Disclaimer: I do not own Until Dawn, nor any of the characters. I only own my OC's
Chapter 1: Horrors of the past
Deep in the swamps of the Bayou, 10 miles away from the city of New Orleans, lied an island that is called Crowe island, which was 4 miles in diameter. Though the island was surrounded by marshes and had a very small population, the salt dome is known for its great source of spices.
In the middle of the island, lies a big manor, once belonged to the wealthy landowner Robert Joseph Crowe and his family.
Robert Crowe once owned the largest spice plantation on the island back in the 1870's and used the money from his sales to build a large manor in the middle of the island for his family, away from the marches so the alligators wouldn't harm them. His wife, Melinda Russel Crowe, was an heiress as her family made large amounts of money dealing in antiquities and even owned a large amount of jewelry worth millions.
Robert and Melinda had two children a twin son and daughter: Rexford 'Rex' Crowe and Lillian 'Lily Crowe.
Though the Crowe family had all they needed and lived a happy life in their newly constructed manor, they didn't lived in the manor alone, for Robert Crowe also hired several constructers to build a small village, lying a mile north of the Manor, for their employees: chauffeurs, maids, butlers, chefs and even a few private tutors to educate their children.
Despite many of their staff were freed slaves from the Civil War, the Crowe family were always kind and fair to all their employees, with even their twin children making friends with some of the children of the staff. Robert and Melinda even gave their employees days off and yearly bonuses, especially on the holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Eve.
But in the summer of 1879, when the Crowe family were preparing to leave to spend their annual summer vacation at Key Biscayne in Florida… they were brutally murdered. The police suspected after some investigation that one of the employees was responsible for the gruesome murder on the Crowes and arrested one of the butlers: an Afro-American male named Martin Lawrence. Though his family believed his innocence, he was found guilty by the New Orleans court and was sentenced to death by hanging.
After the staff had buried Mr. and Mrs. Crowe along with their children, due to the island being their home, the former staff had kept the manor in prime living condition in the hope of another family would buy the land to find a quiet place to live.
Crowe Manor however would remain empty for years, as the few rich people who were first interested to buy the land and manor, they soon left. However… it was not because the people weren't interested to buy the land at all…. For ever since the murder on the Crowe family, strange and unexplained things happened in the manor, which kept most people away from Crowe Island, hearing rumors that the manor itself was haunted. And thus so, the now small population on the island, as many years passed, less and less the former employees and their descendants wouldn't dare to come close to the manor or even taking their time to keep the manor in good condition.
Years became decades… and as Crowe Manor slowly deteriorated into a shadow of its former glory, the small population of village, which was now named 'Crows Village', would slowly leave the island to either life in New Orleans itself or other places in the US, leaving only a handful of people left to take care of the island.
It wasn't until 1957 that a wealthy family, known as the Duncan family, finally saw interest in the manor and had spent lots of money to renovate the place, paying no attention to all the superstition that the people on Crowe Island had spread that the place was haunted.
But… as the weeks went by during the renovation… the Duncan's and their hired employees began to experience strange paranormal activity around the manor. When the renovation was completed, turning it great like in the old days, with some extra changes to it, including a modern bathroom, kitchen and electricity. Harold and Mary Duncan could finally move into their home, along with their 5 year old daughter, Bianca.
But ever since they moved in, the strange events around their house only gotten worse, with things moving on their own, strange noises were heard… even their little daughter claimed to have made new friends who only she could see.
When Harold and Mary came to check on her, they were shocked beyond belief to see their daughter floating in the air, laughing, as she was playing a game with her imaginary friends, who let nearly all her dolls float in the room.
Running out of options, seeing that the manor is truly haunted, the Duncan's needed help…
Crowe Manor
September 13th, 1957
22:41
A strange storm was gathering over Crowe Island, with wind blowing hard and some rain was falling, while every minute thunder could be heard.
In the large living room, Mary Duncan was sitting at the dining table, with her arms holding around herself. She looked down the table, where she'd placed the cup of tea she made for herself. Even by looking just looking at her tea cup, made her scared, thinking it would just fly right of the table. Carefully, she reached with her right hand for it. Sweat drops already started to form around her forehead.
She was only a few inches away from it… her hand started to shake… she was this close to take it…
"Honey."
"AAAH!" Mary screamed in shock, tossing her tea cup away herself!
When she saw it was her husband, Harold, raising his hands up, not meaning to scare his wife "I-I-I'm sorry! I didn't meant to…"
Mary started to cry while raising from her chair, not being able to take all this stress and paranormal activity in the manor anymore "Oh, Harold!" she embraced her husband, crying on his shoulder "I can't… I can't take it anymore!"
Harold returned the hug, rubbing her back "I know… I know…" he sighed, having regrets of ever buying this place.
Both Harold and Mary remained in embrace for some time. Unknown to them, their 5 year old daughter, Bianca, standing in the doorway of the kitchen, wearing her nightgown and held her teddy bear in her left hand.
When Harold noticed their daughter at the doorway, he surprisingly asked her "Bianca? What are you doing here? You're supposed to be in bed."
Mary glanced at her daughter, who told "The women… she's coming tonight, right?"
