Sweet Adaline: The Conclusion

By Colleen Fountain Skinner

Its a sequel of the first book entitled Sweet Dreams.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jul 6, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524507411

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

And so it begins

S HE DROVE CAUTIOUSLY, weaving back and forth, desperately trying to avoid the major pot holes that seemed to make up the entire stretch of road. Her knuckles were cold, and white, as she subconsciously held a death grip on the steering wheel. Tension fed into her shoulders as well as her chest as the sun light succumbed to the murky darkness. Only two street lights had been placed on the two mile country road, and the first one was behind her now and the other would not appear until the house would be in sight. Her headlights seemed weak, not being able to cut through the fog, making this hunt like something right out of a late night horror show. And even with Kathy sitting by her side and Tommy and Teresa in the backseat, she still felt alone and very vulnerable. She passed the little country brook as her friends voices began to escalate, but Grace’s thoughts were elsewhere as the anxiety doubled knowing the house was drawing near. For years what happened inside the old Victorian was the topic at all the campfires and sleep overs in the neighborhood. It was the dare of the decade to stay the night in the haunted mansion. But no one ever took the challenge, not even if they were razzed or called a coward. Being a coward was far better than the thought of what could happen in that house if even half the rumors were true. The one person, it was said, that was brave enough to enter, would somehow become possessed and go mad like she did. Everyone heard through the grapevine what the crazy woman was screaming when they pulled her out of the mansion that night covered in her husband’s blood. Anyone with half a brain knew nothing like that could ever happen outside of the woman’s twisted, psychotic mind. But still, the thought, that little itty bitty thought that lingered in the back of their mind kept everyone from tempting fate. What if, in fact there was something to her story, a small truth that was buried in the depths of the old mansion about a demon ghost that made her do it. No one had entered the house or graced it’s threshold since that fateful night…until now.

The mansion was now in sight standing there in all its faded glory, dark and ominous, looming like a predator, ready to rip her mind into shreds with its haunted secrets. She was the only one in the group that was sensitive, knowing and feeling things that others just didn’t understand. Grace’s heart began to pound in her ears making every word her friends were saying, muffled and aggravatingly incoherent. She felt a knot begin to tighten in her stomach, with an overload of emotions that she knew was in connection with the house. Why did she choose this house to hunt? She should leave it to its secrets, and drive as far and as fast away from it as she could. But Kathy’s question startled her back into reality and before she had a chance to think, she spoke. It was a single word that sealed her fate and now there was no turning back.

Yeah, Grace had replied to Kathy’s question if this was the amazing house they were hunting tonight. That single word seemed to bellow in the car making her cringe as it now echoed inside her head.

Kathy’s excitement went up a level as she took in the view around her. To her, it was magnificent, a lavish house she could only dream about owning one day. But to Grace, at this very moment, it was a hell in which she placed herself in the middle of. She swore silently to herself, for being so stupid. If she hadn’t acknowledged it, she could have driven right past it saying that she was sure it was on the road, but didn’t know exactly where. Somehow she could have faked it and told them she just couldn’t find it. Now, as she cranked the wheel to the right pulling into the massive driveway, she felt as if there were unseen hands tightening their grip around her neck, squeezing her windpipe, making it almost impossible to breathe. But even more disturbing than that was the feeling that eyes were upon her, watching her every move from deep inside the dark fortress.

It’s beautiful! Teresa said excitedly as she rolled down the window to get a better view. As Grace stared at the house she wondered why no one was seeing what she saw. It was starting to rot, but it was just as well if the stories were true. If there was indeed something evil in that house, then it should parish and crumble to the ground so in time it would be forgotten. It had stayed vacant since the night of the brutal murder fifteen years ago. Durhamville was a small town and trying to sell the house was like trying to sell the Amityville house to it’s next door neighbors. No one wanted it and its presence in the town was like a constant reminder that no one was safe and murder could happen in your own backyard.

