Prologue
Court
The Judge tapped the hammer 3 times on the desk in front of her. She had a blond curly wig on top of her real ginger hair and had quite a plump body. Everyone in the room fell silent so she proceeded with her statement and asked the opinion from others in the audience. James felt rather awkward in his suite as he made his statement and listen to his father make his. It surprised him that he didn’t deny anything. He put his hand in his wife Faye’s and squeezed it gently but firmly in his.
Soon it was over and his dad was sentenced 10 years in prison. James cried into Faye’s shoulder. She was crying too. “We can’t spend all day here; let’s go back to Rose and Bella for dinner. Oh have you got enough money for the nanny...” She began but stopped because she sensed James wasn’t paying attention but she didn’t say anything. She just carried her way on to the car with James’s arm linked in hers. He followed her in his own world. His Dad was imprisoned for 10 years… he didn’t know what to think. What would he tell Rose and Bells? Everywhere he looked everything looked green and cheerful in the cool spring breeze. It twisted his stomach into a small ball of guilt and shame.
Eventually they were home and Alanya (The nanny) greeted them from the sitting room where they were playing ludo. James just nodded and almost flew up the stairs and into the bathroom slamming the door as he went. Rose and Bella sprung into the hallway. “Where’s Daddy? What’s happened to Grandad? Has he gone to Prison?” Their little voices full of anxiety and plea. Faye didn’t know what to say so she said gently “Daddy’s gone up to have a bath and Grandad (Not that he would be much of one she thought) has gone to prison and we may not see him for a few years” Their little eyes welled up with tears. Faye held out her arms and embraced them gently. After a few minutes they resumed their game of ludo and Faye started cooking the dinner. James could smell roast chicken, carrots, beans, Yorkshire puddings, gravy and roast potatoes. It smelled so good that James couldn’t resist it so he came downstairs and met them all at the table eating quietly in front of the TV which was unusual but James didn’t care. He just got his dinner from the oven and sat down in his chair. He stared at it. Just looking at it made him feel sick. After everyone had finished he was still pushing round his plate. As soon as Faye took it from his lap realizing he wouldn’t eat any more he stood up said goodnight to no one in particular and climbed into bed not bothering to change into his pyjamas. Everyone soon followed suite and they fell into a deep, deep sleep.
10 Years Later
Chapter 1
Welcome Home
Beep, beep, beep. James rolled over and tapped the head of the alarm. Instantly it stopped. He checked the time-6:00am. James swung his legs out of the bed and stood up slowly. He turned around and Faye wasn’t there. So he called downstairs “Hey Faye honey you down there?” Her reply was bright and cheerful “Oh yeah thought I’d get up a little earlier and start breakfast…oh and wake up the girls so they can be there when he comes back…” Her voice trailed off and was drowned out by the sweet sound of bacon, eggs and tomatoes. Quickly he woke Bella and Rose then left them to get ready. He brushed his teeth and climbed into the shower. He got dressed quickly but to his surprise he saw the girls had got down before him. They were all tucking into their fry up breakfast. Bella and Rose were almost jumping up in their seats with excitement because they were finally about to meet their Grandad. But nothing could beat the emotions that filled James’s heart. He discreetly peered at his watch. 8:00. He would be here in half an hour.
The time passed quickly and soon there was a knock at the door. Bella and Rose leapt up and flew to the door. They wretched the door open and hugged the man standing there. He had long straggly hair that fell over his eyes, his normally emerald green eyes had lost their sparkle and he had dark rings under his eyes from lack of sleep. A spitting image of how James looked 10 years ago when he ran away. He embraced them gently. But they stepped aside when James appeared. He didn’t know what to say. Their eyes met. “James…” Michael began to speak but he couldn’t go on he started to cry. The tears rolled down his cheeks. He stepped through the door at the same time James stepped forward. Awkwardly they hugged and it was then the tears broke free. Finally Michael spoke “You know I’m real sorry ‘bout what happened all those 10 years ago and well I suppose I just want to know if you forgive me…” James thought for no more than a minute before he answered “Yes. Of course I forgive you you’re my Dad” He smiled at him with love and relief in his eyes. “Well there’s no point in standing out here much longer is there? Come in” Faye exclaimed as she closed the door behind them. “Is he really coming to stay” Bella whispered into James’s ear whilst tugging on his jacket. “Yes darling, I sure do hope so”
“So you have nothing no clothes nothing!” Faye exclaimed angrily “They took it all away from you when you went… oh god that must have been terrible for you. Oh shame we’ll go out tomorrow to get you some new clothes on us…yes then we’ll sort your room out a bit…” She would have carried on if Michael hadn’t put his hand up to silence her. “Honestly Faye there’s no need at all for any of that really we’ll go out for lunch on me…” She pursed her lips as he said that but regardless he carried on “And then we’ll go and get some new clothes…” He was spoken over again by Faye “On us” James shot her a warning glace and she was silenced so he carried on. “Ok then on you and after we’ll come back and I’ll sort my room out myself” He put heavy emphasis on the words myself. Faye knew a lost battle so she bustled off to the kitchen and started making lunch whilst Bella and Rose mimicked their little ‘No I insist’ conversation which had then all in fits of laughter. When they finally all had their breath back Michael spoke “Well It’s settled then tomorrow we hit the shops” Bella and Rose then Cat walked out of the room and ran up the stairs into their rooms. Michael and James just sat. In silence. Not even meeting each others eyes. It had been so long. Too many years since they last spoke. Both shifted awkwardly in their seats and left the room.
Chapter 2
Settling in
Everybody agreed lunch was lovely. James had had a popcorn chicken snack box, Faye had a chicken wing snack box and Bella and Rose had popcorn chicken too. Michael had a large burger and chips. Then they headed of to the clothes shop where Michael bought 3 pairs of jeans, 5 tops, a couple of jackets, pyjamas, underwear and socks. When Michael was satisfied with what he had bought they went off and James treated the girls to a new outfit each. They skipped happily off with Faye dragging her along behind them whilst James and Michael found themselves wandering amongst the CD section in HMV. They were back in an hour laden with bags. “I thought they were only buying 1 outfit!” James exclaimed in amusement. He knew how much they loved to shop. “Oh well the 1 outfit turned into 3 tops, 2 pairs of jeans, a handbag, earrings to match and a necklace…oh and a jacket” Replied a rather breathless Faye. Michael glanced at James. “Are they always like this?” He asked when they had their backs turned. “Oh yes take them out shopping and you don’t see then for hours…once they even shopped for 8 hours straight seriously. They would have had breakfast, lunch and dinner out if I’d let them” James chuckled. Sadly Faye heard him and threw a slipper at him. “We didn’t shop for 8 hours it was only 7 and a half actually we just got home at he 8 hour mark because of traffic” She said indignantly. James lowered his voice to a whisper “See what I have to put up with. I think it’s gonna do me good having another man around the house.” Michael laughed. A good sound to hear. James liked to hear him laugh.
