When Hell Comes (#wattys2017)

Chapter II - The Illusion of Happiness

*AN: Hi guys! So... A little unexpected... Not your typical horror story yet, is it??? Just to clear it up... I know poltergeists don't usually age... I'm still getting to that. I promise all shall be revealed soon enough... And now, without further ado...

Enjoy Chapter II*

Stacey had headed up to her room after Rowan's departure...

Emily was with her, removing pins from her fancy French braided updo. The rest of her day had been quite busy... She smiled as she thought of the events of this glorious day - it would always be branded in her memories as The Perfect Day, until her wedding day, at least.

After removing her dress, Stacey had moved to her vanity to sit down for a while... She removed the make-up she had skillfully applied that morning as Emily continued working at her hair. Emily happily chatted away on the subject of the upcoming engagement party - which would be held the following weekend, as her mother had insisted. Apparently it was a VERY important social event - it had to be done! In the most glamorous fashion, too! 

Emily was excited about it, and Stacey listened intently as Emily suggested which gown she should wear. She suggested a gown of Stacey's which looked like liquid gold, woven and stitched perfectly to mold her body - with matching shoes, of course. Stacey liked the gown. It was a beautiful dress, but its corset was completely uncomfortable! Emily also suggested which hairstyle to pair it with, to complete her ensemble. The hairstyle would be loose curls, with jewelled gold combs...

Stacey didn't mind her chatter. She was very happy that her engagement to Rowan had received both her parents' blessing. Rowan was ecstatic - he looked like a child at Christmas - when he had shared the news with her: her father had said yes when Rowan had asked him for Stacey's hand in marriage...

Stacey's parents had invited Rowan to remain for a late lunch - or, rather, an early dinner to discuss the upcoming big events...

The cook had made an entire feast in celebration, complete with the best vintage of French champagne that could be found in their cellar. They had sat and planned out the engagement party of the upcoming weekend - which dishes to serve with which refreshments; what music; when Rowan would - again - ask Stacey for her hand in marriage and present her with a ring. The wedding too was planned down to the tiniest detail, of course, and would take place the following month.

This gave them very little time to arrange everything, but they would have to make due with the little time they had - Rowan wanted to be wed before the winter. He feared that the winter weather would be too severe then, that Stacey wouldn't be able to bear it with her asthma...

Emily left the room after finally being done with combing Stacey's hair. Relieved, she retrieved her nightgown from her wardrobe and swiftly clothed herself in it. After washing up, Stacey got into bed, feeling truly relaxed for the first time in forever...

Stacey and her mother were to meet with THE best dressmaker in London the next morning - the dressmaker who usually made gowns for Queen Victoria herself...

Stacey had a clear vision of what she wanted her wedding gown to look like. An ivory satin, A-line gown, with lacy long sleeves and lace covering the bodice... And with these thoughts, the ecstatic Stacey fell asleep - pleasantly... Without a single thought of the distraught Katey.

# # #

Stacey had barely closed her eyes before being sucked into the all-too-familiar night terrors she had had in the past. She heard Katey's malicious laugh echo through the darkness - as if she were surrounded by it, about to be swallowed up by it...

Stacey pressed her trembling hands against the side of her head - covering her ears in an attempt to drown out the sound of the evil laughing that echoed off the walls.