demoniac//an evil dead story

chapter one

Katherine Avery didn't look forward to summer like most college students do. Summer didn't bring about beach days or parties. It certainly never brought much romance aside from the occasional movie date. The closest she comes to taking a trip is when she makes the three hour drive from Nashville to Morristown. Having her younger sister, Betsy, on the road with her this time made the drive significantly better. The two spend the majority of the drive listening to music and singing at the top of their lungs.

The pair arrive at their childhood home just as their father is coming outside for his morning cigarette. Katherine parks her 1977 Ford Pinto beside her father's sheriff car and cuts the engine.

"Good morning, Sheriff Avery," she greets him as she skips up the porch steps. 

The older man smiles beneath his beard. He hugs Katherine and gives her a kiss on the cheek before doing the same to Betsy. 

"How are my Vanderbilt girls?" he asks with a twinkle in his clear blue eyes. 

"Hungry," Katherine and Betsy answer at the same time. 

"Your mom just finished cooking breakfast," he tells them. 

Betsy goes into the house, but Katherine lingers on the porch. Sheriff Thomas Avery watches his daughter with careful eyes. Twenty-five years on the force taught him how to read people all too well, and he knew each of his daughters like the back of his hand. Although she wore a small smile, he could see the discontent in her blue eyes. He remembers being 21, and wanting to do anything other than spending the summer with his parents. He puts a hand on her shoulder, when she looks up at him he smiles. 

"I'm happy you're home, Pumpkin. Even if you're not," he assures her.

"I'm happy to see everyone," she insists.

"Just maybe not ready to face your mom?"

"It's spinster year," she jokes.

"Just come in when you're ready, Pumpkin," he kisses her forehead. 

He goes into the house. The way her father always knew how she felt never ceased to amaze her. Katherine shakes her head with a smile and follows him inside. The rest of the family had already begun eating when Katherine entered. Her mother, Alice, stood to give her a hug. Katherine sat down between her mother and Betsy where a premade plate was waiting on her. 

"So, how was school this semester?" Her mother asked both her and Betsy. 

"It was good," Katherine answered. This was the obvious answer to be expected. 

Betsy, on the other hand, began talking about everything she'd experienced this semester. Katherine couldn't help but smile to herself. It was Betsy's first semester at Vanderbilt, so she still believed everything was exciting.

"Katherine, I have some big news!" Her mother says after Betsy is done with her story. Her father gives her mother a knowing glance. 

"Oh really?" Katherine presses. 

"Jonathan Gillis's father retired, and Jonathan has taken over the family business. I hear he is making very good money now." 

"Good for him. I know that's always been his goal." 

"I just thought you could get in touch with him while you're here," her mother suggests. "Maybe." 

Katherine had dated Jonathan Gillis throughout high school, but they broke up when she moved to Nashville. Although it was really his insistence that they get married after graduation that ended it for Katherine. She wasn't ready to settle down and lose her independence before she had ever truly gained it. Nonetheless, her mother attempts to set them up every time Katherine comes home from school.