Chapter 15: Witches of Salem, Part I
This chapter is part of my story, but it is also a story in itself. You will see what I mean as you read it. Friendly Warning: It's pretty long!
Mimi walked with Philip along a dark wooded path. The whole day had been overcast and gloomy. Thick dark clouds, like ominous black sheets filled the sky all day long. When Mimi walked out of the front doors of the school to meet Philip, she heard the rumbling sounds of thunder and saw the small flashes of lightning. As they started to walk home from school, the thunder got louder and the lightning flashes became more vivid. Fierce gusts of wind pulled at them like sharp claws.
They were taking a shortcut through the woods that they recently found one day. It was darker and more deserted, but it also was a lot faster. Another lightning bolt hit, resembling a silver blade cutting through the sky. A lone beady-eyed crow sailed overhead, most likely trying to get away from the coming rain. Mimi also wanted to get away from the rain. She knew it would be coming any minute. She wished she were at home as the lightning bolts kept getting closer, dangerously closer.
"This is so cool! Don't you think Meems?" Philip asked, sounding excited.
Mimi looked at him in disbelief. "I don't know what you think is cool about this Philip, but I just want to get home."
"Come on, how many times do you get to see a lightning storm up this close?"
His words were echoed by the sound of thunder, like a lion roaring.
Mimi jumped at the loud crashing sound.
The wind moaned like a restless spirit.
Philip laughed and grabbed her arm. "Steady there, it's just thunder." He let go of her gently.
Mimi looked at Philip. "I just want to get home Philip okay, before it-"
Heavy drops of rain that seemed to come out of nowhere interrupted her words.
"rains."
Mimi said with dread in her voice.
As the rain started crashing down to the ground, hitting Mimi and Philip with a stinging force, the sky became even darker and ominous. Mimi brought out her umbrella, but the brutal forces of wind carried it away like a balloon sailing through the air. Philip tried to retrieve it, but the wind was strong and a human being was no match for it.
Philip grabbed Mimi's arm again. He yelled at her, striving to be heard over the pounding rain, the angry wind, and the rumbling thunder.
"Meems, we've got to see if we can find some shelter before we get pounded away by all of this! And it's getting harder to see! We can't stay out in this much longer!"
He held onto her arm and looked to see if he could see any way out of their predicament.
Finally, he was taking this seriously! Mimi looked for a way out, back to the main streets, but all she saw were tall trees that looked like menacing shrouded ghosts now. She trembled, starting to feel very scared. It was as if those trees were calling out to her, moaning eerily. Or maybe it was the wind. She didn't know anything anymore as fear started taking over her senses.
She screamed when a bolt of lightning hit one of the trees, high on one of the top branches and the branch came crashing down to the ground with a jarring sound.
"AAHHH!"
Philip let go of Mimi's arm and grabbed her around the waist, holding her tightly to his chest. One hand he placed on her head trying to hold her still and the other he kept around her back. She was getting hysterical.
"PHILIP, WE'RE GOING TO DIE! WE'RE GOING TO BE HIT BY LIGHTNING! I'M NEVER GOING TO GRADUATE! I'M NEVER GOING TO GET MARRIED! I'LL NEVER KNOW WHAT IT'S LIKE TO HAVE KIDS, BECAUSE ONE NIGHT WALKING HOME FROM SCHOOL LIGHTNING HIT ME AND I"
She was completely hysterical now as she broke away from Philip's embrace, waving her arms frantically and screaming at the top of her lungs.
Meanwhile, Philip was desperately trying to calm her down.
"MIMI, LOOK AT ME."
He grabbed her arms and shook her a little, not wanting to hurt her, but trying to get her to listen to him. He looked straight into her eyes that were now wild with fear.
"WE ARE NOT GOING TO DIE. DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME? WE ARE GOING TO BE FINE, BUT YOU HAVE TO CALM DOWN, NOW MIMI."
He kept a firm hold of her, not taking his eyes away from her face. The wind continued to blow forcefully as the rain pelted them in the face.
Mimi shakily nodded to Philip.
"Ooo-kk-ay"
Then she wrapped her arms around his waist, burying her head in his chest.
Philip ran his hands up and down her back, but let go quickly, saying they needed to find somewhere to get out of the rain and everything else.
Suddenly a flash of lightning appeared nearly lighting up the whole sky. Mimi clung to Philip again as he noticed something that he had not seen previously.
Another bolt hit, eerily lighting up the view of what looked like an old abandoned house, a very large old abandoned house. Philip stared at it in shock, not remembering ever seeing it before, but as another flash of light lit up the sky, he decided this wasn't the time to wonder. This was a time for action.
"Mimi, come on."
He pulled Mimi away from him and kept a firm hold of her hand, as he ran to the house, pulling her along with him. They ran up a stone path and stone steps, barely able to see where they were going in the stormy night.
Philip tried the door, but of course it was locked. He looked around and found a window that was partly open. He tried to lift it, but it was too heavy.
"Mimi, come here and help me!"
He called out to Mimi who was standing behind him, still shaking with fear.
"MIMI, I need some help!"
Mimi broke out of her state of fear and rushed over to help him. Philip was right. Panicking wasn't going to get them anywhere. She needed to stay calm.
She nearly shrieked as another bolt of lightning hit another tree, but she gathered her senses, willing herself to stay calm.
Together, they managed to lift the window. They climbed through it, Mimi first and then Philip, as the beady-eyed black crow circled above the house.
Inside the house, they tried to find lights somewhere, but found none. Mimi held onto Philip's jacket and waist, shakily walking behind him, as they searched for something to light their way. Outside the rain continued to pound the ground as the wind made eerie sounds and the lightning and thunder continued violently.
"Philip, where are we?"
Mimi asked from behind him in a shaky voice.
"Good question. I have no idea."
"I don't remember ever seeing this house."
"Neither do I. Look for some form of light, Meems. Anything."
It was almost pitch black in the house except for when it was lit up by the lightning, eerily flashing through the curtained windows.
They continued to look around as another bolt of lightning lit up the house, causing Mimi to spot a large candle in a ceramic container.
"Philip, look!"
She pointed from behind him, where she was still holding onto him by his jacket and waist. They clumsily walked over to the candle, sitting on a low table, darkness engulfing them again as the lightning flash ended.
Philip picked up the candle from the table.
"Okay, now we have a candle. Too bad, we don't have any way to light it. It's moments like this I wish I were a smoker."
He laughed wryly, the sound echoing in the darkness.
"Wait a minute."
"What?"
"I have matches!"
"You're kidding?" Philip asked her incredulously.
"No." Mimi fumbled to get a book of matches out of her purse. "I carry them, just in case." She handed the book of matches to him and he started to light one.
"In case of what?"
"I don't know! An emergency like this one!"
"I swear Mimi, there is no one like you and right now I am VERY happy to be one of your friends!"
He lit up the candle and they looked around the room, in total awe at what they saw.
Chapter 15: Witches of Salem, Part II
"Oh my."
Mimi couldn't go on. What she saw before her was incredible. Never before had she seen a house like this. It was so grand! At least it must have been at one time. Now it looked old and broken down. However, that didn't take away from the fact that at one time it must have been absolutely beautiful.
It had high ceilings and wooden floors, covered in some places with large carpets. Dusty old sheets were everywhere, covering up furniture: lots and lots of furniture. Pictures hung from the wall, some lopsided, like they might be ready to fall any minute. They were covered with dust, thick layers of dust. There were spider webs everywhere and thick cobwebs that stuck to the walls.
Mimi walked behind Philip, clinging to him as he lighted their way with the candle. She trembled, hearing the rumbling thunder and watching as the house was once again lit up by lighting.
They walked towards the dining room, seeing a grand piano on the way, dusty and rickety looking, but not covered up. In the dining room, they saw a long table, covered only with dust. It looked to be made of fine wood. In addition, there were matching chairs, not covered, carved in intricate designs. An old rusty looking chandelier hung overhead. It was huge and it looked like it had very old candles in it. There was an old sideboard fitted with a mirror, shelves, drawers and cabinets, partly covered by fading sheets, with spiders crawling on them.
Philip looked all around and finally spoke.
"I've never seen anything like this before! This is amazing! Can you believe this?"
He looked at Mimi with wonder in his eyes.
"No.Philip how come I've never seen this house before? I mean we've walked this path for weeks and we've NEVER seen this place before!"
Mimi's voice sounded a little scared, as if she was dreading what they would find next.
"Maybe we ended up on another path and didn't realize it.I don't know."
Mimi didn't like that answer.
They continued into the kitchen, seeing a very old looking iron stove and what looked like a very old sink. The linoleum floor was rotten, peeling away.
They walked back out to the front room and now noticed a grand staircase lined with wooden rails that had a curving design. The wood was chipped and rotting in many places. They saw an old fireplace as they started to walk up the creaking steps. Philip led the way, holding the candle in front of him. The walls were covered with wallpaper that was peeling away and mildewed in places. There were also large paintings, many of them.
Outside, the beady-eyed crow was perched on the top of the house, seeming oblivious to the pounding rain and lightening flashes.
The steps were numerous and there was a wide landing in the middle, with a marble statue that was chipped and worn away, sitting on the floor. They walked up the steps, past the landing, up to a long hallway, decorated with paintings on the walls.
The hallway veered off in places, like a giant maze of never-ending twist and turns.
They walked up to a door that was closed. Actually, all the doors to the rooms were closed. Philip opened the door. It let out an eerie creaking sound as a large flash of lightning lit up the room, making it look like daylight.
For one second.
Mimi walked in behind Philip, feeling very uneasy. Something was going to happen. She could just sense it. She held onto his jacket and waist, not wanting to let go.
The room had wallpaper on the walls, like the other parts of the house they saw. It was in terrible condition. There was a fireplace and a canopy bed, surrounded by what looked like curtains, worn curtains. Any other furniture was covered with sheets, faded sheets.
The beady-eyed crow flew to a tree, a tree that faced the room that Philip and Mimi were now investigating. It perched there silently, watching them.
