Derek. She thought and pulled away from him. Her mind screamed for her to get out of the car and run far away from him to keep him safe. But then Alice was afraid that he would come out behind her and if she again felt demonic, there was no stopping her.
"Alice... I don't know what I could say to you right now. I know it must be so hard for you,” he said. Alice wished for a moment that he’d ask about what happened, so that she could tell him. But he didn’t. He didn’t ask a single question.
“My name isn’t even Alice.” He waited quietly for her to continue. “I know..."Alice stopped.
"Know what?"
Alice had to tell him the truth. He deserved to know. She'd deserve it if he hated her. In fact that wouldn't even count as a punishment for all she was responsible for.
"I know who the demon is.”
Derek shifted in his seat “You know?"
"Yeah, and..." Alice thought it was better to not think about it much and just go ahead and tell him. She couldn't think about the consequences of that now.
“We’ll talk later." He cut her off. “Let’s get out of here first.” He was focused on her eyes with an intensity that surprised Alice.
"But..."
"Please do me a favor and call Stephanie," he gave her his phone.
"Didn't you just meet her?"
"I wish I had," he muttered and shook his head. "She wasn't there. When she picks up, give it to me."
Alice tried several times but the call didn't get through.
*****
They got to a small hotel, and managed to get through the lobby without any curious onlookers. There were only two people, which given it was almost dawn wasn’t a surprise. Alice wrapped her jacket around closely to hide the blood. Derek opened her room for her and then got a call.
After speaking to whoever had called him for a minute, he handed Alice the keys to his room in a hurry, saying that he'd be back soon.
Alice shed her clothes and got into the hot shower. The water started to grow thicker and gradually it was changing color. Alice looked on in terror as the water turned red. And it looked more like... blood. Alice screamed, frantically rubbing it off her body. But it just poured down on her in a never-ending stream. Alice turned the shower off but it kept on coming, like she was supposed to account for all the blood she had spilled, all the lives she had taken.
Alice fumbled outside, and casting a frightened look back, she saw there was no blood and the shower wasn't running anymore. Looking down at herself, her body was soaked with just water, dripping on the carpet. Alice locked the bathroom with her blood stained clothes inside. She pulled on her change of clothes from her bag. Now all that she felt was left to do was to curl up and die.
Alice sat on the cold floor, her knees tucked into her chest. She looked at the hands that had taken the lives of two people earlier.
"No," she imagined the blood and rubbed her hands together. "No!"
She was shivering now. She looked around the room, scared. She was afraid more than she’d ever been before. She was afraid because she couldn't run; she couldn't hide, when what she was scared of was herself. She dozed off, but all she dreamt of was people pointing at her. Anna pointing at her, Franny pointing at her, Rashi and even Derek. They pushed her in the fire chanting 'the devil must die’. Then the flames started to rise around her. Dozens of people emerged from the fire-the first ones, her mom and Jenny. They were pulling her inside- to take revenge. And her body began to burn...
Alice gasped and awoke all sweaty. She reached for her bag on the side of the bed and pulled it to her. When the bag fell on the ground in front of her, the first thing to come out of it was the book Veronica had given her, saying it had everything she wanted to know.
On the cover was written just a few words. Rave. Your memory is with me.
Her hands trembled as she touched the only thing that she had left of her mother. She slowly opened the cover and read.
The book started with the night Rave killed her dad. Since then, Veronica and Alice had detached themselves from society, no friends, and no school. Alice had made it through education with private tutoring. There were a few pages that told a story about what their life had become. A few incidents where Veronica behaved rudely to her family. Veronica told of how they were often on the move. Then there were a few pages stating it wasn’t her fault that she was in this situation. She explained how she had no control over the situation. Veronica told her that her death last night was her own choice, something she had planned.
Veronica apologized for having abandoned her when she lost her memory, but it was supposed to be a new life to her- the free life she had never had because of the demon inside her. There were some happy events from life too- the fun they had together, even though it was only the two of them.
There was a section about Lance. At the mention of that name, Alice had felt a chill travel up her spine. Veronica had underlined his name. That night before she lost her memory, she had been fighting with Veronica over her choice of staying with Lance. Veronica tried to convince her that she had no right to be in love with him and risk his life. When they had turned towards the door that time, Lance was standing there. That was when she had run outside with the intention of killing herself. She could not bear to be without her love, but she could not hurt him either. Lance pushed her, threw himself in front of the speeding van and was admitted in the hospital on account of his multiple injuries.
Veronica mentioned that Etsy Monroe would help understand who was responsible for her condition- “The Grasp”, and Alice could feel the whispers in the very words. She could tell her how to get rid of this problem and let her be normal again.
Alice was about to look into the last page when the door opened without a knock. Alice hadn't remembered to lock it. Alice left the book on the floor and got up to see Derek step in. He was on the phone. Alice glanced at the window and realized that the sun was coming up.
“Jane, I had been to the scene, you do not want to see her like this” he paused, covering his mouth. He fell to the ground on all fours and gasped. “She is gone.”
“What’s wrong?” Alice asked, scared of his reaction.
“Steph is dead!” Derek’s voice was in such shock that his face grew paler. He stared at the wall, a numb look on his face.
