Chapter – The Party and the Aftermath.
Sorry it took a long time to get Chapter 3 up. My keyboard didn't work and I've been busy with school and stuff but now here it is! READ AND REVIEW!
Even as we drove up the wide and long driveway of Foxworth Hall I could tell that my family had gone to a lot of trouble to make this party perfect. The gardens were immaculate. Streamers and balloons had been carefully arranged between the flower bushes along the driveway. New garden lights were placed along the drive way as well. My Aunt Cindy drove up slowly and carefully as if wanting me to take it all in. The car windows were down and I could smell the roses and jasmine, such sweet flowery smells.
My Aunt pulled to a stop at the front of the mansion. Carefully we all came out and as we did, Darren poked his head out of the glorious front door of Foxworth Hall. He face was full of happiness and cheeriness. He stepped out. He was in a charming black suit with pink rose pinned to his jacket. Light pink to match Deirdre dress, of course. She leapt into his arms.
'Darren you look marvelous," she said while placing a kiss on his cheek.
"So do you Dee-Dee."
My brother, sister and I had always had a very close relationship. They weren't to much older than me and I remember as kids how'd we play together and how we always have fun. Darren and Deirdre tried not go off there own and they tried to always include me so I wouldn't be by myself. But they weren't always successful. Darren and Deirdre had a special relationship, a special closeness that came from being twins.
Darren smiled at me. "You look stunning Birthday Girl," he said as he led us into the grand Foxworth Hall.
My mother, father, Uncle Bart and Richard were waiting for me inside. Richard was my Aunts husband. I went to each of them and hugged them. I could tell what they were thinking. Cathy she looks so much like Cathy. I smiled weakly.
"Let me show you around," my Uncle Bart said barely containing his glee.
My Aunt Cindy smiled and took Richards arm. Darren and Deirdre was arm in arm and my mother was walking beside my father. My Uncle walked up to me and casually slipped his arm into mine.
"Come Lady Catherine."
He began directing me to all the rooms on the bottom floor that would be used during the party. I looked around Foxworth Hall, the place was amazing. It had been cleaned top to bottom and there were party decorations and bouquets of flowers every where. Windows let in fresh air and the twilight made everything seem more beautiful, magical. We went in the ballroom where the floor had been shined so well I could see my reflection. In the corner of the large room, were tables, where food was being placed by the waiters. There was a small stage in the ballroom where musicians were setting up. In a small room off the ballroom was a table where my gifts were already placed. I was excited to see the pile already quite high. There were also comfortable sofa and chairs for people who grew tired of the dancing.
We then went outside, to the backyard where three long tables were being set for supper. The garden was beautiful. All the flowers and bushes were trimmed and lush. Extra lighting had been placed around the yard so it was bright and there was also another stage out here were another group of musicians were setting up.
Everything we saw left me in awe. It was all extravagant. I wasn't even sixteen or even twenty-one. I knew my family must have gone to a lot of trouble. We then visited the kitchen and I saw a few of the courses being prepared for supper. All my favorites of course.
"It's all so…"
"Wonderful, amazing, startling?" My Aunt Cindy offered. "Bart went too so much trouble saying it should be perfect. You should have seen the way he yelled when caterers said they mightn't be able to prepare everything on the menu." She giggled.
"Yes," my mother continued, "he was set on having the party perfect. Nothing was good enough. He had the decorations," my mother waved her hand indicating all the pretty party decorations, "changed three times."
"And he made sure all the guests were coming. Bart hand delivered all the invitations and rang every guest to see if they were still coming just now."
By now by Uncle Bart had gone red from embarrassed. "Well…" he replied trying to think of a reason. I jus ran up to him and hugged him.
"See. She likes it all. It was worth it." He grinned. Whispering in my ear he said " I have a surprise for you."
I wondered what it was but I said nothing. I was sure there would be a lot of surprises. We all then went up to the front room. The guests were about to arrive and it was time for the party. I still felt queasy. Stop it, I thought to myself. Nothing to be worried about everything's fine.
