Chapter.16- Recreating Scenes From Porphyria's Lover And A Rose For Miss Emily.

Song: Find you by Nick Jonas

Sixteen: Recreating Scenes From Porphyria's Lover and A Rose For Miss Emily.

REBECCA'S POV

I hate my attitude sometimes like what the bloody hell are you mad about now?

Normally when a girl tells a boy that they should both go their separate ways and not cross paths again she's supposed to be jumping with joy, squealing in delight and skipping like a leprechaun! And that's exactly what I did--or that was until I crossed paths with him two days later after our spat.

But at the same time she's never really entirely happy with the outcome is she?

Deep down she wants him to leave her alone but at the same time... not completely ignore her?

He deliberately saw me, froze in place, turned around and left. I should be happy and relieved that he's taking my advice seriously by ignoring me. But the stupid feeling of apprehension and despair built up in my stomach. Ever since I've met him we've always bantered and no matter how severe it was he'd still try and talk to me or rile me up.

But why has this little spat made him determined to ignore me? It's not because I totally miss him or anything-- it's entirely, truly because I miss his cheekiness and his insults. And also that I didn't want to sever ties with him just yet-- an individual who I knew for as long as I could remember.

Indeed! That's my logical explanation for thinking about him and feeling deprived of his presence-- because ever since he's come back into my life he's always here at home for suppers or spending time with Carter.

The absolute cheek of me to assume that he'd take my warning lightly and then beg for me to talk to him the next day.

Heavens! I was in for a shock of my life when he'd went about his way pretending that I didn't exist nor casting a glance in my direction. I was absolutely fine with it--but that was until a week ago-- until my dear brother became hostile towards me (since he's Caleb's biggest fangirl).

Damn you reverse psychology!

I was used to the idea of not ever conversing with Caleb. Ordinarily, we'd constantly jeer at each other even if we'd fought-- display petty behaviour and try to insult each other. But this time it felt different-- like this was the end and we'd never converse with each other different, and that sort of unsettled me to a great extent.

Was I too harsh and hasty?

"If you're going to regret saying those words to him then why utter them in the first place and then wish for him be all hunky-dory with you?" Charlotte asked without batting an eye.

She was sat on the grimy floor clutching a stylish water bottle taking tiny sips from it. Her blonde hair was tied up, not a strand out of place and not a hint of perspiration on her face flawless face.

"Stop making me feel more miserable than I already am! I know it's all my fault but how dare that moon-faced troll ignore me when I was going to apologise to him! He even drove away as soon as he made eye contact with me!" I leaned back, twisting my lips.

I recalled the time when I was coming home from my practice and had seen him after a week had passed, I was feeling rather guilty (shocking I know) and wanted to apologise to him when I'd come to my senses, but he'd turned away and immediately slid into his swanky car and peeled away from my house as if the demons from hell were chasing him.

Carter looked murderous when he'd understood why Caleb drove away like that. "I hope you're happy now!" Carter had seethed and slammed the door shut to his room on my face when I'd followed him to apologise.

I, too, stomped to my room and slammed the door,  got under the covers and cursed them both out.

"You can't blame him, he took your suggestion and did what's best for him. He must've thought that you'd tell him off again!" Charlotte spoke calmly.

"Ah, that petty arsehole! How dare he!" I shrieked in outrage.

Ugh, blast him to the seventh circle of hell!

Then made a firm decision. "You know what? If he wants to sever all ties, then so be it! I am over him."

"You're over him? When were you ever under him?" Hannah mused. I shot her a dirty look as she snickered.

"I don't understand why you're mad. That's what you've always wanted is it not?" Rachel asked smugly. "One ought to think that you're affected by his absence--"

I didn't let her complete her sentence when I tackled her across the floor as we'd taken a break from practice. Ever since she's found out about what transpired between Caleb and I, she always managed to take a piss at me.

"I am not affected by his absence whatsoever! Why're you taking a piss at me?"

"Yes! Now, take off your clothes and snog!" Hannah yelled.

I stilled and cast a glance at Hannah as did the others. She winked at me, unfortunately, taking my distraction as a cue, Rachel rolled me over and stared at me with a mischievous look.

"I would but she isn't my type." Rachel winked and got off me.

I was so offended. "Well, you're not my type either!"

"I'm pleased you've cleared that. Alright, let's practice!" Charlotte called out. "I think that's adequate break time!" She didn't have to say it twice because we were all up and on our feet practising.

**********************

Another despondent sigh escaped my lips as I stared at the text messages exchanged between Lucas and I. He chided me when he'd learned about what had happened and made me pull my head out of my arse.

✨Luke Fluke✨: What did you expect for him to do? Run over to you and cry hysterically in your arms?

