FD: Birth of a Wishing Heart

38. Possession

I followed Hansel into the room. He stopped in front of the doorway looking down at me. I could tell he was afraid and nervous. "Are you sure? What I said was..." I could tell he was having second thoughts as he trailed off. Before he could change his mind I opened the door and rushed forward.

Was that Gretel? My lips parted in shock but I did my best to approach her as if she wasn't sending chills down my spine. Her skin was deathly pale and her blonde hair was becoming fading into black on one side. A side of her face was covered in ash and burns along with some of her arm. More importantly, there was something that wasn't her. The burnt parts of her face were beginning to take control of one of her eyes and part of her lips. They stretched upwards unnaturally revealing a shifting bone structure underneath as if there was something else trying to come out from the side of her face. The darkness that I felt had hurt me and screamed was inside her, and slowly growing out. I was terrified and now understood what was so serious. I missed Gretel but one wrong move and I'd be destroyed. I could feel my heart panic and go into overdrive but I needed to keep it under control. I had cast magic twice! I could do this!

She smiled at me gently and I smiled back in relief. Hansel took a heavy breath before lifting me unto the bed, keeping his arms on my middle. He was ready to grab me and run if need be. That only made me more afraid. He could tell and slowly released me. This was something I had to do on my own, if I depended on him then I wouldn't be capable of taking care of myself in a life or death situation. I had to keep the threat asleep and prove my brother wrong. I could do this!

"Hello Gree, I've missed you. It's nice to see you still have the rabbit I made for you." She mentioned trying to soothe my fears and start a safe conversation.

I could tell my fear was making her feel isolated. She wasn't allowed to go outside, I imagined they would kill her on the spot! Was that why their father was gone? I could only imagine a life that was home-bound, possibly bed-bound because of something beyond her. I looked over to Hansel whose eyes were drowning endlessly in worry. No wonder chocolate was no longer strong enough. I could only imagine him working so hard to keep them safe and fed while wondering if she wouldn't be there when he came back. I had to help comfort her, I squeezed the rabbit and grinned. This was what I had left of my grandmother. "Tabitha? of course. I've missed you both so much, she's given me strength."

I could see Gretel smile genuinely as she reached for the rabbit. I slowly released it, trusting her, and having to trust myself to keep the curse under control. She gently touched the dress. "Was this the dress I made for her all those years ago? It's so clean."

"No. I made it myself!" I beamed pridefully full of excitement. I could see Gretel close her eyes tight in pain as a hand heavily smacked my head from behind. It wasn't hard enough to leave a mark of any sort, but enough to leave a warning. I had spoken too loudly. "I'm sorry!" I whispered. "I was excited." Gretel frowned at her brother for being too protective of her. She wasn't sure how sober he still was. The expression didn't seem to be noticed by him as he continued.

Hansel put a hand to his chest. "I'm sorry Gretel, I promise I'll make it up to you after." She sighed before her facial expression softened again.

"It's fine. I'm glad Gree is happy." I smiled, I missed her so much. I slowly crawled into her arms, avoiding any sudden movement. She was cold and gasped lightly before wrapping her arms around me. She missed a loving touch that wasn't brotherly. I knew that feeling too well. She smiled as she let me rest in her hold.

"Gretel, do you ever leave this place?" There was a sudden shift in the blankets. Hansel was staring towards the wall as his hands gripped the sheets. Gretel seemed hurt for him but answered quickly.