Curse of the Bouda

Prelude As Harlow ran through the dark forest, the twigs from the trees and brush ripped away at her flesh and clothing. Yet, she continued to recklessly charge through, as the hideous laughter from the fiend who chased her grew ever closer. Her heart pumped as adrenaline coursed through her veins, urging her to push forward. Once she was past the thick of the woods, she entered a glade. She breathed a sigh of relief, finally seeing an open space of land. The sound of rushing water filled her ears. Following the sound, she approached the edge of the cliff to peer at the river below. Dead-end. Her pursuer's demented hackle was louder than before. She stared down at the raging waters below and wondered if it would be best to jump. Surely, she wouldn't survive the fall, but it would be a quick death, rather than being torn apart. Yet, despite the threat of suffering a horrific death, she couldn't do it. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for a fight. Searching for a weapon, she spotted a long, heavy branch. Gripping it, she then proceeded to rip at the hem of her now-tattered dress. Balancing the branch between her thighs, she wrapped the fabric around the end of the stick, securing it with a series of tight knots. Reaching into her brassiere, Harlow retrieved the lighter gifted to her by her father and lit the fabric. A lump formed in her throat as it burned an unnatural green indicating the malevolent presence. Just then, she saw golden eyes glowing with the fires of hell emerging from the darkness of the forest. A beefy paw encroached the clearing, with sharp claws so long they curved and hooked into the ground. Oh God, it's here! Harlow lowered the tip of her makeshift torch to the dry grass, lighting a protection circle. The beast cackled at her meager efforts as it slowly prowled closer. If this was her last night on earth, she would die fighting and would die knowing she had done all she could to protect those who she loved. Yet, most of all she would leave the world knowing she had experienced the love she had always longed for. With her last rational thought, she thought of her beloved, her Asani. Chapter One: Beginnings Eight months prior... It was a frigid autumn night. Harlow Monroe sat alone on her parent's front porch, softly sobbing, as she considered her shattered life. A breeze blew, cooling the wet trails left behind by her tears. She wiped the evidence of her shameful pity party away with the back of her hands. Since the finalization of her divorce six months ago, this sad scene had become routine. Her ex-husband, Cory, had been the one to end things, citing irreconcilable differences. Yet, she knew the real reason. Gripping her stomach, she grimaced as her nails dug into the flesh of her gut. Barren was the term Cory had uttered after the doctor told them of Harlow's infertility. He spoke the word as if it was a curse; like she had disgraced him. A tremble ran through her body as a new onslaught of tears began to form in the wells of her eyes. Suddenly, there was a rustling from the nearby woods, drawing Harlow's attention away from her self-loathing. She peered into the darkness but saw nothing. She sighed. At least she was now home, Willow Oaks. Cory never appreciated the small town they both grew up in. After their high school graduation, he had made plans to move to the big neighboring city. Harlow had never pictured herself living in an urban setting, but she didn't want to lose him, so she agreed to go with him, much to the dismay of her parents. Life in the big city proved difficult for Harlow, but Cory thrived, especially after landing his dream job after college. His work as a senior marketing analyst for a pharmaceutical company kept him away for long periods. Soon he had a whole life that had little to do with her. She grew more isolated and directionless. Being another faceless drone in the sea of an overpopulated city had spiritually numbed her. She missed her hometown, her parents, and her best friend, Maura. She used to be a joyous person. Now, she cried and felt only pity for herself. Her vulnerability and utter state of confusion regarding her self-identity were the most devastating part of her life since her divorce. She hadn't only separated from her ex, but during their relationship, she had divorced herself. Now, her journey to reclaim herself was a daunting task that she felt ill-equipped to undertake. Anger rose within her. Disgusted by her shortcomings, she struck the arm of the wooden bench where she sat. Ouch! A loud rustle from the woods startled her. Harlow squinted to see if anything lurked within the darkness. Again, there was nothing. Her eyes drifted to the lone house that neighbored theirs. Built to be a mirror image of her parent's home by the original owners, together the homes were affectionately referred to as Twin Manors. However, the other manor had been unoccupied for years, and as feelings of isolation surged within Harlow, she thought it would be best to go inside. She stood when she heard more rustling from the woods. This time it was louder than before. She swallowed hard and suddenly felt as