Author's Note: Warning - there is some scenes of mutilation of animals and a scene where there is some child abuse.
Chapter 15: Memories Part I - Lost Little Girl
Maggie hated being in a situation like this.
Cornered, under threat.
Vulnerable.
She posed her body in a defensive stance. Raising her fists slightly at her eye level and as Krueger swung his opened palm of left hand down towards her face, she ducked and swerved to the right. Then jabbed her left clenched fist forward. Trying to aim for his ribs. But he jerked out of her way and in a swift, violent lunge slammed his scarred left hand around her throat tightly.
She cried out her right hand closing around the warm skin of his hand clawing at the rutted flesh. Suddenly swung out with her left elbow. The edge grazing his ribs and he snarled, jerking her head back sharply and she hissed up at him. "Son of a bitch!"
Freddy leered down at her as he yanked her head back further. Arching her spine backwards as she groaned in pain. He raised gloved hand and mockingly stroked her seething face with the tips of his blades, "You deserve what is coming to you. You are still interfering in my special work"
Maggie sneered and with a roar, drove her right boot hard and fast into his crotch. He groaned deeply in pain and his taut grip on her hair loosened and she jerked her head free, stumbling away. But not far enough as he regained his composure and slammed the back of his glove vehemently against her right cheek, sending her spiralling to the ground with a shriek. It was then that she instantly felt the wet substance of her blood oozing from the wound on her cheek. Her focus rezoned on Krueger as he loomed over her, wagging a blade at her in dissonance. "That'll be the last time you do that" he growled nodding sharply at his crotch.
She slithered back on her hands and knees. Again, finding herself cornered…
Then her limbs froze. The all too familiar pressure of Krueger's power immobilising her lower body. She strained to re-hone her power towards her legs, trying in vain to pacify her mind. But the rising panic, trepidation of the bastard being near her wasn't helping her regain control of her power. Her mind was distorted and her composure, her calmness was gone. He had the advantage, again.
She anxiously looked up as he slowly began to crouch down, a few feet from her and flicked his blades. Aiming to swipe them down towards her right leg that was stretched out before her.
Her eyes snapped close as she braced herself for the stinging pain….
Whoosh!
Maggie felt a blast of stifling air swirl past her face and her eyes jerked open, staring in surprise at the blank space before her. What the fuck was going on…? Where was Freddy?
"Maggie!"
She gasped and twisted her head around to the right to face Doc as he rushed towards her. Behind him was a large seven-foot fissure and four feet in width, the edge gleaming in fluorescent yellow. Inside the fissure she saw the golden sands of Doc's own dream world he had created and heard the soothing waves of the ocean as it crashed onto the shore. Her mouth parted in shock then growing anger, ready to rebuke him. Why was he risking his life?
Doc had his right hand raised in front of him. His palm pressing forward against the air as he fixated his power at the far end of the corridor. He then knelt beside her, and she regained mobility to her legs, pushing herself to her feet with his aid. A warm, comforting hand on her back.
"Are you okay?" He asked, his deep voice laced with concern.
She held back an irritable scowl and nodded sharply. She was pissed. Not at him, but at Krueger. And more so towards herself. Her emotions were becoming out of control. Freddy knew that and that was how he was overpowering her…
Maggie saw Doc glancing over at Krueger, and she did likewise. The Springwood Slasher was straining against the invisible restraints pinning him to the ground. His eyes glowed red as he sneered over at Doc. The light clicking and clacking of his blades echoed in the ground as he grasped at the metal ground.
How dare that fucker intrude in his punishment of his daughter.
Freddy chuckled quietly, Gravelly, and low, then titled his head back as a sadistic grin sprayed across his rutted, burnt lips. A surge of his power flooded through him, and he violently pushed himself to his feet. Breaking free of Doc's hold over him. His back cracked, a bone snapping back into place. He stalked towards them both as Doc pulled Maggie backwards, towards the simmering opening behind them.
Krueger's eyes darted behind them, and he snarled, flicking his right wrist and a blade slithered through the air. Maggie glimpsed over her shoulder and her mouth parted in horror. The edge of the fissure was closing in on itself. The vibrant light gleamed brighter and then in a white light it faded to nothing.
The doorway to Doc's dream world was cut off from them. Gone.
She heard Krueger speak.
"What is it with you fuckers, interrupting me?" He snapped, voice deep. His gaze was locked on Doc, and he prowled towards him. Anger exuding from him. Hot searing pipes spilling thick steam from the cracks that aligned the rusty metal.
Maggie saw Doc step forward to shield her from Krueger and then glanced in horror at Freddy as he lifted his right hand. Ready to strike out at her colleague, her close friend…
"Keep the fuck away from him!" Maggie barked and drove herself forward, in between them. She cocked her head back, lips quivering as she took a deep breath. "You said you wouldn't go near him!"
Freddy's right hand froze mid-air. The angle of his right arm inclined forward slightly, hovering over the left side of her body as Maggie stood firm before him. Defiance shone in her eyes. Fists clenching hard at her side. Feelings of rage and worry conveyed from her mind and gleamed from eyes. He grounded his teeth. Disgust and fury projected across his face. His bottom lip coiling downwards in a leer. A deep grumble, incoherent mumble growling deep in his throat.
Maggie stared deeply into his blue eyes and that was when she them jerk towards Doc then back to her. Back and forth. A deep look of animosity and envy gleaming in them…
He was jealous by her concern and feeling of devotion for Alan.
Why?
Freddy seethed through his rotten teeth; he had never felt rage like this. How dare she do this to him! She may not know who she was, but the mere fact that his little girl had feelings of loyalty, of care towards this fat fucking cunt was repulsive. It was wrong.
She was only meant to care for him.
Her real father.
No-one else
He would teach her those values again when she discovered her identity.
The muscles on his arms flexed, pulsing hard under his tattered sweater as he considered his response. He did say that he wouldn't go near him. But this fucker was going to be a thorn in his side. He had powers, dream skills that he could teach the little brats. Would he even discover the source of his own power? He wouldn't kill the cunt, not yet anyway. But he would make him pay for interfering in dishing out his punishment on Katherine. A little slice here and there on his body would suffice…
The leer that coiled on his lips disappeared as he gave her a haughty smirk. He'd make her watch.
Her eyebrows furrowed slightly in suspicion, what was he thinking?