Mimi let go of Philip, noticing some pictures on the wall. She wiped at the dust on them, feeling a need to see what was in those pictures. The first one was of a very old looking couple. The second one had a family, posing. Wait a minute! Some of those people looked familiar, but it couldn't be! These pictures had to be old, very old. The next one made her breath catch. No, it couldn't be.
There was no way.
"Oh my.Philip look! Look at these!"
She turned around to get his attention, not seeing him anywhere. The candle was there on the floor, but there was no sign of Philip. Where was he?
"Philip! PHILIP! THIS ISN'T FUNNY! WHERE ARE YOU?"
She screamed out, frantic. She took the candle, running out into the hallway, screaming for him. But she couldn't find him anywhere.
Then all of the sudden, she noticed an open door. Strange. She hadn't seen it before. She went into the room, filled with books and various things, strange things. The books were old looking, bound in leather. Next, she noticed bottles, labeled with ingredients, like someone preparing for a cooking project. However, these weren't ordinary ingredients and she would never want to eat any of these things. They were filled with things like spiders and.ugh.snakes.
She had to get out of here and hopefully find Philip. There had to be a way. She turned quickly and rashly, knocking down some of the bottles onto the floor in her haste. She ran to the door as it closed. She tried to open it, but it wouldn't budge.
A heavy thick smoke started to fill the room, making Mimi cough. She fell to the floor, feeling sick and finding it hard to keep her eyes open. She saw in a haze a black bird fly into the room, landing on the shelf where the bottles were, looking at her, as if it were watching her. She felt any little strength she had left giving way as her eyes grew too heavy to keep open any longer. She closed them, succumbing to the darkness.
The beady-eyed crow just watched quietly, then flapped its wings and flew out of the room, landing on a tree outside. The thick layer of smoke slowly started to fade away, leaving no trace of Mimi.
She disappeared.
Somehow, she just vanished!
The black beady-eyed crow flapped its wings again and flew away into the stormy night.
Chapter 15: Witches of Salem, Part III
She was falling into an endless abyss, down, down, down.
****
The driver cracked the whip lightly as the carriage traveled down a dirt road lined with trees. Leaves littered the ground along the way, in hues of orange and red. The driver continued along the road, suddenly coming to a stop at a startling sight. He pulled hard on the reins, eliciting a protesting neigh from the horses. Inside the carriage, the riders clung to the sides and to each other.
A young man, dressed in a pinstriped gray suit with matching vest, black topcoat, and a black hat came out of the carriage, wondering what was the matter.
"Davidson, you frightened my Dear Sister so. What is it? Why did you stop so abruptly?"
"My deepest apologies sir to you and the Young Miss, but it was that.there, in the road sir."
Davidson pointed to a huddled up figure down on the ground in front of the horses and carriage.
"Oh my stars!"
The young man rushed over to the huddled figure, gently moving what was obviously a young woman into his arms. He looked down at her peering into her face.
"Sir, please! I beg of you."
Davidson's protests continued as a young woman came out of the carriage, dressed in a mauve street dress that reached the ground, adorned by a small bustle in the back. On her head, she wore a matching hat, lightly covered by flowers.
"Brother, dear what is it?"
The young woman looked in shock noticing the lady on the ground.
"Gracious! Is she all right, Robert?"
The young woman rushed over to her brother, Robert, in alarm.
Davidson continued his futile protests. "Please sir she may carry a disease. Let me take care of it."
Robert and his sister ignored Davidson. "Robert, do you think she will be okay?" The young woman looked on with concern.
"I think so. But she's not conscious, it seems. We need to get her back to the house and call for the doctor."
With that, Robert picked up the young woman in his arms and began to hurry back to the carriage door.
Davidson followed trying to get his employer to listen to him.
"Please sir, look at how she is dressed! She is probably no more than a street urchin. I'll take her somewhere more appropriate. That way you will not have to deal with it. And the Young Miss won't be exposed to her either."
"Nonsense Davidson."
Robert watched as his sister got back into the carriage and then he followed suit, holding the young woman gently in his arms.
"She needs help and I intend to see to it that she gets it. Now please just drive us back home. We must make haste. When we get there I will need you to go get the doctor, quickly."
Robert sat down in the carriage holding the young woman in his lap.
"Robert, who do you think she is? I don't mean to sound rude, but look at how she is dressed and her hair..."
Robert's sister watched with worry as her brother held, in his lap, the strangely dressed woman.
"I don't know Dear Isabel. I don't know. But I intend to find out and to make sure that she is cared for."
***
She tried to open her eyes, feeling like she was fighting her way down a long never-ending tunnel. She could hear voices, distant voices as if from far away, as she wondered where she was. She moved a little, moaning. Ohh, her head hurt! That was it! Maybe she was in the hospital.
"Oh, look Robert. She's waking up." Isabel clung to her brother.
"Yes, it looks like she is. But let's not startle her. Let's not talk to loud. We might scare her." Robert quieted his sister gently, holding a finger up.
"Of course, you're right. We don't want to frighten her."
She finally managed to open her eyes. She looked around at the strange room, but suddenly gasped as she felt a sharp pain in the back of her head.
Isabel rushed over to the bed.
"Oh, you must be in pain. I'm so sorry. But you'll be all right soon enough. You hit your head, but the doctor said with proper rest you shall be feeling better soon." Isabel looked down quietly at the young woman.
She looked around and noticed she was in a bed, a big large beautiful bed in a gorgeously decorated room. But what really got her was the young woman talking to her. She looked so much like.
No it couldn't be. She must be dreaming! It was time to wake up now. She had to wake up. She closed her eyes, shutting them tight and opened them up again to find herself in the same place and that same young woman standing there.
"My brother and I found you and we brought you here to our house. Please don't worry. No harm will come to you. You're safe now."
She was starting to panic. IT WAS JUST A DREAM! IT HAD TO BE! But then, why wasn't' she waking up. She looked around the room more, feeling very shaky. WHERE WAS SHE?
"Who-who-are-yo-u?" She asked, her voice trembling.
"She is my sister, Isabel and my name is Robert. Please relax, we will not hurt you. We want to help you."
Robert walked over to the bed quietly and slowly, his expression gentle.
"No this isn't happening! MY-"
Mimi held her hand over her mouth in shock.
She was staring straight into....
STRAIGHT INTO THE FACES OF PHILIP AND BELLE,
Only they were dressed so weirdly and they looked older!
She had to get out of here! Wherever she was! She wanted to go home! She had to get out of this strange place! She removed the blankets from on top of her and shakily and weakly struggled to get up. She didn't have enough strength though.
That.
Her head spinning.
Her knees jelly.
The ground came rushing up to meet her...........
Spiraling her into a world of.
Blackness.
Witches of Salem: Chapter 15, Part IV
Robert rushed over to catch Mimi before she could fall to the floor.
He caught her in his arms and carried her back to the bed. With Isabel's help, he tucked her in. Then he turned around to speak with his sister.
"Maybe it would be better if I left the room."
"You're probably right. She might not feel so scared if there is only a woman in the room."
Isabel replied, looking down at the young woman.
"Then I'll leave you to it. I'll be downstairs in the parlor. Come get me if you shall need my assistance."
With that, Robert left the room.
Isabel pulled over a chair and sat down by the bed.
****
Mimi started to open her eyes again, her head still aching. Okay maybe it was all just a dream. Please let it be a dream! She opened her eyes completely to look straight into the eyes of the.
Belle look-alike.
Oh my gosh, she was going crazy! Pretty soon the men would start coming in with the white jackets!
"Please don't faint again! I'm not as big as my brother and I dare say I don't think I would be able to catch you." Isabel looked at Mimi with worried eyes.
Mimi found it hard to speak.
"I."
Her voice sounded raspy and weak.
"Oh my you poor thing, you must be thirsty!"
Isabel rushed over to a nearby dresser and picked up a large beautiful ceramic pitcher. She poured the contents of the ceramic pitcher into a glass. She put the pitcher back on the dresser and returned to Mimi's bedside.
"Here, drink this. It will make your throat feel better."
Isabel handed the glass to Mimi.
Mimi hesitated to take it.
"Oh don't worry. It's only water. Please, have some."
Mimi took a small sip and then another. When she was done, she handed the glass back to Isabel who put the glass back on the dresser and then sat down on the chair again.
Mimi was scared. She had no idea where she was and who these people were. But she also felt safe somehow. She didn't know how or why, but she did. Maybe it had to do with the warmth in this young woman's eyes. Maybe it had to do with how much she resembled Belle. Actually, this woman looked a little older-maybe 22 or 23 and her hair was a little darker-more brownish. In addition, she was dressed very strangely-in a long mauve dress. She tried to talk again, finding it easier this time.
"Who-who are you and where am-I?"
"My name is Isabel and you are in my brother's home and mine. Isabel looked down at Mimi gently and laid her hand next to hers.
"And your bro-ther is that man that was-was in here before?" Mimi asked incredulously.
"Yes, that was him. His name is Robert." Isabel giggled softly. "Oh, don't look so shocked! I mean he can be a fuddy duddy, but he is also very dear."
"I don't know what happened.I don't remember anything."
It was true. Mimi had no memory of how she got there or what she had been doing that day. She only remembered the previous night, being at home. Oh, she wished she were home now!
Isabel could see the fear and uncertainty in Mimi's eyes. She took her hand and placed it gently over Mimi's, then spoke in what she hoped was a soothing voice.
"It's all right. The doctor said you might not remember.
"Where-where did you find me?"
Isabel wondered how she should answer. Well, she supposed she should tell her the truth.
"On the road."
"The road?" Mimi asked bewildered.
"Yes, but don't be alarmed. The doctor said the only thing wrong with you was a bump on the head. All you need is some proper rest and you'll be good as new. I suppose I might as well tell you the whole story. See, Robert and I were in taking a ride in the carriage and then our driver, Davidson, stopped suddenly. Robert went out to see what the matter was and found you. He carried you and held you in the carriage. Then he carried you into the house. It would have been soooo romantic if it hadn't been just my brother." Isabel giggled.
"I'm so confused. Am I still in Salem?"
"Why yes. You must live here then, right"
Yes, in.yes I live here."
