Chapter 1: Seeds

The moon cuts through the old lacy curtains, illuminating tear stained letters scattered around a dining room table. "Inheritance" a blessing in disguise, " more like a curse" Jane wept. Nana's farmhouse built just for her, her dream house, Jane would be thrilled to have this house under any other circumstance, but losing her beloved grandmother sours the celebration. A beautiful farm house equipped with fresh fruits and vegetables, a large chicken coop, and a small herd of cattle. The deed to the land also came with a rather large check, in nana's letter she wanted Jane to focus on her dream of becoming an award winning artist, and what better opportunity then a farm filled with amazing sights. "You can do this Jane…. she's given you everything you could have ever asked for, you can't let it go to waste." Jane wiped her tears then flips her long dark red hair out of her face, making her way to the bedroom she shuffled her feet trying to avoid the creeks and cracks of old hardwood floors. In the master bedroom Jane flops down face first on her Nana's bed, the soft touch of silk makes her body tingle, scents of rose and honeysuckle fill the air, Jane cracks a smile and begins to giggle. Memories of reading bedtime stories while drinking warm chamomile tea with milk and honey flow through Jane's mind, she takes a few deep breaths before falling asleep. Early mornings now consist of checking on the farm animals, making sure the crops are growing perfectly, then ending the madness with a hot cup of coffee on the porch, " this would be a perfect time to start painting" Jane grabs her supplies, the main room will be her studio, her brush tells the story of three cows enjoying there peaceful life. By noon the dreaded artist block strikes, "nothing a cold drink and a snack won't fix" jane sighs waddling toward her kitchen, grilled cheese sandwiches paired with freshly squeezed lemonade just like nana used to make.

Nana, feisty as ever running around the farm as if she's a child, even in her old age, always ready for a new exciting adventure, 'Grab your boots Janie! The frogs won't catch themselves!" Nana hollered, Jane's little feet stomped from the top floor down to the last steps of the porch, "wait for me nana!" Jane pleaded running as fast as her legs could take her. " Do you know why we call this land Dolls Creek?", "Mmmm because people think it's a cute name?" Jane thought real hard for that answer, laughter erupts from Nana's lungs " no silly girl! Sometimes we find little dolls floating down the creek, we used to bury them deep in the forest, but they just kept coming back." Jane's eyes squinted " where do they come from? Why do they keep coming back?", "if i knew i would tell you dear." Nana smiled warmly, that answer seemed to put Jane at ease for the time being. Jane's parents worked inhumanly hard at high volume times of the year, leaving little janie with her Grandmother for weeks at a time, Nana never minded, she loved spending time with Jane. Jane's mother Ruby, spent most of her life trying to get far away from the farm,taking opportunities to travel with friends, studying abroad, moving to the west coast, only visiting her mother when absolutely necessary, not that she disliked her mother, Ruby just new there was more out there for her then being a simple farm girl. Jane on the other hand loved farm life, she would rather be working on the farm than dining at five star restaurants in New York City with her parents' snooty friends. Nana was Jane's best friend, from dusk till dawn those two went hand in hand.

Jane woke up from a short nap embracing the quilt her grandma made from worn fabrics, "3:00pm i should stop by the town and pick up some snacks before it gets dark" Jane drove an older model car, she fit right in with the locals if not a bit too easy on the eyes for this small town. A corner shop is the perfect one stop shop for all janes needs, Mr. Grayson owned the shop, an older man salt and pepper with time, he always kept Jane's favorite items in stock, fizzy soda candy, sour lemon drops, and a case of strawberry flavored tea. "That'll be 3.50 Miss Monatt" Mr. Grayson smiled, "what? No no no Mr. Grayson! 15.75 is what i should pay" jane exclaimed, Mr. Grayson shook his head with a chuckle,

