Just a little update. My current active work on AO3:
BNHA fanfics
- To be a Hero
- Icarus
- Blow Out the Candle
GF fanfic (hiatus but still working on the drafts)
- Silent Falls
Art/video project:
- A BNHA x Jujutsu Kaisen Ending parody video (Heroes Lost in Paradise)
Also, my health is not in the best lately. I'm going to have an endosocpy around mid of this month to see what's causing my constant stomach pain, nausea and vomiting (no worries. There's no blood in there!). Ah and I'm gonna sign up for therapy too since I've been very depressed lately.
Prologue | One | Two | Three | Four | Five | Six | Seven | Eight | PREVIOUS
Fanfiction.net | AO3
Characters: Stanley Pines, Shermie Pines, Filbrick Pines, Stanford Pines
Words: 4564
Rating: PG-13 for language.
NOTE: I've been hella busy but I don't wanna quit on my fanfictions~ apologies for any errors made in this story.
CHAPTER TEN: The Distance Between Pines
THEN
As soon as the car stopped and the engine was off, he scrambled out of the vehicle and quickly ran into the house. There was only one person in his mind that he needs to see immediately. He is the only one person left that he cares. The only one person he considers family. He was away too long and now he’s home. He ran straight to his brother’s room, “LEE!”
Shermie halted at the doorway. His brother’s room was dark, the curtains pulled to block the light from entering the room. His eyes adjusted to the dark and he saw his brother on the bed, sitting in the corner. He cautiously entered, “Lee?”
Stanley raised his head from where he rest it on his arms that were folded on his tucked knees. He blinked slowly and said nothing. He stared at Shermie with wide eyes. Shermie’s heart ached when he saw the state his brother was in. Stanley’s face was pale and gaunt. There were dark bags under his eyes and his hair was a messy mop of curls. Shermie approached the bed, his hands hovering, not sure if he should touch his brother, “S-Stanley?”
The voice coming from his brother was unfamiliar. It was rough and strained, “Sher… mie?”
Shermie’s eyes stung with tears and he forced a smile as he whispered shakily, “Hey there little brother. I’m home.”
If it was possible, Stanley’s already owl-like eyes widened a fraction. Shermie put a knee on the bed and he was startled when his brother quickly pulled him into a tight hug. Stanley was shaking as he sobbed, “Y-you’re here! You’re home!”
Shermie wrapped his arms around his brother and frowned when he realized how thin his brother had become. He could feel his bones under his loosely hanging sweater. He shut his eyes tight, He’s wearing Ford's sweater . The tears fall as he gave his sobbing brother a comforting squeeze, “Yeah. I’m home.”
Stanley curled his fingers and gripped his brother’s jacket tightly. He buried his face against his brother’s chest and cried his heart out. The relief overwhelmed him when the voices that had been tormenting him for days finally quieted. He clung to his older brother desperately, “They’re gone.”
Shermie frowned when he thought that his brother was referring to their deceased mother and brother, “Shhh, it’s alright Lee. It’s alright. I’m here now and I’m not leaving. You’re not alone.”
Stanley let out a strangled scream as he let everything out. For the first time since he believed he was going mad, he felt safe and sane again. Shermie is his beacon in the darkness overwhelming him.
When Filbrick returned home late that night, he found his sons asleep in each other’s arms. Shermie held his brother protectively and Stanley was clutching at his brother’s shirt tightly. He stared at his youngest’s face and was relieved to see how peaceful he looked. It had been a long time since he last saw his boy slept peacefully. His nights were often interrupted by nightmares and while awake, he was seeing and hearing things. I’m sorry to say this Mr. Pines.Your son is showing symptoms of those who suffer Schizophrenia, that was what Dr. Kauffmann told him.
Filbrick was distraught and horrified at the thought of having to watch his youngest son spiraling into madness. He had asked, demanded , his eldest son to come home as soon as he was done with his finals though he didn’t actually have to tell him since that was Shermie’s plan all along. He hoped Shermie would be able to help Stanley and it seems it worked well. Filbrick turned away and wiped away the tears. He retreated downstairs and went to the living room.
He stared at the empty couch where he would usually see his wife lounging with a book in her hands or the twins sitting there together to watch whatever was on TV. The house had gone very quiet and dark since his wife passed away. He missed them so much. The happy family he had. He closed his eyes as he sank into an armchair. His mind pulling out memories of happier days and he fell asleep with tears and an aching heart.
Stanley woke up feeling well rested and more alert than before. He felt warm and safe. He sighed as he burrowed under his blanket, feeling reluctant to get up. He caught a scent of peppermint. He inhaled deeply, Smells like Sherm, he mused. He vaguely remember dreaming his brother was home, his presence was comforting and anchoring him to sanity. His arms that were wrapped around him felt real. Shhh, it’s alright Lee. It’s alright. I’m here now and I’m not leaving. You’re not alone.
Stanley’s eyes snapped open and he sat up abruptly. Shermie’s jacket was laid on top of his blanket. He tentatively touched it and felt the soft, worn fabric in his hand.It’s not a dream… He’s here!
He scrambled out of bed and went searching for his brother with his jacket in his hand. He padded down the stairs barefooted and the smell of coffee and bacon steered him toward the kitchen. His heart thudded rapidly in his chest as he approached the kitchen. He stood at the doorway, staring wide eyed at his brother who was frying some bacon strips and sausages. His lips quivered as he called out to him anxiously, “Shermie?”
Shermie turned to him and he felt sorrow at the fearful, uncertain look, on his brother’s face. He smiled, “Morning sleepy head. Well, it’s actually noon. So uh… Good afternoon.”
He waited anxiously for his brother to respond. Stanley kept staring at him unblinkingly. He cleared his throat, “Why don’t you take a seat? I’m almost done.”
Stanley shuffled toward the dining table and took a seat. His hands clutched at Shermie’s jacket tightly. He didn’t take his eyes off him as he watched his brother moved around the kitchen. After he was done, Shermie took a seat in front of him, “So uhh.. how are you feeling?”
“Are you real?” asked Stanley.
Shermie frowned a little, he clasped his hands together to stop them from shaking, “Lee. I’m really here. You’re not dreaming or seeing things.”
Stanley stared at him, eyes unsure. Sharmie got up from his seat and went around to stand next to his brother. He raised a hand and let it hover over his brother’s head. Stanley stared at him, his eyes filled with fear and uncertainty. Shermie lowered his hand slowly, “I’m here and I’m real.”
Stanley flinched when he felt the weight of his brother’s hand on his head. Shermie ruffled his hair gently, “It’s alright little brother.”
Stanley sighed and gave him a shaky smile, “Welcome home, Sherm.”
His brother smiled and gave the back of his neck a light squeeze, “Eat up bro!”
The two brothers ate their brunch in silence and Shermie cleaned the dishes once they were done. Stanley remained in his seat, looking at his brother, fearing it was all one of his delusions. He inhaled deeply, “T-thanks for the meal, Sherm.”
