Chapter four
Chloe was growing restless. And bored. Aubrey had reluctantly left for work more than an hour ago. The redhead had tried watching television and reading a book but she couldn't seem to focus on anything for more than a few minutes.
She felt like someone was watching her. So she wandered from room to room, looking for anything to tidy and straighten up even though she knew it was pointless. She lived with Aubrey Posen, there was rarely anything out of place.
She was back in the living room when she spotted her box. Chloe couldn't remember moving it from the bedroom. Not knowing when she had moved the box only intensified the uneasy, restless feeling. So instead of remain holed up and anxious in her own home, the redhead decided to walk.
Chloe set out on foot, no set destination in mind. Her thoughts were racing and before she even realized it, she had been out wandering the streets for over an hour. The mid-October breeze swirled leaves across the sidewalk in front of her as she walked. She shoved her hands deeper into the pockets of her jacket and shivered against the sudden chill.
The orange and golden leaves on the trees stood in stark contrast to the gray clouds and fog that seemed to have descended upon the town. Chloe took no notice. When she did finally stop to determine where she had wandered to, she felt an icy hand squeezing her heart as she realized she was standing on the steps a massive, stone cathedral.
The redhead stood, staring up at the imposing structure. Against the backdrop of the gray sky, the cathedral appeared more ominous than welcoming. Still, Chloe felt an odd desire to go inside.
Her mind briefly drifted back to summers and holidays with her grandparents. Her grandmother always insisted the family would go to church together and little Chloe loved settling into the old wooden pews next to the older woman. She could remember nodding off during the long services and waking up safe and secure against her grandmother. Something about the structure and rigidity of those services was oddly comforting now.
So, Chloe squared her shoulders and ascended the steps that led up to the large wooden doors. She flatted her palm against it briefly before finally pushing her way inside, her breath slightly shallow and shaky.
She passed through the corridor and into the sanctuary of the cathedral. Candles were lit and there were a few people scattered about in the pews, praying or simply sitting quietly, Chloe couldn't be certain. She glanced around again before finally taking a seat near the front.
A large, beautifully crafted crucifix stood just behind the altar. There were other statues as well, the Virgin Mary with her angelic face, a few of the apostles. But her eyes continually returned to the statue of Christ, a peaceful expression and hands outstretched as if beckoning her closer.
Instead of stirring up the comforting memories of her childhood, the figure was leaving an uneasy feeling in her gut. Something between dread and disgust.
The longer Chloe stared at the statue the more uneasy she became. She began to wonder if the low lighting and her mind were playing tricks on her, but the redhead was almost certain the shadows were moving. Or at least something in the shadows was moving.
Her eyes began to follow the shifting shapes and Chloe soon found herself on the edge of her seat and gripping the back of the pew in front of her. Her eyes widened as the shadow once again shifted, this time appearing to take on a shape that looked almost like the form of a human.
Chloe quickly glanced around to see if any of the other people scattered in the sanctuary were alarmed at what they were seeing. But they appeared oblivious. Her gaze drifted back to the crucifix and she gasped as the black shadow figure now appeared and shifted behind that statue.
The redhead frantically glanced around again, almost willing the other people to see what she was seeing. Instead, their attention seemed to be on her as she grew more and more distressed. Her jaw dropped but no sound would come out as she pointed to the altar and turned her gaze back to it.
As she stared, an arm snaked around the statue's torso. The sanctuary filled with a shrill screeching as the hand slowly raked its claws down the figure's abdomen, leaving what appeared to be bloody claw marks.
Chloe shot to her feet and stumbled out into the aisle and a young priest took notice then. He eyed her in concern and began to move closer. She backed further away from him, her gaze drifting back to the shadowy figure. What looked like a head with hollow eyes peeked around the form of the crucifix from underneath one of Christ's outstretched, nailed arms. Though she couldn't make out an actual face, Chloe would have sworn it was leering at her wickedly as it caressed the marble figure.
"Oh god…this can't be happening…" Chloe mumbled.
The room began to spin and Chloe's gaze settled on the statue of the Virgin Mary. Tears of blood were leaking down Mary's face. Chloe felt bile rising in her throat as cracks began to appear in the marble and the statue suddenly began to flake away.
