Scarlet's Doll

Chapter 2- Bloodcurdling

I stared at the blood-colored voodoo doll.   

A voodoo doll, about a size of a small teddy bear. The pale, metallic zippered lips were pulled back in a sneer. The neck was stitched closed with heavy black string. The eyes, the solid buttoned black eyes stared up at me.

I was so shocked, so totally amazed to find it at my front door, that it took me a long time to see the woman who was holding it.

She was a tall woman, about my Mom’s age, maybe a little older. She had long black hair with streaks of grey in it. She wore a long rain coat buttoned to the top even though it was a warm, sunny day. How ironic I thought to myself.

She smiled at me. I couldn’t see her eyes. They were hidden behind large black-framed sunglasses. She held the voodoo doll by the neck, making it’s head to bend a bit, choking the doll by her right hand. Her other hand held a small canvas suitcase.

“Are you Scarlet Crimson dear?” she asked. I’m not used of being called dear. She had a soft, smooth voice, like someone in a TV commercial.

“Uh . . . Yeah,” I replied, staring at the doll. They never looked ugly in photos I’d seen. And I never saw a doll colored like thick dark blood.

“I hope I didn’t startle you with this thing,” the woman said, smiling. “I was so eager to give it to you, I took it out of my bag.”

“Uh . . . give it to me?” I asked, not taking my eyes off it. The head stared back at me with those eyes. They looked more like the humans in the other dimension of the movie called Coraline. That movie gave me thrills for nights even though it’s animated.

“Your Uncle Azure sent it for you,” the woman said. “As a present.” She held it to me, but I didn’t take it. I wasn’t sure I wanted to touch this one.

“Scarlet? Who is here?” My Mom stepped up behind me. “Oh Hello.”

“Hello,” the woman replied pleasantly. “Did Azure write and tell you I was coming? I’m Raven Gloom. I work with him. On the island.”

“Oh, my goodness,” Mom exclaimed. “Azure’s letter must have got lost. Come in. Come in.” She pulled me back so that Raven could enter the house. I’m still in my mesmerized state right now.

“She brought me that Mom,” I said. I pointed to the bloodcurdling doll dangling from Raven’s hand.

“Oh? What a creepy toy. That’s not considered to be a present for you Scarlet. That isn’t real or is it?,” looking towards Raven.

“Of course it’s real!” I cried. “Uncle Azure wouldn’t send a fake for a present.”

Raven stepped into the living room and settled down for a bit. I think she had an arduous long trip going here. I took a deep breath. Worked up my courage and reached for the doll. My own voodoo doll.

Reaching for it. Reaching for the doll. Reaching so that I could claim it and entitle it from my very own name.

“Hey everybody! I’m home! What’s up for lunch Mom?”, he boastfully walked and reached on Raven. I can’t wait to burst out my laughter from the shame he will cause. His Burgundy colored cap that he was wearing must be covering his eyes.

“Mom?”, he reached in. “Oh hi! You must be um. . .” I think Raven didn’t recognize my brother. “Scorch Blist Rubicund is his name Raven,” I intruded. I was suppose to laugh but I didn’t because Mom was crossing her arms and looking at Scorch and me.

“I’m sorry for the trouble that Scorch had got into. He always wears his favorite cap that his Dad bought him,” Mom said as she took Scorch’s cap.

“No worries Carmine.” Raven replied.

Upon Mom took Scorch's cap, his short trimmed red hair started to unravel. Having the hairstyle of the famous young singer which is Justin Bieber that every girl at school is inlove with.

You see, our family tree is passing the genes of having reddish hair. From my Mom up to us two siblings. And maybe up to generations and generations.

My Brother Scorch is still on the 5th Grade and is a little bit of a clumsy type. He irritates and argues with me all the time, even though I’m the eldest.

“What’s that thing beside your suitcase Miss Raven?” Scorch exclaimed. “Mind if I hold it a bit?”

“Of course dear, but be careful with that. Because that is a present from your Uncle Azure to your sister,” She told Scorch in a gentle way.

“A present for my Sister?” From that statement I knew that Scorch is planning on something. Scorch then swooped in and grabbed it quickly.

“Hey Scorch!” I shouted, reaching for him. Scorch darted away, giggling like I’m his playmate. Holding the head of the doll with both hands.

As I sprinted to him, he suddenly stopped.

His smile faded. And he stared down at the doll in horror.

“It moved!” Scorch cried. “The doll moved and bit me!”