The slap across her face caught her by surprise and she went spiralling to the floor, face bouncing off the hard steel ground. She rolled onto her back and pushed herself to her feet as Krueger advanced towards Doc.
Doc staggered backwards. His eyes vacant and she saw him discreetly poised his right index finger over his left hand. He was going to wake them up…
She saw him repeatedly tap his fingertip on his skin.
Maggie jolted forward as she lay sprawled on the cold floor of her office. She gasped and winced at the hard sting of pain across her right cheek.
"Dr Burroughs…."
She swung her head towards Neil. He felt relieved that she was awake. But she didn't. Her eyes flicked towards the opened doorway as she saw a black body bag being loaded onto a gurney by Kenneth and another orderly. Her heart sank into her stomach. She knew whose body was inside.
Megan.
Another patient she had failed to protect.
Pushing her guilt to the side she twisted onto her knees, pulling her gaze towards the figure sitting on the chair to her left. Neil and Paul loomed over Doc's sleeping form. His eyes still rolled and jerked beneath his closed eyelids…
"No, no! Why isn't he awake?" Maggie dove forward and shoved the men to the side. She slapped Doc's face twice, "Doc, please wake up! Don't do this to me! Alan, WAKE UP!"
Her eyes widened and she screamed as four lacerations appeared across his shirt. At least three inches long. Deep crimson liquid slowly began to seep from his sliced skin. Then another slit appeared across his right arm, and he groaned in pain. A gush of blood trickling from the new laceration.
"No! Wake up!" Maggie screamed into his face, shaking him violently.
Neil yanked her back and heard him urgently speak to Paul, "Get the adrenaline, 10ml should do it. Go!"
Maggie refused to break her gaze away from Doc as he moaned and hissed in pain. His head jerked to the left and she whimpered. Anguish, despair and fury encasing her heart. Freddy was torturing him. Why was he doing this to her? She was going to kill him. Rip his fucking head off…
He lied to her.
She blinked out of her trance as Paul hurried back in and aimed the tip of the needle over Doc's heart. Then slammed it in, hard.
Doc let out a deep scream. His spine arching forward. But his eyes didn't open…
Maggie leapt forward and gripped his shoulders and screamed. Not at him, but at Krueger. She knew that he could hear her. "Let him go you bastard. Let him GO!"
It was Neil who noticed it. A single black pen floating from the desk. His eyes went wide in horror. "Maggie, look"
She jerked her head to the left and saw the pen straighten. The tip of the pen scribbling on a notepad. The ink forming words. Her mouth juddered open in alarm. Krueger had crossed into their world again.
He was here.
Go to sleep little lady, then I'll let the fucker wake up…
"What the fuck is going on?" Paul whispered hoarsely. His eyes glued on the pen as it floated and bobbed in the air.
"It's Krueger…." Maggie murmured. She saw Neil swing around to her in despair. "He can cross into our world, his spirit. He's been watching me"
She knew that they would be going to question her why she never disclosed this piece of information to her. What could she say? That she was afraid that they would dismiss her, force her to stay away from the kids? All she wanted to do was help them…
The pen sprang down towards the notebook and wrote another line below the first one. A little more impatiently. It was a threat. A threat that made Maggie's blood freeze in her veins.
You better hurry, or else the next cut I make might be fatal…
Her hands shook at her sides as she snapped, "You fucker!"
She flinched as she heard a maniacal laugh echo in her mind.
His laugh.
Another groan of pain resonated behind her, and she spun around to see Doc's head jolt to the right. The corner of his lip quickly sprouted out a gush of blood. Maggie grimaced and felt her eyes begin to water. She swirled back to the desk. There was no way she could let Doc suffer any more. She owed him so much, "Fine. You win Krueger. This time…" she sneered. "Neil, get me a sedative"
"Dr Burroughs, no- "
She looped around towards him. "Just fucking do it!"
He gave a grim nod. She was determined to sacrifice for her colleague. "Paul. Prepare a sedative"
Paul hesitated for a moment then left the room.
"Maggie…" Neil lowered his voice. His eyes flickering around the room. Wondering where Krueger was. "He's going to do something to you"
"I don't care…" Maggie seethed. Breathing hard. Her eyes focused on Doc's sleeping body as he moaned softy in pain. "All I care about is Doc. He's all I care about. He's done so much for me. More than anyone. You just don't understand. I must do this"
Neil nodded quietly.
As Paul rushed back into the office, Maggie rolled up her right sleeve and held out her arm for him. "Do it. Now"
Paul guided her to another chair, and she sat down, watching as the tip of the syringe pricked her skin. Piercing it and he slowly pushed the pusher down. The liquid pumped into her vein, and she leaned back in her chair, closing her eyes….
…..
"That's my girl"
Krueger's rasping voice leered above her as she materialised in the dream. She sprang to her feet, wildly looking about for Doc. His weakened, wounded body lay strewn feet to her right. Ignoring Freddy's snide grin, she skidded onto her knees beside her friend, lightly touching the ripped shirt and she cursed softly. He was losing blood, fast. She lightly pressed her two fingers against his wrist. His pulse was weakening.
"Wake him up!" she craned her head over her shoulder, glaring at him.
Freddy casually leaned against a steel wall, studying the blood that marred the blades on his glove. He gave a soft scoff. "You'll have to say the magic word"
Maggie pushed herself angrily from the ground, "Now, you fucker!"
"Uh-huh…" He wagged a blade at her. "That's not the magic word, sweetheart!"
"You said you'd wake him if I fell asleep. Here I am, now wake him up!" She brusquely snapped, her voice raising an octave. Her blood was boiling. Rage searing through her.
He again tutted at her, flashing her a mocking grin.
She scowled, lips jerking, and she gnawed on her bottom lip. He wanted her to beg. Snapping her eyes closed she took a shuddering breath. Then muttered, "Please…wake him up"
"Since you asked so nicely…" He pushed himself away from the wall and pointed a bloodied blade at Doc's motionless body. With a flick of his blade, Doc vanished. But Maggie didn't feel relieved. Not yet. She wanted evidence.
"Show me my office!" She demanded. "I want to see that's he's actually awake"
Freddy growled and opened his mouth, to rebuke.
"I don't trust you, Freddy!"
He swished his blades against each other and swiped them through the air, slicing opened a large simmering white vortex that overlooked her office. The air rippled as she took a step forward and a sigh of reprieve escaped her lips. Doc was awake, being aided out of the room under the arms of Paul and Max. A blood stain was evident on his shirt. His garment slowly being soaked in the crimson liquid. She had seen that Neil remained behind, standing over her sleeping form. Then in a flash the vortex closed in on itself and she swirled back to Krueger as he inched his way towards her.