Both her parents looked at her with confusion, having thought that she hadn't heard them talking to ask someone over in the hope to cast these ghosts out of their house "Honey… your father and I were alone when we contacted her. How can you possibly know?"
"Lily and Rex told me." Bianca stated.
Mary and Harold looked horrified at their daughter, as her ghost friends had told her about the women who comes over to their home. Mary slowly shook her head, as even the spirits in this house knew everything that had been whispered in the house.
When a heavy lightning strike was heard outside, Bianca yelped and ran over to her mother, holding her leg tight as she was scared of the lightning.
Mary sighed as she sat on her knees, embracing little Bianca and stroke her back, comforting her "It's okay, honey… there's no reason to be afraid of the lightning."
It wasn't long before Bianca could hear some whispers, which only she could hear. Her eyes blinked as she looked at her parents, saying "She's here…" and pointed to the front door.
One second later, the doorbell ringed, which startled Mr. and Mrs. Duncan.
Carefully, Harold walked over to the front door. When he grabbed the doorknob, he slowly twist it to the right, opening it. Before the door stood a middle-aged women with long wild and uncombed brown hair, wearing an old red Kantha gown and wearing old slippers.
When Harold looked upon the women, he was surprised for a short moment to see she's the one they asked for was looking like this. But just as he was about to open his mouth, the women held her finger up, hushing him "Not a word!" she stepped into the house without Harold saying she was allowed to. The women gazed her surroundings, ignoring the fancy things around her while holding her hand up while it was shaking and closed her eyes, like she was in a sort of trance.
Unclear of what this women was doing, Mary asked her husband "Is… is that the… medium we asked for?"
"I… I think so, yeah… but I didn't expect her to be like… this." Harold said, trying to see what the female medium was trying to do.
While still in her trance and shaking her hand in the air, the women mumbled something under her breath, like she was speaking an unknown language. Then… she stopped and opened her eyes wide. Slowly, she glanced back at Mr. and Mrs. Duncan, saying as she walked over to them "This house… two spirits are wandering these halls…" then she froze and slowly glanced at little Bianca, like she could sense something coming from the 5 year old "You. You've seen the spirits." Bianca nodded, confirming the old medium's suspicion "And can talk to them too."
Bianca nodded again "Yes. They are my friends and-"
But she was interrupted by her mother "Bianca, c'mon. Let's get you to bed." Mary took her daughter's hand and was about to take her up the big stairs back to her room to tuck her in.
"WAIT!" the medium suddenly yelled, making Mary and Bianca to stop and glanced back to the medium, who insisted "She… she is the key. Yes. With her it will work."
Harold was immediate against this "Now hold up! I did not hire you to-" but was interrupted as the medium lady puts her hand on his mouth.
Very serious, she looked at Harold "Your daughter… is the only way for us to communicate with the spirits, knowing what causes them to haunt these walls."
Mary shook her head, not wanting to drag her 5 year old daughter into this mess. But then, Bianca heard whispers again from her two ghost friends. Bianca looked up the stairs, seeing her two friends before giving a nod and told her mother "Mommy, it's okay. Rex and Lily say they don't mind at all."
Mary became distraught, trying to say to her daughter "Bianca! You… you're too young for this, please!" and hugged her tightly, nearly crying "There are no ghosts! There are no-" suddenly, the big mirror in the hallway cracked, shocking both Mary and Harold.
"Lily, don't do that!" Bianca called to her ghost friend who broke the mirror.
Just then… the medium sensed something, making her gasp as she tried to concentrate "Wait! There is… something else…"
Started to get scared, Harold asked her "What is it?"
The medium women walked around the house, mummering quietly while holding her shaking right hand up. Harold and Mary followed her.
Then, when the medium was in the library, she stood still and said while being in a trance "There is something else… like… another spirit wandering this house." But sensed something else about this other spirit, making her to slowly turn and faced the Duncans "It is not the two spirits that your daughter sees that causes this house to be disturbed… it's…" she slowly gasped, not having sensed anything like this "No wait… it's not a spirit… it's like A spirit… but yet it isn't…"
"What does that even suppose to mean?!" Harold demanded.
The medium shook her head, trying to think. Then gestured them and Bianca to follow her "We must communicate with… it. In here… the dining table… come."
A few minutes later, all sat at the dining table, holding hands in a circle while the medium instructed them "Now… close your eyes… empty your minds." Bianca did so, while Mary and Harold exchanged a short glance, deciding that despite they skeptical about this, they closed their eyes as well, trying to concentrate as what the women told them while she spoke to this other presence "To the one who causes havoc and haunt this family… will you reveal yourself to us? If other than the two… spirits that haunt these walls, make your presence known…"
After a minute… nothing happened. Harold peeked with one eye, which caused one of the ghosts to saying something out loud that Bianca could hear and told her father "Daddy! Rex says, don't peak!"
Harold nearly had enough of this nonsense, but being tired of the constant paranormal activity in their new house, Harold sighed, swallowing his pride and closed both his eyes again.
Then… the table started to shake.
Mary opened her eyes of being scared "Oh God… there here again!"