Mimi didn't know why she didn't tell Isabel about where she lived and why she somehow knew that asking for a phone was not a good idea. Something just told her to be quiet for now. Instead, she listened to Isabel explain about how their kindly old maid changed her into a nice nightdress to rest in. She listened to everything Isabel had to say, feeling a smile grow on her face. She reminded her so much of Belle.
"Oh my, I'm going on too much, aren't I? You're probably ready to nod off any minute." Isabel grinned at Mimi.
"No, it's, it's just that you remind me of someone." Mimi responded truthfully, starting to feel more and more comfortable with Isabel.
"Friend or foe?"
Mimi laughed.
"Friend, definitely friend."
"Wonderful, then we shall be friends too, I hope!" Isabel responded with enthusiasm.
****
Mimi looked at herself in the mirror, not believing what she was seeing. Isabel had given her one of her dresses to use and had helped her with getting dressed. She was wearing a corset, a chemise and a beautiful petticoat made of lace. She couldn't believe how many layers of clothing she was wearing and that was just the underwear! On top of that she wore a floor length gown in a rose color, adorned with pretty little flower designs. Her hair was up in a bun, now. Isabel said it was the proper way for a lady to wear her hair. She turned around, looking at herself in the mirror. The dress was so beautiful, but she still had no idea what was going on!
So if she had no idea where she was, why was she actually not that scared now?
Mimi looked around the room. There was a canopied four-poster bed, topped with a pastel-colored comforter and lace dust ruffles. Beautiful matching lace curtains surrounded it. The wood floor shined with a light polished finish. There was a beautiful small rug, in floral patterns. The wallpaper was also done in a discreet floral pattern. The dresser was made of fine wood and on another side was a vanity, covered with lace. Across from the bed, there was a charming fireplace with a small fire burning, keeping the room comfortably warm. Mimi stared at the room in awe. Never had she seen anything like this before.
She shook herself, feeling almost as if some outside force was trying to make her complacent and unconcerned about her new surroundings. However, she couldn't allow that. She had to find out where she was, whom these people actually were and most importantly, how to get back home. She knew; it was as if some other force, a different one, was warning her, telling her to be careful. She couldn't act rashly or out of fear. That would only get her into trouble!
She walked out of the room, into a long hallway decorated with large paintings, framed in brass and fine wood. She continued down the hallway, shocked by the beauty of the place she was in.
Finally, she found the steps. Earlier Isabel showed her how to get to the steps, but the hallway was so long and turned in so many places that it wasn't easy to find. Isabel offered to wait with her to go downstairs, but Mimi asked if it would be all right if she had some time alone. Isabel quickly and politely responded, of course, and left the room.
Mimi walked down the steps, made of wood, covered in the middle of the steps with a burgundy-ish colored carpet, enhanced with intricate designs. The railing was also made of wood, carved in swirling designs. She walked down the steps, past a white marble statue of a woman, sitting on the wide landing. She continued to walk, reaching the bottom and found herself in the parlor; it was amazing.
High ceilings were everywhere, enhanced with richly carved ceiling moldings. The walls were covered with wallpaper decorated with scrolls that matched the color pattern of the stairs. The wood floor was American Walnut, covered in various areas by stunning Oriental style rugs. A striking chandelier hung from the high ceiling. It had many candles in it. The large windows had spectacular curtains touching the floor, made of rich velvets and brocades that matched the rest of the room, held back with tassels of gold. In the middle was the furniture: an upholstered sofa, chairs, and tables with eye-catching designs carved into the wood. The focal point was the massive fireplace, beautifully sculptured on the outside. There was a nice fire blazing inside of it.
Mimi looked around the room in total bewilderment and then noticed Robert. He was sitting on a chair in the room reading a newspaper, it looked like. Immediately he stood up and faced her.
Oh my gosh, he looked so much like Philip.
He was wearing a gray suit, with a matching vest. His hair was similar to Philip's, but on second glance, she noticed it was darker, wavy and longer in the back. He looked older than Philip too and probably older than Isabel did.
"Are you feeling better now?"
Robert quietly and politely asked her.
"Yes.I think."
Mimi felt so flustered.
Robert walked over to Mimi and offered his arm.
"Please come sit down. You must be tired."
He led her over to the sofa and motioned for her to sit. He sat across from her in a high back chair.
"Isabel is tending to her garden outside. She should come back in soon."
"She's been very kind to me. And so have you, from what she has told me. Thank you for your generosity."
Mimi tried to reply in a way that wouldn't offend.
"Please don't think you need to thank me. It was nothing. I wanted to help you. I still do."
"I'm not sure you can." Mimi responded shakily.
"Why do you say that?" Robert looked at her interestedly.
"I don't know. I just have this feeling that.that I won't be able to go back.to.uh.I just don't think it will be easy. And I don't .I'm not sure what to do."
Mimi answered, feeling confused.
Robert could see the uncertainty in the young woman's eyes and hear it in her words and voice. She was hiding a secret, but about what? It would not be proper for him to pry, although he hoped he could get her to open up to him, eventually.
"You needn't worry about what to do. There is plenty of room in this house. You can stay as long as you need to."
"Thank you, Robert? Is that what I should call you?"
"Oh yes, please. And if you don't mind terribly me asking, what shall I call you?"
Robert smiled gently at Mimi.
Mimi thought about an answer. Then decided.
"My name is Miriam. And I would like it if you would call me that."
Mimi attempted to smile back, still feeling a little shaky.
"Miriam it is then. I am very pleased to meet your acquaintance, Miriam."
Robert held out his hand and Mimi tentatively placed hers in it. She watched as he held it gently for a second and then politely let go.
****
Mimi was sitting alone in the parlor room. Robert excused himself earlier, saying he must check on some business. He asked if she would be all right and she let him know she would be. He told her about the maid and that if she needed anything at all to please ask. Mimi looked over at the chair where he had been sitting and noticed a table close to it. The newspaper was on it. She picked up the newspaper and gasped at what she read.
The paper was dated: October 29th, 1875!
Somehow, she had gone back in time!
Chapter 15: Witches of Salem, Part V
She was interrupted from her thoughts by the sound of Isabel coming into the room. Okay, she could deal with this. Everything was going to be all right. Yeah, sure, sure everything was going to be okay.
She just happened to be sitting in a strange house and it was the NINETEENTH CENTURY!!!
Okay, okay don't panic.don't panic.
"I picked some flowers from my garden. Here, I put them in a vase for you. Do you like them?"
"Oh yes, thank you. They're beautiful. Isabel you are just too kind. I'm sorry. I didn't even tell you my name before. It's Miriam."
"Oh, what an absolutely lovely name! I am so glad that you are here Miriam. And you will get to meet Douglas, my fiancé. He's coming for dinner tonight. He works on a ship and has been out to sea for months. I am so looking forward to seeing him again! And I just know he will enjoy meeting you."
Isabel spoke of her fiancé with excitement.
"Oh, I hope it's all right that I'll be here. I could stay upstairs if you like."
Mimi spoke uncertainly, not sure how she felt about meeting more new people. I mean, this was the 19th century right? People were very prim and proper during this time. At least that was the impression she got from her history class last year.
"Of course it's all right that you'll be here. I am delighted that you're staying with us. You will most certainly not stay in your room. I insist that you join us for dinner tonight."
Isabel went on excitedly, but a voice politely interrupted her.
"Isabel, remember your manners please."
Robert came into the room and stood next to his sister, nodding courteously at Mimi.
"Perhaps Miriam is tired and would prefer to eat in her room. Miriam if that is what you'd prefer that is fine. I will have Elizabeth bring dinner up to you. But please know that we would be honored to have you dine with us tonight."
Robert smiled graciously at Mimi.
"Oh please say you'll dine with us, Miriam."
Isabel looked at Mimi hopefully.
Mimi couldn't keep a smile from breaking out on her face. Isabel was so incredibly sweet and friendly and Robert was so kind.
"Thank you.uh.I'd love to."
"Oh how absolutely wonderful! Now I'll have a friend, a female one, to talk to! I won't have to pretend-"
Isabel's happy voice turned into a grumble with her last words.
Robert admonished his sister for her rudeness.
"Isabel." He said in a warning voice.
"Now I don't want any nonsense out of you tonight. You will be on your best behavior and treat ALL the guests with respect."
Robert directed his attention towards Mimi. "Miriam, I'm sorry. A couple of the guests coming tonight, Isabel does not entirely care for."
"More like I consider them a terrible bore." Isabel mumbled under her breath.
"Isabel." Robert warned his sister again with a sharp glance.
Mimi wondered wondered what these guests were going to be like and who were they?
****
Isabel was talking, going on and on about how excited she was that she was going to see her fiancé again tonight after so long. Mimi partly listened, but the other part of her was amazed at how they were dressed. These gowns were absolutely gorgeous, like nothing she had ever seen before. Isabel was wearing a light blue colored taffeta dress with a wide skirt. The sleeves were puffy and the neckline was square shaped. She wore small feathers and tiny little flowers in her hair that was twisted up in a becoming style. Mimi wore an almost golden dress, trimmed with fine lace and a round neckline. Her hair was held up with matching flower decorations.
Mimi, looked over at Robert dressed up in a black suit, enhanced with a magnificent gray vest.
She heard the doorbell ring.
Oh my goodness, Showtime!
It was Douglas.
Mimi watched as Isabel ran over to him and hugged him happily. She noticed too Robert fighting back his laughter, smiling happily for the young couple that were clearly very much in love. Douglas was dressed in a black suit with a vibrant blue vest and of course he had to look like someone Mimi knew!
Here we go again!
Mimi gasped in shock for a second, but quickly covered it up, trying to get a good look at Douglas. He looked a lot like Shawn, except he had straighter hair and a mustache. H also looked older than Shawn did.
Isabel came over with him and introduced Mimi to Douglas; Mimi felt herself almost instantly liking him. He seemed so much like Shawn, even acted like him in ways.
Later more guests came, one young man and two young women and what do you know?!
They looked familiar too!!
Mimi wondered how on earth she was still standing! Maybe she was just going crazy! That's what it was! She was going nuts! Ha, ha, ha! Mimi's going to the loony bin!!
No, one of the sources seemed to be saying! Don't give in to delirium! Stay strong!
The man was named Victor and he was dressed in a black suit with a light green stunning vest.
