The Old House on Elm Street 4 and a Worthy Cause
Before we get to the predicament Isadora Grey has placed herself in, we here at the Pond have other business to attend to.
My darling Invisible buddy Fringe Girl is holding a Party in Pink for her first blogaversary.
Now you all know I adore pink.
And this is even better. This is pink with a cause. See, Fringe Girl’s party honors women fighting breast cancer. What many of you don’t know is that two months after Ben and I were married, my mother discovered she had Stage 2 breast cancer. She had a mastectomy and her lymph nodes taken out of her left arm, as the cancer had spread there as well. It was a shock for all of us.
But as I cried and dissolved into a puddle of worry, my sister Danielle stepped up. She stayed all night in the hospital with my mom by my dad’s side, caring for both as I fussed in another city. She changed my mother’s bandages and drainage tubes, cooked and cleaned during her chemo treatments and stayed calm and cool, never shedding a tear in front of my mother. Danielle did this all during her freshman year of college in another city, the prime time for one to be selfish in their life.
So in honor of my sister’s 21st birthday, and in honor of my mother for fighting a tragic battle and coming out stronger, I dedicate this to them. For more wonderful stories of strong women overcoming cancer, visit Fringe Girl.
And now, prepare to be terrified.
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Isadora Grey sucked her breath in between her teeth in one short burst, her foot automatically stepping back on the creaky rotten porch. Although the door was open, she could see nothing but a few pale, wrinkled fingers through the dark sliver.
“Yes?” the voice repeated, as creaky as the floorboards.
Isadora opened her mouth. Only a squeak came out.
“You rang me, child,” the voice reminded her, both amused and annoyed. “Unless you have something to discuss, I shall retire to my rooms.” The long white fingers tapped against the door, one by one. The fingernails were blood red.
Isadora opened her mouth again, but nothing came out. Pounding her chest, she screamed, but there was no sound. It was as though her voice had been stolen by the door.
“I see you are speechless,” the voice murmured, chuckling in a low voice. The sound was raspy and low, as though the speaker had gargled with gravel. It was impossible to tell if it was a man or woman. Isadora leaned forward, peering towards the door. The figure drew back, inching the door closer towards the frame.
“As amusing as this all was,” the voice drawled, “I must be going. So much to do, you know. Please call again sometime. I have very much enjoyed our exchange.” Cackling, the white hand began to close the door.
Jumping in panic, Isadora grabbed the edge of the door and yanked. The late afternoon sunlight streamed inside eagerly, revealing a short boy wearing a black robe that pooled around his feet. Thin, with a gaunt pale face and large dark eyes, he glared up at her from a mop of messy black curls.
“Now, look what you did,” he hissed, hurrying behind the door. “You’ve messed up everything! That girl on the sidewalk probably saw me!”
Isadora turned. Wren was hurrying towards them, her small face pinched with worry.
“Oh no!” the boy groaned. “Now there’ll be two of you in here mucking about! She won’t like that, no, she won’t like that at all. I must go! I must go now! I never meant for”–
“Poe!” Isadora turned to see a ashen maid in a dusty black and white uniform, her dull brown hair pulled into a severe bun that stretched her features. She clamped her hand over her mouth, glancing about. “You know you’re not supposed to open the door! Especially with her here!”
“Well what do you want me to do about it now, Rowan?” the boy named Poe hissed, his black eyes flickering with anger.
“Shut the door!” the maid demanded, starting towards him. Poe reached for the door, but Isadora slapped his hand away. Twisting her face into a scowl, Isadora pulled the door open farther and pointed to her throat.
“Poe!” Rowen hissed. “You didn’t! Not after last time!”
“Well, that was just a bit of fun,” the boy whined peevishly. “It’s not like the stuff that Samara did back in the”–
“Shh!” Rowen whispered, clapping a hand over his mouth. “We can’t speak of that! Not with her upstairs. It’s not safe! Not until midnight.” She glanced at Isadora and sighed. “Only Samara can save her now. Only she can bring her to Mrs. Watkins, where it’s safe.”
Isadora mouthed, “Mrs. Watkin’s?”
Rowen nodded. “Mrs. Watkin’s is what we all live for. Or did. Until she came in.”
Isadora opened her mouth again, but overhead, a large cobweb chandelier bobbed as the celing creaked.
“She‘s up,” Poe whispered, his voice cracking.
“Come along then,” Rowen muttered, wringing her hands. “We must hurry.”
Isadora leaned back as they reached for her. From what she could see of the house, the inside was worse than the out. The dark wooden walls were covered in thick draperies, speckled with a few cracked oil paintings in tarnished golden frames. The wooden floor looked as rotten as the porch, the ornate stairwell rusting and growing with weeds sneaking in from the outside.
