Somewhat short chapter. Still a WIP and subject to change and corrections. Just wanted to give people more parts of the story.
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-Chapter 4-
-Empty Eyes-
The Hope House bus reached the parking lot adjacent to the entrance to Rosewater park. As Jacob got off the bus he looked around, recalling how different the area was compared to his nightmare. Taking the place of a dark abyss with scattered streetlights, there was an air of entertainment, as the din of people conversing, swimming and playing filled the spring air. Jacob placed his hands in his pockets and walked into the park, where he met with half a dozen students waiting for him. The students formed a large circle around Jacob, all asking at once whether or not he was okay, what happened to him and other incident-related questions. Jacob was caught off guard by the students and the questions and really didn't know what to say. After a few moments of looking at the wild-eyed youths, Jacob felt a hand rest on his shoulder.
"Now, now, everyone," Father Alexander spoke above the din of the crowd, "Jacob just had a small fainting spell. Both of us attributed it to Jacob leaving Hope House without a proper meal." Alexander smiled at Jacob who, in turn, smiled softly back. "Let this be a lesson to all of you, that you must give your body proper nutrients so that each and everyone one of you will have the strength to face each new day. Now, let us leave young Jacob alone. This is his first trip to Rosewater and I am sure he would like to spend it without a gaggle of students crowding over him. Let us all be thankful that Jacob is okay."
The gaggle of students began to disperse from Jacob, some going their own separate ways to specific areas of the park, others meeting up with fellow classmates. Jacob began to walk towards the area that led to the canopy trail, retracing the steps of his nightmare. He could still see the image of Will hanging helplessly in the steel cage, crying as the monster prepared to skewer him. But Father Alexander said Will was just fine, how could that be? Jacob remembered the pool of blood forming on the ground where Will's lifeless body rested above it. There was only one way to find the truth, he had to find Will.
Jacob walked past the canopy trail and walked to the far side of the park, walking along the far trail. Walking down the white cobblestone walkway, Jacob spied a large white gazebo that had been home to two figures wearing school uniforms. Moving closer, Jacob could identify one of the figures to be Jessica, but could not see who the other figure had been. Stepping towards the gazebo, he watched as Jessica turned to face him, a look of deep concern and surprise on her sweet face. She rushed from her seat, running into Jacob's arms, clinging onto him tightly.
"Jacob!" she called out, her voice slightly muffled as her face pressed against the black fabric of Jacob's uniform. "I heard you had an accident! That you passed out!" Jessica looked into Jacob's eyes. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine, Jessica," Jacob spoke softly as he held Jessica in his arms, he couldn't help but hold onto her tightly and close to him. "I didn't eat this morning, Father Alexander and I believe that I passed out from not eating enough this morning. Come to think of it, I do remember feeling really light headed before I blacked out."
"Oh, Jacob," Jessica spoke as she took a step back, placing a soft hand on his cheek. "You should be more careful."
Jacob didn't have the heart to tell what Jacob had seen in his nightmare. A part of him wanted to protect her from such horrors, that the more he experienced the Alternate Silent Hill, the more he could understand it and find a way to prevent himself and others from experiencing such a horrible place.
"Jessica, I need to ask you something," Jacob spoke while glancing around him. "Have you seen Will? It's really important that I see him."
"I have, Jacob," said Jessica, tilting her head to the left. "He's right here. I have been talking with him for the last several minutes."
Jacob peered over Jessica's shoulder, his eyes widening in surprise as he saw Will slightly reclining on the gazebo bench, holding a white flower in his hands.
"Jacob," Will spoke with a light and airy tone of voice. "Blessed be god who has brought you back to us. May She bless and protect you."
Jacob began to move past Jessica who grabbed his arm.
"Jacob," she whispered. "Something is strange. Will seems...different."
Jacob nodded before taking a seat next to Will, who turned and faced him completely. "Will, how are you?"
"I am perfectly fine, Jacob," Will replied. "I have never been better." Will placed the white flower under his nose, his eyes closed as he inhaled deeply. "This park is a testament to Her blessing, don't you think? Our god blesses us with so much beauty."
Will smiled at Jacob brightly. Jacob examined the younger man's eyes, noting a subtle difference. His eyes looked...empty; soulless. The seemed to be a definite lack of warmth behind those cool blue eyes, no childlike sparkle.
"Will," Jacob spoke quietly, turning his body closer to him to prevent Jessica from hearing. "Will, do you recall anything...strange happening to you not too long ago? Do you remember seeing this park, but situated in a place of darkness? What about robed figures? And," Jacob whispered very quietly, "a monster?"
Will tilted his head and gave Jacob a quizzical look. "What are you talking about, Jacob? I have never seen anything of which you spoke. I don't know why you would think I have seen such dreadful things. God cannot create such a horrible place, devoid from Her love and kindness. I don't understand why you are asking me such questions."
Jacob sighed and then smiled. "I'm sorry, I guess I am still out of it from blacking out. Thinking nothing of it, my friend."
Will smiled back. "Very well. If you'll excuse me, I'd like to see the waterfront before we have to leave. I am glad you are doing well, Jacob." Will stood and moved towards Jessica, taking her hands into his. "Thank you for your company, Jessica. Enjoy the rest of your afternoon."
Jacob and Jessica looked at each other as Will blissfully strode down the stone trail, appearing to have absolutely no care in the world. Jessica sat down next to Jacob in the gazebo.
"What is different about him?" Jessica asked. "Did you notice his eyes?"
"I did."
"They seemed listless. Why is that?"
"I don't really know."
"Jacob, are you really okay?"
Jacob looked into the girl's eyes, placing his hand over hers. "I am fine, Jessica. A bit scared about blacking out like that, but I am just fine. The bus driver shared part of his lunch with me on the way here, and I am feeling better. No need to worry."
Jessica smiled as she leaned back against the back of the bench, her long brown hair spilling over the front of her shoulders. She placed her head against Jacob's shoulder and stared off in the direction of the waterfront. "Try not to pass out like that again. You really had me worried, Jacob."
"I promise to be more careful."
"You'd better, or I'll smack you one when you come to!" Jessica said while she laughed. Jacob laughed with her, sharing a peaceful moment in the park. It wouldn't be too long before the students were to board the buses back to Hope House, back to the routine of seminary education. Jacob let himself forget about classes, about the orphanage, even Will's supposed "death." Jacob sighed contentedly as he sat with Jessica in the gazebo, as if it was their special place. Jacob let all of his concerns and fears wash away, forgetting about Alternate Silent Hill, Will, and Hope House. There was nothing to bother him now, it was just him and Jessica, finding peace and calm in the quiet afternoon.