Misty Meadows: The Asylum

Chapter 6

The next morning Kane was up and ready for school.

Moth dropped her at the school gates, and as she got off the bike, she turned to him.

“By the way, those walls that have ears? They know Italian too,” She walked into the building, leaving Moth sitting in shock.

She found Cliff sitting under a tree in the back, writing in one of his books.

He looked up as she sat down in front of him.

“Hey, K.”

“Hey, where’s Cass?”

He sighed, “With Brent and them.”

“Ah, so she’s not letting go of them just yet?”

“I guess not. But it’s okay; we’re still good. How are you and Moth?”

“There is no me and Moth, Cliff.”

The last thing she wanted was to think of Moth; especially after what had happened the night before.

“Anyone can see the chemistry between you two.”

Kane sighed, “I know, but there’s a lot of other stuff to consider.”

“Like?”

Kane frowned, “I don’t even know if I believe in his innocence anymore. I mean, I wasn’t there when that fire on Misty Hill happened. And these last murders? Moth could have easily gone off to kill them.”

She felt terrible as soon as the words left her mouth, but she needed to tell someone and she knew Cliff was the one she could trust.

Cliff had a deep frown on his face, “Well, what was it that made you believe in his innocence in the first place, Kane?”

“My feelings, I guess.”

Cliff nodded, “And you still want to believe he’s innocent?”

“Of course.”

“Then speak to him and put your mind at ease.”

Kane sighed; Cliff thought it was a lot easier than it was.

But she knew very well that it wasn’t that simple.

She stood, “I’m going to the library, see you in class.”

She knew that no one would be in the library at this time, so it would be the perfect place for her to do some thinking.

Finding a spot near one of the windows, she grabbed a book to make it look as though she was studying in case someone saw her.

As soon as she had sat down, her phone rang.

She answered even though it was a hidden number.

“Hello.”

She knew it was Goran even before he spoke.

“You look gorgeous in that black dress.”

“Goran, get yourself a life and stop stalking me. Or, grow a pair and come and face me instead of hiding behind a phone.”

He gave a low chuckle, “Oh, but watching you is so fun. Especially the way you’re sitting in that chair, staring out the window with that cute look on your face, not even reading the book in your lap.”

Kane froze, fighting the urge to look around; she now knew he was close, but she refused to let him know he had gotten under her skin.

She scoffed, “Well done, you see me. Would you like a badge?”

“Only if it’s signed in your blood; though I’m sure that can be arranged.”

Kane had had enough, “You know what? Screw you, you sick and twisted bastard. Instead of making threats while hiding behind a phone, why don’t you come out and carry them out? I dare you.”

She got to her feet, waiting for any sign of him.

The line had been quiet and when he spoke, she knew she had pushed him too far.

“Kane, do not push me; I am not hiding, I am simply waiting for the right time. Don’t forget I plan on showing your freak show boyfriend what I’m capable of first. Should I start with him, or Kelso? But don’t worry, when I get my hands on Moth, I’ll make sure you’re there to watch him die.”

Kane hung up, and calmly placed the phone in her bag, walking out slowly; she would not run.

Walking down the hall to her first class, she felt like prey; knowing he was watching her.

She wished he would just show himself; that way she had a chance to fight.

But this game of hiding and seek was getting on her nerves, not to mention she was actually worried about the safety of Alice and her friends.

She walked into class and sat next to Cliff.

“Goran was watching me in the library.”

He frowned, “Have you told Moth?”

The teacher walked in before she could reply, and she was happy with that; she didn’t want to be thinking of Moth or Goran right now.

The way Kelso had been last night; he had thought that Moth had something to do with the latest murders.

And if his own friend didn’t trust him, how could she?

After school, everyone stood in the hall waiting for the announcement on who had won Best Looking Student.

Brent had already been announced as the winner for the males.

The three finalists were Kane, Layla and Veda,

The three of them stood on a makeshift stage; Kane just wanted to leave.

“Third place goes to Layla King.”

Kane frowned; she knew Layla was normally second, with Veda in first.

Veda gave Kane a short annoyed glance as Layla took her flowers and stepped off the stage.

“And the winner of this year’s Best Looking Female student goes too,” Veda stepped forward before the headmaster even finished, “Kane London.”

Kane frowned, “what now?’

Veda spun, “No, you must be mistaken.”

Mr. Lewis shook his head, “No, she got more votes than you.”

