It's Only Gossip

37

The soothing, warm sensation I feel when I drink the tea sends shivers across my spine. Spirals of fire dance it's way into my stomach.

My fist clench at the thought of Carrie, that imposter. How could she impersonate a dead girl?

I know I'm jumping to conclusions, but the family tree backs up the evidence. Surely we need to do more digging. I can't help but feel resent towards fake Carrie.

I know I shouldn't.

I shouldn't jump to conclusions.

I shouldn't assume.

I should be better.

My instincts beg the differ.

Instincts are determined by the creative side of the brain. Then your left side of your brain determines whether or not you follow your instincts.

Okay, logic. What do you think?

I'm waiting...

Thanks for the help.

"Hey Amelia," I nudge her causing her to drive her attention to me. "What's the name of the boy who ran away?"

Her eyes widen and then she smiles. Waiting for Mr Collins to return we drink the remains of our tea silently.

"Hello," Amelia stands up. "Thank you for your time and the tea, but we've got to go."

Mr Collins rushes towards the sofas. "It's been my pleasure, please do return!" He smiles softly.

"And quick question if you don't mind?" Amelia smiles.

"Ask away." He chuckles.

"What was the name of the boy?" She asks gently.

"Ah my grandson, his name was Ashton!" He exclaims.

Amelia and I look at each other instantly. I'm not even dizzy anymore, nothing can surprise me anymore.

"Thank you." We both smile and Mr Collins smiles back, it seems like he knows we're up to something.

"Be careful," He warns. "There's a vacant park on the other side of the road, nobody goes there anymore because that's where two murders happened."

"Whose?" I finally ask.

"Ashton's mother and father." Mr Collins looks down. "Sometimes people say they hear whistling and humming near the park, I don't know if it's true. I didn't have the heart to approach the park ever since."

"Oh, thank you." I sympathise.

Mr Collins kindly escorts us out of his house and she walks towards her car.

I walk on the opposite side of the road.

"Where do you think you're going?" Amelia calls out.

"There." I point to the vacant park.

"No!" Amelia whines.

I ignore her and carry on walking.

"I hate you!" She shouts helplessly, then I can hear her running towards me.

Vacant park, let's see what all this commotion is about.