And then there were the doors. Seven doors circled the room, each painted a different color. She had no intention of finding out what was behind any of them. Shaking her head, she grabbed onto the doorframe and waved for Wren. Grabbing her feet, Rowen and Poe pulled her in with a grunt. The last thing Isadora saw was her friend’s horrified face as the door slammed shut, a heavy bolt falling across the frame.
Sprawled on the ground, Isadora glared up at her two captors.
“I know this seems all very untoward, but we must get you downstairs,” Rowen hissed, pulling her up. For someone so frail and pale, she certainly was strong. “Samara is the only one that can protect you from”–
“Who is here?” The sound rang out through the old house. Poe clammed a chilly hand over Isadora’s face, his black eyes wide.
“No one, ma’am!” Rowen cried, hurrying towards the ornate staircase. “Just a package delivery for Samara!” Jerking her hand towards the thick black door, she motioned for Poe to take her there. Screaming in her silent prision, Isadora twisted and struggled as Poe dragged her through the doorframe.
“A package delivery?” the voice pondered as the door creaked shut. “What kind?”
“Just herbs, ma’am,” Rowen cried, slamming the door shut with one last worried look at Poe.
Lost in a dark room, Isadora yanked out of Poe’s grasp and slammed her elbow into his ribs. She rushed ahead, blindly putting her arms out in front of her. Her hands grabbed something soft and slightly sticky. A faint chuckle filled the air.
“Welcome, child,” a voice cooed. “Let me properly introduce myself.” A flame flickered, and like magic, a thousand candles sprang to life.
And although no one could hear her, Isadora screamed.
To be continued…
Stay tuned, Invisible Friends! We have a brand new recipe tomorrow and a new Dallas Jean Lee! And all sorts of whimsical fun is coming your way! Stay tuned!
October 7th, 2009 at 4:22 am
and what a door frame it is! what a nice dedication today!
October 7th, 2009 at 4:41 am
Scary!!! I will go visit Fringe Girl!
October 7th, 2009 at 4:45 am
Oh Duckie! I tell you EVERYDAY that I love your stories so much! I can’t wait to see what happens next!
That was a beautiful dedication today. I am so very proud to know you. You are one in a million!
Love and hugs!
October 7th, 2009 at 5:18 am
A very happy birthday to your sister!
October 7th, 2009 at 5:23 am
Happy Birthday to your wonderful, caring sister! And what a lovely way to honor her. And your mother.
Another scary Halloween story….I’m shaking in my boots!
October 7th, 2009 at 5:29 am
Happy Birthday to your sister!! And what a beautiful way to honor them both!!
I am SO loving this story!!
October 7th, 2009 at 5:41 am
What a sweet dedication! Happy Bday to your sis!
October 7th, 2009 at 5:48 am
Hey, I like where this story is going!!
Sorry to hear about the ordeal your family had to endure. I’m glad your mom is healthy now~
October 7th, 2009 at 5:49 am
Love the scary story! Happy birthday to your sister!
October 7th, 2009 at 5:58 am
Sorry to hear about your mom. Happy Birthday to your sister! She sounds like an amazing person!
October 7th, 2009 at 6:16 am
Happy birthday to your sister! I love where this story is going!
October 7th, 2009 at 6:25 am
happy birthday to sis and I’m so happy that Mother Ducky is healthy again
kHm
October 7th, 2009 at 6:44 am
Happy birthday to your sister. I’m so glad your mother is well again! Thank you for honoring these two special women today and being part of Party in Pink.
-FringeGirl
October 7th, 2009 at 7:11 am
So, is your sister the Blond Goose? Or the Blond Partridge? Happy Birthday, Danielle, no matter what kind of blond you are.
So, Samara makes herb bread, not cookies. Interesting….
October 7th, 2009 at 7:16 am
Your mom and sister sound like amazing women.
October 7th, 2009 at 7:21 am
Your sister sounds like a remarkable women (and your mother too). I hope she has the wonderful birthday she deserves.
Samara huh? Will she be crawling out of a well and killing someone as soon as the phone rings?
(Sorry, I had to ask)
October 7th, 2009 at 7:48 am
Whta a sweet dedication to both your mom and sister! I am sooo afraid, I love this story!
October 7th, 2009 at 7:49 am
What a loving tribute to Danielle. You both come from good stock. I am glad you have each other.
October 7th, 2009 at 7:57 am
Happy, Happy Birthday to Danielle! She is such a wonderful, selfless person for everything she did for your mother! I think I may adore her as much as I adore you, Duckie!
And yes, we are so blogging and Little Red Riding Hood soulmates!
October 7th, 2009 at 9:30 am
You’re so funny – now prepare to be terrified. Seriously though, your fam sounds incredible. My hats off to them! And best of birthday wishes to your sis.
