An Exorcism in Mayfair

(8) Lost Inside

The sky was becoming overcast.

I best try and walk in on my own, I don't want to burden Eloise any more than necessary. It had already been a trying day for us all, to be sure.

Colin reached for Pens shoulder. She winced. As she stepped back. He could not get a read on her.

"Pen, are you hurt?"

She forced a smile, but in her eyes he could see real pain and uncertainty.

Colin stepped forward putting her shoulder of her dress down her arm.

"What are you..?" She retorted

He shuddered. Her shoulder was black and blue and what looked like teeth marks imbedded into her skin. Colin felt his anger boil. "Who did this Pen?"

Her face turned to the side. A tear run down her cheek.

He repeated himself louder "Who?"

Her eyes turned slowly to his. Her expression confused "You"

Did he truly not know. Colin was almost inhuman and he could not remember. I am in agony. I am terrified and he can't remember. I wish I could forget the dark look in his eyes and the way he looked at me like I was beyond nothing.

Colin jumped back "I would never... "

"After you returned home. You were not yourself. Even your features were not as soft and warm as I remember. Yet it was you. You pushed me against the wall. Hitting my head on the pantry door" she smoothed her head, he realised he could see bruising along her hairline "You kissed me hard and bit into my shoulder before you. Before you" her tears started to steam with force. "You forced your fingers into me"

Colin stared at her, unable to comprehend the words. He would never. He watched her lips focusing on every word. Her lip was swollen and sore.

"I recoiled. But you would not stop" she stepped back "I was not strong enough" she started to smile "When I woke up I could not move. Your mother found me and nursed me back to health"

Colin was listening to her. But the words did not make sense. He would never hurt a lady. Especially Pen. Now she was looking to me for answers. But I had none. I had abused the love of my life. And I remember nothing of it.

"I am sorry Pen. I promise you that I do not recall any of this"

She was broken. He was the cause of her discomfort.

"Pen" his tone soft "Did you want me to go?"

Pen couldn't speak, she just nodded and watched him walk into the house.

Next thing he knew. He had found a bottle. Then found his bed.

His dreams were riddled with memories that were not his own. They were dark. He was pushing Pen. Snarling into her ear like an animal. She screamed at him to stop. He did not. He laughed at her discomfort. The more she screamed, the more damage was caused.
He wanted so badly to tell her how much he cares for her. But the monster inside would not let him have that peace. What the fuck is wrong with me.

As he woke. He glances at Pens home across the square.

How does one apologise for his actions. Actions I could not even fathom.
She will never want to be with me now. Hope was indeed lost. What. Have. I. Done.

Colin walked downstairs to see his family looking at him like he was a devil.

Mother must have had to explain what had happened to the family. Now they believe me to be no more than a beast. Perhaps, I am.

Anthony and Benedict stood and marched to Colin.
They dragged him into the Viscounts study. Sat him down and tied him to a chair with rope. They looked beyond angry. They looked fearful of not only their families safety but their own.

"Explain!" Anthony barked.

"Pen told me what occurred. But it wasn't me. I do not remember it"

Benedict leaned in "Well Penelope certainly does!"

"Why do I not remember? Where was I before this happened?"

Anthony looked surprised with his response "You arrived home. We had not seen you for a week. Mother found Pen unconscious and bleeding next to the pantry in the Featherington kitchen. I helped Benedict carry Miss Featherington here, up the stairs into a guest room without the family being none the wiser.

"Why can't I remember?" Colin's head shot with pain. He shouted out to make it stop then he was fast asleep.

A loud laugh emanated from Colin's body. It cackled. It burned into their souls. It was not their brothers laugh. His head slowly turned to face them. He face distorted. Even his hair and eyes looked darker. His smile so large, his skin looked stretched. His voice was acid and nails on a chalkboard.

"Brothers, brothers. Must you fight over little old me"

Anthony and Benedict shared a glance of pure terror.

"What!" He squeaked "Have you ran out of things to stay"

Anthony reached for a letter opener "Was it you that hurt Miss Featherington?" Anthony barked.

"Mmmmm Penelope. Such a delicious mortal. Colin loves her you know. Stupid fool does not even realise it" he looked up to the ceiling the smile getting wider "He had been dreaming of sweet little Pen when he is alone at night thumping his feelings away" the laugh echoed in the room. Benedict had to cover his ears.
"Mmmm I tasted my fingers after... and mmmmm what a delight! she tasted like a sweet strawberry covered in wet blood. How beautiful" Anthony was clenching the knife tight.

He had to remind himself that this was his brother. "Wait until I show him all the cruelties he caused his oh so sweeeeet Pen. He won't be able to look himself in the mirror ever again" another laugh, this one more acidy than the last.

"See you later Alligators!" And just like that he was gone. Colin's eyes flew open. He noticed Anthony clutching a knife before his eyes met Anthony's.

"Brother your hand is hurt" Colin looked terrified. Both his brothers known for their brave countenance looked rather perplexed.

Anthony looked down at his hand, which was shaking a little. Blood trickling over the blade. Ben swiftly grabbed a handkerchief from his pocket and wrapped it around his older brother's hand.

"What happened to both of you and can one of you untie me"

Anthony knelt by Colin "Brother. There is something inside you. Something evil"

Benedict nodded in agreement "It said things!"

Fear hit Colin's eyes "What did it say?"

"Just know that it means Pen harm"

Colin shook his head. His lips trembled "Please do not untie me. Ever. I cannot put Pen in danger. Nor all of you"

Benedict looked to Anthony for advice "What do we do?"

"I do not know"

"Please keep Pen away" he feared for her. If she was hurt once more by his own hands. He wasn't sure what he would do.

The brothers nodded their agreement.