Tommy cleared his throat and took a cigarette from his pack placing it in his mouth. Teresa snapped it from his lips before he could light it, giving him a dirty look. Did you forget that Grace is pregnant? she asked in a tone that embarrassed Tommy, making him immediately apologize. I’m sorry Gracie, I’m not used to the fact that you got a little bun in the oven. He said it light heartedly, trying not to appear as such a jack ass.

Don’t worry about it, but if you ever light that in front of me again, don’t think for a second that I’m not going to make you eat it lit! A quick laughter rumbled inside the car, and then it went silent as Grace backed up the van. She parked it on the canal bank hoping that the limbs and leaves of the old oak trees would camouflage it.

Grace had known Tommy since their first year in college and from the day they met they were inseparable, like soul mates, no one ever seen one without the other. He was like family to her, not by blood but by choice. They had a type of bond that went far beyond just friendship. Even though they were both attracted to each other, him with his blue green eyes that she had always found close to irresistible, and her with her soft brown eyes that to him could melt his heart causing him to do things for her that he wouldn’t do for anyone else. They never had that boyfriend, girlfriend type of relationship, but they loved each other in a way that was stronger, maybe even better than if they would have succumbed to an act that could ruin their friendship forever. It was hard when Teresa and Tommy started dating each other. Grace felt like the third wheel and her relationship with Tommy was almost nonexistent until she and Kathy invited them to start ghost hunting with them. To get the gang back together and enjoy each other’s company as they did something strange and crazy they had always talked about in college. For Grace it was still a little hard to see the couple together, so happy and in love. But it was her choice not to have a relationship with Tommy, but yet there was a small ache in her heart as she watched him loving someone else and sharing secrets when it used to be the two of them that were as close as thieves. She had to let it go. It was as simple as that, but it was so hard when Tommy took her in his arms to greet her hello and goodbye. She often wondered how her life would have been, if she had made the choice to be with him.

Grace lowered her head realizing how horrible she was with her thoughts. She had the most wonderful husband anyone could ever ask for. He was honest, loving and best of all loyal to her and only her. But in her defense, your first love was always the hardest to get over. Even though they didn’t have an intimate love, it was love just the same.

As her thoughts came back to the present, she noticed the van was filled with nervous energy, the kind that always came before their ghost hunts. As Tommy, Kathy and Teresa were busy making sure once more that the batteries were charged and flashlights were in working order, Grace’s confidence was becoming rattled and she wasn’t sure she could go through with it. She swallowed hard, trying to tell herself that it was just the rumors and tall tales bringing her nerves to the surface. After all, it was just a house, nothing more and nothing less, just a house. She took a deep breath, and then began to speak.

So this is the house I was telling you about, but remember we’re probably not supposed to be in it. So if you hear a car coming, turn off your flashlights or cover ’em up. I don’t want to be spending the rest of the night at the police station for breaking and entering.

Are you sure we should be here? Teresa asked, now a little hesitant about going in.

Grace felt a small ray of hope that maybe the others wouldn’t want to go into the house and they could just forget she ever brought them here and go home. But then Tommy’s words resonated in the small confinements of the van and her hopes were dashed.

You don’t have to go in at all Tre. You know the rules. If you don’t feel comfortable, don’t do anything you don’t want to. Just stay here in the car.

Tommy’s words didn’t feel that comforting to Teresa at all.