Veda glared at Kane, “I’ve been the winner for three years, you can’t just come in here and take over; you’re not even better looking than me.”

Kane laughed, “Apparently the rest of the school disagrees.” She started for the stairs.

Mr. Lewis frowned, “Kane, your prize?”

Kane turned, “I don’t need a piece of plastic and a ribbon to know I’m better than her.”

She went over to Collin, Cliff and Macy, and they walked out.

Cliff had a shift at the store they all went with him.

Sitting on the counter, Kane turned to Cliff, “So, how’s it going with Cass?”

“Good I guess.”

Macy frowned, “You guess?”

“Well, she still hangs out with Veda.”

Collin shook his head, “Once a Veda follower, always a Veda follower.”

“Who’s a Veda follower?” Asked none other than Cassie, as she walked in.

Kane smiled, “You.”

Cassie frowned, “I-”

Kane cut her off, “In case you haven’t noticed, Cliff here doesn’t fit into your little crowd of so-called perfection. You need to either start acting like a proper girlfriend, or get yourself another boyfriend because quite frankly he can do a lot better, and if you plan on treating him like he’s your little pet, we’re going to have a problem, and I’m sure you’re clever enough to know that pissing me off isn’t the greatest of ideas. So hurry up and decide what it is you want, but stop toying with him.”

Cliff went red.

Cassie was obviously at a loss for words, and she was saved by Rick.

Kane rolled her eyes the moment he walked in.

“Afternoon, Kane, can I have a word?”

“What have I done this time?”

“It’s about Goran Owens.”

Kane got off the counter and walked out without a word.

Rick followed her and motioned to the other side of the parking lot where they walked to his car, and Kane leant back against the bonnet.

“She crossed her arms, “So, what about Goran?”

“I put the word out, and he’s been seen.”

Kane sighed, “I know, he called me when I was in the library at school; he was watching me.”

“Well, according to the law, I can’t arrest him, but I do plan on finding him and giving him a good talk. Oh, and he’s related to Mr. Lewis.”

“That explains how he got access to the library.”

“Yes, well, I’m going to have a chat with Lewis now.”

“Okay.”

“Well, that’s all for now.”

Kane started for the store, “Thanks, Rick.”

“Oh, and Kane?” he waited for her to turn back to him before continuing, “Watch your back, from Owens and Star.”

Before, she would have attacked him for telling her to watch her back from Moth, but now she simply nodded before going back into the store.

Macy raised a brow, “And?”

Kane shrugged, “He was just letting me know that they’ve seen Goran around and they are still looking for him.”

“Well, at least he’s helping you.”

Kane nodded, she knew it was his job, but she was still surprised that he was actually making an effort.

What surprised her a bit more was that he had sounded genuinely worried about her when he had told her to watch her back.

Kane and Kelso were in the kitchen making supper; Moth had taken Alice for her check-up.

“Kelso, why do you think Moth had something to do with the most recent murders?”

Kelso frowned, “How do you-”

“I know Italian.”

Kelso sighed, “Look, Moth has always had a shady past, especially with the law. But he swears he had nothing to do with it, and he wouldn’t lie to me.”

Kane sighed and turned back to the pot, stirring the chicken.

“He cares about you, Kane.”

Kane nodded, “I know.”

‘It’s the curse’

Kane stopped stirring, listening to the female voice.

‘More will die’

Kane turned slightly.

‘You must stay away or you will be amongst the dead’

Kane frowned, “Kelso, finish up with dinner; I’m just going to the toilet.”

She didn’t wait for a reply, going into the bathroom she closed the door and turned.

“Okay, where are you?”

She felt a breath on the back of her neck and dived forward, spinning to see the charred girl.

She knew the voice had not belonged to this girl.

The girl lifted a finger, pointing to Kane’s neck.

Kane frowned, “Look, I don’t-”

“Kane? Where are you?” Moth was back.

The girl's head whipped towards the sound of his voice, and then suddenly back to Kane.

Her dead eyes literally flashed before she dived forward, wrapping her hands around Kane’s neck, lifting her off the ground as if she weighed nothing.

She swung Kane around, slamming her back into the tiled wall; her hands tightening around Kane’s throat.

Kane clutched the girl's wrists; overpowering her wouldn’t have been a problem had she been alive, but she had superhuman strength.

