A/n: I'm glad that I have such a nice response so far! It is good to know
that my writing and plot seem somewhat appealing to you guys or should I
say girls? Anyway, here is another chapter at an extremely fast pace
because I'd just like to dedicate it to the reviewers.
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Chapter 4
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Rachel quietly stood behind Steve. She wanted so bad to say something or greet his friends but she couldn't help from shaking. Ever since her bad experiences with Rose Red, Rachel had seemingly become more cautious towards people. Or anyone associated with Rose Red until now.
Steve could feel her shaking like a leaf so he put his left hand behind his back and reached for Rachel's. A few moments later, she complied and grabbed his hand. For a while they just stood like that. Casually Steve would make some comments about going back into the house. But he knew it was going to be especially hard for Rachel. Her worst fears and nightmares were left in that evil house that she so wished they could stay there. But the only way that was going to happen was if she got over her fears. Rose Red was feeding on their fear. If she didn't stop soon she would be jeopardizing the whole group.
"I-I ne-need to go to the bathroom," Rachel managed to stutter as she darted off in search of the restroom.
~*Rachel*~
God! I don't know what I'm doing anymore. I'm supposed to be strong and help hold the group together but Emery's previous comments still linger in my mind. It is hard to trust a man who threatens and thinks of evil ways to kill your baby sister. I know that Emery has had his own problems in the past and probably misses him mother because there is no one in his life to tell him what to do.
I really feel sorry for the man. He deserves much better than he receives but he gives nothing but more reasons for people to turn against him. Now, is the time we need to reunite against a common enemy as one.
I'm sure Emery will be just fine. I just need to give him some space. But, I think I better get out there and at least plan on talking to all of Steve's friends because I'm being so incredibly rude right now.
~~~~~~~~~
Rachel sauntered back to the group of friends who were engrossed in a conversation about Ellen and April. Casually, she slipped a seat beside Steve and decided not to interrupt. Plus, she was afraid to say something stupid. She already admitted to herself that he feelings for Steve were only becoming stronger.
"So, what did I miss?" Rachel asked as the group quieted down and split up to have their own private conversations.
"I was just telling Frank and Reeve about your sister Annie," Steve replied. "They seem very interested in hearing about her. Your sister is already popular," he said slapping her lightly on the back.
"Yeah, I guess she is," Rachel replied uncertainly.
"Anyway, since you know these guys how about we go and get Annie. We have to get to Rose Red as soon as we can and I need you to show me that picture that you found Annie holding. It may be our key back in," Steve suggested.
"Ok."
The crew got together and made a plan to find a way into Rose Red. It was going to be a difficult task but someone had to stop Ellen and April. And unfortunately they were the last people even near Rose Red that had any capabilities of stopping this once and for all.
~~~~~
They all quietly got into the van. Rachel had Annie in between her and Steve. The silence of the van was getting to everyone. No one wanted to ever go back there but his or her options were limited in the current situation. They were going to have to stand up to the spirits. It would be hard with the additions of Mrs. Waterman, Nick, and Joyce.
No one dared to make a sound. Rose Red was only five minutes away. Soon, they were going to have to face the music and realize that it was starting all over again and there was no way to avoid it this time. The group had to face their fears and hope that everything would go okay.
"I don't know if I can do this," Emery spoke up into the silence of the van. "I would like to keep my fingers since I narrowly escaped with my life the last time. And it was all that things fault!" he shot pointing to Annie. "Watch out! She'll be locking us in again," Emery quivered.
"Emery, that was then. Please try and be help here so that we can end this madness for once and all," Steve asked.
"I'm just pointing out some very valuable information because we definitely don't want to find ourselves in the same situation as last. Heck, I wouldn't have been here last time if it weren't for Joyce. Damn her! She wanted us to wake up Rose Red and she got, as she wanted. Now, we are in danger if we walk in there again. It will continue to regenerate. I do not see any way that we can successfully stop it," Emery complained.
"Listen, we can't keep thinking negatively about this whole thing. This is our only chance to decrease the chance of more innocent people dying," Rachel replied.
"Yeah, so let's sacrifice ourselves to save others," Emery muttered. "I will not sacrifice anything for that damned place!" he spat angrily.
"Everyone, we are approaching the gates and it would be most appreciated if you kept your snide remarks to yourself. Now, is not the time to questions anything," Steve yelled.
