Home || Enoch O'Connor

12 // Hollows

Around the mansion, everyone was moving quickly, grabbing things off shelves and stuffing them into suitcases.

I ran into the kitchen, grabbing an empty jar from one of the cupboards for Enoch.

Just as I exited the kitchen, the doorbell rang.

I was the closest to the door, but I merely glanced at Miss Peregrine, who gestured for me to stay put. She slowly made her way over to the door, and opened it.

I let out a small gasp at the sight of the man on the other end of the door. I didn't recognize him, but he had Jake, and a knife at Jake's neck.

"Miss Peregrine," The man grinned. "What a pleasure to finally meet you. I'm Mr Barron. Can we come in?"

Miss Peregrine didn't budge.

Barron glanced up at the kids, who were at the top of the stairs.

"Children, could you come down here, please?" Barron demanded, not rudely, but I knew that 'niceness' wouldn't last.

Before anyone could move, Miss Peregrine snapped, "I give the orders in this house."

I momentarily let out a small "You go, Glen Coco" in my head.

"Not today," Barron smirked. "If you value Jake's life, you will do as you're told. Children!"

Miss Peregrine immediately shushed Barron harshly.

Then she turned to face us. "Children, will you please come down here." She said, tone softening.

"Miss Peregrine—" Barron started, only to get cut off.

"I thought I told you to be quiet!" Miss Peregrine hissed, and Barron clamped his mouth shut.

Damn.

Miss Peregrine turned back to us, "Now, children, for the sake of Jake's safety, we're going to do what Mr Barron asks us to. He wishes to take me with him to Blackpool. For his protection, he wants me to assume bird-form, preferably caged. And he wishes for you to go into the parlour, as he doesn't want to risk an attack on him once he releases Jake."

Miss Peregrine then turned back to Barron. "Correct, Mr Barron?"

Barron was at a loss for words.

"You're risking our lives, and yours, for Jake?" Enoch spoke up, frowning.

Miss Peregrine gave him a look, "Mr Barron travels with a Hollow. If it reaches here, we're all dead."

"Enoch," Fiona muttered from beside the dead-riser. "Jake's the only one who can see the Hollows. She means that he's our only hope."

Slowly, one by one, the children entered the parlour, saying their goodbyes.

I was the last to leave.

"I'm sorry." I sighed, seeing Miss Peregrine's crestfallen look.

She smiled sadly, "It's not your fault."

But isn't it? It's because of Jake and I that Barron found the home. We led him straight to it.

I quietly stepped into the parlour, Enoch behind me.

Miss Peregrine faced all of us, eyes glistening.

"It's been my pleasure to care for all of you," She smiled, voice thick with emotion. "Goodbye, my children."

As she disappeared to face Barron, I turned away, troubled.

Enoch didn't say a word, he just walked away. I knew he blamed Jake. And me.