Chapter 16

Warning, this story contains dark scenes with graphic detail that some readers may find distressing.

Taylor and I were enjoying our spag bol as Taylor called it, when the boys’ car could be heard honking just outside the front porch, telling us that they had returned. Taylor paused the movie and we watched through the window as they walked out. All four boys’ faces were grave. A look I knew well. Something was distressing them.
“So? How did it go??” Taylor asked with the same curiosity that I had. I caught the sly head shake as if to say, “No not now,” from Bryce.
“Taylor, can I have a word…… in private.” Kingsley asked keeping his focus on Taylor as he spoke.
“Wow Kings, you sound dramatic tonight.” She answered and followed him out of the living room. I looked at the other guys who just shrugged.
*****
“So out with it?” I demanded Kingsley. The guy really needed to take a chill pill and relax occasionally. Instead, he acted like he had a rock on his shoulder, scrap that a boulder. Always so serious. I guess if I had a father like his I would act like him. But still a smile wouldn’t kill him.
“Father knows about the old woman.” He blurted and I had to hold my self back from slapping him.
“Shit, fuck.” I said instead.
“Listen Taylor, you need to warn her. My father will come after her.” Holding up my hand to silence him, “I will do so this instant. I introduced you to mis Oakley as thought she could help with what hell is going on in this town. Not for you to put her in danger with your psych co of a father.” I grumbled. I knew it wasn’t his fault. Mr Davis had a way of gaining information and it wasn’t pretty. Letting out a little scream in frustration I marched off. “And you call me dramatic!” he called after me. I’d show him dramatic if I had more time. But time wasn’t on my hands.
I took the short drive to the woods and followed the dark unlit path deeper into the trees. I’d been here a thousand times and not once did being in the woods at night scare me, until tonight. It wasn’t the woods, more the thought that I would be too late. What if Mr Davis lapdogs had already got to her?
I had known Mrs Oakley for many years. When I was younger my mum used to make my brother, Bryce take me along with his friends. They would always leave me alone in the middle of the woods. One day I came across an old wooden hut. How was I to know that someone lived out here? I walked right in and that’s how I met Mrs Oakley. She was a sweet old lady, granted strange and cryptic. But she made my lonely days happy. Taught me to cook and make different medicines by using natural ingredients found in the woods.
Knocking on the door, I waited anxiously. Bouncing from foot to foot. Finally, she opened the door with a big grin on her wrinkled face. Her long white her swaying at her hips.
“Come in, come in my dear.” She sang happily and I wanted to cry for her. Her life was in danger, and it was all my fault.
Standing in the doorway as she beckoned me further inside, I stayed rooted to the spot.
“Mrs Oakley, you need to leave. Like right now.” I blurted out.
“Don’t be silly, Taylor there is nothing to worry about.” She said with a smile.
“You don’t understand…” I started but she cut me off.
“Taylor, you forget who I am. I know dear. Mr Davis is coming for me. I also know how he found out about me. It is not your fault.” She placed a hand on my cheek and my eyes filled with water. I felt so guilty.
“Everything my dear happens for a reason. One day you will see that.”
“Daughter of Darkness, child of night.
When the world goes dark and there is no longer any light
She will rise. Those who have wronged her will fall as red fills the skies.
With an innocent face and eyes like fire
She can draw out your one and truly desire.
Is she wicked or heartless, can one be so cruel?
She may be the daughter of darkness but don’t be such a fool.” She sang in a sweet lullaby voice.
“Mrs Oakley what does that mean?” I asked desperately.
“I can’t give you all the answers. You must seek the truth yourself. Remember that the future is not set in stone. Now come my dear I must make my home invisible.
“Sprinkle this salt all around the outside of this house.” She handed me a salt bottle and gently pushed me out of the door. I didn’t argue I just did what she had asked, the words of the song she had sang repeating in my mind.
As I got back to the front and only door Mrs Oakley was stood there with a sadness in her eyes I had never seen before.
“Goodbye my child.
“Everything my dear happens for a reason. One day you will see that.”
“Daughter of Darkness, child of night.
When the world goes dark and there is no longer any light
She will rise. Those who have wronged her will fall as red fills the skies.
With an innocent face and eyes like fire
She can draw out your one and truly desire.
Is she wicked or heartless, can one be so cruel?
She may be the daughter of darkness but don’t be such a fool.
A vision of heaven she will weave her magic tune.
Her powers will bloom on the next full moon.
Daughter of darkness, child of night.
It won’t be long now until she comes into her birth right.” Mrs Oakley sang again as she and the small hut started disappearing. But this time there was extra to the song, and it seemed to stick inside my memory. Craved into my brain.
I couldn’t and I wouldn’t believe that Lilly was evil. She was so pure and innocent. There had to be more to this prophecy than meets the eye. I had to uncover the truth before the next full moon. Which was only a week away.
We were screwed. As I reached the road, I heard vehicles pulling up further down the country lane. Soon after car doors slamming, and torch light streamed into the woodland. They had come for Mrs Oakley. I hope her house stays hidden and she stays safe.
It wasn’t goodbye. Only see you again soon.