He also just happened to look like Brady.
Okay time to list the differences. Victor had a beard and his hair was so blonde it was almost white. He also looked older. He pretty much acted like Brady: funny, caustic at times and very upfront. He was just a little bit more refined. It must be that Victorian thing. Victor also just happened to be Robert and Isabel's cousin. This was just getting weirder and weirder!
Now onto the women.
The first one was wearing a reddish pink dress of silk that fell to the floor in soft layers and she was wearing her hair up, adorned by feathers.
Oh and by the way, she looked like, da da da da: Chloe!!
Oh dear, what a night this was going to be. Her name was Colette, but she seemed a lot like Chloe, just with lighter hair and she looked older.
The next one was.......................................................
A Nightmare!
She looked just like: JAN!!
Dum Dum Dum Dum!
Only her hair was darker, pure black. She was wearing a lavender colored dress made of taffeta, off the shoulder and her hair was up in feather decorations.
She looked at Mimi coldly and Mimi felt a shiver go up her spine. There was something about her that she didn't like.
Hey, the fact that she reminded her of Jan was definitely enough! Jeanette (that was the name of the Jan look-alike) walked up to Robert turning her cheek so it faced him. Robert politely kissed it.
Mimi felt a tiny pang of jealousy and wondered why she even felt this way. Maybe it had to do with the fact that he reminded her so much of Philip.
But it wouldn't bother her if Philip started going out with somebody, would it?
She felt someone watching her and turned to see Robert looking at her with a curious expression.
Unsettled, Mimi turned away.
****
They were now in the dining room, eating dinner and Mimi felt very uncomfortable. She looked around the room in astonishment. Like the rest of the house, it was absolutely magnificent. A large beautiful chandelier hung from the ceiling lighted with dozens and dozens of candles. A dancing fire was burning in a marble fireplace. On the side was a sideboard, carved out of beautiful mahogany wood in stunning designs. There were gorgeous scenic tapestries on the walls. The chairs were carved in intricate designs and the long table matched them perfectly. The gold tablecloth was made of the finest material and the large grandfather clock only added to the grandeur of everything.
Mimi felt completely out of place and like she was making one mistake after the other. She reached for the bread on the table instead of calling for the maid which was proper protocol and she asked for "meat" rather than "beef" and that was only some of the things she did improperly. There were so many rules and she had absolutely no previous knowledge of them. She felt lost.
Robert and Isabel were entirely gracious and acted as if it didn't matter at all. And Douglas and Brady seemed to think it was no big deal also. It was Colette and Jeanette who made Mimi feel not entirely comfortable. Colette said very little, just kept watching her, which made Mimi feel very spooked and Jeanette kept snickering and giving her dirty looks, when she was sure Robert wasn't watching.
****
Later they all went out to the parlor room. Victor and Isabel took turns playing the piano as Colette sang operatic songs. Some things never change!
Mimi was standing there listening and noticed Robert wasn't there anymore.
Hmmm.
She wondered where he went.
Everyone seemed so enraptured by the music. Maybe if she left no one would notice.
Mimi wandered over towards a pair of double glass doors and opened the doors. She looked outside and saw a beautiful garden, fountains and paths lined by cobblestones. There were small lanterns along the way that were lit by candles to make seeing where you were going easier. This must be the backyard she thought.
She walked outside and looked around, feeling more relaxed at the fact that she was alone finally, but also feeling very cold. She shivered as she looked up at the stars in the sky.
"You must be freezing. It's much too cold out here for you to be without a coat or anything."
Mimi jumped at the sound of the unexpected voice and turned around suddenly.
It was Robert.
Chapter 15: Witches of Salem, Part VI
Mimi looked up at him startled.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to frighten you. Here."
Robert put the jacket around Mimi's shoulders, causing her to tremble a little at his touch.
Robert said nothing and just walked over to a fountain, gazing into the cascades of water.
Mimi wasn't sure what to do. He was so quiet and he even looked a little, sad?
Still staring at the fountain, Robert asked Mimi a question.
"You don't care for opera?"
Mimi now felt horrible. He must think she was being terribly rude. What should she say?
"No Colette has, um, a great voice.uh, don't you like opera?"
Okay Mimi, there you go opening up your big mouth and saying the completely wrong thing.
"Forget I said anything."
She said and turned away.
Robert laughed softly and turned towards Mimi with a smile.
"You're not afraid to speak your mind, are you? In addition, you're very perceptive. No, I don't care for opera, either. Though I must say, I have always been entranced by Colette's voice. As for Isabel, I think that's the only thing she likes about Colette."
"Isabel is so friendly and kind. Why does she-"
Mimi stopped herself. She was opening up her big mouth again.
"Please finish what you were going to say."
Robert looked at Mimi with interest.
"I just don't understand why Isabel does not like Colette. She didn't seem to care for her that much at the table."
"You're right. She doesn't, but I can't be angry with her for her feelings about Colette. She's just fiercely protective of me as I am of her. For a while now it's only been Isabel and I. Our parents died in an accident and after I had to raise Isabel on my own as well as take care of myself. We had a good amount of money left over from our parents, but I still had to find a way to make a living. Money doesn't last forever. My father was a captain on a ship for much of his life and I intended to follow in his footsteps, but when the accident happened.You see, I had to make sure that Isabel was taken care of; I couldn't just set sail and leave her alone. Therefore, I started a shipping line of steamboat ships. Actually, it's been a very successful business."
Robert turned back towards the fountain with a regretful look.
"But you would rather be a captain at sea, wouldn't you?"
Robert looked at her questioningly.
"It's just I saw you talking to Douglas tonight and your face looked so alive when he talked about being at sea."
"You're right. It was my dream for so long. Watching my father, helping him steer the ship.I loved going out with him on a voyage when I was a child.but dreams do not always come true.I have accepted that."
He looked so sad.
"But Isabel is getting married soon. Maybe after you could."
Mimi's voice dropped off as his eyes met hers. His eyes were so blue, just like Philip's. Only they looked sadder, like they had seen more.
"Maybe. But the truth is Miriam I am not getting any younger. I hope to get married one day and most women are not as understanding about their husband being at sea as my mother was."
"Then you'll just have to find someone like your mother."
Oh my gosh, she was being incredibly forward with a 19th century gentleman.
"Okay, I'll just keep my mouth shut for now on."
"No, I like that you speak your mind. My mother could be that way sometimes too and you've seen how forward Isabel can be. I'm happy for her that she's getting married and to a good man too who genuinely cares for her and loves her. As for myself. I thought I had found the right woman to be my wife, but it was not meant to be."
Robert's voice dropped off as he smiled ironically at Mimi. Then he responded to her questioning look.
"Colette. Colette and I were together before. I fell madly in love with her at first sight. Maybe that was the problem."
"What do you mean?"
"I later realized I barely knew her. I was in love with an illusion, what I perceived her to be, not what she really was. However, no one would have been able to convince me of that at the time. I intended to ask for her hand in marriage, until I realized she was in love with another."
Robert smiled sadly at Mimi then turned to the fountain again.
"Victor?"
Mimi asked moving her head a little so she could see his averted face.
"Yes. How did you know?"
Robert's eyes met Mimi's as he directed his attention back towards her.
"I didn't know for sure, but I could kind of tell by the way they acted with each other. It must have been hard for you. I mean isn't Victor your cousin?"
"Yes and for a while I was very angry with him, but I don't know, what's that saying, time heals. So now you see why Isabel is not fond of Colette."
"Do you blame her, Colette I mean?"
"No, not really. She meant no ill will, though Isabel would say differently. She tried to love me. It just wasn't meant to be."
"Oh my goodness! Robert! There you are!"
Mimi and Robert nearly jumped in surprise as Jeanette came outside, unexpectedly.
She quickly went to Robert and grasped his hand, giving Mimi a dirty look and then quickly smiling, falsely.
Mimi took a step back, feeling out of place.
"Uh, Myrtle, would you be a dear and leave us now? I would like to talk to Robert alone."
Jeanette held onto Robert's arm and nearly pierced Mimi with her eyes.
Yep, she was just like Jan, a total..WITCH! Look at the way she was hanging on to Robert! It was disgusting! Mimi felt anger building up inside of her. No, a voice seemed to be telling her. That will get you nowhere. Stay focused. You must remember.
Robert smiled a little, cryptically.
"Jeanette, it's Miriam. Her name is Miriam."
He looked at Jeanette and then at Mimi, but he did not remove Jeanette's hand.
"Ooohhh, my apologies. I'm so sorry." Jeanette said sounding fake to Mimi.
"Don't worry about it. I was just leaving anyways."
Mimi started to head toward the door.
"Wait, Miriam."
Robert politely dislodged his arm from Jeanette's hand and caught Mimi's arm before she could leave.
"What?"
Mimi turned around surprised and looked up uncertainly into his eyes.
"Thank you."
"For what"
"Just, thank you."
Robert looked down at Mimi, his eyes focused only on her as he held her arm gently.
"Your welcome."
Mimi gazed up at him for one more second, feeling his arm let go of her slowly as she got ready to go back in.
He backed away from her, watching as she went back inside.
****
The wind blew around her, lifting the robe away from her body as she pulled it tighter around her, wondering if she was going crazy. She was in bed in the strange room her hosts had let her stay in. She was falling asleep when suddenly someone seemed to be telling her to go outside. Before she was even aware of what she was doing, she pulled on a robe, Isabel was letting her borrow and she cautiously walked down the steps and went outside through the back. Now she walked through the grass, towards a faint light up ahead.
Her only other light was a candle she was holding as the dark cold night surrounded her.
"Dear dear sister of the night,
I ask for your guidance,
show me what I need to know,
one here is not of this realm,
she is of another place,
the balance is askew,
Because of the dark thoughts and practices of one,
Another is lost...
Help me sister...
Help her...."
"OH MY-"
She stumbled and fell, terrified of what she was seeing. She struggled to get up, but something seemed to be holding her bound to the ground.
"I knew you would be come. Don't be frightened........................
MIMI.
My intentions are to help you..
not hurt you."
Mimi lay on the ground, staring up at Colette in horror.
"You.you're, you're....