“You’re welcome. So are you in the mood to go for a walk?”
Stanley fidgeted with his brother’s jacket, “I- I dunno. I haven’t… I’m not…”
Shermie wiped his hands on his jeans, “Nevermind. Let’s just stay indoors and watch some movies. How’s that?”
“I’d like that,” said Stanley feeling relieved.
Shermie clapped his hands, “Alright. First, I want you to go wash up. I’ll set up the living room and make popcorn!”
Stanley stumbled slightly when his brother ushered him toward the stairs, he laughed and it was the sweetest thing Shermie ever heard. Stanley offered him his jacket and he took it, “Take things slowly little brother. I’m not going anywhere.”
Stanley smiled, “I’ll be back soon.”
Shermie chuckled and hit him with his jacket playfully, “Get going. Daylight’s burning away!”
Nearly an hour later, Stanley walked into the living just as his brother put down the bowl of popcorn. Shermie was getting worried that his brother was taking too long but he told himself that Stanley needs the time to readjust himself with being… normal. He stared at his brother who stood nervously, rubbing his arm. Stanley wore a black long sleeved shirt and a pair of grey sweatpants. Shermie noticed that his hair had been cut short. His brother shifted his weight from one foot to the other and scratched his cheek, “Do I look weird?”
Shermie blinked away the tears and took a step forward. He smiled reassuringly, “No, Stan. You look like yourself.”
Stanley smiled shyly as he ran a hand on his head, his now short hair tickled his palm. He raised his eyes to meet his brother, “Really? I think I messed up…”
Shermie motioned at the couch, “If you want, I’ll cut it for you later. I checked the program, we got Village of the Damned playing on HBO soon. You up for that? Or you wanna wait for the next movie, The Little Shop of Horror?”
Stanley sat on the couch and grabbed a soda, “Why not just watch whatever is on until we get bored of them?’
Shermie rubbed his neck and chuckled, “Right. Let’s do that.”
His brother peered at the bowl of popcorn as Shermie grabbed the remote and sat next to his brother, “I made sure it’s all sweet and buttery. Just the way you like 'em!”
Stanley smiled gratefully, “Thanks, Sherm.”
“Oh, I think we missed the first few minutes!”
Stanley cradled the bowl of popcorn close to his chest, “I don’t think we missed much though.”
Shermie stared at him. He wondered if Stanley remembered that he watched this movie with Stanford before. He remembered Stanley whining about how it was taking too long for the ‘monsters’ to show up but Stanford would shush him every time he complained. However, he got absorbed in it as the movie reached it’s climax and the twins started making predictions of what would happen next and asking each other what they would do if they have telepathic ability. They even discussed about the special effects and how they thought it could be improved.
Stanley was drifting off as they reached the last thirty minutes of the movie and Shermie lowered the volume. He made some room on the couch so his brother’s head was now lying on his lap. He continued watching the movie in silence, his hand absentmindedly rubbing circles on his brother’s shoulder. When the credits rolled in he turned off the television. He sighed and looked at the time, it’s almost five in the afternoon.
Shermie’s ears perked when he heard the sound of keys jingling and he felt dread overcoming him. Their father is home. He hadn’t talk with him since they last talked on the phone. He’s not sure what to do or say if they were to meet. He carefully lifted his brother’s head and placed one of the small cushions to act as a pillow for his brother’s head. He then went to greet their father as he heard the front door opening.
Filbrick was going through some mail as he walked in, he looked weary and defeated. Shermie wondered if all those letters were his brother’s medical bills. He swallowed and greeted the man, “Welcome back.”
Filbrick looked up and tried to smile, “Yeah, you too son.”
Shermie motioned with his head, “Stan’s sleeping.”
Filbrick returned his attention back to the letters in his hands and nodded, “Good. That’s... good.”
His son picked at a fuzz on his jeans, “So, what do you want for dinner?”
“Anything is fi-” Filbrick paused and frowned when he found a letter with his youngest’s name on it. His eyes shifted to the logo on the upper right corner, “It’s from Gravity Hills University?”
Shermie tensed. He could feel his heart racing. Shit! Is it for Stan? Dad didn’t know he applied there , he thought dreadfully. He stepped forward and reached out his head, “For me?”
His father looked at him in the eyes, “It’s for Stanley.”
Shermie froze at the confused anger clouding his father’s gaze. He gulped nervously, “W-what? Are you sure it’s not mine?”
Filbrick showed him the name written in cursive, “Read it for yourself. It’s for your brother.”
Shermie spat out a list of expletives in his mind. Why now of all days?! His hands were shaking at his sides. He had the urge to run into the living room, grab his brother and take him away from here. Filbrick tore the envelope open and read the content. Fear clenched Shermie's heart at the furious look on his father’s face. Filbrick’s hand shook as his eyes landed on one word: accepted.
“D-dad? What does it say?” asked Shermie shakily.
Filbrick looked up at his eldest, “Did you know?”
Shermie’s eyes shifted to his brother who stirred in his sleep. He jumped when his father called his name, “Shermie! Did.you.know?”
His son gulped, “I… I… yeah.”
“When?”
“B-before Christmas.”
Filbrick crumpled the paper in his hands, “Why didn’t you tell me?!”
Shermie felt anger flared in him, “It’s his choice!”
“But GHU?! Do you know what’s near Gravity Hills?! That town!”
Shermie blinked, confused, “Huh?”
“Silent Falls.”
“Is that what you’re worried about?”
“Shermie! That town took away your mother and brother! Stanley hasn’t been- he hasn’t been the same since that accident!”
“But dad, it was just… just an accident. You can’t blame a town-”
“No! You need to understand! That town. Something about it is dark and evil .”
Shermie couldn’t help but laughed, “Dark and evil? Dad what are you talking about? It’s just a frickin’ town! We’ve been there a few times! There’s nothing wrong about it!”
“No, you need to listen to me! We need keep your brother away from that place!”
“Dad, you’re not making any sense!”
“Shermie? Dad? W-what’s going on?”
Shermie turned to his approaching brother and raised a hand, “Stay where you are, Stanley.”
Filbrick’s nose flared as he took a step forward. Shermie quickly stood at the doorway, blocking him, “Dad, wait!”
“Move aside Shermie.”
“S-Shermie?” asked Stanley nervously at the anger on his father’s face.
“No, dad. You need to calm down or you’ll- ugh!”
Stanley jumped when his father roughly pushed his brother to the side. He took a few steps back as his father approached him, “D-dad? What’re you-”
Filbrick gripped his son’s shoulders tightly, “You’re not leaving!”
“W-what?” his son sputtered.
Filbrick shook his son roughly, “You’re not going to Gravity Hills or any other town near Silent Falls. I don’t even want you in Maine! Do you hear me?”
“Why?” asked Stanley in a calm voice. Failbrick released his son and took a step back. His son’s eyes seemed to glow and for a moment Filbrick was sure he was talking with a different person. Stanley frowned and his brows scrunched together, “Why can’t I go there? This is my choice, dad.”
