Suck and seeded

New city, new life

Out the window, high-rise buildings, concrete roads, except for a few small flower blooming trees on the side. Tons of people flock from left to right, cars stuck in congestion, some trying to sneak now and then.

Towers were so close to each other they cast a dark shadow on every corner. It did not help that some of them had these beautiful Victorian designs.

Robyn considered it the equivalent of limbo, with all the lifeless people running about, souls drained from their everyday grind. Only moving to keep themselves afloat, existent to the very least.

It was so different from her lively, happy, and sunshiny home town.

Her face creased when they took a turn, frowning upon seeing a nearby hill filled with elegant condos, mansions, and apartments.

She let out another deep sigh, shoulders falling from the hand of despair that grabs ahold of her, knowing this will be the place she’ll stay for a long time.

Her pondering and reminiscing only got cut off when they finally slowed down, stopping at a building complex filled with stores.

“I need to buy some groceries. Why don’t you have a look around, get to know the area better?”

Her aunt Marcy already turned off the car’s engine, leaving her with no choice.

After letting out another deep sigh, all she could do was nod, seeing as that she was getting out of the car. She does the same and ended up groaning, having the sudden touch of coldness on her.

It trickled and pricked her skin, giving her with no options but to hug herself, rubbing her arms to create a bit of heat.

“Here, take this. It can be chilly here.”

Robyn catches the black cardigan, sighing in relief upon receiving the warmth of those thick cotton wool embracing her.

Comfortable, out, and nothing much to do.

The idea of escape slip through Robyn’s mind. She’d have done it if she knew where she was.

But their parents seemed to have planned for everything, thinking a few steps ahead of time, considering their behaviors. Aware they’d try to search for one another, they sent her and her twin to different places, far from each other, that they wouldn’t find the other.

“Can I come along with you? I could help.”

She says.

Even if she did not feel comfortable with her aunt, it was better than being alone in a new place. Especially since the sun was already setting.

She did not want to be left there all on her own.

“Oh, heavens, no need to bother yourself with me, dear. I’m also going to check on something at work, so I might take some time.”

Aunt Marcy flail her hands in panic, giggling while she rummage through her purse.

The woman did not even glance her way, too busy scouring through the contents of her small signature handbag.

Robyn ended up shaking her head, confused why her aunt chose such a tiny bag, instead of just getting a larger and more organize one.

“How long will you be gone?”

She asks, rolling her eyes in surrender.

She no longer bothered in offering her help, since it seems she’s not wanted there. She’d hardly bothered with anyone who didn’t give a care and learned to cope and get along with it.

Aunt Marcy stared blankly into space for a good few moments, blinking a few times before answering.

“A few hours or more.”

She absentmindedly snorted before returning to her full on search in her purse.

Robyn heaved a deep sigh, shaking her head in disbelief as she move to her aunt’s side.

Whatever could it be that she’s looking, it was probably not there, considering how small the thing was.

She took another look around. Yes, there were definitely tons of shops there, but nothing showed interest to her.

With all those tall buildings, cars, and people moving about. She became suffocated from just seeing so many things happening all at once.

If she was not so good with holding on to herself, she’d have thrown up by now. All because she can feel her stomach churning from all everything.

“What will I do then?”

She utters.

Not being familiar with the place, she did not know where to go that would actually give her interest. Also, she was unsure of the things her aunt would allow and what’s forbidden.

Without a second thought, aunt Marcy took out her purse, taking out several hundred-dollar bills.

“Here, why don’t you go shopping or try out some fancy cuisine?”

She shoves the cash in her hands with a smile.

Robyn’s eyes grew wide, grabbing hold of every piece. Unable to believe she was being given such a large sum of money.

Yes, she had her savings from her parents, but what her aunt gave her was no small amount to shrug at.

“Uh, thank you.”

Was all she could say, awestruck at how easily the woman could give that away. It made her question a lot of things as of the moment.

“Even if this place isn’t as famous as some known cities, it doesn’t get left. New Nephtshire also boasts high-end restaurant and fancy stores. I’m certain you can find something you’ll like here.”

Aunt Marcy threw a wide smile, her eyes glimmering as she gestured around, similar to a tour guide.

“Okay, then. Maybe I will search for a nearby bar to party in.”

Robyn scoffs, a smirk forming on her face to tease her aunt.

“Sure, you have fun. Just be back here at seven.”

Aunt Marcy fans a hand at her, giving her a wink before turning to go her merry way.

Robyn ended up gaping in shock, eyes wide, while watching her leave. She meant it as a joke, but did not think her aunt would actually let her.

Besides that, seeing how she barely batted an eye on what she said, told her the woman didn’t pay attention to what she was saying.

She ended up scratching her head in both disbelief and disappointment, realizing what kind of person her aunt was.

