Chapter seven
1370 Words
I grabbed the box he handed to me and remembered the box I had left in Melodie's room. I left without saying anything and came back with it
"This one also has letters, maybe they are connected in some way"
I opened the first letter of Melodie's box, it was addressed to Charles. Abel did the same with his brother's box and found out that all the letters where addressed to Melodie.
"They where communicating, but why couldn't they do it in person?" wondered Abel
"Maybe it was because they feared someone would hear them" I said as I started reading out loud Charles first letter:
Melodie,
I know it was strange when I asked you to await so late at night for a letter, but am I the only one that senses something strange with this Raymond Hughes? In less than a month he became a very good friend of our dear father, too good if you ask me. You more than anyone knows that a real friendship takes years to form, I hope you don't consider me as mad as mother did when I told her my concerns. He first wrote to father to ask if he would invest in his company right? He personally told me that he wasn't still sure whether to trust him or not, then he received another letter of his. Don't you think that this Hughes man is just here with pure interest of making his company flourish and nothing else? I hope you do, and please, when you have your answer send me a letter, I wont feel completely confortable talking about this until they have left the manor
Love,
Charles
September 28, 1821
I looked at Abel, he was trying to remember something.
"I don't remember a face, but I do remember that I didn't like him at all" he said after a while
"He does sound like the typical manipulative bastard" I said while looking for Melodie's response:
Charles,
It was odd when you asked me to wait so late at night but now that I have read your letter I understand why you acted so odd these last few days. I don't think you're mad at all, I myself started to suspect the Hughes. They are quite a strange family aren't they? They barely talk about their missing mother, Raymond is spending far too much time at father's office and as for his children...they are a bit rude aren't they? Especially Cora, she acts like a spoiled little child and I'm starting to get tired of her tantrums, also she wont leave Abel's side, poor Abel. As for Julien, I think he hasn't said a word to anyone, not even to be polite. If Raymond only wanted to do business than why did he bring his children? Poor Lula isn't having any fun either, she's terrified of Cora who thinks its fun to scare her, I say we should try again talking to mother or perhaps father this time.
Love,
Melodie
September 29, 1821
" I do remember Cora not leaving me alone, she wouldn't let anyone near me except her although I never knew why. After that I remember wanting to avoid her at all cost"
" But if you where so bothered by her company why did you say her name unconsciously?"
"Don't know"
Melodie,
Things haven't improved at all. I can barely have a word with father without Raymond listening and when we tried to talk some sense into mother all she did was lecture us about our behavior what is wrong with them? Did someone cast some sort of spell under them? And to make matters worse Abel is now getting along with Julien, there isn't a day that I don't see them together, even Lula is noticing something strange is going on and she's the youngest. She just came a few minutes ago looking terrified crying for protection, you know she only comes to me if its something serious. I am also noticing that Raymond is keeping an eye on me, wherever I go I see him a few steps away or there is always a maid following me around. I hate to say it but I'm starting to feel insecure in my own house. Please respond as quick as you can.
Love,
Charles
October 5, 1821
After I read the letter Abel had clearly blushed, but why? Was he ashamed that he had a friendship with the enemy and knew that his brother and sister would disapprove of it?...or was it something else?...but no...it couldn't had. I decided not to make any questions about his behavior and talked about the weird things that had happened in the manor. There were only three letters left in each box now.
Charles,
I am also starting to feel unsafe in the manor, when will they ever leave? They've been here a week now, they should leave don't you think? Julien looks happier than ever but I don't get why and I barely see Abel now, should I be worried? Not even Cora has seen him. Also I heard mother say that she would invite the Hughes to our annual winter gala, what do you think?
Love,
Melodie
October 6, 1821
I decided to not look at Abel this time, he was starting to get uncomfortable.
Melodie,
That is terrible news! That just means that the Hughes will continue to come to the manor and god knows for how long. As for Abel, he is acting weird, I barely see him and I also notice that he is starting to carry the wooden key that I helped camouflage on the door, he did always like a good puzzle. But I wouldn't worry Melodie, I suppose he's also starting to suspect the Hughes.
Love,
Charles
October 7, 1821
At this we looked at each other and didn't even think about it, we ran towards Abel's room. The wooden door like all of the rooms had ornaments sculpted around it, it was hard for me to find it but Abel found the key almost instantly, it was at the bottom of the door where no one would look, clever hideout. We opened the door after we gave each other a quick look of excitement but we didn't expect to find what we did, it was dark. We got confused because outside it was clearly day but we couldn't see anything in the room. I ran for my backpack when I remembered that I had a flashlight, when I came back I turned it on and started walking through the dark room.
I looked for the windows expecting for them to be covered by curtains but found out that they were sealed with large pieces of wood, like if someone definitely tried to forget this room. I asked Abel to help me to take them of the windows and when we where done Abel went silent. He started walking through the room with a half smile on his face, his bedroom was very alike to Charles's room just that his had walls with white and black patterns, dark wooden furniture and shelves full of books.
He sat on his bed and for the first time he laughed as he said "I remember, all of those weird adventures and games that I did with my brother and sisters, all those books that I read, I remember it all"
I sat beside him and grabbed his hand "Abel...I know that this is a really meaningful moment for you but...your room was locked and the windows sealed...don't you think its for a reason?"
He turned to face me but his smile didn't fade away, he just whispered "Can we please sleep here tonight?"
I wanted to argue. I wanted to make him realize that his death wasn't just a tragic accident. I wanted to come back to reality, but I just couldn't, I didn't want that smile of his to fade just yet. I keep wondering if I would've changed my answer the pain wouldn't had been so unbearable or my feelings towards that ghost with a forgotten past might've been different. But I guess I'll never know...
"Fine" I say half smiling.
- Writer