"Now, let's get down to business…"
A thick metal chain flew from the darkness behind her and wrapped around her left wrist snapping her backwards. She cried out, her feet tumbling over each other as she was tugged back onto her back. Her back collided sharply with the hard, grated ground. She reached out to detangle her wrist, but another manacle sprang forward and snatched her right arm. Yanking back hard so that her arms were pulled above her head. "No, let me go!"
He knelt over her and tossed his right leg over her hips, straddling her. She tugged at her manacles and whipped her head to the left. Trying to veer her head out of his reach. But he snatched a fistful of her hair and wrenched her head to the right and then she saw the tip of his index blade creeping towards the side of her head. "It's time to take a little peek inside your pretty little head…"
A piercing sharp pain exploded through her head as the tip of the blade plunged into her skin. Not a speck of blood flowed from the hole as the blade sunk further in…
Her eyes fluttered wildly and shattered closed as a veil of darkness overwhelmed her…
….
Thick fog surrounded Maggie as she half-stumbled forward. The same fogginess clouded her mind, a deep dull pain throbbing at the side of her head. From where Krueger had pierced the blade into her skull. Where was she…?
Her eyes darted to the left, then right as she ambled forward through the mist. Soon, it began to drift, dissipate until she came through a large wooden archway. Thick, dark brown carpet were beneath her boots. Decorative flowered wallpaper, something from the late 60's adorned the walls. She blinked a few times and a large children's playroom connected to a living room appeared before her.
In the distance through the other doorway, she heard the faint murmuring and chatting of children in the other room. Their laughter and animated chatter filled the air.
But this room was empty.
The furnishings in the playroom were from the mid to late 60s. A large TV was at the back wall. Various tables that had board games, colouring in books, pages that had been drawn on. Colouring pencils, crayons and playdough were scattered on each table. Small chairs were tucked underneath. Some dolls and teddy bears were laid strewn on the floor. A variety of barbie dolls, space men figures, race cars were also dotted around the room on tables or on a few of the thick, dark brown sofas.
Maggie took a hesitant step forward into the room, then heard his rasping breathing from behind her.
She swirled around towards Freddy, sneering. "What did you do?"
He avoided her question and her heated gaze. His eyes scoured slowly over the room, taking in every item. She saw his eyes linger on a plaque pinned to the wall facing them. His lips pursed in a tight line.
She spun around and saw the plague that he was looking at. It was made of thick silver metal, engraved in the middle was the name of the building they were in.
Cedarwood Children's Care Home,
Lancaster,
Est 1903.
Maggie's jaw juddered open in dread; he was in her fucking memories. Next to the plaque was a calendar. The previous dates of the month had been scored out. The date was 23rd August 1968.
"Listen, you- "she began with a snarl. But her voice faltered off as he saw Freddy's penetrating gaze focused on a little figure sat in the far corner of the room. Alone and at their own table.
It was a little girl. No more than six years old. Brown hair messily put into two pigtails, bound in dark navy ribbons that matched her knee-length navy checked dress. Glossy, vacant brown eyes stared down at the blank piece of paper on the table. The fingers on her right hand tightly curled around a deep red crayon, the tip of the item was nervously placed on the page. She was shaking, a little sniffle barely audible.
Maggie felt her heart skip a beat. This was her as a little girl.
She heard footsteps and saw Krueger slowly stalk towards the little apparition of her and she defiantly strode forward. "I don't want you to see any of my memories. They're my memories. Not yours!"
His brooding gaze was locked on little Maggie, his lips curling slightly at the edges. Trying to resist the urge to smile. This was her, his little girl. She hadn't changed much from the night she was taken from her. She was perhaps a little taller, her hair was a shade darker. But the shape of her chin, her button nose, heart shaped lips were all too familiar. He slowly knelt before her, balancing on the balls of his feet. Her demeanour was different. Quiet, shy. Nervous. He could feel the feeling of loneliness, confusion radiating from her.
Little Maggie remained stoic as she sat motionless in her chair.
Beside her feet was a cardboard box. The lid securely tightened on top by thick black duct tape. Scrawled in large black marker on top was the name…MAGGIE.
Freddy glanced at the box then the charred skin that was above his eyes arched upwards as he looked over at the grown-up Maggie. A silent question being directed at her.
What is in the box?
Maggie took an angry step forward, ready to pull Krueger away when voices broke through the silence. Two female voices filtered through the archway and they both turned around as a dark hair and blond-haired woman strolled across the playroom. One of them was slightly taller, strutting about in her heels. Both were dressed in stylish skirts and cashmere sweaters. The blond hair woman abruptly stopped noticing little Maggie loitering in the corner of the room.
"Is this the girl you mentioned?" She whispered quietly.
The dark hair woman nodded slowly. "Yes, this is her" they walked towards the young girl who instantly flinched away. Pushing herself further into her seat if it were possible.
"This is Maggie…" the dark hair woman smiled, "Say hello to Miss Robinson"
Little Maggie's brown eyes flicked up toward them. But made no response. Then they darted down towards the blank page in front of her.
Lowering her voice Miss Robinson muttered, "Is she shy?"
The other woman nodded, "Yes, she's said very little since she had arrived here"
"When did she arrive here?"
"She was first placed in a Child Protection's Home when she was brought to Lancaster. It was at the start of February from what I was told. There is very little information about where she is from, her real name, birth parents. We only know her date of birth. She was named Maggie before she left her previous town. The name of that town is unavailable. They state it is for her own protection. She arrived at our Care Home around the 12th of March…" she said with a hint of sadness to her voice, "The Child Protection Services said she had been suffering from nightmares. Bed wetting. Tremors. She is very nervous around people"
Miss Robinson tutted solemnly. "How has she interacted with the other children?"
"Not very well. She doesn't play with them or sit beside them at mealtimes. Each time she would eat on her own, in the playroom. She had shared a bedroom with a few other girls. But a few months ago, we moved her to her own room. She was being teased by the other girls due to her accidents" The dark hair woman paused uneasily. "There was an incident where an older girl had been mocking her in the playroom one afternoon. Maggie hit out at her. Slapped her hard across the face. Maggie was screaming at her; she was out of control. Thrashing and lashing out at us. We had to sedate her and then isolate her from the other children for a week or so"
"Have you tried a therapist to help her?"
