Orbs

Chapter Three

Report One: January 3rd, 1911.

All inmates seem to be behaving as they should. There has been quite a stir involving Inmate number 79, Aurelia Durrie. She refuses to peacefully accept treatment. As of right now she remains shackled to her bed. If refusal continues, stronger force will be required.

Signed, Doctor Demin.

Relia lowered the old paper and laid her head against her pillow. Shackled to her bed like an animal? She knew that the asylum her great aunt lived in was horrible, but to actually read it sent chills through her. How could a place built to help turn to such cruelty? She couldn't believe that someone from her family lived in that hell. Along with other reports, Relia had the death certificate of her Great Aunt. On it read that Aurelia had died at 35. Quite a young age, but a lifetime of torture and torment.

Relia's brain swam with different thoughts. How bad was the abuse? How did the asylum get away with everything for eighty plus years? How did Aurelia die? Despite being uncomfortable with how the patients were treated, Relia knew she wanted to continue reading. What started out as just info needed for a report turned into and urge to learn more.

She rubbed her eyes and continued reading.

Emeric by the bike rack early the next morning. He looked at his watch. "7 A.M." he mumbled.

"What the hell...?" Questioned a tired voice. Relia jumped off her seat to walk her bike the rest of the way. Emeric smiled and crossed his arms.

"Well 'morning to you too."

"Now you're being extra freaky. Where you waiting for me?"

"No i just love standing by bike racks in the morning. The sun glistens of the metal so beautifully."

Relia rolled her eyes at the sarcasm before locking her bike to the metal bars. She dropped the keys into her bag and swung it back around her shoulders. Dark blue eyes continued to stare at her.

"Is there something I can do for you?"

"Have you eaten?"

" I had oatmeal."

Emeric held out his hand. Relia stared at it, puzzled.

" Oatmeal doesn't count."

"It says meal in it. I think it does." Relia walked around the extended limb. Heavy boots thudded against the pavement. Soon Emeric was beside her once again.

"Come on, let's head to the cafeteria. Let me get you something that is actually breakfast worthy."

" What do you want to know?"

"Ah! You think so lowly of me? Can I not treat my new friend to the most important meal of the day?" Emeric held his hand to his chest, adding even more drama to his performance. Relia, who was half watching, half asleep, gave a small snort.

" You're funny, but I'm not stupid."

The dread haired boy lowered his hand and shrugged.

" Ok fair enough. I have some more questions. Truthfully, you're the only one I can ask." He rubbed the back of his neck, sheepishly. With a swift turn, Relia headed to the cafeteria entrance.

" Well come on. You're buying."

Both students sat down at one of the smaller, empty tables. Relia picked up her fork and started poking at her eggs. Emeric opened the lid and started spooning sugar into his tea.

" Why me?"

The question didn't stop the man from his actions. Emeric picked up the plastic spoon from Relia's plate and stirred his drink. The air was thick with anticipation. Relia was curious on why he has so many questions. It's her family past, not some broadcast or all to know. Yet, she felt like she needed to answer. Not even she knew everything about the past, and maybe Emeric could help her out with it.

" Have you ever been to the Pennhurst Asylum?" He finally asked. Relia swallowed her breakfast and shook her head. The older boy continued. "I have. It's something I don't recommend to the faint of heart."

"So you took the tour? Or was it for the haunted house?"

"Neither. " Answered Emeric. He sipped from his tea. Relia coughed, quickly opening her lemonade and washing the stuck food down.

"What do you mean neither!?"

"Hey loud mouth, don't rat. Look...I've been in there a few times. I've gone to every room that was accessible and stable enough. Something is going on in there..." another sip. " The thing is, I came to you because of your family's connection. I've looked into some of the history and there was a massacre where a patient went berserk. They attacked other patients, doctors and nurses."

"...and you think my great aunt is to blame." Relia ate another fork full of egg. She sat silently, thinking. Something like that could have been Aurelia, but there was no proof, plus, why would it have mattered? "First, why do you care if it was her?"

" Smart girl. You're not the only one with family related to the Asylum." Emeric put his empty cup down and folded his arms. "No, they were not a patient. In fact, they were a Custodian...." Relia swallowed. Her mouth felt dry even though she was drinking her lemonade.

" Did they...get killed?"

"...Ironically, no...and they worked close to Aurelia's room. Purposely given a dangerous spot but hey, at that time, people like us couldn't be picky." Emeric answered, wiggling his dark skinned fingers. " Apparently he was 20 when he got the job. Even though no one believed what would happen, it didn't stop him from telling his wife."

"Mmm..." Relia pushed the rest of her food aside. She had lost her appetite. " So you're also wondering the truth."

"Exactly. Why was he spared? Or even if Aurelia was the killer." He tapped his black painted nails on the table, staring off out the window. " And before you ask, the reason I know about my ancestor is because I accidentally came across old newspaper clipping about him. Turns out surviving such a bloodbath is crazy good publicity. He got a decent job after that and the rest is history."

" I'll help you." Relia agreed. Emeric held out his hand, which she shook. " I don't know much about Aurelia other than what I wrote, but I do have old progress reports from a Doctor Demen." Emeric's eyes widened for a second.

"Wait you actually have his reports? I thought they were destroyed."

"Who was he?"

"He was the head Doctor of the whole Asylum, he enjoyed tormenting the Inmates as he called them. Everyone answered to him."

Relia lowered her hand slowly. She never thought to question how the reports got in the box. It was just old things that was passed down along with the golden eye. She over looked it but now it didn't make sense. Nothing did. Hopefully with Emeric on her side, they could find the answers both wanted.