped initially when he caught a glimpse of himself. The walls were lined with mirrors. In front of the mirrored walls stood shelves and hutches. He glanced side to side and realized the shelves displayed an array of dolls from all different eras. Some looked just like the ones his mom kept somewhere in their attic from her childhood. Others looked like they would disintegrate if Billy so much as sneezed in their direction. As if they responded to his realization, on cue, each doll turned to face Billy and Genie. Billy saw several of the dolls with moveable eyelids blink in their direction. As they stepped forward, the dolls watched them. They maintained eye contact until Billy and Genie exited.
Billy’s heart thundered in his chest. He wondered if Genie felt the same. He expected at least one, if not both of them, to scream when the dolls turned toward them, but it was such a shock, neither did. “She can’t kill a spider in her bathtub, but this, this is something she handles with serenity," mumbled Billy under his breath, shaking his head.
Rapt. Rapt.
Billy squeezed Genie’s arm without realizing it.
Rapt. Rapt.
Genie looked thoughtful. “It sounds like it’s coming from that closet," and pointed to the end of the hallway.
Billy realized that they were back in the same hallway. The hallway must wrap around the entire downstairs, mused Billy.
Several other rooms stemmed off the main hall from what he could see,and he guessed those rooms were connected to a few other rooms further back that would merge back to the hall again. Eventually leading back to the entrance. It makes sense, he thought, that if this was a museum, people would need a one-way path going in and out. But it would be easier if we could see a thing or two.