They all nodded. By the remote, the driver of the van pulled them up behind Mrs. Waterman's completely destroyed car. Emery couldn't say a word. What he was doing was facing his fears and probably going to get him killed in the process.
"Well, it looks a lot more evil than before," Emery said trying to lighten his mood with a slight laugh.
"I agree," Rachel replied with a slight laugh. They were actually agreeing on something for once.
Rachel grabbed hold of Annie and stayed close by Steve. No one could take chances with all the addition of eight new spirits, which happened to be some very close friends. But no one could be certain how many more had been killed during the time they had been away. Rose Red had a way of hiding its secrets and drawing in the people that it meant more to.
"Wow," Reeve replied. "I have never seen such a house like this before," he replied as he brushed his dark brown spiked hair out of his eyes. "And I didn't know that we'd have the company of a pretty lady," he whispered so that only Rachel could here him.
"Don't try and flatter me, Reeve," she replied. "I am really busy at the moment and I'd appreciate if you would just lay off. I need to keep my eyes on Annie-
He cut her off before she could continue. "And Steve," he filled in for her.
"What is your problem, Reeve?" Rachel whispered.
"Nothing. Well, at least it was nothing but I can't help see how attached you are to younger brother," he said nearly blowing her away.
"Steve is your brother?" she asked as the rest of the group walked towards the door.
"Yes, well he has been for as long as I can remember. And Frank is a good friend of mine that can help us in this situation. So, you aren't mad, are you?" Reeve asked.
"No. I may be upset that Steve never mentioned you before but I won't put any effort into thinking of a reasonable explanation to why he never mentioned you."
Rachel walked away from Reeve and went over to Annie. They could no longer take chances with anything anymore. Rose Red was a far too dangerous place to take lightly. Without much effort, the door screeched open nearly causing the entire group to scream. They had come to fear sounds from anywhere within the doors of such a forsaken place.
"Maybe this was a bad idea," Kathy replied, as she stood adjacent to Annie.
"No, Kathy, don't say that. You are a very important person for this and we can't stop this without you," Rachel replied softly.
"Yes, but look how easily everyone was leered away and killed. For all I know, I could be next in line. I'm making my fate by stepping into this house. One time was really enough for me." Kathy just stood there shaking.
"Kathy, it's all right. I know Emery has us all shaken up but we can't let it from stopping us. We are the only ones capable of ending this. Kathy, I would never ask you for anything but we need your help in this. You are a very important part of this group."
Kathy sighed and looked up at Rachel. She was right about her being important but she would never say so.
"Ok. Let's just go inside then," Kathy replied. Rachel nodded in return as the group very carefully entered the room. Everything seemed so much similar like the last time.
"Stay in groups!" Steve replied as he frantically tried to turn his flashlight on.
Meanwhile, Rachel and Annie wandered off to the kitchen. She had to see the garden. Something told her that she had to. Carefully, they walked through the kitchen with their eyes peeled for anything. Once they reached the door, they opened it and stepped into the garden.
It was beautiful. In this case, beautiful was bad, very bad. All of the flowers were completely bloomed and there was an addition of more varieties of flowers.
"We're doomed," she whispered.
"Why?" a voice replied.
She jumped and turned to see Reeve.
"Reeve! Stop scaring me like that." Rachel took a deep breath.
"I'm sorry," he replied as he walked up to Rachel and pulled her in a hug. "Can you forgive me?" he asked.
"I don't know. Go get Steve. He needs to see this," Rachel yelled at him.
"I'm already here, Rachel," Steve mumbled as his eyes fixed on the flowers. "We definitely can look forward to some minor set backs."
"Yes," Reeve replied. He suddenly heard voices. "Um, I'm going to let you guys alone and I'm going to check on Frank."
Rachel and Steve nodded.
~~~~~~~~~
"Reeve never gives up," Steve said as he walked past the flowers over to Annie. "He tries to play the big brother act way too much. I'm a grown man and I can take care of myself."
"I agree. But why didn't you ever tell me he was your brother?" she replied as she caught his mess up.
"Well, I'm not exactly close to him," he whispered as he approached the two.
A sound in the distance scared Rachel and she literally jumped right into Steve's arms.
"It's okay, Rachel. I won't let anything happen to you," he said soothingly in her ear. "I will let them get me first," he replied as he brushed the dark hair out of her face.