“You’re not going.”
“I'm going.”
“Stanley, listen to me-”
Filbrick was caught off guard when his son shoved him back, “No! I’m tired of you telling me what I need to do! You never let me do what I want! You never listen to me!”
“I’m trying to protect you!”
“I don’t need your protection! I can take care of myself!”
“Stanley, you’re… you’re not well! You need to stay here and get treatment.”
“No! I don’t need it! You’re making everything worse!”
Filbrick froze. Stanley glared at him, his voice trembling, “You’re making me miserable. I can’t go on like this.”
“I… I don’t want to lose you too.”
Any emotion on his son’s face vanished as he stared at his father blankly, “You already did.”
Stanley ran passed his father, his brother and out the front door. It took Shermie a moment to realize what just happened and he took off after his brother, “STANLEY!”
Filbrick stared at the empty spot in front of him. His son’s words echoing in his head. Has he pushed him too far? Did he break his son? Is he the reason his son’s condition got worse? He raised shaky hands to his face, his thoughts racing. Lisa , what do I need to do?
Shermie called out to his brother and begged him to stop but his brother just ran. He noticed his brother was still barefooted and he’s worried he’ll hurt himself, “Stanley, please! Stop!”
Stanley couldn’t hear his brother. His vision shifted between reality and illusion. He could see flashes of that place in his dreams. He gasped when he heard a shrill laughter, That’s it Stano! Run! Run to us and we’ll help you get your answers! He shook his head. He was then assaulted by hundreds or thousands of voices, calling to him or blaming him for whatever happened to them. His hands flew to his ears and he screamed to drown the voices.
Suddenly, there was a blare of horn, the screech of tyres and then a heavy weight slammed into him, knocking the air out of his lungs. He fell and rolled on the ground. He was disoriented even though he already stopped rolling. The sound of his harsh frantic breathing was loud as he blinked at the gloomy sky.
“Jesus, Lee! Are you alright?!” asked Shermie as he loomed over his prone brother. He cupped his brother’s pale face and peered into his eyes.
Stanley blinked, “W-what happened?”
“You…” Shermie gulped and looked over his shoulder as the driver got out of her car, “You nearly got hit, Lee. You scared the shit out of me man!”
Stanley tried to get up and he hissed at the pain on his shoulder. The woman knelt down next to him and talked to his brother frantically, “Is he alright?! I-I didn’t see- He was suddenly on the road!”
“Lee, are you hurt?”
He shook his head, “I-I’m fine.”
The woman sighed and apologized again between sobs. Shermie tried to calm her down, one hand on his brother's chest to assure himself that his brother is still there, alive. Stanley stared at them, their voices unheard over the loud ringing in his ears. He felt the raindrops hitting his face before the world faded to black.
NOW
Stanley took in a deep breath then he opened the journal. The pages were stained and yellowed but the cursive handwriting is still readable. He read the author’s name was Victor M. Halloway. The first entry was written on October 13th, 1907.
My name is Victor and I’m writing in this journal to record my findings on my family history and the mysteries of Silent Falls. I was told that my family, the Halloways, are descendants of one of the four founders of this town, Rupert Halloway. I have lived in Silent Falls for all of my 28 years. I have tried leaving this town but I cannot. I ended up returning here again and again. It’s keeping me here. My sister, Katherine, is lucky enough and was able to leave the town safely. I told her to never return here. I hope she is alive and happy wherever she is now.
Stanley stared at the page, Katherine was their father’s mother. He vaguely remembered her. He skipped a few pages and stopped on one with spilled ink stain on it. There was an eye with a slit pupil, reminding him of a cat’s eye, sketched on it and the handwriting on the two pages were sharp and frantic. Stanley recognized the eye, he has seen it before in his dreams.
I have been seeing this eye in my dreams for a few weeks now since I found great, grandfather’s journal. I believe it to be one of the creatures from the Otherworld . This makes me believe that I am close to uncovering the mysteries of this town. However, this creature, this one eyed being… it’s tormenting me. I’m becoming a paranoid mess. I haven’t had any decent sleep in days for I worry this creature will find me. I have a meeting with Chief Bodaway tomorrow and I hope to find more answers from him concerning the history of this town.
Stanley moved on to the next page when he realized he couldn’t read whatever was stained by the ink. There was a sketch of an elderly Indian man on the next page. The name Chief Bodaway was written below the sketch. The pages that was supposed to be about Victor’s meeting with the man was torn off and Stanley cursed under his breath. He read the next available page and it was about the “ Halo of the Suns ”. There were varied sketches of it but Stan has seen something similar in the notebook he got from Susan’s car. He fished it out of his backpack and compared it with the ones in the journal. The three circles arranged in a triangle are similar.
He read what Victor wrote about it:
The Halo of the Sun is an insignia belonging to The Order . Often seen drawn in red or black. They use this symbol as a sign of worship to their ‘God ’, a deity of the sun - a demon, in my opinion though. Every year, they sacrifice an innocent soul to this so called deity of theirs and it has to be a descendant of the four founders of Silent Falls. They would choose one and then murder these people in different manners. They believed the blood of these sacrifices will bring them prosperity and great wealth.
Chief Bodaway said that if the Halo of the Suns are drawn in blue or yellow, it will reverse the effects of the curse and give protection to those who bear it. He believes it will also cause harm to the demon that The Order worshipped. I painted one under my bed using yellow paint and the one eyed beast stopped appearing in my dreams. I can finally sleep.
Stanley flipped through the pages and caught glimpses of sketches of different kinds of horrific creatures that Victor had encountered in the Otherworld. He recognized a few of them from his journey in the fog. A letter slipped out from the pages and he picked it up. There were blood stains on it. He opened it:
Dearest brother,
I hope you are well and safe. I miss you. I’m not sure if this letter will reach you but if it does, I’d like to share good news with you. Victor, I’m pregnant! You’re going to be an uncle! If it’s a boy, I’d like to give him your middle name, Mason. If it’s a girl, I’ll give her mother’s name, Marianne.
I wish you could meet them. You’ll be a great uncle. If you figured out a way to escape Silent Falls, come look for me-
The bottom of the letter was torn off and Stanley assumed it was because Victor didn’t want anyone to know where his sister was. He sighed and closed the journal. It was getting late and he needs rest. He put the journal on the bedside table and then searched for a towel in the wardrobe. He was relieved there were some clothes as well but he’s curious to know why they were there. He shrugged and went to take a hot shower.
After cleaning off the grime and blood off himself, he treated his wounds. Most of them had stopped bleeding, none of them serious or life threatening. The only wound that was still bleeding was the cut on his forehead that he has to suture. He was surprised to find a first aid box when he was rummaging the drawers earlier, and he was grateful. Once he was done taking care of his wounds, he pulled on a white T-shirt. He scratched his chin and could feel his stubble. He mentally took note that he’ll need a shave in the morning.