"CONCENTRATE!" the medium instructed while yelling, without even opening her eyes. Mary did so, while the medium tried to communicate with the other spirit "We can feel your presence… the one that haunt this family, make your presence known. Reveal yourself!" the table shake even more!
But then… nothing….
The medium women opened her eyes and released her grip on Mary's and Harold's hand while she shook her head "This one… is very stubborn…" she sighed "This is going to take a while…" she said while rubbing her head.
"But… what happened to it? Are they gone?" Harold asked.
The medium women shook her head while stating "No… the spirits are still here. But yet…" she then glanced at Mr. and Mrs. Duncan "…They are happy souls, not wanting to cause harm. They're more like… playful and caring…"
Bianca added, confirming what she told about her ghost friends "See!? I told you Rex and Lily don't mean any harm!"
"Hush!" Mary shushed her daughter loudly before asking the medium "But this other spirit… what of it?"
For a short moment, the medium women didn't answer and was only in deep thought. Harold became pessimistic, figuring that this medium would ask for more cash. But then raised her finger and said "Tea."
This surprised Harold and Mary, confused to why she said that "What?" Harold asked.
"I… I need some tea…" she stated while taking out a teabag from her pocket and placed it on the table "…It helps me to have a… clearer mind…"
Harold and Mary exchanged a confused look, but shrugged while Mary raised herself and walked over to the kitchen "Sure. I'll… cook some water for you."
The medium then glanced at Harold, asking "You thought I was going to ask for more money, is it not?"
Harold try to say while he shook his head "Oh no, I was just-"
"You don't need to be ashamed to hide your suspicion from me, Mr. Duncan. I understand. But, do you want to know why I agreed to help you after you asked your employers to contact me?"
Harold did became curious and wandered "If it's not about the money… then what? What is it that you want?"
The women sighed as she stated "To give rest to those who're unable to find peace in the afterlife." She looked around her while saying "I heard so many tales about this place… rumors… whispers… unimaginable things…" she then glanced back at Harold "Whoever… or whatever is truly in control over the supernatural in this old manor… must be a very… very upset spirit…"
Bianca was starting to get scared of whatever this other upset spirit was and what it could do. But then, she heard her ghost friend Lily whispering to her and felt a cold touch on her hand, feeling she wanted to ensure her that she and her brother won't let any harm to her.
In the kitchen, Mary was putting the kettle on the stove and puts the fire under it on. She looked outside the window, seeing that it was now raining harder outside.
But then, as Mary glanced to the nearby forest while a lightning strike enlightened the area, she saw somebody running through the woods, only to disappear in the night.
Mary had no idea who that could be, not even understanding why someone would go out in this kind of weather in the middle of the night.
While still thinking of all this while still looking to the forest, another lighting strikes, showing 3 more people, staring at the house with knives in hand! Mary gasped in horror as she took a few steps back, nearly tripping backwards.
Mary breathed hard, closing her eyes tight, thinking it was another trick from the ghost.
Not long after, the kettle whistled, showing that the water had cooked enough. Mary took the kettle off the fire while glancing back at the forest while another lighting strikes… seeing nobody.
Mary sighed in relief 'It… it must have imagined it… that's all…' she mentally told herself while pouring hot water in a tea cup and brought it to the medium lady.
After a few minutes, while she drank her tea, the lady puts her tea aside while her right hand started to shake, sensing something awful.
"Are you… alright?" Harold asked the fortune teller.
The lady spread out her hands, gesturing all to hold hands again "Close your eyes." all did while the medium lady tried once again to contact the other spirit "Listen, spirit that haunts this family! Make your presence known! I command thee!"
Suddenly, the table started to shake and many cracks were heard from inside the walls!
Bianca was really scared and hugged her mother tied "Mommy, I'm scared!"
Then, the women's teacup flew off the table and hit the wall while it broke in pieces! Harold raised from his chair, being nearly at a breaking point as it now became too much for him "What the heck is going on here?!"
Bianca then heard her ghost friends whispering loud, making her even more scared "Mommy… mommy!"
Mary held her daughter tied, trying to calm her "Shhh, calm down."
"No, Lily and Rex said it's too dangerous!"
"What?" Mary asked her confused.
The medium lady suddenly felt some kind of sting in her chest, making her gasp out loud. For a moment, she had trouble breathing as she raised from her chair, before she gasped for air while now both hands were shaking. She glanced around in panic while plates, glasses and other things flew around. She slowly became horrified as she could feel the other spirit's power "This… spirit…!" she gasped again as she took a few steps back, becoming scared too "In the name off…! This is no ordinary spirit! This is… this is something far more evil! More dangerous than I thought it is!"
Harold grabbed her shoulders, demanding "What is it then!? Tell me, WHAT THE HELL IS THIS THING-" but suddenly, Harold was pushed far away back by some unknown force, hitting the wall behind him hard!"
"HAROLD!" Mary screamed and ran with Bianca over to her husband, helping him.
Nearly all the windows cracked with hard wind blowing inside the manor!
Bianca started cry while the fortune teller tried to control the spirit, but was to no avail.
"Leave this house! I command thee! Leave this house!" the lady called.
Then… all sounds around Bianca started to mute, hearing the soft whispers of her ghost friends. But then it stopped, with both Rex and Lily yelling "Bianca! RUUUUUUUUUN!"