"Miss, are you alright?" The young priest asked as he reached his hand out for her.
Chloe dropped her eyes to the hand that had settled onto her shoulder. The nails were long and jagged and black. She trailed her gaze up the black cloaked arm, taking in the priest's white collar. A scream finally ripped from Chloe's throat when his face twisted and sharp teeth snarled at her.
"No! Leave me alone!"
Chloe frantically turned on her heel and sprinted back out into the chilly fall air, not stopping until the cathedral had faded from view.
xxxx
Aubrey sat at her desk, pouring over the file of one of her patients, chewing on the tip of her pen. Her father's disapproving glare popped into her mind. A Posen should never display nervousness or a weakness with any subtle twitches, including chewing nails or pens. With a sigh she dropped the pen.
She had tried calling Chloe to check in but there had been no answer at their house or on Chloe's cell phone. Her girlfriend had promised to relax and even sleep so there was a perfectly good explanation for why she wasn't picking up the phone but Aubrey couldn't help but worry. Chloe had been acting so strange lately.
Her thoughts were still warring between this particular patient and Chloe when her phone rang. Her brow furrowed when the name of the bookstore that Chloe worked at part time appeared on her caller ID.
"This is Aubrey Posen."
"Aubrey, oh my god, we need you!"
The blonde clutched the phone tighter as she registered the voice of Jessica, one of Chloe's coworkers. "Jessica, what's going on? What's wrong?"
"Chloe is here…she's really upset but won't tell me what's wrong. In fact…she's not really making any sense."
"Ok," Aubrey replied, already gathering her things. "I'm on my way. She hasn't been feeling well, it's probably her fever coming back or something. Just try to keep her there ok? I'm about 30 minutes away."
The blonde could hear people talking in the background, it sounded like chaos. Jessica finally replied nervously. "Ok, ok just…hurry Aubrey."
Aubrey rushed out of her office, barely remembering to grab her bag and keys on the way. Her office and the mental hospital were in the next town over while the bookstore Chloe worked at was on the far edge of their town. It would take her at least a half an hour to get there and that would be without any traffic and if she hit all green lights.
With a cringe, Aubrey pressed down on the gas pedal and whipped around the already speeding traffic. She pulled out her phone to call for reinforcements.
xxxx
Beca inched closer to her friend as she frantically flipped through page after page of one book only to throw it aside and reach for another. Chloe was disheveled and her eyes were red rimmed. She didn't seem aware that the brunette was hesitantly approaching her.
"Shit…fucking shut up!" Chloe screamed, tossing yet another book aside.
"Hey Chloe."
The redhead froze, finally acknowledging Beca's presence. She glanced around, still pacing and shuffling nervously. "Beca…hi. Can you help me? There are so many books…I have to find something…something to help me. Will you help me?"
"Yeah, of course." Beca replied warily. "I'll help you. And Aubrey's on her way ok? She'll be here soon too…we'll both help you. What-a, what's going on Chloe?"
Chloe didn't even seem to register Beca's words as she reached for yet another book. The brunette glanced over her shoulder, hoping to see Aubrey rushing through the doors. Instead she saw only a handful of store patrons watching them nervously from a distance. She turned back to Chloe, as she continued to tear through the "Spiritual-Religion" section.
Aubrey had called her a short time ago, knowing the brunette could get to the bookstore before she herself could. So of course Beca had rushed in as quickly as she could. But she was fairly certain that this was well beyond her area of expertise. She had been friends with Chloe for years, much to Aubrey's dismay at times. She comforted the redhead on the rare occasion that she and the blonde would fight, she listened and helped with plans for special occasions and dates. She knew Chloe. But even she had no idea of what to do at seeing her friend frantically scouring the numerous books.
"Um, Chloe…why don't we just take a seat and relax until Aubrey gets here? She'll be here soon and then we can both help you look."
"No!" Chloe hissed. "I can't wait. I don't have time! I'm running out of time! I have to find something to stop it! And you said you would help me so fucking help me!"