Soon they were home Michael went up to his room and started slowly unpacking his things. First he dusted out the wardrobe and hung his shirts up and folded his jeans then put is socks and underpants in the draw beneath. Next he changed the bed sheets from red to golden brown (he had bought them out shopping). Next he cleared the floor of boxes and stacked them in the corner. He hoovered the floor and dusted the shelves. Finally he tidied the desk up and put the pieces of paper that were fluttering around in the draw. His hand pressed against something small and hard so he clutched it in his hand and got it out. It was an A5 sketch pad. Flicking through he found it was empty. So he found a pencil and did a quick sketch of his room. He picked it up and looked it. It wasn’t bad but he hadn’t practised enough. He turned the page and sketched an old dusty room with a single bed, toilet and sink-his prison cell. The very thought of it made him shudder so he put the book away. This had taken him an hour to do and he was quite satisfied. He headed downstairs to find Faye was cooking dinner. Macaroni and cheese with sausages. His favourite. He entered the living room to see Bella and Rose glued to their laptop screens. He sat down on the sofa and turned the telly on. He flicked through the channels but nothing of interest was on so he turned it off. Instead he started talking to the girls.
“So did you have fun today?”
“Oh yeah it was brill” Rose exclaimed.
“Yeah I loved it thanks Grandad!” Bella exclaimed.
“Oh because I haven’t seen your outfits yet why don’t you turn off those computers and do me a little fashion show in the living room” They exchanged glances.
“Ok be back in a minute!” Rose shouted as they darted up the stairs. Michael chuckled to himself. Within minutes they came down all dressed up and glamorous and start parading up and down the living room.
Soon though it was time for dinner and they had to stop. After their dinner they dawdled up the stairs and got into bed. Soon everyone followed suite and went upstairs to bed and fell into a deep, deep sleep.
Soon though it was time for dinner and they had to stop. After their dinner they dawdled up the stairs and got into bed. Soon everyone followed suite and went upstairs to bed and fell into a deep, deep sleep.
Chapter 3
Disputes
“Why do you always have to make me do all the work Rose? It’s so unfair on me” Faye yelled at Rose.
“No I don’t I cleaned my room yesterday” She shouted back.
“Yes but you put all the dirty laundry out side your door and shoved everything under your bed and I’m sick of doing all your chores! The least you can do is help me a bit”
“Why don’t you ask goody-to-shoes Bella who can actually be bothered?”
“Don’t you dare speak to me like that young lady and Bella is already doing the dishwasher and tidying her room…oh and her laundry voluntarily”
“Did someone say my name?” Bella came out of her room.
“Argh you… you… Argh!” Rose screamed at her Mum and she stormed back into her bedroom slamming the door. Bella followed her in and started shouting at Rose.
“Why did you say that? You are so ungrateful sometimes. You knew she was struggling with everything going on what with our Grandad coming out of prison and all that. Seriously that was out of order Rose really uncalled for” She turned and left the bedroom. Rose just sat on her bed and flicked through a comic called Mizz. It was her favourite and soon she had forgotten about the dispute.
Next Bella went to see her Mum. She was downstairs crying with Michael’s arm around her shoulders. She went over too and held out a handful of tissues which Faye took gratefully
“I’m so sorry honey but Rose was just being so unhelpful and I’ve had a really bad day today so I would have liked a bit of help with a few things…oh and how is she?” Faye managed to get out.
“Oh pleased as punch with herself she’s reading Mizz as if nothings ever happened. It’s so typical of her” This comment made Faye smile and agree. She knew only to well how unhelpful, self-obsessed and thoughtless a she could be sometimes. She got up and left to make dinner. Bella followed her and started stirring the cheese and ham sauce. Then she stirred the pasta and added corn flour and water to the sauce to thicken it. She stood not saying a word to anyone and kept stirring.
“Mum Mum look there’s been a murder!” Rose exclaimed as she was flicking through the paper.
“No surly not! Where?” James replied.
“Closer than you might think Samberton close isn’t that just down the road?”
“Yes. Yes it is. Ok new rule no going out after 9 that includes dates, parties or any thing else you two get up to ok”
“What so I can’t go down the road to see Becca?”
“No. I’m sorry guys but if you remember I was in this situation 10 years ago” He showed then the bullet scar on his arm and looked at Michael with a smile. He didn’t smile back he just got up from the table taking his plate with him and went upstairs. Rose and Bella looked at him.
“My rule still stands no matter how you look at me. That’s my final word” With out another word he left the table. Rose followed him and went into her room.
“Everyone’s leaving. Should I leave too?” Bella asked her Mum who had been silent this whole time. Her lips twitched into a smile but it faded quickly. She took all the plates and left into the kitchen.
“God I think I really should leave” Bella muttered to herself. So she left too leaving an empty table. Just how everyone felt. Empty.
Chapter 4
What’s up?
“What, you have got to be joking me!” James roared when they were eating breakfast. He was reading the newspaper and he hadn’t turned a page but the news on the front was shocking.
“Another murder! What is going on here?”
“Nothing… nothing it is just that there has been another murder, we need to find out who is doing this now or god knows what will happen” Michael said rather too loudly and too quickly making everyone startle. He had appeared at the door wondering what had happened. However Faye cut in.
“Never! No, no, no, no! We are not risking our lives for some idiot that likes cutting off people’s heads! You should know what happened to James… No I won’t allow it!”
Michael raised both hands up.
“OK ok suite yourselves” And with that he left out of the room.
“Who was murdered this time?” Faye asked James.
“Mr and Mrs Fraie from Samberton close again” James replied. Faye didn’t say anything else she just left the room and into the kitchen where she just leaned against the counter doing and saying nothing.
A month later there was a cry from Bella.
“Mum Dad look another murder! It says:
Diane Tali a single 25 year old woman was murdered last night at 12:00am. Julie Whiter heard screams and called the police. She says “I didn’t see anyone come out of the house so they must have cut through the ally behind the gardens” Police say the mark of a dagger was found her back which punctured her lungs…” She began but her mother cut her off by raising her hand to silence her. After that mo one seemed to want or need to speak. Everyone kept themselves to themselves. Bella and Rose stayed in their rooms. Faye noticed that Michael was unusually quite too but she didn’t let it bother her. James had also noticed that he was behaving strangely so he decided he would tell Faye about it tonight.
“Your being ridiculous honey really you are why would he do that you know he’s changed” Faye persisted.
“Yes I know that but haven’t you seen the way he looks whenever there’s another murder? He looks like he’s panicking and he’s hiding something from us” James argued.
“He’s getting old isn’t he? Anyone of that age would be scared if murders are starting up again. Not being funny but I have seen the way he looks at me sometimes-it’s slightly murderous but I suppose it’s just because I know him as a murderer but it’s like he’s trying to burn a hole through you sometimes”
“Exactly he always used to do that even when I was little and that’s because he simply loathed me. He hated my guts. He felt murderous then. I know him only too well if he bottles it up for too long then he feels murderous again and starts killing people close to us. It fits everything…” She cut him short.
“Hey, what if he’s self harming” Seeing he hadn’t caught on yet she explained. “Lets say you felt so guilty about something you wanted to start self harming but not yourself-if you know what I mean” James nodded slowly.
“So you think the reason of all these deaths might be him self harming but instead of himself he’s hurting other people to let all the guilt out but it’s making him more guilty by doing this so he keeps on killing” His face went white with fear and shock.