"Not yet. But it is something we will consider"
Krueger stared down thoughtfully at the little apparition of his daughter. It vexed him that she had become this way. Withdrawn and increasingly anxious. He knew it was because she was taken from him. The fact that she was torn away from her family had made her regress into herself. Gone was the happy, carefree, playful girl. And the little brats in another town were still hurting her. Teasing her. When he was alive, he had known a few of the little fuckers that had bullied her – she had told him - and he had taught them a lesson, taken them away and made them pay with their blood. But it made his black, rotten heart ache that he wasn't there for her here after his death.
He was her father; he should be protecting her.
Though, she was a Krueger. The fact that she had attacked and hit the child who had ridiculed her made his heart swell with pride.
His attention was drawn back to the women as they conferred. The topic of discussion was still his daughter.
"Has there been any interest in her? Any potential adopters?" He heard Miss Robinson asked.
"There was a young couple who had visited her a few times within the last two weeks. Unfortunately, because Maggie wouldn't interact with them or approach them. They withdrew their interest"
He glanced over at his grown-up daughter who was staring grimly at the ground. Her arms were limp at her sides. A stray tear trickled down her cheek. She was fighting so hard to compose herself. Willing her grief, her sorrow to remain hidden inside herself. The memory of this day she was reliving was hurting her. He knew that whatever other memories he dug up would possibly instill the same sensation of suffering.
Freddy took a cautious step towards her, but she instantly jerked away. Sneering, "Don't come near me"
She lifted her gaze and soon the scene faded away in a blur of browns and reds, being replaced by another.
It was the same room. Bustling with the children, who were chatting and joking at their tables. The date on the calendar noted as – 29TH September. Miss Robinson walked amongst the table, smiling down at the children as they drew in their colouring books, reading several comics, partaking in board games with each other. All of them were engaging with one another. Her head swung over towards little Maggie as she sat beside another girl. Her pensive gaze was on her drawing. It wasn't really a drawing. But a mesh of colours. Browns, reds, yellows.
Like she was scribbling down a flicker of flames.
Amidst the scrawling colours was the outline of a body, the gender unknown.
Krueger crouched down slightly. What was she drawing? Flames, fire? Whose body, was it?
Maggie swallowed hard and shivered. She vaguely remembered that drawing. It was a symbolism of a nightmare she had. Something she never shared with the carers in the home. She was terrified of what it meant.
It was at this time when the strange visions, the nightmares had begun…
Not on a regular basis. But every few months a vision would flash before her eyes. Then the disturbing thoughts would linger in her mind. Dark and unsettling feelings started to consume her. A confusion mixture of hate and rage.
Freddy and Maggie's gazes were drawn towards the black hair girl sat beside little Maggie. She lifted her eyes towards the drawing that Maggie was making and made a face of disgust, her lips coiling down in a frown.
"Miss Robinson, Miss Robinson!" The little girl called the woman over eagerly. "Look at what she's drawing. It's a dead body!"
The young woman strode over to the table and there was a hushed chorus of whispers form the other children. As they turned in their seats, peering over at the table.
"What…" Miss Robinson's voice faltered to a gasp. Her eyes widened in terror at the rushed drawing of the body. Splatters of red was crudely scribbled over the body that was laid sprawled on its back. It marred their legs, arms, and chest. "Maggie, you shouldn't be drawing something like that!"
Little Maggie gripped the paper in her hands and yanked it away out of reach from the carer, "No, it's mine!"
Krueger couldn't help but smirk. He missed that little voice. Soft, yet an abruptness to it. The way she would speak whenever she hated not getting her way, huffing angrily, and stomping her feet. He watched in intrigue as she staggered from her seat, backing away from the woman who loomed over her.
"Hand it over Maggie…"
The little girl sneered back and shook her head, her pigtails whipping back and forth. Her dark brown eyes glared venomously at the woman, and she slapped at the hand that was outstretched to her and ducked under her arm. Running from the room….
Freddy let out a callous chuckle, low and barely audible to the adult Maggie who lingered behind him. Her brooding gaze followed her little apparition as she ran towards the staircase. She knew that she was heading towards the safety of her room. A place she never wanted to leave, no matter what care home she was in. Being around the children throughout her childhood frightened her. She despised it.
Several strands of her hair whisked around her face as a blast of wind swirled around them. The date on the calendar sped forward several more months, several short visions flashing before them. Visits from a few prospective parents, but after trying to engage with little Maggie, they didn't peruse their application of adoption. Preferring another girl or a boy to adopt, to make part of their family.
Each time little Maggie's disposition turned more introverted. Losing a little bit more of her soul, of who she was…
Soon, the date landed on 16th January 1969.
The playroom had distorted into a large office. Tall thick dark brown cabinets filled with the children's files were behind a large rectangular desk where the head manager of the Care Home sat. On her desk, the name Mrs Wright was carved into a small brown plate, placed in the middle of the desk. The woman silently read a file that was opened in front of her. Pages of notes were spread in front of her.
Freddy crept over to her and peered over her left shoulder seeing that the notes concerned little Maggie. Regarding her behaviour around the children and adults. A list of observations was noted down…
Lack of communication.
Avoiding eye contact.
Arguments with some of the children.
Some occasions where Maggie had struck a child.
Disruptive behaviour during play time.
Mood swings.
Lack of appetite.
Disobeying orders.
Mrs Wright sighed sadly and looked up at the little girl sat across from her. Miss Robinson was at her side, next to her was a small black suitcase and the cardboard box that belonged to the little girl. "Maggie, we know it's difficult for you being here over the last several months. But your behaviour isn't acceptable. We've tried to give you chance after chance. But we feel that things aren't working out here for you"
The little girl looked up. Her face impassive, a flash of disappointment conversed over her young face. "Can't I stay here? Please?"
"I'm sorry, but we've arranged for you to go to another care home. It's still in Lancaster, it's called Pleasantville Children and Adolescent Care Home. We feel you would be better suited there. There is a counsellor that could help you"
"But I won't do any more of them drawings…." She protested softly.
"Sweetheart, you said that the last time and you keep drawing them. It's not healthy, it's not normal for you to draw those type of things…" Mrs Wright pulled out a few of the paintings. Some of them consisted of gravestones splattered in red blotches, small animals such as birds or small squirrels with broken limbs or long slicks of red blood marring their bodies. "Why do you draw these?"