Me: Well.... yes? Is that too much to ask?

I huffed out a breath as I stepped out of the café and walked down the familiar road, lifting my head every once in a while so that I didn't trip over or bump into someone. It was a tad windy yet still the air humid. I'd finished meeting Adam Remington today because I wanted some materials regarding Roman Magic and he'd readily agreed to help me with whatever I wanted and had asked me to meet him at a small coffee shop close by to the Open University. I'd agreed, we met, spoke over some coffee-- about academics and even my personal life, then Luke began texting for the last thirty minutes.

✨Luke Fluke✨: I'm afraid idk where that is Rachel, can you please text me the address?

I screeched to a stop when I'd read the message. I read it once... twice....thrice and blinked.

Rachel?? Why was he referring to me as Rachel?

That's when the coin dropped and I gasped!

Lucas.... and... Rachel...?

Blimey! These two love birds were meeting up with each other in secrecy?

Me: Aca-scuse me! What address do you want me to type out for you Lukey?

I was still stood in the middle of the pavement typing out furiously and not giving a flying quack about causing an inconvenience. I waited for Luke to type when the chat bubbles appeared, but then a stranger bumped into me with much force than necessary that I almost keeled over and face-planted onto the pavement, I looked up with a scowl etched on my face.

"Out of my sodding way girl!" An old man griped, grumbling he walked away.

"Wanker!" I hissed under my breath. I was going to retort back with a cheeky comeback but clamped my mouth shut since I was the one who was stood in the middle of the pavement like a spare lemon staring at my phone. I huffed and began walking as Luke had texted, but that was not what I was expecting.

✨Luke Fluke✨: 👀...

He didn't elaborate, so I shrugged and continued walking as I arrived at the supermarket, and went straight to the sweets aisle. I didn't particularly have an appetite this morning, and I'd only consumed a cup of latte when I'd met Adam at the coffee shop. I greedily reached for two massive packets of jelly babies, then picked up a can of pop and strutted to the counter-- like a full-on backlit slow-mo. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't basking a tad at the attention I was getting.

I'd paid for the items and then exited the store, I looked up and shielded my eyes from the gleaming sun, it was a beautiful day. I walked for another twenty minutes as I sipped my pop then arrived at the entrance of a familiar school, and I'd coincidentally dressed up in a sharp black blazer dress had pleated mini skirt, single-button row, cinched at the waist, made it look sleek and elegant. I'd paired them off with knee-high black sheer tights and Bottega Veneta oxford boots which imparted an almost schoolgirl vibe--also making my legs look longer than they normally did. My long hair was styled in waves and half-tied, which was fancy and elegant, I'd even worn long gold earrings which made my hair and overall appearance better. I didn't put in much effort in terms of makeup and kept it simple by only applying a lip tint.

The result made me look like a kawaii high school girl from an anime show.

I didn't want anyone suspecting me as I trespassed the school grounds. I'd directly entered the secluded area of the school--that which I'd studied until year five-- there the iron chain fence was broken and a passage of sorts opened which allowed a person to skip classes and flee. I reached the familiar playground,  and stood under a tree and observed the children playing with each other and kicking a ball. I didn't stand out in the crowd as the uniforms looked quite similar to the one I was wearing--even though it wasn't a uniform. I was incognito!

This was where it all had begun!

Caleb and I's unusual story.

When I was in school, I never did like mingling with the other children who were in my class as they wouldn't let me play with them and thought I was strange because I was too aggressive and would beat the other kids when they made fun of me, so I would always play with kids three years ahead of me-- they were both welcoming and accepting of me and they also happened to be Caleb's playmates.

He didn't associate with them during the day but would only do so whilst playing because they'd force him most of the times. He was a recluse and would constantly be in a mood. But he hated it when I'd join his friends to play and would always target me when we were playing. I never did like him initially because he was always quiet and never spoke a word to me, but he'd make up for it when we played together-- by showing his displeasure towards me. He'd always pick on me either by pushing me off the swing, targeting me whilst playing tag or either by tripping me. One time he'd gone too far by giving away my spot whilst playing hide and seek and dirtied my ballet dress, that's when I'd had enough of it and retaliated.

It was the beginning of our beautiful and everlasting relationship. I'd beat him up and he hated me even more because he didn't like the idea of being bullied by a girl who was three years younger than him. I was being cruel to him by forming a battalion against him consisting of his friends and stole his jelly babies. When he refused to give them to me I'd beat him up and forcefully took them from him-- that one my mother witnessed and she flipped. I'd even told him that he should sit at home and play with dolls or string shells and learn embroidery instead of crying over small cuts and bruises when once I'd pushed him with much force than necessary at the tug of war. He was a bit of a wuss and a weed, who'd always whinge.

