Dark Realm 59
Weeks after burning down Red Thai, Brinley chose to spend her time in her room. Around noon, she pulled the sheer curtains back to peer into the courtyard below. Sitting on a bench surrounded by fresh roses sat Joy and Brax. Joy giggled while Brax kissed her neck. Brinley released the curtain and then turned away. Brinley exhaled. “What’s wrong with me?” Brinley crawled across the bed covering her head with a pillow. Brinley kicked her feet like a toddler. Her fit ended quickly when her phone rang. Brinley searched for her phone without looking.
“Hello,” Brinley mumbled.
“Uh, Brinley. Hi, it’s Jackson.”
Brinley bolted upright. Now free from William’s spirit, Jackson ghosted her. “Hi, Jackson, I was just thinking about you.”
Jackson laughed. “I’m sorry, I haven’t been around lately. There’s so much shit in my head I can’t even explain. But I know it all revolves around you and Joy. I was wondering if we could meet for dinner. I’d love to see you.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, absolutely. As long as it’s not Red Thai.”
Brinley agreed. “We can meet at Marty’s for a drink.” She suggested.
“Great, see you around seven?”
“See you there.” Brinley hung up, threw her phone on the bed, and danced around her room.
“Very nice dancing skills.” Joy clapped.
Brinley swung around. “Shit. How much did you see?”
“Enough to know your favorite generation is the 80’s. So, what’s your plan for tonight?”
“Jackson just called. We’re meeting at Marty’s.”
“That’s awesome. I’m glad now I don’t need to plan your intervention.”
“Ha, funny.” Brinley tossed a pillow at Joy.
“It’s been pretty quiet since our fight with Asher.”
Brinley growled under her breath.
“I know things didn’t happen the way you wanted them to, and I’m sorry. How long are you going to give Emerson the silent treatment?” Joy looked at the pretty glass bottles Brinley displayed on her dresser.
“Emerson killed our only lead.”
“She’s a teenager, Brin. We’ve been there too. She watched Asher eat the body of her friend. You got to give the kid a break. Not too many people can handle your cold shoulder. So, lighten up, okay?”
“Yeah, I know. I’ll talk to her.”
Joy sat on the edge of Brinley’s bed. “I have something I wanted to talk to you about.”
Brinley sat next to Joy. “It’s about Herman, right?”
Joy shook her head. “Does he seem different now?”
“Yes, he always wears heavy sweaters even inside.”
“And the cough and warm tea thing,” Joy added.
“Can the Zen Chi get sick?”
Joy shrugged. “I was thinking maybe you could talk to…” Joy pointed upward.
“Ugh. Brinley rolled her eyes. “You want me to ask Fina, right?”
“Can you?”
Brinley exhaled. “I’ll try.”
“Great now go get ready for your date.” Joy kissed the top of Brinley’s head before leaving the room. Brinley remained sitting on the bed. Brinley decided she would not allow anything to ruin her mood for her date with Jackson. After her shower, Brinley stood in front of her closet trying to find the perfect outfit. More than an hour later Brinley chose a red dress with a long split up one side.
“You are so beautiful,” Herman said, standing in the hallway.
Slowly, Brinley turned around. “Thanks, Herman. How are you feeling?” Brinley walked over to him.
“I’m fine. I have my tea.” Herman lifted his mug. “I wanted to wish you well. I know how late you ladies can be when you’re out in the town. You deserve this.” Herman laughed and coughed at the same time. “So, good night, Brinley.” Herman shuffled down the hallway.
Brinley watched Herman walk down the hall. Brinley slipped on her heels and then headed out to the garage. Once behind the wheel, checked her makeup in the rearview mirror one last time then headed off to meet Jackson. Brinley sat in the parking lot of the small bar trying to swallow her erratic emotions. After several minutes, Brinley walked into the bar to see Jackson was already waiting at a table. Brinley plastered a smile on her face and then walked over.
“Hi.” Brinley smiled.
“You look amazing.” Jackson rose to his feet to pull out her chair.
“Thank you. You look great.” Brinley allowed Jackson to push her closer to the table.
“Would you like a drink?” Jackson sat across from her.
“I’ll have an amaretto sour, please.”
“Wonderful choice.” Jackson waved over the server.
“Hi, Welcome to Marty’s my name is Steven. What can I get you guys tonight?”