"I-I don't know" Little Maggie whispered, "I have these thoughts"
"That's why you need to be moved to another Care Home where a counsellor, someone with more experience can talk to you. Help you"
Little Maggie scoffed and idly wiped at her face with the back of her hand. "You don't want me, that's it. You just don't c-care…"
"Maggie, that's not it at all" Mrs Wright shook her head. But the girl lowered her head, ignoring her and tucked her feet up on the edge of her chair. She placed her despairing face on the edge of her knees as another tear streamed down her cheek.
Staring other at his young daughter Freddy could feel the sensation of dejection, of rejection emanating from her. Her shoulders heaved up and down as she quietly sobbed…
He glimpsed over at the paintings strewn on the desk and his charred lips curled into a frown. There was a reason that she was drawing such crude, ominous images such as dead animals. He had a notion why she was creating such pictures as this. But from the memories he had seen so far, she had seemingly forgotten about that incident in her childhood.
Or had she? Was it lingering in her subconscious? They had said she was suffering from nightmares. Was it flashbacks from that time?
He growled deeply and soon the room began to warp in another whirl of vibrant colours. The layout of the room changed dramatically into a large front yard. The edge of the garden was cornered off by a four-foot white fence. Beyond it was a large wide road and a few houses dotted on each side of the road. Warm spring sunshine shone down on the lush green lawn as a crowd of children chased and played amongst each other.
There was a large driveway with four vehicles, one of them being a dark blue bus with the name sprawled on the side in white paint.
Pleasantville Children and Adolescent Care Home
Maggie wildly looked from the driveway towards the large three storey red brick house in front of her. A long wide porch surrounded the building with a few tables and chairs dotted along the edge. The garden was large, with a set of swings, sand pit, a part was paved off and a large hopscotch was drawn in thick white chalk. There was also a small basketball court specially designed for the older children. She remembered that this house was divided into two parts for the children in their care. One side of the house for the children aged between five and twelve years old. Then the west side of the house was allocated to the teenagers. There was at least fifteen members of staff, administrators, carers, kitchen staff and two counsellors.
A cluster of bushes and trees were scattered around the garden. A thick rope attached to a large black tyre swung back and forth in the strong breeze, suspended from a thick branch.
Freddy's leering eyes was hidden beneath the brim of his fedora as he scowled at the children that surrounded them. There was at least twelve in total, ages ranging from six to eleven years old. He stalked past them, his eyes darted about fast looking for any sign of her. His little girl. As he wandered past a small wooden bench, he studied the newspaper and the date that as sprawled out.
Lancaster Post, 18th May 1969.
He took one last glimpse at the children running amok and saw the grown-up Maggie strolling over towards a small cluster of bushes and a large tree to the far left of the garden. She was approaching a huddled little girl, her brown hair tied back in two low pigtails by dark green ribbons. He felt a smirk playing at his lips as he followed her and came to a stop over the girl – young Maggie.
She was crouched over a small animal. Her eyes securitizing tiny body. The soft tawny feathers of a small sparrow were visible beneath the leaves of the bush. She looked up at the tall oak tree and saw the outline of a nest and the faint squeaking of the rest of the nest. This little bird had fallen out, and was staggering to get to its small, clawed feet. A little frown crossed her face as she knelt beside it. It was hurt, its left leg was bent. Nearly broken in two. And there was a small gash along its left wing. Probably a wound from one of the cats that would roam about the garden. Her dark brown eyes gleamed with concern as she wildly looked about the ground…
The grown-up Maggie knew what was coming. It was a memory that was embedded in her memory since that day. The first time she had maimed an animal. But at the time she reasoned that she was being merciful.
Freddy took a cautious step forward and scoffed lightly as little Maggie rummaged through the grass and twigs. She was searching eagerly for something, but what? He suddenly saw her small hand curl around a smooth stone. It was a little larger than her hand. She inspected it raising it to her face and adjusted it in her hand so that the sharp edge of the stone was pointed down. Pushing herself forward on her knees she lifted the stone and swung it down hard onto the bird's chest. Once, then two more times….
There was a screech of pain from the tiny bird, followed by the crunching of bones…
A depraved grin spread over Krueger's face as the sight of the dead bird, it's blood now staining the stone in his young daughter's hand. A little similarity to his own childhood. How he reveled in the destruction of small animals, the hamster in school. The birds and small rabbits he had found in the forest on the edge of town. It was a prelude to what would happen when he grew up. First, he inflicted pain on himself with his razor blade, then killed that drunken cunt Edward Underwood with it. It wasn't long after his little princess was born that he began to have some real fun with the children…
"Oh, my god! Maggie, what are you doing?!" An older female voice cried out in horror.
The little girl calmly twirled around on her dressed clad knees. Impassive, cold dark brown eyes stared over at her then at the dead animal at her knees. "It was hurt. I was just helping it die"
The red-haired woman shook her head in repulsion and snatched the bloodied stone from Maggie's hand, tossing it to the side. "Come here, now!" she grabbed Maggie by her shoulder roughly.
"It was going to die anyway. I was giving it mercy!" Little Maggie shot back with a shrug of her shoulders. She took a last emotionless glance at the dead carcass on the ground as she trailed up the steps of the porch and into the building. Why was Ms Larkin so angry? She was only being merciful. Putting the animal out of its misery….
As she was hauled into the building, she heard the children mutter and whisper. No doubt witnessing the scene with horror and disgust. They always thought she was weird. Her drawings were evidence of that. The constant sketches of the macabre images that often flashed before her eyes whenever she daydreamed. The counsellor had tried to urge her to speak about her drawings, but each time she had shut down. Not communicating or uttering a word.
Freddy raised his clawed glove and thoughtfully tapped an index blade against his charred sharp chin, interpreting the thoughts that was revealed from the memory. It was interesting to finally discover the memories and her thoughts at these difficult times in her young life. He was slowly starting to understand why she had grown up to be this way she was now. He looked over at the adult Maggie who stared sternly at the dead bird. She was full of mistrust, anxious, a loner to a certain degree. But there was much more to find out…
In a flash of white light, the scene flickered to a small bedroom. Tucked under the small single bed was the cardboard box that had Maggie's name in black marker. The little girl swung her legs merrily underneath the chair that she sat on. She seemed a little excited. As her thoughts were conveyed to Krueger he gave an irritable scowl. There was a possibility, a good possibility that she was being adopted. It was about four months after the event with the bird, late September. There had been three more instances where she had killed other injured animals. But these events were more discreet, she had hidden the corpse of the squirrels and the bird amongst the bushes….
