Frozen and Buried Alive

On a brisk Thursday morning, I felt a morning chill onto my fair skin, slowly opening my eyes as if they were heavy. I looked out my window, and the sky was at twilight. I'd always admired how beautiful it looked. Especially when the sun wasn’t up, the color was a unique foggy blue, as if I were looking at the galaxies. A moment catching my breath from a nightmare I thought I couldn’t escape or wake up from. The nightmare I had was like every night. A man is chasing me through the darkness, but he never shows his face. His eyes were full of darkness, but I couldn’t tell if he wanted me dead or alive, which was extremely terrifying. He overpowered my size, and he showed dominance, which made my body shake. I tried to scream, but nothing came out, just air and the sound of my heartbeat. And I could feel his twisted smile, and I heard his chuckle, but it was filled with darkness. He looks down at me when I fall down and hovers over me and firmly grabs my throat and whispers in my ear, “ You will be mine soon, I will have you soon. You can run, but you can never hide. I will always find you, especially when you are not expecting”. And when I realized it was a dream, the thing is, it's the same dream I had for months, but it has become more and more clear and more realistic. Could it be me just imagining things, or is someone haunting my dream, but that's some Freddy Krueger type of s**t. I finally sat up and went towards my balcony and looked out to the fields of land, and the only sound I heard was the chirping of the birds, and it was beautiful. The beauty of nature calms my nerves, and my heart rate calms and slows. It was so quiet and peaceful, most people were sleeping at this time of morning. But I was up bright and early. I was excited to know today was a big day for my family and me. As I felt the breeze come in, it was so refreshing. I admired how it felt. I usually leave my window slightly open at night. I can feel the refreshing morning breeze come in, and the sky is the color of the twilight morning. I looked to my right, glancing down at my digital clock, and, as I saw it, it was 6:20 AM. I went downstairs, and I glared into the distance, my eyes adjusting to some of the cardboard boxes leaning against the kitchen's red brick wall. The whole house sounded quiet as an abandoned home, but I had in mind to check out what was happening downstairs. I heard shuffling movements downstairs, but before I went downstairs, I saw where my mother could be. I went upstairs. I glared into my mom’s room as if I were looking for some kind of hidden object. But it was so empty that it could be mistaken for some ghost town, like a world gone extinct. I slowly went downstairs, and some of the steps either made a creaking or thumping noise. Ever since I was little, I have always been spooked out by the sound of the noise. It’s an old boarded white wooden house that was fully finished in 1842. My mother bought it when she was pregnant with my oldest brother. She fell in love with it not for its beauty but for the history behind it. For one, there was plenty of room for kids to run around in. It’s the perfect home to grow a family in. It has 10 bedrooms with 6 baths, including a completely finished basement and attic. My mom used the other rooms for extras. One was for a guest bedroom, and the other was a beautiful wrap-around library, top to bottom, and to top it off, with 10 acres of land, with a wrap-around porch was perfect. But my mother has always loved the history of old houses. It just makes her feel like she has walked into a historical story. To her, every home has its own story. But this story has a dark backstory as well. When I was about seven, my mother told me about how a house was built on top of a man-made cemetery to hide the evidence of a little girl who was killed by her brother. She was killed so that her brother would be the only child. But the mother disowned her son. She couldn't live knowing her son was a monster, and she wanted him to learn a tough lesson. His father and mother had taken him to a juvenile where there was not only a prison, but an experimental laboratory. They made sure he would relive her death, and so the scientists made him stay young forever and never be able to die. Envy turned evil over a 3-year-old girl who was killed in 1845. When you think this story couldn't get any worse, some say the brother never died or aged, which threw a lot of people off and terrified the town. Especially when there was no document or result of whether he ever lived through the experiment. After a hundred and something years, people have forgotten the story about the brother and the little girl. Only the ones who really truly remember the story of the teenage brother are the bloodlines and researchers. Until now, because I had seen his dark silhouette figure in the dark corner of my room, at first I was scared, but I grew to know he wouldn't hurt me. He has been studying me since I was a child, but I never heard his voice or even saw his face. Like, if I move to a different room, he moves almost like a magnet. If I move, he moves, just something about him pulls me in like he's my new addiction. Something my mom doesn’t know is that I have seen him through the walls ever since I was little, but I have never heard him speak to me. But sometimes I hear the little