The guests came, neighbors, school friends, family friends. Any person, who may have met me, in my fifteen years of living, came to my party. We greeted them, all of them. My uncle Bart was first in the greeting line, then myself, my parents, Darren, Deirdre and finally my Aunt with Richard. Everyone commented on how beautiful I looked. How wonderful the house looked. They told me happy birthday. Such a beautiful day for my birthday isn't it? I replied to their polite, cheerful questions. I was growing with excitement.
Once all guests arrived my Uncle Bart steered us outside towards those three long tables for dinner. Everyone sat down staring at the expensive crockery and cutlery before them. My Uncle had gone to great measures to make this party great. It seemed all the guest had chosen what to eat before hand. The caterers came out with wonderful smelling food. I was given a menu I looked at all the choices: Chicken, veal, beef, lamb, and fish. So may salads and side dishes. I couldn't choose. My Uncle Richard laughed.
"Just choose what you feel like."
In the end I had bits of everything. Everyone was laughing and cheering. Asking questions. Dish after dish. People yelled over each other and had a wonderful time I could tell by the happiness on their faces. People kept on commenting about all the splendors of Foxworth Hall.
I ate so much, I felt like exploding. Every dish was exquisitely made. My Uncle Bart had made sure only the best was served at my party.
Finally at the end my cake was served. All the bright garden lamps were turned off as the cake was brought out so only the garden lamps shone. It was wheeled out on a huge trolley. It was a Yellow butter cake layered with pastry cream and raspberry preserves. Frosted with a thin layer of vanilla butter cream and cloaked in a dome of green marzipan (almond paste). And decorated on top with a ribbon swag design adorned with tiny rosettes and daisies. On the top most layer of the cake, fifteen candles burned, fifteen for my age. I was so caught up in the brilliance of that cake; I was oblivious to everything around me.
Then I heard it, soft, whispery voices. "Happy birthday, dearest one, Sweet child of my heart …" I looked around the table where only a short while ago the members of my family sat. I saw that they were no longer sitting. I turned to the stage. There stood my whole family: Mommy, Daddy, Deirdre, Darren, Uncle Bart, Aunt Cindy, and Uncle Richard. They were all crowded around the microphone singing to me. I listened and my heart melted. I was so proud at that moment to be part of this family. Forget the past; forget the lies of the Foxworths. This was what we were now. Tears swelled in my bright cerulean blue eyes. They finished, and I saw all round people where awestruck.
"Happy Birthday Cathy. Blow out your candles and make a wish Darling. May your wish come true. May all your dreams and wishes come true." My father said in his crisp, clear, loud voice. He didn't need the microphone everyone was so silent.
Everyone turned to watch me. I looked at the candles shining bright. Flickering. Close your eyes tight. Blow with all your might. I wish for things to stay as they are. Wish I knew my grandmother. Wish, wish my daddy could dance. I opened my eyes and everyone was clapping and cheering and talking again. My family came down as the cake was sliced and everyone had a piece.
After dinner, many people went towards the ballroom to dance. My Aunt grabbed my Uncle Richard; they were one of the first people out onto the dance floor. Many boys lined up to dance with my sister but she gave the first dance to Darren. Many of the young boys looked towards me too and I found myself dancing each time with a new partner. Many of the conversations were similar. You look very beautiful. Such an impressive party. Beautiful house. Round and round I went. Dancing and dancing, laughing and smiling till I noticed my daddy.
"Excuse me" I muttered as I slipped out of a young boy arms and made my way over to my daddy.
"Hello daddy," I whispered into his ear. "Where's Mommy."
"Oh she went off to dance with your brother" my father sighed.
I watched my father as he stared at all the happy couples dancing together. He looked so sad and melancholy.
"Oh Daddy. I wish you could dance. I'd do anything to see you dance again."
"Cathy," he whispered. I leaned in closer, to listen. "Don't feel sorry for me. I am very lucky to be surrounded by my loving family. My mother showed me that I shouldn't be sorry for myself. I have so many things in my life that have taken over now. Dancing seems like something from another Jory's life."