if she was being watched. Yet, the idea of someone lurking in the middle of nowhere to chance a glance at her seemed a ridiculous notion, she wasn't that interesting. She shook her head, due to her city-slicker behavior, jumping at the sound of noises from the woods. Yet, as the wind howled through the trees and the moon shined brightly above, she no longer felt safe. Slowly, she retreated into her home, daring not to investigate. In the morning, Harlow sat at the kitchen table to eat breakfast with her parents. Her father's not-so-subtle, side-glances caught her attention. Oh, lord. Harlow mentally groaned. Here we go again. "How was your time out on the porch last night?" Her father asked between bites. His dark brown eyes scrutinized hers briefly before adding, "You stayed out for a long while." “It was fine," Harlow answered. "I just needed some fresh air." “Is that so?” He questioned. His unwavering stare remained on her as if to discern her truthfulness. Harlow looked over to her mother, who sat across from her, offering a rueful smile. Any attempt to hide her sorrow from them had failed miserably. Redirecting her gaze, Harlow stared at her half-eaten meal. Feeling pressured to talk about her inner turmoil made her uneasy. She tucked a wayward strain of her coiled hair behind her ear, but the unruly curl bounced free of its hold. Silence befell the table as they waited for a response she did not want to give. “May we go?” She abruptly asked her father. He furrowed his eyebrows. “We need to open the shop soon; we're going to be late.” Her father thoughtfully considered her for a moment, before he nodded. Harlow breathed a sigh of relief as they prepared to leave. Her mother intercepted them before they rushed out the door and offered Harlow a quick hug before she set her sights on her husband, who she tugged by the hand, drawing him closer for a kiss on the lips. “Goodbye, Sarah,” her father said, his voice tender in a way reserved only for her mother. She returned his affection, giving him a long warm hug and a wave goodbye. Harlow sighed. Growing up with a couple of lovebirds, Harlow always assumed she too would find love. Nevertheless, she surmised that her parents were the exception and not the norm, because even when she was in the puppy love stage with Cory, she never experienced the levels of love her parents displayed. Soon, Harlow and her father piled into his pickup truck and began their commute. Harlow reclined her head against the headrest and gazed out the window. The odd sound that came from the woods last night briefly plagued her thoughts, as they made their way along the gravel road. Faintly she listened to the sports recap that her father had playing on the radio, as she tried to clear her mind of negative thoughts. As he drove, they passed by their home's twin. That was when her attention was drawn to the upper right window where an outline of a large man stood. She struggled to see his features, but the truck was traveling too fast. All she saw was a shape. Yet, she got a distinct impression whoever she saw was watching her. A small shiver traveled along her spine, reminding her of the chill she got last night. However, as they drove past, she lost sight of the man. She started to tell her father about what she had seen, but decided against it, choosing to surrender the quietness of their drive. Besides, it wasn't like she saw anything noteworthy, perhaps he was just working on the house. It had a for sale sign posted. Before long, they had arrived at the shop. Her father unlocked the doors to Monroe’s Hardware Store. The first black-owned business in their quiet and mostly white-populated town, of only five thousand. Though there was little diversity within their town, she never felt like an outsider. The close-knit community was far warier of strangers than people whose family lineage they could trace back to the town's origins. Small-town living is not so bad, she thought, despite a few flawed townfolks. Harlow switched on the open sign as well as the interior lights. Peering out of the storefront window, she saw the other shops doing the same. Mrs. Steele’s bakery across the street had also opened, and so had the meat market and various other businesses. Harlow smiled, appreciative of the consistency of her hometown. Thoughts of her ex crossed her mind. The simplicity of a sleepy town stirring awake for the day would’ve never caused him feelings of nostalgia. Yet, another indication of their incompatibility. “Are you alright?” Her father asked. The concern in his voice was noticeable. Harlow nodded and got busy, hauling out markdown items onto the sidewalk for clearance. Soon, the day was bustling with activity. The hardware store was usually busy, thanks to it being the only one in town. Plus, the townspeople were self-reliant and took great pride in doing things themselves. Typically, around noon, business quieted, permitting her father time to go home to have lunch with her mother. Harlow opted to stay behind to savor time alone. She nibbled on a turkey and wheat sandwich she got from the meat market as she reviewed the inventory list. The door chimed. “Hey-hey,” said