I’m good. she lied, feeling stuck between a rock and a hard place. Usually she was all gung ho about ghost hunting. But a sudden apprehension about the house put her in a different state of mind. She had never felt this way before and she tried to put her finger on the exact emotion that had consumed her. FEAR, it was as easy as that, but what could this old house have inside it that would make her feel like this? She wondered if Grace was feeling the same thing, and if so, she was glad she didn’t have the gift. She couldn’t imagine the extra amount of emotions Grace had to go through every day just passing a person or place with hidden secrets. Grace had told her before when they were like eighteen or nineteen, that she could not only see the dead, but talk to them. At first Teresa didn’t know what to believe, but as Grace finally opened up to her and told her things about her past and about her Grandmother and other relatives that no one could know about, Teresa knew that Grace was the real deal. Teresa remembered the moment that her jaw dropped and knew that Grace wasn’t a kook or a nut. Grace had grabbed her hand and held it between her own, closed her eyes and then smiled. Teresa had to admit she was a little freaked out at first, she hadn’t known Grace that well, in fact it had been only a couple of weeks, so her touching her in that way was a little uncomfortable. But then Grace opened her gentle brown eyes and smiled at her, looking deeply into her own, with a gentleness that she had never forgotten. Grace told her that the diamond in her Grandmothers engagement ring had been lost, but the setting had been given to her and she had put it in her jewelry box for safe keeping. Grace also told Teresa that her Grandmother had passed four years ago with a sudden heart attack, and she was sad she never had the chance to say goodbye.

What she was saying was the truth. Her mother had found her Grandmother on the floor of her bedroom. She had been dead for hours. The words Grace spoke brought instant tears to Teresa’s eyes, but she wanted to hear more, she knew it was her Grandmother that Grace was connecting with. Oh how her heart had longed to be able to speak to her just one more time, and Grace was allowing it to happen. The last message her Grandmother gave to Teresa was that she wanted the ring fixed and for her to always wear it. Then she was gone, as quickly as she came.

Teresa became a believer, knowing in her heart that Grace had in fact been talking to her beloved Grandmother. Her skepticism died that day, and from that moment on, she knew that another world existed and it intrigued her. So that’s how she came to join this group of friends on their quest into the unknown.

She looked down at her hand, the engagement ring that had been repaired, adorned her finger with gems and memories, bringing a smile to her face and a sense that her Grandmother would be with her tonight to protect her and keep her safe. It boosted her confidence a little and with that extra sense of strength, she made up her mind. As she looked again toward the house she became rattled once more, half of her dying to see the inside while the other half was scared of what she’d find. But the option of staying by herself in the van, in the dark, on a half deserted road, made the decision an easy one. She was going in with the rest of them.

Tre, you with us? Grace asked, noticing the far off look in her friend’s eyes.

Yeah, just feeling a little freaked out about the breaking and entering thing. Teresa lied.

Okay, you sure you want to do this? I’m not going to leave you in the van by yourself, we can just forget it and do it at another time Grace said hopefully.

Tommy’s mouth opened to voice his protest, but Teresa’s decision not to wimp out beat him to it. She still felt the gnawing desire to tell everyone the truth. Tell them how she felt and that she didn’t think it was a good idea to go in. But what did she know about how it felt to be a sensitive. If there was any danger, Grace wouldn’t allow them to go in. She decided to keep her faith in Grace, lowered her worried brown eyes to the floor of the van, and kept her silence.

Alright, it’s that time, any questions, everyone got their stuff? Batteries charged? Grace asked out of repetition rather than really wanting to hear the answers.

I’m all set. Tommy announced and the girls chimed in right after him.

Okay then, let’s go.

They exited the car, clumsily walking down the canal bank as long weeds and thick grass seemed to ensnare their feet, tripping them, making them laugh and poke fun at one another. But Grace on the other hand took it as a sign something was trying to stop her. When she looked up after she stumbled, everyone had already crossed the small neglected road and were waiting anxiously for her to join them. She pushed herself forward wishing she had the nerve to tell everyone that this was a really bad idea, but instead she kept quiet and joined the group. Everyone now stood at the mouth of the large driveway and just gawked at the mansion that stood like a castle before them. It seemed even larger now, and the girls found each other’s hands, feeling intimidated by the haunting massive structure. They walked a step behind Tommy, their protector, and huddled together as the limbs from the trees lining both sides of the driveway twisted and turned as the wind pushed through them.

