The Curse of Selina

By James M. Glass

A group of figures, cloaked in long black robes, were standing in a circle softly chanting a name. She could hear them repeating, “Selina, Selina, Selina,” over and over again. Her mind reeled with disbelief as she leaned against the barn door to steady herself.
She murmured to herself, “This can’t be real, it’s only a dream. I must be dreaming.”
As she stood leaning slightly against the barn door, she was unaware of a cloaked figure who had watched, in the dim moonlight, as she had approached the barn. As she stared dumbstruck with terror at the figures in the barn, the shadow moved from its position in the darkness, silently creeping up from behind her, raising a large club. The specter swung the club downward with tremendous force, crushing her skull. Lois Aldridge didn’t hear the sound as the bludgeon crunched against the back of her head. She had joined her husband in death.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Oct 26, 2011
• ISBN: 9781365728600

Book preview

The Curse of Selina

Chapter 1: Trespassers

The soft light from the full moon created weird shadows on the grassy meadow.  Dark shadows, at first glance, appeared to be shrubbery¸ but a closer look revealed a strange group of figures.  They were standing in a circle, surrounding a hole in the ground.  The moonlight piercing the darkness revealed the figures were cloaked in long, black hooded robes. Suddenly, without a word being spoken, the group turned and proceeded across the meadow.  Walking in a single file, they moved slowly in the dim moonlight, towards a small farm house in the distance.  When they quietly passed the small house, someone's foot accidentally dislodged a few stones on the path. The noise of the rolling stones wasn't loud enough to awaken a sound sleeper, but the woman inside the house was having a troubled sleep.  Her body was twisting and turning upon the bed as soft mewing sounds of terror escaped her lips.  It was the same nightmare again.  She lay writhing upon the bed sheets as she relived her dream.  She could see herself walking through darkness towards a light, and she could hear her husband calling her name.  When she came into the lighted area, she could see her husband, his arms flailing, trying to fight off his attackers.  His eyes found hers pleading for her to help him as shadowy figures, dressed in long black hooded robes, placed a noose around his neck.  

She tried to reach out to help him, but she felt a force holding her and she couldn't move.  She watched in horror as the noose tightened around her husband's neck. His body dangled lifelessly on a rope in front of her.  In silence, the shadowy figures dissolved slowly into the darkness.

She was struggling to awaken from her nightmare when the noise of the rolling stones, outside the house, awakened her.  Startled by the noise, she sat up in bed, panting from the vividness of the dream.  Her body was weak and soaked in perspiration.  She trembled from the realism of the nightmare.  The same nightmare she had experienced so many times in the last few months.  Each time she was left with a feeling of helplessness and revulsion.  The intensity of the nightmare remained with her as she rose from her rumpled bed to change her perspiration soaked nightgown.

Standing near the back window, she became aware of light reflecting against the window shade.  As she pulled back the shade and looked out, she noticed a soft glow emanating from inside the barn.  Fear filled her heart as she murmured, It's just like in my dream.  A sense of de-ja-vu sent a shiver of fear running down her spine, as she stared at the barn.  She sensed danger from the light, but she felt incapable of resisting the urge to go towards it.

She thought, briefly, of a moth flickering near a bright flame before it perished.  She wondered if this was also to be her fate.  Her mind raced with this wild thought.  If she investigated the light, she might discover who murdered her husband.  Quelling the fear rising within her and throwing all caution aside, she dressed quickly in warm clothes, determined to face whatever demons were in the barn.

Her eyes fell on the small red book which she had borrowed from her friend.  It contained special chants to drive away various evil spirits.  She had a feeling of reassurance as she placed the book in her pocket, preparing to leave the safety of her home.  As she turned to go, she suddenly remembered her diary.  Taking it from the drawer beside her bed, she hurriedly made an entry into it. She felt the need to leave behind an anchor to the future, in the event harm befell her.