Rachel smiled. She had longed to be near him again. And she had feelings she wasn't willing to admit.
Steve leaned in and lightly brushed his lips against hers. "I will never let them hurt either of you two. You are my main priorities," he replied as he leaned in for a more passionate kiss.
~~~~~~~~~~
"Where are they?" Emery shouted. "Well, they're probably dead by now."
"Emery, I was just talking to Steve. He is in the garden," Reeve replied. "Why don't we just go off in a this group of four and we'll go looking around.
The three of them nodded to Reeve's request. But little did they know that Rose Red was waiting for them. It is only a matter of minutes before it strikes again.
~~~~~~~~
"Wow!" Rachel exclaimed as she pulled out of the kiss.
Steve looked down at her. "I couldn't resist. I've wanted to do that for a very long time now," he replied. "I have missed the two of you very much."
"What about Joyce?" Rachel cut in. "Don't you miss her?"
"Yes, but I was just a toy to her. In any sense, she got what she deserved for waking up this dormant house. Now, it has the power to attach anywhere or anyone it wants. If they are related to anyone who has ever been in Rose Red, then it will find them. It was souls to fill this place up."
Rachel nodded. "I understand. And I'm sorry for bringing up Joyce," she replied sadly.
"It's ok." He stroked her hair once more and he sat beside Annie to have a short conversation.
"Hey, how have you been?" Steve asked her.
She only acknowledged him. Her brown eyes told him everything. So, he used his way of communicating with her.
'Annie, speak to me. How are you'
"Good," she managed to stutter out.
'You have grown into quite a pretty teenager.'
She blushed and put her hands over her eyes.
'Ok. You can hide if you want to.'
Steve got up from his spot and decided to catch up with Rachel a bit. If only things weren't going so horribly wrong with the rest of the group.
--------------------
I am so sorry! I meant to update sooner but I just couldn't express this chapter very well. Yes, I added a bit of affection in this chapter. So, more to come and I'll try to keep the chapters as long as possible. But I really would appreciate reviews.
And with my other story, reviews are vital this time around. So enjoy and review. I hope to have a new chapter up soon. And don't be flustered. It will be sooner than this chapter came out.
And a big thanks to everyone who reviewed! It pushes me to continue on with my imagination.
-sugary sweet
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Chapter 4
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Rachel quietly stood behind Steve. She wanted so bad to say something or greet his friends but she couldn't help from shaking. Ever since her bad experiences with Rose Red, Rachel had seemingly become more cautious towards people. Or anyone associated with Rose Red until now.
Steve could feel her shaking like a leaf so he put his left hand behind his back and reached for Rachel's. A few moments later, she complied and grabbed his hand. For a while they just stood like that. Casually Steve would make some comments about going back into the house. But he knew it was going to be especially hard for Rachel. Her worst fears and nightmares were left in that evil house that she so wished they could stay there. But the only way that was going to happen was if she got over her fears. Rose Red was feeding on their fear. If she didn't stop soon she would be jeopardizing the whole group.
"I-I ne-need to go to the bathroom," Rachel managed to stutter as she darted off in search of the restroom.
~*Rachel*~
God! I don't know what I'm doing anymore. I'm supposed to be strong and help hold the group together but Emery's previous comments still linger in my mind. It is hard to trust a man who threatens and thinks of evil ways to kill your baby sister. I know that Emery has had his own problems in the past and probably misses him mother because there is no one in his life to tell him what to do.
I really feel sorry for the man. He deserves much better than he receives but he gives nothing but more reasons for people to turn against him. Now, is the time we need to reunite against a common enemy as one.
I'm sure Emery will be just fine. I just need to give him some space. But, I think I better get out there and at least plan on talking to all of Steve's friends because I'm being so incredibly rude right now.
~~~~~~~~~
Rachel sauntered back to the group of friends who were engrossed in a conversation about Ellen and April. Casually, she slipped a seat beside Steve and decided not to interrupt. Plus, she was afraid to say something stupid. She already admitted to herself that he feelings for Steve were only becoming stronger.
"So, what did I miss?" Rachel asked as the group quieted down and split up to have their own private conversations.
"I was just telling Frank and Reeve about your sister Annie," Steve replied. "They seem very interested in hearing about her. Your sister is already popular," he said slapping her lightly on the back.
