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My poor brother even got sucked back in after leaving Port Canyon over thirty years ago.
Blowing out the smoke from between my lips, and putting the joint out on the wood frame of the window, I look back down at Fallon, who is now walking toward the iron gate.
She looks just fucking like him.
Chapter5
Fallon
Ashiver runs down my spine when my hand grabs hold of the cold iron handle and my thumb presses down on the lever. The gate gives and the release of the latch is audible in the silence of the backyard. Before opening it fully, I turn around and look up at the house to make sure Joanie isn’t watching. Examining all floors and trying to see through all the windows, I can’t see her glaring down at me in what I assume would be disapproval, so I proceed.
Pushing forward, the hinges squeak when I open the gate and my heart races. If she hears me, she will stop me. Knowing I need to move faster, I open it enough for my body to slip through, then once on the other side, I grab hold of a bar and close it behind me. Taking one last look back at the house, still seeing no sign of her, I turn around and start my way down the weathered stone path. It feels colder on this side of the gate.
Large trees with thick branches hang over me, blocking out the sunlight and lining the path as far as the eye can see. Blowing out a breath, I can faintly see the condensation linger briefly, before finally evaporating into the air.
Looking around, there’s nothing that immediately catches my eye.
My feet take me further in.
Wild flowers appear alongside the long wild grass, taking up any space where the thick tree trunks aren’t. The loud caws of crows startle me. Looking overhead, I can’t see them, but the branches are rustling. I’m unsure of how many are watching me, but I don't let it deter my curiosity. What else is down here?
Ahead there is another stone archway, this time without a gate, and it leads into another open space. There’s something else in the distance. It’s tall, possibly another statue like the one from the backyard.
Quickening my pace, the crows continue to squawk above me. A couple decide to fly above me, but I’m unbothered by their presence. I want to see what my new home has to offer. Rushing through the arch, the stone path stops and what I see before me is shocking.
Absolutely unexpected.
There is another statue. Only this time, the angel’s wings are closed, and he is down on bent knees with both hands, palms up, facing the sky. He has long hair and a floral headpiece. This statue is surrounded by lilies and chrysanthemums.
On either side of me, rows upon rows of headstones fill the area. Some are tall with crosses or angels, others are shorter with pieces missing, either chipped or have fallen off. All appear to be made of cement or stone. Further ahead is a huge mausoleum, it sits under a pair of large trees. The peaked roof is weathered with age and overgrown with moss. Intricate designs of angels, skulls, flowers and filigree decorate the space between the door and the top of it.
Shocked by what is in front of me, I haven’t moved. My eyes are still taking everything in as my brain tries to digest what it’s seeing.
This graveyard goes on for acres, easily.
Where the fuck am I?
Before I’m able to make my way further in, a girl, maybe my age, jumps out from behind the statue. She seems overly bubbly and smiles with wide eyes. She seems out of place here with her long black hair, baggy black hoodie, boyfriend jeans and black converse shoes.
“You must be the new girl. I’m Harper.” She spits out at me rapidly.
There is too much going on in my head right now. This person is the last thing I need.. I don’t do people and based on Joanie’s reaction to me, they don’t do me either. Except I already knew that. My father’s charismatic charm got lost in my DNA. I tolerate people and they tolerate me.
Not having replied, she tries talking to me again. “So, how are you liking it here? You’re probably wondering why I’m in your yard? I live across the street from the graveyard with my dad. He’s the town's mortician, and he’s started training me to take over. I find it peaceful here during the day.”
I survey her again, not quite sure what to make of her and this new information yet.
“I see you’re not up for visitors today. Still adjusting. That’s ok, really. I’ll come by tomorrow and maybe we can hang out? You’re the first new person here in over fifty years and the fact that you're the next in line to protect and care for the graveyard and its guests is perfect!” She says, spreading her arms wide, then continues, “We will be best friends, you’ll see. Our fate was written before we were even born. Did you know that? This was meant to happen.”
Is she high? What in the fuck is she going on about?
Harper, I think that’s her name, starts walking off into the thick tree line. But before fully disappearing into it, she turns around, “It’s ok, Fallon. Just breathe and I’ll be back tomorrow.” And then, that’s it. She’s gone.
My knees buckle. My brain feels dizzy as I fall to the hard ground beneath me.
My mind is firing off questions in quick succession that I don’t have the answers to.
What did she mean it’s peaceful during the day? What happens at night? And guests? Does Joanie host tours here or some shit? What fucking legacy or generational inheritance bullshit have I walked into? There was nothing in dad’s will explaining Joanie’s property as his inheritance, so why does Harper think it’s mine to take?
