Heir of Hell

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 2

Mansion of Horror

The graceful swaying of both the leaves upon that green lawn directly correlates with the bitterly cold wind. Whereas the butterflies remain to move around a lot over the splendid brightly coloured wildflowers, that further shed a sweet scent itself into a chilly breeze. Until, all of a sudden, the enigmatic sunlight faded and indeed the entire atmosphere dimmed. All of the trees and shrubs ended up dying and then were turned to ashes. Everything has lost its brilliance and colour. Because even after Austin has already been buried for a week, Aunt Rose and I are all still in sorrow about what happened.

We are now indeedly still in grief, as well as Auntie has been unable to eat better. Whilst also, I ain't yet still to sleep each night owing to my reluctance to forget everything. And certainly can't even tell Auntie that I foresee everything that could happen. For I believe that she'll only get more confused. However, the authorities have had a hard time figuring out what really happened, as well as tracking the underlying criminal who mercilessly murdered my poor cousin. Because they said, they could not really see or obtain strong evidence, and that no one wanted to testify as they were fearful of being implicated.

As I was worried about the nervousness I was feeling in my chest, I searched our entire place seeking my Aunt Rose. Yet I became startled as I found her in front of Austin's bedroom door. Her eyes welled up with tears, and she seemed to be lost in thought. I feel her agony and loss right now, mainly because my cousin Austin is her only son. I could feel her anger and longing. And after everything that had happened, it would be challenging for the two of us to start over.

So I gently patted her shoulder, and she turned to face me, her eyes glistened with pain. "Auntie, I'll just come out for a moment to buy gravy for our lunch meal," I said, quietly. But, all she did was smile and return her eyes back to my dead cousin's bedroom door. "I'll be right back," I added, quietly as I walked away.

The sun was high and warm, as I left our house to go buy something. I have also seen a lot of people staring at me as I walked towards the store, but I just ignored them and kept going. "Can I buy some gravy?" I inquired to Aling Beng, the sari-sari store saleswoman. She got up from polishing her toenails and went looking for the thing I was buying. Then stated as she handed me the gravy I bought, "I'm sorry for what happened; condolences to you and your Auntie!" And yet all I did was smile and slowly turned back away.

After Aling Beng says that, I'm not sure how I'll react. Because Austin is more like my brother. And I still can't actually believe my cousin, who is also my best friend, has passed away. Thus I tearfully looked up at the clear sky, saying, "Please! I hope you can still forgive me Austin, even though I did nothing to help you!" I said, sadly. Until I suddenly bumped with an elderly woman dressed in a black gown and veil. And because of what had happened, her belongings had been thrown away, so I knelt on the road to get them. But just as I was about to take them up, she slightly tapped my hand and stopped me from helping her. "Stop! Don't touch the things! You'll only drag your bad fortune upon it!" she yelled, in her raspy voice. I was so shocked by what she did that I momentarily stepped back. She slowly stood up and faced me after gathering all her belongings. "You're bad luck! Everyone who comes close to you will die!" she whispered as she started turning well over. Before finally leaving, she added, "You're bad luck!"

And when the old woman spoke all of that, I was completely dismayed and did not even know what to do or feel. As well since Austin said the same thing when I saw him in my vision. I ain't quite sure if this is another vision about something terrible that is going to happen. Until I realized Auntie was the only one at home right now. So I rushed home, worried and confused yet again. "I hope she's all right!" I think to myself, while walking fast.

"Auntie, where are you? Are you alright?" I shouted in a frightened tone as I got home. Until I saw her at the table, sitting nicely and staring at me. "What's wrong with you? And why are you shouting so loudly?" Aunt Rose inquired, her face surprised. "Of course, I'm OK! What's the matter?" she clarified. I lied while explaining and laughed, "Nothing, just forget it Auntie; I just thought there was a dog chasing me!" She stopped for a moment, and began to speak again. "Oh, I thought something had happened to you! You're making me nervous again, Luke!" she muttered. "I'm sorry Aunt Rose!" I replied gently. "By the way, here's the gravy I bought for our dish," I said as I handed it to her.

Then I sat down as well and started eating with her, but she was quiet and we didn't chat. Even if I wanted to talk to her, I'm not sure how or where to begin, so I just sit quietly and eat. Auntie's unwillingness to talk for now, is reasonable, because everything that has happened has made a huge impact on her. That's why I really miss my Aunt, who is always happily talking with us despite her tiredness in everyday work, and never runs out of stories especially when we're having a meal.