“Look don’t be worried it’s just a hunch ok but I still think it’s not him. I think it’s some other murderous lunatic. Just don’t worry yourself about it ok just try to sleep” Without saying any more she rolled over and closed her eyes. She fell asleep almost instantly but James laid awake tossing and turning her words over and over in his mind. Why was it, that it made so much sense?
Chapter 5
Who is it?
“Bells, Bells come here” Rose called her sister into her room.
“What do you want?” She replied.
“Don’t you think it’s a bit odd that as soon as Grandad comes out of prison people start dropping dead right before our eyes?”
“It’s a bit weird-you don’t think it was him though do you?”
“He’s got a background for killing people hasn’t he... he…he tried to…kill Dad”
“So you think he’s the one behind the murders?”
“Well yes but I’m not sure”
“So I guess it’s time to play detective right?”
“Right”
Michael popped his head round the living room door and said.
“Hey I’m just going up to the pub for a couple of hours so don’t worry about me” Rose and Bella glanced at each other.
“I’m quite tired actually, I’m going to bed” Rose said to her parents. Quickly, Bella caught on.
“Oh yeah me too. Don’t bother coming in to check on us we will give you a kiss now” They each gave their parents a quick hug and kiss then they ran upstairs and into Bella’s bedroom.
“I think it’s safer if we go out the back through the trees and round through the alleyway” Bella said. Rose agreed and started pulling on some warm clothes. Bella walked to the window and opened it with caution not wanting to make a sound. Then she climbed onto the window sill and dangled her legs out off the window. She twisted her body gracefully round in a half turn then used her feet to find a steady foot hole in the slanted porch roof, then she climbed down and dropped to the ground. Rose followed her with just as much elegance and soon both sisters were standing side by side on the soft grass. Panting hard, they darted into the trees and started the long run around the edge of the ‘forest’ to the alleyway behind their house. Soon they came to the alleyway and started running down the narrow path. Bella always slightly ahead her long brown hair flying out behind her; Rose’s short blonde bob swaying side to side in time with her footsteps. Bella’s emerald green eyes filled with determination. Rose’s brilliant blue eyes concentrated on keeping up with her sister. Eventually the alley came to an end and it opened out into a street just opposite the pub. Casually they strolled past, looking in the window. They stopped when they saw Michael sitting at a table near the other side of the pub. There were 5 other men sitting with him in deep conversation. They looked menacing and fierce. Not to be crossed. All of them were smoking cigars-a sin which Michael had promised James he’d given up on. Many had ink patterns trailing up their arms. Twisting and turning like snakes around their bare flesh. Michael rolled his sleeves up and up high and there was a tattoo. The tattoo of a dagger. Rose gasped in horror and beckoned to her sister. She crept over to the door of the pub and pushed it open. A fierce smell of beer filled their nostrils. The barman looked at them oddly but they carried on walking until the table was in sight. They waited silently then when they had all turned their heads away from them they ran to the empty table a few metres away so they were just within ear shoot. The conversation they heard shocked them.
“So you’ll do it then right?” Michael said in an undertone.
“Yeah, you got the money?” The largest of them all spoke with a deep voice.
“Yes it’s all in the bag”
“And the famous weapon?” The ugliest of them added in.
“Shhh not so loud Brent but yes it’s in the bag” He replied urgently. Bella saw Rose’s face turn white with shock. A waitress came over and offered a drink but Bella said that they were leaving any way. Desperately trying not to be seen they ran out of the pub and out to the streets. They hid in the alleyway.
“What do you think that was all that about Bella. I thought I was going to die of shock when I saw the tattoo of the dagger. Do you think he’s up to his old tricks again but it looks like he’s getting people to do the work for him” Rose panted.
“Same sis, look why don’t we wait here then follow him home?” Bella suggested.
Rose agreed and they crouched in the shadows in wait for Michael to appear.
After half an hour of waiting he finally emerged. He looked quickly around him and ran off in, thankfully, the opposite direction to the alley. Rose beckoned Bella to follow her and they ran silent as mice after him keeping to the shadows. He seemed very tense about something. Soon they came to a new road. Michael looked around him they proceeded his quick-paced walk, fiddling with his tie as he went. The girls had to run to keep up with him. Beads of sweat were appearing on his temple. Again he looked around him then he started walking up the path of their aunt’s house. His eyes sparkled with evil…
Chapter 6
Stained red
Michael pulled a key out of his pocket; it glistened in the light of the street lamp. He slid it into the lock and turned it. There was a satisfying click and the door swung open. He was met by a pitch black hallway. As he entered Rose and Bella crept forward. He began to climb the stairs that led to Valerie's extremely dark bedroom. He looked around him not making a sound he didn't venture into Valerie's bedroom that stayed within the hallway. Taking care not to make a noise he opened the bathroom door and opened the window. He looked outside for a moment or two then turned around and went downstairs, Rose and Bella had to run very quietly down stairs and in the living room doorway. He walked past, not seeing them. Hurriedly, he opened a drawer and took out a kitchen knife then crept over to where the cats were sleeping soundly in its bed in front of the fire that was unlit. He stabbed it. Straight in the back. Blood oozed out of the wound. It didn't stir. All the life was Sucked out of it. Quickly, he wiped the bloodstained kitchen knife on the cream rug on the floor, washed it and then put it back in its place in the draw. He looks scared. Rose and Bella will horrified. They stood rooted to the spot. Neither could move. What they had just seen had made their faces turned white with fear. After five minutes they left too. When they are outside close the door behind them and started running faster than they ever had in their entire lives. The cold night air clawed at their faces making and sting. The freezing air wrapped around their bodies chilling and the bone. When they finally reach the alleyway they stop for breath.
“What! Was a really granddad?” Rose asked with alarm in her voice.
“Yes but what was he doing in auntie Valerie's house this later night he supposed to be at the pub. Why do you think he killed her cat?”
“I don't know but I guess I was right about Grandad murdering people again or in this case animals. How could is such a terrible thing! What had that poor cat ever done to him?”
“I know it's horrible and yes you were right he has started murdering people again. What do you think we should do a mean person never believe this if we told them that we followed him out to the pub and stalked him all the way back to our aunt's house then said he'd murdered her cat. They would never believe us. I think until it gets worse we should keep this to ourselves” Rose said.
“Yeah I guess you're right”
The next day I got a phone call from Valerie saying that someone had murdered her cat and left blood on the carpet. Bright red Scarlet blood. Rose and Bella glanced at each other uneasily but still carried on eating their breakfast.
“Michael did you know that Valerie's cat has been murdered last night while she was in bed and left bright red blood on the carpet! I do wonder why it's always us and our family to get caught up in all this murder business!”
“Neither do I. Not a clue” Michael replied sourly.
Rose and Bella hurried up to their rooms got dressed and Rose came into Bella's bedroom and sat on her bed beside her.
“I feel so sorry auntie Valerie. Don't you?” Bella began.
“Yeah so do I, what is she ever done to him or does he just like killing people what we know and love is already done it to dad once when he was little. Remember he was only 17”
“Don't think about that, just try and concentrate on what we should do now. The police will find out soon. They'll figure it out their not dumb really are they?”
