Alone in the Dark - A Dark Ghost Sequel

FIVE

When we arrived at the house, I looked around, trying to take in every aspect of it in a feeble attempt at triggering a memory. "Do I know this place?" I put a hand on Chubs' arm, nervous to go inside.

"No, they moved her not that long ago, you won't recognise it."

Vida marched up to the front door and knocked, giving the security camera above it a mock-salute. After a period of no answer, she knocked again before throwing Chubs an impatient look.

"I have a key, you know."

"No shit, better get moving then." She rolled her eyes before extending an arm and using her telekinesis to take the keys from his pocket. Sighing, Chubs put his own hand out and pulled them back from her in mid-air.

"I'm coming, I'm coming."

He made his way up the steps and put the key in the lock, opening the door. Vida pushed past him to get through, kicking off her boots and going straight for what appeared to be the kitchen. I loitered by the car, looking at the sky and wringing my hands in anticipation. I was about to "meet" some of the most important people in my life, according to Chubs and Vida. These people knew who I used to be.

I want to be the person they remember.

I don't know them but at the same time... I don't want to disappoint them.

"Aria? You okay?" Chubs called out to me, holding the door open as I slowly walked over to him.

I sighed, "Yeah. Fine." Nodding, I let him close and lock the door behind me.

If I wanted my memories back, I had to do this.

I had to.

~

"Wait here", Chubs had said. "Give me a minute to explain."

That 'minute' had turned into twenty. I hovered in the hallway and looked at the photos lining the walls. There were lots of the same two people, a girl and a guy. There were also a few with Chubs in and Vida, and that Suzume girl from the news. Along with them, there were photos of people I didn't recognise, and a single photo of a guy who at first glance looked like the person in most of the photos, but on closer inspection revealed to be someone else.

As well as photos, there appeared to be row upon row of drawings, almost as if they were snippets of memories. It was like walking through someone else's life... or being given front row seats to see a movie. Sensing someone behind me, I spun around and managed to trip over my own feet, succeeding in knocking a photo from the counter. "Shit."

The girl caught it with her own telekinesis and put the photo frame back where it fell from. "Watch it! I drew that one." After she'd finished admiring her handiwork, she held her hand out for me to take it. "I'm Azra."

I shook her hand, but couldn't help but feel slightly on edge. "Did I know you? Before?"

"Nope, I'm new here. Ruby and Liam used to look after me and a load of others a few years ago, and judging by the current situation I'd say I picked the wrong time to pay a visit, however overdue it might have been."

"Right... I'm Aria." The name felt weird as it passed my own lips, it was the first time I'd said it out loud. Deciding to change the subject, I reverted my gaze back to the photo I'd almost knocked over. At first, I thought it was a photo, but I soon realised that it was actually a very detailed, very beautiful drawing of two guys, one with his arm around the other. "You drew this?"

Azra nodded, coming closer and adjusting the frame's position slightly. "It was a present for Liam for his birthday, Ruby showed me the memory and I drew it for him. It's him and his brother, Cole."