Suddenly, the lady began shaking uncontrollably while a strange dark green goo came from her mouth and dark shadows surrounded her. The women's bones started to crack as she was floated into the air. Her eyes, glowing bright yellow as she was being possessed by this evil spirit. She stares down Bianca, speaking in an unknown language while pointing at her with the brightest evil smirk. The lady spoke louder and louder till… her neck twisted 180 degrees and fell hard on the floor, dead!
Harold and Mary were horrified of what they witnessed while Bianca screamed.
Harold quickly rose up and grabbed Bianca as he and his wife ran out of the house while more things flew in all directions and the walls cracked "C'mon! Let's get out of here! MOVE!"
All ran out of the front door, heading towards their car that was in the newly built shed. After putting Bianca at the backseat, Mary ran to sit at the passenger seat while Harold quickly started the car and raced towards the port to get the boat to get back to New Orleans, far away from the cursed manor.
When the Duncan's had left, everything inside the manor slowly became calm as the things that floated around fell down the ground and the hard wind had subsided. Strange shadows that were luring inside the manor moved away, heading back into the floors and walls.
In the now ruined dining room, the ghost twins, Rex and Lily began to appear, both wearing long white gowns. They sadly looked down at the dead female medium, being unable to safe her. Both held hands for a long time while they kept looking at the dead lady, before they started to vanish while a tear fell from both their eyes.
Outside the manor, at the edge of the forest, a group of people, wearing strange cloaks looked to where the car of the Duncan's had raced too. One of them, their leader frowned before whispering something to his followers as they all went into the darkness of the night.
Sacramento, California
Dr. Hill's office
Present day…
It has been two years since the terrible night on Blackwood Mountain, where Hannah, her brother Josh, their friends and her girlfriend had come together during the annual winter getaway in her family's lodge. During the annual winter getaway, which was overshadowed by the death of Hannah's twin sister the year before, she along with her brother and friends had tried to move on and to at least have some fun during the winter getaway, during which Hannah and her best friend Sam had opened up their feelings for each other and are now a couple.
However, their happy time, including that of their friends was short lived, as Josh had manipulated everyone as part of his revenge plan for what happened to Beth and wanted to torment his friends with all kinds of fears.
But not long after, one by one, some of their friends died as monsters, called Wendigo's started to kill them, while shockingly revealed that Beth had turned into one of them and was responsible for most of the killings.
In a final attempt to escape the slaughter, the remaining survivors destroyed the Lodge, killing all the Wendigo inside, including Wendigo Beth.
Now having lost both her siblings, Hannah had a hard time to move on as she was starting to have survivor's guilt. But luckily for her, Hannah had all the support and comfort from her friends, her parents and her girlfriend Sam. For the past 2 years, Hannah was having some therapy sessions with her family therapist, Dr. Alan Hill.
After waiting for what felt like over half an hour in the waiting room, Hannah was sitting in complete silence in Dr. Hill's office, with the therapist sitting behind his desk.
Alan asked Hannah softly "Well, Miss Washington… how do you feel today?"
Hannah answered while giving a small shrug "I've been doing alright… for the most part."
Alan then asked while jolting down Hannah's answer in his notebook "Have you still had trouble with sleeping? Nightmares?"
Hannah sighs softly as images from her nightmares flashed through her head, images of the traumatic experience from 2 years ago on Blackwood Mountain, but thanks to some medication gave Hannah a better night sleep, but the nightmares were still there. She replied without mentioning the nightmares about the Wendigo "I… I've been sleeping a bit better now. The pills you prescribed have been helping."
Alan glanced up from his notebook, feeling that Hannah was holding something back and stated "Miss Washington… Hannah, you're fully aware that I treated your brother, Joshua… when your sister, Beth died from that incredibly stupid 'prank' that your friends, Jessica and Emily puled on you."
Hannah scoffed at Dr. Hill for referring to the girls that she despised so much as her 'friends', but stated softly "Jessica and Emily weren't exactly my… 'friends' Dr. Hill."
Alan sighed as he replied softly "My point is Hannah… I tried my best to help your brother, just like you and your parents did… but we failed, because he made the unwise choice to push others away… and I'd hate to see the same thing happen to you. So I'm going to ask again… have you still been struggling with sleeping?"
With somber eyes, Hannah answered "The pills help… but… the nightmares… they still come and go."
While Alan was jolting down Hannah's answer of still having nightmares, he asked "How would you describe your relationship with your girlfriend, Samantha?"
Hannah replied while smiling softly "Sam… she's practically been a godsend. She's the one that's been helping me keep going and keeping me sane after everything we went through back… at my family's lodge on Blackwood Mountain."
Jolting Hannah's response about her girlfriend and lover, he said "Right… ever since that ordeal with that insane hermit who attacked you and your…"
Not being able to hold herself from telling the truth, Hannah stated strongly as she cut her family therapist off "That man never attacked us. He was trying to protect us from the Wendigos."
Alan raised his hand, stating softly "Hannah, stop right…"
But Hannah said with pleading eyes "Please… Dr. Hill please! my friends and I didn't make any of the stuff up we told the park rangers or deputies at the sheriff's office. You told me when we first started our sessions that I could tell you anything and you'd always be there if I need to talk to. So please, just… listen to what I have to say."
