CHAPTER ELEVEN
VISITORS
She woke up to the sound of loud music blasting through the manor. She slowly opened her eyes and looked around in confusion, she remembered last night's events and she looked to her side but the doll was no longer there. She left her bed and walked out of the room realizing that the sound was coming from the library and she headed over to the room. Opening the door she found the doll sitting in the red armchair and next to him the vinyl record player which she found out was the source of the music.
She walked into the room looking at the doll confused, last night Brahms had been in a bad mood. That was no surprise considering he learned of his parents terrible fate. He had never been up so early, she assumed it was early since she had not heard her alarm going off yet, and he never had used the vinyl record player before. She decided it was too early to put up with this and turned off the player. She looked at the clock on the wall above Mr. Heelshire's desk and she noticed it was only six in the morning.
Why couldn't you let me sleep one more hour? She asked turning to the doll annoyed. She picked him up in her arms and took him downstairs with her. There was no point trying to go back to sleep, so she just headed to the kitchen to make breakfast. To her surprise she found that he had already made breakfast for both of them. She set the doll on the table and looked at all the food he had prepared, it looked delicious but she was not hungry at all. There was a note with a red rose this time at edge of the table, she picked it up to read it.
'For my beautiful Grace'
She read the note not sure what to think of it. Apparently he was in a good mood today, unlike her. She felt exhausted and not really in the mood for his games.
Thank you Brahms, I'll be waiting for you at the living room, she said taking the cup of coffee with her and walked out of the kitchen. As she entered the living room she found a box with a red bow on it, another gift, she thought. She kneeled down and took the box in her hands, she opened and found that it was another painting. She took the painting out of the box and admired it, she couldn't help but smile at the image he had painted. It was her with him in her arms sitting in the beautiful wooden swing at the garden. He must have spent a long time making this and she approached his effort to make her happy.
She was about to get up when she noticed there was something else inside the box, it must have been under the painting and she had noticed that it was there. At first she thought it was a ring box but when she opened it she found a pair of golden earrings that matched the golden pedant she was wearing around her neck. It was not usual of him to spoil her with gifts but it often made her uncomfortable. Of course she would never voice her thoughts, she didn't want to make him feel bad.
A knocking was heard from somewhere in the house and she knew he was done with his breakfast. She headed to the kitchen and found the doll where she had left it, next to him the plate was empty. It still amazed her that he demanded full meals when it wasn't physically possible for him to eat.
Thank you so much for the painting and the earrings Brahms, they're very beautiful, she commented smiling at him. There was no answer of course, as always but she knew he had heard her. He was around her somehow and sometimes she could almost feel his eyes on her.
It was almost nine in the morning and she was clearing the traps when the sound of a car's engine caught her attention. She took off her gloves and left the traps as she saw Alex's car approaching. When the car came to a stop and the driver opened the door she realized it wasn't Alex. It was an older man, he was dark skinned and much taller than Alex and judging from his appearance she guessed they must be related.
Can I help you? Grace asked walking over to him,
You must be Grace, he said looking at her,
That's right but excuse me, who are you? She asked the stranger trying to be polite.
My name is Damien, I'm an old friend of Thomas Heelshire. Alex is my son, he explained introducing himself and confirming her thoughts about his relation to Alex.
Oh its nice to meet you sir, would you like to come inside? She asked him,
Thank you for the invitation but no, I have been avoiding this place for many years and I would suggest you do the same, he told her.
What do you mean? She asked looking at him confused.
I don't need to tell you that there's something wrong with this place, you already know that. Let the Heelshires do what they wish, it was their choices that led them to that point. There is no return and there's nothing you can do to help them. I didn't come here for them, I came here for you. Leave this place and never come back here, if you don't have money I have a place for you to stay unti you find a decent job. You're not safe here with… him, he told her. She was taken aback by his words. Obviously he knew about Brahms, but she couldn't understand why he blamed the Heelshires for what happened. She thought of his offer and was torn between jumping into his car and leaving but on the other hand she had made a promise.
Thank you for the offer…. But I can't leave, she finally said. She appreciated his concern but she knew she couldn't leave him. That had been her plan originally, to play along with his rules and find a way to escape. But she had come to care for him, she felt his pain and how lonely he was.