Beca took a step back at the anger that suddenly flashed across Chloe's face. The redness around her eyes seemed to be spreading, almost streaking her cheeks and her nostrils flared. Beca wasn't used to seeing Chloe anything but bubbly and cheerful.
"I will," she assured. "I promise, I'll help. I just think you should calm down until Aubrey gets here so let's just take it easy ok?"
Beca tried to smile reassuringly as she stepped back toward Chloe. But instead of calming, the redhead growled and quickly swiped a long, sharp letter opener from one of the bookshelves. "Stay away from me!"
"Shit-Chloe?" Beca yelped, raising her hands in defense. "Chloe, calm down! I'm backing away ok? Just…put that down. Where did you even fucking get that thing? Jesus Chloe!"
"I need it!" Chloe hissed again. "I'll cut it out if I have to!"
"Oh god. Chloe no!"
Beca stood, afraid to move closer as the redhead pointed the tip of the letter opener into her own throat.
xxxx
Aubrey rushed from her car into the bookstore. "Where is she?" she barked at Jessica who was practically cowering behind the cash register. The younger woman just pointed toward the back corner.
The blonde didn't lose a step as she ignored the concerned looks and whispers. She weaved her way down the narrow aisles until she stopped short at the sight of her girlfriend.
Chloe was nervously shifting from one foot to the other with what looked like a knife pressed against her own throat. Beca was trying to talk to her but it was clear the redhead wasn't registering her words.
The blonde attempted to swallow her immediate fear and tried to summon some strength and calm from her years of training.
"Chloe, baby?" Aubrey said softly, stepping up beside Beca. The brunette sighed in relief and stepped back and out of the way.
Chloe's eyes widened slightly before narrowing as the blonde inched her way closer. When Aubrey took another step in her direction, Chloe snapped the letter opener away from her neck and held it out menacingly between them. "Stay back!"
Aubrey stopped and she too raised her hands in defense. "Ok Chloe. Everything is fine. I just want to talk to you. Will you talk with me? Do you recognize who I am Chloe?"
The blonde attempted to keep her nerves in check as she retreated into her training, her psychiatrist persona surfacing. Chloe eyed her warily as she retreated further into the corner.
"Aubrey?"
"That's right." She replied soothingly. "Don't be frightened. It's just me. And whatever's bothering you…we can talk about it. Will you tell me what's wrong so that I can help you? Please Chloe…tell me what's wrong."
Chloe's eyes continued to dart from side to side frantically and she tightened her grip on the letter opener. "I'm seeing things…and my head…it's so loud! It won't be quiet but I don't know what it wants!"
Aubrey licked her lips and inched her way closer again. "You're hearing voices Chloe?"
The redhead's hand began to tremble and tears finally leaked from the corners of her eyes.
"Do you hear them too?" she whispered brokenly.
Aubrey's heart clenched at her girlfriend's broken tone and she shook her head sadly. "No baby, I don't hear them. But I believe you…and I can help you. You know I can help you Chloe."
Chloe gripped the letter opener even tighter as Aubrey continued to slowly advance. "Aubrey, I think I'm losing my mind…I can't make them stop! And I see things! Shadows move and…Aubrey I'm scared!"
"I know baby, I know. But I promise you, I'll help you. First thing tomorrow, we'll go see Dr. Baer, together. You're going to be fine Chloe…I promise. We'll fix this. But first I need you to put that down."
Chloe backed away until her body connected with the wall, still holding the letter opener out in defense. "You don't hear them…maybe you're one of them…How do I know? How do I know you're my Aubrey and not one of them…one of those things? How do I know you're real?"
Aubrey eased forward until the tip of the blade was mere inches away, her hands still held up, hoping to appear less threatening. Hoping to hide the fact that she too was terrified.
"Because I'm still here." The blonde replied softly. "Anyone who doesn't know you would be afraid right now. But I know you…and I know you would never hurt me. Those voices…they don't know you. So no matter what they're saying to you…I know you're strong enough to hear me. I'm here Chloe, I love you and I know you love me. And I promise you, I'll help you. I just need you to trust me. Can you do that?"