a jovial voice. Harlow immediately knew it was no other than her bestie Maura McNeil. “Hey girl,” Harlow greeted. “What’s new?” “Well…since you asked. We have someone new in town. I must say he's a feast for the eyes!” Harlow rolled her eyes. Maura moonlighted as a realtor, which kept her abreast of any newcomers. But being how Willow Oaks wasn't exactly prime real estate. She managed the sole pub in town in between sales that she inherited from her mother. “Okay, I’ll bite. How hot is he?” Harlow questioned. “Steamy!” Maura screamed. Harlow giggled. Maura's hormones were always raging, if not for herself, then it was for the thrill of seeing Harlow get all hot and bothered for someone who she hadn’t yet met. "And... Do you want to know the best part?" Maura asked, in a singsong tone. "He lives right down the street from you." She announced with dramatic flair, as she bopped Harlow on the nose with the tip of her forefinger. “Oh, I thought I saw someone in the window this morning.” “You did. What do you think?” Harlow shrugged, “I couldn’t make out any of his features.” “Well, that’s a damn shame. I have only seen him once to show him around the manor a day ago. He put a bid in without a home inspection or anything. He said he was anxious to get settled. He moved in yesterday.” “So he was there last night?" Maura nodded, distracted as she picked lint from her sweater. "Just him, no family?” “Yup, he’s as single as they come. Believe me, I asked. He is a nice guy too and has the sexiest accent I have ever heard. I think he said he is from Ethiopia.” "From Ethiopia to the Midwest, he has traveled far. Did he say why he chose to live in the middle of nowhere?" "No, to be honest, he got tight-lipped when I tried to ask for more details. But...maybe a certain friendly neighbor can get it out of him," Maura suggested as she batted her eyes. Harlow’s interest was piqued, but she chose to keep her thoughts to herself. Like her parents, Maura secretly worried about her. Though she was better at hiding her concern, Harlow could still sense her discontent. After all, they have been friends since elementary school, it was almost second nature to read each other. Nevertheless, Harlow wasn't ready for any matchmaking. Though she wanted to get angry over Maura trying to hook her up with a stranger, she couldn't. Whenever she looked at her friend it was hard to stay mad at her positively contagious aura. Maura, resembled a modern-day Snow White, with her short pixie-cut black hair, and rosy cheeks. Being adorable and bubbly was her secret weapon and most people in town simply forgave her bossy nature. This was a positive thing for Maura, who came from a somewhat socially questionable family. Her mother, to put it bluntly, was known to get around, especially with married men. The townsfolk tolerated her mother’s indiscretions because it was rumored her mother had dealings with many of the town’s influential men. With high-profile names being attached to such ugliness, the affairs were swept under the proverbial rug. Maura was only nineteen when her mother died from a heart attack. Fortunately, her mother left her financially secure, affording Maura a comfortable life. Though money has a way of earning people’s respect, Maura still trusted very few people with her true self. Her spunky carefree attitude hid her sensitive nature. A trait developed out of necessity when she was being bullied by other students for her mother's free-love lifestyle. “Earth to Harlow?” Maura said. Waving her hands for added effect. “Sorry, what were you saying?” Harlow asked. “What about the guy? Are you interested? Harlow shrugged. “With all seriousness. It is hard watching you mope around. You're only twenty-five, but you acted as if you are the same age as your parents. I want to see you happy again,” Maura confessed. Her face was stern with intent. “Maybe you should ask him out?” Harlow joked. “I think he is better suited for you. Besides, I have Rodney. Though on and off again, we’re on for the moment. Besides, you need to hop back on the horse. You know, ride on cowgirl!” “Ain’t no riding happening here." Maura shrugged off her dismissive behavior, before picking up the other half of Harlow’s uneaten sandwich and taking a bite. Harlow frowned. Maura offered the sandwich back, but Harlow shook her head. To which Maura happily continued to eat. Once Maura was finished, she mentioned she was heading to the bar to work the afternoon shift and would stop by Harlow’s house later. After Hurricane Maura’s departure, Harlow refocused on the inventory list. Her father would be back soon; she wanted to finish before his arrival. The door chimed again. So soon after Maura’s exit, Harlow assumed she had returned for some reason or another. However, when she looked, she was surprised to see a dashingly handsome, dark-complected man standing at the entrance. “Hello,” he greeted. Harlow swallowed hard, knowing he was the new arrival Maura had told her about. He strolled inside, his muscles rippled beneath his form-fitted blue T-shirt, dropping her eyes to view his lower half. She noticed how his jeans contoured his thick