She described the menace she felt and her feelings of impending doom.  She finished her writing, and then replaced the diary in her dresser.  She hesitated for a moment, gathering up her courage, and then went quickly down the stairs, out into the blackness of the night, closing the front door quietly behind her.  The barn was about seventy feet behind her house and she carefully navigated the distance in the darkness. Her hand clenching the special red book tightly in the pocket of her coat; she neared the doorway of the barn.  She vaguely detected small noises from inside the barn as she paused near the door.  Peering around the edge of the barn door, she beheld a sight which terrified her.

A group of figures, cloaked in long black robes, were standing in a circle softly chanting a name.  She could hear them repeating, Selina, Selina, Selina, over and over again. Her mind reeled with disbelief as she leaned against the barn door to steady herself.

She murmured to herself, This can't be real, it's only a dream.  I must still be dreaming

As she stood leaning slightly against the barn door, she was unaware of a cloaked figure who had watched, in the dim moonlight, as she had approached the barn.  As she stared dumbstruck with terror at the figures in the barn, the shadow moved from its position in the darkness, silently creeping up from behind her, raising a large club.  The specter swung the club downward with tremendous force, crushing her skull.

Lois Aldridge didn't hear the sound as the bludgeon crunched against the back of her head.  She had joined her husband in death. 

Chapter 2: Auld Lang Syne

He's only a little boy, Bob, why are you taking it so personal?  Don't you realize the trauma he's going through?

I know you're right, Mary, but he's making it so difficult.  Why doesn't he realize this move will make all of our lives better?

Mary looked at her husband lovingly.  She realized this move was good for all of them, but sometimes her husband just didn't understand the kids, especially their youngest son, Adam.

Because he's only nine years old, that's why, she replied quietly.  I could ask you, why don't you understand his feelings?  After all, we're the ones who are uprooting his whole world again.  This is the fifth time in seven years.  Every time we move, he's been thrust into a new environment, and he has to start all over again. 

Taking Bob's hand in hers, Mary squeezed it, speaking softly, Why is it so difficult for you to understand that he doesn't want to lose his friends?  Give him some time honey, he'll adjust, you'll see.  Then an idea occurred to her, Why don't I have David talk to him, maybe he will listen to David.  Bob nodded his head slowly, then looked at Mary and smiled, That's not a bad idea, Mary.  He doesn't seem to want to listen to us.  Maybe he will listen to David.

David found him sitting on the bank of the creek staring out over the landscape.  His eyes were dark and foreboding, unshed tears brimmed near their surface.  His dark curly hair was tousled and his jaw was set in a mood of stubborn defiance.  Normally, David thought, Adam had a dimpled smile and his large brown eyes twinkled with mischief.  Although David was five years older, Adam was catching up fast, in height and smarts.   Most of the time David was too busy with his friends to spend a lot of time with Adam, but that was only because he felt he had to keep up his image with his friends.  The truth was, he really loved his brother and it bothered him to see him so upset.  Putting on his best big brother face, he looked down at Adam.Hey Adam, I've been looking all over for you. Why are you sitting here on the creek bank when we are all waiting for you?  Didn't Dad tell you he wanted to get an early start?

Adam's face screwed up in anger as he yelled, I don't care!  I don't want to go!

Well, David replied, raising his own voice, You don't have a choice.

Adam looked up at his brother, his arms crossed, his face set with determination, Yes I do David.  I'm going to live with one of my friends!  I'm not moving to some dumb old farm.

Adam, you know Mom and Dad aren't going to let you do that.  You're part of the family, so you have to go with us, he said more softly."

Then I'll run away, Adam replied sullenly.  I'm not moving again.

Listen, Adam, why don't you stop being such a jerk.  We're moving and that's that!  Then reaching up and mussing Adam's hair, David said, Besides, who would I pick on if you don't come with us?" he said, smiling.

Adam pulled his head away from David's hand, Well, it's not fair.  My friends are here. Why do we have to move to some dumb farm where I don't know anybody?  If we move, I'll never get to see my friends again.

Maybe sometime you can come back and visit them or they might visit you, David replied softly.

David, Adam asked again, sadly, why do we have to move? 