A WITCH!"
This chapter is part of my story, but it is also a story in itself. You will see what I mean as you read it. Friendly Warning: It's pretty long!
Mimi walked with Philip along a dark wooded path. The whole day had been overcast and gloomy. Thick dark clouds, like ominous black sheets filled the sky all day long. When Mimi walked out of the front doors of the school to meet Philip, she heard the rumbling sounds of thunder and saw the small flashes of lightning. As they started to walk home from school, the thunder got louder and the lightning flashes became more vivid. Fierce gusts of wind pulled at them like sharp claws.
They were taking a shortcut through the woods that they recently found one day. It was darker and more deserted, but it also was a lot faster. Another lightning bolt hit, resembling a silver blade cutting through the sky. A lone beady-eyed crow sailed overhead, most likely trying to get away from the coming rain. Mimi also wanted to get away from the rain. She knew it would be coming any minute. She wished she were at home as the lightning bolts kept getting closer, dangerously closer.
"This is so cool! Don't you think Meems?" Philip asked, sounding excited.
Mimi looked at him in disbelief. "I don't know what you think is cool about this Philip, but I just want to get home."
"Come on, how many times do you get to see a lightning storm up this close?"
His words were echoed by the sound of thunder, like a lion roaring.
Mimi jumped at the loud crashing sound.
The wind moaned like a restless spirit.
Philip laughed and grabbed her arm. "Steady there, it's just thunder." He let go of her gently.
Mimi looked at Philip. "I just want to get home Philip okay, before it-"
Heavy drops of rain that seemed to come out of nowhere interrupted her words.
"rains."
Mimi said with dread in her voice.
As the rain started crashing down to the ground, hitting Mimi and Philip with a stinging force, the sky became even darker and ominous. Mimi brought out her umbrella, but the brutal forces of wind carried it away like a balloon sailing through the air. Philip tried to retrieve it, but the wind was strong and a human being was no match for it.
Philip grabbed Mimi's arm again. He yelled at her, striving to be heard over the pounding rain, the angry wind, and the rumbling thunder.
"Meems, we've got to see if we can find some shelter before we get pounded away by all of this! And it's getting harder to see! We can't stay out in this much longer!"
He held onto her arm and looked to see if he could see any way out of their predicament.
Finally, he was taking this seriously! Mimi looked for a way out, back to the main streets, but all she saw were tall trees that looked like menacing shrouded ghosts now. She trembled, starting to feel very scared. It was as if those trees were calling out to her, moaning eerily. Or maybe it was the wind. She didn't know anything anymore as fear started taking over her senses.
She screamed when a bolt of lightning hit one of the trees, high on one of the top branches and the branch came crashing down to the ground with a jarring sound.
"AAHHH!"
Philip let go of Mimi's arm and grabbed her around the waist, holding her tightly to his chest. One hand he placed on her head trying to hold her still and the other he kept around her back. She was getting hysterical.
"PHILIP, WE'RE GOING TO DIE! WE'RE GOING TO BE HIT BY LIGHTNING! I'M NEVER GOING TO GRADUATE! I'M NEVER GOING TO GET MARRIED! I'LL NEVER KNOW WHAT IT'S LIKE TO HAVE KIDS, BECAUSE ONE NIGHT WALKING HOME FROM SCHOOL LIGHTNING HIT ME AND I"
She was completely hysterical now as she broke away from Philip's embrace, waving her arms frantically and screaming at the top of her lungs.
Meanwhile, Philip was desperately trying to calm her down.
"MIMI, LOOK AT ME."
He grabbed her arms and shook her a little, not wanting to hurt her, but trying to get her to listen to him. He looked straight into her eyes that were now wild with fear.
"WE ARE NOT GOING TO DIE. DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME? WE ARE GOING TO BE FINE, BUT YOU HAVE TO CALM DOWN, NOW MIMI."
He kept a firm hold of her, not taking his eyes away from her face. The wind continued to blow forcefully as the rain pelted them in the face.
Mimi shakily nodded to Philip.
"Ooo-kk-ay"
Then she wrapped her arms around his waist, burying her head in his chest.
Philip ran his hands up and down her back, but let go quickly, saying they needed to find somewhere to get out of the rain and everything else.
Suddenly a flash of lightning appeared nearly lighting up the whole sky. Mimi clung to Philip again as he noticed something that he had not seen previously.
Another bolt hit, eerily lighting up the view of what looked like an old abandoned house, a very large old abandoned house. Philip stared at it in shock, not remembering ever seeing it before, but as another flash of light lit up the sky, he decided this wasn't the time to wonder. This was a time for action.
"Mimi, come on."
He pulled Mimi away from him and kept a firm hold of her hand, as he ran to the house, pulling her along with him. They ran up a stone path and stone steps, barely able to see where they were going in the stormy night.
Philip tried the door, but of course it was locked. He looked around and found a window that was partly open. He tried to lift it, but it was too heavy.
"Mimi, come here and help me!"
He called out to Mimi who was standing behind him, still shaking with fear.
"MIMI, I need some help!"
Mimi broke out of her state of fear and rushed over to help him. Philip was right. Panicking wasn't going to get them anywhere. She needed to stay calm.
She nearly shrieked as another bolt of lightning hit another tree, but she gathered her senses, willing herself to stay calm.
Together, they managed to lift the window. They climbed through it, Mimi first and then Philip, as the beady-eyed black crow circled above the house.
Inside the house, they tried to find lights somewhere, but found none. Mimi held onto Philip's jacket and waist, shakily walking behind him, as they searched for something to light their way. Outside the rain continued to pound the ground as the wind made eerie sounds and the lightning and thunder continued violently.
"Philip, where are we?"
Mimi asked from behind him in a shaky voice.
"Good question. I have no idea."
"I don't remember ever seeing this house."
"Neither do I. Look for some form of light, Meems. Anything."
It was almost pitch black in the house except for when it was lit up by the lightning, eerily flashing through the curtained windows.
They continued to look around as another bolt of lightning lit up the house, causing Mimi to spot a large candle in a ceramic container.
"Philip, look!"
She pointed from behind him, where she was still holding onto him by his jacket and waist. They clumsily walked over to the candle, sitting on a low table, darkness engulfing them again as the lightning flash ended.
Philip picked up the candle from the table.
"Okay, now we have a candle. Too bad, we don't have any way to light it. It's moments like this I wish I were a smoker."
He laughed wryly, the sound echoing in the darkness.
"Wait a minute."
"What?"
"I have matches!"
"You're kidding?" Philip asked her incredulously.
"No." Mimi fumbled to get a book of matches out of her purse. "I carry them, just in case." She handed the book of matches to him and he started to light one.
"In case of what?"
"I don't know! An emergency like this one!"
"I swear Mimi, there is no one like you and right now I am VERY happy to be one of your friends!"
He lit up the candle and they looked around the room, in total awe at what they saw.
Chapter 15: Witches of Salem, Part II
"Oh my."
Mimi couldn't go on. What she saw before her was incredible. Never before had she seen a house like this. It was so grand! At least it must have been at one time. Now it looked old and broken down. However, that didn't take away from the fact that at one time it must have been absolutely beautiful.
It had high ceilings and wooden floors, covered in some places with large carpets. Dusty old sheets were everywhere, covering up furniture: lots and lots of furniture. Pictures hung from the wall, some lopsided, like they might be ready to fall any minute. They were covered with dust, thick layers of dust. There were spider webs everywhere and thick cobwebs that stuck to the walls.
Mimi walked behind Philip, clinging to him as he lighted their way with the candle. She trembled, hearing the rumbling thunder and watching as the house was once again lit up by lighting.
They walked towards the dining room, seeing a grand piano on the way, dusty and rickety looking, but not covered up. In the dining room, they saw a long table, covered only with dust. It looked to be made of fine wood. In addition, there were matching chairs, not covered, carved in intricate designs. An old rusty looking chandelier hung overhead. It was huge and it looked like it had very old candles in it. There was an old sideboard fitted with a mirror, shelves, drawers and cabinets, partly covered by fading sheets, with spiders crawling on them.
Philip looked all around and finally spoke.
"I've never seen anything like this before! This is amazing! Can you believe this?"
He looked at Mimi with wonder in his eyes.
"No.Philip how come I've never seen this house before? I mean we've walked this path for weeks and we've NEVER seen this place before!"
Mimi's voice sounded a little scared, as if she was dreading what they would find next.
"Maybe we ended up on another path and didn't realize it.I don't know."
Mimi didn't like that answer.
They continued into the kitchen, seeing a very old looking iron stove and what looked like a very old sink. The linoleum floor was rotten, peeling away.
They walked back out to the front room and now noticed a grand staircase lined with wooden rails that had a curving design. The wood was chipped and rotting in many places. They saw an old fireplace as they started to walk up the creaking steps. Philip led the way, holding the candle in front of him. The walls were covered with wallpaper that was peeling away and mildewed in places. There were also large paintings, many of them.
Outside, the beady-eyed crow was perched on the top of the house, seeming oblivious to the pounding rain and lightening flashes.
The steps were numerous and there was a wide landing in the middle, with a marble statue that was chipped and worn away, sitting on the floor. They walked up the steps, past the landing, up to a long hallway, decorated with paintings on the walls.
The hallway veered off in places, like a giant maze of never-ending twist and turns.
They walked up to a door that was closed. Actually, all the doors to the rooms were closed. Philip opened the door. It let out an eerie creaking sound as a large flash of lightning lit up the room, making it look like daylight.
For one second.
Mimi walked in behind Philip, feeling very uneasy. Something was going to happen. She could just sense it. She held onto his jacket and waist, not wanting to let go.
The room had wallpaper on the walls, like the other parts of the house they saw. It was in terrible condition. There was a fireplace and a canopy bed, surrounded by what looked like curtains, worn curtains. Any other furniture was covered with sheets, faded sheets.
The beady-eyed crow flew to a tree, a tree that faced the room that Philip and Mimi were now investigating. It perched there silently, watching them.
Mimi let go of Philip, noticing some pictures on the wall. She wiped at the dust on them, feeling a need to see what was in those pictures. The first one was of a very old looking couple. The second one had a family, posing. Wait a minute! Some of those people looked familiar, but it couldn't be! These pictures had to be old, very old. The next one made her breath catch. No, it couldn't be.
