AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Yes,” I reply. “Why do you ask?”
“No reason. Just making conversation.” She hesitates, then she adds dryly, “Your brother is up rather late, isn’t he? When I had my children living with me, they were always in bed by seven, never fail.”
“Yeah, I know he stays up late. That’s something we’re still working on, but I’m sure we’ll get there eventually. It just takes time.”
“What kids need is a proper bedtime routine. Bath, book, and bed. Always works a treat.”
“Thanks, I’ll remember that.” I rub the back of my neck in exasperation. “So, you said you brought us some gifts?” I say, hoping to steer the conversation to more tranquil waters.
“Yes, thanks for reminding me.” Reaching inside a plastic carrier bag, she produces some packets of biscuits. “I got you and Freddie a big bottle of Lucozade too. There are also some brandy snaps in there that my niece gave to me last Christmas. Unfortunately, they give me terrible gas, but you and Freddie might like them.”
“How thoughtful of you. These all look great, thank you.”
“I also brought you this, Jessica.” Smiling, she produces a small velvet pouch and takes out a pretty silver crucifix. Gently, she places it in the palm of my hand and closes my fingers over it. “This is especially for you, my dear. I hope that you’ll wear it.”
“Oh, thanks. It’s lovely.” What an odd present. I hardly know her, yet this seems surprisingly sentimental. Also, I’m not particularly religious.
There is another moment of loaded silence.
“Are you still seeing that young man?”
“Come again?”
“The young man I saw you climbing out of your window with last Saturday.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. I didn’t climb out of—”
“Oh, please,” Mrs Biederhof scoffs. “I might be old but I’m not blind. Just answer the question. Are you still seeing him?”
“Yes,” I admit lightly. “Why, what has it got to do with you?”
“I’m just looking out for your welfare, my dear.” The old woman pauses, picking words. “It’s just that I’ve seen him around here a few times parked in that black car of his. He doesn’t like to show his face, does he?”
I make no response. Dammit, I don’t really know what to say to that and find her level of directness deeply unsettling. I had no idea she knew so much about us.
“The thing is,” she continues. “I always get such a strange vibe from him. It’s like I can almost sense when he’s around, and you know it’s weird, on two occasions when I saw him, right afterwards, my electricity just cut out. Isn’t that strange?”
“I’m not sure I understand. What are you trying to say?”
“I’m just telling you to be careful, that’s all, and wear your crucifix. There’s something about that young man that isn’t right, I’m certain of it. Darkness follows him around like a shadow and I feel…I feel there’s something abnormal about him, though I can’t exactly say what. I don’t know if your mother ever told you, but I’m an esoteric healer which means I’m highly sensitive to disturbances. And that young man of yours disturbs me more than anyone I’ve ever met. Please, please, take care.”
I shift my weight awkwardly. I don’t want to hear any of this and need her to leave right now. “Listen, I really should be putting Freddie to bed. You know, ‘bath, book and bed?’ Thanks again for the presents, Mrs Biederhof, this crucifix is lovely, and the brandy snaps will be gone by tomorrow. I’d love to spend more time talking, but it’s getting late, so I’d better see you out.”
She doesn’t say anything; just shakes her head like I’m a lost cause. Gently, but firmly, I usher her out the living room towards the front door, but before I can close it, she reaches out and clutches my hand again.
“May God be with you,” she whispers. Then she’s gone.
For a couple of heartbeats, I stand with my back against the door and release a long, slow, breath. Wow, that was intense. I honestly don’t know how much more of this I can take. It’s just one thing after another. That conversation with her has really creeped me out and I can’t help wondering if this is another omen of things to come. I always knew Mrs Biederhof was a little ‘out there’ but an esoteric healer? What even is that? And what is she insinuating? That Alex is evil and could be a danger to me? How many times have I heard that before?
It’s Beatrix Kingswood all over again and despite knowing deep down that their warnings are probably well intentioned, I simply don’t want to hear it. I know what my boyfriend is. I know about the shrouds of malevolent darkness that surround him, but I don’t need rescuing. He’s a demon, a creature from another world, and I don’t care. I still want to be with him. Nobody makes me feel the way he does. Nobody fucks me the way he does. No, I must do as my nature dictates and no matter what they say, I cannot, will not be without him.
After a while, I drift into the kitchen and switch on the kettle to make a cup of camomile tea to help calm my nerves. Then I remember the pregnancy test and my whole world caves again. Prickling with nervous tension, I return to the bathroom to finish what I started, my limbs heavy with a dark sense of foreboding. Picking the plastic device up from the floor, I remove the cap and take it over to the toilet to urinate on. After I finish doing the deed, I replace the cap and put the test on the windowsill to ensure it remains horizontal as advised in the instruction leaflet. I now must wait five minutes to learn my fate. Folding my arms protectively across my chest, I pace up and down the bathroom in a mild frenzy. Every couple of seconds, I keep checking my watch for the time.
I run my fingers down my face. Oh my God, the suspense is excruciating. What the hell am I going to do if the test is positive? What then? I love Alex but the thought of having his baby scares me to death. It would be such a journey into the unknown, how would I ever cope?
At last, the five minutes is up. I walk over to the windowsill. My head throbs. The room starts to weave and spin. With shaking hands, I lift up the pregnancy test to check and see what colour band appears. For what seems forever, I hold the test in mid-air, prolonging the moment far longer than is necessary. Finally, I look down to see what the result shows. I cover my mouth to stifle a sob.
Suddenly, there are three loud knocks on the front door. Eerie hollow sounds that echo throughout the entire flat…followed by a ghostly silence.
I don’t need three guesses to know who it is.
“Jess!” Freddie shouts. “There’s someone at the door again. Should I open it?”
This time I make no response. I’m too shocked to speak.