" Not for my little Miss Janie, you were a tot when I first met you… the price was 3.50 the first day you picked out these goodies and they will not be changing anytime soon!"Jane grins as she hands the old clerk his payment. The drive back to Dolls Creek was about an hour of back road surrounded by trees, "Shoot! The suns already going down!" Jane hated driving the lonesome road after night fall,( ABBA plays on the radio before being interrupted by static interference), "Ick damn woods…" jane hissed, a glimmer of something white, left of the road catches jane's eyes, as jane approaches the shapes, her eyes widen as the figures of 2 small children appear to be standing just behind the tree line. Jane blinks rapidly regaining focus on the dark dirt road, "it couldn't be, it wasn't, that's impossible" Jane nervously giggled away her fear, the rest of the drive was gratefully uneventful, in bed curled up in her quilt jane lay still trying to dismiss her spooky encounter. She takes a deep breath," rose and honeysuckle" She whispers as she falls asleep. A week goes by before Jane decides to make another trip into town, this time earlier in the day to avoid any ghostly tricks these forests play. Jane still can't shake the feeling that something lurks in the woods leading to her peaceful farm house, the road to town was beautiful in the sunlight, the small town of Dewleer tucked far up in the mountains where Buttercups bloom. Mr. Grayson is seen tidying up his shop, " well good mornin Miss Monatt, lovely day aint it?"Jane's smile isn't as full and bright as it usually appears. " good morning, you've been around a while right Mr. Grayson?" " I sure hope so or else I should be lookin a lot like your age" The shop clerk laughed, " what brings up quite a question?" Mr. Grayson takes a seat on his favorite wooden rocking chair, he grunts as his knees come to a resting position, " have you seen anything in these woods? Something you couldn't explain?" Jane fidgets as she speaks, Mr. Grayson's eyes narrow, his blue eyes flutter as if he knows exactly what Jane is referring to, in a deep breath, "of course i have, just last month i saw one of them men in black walkin around town! Lookin for our most precious treasures." Jane giggles, the so-called man in black is actually the town's banker Lawrence Hayns, it's no lie that he's a strange man but means so ill will. " Besides your money issues, I'm talking ghosts, cryptids, aliens" Jane's fingers wiggled with an evil grin on her face, " you know why your farm is called Dolls Creek?" Mr. Grayson sighed, "of course i do" jane perked up, "What your Nana told you was probably the half truth my dear Janie" Mr. Grayson lit a funky smelling cigar, the smoke filled the air causing Jane to take a step back.

A young Roland Grayson Drives his brand new truck down the old dirt road late at night, the rain was thicker than honey, this night he could barely see 5 feet in front of him. His head lights begin to flicker as he approaches the fork in the road, "Damn it, I can't see Shit! My fathers gonna tan my hide if i dont get home soon!' Roland spat and pulled his hair away from his face. He was just supposed to run into town for some beers and a pack of lights for his father, but the Grayson boys aren't known to ignore the company of a pretty girl or two, unbeknownst to Roland he went down the wrong road on this night. Just left of the road Roland spotted a most horrific sight, two girls, about 10-12 years of age hacked to bits washed down the road by heavy rain, a sight that remains burned into his eyes even years later. " I jumped out of that truck and ran to them kids faster than lighnin , unfortunately they were gone, i then brought back to town and as far as i know nothin ever came of it as far as i know…" Mr Grayson's eyes were dim, his head lay low, Jane was shocked to hear this, " Nothing came up? No killer, no investigation?" Jane was furious, the old clerk just shook his head, " Ever since that night every so often your Nana would find dolls floating down the creek near your house" Jane thanked Mr. Grayson gave her favorite snacks free of charge, and Jane went on her way home feeling sad, lost, and confused. " Obviously Nana wouldn't tell me that story when I was so young! But why didn't she mention it last summer or the summer before that!?" Jane talks to herself the whole drive back to the farm, suddenly she looks up to see a young man waving his hands on the side of the road, Jane stops and rolls down her window, " Hey there miss! I live up the pathway a bit and my horse bucked me off, may I catch a ride?", a tall muscular man in his late 20s early 30s stands covered in dirt and grass, his black curly hair a mess from the fall and a cheeky smirk crosses his face. Jane can't help but stare in awe over this handsome figure, " Uh miss?" the man chuckled, "OH GOSH!" Jane yelps, "I'm so sorry yes yes jump in!". The drive was awkward for a bit as Jane nervously sat in silence, " so you got a name miss?" the man leaned over smiling at Jane, "Yes my name is Janie, JANE!" she blurts in embarrassment, Jane doesn't have much experience with men, The man laughs with a snort, jane blushes, " Nice to meet you Jane, my friends call me Frank", he looks into janes deep brown eyes and smiles, Jane smiles back at Frank, " so where do you live?" Frank ruffles his hair " you know that farmhouse with the purple roof?" Jane stutters " that's my house…" Frank looks in surprise " Wow really? I live in the house right behind yours! I'm surprised we've never met." Jane relaxes a bit, this must be the neighbors son Jane thinks to herself. Jane and Frank pull up to the old farmhouse, Frank looks around feeling nostalgic, Jane stretches her arms over her head "welp this is home sweet home", Frank peaks at the cattle roaming around the property and chickens scattered about the fruits and veggies, " Jane do you live alone?" Frank says cautiously, Jane blinks rapidly at the messy farm, " Shit! I forgot to close the animals up!", the two young "farmers" run around trying to salvage what's left of her rinky dinky farm. After a few hours Jane and Frank got the farm in order, She thanked Frank for his help and offered to pay him generously for his efforts, " No no, it's no big deal!" Frank insisted, "Then at least come in and clean up and have dinner with me." Jane pouted, how can he resist a home cooked meal.