With a deep breath, she wanders her sight into the streets. Even with the sun up, the entire place seems quite darkened. She could not help but frown at how that was possible, considering they were just shadows.

She looks up, squinting upon noticing something in the sky. Of course, she couldn’t tell what it was exactly, but it resembled a veil of sorts.

Not wanting to waste her time there, she pockets her money and starts walking the busy streets in search of anything that would occupy her mind.

There was a range of coffee shops, restaurants and fashion stores, including shoes, clothes, bags and jewelry. All of which were well-known names and brands.

She can’t help but wince from the number of women flocking to those places. As there were several of them walking around with paper bag, while the store filled with some who were vying for certain items.

For her, the only thing worth noting there were the architectural designs. All of them had the same beautifully intricate Victorian style.

From the windows, high-rise structures up to the establishments had the same picturesque layout. If it wasn’t for the cars and people’s clothing, she’d think she was back in those olden eras.

A few hours of walking and still nothing caught her interest. Until she passed by what seemed to a be an old cathedral. Though she cannot be certain, because of its odd decorations surrounding it.

She stopped for a while to appreciate its grandeur. Standing with three spires, statues of bat-winged people in robes, and the elegant landscape of purple and red flowers perfectly set up all over the place.

A pang struck her chest when the thought of her twin brother came to her. If he was there, she’s certain he’d love that.

Her pondering only stopped when she saw several youths coming out of there. She ended up staring at the crowd in awe.

Each and everyone of them innately tall, pale, and almost ghostlike.

It gave out this odd captivating scene, with not a single one of them seemed out of line, making it look like she was watching models walking on the runway.

Each person having a unique feature and beauty of their own. And all of them wearing the same three-piece uniform, complete with tie and pins.

A specific individual caught Robyn’s eye. Among the masses, the young man radiated this air of confidence and authority, as several individuals flock behind him.

Even with an innocent, angelic features of his face, he constituted an innate level of maturity and finesse. Unlike the others who were chit chattering or fooling around.

This individual stared straight, move with no hesitation, and stood perfectly with his head up high. Yet, Robyn can sense something was off. Seeing none bothered to talk to him.

Though the young man was being surrounded, they remained in a certain distance from him, isolating him from the rest of them.

The man’s expression only change when their eyes met, as the fellow notice he was being watched. Time seemed to have stopped for a moment, as their gaze got glued to each other.

Robyn’s heart race, pumping with such intensity she felt her blood rise to her head, making her entire body heating.

It was only when the surrounding youths also turned to her that their connection broke, with the man quickly shifting his sights to where he was going.

The individuals who were with the person threw Robyn menacing stares. It was so intense; she felt like she was shrinking with each second just from standing there.

Panicked, she immediately scours around, searching for a way to escape those condescending gazes.

Her eyes glint upon finding a nearby shop that seemed to be old, quiet, and empty. Without hesitation, she hastens her walk towards the place. She did not bother looking at what kind of establishment it was. All she could think of was getting out of there, away from the group’s sights.

A ring of small bells caught the store staff’s attention, making the person glance at the entrance.

Robyn was still panting, quickly closing the door behind her before leaning on it. She takes a peek outside, and thankfully, the lot had to move on.

Relieved and now safe, she finally let out a smile as she glanced around the place. Amusement instantly took over her, her expression lighting up upon seeing all the displays there.

“Welcome!”

A bald, bearded, lively fellow behind the counter greeted, hand flickering in a gesture showing the entire room. The man was quite welcoming, opposite of how he looked, having those intricate tattoos on his face, a scar on his left eye, and with rugged facial feature.

The apron did not help change his outlook of the guy. With the person having those large bulging muscles almost tearing his vest and sleeves, along with being a few feet taller than the average man.

“Hello, I’m just here to browse.”

Robyn says, then was quick to return to looking at the shelves filled with figurines, trinkets, and other oddities. She became awkward, barging in there without knowing what the establishment was.

Luckily, the place seemed to be a novelty store, showcasing varying products that caught her interest.

Beautifully made paintings hanged on the wall, creating a mix of gallery like feature. The scenes depicted several mythical creatures at war, wrestling, and a few near realistic portraits.

“Please, feel free to look around.”

The clerk chuckled, giving her a curtsy. After that, he picks up a cup and returns to cleaning it.

With that, Robyn’s attention returned to appreciating the displays. At peace that she was not being stared at.

She lets her gaze wander the area, enjoying the comfy and warmth atmosphere of the place. It relaxed her, seeing there were no other people being there.

“Oh, you have a snack bar and a shop.”

She nearly gasp, seeing those cushioned chairs, wooden tables, and the counter display filled with pastries. That would also explain the aromatic scent of roast beans lingering about.

“Why yes, it is so that it would not bother our customers with the need to go out.”

The clerk put down the glass he was wiping before standing at the ready with a warm smile.

“Can I interest you with anything? Coffee, cakes, or perhaps a hobby.”

