We Walk in Darkness (A Brynn Leeds Haunting Novel Book 1) Page 2

  “Hello?” I called again.

  “Hello?” I heard a voice answer. It sounded as if he were hiding behind one of the massive columns that lined the strange room.

  “Who’s there? Please show yourself.” I insisted desperately.

  Stepping out from the shadows, “Here I am.” His golden blonde hair fell across his brow. It was a boy. Slightly shorter than me. He wore dark pants and a white shirt. He wore shiny black shoes which were perfectly laced. I had an eye for those kinds of details.

  “I am Brynn. Is this your home? Where am I?”

  How lonely I’ve been! So lonely I wanted to spend time with this strange boy. I needed to talk to someone my own age.

  “My name is Charles. How did you get here?” Charles moved closer, adjusting the button on his white short sleeved suit. He was impeccably dressed and looked to be heading to a party or coming from one. Nothing seemed out of place with him.

  “I’m not sure.” I nervously answered. “You see, I’m not well. I’ve been sick.”

  Charles reached out his hand to me. “That’s okay, Brynn. I’m glad that you are here. I am often alone and would enjoy the company.” Lively piano music played from somewhere just out of sight. “Would you like to dance?”

  I blushed at the thought. I became very aware that, thankfully, I was dressed from head to toe in proper party attire. Not a horrible hospital gown. “I’m afraid I don’t know how to dance. Only with my Father but he’s…”

  Oh, I couldn’t end this. I couldn’t say no. I didn’t want this pleasant dream to end.

  He smiled politely and offered his hand. I spotted a slight gap in his teeth. “I will teach you. All you must do is follow my lead. It is that simple.” Taking his hand, I followed him out into the middle of the room. His arm was politely around my waist as I awkwardly placed mine across his shoulder.

  “Like this,” he smiled sweetly. “One, two, three, four. One, two, three, four. Yes, just like that. One, two, three, four.” The two of us practically floated across the dance floor. Dancing with my new friend was easier than I could have imagined.

  My head was swimming as we moved around the room. Charles’ smiling eyes gazed into mine, but the rest of the room became a blur. I saw nothing but the dream boy—he was my entire focus. Nothing mattered in that moment but our dance.

  I closed my eyes, the warmth of Charles and the starlight shone down on us. No, I never wanted this moment to end.

  Suddenly, our dance did end. The sweet piano music faded away and Charles let me go. He took a step back, his smile vanished. His expression was one of sadness.

  I felt the same way.

  “You have to wake up, Brynn.” A voice called out before a gentle nudge poked me in the side. “Brynn, wake up.” It was a familiar voice, soft and gentle, but it was not welcomed. Charles quickly faded as did the lovely room we’d danced in.

  “No, please. Charles?”

  It wasn’t Charles at all. Mrs. Merriweather shook me back into my miserable existence. Away from the music and the lovely dance with Charles. I wanted to be anywhere but in this reality. My dreams were far better than my true life.

  “I’m sorry to wake you, Brynn. I have some wonderful news.” The edge of the hospital bed lowered as Mrs. Merriweather sat beside me. I imagined her as the same age as my mother. Probably middle aged with soft features and a smile that would light up any room. I was good at imagining how people looked but it was nothing like seeing them with your own eyes.

  “I am awake.”

  “There’s a fine doctor visiting here in the hospital. He is only here for a few days. Dr. Wallace is a specialist. He is the administrator of a facility that cares for the blind. It’s not too far from here. Only a few hours. I am hopeful that he can help you. He is interested in your case, Brynn. In that you are extremely fortunate. His is performing experimental therapy. He can help you, I’m sure of it!”

  “What kind of therapy?”

  “That would be a question for Dr. Wallace, but he has seen results in many of his patients. He’s even been able to restore their sight! I don’t want to build up your hopes, but you must try, Brynn. Your mother and father would want you to try.”

  “Where is this facility? Why would Dr. Wallace want to help me?”

  “Windham Hall is the facility, and it is in the mountains of Tennessee, not too far from here.”