Rose and Bella didn't say much for the rest of the day they were still quite shocked about what they'd seen last night and the phone call their mother had had that morning. They did well in not telling anybody what happened last night in the pub or at Valerie's house. They didn't need to. The police were coming…
Chapter 7
Missing items
“Mum, Mum have you seen my purse? I can't find it anywhere there was £50 in it from Christmas” Bella exclaimed.
“Funny that, I can't seem to find my purse either. That's rather peculiar I well expected it will turn up sometime” Faye replied just as confused as Bella.
“Bella, have you got my new cardigan? You know the one that aunt Valerie gave me for Christmas. I can't find it anywhere” row shouted from the top of the stairs.
“No, but have you seen my purse and mums is missing too”
“Sorry haven't seen it, I'll tell you if I do” Rose replied dismally.
“What's all the fuss about?” James shouted from the kitchen is.
“Everything's gone missing!” Faye shouted back. Rose and Bella looked at each other then as if they could read each other's minds they ran upstairs and in to Rose's bedroom. For a moment they just sat on the bed in the silence then Bella got up and beckoned rose to follow her. She led her into Michael's bedroom they were met by bad sight. All their missing items.
“Why do you think granddad had all our stuff?” Rose whispered as they look at the things on the bed.
“I don't know” Bella replied.
“Do you think he's a thief as well?”
“I wouldn't put it past him”
They sat in silence on her bed.
“Girls dinners ready” Faye shouted from downstairs. They looked at each other before they went downstairs to find them all sitting at the table about to serve and clearly finding the wait for them impossible.
“Hey guys who died?” He commented seeing their glum faces. Faye looked at him and he gave her a ‘Hey what did I do?’ kind of face. He got the point and said nothing more on that subject. No body spoke through dinner not even a whisper. As soon as they had finished their last mouthful Bella and Rose almost ran upstairs and into their bedrooms each throwing themselves on their beds and crying into their bed linen. Eventually, they managed to get the strength in them to get undressed and into bed but not even sparing a thought for sleep. They just lay there listening to their Ipods with the same song playing over and over in repeat. There was a killer loose in their house… and he was deadly…
Chapter 8
Valerie?
“Girls? Why don’t you go and visit Auntie Valerie for a bit to cheer her up a bit. I’m sure she would appreciate it” Faye suggested to them that next day. They agreed with hesitant glances. They stepped out of the door into the cold morning air and started the short walk through the alleyway and down the path that led to Valerie’s house. They let themselves with the key that their Mum had given them. They found Valerie sitting in the living room. Her usually sparkling eyes red and swollen and as wide as saucers. She was shaking and was as pale as a sheet. They went over to her and sat down next to her. She looked even more afraid now.
“Erm…hello Auntie er… what’s the matter?”Bella asked and she reached out to put a comforting hand on her shoulder. Valerie almost jumped off the couch and scampered still shaking like a leaf to the corner of the room. She cowered there and collapsed in a heap there, crying. Her knuckles went white as she clawed at the worn out carpet. She looked a mess. Bella and Rose looked at each other with uncertainty in their expressions. Rose started calmly walking forward but still slightly hesitant. She knelt down beside her careful not to make any sudden movements or noises she began to speak. “Valerie? What’s the matter? You look dreadful. What’s happened?”
“It was him” She whispered with a mad look in her eyes. Rose glanced at Bella. She mouthed who? So Rose pressed on.
“Who was it Valerie? What have they done?”
“It was him” She repeated.
“I know it was him but what is his name? Tell me”
“Michael…it was him. He did it. He killed my cat. He did it. He’s bad news. He’s the one behind all these murders. You know something that you haven’t told anyone haven’t you? I know about your little lets climb out the window and follow Michael to the pub. I saw you and followed you all the way there and into the pub. I beat you all back to my house- I went out the back of the pub and over my neighbours gardens and climbed up the trellis into my bedroom. I was supposed to be coming over to give your Mum something but when I saw you I thought I had better watch you instead. You did a very good job I must say all dressed in black but still irresponsible” Bella and Rose just stood there rooted to the spot as they listened to her story surprised by her sudden change of attitude. They were pleased to see though that she smiled at them. It looked like she hadn’t done anything for a few days like cleaning and sleeping. She looked so tire and frail. A thick layer of dust came off on Bella’s finger when she ran it across the window sill. Rose sat in a stunned silence. Nobody knew what to think until Valerie suddenly spoke.
“He’ll come after your Dad too, tonight” When she saw their puzzled faces she explained.
“I over heard in the pub” Their puzzled expressions changed into worried glances. Tonight he would strike. Tonight their Dad would be dead.
Chapter 9
Sleep walking? Yeah right!
That night Bella and Rose didn’t say anything. When they went to bed they couldn’t sleep. They tossed and turned but neither could get any rest.
Later at about 11:30 James and Faye went upstairs to bed leaving Michael downstairs in his armchair reading his book. When they were both in bed James spoke quietly to Faye.
“I’m worried about Bella and Rose”
“Why’s that?”
“They looked to pale and scared when they came home this evening, like they had just heard that someone was about to be murdered”
“Hmmm, I didn’t notice but I’ll take your word for it” And without a further comment she turned the light off, turned on her side and fell in a deep sleep. James did the same and soon they were sleeping soundly.
Suddenly, a blood-curdling scream emitted from Faye’s throat. There was a black figure standing over James. She bent over and turned the light on. Michael was standing over James’s once sleeping body with a knife in his hand and his eyes closed. He wasn’t moving. James spun round to look at Faye she was as white as a sheet. Michael straightened up and held the knife out to James and murmured stupidly.
“Can you make me a sandwich please I’m a bit late for my trip to Australia. Oh by the way I let the fox out to dinner…” As he continued to ramble on Faye looked at James the colour returned to her face and whispered.
“He’s sleep walking” Unexpectedly, Rose and Bella came running in yelling.
“Valerie was right he came to kill Dad! Sleep walking you say, are you completely thick? He’s awake you just know his is you can tell he is! Can’t you see Valerie was right! He is still a mass mur…” Faye cut their shouts off.
“What on Earth are you talking about?” She shouted sharply at them. This woke Michael up out of his trance. He looked shocked at where he was.
“What… what happened? Why am I in here? What are you doing in here? Why am I holding a knife?” He stammered. As far as Faye and James were concerned he had defiantly been sleep walking but Rose and Bella still thought other wise.
“You were trying to kill Dad again! You are a sick, sick man Michael” Rose spat.
“What? Oh my God James I am so, so, sorry I didn’t know oh I feel terrible I promise it wasn’t under my understanding that I was doing that oh I feel so bad…” James held up a hand to stop him.
“Never mind lets all forgive and forget ok? Now if you don’t mind I’m not one to get up at sunrise thanks so I bid you all goodnight”
Bella slapped her hand to her forehead.
“I think Dad has turned extremely thick”
“I agree”
Without another word they turned into their bedrooms and settled down to sleep.