As you wish. I hope you'll change your mind before it's too late for you, he commented turning to his car and getting inside. She watched him driving away, out of the gates of the manor and she hoped he was wrong.
Walking back into the house she found the doll sitting on the couch with a book resting on his lap. It was only when she had it in her hands that she realized that it was actually a notebook, she touched with her fingers the thick brown leather cover and noticed the letters B.H. on it. She opened the notebook and noticed that most of the page had been torn off except the last ones. A date was written on top of one of the pages.
12/5/1999
It was the day before he died. It must be a diary, she realized, his diary. She looked at the doll as if it would give her the permission to read it but if he had left it there for her, he left it for a reason. So she began reading his last words.
I'm scared. Mommy didn't let me go to school today because she is scared too. I have done something very bad she said, I tried to tell her that I didn't mean to but she wouldn't listen to me. She screamed and slapped me. My face still hurts, not only from mommy's slap but from what they did to me. They hurt me but no one cares. They only care about Emily, they said I was a monster. I don't care but mommy says that they'll come for me. If dad was here he wouldn't let them but mommy says I have to face the consequences. Why should I face the consequences? They are the ones who hurt me but no one cares, not even mommy. She says she is disappointed with my actions. I've been telling her for a long time that they wanted to hurt me but she wouldn't listen. I had to do something I had to stop them. I'm tired of being scared and now it feels good that I don't have to deal with her anymore. She deserved it. I didn't kill her, I only pushed her. It's not my fault that she tripped and fell into the river, it's not my fault she couldn't swim. I was in pain and she should have left me alone but she wanted to hurt me again. My body and face were bruised but they didn't care, they only cared about what I did to her. Her friends blamed me but they were there too, they could have pulled her from the river but they let her drown. They are no better than me. They should face the consequences too, but no one blamed them. I was the monster. I thought mommy would be on my side but she can't even look me in the eyes. Only dad can help me, he is the only one who understands me but he is not here. I feel so alone and scared. Mommy doesn't love me anymore. She'll let them hurt me, I know it.
She starred at the words with mixed emotions. Alex was right, what happened there that day wasn't entirely Brahms' fault but that doesn't change what he did. He did not intended to kill her, but his actions had led to that marking him as a killer. Mrs. Heelshire had handled the situation very badly apparently. She knew her son was being bullied but she ignored it as if the problem would go away. She remembered how caring and sweet she was with the doll, it must have been her guilt for not trying enough to help her son when he needed her.
Oh God why did I get involved in this… she said out loud to no one in particular. She was beyond confused. Alex reassured her that Brahms would not hurt her for as long as she followed his rules but his father believed that she was not safe. He had even offered her a place to stay im order to leave the manor. It was such a complicated situation and she felt so frustrated. Brahms was willing to give her some answers as it seems but could she really trust him? If he was capable of killing another person when he was alive what was he capable of now? What would happen to her if she decided to break his rules?
She walked out of the living room leaving the doll on the couch. She needed some fresh air. She felt like she was trying to solve a puzzle with too many missing pieces and it was driving her crazy. She walked to the large swing and settled there comfortably. Was it really worth it risking her life to keep company to a dead child? Surely it was a perfect place to hide from the abusive man who raised her but for how long could she do that? She couldn't stay there her entire life playing the good nanny for him as she was sure that this was what he meant when he made her promise to never leave him.
She was aware that he was in a state between life and death but what was his connection to this world? What was keeping him here? She imagined that the doll was some kind of a vessel for his soul but where had the doll come from? Alex told her that Mrs. Heelshire had come home with the doll one day and that's when it all started. Perhaps the doll was the key. If that was the case then there were two possibilities she could think of, destroying the doll could his spirit free and finally rest in piece or it would enrage him and turn him into a vengeful spirit. The risk was too big and she wasn't even sure if it would work.
She looked up absent-minded at the manor noticing for the first time the damage the fire had caused. After twenty years the traces of the tragedy were still there as was Brahms soul. Just as she stood up from the swing she noticed a shadow moving inside his room. He was there, she thought. She headed into the house, as she passed from the living room she noticed the doll was no longer there and she walked upstairs, to his room. She opened the door and walked inside carefully trying not to trip into anything in the darkness.
Brahms? She spoke his name softly as if not to startle him.