Frank stood in the washroom looking at all the girly products setup around the sink and tub, hanging from the shower pole are small frilly pink undergarments, Frank giggles trying to avoid being slapped in the face by them, he's a great dead taller than the shower pole, his laughter can be heard echoing through the house. Jane prepares a homemade meatloaf and mashed potatoes with carrots and onions freshly picked from her garden, the smell reaches the washroom, franks mouth waters as he finishes up, as he steps out of the shower the little panties also seem to step out as well. Frank approaches the kitchen seeing Jane setting up the table he smiles pulling up a chair, "that smells delicious Janice!" He sings out, Jane looks confused, " Janice? Thanks to my Nana's name…" Frank freezes for a second staring at Jane, "Oh Lord my apologies Jane, that name just slipped out." Jane waves it off " Thats ok this house was hers before she passed away, you've probably seen her around before" Frank stuffs his mouth with meatloaf, he probably didn't even hear what she said, Jane smiles this is her first guest since moving in. Jane's parents have yet to come visit her, they are so preoccupied with work and their friends it's no surprise, Jane video chats with her friends when they are available, but that's rarely these days, oh the life of a lonely 22 year old woman in the mountains. Frank waves goodbye to Jane as he makes his way home, disappearing into the thick trees. Jane hopes that's not the last time she sees Frank, she slips into her house and starts painting, blues, greens, and yellows splatter the canvas in an emotional wave of her brush, hours pass as if they were minutes, seconds even, with every stroke of paint her eyes widen. Her painting reflects back at her, Dolls creek dim and dark almost haunting, the once vibrant colors muted and blended to grays, browns, and blacks, Jane slumps back in her chair the look of shame on her face, " How could this be? This is not my art…" She eyes well with tears, "Failure", that word echoes around the property, Jane's parents never approved of her dreams. Jane's father Richard, a big shot lawyer in New york city, her mother Ruby, a cosmetic doctor who traveled for work, Jane a college dropout with no true ambitions. Jane's Grandmother was so proud of her artistic granddaughter, Jane can't stand to look at this awful painting any longer and leaves the room in darkness and misery.