Feeling that Hannah's words were true and that he indeed had promised her that she could tell him anything due to doctor-patient privilege, Alan gave a small sigh before giving a nod "…Go ahead."
Hannah started to tell "Everything my friends and I told the local sheriff and those… government agents, was true. The hermit… the… flamethrower guy who tried to safe us… he told us things that we couldn't believe, telling that there was a curse on the mountain.… But when we discovered what had happened to the miners that went missing, along with the patients at the old abandoned sanitorium… we knew that everything he said was true. Especially since… Sam, Mike and I discovered the horrible truth about what happened to… to… my sister, Beth… when she was presumed dead." Tears formed in her eyes as the thought of what happened to her twin sister after being trapped in the mine for so long, having succumbed to cannibalism and changed into a Wendigo made the young Washington sad.
Putting his notebook down, Dr. Hill asked while offering a tissue to Hannah "And… the miners you speak of… you're referring to the ones that went missing in the late 1950's?"
Hannah took the tissue and dried her tears before nodding "Yes…"
"Hannah… you said that the 'flamethrower guy', who tried to protect you and your friends… he spoke of a… curse?"
Hannah closed her eyes, since the stranger, whom she and her friends later learned whose name was Jack, his final words never left her mind. She told "He said… that if any man or women resorted to cannibalism… the spirit of the Wendigo would possess them and eventually take over."
While in thought, Alan said "Hannah… I'm going to have to cut our session short for the day."
Hannah sighed as she shook her head "You think that I'm insane… don't you Doctor?"
Alan however ensured her "No. Hannah, no. I don't think you're insane at all. I just need to… process everything you've just told me."
Wanting to be sure that what she said stays between her and Dr. Hill, she asked him "Everything I just told you… it stays between us, right?"
Alan formed a soft smile "Of course Hannah. And if you ever need to speak to me again, you can always call me on my personal phone."
Hannah nodded as she stood up from her chair and said with a smile before exiting his office "Thank you Dr. Hill. I appreciate everything you've done for me the past two years."
Dr. Hill gave a simple nod. Hannah then left the office and closed the door behind her.
The therapist stood up from his chair and walked over to the big window, looking down the street while in thought, thinking of what Hannah told him what REALLY happened on that horrific night on Blackwood Mountain.
After putting her jacket on, Hannah walked out of the therapist's building and went over to her car, which was a Toyota Camry at the parking lot. When she used the key-remote to open her car, she entered the driving seat and started her car, heading to where she promised to meet her girlfriend, Sam for their date.
After a short ride of 10 minutes, Hannah arrived at the place called 'Temple Coffee Roasters'.
Inside, Sam was sitting at a table, taking a sip from her cappuccino. She'd been sitting at a table for only 5 minutes when she saw her girlfriend Hannah entering. A smile grew on Sam as she stood up when Hannah came over to her "Hey, baby."
"Hey Sammy." Hannah said and both shared a short passionate kiss before sitting at the table.
"You're early. Short session this time?" Sam asked her girlfriend.
Hannah nodded "Yeah… there wasn't much to say, other than telling…" she kept herself from telling that she told the truth about the Wendigo that attacked them on the mountain 2 years ago.
Though Sam was unsure if it was wise for her girlfriend to decide to tell Dr. Hill what truly made Hannah to trouble to move on, she softly took her hands and softly rubbed them while asking "And… how did he take it?"
Hannah gave a small shrug "Well… a bit surprised. Which was the reason the session was kept short, in order for my family therapist to let it sink in." She the ensured her lover "He won't say anything, Sammy."
Sam gave a small sigh of relief. But then dismissed it and just said with a smile "Let's not talk about that now. Right now, it's just you and me… together."
Hannah formed a smile too and gave a nod "Yeah. You're right."
When the waiter came to take Hannah's order, Hannah asked also for a cappuccino. Once the waiter left, Hannah asked her girlfriend "So…? What do you have planned for our date today?"
At that very moment, Ashley and Chris entered the coffee shop, with Ashley saying "Hey guys!"
Both Sam and Hannah greeted their friends, with Sam stating to her girlfriend "I was thinking… well, actually this was Ashley's idea of us four having a double date."
Chris gave a shrug, as he didn't minded of having a double date with his girlfriend Ashley and to share it with their two close friends "I don't mind, and I thinks it could be a nice little experience for a chance."
Hannah thought for a moment. She could choose to tell she actually wanted to have some private time with Sam, or saying that she doesn't mind. Hannah choose to tell she doesn't mind and says with a smile "Sure…! It could be fun, right?"
Ashley nodded while holding her boyfriend's arm "Yeah."
After Chris and Ashley also ordered something for themselves, they chatted about how college was going and what their plans for when they all graduate this summer. With Chris planning on earning his PhD at Civil Engineering. Ashley plans on becoming a pediatrician, as she loves working with kids. As it is known that Sam's dream job is to become a conservationist, she follows the Wildlife conservation program at college to become one. As for Hannah, she plans on becoming a teacher, either focusing on English literature or world history.