girl who once lived here. I don't believe the rumor, especially since I heard her through the walls, not as a child, but as a teenager. And I saw him last night, and his eyes weren't full of curiosity this time; it was fury and disbelief. All I saw through the walls was his piercing obsidian blue eyes; his face was covered with a black leather mask that had breathing details on the side. There's something about him that doesn't seem to be human, something dark. His presence was very heavy and intoxicating, like it was superior and with so much dominance. I never got a clear view of him, I never saw his face, but his eyes. He always wore a black hoodie that was attached to a black leather jacket. I used to see him in the corner of my room, like he was observing and waiting for me to come of age. At first, I used to be afraid, or so I thought what I felt was fear. But as I have gotten older, that fear has become a curiosity. But I kept it to myself. I didn’t want to freak my family to out, but I personally wasn’t afraid. I was more intrigued than anything. My mother always thought of a good idea of chasing down the stories and finding out the truth about them. Honestly, I don’t blame her. This house is pretty unique in a way. In my opinion, there is a lot of beauty and definitely a lot of history behind it. But at the same time, it can be dangerous, especially when finding out something you aren't supposed to know, like if there was a reason why it was hidden, as if it was classified. And my mother always sought adventure, even if it was a risk, and I guess that's where I get it from. I’ve lived here all my life, and that’s for seventeen years. My mom was always looking at very old houses. She told me she feels that the house itself talks to her, the creaks and other noises it give the house character. But I personally believe it's a 3-year-old little girl, and we believe her name is Aria, which makes this house very interesting; it gives this house a bit more character. When you think about it, she could be right for a thirty-nine-year-old. A lot of people see me as a younger version of my mother because of my Auburn fire red hair, and my attitude is almost exactly like hers. Right before my grandmother passed away last year, she told me, “My precious little gem, you are identical to your mother. The attitude: you're stubborn and full of character, extremely loving and kind, and passionate. You admire what inspires you, little gem. Because what you hold in your soul is more than you can imagine, because you will strive and become very powerful. You, my dear, have a destiny just like your mom, but the difference is you attract darkness because you are the shining light that beams through this world. One day you’ll find out the truth, but I can not say, because this is something you must figure out on your own, just as I did. With this light you have, it is something that would save us all. You are strong and bold, but you are also imaginably fierce. Just looking in the mirror, I was admitting everybody's opinions, with the resemblance being unreal. I sauntered away from the mirror and walked down the end of the hall. I stopped at a doorway and started looking into an empty room, and I had one question for my mother: What are all of these boxes for? I went into the living room to ask my mother a question. Walking down the stairs, the sound as if the nails were being pulled out when I took each step. As I approached the living room, I saw her looking at her laptop and she was looking at a house that I could not get a clear look at. Um, Mom, what is with all of these boxes? Asked Chelcee. "I think you know Angel, it’s kind of obvious," responded Mom. I sort of don’t Mom, are we moving or what? Questioned Chelcee. "Yes, I thought we could take a break from these ancient houses," answered Carol. "I saw this house on my laptop. "This is where we are going, added Carol. Really where? Asked Chelcee. Redway, answered Carol. So, if you may please pack your things, suggest Carol. Yes, Mom, replied Chelcee. She grabbed her suitcase, which was sitting on the top shelf of her closet. Opening each drawer to empty it, she had all of her clothes spread onto her queen-sized bed. She chose very quickly and put five pairs of clothing and hygiene supplies in the suitcase that was in use. I grabbed a clear rubber bag to put all my hygiene items in, and made sure my clothes were rolled up neatly and organized so it'd be easier to get to them later. And then place two pairs of shoes on top before zipping up the suitcase. After packing the suitcase, she ended up labeling each and every box of hers. One was labeled “Chelcee’s music”, the other was labeled Chelcee’s clothes and everything was organized very neatly. She intensely stacked each box of three levels. Once everything was packed and sealed, knowing her mother would come in to check on her. Within 4 hours, Chelcee finally finished packing all of her stuff. Everything was in each box, and her bed was in the trailer, including everyone else’s stuff. Chelcee looked into the trailer, and it was full of everyone else. She had a master lock in her hand, and she gradually pulled down the door; the door rapidly clicked. She locked up the door of the trailer, but in the distance, she saw her mother walking toward the trailer, but none of her siblings were by the trailer. Okay, we’re