I'm here, his voice answered from the darkness,
Why did you gave me your diary? She asked honestly curious,
You were searching about the past but you were looking for answers at the wrong places and from the wrong people so I tried to help you, he explained. She couldn't understand exactly what he meant but she appreciated that he was willing to open up. She had to be careful how to ask the next question.
Brahms… why do I have to take care of the doll? She asked him,
Because it's me, you silly. You are supposed to take care of me, remember? he said with a giggle.
Are you… in there? She asked trying to understand.
I'm here, he answered confusing her even more.
Are you trapped here? Is that why you… can't be free? She asked choosing her words carefully.
This is my home Grace, where else could I be? He asked almost confused. She sighed loudly in frustration, this conversation would get them nowhere.
Brahms, what can I do to help you? I know it must be difficult for you to live like this. I want to help you find peace but I can't do it without you, she told him. She believed that if she was honest with her intentions he would be more cooperative. This time he remained silent for a long time and she knew that he was thinking about it.
I want to be free Grace but I don't know how. It was the only I could be here with them, it's what they wanted, he finally said. Could it be possible that their love and grief held him trapped into this world? If they were gone wouldn't that mean he could be finally free and join them in the afterlife? That was the only logical explanation but there was no logic here. Perhaps he didn't even know what was keeping him here.
We'll find a way Brahms, I promise you. You'll be free soon, she promised him.
Grace woke up from her afternoon sleep with a killer headache. Apparently Brahms felt bad for waking her up so early that morning that he had let her go to get some rest but right now she felt more tired than ever. She got up from the bed slowly and headed to the bathroom to find painkillers. It was only when she walked out into the hallway that she heard the soft music coming from downstairs. She walked down the steps and as soon as she reached the living room she stopped looking at the scene in front of her.
The candles were everywhere lining up from the bottom of the stairs to the fireplace where the fire was cracking softly. Red petals were scattered all over the floor and the tv was on playing an old movie, a couple dancing and singing a love song to each other. She found the doll sitting on the couch, dressed formally with a suit and a large box on it's lap with a small note and a white rose on it. She took the note and unfolded the paper.
'I want to be free with you'
She read the note and looked at the doll in confusion. She picked up the box and opened it, inside she found a beautiful red dress. It wasn't new of course, she could still smell Mrs. Heelshire's perfume on it. She looked down on the soft fur carpet where he had placed a tray of food with two glasses and a bottle of red wine. He had set up what could only be described as a romantic dinner date, she was speechless at this point. Was it possible that he was starting to develop some kind of feelings for her? It was a shocking realization and it made her uncomfortable, his young soul could probably not understand why this was so wrong.
Brahms what's all this for? She asked looking at the doll waiting for an answer, of course she knew the doll would not answer but he would usually find a way to communicate with noises. Her answer came from the front door instead, she almost jumped at the sound of the door bell. It was late and she wasn't expecting anyone, expect maybe Alex but he never used the front door and he had keys. She left the dress on the couch and walked out of the leaving room heading for the door. She blamed her stupidity for opening the door without asking first as soon as she looked at the face of the man standing in the door steps.
She was numb in that moment, she felt as if time had stopped and she was having one of those terrible nightmares. He smiled a sinister smile at her as he took a step closer and she stepped back instinctively trying to keep a distance from him.
What are you doing here? Her voice came out as a whisper and she felt herself shaking. Whether it was from fear or shock she couldn't know.
Aren't you happy to see your uncle Gracie? He said in a mocking tone. Oh how she hated that nickname, she wanted to scream at him to go away but she couldn't make a sound.
No, you should leave, she finally said finding the courage to answer. It only made him chuckle in a way she absolutely hated.
And here I thought I would get a warm welcome from you, he said in a fake sad voice. He climbed up the steps and stood in front of her obviously expecting to be invited inside the house.
You can't come in, I'm not allowed to have guests over, she said more loudly this time standing in his way.
Then don't tell them, they're not here anyway are they? He said pushing past her and entering the house anyway. Her mind sprang to action and she run behind him in an attempt to stop him.
You can't be here! She shouted and with a courage she didn't know she had she grabbed him arm forcing him to turn back to her. He looked down at her raising one brow as he jerked his arm free from her hold.
Would you look at that, he said walking into the living room and looking around the room.