Chloe's bottom lip trembled as she fought to steady her hand and make sense of what was happening. She thought she saw the shadow from the cathedral shifting in and out of the bookshelves and along the ceiling, clawing its way toward her. But she shook her head slightly and tried to focus on the woman in front of her.
Aubrey's green eyes were brimming with concern and love as she hesitantly reached her hand toward Chloe's. The redhead blinked, the lighting of the bookstore seemingly narrowing in on Aubrey. Her blonde hair glinted, creating almost a halo effect.
With an encouraging smile, Aubrey wrapped her hand around Chloe's. When the taller woman's hand clasped around her own, Chloe felt nothing but calm. She nodded slightly and relaxed her grip on the sharp letter opener.
As Aubrey quickly pried the weapon from her grip, Chloe dropped her head and began to sob openly. Aubrey reached her hand with the letter opener behind her and pulled her girlfriend tightly against her with the other. Beca stepped closer and took the weapon from Aubrey's hand and quickly hid it in one of the nearby bookshelves.
Aubrey held Chloe tightly as she continued to sob into her neck and chest. "Would you feel better if we went to the hospital tonight…or do you want to go home?" she whispered. "I'll be with you either way…no matter what."
Chloe was still trembling as she fisted the material of the blonde's suit jacket, desperate to keep her close. But her sobbing had subsided at least. "Home. Can we go home?"
"And you'll go with me tomorrow to see Dr. Baer?"
The redhead raised her head and met Aubrey's gaze. Even though the blonde's green eyes were cloudy with worry, they were also steady and full of love. The sight provided a certain clarity that Chloe desperately grasped onto. She nodded, blinking back the last of her tears.
"You'll come with me? You promise?"
"Of course!" Aubrey insisted, once again pulling her girlfriend close. "I won't leave you Chloe, I promise. Whatever this is…we'll deal with it together. Everything will be fine. Let's just go home ok?"
Aubrey draped her arm securely around Chloe's shoulders and turned her, hoping to lead her out of the bookstore and away from the still staring crowd. The redhead kept her gaze lowered as she allowed the blonde to maneuver them out of the back aisles, Beca following closely behind.
They stopped short as a uniformed police officer stepped into their line of sight, one hand on his pistol, the other motioning for them to stop.
"You called the police?" Aubrey hissed towards Jessica. The younger woman at least had the decency to look ashamed.
"Easy Miss." The officer replied. "We responded to a call about a disturbed woman with a knife…"
Chloe shrank tighter into Aubrey's embrace. The blonde squeezed her shoulder hoping to provide some amount of encouragement before twisting slightly, pushing the shorter woman behind her.
"I'm Dr. Aubrey Posen with Western State Hospital…I have everything under control here."
The officer eyed them both warily, grip still on the handle of his pistol. "The call we received said the woman was armed."
Aubrey squared her shoulders, once again summoning her professional persona. "I'm the doctor in charge of Miss Beale's care. She's quite stable and while you're more than welcome to search her, you'll be responsible your actions upset her again. You'll find she's completely unarmed and no threat to anyone. We have an appointment tomorrow morning with Dr. Baer at Western State and in the meantime she'll be in my care and under my supervision. I can assure you that there's no threat here."
The officer let his gaze drift between the two of them, Aubrey with her shoulders squared, the epitome of confidence, and Chloe, her shoulders slumped and her eyes downcast.
"You're sure?"
Aubrey stood firm as she nodded. Beca felt her own shoulders sag slightly in relief as the officer seemed content to let the blonde escort Chloe home.
Aubrey once again draped her arm over Chloe's shoulders and escorted her out of the bookstore. She didn't stop until they reached the door of her SUV. Beca still trailing behind.
"I'm coming with you." The brunette insisted. "I don't know what the fuck is going on but I'm coming with you."
Aubrey simply nodded as she ushered Chloe into the passenger seat. "Thanks for getting here when you did."
Beca froze, unused to hearing a kind word from the blonde. It was no secret that while they were in fact friends, it was only because of Chloe. Aubrey had been self-conscious and worried that Beca was out to steal Chloe from her when in reality, the brunette was secretly wishing the blonde would just get over herself and propose already. But this didn't seem like the right moment to bring that up.
