“And how do you know she can’t hear what I’m saying?”
“Because I know that dolls can’t talk or hear and they aren’t even alive!”
“Sure if you say so big brother.” Casey smiled mischievously.
“She is a great listener and a great talker. She’s my best friend in the world!”
Ryan deciding to egg her on said “Ok show me then …let me see her say something - anything.”
“She doesn’t like you and she only talks to me. She’s like the sister I’ve never had better than a brother!” she spoke loudly as they heard the SUV driving up to the house. When their parents came in they could tell they had been drinking. Ryan knew his parents did drink on occasion and his mom more so when she was stressed and his Dad well just because. They had brought with them a KFC family meal for dinner. Dinner was again a silent affair but Eric and Casey didn’t mind they loved KFC and besides that any conversation would probably lead to an argument. When they were done and left he table that’s when the arguing quietly started.
Chapter Thirteen
Fall flew by and winter was coming. Work on the outside of the house was postponed but the work inside was sped up. The heating unit was inspected and put to standard. Dad’s basement was coming along to his specifications and Mom’s kitchen was getting rebuilt. Eric went to the woods alone most of the time now because Dad was working, taking pictures or arguing with Mom. All the leaves had fallen on most the trees and the wind blew hard across his face but it didn’t bother him if he kept walking. He had traveled around the area so much that getting lost was not an issue. Freezing to death was another matter but he wouldn’t explore long but it was good to get out away from his parents and his sister and of course Missy. He was never scared of walking along in the woods but he still constantly got the feeling of being watched but every time he looked around he saw nothing. On one his afternoon treks he took a route he hadn’t before and the sun was getting ready to leave for the day. He would have talk to Dad in letting them get a dog or two and then he would have a companion and bodyguard on his walks. As he was making his way back the way he came he saw a pair of headlights coming his way. An old white flat bed truck drove up and stopped with a man inside. Rolling down his window the man asked “what in the tar heeled world are you doing out here by yourself boy?” Eric became apprehensive. He didn’t know this man, granted he didn’t look dangerous but those were the worst kinds. “Ahh you must be one the kids who live in the old house down the road,” the man said. ““How about a ride home? Don’t worry I don’t bite. I know your Dad from work. I’m Mr. Toombs and now we aren’t strangers to each other. Come on son its getting colder and darker out here.” Figuring that the guy was right and the house was just down the road, he hopped in. “What were you doing out here by yourself?”
“Just exploring and hiking and today I took a new path.”
“You are lucky I was driving by when I did. Hasn’t anyone told you about Big Ma?”
“Big Ma?” Ryan laughed. “Is that like Bigfoot’s mother?” “Is she a ghost?”
The man peered into Ryan with his eyes not blinking. “No she’s not a ghost but it’s said she has the power to talk to them.” “In your exploring did you ever find an old beat cabin up high in the woods?”
“Yeah I was there with my sister and Dad a few weeks ago.”
“Well that cabin is Big Ma’s cabin and they said she’s a conjurer they do.”
“What’s that?”
“I guess you young folks would call her a witch but yeah she’s much more than that I tell you.”
“A witch?”
The man nodded. “Before this was East Dublin before the Internet and all of this new age technology there was Big Ma living up there where her cabin was. Before she was called Big ma her name was Tabitha and there was a town here no one knows the name or what happed to it. But where your farm was a family once lived with their son Jacob. Jacob fell in love with Tabitha. Then things started happening around the town and Tabitha was blamed for them. They said Jacob was out under a spell by her that’s why she loved him and so they came as a mob and killed him where your barn is covering the body in straw. They drove out his parents and where going to burn the place down but I guess they had done enough for one day. When Tabitha found his body out she was too late her dark powers couldn’t bring him back like he was. You see son dark magic is never just give it’s a give and take a life for a life, something for something. At that time her powers are not what they are now but because of her love bond with the boy was real. She had enough power to put his essence into the very straw he was bleeding into. She also poisoned the soil of the town in revenge. All the crops died, people were getting sick for no reason, and animals just up and died. Eventually it drove all the townsfolk out of this area for awhile. If you haven’t noticed none farms around because the crops won’t keep in the soil. They say that you can bring things back to life with that straw if you know what you doing.” He pulled in front of the house and let the car run while he kept talking. “The thing with this kind of magic is there has to be a strong bond between the thing you want to bring back and yourself. The love she has for Jacob is forever and so that means that he is forever or so it would seem. Bet you are wondering why I’m telling you all this? Not to scare you but to give you a heads up in case you have see things or heard things. There’s a cycle here that keeps repeating itself. You might be the one that may have to do something about it. Just saying …” he paused looking at his watch. “It’s getting late and I don’t want you getting in trouble with your folks but to make a longer story shorter. Just be careful and look out for sister.”
Trying to hide his fear Ryan replied, “It’s just an urban tale like my parents told me some Scooby doo episode in real life.” Even though even to himself his words didn’t sound sincere.
“And I tell you son this ain’t Scooby doo. This is real flesh and blood and straw.” he said looking out into the darkness surrounding the car.
“If you say so sir.” Ryan said his heart beating fast and his hand on the door handle but why didn’t he just get out of the car?