Kane brought a foot up, kicking her in the stomach; she loosened her grip but didn’t let go.

Kane brought two feet up and kicked, sending her flying backwards.

“Kane?”

Kane ran for the door, but the girl snaked an arm around her neck, stumbling and causing them both to go back into the bathtub.

“Kane, are you okay in there?”

“I’m a little busy here!” She snapped as she tried to loosen the girl’s arm which was now choking her.

The door swung open and Moth froze at the sight before him.

Kane let out a choke as the girl vanished.

Moth helped her to her feet, “Are you okay?”

“I just got choked by a psycho charred dead b***h; I’m great.”

Moth frowned, “I don’t understand why she’s haunting you, or why she’s trying to kill you.”

“She seems jealous. The look she gave me the first time you called was crazy, and then she attacked.”

“I’m sorry, London.”

He put an arm around her shoulders as they walked out together.

After dinner, Kane went to take a bath; standing at the door for a full five minutes before closing it and taking her shoes off.

She stood in front of the bath, about to undress when she knew all of a sudden that the charred girl was back.

She spun and the girl dived; taking them both into the tub of hot water.

Kane struggled as the ghost stayed put, holding her face firmly under the water.

When she realized the struggling wasn’t helping, she blindly reached for the bar of soap, as soon as her hand closed around the soap, she threw it towards the door; satisfied when she heard the loud thud it made.

And then she started struggling again, hoping someone would hear the water and realize something was wrong.

She had just taken in a mouth full of water when the girl vanished and Moth pulled her from the tub.

Gasping and choking for breath she collapsed in a soaking heap on the floor, taking Moth with her.

“That crazy b***h is starting to get on my nerves.”

Moth helped her to her feet and waited at the door while she changed before she went to the lounge to wait for him.

Kane was grateful that Alice was asleep and Kelso had gone out because there was no way for them to explain what had just happened.

Moth came in and started throwing blankets and pillows on the floor.

Kane frowned, “What are you doing?”

“You’re taking the couch, I’m taking the floor.”

“But-”

“No, I don’t trust that ghost with you.”

Kane was about to protest when she thought back to the ghost, and she nodded.

Moth was right, there was no telling what she would do the next time she had a chance.

She obviously wanted Kane dead for some reason and Kane had a feeling she wasn’t just about to give up.

Kane woke up the next morning to see Moth and his makeshift bed gone.

She got up and went into the kitchen where Alice sat at the counter with coffee.

“Where’s Moth?”

“Manners, Kane, good morning.”

“Sorry, morning.”

“Moth says something attacked you in the bathroom, he didn’t tell us what though.”

Kane frowned, “So where is he?”

Kelso and Moth walked in.

Moth smiled at her, “Bathroom is sorted.”

Kane frowned, “What?”

“You’ll see.”

She went to the bathroom, the door had been taken off and there was now a railing with a shower curtain around the bath.

Moth came in, stopping next to her, “Now she won’t come back in here to attack you.”

Kane turned, about to thank him, but froze when she realized how close he was.

They still hadn’t discussed their kiss, and she wondered if now was the time to bring it up.

“Moth?”

He moved closer and just as their lips were about to meet, they heard a blood-curdling scream from the kitchen.

Together they ran through to find Alice with a box at her feet,

Kane walked over and gagged, running out the back door; she dropped to her knees and vomited.

She felt Moth rub her back, “London, are you okay?”

The box had a layer of dead rotting birds in it, a picture of her with the words ‘YOU’RE NEXT’ on it, and a human head.

The eyes that had stared back at her from the box were the same eyes that she saw every morning in the mirror; the head had been her mother's.

“Moth, we need to get Rick here.”

He nodded and helped her to her feet.

When Rick showed up ten minutes later it had been Kelso who had called him.

He took their statements and had another officer remove the box before he walked out and sat next to Kane on the grass.

“I’m sorry, that must have been a terrible shock.”

Kane nodded.

“Here’s my number, call me if you need me, it might take too long if you call the station. I promise you, I will catch this guy.”

Kane nodded.

Rick put an arm around her shoulders, “If there’s anything you need, let me know.”

Moth walked out and cleared his throat.

Rick stood and helped Kane to her feet.

“I better get back to the station. Remember what I said about watching your back.”

Moth waited for him to leave before speaking, “What was that about?”

Kane shrugged, “Nothing, guess he’s trying to be a good cop.”

