Cottage Creep - Chapter 14
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It was bright and sunny the next afternoon when Ron arrived.
Half expecting to see his brother waving on the porch, he was somewhat
taken back when he spotted a beautiful young women sitting on the
porch swing. He exited the car and climbed the steps. "Hello,
Ma'am."
"Why hello to you suh," she replied in a heavy southern drawl.
"Why I do believe I know you. Would you be the brother of that fine
young man who has seen fit to fix up my old decrepit house for me?
He's such a fine young man you know."
"Uh, yeah, something like that. Where is he, do you know?"
Ron responded.
"Well suh, I do believe he went into town this mawnin' to
fetch some supplies. He should be along any time now. Do have a seat
beside me and tell me about yourself."
"His car is still here. How did he go into town?" Ron asked.
"Well now, I don't rightly know. He must have left before I
arose this morning because I haven't seen him around all day.
Normally he is such a noisy boy, sawing and a'hammering, n'all. But
its been real quiet today. I do love the quiet don't you?"
"Well if you'll excuse me, I think I will go look for him. He
is supposed to be here to meet me," Ron said to her.
"Why suh! You would not invade the privacy of a ladies home
would you?" she protested.
"No ma'am I would not. However, this house happens to belong
to my brother and I am going in by invitation. Now if you will excuse
me." With that Ron entered the house. "Tom!" he yelled. "Where are
you?" He looked around in several of the rooms downstairs and found
no signs. Next he went upstairs and continued his search. "Tom!" he
yelled again.
Upon entering the room that Tom used for a bedroom, he found a
sleeping figure covered with a blanket. He pulled back the cover and
saw that it was his brother, Tom. Ron's breath caught as he realized
this Tom looked old, almost ancient. "Tom!" he shouted. "Are you
OK?" Ron shook the sleeping figure.
Tom opened his eyes, and upon recognizing his brother rose
feebly to one elbow. "Help me," he rasped
Ron helped him sit up "What the hell has happened to you? Are
you sick?"
"Burn it," Tom told him. "Burn it." He repeated.
"Burn what? What are you talking about?" Ron asked
"House. Burn the house. Now!" Tom emphasized.
"What? This house? Tom, I'm taking you to a doctor. Come on,
let's go." With that, Ron hoisted he brother to a standing position
and together they stumbled down the stairs. The exited the front door
to the porch and the woman was standing in the middle of the steps to
the yard.
"Don't leave. You mustn't leave!" she demanded.
"Madam, you need to move. I need to get my brother to a
hospital."
"No, I won't let you take him. I wont let you by!" her voice
was now a bit shrill.
"Either get out of the way or I will come through you!" Ron
demanded.
The woman stood her ground another few seconds, and then
stepped aside. "It won't change anything," she said to their receding
backs. "He belongs here. He's mine," she finished.