There was no way.
"Oh my.Philip look! Look at these!"
She turned around to get his attention, not seeing him anywhere. The candle was there on the floor, but there was no sign of Philip. Where was he?
"Philip! PHILIP! THIS ISN'T FUNNY! WHERE ARE YOU?"
She screamed out, frantic. She took the candle, running out into the hallway, screaming for him. But she couldn't find him anywhere.
Then all of the sudden, she noticed an open door. Strange. She hadn't seen it before. She went into the room, filled with books and various things, strange things. The books were old looking, bound in leather. Next, she noticed bottles, labeled with ingredients, like someone preparing for a cooking project. However, these weren't ordinary ingredients and she would never want to eat any of these things. They were filled with things like spiders and.ugh.snakes.
She had to get out of here and hopefully find Philip. There had to be a way. She turned quickly and rashly, knocking down some of the bottles onto the floor in her haste. She ran to the door as it closed. She tried to open it, but it wouldn't budge.
A heavy thick smoke started to fill the room, making Mimi cough. She fell to the floor, feeling sick and finding it hard to keep her eyes open. She saw in a haze a black bird fly into the room, landing on the shelf where the bottles were, looking at her, as if it were watching her. She felt any little strength she had left giving way as her eyes grew too heavy to keep open any longer. She closed them, succumbing to the darkness.
The beady-eyed crow just watched quietly, then flapped its wings and flew out of the room, landing on a tree outside. The thick layer of smoke slowly started to fade away, leaving no trace of Mimi.
She disappeared.
Somehow, she just vanished!
The black beady-eyed crow flapped its wings again and flew away into the stormy night.
Chapter 15: Witches of Salem, Part III
She was falling into an endless abyss, down, down, down.
****
The driver cracked the whip lightly as the carriage traveled down a dirt road lined with trees. Leaves littered the ground along the way, in hues of orange and red. The driver continued along the road, suddenly coming to a stop at a startling sight. He pulled hard on the reins, eliciting a protesting neigh from the horses. Inside the carriage, the riders clung to the sides and to each other.
A young man, dressed in a pinstriped gray suit with matching vest, black topcoat, and a black hat came out of the carriage, wondering what was the matter.
"Davidson, you frightened my Dear Sister so. What is it? Why did you stop so abruptly?"
"My deepest apologies sir to you and the Young Miss, but it was that.there, in the road sir."
Davidson pointed to a huddled up figure down on the ground in front of the horses and carriage.
"Oh my stars!"
The young man rushed over to the huddled figure, gently moving what was obviously a young woman into his arms. He looked down at her peering into her face.
"Sir, please! I beg of you."
Davidson's protests continued as a young woman came out of the carriage, dressed in a mauve street dress that reached the ground, adorned by a small bustle in the back. On her head, she wore a matching hat, lightly covered by flowers.
"Brother, dear what is it?"
The young woman looked in shock noticing the lady on the ground.
"Gracious! Is she all right, Robert?"
The young woman rushed over to her brother, Robert, in alarm.
Davidson continued his futile protests. "Please sir she may carry a disease. Let me take care of it."
Robert and his sister ignored Davidson. "Robert, do you think she will be okay?" The young woman looked on with concern.
"I think so. But she's not conscious, it seems. We need to get her back to the house and call for the doctor."
With that, Robert picked up the young woman in his arms and began to hurry back to the carriage door.
Davidson followed trying to get his employer to listen to him.
"Please sir, look at how she is dressed! She is probably no more than a street urchin. I'll take her somewhere more appropriate. That way you will not have to deal with it. And the Young Miss won't be exposed to her either."
"Nonsense Davidson."
Robert watched as his sister got back into the carriage and then he followed suit, holding the young woman gently in his arms.
"She needs help and I intend to see to it that she gets it. Now please just drive us back home. We must make haste. When we get there I will need you to go get the doctor, quickly."
Robert sat down in the carriage holding the young woman in his lap.
"Robert, who do you think she is? I don't mean to sound rude, but look at how she is dressed and her hair..."
Robert's sister watched with worry as her brother held, in his lap, the strangely dressed woman.
"I don't know Dear Isabel. I don't know. But I intend to find out and to make sure that she is cared for."
***
She tried to open her eyes, feeling like she was fighting her way down a long never-ending tunnel. She could hear voices, distant voices as if from far away, as she wondered where she was. She moved a little, moaning. Ohh, her head hurt! That was it! Maybe she was in the hospital.
"Oh, look Robert. She's waking up." Isabel clung to her brother.
"Yes, it looks like she is. But let's not startle her. Let's not talk to loud. We might scare her." Robert quieted his sister gently, holding a finger up.
"Of course, you're right. We don't want to frighten her."
She finally managed to open her eyes. She looked around at the strange room, but suddenly gasped as she felt a sharp pain in the back of her head.
Isabel rushed over to the bed.
"Oh, you must be in pain. I'm so sorry. But you'll be all right soon enough. You hit your head, but the doctor said with proper rest you shall be feeling better soon." Isabel looked down quietly at the young woman.
She looked around and noticed she was in a bed, a big large beautiful bed in a gorgeously decorated room. But what really got her was the young woman talking to her. She looked so much like.
No it couldn't be. She must be dreaming! It was time to wake up now. She had to wake up. She closed her eyes, shutting them tight and opened them up again to find herself in the same place and that same young woman standing there.
"My brother and I found you and we brought you here to our house. Please don't worry. No harm will come to you. You're safe now."
She was starting to panic. IT WAS JUST A DREAM! IT HAD TO BE! But then, why wasn't' she waking up. She looked around the room more, feeling very shaky. WHERE WAS SHE?
"Who-who-are-yo-u?" She asked, her voice trembling.
"She is my sister, Isabel and my name is Robert. Please relax, we will not hurt you. We want to help you."
Robert walked over to the bed quietly and slowly, his expression gentle.
"No this isn't happening! MY-"
Mimi held her hand over her mouth in shock.
She was staring straight into....
STRAIGHT INTO THE FACES OF PHILIP AND BELLE,
Only they were dressed so weirdly and they looked older!
She had to get out of here! Wherever she was! She wanted to go home! She had to get out of this strange place! She removed the blankets from on top of her and shakily and weakly struggled to get up. She didn't have enough strength though.
That.
Her head spinning.
Her knees jelly.
The ground came rushing up to meet her...........
Spiraling her into a world of.
Blackness.
Witches of Salem: Chapter 15, Part IV
Robert rushed over to catch Mimi before she could fall to the floor.
He caught her in his arms and carried her back to the bed. With Isabel's help, he tucked her in. Then he turned around to speak with his sister.
"Maybe it would be better if I left the room."
"You're probably right. She might not feel so scared if there is only a woman in the room."
Isabel replied, looking down at the young woman.
"Then I'll leave you to it. I'll be downstairs in the parlor. Come get me if you shall need my assistance."
With that, Robert left the room.
Isabel pulled over a chair and sat down by the bed.
****
Mimi started to open her eyes again, her head still aching. Okay maybe it was all just a dream. Please let it be a dream! She opened her eyes completely to look straight into the eyes of the.
Belle look-alike.
Oh my gosh, she was going crazy! Pretty soon the men would start coming in with the white jackets!
"Please don't faint again! I'm not as big as my brother and I dare say I don't think I would be able to catch you." Isabel looked at Mimi with worried eyes.
Mimi found it hard to speak.
"I."
Her voice sounded raspy and weak.
"Oh my you poor thing, you must be thirsty!"
Isabel rushed over to a nearby dresser and picked up a large beautiful ceramic pitcher. She poured the contents of the ceramic pitcher into a glass. She put the pitcher back on the dresser and returned to Mimi's bedside.
"Here, drink this. It will make your throat feel better."
Isabel handed the glass to Mimi.
Mimi hesitated to take it.
"Oh don't worry. It's only water. Please, have some."
Mimi took a small sip and then another. When she was done, she handed the glass back to Isabel who put the glass back on the dresser and then sat down on the chair again.
Mimi was scared. She had no idea where she was and who these people were. But she also felt safe somehow. She didn't know how or why, but she did. Maybe it had to do with the warmth in this young woman's eyes. Maybe it had to do with how much she resembled Belle. Actually, this woman looked a little older-maybe 22 or 23 and her hair was a little darker-more brownish. In addition, she was dressed very strangely-in a long mauve dress. She tried to talk again, finding it easier this time.
"Who-who are you and where am-I?"
"My name is Isabel and you are in my brother's home and mine. Isabel looked down at Mimi gently and laid her hand next to hers.
"And your bro-ther is that man that was-was in here before?" Mimi asked incredulously.
"Yes, that was him. His name is Robert." Isabel giggled softly. "Oh, don't look so shocked! I mean he can be a fuddy duddy, but he is also very dear."
"I don't know what happened.I don't remember anything."
It was true. Mimi had no memory of how she got there or what she had been doing that day. She only remembered the previous night, being at home. Oh, she wished she were home now!
Isabel could see the fear and uncertainty in Mimi's eyes. She took her hand and placed it gently over Mimi's, then spoke in what she hoped was a soothing voice.
"It's all right. The doctor said you might not remember.
"Where-where did you find me?"
Isabel wondered how she should answer. Well, she supposed she should tell her the truth.
"On the road."
"The road?" Mimi asked bewildered.
"Yes, but don't be alarmed. The doctor said the only thing wrong with you was a bump on the head. All you need is some proper rest and you'll be good as new. I suppose I might as well tell you the whole story. See, Robert and I were in taking a ride in the carriage and then our driver, Davidson, stopped suddenly. Robert went out to see what the matter was and found you. He carried you and held you in the carriage. Then he carried you into the house. It would have been soooo romantic if it hadn't been just my brother." Isabel giggled.
"I'm so confused. Am I still in Salem?"
"Why yes. You must live here then, right"
Yes, in.yes I live here."