October 7th, 2009 at 10:21 am
The names you chose always perfectly capture the character, I’m impressed as always.
October 7th, 2009 at 10:53 am
What an inspirational post and yay for pink! Happy Birthday to your sister!
October 7th, 2009 at 11:05 am
Happy birthday to your sis! This is an amazing way to honor her and your mom! I’m off to check out Fringe Girl’s site!
October 7th, 2009 at 11:16 am
Happy Birthday to your sister, 21 is a good birthday!! I love this story, perfect for Halloween time!
October 7th, 2009 at 11:16 am
I didn’t expect them to pull her in like that.
Your sister is such a kindhearted person and truly unselfish. Happy Birthday to your dear sister!
October 7th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
Happy Birthday Sis!!!! You really stepped up and you need to celebrate now tht times are better. Glad you got honored by your sista!
Sandra
October 7th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
Ooh, spooky!
October 7th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Gosh, Duckie, is your mom doing okay now? I hope you and your sister are vigilant in self exams and doctor check ups. Your family sounds wonderful. Happy birthday to your sister! You two look so great together.
Now, about this story. EEEEKKK! I swear my heart rate triples with each installment. I kept hollering, run away, run A.W.A.Y.! I need to go lay down now.
October 7th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
So glad your mom is oksy. It sounds like you have strong women in your family!
October 7th, 2009 at 2:58 pm
Thanks for stopping by to say hi yesterday
It looks like there is a lot going on here. I am glad that your mom’s story seems to have turned out well, and it sounds like your sister is well-deserving of your fine tribute!
October 7th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
Do kids come around to your house to listen to you telling your stories? I would!
October 7th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
Miranda,
I am sad (hick), you haven’t seen my TACO…
I’m so proud you know, it’s my first ever. And it’s because of you too.
Just incase you didn’t know, it’s in my cooking blog.
http://elrascooking.blogspot.com/2009/10/grilled-fish-taco.html
Hope you have to take a look.
xoxo,
elra
October 7th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
Here’s to pink power!
October 7th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
Oh, your sweet stories!! Your sister and mom are quite remarkable. Happy Birthday to your sister. You two are adorable.
October 7th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
Oh, did I tell you that I was glad that you sent the muffin recipe to your sister?? Hope she enjoys! =)
October 7th, 2009 at 5:45 pm
I’m happy to hear your mother is fighting like a trooper. I have lost love ones to cancer and anytime I see someone fight for a cause like this it warms my heart. I wish your mom the best in her recovery and a very happy birthday to your sister.
October 7th, 2009 at 6:45 pm
I am thankful your mother is a survivor. Happy Birthday to your sister!
October 7th, 2009 at 7:12 pm
Sending good thoughts to your mom. Happy b-day to your sister. This story is getting sooooo good.
October 7th, 2009 at 8:01 pm
Your sister is amazing. And you guys are rocking the pink. HOORAY for strong and beautiful women!
October 7th, 2009 at 9:03 pm
This is getting scary Duckie! I love it! Happy birthday to your sister!
XOXO
Jen
October 8th, 2009 at 1:37 am
I have so many of your wonderful stories to catch up on. Happy birthday to your sister. And i’m so glad to hear that your mother beating this thing.
October 8th, 2009 at 6:34 am
I love scary stories!! This is so good! Happy Birthday to your sis! Glad your Mom’s ok. She’s a tough cookie!
October 8th, 2009 at 9:44 am
Happy birthday to your sister! Beautiful pictures!
October 8th, 2009 at 10:56 am
Happy Birthday to your sweet sister!
I LOVE this story! I am completely riveted!
October 8th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
Wonderful sister and brave mother.
Ramona
October 8th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Awww, your family is as wonderful as you (not that I’d expect any different)! Sending good wishes for your sis, and warm thoughts for your mom.
I’m so tickled with this story for Halloween…I say as I bite my nails to the quick. :}
October 9th, 2009 at 11:20 pm
Happy 21st to your sister and best wishes to your Mom.
BTW, for Pay It Forward, you send something to someone else.
October 11th, 2009 at 10:33 pm
Oh gosh….this is so scary Duckie. I think JK Rowlands better be pretty afraid too, coz this is brilliant!!! I Just love these characters. My mom had breast cancer as well and I know just how scary that is. I couldn’t be with my mom either as I lived too far away, which was even worse. I wanted to be there for her so very much. I heard some scary statistics the other day about BC. One in 4 women who get it in the UK dies. Frightening. I have my mammogram this Friday. I hate the damn things, but they are a necessary evil. I shall be petrified until I get the all clear.
October 12th, 2009 at 5:49 am
I am frightened. I wonder if Samara is the good one?! BTW you won the warming pad! Let me know where you want me to send it and I will mail it sometime this week! Congratulations! woooo whoooo!