Chapter 14 Martha
Martha
Tilting my head, I stop walking as I reach this historic archway.
Fingertips brush against the cool stone, the bumps and ridges scraping against my skin, but I welcome it.
Then my mind wanders. Wondering if this stone could also file my nails?
Before I’m able to attempt it, hushed voices catch my attention.
Turning my head swiftly, everything spins.
I am way too high to be the leader of this beautiful adventure.
A cricket jumps up from the lush grass, and my eyes shift to it as I watch it fly in slow motion.
She smiles at me, encouraging me to continue.
Never give up on your dreams. Follow the children.
If they can do it, so can you, mama! Tears well in only one eye.
It feels good to have her support. As she disappears back in the grass, the voices catch my attention once more.
“We need to go inside,” I shout back to Ruth. We’ve been married secretly for twenty years, and another ten proud and publicly. She’s used to my crazy, my nonsense, my sense of adventure.
“You’re talking out loud dear. And this isn’t an adventure.
It’s a death trap. Either we enter the house and die first, just like in the movies, or all this walking will have both of us stroking out.
We don’t exercise. This is a terrible idea.
” Ruth moans, passing me in her sexy tutu.
I’m definitely snacking on her pussy later.
My dry mouth salivates at the thought. I love when she gets saucy with me.
The sound of a door closing intrigues me. I tiptoe under the large archway and over the stone walkway until I am firmly pressed against the large, cold wall of the house. Two windows are between me and the front door, and I am determined not to be seen.
Granny 07 has arrived.
Each frame is made of dark wood. Leaning over, my eyes peer through the thick paned glass briefly before concealing myself once more. Bright yellow lights shine through, and a horde of chipper young adults mosey through with their backs to me.
I take the opportunity.
Ducking low, I hold both arms out for balance and scurry to the next space. “Come on, knees, don’t fail me now.”
With a racing heart, adrenaline courses through me.
This is so much fun. I peer into the next window.
Shadows of light from the hall have penetrated this room of mystery and illusion.
I am very intrigued. Then all too suddenly a body walks through the archway and I rush, pressing my body back against the outside wall.
Phew, that was close, Martha. We really dodged a bullet there.
Keeping low, I hustle beneath the last verge before reaching the alcove, where the large wooden door is hidden within.
Martha knees, don’t fail me now. One wrong move and I will be down on my ass, legs in the air, fighting for my life.
Glancing around, my arms are out and the coast is still clear.
Passing the narrow space between the last window and door, I continue.
And just as I feel success wash over me, someone clears their throat. Busted.
“Martha, what in the fuck are you doing?” It’s Ruth. Oh no, I left my beloved behind.
“I’m sorry baby, I’m coming back for you.” I spin rapidly, which was a bad idea. Because everything spins along with me, making me wobbly on my toes.
Before I fall from this complete mind warp, two hard objects rest on my shoulders.
My body further startles as they grip me, holding me still.
I squeeze my eyes shut, because I will not go down like this.
I move into action, jumping up, shaking their hold off me while spinning back around.
All the while keeping my eyes closed so I don’t get the room spins again.
My stance is wide, both arms out, fists in balls. I am ready.
One eye opens. But my brain immediately thinks it’s a lie, so I open the other and it sees the same thing.
It’s my beloved, Ruth!
“How did you get over here?” I question with concern. Her hands are on her hips, pink tutu still on, and a scowl adorning her beautiful face.
“I walked. Now, lower your weapons, would you?” My saucy girl is so sexy when she’s irritated with me. Dramatically, I tilt my head, keeping a sharp eye on her as I lower my dueling fists. You never know when a surprise attack could invade your space.
“Wait, did anyone catch you?” I question.
Her head shakes, exasperated. “Obviously not, dear.” What a risk taker.
Shifting eyes once more, I jolt forward, passing her swiftly, and open the heavy door.
Our voices could travel and the group of rambunctious youngsters could catch us party crashing.
And we cannot have that now. Because this has turned from a search-and-rescue adventure to a curious game of exploring. What is this place?
Moving as quick as my legs take me, the front entrance is well lit, decorated with old art lining the walls and a large rug covering the floor.
Either side a dark wood archway leads to more rooms, like a maze.
But I keep moving forward. To the left, narrow wooden stairs present themselves before me with the same area rug lining each step.
I hop up, gripping the railing, and as I take my first step, my slipper tries to fly off backward.
My toes curl, keeping it on but encouraging the old staircase to creak. My face scrunches. Shit.
“Would you keep moving?” Ruth hurries me from behind. I am glad she finally senses my need for urgency.
Taking the last couple steps, the creaks continue, but no one seems to stop us, or notice.
I reach the top first. More walls greet us, dim lights hidden by sconces lining the wall.
It’s papered, puke green with black designs that I can’t quite make out without my glasses.
More picture frames appear in clusters,straight-faced serious portraits fill them.
Some in color, most in black and gray. I focus on one.
Her hair is in a top bun, ruffled fabric wraps around her neck, and her scolding eyes follow me as I walk farther down the hall.
It makes me uncomfortable. The trance between us is suddenly broken when unfamiliar voices startle me.
I look back to Ruth who is wide-eyed and looks worried. A closed door stands next to her and my eyes shift toward it. She takes the hint and scurries. I rush to follow her but the same creak I stepped on earlier echoes. I have no time. “Ruth. Close the door. I won’t make it,” I whisper-shout.
Looking around, I search for options, and I notice a hall has opened itself to me.
I scurry across it, noting it’s decorated with the same horrible wallpaper and stale air.
The voices begin to get louder, more chaotic.
There are multiple people closing in. Shit.My body freezes, stance wide once more, just in case, then a closed door at the end of the hallway calls to me.
Rushing, a clock ticks, in my mind or in real life, I can’t be sure, but it adds to my anxiety.
“I wonder if we will see anything?” The question I overhear is odd.
Then another one follows. “I brought my energy reader.
There is no way we won't pick something up.” My brow furrows.
What in the…? “They say the full moon calls to the spirits. And others who have stayed here have heard chains being dragged along the attic floor. Shackles jingling and loud bangs, like someone is hitting the walls.” Oh fuck.
This is The Venom Estate. Only the most haunted place in all of the state. And I am two edibles in.
We are absolutely going to die.