  “It seems a little too good to be true.” My voice broke even though I couldn’t cry. I certainly wanted to cry myself a river. Like Alice from Alice in Wonderland.

  Mrs. Merriweather was unusually quiet as she sat beside me. Her voice cracked when she finally spoke, “You will see again. I just know it.” That’s the one thing that I loved about Mrs. Merriweather; she had a knack for believing in the impossible. Her faith truly ministered to me. Me seeing again. That was impossible. I’d already been told as much by several other doctors. My retinas were damaged too severely by the fire. The pain had almost completely diminished but my blindness would last forever.

  “I suppose I should try,” I answered with as much positivity as possible.

  Mrs. Merriweather patted my arm, “That’s the spirit. I’ll get you packed and let Dr. Wallace know that you’ve accepted his kind offer.”

  “Thank you, Mrs. Merriweather.”

  The bed shifted as she rose. “My pleasure, dear. I’m sure Dr. Wallace will be in shortly to go over everything with you personally.”

  If only I could share in her enthusiasm. The only place I wanted to be was back in my dreams, where I could see and dance. That was the only place I felt like my old self.

  Free from this prison of darkness.

  *****

  “Good morning, Brynn. My name is Dr. Wallace.”

  There was a certain cadence to Dr. Wallace’s voice. It was low and deep, like the melodic sounds of rolling thunder. Soothing and mesmerizing like a tolling bell. For some reason, I couldn’t summon up an image for him. I couldn’t imagine a smile on his face or friendly eyes. I wondered why.

  “Good morning, Dr. Wallace.” I replied as I sat up in the bed and tried to tidy myself.

  “No need to move, young lady. I hear you’ve accepted my offer. Is that correct?”

  “Yes, sir.” I heard him flipping pages on is clipboard.

  “Windham Hall is a wonderful place. I’m sure you’re excited about starting your rehabilitation.”

  “Yes, sir,” I lied as politely as I could. I wasn’t ready at all. This place had become my home. I didn’t want to go back to my house. Not without my parents. My father’s attorney faithfully visited me and assured me I had nothing to worry about. My parents left me quite wealthy.

  Wealth. What did that matter? It was nothing without Mother and Father.

  Yes, this had become my home. I knew all the smells that lingered in the hospital hallways. Each nurses’ schedules and their perfumes. My throat began to close on me. Fear set in. Since the accident, the world had become a much more dangerous place.

  What was I thinking when I agreed to this?

  The smell of Dr. Wallace’s aftershave hit me. He had moved closer, “Brynn, I know this is difficult for you. Everything you’ve known is gone. Everything you’ve loved has been taken from you. I cannot imagine how you must feel. I think I can help you, Brynn. My facility has equipment and techniques that are not available here. Tell me what you’re thinking.”

  I didn’t hesitate. “I am afraid. I am afraid of everything. What if you can’t help me? What happens then? Will I go to an asylum?”

  “If we don’t do anything, yes. You will go to an asylum. I will not sugar coat the seriousness of your situation, Brynn. We have a chance, but you have to try. You must be brave. Do it for yourself and all the other blind children that will benefit from your bravery.”

  His words made sense to me. I had to try. I had to be brave. Not only for myself but as Dr. Wallace said, for other children.

  “Okay,” I whispered. “When do we leave?”

&nb
sp; “That a girl,” Dr. Wallace replied sounding pleased with my answer. “My head nurse at Windham Hall will get everything ready on our end. I will see you in two days. Leave your worries behind, Brynn. I assure you; you are in capable hands.”

  I hoped that was true.

  Chapter Four—Irene

  The reflection staring back at me was almost unrecognizable. Every time I caught my image in a mirror, I saw my sister. The same flat, yet angular face, thick brown eyebrows and dark, questioning eyes. We were not twins but when we were younger, many believed we were.

  Including Fredrick, the only man that I ever loved. Absolutely loved. But Elaine stole his heart and the ring that was supposed to be on my finger. And with that, stole my once dreamed of future. Strange how the years could not seem to bring me closure.

