AUTHOR'S NOTES:
-I DO NOT own The Boy, it's characters, or it's storyline. The Boy was directed by William Brent Bell, and written by Stacey Daley. I DO NOT own any of the music featured in my fanfictions. The lyrics/music belongs to their respected artists. I DO own Veronica "Ronnie" Stone, her story, and her concept. I DO own the cover images to my fanfictions; be them edits or drawings. Be respectful to my art and edits, and DO NOT steal them.
-Bold-italic phrases will indicate Ronnie's thoughts or the thoughts of others while in their point of view. Italic phrases will indicate a sound being made. Underlined phrases will indicate the title of a movie, TV show, etc. When you see "..." it means that the point-of-view has shifted.
-The song representing the story is "The Phantom of the Opera" by Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford from the The Phantom of the Opera Broadway performance.
-"Odihnească-se în pacee, mama" is Romanian for "Rest in peace, mother".
-The dress Ronnie has picked out is like this only black: sta. sh/06xtc3yygv3 (no space between sta. sh).
3.) Change of Plans
***
Sing once again with me, our strange duet. My power over you, grows stronger yet. You'll give your love to me, for love is blind. The phantom of the opera is now your mastermind.
***
Even though she didn't abide by the rules, or respect the schedule, she didn't forget about me. She comforted me in my time of need, even if she didn't realize it. I watched carefully as my caretaker, Ronnie, dressed me in my pajamas. My anxiety rose when she tucked me in; I anticipated a kiss good night but there was nothing other than a "Good night, Brahms". My heart sank. I needed my kiss. It was the only thing to keep the nightmares away. I waited for her to come back but she didn't. I ended up succumbing to slumber a short while after; I dreamt about her. Her smell, her smile, her voice. I had chosen her and now I wanted her. I want her to be mine and mine alone.
...
I was welcomed by sun beams peering through my curtains. I stretched and went to pick out my attire for the day: my Snowing - another Once Upon a Time ship name; Snow White and her Prince Charming, David - tank top, jeans, and white socks. I gathered my clothes and went to have a shower. I used the same towel as yesterday seeing as I don't mind using things - clothes, cloths, or towels - twice. The only reason I didn't wear the same clothes is because I like to reuse them without being repetitive. Variety is the spice of life, after all. After adjusting the temperature, scrubbing my skin, drying off, and getting dressed, I left the bathroom. Like yesterday, I fluffed up my hair to my liking. Once I was satisfied, I walked out of the room. I folded my arms and stretched - no cracks this time - however, I ended up looking up, leading to my discovering a pull out attic entryway. I tilted my head and began to scan the area, quickly finding the hook to pull it down. Once it hooked on, I gave it a pull. Nothing. Didn't even budge. I pulled again. Still nothing. Fuck you! I mentally cursed with a glare. I released an aggravated snort before putting it back in it's place. As I did so, I noted the gentle rain that had befallen the area, if not the country. Well, England and some other European countries don't see too much sun, it's best I don't expect sunshine and rainbows. I giggled at the thought. I get amused at my own stupid thoughts sometimes. I pressed on downstairs towards the kitchen so I can make myself a piece of buttered toast, only this time have coffee with it. As the coffee brewed, I was dressing toast. After pouring myself a cup of coffee, adding two tablespoons of my flavored cream - Vanilla Toffee Cream to be precise - and four spoons of sugar, I grabbed a plate and put my toast on it. I ventured into the study and sat in the chair I claimed yesterday prior to my nap. After I finished my toast, I stood and walked over to the piano. I looked at the sheet music. Brahms' Lullaby... A composition I knew well. Mother played it whenever I cried as an infant. I didn't even look at the keys and began to play the melody, closing my eyes as I did so. I played the song smoothly and without a flaw. Once I finished the melody, I smiled. "Odihnească-se în pacee, mama.