RACHELLE'SPOV
After my little breakdown in the drawing-room earlier Alexander decided that we should talk in the library instead. He said that he will need to check on some books and journals to find information about the old lady. Which made me wonder where in the world would Alexander get any information. I mean we barely have any lead about the old lady.
Alexander and I are currently walking towards the library, which is located on the second floor of the mansion. The surroundings are just as dull and barren as the first floor; it is dark, empty, cold, and just... depressing. Empty hallways with minimal light coming from the spotless windows, the beige-colored walls are clean. But doesn't have any decorations, it was quite eerie especially with the echoing footsteps as if the place was getting darker and darker each step.
Finally, after passing multiple rooms Alexander came to a halt, in front of us is a big double door polished in brown paint and topped with varnish.
Alexander pushed the doors open and politely gestured his hand, signaling me to enter first.
"After you" he said ever so gently in all honesty, I'm starting to look at him differently. He could be nice whenever he wanted to be and his gentleman gestures are quite… well… interesting. Shaking my thoughts off of my head I mounted a thank you to Alexander while he only smiled and nodded as if to recognize my gratitude.
As I entered the library I can't help but notice the strong scent of old paper and a hint of dust, which in a sense is calming and intoxicating. Looking at the exterior of the library, as any other libraries would be it is filled with shelves upon shelves of books of different sizes and colors. The sunshine from the window lit the room giving a better reading environment. While there's a long table in the center with several chairs to accompany it.
Alexander walked towards the table and pulled out a chair. "Come and sit down" he said looking at me directly.
I nodded agreeing to his suggestion and walked towards the chairs. As I sat down I mumbled a thank you while keeping my head down, for some reason I'm starting to feel shy around Alexander. Maybe because he's being nice or maybe because of what happened earlier but whatever the reason I can feel that our friendship will bloom a little slower.
After I was seated Alexander proceeded to walk towards a shelf near the window and took several journals then walked back at me.
He then put them in the table "Well these are some of the journals that might help us, they contain some accounts dating back to the 15th century. The people who wrote these journals have claimed to witness what most people would consider the impossible" he said as he took the chair right in front of me.
"We can start here for now maybe we can find some kind of connection with your contractor. After all, based on what I've read and seen demons and otherworldly being leaves particular signs and pieces of evidence in their trails." he said while looking in the journal he has in hand.
"You sure know a lot about this huh is this a personal interest?" I said trying to strike a conversation.
Alexander looked up from the journal he was reading and,
With his soul-piercing eyes, he looked at me directly then spoke…
"No. I'm don't really fancy the subject, I'm just bond to dwell in it" he said with sadness laced voice.
"Why is that? If you don't like it then why did you forced yourself to study the subject?" I asked as my curiosity kicked in.
He knitted his brows and scrunch his nose "I didn't my father did" he said as if it was the worst thing that had ever happened to him.
"You know if the old lady is yet to claim her prize then she will surely come for you" he said changing the subject.
"So then the only thing left to do is wait, it's only a matter of time" he said eyes still fixed in the journal.
"Then why bother taking me here in the library and showing me these journals?" I asked as I furrowed my brows in confusion.
Once again Alexander looked up and stared directly at me. "To know what we are dealing with of course or would you rather just give yourself up?"
"That old lady as I've said before could be after your soul or maybe something more precious. However, whatever it is I doubt you would just give it up so easily" he said still looking at me
"By reading these journals we might find answers that could help on preventing the worst. I know it was a long shot but it's better than nothing, especially when we don't have any leads" he continued, his voice showing a bit of irritation, no that wasn't it… his concern… not angry… this man actually cares.
I remained in silence, not know what to say.
"On that note, do you mind telling me what year your father had passed- missing I mean?" he asked calmly but then proceeded to look way.
I sigh not because I hate his question or anything it's just that thinking about my father hurts me.
"It was 2008, he was a sailor but the ship he was on sunk… we never saw him again after that" I said weakly.
"I see, my apologies for reminding you." He said a bit solemnly
Alexander then looked away then cleared his throat…
In a fraction of a second, I saw him bit his lower lip as his eyes looked unsure, but he proceeded to speak nonetheless.
With a heavy sigh, he continued "I hate to break it to you but I highly doubt that this entire charade… has anything to do with your father. The year is 1654 Rachelle…and to be sent 363 years before he disappeared… it's just-"
"I know" I said cutting him off, yes I do know I realized it the moment everything made sense. I just don't want to believe it… I just want to hold on just as I did before…holding to the faintest glimmer of hope because that's all that I could do to prevent myself from sinking into the depths of despair.
Alexander only remained in silence, which I appreciate because there are times... that the comfort of silence is the only thing bearable.
The two of us remained in that silence for a while, as he continued to read the journal he's holding. On the other hand, I took a journal myself and started reading away drowning myself in the words written on each page with the hopes of forgetting my sadness…
Yes, this is fine…
Just me
Alexander
The blanket of silence
And the occasional sound of flipping pages.