I've never done this kind of story before, this was just a fun little project I jotted down randomly, so please don't be too harsh with it haha =)
Haunted Eyes
Erin:
The massive wooden door of the mansion creaked ominously as Jeffrey pushed it open. The scene before us was truly out of a clichéd horror story-twin swirling stair cases stood at the far end of the room, leading to the second story which expanded off of hallways that overlooked the lobby through railings and arch ways. All along the walls, dozens of door led in every direction, each one separated by a suit of armor, a strange statue, a bizarre piece of art work, or a freaky shaped fern. In the center of the ceiling hung a chandelier as big as a small swimming pool-hundreds of diamonds and crystals hung clinking softly in the breeze that opening the door created. At the far end, above the landing where the two stair cases met, hung a life size portrait of a woman. Her hair was long and dark, her clothes were wealthy and designer, but old and worn. She stood alone against a wall of red roses. Her face was easily the scariest thing in the entire room-not the cobwebs, or the creaking door, or the clanking chandelier, or even the whistling noise that the wind was making as it echoed around the massive lobby. No, this woman’s face was haunting. It was beautiful and classic, but it told of pain and suffering so intense that it was terrifying. Her mouth was set in a composed stance, her brow even, and her jaw set. But her eyes…..her eyes were screaming in horror, they were aghast and so scared that it was almost as if she herself could not believe just how scared she was. All wrapped up in that beautiful face….
I found myself pushing past the others, walking closer to her. “Erin, get back here!” I felt Clair grab hold of my arm, but I shrugged her off and kept walking. I couldn’t help it….those eyes….
I moved closer, seemingly drifting, I couldn’t feel my legs moving, or my feet lifting themselves as I climbed the stairs. I didn’t even remember crossing the room. Her eyes sang to me, drawing me in. I only stopped when I found myself standing at her feet, looking up at her.
“What’s with you?” Jeffrey nudged my shoulder, snapping me out of it.
“Hmm? Oh, sorry, lost in thought…did you find it yet?”
He looked at me like he was confused. “We just…got here?”
“Oh….right….” I turned and walked back down the half flight of steps to the lobby.
Mike had our group in a circle, with the scavenger list out in front of him. “All we have left is the specialty item. Ours is a token of lost love, from ages past.”
“And you thought this, the local haunted mansion, was the best place to find that?” Tina’s voice asked, dripping with scorn.
“I thought it might have some old stuff in it.” Mike snapped back. “Spread out, let’s see what we can find.”
“Uh, no way. We’re not splitting up in this old place!” Clair announced.
“Fine, whatever. Let’s start here.”
They all started towards a door to the left, between a suit of armor and a fern shaped like a sword. I started to follow them when I felt it again, a strange mist taking over my mind. I felt myself turning and walking towards the painting again, faster this time. My feet hurried me along, taking me right up to her. I gazed into her eyes, and found myself smiling as they gazed back at me. “So beautiful….” I sighed.
Then she smiled, an enchanting smile, and her hand reached out to me. I extended my arm to take her hand, but she reached past my offered hand, and towards my neck. Her beautiful smile turned into a deadly grimace. I felt her fingers, cold and numbing, close around my throat, and squeeze.