And a fucking coward as well! He'd always leave me and run away.

But then I'd stopped being cruel to him when I'd learnt that his playmates would always bully him for being aloof and standoffish, he never retaliated back so I took him under my wing by making him follow me around. That's how the other children stopped being horrid to him.

I scoffed and walked a little further and sat down on one of the concrete steps, that was in an amphitheatre style and pulled out a bag of Haribo's jelly babies. That posh little wanker was obsessed with these and so was I. He loved boofuls and bubbles they were the lime and lemon flavoured ones. He liked the big heart (blackcurrant) as well, but the lime was his favourite.

As soon as I'd opened the packet, I regretted it. Two greedy ankle-biters appeared next to me like vultures staring at me with hungry eyes. I avoided all eye-contact with them whilst gobbling up the soft juicy jellies because if I did then I'd have to share.

"What're you looking at?" I narrowed my eyes. "Shoo, go away!" I huffed because it was starting to bother me.

Blimey, they were relentless!

One of them pointed out to the bountiful harvest in my hand, they looked like locusts ready to devour it if I refused them. I clutched the packet close to my chest and shook my head, still chewing, their face fell and one of the ankle-biter's lips wobbled and eyes glassed over. I panicked because if I refused then they'd make a scene and I'd be exposed for trespassing, I wanted to shoo them away but the other one's innocent wide eyes and smile made me hand over the packet to them.

"Fine, stop crying. You better share them with your friends! Now, shoo! Make yourselves scarce!"

The boy--who couldn't be more than seven years snatched the packet and nodded frantically. "Thank you, miss! We will!" A mischievous giggle escaped their lips as they run off to their group excitedly.

I huffed and stood up then looked around, nobody noticed me when I put my head down and began to walk down a trail that led to a pathway covered with trees on either side forming a canopy above me.

The forest was oak-brown and primitive. The grass beneath my feet was growing freely on the clumpy, mossy mattress of the forest floor yet I was still in awe of the size and majesty of the trees. Their knotted arms gnarly with age rose ever upwards, as far as my head could lift. The orchestra of birdsong that could be heard from afar suddenly stopped as a pair of jays began screeching high up in the canopy of the trees.

The wind carried a fragrance with it. It was spirit refreshing to smell the mulchy mix of the forest's perfume. The forest reeked of age. The woody incense mixed with the composting, organic smell rose in waves like a miasma. Every sprawling tree reminded me of a dark secret that was hidden, as I ventured deeper into the forest, the more mystical and spellbinding it became.

Huge roots spread on the ground, the foliage became thick and lush, forming an arch of fairytale-green above my head, bounty of nuts lay on the paths, as squirrels grabbed them and ran back up the trees. Briars, brambles and berry trees flanked the trail, making it impenetrable on either side. Then light poked through the dark hooded shadows of trees, filtering down in seams of lustrous-gold and spilt into spaces where it was once dark. My feet made squelching noise as I walked on the damp earth.

I darted between the lights as I admired the butterflies, everything was awash with a tender glow, huge boulders were covered in lichen and moss, where I saw tiny lizards dart around. One could also see cobwebs in the grass, glistering in the light that penetrated through the thick foliage of trees. They looked like fishermen's nets of finely meshed steel.

I arrived at a wide glade, where the trees fell away, revealing the bespeckled sky as I neared the flower field. The grass always seemed to whisper, it sounded like ssssh, as if several people were shushing together. The stalks swayed with a salsa rhythm, nodding their heads in delight. The flower field was wide and open, sloping gently down to a cosmic-blue stream.

Lipstick-pink, purple and yellow flowers adorned the fringes of long stalks as they swished in the breeze. And in their midst, I'd run through countless times along with Caleb and the other kids, it was where I'd played a prank on him and he'd pissed himself. It wasn't my intention to prank him, he'd run off screaming from the house which was a little further away and thought he was a scaredy-cat. After he'd run off I'd followed him as well calling out his name, but he didn't stop and I'd hid among the tall flowers and spooked him when he was sprawled on the ground crying, he jumped up and wet himself and the other kids happened to witness this and had made fun of him. I did care for him a great deal back then.

I felt a bit stirred up when I reminisced those glorious days.

I sighed and took a detour, walking through a pathway of sorts that deviated from the forest--that was part of the large private estate, I heard birds chirp and also I'd built up quite a sweat because of all the walking I'd done today, and wearing a thick blazer dress wasn't a good idea in the summer.