I nodded to show I understood. Then I hugged him. It was an awkward hug but I didn't care. My mother was coming towards us.
"Don't sit here with us. Go and dance I can see all those young men trying to catch your eye." She said in a smiling voice.
"Go Birthday girl." My daddy said shooing me away. "Dance to your hearts content."
I twirled off. Smiling as I saw my mother lean to down to whisper in his ear then kiss him. I drew I a breath then quietly made my way the dual marble staircase. It was time.
I stole through the dark, gloomy halls of Foxworth Hal. My feet glided, knowing exactly where to go. As I turned to face the main entrance to the Attic, I pretended to be surprised. Trying to fool my mind, body but it didn't work. I knew all along that I'd come here sooner or later. It was inevitable.
I hadn't gone up to the Attic for awhile. I tried to ignore coming up here. It always felt unnatural. It was the main reason I disliked Foxworth Hall. Attic mice. Paper flowers. I went up the stairs of the main Attic entrance. I never ever used the closet entrance. The last to use that was my Grandmother Cathy, and it would always stay that way. I tipped-toed into the dusty attic, with paper flowers that, still hung from the rafters. My grandmother put them up there and no one had come to take them down. My Uncle Bart forbade anyone to enter the Attic. He never came up here after her death.
The flowers began to stir as I walked through them. They all hang at different lengths. They must have been bright once but now they were faded, grayish with hints of color. None of the paper flowers were yellow.
I began to twirl like a ballerina, standing on my toes. She must have done this too years ago in the other attic. I opened my eyes and ears, I let my imagination run wild and it wasn't long before I heard the sounds of the attic. I saw a girl like myself dancing in a pink tutu. I saw two twins running threw the paper flowers shrieking. I saw a boy reading in a dark corner. I saw junk lying around the big attic. I could smell stale musty air. I saw a boy and a girl sharing secrets. I walked around still listening, still watching. I was transported back into time.
Carefully not wanting to shatter the images, I saw. I made my way to a smaller room off the attic. This would be the schoolroom, although it didn't really look like one. I walked to the windows and opened one wide letting in the spring breeze. I couldn't see a view just cold black roof tiles. I looked up at the stars, looked at the full moon. I might have climbed on the roof but something held me back.
I starred at the night hoping my grandmother was in that special garden with the purple grass. I hoped Carrie and Cory were there with her, and I hoped Chris was there too. I hoped they were all up there. I wanted my grandmother to dance up there without the pain of her knee. I wished they weren't here in this attic, reliving the worst days of their lives, like I felt they were.
I went back to the attic. I shivered as I thought I heard shuffling coming from below. Then I heard noises like someone using the closet stairs. I gasped as I rushed toward the Attic's main entrance.
"It's okay. I won't hurt you."
I ran out locking the Attic door behind me. I was breathing deeply.
"Happy birthday Catherine Dahl," I whispered as I hastily made my way back to my party. For it was her birthday too. I could swear I heard someone whisper back "Happy birthday to you too."
When I arrived at my party it seemed I was missed. My mother rushed up to me as soon as she saw me enter the ballroom. "Honey, where have you been? Your brother had Uncle were looking for you. They wanted to dance with the birthday girl." She smiled.
"Oh, I only went out for some air mother. It was stuffy in here."
"Well alright then. Don't disappear again. Look here comes your brother."
My brother took my hand; his bright blue eyes were gleaming. "Cathy, birthday girl, guest of honor. Dance with me?"
"Sure Darren."
He led me onto the dance floor. Darren began chatting. He told me things about his music and which new parts he had memorized. He told me all about his music instructor and this girl he thought was really talented and pretty. I perked up at this. Darren and Deirdre had always been a special two-some and they needed no one else.
"A girl?"
"Yes Cathy, a girl. She's pretty too. Brownish hair, with almond shaped eyes. She's petite and plays the clarinet."
I giggled.
"Do you think Deirdre will like her?"