Jane stumbled around the halls, a bottle of rum in hand, dripping eyes and a bright red nose, not uncommon for Jane nowadays. The front door rattles, sending Jane flying across the room in a fright, "Jane?" a voice calls out from behind the door, Jane crawls to the front window and peels back the drapes, only to meet eyes with Frank, Jane rubs her face and opens the front door, " frank? What are you doing here?" Jane said, slurred and dazed, " My my Miss Jane you look like a frazzled chicken!" Frank laughed, picking Jane up in his arms. Jane was too drunk to make a remark, Frank laid Jane on the sofa before pouring her a cup of water, Frank looking at Jane with remorse, " Jane you need help on this farm, a little lady like yourself can't possibly get everything on this farm ship shape before the winter seasons." Jane with a pouty lip nodded her head before muttering a groggy "please help me." Frank smiled, sat up and walked toward the main room, facing the middle of the room was Jane's painting of Dolls Creek, and it was beautiful, Frank run his fingers across the textured canvas touching every rock and wave, the trees felt like specks of gravel, he has never seen a painting like this before. He turns to ask Jane about her techniques but she's passed out, mouth wide open legs thrown over one another, her pants were thrown across the room as if she was trying to escape them, He chuckled and began cleaning up the farm for Jane. The chicken coop was scrubbed clean and hinges were screwed tight, the cattle grazed in their pasture where they belong, the crops were watered and seeded, He walked back into the house were Jane began pouring a fresh cup of coffee for Frank, he smiled seeing her in a short blue sleeveless sundress with her red hair in a messy bun tied with blue ribbon, her breasts swayed as she walked, she wasn't wearing a bra, "what a flirt" Frank giggled to himself as he sipped his coffee on the porch. "Frank, before you head off, would you like to come back tomorrow for brunch?" Jane spoke nervously, Frank smiled and laid his hand on her lower back, " it would be my pleasure Miss Monatt." Jane blushed bright red as Frank seemingly vanished into the night, she screamed in joy, she jumped around her room, giggling like a schoolgirl, she had to call her friends right now. Jane skipped to find her phone in the dark, her feet melodically thudding with every step, but even as she stops the thuds continue to sound, Jane's eyes gloss, her hands and feet begin to sweat, who else is skipping around the house? She stands frozen for what seems like hours even after the noise dissipates, working up the nerve to reach for her phone. A loud crack of thunder sends Jane on her knees, she screams in terror anticipating her house to collapse, nothing, just silence in her dark farmhouse, Jane stays on the floor for the rest of the night.

Jane is woken up by Mr. Grayson calling her name from somewhere in the house, jane jumps up and realizes she's in the cellar, she has never stepped foot in the dark cold cobweb filled cellar, Jane rushes to the stairs crying for Mr. Grayson. The cellar door busts open causing Jane to run into the old man's warm shaking arms, "What in God's name is going on Janie!? I haven't seen you in a month, i've been calling but you never answer the damn phone! Mr. Grayson was more worried than upset, Jane shook her head, she could have sworn it's only been a few days since she was last in town, " don't worry Mr. Grayson i have just been sooo busy with the farm and my art that i…" Jane's eyes start to drift, she's exhausted. Mr. Grayson sighs carrying Jane to the house, he lays her on the sofa and a soft giggle echoes from the trees, "What the hell was that?" His eyes scan the tree line searching for any movement, the dark trees surrounding the area are still and seem to darken as time passes, the old man locks the front door then sits by the fireplace, regaling the times he's spent with Janice in his youth. Janice was a highly valued artist, she wrote stories and published several books under the name "Lark", Janice was a typical all american woman, standing at 5 '4, and 185 pounds of muscle, men begged for just a single date with Janice and she loved the attention, but always rejected them." Roland Grayson." His name rolled off Janice's tongue "beconning at my door again I see" Janice laughed mockingly, " You and I both know your company comes with a curse Janice." Chuckled Roland giving Janice a strong hug. " Pa sent me to pick up some eggs, you got the best eggs in the valley Miss Kursh", Janice winced at "Miss Kursh", "Ugh don't you eva call me that again boy!"They both giggle and walk down to the chicken coop, Roland grabs a few dozen eggs while Janice packs up some plums for the drive into town. In the distance a figure of a tall man shoveling hay is seen, "So you still waitin on that farm hand to profess his love for you?" Roland rolls his eyes, Janice squeals, " Hush up Grayson! Aint your business, when the right man comes along you'll know it." Roland can't help but tease Janice, they are best friends after all. Mr. Grayson binks away his day dreaming to check the time, 8:20pm, Jane is still asleep on the sofa, Roland gets up to investigate the old house and take in some nostalgic feelings, on the walls hang photos and paintings of various friends and family members, one photo stands out to him the most. A photo of Roland, Janice and…. Someones been cut out. He ponders the scene. It looks normal enough but he swears there was a third person long ago, oh well it must be a friendship that fell out or maybe an ex lover, Roland trails off grabbing a cup of water from the kitchen.