I think I interrupted a romantic night, I thought you were not allowed to have guests? He said still in that awful mocking tone. She hated him in that moment, she hated even the fact that they were related. She hated that they shared the same blonde hair and green eyes. She hated that they almost looked like twins. She hated him with all her heart.
I didn't… she began to explain but her anger got the best of her and she decided that she didn't need to give him any explanation.
It's not your business, she said in a cold tone. His face changed immediately and she could see his anger rising as well.
I got really worried about you Gracie, I woke up one day and you were gone. That's not nice, he said walking slowly over to her like a predator ready to pounce at any moment.
I'm an adult, I can leave any time I want. You can't force me to stay with you and you have no business being here, she said standing her ground. She didn't know where all this newfound courage was coming from but she was proud of herself. She refused to let him terrify her like he did before.
I can't believe you have the audacity to talk to me like this. After all I've done for you, I raised you and I fed you all these years, you would be on the streets without me! He yelled the last part making her jump.
I was on the streets because of you! You left us homeless because you wanted to drink and gamble! I'm so sick of you, she said with a disgusted face and she saw the surprise on his face. He was not used to her talking back to him. He didn't answer and she noticed that his eyes focused on something behind her, she turned back and she realized he was looking towards the couch. Brahms, she thought. Oh he would be upset with all this happening inside his house.
Is that the kid? He said gesturing towards the couch. The doll was hidden by the couch and only the top of its head was visible, he had not realized that it was a doll. She quickly ran to the couch and picked up the doll in her arms. Harry approached them and she took a few steps back until her back hit the wall behind her.
What's your name little one? He asked touching the doll's hair. It was only then that he realized it wasn't a living person. He starred at the doll and then back at her in disbelief.
Are you kidding me? They hired you to babysit a doll? He said throwing his head back and laughing out loud.
You wouldn't understand… she said quietly squeezing the doll in her arms. Brahms would be angry, she thought. She had to make him leave.
Understand what? That you have an entire mansion to yourself and all you have to do is to pretend to take care of a doll and get payed for it? Yeah, life must be hard for you, he said still mocking her. If he only knew…
The Heelshires will be back soon, they won't be happy to find you here, she lied to him trying to convince him to leave.
They won't be happy to find me here but they wouldn't have a problem with you inviting your boyfriend over? That's a little unfair Gracie. I have a feeling you're not happy to see me, he said pretending to be offended.
It looks like your romantic date is ruined but it would a shame to waste so much food. Why don't you put down your little friend and serve me some food? He said gesturing to the trait on the floor. Of course she didn't dare put the doll down as he asked but she picked up the trait with one hand and placed it on the large dining table. He walked after her and took a seat at the head of the table, she pushed the trait towards him without saying a word.
Not hungry huh? He said raising one brow,
I was but not anymore, she admitted sitting down on the empty chair next to him.
More food for me then, he murmured as he began to eat a little bit of everything. She held the doll tightly in her arms and closed her eyes.
Oh I almost forgot, I have a gift for you, he said pulling out of his jacket a small folder.
What's this? She asked eyeing the folder suspiciously.
It's a birthday gift. I know it's tomorrow but I couldn't wait to see you and give it to you. You see, I'm not as bad as you think, he said smiling. Honestly, she had completely forgotten about her birthday with everything that happened. She hesitantly took the folder and opened it.
Tickets? She asked him confused,
Yes. I was hoping that you would come back to your senses and return where you belong. We're leaving tomorrow morning, he stated. She pushed the tickets back towards him.
I'm not going anywhere with you. My place is where I choose to be, and I chose to be here. You should have respected that, she said as calmly as she could. She saw him gritting his teeth and clenching his fists. She swallowed hard knowing she had angered him but she refused to give him the satisfaction to see how much scared she was of him.
Grace, we're leaving tomorrow and it's final, he said clenching the knife in his hand. It was a clear warning but she would not back down.
No, she stubbornly said. He suddenly got up from his seat and with a swipe of his hand he threw all the contents of the dining table on floor. She gasped in shock and jumped up from her seat. With all that noise they both had failed to notice that somebody had entered the house.
What's going on here? Alex's voice came from the other side of the room. Harry turned to look at him in annoyance while Grace was more glad than ever to see him.
Is that your boyfriend? Harry asked using that awful mocking tone again.
Who is this? Alex asked her looking at Harry confused.
