To Believe

By M.E. Piccirillo

Rebecca is convinced that the bloody vision encountered in the master bedroom is an isolated occurrence. Until, the visions intensify and a childhood nightmare resurfaces. So, she enlists the help of Sara Williams, a local spiritualist, who has encountered particulars of her own while at the house. Sara becomes Rebecca's ally as they uncover the reason nineteen-year-old Gwen haunts the house.

• Language: English
• Publisher: M.E. Piccirillo
• Release date: Jul 4, 2010

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TO BELIEVE

by

M.E. Piccirillo

SMASHWORDS EDITION

*****

PUBLISHED BY

M.E. Piccirillo on Smashwords

To Believe

Copyright © by M.E. Piccirillo

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying,

recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

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* * * * *

For my father's gift of laughter,

and my mother's devotion and love.

My sister Louise so full of grace,

my brother Stan's courage and wisdom.

And my brother Frank's support.

* * * * *

TO BELIEVE

* * * * *

CHAPTER ONE

I stumbled back into the frame of the bathroom door as blood seeped from the walls. My eyes grew wide and my heart began to race. The room was closing in around me, and I could see my breath. I gasped as panic seized me, and in my haste to get out nearly tripped. I hurried through the dining room past my husband Quinn and his friend, Janus Greenbrier.

I could not get to the front door and out of the house fast enough! And I didn't stop until I reached the middle of the dirt driveway. I didn’t even look back. No, I didn’t dare. It felt all too familiar. Like one of my childhood nightmares, except I was awake, but left just as traumatized.

Quinn was calling after me. I turned and he was standing on the front porch with Janus beside him. The look on his face expressed concern. He approached with unhurried steps and took my hands in his. What’s wrong babe? Is everything all right?

I didn’t know how to respond. Everything wasn’t all right!Yet, how could I explain what had just happened, when I didn’t understand it myself? I just knew that I had no intentions of going back in that house.

Quinn kissed my cheek, and flashed me a reassuring smile. Is everything all right? he asked a second time. My God Rebecca you’re trembling. He rubbed and caressed my arms with a gentle touch. Why are you standing out here anyway?I shook my head and hugged him as close as I could. A soft moan escaped my lips, while he massaged the back of my neck. What is it Becca? You know you can tell me.

I buried my face in his chest. I'm all right. I just felt the need for some fresh air.

You don’t seem all right. You seem shaken up?

I peered into his eyes. I’m fine. I sighed. I hated to lie, but again.

So, what do you think babe? he asked.

Oh God! I closed my eyes. The dreaded question I had hoped to avoid, but knew was coming. How should I answer him? I so wanted to speak the truth. How I detested the house, and never wanted to step a foot in it again. But, I just couldn't do that, because he obviously loved the place. How then, should I respond? I suppose that I could tell him the rooms were just too small. Or, was it best to tell him the truth. That after a few minutes in that master bedroom, I felt as if I were dying. . .

Janus called to us and asked, Is everything all right or do we need to reschedule?

It’s your call babe, Quinn said.

I didn’t respond right away. I wasn’t sure, what I wanted to do. All I knew was that what I experienced in that master bedroom had left a lingering fright in me.

Whatever you decide Becca is okay with me. He rubbed my upper arms and studied me for a brief moment. If you don't like this one then say the word and we'll look at some others.

I shook my head. No, it has everything you want, and I have to admit, it’s a great price, I said and sighed.

I’m sure this is not the only one out there.

I caressed his cheek with my hand. No, we’re here now so we might as well see the rest of it.

Are you sure?

I bite down on my bottom lip. No, I wasn’t sure of anything right now. Still, we’d talked about looking for a house in the country. Away from the busy tourist driven city that Orlando had developed into after Walt Disney brought his dream to our once, inconspicuous town. I had called Janus, and asked about a listing of hers that I’d seen in a free real estate magazine. A red brick house nestled on six acres with a workshop, and barn that could easily be converted into a detached garage in Hickory Hill. Small, sleepy town thirty-five minutes east of the city. Quinn had talked about purchasing enough property, so he could restore old vintage cars without disturbing the neighbors.