Well, Adam David replied, Dad and Mom are only trying to do what's best for us. It's been very hard on them during the past few years.  When Aunt Lois died, she left Dad this nice house with a lot of land.  It's a real big farm and we can even have animals! David stated excitedly.  Then seeing no change in Adam's expression, David decided to tell Adam what their Dad had said.  It was supposed to be a surprise, but under the circumstances, David didn't think their Dad would mind.

Dad is already talking about maybe getting you a pony next year!

Adam's face brightened with the thought of getting his own pony.  Honest, David, a real pony?

Honest, Adam, a real live pony, David replied, smiling at the expression on Adam's face.

Then a slight frown crossed Adam's face.  David are you really telling me the truth?  You wouldn't lie to me, would you?

Laying his hand on Adam's shoulder, David replied, You know I never lie to you, twerp.

Gee, a real live pony, Adam sighed, You know, maybe moving isn't such a bad idea.  As you said, David, maybe my friends could come visit me once in a while.  I could even let them ride my pony!

Adam's face beamed with thoughts of a pony racing through his head.

David jumped up from his place beside Adam on the creek bank and started walking back towards the house.

C'mon Adam, let's get going.  You don't want to make everyone wait on you.

Adam turned and yelled over his shoulder at his brother's retreating back, Ok David, I'll catch up to you.  And then he said to himself, as the twinkle returned to his eyes, I want to tell my friends good-bye, and let them know about my pony.  Boy! Will they ever be jealous!

Do we have everything, Mary? Bob asked as he worriedly looked around the living room.

Mary took his arm, gently squeezing it, I just rechecked the house, Bob.  We're ready.  Here comes David and Adam now.

Looking around once more, Bob closed the front door behind him, and then turned to face his family.  Get in everyone, it's time to go.

Ok Dad, the boys replied in unison hopping into the car, which was to be their home for the next several hours.

Bob slowly pulled away from the curb.  His voice was wistful as he told the family, Take your last look, we're leaving. 

Mary looked over her shoulder at the large one and one half story house which had been their home.  It was eighty five years old, and in the time they had lived there, the upkeep had all but bankrupted them.  The gray slate roof was a darker color than the speckled shingle siding which was covering the house.  Mary wondered, as she had the first time she had seen the house, if the original owner had tried to give the house a two toned appearance on purpose.  After a while though, she had doubted this intent, as she did now since the exposed wood was painted a dark green, which didn't match any of the other colors.  She involuntarily shivered as she thought of the long, cold winters in the house.  Over the years the house had settled.  The doors and windows did a poor job of preventing the cold from creeping in, making the house always chilly.  The coldness of the house forced them to keep the thermostat set high during the coldest months. 

The furnace was constantly working to keep the house livable, but they still had to wear heavy sweaters to keep warm.  The only thing Mary would miss was her friendly neighbors.  They were always ready to offer help or take time for a cup of coffee.  The small creek, two blocks away, had offered many hours of enjoyment for her two children.  She and Bob had always jokingly referred to the creek as the baby sitter nature had provided.

The boys spent hours exploring the small creek.  Their favorite past time was hunting for tadpoles and bright, colorful stones.  When they found these stones, they would bring them home to her as presents.  She felt her heart swell with love as she thought of those stones and how much more treasured they were to her than her more valuable possessions.    

A small smile creased her face as she thought of the times the boys came home soaking wet; claiming they had fallen into the shallow creek.  Mary always knew better, but she didn't let on; she knew the boys liked to rough house, as Bob would put it, and sometimes would push each other in the creek.    She wouldn't miss the large old house, but she would miss the area and the closeness of her neighborhood friends.

While Mary's thoughts wandered, David also was thinking of his friends and home, and all he was leaving behind.  His friends had promised to write him as soon as he sent them his new address.  He felt sure he would be able to make new friends where they were going, and maybe there would be some pretty girls in the new school.  

Adam looked out of the back seat window of their car and waved goodbye to a few of his playmates who were standing on the sidewalk.  Tears formed in his eyes, he was sure he would never find such good friends again.  It had taken him a long time to find friends who liked doing all the things he enjoyed.  He liked playing football, riding his bike off ramps, and playing ditch after dark in the summertime.  He hoped the new place they were going would have a school where there were kids who liked what he did.  But most of all, he hoped his Dad would not forget his pony! 