His stomach rumbled as he stepped into the kitchen area. His eyes landed on the refrigerator apprehensively and he wondered if there’s food. He opened it and his brows shot up in surprise: it was filled with food. He tilted his head, “Well, can’t look at a gift horse in the mouth…”
He checked the cupboards and found some canned food as well. He checked the expiry date before picking out a can of corned beef and beans. He set his ingredients on the counter and stared at the radio on the counter and wondered if it works. He shrugged and switched it on. Slow jazz filled the room and he nods in approval. He quietly made his dinner and enjoyed it, listening to jazz music. By the time he was done cleaning the kitchen, it was a quarter to nine.
He explored the apartment and he appreciated the small library in the corner of the living room. He saw familiar titles of books he had read before and he felt a little uneasy by all the things that he had found in the apartment. Most of them felt familiar. And it didn’t help that the apartment feels like someone who knows him well had lived in it, it feels like someone is still living in it too. He rubbed a thumb against his palm anxiously, it’s even rented under my name .
When he glanced at the clock he was surprised it’s almost eleven. He decided it’s time turn in for the night. He checked the door and windows before getting into bed. He lay on his back and closed his eyes. His breathing slowed and he was asleep in a matter of minutes. While he slept, the temperature in the room dropped and a mist appears. A figure stood at the door. It moved toward the bed, the cloud of mist shifting with its movement. It stood staring at the slumbering man, “You shouldn’t be here. I can’t hold it any longer… I’ll try to hold on a little longer… I hope he finds you and take you away from here. ”
He cursed under his breath as he drove frantically toward that town, “Idiot! I should’ve known he’d go there! I hope nothing bad happened!”
Shermie glanced at his watch, it was almost midnight. He stopped by his brother’s apartment that afternoon after an encounter with an apparition at his studio. He was shocked and terrified at first but then the apparition had warned him about his brother. The warning prompted him to close his studio early and rush to his brother’s apartment. He panicked when the neighbour told him his brother hasn’t been home since the day before yesterday. Then he remembered about the package and the photo, and he kicked himself mentally for not telling his brother not to got to Silent Falls without him. He made a quick phone call to his wife and briefly explained to her that he had to help his brother in another town. His eyes shifted to the flickering figure next to him, “I know! I’m going as fast as I can!”
The apparition nodded and then vanished, leaving him alone in the car. He passed the sign that welcomes him to Silent Falls. His fingers tightened on the steering wheel, “I’m not losing another brother!”
Prologue | One | Two | Three | Four | Five | Six | Seven | PREVIOUS | NEXT
Characters: Stanley Pines, Stanford Pines, Filbrick Pines, Carla McCorkle, Dr Michael Kauffmann.
Words: 4166
Rating: PG-13 for language.
NOTE: I feel so horrible for not updating as soon as I last thought I could. Been a lot of unexpected things happening in life that’s slowing down my fandom related work. Here’s a new chapter for this story and I hope you’ll enjoy it!
Chapter Nine
THEN
Tick. Tick. Tick.
The metronome went on in a steady rhythm.
Tick. Tick. Tick.
Stanley stared unblinkingly at the wall across him. The middle aged man with greying brown hair, sitting to his right, cleared his throat, “How are you feeling Stanley?”
Stanley glanced at him before his eyes wandered back to stare blankly at the wall. The man sighed as he leaned forward, his hands clasped together, “Tell me about your days, Stanley.”
“There’s nothing to talk about,” said the teenager as he shrugged his shoulders. His hands moved to clasped together.
“Have you had any… episodes?”
Stanley frowned, “No.”
“Now Stanley, don’t lie. You must be honest with me if you want my help.”
The teenager glared at him, “I don’t need your help Dr. Kauffmann. You’re here because my father thinks I need therapy!”
“But you do, don’t you?” asked the man.
Stanley looked away with a scowl. He hates these sessions. He hates the way Dr. Kauffmann looks at him with his calculating eyes. He shivered involuntarily. The doctor sighed and leaned back, “C’mon Stanley, your father is just concerned of your well being.”
“You meant to say he thinks I’ve got a loose screw up in my noggin',” said Stanley bitterly. He snorted, “The way I see it, the old man needs the therapy more than I do.”
Dr. Kauffmann tilted his head curiously, “Why is that?”
Stanley shrugged again as he shifted on the bed where he was sitting, “He’s the one losing his marbles after ma- after ma died.”
The doctor nodded, keeping that piece of information in his mind. The teenager fell silent again and Dr. Kauffmann sighed, “You think it’s your fault.”
Stanley’s brows knitted together and his hands shook as he put pressure on his knuckles. His eyes glisten and he whispered through gritted his teeth, “Isn’t it?”
“Stanley, we’ve talked about this. What happened, it was out of your control. You’re not responsible. Things happen, people die. It’s unfortunate that you’ve lost loved ones at a young age.”
Stanley remained silent but Dr. Kauffmann could tell he was agitated by the way he worried his bottom lip and rubbed his right thumb against his left palm. His eyes were narrowed and his jaw muscles were clenched tight. Stanley’s shoulders lowered, a sign he’s closing in on himself again.
“Everyone is going to die, even if we like to pretend otherwise. You could die tonight, in your sleep. Doesn’t that terrify you?”
“It does,” Stanley said in a quiet voice.
“Hmm?”
“I am scared of death, doc. I almost died in that accident months ago. But not knowing what happened to me, not being able to remember, that’s worse. Much worse than death.”
Dr. Kauffmann stared at the haunted look in the teenager’s eyes. The kid looked older than his age. That’s what trauma do to you. It sucks the life out of you. He cleared his throat and asked the question he always asks during these sessions, “Why do you want to remember something so horrific Stanley?”
Stanley’s eyes looked distant as he gazed at nothing in particular, “Because I lost something important that day. Someone precious to me.”
“Who?” Dr. Kauffmann pushed on. He wondered if the answer will be different this time. He watched as confusion and fear bled into the teenager’s brown eyes. The kid looked at him with large terrified eyes. Dr. Kauffmann held back a sigh. He knew the answer before Stanley even say it.
“I… I don’t know,” said the teenager with a shaky voice.
“That’s alright Stanley.”
“No,” said the teenager firmly. The tone startled the doctor and he observed the teenager’s face. There was determination in his eyes now. Usually those eyes looked hollow and lost, but not this time. It’s as if the dying flame in him became stronger, brighter.
“It’s not alright, doctor.”
“But holding onto it will only hurt you more.”
“I’ll take my chances.”
There was a long silence with the exception of the metronome ticking away in a steady rhythm on the desk.
“Let’s change the subject. How is school?”
He could see the teenager was not pleased but followed his lead, “Same as always.”
“Do you still get into fights?”
Stanley clenched his jaw. Of course his father would mention that to the doctor, “I try my best to stay out of trouble.”
Dr. Kauffmann nodded, pleased, “That’s good. What about… flashbacks? Blackouts? Any episodes?”