Of course, Janus insisted on showing it to us as soon as possible. Since it was priced well below market value and probably would not be available for too long. That, made me suspicious. Janus admitted the previous buyers had changed their minds, and forfeited five thousand dollars only two weeks before the closing. While I wondered what would make someone walk away from that kind of money. Quinn’s response was no surprise to me at all.

Hey, their loss our gain!

I did not care much for the red brick, but the double carport separated the oversized garage and spacious workshop from the house. Which meant I would not have to endure Quinn blasting the local oldies' station each weekend. Restoring vintage cars and selling them was his hobby. He'd made some descent money from it, I must admit.

Now I just wanted a quiet place to express myself. I painted and created art out of anything my vivid imagination could envision including furniture. I had sold some, but planned to develop an aggressive marketing campaign once settled in our first home. Still, if it weren't for Quinn’s income I’d be forced to give up my dream and get a real job like teaching. Something, I'd rather not have to do. So, if a red brick house in an isolated rural town made him happy, then fine. I placed my hand in Quinn's and with a deep sigh let he lead me back inside.

The rooms were smaller than I remembered. Funny how I hadn't noticed in my haste to get out. The house had ample sunlight in the kitchen though, which was important to me. I've always dreaded dark and dismal surroundings. We walked through the dining room and took a few steps down into the den, which gave the impression of being dropped into the middle of the house. Rectangular, I just knew our present furniture would not fit at all.

Quinn turned to me as I lagged behind, winked and shot me a grin. I’m sure you won't mind new furniture, right? he asked.

Of course, I was quick to remind him that most of our furniture was only a few years old.

See, now that’s one thing I love about my girl. She’s frugal and then some. He drew me into a hug. "Most women would jump at the chance to purchase new furniture, but not my Rebecca.

I should think that would please you Quinn. To have a wife, who is so thrifty, Janus teased.

Quinn was eager to assure me we could easily afford new furniture with the money saved by purchasing the house.

Fine with me. This is your baby, was all I said.

The next house would be mine, and new. That was the deal. It was what we had agreed. After his private practice was up and running.

Quinn wrapped his muscular arms around my waist and gave me an affectionate squeeze. The main living area has ample light from all the double windows and that triple skylight in the kitchen, don’t you agree? He gave my neck a gentle peck. I know how important natural light is to you.

Of course, he was right. I started having nightmares of being confined in a cramped, dark place at around the age of four. At seven, my parents, at the insistence of the school counselor, began taking me to a succession of therapists. None of which could find a reason for the dreams. That is, short of speculating that I had a vivid imagination.

Quinn and I met during my first year of college. We were dating for a few months, when the nightmares just stopped. No one mentioned anything further about those frightening dreams. My parents, I’m sure, were just grateful not to have the need to worry about my mental state of mind. I suppose, they were thankful that Quinn had brought stability to my life. Well, that’s what my therapist had assured them.

Janus brought us back through the dining area. However, Quinn remained fixated on the den. And I just knew he was thinking of some project.

I’d love to build a deck extending from the den to the master bedroom.

Pretty much the whole length of the house? Janus jested.

Quinn scratched his head and shrugged. I guess so, he said half to himself.

You realize if you do that Quinn. You'll have to pull out the triple window in the den and the double window in the master bedroom to add sliders - for that just right effect.

She was baiting him as usual, because he could be a trifle too serious. His excitement over the prospect of renovating pleased me. Still the thought of what I had experienced in that master bedroom made me break into a cold sweat. I decided to look around outside, and left the two of them alone to bounce ideas off one another. I just needed to get out of the house.

You like this one, don’t you? I shouted as I made my way through the front door.