She had tried to improve her behaviour. Engaging a little with the counsellor. Speaking a little more with the other children. Though, she was still introverted and quiet. It appeared she was making the effort to control her disruptive behaviour to increase her chances of being adopted.
Soft footsteps approached from the landing, and she lifted her face, eyes alert and wide. The couple who had visited her three times over the last two months appeared in the doorway along with the head of the care staff, Ms O'Brien. The latter looked a little anxious, a forced smile tugging at her ruby lips as she walked over to the young girl.
Freddy slinked his blades against each other. Staring coldly at the couple. They were in their early thirties. The woman was slim, dressed in a long summer dress, short brown hair. The man was well built, adorning a business suit. They seemed like do-gooders to him. Gah, it sickened him. Had they taken her in?
He saw little Maggie looked up expectantly, a little smile appearing on her lips, and she asked, "Am I going now?"
The couple exchanged a sullen look and Ms O'Brien took slow steps towards the young child, sitting at her side. "Maggie, there has been a change of plans"
Little Maggie looked up at her, eyes wide with confusion. "What do you mean?"
"We know we told you two weeks ago that Mr and Mrs Alderwood were going to adopt you. That today would be when you would be going home with them" She began delicately and clasped her hand over little Maggie's smaller one, giving it a tender squeeze.
"Yes" The little girl nodded slowly. "Am I going tomorrow instead?"
Ms O'Brien sighed, head shaking slowly. Her grey-blue eyes gleaming with despondency. She hated breaking news this like to the children, that they weren't being adopted any more. It broke her heart to see their excited faces contort into disappointment, desolation. "Mrs Alderwood found something out last week. She was waiting on some news before deciding whether to go ahead with the adoption…"
The young woman advanced towards them, and little Maggie saw her right hand lightly stroke over her stomach…
"Maggie, I'm sorry. But we found out that I'm going to have my own little baby. The doctors said I couldn't have any children. But we just found out last week that I'm pregnant…" Her words trailed off as the young child's eyes darted between her face and the shirt covering her stomach. Lingering there for a few seconds then back to her eyes. A tear slowly rolled down her flushed face.
"But…can I not go with you?"
"It wouldn't be fair on you when the baby is born. I know that someone will be very happy to have you as their little girl" she reached out to stroke her dark brown locks. But little Maggie jolted back, disgusted, and angry. She spun away and buried her face into her plump soft pillow, shaking her head against the soft fabric. A wretched sob escaped her throat as she began to sob. Why did this keep happening to her? Why did no-one want her? Was there something wrong with her?
She never felt so alone. So unwanted….
Like the countless memories before. The scene transformed, melting way and a whirl of colours curled and whipped around them. The next few distorted recollections were of her being moved from Lancaster to Greensboro. Residing in a few foster homes for a few weeks at a time. The insecurity in her young life was still potent, overwhelming her as she continued to become more reserved and cagier around the adults and children. The various images flickered and soon focused on a large bronze plaque that had the name – Jefferson Children's Home, Greensboro.
A small calendar pinned to a wall near the playroom indicated that several months had passed. A thick red marker circled around the date – 20th February 1970.
At least ten children were sat in a semi-circle listening as they were engrossed in one of their school lessons taken in the care home. Two of the care staff lingered at the back of the room watching each child, particularly little Maggie who sat crossed legged at the back of the crowd. Her head was lowered, eyes pinned on her black Mary jane shoes.
Krueger and Maggie watched closely as little Maggie's body rocked back and forth. She was dismissive of the other children and the tutor.
The scene faded away and a flash of numerous imageries were displayed all around them through a thin mist.
Little Maggie sat alone drawing more vulgar pictures of dead animals. Again, the staff had scolded her. But she didn't' flinch. Not reacting to their reprimands. Never once did she apologise for her drawings.
In the space of two months, two other prospective adopters had pulled out their interest for the young child. Indicating that they had changed their minds, or their financial situation didn't make it feasible to adopt a child at that time.
In the middle of the summer of 1970, she was moved on again to another care home – Hillwood Home for Children. The recollections that were shown revealed a subtle change in her mannerisms and behaviour. She was still timid, but she was starting to watch the children more. Listening to them, even daring to try and speak to them. But a few of the older girls had tried to intimidate her during play time in the playroom or outside in the large backyard.
However, she had fought back. Pushing them, shouting at them. Becoming embroiled in a few scuffles with the children. Just like most young children would do, the older girls had covered for each other. Claiming that little Maggie was the one who had struck first.
Which was a lie.
But it was their word against little Maggie's…
It didn't take long for little Maggie to be hastily moved on again at the end of the year.
The flurry of scenes that whirled around them showed her being placed in numerous foster homes, a few weeks each time before being moved to a new one. It went on for months, at least nine months. Each time she was homeschooled and was gently encouraged into interacting with the other children in the foster homes. But she declined and shunned the children, reverting further into her shell. Closing herself off both mentally and emotionally from those around her….
Freddy took a pensive glance over at Maggie as they materialised in dimly lit room. It was a small bedroom. Tall high ceiling. Dark mahogany panelled walls were to each side of them. A dark oak door led into the room. A single bed was tucked to the far left of the room, underneath was the all too familiar outline of the cardboard box that read Maggie in black marker on top.
She had brought it with her from each home she was placed into…
Maggie walked across the room and saw the small statues of a few religious images. The Virgin Mary, Jesus, St Francis of Assisi, St Anthony were sat on a small table beside the bed, next to a small black bible. Square picture frames with various holy imagery were positioned on the walls. Looking down on them.
Scented candles were dotted around the room in small candle holders in the walls. Shedding a hazy glow in the room.
Spinning around Maggie's mouth dropped open in alarm. Panic taking an icy hold of her heart. She knew this place….
"I can't see this…." she murmured. "I don't want to!"
Freddy glimpsed at the religious statues in aversion. "What is this place?"