  At least now I was a career woman—an intensive care nurse and sometimes a traveling companion. I had a good life although it was not the life I’d planned for. But for some reason, despite believing I’d made peace with the past, these last few weeks cost me a multitude of sleepless nights. And it showed on my face. No amount of makeup would hide these dark circles under my eyes.

  Dr. Wallace’s proposal gave me plenty of hope for the future. It was a welcomed distraction. I’d be able to assist in Brynn Leeds’ treatment at his facility. The young lady needed someone to look after her and the doctor asked for me specifically. I got the sense that Hilda, the night nurse did not approve of his choice, but Dr. Wallace considered me the best possibility.

  “Irene, you have an uncanny connection to Brynn. Your care and my treatments will surely get her on the road to recovery.”

  How could I refuse?

  Windham Hall would be just the place for me to escape to while I figured everything out. Away from well-meaning friends and intrusive family members. If my sister found out my secret, there would be no end to the shame I would endure.

  No one needed to know about my predicament. My outside appearance hadn’t changed yet. I still had a few months, by my calculations, before I started to show.

  I tucked the loose strand of hair back behind my ear, “There that’s better.” I announced to no one. My hands brushed the front of my uniform over my still flat stomach. I could pretend all I wanted but the pretense would only last a little while. I was undeniably pregnant.

  The words of my father came back to me, “How could you let this happen?” That’s exactly what he said when Elaine eloped with my fiancé. As if I were the cause of their mutual betrayal. It was rather disgusting.

  But then I saw Frederick again. I didn’t expect to have any feelings for the man that broke my heart so completely, but I did. One thing led to another. Things I knew better than to indulge in. When I informed him of my situation, he brought me no comfort.

  “How could you do this?” he said savagely as we sat in his car. It had begun to rain with no signs of letting up anytime soon. Shocked at his response was an understatement.

  “Me? How could I do this? Excuse me, Freddy but I do believe there were two of us that caused this situation.” I snapped back without fear. I’d already lost him—and my self-respect.

  Running his hands nervously through his hair, “This can’t be. Are you sure?”

  “Positive,” I replied, sharply. “I’m a nurse. I think I should know.”

  It was the last time I saw him. He no longer took my calls, my sister always picked up the phone. It was clear that he was hiding behind her skirts, daring me to say something. Who would believe me? Elaine would not. He was handsome, successful. Everything a girl could hope for. I shouldn’t have been so careless, but he voiced such regret over having chosen my sister over me.

  Oh, and I wanted to believe him. He began to whisper pretty lies. Even lies about leaving my sister and marrying me. Yes, he gently placed those promises on the table of my heart.

  It was a promise unfulfilled. He ran at the first sign of responsibility.

  I shook my head to release the memory. The past was the past now.

  Brynn needed me, “Knock, knock.”

  The door was cracked slightly, and I could see Brynn lying in the hospital bed. Her golden hair draped the pillow and framed her angelic face. Bandages covered her eyes and some of her body that had suffered injuries during the explosion.

  No one had had any warning that day at the factory. There were no other survivors but young Brynn. The poor little rich girl.

  “Irene?” Brynn asked.

  “Yes, it’s me. How are you doing today?”

  “Good, I suppose,” She tucked her chin down and shifted her head toward the door, “Will we be leaving for Windham Hall soon?”

  I tried to keep an upbeat voice, “We will be leaving tomorrow. Are you ready to travel? Dr. Wallace wants to get you started on your treatments right away.”

  The treatments were new, nothing that I was familiar with, but I was eager to learn. and the results should be promising. Brynn was a test subject. There were no guarantees.

  Brynn slumped down further onto the bed, “Irene, do you think they will work?”

  “I can’t make any promises about the treatments, but I can promise you that Dr. Wallace and I will do everything we can to help you get your sight back.” It was the only thing I could promise.

  “You know, Dr. Wallace was right about my other senses getting stronger.” Brynn responded. “I notice it in small ways but there’s nothing like seeing. I do hope that one day I can see again. I miss seeing the world.”