And I couldn't tell her what had truly happened earlier, even if I wanted to. Because I know it will only make things worse, and she will just become even more confused. Some other possibility is that she wouldn't understand me. So I stayed quiet, until Aunt Rose unexpectedly broke the silence. "While you were at the store, Grandma Gracia's maid in the province called," she said, softly. When I looked up, my heart was suddenly pounding for no apparent reason. I faltered, "What did she say?" Whilst I can’t really explain why I seem scared and nervous. Aunt Rose exclaimed, "She says that Lola Gracia is sick and frail and asks us to return to the province urgently!" My pulse pounded when I heard that we were returning to the province to see Grandma, yet I don't know why.

"Are we going to the province? And, what about Austin's case?", I asked. Aunt Rose, on the other hand, was startled and stared at me. Her expression had also changed, which I noticed. "Are you okay? Why do you look so pale?" Auntie inquired, but I only smiled and scratched my head. "Perhaps it's only because I always sleep late," I joked. "So, Aunt Rose, what's your plan?" I added, asking her. "That's why, I think it will be better if you're the only one who goes back to the province; I'll just stay here, and deal with your cousin's case!" Auntie said, making me even more nervous. "I can't leave you here alone, Auntie," I stammered, "especially now that they haven't caught the criminal who murdered Austin yet!"

Aunt Rose got up, walked over here to me, and gently caressed my hair. "Don't worry about me Luke, I'm good here," Auntie assured me. "Grandma needs you in the province; don't worry, and I'll follow you there when everything is back to normal here!" she continued as she sat down once again.

I can see tears welling up in her eyes. I know that it will be tough for both of us, but I have no choice but to agree to her plan. As I believe this is also the wiser choice to do for now. But, after everything that has happened, I find it really difficult to leave her alone with this. Because I am aware that it is not yet safe, but then I am powerless to react. I lacked the strength and fortitude to tell her about my visions, which even I was afraid of and confused by. My sad response to her was, "Well okay, if that's what you wish for, Auntie." But she simply just smiled after a brief glance. "Hopefully, everything will go well! ", I said over again, smiling.

The whole day passed, as Aunt Rose was just always in Austin's room. I occasionally find her sleeping there, cuddling a photo of my cousin who has since passed away. I really feel sorry for her situation, especially now that I'll be leaving her here, all alone. I was scared and worried that my visions would return and that I would be a coward of preventing them again.

I've organized the belongings that I'll bring back to the province with me. Auntie sent me some clothes and a letter, which she asked me to give to Grandma. As well as a step by step direction which I will be using for my trip. After dinner with her, I went to bed early, since the bus that will be going to the ferry port leaves before dawn. Despite the fact that several things were worrying me, I forced myself to sleep. Everything is changing so fast that I can't even back out even though I'm not prepared.

And then, I awoke at almost 4 a.m. to the same nightmare that I had always dreamed of. And, like usual, I was exhausted, thirsty, and struggling to breathe. I'm not sure why it's always like this. So, despite the fact that walking was difficult for me owing to weakness, I headed to the kitchen to get and drink some water. Our entire house is completely quiet, but I don't feel strange or see anything bad occurring. After getting water, I returned to my room, to shower and prepare for my trip. I'm not sure why, but whenever I think of returning back to the province, I get a tremble in my chest. Yet Grandma is gracious since I am her favorite grandson. But when Mom was still alive, though, she kept me away from her for reasons I don't understand. That's why after my parents died, Aunt Rose took me in instead of my Grandma, because Mom had told her to. Everything changed because of everything that happened and after I moved here. As I grew older, I lost interest in making friends and interacting with others. I'm not sure why, but I always appear to be scared and have an inexplicable fear inside me.

Then, I dressed myself up and took my bag and other belongings once I finished showering. And before I finally left, I felt like saying goodbye to Aunt Rose. However, I found her soundly sleeping in my dead cousin's room. So I was hesitant to wake her up since I knew we'd both only cry if she saw me leave. So I simply kissed her on the forehead as tears streamed down my cheeks. "I'm leaving Aunt Rose, be safe here, I hope everything goes well!" I cried out to her as she slept deeply. "Bye," I whispered once more as I turned around and began to leave the house.

My feet were heavy and there was some feeling that was preventing me from leaving. I don’t understand, but I know it’s the right thing to do for now. Even if it was terribly painful and hard for me, it was needed. And I do have faith in Auntie that she can handle everything and we are able to overcome it all, as well. But, before I'd gone far enough, I heard someone yell, "Luke!" in a familiar voice. And as I approached, I saw Aunt Rose barefoot and crying as she hurriedly walked towards me. She hugged me tightly, and I hugged her back while crying as well. In a faint voice, she said gently, "Be careful there, Luke," as we let go of the hug. Auntie wiped the tears from my eyes while I did nothing but nod. "I know it's difficult for you," she said again, crying. "But promise, everything will be fine very soon!"