"I was brought here on 14th March 1972. I didn't want to go, but they thought it could help me!" she spat with venom. "It's a religious order run by nuns. They took in young children that in their eyes needed spiritual guidance. Those children who had lost their way. It was called Sisters of Divine Hope in Zanesville. I was here for two months"
He opened his mouth to ask another question. But knew it would be better to access her thoughts and remembrances from that time…
Several flickering scenes of the children's daily routines were exposed to him…
A strict routine – waking at 7am each morning. An hour each morning reciting prayers, holy hymns. Play time was only one hour per day. Children were divided into small groups of girls and boys. Ensuring that the girls and boys did not interact. They felt they were too young.
They had certain rules. Bowing to the sisters and nuns as they entered the room. Each child was ordered to say grace at mealtimes. To stand and recite prayers each evening. Their lessons were mainly orientated towards religious themes and topics. Most of the children obeyed the rules. But there was one or two children who displayed unruly behaviour and little Maggie was one of them.
He deciphered her thoughts of how she was treated by the nuns. She hated how they tried to control her, subjugate her. Even at the young age of ten years old, she was showing her rebellious streak. Their teachings sickened her. How could God love her? He didn't show her much love over the last four years, had he? In her view, God didn't care for her. He didn't exist…
"I don't want to watch this!" Maggie's stern voice shook slightly.
Freddy took a small step towards her. "Why? What happened to you?"
"None of your business" she snapped back angrily and turned towards the door, storming over to it. "I can't watch this"
He abruptly took four quick steps forward and slammed his gloved hand on her shoulder, shoving her into the corner of the room. "You are watching this. I'm watching this. I need to know what happened to you"
Her bottom lip juddered open in surprise. "Why- "
The words were cut off as faint voices carried down from the corridor outside, starting them both as they craned their gazes towards the door.
Freddy stepped back from her, his right arm falling to his side. The blades scraping eagerly against each other.
There were four voices. Three women and a young child. The latter was shouting, screaming in protest. Their words inaudible. But she sounded aggrieved, frustrated.
The door to the small bedroom slammed opened and a young girl, aged around ten was shoved forward into the room. Her slim frame was adorned in demure clothing – long dark brown pleated dress and a simple white short sleeved shirt. Something that the nuns had bought for her. It was dreary and bland.
Behind her three nuns entered the room. All of them were dressed in standard black habits paired with a white cowl, and black veil. Around their necks were various white rosary beads. One of them was quite young. Perhaps in their mid-twenties, with a youthful face. The other two were older, stern, grim faces. Perhaps in their forties or early fifties. They seemed hardened, stricter in their demeanour. Across each of their chests was a simple black name tag with their names engraved in white letters.
Sister Agnes, Sister Bernadette, and Sister Abigail.
The three nuns stood across the doorway of the room, blocking any escape for the young child who straightened up before them. The dark locks that were normally tied back in pigtails was cut short, in layers to just above her shoulders. Her brown eyes glinted with disdain as she stared at the nuns. From her body posture she was consumed by contempt for these people.
Sister Bernadette, the oldest of the nuns stepped forward. Her hands clasped tightly together in front of her and addressed young Maggie. "You must repent Maggie. Ask for forgiveness for the sin, the wicked deed you committed at prayer time"
Freddy craned his head to the left peering inquisitively at the adult Maggie, demanding an explanation.
Her eyebrows furrowed slightly as she thought back to that night of her childhood. "I was meant to say a prayer out of the prayer book. But I refused, saying some things they didn't like. They kept demanding that I recite the prayer, but I got so frustrated that I threw the prayer book in the raging fire in the hearth…" she looked up sharply at the low chuckle he gave. He flashed her a sinful grin, but soon turned his steely gaze back at the scene before them.
The young child took a step back, glaring up at the nuns as she brashly replied. "No, why should I? I'm telling the truth!"
"You speak nothing but lies. Blasphemous lies!" Sister Agnes crossed herself with the sign of the cross.
"It's not lies. He doesn't love me!" She snarled back and clenched her fists at her sides. "You keep telling all of us that God loves us. But he doesn't. You're trying to brainwash us!"
Freddy grinned menacingly. Savouring her words. But soon his twisted smile dropped as he saw Sister Agnes slowly reveal a long wooden cane from behind her back. He grounded his teeth and glimpsed quickly over at Maggie who quickly shook her head in dismay. She knew what was coming next. The pain, the terror of that evening was still raw. Still fresh in her mind. Her arms sluggishly curled around her waist, and she lowered her quivering face, chin tucked tightly against her chest. Hugging herself as if she was protecting herself.
He spun back to the nuns and sneered, taking a step forward as Sister Bernadette snatched little Maggie's arms and jerked her forward. "This is your last chance child. Atone for your sins. God shall forgive you if you repent. Sinners who repent are worthy of his love!"
There was a hiss and snarl as little Maggie pulled her right foot back and slammed it forward. The tip of her black shoe hitting hard against the sisters left shin and she grappled in her grip. "No, I won't! God doesn't love me, he hates me! He doesn't even exist!"
The words cut deep as the nun gasped and released her from her grip, again crossing her chest with the sign of the cross. Disgusted and alarmed by such words. Little Maggie swirled around and grabbed the first statue on the table, the figurine of Jesus draped in a red cloak, white tunic with their arms sprayed apart elegantly. In a fit of undeterred exasperation, she flung the statue forward and it flew over their heads smashing hard into the picture of Jesus and his disciplines at the last supper. A cascade of glass and stone from the shattered picture and figurine scattered down on the ground.
There were a few low gasps of horror from the nuns, but soon Sister Bernadette and Abigail sprang forward and viciously grabbed young Maggie's arms, puling her hard towards the bed. She thrashed and bucked against them, crying out. "Let me go!"
Sister Bernadette forcibly pushed Maggie's head forward onto the mattress and yanked the band of the dress down her thighs, to above her ankles. Baring her thighs and calves. The little girl screamed and shook her head vehemently. Her arms were yanked behind her, and Sister Abigial knelt on the bed, pinning her small wrists behind her back.
"If you shall not repent…" Sister Agnes voice was low, threatening. "Then you shall be punished" she raised the cane in her right hand. "This shall help you see the error of your lies, your sins"
Little Maggie squirmed on the bed, snaping her head to the right as she shot back, "Go to hell, you bitch!"
Another chorus of disturbed gasps came from the nuns who exchanged horrified looks. They knew a few of the older children, the teenagers had used distasteful profanity. But to hear this word from a young child was repulsive. They knew she would need to be isolated from the other children, properly disciplined to atone for her behaviour. It was their duty to mould the children into God's image. Regal, dutiful to the church.