As Mary glanced over her shoulder to take one last look at their home, she saw Adam's face reflected in the window glass.  He looked so very sad and he had large tears running down his cheeks.  Mary's heart filled with tenderness for her young son as she reached back and gently patted his arm.  Please don't be sad, Adam.  You will make new friends where we are going and you can always write to your friends here.  Maybe they could even come visit us sometime Mary said smilingly, trying very hard to cheer up her son.

Mom, I'm really looking forward to getting a new pony, but it makes me very sad when I think of losing all of my friends.

Adam, I can understand your feelings, but you will always have a part of your friends with you.

I don't understand Adam said, looking puzzled.  How can I have my friends with me?

Well, do you remember the song we sing about old acquaintances never being forgotten?

Yeah, I remember the song, but I'm not sure I know what it means.

Adam, it's only a song to remind us to remember our friends of the past who we carry with us, into the future, wherever we go.  They are part of us in our memories and we should never forget how much they mean to us.  So when you think of your friends, they are with you in your memories.  Therefore, you will always take them with you.

I think I understand what you mean, Mom.  At least it makes me feel better.  I hope I never forget my friends.

I'm sure you won't, Adam.

Bob's thoughts were concentrated on the new opportunity awaiting them and he eagerly looked forward to the long drive.  In only a few hours their lives, hopefully, would change for the better.  A whole new future awaited them.  Now they would have a good house and nice farmland.

Since the station wagon was crammed full with clothes and odds and ends which wouldn't fit into the trailer, the boys had only limited space.  The trailer, attached to the car, was filled with furniture and possessions which Mary had insisted upon taking with them.  Mary had often accused Bob of being a pack rat, but in reality, he always thought the reverse was true.  The trip ahead was going to be long so Bob had brought along a few candy bars, and some soft drinks to ease the boys' hunger, which was bottomless.  Part of the time they were traveling was occupied by playing word games.  Both of the boys enjoyed trying to answer questions about famous quotations.  During the games, Adam continually interrupted to ask questions about the new pony.  He was sure his pony would have dark golden hair with a light golden mane and tail, and his pony's eyes would be dark brown and large.

After awhile, Bob finally tired of hearing about Adam's pony. He looked at Adam in the rear view mirror and crossly told him if he didn't stop talking about his pony, there wouldn’t be one!  Adam's face registered such hurt. It made Bob felt a pang of regret at his harsh words.  Mary reached over and softly touched Bob's arm.  He looked at her and his face softened.  Bob glanced in the rear view mirror at his youngest son and, with more gentleness than before, tried to take the sting out of his previous words.

Listen Adam, if you promise to drop the subject the rest of the trip, once we get settled in our new home, we'll see about getting you your pony.  OK, champ?

Bob was immediately rewarded with a beaming smile and an exuberant, OK, Dad from Adam.

Dad.

Yes, Adam.

Do you remember the words you told me I could never say again?

Bob had to think for a few minutes before he remember one time when Adam had called another driver an asshole.  He had heard a neighbor using the word to describe another driver who had almost hit him with his car.  When Bob was driving Adam used the word to describe another driver.  He lectured Adam about using this word.  Adam had promised never to use the term again.

Yes I remember; why are you asking?

Because there are a whole lot of those types of drivers on the road today.

Bob bite his lip to keep from smiling before answering Adam.  I think you need to concentrate on reading your book and leave the driving to me."  

Ok Dad.

They had been traveling for hours when Mary heard Bob say, It should be the next town, Mary.

Mary couldn't wait to get out of the car to stretch her cramped legs.  Turning to face Bob, she asked, How far have we traveled Bob.

Let me check my odometer, Bob replied looking down at the dash board.  Let's see, it has been a little over five hundred and twenty-seven miles.  We probably need to look for a motel to spend the night. It’s too late to visit our attorney.

"Daaad,