Michael
Chapter 10
Traumatic events
I was distraught. How could I have even thought about doing that to my own son? I was an animal, a murderous animal, no matter what any one else said. I hated myself as soon as Faye had woken up. I can’t live with myself. My thoughts were exploding around in my head like wild fire. When she screamed the whole world came to a standstill. I was the only one I think that didn’t sleep a wink last night. I can’t sleep now either. I feel so… so suicidal. I want to die for what I tried to do. Swinging my legs out of bed, I though about what a suitable punishment would be. Quickly, I slipped my feet into a pair of trainers and pulled a sweater over the top of my pyjamas and opened the door of my bed room and snuck downstairs. As quietly as I could manage I opened the front door, I was half pleased to see it was a nice night. I stepped out into the cool night and closed the door a little too loudly behind me but I didn’t care. It was comforting that I would die on a nice night with nobody knowing for a while. I walked like a ghost through the misty gloom. As I glided along the dirty streets my feet leading me I began to wonder what death felt like? Would it be painful? But then I realized it would have been like this for James 10 years ago so I focused on living the last few minutes of my life. In the distance I could hear a load of extreamely drunk teenagers singing and laughing at somthing no one but them thought was funny. I reached a bridge with a fast flowing and deep river flowing under it. Perfect. Slowly, I walked up to the bridge, willing each second to stretch further. Too soon I was on the bridge leaning against the railings. I was sure I heard someone behind me but I didn’t turn. Without much difficulty I climbed up the wooden railings. I jumped. A torrent of icy water hit me and my head was thrust under. Everything went black.
James
Chapter 11
Dying inside
I jolted awake to hear the front door slam. I got out of bed and checked the girl’s bedrooms and then Michaels last. To my horror he wasn’t there. I didn’t think to wake Faye up, I just left the house. The cold and icy air whipped against my face but I tried to ignore it. I followed him but staying almost two metres away from him at a time. In the distance I could hear a load of extremely drunk teenagers singing and laughing about something. But regardless I carried on. Soon we approached a bridge and I saw him climb on the railings and jump. A silent scream emitted from my mouth and I ran forward. Everything was running in slow motion. When I reached him he was under the water and I couldn’t see him. Without thinking I dived in and started searching blindly for his body. My hand grabbed at his hand and I yanked him up. After what seemed like minutes we emerged gasping for breath. Clumsy with cold, I towed my Dad to the edge and hauled him out. I listened to see if he was breathing and was relieved to have the knowledge that he was breathing but unconscious. Awkwardly, I put him in the recovery position and waited shivering for him to come round. I turned him on his back after 3 minutes and listened for a heart beat. I was scared when I could hear none. I called the ambulance and started doing C.P.R. I was shivering and completely numb with cold when the ambulance came and they offered to take over but I said no. If he was going to live it would be by my doing. I wouldn’t give in to then trying to tempt me away so they could take over but I wouldn’t listen no matter how inviting each offer sounded. Tears were rolling down my cheeks but I carried on. About half a minute later one of the paramedics came up to me and said it was too late but I wouldn’t listen anything to get my Dads heart beating one more time. Just to hear him say I love you son one more time. I was blinded again by fresh tears. I knew there was no point in trying and I would never hear his voice again but I still carried on. The ambulance called Faye and the kids and soon they were kneeling by my side trying to persuade me to give up but I ignored them.
What seemed like hours but was only minutes I felt his chest shudder underneath my wet fingertips and I sobbed into his chest. Relief flooded through my veins. He was alive.
Chapter 12
Awkward confronting
Michael was taken to hospital and would be staying there for a few days until he was strong enough to fend for himself and not rely on the nurses. James wouldn’t speak. Nothing made him want to utter a word to anyone. He didn’t want to visit Michael in hospital or even come out of his room for anything other than to go to the bathroom. He wouldn’t eat no matter how much anyone tried to persuade him. Faye would sit with him in their room day in day out and still there was no improvement on his behaviour. The house was so deathly quiet it looked like the house was completely empty.
It was however one Saturday morning when there was a knock at the door and as usual Bella and Rose went to answer it. When they opened the door stood there was a small woman in nurses’ uniform beaming up at them with a familiar looking young man standing next to her. He looked different now, thinner perhaps but he had the same face, the same way his cheek bones jutted out a little more than the rest and the same smile. They both new it was him straight away. They both yelled upstairs to their Dad and Mum. “Michael’s home, Michael is here at the door now! Quick come down! He is here!” Surprisingly, James was the first one out of the room and to come flying down the stairs. Bella and Rose stepped back and gasped. Their Father was thinner than Michael and even paler, his ribs were sticking out of his half unbuttoned shirt and his face was unshaven. Michael stumbled through the door and grabbed tightly onto James. They stood there in an awkward embrace whilst the nurse spoke to Faye. “You must make sure he has his regular meals and gets enough sleep and even though he is steady he shouldn’t do anything too heart racing because well…” She looked nervously over at the two men “We wouldn’t want anything to happen” She concluded clumsily. Faye just nodded and the nurse turned and said “Hope you have a pleasant day”
When the door was closed everyone looked at one another for a moment then James ran upstairs to get ready. Already there was a new spring in his step. Faye started fussing over Michael, sitting him down, putting the T.V on, propping and fluffing up pillows and getting him something to eat. Bella and Rose shrugged their shoulders and went back upstairs to get dressed.
When they came back downstairs they saw James, Michael and Faye sitting on the sofa together watching T.V. They sat down on the sofa. It felt like any other day. Then the news came on. Suicidal Lunatic was the title. A woman who looked well in her thirties presented this news piece. She spoke clearly and loudly into the microphone. “A man in his sixties jumped off a bridge on Wednesday at 11:55pm under cover of darkness. Here is the footage some teenage boys recorded on their mobile phones” The footage started with the drunk teens saying stupid things into the camera but then there was Michael drifting drunkenly down the road, the teenagers started laughing and he spun round, very much awake eyes open wide and a sweater upon his shoulders. He turned back and carried on walking. Quietly they followed him. As she walked over the bridge he paused, took a deep breath, hooked one foot on the highest panel and jumped. Gasps emitted from the teenagers and one of them called an ambulance. Then James came into view and he started running forward. He too jumped over the bridge and the teenagers started running away in absolute horror. The footage stopped and the presenter came back into view. “We later identified these men to be Michael and James Jason. Michael was admitted to hospital with sever pneumonia but was dismissed earlier today. Jane back to you” We turned the T.V off and just stared in silence. Nobody spoke for what seemed like minutes but was only seconds. Bella was the first to say anything “So you didn’t sleep walk to the bridge… you did it purposely…” She looked accusingly at Michael. He shifted slightly in his seat and started picking the dirt out of his nails. Faye looked horrified. “You didn’t…” She gasps. “You didn’t try to commit… suicide?” She finishes. Michael just stands up and storms out of the room. Bella and Rose look at each other and follow suite but up to Rose’s bedroom. Rose takes position on her built into the floor water bed and Bella sits on her pink and fluffy inflatable chair. “I don’t believe it… how could he…?” She paused. “Why would he?” She continued. “It doesn’t make any sense!” Rose cried. “Nothing does anymore” Bella replied bitterly. “”Shall we go and… talk to Grandad?” Rose asked tentatively. Bella doesn’t speak so Rose goes alone. Gently, Rose knocked on Michaels’ door. When he didn’t reply she barged in. He was gathering all his stuff and throwing it on his bed next to his suite case, open and half full. “What do you think you’re doing?” She spat. “I’m leaving” He replied simply. “Don’t you dare! You are going to explain yourself!” She shrieked. “Fine! You know what, I’ll tell you. I was guilt ridden I ever tried to hurt my own son! You don’t know what that feels like do you? Trying to kill the one person you really loved because you’re God forsaken Aunt Belinda tells you?” Tears welled up in his eyes. “You shouldn’t have let her!” She yelled. “I had no choice! She was going to kill me!” He yelled back. “So you decided to kill your son, because you were so selfish! I suppose it was all ‘her actions’ to kill all the people close to Dad then! To make his life like Hell!” Rose was really screaming now. Knocking things over and off his desk. Faye and James came running up and burst into the bedroom. “What is going on in here?” James looked to both of them in tears standing defensively and holding their ground. “It’s him! He just said to me, to my face the only reason he tried to kill you was because Belinda” She spat out the name “was going to kill him if he didn’t! How does that change things now?” She shrieked at her Father. For a moment James looked slightly afraid but his face turned once more calm and blank. He turned to face Michael then back to Rose. Without looking at Michael he spoke very calmly and clearly “Is this true?” Michael nodded but James, not seeing this movement, spoke louder but still as clearly “Speak to me Michael. Is this true?” Michael cleared his throat and said one word “Yes” but it made all the difference to James. He was seething. “You little COWARD!” He screamed. Michael, Faye and Rose all cowered. They had seen him angry but he had never lost it this bad before. “How COULD you? How DARE you? You are nothing but a LYING, CHEATING, COWARD! I HATE YOU! Everything about you I hate!” He ran his hands through his hair so viciously it was sticking up on end. Suddenly, he turned and faced Rose, concern in his eyes. “Where is Bella?” Rose looked confused then replied simply “My room! Why?” James flew into her room, it was empty. A cold breeze came through the gaping window. James’ heart dropped.