The next morning Jane wakes up to find Mr. Grayson asleep in the chair adjacent to her, she heads to the kitchen to put on a pot of tea before heading to wash up, "out of body wash already?" she mumbles, lucky for her she had an extra under the sink, as she peers into the wooden cabinet she sees a strange marking. Grabbing her phone as a flashlight, a small carving reads J F, she tries to contain her giggles, "Frank you dog." she whispers, after her shower she meets Mr. Grayson who is drinking tea in the main room, "what a lovely painting Janie." Mr. Grayson admires the canvas standing off to the side of the room, Jane looks long and hard at this painting, it's the same one she despised, only it wasn't… It was bright, colorful, beautiful, and what she imagined it would be. Jane laughs, maybe the farm is getting to her a bit, farm fever you could say, " Do you need me to stay dear?" Mr. Grayson spoke with a hint of worry in his voice, " No thank you sir you've done enough for me, the neighbor's son will probably stop by today." jane smiled, but Mr. Grayson raised his brow, " Oh is that so? A bit of a far walk don't you think?" He was confused to say the least, " I suppose but he's been doing it a few times this month." Jane's smile said it all, "Haha well ok just watch after him will ya he's a feisty one!" Mr. Grayson threw his hand up in a wave as he headed off back to town. Jane watches as the old man's truck bobs down the path sinking below the trees. She will try hard to relax and enjoy this farm, first things first she's been slacking on chores! It's time to Woman up and make this farm her home, starting with a deep clean, soak the drapes, mop the floors, and wipe down all the dusty bits. The house could use a new paint job and some new door handles, Jane heads into town to buy everything she needs to start on her house project, back home Jane runs around cleaning like a mad woman, unbeknownst to her she's being watched like a hawk. Frank finds himself wandering towards Jane's farm, something tells him he's needed there, he sees Jane struggling to change the door knobs and chuckle, he approaches the house hoping to get the jump on Jane. Frank creeps up behind Jane, pulls back his muscular arms, and lifts Jane up above his head in a tight hug! Jane sqweeks, causing Frank to burst into laughter, " Damn Janie you don't weigh a scent!" Jane's face reddens, " PUT ME DOWN PLEASE!" she yells laughing hysterically. Frank flips her around so they are face to face before putting her down gently, " what would the neighbors like of a big man like you snatching up a little lady?" jane giggles, " Well well well Miss Monatt I wasn't aware i was in the mitts of a Hwhite Supremacist!"Frank gasped, " No no I was just!" Jane sputters, bringing Frank to a roar of laughter, "I'm just playing with you Janie, you dont got neighbors any who they dont gotta see what goes on here." Frank's smirk sent chills through Jane's body. Jane can't help but stare at Frank, his tanned skin glistening in the sun, " My father is a white man anyways you are a little behind on times dar…" Frank pauses, " Hm, what's wrong Frank?" Jane reaches for his face, but he holds her hands firmly, Frank smiles, shakes his head and begins to help her fix up the house.

It's been about four months since Jane took over her grandmother's farm and things have finally begun to look bright for Jane. Frank and Jane spent days refurbishing the house and fixing up the fences, 3 cows have birthed healthy babies and the crops will be ready to harvest before winter, " it's going to storm tonight, you should stay" Jane spoke softly a seductive look in her eye sent shock waves through Franks body, He laughs, " and what if i say no?" Jane crawls across the sofa into Frank's lap, he feels her body heat radiating over him, his hands sliding from her sides down to her hips. Frank's eyes suddenly darken and he sets Jane beside him, " Look Janie, it's just too soon I suppose…" His head hangs low, " No rush, I will wait as long as I need to." Jane's smile comforts him, he grabs Jane's chin and pulls her into a passionate kiss that feels like butterflies landing on his skin, small soft tingles, those tingles turn into crawling, 10s of 100s of bugs swarming in his skin. Frank pulls back meeting Jane's soft eyes smiling back at him, he bites his lip then bids her farewell, leaving Jane alone for another night. Janes has gotten used to the lonely nights, if only this night was the night, she lay in bed frazzled with lust and disappointment, " hey to another night just me, myself, and i.." She sighs as her hand wanders down her stomach coming to rest in her undergarments, she will dream of Frank just like every night. As her warm breath fills the air, the house is silent if only for a few creeks of her bed, her pants become deeper and faster as the feeling of eyes are all around you, the sense of 100 hands grabbing her body and she twists and turns, the feeling of cold solid lips on her neck send her to climax. Jane jumps out of bed scanning the room, trembling with fear and frustration, this is a normal occurrence for jane, " i cant get any fucking peace around here for even a few fucking minutes." jane hissed flopping back in bed, thus ending another lonely night at the farmhouse on 15 Dolls Creek.