Moth narrowed his eyes, clearly not believing her.

Kane sighed, “I wish they would just catch him.”

“Kay-Kay!”

Kane frowned; there stood Gina and Scott.

Kane’s mouth dropped, “What are you doing here?”

Gina rushed forward, wrapping her arms around Kane; ignoring the fact that Kane didn’t return the hug.

“I told you I’d come to this dump and visit you.”

Kane raised a brow, “It’s not that bad.”

Gina flipped her long red hair over her shoulder, “It looks rather dead, right, Scotty?” she turned to Scott, who still stood in the doorway, “Scott, come here. What are you standing there for?”

Scott walked over to them looking extremely awkward, giving Kane a small smile and awkward wave.

Kane nodded; she had no intention of being over-friendly with her ex-boyfriend, or her ex-best friend who was now dating her ex-boyfriend.

Scott’s eyes fell on Moth.

Kane cleared her throat, “This is Moth. Moth, Gina and Scott.”

Gina smirked, “Well, it’s nice to meet you Moth. I’m so curious as to why my best friend hasn’t mentioned you yet.”

“Maybe because we aren’t best friends anymore.”

Kelso walked out, “Cliff called to check on you, he’s on his way over. And I’m going to take Alice to the doctor.”

Kane nodded, “Thanks.”

Scott waited till Kelso had left before turning to Kane, “What’s going on, K?”

Kane ran a hand through her hair and sighed, “Goran.”

Scott’s eyes bulged, “What? He’s here? You need to get out of this place; you can’t just sit around while he’s after you.”

Moth cleared his throat, “She isn’t going to run away; she’ll be just fine here.”

Scott turned to him, “Fine? She’ll be fine? In case you haven’t noticed, Goran Owens is insane; it’s not safe for her to take a risk like this; something could happen to her.”

Kane rolled her eyes, “Scott, that’s enough; Moth has my back.”

“I care about you, Kane!”

“You lost the right to care when we broke up.”

Gina stood awkwardly, shooting Scott annoyed glances.

“Kane! Are you okay?”

Cliff came running out, giving her a hug, which she gladly returned.

“I’m good, thanks for coming, Brace Face.”

Moth nodded his hellos as Kane introduced Cliff to Gina and Scott.

Gina tilted her head, “So, tell me about this old building you’re renovating.”

Cliff winced, “An old mental institution.”

Gina raised her brows, “Well, that sounds fun. Scott and I will be joining you.”

Kane would have protested and told them it wasn’t safe, but she stopped herself; Gina could make her own choices, such as dating Scott.

Kane forced a smile, “The more the merrier.”

Moth glanced at her with a slight frown but said nothing.

Cliff sighed, “I wish there was a way for us to get out of it.”

“What’s the big deal?” Asked Gina.

“It’s haunted,“ Cliff went pale as he continued, “The people who go in there don’t come back out; one guy came out and he was completely insane.”

Gina laughed, “Haunted? And you lot believe it? This place is so lame.”

Cliff glared at her, “I do believe it. And you should watch your mouth; you want to piss them off, go ahead, but don’t do it around us.”

Kane was surprised to see Cliff get so angry; he was so quiet most of the time.

Moth jumped in before the debate could go any further, “Okay, I think that’s enough talk about haunting.”

Scott nodded, “Yeah, so what is there to do in this place?”

Cliff shrugged, “Not really much.”

Gina groaned, “I’m going to die if I have to sit here the whole time.”

Kane sighed, “Ice-cream will have to do, Cliff, get the others to meet us there please.”

Scott frowned, “K is that really a good idea? I mean, if Goran’s around, wouldn’t it be safer to stay here?”

Moth pushed past him, “London will be fine; I’ll be right there with her.”

As Cliff and Kane walked around to the front, he whispered “Looks like we have a bit of an ego contest.”

Despite the situation, Kane couldn’t help but give a small smile and nod; Cliff was right, there was quite a clash of egos between Moth and Scott.

Scott had always been the type to feel like he had to protect all the women, and that had been one of the reasons they hadn’t worked out; Kane had felt like he was a bodyguard more than a boyfriend.

And now with Moth who obviously had taken it upon himself to be the one to keep Kane safe, there was bound to be problems between the two.

Kane could understand Moth’s point; something was going on between them and he had every right to care about her wellbeing.

Scott however had no right at all when it came to Kane, and she planned on getting that message across to him sooner rather than later.