thighs. Impressive. She struggled to find her voice. “Hi,” she said with a slight crack in her voice. She cleared her throat before adding, “How may I help you?” With an easy smile spread across his face, his dark eyes twinkled as he spoke. “I’m renovating my home. l need paint, preferably with primer already in it and a boatload of cement.” "Well, you have come to the right place. You moved into Twin Manors. I’m your neighbor, Harlow Monroe. I live down the road from you.” She held her hand out for him to shake; his large hand engulfed hers firmly. “Pleased to meet you, I’m Asani Black. I guess word travels fast here." “Yes, sorry. It is part of small-town charm," Harlow said, blushing slightly. "Asani, that's a lovely name." "Thank you, I suppose I have my mother to thank for it. However, I rather like your name, Harlow." The way he spoke her name sounded like a melody. Maura was right, his accent was quite nice, almost hypnotic. She breathed in his spicy scent that seemed to grow stronger the longer he stood before her. Harlow blushed, but hoped her dark skin hid the reddish glow, she replied, "Thanks." Gingerly she moved around her clerk station to walk him over to the paint supplies. “I'm not sure what a "boatload" of cement is, but I can order whatever you need and can have it delivered to your home if you like. Otherwise, there's a wide selection of paints you can choose from.” To her ears, her voice sounded high-pitched and shaky; but he strolled beside her with ease. To regain her composure, she looked away at the selection of paints as she rambled on about them. When her eyes returned to Asani's, the intensity of his stare shook her to her core. For only a moment, it was as if a veil of shadows had fallen over him. "Is everything alright?" He questioned. "No, I mean yes," Harlow answered. Suddenly light-headed, she swooned and would have fallen over if Asani hadn't gripped her by the waist. Harlow looked up to peer into his midnight eyes, her breath hitched as his seductive scent invaded her senses. "Steady," he whispered. Yet, his words did little to wake her from her stupor, as his minty breath fanned her cheeks, she fell further into the void she was certain he had caused. Spellbound, Harlow was losing all sense of rhyme and reason. She breathed his intoxicating fragrance in and felt like she was getting high with every whiff. Asani licked his lips as his eyes fell on hers. Harlow leaned closer, as if gravity itself was pulling her nearer. Bells rang in her ears, shattering the spell and bringing her back to reality. It was then she recognized it was the chimer on the shop's door. Her father entered the shop and Harlow quickly pulled away from Asani, feeling as if she had been caught doing something inappropriate. Yet, she hadn't done anything wrong, had she? "Daddy, this is our new neighbor, Asani Black. Asani, this is my father, Bill Monroe." Asani gripped her father's hand in a firm handshake. Harlow side-glanced Asani, as she noticed his sweet persona had resurfaced; and oddly, the overpowering scent had faded. Her father took over servicing Asani, as Harlow faded into the background watching the two interact. Once everything had been rung up, Asani loaded the heavy pails of paint onto his forearms. "Asani, allow me to help you load your vehicle. They are too heavy for you to carry out on your own," her father cautioned. "Don't worry Mr. Monroe. They're rather light." "Ah, call me Bill. Calling me Mr. Monroe makes me feel like an old man." "Bill it is," Asani replied. "Well, I better get going. Stripping and painting the entire house isn't a small task. Thank you both for all your help." Asani's stare drifted to land squarely on Harlow, who bashfully downcast her gaze. "I see, well don't be a stranger. After all, we're just down the street. Stop by anytime," Father offered. "I appreciate the invitation. I guess I had better be off. Thank you, Bill, Miss Harlow." The bell dinged, as he exited. "Such a polite young man, wouldn't you say, Harlow?" Harlow walked over to the storefront window to gaze at Asani as he loaded his purchases into his jeep. As he slid the pails of paint inside, the muscles in his biceps and forearms flexed from his efforts. He had used those same powerful arms to steady Harlow, and she had to admit it felt nice to feel the touch of a man; even in a non-romantic way. Damn, he was every bit as sexy as Maura had described. Yet, she refused to succumb to any notion of pursuing him. Never would she allow another man to ruin her as Cory had. No matter how much she longed for companionship, for love, she refused to let her emotions rule over her. It was then Asani looked up and caught her looking at him. Feeling like a child with a hand in the cookie jar, she cast her gaze away. Yet, she felt a strong feeling overcome her, beckoning her to look upon him once more. When she did, his fierce stare had returned tenfold; yet when their eyes met, his expression softened. He even smiled warmly, which made the corners of her mouth turn up. Asani gave her a knowing wink before getting into his jeep and driving away. "Harlow?" Her father questioned. "Yes, he is something else."