"Yeah, I guess she is," Rachel replied uncertainly.
"Anyway, since you know these guys how about we go and get Annie. We have to get to Rose Red as soon as we can and I need you to show me that picture that you found Annie holding. It may be our key back in," Steve suggested.
"Ok."
The crew got together and made a plan to find a way into Rose Red. It was going to be a difficult task but someone had to stop Ellen and April. And unfortunately they were the last people even near Rose Red that had any capabilities of stopping this once and for all.
~~~~~
They all quietly got into the van. Rachel had Annie in between her and Steve. The silence of the van was getting to everyone. No one wanted to ever go back there but his or her options were limited in the current situation. They were going to have to stand up to the spirits. It would be hard with the additions of Mrs. Waterman, Nick, and Joyce.
No one dared to make a sound. Rose Red was only five minutes away. Soon, they were going to have to face the music and realize that it was starting all over again and there was no way to avoid it this time. The group had to face their fears and hope that everything would go okay.
"I don't know if I can do this," Emery spoke up into the silence of the van. "I would like to keep my fingers since I narrowly escaped with my life the last time. And it was all that things fault!" he shot pointing to Annie. "Watch out! She'll be locking us in again," Emery quivered.
"Emery, that was then. Please try and be help here so that we can end this madness for once and all," Steve asked.
"I'm just pointing out some very valuable information because we definitely don't want to find ourselves in the same situation as last. Heck, I wouldn't have been here last time if it weren't for Joyce. Damn her! She wanted us to wake up Rose Red and she got, as she wanted. Now, we are in danger if we walk in there again. It will continue to regenerate. I do not see any way that we can successfully stop it," Emery complained.
"Listen, we can't keep thinking negatively about this whole thing. This is our only chance to decrease the chance of more innocent people dying," Rachel replied.
"Yeah, so let's sacrifice ourselves to save others," Emery muttered. "I will not sacrifice anything for that damned place!" he spat angrily.
"Everyone, we are approaching the gates and it would be most appreciated if you kept your snide remarks to yourself. Now, is not the time to questions anything," Steve yelled.
They all nodded. By the remote, the driver of the van pulled them up behind Mrs. Waterman's completely destroyed car. Emery couldn't say a word. What he was doing was facing his fears and probably going to get him killed in the process.
"Well, it looks a lot more evil than before," Emery said trying to lighten his mood with a slight laugh.
"I agree," Rachel replied with a slight laugh. They were actually agreeing on something for once.
Rachel grabbed hold of Annie and stayed close by Steve. No one could take chances with all the addition of eight new spirits, which happened to be some very close friends. But no one could be certain how many more had been killed during the time they had been away. Rose Red had a way of hiding its secrets and drawing in the people that it meant more to.
"Wow," Reeve replied. "I have never seen such a house like this before," he replied as he brushed his dark brown spiked hair out of his eyes. "And I didn't know that we'd have the company of a pretty lady," he whispered so that only Rachel could here him.
"Don't try and flatter me, Reeve," she replied. "I am really busy at the moment and I'd appreciate if you would just lay off. I need to keep my eyes on Annie-
He cut her off before she could continue. "And Steve," he filled in for her.
"What is your problem, Reeve?" Rachel whispered.
"Nothing. Well, at least it was nothing but I can't help see how attached you are to younger brother," he said nearly blowing her away.
"Steve is your brother?" she asked as the rest of the group walked towards the door.
"Yes, well he has been for as long as I can remember. And Frank is a good friend of mine that can help us in this situation. So, you aren't mad, are you?" Reeve asked.
"No. I may be upset that Steve never mentioned you before but I won't put any effort into thinking of a reasonable explanation to why he never mentioned you."
Rachel walked away from Reeve and went over to Annie. They could no longer take chances with anything anymore. Rose Red was a far too dangerous place to take lightly. Without much effort, the door screeched open nearly causing the entire group to scream. They had come to fear sounds from anywhere within the doors of such a forsaken place.
"Maybe this was a bad idea," Kathy replied, as she stood adjacent to Annie.
"No, Kathy, don't say that. You are a very important person for this and we can't stop this without you," Rachel replied softly.
"Yes, but look how easily everyone was leered away and killed. For all I know, I could be next in line. I'm making my fate by stepping into this house. One time was really enough for me." Kathy just stood there shaking.