Yeah, I like it a lot!

I cringed and in my mind heard the words, I can never live in this house. My thoughts were interrupted by two powerful arms being wrapped around my waist. But, we both have to like it, if we both plan on living here. He gave my waste an affectionate squeeze. Right, Becca?

Quinn, Rebecca . . . Janus’s voice seemed to carry past us. "You really must see the back area of the property.

Quinn led me by the hand around the north side of the house. That well recognizable twinkle in his eyes told me he was imagining such possibilities. How could I rain on his parade? I avoided looking directly at the house as we turned the corner. We walked just a few feet and came upon a charming rock garden with a small pond hidden beneath overgrown weeds. I had always dreamed of a rock garden to toil with while formulating ideas for my next project. Quinn knew right away what was going on in my mind. He squeezed my hand and smiled. I smiled back. I loved those unspoken gestures between us.

Janus was right. The property seemed to go on forever. We came to an isolated area near the edge of the property line. The grass and shrubs leading to a tattered barn had overgrown a cobblestone path. Quinn assured me that with a little muscle, he could clear it in no time. I started to wonder that if we did purchase this house, with so much property. Would I ever see him again?

Panic seized me as Janus brought us within a few feet of a derelict barn. Again, my breathing was shallow. And as if someone hit a switch, we were in the midst of twilight. I felt lightheaded and sick to my stomach. I came to an abrupt halt and my hand slipped from Quinn’s.

He stopped and shot me a look of surprise. What’s wrong, babe? he asked and cupped my chin in his hand. You don’t look like you’re feeling that well, and you’re awful pale?

I’m feeling a little sick to my stomach, that’s all.

I did suggest you bring a snack along?

Who knew that it would take this long to look at one piece of property.

Quinn tilted his head and smirked. I suppose if I didn’t like the place so damn much, we'd be having lunch by now, huh?

I shook my head and forced a smile. No sweetie, I did’t mean it like that.

I know that, but it is the truth right?

I rolled my eyes and chucked. Well, yeah.

He leaned into me and kissed my mouth. "Let me take a quick

peek inside the barn, and then we can go feed our faces, all right?"

Maybe our wish has come true! I shouted after him.

He looked perplexed for a moment, and then I saw a familiar twinkle. He crossed his fingers and smiled. He wanted a baby even more than I did, and we had been trying for just a few months. So, if it were true, he'd be more than excited.

My eyes darted around the property while I waited. Janus assured him that the structure was sound. I smiled as he shared his plans to utilize the barn as a detached working garage. That he’d have the room now to work on his cars. I closed my eyes and sighed. Should I tell him my true feelings about the place?

My thoughts were interrupted by the gentle touch of a hand on my shoulder. Are you feeling better?

Yes, I said.

He pulled away just enough to peer into my eyes and gave me a quick flirtatious wink. I really like this one, babe. The words danced off his lips. "I think we should put an offer in before someone else snatches it from under us.

I closed my eyes tight and sighed. I hated the thought of this place being our first house. Yet, in front of me stood the love of my life. How could I crush his aspirations? No, my love for him would not afford me that pleasure.

* * * * *

CHAPTER TWO

The little circle had turned blue. I was pregnant! So why then wasn’t I happy? I should be overjoyed, and I was, except that we were closing on the house in six weeks. The thought of us living there still haunted me with a lingering dread.

I couldn’t help but wonder why the two previous buyers had backed out at the last minute? And why did the sellers seem so eager that they were giving the house away? Except for some minor cosmetic repair the house was in good shape according to the home inspector Janus recommended.

The sellers had agreed to let us to start renovating before the closing. Quinn was eager to get started and therefore, thought it was awfully generous of them. I, on the other hand, remained apprehensive and pledged with a nagging feeling that something just wasn’t right with the place. I brushed the thought aside as we approached the isolated house that would too soon be our home.