He is my uncle, she said quietly. It must have been her body language or the fear in her eyes that made Alex realize she was in danger.
Are you okay? He asked her clearly worried. Grace did not had time to answer as she heard Harry laughing out loud.
Here comes the savior! He said rolling his eyes and crossing his arms over his chest.
I kind of feel bad for ruining your romantic dinner guys, he said still laughing. Alex turned to him this time.
Listen up, Mr. & Mrs. won't be happy to find uninvited guests and they definitely won't appreciate you making a mess in their house. I think you should leave, he told him and Harry rolled his eyes once again.
Everyone seems to be in a hurry for me to leave but don't worry, we'll be gone before they come back, he said walking over to Grace and draping his arm over shoulder. She shuddered at his touch and tried not to flinch.
Oh and don't worry about the mess, Gracie will take care of it, right sweetheart? He said pushing her, not so gently, towards the corner of the living room where he had thrown the trait on the floor. Grace complied by kneeling down and tried to gather whatever she could with one hand while holding the doll on the other hand. Alex saw her struggle and run over to her.
I'll help you, don't worry, he said and she thanked him. It was comforting knowing that he was here. It was comforting knowing he was there with her and she was not alone with that monster. She thought about Brahms and she felt guilty for bringing this man into his house. From the corner of her eye she noticed Harry had walked over to the couch, he picked up the red dress Brahms had given her and looked at it in disgust before dropping it to the floor.
Alex had helped her clean the mess and they headed to the kitchen while Harry was watching some football game in the living room. She set the doll on the table with shaking hands and she sat down. She wanted to cry and scream but she could not break down now, she had to be strong. Alex kneeled in front of her and touched her shoulder.
Are you okay? Did he hurt you? He asked concerned.
No, I'm okay, she said but her voice was shaking.
He is the reason you came here, isn't he? You were hiding from him, Alex said and she nodded.
He wants me to leave with him tomorrow, she said and she felt tears running on her face.
You don't have to go anywhere you don't want to, he can't force you to leave with him, he said trying to calm her down.
He'll hurt me if I don't do what he wants, she said feeling helpless.
I won't let him hurt you, I'll stay here tonight and if anything happens we will call the police, he said in a determined voice.
Grace, where the hell are you? Harry yelled from the living room. She flinched at the sound of his voice and she quickly got up from her seat. She didn't want him to come over to the kitchen and suspect that they were planning anything against him. She wiped her eyes and headed to the living room with Alex following behind her. She found him still on the couch, sitting there as if he owned the place. She hated the sight of him.
You're still here, huh, he said looking behind her in annoyance. Alex ignored his rude remark but she could tell he was tense.
I was just leaving, he said not even bothering to look at Harry.
About time, he murmured sending a threatening look towards Alex.
Goodnight Grace, Alex said turning to her and ignoring him once again.
Goodnight Alex, she told him as he watched him walking out of the front door. In that moment she wished she had heard his father's advice to leave this place.
Gracie, I'm tired. I have to get some sleep, we'll have to wake up early to catch our flight, he said in a bored tone.
I'll be right back, she told him and walked upstairs to bring him a pillow and a blanket. When she returned he looked at her surprised.
What? No fancy bedroom for me? He asked raising one brow,
It's better for you to sleep at the living room, besides there's a fireplace and it's warmer down here, the nights are cold, she explained avoiding eye contact.
Yeah yeah whatever, he said laying down on the couch and covering himself. No other words were exchanged between them so she turned to leave. She took the doll from the kitchen where she had left it and ran upstairs. She stood in the hallway pondering her options for a moment and she decided to spend the night in Brahms room. She walked into his room and locked the door behind her. When she looked outside the window she was relieved to see that Alex's car was parked right outside, she felt a little safer knowing he was still there. She climbed into bed with the doll in her arms.
She had not seen or heard any sign of Brahms since Harry had arrived. She was worried that he would be mad at her for allowing him to stay in his house. Perhaps he was scared too, he was a child after all.
I'm so sorry Brahms, I didn't mean for any of this to happen. I wish I could make him leave, he wants to take me away. I'm so sorry, please don't be mad at me, she whispered letting her tears wet the doll's hair. She sobbed quietly afraid that the monster in the living room would heard her. She cried until she was exhausted.
She fell asleep hoping that all this was only but a nightmare….