A short thriller-type story about Callie, an arts student, whose boyfriend Ben, also an arts student, is trying to hide something from her and doesn't even want her to know. Callie doubts Ben and trys to figure it out and when she finally finds it o...
I stare out of the windshield of my boyfriend's BMW.
Callie: This is where you live Ben chuckles Ben: I have the vacation properties too... But Stonewood Estate is home sweet home.
I knew that Ben was a successful sculptor... But I didn't know he was this well off. Stonewood Estate sprawls before us, enormous and strangely intimidating. I can't put my fingers why... But I hesitate before following Ben to the ornate front doors.
Ben: Normally a place like this size would have a full staff... But I like my privacy.
Tossing a devilish wink he ushers into the grand entryway. It's cavernous, with highly polished wood and heavy furniture. Even when Ben flips on the lights... It's full of shadows.
Ben: What do you think?
I wrap my arms around myself and try to smile.
Callie: It's ... beautiful
Ben doesn't notice my discomfort.
Ben: Come on. The master suite is this way.
He leads me up a grand staircase... And down a hall... And then another hall. Soon I'm all turned around.
Callie: If I get lost in here... I might never be seen again. Ben laughs Ben: Don't be so dramatic. I bristle a little Ben: This way.
I follow him around another turn... And stop with a short gasp.
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The hall is lined with stark white plasters of statues of women. There are seven in total, all life-size. Ben passes between them and beckons for me to follow.
Ben: Gorgeous, aren't they? I nod. They're breathtaking... But the creeping shadows turn them into ghouls. Ben: Do you recognise the style? I step closer to a statue, staring into its blank white eyes. Callie: Wait. A realisation hits me- A memory of apprenticing with Ben as an art student last year. That was how we met. I fell in love with him while watching him sculpt similar statues... But none were as lifelike and graceful as these. Callie: Did YOU make this? He nods proudly, tracing a finger over the statue's cheek. Ben: They're some of my finest work. An empty pedestal waits at the end of the hall. Callie: Where's that one? Ben: She's a work in progress. He takes my hand and pulls me close. Ben: But enough about statues. Let me show you my bedroom. He kisses me as he pulls me into his suite. As he shuts the door behind us, I get one last glimpse at the stark white statues. As thrilled as I am to be here with Ben... The sight makes me shiver.