“What? How?”
“Accident,” he seemed to be talking to the air. “Truck.”
Stephanie? She had killed Derek’s sister? It was his sister who was trying to kill her. She wished Steph had killed her now that she knew the truth. While he sat down, crying, and holding his head, Alice sat next to him and placed a hand on his shoulder.
“Leave me alone,” he shrugged her off suddenly, in an angry voice that she had never heard before.
“I have something to tell you,” Alice said, hesitating.
“I don’t want to listen!” Derek shouted through his sobs.
“I am the demon. I killed Steph.” She waited for his reaction.
“I know,” he said, stern and still not looking at her.
“Sorry. I…What? You knew?” Alice had never expected that reaction, and it jolted her.
“You would’ve killed me last night near that gas station if not for Steph.” he replied, through tears.
“Why didn’t you tell me? Why didn’t you run away? Or better kill me?” Alice blurted.
He abruptly got up and started packing his bag. “You need to attend your Mother’s funeral. I will drop you off and go to dad’s place. I will book you a flight back this afternoon. I will have someone there to drop you home, don’t worry.” The tears were gone now, and he suddenly was all cold business.
“That is not the answer,” Alice said.
“I love you dammit,” he said grabbing Alice’s shoulders so hard that it hurt. “Do you get that?” He looked at her pained expression and let go. “I know that this thing… this demon is not you but this... I need some time alone. I’ll be downstairs, meet me there in another hour th
en we’ll leave.”
Before Alice could open her mouth Derek had stormed out, closing the door loudly behind him.
Alice searched the room for something she could use and found a pair of scissors. Alice opened the book her mom had given and ripped half of the front pages. As she carefully cut them to bits, she turned to check the last page.
There was an envelope stuck to the back page. Inside, slightly yellowed, was a picture of a group of people. Alice recognized her mother, but needed the names written on the back to realize that it was an old family portrait. Then, below the stuck envelope, were Veronica’s last words to her daughter.
Please be safe. I Love you.
She pocketed the photo and started tearing the remaining pages too. Her mom had done so much to keep her safe and alive, even though she killed her own dad and was so evil. She couldn’t give up on her life which her mom had sacrificed so much to protect.
She threw some of the paper pieces in the trash can and left the rest scattered about the floor. Later she picked all the remaining bits and her stained shirt and put it in a plastic bag, and threw it in the lobby bin near the entrance.
*****
Alice left the car and headed towards the entrance of the cemetery. It was a relief to walk away after the cold talk and silence from Derek.
“Alice wait,” Derek called her. She turned, not knowing what to say. He came closer. “I’m sorry for my behavior. I’m angrier with myself that I couldn’t prevent Steph’s death. That I didn’t know she was doing this stuff… trying to kill you.”
“I should be the one apologizing. To you, to mom, to so many families I have destroyed. I wish Steph had killed me instead,” Alice said. "So… I think..." Alice felt it difficult to say the word. "This is… goodbye?"
"Definitely not."
"What do you mean?" Alice asked, confused. "I’ve killed so many people. Steph."
"No. Never say that in public," he said, looking around afraid that someone heard them. But there were alone. "Don't tell anyone you don't trust."
"That doesn't change the truth."
"This will pass, you will be alright soon. I promise. I can’t lose you Alice. I love you. You can’t imagine how much...” he trailed off.
“I love you, too,” Alice said. “Will I see you tonight?”
“Yes.” Derek replied. “I’ll be back before nightfall.”
“I’ll be waiting,” She kissed Derek in time to see Carl step up beside Cloud, looking on surprised.
*****
The cemetery was black and grey. It was a joyless place that seemed to suck life and happiness into itself. Alice had on the only shirt which remained with her, after the blood stained shirt of last night. It was a turquoise blue. The florist adjacent to the place had pitied her, and let Alice borrow her black scarf. Alice referenced the picture in her pocket, trying to match it up to the faces around her to see if anyone could have been in it from a younger day.
No one in the family had seen her in years. She had only supposed to have spoken to Granny Verica over the phone a few times. She took out the picture yet again and gave a hard look around. Her eyes zeroed on an old lady, she thought resembled her grandmother from the picture. She checked the picture, pretty certain it was her. Verica caught sight of her and came closer. Alice shoved the picture back in her bag and had to control herself to keep from panicking.
“Do I know you?” she asked
Grandparent instinct, Alice thought. “No, I actually…”
“That voice…” Verica murmured. “What is your name?”
Words were stuck in her throat, she couldn’t speak. Veronica’s younger sister Scarlett, whom Alice now recognized from the picture, noticed and came over as well. Two teenage girls with dark hair followed her.
“Who is it, mom?” Scarlett asked.
“Who is that Gran?” One of the girls pointed.
At first Alice was surprised that even the girl wanted to know but as Alice studied her closer she realized that the girl was so much similar to her. The shade of her brown hair was just right with the exact length of wavy hair at the bottom. Her eyes and face cut were the same too. Except for her sharp nose and thinner lips, Alice could say it was surely how she looked as a young teenager.
“I do not know Eleena,” Scarlett promptly answered before studying Alice’s face.