One look at the enormous grandfather clock, and Robyn was sold. If she was going to waste her time, might as well it be there than anywhere else.

She realized the establishment was a recreational shop, but this store seemed special as they seem to cater to nearly every kind. From cross stitch, sculpting, diorama, up to paper art, painting, and accessory making, they had it all.

“I’d like to try your painting, please.”

She nod, seeing the brushes and empty canvass on display.

It had been ages since she’d done that, and somehow had this renewed sense to do it to calm her nerves.

“Please, have a seat while I prepare your tools.”

The man proceeded to the back of the store. While she went to a table near the window, looking out onto the cathedral like building in hopes of catching a glimpse of the group.

But alas, most of the youths who came out of the place were already gone, once more leaving the area its quiet and picturesque state.

She then continued glancing around in order to get her mind out of it. It was then that she got captivated by the room, admiring the carvings on the interior, along with those nicely decorated walls.

She stops when her sights glimpsed a wooden frame peeking through a curtain. Curiosity strikes her again, as it was the only thing that seemed concealed among all the other things there.

She takes a glimpse at the counter. The clerk has not yet returned, and being the nosy person she was, she could not help the itch of needing to know what it was. For a place that showcased everything, it was odd that something was being kept there.

With the need pulling her, Robyn slowly moves towards the wall where the thing was. Heart racing for the mischief, she could not hide the tingling inside of her as she reach for the long red coverings. It would have been only a quick peek, was all she thought, not until she viewed the hidden painting.

It was a portrait of a young man, in a white Victorian suit, wearing a black frill cravat, adorned with a beautiful chained brooch shape like bat wings. His eyes were deep, pure, dark, yet innocent with a playful smile, as if teasing.

She frowns noticing how the painting’s gaze seemed to have shifted and was now looking straight at her. She swallowed hard, feeling her skin crawl, aghast at how its stare seems burrowing through her soul, peering into her innermost mind.

‘Found you.’

A giddy voice echoed inside her head, causing her to flinch back, wide eyed. It made every fiber of her hair rise, having the chill crawl up her spine, seeing how the smile on the image grew wide.

“Everything all right, miss?”

Robyn nearly jumped, startled upon hearing the deep voice behind her. She had been absent-mindedly breathing heavily for the past few minutes, only being aware when she saw the store staff behind her.

“Oh, sorry. It’s just that…”

She pointed to the painting but ended up gaping when she looked at the image. It had returned to how it was a while ago. That caught her by surprise, leaving her speechless.

“Pardon, miss?”

The clerk furrowed, head tilting to the side, with a confused look on his face from her sudden silence.

It took Robyn a few gulps, shaking herself awake to get her senses and wits back. All because she still got that spine tingling sensation creeping inside of her.

“The portrait.”

She points out again.

This time, the man finally turns to the thing, letting out a wide smile upon seeing the picture.

“That? You like it?”

He chuckled with that warm tone.

Robyn’s face remained pale, yet she tried to put on a cheerful facade, not wanting to make things awkward. She tries to come up with a good excuse, considering she was the one who uncovered the thing.

“Who is he, exactly?”

She asks.

Somehow, the fear opened to a different type of intrigue. Also, there was this nagging voice inside her head that told her she needed to know who the person was.

“Oh him. He’s the store owner. That’s actually a self portrait he made.”

The clerk’s demeanor became livelier, more cheery as he began telling stories about the figure in the picture.

Yet Robyn’s mind continued to wander off, thinking about what the whisper she heard meant. She can’t get the chilling voice out of her head, especially since she was certain it wasn’t coming from her imagination.

A rush of dread slowly creeped into her, when memories of their recent dilemma resurface. She and her twin went investigating a noise in their house. She could still remember the event as if it had only happened yesterday.

“Robyn, leave it alone. I do not feel good at how it is glowing like that.”

her brother scolds, teary-eyed.

But she did not listen, instead she leaned closer at the circular pattern on the floor. Curious about what it may be.

“Oh, stop being such a scared cat. It’s just a magic circle. What could go wrong?”

She says while reaching for it, having that need to see if it is real and know what it would do.

“Don’t touch it!”

her brother shouts, eyes widening when her finger grazes the sigil.

An immense stream of light flash before them, engulfing the entire room in a radiant glow.

Blinded, all she could remember was the sensation of a large, firm hand grabbing hold of her arm, trying to take her.

It disappeared when her twin hugged her hips to pull her.

She gasps to wake up from the sudden thrust of flashbacks, panting when she finally returned to the present.

Luckily, the clerk remained enthralled in his story, not taking notice of her, giving her ample time to compose herself.

She pulls back the cover of the thing while the man was busy talking, once again hiding the image from any sights.

Yet, even with the curtain back, she continued to get that creeping sensation crawling all over her.

She could still feel the eyes remained looking at her behind the thick, red cloth.