Confessions of a Draculaholic

Chapter 10

After the funeral just a few days later, Rebecca left the Westenra house with all of her things. Her memory was becoming more hazy again as Carrie blended once more with Rebecca. Mina had written that she and Jonathon were back in Exeter. Rebecca wanted to visit, but would not dream of causing painful memories for her friend.

Quincey was staying with Arthur for the time being, and John went back to work. Arthur was hit particularly hard, as he lost his father and fiancée in such a short period of time. Rebecca returned to her daily routines at her uncle's house. She did not know what was happening with the Professor until Mina wrote and told Rebecca about his visit to her.

For the time being, Rebecca was with her uncle in their London home again and enjoying spending time together, though she was still upset over Lucy's death. They were sitting to breakfast early one morning a few days later when her uncle spoke up.

"Children have such wild imaginations," he mused.

"What makes you say that, Uncle?"

"Apparently Hampstead is dealing with some disappearing children. All of them have said that the reason for their disappearance was that they were going with the 'bloofer lady'."

"That sounds odd. I wonder who they think it is."

"I have no idea," he continued to read the rest of the paper.

An idea struck Rebecca as she finished her meal. "Do you need me for anything this morning?"

"I don't believe so."

"Do you mind if I go out? I will be back later, Uncle."

"Very well, Rebecca." She gave him a hug and left quickly.

She caught transport to Dr. Seward's asylum at Carfax. A small part of Carrie kept her going, despite not knowing what would happen. She just knew she had to do this before she forgot.

She arrived and rang the bell at the large front door. "I would like to speak with Dr. Seward," she said calmly as a butler or other servant opened the door.

The servant led her to a hallway and as they came to the door to what likely was the study, she heard arguing.

"Thank you, I will let them know I'm here," she told the servant before he left. She listened at the door, afraid to enter.

"Are you mad?" she heard John cry out.

The professor responded mildly, "Madness be easy compare to this. Why you think I took so long in telling you such simple a thing? Do you think it because I hate you, and that I have hated you all my life? Do you believe I wish to cause you more pain when I already know you suffer much?"

Dr. Seward mumbled a response and Professor Van Helsing's voice softened and became a murmur. Rebecca could no longer understand what was being said and when it grew quiet, she knocked timidly.

"Enter," she heard from a tired voice.

She took a breath and opened the door. She saw the shock on the faces of the men.

"Miss Bennett, what brings you here?" John asked as he stood to welcome her into the room.

Carrie looked at the faces of both men. "Professor, I asked to help not long ago. I came to renew my offer."

"I cannot let a woman help in so dangerous a task, now we know what we face."

"Then I will follow and do things on my own terms. I know what has to happen. I am not blindly offering my help."

He looked at her. "You said you know much concerning this?"

Carrie nodded. "I believe I must tell you some things before this morning is through. I do not remember all, nor as much as I would like to remember." She turned to John, "Do you remember the accident? How different everyone felt I had become?"