Looking very serious at Ryan his voice raising a little, “People disappear around here too. Especially people who try to interfere with Big Ma’s plans.” as soon as he said that a crow landed on the hood of his truck. It startled them both but they didn’t show how much it made their hearts skip a beat… The night had somewhat concealed their expressions. Ryan had more questions but Mr. Toombs looked at his watch and said,
“I’ve said all I wanted to say son, time for me to go.”
Ryan got out of the truck. “Thank for the ride Mr. Toombs.”
“No problem son tell your dad I said hello and see him at work and just remember everything I said and most of all take care of your sister.”
Walking up the house and opening the door, Mom asked who brought him home.
“Mr. Toombs from Dad’s job.”
“Oh yeah nice old guy,’ Dad said. “ He’s one the very few people that actually talks to me at work and he likes nature and photography too.”
Mom looked back and forth from Dad to me. “I don’t know him and you just met him today Ryan.”
“It’s ok Mom it was a short ride and at least Dad knows him.”
“Now honey this isn’t Indiana.” Dad chimed in. “He was perfectly safe. I’ll even invite him over so you can meet him and interrogate him.” he finished smiling.
Ryan really wanted to ask his dad what they talked about at work but his mom was nearing her I’m about to start an argument mode. Not to mention Casey was right besides her playing and he certainly didn’t want her even more terrified. He decided to stay mum about it until he could talk to his Dad alone.
After dinner as usual Dad went to his man-cave and Mom poured herself a glass of wine and went into her work room. Ryan sat down next to his sister.
“Mom and Dad aren’t happy here Ryan.” Casey said.
“Yeah
squirt I’ve been seeing that lately.”
“It’s the house and the woods and everywhere here. It’s downy. Don’t you feel it?”
Ryan wanted to say yes especially after the talk with Mr. Toombs that he felt that vibe all the time but he kept those sentiments to himself and instead wanted to know his sister’s thought’s. “What kind of downy?” he asked.
Combing Missy’s hair looking out into the night window she turned to her brother.
“The crows are getting louder I think. Strange voices when I sleep and they are keeping me awake.” she replied. “Are you sure you don’t hear them too?”
“It’s probably like I told you before your imagination or even the wind going through these old houses. There are enough cracks and holes here to do that.”
“But the wind doesn’t say your name exactly over and over silly “
He had to admit his little sister had a great point on that matter
Chapter Fourteen
Mr. Toombs drove away from the house and the crow flew off the hood of his truck… He was glad it was gone. Crows were never a good sign .He knew he shouldn’t have said anything but they seemed like nice people and if he could he wanted to help anyway he could. There had already been too much darkness here and not if enough light. His bright headlights suddenly got black as more crows appeared and landed on the hood of the truck. He slowed downed and blew his horn but they didn’t budge one inch. He was starting to get afraid. Maybe he had said too much to the boy given him too many clues. The crows started cawing drowning out his thoughts. He really couldn’t see a thing through the mass of little feathered black shapes. He knew couldn’t drive like this much longer and getting out was the only idea and the worse idea possible. Stopping the truck completely he looked around for something to get the crows off the hood. A crowbar? Maybe he would try anything so he could get out of here. The moment he was about to open the door a shape appeared a much bigger shape made out of straw. A scarecrow it looked like to him. But this was no ordinary scarecrow. Where hollow eyes should been were red glowing orbs. Going outside was definitely not in the cards. He tried to start the truck up again but it wouldn’t start. The scarecrow just stared at him with its red eyes. A straw hand came at the window in the shape of fist. Punching through it like it was paper sending shards of glass everywhere. Instinctively Mr. Toombs swung the crowbar catching the scarecrow in the face but he felt no pain. He had no worries about dying. He was already dead and soon so would Mr. Toombs.
Chapter Fifteen
The next day Ryan couldn’t wait to talk to his dad about what Mr. Toombs said. At dinner he asked about him. “Funny you asked Ryan. He didn’t show up to work today. I don’t think he’s ever missed a day in his life. And he didn’t call in either. Was going to invite him to dinner whenever he was free maybe I’ll get a chance tomorrow.” Eric shuddered hoping no one noticed. That was strange he was fine last night. He hoped that talking to him didn’t get him in trouble with the people of the town or even this Big Ma. He remembered his words the night before and they still were clear. Watch out for your sister. Why would he say that? He could understand him saying take care of myself. He was the one exploring the woods all the time but he had to admit his sister was acting a bit strange as of late. Actually the entire family was. Then again they just moved a long way from home to an unfriendly town, so a little weirdness and stress would be considered normal. He had to talk to Mr. Toombs again and get more information… He hoped he would come to work so Dad could invite him over for dinner. Then he would have a better opportunity to talk and get a better grip on the situation. For now he could only go about as usual and pretend like nothing was amiss.