Stanley clenched his fists and stiffly shook his head. The doctor sighed and gently reprimanded him, “Stanley, please. Be honest with me.”
Stanley frowned. He was getting less of those brain stabbing flashbacks and honestly, he’s worried it’ll stop because that would mean he would completely forget what he has been trying to dig up from the abyss of his mind. He sighed, “I’m… getting less of the headaches.”
“Good. That’s a good sign, Stanley.”
No, it’s not, he thought bitterly.
“It means you’re getting better.”
Feels like I’m getting worse though.
Dr. Kauffmann looked at his watch, “Well, my time’s up.”
Stanley slowly stood up as the doctor got to his feet and walked toward the door. He glanced around the teenager’s impeccably clean and organized room. Mr. Pines had mentioned that his son had been cleaning and organizing things in the house more often lately. He wondered if he should analyse that change of behaviour. He opened the door and exited, knowing Stanley would follow him to the door. Dr. Kauffmann turned to face the teenager as they reached the main entrance of the house, “If you need me, I’m just a call away.”
Stanley nodded mutely. The man patted the teenager’s shoulder, “Try and go out more Stanley. It’s not healthy being cooped up indoors all the time. I’m sure Carla misses you.”
Stanley’s lips thinned at the name mentioned, “I know.”
Alright then, I’ll see you in two weeks. Usual time.”
The teenager nodded and watched the doctor get into his car and drove off. Stanley stood at the porch, staring at the empty driveway.
“Stanley?”
He blinked and found himself staring into Carla’s worried eyes. He tend to lose time lately, and he didn’t think much about it. It’s the norm for him now. The girl searched his eyes and he sighed, “Sorry. I spaced out.”
She nodded sadly but he noticed something in her eyes. Was that fear? “You’ve been doing that a lot lately.”
Stanley lowered his gaze and stared at his lunch, spaghetti and meatballs. He poked at a meatball, disinterested. Carla placed a hand on his and he met her worried gaze, “Stanley, talk to me.”
He shook his head, “Not now.”
She gripped his hand gently, “Please?”
Anger suddenly welled up in him and he pulled his hand away, “Stop pushing me Carla!”
He didn’t realize he had shouted. The buzzing in the cafeteria quieted down and everyone was staring at them but Stanley didn’t feel their curious gaze. He growled as he got up and leave the cafeteria. He needs to get away. Carla got up to go after him but someone stopped her, “It’s time you let him go Carla. It’s over between the two of you.”
Anger flashed in her eyes as she glared at Crampelter. She pulled away from his grasp, “That may be true, but I’m not giving up being his friend!”
Crampelter watched her leave and he chuckled, “Stupid girl.”
Stanley tried his best not to bump into anyone as he walked along the crowded hallway. He kept his gaze lowered to the floor, not wanting to make eye contact with anyone. Someone bumped into him and whispered, “Silent Falls is calling.”
He froze and looked over his shoulder but couldn’t identify the person who just bumped into him. His heart began to race as fear crept into his heart. He shook his head and continued to walk, heading toward the library where he could find peace and quiet. He sighed in relief when he saw the library door.
Vertigo washed over him as he opened the door. He had to blink a few times. His eyes seemed to pulsate as a headache began to form. He pressed a palm against his temple. His ears perked when he heard a siren. When he opened his eyes, though he didn’t remember closing them in the first place, he found himself standing in a red hallway. Embers float around him from below while ashes fall from above like snowflakes. His breath stuttered and he clenched his eyes shut, “It’s not real. Just a dream.”
“Come to Silent Falls.”
His eyes snapped open at the voice. He looked up and he saw a blurry figure of what looked like a boy in front of him. It spoke with a voice that belonged to more than one person. The figure held out a hand, “Come to Silent Falls.”
Stanley stared at it, “W-why?”
“Home.”
“What?”
“Save us.”
“What do you mean?”
“Save me,” said the blurry figure as he lowered his hand. He turned around and walked away. Stanley ran after him, compelled.
“Wait!”
“Come and save me.”
“Wait! Come back!”
“I’m scared. Save me.”
“Stop! Wait for me!”
A dark shadow appeared before him, “DON’T COME TO SILENT FALLS!”
And the ground in front of him crumbled, separating him from the two figures in front of him. He stared at them, wondering what to do when he felt a presence behind him, “JUST ONE MORE STEP AND YOU’LL BE THERE, STANO.”
He felt a hard push behind him and he was falling forward toward the abyss, “NO!”
The air was knocked out of him and stars exploded in his eyes. He gasped and struggled against the tight bonds around his chest. The person holding him grunted, “Jesus, Stan! That was too close!”
“Oh my god! Oh my god! Are you alright?!” asked Carla frantically as she knelt beside them. Her tears dripping onto his face and chest as she looked down at him with worry.
Stanley stopped struggling and stared at her, confused, “Carla? W-what happened?”
The person who was holding him, released his grip as he sat up. Stanley turned to him, “James?”
James’ eyes were wide with fear and worry before they narrowed in anger. He punched Stanley’s shoulder, “What the fuck, Stan?! You scared the shit out of me!”
Stanley’s brows scrunched together as he looked around. They were on the school’s rooftop, and they were a few feet away from the edge. His heart started pounding when he realized what nearly happened, “H-how did I get here?”
Carla looked at him with worry, she quickly wiped away her tears with the back of her hands, “Y-you don’t remember?”
Stanley shook his head slowly. James observed him closely, “You really don’t remember?”
Another shake of the head. James sighed, “You were lucky I saw you.”
Stanley looked at the edge of the roof, “Did I-”
“Yeah. You nearly took a swan dive and make a wonderful painting of death on the courtyard below.”
Carla shot James a look and he shrugged. Stanley let out a stuttering breath, “T-thanks for saving me.”
James scratched his head, “You’re welcome.”
“Stanley, we should call your father.”
“No!” Stanley shouted, startling the two.
“Stan-”
“He’ll just make things worse. Don’t tell him.”
James gripped his shoulder, “Stanley, it’s not normal. What’s happening to you. It’s just… not normal.”
“I know. I’m trying to fix it. Fix me.”
“Let us help you,” said Carla, the tears were back.
Stanley shook his head, “I don’t want you to carry my burden.”
“But you’re carrying it alone.”
“It’ll kill you,” said James grimly.
Stanley stared at them for a long moment, “I’m sorry guys.”
He pushed off the ground and swayed slightly on his feet. James was quick to his feet to help him, “Easy there. I think you should sit down and wait for it to pass.”
Stanley shook his head, bad idea. The world tilted and he listed to the side. James grabbed his arm and Carla was on his other side. He tried to get away from them, “Leave me alone!”
“Stan, don’t be such a stubborn ass!” James growled.
“Maybe we should take you to the nurse’s office?” said Carla.
“No.”
“Stanley…”
“Don’t touch me!”
“Stan!”