Kane sat in between Cliff and Moth with Gina and Scott opposite them.

Kane turned to Cliff, “When’s the rest of us showing up?”

“Collin and Macy will be here in about five minutes, Cassie and Brent should come with them; we can order for them so long.”

Gina made a face, “Damn, Kane, you’ve made friends already.”

The waitress appeared and Cliff ordered Bubble-gum ice-cream for Cassie and himself.

Gina ordered rum and raisin.

Kane ordered strawberry for Macy and vanilla for Brent and Collin.

She frowned down at the flavours menu, “I’ll have…”

Moth spoke, “Chocolate, right?”

“With caramel.” Added Scott.

Moth glared across at him before turning to the waitress, “Two, please”

Kane shot a glare at Scott as the rest of her friends walked in and joined them.

Once the introductions had passed, Kane was feeling a lot better, and decided she wouldn’t think of Goran or the asylum; she would enjoy the day with her friends.

Sighing, she leant her head on Moth’s shoulder as Macy began talking.

“So, Veda is super pissed off that you took her title.”

Gina frowned, “Who is Veda?”

Macy waved her hand in the air, “The Queen Bee at school.”

Kane scoffed, “More like queen bitch.”

Gina laughed, “Knowing Kane that must have been a showdown; I can just imagine it.”

Collin laughed, “Oh yes, Kane gave her some great eye make-up.”

Gina shook her head, “That I believe. Her anger issues are still going to land her in deep trouble.”

Kane laughed, “G, please, it’s already gotten me into deep trouble, on more than one occasion.”

Cassie looked nervous, “It can’t be so bad, and you’re still young.”

Gina raised her brows, “Have you seen her file? She’s been kicked out of seven schools for violence; jailed for assault twice; jailed for fraud; jailed for unlicensed weapons.”

Cassie’s eyes went the size of saucers.

Kane cleared her throat, she hadn’t minded Cliff and Moth knowing of her past, but she would have preferred for the others not to have found out.

Gina let out a laugh, “Oh, and I forgot the six months in the mental institution.”

Kane’s eyes snapped up; glaring at Gina.

Moth’s arm tightened around her shoulders.

“What for-”

Cliff cut Macy off, “It’s none of our business.”

Kane cleared her throat, “It was for hearing and seeing things.”

Macy’s face filled with concern, “Will you be okay in the Misty Asylum?”

Kane nodded, “I’ll be fine.”

Scott nodded, “And we’ll be there to make sure of it.”

Moth exhaled loudly.

Cassie shrugged, “Well I’m creeped out about all of this; the sooner we get out of there the better.”

Macy nodded, “Especially with all the horror stories of that place.”

Gina rolled her eyes, “Don’t let some made up scary stories get to you; you can’t be scared of myths.”

Kane chose to stay quiet; however, the truth was that her time in Misty Meadows had taught her that they were definitely far from myths.

When Moth shifted uncomfortably, she knew he was thinking the same.

Macy frowned, “You don’t know this place; it’s pretty creepy.”

“Creepy? No. Boring; yes.” The distaste in Gina’s voice was thick; obviously thinking very lowly of the town.

Cliff smiled, “This place just might surprise you.”

“I hope so, or I might just die of boredom.”

Kane frowned; she and Gina had been so close before, but now sitting with her new friends, she just couldn’t understand how she and Gina had ever been friends at all.

Next to her friends, Gina reminded her so much of Veda.

Kane shrugged, “It’s really not that bad here; I mean, I’m surviving.”

Gina scoffed, “Yeah, but look at how you’ve changed. You’ve even toned down a bit.”

Macy blinked, “I wouldn’t call her toned down; and if she has toned down, I am so glad I didn’t know her before!”

Kane couldn’t help but laugh at that.

But Gina was right to an extent; she had changed. And she realized at that moment that even though she had hated Misty Meadows at first, she liked it now; it was home.

And she wouldn’t change her friends for anything in the world.

Gina turned to Kane, “You need to get out of school so you can leave this place and come back home.”

Kane shrugged, with a smile on her face, “I’m in no rush to leave; I like it here.”

She could see Gina wanted to say something but decided against it.

Macy was stressed; she wanted nothing to do with the Asylum, but Kane calmed her, telling her it would all be okay and sounding much more confident than she actually was.

The truth was she had a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach that things were about to take a turn for the worst.