*" I prayed quietly stroking the cross around my neck. A natural instinct I had; something that gave me comfort, as if mother was with me as long as I wore her cross. I grabbed my coffee and made my way up to my room to give Eliza a call. I dialed the number but got her voicemail. I tried again but there wasn't a change. I went back downstairs to refresh my coffee and went outside when the rain subsided. I looked out over the garden and sighed before sipping on my coffee. I went back inside, once my cup was empty, and went to the study to continue reading the book from last night. When night had fallen, I went towards the kitchen but detoured to the study to claim the dirty plate, and went back on my way. I had washed my plate and put it back in the cupboard. I opened a package of ramen noodles and put in on the stove to boil in a pot. While I was waiting for that, I went upstairs to my bedroom and called Eliza for the third time. Once more it went to her voicemail, but this time I decided to leave a message. "Hey, Eliza. It's me. Again. Call me back when you can. Can you please send me some of your cookies, please? I miss them. Oh, and some of my books, too." I had nothing against what I had read, I just want variety. "Bye." I hung the phone on the base and sat on top on my bed. "Guess I should go check on my noodles. Don't wanna set the place on fire." Before I could push myself to do so, the phone rang. Finally! I mentally cried. I picked up the phone. "Hello?" There wasn't any response, just heavy breathing. "Eliza? Eliza is that you?" The person on the other end hung up. I didn't know how to feel. Did someone butt dial this number? Was Eliza playing a trick? Was there a creepy fuck who got off on prank calling people? A heavy sigh left my lips. "Whatever." I pushed myself off of the bed to go down to the kitchen. I sought out the strainer and put my noodles in a bowl, adding the seasoning package. I loved the smell of it. And yes, I add the seasoning to the noodles without water, at least with this kind. It's the only instant ramen I'll eat. I mixed the seasoning with the noodles and began to eat. Once finished, I washed my bowl, put it back into the cupboard, and went upstairs. I drew myself a bath to relax myself and then went to bed shortly after. When I woke up the next morning, I got dressed into my black blouse and jean combo, and decided to go for a job around the premises, stopping briefly at the mail box. I looked through the pieces of mail and put the envelopes in my coat pocket. Before I could turn to continue my jog a car pulled up to the gate. Low and behold it was the grocery man, Malcolm.
"Need a lift?" He asked with a warm smile.
"No, but I will let you in and we can race." I smirked, challenging the young man.
"A challenge, huh?" My smirk grew into a grin. "A challenge it is." He chuckled. I pushed open the gates and he sped off - well, not fast fast - without me.
"Hey! I didn't say go!" I glared at the vehicle and took off running. Unfortunately for him, I was quite the runner. When I reached the front seat window, I leaned forward a bit and grinned. "See ya!" I pushed myself to run as fast as I could to beat him to the front driveway. When all was said and done, I just barely beat him. He turned off his car and followed me into the large home.
"You gone bonkers yet?" He teased with a playful nudge. Not exactly, but I'm not about to tell you about the creepy events only to have you judge me. I rolled my eyes at him.
"It's just a house." He raised his eyebrow at me. "A big, empty, Victorian, or pre-Victorian, home." I shrugged. "Nothing I can't handle." We made our way into the kitchen. "I'm from New Orleans, that place is the black magic, voodoo, and one of the most cursed cities in the US." I leaned against the edge of the island and watched as he poured himself a cup of coffee, pouring me one as well. After that, he went towards the deep freezer and pulled out stored meals. "You really think you should do that? I mean, don't they keep track of their frozen inventory or something?" He looked at me and shook his head, smiling, as if silently judging me. I puffed my cheeks in debate. He smiled and shook his head before emptying the contents of the container. "So all this food will go to waste?"
"No. Not all of it." He grabbed the edge of the garbage bag and tapped it a few times before pulling it out. "Mr. Heelshire would eat some of them. He's always been the less strict one about all of this." He knotted the bag and put it aside. I sighed and stepped away from the island, my arms wrapped around themselves.
"You could have told me, you know." I stated unintentionally. Those words would have been used on him a couple days ago, but now I wasn't bothered by it. At least not as much as before. He looked at me as he opened the door.
"And ruin the surprise?" I shook my head, a smile holding on my lips. He closed the door. "Speaking of surprises..." His voice trailed as he reached into his pocked. He pulled out a thick envelope. "Your first week's pay for a job well done." He held it towards me. I wanted to gawk at it just simply because of the width and that it could still close, albeit barely. I was hit by a sudden feeling of guilt. I hadn't done anything that was required of me. Though Mrs. Heelshire could be strict and quick to judge, she did have tenderness in her, and Mr. Heelshire was much more understanding and respectful, a pretty decent man. I am taking advantage of them... A sad realization, I must say.
