A/N: Finally a Funny Games story. I love this movie, I think all performances were brilliant. Brutally seductive. Anyways this story will involve both our beloved sociopaths with the addition of and OC. I love creating new characters and watch them intertwine with characters I already enjoy.
Rated M for violence/language/adult situations, etc. All the usual themes.
Please enjoy. xo
The rain fell heavily against her as she ran. Although it was no use. They'd find her eventually. They always did. You can't win a game with their rules. Her breaths became shorter as she ran, a sharp twinge of pain flashed away at her side. A sickness brewed in her stomach. Screams formed in her throat. Yet she couldn't stop. There was no more time. No time to lose it. They were coming.
The soft vibrations of the car felt soothing against my skin, each bump in the road felt effortless. Eyes smiled at me from the front seat mirror, nodding my head I returned the gaze. I felt a force pulling my eyes away to the empty seat beside me. I would have to look sooner or later. Taking a deep breath I caved, letting my eyes trace over where she should have been. The seat felt cold to the touch, the leather so even and untouched. It sent a shiver up my arm, leaving small goose bumps patterned along my skin. Closing my eyes I looked away. Now wasn't the time to let myself go. I needed to stay strong. They didn't need to see me hurting.
It wasn't long before we arrived, the house looked as it always had. Beautiful. The white shutters across the windows shone brightly in the sunlight. The house was radiant in any weather. It stood proudly on a slight hill facing the lake. I would be proud to call it home.
"You ready to come in?"
Tearing my eyes away I looked at my Aunt Kate. Her face was filled with a sincere optimism. Nodding my head, I unclipped my seatbelt and slid out of the backseat not letting myself look back. Gravel crunched under my feet as I walked to the front door, slinging my bag over my shoulder I reached for the handle. Pushing the door wide the smell hit me. It smelt like childhood. Nothing had really changed in the years I'd been visiting, everything looked the same. Letting a small smiled cover my lips I walked further into the hallway.
"Same as always, huh?" the voice whispered in my ear. Making me jump. Turning around I let my bag slip to the floor, landing with a dull thud I smiled wider.
Uncle Henry's eyes widened at the sound before he opened his arms for an embrace.
"What are you keeping in that thing" he joked; his voice nestled against my hair.
"Always be prepared"
I felt him laugh softly to himself, the sound echoed against my chest. Taking a final squeeze he released me, taking a good look at me his face softened. I could see the sadness behind his eyes. He was trying his best to conceal it. But I wasn't a child anymore, not so naïve. I could see the pain he felt because I had felt it too.
"I'm glad you chose to visit us again…" he paused.
"After everything that happened." His hand squeezed tightly on my shoulder, enough to leave a mark. But I let him touch me, he needed an outlet too.
"I'm happy you let me come to stay. I only have good memories here" I looked around him.
"it'll be good for me to spend some time away from Mom and Dad and their concerned looks." I half smiled up at him.
"I want to be here Henry. It'll be good for me". He nodded, agreeing with me.
"I'm glad you came back Beth".
He gave a final nod before picking up the grocery bag and heading into the kitchen. I stood a moment in silence, listening to the hands of the clock tick. A large mahogany grandfather clock stood proudly up against the wall in the hallway. I had always admired that clock. The detailing on the face was exquisite. Sapphire blue outlined with a gold trim. I noted the time, three twenty four. It had only taken a few hours drive, not bad.
Sighing to myself I remembered I needed to call my Mother. Shit. Glancing over my shoulder I saw Aunt Kate taking in the last of the bags from the car, she smiled back at me.
Picking up my bag I headed upstairs to the guest bedroom. The floorboards creaked at my presence, just as always. Placing my bag down on the bed I started to unpack my things. I was here for two weeks, my bag showed this. It bulged at the seams, almost seeming to take a breath when I unzipped it. We always stayed for two weeks; July was a beautiful month up here. Fourth of July weekend always had some type of fireworks display and grand party. One that this year I was keen to attend. She would want to be a part of the celebrations; I wasn't going to deny her a good time along with me. The image of her face came into my view and halted me in my unpacking. A sharp pain of grief stabbed at my heart. Her face smiled widely, she was laughing. It was from a memory at the beach when we were twelve. Her dark hair floated around her as she laughed. I couldn't help the tears that fell down my cheek. Clenching my fists I broke myself out of the memory. Fiercely wiping away the tears I took a deep breath and her face disappeared away from view. A sharp yelp escaped my lips, in that instant she was with me again. I'd made her go away.
"Stop it" I said to myself. It wasn't doing me any favours in crying. She never appreciated tears when she was alive, even little more in her death. I wouldn't be an emotional wreck. I wouldn't let myself sully her memory with tears. She was strong, I needed to be too.
When I reappeared downstairs dinner was sitting on the table. I took a long inhale and smiled to myself. Kate greeted me at the door,
"I was just about to call you down. Did you call your Mom?"
I nodded. My Mom was the same as she had been when I'd left. Are you sure you want to go there? I know you're being strong for her, but it's ok if you want to stay with us. Call me everyday. You know I love you don't you…
I knew it was her way of dealing with everything. I couldn't be mad at her for caring. She had lost her too. I had seriously debated staying with her, the look on her face when I had told her I wanted to come back here made me doubt my decision. She looked so lost.
"Yeah, I spoke to her. She sends her love". They both smiled, and I took a seat opposite Kate. Everything looked so enticing and tasted even better.
After the meal we all sat in the lounge, an old movie played on the television. Something with Humphrey Bogart. I enjoyed the company; we all sat in silence eyes glued to the screen. It was nice to not feel compelled to fill the silence with idle conversation. That's what I loved about Kate and Henry, they knew when something needed said and when it was best to be left alone. The movie drew to a close; I let out a languid yawn as I watched darkness filling the skies. Rubbing my bare shoulders I moved to stand,
"I think I'm gonna go to bed. Thank you for dinner Kate, it was delicious." Kate smiled and stood up, her arms opened for a hug. She whispered a You're welcome into my ear as she embraced.
"Goodnight".
The walk to my room was silent, I could hear the gentle buzz of the television below me but that was all. I couldn't even hear the crickets. I paused at my door before I walked inside, moonlight spilled in through the window and into the room. At the end of the beam of light was a photo frame. My chest tightened as I approached it. I already knew what it was. Tracing my fingers over the frame I smiled down at it. It was a picture taken last year, at the lake house of her and I. It was a picture she had taken at arms length, we were both a little tipsy at the time and it showed on our face. Our smiles were carefree and euphoric. Last year we were both High School seniors, graduating with honours. Placing the photo back in its place I walked over to my bed. How everything had changed in less than a year.
Lying down on my bed I wanted to scream endless curse words. Wanted to slam my fists against the wall until I bled. Wanted to be ok. Gradually I felt the lull of sleep drawing me in. I wondered again if tonight I would dream of her. I wondered if things would get better. If I would be able to move forward. If someone could pull me out from drowning. I sighed to myself, closing my eyes. In real life there are no white knights waiting to save you.
A/N: Please let me know what you thought of this chapter and the story premise itself.
Cheers xo.