Chapter 13
Running wild, Running Away
“Faye” James voice cracked. Faye came in, followed closely by Rose. “What’s the matter?” Faye asked suddenly concerned too. “She’s gone” James choked. Rose gasped and Faye just stared in disbelief at the open window. “Look, there’s a letter, on the bed here” Rose went over to the bed and picked it up. She unfolded it will fumbling fingers. She read it out loud. “Dear Family, I’m sorry but I have left. I don’t know where yet but I will work it out and I have left my mobile here purposely so I won’t be coming back. I was sick of life, sick of the constant arguments, constant ignoring of people, and frequent trips to hospital… I hate it! I have taken some spare clothes and money from my bank. Please, Do Not come looking for me. Love you all, Bella” She looked nervously up at them both. Her throat was thick with held back tears. James sunk to the floor, head between his knees and sobbed.
I was sick of the constant yelling and Rose always trying to interfere. Life might have been so much simpler if she didn’t. I had been weighing on the options of running away since Grandad jumped off the bridge. And now I really think I am. My hands are hurting and my knuckles have turned white from digging my nails into the edge of the mattress. I suppose there is nothing left to loose now. I stood up and crept into my room and gathered my belongings. I got out the suite case I had hidden under my bed and stuffed the things in. I then crept back into Roses’ bedroom and scribbled this note… Dear Family, I’m sorry but I have left. I don’t know where yet but I will work it out and I have left my mobile here purposely so I won’t be coming back. I was sick of life, sick of the constant arguments, constant ignoring of people, and frequent trips to hospital… I hate it! I have taken some spare clothes and money from my bank. Please, Do Not come looking for me. Love you all, Bella. I hope it will be enough for them to not come looking for me or be worried. The sound of china smashing and Roses’ high pitched shrieks thundered through my entire body. It made my stomach lurch. I wandered over to the window and threw it open. The cold evening air whipped and clawed at my skin, making me shiver. I didn’t even bother to look behind me. I jumped up onto the window sill and dangled my legs out the window until I found the sloped porch roof. I yanked the suite case out and let it drop. It clattered into the bush beneath me. I slid down the roof with ease and dropped down. I dusted off my case and followed the path, in the shade of the trees, to the alleyway fence. I threw the case over and climbed over the trellis. As I walked through the alley way I remembered the night when Rose and I ran through this alley way to follow Michael to the pub and had exchanged that knife with those men… the thought made me cringe. I flipped my glossy, brown hair that was in a pony tail, off my shoulder and casually flicked a fly away from my face. I wondered if they knew I was missing yet. Probably not, well, I hoped not. I pulled my jacket tighter round my chest and tried to ignore the fact my fingers were aching from pulling the case. I soon came to a sheltered bus stop. I sat down and laid my head on top of the case. A few people walked by and gave me odd looks. A fully, fancy dressed and clean girl, laying in a dirty and broken bus stop this late and alone. Finally, as usual, the bus pulled up and, I didn’t care where it was going, I just stepped on. The driver was an old, wrinkled man in jack-ups with beige braces holding them up. His also beige button up shirt was tucked in to his trousers and his tie was in a very small, impossible to undo, knot but it was black and purple, with vertical strips. His gruff voice, deep and tired asked me “Where to miss-y?” His eyes pierced into mine and I stared back hard, my jaw taught. His eyes raked every inch of my body. Taking in my strange taste of clothes. I was wearing my bright blue t-shirt, I had ripped it down the front from my neck to my cleavage and made holes in it, where I threaded some old shoe laces in to keep it together. Also, I had my faded blue jeans on which I had ripped at the knees and dipped the ends in a bright orange dye. Discoloured pink pumps had been accidentally been washed with Roses’ glittery jeans so they came out red and sparkly. I put a torn up and old silvery scarf in the holes so they stayed on my feet. Finally I replied “Where do you go?” With my oldest-sounding voice possible. “Let’s see here, I’m heading to, Lee-on-Sea, Chalkwell, Thorpe Bay and West-cliff” Then he repeated “Where to miss-y?”I considered for a moment which would be the best. I knew I had an Aunt and Uncle in Thorpe Bay I might be able to stay with so I said “A one way ticket to Thorpe Bay please” He looked slightly surprised and said “Well, ok then miss-y. A one way ticket to Thorpe Bay will be… £4.80 please” I handed him the money with a shaking hand and I didn’t know why I was shaking. “Why you here, all on your own, this late at night, with a suite case?” He asked. I didn’t reply straight away, cautious not to sound gullible or trusting, so I kept my mouth tightly closed. “Ah, I see miss-y, you is now telling me, It’s none of your rightful business so don’t interfere. Am I right?” I nodded one quick and short movement of my head. It made my hair flick back and forwards. “On ye go then!” He chortled. I, thankfully, walked all the way to the back of the bus, right to the back and rested my head against the glass. I felt my eyes closing and before I knew it I was in a deep, deep sleep.
