The Bell House

Going back home

Avery POV

     My heart felt like it was being crushed as I woke, seeing light creeping in around the curtains I had drawn. My body felt weak from not eating and my hair stuck to me, indicating I needed a shower. I got up, feeling my legs shake beneath me and removed what was left of my clothes.

   Hopping in the shower, I turned the water to ice cold, letting my body shake violently until my mind was open from this fog. Once satisfied, I turned the water to hot, washing up and finally going into my bedroom to change. I squeezed into black skinny jeans, threw on my knee high boots and searched the closet for a top. Holding one up to the mirror, I noticed a black shirt on the floor covered slightly by my bedding. I picked it up, noticing it was Zak's and took in the smell of his cologne which still stuck to the top. He must have misplaced it one night.

   Looking down at it, my heart ached for him like never before. I missed his touch, his kisses on my nose right before bed and I missed how we could talk about anything until the sun came up. I pulled the shirt over my body letting it fall loosely around my figure and grabbed a fitted jacket to go over it. Smelling it one last time, I tousled my hair and made my way outside to my usual spot.

   The air was crisp, making me shiver as I walked over to the water. Taking a seat on the bench I wrapped myself up within myself and looked on at the waves that hit the bank before me. I reached down for the key between my breasts but was instantly hit with sadness, remembering I no longer had it in my possesion. The air around me started to become heavy and the wind started to push into me with force. Something was different.

   I could feel eyes on me, but nomatter what direction I looked there was nothing there. A loud squeak came from behind me, starting to become more frequent. I looked back and noticed the gate on the fence had swung open and was now keeping up with the strong wind.

That's weird...

   Standing up I made my way to it, grabbing it swiftly so I could close it. That's when I felt a strong pull. I looked up to the house, taking in its beauty. If only things were different. I went to close the gate but as soon as I had started, I noticed a shadow in the first story window. I couldn't make it out but I then saw a curtain move quickly.

What the hell? Did someone break in?

   I walked past the fence, into the yard and slowly step by step, made my way up to the first step of the house. I looked up, heart racing and desperately wanted to turn back. But if someone had broken in, I would regret it later on. I hesitantly made my way up each step and stopped right before the door, putting my hand on the doorknob. Looking down I noticed the door was already open and my heart sunk in my chest. I heard a loud thud coming from inside and started to panic.

Fuck. What do I do?! Call Declan?

   Taking a deep breath, I pushed the door open and was hit with a familiar sweet aroma. I shut the door quietly behind me and looked around, taking in my surroundings. I heard another noise come from upstairs and headed in that direction. Stopping at the top of the stairs, I looked around noticing nothing unusual. I turned to the right but as doing so, peaceful humming came from my left, clearly coming from the tower.

   I froze in place, rethinking the whole situation over and almost ran out of the house when the humming became louder, causing something inside of me to move towards it. I walked towards the stairs, making my way up and stopping in the archway, afraid at what could be beyond. I noticed a shadow move across the room and stepped inside, looking around quickly. My eyes fell on a figure.

   The blue dress drug against the floor and it noticeably had darkened from what appeared to be dirt. My eyes caught long auburn hair that was twisted and tangled in every direction and I was met with star gazing eyes, along with pale, cracked skin. My mouth dropped open and my words got caught up in my throat. Tears filled my eyes as I noticed the bruising around her neck and I froze, hoping it was all a dream.