He pulled himself free from their hands and ran toward the door. He needs to get away. He wants to be alone. He heard James and Carla calling out to him but he doesn’t want to stop. He just wants to run and get away from them. Get away from everything.
“Your father said you haven’t gone to school since Tuesday,” said Dr. Kauffmann.
Stanley hasn’t said a word since he walked in fifteen minutes ago. The teenager sat still with his eyes staring unblinkingly at the floor. Dr. Kauffmann sighed as he stood up and approached the teen. He knelt down in front of him and there was no reaction from the teenager. It was as if his mind was elsewhere. He noted that the teenager had lost some weight. His clothes hanging loosely on his frame. His skin was pale and eyes sunken with dark bags under them. His hair was messier than usual. The doctor wondered, when was the last time he showered?
“Stanley?” the man cautiously put a hand on the teenager’s shoulder. Stanley blinked and there was clarity in his eyes.
“Dr. Kauffmann, you’re not supposed to be here until Saturday.”
The doctor frowned, “Stanley, it’s Saturday.”
Stanley blinked his eyes, “Huh?”
Dr. Kauffmann frowned in concern as he cupped the teenager’s face and looked at his eyes. His pupils were wide, “Stanley, did you hurt your head?”
Stanley blinked slowly then shrugged, “I don’t think so. I’d remember if I did.”
“Your father called me to come because you have been… away. Spacing out a lot. And you didn’t go to school since Tuesday.”
“So, it really is Saturday today huh?”
“Focus, Stanley.”
“I’m listening doc.”
“I want you to tell me, what happened?”
Stanley’s eyes wandered to the left, then right before his eyes shut. He remained quiet for a long moment. Dr Kauffmann shook him gently, “Stanley?”
“I’m so tired doc.”
“Why is that?”
“I keep hearing it.”
“Hearing what?”
“The siren.”
“Siren?”
“It keeps wailing on and on and on. It won’t stop. Why won’t it stop? I want it to stop.”
“…anything else, Stanley?”
“The fire,” he said as he opened his eyes and stared right through the doctor with glazed eyes that saw things only he can see.
Dr. Kauffmann released his hold on the teen, startled at the sight of eyes that seemed to glow. Stanley lowered his head to his hands, his shoulders trembling, “The fire won’t stop burning. It burns everything to ash. It’s hot and cold. And it burns, burns, burns…”
“S-Stanley?”
“And it’s calling to me.”
“What’s calling you?”
“It keeps calling me to come.”
“What is it Stanley?”
Stanley looked at him with wide eyes, “Hell.”
NOW
There was a knock on the glass and Stanley looked up from where he was sitting on the floor in the telephone booth. A fireman was standing outside the booth, “Hey, you alright man?”
Stanley stood up, “I’m fine. Just resting.”
“We’re done putting out the fire. Do you need a ride to town, sir?”
Stanley looked at what was left of the orphanage. Then he looked at the darkening sky and nodded, “Yeah. Phone’s not working and my car broke down just outside of town…”
The man raised a brow, “That red Cadillac was yours? Broke down is an understatement, sir. I saw Jimmy pull the car into his garage and he said someone called in that they found it off the road. Looked like it ran into a tree to me.”
Stanley shrugged and rubbed his neck, “Okay. I kinda ran off the road. Can’t see anything in the fog.”
The fireman stuck out a hand, “So you’re a visitor. The locals know they shouldn’t drive in the fog. Name’s Matthew.”
“Stanley,” he replied as he took the man’s hand.
Matthew saw his injuries and frowned, “I think we’ll stop by the hospital to get you checked out.”
“I’m okay.”
“You had an accident, Stanley.”
“Yo Matt! We’re rolling out!” said the driver before he climbed into the fire truck.
Matthew motioned for him to follow, “Let’s go.”
Stanley adjusted the backpack on his shoulder as he followed Matthew. He nodded to the other firemen as Matthew introduced them. The ride back to town was filled with idle chat between the firemen with the occasional question shot his way.
“A P.I. eh? So what’re ya doin’ here in quite ol Silent Falls? Investigatin’ a case?” asked Joey.
Stanley smiled politely, “Yeah. Got a lead about a missing person’s case that led me here.”
“Well, I hope you’ll find whatever or whoever you need to find here. If you’re planning to stay over, I bet Jack would have a room for you at his place,” said Matthew.
“I actually rented an apartment. Just drop me off at Blue Creek.”
“Blue Creek Apartment huh? It’s pass the station but yeah, sure,” said Trent the driver.
“If it’s an inconvenient I’ll just walk from the station.”
Felix who was sitting in front waved his hand, “Don’t worry about it, we can go around and pick up some takeout at Lucky Jade’s. I’m sure we deserve some Chinese food for all our hard work today, right boys?”
There were cheers and laughter at the statement from the firemen. Stanley chuckled and rubbed his thumb against his palm, “So, where are they relocating the orphans?”
“Probably at Northwest Manor,” said Matthew.
“Northwest Manor?” asked Stanley.
Trent pointed at a building they could see over the trees in the distant, “See that? That’s the Northwest Manor.”
Greg who has been the quietest of the firemen spoke up, “Been there for nearly a hundred and twenty years. Jeremiah Northwest was one of the four founders of Shepherd’s Glen, that’s the town east of Silent Falls. His son, Nathaniel Northwest, set foot here in Silent Falls and built a town. That mansion is not only home to the current Northwest family but it’s also a museum. There are over two hundred rooms at the mansion so I’m sure there will be rooms for the orphans.”
“You seem to know a lot about the manor,” Stanley commented, impressed.
Joey laughed and patted Greg’s shoulder, “Greg ‘ere is a history nerd! Ya can count on ‘im if ya wanna know stuff about the town!”
“Someone’s gotta pass down the knowledge to the younger generation!” said Greg with a shy grin.
Matthew leaned towards Stanley and whispered, “He’s got six kids and another one comin’. He likes to tell the town’s stories to ‘em.’
Joey chuckled, “Ya shoulda been a history teacher if ya wanna pass down the knowledge to the younger generation!”
Greg raised a finger, “I will be! One day!”
“Still working on that teacher application huh?” asked Matthew.
Stanley smiled as he listened to them talk. The three men seemed like good friends. He looked outside and was curious to see people minding their own business. Everything looked normal, he thought apprehensively. Am I losing my mind? He wondered. His grip on his backpack’s strap tightened when he remembered the bottle of pills he brought with him. He hasn’t been taking them as the doctor prescribed and he wondered if the events he encountered were all in his head.
He took out his brother’s letter and read it again. He stared at the code his brother wrote and read the hints given. A memory came to him of brothers lying on their bellies on the floor as they argue back and forth on what best ways they could do to make their communication unique.
“Oh, I know! SECRET CODES!”
“Oh, like ciphers?”
Stanley stared at his brother blankly, “Huh?”
Stanford grinned, amused, “It’s another word for secret codes Lee.”
“Oh, cool!”