Caught, caught, caught…
“Doesn’t she seem familiar to you, Scarlett?”
“Could it be her? Is it her?”
“Oh, there you are Alicia,” Etsy Monroe appeared from out of nowhere. Alice realized it was the first time she’d been called Alicia.
“Alicia?” Verica said puzzled. “Etsy, who is this?”
“My granddaughter, Alicia.” Etsy lied, Alice was grateful that she did. “She came here straight from the airport, so excuse her.” She continued, trying to spread the black scarf over the shirt.
“Then where is Rave?” Verica demanded.
“Rave is currently unavailable,” Etsy sighed. “She is in Australia and we are not able to contact her.”
“Give me her contact number,” Scarlett ordered.
“She does not have a number there, I’d sent mail. I’m hoping that she’ll call later tonight or tomorrow. She will be so heartbroken.” Etsy finished sadly. “Ah Alicia, I see you made time to get flowers. Go on, place them there.”
Alice laid the roses on Veronica’s grave and whispered. “I’m so sorry, mom. I promise that I will stick to my promise and get out of this. I wish I had more time with you. I love you mom,” a tear formed a drop of dew on a rose.
“We need to leave,” Etsy stood next to Alice. “Looks like Verica and Ronald still have their doubts about you.”
CHAPTER 32
“You are grasped,” Etsy Monroe whispered, opening the door to her home. Alice had first thought she was going to say ‘you are welcome’, but ‘grasped’ didn’t make sense.
“What? Grasped?”
Etsy beckoned her to come inside and closed the door. “Yes. Grasped.” She brought her tone to normal.
“Is that supposed to mean anything?” Alice asked absent-mindedly.
Veronica had mentioned Etsy was a witch and Alice expected to see a typical movie-like witch house. Instead it was an ordinary abode, which didn’t smell of incense or herbs. It was neat and seemed like she was the only one who lived there- no cats.
“Do you live here?”
“Yes. Where you met me last time was my daughter’s home in Castle Pines. And by the way the house where you and your parents lived before is just a block away from here.”
I killed them both, Alice thought.
Etsy placed a hand on her back. “Make yourself comfortable dear. Could I get you some tea or coffee? Rough day.”
“Coffee,” Alice said and plopped down exhausted on the sofa. She hadn’t slept all night and she couldn’t take any rest before knowing what was wrong with her.
“What did you mean by grasped?” Alice asked aloud. However Etsy didn’t bother to reply until she was back with two cups.
“The Grasp summoned a demon to possess you.”
“It was like fifteen years ago,” Alice blinked in astonishment. “I was just a kid back then.”
“That is how they work their way,” Etsy pushed the sachets of sweetener on the table towards Alice.
“Who are the Grasp?” Alice leaned closer and spoke like she meant business. “I need to know every detail you can offer.”
“We better begin at the beginning. You might be able to understand them better that way.” Etsy said. Alice took in the smell of the coffee before pouring two packets of sweetener in. She needed the caffeine to get her through the conversation.
“Grasp has been in existence since ancient times,” Etsy Monroe started. “It all started with a group of people in England. It is unknown who taught them the dark arts, but we do know from ancient texts that they did not learn it on their own. They asked for their powers, asked for dark side of ma
gic to be a part of them- to be passed through generations. They submitted themselves to the greatest of dark forces and made a pact to acquire control over demons. Presumably they still remember who taught them originally, but who knows for sure? They were taught how to control demons of the most powerful sorts, and these ancient pre-English men used them to possess other people to help them stay young.”
“How is that? Using demons to stay young?”
“I was getting to that,” Etsy said. “As you may or may not know- demons can’t wander around in this dimension without a host, and so they needed people to house them – and in turn acquire souls. And with these soul offerings they could become young. Of course, their abilities were abused and misused from the very beginning. There is something about dark arts that attracts those who would misuse it in the first place."
“So they stay young and don’t die?” Alice interrupted.
“The fact that they can lower their age doesn’t mean they cannot die. I’ve heard a bunch of them die in freak accidents,” she saw Alice’s blank face and sighed. “They are stronger than humans but they can die as we do. They can get blown up or fall off a cliff or… you know those sorts. These days very rarely do we hear any of them dying with diseases- thanks to medicine that has been a boon even to their kind- but with minor and semi major injuries you can expect them to recover quickly.”
Alice’s fingers hurt when she tried to snap them again. A small cry escaped her lips.
“I’ve always told you to get that habit under control.” Etsy then muttered something under her breath and sparks of yellow light formed in her left palm. Slowly, Etsy pushed her palm towards Alice and the light disappeared inside Alice’s hand.
“What did...? What was...? What the...?” Alice was at loss of words that suddenly her hands felt as good as new, by an act that seemed like an illusion.
“I know Veronica would’ve let you in on my powers. She was a dear friend to me. I wish this magic could get her back.” She took a quick sip. “So where were we? Right. Yes. They hadn’t come into light for ages before a coven of witches discovered them. By that time there were hundreds of them spread around the globe. Witches could destroy them, but a fool proof plan was needed to destroy them without alerting them. Are you following?”
The Grasp of Nighttide Page 22