done, and we’re headed to Redway, said Carol. Mom, are we driving or flying? Asked Chelcee. I know it's probably a stupid question to ,ask Chelcee. Chelcee was looking down at her hands that were laid against her stomach. She raised her head up and looked at her mother, waiting for her to answer. Well, honey we are driving there, it might be five days to get there answered Carol. Sh was looking at her daughter with a kind and gentle smile. She gave Chelcee a gentle smile that made her eyes spark as it always did when she gave that kind of smile to other people. “ Chelcee why don’t you go get your brother up,requestedd Carol. She gave her a head nod to where he is. “Nathien”, added Carol. She wanted her to be sure which brother she was talking about since Chelcee had two older brothers, Shawn and Nathien. Chelcee did not even argue with her mother; she just did what she was told. She turned at a normal pace and went up the engineer wooden staircase; she was walking half down the hallway and turned to her left to where her brother was. He was lying on the hardwood floor just with a blanket and a pillow. Chelcee knelt next to Nathien and started to shake him for about five seconds but nothing. Wake up Nathien! She yelled. Well, luckily she had a plan B which was dumping a litter of water on him. She went across the hall and grabbed a litter container and slowly filled the container with water, but she looked to her left and she saw her older brother looking at her. Please don’t tell me that you are going to dump that on to Nathien, asked Shawn? He was smiling with a little laugh. He had a feeling what Chelcee might say, he knew what the answer was, which was yes I am. Well, of course I am, he is not getting up, Said Chelcee. And besides it’s revenge from the last time he pulled a trick on me, Chelcee added. She was looking at Shawn with the kind of look that was always honest and playful. You know he is going to kill you if you do this, warned Shawn. And that’s why I am going to protect you from him if he tries, Added Shawn. Shawn was more wise and protective, every one of his brothers and sisters has their own kind of title. Chelcee was the dangerous and rebellious one, Nathien was the impulsive one, Lexi was the fun one, Raychill was the honest one, and Michelle was the athletic one. Chelcee walked past Shawn and entered Nathien’s room. As Nathien laid there Chelcee dropped the litter of water. In a split second, she ran very quickly behind Shawn as Nathien chased after her. Ha Ha you miss me you miss me now you gotta kiss me, joked Chelcee. Don’t you dare do anything to her, demanded Shawn. He had that serious look as that he always did when he was not playing around. OH MY GOD, yelled Nathien. It’s because she is the baby isn’t it, complained Nathien. No, it’s because she’s our sister, and we're supposed to protect her, not hurt her, scolded Shawn. "Because I’m pretty sure you don’t want to go back to prison for another 5 years," added Shawn. Nathien huffed and puffed, knowing his brother was right, but he wouldn’t dare to hurt his little sister, whom he loved very much. He was so annoyed by Chelcee, and he was a little mad as well. He wanted to strangle Chelcee, but he couldn’t. For one, he loved his little sister, and two, Shawn wasn’t going to let him. Don't you dare, you are going to have to go through me to get to her, said Shawn. He looked at Nathien with a little smirk on his face, without Nathien catching him. What’s going on up there, Called Carol. She was calling up the stairs while she stood at the beginning of the stairs. Nothing, they all responded. The three of them didn’t know that they were being that loud because their mother could hear them all the way downstairs. You three better not be fighting, said Carol sternly. We’re not mom, just a disagreement, replied Chelcee. I will be down in a minute, brothers, said Chelcee. She can see the curiosity over their faces and waiting for a reason. I want to make sure I didn’t leave anything behind, added Chelcee. We’ll see you in the car, just try to hurry you know how mom is, said Shawn. And I walked into my old room which was nothing but wooden floors and white walls. I looked around and then to my left I see a note, but just any note but a really angry note. This must the mysterious man behind these walls. It reads “ Don’t you dare leave you are mine, i will find you and there’s no turning back once you leave. When I find you, you're gonna wish you didn’t exist. I have been waiting for you, I will f*****g hunt you down baby girl”. It was signed at the bottom with fresh blood and I couldn’t make out what the name said. I held my hand in my mouth and backed up slowly. I held my breath and breathed out, I swallowed my fear and fixed my posture. “ Look I’m sorry this is not my decision, I’m not even 18 yet. But I am not yours, and never will be. I have to go with my family, explained Chelcee. The air thickened and it became more intense. Slowly turned to open the door but I couldn’t open it. A hand appeared on the door so aggressively, and I froze still knowing I had pissed him off. “ you run but once I get to you I f*****g destroy you and I won’t be gentle, and if let anyone touch you I will kill them and make you watch, and then will punish you next, said the mysterious man. “Please I beg you, let… me… go, begged Chelcee. My mom