Without Words

38- Return to the Fortress

Trigger Warning: This chapter involves heavy scenes of violence, assault and gun use.

The Page Mansion was empty as we walked by the pathway towards the Fortress. We took the side entrance just to be safe and remained as quiet as possible. The sun was already going down and I am really feeling nervous, wanting to get out of here as soon as possible. I texted Matt and Dan that Noah and I were on our way. I think I heard their veins pop from the speaker when they called, demanding we return but I told them Noah wasn't having it and I just couldn't let him go there alone. I brought the baseball bat though, for their peace of mind. They were not impressed.

"Do the Wilsons often stay at your house?" I asked silently as I glimpsed his old house, the porch light was on.

"Yes, they're the ones cleaning and tending to it." He answered. "My parents never go there anyway, might as well have someone stay in it."

I stared at the Fortress as we neared. I honestly never considered going back here again. Thoughts of Violet's last moments haunted me. Now that I knew what really happened and what lead to it, it made me more scared going back. Up until her last moments and through her darkest hours, this is where Violet sought solace. This is where she found peace. This also symbolized how we failed her, how her parents failed her, how the world failed her. A child robbed off her childhood and innocence until her only option for peace is to eternally close her eyes.

I gazed at Noah and couldn't possibly imagine what he has gone through as well. How long were he deprived of the care and love everyone deserves? He was so young, still so young now to even go through those kind of horrible things, not just at the hands of these men but to all those around him. I asked him what he needed and his answers were a jacket, a warm meal and drink. A sixteen year old kid shouldn't have begged for that.

We quietly climbed up the rackety stairs to the Fortress and I felt my phone vibrate again. No doubt, Matt and Dan are already on their way.

"It's locked." Noah cursed and he asked for my baseball bat.

I didn't want to part with it but then, I remembered the key I also found at Violet's room. I stuck it with my car keys just in case. "I have an idea." It was a long shot but I couldn't possibly think of what other door the key would open.

It clicked and I sighed in relief. The baseball bat would've created too much noise.

The door opened and my breath caught up. I thought I would be hit by nostalgia and regret but instead, I felt indifference. This wasn't our Fortress anymore.

The walls were we playfully colored with our names and paints were gone and barely visible. The corner where Dan and I used to sit had empty beer bottles lying around. The shelf where we keep the books and my art supplies is broken and cigarette trays were scattered around. A worn out mattress was at the center and I found a gag, rope and whip on top of it.

This place is sickening. I almost wanted to vomit from the sight and smell of it. Noah immediately went to the corner and I almost admired his determination and composure. This must not have been easy for him but the hope that he can finally be at peace and Violet's memories be honored gave him the strength.

We both stiffened as we heard a tire screech from the front. Noah worked faster, searching what he's been looking for and I gripped my baseball bat tighter, ready to swing it with all my might for the second time today.

"Elle!" I heard my brother yell and I exhaled in relief. Opening the wobbly window, I waved at them to keep quiet.

Matt just scowled but Dan immediately went up the Fortress to join us. I saw Matt doing the same after shooting me more menacing glares at every step. From the inside, I heard something crash and Noah was running to me, holding a plastic bag full of pictures, CDs and flash drives.