Once they'd finished their drinks and paid the tip, Sam and Hannah enjoyed the rest of the day together, along with Ashley and Chris, starting with some rock climbing for a few hours. Though Ashley and Chris weren't that good in it, Sam and Hannah climbed the rock walls like pros, as they've done it together many times in the past 3 years.
When Ashley and Chris were exhausted, Hannah and Sam figured that it would be best to do something else. So, they decided to have something to eat at a local cafeteria, where Chris suggested to do something else than exercise. All decided to do some shopping at the big mall 'Downtown Commons'.
While they all enjoyed by looking into some of the shops and buying some things, Chris stated after he and his girlfriend Ashley exited an electronic shop to have a look on the new smartphones they had for sale "Man, can't believe that new smartphone costs like 600 bucks."
Ashley wandered while she took his hand and walked together to where Hannah and Sam had gone to "You're not happy with the phone you have?"
"Of course I am, Ash." Chris ensured "It's just… the new phone has more memory, better battery and is faster than the last version."
Ashley gave a shrug, but then grinned as she teased him by asking "And… if they sold a… better version of me in that shop, would you consider changing it for a better girl?"
That surprised Chris greatly as he stopped and looked at her, trying to ensure her "What? No! Of course not, I would never EVER trade you for anyone, no matter how much they would offer for you, I would never trade for someone who is-"
Seeing her boyfriend's reaction made Ashley giggle "Hihihihihi! Just kidding."
"Oh… well," he cleared his throat "Now you know how… how important you are for me."
Ashley gave a small giggle again "I know, you do, silly." And planted a long tender kiss on his lips, which he returned as they embraced.
However, they were disturbed when someone approached them and asked jokily "Don't swallow her up whole, Chris. You might need Ash for a bit longer."
Chris and Ashley broke the kiss and glanced at the guy who asked that. Both were surprised at first, but then smiled when it was their friend Matt, together with his new girlfriend, Zoey, holding his hand.
"Hey, Matt! Zoey! Didn't expect to see you guys here." Chris said with a smile.
Zoey Armstrong, a 21 year old Caucasian girl with half long red dyed curly hair, slim body and 5,6 feet tall, is Matt's current girlfriend who've been dating for 6 months. Though she can be a tough girl sometimes, Zoey is someone with a good heart and likes spend good time with her friends, and is also intelligent. Both her and Matt have been knowing each other as they shared the same classes together. Due to what Matt and his friends went through on Blackwood Mountain, he decided to make a change at college and now plans on getting a Master's Degree at Criminal Law in order to becoming either a police officer or Crime Scene Investigator, with Zoey planning on doing the same thing.
Zoey's outfit consists of a white cleavage shirt (showing her little rose tattoo on top of her left breast), dark brown leather jacket, dark jeans and black heels.
Zoey stated while holding Matt's arm, explaining why they were at the mall too "Well… cause I was planning to buy some new clothes, I wanted Matt to show them and hear his opinion."
Matt glanced into Zoey's eyes, forming a smile before glancing back at Chris and Ashley, stating "And it really paid off, as I really liked most of the outfits she picked."
Ashley teased Matt "Oooh, I bet you just joined your girlfriend to watch her naughty undies, right?"
That remark made Matt to blush deep as he tried to look away, hiding his awkwardness "Uh… well, uhm…"
Zoey gave a short glare at Ashley "Hey, that's none of your business."
Ashley was a bit scared of Zoey glaring at her and waved her hand as she explained "Relax, Zoey. It was just a joke."
Zoey's glare quickly faded and forms a smile "Good." Seeing her scared reaction, Zoey snickers "Hahahaha. You're so easily fooled, Ash."
Though they spend some good times with Zoey, having become friends with her, Zoey's tough attitude sometimes frightened Ashley, but was ensured by the redhead that she only does it to show she's not someone to be pushed around, and also just to mess around sometimes.
At that moment, Sam and Hannah joined them, with both caring a bag, having bought some new clothes for the coming season. Or rather, what they were planning for next week.
"Hey guys." Sam said before looking at Matt and Zoey, being both happy and a bit surprised to see them in the mall too "Matt. Zoey. What an oldy coincidence."
"Hey, you two." Matt said before glancing at Sam and Hannah's shopping bags "I see you two were also looking for some new outfits?"
Sam nodded while holding her bag up "Yep. All ready for next week." She meant by what they were all planning for next week.
Chris started to show some enthusiasm "Hell yeah! I'm all in for spending a midweek in New Orleans during Mardi Gras."
Ashley and Matt both nodded, being all in for next week too, seeing it as a good alternative as a new annual getaway since their traumatic experience with the Wendigo. Zoey was also invited by her new friends too to join them at Matt's suggestion, what she deeply appreciated.
Hannah sighed, as this reminded her too much of when their friends were enthusiastic of going back to the Washington lodge for the annual winter getaway. Though they all decided last year it was best not to plan to do any getaway's as it felt too soon for them, everyone thought it was perhaps time to think of an alternate plan for a new annual getaway for when February came in. So, after thinking of where to spend it, all eventually decided that New Orleans during Mardi Gras would be a good plan, to explore other things than spending several nights at a lodge on top of a snowy mountain and enjoy the city of New Orleans and its culture.