"Thank you." I spoke meekly as I accepted the envelope. He grabbed his cup of coffee. "I am curious..."
"Yes, I am single, believe it or not." I rolled my eyes. I appreciated the charm but he was being playful when I was being serious. "What's the story with the doll?" I nodded shyly as I grabbed for my coffee, sipping it. He put his coffee cup down and walked towards the door leading outside, the one attached to the kitchen. I put my cup down and followed him outside. He lead me to the back of the massive home and we stopped at a headstone. It read:
Brahms
1983 - 1991
...he shall not perish, but have everlasting life.
"There was a fire. Brahms didn't make it out. On his eighth birthday." Malcolm explained. "Such a tragedy." I held my hands to my chest, feeling a sorrowful pain build within it. He was so young... TOO young... I had to bite down on the inside of my bottom lip to keep myself from getting teary-eyed. "The doll turned up not too long after that. I know it must seem strange." He said shuffling his feet. "I mean, it is bloody strange. It's all harmless; a way to cope. I can't imagine what it's like to lose a child."
"So he died roughly twenty years ago?" I muttered solemnly. "He'd be about your age, I suppose, and three years older than me." Then it dawned on me. "They've been living this life for twenty years?"
"Mhm." He answered. "And they've been looking for a nanny for about a year." He turned and looked at me. "How were you not driven mad yet?" I laughed at his question.
"Who said I wasn't mad to begin with?" I teased as I playfully nudged his chest with elbow, earning a chuckle from him.
"It could prove healthy if you got out. I could take you to see the world famous local nightlife. I mean, I know technically you're not supposed to leave Brahms, but I won't tell if you won't." I shook my head, my smile lingering, though it was fading.
"I... I haven't really dated before." I admitted honestly. "I mean, I've had suitors ask me out, but I'm..." I glanced away from him, my smile gone. I can't... Not yet. I bit my bottom lip in thought. "Broken, to put things simply." I dragged my gaze back to him. "I just... I recently lost two important people in my life, and I need to heal. I don't think a date's going to fix that or me." I looked at him with saddened eyes. His gaze reflected heartache, but he wore a grin.
"Who said it's a date? I assure you it's not. This is a... A professional courtesy seeing as we're employed by the same people." He reasoned. I can see he was wishing he could be honest about it, but I appreciated the gesture no less. "It's a duty is what it is." I giggled at his claim. As I said before, he is attractive, but I just don't feel that pull. Maybe it's my nerves and/or my fears, but I don't feel anything romantic for him. Maybe it can develop, but I'm certainly not going to rush anything. "I will take no pleasure in it whatsoever. I promise." He did come all this way to check on me... I nodded. "Yeah?"
"Yeah." I giggled.
...
He was making her laugh. He was making her smile. I felt anger build within me. Though I loved her laugh, and was drawn in by her beautiful smile, it wasn't me causing it. What added to the burning rage was the fact that he wanted to take her away from me. My Ronnie. My pretty Veronica. I won't allow that. She's mine. I thought with a growl. Her smile, her voice, her smell, her body. Everything. She belongs to me. It's only a matter of time til mummy and daddy say so. I pulled from the curtain and got back to my spot. I had to think of a plan and quick.
...
Malcolm had gone to get ready and I figured I would call Eliza before I got myself ready. I pulled off my pants as I waited for her to pick up. "Ronnie~!" Eliza's slurred voice sang. She had been drinking. Perfect. I thought with narrowed eyes. "How was today?"
"I see you've been drinking." She cheered on the other end. I simply rolled my eyes. "It was fine. Malcolm came by to check on me. See how my sanity was doing. Delivered my first week's payment, too." I felt the same guilt from early reappear and I walked towards the attached room where I had put the Brahms doll, peeking in. He was in on the bed, facing forward, and sitting comfortably. As comfortably as a porcelain doll could anyway. I smiled knowing the doll boy was in a comfortable situation. "It's twice the amount the store makes in two weeks."
