Brenda sat watching the house from Hailey's car. The house that was still her home. Her home that she hadn't lived in for more than six months since the day that Jake's Aunt had arrived.
They had parked discreetly but made sure that they had a good view of the house very early that morning which gave some explanation for the gently sleepy wheeze escaping rhythmically from Hailey. Brenda was far from asleep. Her mind could not rest.
Jake had contacted her earlier in the week to say that his Aunt had finally left. He almost pleaded with Brenda to come back home. For four days Brenda had sat watching carefully for signs of Jake's Aunt. Phoebe. Other than the occasional sight of Jake on an errand or the local mail man she saw no other visitors. Most importantly there had been no sign of Phoebe.
"She can't be there 'Babes'," Hailey had said, but Brenda was still not convinced and so it was only with Hailey's encouragement that Brenda was willing to even consider going to the house.
Brenda had been so fraught that Hailey had offered to accompany her this time. "It'll be like being on a secret mission," Hailey said. "We'll get him back from the evil Aunt's clutches," she laughed. Brenda laughed nervously. But she had no wish to be faced by Aunt Phoebe once more. Every memory of Phoebe made Brenda feel intimidated.
Brenda's thoughts were shaken as Hailey stirred. "Hey Babes. What time is it?"
"Just after nine."
Hailey ran her left hand across her face and drank from the water bottle that was resting in her lap. "Any sign?"
"No."
"So?"
"So what?"
"So what are we doing Babes? If you haven't seen her so far I would reckon that this mysterious Aunt has packed her bags." Brenda just continued to stare at the house. "Hey, isn't this why I came with you so that I could use my commando training to save the day," Hailey said in a jocular manner.
Brenda looked over at her friend. Hailey had come to her aid when she had first made up her mind to distance herself from Jake's intimidating relative. Had she abandoned Jake? She often asked herself that question. But it was obvious that Jake had no will against his Aunt and Brenda felt nervous in the woman's prescience. Worried that she too would be drawn into whatever it was that Phoebe had planned.
"We can't wait here forever I suppose."
Hailey perked up in her seat. "Precisely. Besides, I need a pee."
Neither of the women spoke as they approached the house. Hailey had visited the house many times in what Brenda would have seen as better times and checked over the house as she approached and could see no real difference. Although Hailey was not exactly sure what changes she was expecting, but as they approached she became nervous for some reason.
Brenda lead the way heading up the path to the front door. She peered in through the front bay window but could see nothing of any definition. She moved to the door and rang its bell. The women waited for what seemed an age and then an image, undefined due to the patterned glass, approached from within.
As the door opened Brenda felt almost faint and she felt her heart skip as Jake appeared before her. They each stood looking at each other for what seemed an age. He appeared to be slightly gaunt to Brenda's eyes but his smile seemed genuine. Jake caught sight of Hailey and appeared taken aback by her prescience. Brenda sensed a sudden nervousness in Jake's demeanour. Time seemed to stand still for another moment, before Hailey brushed past Brenda. "Hi Babes, I'd love to wait for an invite but I really need to use your loo." Jake watched open mouthed as the woman brushed past him.
Jake stood to the side of the now fully opened door. "I won't bite you know." Brenda was still watchful. Jakes' smile seemed watery. He seemed to be acting unnaturally. Brenda told herself she was being silly but she hesitated for another moment before stepping over the threshold back into her home.
Jake closed the door behind her which made her jump. Brenda stood in the hallway watchful and nervous. "I've missed you," Jake said standing beside Brenda. Brenda only looked at him. He made no move towards her and she did not feel inclined to offer any solace herself. "Shall we wait in the lounge for Hailey?" Jake asked moving past Brenda. He opened the lounge door like a doorman at an expensive hotel, awaiting her entrance.
Brenda remained motionless. "Hailey, are you OK up there?" There was a muted acknowledgement. Brenda stood for a while longer before moving slowly towards the lounge and passed Jake in the doorway. As she passed the threshold into the lounge Brenda's eyeline picked up movement but her reactions were too slow as her arms were held firm behind her to prevent her from truly struggling. Scared now Brenda attempted to wriggle free from her captors but as she planned a fruitless escape her face was covered by a heavy scented cloth. Pressed hard to her airways Brenda had no other option but to breathe in the vapour and in doing so lost her battle for instant freedom.