The servants quarters appeared and with each step, I took the stone building neared. It was an exposed stone building that had turned grey during the years, it was demarked with a low stone compound and tiny wrought iron gate, it was the back of the house. I hastened my steps, I could see the colossal towers of old estate house in the background standing proud and intimidating. I reached for the doorknob, twisting it I stepped inside, it was the kitchen area, the place was dark and looked abandoned--whilst normally that was the case--but there was no sign of the one person I was seeking.

"Hello? Harry?" I called out, walking further in. The fire was put out.

Harry was one of the fourth generations of housekeepers of the large estate, he was also a  traditionalist who'd stayed back and vowed to look after the house until his last breath-- even whence the others had abandoned it. He was a lonely, barmy old man who's wife had expired and was survived by his only daughter who was married and lived in Inverness. He was stubborn and refused to stay with her, but she visited him whenever she could.

After ten minutes of searching for him and calling out his name, I dropped my bag--heavy with my practice clothes and the bountiful harvest I'd gathered from the supermarket onto the old couch and then walked to the front door. As soon as I'd opened it and stepped out, I saw the old private estate-- now in complete ruins before me.

It wasn't like this before--in the words of Harry-- it was lively and merry. But that was until the Viscount Eugene Marmaduke Chesterton, 2nd Marquess of Rockingham killed his beloved wife and mistress when he'd suffered from a bout of madness.

Nobody knew that even when a rancid smell enveloped the east side wing and when the Marquess had requested for some time to be sent to his room every week nobody could guess for what it was being used. But that was until one day when the Marquess didn't come down for supper nor breakfast the next morning.

Harry's grandfather had gone up to the room to check up on his master's wellbeing-- nobody was allowed to enter the east wing. It was forbidden to enter the east wing after the Marchioness went missing. But desperate time called for desperate measures and he went up and inspected the room. Only to be horrified when the Marquess had died in his sleep, what shocked him to the core was the decomposed corpse of his beloved wife next to him as well as his mistress on his right. He'd sleep betwixt their bodies every day.

They'd found out about the murder of his mistress Lady Alexandrina-- an heiress, but who'd lost all her fortune whom he'd strangled with her long raven hair.

It was like recreating scenes from Porphyria's Lover and A Rose For Miss Emily that'd left so many baffled and utterly horrified.

The house was haunted and each night or on the day the women were killed you could hear them cry for help and a whimper of a woman, Harry told me that the ghost of the mistress still wandered around the house.

At first, I was intrigued and then explored the house on my own, Harry never let me do that because he feared the ghost was vengeful but I didn't encounter anything or anyone of that sort. But he'd always let me walk through the huge maze--which I knew like the back of my hand and could walk in and out of it with my eyes closed.

I walked along the rocky trail of the front yard and climbed up the steps walking inside. It would've been definitely beautiful no doubt with maintenance, the ceilings and columns were carved, but they were chipped and cracked, some even broken and had fallen on the floor. I entered the house once again to explore it.

The abandoned house beckoned me into its cold heart as if wanting someone to come to walk through those halls and remember its former glory. How could I resist such a dark calling? The haunting ballad yet compelling ballad called out for me to walk through the house and I couldn't resist it as I entered the house. With an excited heart, I plunged into the heart of the place.

"'Tis I!" I put my head in and grinned as the door creaked so high and shut behind me with a loud bang.

I'd wanted to meet some dead people as I made a direct beeline to the east wing. And as soon as I'd opened the door to the Marquess's room, I'd sneezed from all the dust and that's when I heard an unusual voice that got me both curious and excited, but one that made me weary as well.

Cue suspense music.......

_________________________

NEW AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hellooooo 'tis I!!!! Hope you're all doing well and had a wonderful Christmas!

Here's the new edited chapter, hope you all like this in Rebecca's POV and her reasons for treating Caleb the way she did and their history together. Were you all surprised that she regretted being hasty and wanted to mend things with Caleb? What are your opinions about them??

Also, you've always read books where the boy bullies the girl so I did a bit of a ✨✨gender swap✨✨ here where the girl was the bully (but not exactly)! Lol!

Also, drama suggestions: Tale Of The Nine-Tailed. I'm currently watching True Beauty and so far I love it with all the epic falls and catches, and Han Seo Jun's leopard print boxers dancing to Okey-Dokey (lmao)! And if anyone's watched Mr Queen, can you please tell me if it's worth watching that, normally I love a seguk but this one I'm not sure as my BFF didn't recommend it.

Please comment and vote it makes my day!

I was watching Younger the other and some lady asked Lisa, how old she was and Lisa said: she's age queer!! Lmao, I cracked up so bad! M'kay, we know Lisa! And I also think Charles and Lisa make a nice couple.🐸☕

LOts of love! xx