AUTHOR'S COMMENTS: This was supposed to be the crown jewel in my short story thread. But it grew into one that deserved its own thread. Special thanks to both Jade and Alice for giving me Mod approval to post this. I also wish to thank those Mods and NG Regulars who agreed to be in this story. Since this is a feature-length story, don't expect instant gratification as in my short story thread. But, I put a lot of effort into my stories, I update chapters often, and I finish all of my stories. PM me if you'd like to get a PM after each chapter is posted. Enjoy!
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--- Chapter One ---
House of Sorrows
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You know, I always wanted to ride in a Cadillac. And the funny part is, my wish came true! But I don't think you came here for that. I know what you really want. Still, I'm going to tell you everything that happened here...... And you're going to sit there, and you're going to listen. Or, you're not going to get what you want.
* * * * * * * *
They were a young family, well; except for the husband. He was a bit older. He was also the only one who wasn't creeped out when the family moved into the house that was built just 10 years ago. They pulled up in their brand new car, a 1957 Chevy BelAir. Nowadays, it's a classic. The house still looked new back then. The original owners stayed in the house until it became obvious that no more houses would be built in the surrounding area. They finally got fed up with being in such an isolated spot. Funny how it took them 10 years. The husband of the new family had a successful business. He sold it, and retired early in life. His name was Jesse Ray. His wife wasn't too attractive, but his son and daughter were adorable. She was about eight years old when they moved in.
Keep in mind that all of this is information that I got second-hand. But soon, you'll know what I experienced.
A few days after moving into the house, Jesse hired a young Black man to trim some of the over-grown weeds and hedges. After awhile, he went outside to check on the young man's progress. His daughter was there..... having a polite conversation with the young man. Jesse called to her, in a polite, even tone of voice. The two of them went back inside. Jesse wanted to ask his daughter a question.....
"Sweetie, you remember that little talk we had about the negro who was going to be doing some work around the house?"
"Yes daddy." She replied.
"Well that's good! Now are you sure you remember what it was that daddy told you to do when he was here?"
"Yes daddy." She replied again.
Jesse bent down...... and he back-handed the little girl! She went flying across the kitchen floor. He picked her up with one hand, by grabbing a fist-full of her hair. As the blood slowly poured out of her nose, Jesse held her by her hair as he shouted at her.....
"Then why did you disobey me?! I told you to stay in your room while he's here at the house! He's not your fat cow of a mom! He doesn't have time for your stupid questions! When I tell you to do something, I expect it to be done! You're old enought to know better! Now get in the bathroom, clean yourself up, and go upstairs!"
She ran off crying, straight to the bathroom. Jesse grabbed an axe and went outside to talk to the hired help.
"How are those weeds coming along?" Asked Jesse.
"Oh I should be done within the hour, Sir."
"Fine, that's fine...... Oh, when you're done there's a small tree in the backyard that needs to be cut down. Should be no problem for someone like you. I'll just leave this axe over here. When you're done with the tree, come inside. The Mrs. will see to it that you're well fed." Said Jesse with a smile.
"Thank you, Sir." Replied the young man.
That was the first, real incident of violence at the house. There would be more..... many more. But I guess you already know that part. So we might as well skip ahead.
* * * * * * * *
It was a surprisingly cold Summer day this year when the family was first shown the house. None of them liked it. Couldn't really blame them. It wasn't the same place it was back in 1957, or even back in 1995. Oh no, not the same. The realtor did her best to fake a smile. But the family wasn't buying it; literally!
"I'm sorry, but this is nothing at all what we're looking for." Said Link Silvermane.
"But, you haven't even stepped inside."
"And we're not going to!" Replied his wife.
"Jen, please.... I'll handle this." Said Link.
"Mom's right. It's a fucking dump!" Replied his daughter Jade.
"I'm sorry, my daughter Jade tends to be a bit blatantly honest. This just isn't the place for us. My other daughter wouldn't even get out of the SUV. Sorry..... Not this place."
The realtor had taken a chance on unloading the house. She failed miserably, and was glad that the family was still willing to give her another chance. As the four of them climbed back into the SUV, Alice looked up.
"Can we please go now?"
Link could feel the fear in her voice as they pulled away.
* * * * * * * *
"This place is great!" Shouted Nikole, when she saw the house her new husband had bought.
"Nothing's too good for my 'LittleMissVixen.'" Replied Lord-Macer with a smile.
His name was Macer, but he had lied to his young wife. (She was only 18). And told her that he was now a genuine Lord..... for having rescued a member of the royal family from certain death. They had been childhood sweet hearts. After planning to marry, Macer broke off the relationship. He was gone for three years. When he came back, he was appartently a hero; at least in England. That was back in 1995. The house looked better back then. Still, it was a fixer-upper. The young couple spent the day trying to decide which project to tackle first.