Holy shit. Kathy half whispered, This is like a scene right out of The Exorcist. You know the one when the priest is walking to the house and there’s all the fog with that one light.

No one said anything, but they all knew what she meant and she was right. The feeling that you felt watching the priest walk through the fog is the same feelings that the girls were having at that very moment. It was like walking into the den of the devil, and nothing good could come out of that.

Tommy had a grin from ear to ear knowing that this was going to be an awesome night. His excitement pushed him rapidly up the driveway, not listening to a word the girls were babbling until Kathy’s voice stopped him in his tracks.

Hey guys, stop! Listen. Do you hear that?

Everyone stopped walking and held their breath trying to strain their ears to hear what Kathy was talking about.

There it is again! she said, now squeezing Grace’s and Teresa’s hands even tighter than before.

Their eyes searched for something, anything, all of them gazing in different directions until the noise suddenly amplified and the secret were no more.

RUN! Kathy screamed as a dark mass shot out from the trees. Everyone ran toward the house with their hands protecting their heads as screams and profanity rang out into the openness of the country side. They could only make out a black mass that was above them, on the side of them, following them. They felt the breeze from their web like wings as they flew past them screeching into the night in hunt for the insects that were going to be their dinner. They reached the side porch with their heads tucked under their coats and hoodies, all huddled together.

Oh my God! Kathy exclaimed, laughing out loud, relieved that it was only bats and not the monsters she had running through her mind. I hope the bathroom still works cause I might have to clean up.

Everyone burst out laughing and it seemed to lighten the mood. The house felt like their protector now, as it had saved them from the tiny flying creatures.

Tommy, I think you out screamed your wife! Grace laughed, and even as she tried to stop laughing, just the memory of all of them scrambling like it was the devil chasing them, made her laugh even harder.

Tommy didn’t try to deny it, Okay, okay, now we all know I’m a little bitch, so let’s just leave the pansy ass jokes behind us and let’s go and do what we came here for. He was embarrassed by his actions, but nothing he could say or do at this point was going to stop the relentless ball busting he was about to receive. This was one moment in time he was never going to live down.

You know we’re only teasing you Tommy-kins. Grace said with a gentle sarcasm in her voice. But in all fairness, if I was like nine months pregnant, I would have had the baby right on this porch. Again everyone continued with laughter as Grace started to walk, leading everyone toward the back of the house.

They all followed Grace as they fought their way through the overgrown weeds. A wooden fence that was half dilapidated fell forward to the ground, with just a couple small kicks from Tommy. He turned around to face the girls posing as a muscle man would in a side show.

Step aside He-Man, Teresa laughed, I could have sneezed on that and it would have fallen over.

Well the next time you need these big guns to save your ass, don’t come running to me! Then he playfully slapped her butt as she walked in front of him. Teresa giggled and reached for his hand as they continued toward the back of the house, but slowed down enough to let Grace lead the way. They walked over the broken boards and around the pool toward the deck, then to the back door. She jiggled the door knob twisting it back and forth, and then shoved the door with her shoulder till the door conceded, opening loudly under protest. Viola! she said motioning her hands and arms like a magician’s assistant. Tommy entered first and immediately flicked on his flashlight. Tre and Kathy entered cautiously standing as close as they could to one another. As the dim light shone about the room, it took on the feel of Great Expectations. Their eyes scanned every area that they could see as they walked deeper into the kitchen, not moving far from one another, but enough to look around and see the room in its entirety. Grace’s eyes burned with tears, her senses picking up the complete devastation that happened in this house, so many years ago. The sorrow that had been contained inside its walls found Grace and pushed its way deep inside her mind as she stood unmoving as the energy from the room paralyzed her. Images like staring straight in a strobe light flickered in her mind, quick and relentless like the pictures that are supposed to flash before your eyes moments before your death. But it wasn’t her death she was seeing, it was the deaths in this house. They were bloody images and faces full of pain and sorrow that Grace felt deep in her heart. No one noticed as she cried in the darkness, tears falling from her eyes for the suffering that lay dormant in this house that only she could feel.