Sister Agnes took two steps forward and lingered behind the girl. Lifting the cane and swung it down on the back of her knees. Just an inch above it. That was when little Maggie began to scream…
Freddy cursed to himself. But low enough that his voice was not audible to Maggie who had now turned away from the memory of her caning. Her head was still tucked against her chest. But her chest was heaving up and down slowly. She was crying….
He sneered back at the nuns. Wishing that he could so something, strike out with his blades. Stab the into their black hearts. The cock-sucking whores. How could they do that to her, his daughter? They were heartless bitches. He wished he could make them pay….
There was a whoosh as the cane was swung through the air again. The wood hitting sharply little Maggie's lower thighs. She let out another thunderous, pain-stricken scream. There was another crack of the cane against her flesh. Then another….
Having seen enough Freddy flicked his blades through the air and the scene faded in mirage of colours. The screams of the little child lingered in the air until it dwindled into silence.
Freddy twisted around towards Maggie as she took a haggard deep breath. Oh, he could sense the feelings of resentment, disgust at those women who did that to her. She had a hatred for anything religious, anything to do with God. How could she not hate them after what they did to her?
Maybe that memory from her childhood could become useful to him. If he were to introduce to her grandmother. There could be some animosity there that he could toy around with. Use it to turn her against Amanda.
But he would come back to that idea another time.
As the blur of colours swirled and twisted around them, he focused on the memories after hat night. She had remained in the care of those bitches for another few months. Again, being mentally and sometimes physically tortured. Her head was submerged in holy water, the use of the cane had happened two more times. It wasn't until the social services had come to pay a routine visit to her that she was moved from the order after she had shown them the faint red burn marks from her caning.
Another series of distorted recollections appeared before them. She was moved to another care home in Zanesville at the end of June 1972, where she remained for at least another six months. It was at the start of 1973 that she was transported to Central City and into Lancefield Children's Residence – Adoption and Foster Care Services.
It was then that he saw her demeanour really change. She had now become completely shut down. Her eyes had lost its sparkle. Dark and lifeless. Staring impassively whenever someone spoke to her. Like she wasn't there, lost inside the darkness of her mind. Her drawings had continued to become graphic in nature. Dead animals, bodies. But she was starting to draw images of a little child being tortured.
It was her being whipped with the cane….
A few images of her sitting facing a counsellor were displayed. The only interaction she showed was to break down in tears. Mumbling incoherent words. Nothing made any sense….
Another scene was when she was yet again picked upon by other children. But she had lashed out, hitting one or two of them. However, the other children ganged up on her. Covering for each other. Lying to the carers that little Maggie had attacked them without any provocation.
He had seen her height had increased. Nearly a foot taller. Her hair had grown to below her shoulder blades and was tied back in low pigtails. A symbolism of her childhood she had kept, despite fast approaching her adolescent years. Gone were her address. Now she preferred to be dressed in jeans, linen trousers. Anything long to cover her legs. A part of her was fearful that people would see the welts on her thighs. Despite them being healed a year before.
They materialised in a small bedroom at the back of a two-storey building. Krueger's icy eyes landed on little Maggie as she sat huddled at the top of her bed. The small cardboard box with her name scrawled in marker was at her feet. Her unreceptive gaze was poised on the box. She didn't move an inch. Though a single tear rolled down her cheek, followed by another….
Freddy heard a sniffle behind him, and he spun around towards Maggie who shifted uneasily on her feet. Her muscles tensed with apprehension. She spoke quietly with her face towards the floor, "It was the same everywhere I went. Every home I was placed into…"
He titled his head to the side curiously.
"No one wanted to hear what I wanted…" she murmured sadly.
Freddy took a contemplative look at the image of his young daughter then back to Maggie, "What did you want?"
"I wanted to die!" she jerked her head up towards him. Choking back a sob. Emotions of despair, loneliness and distress emanated from her and the young apparition of herself in waves.
His eyes widened in disbelief, she wanted to kill herself.
"Surprised, huh?" Maggie scoffed with a wry smile. "Imagine being eleven years old and all you can think of is dying! I often thought of sneaking down during the night to take one of those steak knives and dragging the blade across my wrist. I wanted to die like the animals I killed…." Her voice wavered, breaking slightly with grief. "I wanted to be put out of my misery! Ever since I was six years old!"
Freddy took a slow step towards her.
She continued through her sobs, her chest heaving up and down hard. A barrage of tears streaked down her face as she broke down. It was the first time she had ever broken down in tears in front of anyone. Even during her therapy sessions with Doc, she never once burst into tears. It was always when she was alone. But now, the feelings of her youth and throughout her life came crashing together for the first time – anger, hate, fear, loneliness, rejection. Her lips quivered eyes becoming red from her crying as she choked out. "No-one wanted me. Mr and Mrs Alderwood d-didn't want me. Mr and Mrs Bennett changed their minds. Oh, sorry Maggie we want to adopt a little boy instead. But they weren't sorry at all. I meant nothing to them. No-one gave a fuck about me. Not even my parents whoever they were! They couldn't give a fuck about me, they abandoned me. I'm alone, I've always been alone!"
Freddy's eyes went wide in shock. His jaw slackening in surprise. Did she really believe that? That she was unwanted by him, by himself and Loretta? He wanted to tell her she was wrong. What she truly meant to him and who she really was. But he knew now wasn't the time, she would react badly, and he knew she wouldn't believe him. He had to help her regain her memories of when she was in Springwood before she was taken from him. He owed her that.
"There' must be something wrong with me…" she hoarsely whispered and idly wiped at her tears.
He took slow steps towards her and delicately placed his scarred hand on her shoulder, giving it a tender squeeze. An unexpected show of comfort from his part. Something he hadn't did since when was alive…
Maggie shivered under his touch, the feel of his rutted skin on her maroon shirt made her cringe. Then she jerked back violently and sneered, "Don't you fucking dare to pretend you care! You wanted to see all of this…" she waved her hand briskly. "So, you can use it against me! But it won't work Krueger!"
As she began to step back, he roughly snatched her shoulders, his eyes focusing sharply on her eyes and a wave of nausea hit her. Her eyes rolled back into her head as slipped into unconsciousness…
He caught her body and laid her against the wall, sighing gutturally in dismay. What he had seen so far from her memories had irritated him, enraged him. But he knew there was so much more to learn from her past.
The most important event being was how that fucker Alan came into her life….