Sam held Hannah's hand and softly stroke it, which made her glance at her girlfriend and both formed a smile, knowing that they had each other to finally try and move on with their lives.
After a few hours of talking with Matt and Zoey, they departed ways.
As Chris and Ashley had planned to host a movie marathon at their apartment at College Town, they offered Sam and Hannah to join them, which they accepted.
And so, for the rest of the afternoon and evening, the two couples enjoyed a great time with watching several movies on Netflix, choosing from a variety of movies and making fun from time to time.
As the night came in, everyone was watching a rom-com on Chris' plasma-tv. On the coffee table lied some bowls with snacks, some used soda's and a few beers, along with pizza boxes.
On the big couch on the right side, Hannah and Sam were in embrace while watching the movie, with Sam holding a big bowl with popcorn. Sam took one popcorn and slowly puts it close to Hannah's mouth, which she gladly received and took a bite. While looking into each other's eyes, showing nothing but love, Hannah felt so grateful to have Sam as these 2 years they were together had not only helped her through her pain for losing her siblings, but both also had the best time of their lives.
Noticing that the movie was getting to a close, with the main character getting married to the girl he loves, Sam and Hannah noticed that Chris and Ashley weren't even watching the movie anymore and were passionately kissing. Sam and Hannah both smiled as how their relationship had changed a lot between Ashley and Chris, and weren't that shy anymore.
Seeing the main character giving his bride the kiss after saying 'I do', Sam and Hannah glanced at each other, with Sam saying softly "Works for me…"
Hannah chuckled before the two lesbian lovers too shared a long tender kiss, which slowly became more passionate.
When the final movie was over, all just watched a few programs on tv, before Hannah and Sam decided it was time to go back to their own place, leaving Chris and Ashley to have their private moment. After saying goodbye and Hannah and Sam had left, Ashley formed a seducing grin before jumping onto Chris and passionately kissed him, making him to hold her while she stripped out of her shirt and bra quickly. Chris couldn't refuse to share another passionate night with Ashley and carried her into the bedroom while not stopping kissing her passionatly.
Some hours later, in the middle of the night, Ashley and Chris, both lying naked in embrace on the bed while having the bedsheet over them, were into deep sleep.
But suddenly, Ashley woke up, feeling something weird from her stomach. While holding her belly, she gently released her embrace of Chris and walked over to the bathroom. She watched herself in the mirror while taking a deep breath "Wha… what is wrong with me?" she asked herself in the mirror. Was it something she ate perhaps? She drank some water, hoping her troubled stomach would be okay. But it didn't. Then… she suddenly had the urge vomit and did so into the toilet.
When her vomiting finally stopped, Ashley cleaned her mouth with water. She hoped it wasn't something bad and would go away eventually.
But… as the days went by, Ashley's little sickness didn't go away by itself and had once in a while morning sickness and had more sensitivity of smells. What's worse; she even missed her period, which made her worried. To be absolutely sure, Ashely secretly bought a pregnancy test.
That evening, which was only 3 days before the midweek in New Orleans, Ashley was standing in the bathroom, alone, as Chris wasn't at their place as he had an exam.
Ashley read the instruction on the little box one more time "Point the absorbent tip directly into the urine stream," she dips the absorbent pad into the cub with her urine "and the sample test will give the result after 7 to 10 seconds."
Ashley's nervousness increased. She prayed it won't be true.
Then, after 10 seconds of waiting, the pregnancy test showed 2 stripes. Ashley gasped in shock and read the instructions one more time, which said that if a pregnancy test showed 2 stripes…
Ashley is pregnant!
"Oh… fuck!" Ashley said as she sat down on the floor, glancing at the positive pregnancy test in her right hand "What do I gotta do? What do I gotta do?" Ashley asked herself while she shook her head, not believing that his was happening. Though she dreamt of starting a family with Chris one day (so she hoped), she knew that they weren't ready for that yet as they hadn't even finished college or even having a fulltime job. She and Chris did had internships, but it wouldn't be enough to support themselves and the baby.
Ashley tried to collect herself, trying to hold back her tears as she allowed herself to let this revelation sink in. She realized that things were going to get tough. Although… she and Chris had nearly finished college, so maybe they had enough time to find a solution and both finding a job and a home for themselves. The only thing what was troubling her is; how is Chris going to take this? And how is she going to explain this to him that they're going to be parents.
Ashley sighed deep while watching the ceiling "Oh God… how am I going to explain this to Chris?"
3 days later, at Sacramento International Airport, Hannah, Sam, Chris, Ashley, Matt and Zoey checked in for their flight to New Orleans. It was still early, around 6:30 AM, so most of them were still tired and hoped that they could get some sleep during the flight, having to make a transfer in Las Vegas, which gave them a few more hours of rest.
When all stepped into the plane, Matt yawned while trying to be all cheering "All right…! (yawn) New Orleans, here we come…!"
Zoey chuckled as she was all in to have some fun during Mardi Gras and puts her backpack in the overhead bin where she and Matt would sit.
Hannah sighed while sitting at her seat next to the window, behind Zoey's.
Wanting to know what bothered her girlfriend, Sam asked her as she sat down next to her, rubbing her arm "Hey… you alright, baby?"