"Oh em gee, Ronnie! By the time you get back, you're gonna be loaded!" I narrowed my eyes at her words. I didn't apply to this job because of the money, it was to help me and help a family in need out. My smile was aimed towards the Brahms doll and nodded before making my way back to my room. "What'cha up to?" She cooed into the phone. "Can you guess what I'm doing?"
"You're drinking, getting completely smashed by the sound of it." A heavy sigh left from my lips. "As for me, I'm getting dressed."
"Ooooo." She swooned. "Into what?" I rolled my eyes.
"The dress." I heard her whistle into the phone causing me to flinch. "Malcolm invited me to a night on the town. See something other than these walls." I walked over to the closet and pulled out the only dress I had brought with me. It was a simple black dress; it resembled a pin-up style dress. I looked towards the mirror and held it up to my body. This was a dress Eliza had bought be prior to my departure. "Before you say anything, it's not a date." I stated simply. "It's more like two employees going out and having a good time. Like we did on many occasions."
"Well, he better respect you. Otherwise I'll track him down and cut the bitch." Eliza warned. She's not joking, either. Being a country girl, she isn't afraid to get her hands dirty. I smiled. Still protective even when drunk.
"Oh, and who will bring me groceries?" I heard her groan causing me to giggle. "That's what I thought." I walked towards the mirror only stopping in my tracks to notice that the doll's head was turned to face the room. Towards the mirror as if to watch me through the reflection of the mirror. My heart skipped several beats. I shook my head. Enough. I snorted before walking towards the door. "I need privacy, Brahms." I closed the door. I drew a heavy breath.
"Ronnie?" Eliza's voice whined. I lifted the phone to my ear.
"Sorry." I sighed. "It's Brahms."
"The doll?"
"Yeah. Anyway, I need to shower. I'll call you when I get back, if you're still conscious." She and I giggled. "Good night, Eliza."
"Night Ronnie!" I hung the phone on it's base and walked towards the bathroom. I moved the handles and adjusted the temperature. I placed the dress down over the fabric hanging chair. I decided I would remove the necklace only because it got in the way of my cleaning. I brought the cross to my lips and kissed it before placing it on the sink. I put the towel on the chair closest to the shower and proceeded into the shower where I took part in my cleaning ritual.
...
The water to the shower was running. She was having a shower. I could see very little, other than her silhouette. She seemed to be scrubbing her skin rather vigorously. I looked at her questionably but shrugged it off. I grabbed the dress and looked at it a moment. It's pretty and I'm sure it'd be prettier on her, but I'm not going to let anyone else see her in it but me. I pulled the gown from it's spot, making sure I didn't make any noise. I looked over to her, afraid she may have seen me. She was now scrubbing her legs. I wish she didn't do that... Her skin looked so soft, yet so fragile. I'd hate to see her hurt. I made my way to the sink and saw the pretty necklace. I didn't really want to take it, since it seemed to make her happy, but I took it anyway. I looked towards her once more knowing the necklace would make more noise than the dress, but still I seemed unnoticed. That was both something to be celebrated and disheartening. As quickly as I went in, I left. Stage one was complete.
...