Mimi didn't know why she didn't tell Isabel about where she lived and why she somehow knew that asking for a phone was not a good idea. Something just told her to be quiet for now. Instead, she listened to Isabel explain about how their kindly old maid changed her into a nice nightdress to rest in. She listened to everything Isabel had to say, feeling a smile grow on her face. She reminded her so much of Belle.
"Oh my, I'm going on too much, aren't I? You're probably ready to nod off any minute." Isabel grinned at Mimi.
"No, it's, it's just that you remind me of someone." Mimi responded truthfully, starting to feel more and more comfortable with Isabel.
"Friend or foe?"
Mimi laughed.
"Friend, definitely friend."
"Wonderful, then we shall be friends too, I hope!" Isabel responded with enthusiasm.
****
Mimi looked at herself in the mirror, not believing what she was seeing. Isabel had given her one of her dresses to use and had helped her with getting dressed. She was wearing a corset, a chemise and a beautiful petticoat made of lace. She couldn't believe how many layers of clothing she was wearing and that was just the underwear! On top of that she wore a floor length gown in a rose color, adorned with pretty little flower designs. Her hair was up in a bun, now. Isabel said it was the proper way for a lady to wear her hair. She turned around, looking at herself in the mirror. The dress was so beautiful, but she still had no idea what was going on!
So if she had no idea where she was, why was she actually not that scared now?
Mimi looked around the room. There was a canopied four-poster bed, topped with a pastel-colored comforter and lace dust ruffles. Beautiful matching lace curtains surrounded it. The wood floor shined with a light polished finish. There was a beautiful small rug, in floral patterns. The wallpaper was also done in a discreet floral pattern. The dresser was made of fine wood and on another side was a vanity, covered with lace. Across from the bed, there was a charming fireplace with a small fire burning, keeping the room comfortably warm. Mimi stared at the room in awe. Never had she seen anything like this before.
She shook herself, feeling almost as if some outside force was trying to make her complacent and unconcerned about her new surroundings. However, she couldn't allow that. She had to find out where she was, whom these people actually were and most importantly, how to get back home. She knew; it was as if some other force, a different one, was warning her, telling her to be careful. She couldn't act rashly or out of fear. That would only get her into trouble!
She walked out of the room, into a long hallway decorated with large paintings, framed in brass and fine wood. She continued down the hallway, shocked by the beauty of the place she was in.
Finally, she found the steps. Earlier Isabel showed her how to get to the steps, but the hallway was so long and turned in so many places that it wasn't easy to find. Isabel offered to wait with her to go downstairs, but Mimi asked if it would be all right if she had some time alone. Isabel quickly and politely responded, of course, and left the room.
Mimi walked down the steps, made of wood, covered in the middle of the steps with a burgundy-ish colored carpet, enhanced with intricate designs. The railing was also made of wood, carved in swirling designs. She walked down the steps, past a white marble statue of a woman, sitting on the wide landing. She continued to walk, reaching the bottom and found herself in the parlor; it was amazing.
High ceilings were everywhere, enhanced with richly carved ceiling moldings. The walls were covered with wallpaper decorated with scrolls that matched the color pattern of the stairs. The wood floor was American Walnut, covered in various areas by stunning Oriental style rugs. A striking chandelier hung from the high ceiling. It had many candles in it. The large windows had spectacular curtains touching the floor, made of rich velvets and brocades that matched the rest of the room, held back with tassels of gold. In the middle was the furniture: an upholstered sofa, chairs, and tables with eye-catching designs carved into the wood. The focal point was the massive fireplace, beautifully sculptured on the outside. There was a nice fire blazing inside of it.
Mimi looked around the room in total bewilderment and then noticed Robert. He was sitting on a chair in the room reading a newspaper, it looked like. Immediately he stood up and faced her.
Oh my gosh, he looked so much like Philip.
He was wearing a gray suit, with a matching vest. His hair was similar to Philip's, but on second glance, she noticed it was darker, wavy and longer in the back. He looked older than Philip too and probably older than Isabel did.
"Are you feeling better now?"
Robert quietly and politely asked her.
"Yes.I think."
Mimi felt so flustered.
Robert walked over to Mimi and offered his arm.
"Please come sit down. You must be tired."
He led her over to the sofa and motioned for her to sit. He sat across from her in a high back chair.
"Isabel is tending to her garden outside. She should come back in soon."
"She's been very kind to me. And so have you, from what she has told me. Thank you for your generosity."
Mimi tried to reply in a way that wouldn't offend.
"Please don't think you need to thank me. It was nothing. I wanted to help you. I still do."
"I'm not sure you can." Mimi responded shakily.
"Why do you say that?" Robert looked at her interestedly.
"I don't know. I just have this feeling that.that I won't be able to go back.to.uh.I just don't think it will be easy. And I don't .I'm not sure what to do."
Mimi answered, feeling confused.
Robert could see the uncertainty in the young woman's eyes and hear it in her words and voice. She was hiding a secret, but about what? It would not be proper for him to pry, although he hoped he could get her to open up to him, eventually.
"You needn't worry about what to do. There is plenty of room in this house. You can stay as long as you need to."
"Thank you, Robert? Is that what I should call you?"
"Oh yes, please. And if you don't mind terribly me asking, what shall I call you?"
Robert smiled gently at Mimi.
Mimi thought about an answer. Then decided.
"My name is Miriam. And I would like it if you would call me that."
Mimi attempted to smile back, still feeling a little shaky.
"Miriam it is then. I am very pleased to meet your acquaintance, Miriam."
Robert held out his hand and Mimi tentatively placed hers in it. She watched as he held it gently for a second and then politely let go.
****
Mimi was sitting alone in the parlor room. Robert excused himself earlier, saying he must check on some business. He asked if she would be all right and she let him know she would be. He told her about the maid and that if she needed anything at all to please ask. Mimi looked over at the chair where he had been sitting and noticed a table close to it. The newspaper was on it. She picked up the newspaper and gasped at what she read.
The paper was dated: October 29th, 1875!
Somehow, she had gone back in time!
Chapter 15: Witches of Salem, Part V
She was interrupted from her thoughts by the sound of Isabel coming into the room. Okay, she could deal with this. Everything was going to be all right. Yeah, sure, sure everything was going to be okay.
She just happened to be sitting in a strange house and it was the NINETEENTH CENTURY!!!
Okay, okay don't panic.don't panic.
"I picked some flowers from my garden. Here, I put them in a vase for you. Do you like them?"
"Oh yes, thank you. They're beautiful. Isabel you are just too kind. I'm sorry. I didn't even tell you my name before. It's Miriam."
"Oh, what an absolutely lovely name! I am so glad that you are here Miriam. And you will get to meet Douglas, my fiancé. He's coming for dinner tonight. He works on a ship and has been out to sea for months. I am so looking forward to seeing him again! And I just know he will enjoy meeting you."
Isabel spoke of her fiancé with excitement.
"Oh, I hope it's all right that I'll be here. I could stay upstairs if you like."
Mimi spoke uncertainly, not sure how she felt about meeting more new people. I mean, this was the 19th century right? People were very prim and proper during this time. At least that was the impression she got from her history class last year.
"Of course it's all right that you'll be here. I am delighted that you're staying with us. You will most certainly not stay in your room. I insist that you join us for dinner tonight."
Isabel went on excitedly, but a voice politely interrupted her.
"Isabel, remember your manners please."
Robert came into the room and stood next to his sister, nodding courteously at Mimi.
"Perhaps Miriam is tired and would prefer to eat in her room. Miriam if that is what you'd prefer that is fine. I will have Elizabeth bring dinner up to you. But please know that we would be honored to have you dine with us tonight."
Robert smiled graciously at Mimi.
"Oh please say you'll dine with us, Miriam."
Isabel looked at Mimi hopefully.
Mimi couldn't keep a smile from breaking out on her face. Isabel was so incredibly sweet and friendly and Robert was so kind.
"Thank you.uh.I'd love to."
"Oh how absolutely wonderful! Now I'll have a friend, a female one, to talk to! I won't have to pretend-"
Isabel's happy voice turned into a grumble with her last words.
Robert admonished his sister for her rudeness.
"Isabel." He said in a warning voice.
"Now I don't want any nonsense out of you tonight. You will be on your best behavior and treat ALL the guests with respect."
Robert directed his attention towards Mimi. "Miriam, I'm sorry. A couple of the guests coming tonight, Isabel does not entirely care for."
"More like I consider them a terrible bore." Isabel mumbled under her breath.
"Isabel." Robert warned his sister again with a sharp glance.
Mimi wondered wondered what these guests were going to be like and who were they?
****
Isabel was talking, going on and on about how excited she was that she was going to see her fiancé again tonight after so long. Mimi partly listened, but the other part of her was amazed at how they were dressed. These gowns were absolutely gorgeous, like nothing she had ever seen before. Isabel was wearing a light blue colored taffeta dress with a wide skirt. The sleeves were puffy and the neckline was square shaped. She wore small feathers and tiny little flowers in her hair that was twisted up in a becoming style. Mimi wore an almost golden dress, trimmed with fine lace and a round neckline. Her hair was held up with matching flower decorations.
Mimi, looked over at Robert dressed up in a black suit, enhanced with a magnificent gray vest.
She heard the doorbell ring.
Oh my goodness, Showtime!
It was Douglas.
Mimi watched as Isabel ran over to him and hugged him happily. She noticed too Robert fighting back his laughter, smiling happily for the young couple that were clearly very much in love. Douglas was dressed in a black suit with a vibrant blue vest and of course he had to look like someone Mimi knew!
Here we go again!
Mimi gasped in shock for a second, but quickly covered it up, trying to get a good look at Douglas. He looked a lot like Shawn, except he had straighter hair and a mustache. H also looked older than Shawn did.
Isabel came over with him and introduced Mimi to Douglas; Mimi felt herself almost instantly liking him. He seemed so much like Shawn, even acted like him in ways.
Later more guests came, one young man and two young women and what do you know?!
They looked familiar too!!
Mimi wondered how on earth she was still standing! Maybe she was just going crazy! That's what it was! She was going nuts! Ha, ha, ha! Mimi's going to the loony bin!!
No, one of the sources seemed to be saying! Don't give in to delirium! Stay strong!
The man was named Victor and he was dressed in a black suit with a light green stunning vest.