Hannah rubbed her eyes, not giving an answer.
Sam could see what bothered her so much, and asked softly "You had another nightmare last night, didn't you…?"
Hannah gave a nod "Yes…" she sighed sadly as she glanced at her girlfriend.
Sam embraced Hannah, allowing her to rest in her arms while she softly rubbed her back.
Hannah felt some calmness within her when she embraced her lover. This were moments when she always felt a bit better.
When Chris sat at his seat in front of Matt's and Zoey's, Ashley became frustrated as she couldn't place her bag in the overhead bin and slammed it inside "C'mon…! C'mon you piece of shit!"
Surprised by her reaction, the others looked at her, while Chris tried to calm his girlfriend as he raised from his chair "Hey, hey, easy, Ash. Easy." After he helped her to put her bag inside the overhead bin, Chris closed it "There you go."
Ashley just gave a simple nod while looking away "Uhm… thanks, Chris."
"Hey, you okay? You seemed to be off edge this morning." Chris asked her, wandering what made her upset.
Ashley felt conflicted as her hormones because of her pregnancy had increased, should she be angrily at her boyfriend to leave her alone, or try to stay calm and give a little excuse. Ashley chose to try and remain calm, and said as she glanced at Chris while taking a deep breath "Yeah… yeah, I'm… I'm okay."
"You sure?"
Ashley nodded "Yeah… it's just… I… didn't get much sleep last night and…"
Chris nodded, understanding that she must be feeling tired "It's okay, hon. I get it." he then offered her to sit at the window "You wanna change seats? Maybe sitting at the window would be better?"
Ashley became a bit worried. Should she take his offer and sit at the window, but as she was worried she might vomit on the plane she could better be at her own seat so she could easily go to the bathroom. Ashley decided to decline her boyfriend's offer "I… I actually prefer my own seat. If you don't mind?"
Chris gave a shrug "O…okay. If you say so." As he wanted to go back to his seat, he figured that maybe a hug would make Ashley feel better, so when he embraced her, he softly stated "Don't worry too much, okay? I'm right here…. Whatever troubles you, I'm here for you."
Ashley sighed deeply as she returned the hug and closed her eyes as she whispered "Thank you…"
A female steward came by, wandering what that outburst was all about "Sir? Ma'am? Is everything okay?"
Ashley broke the hug and answered to the female steward "Yeah, yeah. It's just these damn overhead bins are like… too small for my bag. But it's okay. My boyfriend helped me."
The steward nodded friendly as she said before leaving "Okay, very well. If you both take your seats then we're ready to take off."
Chris sat back at the seat next to the window and Ashley sat next to him. She rubbed her belly for a moment, praying that she won't suddenly vomit.
Zoey asked as she turned around, glancing at Ashley "Everything cool, Ash?"
Ashley gave a nod "Yeah, yeah. I'm cool now."
Zoey nodded and sat back and tight her seatbelt before shoving closer to Matt who placed his arm around her, which made her to plant a kiss on his cheek.
After the safety instructions were given by the stewards on the plane, the captain puts on the speakers and said through the cockpit "Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking. We'll be the second ones to take off, so we'll be arriving in Las Vegas on schedule. The skies are all clear, so that makes it a perfect weather for flying. We want to thank you all for flying Spirit Airlines and we hope you'll have a pleasant flight."
After only 10 minutes of waiting for the 2 planes before them to take off, their own plane was running over the runway, getting ready to take off.
Sam however felt some uncomfortable within herself. Hannah had noticed it and asked her "You afraid of flying, Sammy?"
Sam glanced at her girlfriend and shocked her head "What? No, no, it's not the flight that worries me."
"Then what?"
Sam sighed and stated "It's very strange…"
"Strange?"
Sam nodded as she explained "I feel like… we've been watched by some… guys or sorts, this week." Hannah was a bit surprised to hear this while Sam told further "I could have sworn that we were being followed several times by the same people. And now… on the airport… I saw one I recognized that I saw near our place, 4 days ago."
Hannah began to feel a bit worried after hearing this.
Sam then tried to dismiss it as she took Hannah's hand "Or…" she chuckled "maybe I'm just… imagining things."
Hannah returned a small smile when the plane started to take off and flew high into the sky.
However… behind the plane, several rows behind the friend group, a middle aged old man and a young women were glancing with a serious look at Hannah, Sam, Chris, Ashley, Matt and Zoey. The both of them looked like they were country folk, but actually were not coming from the countryside at all. The two of them were something else… with evil intentions….
A/N: It's is great to have been able to made the first chapter of my sequel in time for Halloween.
Special thanks to my friend imerik001, who helped me with many ideas for the sequel, including the dialogues for the therapy part between Hannah and Dr. Hill. Many things will be explained during the future chapters. I have many things in mind for this new story which will surprise you greatly, telling who this evil spirit is that haunts Crowe Manor along with the spirits of the twin children, Rex & Lily and also who these evil people are that were at the time when the Duncan family fled the manor and are now stalking the friendgroup.
As for the future chapters, they will also show how much time is left until dawn like the first part.
Anyways, I hope you all have enjoyed it and I hope to see you guys in the next chapter.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!