Everything was still left untouched from the day of the murder. Dust and cobwebs consumed everything in the room, from the counters to the kitchen table. It almost seemed like the dishes were under a neat little package that hundreds of spiders knitted, hiding all the crystal, china and silver in their artwork. Dead flowers filled the room still in the many vases they were placed in. Everything seemed to be gray where ever they looked. Nothing white, nothing black, just a blanket of gray that enveloped the entire room.

Kathy stood still taking in the foreboding scene around her. The tragedy of what happened was evident in every nook and cranny of the room, so haunting and so sad.

Ok, I think it’s a good time to say our prayer. Kathy said, her voice reflecting the urgency in needing to be protected. When her words went unheard, she encouraged her friend with a gentle nudge, Any time, Grace.

Almost everyone’s opinion of the house seemed to change once they were inside it. It wasn’t breathtaking any more, instead it seemed to be taking their breath away with apprehension and uncertainty. Tommy was the only one that was standing strong against the pounding negative feelings the house was blanketing the girls with.

Everyone grabbed hands, forming a circle as Grace finally snapped herself out of the trance she was in. She wiped her face as the tears still continued to fall, trying to relax her throat enough so no one could hear the sadness in her voice. She wiped her tears off on her pants, and held on to the hands that were reaching out for her. She closed her eyes, starting the ritual that was tradition since they began to hunt.

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we ask you now to protect us in the white light, nothing evil shall come around us, into us, or follow us. We are protected in your white light and the love of God shall keep us safe. We ask this in your name, Amen. Then she, in her own mind, prayed how she believed.

So, Tommy said, clapping his hands together, do we want to break up and have two of us go upstairs and two of us down, or stay together? He asked, not caring one way or the other what everyone wanted to do. He just wanted to start already. The hunt always got his adrenaline pulsing through his body. He was hyper in the first place and when he became excited he was a whole new freak of nature. But in his defense, how long should it take to decide on what room to walk in and sit your asses down?

Just give us a second there, killer. Grace said as she pulled out her small tape recorder from her jacket pocket and took her video camera out of the case. Well girls, what do we want to do?

I just want to stay together. I don’t feel like separating tonight. Teresa said, rubbing her arms to try to warm her body from the sudden cold of the house.

Yeah, I’m with Teresa. Kathy agreed as she too was getting ready to start the EVPs as soon as they decided which room they wanted to begin in.

I don’t care what we do. I’m okay with being all together. Does anyone have a room they want to start with? Upstairs, downstairs? Grace asked not wanting to dominate the investigation.

Why don’t we do what we always do and follow you? You’re the one with the gift. Tommy said, trying to urge her to just make a decision already and start.

Grace took the lead and she began to slowly walk toward the living room as the wood floors groaned under her weight. I think we should start in this room and then go into there. She pointed at the room, which was in complete darkness, allowing no one to embrace the beauty it contained. Everyone found a comfortable position on the floor except for Grace as she walked back into the kitchen, placing her camcorder facing the long end of the room. She turned it on night vision, making sure it was in a good position. She felt something very strong in this room. From the moment she had entered into the kitchen she was slammed with so many emotions it almost made her physically ill. There was something here, something in these four walls that were hiding horrible secrets in its darkened corners. The hair that stood straight up on her arms was testament to what she was feeling. It was tormenting her and teasing her at the same time. There was something kind and gentle along with a gut feeling that frightened her into silence. There was no doubt that they would have to come back into this room before they left. She raised her eyes to the ceiling as she stood in the middle of the kitchen. She could hear the rest of her friends moving about in the room they chose to start in, but she couldn’t seem to break her stare. There was something about this room that intrigued her, and yet it was the room she least wanted to be in.

Gracie! Tommy yelled into the direction of the kitchen, we going to do this today or what?