"Kathy, it's all right. I know Emery has us all shaken up but we can't let it from stopping us. We are the only ones capable of ending this. Kathy, I would never ask you for anything but we need your help in this. You are a very important part of this group."
Kathy sighed and looked up at Rachel. She was right about her being important but she would never say so.
"Ok. Let's just go inside then," Kathy replied. Rachel nodded in return as the group very carefully entered the room. Everything seemed so much similar like the last time.
"Stay in groups!" Steve replied as he frantically tried to turn his flashlight on.
Meanwhile, Rachel and Annie wandered off to the kitchen. She had to see the garden. Something told her that she had to. Carefully, they walked through the kitchen with their eyes peeled for anything. Once they reached the door, they opened it and stepped into the garden.
It was beautiful. In this case, beautiful was bad, very bad. All of the flowers were completely bloomed and there was an addition of more varieties of flowers.
"We're doomed," she whispered.
"Why?" a voice replied.
She jumped and turned to see Reeve.
"Reeve! Stop scaring me like that." Rachel took a deep breath.
"I'm sorry," he replied as he walked up to Rachel and pulled her in a hug. "Can you forgive me?" he asked.
"I don't know. Go get Steve. He needs to see this," Rachel yelled at him.
"I'm already here, Rachel," Steve mumbled as his eyes fixed on the flowers. "We definitely can look forward to some minor set backs."
"Yes," Reeve replied. He suddenly heard voices. "Um, I'm going to let you guys alone and I'm going to check on Frank."
Rachel and Steve nodded.
~~~~~~~~~
"Reeve never gives up," Steve said as he walked past the flowers over to Annie. "He tries to play the big brother act way too much. I'm a grown man and I can take care of myself."
"I agree. But why didn't you ever tell me he was your brother?" she replied as she caught his mess up.
"Well, I'm not exactly close to him," he whispered as he approached the two.
A sound in the distance scared Rachel and she literally jumped right into Steve's arms.
"It's okay, Rachel. I won't let anything happen to you," he said soothingly in her ear. "I will let them get me first," he replied as he brushed the dark hair out of her face.
Rachel smiled. She had longed to be near him again. And she had feelings she wasn't willing to admit.
Steve leaned in and lightly brushed his lips against hers. "I will never let them hurt either of you two. You are my main priorities," he replied as he leaned in for a more passionate kiss.
~~~~~~~~~~
"Where are they?" Emery shouted. "Well, they're probably dead by now."
"Emery, I was just talking to Steve. He is in the garden," Reeve replied. "Why don't we just go off in a this group of four and we'll go looking around.
The three of them nodded to Reeve's request. But little did they know that Rose Red was waiting for them. It is only a matter of minutes before it strikes again.
~~~~~~~~
"Wow!" Rachel exclaimed as she pulled out of the kiss.
Steve looked down at her. "I couldn't resist. I've wanted to do that for a very long time now," he replied. "I have missed the two of you very much."
"What about Joyce?" Rachel cut in. "Don't you miss her?"
"Yes, but I was just a toy to her. In any sense, she got what she deserved for waking up this dormant house. Now, it has the power to attach anywhere or anyone it wants. If they are related to anyone who has ever been in Rose Red, then it will find them. It was souls to fill this place up."
Rachel nodded. "I understand. And I'm sorry for bringing up Joyce," she replied sadly.
"It's ok." He stroked her hair once more and he sat beside Annie to have a short conversation.
"Hey, how have you been?" Steve asked her.
She only acknowledged him. Her brown eyes told him everything. So, he used his way of communicating with her.
'Annie, speak to me. How are you'
"Good," she managed to stutter out.
'You have grown into quite a pretty teenager.'
She blushed and put her hands over her eyes.
'Ok. You can hide if you want to.'
Steve got up from his spot and decided to catch up with Rachel a bit. If only things weren't going so horribly wrong with the rest of the group.
--------------------
I am so sorry! I meant to update sooner but I just couldn't express this chapter very well. Yes, I added a bit of affection in this chapter. So, more to come and I'll try to keep the chapters as long as possible. But I really would appreciate reviews.
And with my other story, reviews are vital this time around. So enjoy and review. I hope to have a new chapter up soon. And don't be flustered. It will be sooner than this chapter came out.
And a big thanks to everyone who reviewed! It pushes me to continue on with my imagination.
-sugary sweet