“How could she do this to us?” James sobbed, head still between his knees. Faye didn’t know what to say so she just shook her head and carried on staring at the open window. Rose suddenly spoke “We have to find her! She could be anywhere by now! Quick!” As she manoeuvred to get to the door, James stuck his hand out to stop her but she shook it off. “Come on! Why aren’t you moving? What if she’s in trouble? What if she’s hurt?” Rose pressed. “She’s right sweet heart, we should go” Faye agreed, whilst gently massaging James’ shoulders as if to say come on then, what have we got to loose? He lifted his head up and his eyes were red and puffy. Faye’s make up had run making her cheeks a streaky mix of tears and mascara that she couldn’t be bothered to wipe away. He looked straight into her eyes and nodded. She helped him stand and he took the few shaky steps needed to get to the window beside Rose, who was already there. “She went through the alley to the bus stop and caught the bus that goes to South-end” Rose explained to James. “How… how do you know that?” He stuttered. “I read her diary. I thought she was acting strangely so I just had a quick peek to see if she was being bullied or anything and I came across her plans to run away” Rose replied, a little ashamedly. “Why didn’t you tell us?” Faye cut in. “I didn’t think she would!” Rose replied honestly “And she stated in it that it was just a drastic measure thing and she didn’t think she would ever have to! So I decided to wait a little while and see if… she did anything stupid” She carried on, then as an after thought she spitefully added “Like some in this room” Whilst looking straight at Michael. He shuffled uncomfortably where he was standing and looked at his feet. She whipped her head back round to face her Dad. “So, shall we go looking or not?” But much to everyone’s surprise, he shook his head and said “No Rose, you go”
“Why me?” She asked. “Because you know where to go and I can trust you. I will give you money for the bus fare and food but I would like you to go. You would have a better chance at persuading her to come back” He finished whilst handing her £30 in notes. “Are you sure?” Rose asked. “Yes, I’m sure. Off you go” Rose pocketed the money and grabbed her cardigan from behind the door and hesitantly went out the door. She looked back at her Dad and he nodded once. So she left and went down the stairs and out the back door. She approached the fence that lead to the alley and climbed over like she had did with Bella when they followed Michael to the pub and he exchanged that knife with those men… the memory made her cringe. She roughly tucked her blonde, bob behind her ears and broke into a run, her heeled boots clipping the floor with a gentle click-clack. When she came to the bus shelter she sat down with a huge sigh. She checked her watch, it read, 9:23pm. She shivered slightly when the bus slowly pulled up. She got up and stepped into the warm bus and over to an old man in beige jack-ups with beige braces. His also beige shirt was tucked in to his trousers and his tie was in a very small knot but it was black and purple, with vertical strips. His gruff voice, deep and tired asked me “Where to miss-y?” I stared deeply into his eyes that were raking my fancily dressed body. I was wearing my blue and sequined boob-tube top and black mini-skirt with my black, suede, kitten heel boots. She ignored his question and asked him “Did a girl, about my age, come on this bus wearing a blue top with shoe laces down the front and orange dye dipped jeans?” He nodded once. “Well, where did she go?” He shook his head and said “I am not at liberty to say”
“She’s my sister!” Rose exclaimed. “Well then, lets see… she went to… Thorpe Bay” He replied suddenly concerned for her. “Take me there!” She said quickly. She handed him the money and went to sit at the back of the bus, exactly where Bella sat. But she had no idea.
“Why me?” She asked. “Because you know where to go and I can trust you. I will give you money for the bus fare and food but I would like you to go. You would have a better chance at persuading her to come back” He finished whilst handing her £30 in notes. “Are you sure?” Rose asked. “Yes, I’m sure. Off you go” Rose pocketed the money and grabbed her cardigan from behind the door and hesitantly went out the door. She looked back at her Dad and he nodded once. So she left and went down the stairs and out the back door. She approached the fence that lead to the alley and climbed over like she had did with Bella when they followed Michael to the pub and he exchanged that knife with those men… the memory made her cringe. She roughly tucked her blonde, bob behind her ears and broke into a run, her heeled boots clipping the floor with a gentle click-clack. When she came to the bus shelter she sat down with a huge sigh. She checked her watch, it read, 9:23pm. She shivered slightly when the bus slowly pulled up. She got up and stepped into the warm bus and over to an old man in beige jack-ups with beige braces. His also beige shirt was tucked in to his trousers and his tie was in a very small knot but it was black and purple, with vertical strips. His gruff voice, deep and tired asked me “Where to miss-y?” I stared deeply into his eyes that were raking my fancily dressed body. I was wearing my blue and sequined boob-tube top and black mini-skirt with my black, suede, kitten heel boots. She ignored his question and asked him “Did a girl, about my age, come on this bus wearing a blue top with shoe laces down the front and orange dye dipped jeans?” He nodded once. “Well, where did she go?” He shook his head and said “I am not at liberty to say”
“She’s my sister!” Rose exclaimed. “Well then, lets see… she went to… Thorpe Bay” He replied suddenly concerned for her. “Take me there!” She said quickly. She handed him the money and went to sit at the back of the bus, exactly where Bella sat. But she had no idea.
I awoke when the bus came to a sudden halt and I stood up with shaky legs. As I climbed off the bus I thanked the driver and checked my watch. Nine forty-five. I wondered suddenly, where would I sleep? Where would I go for food? Would I be out on the streets? As these thoughts struck fresh in my mind I realised these were probably the sorts of things going around in Dad’s head when he was on the run for a crime he didn’t commit. I tried to push the thought of him wandering alone in the middle of nowhere out of my mind but it wouldn’t stop replaying and replaying the helplessness on his face, blank and staring into nowhere. I had to face it, I was lost. I had no idea where my Aunt and Uncle lived and I didn’t have enough money for a hotel, even just for one night. I thought there was no hope for me when suddenly, a car with highly tinted windows pulled up at the curb beside me. Slowly, the window rolled open and a man’s eyes appeared then his small, pointed nose, and then his soft pink lips. “Where do you need to be, girl?” His voice was high and sharp and badly hid with kindness. I replied with as few words as possible “Is it any of your business?” He looked a bit surprised but still said again “Where do you need to be, girl?” His voice became low and his voice dragged out each word. I knew this man was bad news so I started to back away but he stepped out the car and grabbed my arm. “Scream and I will hurt you” He told me in the same menacing, low voice as before. I felt my knees give a little but I was determined to show him that I wasn’t scared, even though I was. I failed and my body hit the cold ground with a sharp jolt in my bones. I felt my wrist crack. I shouldn’t have done it but I couldn’t help it I had to do it. The sound of my own voice echoing through the empty street startled me more than my capturer. I was yanked me up by my hurt wrist and hauled me into the back of the car then he got into the front and put a gas mask on. “I told you once and…” He tusked “You had your chance, and now you’re gonna see what happens to little girls who misbehave” He press a button on a large panel in his glove box and a whole stream of sleeping gas. I tried to hold my breath but I gave up. My lungs burned as the new strange substance flooded into them. My throat called out for fresh oxygen but the whole car was full of the gas. I felt myself start slipping under and as much as I willed myself not to, I couldn’t help it. That next second and I was gone.