Grace jumped slightly, finally tearing her eyes away from the ceiling. She was hearing things, but not fully hearing them and seeing things, but they were in a blur. Something was here alright, and it was trying to reach out to her, but it wasn’t strong enough, or she was just not getting what they were trying to show her. She kept what happened in the kitchen to herself, after all there wasn’t really anything to say. She had to figure out what she was told and shown and right now it was all too confusing. Finally what seemed like a lifetime to Tommy, Grace walked into the living room and joined the rest of the group.

As she made herself comfortable, she placed her hand held tape recorder in front of her and began to speak.

We are all in the living room of the Haunted Mansion in Durhamville, eleven ten p.m. October thirtieth, nineteen hundred and ninety two. Then she paused closing her eyes trying to get grounded before she opens herself to whoever or whatever is in the house. Everyone was staring at her, waiting patiently, till she took a deep breath in and pushed it out of her lungs.

Hello she started, her voice cutting through the silence of the room, My name is Grace. Is there anyone here? she asked, her voice echoing throughout the house. Her eyes searched the room knowing something was close, she could feel her sixth sense awakening and the odd feelings that pulsed inside her body when it happened. I know you’re here, she said in almost a whisper. Who are you? Grace waited for a moment in silence hoping to hear the answer. When none came she continued on with her inquisition. Are you the one that was murdered in this house?

In the mirror above the fireplace a dark shadow passed in front of its reflective glass, but nobody saw as an invisible presence walked close to Grace. Grace’s back stiffened but she said nothing. Someone was close to her, close enough to hear it’s whispers in her ear, answering the question she just asked with two simple words.

Tis I.

CHAPTER TWO

The Awakening

A S GRACE SPOKE her first words, they bellowed in the belly of the house, until it reached into the deepest crevice of the highest room. He had heard, and He was watching.

He had seen them as they pulled into his driveway from the window in the attic room. A fire ignited inside him as a sickening smile dressed his thin crusted lips. He could hear them like rats scurrying around in his house, uninvited, but accepted none the less. He let the curtain drop from his hand as he heard her voice once again. He ran his fingers through his wiry hair, then placed his hat upon his head. Slowly he slithered into the shadows making his way to the sweet sound that beckoned him.

A cold crisp rush of air entered the room as the house began to breathe life once again. The boards continued to readjust themselves, creaking loudly as they straightened, shifted and settled back into place.

Adaline? Grace asked out loud. The name flowed off her tongue as if she knew to whom she was speaking. Was that you?

His inhuman heart stopped as the strangers voice sliced through the darkness striking his chest with a hot searing pain.

Adaline he said out loud, allowing her name to wrap and twist around his sick demented thoughts.

This stranger knows of her, he mumbled to himself, almost in complete delirium. She knew of his sweet love, his sweet Adaline. His chest swelled and his groin ached for her. She had been lost to him for so long…so very long.

His mouth began to salivate with just the thought of touching her once again. His fingers longed for the feel of her soft supple breasts beneath them. She would be his again to do with as he pleased. His tongue licked his cracked lips catching the saliva before it could roll down his chin. His eyelids closed slowly over his black eyes with the image of her waiting for him in his bed filling his senses. A sickening moan parted his lips as the thoughts of her beneath him flooded his memory.

She was going to be with him once more, and this time she would keep to her words. The words that she promised him. She had no one in the way this time. She had killed him, taken care of him, so they could be together without any distractions.

The corner of his mouth drew up into a small smirk, as the words played back to him, a memory he lived and breathed since the strangers stormed in his house and ripped her away from him. He could still hear her voice as if she was in his presence at this very moment, and he closed his eyes letting his body shiver with anticipation.

I will be yours, yours forever. she had promised him.

AND SO YOU SHALL. he replied out loud to the memory that danced in his head.

Adaline was one of the spirits, by the crazy lady’s confession, trapped in this murderous house. She was rumored to be one of