“We’ll take two amaretto sours, please.” Jackson waited until the server was out of earshot before he spoke. “I’ve been having these flashes of memories I don’t remember doing myself. It’s so hard to explain.” Jackson stared down at the table. “I wanted to ask you something.” Jackson raised his gaze to stare at Brinley.
“Here you guys go.” Steven placed the drinks on the table. “Can I get you anything else?”
“I think we’re fine right now.” Jackson stared at the waiter.
“Sounds good.” Steven went to check on his other tables.
“Anyway, I was wondering if you could help me connect the dots.” Jackson turned his attention back toward Brinley.
Brinley took a sip of her drink. Her heart pounded as sweat dotted her forehead. “Sure, what do you want to know?”
“This might sound silly but how did we meet?”
“The first time you came up to me was on campus at the bench the school placed for Mike.”
Jackson nodded. “Okay, I think I remember that. Do you know why I would hear a British accent in my head? I mean I’m Scottish sometimes people think one accent is stronger than the other.” Jackson smirked.
Brinley realized this wasn’t a date, Jackson wanted answers. She squeezed the drink in her hand. “No.” Brinley dropped her head. “That’s not true. You want the truth, Jackson?”
Jackson nodded. “Yes, please. My memories are all twisted around. I remember kissing you. Feeling your soft skin then I remember a restaurant with some monster eating a creature. All the memories I have of everything leads back to you. Why?”
“We did kiss, what you saw a wendigo eating an imp,” Brinley stated taking a big sip.
“Don’t mock me, Brinley.”
Brinley swished the ice in her glass. “I’m telling you the truth. Your body was invaded by the spirit of a man named William Armstrong. I’m not sure how long you were possessed but you’re not anymore. I made sure of that.”
“Possessed?”
“Yep.”
“Why?”
“Joy and I killed William’s wife.” Brinley waved at Steven. “I’ll take another,” she held up her empty glass. Brinley didn’t continue her story until Steven placed another drink in front of her.
“What you guys murdered someone?” Jackson exclaimed.
Brinley grabbed Jackson’s wrist. “Relax. Maggie wasn’t human.”
“What?” Jackson furrowed his brow.
Brinley stared down at the table.
“Who are you, Brinley?” Jackson pulled his wrists back.
“I’m Brinley Myers.” Brinley smiled but Jackson just stared blankly at her. “Fuck.” Brinley whispered. She quickly glanced around the bar. “Look. Let me show you something.” Brinley opened her palm to create an orb of lightning.”
“W-What are you?” Jackson’s voice trembled.
Brinley closed her fist. “I’m the same woman you’ve known.”
“That’s not true. You said I was possessed so I don’t know if I truly know you. I don’t think I want to know you. I know I sound like a dick, but all of this is much for me. I’m sorry. I really am, but I wanted to speak with you before I leave.”
“You’re leaving town?” Brinley’s eyes widened in shock.
“Absolutely this place has unpleasant memories. I’m going back to Scotland.”
Brinley cleared her throat. “When are you leaving?”
“First thing in the morning. I’m sorry, Brinley. I just want a normal life and that shit right there,” he nodded toward her hand. “That shit right there is far from normal. I wish you well, Brinley I really do.” Jackson pushed back his chair, placed twenty dollars on the table then walked out. Brinley never turned back to look at Jackson as he walked into the night.
Brinley sat at the table seething. She closed her eyes trying to calm herself as a joyous group cheered. Brinley glanced over to see one man on his knee. That was all it took. The ice in her glass cracked. She pushed the glass away and then stormed out. Brinley got into her car to head to her only peaceful place. Spooky but peaceful. Brinley shut off the car at the gate of the cemetery. She kicked off her heels threw the keys inside of the open car door then walked away from the car.
Walking through the graveyard barefoot helped Brinley to feel grounded. “Why am I here?” She looked around. “Where can I run to?” Brinley turned around in a circle. The alcohol impaired her judgement. Fina asked her if you could control the power she’s been given. Could she control it? Brinley stumbled back laying hard on her ass. She looked up to see those eyes, the kind eyes of Pyramus staring down at her.
Brinley rubbed her eyes. “Are you real?”
Pyramus pulled Brinley to her feet. “Come little one, I’ve been waiting for you.” Pyramus helped Brinley through the doorway.