Chapter Sixteen
Harold Toombs age forty-three, missing with a wife and two children a few days ago. That was how the file started on the sheriff’s desk. He had been missing for a few days now. Never showed up from home one night. No sign of his truck or a body for that matter. He even called in some favors across town and still nothing. It was like he disappeared. Another person gone like the wind. There was a rumor going around that he talked to the folks the bought the old farmhouse by the old level woods. If that was the case, the sheriff reasoned he had a good idea what happened. It was Big Ma. He had interfered in whatever plans she going on. He should have known better, he had lived here long to know what he could and could not do. There was nothing he as the sheriff could do. Not with the entire town being caught up in the mess. He had hoped that the reaction of the people to them would scare them away but they seemed the be the stubborn kind. He looked at the file one more time shaking his head and closed it. Opening up a file cabinet behind his desk he grabbed the file and put it in the rest of the disappearances. Mr. Toombs was not the first person in this cabinet and he probably wouldn’t be the last if the old lady had her way. As sheriff his job was to protect the people of the town but there was nothing in his job description about going up against witches. He didn’t know whose job it was but he knew he had to protect the rest of the people of East Dublin and the only way to do that was to keep silent and not interfere in her plans.
Chapter Seventeen
The dream always starts with the crows and the calling of her name ‘Cah cah see see’ and then she sees an elderly black woman with long silver hair and gold teeth. She tells her that she’s a friend and can make Missy really talk but she needs a few things to do that. But only she can do it. But Big ma cans her tell what to do exactly… In the dream Big Ma says she can give Missy a sweet voice that only Casey can hear. She would be her best friend forever. Big ma understands that this awful town with the mean teachers and children is bad for her. She knows about her big brother who is also mean-spirited and her non caring parents. Big ma understands all of it. That why she wants to help her have a good friend to rely on. Big ma tells her all she needs is blood, body, and the doll’s Body with the last thing needed was straw from the barn on their property. Every night the dream came and every night Casey woke up scared wondering if it was real. But she knew there was only one way to find out if it was really and that was to do what Big ma wanted.
2
On a clear cold Sunday, everyone was preoccupied with their own activities as usual. Her brother was out exploring again. Her dad was in the basement probably playing Call of Duty and Mom had gone into town to get groceries and probably more wine as well. Today was her chance to attempt what was in her dream. Walking out unnoticed she dashed over to the barn. Even in the cold weather inside the barn was even colder which reminded her of that cabin they once found high the woods. Holding Missy tightly she pulled out a paring knife she had swiped for the kitchen drawer. Mom wouldn’t notice it missing; she would only think she had misplaced it. Now Big ma had said three things were needed blood, body and bond. She had Missy’s ragged body and carefully cut her open to take out all her stuffing. She started crying because if this didn’t work she was going to lose her best friend but if it did work she was going to gain the best friend ever with a bonus. With all the stuffing gone she grabbed straw from the barn floor and carefully stuffed it inside as best she could. Wiping the tears from her face she put the sharp knife in her palm and closes her hand. This was the least painful way she had learned on the internet to do this. Most kids did it to be blood brothers or sisters and so she thought it was pretty much the same principle. Sliding the knife out the blood from her hand steadily dripped onto Missy and into the straw which seeped into the doll’s body. The very last things were the words she had to speak out loud over the doll which would seal the bond between the two them. Having the same dream over and over she had memorized the words without realizing it. As she the blood continued to drip form her hand she started the chant…
From the ground the straw grows
Of my heart’s wish the straw knows
Three things to seal the deal
Blood, bond and body
Blood of both lives intertwined
Bond of life and death never denied
The straw shows
The knows…
It was done. Everything Big ma told her to do she had done. She pulled put a handkerchief and wrapped her hand to stop the bleeding. She would put a bandage on it later. A crash was heard from outside and she saw through the door it had started to rain with lighting and thunder. That was weird she thought there was no rain in the forecast for the entire week Dad had said over dinner last night. Then there was another sound. The sound of a whisper… coming from inside the barn… Was it coming from Missy? She looked around but saw nothing and heard nothing else. She decided to put her ear to Missy’s mouth just in case she was waking up and found it hard to speak at first. A faint, “Hi… Casey my best friend forever. “, could be heard from the doll‘s mouth. It had worked! Missy was alive all thanks to Big ma. Casey was happy now .Happier than she ever been in a long time ….
Chapter Eighteen
Now with her new friend, Casey tells Missy everything. She tells how unhappy she is and how awful the kids at school and her teachers are. Missy understands and is sympathetic to her. She’s is her best friend and will always be by her side. On the eve of winter Missy whispers to Casey that they should take a trip into the woods alone but Casey hates the woods because they are scary. “Don’t be afraid!” Missy says. “I’ll be with you so you don’t have to be scared and besides best friends look out for each other.” She had to agree with Missy. This was the first time that she had ever asked for anything and as her best friend she was obligated to do so. She had no idea why Missy wanted to go out in to the woods but such were the duties of being friends she thought shrugging. Bundling herself as well as Missy she walked out into the cold day with best friend close to her. The frigid wind blows and a group of crows fly by and she was sure she heard again, ‘Caa caa see see’ and then suddenly Missy spoke to her. “We are going is a secret place and so you mustn’t tell anyone this best friend’s secret place. Agreed?” Casey nodded her head as they trotted to the woods to their unknown destination.
Straw Page 3