Unlike Bella, Rose stayed awake the whole time and was grateful to get off. She sent a quick and brief text to James saying ‘Hi Dad, I’m Thorpe Bay which is where the bus driver said Bella went. Love you lots x She checked her watch, 3 minutes to midnight. There was a rustle behind her and she turned round. Behind her was an over grown garden with a green house a little way back. As soon as she saw it the idea to sleep there clicked in her head. Without a second thought she climbed over the gate and started walking up the stony path. The pebbles and stones crunched beneath her feet and the leaves rustled as she pushed them out of her path and they blew around in the breeze. The green house was further away that she expected and the trees were shadowing her path even more, so she hardly knew which way she was going. Suddenly, she heard voices from the green house “What do we do with her?” One mans voice whispered urgently. “I don’t know! She’s been out for a while…” The other mumbled. “Congratulations Sherlock, of course she’s out! She did inhale a lot of that sleeping gas… silly lass…” Suddenly, the girls mobile went off. They picked it up and read the text message out loud “Bella, please come home, where are you and I’ll come and pick you up. Just please come back, we sent Rose out to look for you and we are very worried, love Mum and Dad” They both laughed and threw the phone out the broken window. It smashed into thousands of tiny shards. Laughter filled the garden again and it made Rose cringe. “We should probably leave her now, outside to freeze” One of the men said. “Yes, lets leave darling Rose, outside to freeze, seeing that she is so dearly loved” They both laughed again and one hauled her over one shoulder.They both laughed again and one hauled her over one shoulder. He chucked her into the shrubbery and sauntered off with his mate.
Chapter 14
Coming Home
Rose ran out of the shadows and over to Bella. She was very cold and just stirring. She murmured in her ‘sleep’. Bella heaved her over her shoulder and staggered to the edge of the forest. Carefully, she laid her down on the bench in the bus stop and rested her head on her lap. She stroked her hair. Bella’s eyes were closed tight and a tear drop from Rose’s eye fell on Bella’s cheek.
About half an hour the bus arrived and Rose scooped Bella up into her arms. The bus driver looked alarmed at the sight of Bella and helped Rose stumble onto the bus, get warm and comfortably seated at the back.
“What’s happened to her then?” The bus driver’s kind voice seemed to echo on the empty bus.
“Oh… umm… nothing she is just tired and asleep” She lowered her voice. The bus driver nodded and started the engine. Rose stared out the condensed window and let her cheek rest against the steamy glass. She couldn’t see much and it had started to rain. Huge droplets smashed down onto the outside of the bus. They hammered down and created a gloomy feel. Rose pulled out her phone and typed a quick message to her Dad ‘Got Bella, on bus and will be home soon, love you x’
She sat back and sighed. Something wasn’t right, and she could feel it right in her chest. Bella felt so cold on her lap it made her shiver. She pulled the blanket given to her by the driver around her and she sighed in her sleep.
The driver called back to Rose “Next stop is yours,” Rose sighed a long deep one like Bella. She gently brushed her fingers over her face and whispered her name in her ear.
“Bella, Bella, wake up please, Bells wake up” She stirred and her eyelids fluttered open. Panicked, she looked around and hen to Rose for an explanation. Instead, Rose asked, “Can you walk?” In response, Bella got up and walked a few shaky steps with Rose’s aid. The bus pulled up at the curb and said, “Now you girls be careful out there, I wish you all the best tonight,” The girls clambered off the bus and thanked the driver. Rose put her arm back around Bella and supported her to the Alleyway. In the near distance they heard the sound of drunken youths yelling. It sent a shiver down their spines. The sounded so close in the silent night. Bella suddenly stopped and looked around. Behind them, were three drunken teenage boys looking at them and wolf-whistling. Bella and Rose glanced at each other and started walking faster. The sound of the boys quickening footsteps made them turn and see that they were even closer. The two girls broke into a run. The cold night air was whipping at their faces. It stung and made their eyes water. Suddenly, almost out of no where, a hand shot out and grabbed onto Roses’ arm and pulled her back sharply. Bella stopped and screamed. One of the boys retreated and ran back through the alley, however the other two stayed. The tallest had Roses’ hands behind her back and was holding a broken bottle shard to her throat. Bella was pushed up against a wall and pinned there. Neither of the girls dared scream again. The boys stood their laughing at their scared faces. The one holding Rose down loosened his grip because he was so drunk and laughing too much, She took advantage of this and kicked him in the stomach hard and he flew against the other boy. They fell to the ground, letting go of Bella in the process. They took each others hands and sprinted through the winding path until they came to the fence. Skilfully, they climbed over the trellis and jumped down. With much speed, they clambered up onto the flat roof and threw Bella’s bedroom window, startling James and Faye. Panting, they laid on the floor.
Chapter 14
Coming Home
Rose ran out of the shadows and over to Bella. She was very cold and just stirring. She murmured in her ‘sleep’. Bella heaved her over her shoulder and staggered to the edge of the forest. Carefully, she laid her down on the bench in the bus stop and rested her head on her lap. She stroked her hair. Bella’s eyes were closed tight and a tear drop from Rose’s eye fell on Bella’s cheek.
About half an hour the bus arrived and Rose scooped Bella up into her arms. The bus driver looked alarmed at the sight of Bella and helped Rose stumble onto the bus, get warm and comfortably seated at the back.
“What’s happened to her then?” The bus driver’s kind voice seemed to echo on the empty bus.
“Oh… umm… nothing she is just tired and asleep” She lowered her voice. The bus driver nodded and started the engine. Rose stared out the condensed window and let her cheek rest against the steamy glass. She couldn’t see much and it had started to rain. Huge droplets smashed down onto the outside of the bus. They hammered down and created a gloomy feel. Rose pulled out her phone and typed a quick message to her Dad ‘Got Bella, on bus and will be home soon, love you x’
She sat back and sighed. Something wasn’t right, and she could feel it right in her chest. Bella felt so cold on her lap it made her shiver. She pulled the blanket given to her by the driver around her and she sighed in her sleep.
The driver called back to Rose “Next stop is yours,” Rose sighed a long deep one like Bella. She gently brushed her fingers over her face and whispered her name in her ear.
“Bella, Bella, wake up please, Bells wake up” She stirred and her eyelids fluttered open. Panicked, she looked around and hen to Rose for an explanation. Instead, Rose asked, “Can you walk?” In response, Bella got up and walked a few shaky steps with Rose’s aid. The bus pulled up at the curb and said, “Now you girls be careful out there, I wish you all the best tonight,” The girls clambered off the bus and thanked the driver. Rose put her arm back around Bella and supported her to the Alleyway. In the near distance they heard the sound of drunken youths yelling. It sent a shiver down their spines. The sounded so close in the silent night. Bella suddenly stopped and looked around. Behind them, were three drunken teenage boys looking at them and wolf-whistling. Bella and Rose glanced at each other and started walking faster. The sound of the boys quickening footsteps made them turn and see that they were even closer. The two girls broke into a run. The cold night air was whipping at their faces. It stung and made their eyes water. Suddenly, almost out of no where, a hand shot out and grabbed onto Roses’ arm and pulled her back sharply. Bella stopped and screamed. One of the boys retreated and ran back through the alley, however the other two stayed. The tallest had Roses’ hands behind her back and was holding a broken bottle shard to her throat. Bella was pushed up against a wall and pinned there. Neither of the girls dared scream again. The boys stood their laughing at their scared faces. The one holding Rose down loosened his grip because he was so drunk and laughing too much, She took advantage of this and kicked him in the stomach hard and he flew against the other boy. They fell to the ground, letting go of Bella in the process. They took each others hands and sprinted through the winding path until they came to the fence. Skilfully, they climbed over the trellis and jumped down. With much speed, they clambered up onto the flat roof and threw Bella’s bedroom window, startling James and Faye. Panting, they laid on the floor.