"I thought you two weren't involved yet. And how should I know? I haven't met her!" I replied. "What's her name?" I asked curiously.
"Isabella" he whispered in my ear.
We kept on dancing. He told me all about this girl and how they had been seeing a lot of each other.
"Deirdre will love her" I said as I broke away and went to get a drink.
The party continued into the long hours of the night. I had danced so much my legs were sore. As it got later and later people began to leave. They would glance at their watches, sparkling with diamonds, and remark about how late it was. Slowly guests left and eventually they were all gone. My aunt Cindy breathed in a sigh of relief as soon as the last guests left.
"Gosh, I'm tired, great party Bart. Happy Birthday Cathy. Come Richard lets get some sleep our flight leaves early."
He smiled at her. "Sure honey."
"You're going back so early?" my father asked.
"Cindy has another movie."
"Oh, ok" my father nodded. "Shame we haven't seen a lot of both of you."
"I know after this I'm coming home and having a break." My Aunt Cindy replied.
We all began to climb those dual marble stairs. Except my Uncle Bart who stood at the bottom.
"Where are you to going? Cathy hasn't opened presents yet! Come back down." Uncle Bart demanded.
"Bart it's late and we're tired. It's been a long day and an even longer night." My mother responded, shocked he would demand such a thing this late.
My Uncle scowled and began muttering under his breath.
"Bart stop acting like a child." Aunt Cindy snapped.
"Fine" he said. "Just one present."
I came back down the stairs. Everyone stood one the stairs wanting to see the present my Uncle wanted to give me. He ran to get my birthday present. Presenting it to me he stood waiting, anticipating my reaction. I unwrapped it slowly. It was a big present. After I took off all the gold wrapping paper and silver ribbons I lifted the lid of the box. I gasped.
Inside the huge box lay the dollhouse. The one that had sat in that room for so long, The one that was similar to the one my great Aunt Carrie had owned while she and her siblings sat in the attic awaiting there day of freedom.
"I hope you like it. I know you're a little old and I regret not giving it to you sooner but it can be an heirloom for your daughter. It's worth a lot of money. All hand carved" my Uncle Bart said shyly.
I looked up at the stairs where the rest of my family stood. There tired faces where now shocked. So this was my Uncles little surprise.
"Do you like it?"
"Well…Uncle Bart…um it's very beautiful." This was true it was beautiful but I didn't like it. It made me eerie.
He clasped his hands. "We can all go to bed now. I'll carry it up for you."
So off everyone went each person to their own rooms. I crawled into my bed at Foxworth Hall which was rose pink and white. So different to the one I had at home. I closed my eyes. I was so tired. The day is over now, nothing truly bad happened, I told myself. But I still had that feeling.
I woke up some short time later. I knew I hadn't slept long. I had, had a horrible nightmare. I dreamed that I was dancing and I couldn't stop. Like a ballerina in a music box. The music went on, and on and so did I. twirling and twirling. My legs began to strain, my muscled hurt. Stop I screamed but my voice was drowned out by the music. I heard cackling, shrill and evil, and then I was covered in tar. All above me saw my family's faces as they watched with pity as I drowned. They disappeared one by one. After that I woke up.
My breathing was heavy. I knew I had read my grandmother's books too many times. I knew each detail. It was almost as if I lived through it myself.
I dragged myself out of bed and then I drifted through the halls. I t was very dark and quiet. I creped, barely making a sound, not wanting to disrupt the silence. Soon I found myself in my Uncle Bart's wing. I walked toward his bedroom suite where I light was on. There were voices coming from inside. I stopped and listened.
"How dare you Bart Foxworth. Dam you to hell! How could you look me up in THAT room? I spit on you."
"Well that room's purpose has always been to hide unwanted guest."
"Like your mother?"
"Don't you dare say anything about her, my mother was a thousand times more decent then you. She was a strong woman who would never run out on her family like you did Melodie. You're weak, pathetic and stupid. I despise women like you."