"I'm leaving now Aunt Rose, because I could be late for my trip," I hugged her again tightly and softly said. It was very difficult, yet I stepped away slowly, while tears began falling down my cheeks.

As I simply turned around one last time, Auntie was waving at me, still crying. Which only feeds my sadness even more, but I then decided to just keep going.

It was exactly 4:30 a.m when I got on the bus, because I took a tricycle to get to the terminal faster. And, by God's grace, my journey was a success until I was able to board the ferry. It has been a long time since I've taken a ferry ride, so I'm somewhat nervous right now. Although the journey was long, I was not tired because I could see the serene and enchanting ocean. That's why, I wish my life was as calm and peaceful as this, when there isn't any chaos or danger that I always flee and try to resist.

As the ferry approached its destination, I merely peered into the distance. When the sun is high in the sky, it reflects off the ocean's blue water like glowing crystals. There are also many birds flying freely in the air, as well as flying fish that jump into the vapor with their fins outstretched against the winding of the ocean. For, the view I'm seeing right now is very magnificent, and it's quite peaceful as well as pleasant. Until we finally arrived at the port after a three-hours ferry ride. The sun is still shining brightly, but the air is cool, which is probably due to my closeness to the province. As little more than a reason, the breeze flows even though it is chilling and not tedious to inhale.

And as I headed to another bus terminal I felt starving, at which point I looked for a restaurant in town after buying a ticket. I ate a lot and well since I knew I'd have to travel a long way to get to my destination. The folks here are warm and friendly, and they are usually smiling. I'm also grateful that I haven't had any terrible feelings or visions as of now.

"Are you also a tourist here?" the saleswoman asked, smiling. "It seems that you are new here in our town," she added. "Ah yes, I'm going to Sitio Encanto to see my Grandma!" I exclaimed, with a smile on my face. However, I saw that her expression changed drastically. In hushed tones, she questioned, "In Sitio Encanto?" "Yes?" I replied, frowning. "Is there a problem?" I asked. But she simply smiled and said, "Nothing, just forget it!" as I stood up to leave and smiled slyly at her. "Just be careful, especially where you've been going!" She smiled as she reminded me, while I just smiled back once more often, and left the restaurant.

Then I got on the bus, as it was nearly 3 p.m. when I looked at my watch. The bus began to run once all of the seats were filled. I looked in the direction Auntie instructed me, but since I was unfamiliar with the area, I decided to just ask someone. "Where is the bus's nearest stop?" I questioned the woman sitting next to me. And she replied, "Ah, it's there at Landeria Station, which is a little further away." "All right, thank you!" I replied, smiling, as I gazed out the bus window back again. Until I fell asleep after a little while, perhaps because I was tired and weary from the arduous journey that had begun since before dawn. The bus was a little shaky due to the bumpy road, however I was still able to fall asleep.

But the surroundings dimmed again, and the dream brought me back to my nightmare. I'm still unable to move and am having a difficult time dealing with this scene, which occurs every time I fall asleep.

Until the knocks on the window of the bus I was riding on, startled me awake. When I opened my eyes, I saw an old man staring at me from outside of the bus. He was dressed in a red shirt with long sleeves and a headscarf. If you examine him further, you will notice that he is clearly a faith healer. He smiled wide and creepy, at me. "Would you like to buy a good luck charm?" he offered, in his raspy voice, hoarse and weary. I'd just awoken from a nightmare, that's why I was still a little dazed and unconscious. "No, thank you," I replied, astonished. "It's up to you! Just be careful!" he replied with a wide smile as he slowly faded away from my sight.

"Who are you talking to, out the window?" said the woman next to me, confused and puzzled. I glanced at her in terror as I realized that the bus I was riding was too high for a person to reach without a ladder or other means, as well as this bus's also running. My flesh was trembling, and I had no idea what to do. As I gazed at my hand, I saw that my sweat was streaming, and that my skin tone had turned pale again. Because of what was going on, I couldn't speak and was struck unconscious.

Though I wanted to explain what I had seen to the woman next to me, the bus conductor yelled, "Landeria Station!" he exclaimed, loudly. So I immediately got out of my seat, as the woman beside me stared at me, confused, as I walked out of the bus. I was faced with a very archaic station when I got off. I didn't spot any people or vehicles that filled me with dread even more. "But there's nothing, or no one here!" I said to the conductor. He said to me before the bus I took to Landeria eventually left, "Please just wait, and a jeep for you to ride will come here very soon!"

I had no choice but to sit in the damp, rusted iron chair. As I looked around me, I observed that everything was aged and covered in cobwebs and vines. But I'll never forget what happened before. Since I'm aware that it's not a dream and that I'm not just imagining it.