“Great idea by the way,” said the older twin. He smiled at the wide grin gracing his little brother’s face, “So what kind of code do you prefer? Pictures, numbers or letters?”
Stanley rest his chin on his folded arms, “Hmm, letters would be easier I think.”
“Cool. So let’s write down all the alphabets and think of ways we can make codes from there.”
“Okay!” said Stanley excitedly as he grabbed a red crayon and started writing down the alphabets on his piece of paper, “You know, this will be so cool! Kinda like, our thing. No one will know our secret messages!”
stared at the letter: 618. EXIC QEXQ KRJYBO. Caesar retreats three times. He took out a pen and wrote down the twenty six letters of the alphabet and then he tried to decipher the code by substituting the letters with the letters three down but they didn’t make sense. Then he took the letters three up the ones written and it gave him ‘HALF THAT NUMBER’.
“Here’s your stop, Stano!” said Trent as he bought the truck to a halt.
His heart stuttered for a moment at the name Trent called him. An image of an eye floating in darkness flashed before his eyes and a high pitched laughter filled his ears. Don’t you want to know who YOU are?
“Stan?” asked Matthew, voice laced with genuine concern that made his stomach tightened uneasily.
Stanley rubbed his eyes, “Just tired. Thanks for dropping me off guys.”
“You sure you don’t wanna go to the hospital?”
“Yeah, I’m sure,” he replied before he stepped out of the truck.
“We’ll see you around then. Take care of yourself Stanley.”
He nodded and then walked toward the apartment’s entrance. The building looked well cared. The paint still bright, the lawn trimmed and the flowers by the gate are blooming. He moved aside as a group of children rushed out, their laughter ringing in his ears. He shook his head and went in.
The elderly lady at the reception desk looked up at him curiously, “Hello there. Welcome to Blue Creek Apartment.”
“Umm, may I know if room 309 is available?”
“309? Let me see…” she said as she pulled out a book, “Oh, it’s been rented by a Stanley Pines.”
Stanley blinked, he wasn’t expecting that, “Uh, that would be me.”
“Oh! Pardon me, here’s your key.”
“Thank you.”
“If you don’t mind me asking, are you alright? You seem hurt.”
“Oh, don’t worry. I had an accident but I’m not hurt badly I assure you.”
The worry on her face was still there but she nodded, “I’m sorry but are you by any chance related to Victor Halloway?”
“I… I don’t know,” he replied. He wasn’t sure what to say. His brother did write that they had a great uncle named Victor but he never met the man or even know of him. No one mentioned him in their family.
The elderly lady nodded, “I see, it’s just… you look like him. Anyway, I hope you’ll enjoy your stay here.”
Stanley smiled at her, “I didn’t catch your name.”
She gasped and put a hand on her chest, “Oh, where are my manners? It’s Kelly, Kelly Niles. My husband Bobby is the one in charge of the building’s maintenance. If you need anything, give us a call. Our number should be by the phone.”
“Thank you. I’ll see you around ma’am.”
“Don’t be so formal with me young man. Kelly is fine,” she said with a giggle.
Stanley walked toward the stairs but paused when he heard Kelly say, “Oh and please stay indoors when it gets foggy. It’s safer to be indoors until it’s gone.”
Stanley nodded, “I’ll remember that.”
He ascended the stairs until he reached the top floor. He looked for Room 309 and used the key to unlock the door. He looked around the room and washed by a sense of nostalgia. So he had been here before. He took off his coat, hissing when his wounds were aggravated. He dropped it on the couch then went toward the bedroom. There were two beds and he stared at them.
You can have the one by the window Stan.
He went for the other bed and looked under the bed. He tried to feel for any oddities then tried knocking on the floor boards. There was a hollow sound on one of the boards and he tried to pry it off. It came off easily, to his surprise, and then he stuck his hand into the opening and felt something. He grabbed it and took out something wrapped in cloth. He sat on the bed and stared at it for a few moments before he began to unwrap it carefully. Inside is a leather bound journal with a hand-shaped symbol, a hamsa, carved on it. In the palm of the hand is a single eye staring at him.
Well that’s all for this chapter. I’m working on the details for the next few chapters. More GF and SH character will be making their appearance and I’m doing my best to make it suspenseful for ya’ll!
Dr. Kauffman released his hold on the teen, startled at the sight of eyes that seemed to glow. Stanley lowered his head to his hands, his shoulders trembling, “The fire won’t stop burning. It burns everything to ash. It’s hot and cold. And it burns, burns, burns…”
“S-Stanley?”
“And it’s calling to me.”
“What’s calling you?”
“It keeps calling me to come.”
“What is it Stanley?”
Stanley looked at him with wide teary eyes, “Hell.”
Prologue | One | Two | Three | Four | Five | Six | Previous | NEXT
Characters: Stanley Pines, Stanford Pines, Filbrick Pines, Pyramid Head and Bill Cipher.
Words: 4562
Rating: PG-13 for language.
NOTE: Many apologies for the long hiatus. Life is a wreck. Anyways, I've returned with an update! (I can finally access tumblr!) I hope you enjoy it! Thanks for all the likes and reblogs. Comments in tags are highly appreciated (it motivates me).
Chapter Eight
THEN
Stanley watched as the coffin was lowered into the grave. Inside the coffin, his mother sleeps until the end of time. He feels nothing, and he wondered briefly if he should be concerned with his lack of emotion. His eyes were dry. There were no more tears to shed. The day was bright and the birds sang merrily above their heads. A contradiction to the atmosphere surrounding the small crowd of people who attended the funeral. A crow cawed and Stanley raised his eyes to stare at it as it perched on a nearby tombstone. It stared at him with its beady eyes. It cawed once more before taking flight.
Shermie let out a choked sob beside him and he stepped closer to his brother, the back of his left hand brushing against Shermie’s clenched right hand. Filbrick’s hand lay on his eldest son’s back, between his shoulder blades, and his thumb absentmindedly rubbed at the nape of his son’s neck as a sign of comfort. He was silent but his eyes were red as he stared at his wife’s coffin. His mind whirling with questions. Lisa’s death was so sudden. He had lost one of his sons not four months ago. Why is this happening to their family? He glanced at Stanley who was staring at him with blank eyes. He wondered what was going on in his son’s head at that moment. Stanley blinked once, then moved his gaze to the coffin and narrowed his eyes.
The three remaining Pines returned home in silence. Filbrick took out a bottle of whiskey and sat alone in the kitchen while his sons went to their respective rooms upstairs to mourn.
Stanley tossed his tie and coat onto the chair before he sat on his bed. He could hear Shermie crying in his room. Shermie was always an open book. He wear his heart on his sleeve. The overly emotional brother of the Pines brothers. Stanley he pondered if he should go comfort his brother.
It wasn’t an accident .
Stanley looked up and a girl was standing in front of him. She flickered like static in a television. His brows furrowed, “What do you mean?”
Your mother… she was murdered.
“What?”