"What kinds of women do you like Bart? Women like your mother who sleeps with their brothers? Maybe you should jump into bed with Cindy."
I heard a loud slap and then shriek.
"Don't you say anything disrespectful about my family. Or so help me god Melodie I will kill you. You have no use in the world anyway. You're a leech. All you do is suck up people's happiness."
Silence. Then, "Bart…" said a wailing voice.
"Go away Melodie. How many times must I tell you? Go away. No one wants to see you or know you.'
"I want to see them Bart. There my children too…"
"No, there not! There Jory and Toni's children. She is there mother not you. She looked after them. She feed them, loved them, cared for them. Not you!"
"No Bart! There my children too. She may have looked after them but I am there real mother I gave birth to them."
"So what do they have of yours beside your genes huh Melodie? Nothing. They don't know you or want you! How many times must I say it? NOW LEAVE!
"I won't Bart. You can't keep me away forever. I'll report you for all the horrible things you've done to me."
"Will you? What will you say? Melodie, your only here because you want money! How many times have I paid you off to stay away? Too many times to count! You say you want to meet your children, you say you want to make amends but you don't. I will not listen to your empty threats. You will not disturb Darren or Deirdre or even Cathy. There lives are perfect and you won't ruin it. I'll make sure. I'll keep you away and you will die alone without anyone to remember you or mourn your death. JUST LIKE YOU DESERVE!"
Silence.
"You haven't seen the last of me"
"I expect I haven't"
"I'll be back Bart. You truly can't keep me away forever. The truth will be revealed and I will be the one to tell it. You'll get yours Bart. I'll have my revenge."
Finally I heard footsteps I crept into the darkest corners in that corridor as silent as I could be. Out of the door a stunning women stepped out, in a flame red dress. She looked vaguely familiar.
"Good bye Bart. To hell with you" she yelled as she stormed out.
I floated back to my own room to the comfort of my bed. Too many surprises for one night I thought. Was she the person I heard shuffling about in the attic? And what was this about her being our mother? Toni was our mother wasn't she? I was confused and tired. She, the women looked a lot like Deirdre though, an older version.
I fell into a dreamless sleep and for that I should be glad because I would need all the rest I could get. Tomorrow would be event a more eventful day.
I woke the next morning, still very sleepy. It took me awhile to realize where I was. I wasn't used to waking up at Foxworth Hall. I sat up in my big bed at looked around the room through sleepy eyes. My head was buzzing. I tried to recall what I had heard last night and what happened. I really couldn't quite remember.
I got up at of that big bed with pink and white sheets and walked into the adjoining bathroom. I quickly began running a shower knowing that would bring me back to my senses. I let the warm water wash over me. It made me feel a lot better. I was alert. I went to my wardrobe and began pulling out a faded pair of jeans and a yellow t-shirt. I had clothes here incase I stayed overnight for any reason. Down the stairs I went and into the dining room where breakfast was being set: waffles, muffins, pancakes, everything.
"Good Morning my dear Lady" My Uncle Bart bellowed. "Soon everyone will be down and we will have a family breakfast, For Once! Take a walk with me?"
I agreed and we went around the grounds on a short brisk walk. The workers were changing the garden back to its original state. We returned indoors and by then almost everyone was down.
"Cindy is still bathing. She says to eat without her" Uncle Richard said before Uncle Bart could ask. My Uncle scowled.
We sat down anyway and began to eat. Everyone began to chatter and we all listened as Deirdre was telling us a story.
"She made such a complete fool of herself. Lucky it was only rehearsals" Deirdre was waving her fork around as she spoke.
All of a sudden there were loud noises coming from the front door.
"LET ME IN!"
We heard crashing noises and Marie (my uncle's housekeeper and cook) wail. Loud clicking heels stopped in the hallways and then finally the unexpected guest appeared in the dining rooms doorway.
"I told you I would be back Bart!" she screeched.
It was that lady. The lady I thought I saw in my dreams. The one my Uncle Bart called Melodie.
So what do you think? REVIEW! Thank you.