Is this Rare?

Chapter 23

"I need your help again. Alright, Chelsea? What you're going to do is go downstairs when Jennifer gets back and tell her her that she shouldn't be here. That's all. If she asks you anything else, you can't answer. Act as if you never heard her. Just keep telling her that she should leave, it's too late and that she couldn't save them. You guys, that is." Andrea gives me instructions as we climb the stairs. She turns to Ann. "What's your name?"

With a glance at me, Ann answers steadily, "Ann."

"That's nice." Andrea says, not even really caring, "You are going to help me, too. I need you to just stay with me. Upstairs. I'll just tell you what I'm going to have you do while we go along. Okay?"

Ann gives a nod. We are at the top of the stairs. Andrea leads us into the bathroom. She closes the door and turns on the shower as hot as it can. The mirror begins to fog up. Andrea reaches up and spells out two words on the foggy mirror.

Get out.

We leave the bathroom and going into my least favorite room in this house. The nursery. But, the lamp is in there, so it's not dark.

"Sit on the floor facing the wall and put your hands on the wall, too" I can hear her pull out the dagger. I guess she just doesn't trust Ann yet. I risk a look over at Ann. Her face is pale and sweat is dripping down her forehead. I guess scaring us was for fun or she never thought anything like this would happen. I want to comfort her, but I can't take that much of a risk.

Again, we sit in silence. When I think I can't take the silence anymore, the door is pushed open. A child enters. A girl, about nine years old, but she looks so much younger in appearance. She walks straight up to Andrea.

"Hi, Andrea! I'm here now! Hehe." The child says, in a strange small voice.

Andrea addresses us, "Chelsea? Ann? Turn around and face me. I've got someone who I want you to meet." Slowly, we turn while she continues, "Girls. This is my cousin, Mary. Her parents died after she was born, so my mom and I take care of her." Andrea summarizes.

I take in this kid, Mary. She has on a dirty dress, that I think used to be white. There are spots of red and pink stains on her dress and apron. I can't help but imagine what they're from. Her face is slim and she has hollow cheekbones. There are dark blue circles around her eyes. The hair on top of her head is greasy, straggly and tangled. But, her eyes. They are on fire. Not really, but they're extremely bright and they have a purplish tone to them. But, the rest for her features are quite normal. My eyes move down her body. From her greasy hair, her purple sleepless eyes, that little dress with stains, and her feet. Black, shiny Mary Janes fit tightly over her heels and toes. I skipped over her hands, so I examine them now. Her right hand is wide open. Deep blue and purple veins run up and down her palm and petit arm, it surprised me because they are visible. Other than the veins, her small hands are somewhat translucent. My eyes shift towards her left hand. It's clutched tightly around a handle. A knife handle.

I think to myself, "Huh. So she's just like Andrea. This kid is more than likely very dangerous."

She steps up to me and raises her knife. But, I'm not afraid, well, at least I try to convince myself I'm not. Ann lets out a little shriek. When we hear the sound of the front door, Andrea orders, "Shut up! And, stay quiet. Or else."

Her and Mary stand in front of each of us. That both have their knives pulled out. I'm not completely sure why, but I don't argue or resist. We hear Jennifer rummaging around downstairs for a while. Andrea turns to me.

"Chelsea. Your friend, Jennifer, is downstairs now. You're going to do just as I said. But, not until I say."

When I nod, she turns to Ann, "I have time to explain your part to you now, but we can't be loud or Jennifer will hear us. So when Chelsea goes down stairs, Mary is going to follow her and stay hidden in the hallway, but that doesn't matter to you. After they leave, you will stay with me, in this room. You are going to do exactly what I say. And, believe me, don't resist! I'm not afraid to do whatever I have to. What I need you to do is keep calling for you precious friend, Jennifer. She will come looking for you, but don't tell her where you are or how to get to this room. Even if she know that your in this particular room, she won't be able to get you because I'll lock the door."

Ann has a scared look on her face, but I know that she is trying to be brave. For Jenn. Ann knew Jennifer long before any of us met. But, I know that she is terrified, like me. But, I can't focus on that now. I need to stay alive and save my friends. That's all.