I set my sights on the neglected garden. Clearing the overgrowth was a chore and as the hour passed the intense heat of the sun had become insufferable. I silently thanked my husband for insisting we get an early start. Florida’s direct sun could produce an uncomfortable heat, regardless of the time of year. I wiped the miniature beads of perspiration from my forehead. I was feeling flushed and sick to my stomach. I thought it might be a good idea to take a break and grab a cold drink of water.

Quinn had brought a six pack along with a large cooler filled with bottles of water. As I rose to my feet, I noticed the barn several yards away engulfed in flames. I screamed for Quinn who along with Hank was beside me in an instant.

What, what is babe? Quinn asked through shallow breaths.

Look, I said with my finger pointed at the barn. It’s on fire!

Quinn and Hank fixed their eyes on the barn. Then turned back toward me with a perplexed look. He kneaded my shoulders. You might have had a bit too much sun babe. His voice was soft and nonjudgmental.

No, no, no. . . I shook my head. Can't you see it? My patience was wearing thin. It’s on fire Quinn!

My breathing was irregular and I began to feel faint. Quinn glanced at Hank, who after a quick nod excused himself.

Becca, I promise you the barn is not on fire.

I closed my eyes and held my breath. Why was he contradicting me, unless they were both blind? How could they not see the darn thing was engulfed in flames!

Rebecca. His voice was firm and concerned. I need you to do something for me. He handed me a bottle. Hank was kind enough to get some water for you. My head was about ready to pop and my thoughts a confused terror. Drink some, Quinn said and brought the plastic bottle to my lips.

He brushed my hair with his palm, and placed a soft kiss to my forehead. I sipped some water and swallowed with reluctance. After a few seconds, I gathered the nerve to glance toward the barn again. To my surprise, I saw nothing but a tired old structure in desperate need of repair.

I don't understand? What just happened? I searched his face. Oh my God, I gasped. You really didn't see anything did you? I asked with a nervous laugh. Nothing at all?

Quinn shook his head and shrugged. His expression was a mixture of confusion and concern. I don’t know what it is you think you saw, and I’m not saying that in your mind you didn’t see something. He paused and thoughtfully rubbed his hand over his mouth. I think you might have a slight case of heat exhaustion. That's the only logical explanation.

His words sounded like a doctor talking to one of his patients. And for some unknown reason it irritated me. Diagnosing me like one of his off the wall charges! I know what I saw was real – it just had to be.

So, in your expert opinion you’re saying I just had a hallucination? My words came out curt, no matter how determined I was not to let my emotions get the better of me.

He didn’t respond right away, but starred past me. I could tell he was attempting to gather his thoughts. Still, the silence between us was more than I could handle.

Quinn . . . I began, about to apologize, but he interrupted me.

I realize a lot is happening with the house and the baby. He positioned himself in front of me. So close that I could feel his breath on my face as he spoke. I love you, Becca. If all this is putting too much stress on you say the word, and we’ll back out right now. He circled the outline of my mouth with his finger. You are the most important thing in my life, he breathed and covered my mouth with his lingering for a moment. You and the baby. So like I said, just say the word and we'll keep looking

Maybe, I have been in the heat too long today. My lips caressed his with a gentle but teasing motion. I feel so much better after having a few sips of water, and getting out of the direct sun.

Quinn kissed me with slight tongue. I want you to be happy, he said and brushed his lips against mine. For us to be happy.

We’re happy! I assured him with another soft brush of my lips to his.

I followed him into the house and was amazed to discover the remarkable progress. The carpet was gone and they were getting ready to pull the triple window in the den out. I was beginning to feel that the house was going to be great, by the time we were finished. So I decided to take a break from working outside for a while. Since the hottest time of the day was again approaching.

I'd start with the bathrooms. Starting at the back of the house with the master bath and working my way into the kitchen. I grabbed the cleaning supplies from the bed of the trunk. Surprised to find that Quinn had already brought most of them in for me.