He also just happened to look like Brady.
Okay time to list the differences. Victor had a beard and his hair was so blonde it was almost white. He also looked older. He pretty much acted like Brady: funny, caustic at times and very upfront. He was just a little bit more refined. It must be that Victorian thing. Victor also just happened to be Robert and Isabel's cousin. This was just getting weirder and weirder!
Now onto the women.
The first one was wearing a reddish pink dress of silk that fell to the floor in soft layers and she was wearing her hair up, adorned by feathers.
Oh and by the way, she looked like, da da da da: Chloe!!
Oh dear, what a night this was going to be. Her name was Colette, but she seemed a lot like Chloe, just with lighter hair and she looked older.
The next one was.......................................................
A Nightmare!
She looked just like: JAN!!
Dum Dum Dum Dum!
Only her hair was darker, pure black. She was wearing a lavender colored dress made of taffeta, off the shoulder and her hair was up in feather decorations.
She looked at Mimi coldly and Mimi felt a shiver go up her spine. There was something about her that she didn't like.
Hey, the fact that she reminded her of Jan was definitely enough! Jeanette (that was the name of the Jan look-alike) walked up to Robert turning her cheek so it faced him. Robert politely kissed it.
Mimi felt a tiny pang of jealousy and wondered why she even felt this way. Maybe it had to do with the fact that he reminded her so much of Philip.
But it wouldn't bother her if Philip started going out with somebody, would it?
She felt someone watching her and turned to see Robert looking at her with a curious expression.
Unsettled, Mimi turned away.
****
They were now in the dining room, eating dinner and Mimi felt very uncomfortable. She looked around the room in astonishment. Like the rest of the house, it was absolutely magnificent. A large beautiful chandelier hung from the ceiling lighted with dozens and dozens of candles. A dancing fire was burning in a marble fireplace. On the side was a sideboard, carved out of beautiful mahogany wood in stunning designs. There were gorgeous scenic tapestries on the walls. The chairs were carved in intricate designs and the long table matched them perfectly. The gold tablecloth was made of the finest material and the large grandfather clock only added to the grandeur of everything.
Mimi felt completely out of place and like she was making one mistake after the other. She reached for the bread on the table instead of calling for the maid which was proper protocol and she asked for "meat" rather than "beef" and that was only some of the things she did improperly. There were so many rules and she had absolutely no previous knowledge of them. She felt lost.
Robert and Isabel were entirely gracious and acted as if it didn't matter at all. And Douglas and Brady seemed to think it was no big deal also. It was Colette and Jeanette who made Mimi feel not entirely comfortable. Colette said very little, just kept watching her, which made Mimi feel very spooked and Jeanette kept snickering and giving her dirty looks, when she was sure Robert wasn't watching.
****
Later they all went out to the parlor room. Victor and Isabel took turns playing the piano as Colette sang operatic songs. Some things never change!
Mimi was standing there listening and noticed Robert wasn't there anymore.
Hmmm.
She wondered where he went.
Everyone seemed so enraptured by the music. Maybe if she left no one would notice.
Mimi wandered over towards a pair of double glass doors and opened the doors. She looked outside and saw a beautiful garden, fountains and paths lined by cobblestones. There were small lanterns along the way that were lit by candles to make seeing where you were going easier. This must be the backyard she thought.
She walked outside and looked around, feeling more relaxed at the fact that she was alone finally, but also feeling very cold. She shivered as she looked up at the stars in the sky.
"You must be freezing. It's much too cold out here for you to be without a coat or anything."
Mimi jumped at the sound of the unexpected voice and turned around suddenly.
It was Robert.
Chapter 15: Witches of Salem, Part VI
Mimi looked up at him startled.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to frighten you. Here."
Robert put the jacket around Mimi's shoulders, causing her to tremble a little at his touch.
Robert said nothing and just walked over to a fountain, gazing into the cascades of water.
Mimi wasn't sure what to do. He was so quiet and he even looked a little, sad?
Still staring at the fountain, Robert asked Mimi a question.
"You don't care for opera?"
Mimi now felt horrible. He must think she was being terribly rude. What should she say?
"No Colette has, um, a great voice.uh, don't you like opera?"
Okay Mimi, there you go opening up your big mouth and saying the completely wrong thing.
"Forget I said anything."
She said and turned away.
Robert laughed softly and turned towards Mimi with a smile.
"You're not afraid to speak your mind, are you? In addition, you're very perceptive. No, I don't care for opera, either. Though I must say, I have always been entranced by Colette's voice. As for Isabel, I think that's the only thing she likes about Colette."
"Isabel is so friendly and kind. Why does she-"
Mimi stopped herself. She was opening up her big mouth again.
"Please finish what you were going to say."
Robert looked at Mimi with interest.
"I just don't understand why Isabel does not like Colette. She didn't seem to care for her that much at the table."
"You're right. She doesn't, but I can't be angry with her for her feelings about Colette. She's just fiercely protective of me as I am of her. For a while now it's only been Isabel and I. Our parents died in an accident and after I had to raise Isabel on my own as well as take care of myself. We had a good amount of money left over from our parents, but I still had to find a way to make a living. Money doesn't last forever. My father was a captain on a ship for much of his life and I intended to follow in his footsteps, but when the accident happened.You see, I had to make sure that Isabel was taken care of; I couldn't just set sail and leave her alone. Therefore, I started a shipping line of steamboat ships. Actually, it's been a very successful business."
Robert turned back towards the fountain with a regretful look.
"But you would rather be a captain at sea, wouldn't you?"
Robert looked at her questioningly.
"It's just I saw you talking to Douglas tonight and your face looked so alive when he talked about being at sea."
"You're right. It was my dream for so long. Watching my father, helping him steer the ship.I loved going out with him on a voyage when I was a child.but dreams do not always come true.I have accepted that."
He looked so sad.
"But Isabel is getting married soon. Maybe after you could."
Mimi's voice dropped off as his eyes met hers. His eyes were so blue, just like Philip's. Only they looked sadder, like they had seen more.
"Maybe. But the truth is Miriam I am not getting any younger. I hope to get married one day and most women are not as understanding about their husband being at sea as my mother was."
"Then you'll just have to find someone like your mother."
Oh my gosh, she was being incredibly forward with a 19th century gentleman.
"Okay, I'll just keep my mouth shut for now on."
"No, I like that you speak your mind. My mother could be that way sometimes too and you've seen how forward Isabel can be. I'm happy for her that she's getting married and to a good man too who genuinely cares for her and loves her. As for myself. I thought I had found the right woman to be my wife, but it was not meant to be."
Robert's voice dropped off as he smiled ironically at Mimi. Then he responded to her questioning look.
"Colette. Colette and I were together before. I fell madly in love with her at first sight. Maybe that was the problem."
"What do you mean?"
"I later realized I barely knew her. I was in love with an illusion, what I perceived her to be, not what she really was. However, no one would have been able to convince me of that at the time. I intended to ask for her hand in marriage, until I realized she was in love with another."
Robert smiled sadly at Mimi then turned to the fountain again.
"Victor?"
Mimi asked moving her head a little so she could see his averted face.
"Yes. How did you know?"
Robert's eyes met Mimi's as he directed his attention back towards her.
"I didn't know for sure, but I could kind of tell by the way they acted with each other. It must have been hard for you. I mean isn't Victor your cousin?"
"Yes and for a while I was very angry with him, but I don't know, what's that saying, time heals. So now you see why Isabel is not fond of Colette."
"Do you blame her, Colette I mean?"
"No, not really. She meant no ill will, though Isabel would say differently. She tried to love me. It just wasn't meant to be."
"Oh my goodness! Robert! There you are!"
Mimi and Robert nearly jumped in surprise as Jeanette came outside, unexpectedly.
She quickly went to Robert and grasped his hand, giving Mimi a dirty look and then quickly smiling, falsely.
Mimi took a step back, feeling out of place.
"Uh, Myrtle, would you be a dear and leave us now? I would like to talk to Robert alone."
Jeanette held onto Robert's arm and nearly pierced Mimi with her eyes.
Yep, she was just like Jan, a total..WITCH! Look at the way she was hanging on to Robert! It was disgusting! Mimi felt anger building up inside of her. No, a voice seemed to be telling her. That will get you nowhere. Stay focused. You must remember.
Robert smiled a little, cryptically.
"Jeanette, it's Miriam. Her name is Miriam."
He looked at Jeanette and then at Mimi, but he did not remove Jeanette's hand.
"Ooohhh, my apologies. I'm so sorry." Jeanette said sounding fake to Mimi.
"Don't worry about it. I was just leaving anyways."
Mimi started to head toward the door.
"Wait, Miriam."
Robert politely dislodged his arm from Jeanette's hand and caught Mimi's arm before she could leave.
"What?"
Mimi turned around surprised and looked up uncertainly into his eyes.
"Thank you."
"For what"
"Just, thank you."
Robert looked down at Mimi, his eyes focused only on her as he held her arm gently.
"Your welcome."
Mimi gazed up at him for one more second, feeling his arm let go of her slowly as she got ready to go back in.
He backed away from her, watching as she went back inside.
****
The wind blew around her, lifting the robe away from her body as she pulled it tighter around her, wondering if she was going crazy. She was in bed in the strange room her hosts had let her stay in. She was falling asleep when suddenly someone seemed to be telling her to go outside. Before she was even aware of what she was doing, she pulled on a robe, Isabel was letting her borrow and she cautiously walked down the steps and went outside through the back. Now she walked through the grass, towards a faint light up ahead.
Her only other light was a candle she was holding as the dark cold night surrounded her.
"Dear dear sister of the night,
I ask for your guidance,
show me what I need to know,
one here is not of this realm,
she is of another place,
the balance is askew,
Because of the dark thoughts and practices of one,
Another is lost...
Help me sister...
Help her...."
"OH MY-"
She stumbled and fell, terrified of what she was seeing. She struggled to get up, but something seemed to be holding her bound to the ground.
"I knew you would be come. Don't be frightened........................
MIMI.
My intentions are to help you..
not hurt you."
Mimi lay on the ground, staring up at Colette in horror.
"You.you're, you're....
A WITCH!"