I climbed out of the shower and grabbed the towel, drying my body. I combed my fingers through the dampened tufts of my hair and tried to make it look like a flattering feminine style best I could. It was then that I realized I some of my hair had been cut. "What the...?" As weirded out as I was, I decided to brush it off. I went to grab my necklace only to find it was gone. "No..." My anxiety began to build. I looked to the floor but didn't see it. "No, no, no, no." My voice cracked. I looked towards the chair that had put my dress on only to find that it too was missing. I wrapped the towel around my body, securing it with a tight twist. My chest became tight as I made my way towards the exit. Cautiously I walked out of the room and around the door frame. I was a nervous wreck, trembling and shaking. Could he have found me? The thought only made my anxiety rise further. I walked into my room and switched on the light. I heard a male's voice mutter, it seemed to echo around me. A shiver clawed at my spine. Oh, god... I wanted to cry. Hell, I'm sure I'd seek comfort from the Brahms doll. I backed my way out of the room and into the hallway, noticing that the stairs to the attic had been pulled down. "Hello?!" I called as bravely as I could, facing the ladder. "Malcolm, if that's you, you aren't funny." I commented with an unstable tone. I received silence before the floor creaked. "If someone's up there..." I could barely hold a stable voice. "I swear you'll re... Regret it." My voice cracked at the threat. I wanted to run away, but I had to protect the home that was left in my care while the Heelshires were away. I had a sudden adrenaline rush that acted like a courage boost. I grabbed the hook on instinct and held it to my body tightly, ready to use it offensively if need be, and went towards the ladder. Each step up made time feel two times slower, but I pressed on. I slowed myself to the speed of a snail when I reached the top of the ladder. I carefully glanced around the pitch black attic. When I saw nothing in the darkness my courage wavered. "Hello?" I questioned meekly. No response. I walked up with the hook ready to attack. "Anyone up here?" I couldn't believe I was playing the role of a stupid horror movie victim. I was following the creepy noises and entering a dark room with no lights in sight. Once my feet were on the floor of the attic, I glanced around waiting for my eyes to get adjusted to the darkness. I jumped when the ladder folded upward. I began to desperately push on the ladder. "Please, please." I begged, my eyes rimming with tears. I began to push harder but there was no change. I rested on top of my folded knees. I was trapped up here, no one to help me. I began to sniffle. Father would lock me in our basement when he'd leave the house. I brought my knees to my chest and began to rock. Not again... I whimpered as tears fell freely from my eyes. There was a suddencrash behind me which made my heart jump into my throat. It was the sound of a car door. I pushed myself up and knocked boxes out of the way. "Malcolm..." I whispered as I rubbed my eyes. "Malcolm!" I called through the vent-like thing. "Up here!" I banged on the strong wood. I watched as he walked towards the door. He didn't hear me. My anxiety rose and I began to panic. "Malcolm!" I yelled louder. He was clearly not hearing my calls. I watched as he knocked on the doors. I bit the inside of my bottom lip. What do I do...? My eyes widened as I remembered the hook in my hands. I began to beat the back end against the vent. "No!" I called noting how useless my attempts were. "Oh my god... Up here!" I saw that he walked away from the door and was headed towards his car. "Malcolm!" I screamed. I began to beat at the wood again; I was no longer feeling anxious, but I was starting to become impatient.
"Ronnie!" Malcolm's voice called. Why can I hear him but he can't hear me? When I realized my voice wasn't loud enough, let alone that I couldn't beat the wood into submission, I turned it around and put the hook between wood pieces. I began to pull down on the hook in the attempt to pry the pieces apart, if not break them. I began to feel a sense of achievement when I heard the sound of wood cracking, only it wasn't the wood from the vent, it was the wood of the hook stick. It cracked and broke causing me to stumble. I threw both pieces to the ground and ran back to the vent.
"No, no..." I banged the wood, though at this point it was meaningless. "No!" I cried before resting my forehead against my balled fists. I drew several breaths and pushed myself away from the vent. I slowly felt my way around, feeling nothing for the most part. My hand came in contact with something and pushed myself forward. My eyes went from my and to the wall before me. I saw the shadow of a body, instantly causing me to shriek. I took a clumsy step backward, which ultimately lead to me falling backward and hitting the floor, and passed out on impact.
...
Once I got close enough, I pressed my head against her chest, which was rising and falling at a normal pace, and stared at her resting face. Regardless of how tranquil her breathing was and how beautiful she looked in the moonlight, her heartbeat was erratic. She was so very frightened. I didn't want this. My actions scared her; I scared her. I may have wanted to show her that there were consequences for her neglect, but my pretty Ronnie got hurt and it was my fault. After a few minutes, her heartbeat slowed down to a regular pace. I could fall asleep to that sound. Her skin was so soft, almost like silk. Her skin caressing mine made my heartbeat quicken. It felt so nice. I wanted to feel it more. My hand reached for her face and my fingers brushed against her cheek. I noted that my action had caused my breathing to become shallow and felt heat rise to my face. I had a knotting feeling twist in my stomach and my trousers became tight. I lifted my head only to examine my lower half of my body. It had been some times since THAT was triggered. I looked down towards my sleeping angel. I had to leave before this got worse, before I lost control, even though I wanted to stay by her side forever. I pushed myself up and looked at her one last time. Good night, pretty Ronnie. I turned and left her, returning to the safety of my sanctuary.