Beca clambered into her own car and followed closely as Aubrey and Chloe pealed out of the bookstore parking lot before the officer changed his mind.
xxxx
Aubrey glanced to her right, trying to ascertain whether or not Chloe was still with her. The redhead had seemed to be almost in a daze as the blonde talked their way out of an emergency committal order and ushered her into the car. Aubrey even had to reach and fasten the safety belt as Chloe simply took her seat and stared out into the fading afternoon light.
Aubrey tightened her grip on the steering wheel as she rushed home to the only safe zone she knew. The redhead had drawn her knees up and circled her arms around them tightly. She stared out the window, seeming much younger than she actually was.
"Chloe?" Aubrey whispered, hoping to draw the shorter woman out of her obvious reverie. "Chloe can you hear me…are you still with me?"
The redhead dropped her head and buried it into her drawn knees but nodded. Aubrey could see the muscles of her jaw clenching. Chloe didn't speak, didn't volunteer any information. She simply sat with her head buried in her knees.
"Come on Chloe…talk to me." Aubrey said, keeping her voice steady and even. "What pajamas do you want to put on when we get home? Do you want to put a movie on? Just talk to me. I need to know you hear me or I'll have to take you to the hospital tonight."
"My Barden sweatshirt." The redhead finally responded softly. "And I want hot cocoa with marshmallows."
The blonde sighed in relief and placed her hand on Chloe's forearm and squeezed gently. "That's good. We can definitely do that."
Chloe nodded again, her head still resting against her drawn knees. Aubrey licked her lips, a question nagging at her.
"Chloe…" she asked timidly. "What were you doing in the 'Spiritual and Religion' section of the bookstore?"
The shorter woman finally lifted her head and exhaled shakily. "Because I think that might be what's wrong with me…Do you believe in God Aubrey?"
The blonde shifted in her seat uncomfortably as possible psychological disorders began coming to mind. "Do you think God is talking to you Chloe?"
"No." Chloe responded, her voice dull and flat. "The devil is."
xxxx
"Hey babe." Beca said softly as Jesse slipped through the door a little later that evening. The brunette sighed as he wrapped his arms tightly around her small frame.
"How's she doing?"
Beca shrugged and pulled away before taking Jesse's hand to lead him further into Aubrey and Chloe's home. "She's sleeping. Aubrey put a sedative in her hot chocolate. Knocked her out cold."
They stopped in the living room where Chloe was sound asleep on the couch. She seemed to be resting comfortably and peacefully. Aubrey slipped back into the room a few seconds later, her cell phone in hand.
"I just talked to Dr. Baer." She said, taking a seat on the coffee table directly across from her sleeping girlfriend. "He wants me to come in and talk to him first thing in the morning, just explain it all again. And then he wants to see Chloe right after that. Do you think you could bring her in around ten tomorrow morning?"
Aubrey gazed up at Beca hopefully. The brunette nodded. "Of course, I'm sure Lily will switch shifts with me. I'll make sure Chloe's there. And anything else you guys need…just let us know."
The blonde nodded gratefully. With a sigh she wiped a hand tiredly over her face.
"What the hell is this thing?"
She and Beca both turned to where Jesse stood eyeing the old wooden box. Aubrey groaned at the sight of it.
"It's just some box that Chloe has been obsessed with. She found it at a yard sale. I swear she takes it from room to room with her. I don't know why she's so attached to it."
Jesse nodded and picked up the box to get a better look at it. "I wonder what these carvings say. It looks like Hebrew or something. You know…this guy I grew up with is in training to become a rabbi, he's a pretty good friend of mine…I bet he could read this. Would you mind if I let him take a look at it?"
"It's fine by me." Aubrey replied wearily. "I wouldn't say anything to Chloe though…just take it and get back as quickly as you can. I don't want anything setting her off when she's so fragile."
"No problem." Jesse said with a smile. "Hey who knows, maybe figuring what the writing is will help make her feel better."
A short time later Jesse carried the still sleeping Chloe upstairs and Aubrey tucked her into the bed. He slipped the box under his arm and he and Beca both headed for home, the shorter girl promising to return first thing the next morning to sit with Chloe until time to meet Dr. Baer.