is waiting for me”. His eyes glared at me so devilishly and released me from his hold. Are you sure you want to play this dangerous game, he taunted. I have to, they are my family, cried Chelcee. I opened the door so quickly and ran as quickly as possible to reach the entry way of the living room. I approached the front door and left. Heading toward the car. Seeing Nathien sitting in the back seat, I sat in front by my Mother and blasting my music in my ear. Nathien just waited for the rest of the family. He was sitting in the back seat and took out his phone and put some music on with his earbuds on. Wait! I forgot one more thing, shout Chelcee. Hurry please, said her mom. I ran back in the house, panicking and trying for the mysterious man not to take hold of me again. Heading up to the attic, she took a deep breath very nervously. She grabbed her black backpack that was leaning against the wall. She opened up the door of the attic, once she was in the attic she made sure that nobody saw her enter the attic. She was after something that her sister Lexi and her hid, she looked to her left and what was leaning against the wall was two crossbows and a compound bow. Mother wouldn't allow them because she was afraid that they both would end up like their father. She removed the wood board which looked like a wall but wasn’t, and then there was the stash of arrows and assassin knives. Just then Lexi was sitting next to her, and Lexi gave her a friendly and kind smile to her twin sister. But Lexi pulled a long thin piece of wood board, and what was always hidden there was some edibles, some hookah and you name it all weed that she smoked. She quickly stashed it all in her backpack and looked at her sister smiling with laughter. “If mom ever finds out about this, she will kill us”, Laughed Chelcee. She and her sister hid this secret stash for years ever since they were a pre-teen, they always knew the right people to get the supplies. They hung with a large group that was more of a pack, and these supplies were gifts from them. They knew that Chelcee was the sneakiest out of her siblings and got away with everything, they always gave her the supplies to hide. “Luckily with you, you would get away from it as usual”, joked Lexi. Hey, let me help, suggested Lexi. She had an even bigger bag and just started to put it in the bag, within ten to fifteen minutes the stash was all in there bags. Just in case Chelcee checked a second time and made sure nothing was left there, but she did find something else that is still worthy. It was in an 1800s box and was filled with old black and white pictures, not only that, there were old letters and some little nicknacks. The box was the size of a chest but 3 inches smaller. Chelcee and Lexi are you ready to go?, Called Carol. Carol was standing in front of the stairs and looking up the stairs. She was just waiting for them to answer. Yes, we’re coming mom, yelled Chelcee. Chelcee looked at her twin sister and rushed out. Everyone's suitcases were in the back end of the SUV, so then they could put their bags in the trailer. The two of them were at the door until Lexi went out, Chelcee looked back and she just wanted to have a moment. And she went to the back of the trailer and set the bag next to her sisters. Well, now her mom wouldn’t mind her drinking, the longest it wasn’t a school night. The two of them shut the gate very quickly so they could get into the car. Chelcee and everyone was already set, they all had their seat belts on and so Chelcee saw that her mother was looking at her and turned towards her mom. You could pick out some music for us to listen to, Request Carol. Still, looking at her daughter until Chelcee grabbed her phone and connected the bluetooth. And started playing Valkyrie by Halflives, Chelcee was always a rockhead and it drove a lot of people crazy except for her siblings. Carol started the car and looked back making sure everyone was in the car. This is a perfect song to listen to especially when we are moving to a new home, said Carol. I was thinking that as well mom, that’s why I choose this song, replied Chelcee. Her eyes were heavy, she really didn’t get any good sleep last night, since she and her cousin Haylee were texting all night long. The both of them didn’t go to sleep until five in the morning. Chelcee only had an hour and half of sleep , and Haylee was still asleep at this time now. Haylee and Chelcee were more than cousins, they thought of each other as sisters. But what Haylee doesn’t know is that her cousins and Aunt are moving in the same town, well now the whole family will be reunited as one. What one knows is that this town is not just some other kind of town, this town is very mysterious and enchanting. This town isn’t seen on maps, not even the internet, but once it wants to be found that's when it’ll appear and that is because you are met to be there such as this family. This family only knows it’s just a normal town but in the end they are waiting for a big surprise. Chelcee slowly drifted into her deep sleep feeling such amazing comfort around her. The time of winter sprung in her imaginable mind, the snow formed onto the forest trees. She and Lexi are walking through the snow. And the memories of her childhood, her sister and her dad playing in the snow when the girls were 7 years old. And then her mind went blank.