  “I believe you, Brynn. If you could see one thing, what would it be? Flowers? The sun? The stars or maybe…”

  Without hesitation I answered her, “My mother and father.

  I took Brynn’s hands and held them in my own. “I’m sorry all this happened to you, Brynn.”

  Brynn smiled and it was beautiful. She wasn’t comfortable being pitied. She changed the subject, “I could tell it was you before you even said a word, Irene. My other senses are getting stronger.”

  “Oh, really?” I chuckled, “How so? Give me an example.”

  “First your perfume. I smelled it before you knocked. A whisp of it. Kind of fresh and lemony. And not just your fragrance but you. Did you know that each person has their own scent? I can tell who is coming into my room now just by the scent of them.”

  “That’s amazing, Brynn. And you’ve only been working with the other senses for a few weeks. How is the pain?”

  “It hardly hurts anymore. Sometimes it’s not so great.” After a moment Brynn giggled and whispered a secret, “Dr. Wallace has a sour smell most of the time.”

  It was the first time I had heard her giggle. “I won’t tell him you said that young lady.” I laughed out loud. It was hard holding back the tears, “Now get some rest. I’ll be back in just a little while to change your bandages.”

  Brynn lifted her hand to her eyes, “When will these be removed for good?”

  “It won’t be long.” I smiled, “Dr. Wallace said they will be removed when we get to Windham Hall. That will help them heal.”

  Yes, everything would change once we got to the facility. Both of our lives had been given a new direction and path, but it had come through less than perfect circumstances.

  “Good, because they itch,” she replied, rubbing at the gauze. I moved her hands away.

  “That’s a good sign. Itching means healing but you must resist the urge to scratch it. Doing so can undo the healing. Once we get there, I’ll help you with the itch. I’ve got an ointment just for that.”

  Pretty soon, Brynn nodded off and I tucked her in. Such a sad, sweet girl. She hadn’t deserved the terrible breaks that came her way. I had never known such a brave young person. Hopefully, her bravery would rub off on me too.

  We were both going to need it.

  I flicked out the light and left her to sleep.

  Chapter Five—Brynn

  Irene helped me dress for leaving the hospital. I had a new dress, a yellow floral pattern Irene described to me. I al
so had stockings and grown-up heeled boots. “You look absolutely lovely in this dress.” She reassured me as she brushed my hair.

  My hair was much shorter than it used to be. Much of it had been burned during the explosion. Irene had kindly cut it and now tidied it up into a French twist. It felt strange not to feel my long hair on my back.

  The truth was Irene could have been dressing me in a potato sack for all I could see. I tried to envision the floral pattern. The outline of the dress and the shoes she had placed on my feet.

  Next Irene and I gathered all my things which wasn’t much. My attorney kept me updated on my aunt’s attempts to claim my property. He assured me that as long as I was alive, she could not take a single teacup out of the house. The staff had been ordered not to give her access to the property. The locks had been changed. Thank goodness for Mr. Smith. He was good to me and showed up each week to pay for my care and bring whatever I requested. I asked for photos of my parents, although I was sure I’d ever look at them. I hoped that one day, with Dr. Wallace’s help I would return to a normal life.

  “Irene, how long will the trip be?” I asked as Irene stuffed my suitcases for me.

  “Not that long,” she replied sweetly. “Just a few hours at the most. As long as the harsh weather holds off.”

  I suddenly felt incredibly nervous about leaving the hospital. It was ten steps to the restroom and one short wheelchair ride to the cafeteria. I didn’t know what to expect about Windham Hall.

  “What is Windham Hall like? Will there be other children there?”

  Irene sat on the edge of the bed next to me, “You sure are asking a lot of questions this morning. You aren’t changing your mind, are you?”

  I sighed, “I’m nervous is all.”

  “There’s nothing to be nervous about,” Irene patted my leg. “For the record, I’ve never been there either. But I’ll be right there next to you the whole time. You should know that I’d never let anything, or anyone hurt you.”