She got too close. She knows their secrets. The secrets they keep in Silent Falls.
Stanley stood up and the girl flickered out of sight. He gasped and looked around the room. His thoughts filled with questions: murdered? Ma was murdered? Why? What was she doing at Silent Falls? Wasn’t she visiting his grandparents? Who killed her?
He needed to know. He left his room and went downstairs. His strides wide and quick as he approached the kitchen, “Pa?”
Filbrick looked up at him with swollen red eyes. Stanley noticed the bottle of whiskey was almost empty. He knew his father was drunk and he should just leave him alone. However, he couldn’t stop himself, “Why was ma in Silent Falls?”
Filbrick’s eyes narrowed, “What?”
Stanley knew he should back off but he couldn’t seem to do so. He wanted answers, “Why was she in Silent Falls?”
Filbrick stood up unsteadily, “What are you talking about?”
His son stared at him, confused, “Didn’t you say she went to visit her parents?”
The oldest Pines gulped, “Stan… your grandparents live up in Ashfield. They don’t live in Silent Falls anymore. Not for thirty years.”
Stanley frowned in confusion. His father approached him unsteadily, staring at him with worry. Stanley’s frown deepened when he saw a hint of fear in his father’s eyes. He tilted his head, “Didn’t she die in Silent Falls?”
Filbrick’s eyes widened and he grabbed his son’s shoulders, “Stop saying that damned town’s name!”
“D-dad?” asked Stanley, shocked at his father’s reaction.
Filbrick began shaking him frantically, “I don’t want to hear that name ever again! You hear me boy?! Do you hear me?!”
“Dad! What are you doing?!” Shermie exclaimed as he rushed in to separate his father from his brother. He frowned when he smelled whiskey in his father’s breath. He was startled when his father grabbed the front of his shirt and tugged him forward. He nearly fell forward at the sudden shift of his balance.
“And you Shermie! Don’t you ever go near that town!” Filbrick growled.
Shermie grabbed his father's wrist, his heart pounding, “Dad, let go!”
“Please say you won’t go near that town! Never!”
“What’s got into you dad?! What town?”
“What’s in Silent Falls?” asked Stanley.
Filbrick and Shermie stiffened as they stared at the youngest Pines. Stanley’s eyes glowed eerily in the dark. Anger flashed in Filbrick’s eyes and before Shermie could stop him, he swung a fist at his youngest son. Stanley’s head snapped to the right and he stumbled a few steps back.
Shermie gasped, “What the fuck dad?!”
“Don’t.you.ever.say.that.town’s.name!” Filbrick growled, his eyes gleaming dangerously.
Shermie stepped between his father and brother protectively, “STOP! You’re drunk dad!”
“Dad… I-I’m sorry,” said Stanley shakily as he stared at his father with wide eyes, hurt and betrayal shining in them. Filbrick’s anger was quickly snuffed out and was replaced with guilt. He realized this was the first time he hurt one of his sons physically. What have I done? He thought, horrified. He took a step forward but Shermie quickly placed a palm against his chest to stop him. His son glared at him, silently giving him a warning.
“Don’t apologize Stanley. Not your fault. Why don’t you go upstairs?” said Shermie soothingly.
Stanley nodded numbly and turned to leave. Once he was out of sight, Shermie shifted his gaze to his father, his eyes narrowed and nostrils flared in anger, “What’s wrong with you?! I know you’re grieving but seriously dad! What the fuck man?!”
“I- I don’t... “ Filbrick couldn’t finish. He was speechless.
Shermie shook his head with a huff, “Go to bed and sober up dad. We’ll talk in the morning.”
Filbrick watched his son jogged up the stairs. He rubbed a hand on his face and sighed wearily as he wandered toward his bedroom. When he pushed the door open, he was swamped with loneliness and emptiness. Usually, Lisa would be sitting in bed with a book or cross stitching something. Now it’s empty. He trudged toward the bed and flopped down on his side. He let out a shaky breath and a choked sob as he let the tears fall freely, “Lisa… I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”
“Hey,” said Shermie.
Stanley looked up at him with wide eyes, “Shemie, I didn’t-”
“It’s okay Stan. Here, lemme see the damage,” said the eldest brother as he approached him. He turned on the bedside lamp and Stanley flinched at the bright light. His brother gently held his face and assessed him. He clicked his tongue, “It’s not bad. You’ll probably get a bruise.”
“Nothing I never had before,” said Stanley as he pulled away from his brother’s hands. His brother frowned at those words.
Shermie sat down beside him, their shoulder touching, “A-are you going to be alright Stan?”
“I’ll live. Like I said, nothing I’ve-”
“I mean without mom,” said Shermie shakily. His eyes prickled with tears at the thought of their deceased mother.
Stanley was silent for a long moment, “I dunno.”
“Maybe you should come live with me?” said Shermie.
“Sherm, I got school.”
“I know, sorry. That was a dumb suggestion.”
“... I’ll go with you though, once I graduate high school.”
Shermie turned to him, “Really?”
Stanley smiled, “Yeah. I applied to GHU remember?”
“Right. Did you…”
“No. He still didn’t know.”
“Are you going to tell him?”
Stanley was silent.
“Stan?”
“Maybe after I graduate.”
Shermie nodded, “Okay.”
The brothers sat in silence. Shermie was startled when Stanley suddenly leaned heavily against him, “I miss ma…”
“I miss her too brother,” said Shermie as he wrapped an arm around his brother’s shoulder and gave his shoulder a gentle squeeze. He heard his brother gasped and flinched, “Stan?”
“N-nothing. Just… startled.”
Shermie frowned but he didn’t push for an answer. A few minutes later, his brother’s breathing evened out. He carefully maneuvered his brother and lay him down gently. He took off his shoes and wondered if he should take off his brother’s dress shirt but decided against it when his brother shivered. He pulled the blanket over him and ruffled his hair affectionately, “Good night Stan.”
When he left, he didn’t hear his brother’s quiet whimper as he rolled onto his left side to alleviate the pain on his right shoulder. Stanley cracked his eyes open, “G’night Sherm…”
When morning came, both brothers had their breakfast in silence. Their father had left early. ‘Off to work’ as the little note on the fridge says. But both brothers knew he was avoiding them after last night's event. Shermie was staring into space, his coffee forgotten and gone cold. Stanley stared at his cereals sleepily, eyes red with lack of sleep. He was plagued by nightmares but fortunately he didn’t make a ruckus to alert his brother. He was dreaming about that place again. Silent Falls.
“I have to go back to Gravity Hills on Saturday,” said Shermie cautiously.
Stanley nodded, “The day after tomorrow.”
“Maybe I should take another week off?”
Stanley looked at his brother, “Sherm, you’re in your final term. You got a thesis and a portfolio to finish.”
“Ah, right. I shouldn’t waste anymore time…”
Shermie took a sip of his cold coffee and he met his brother’s gaze, eyes glistening, “I’m sorry I have to leave you.”
Stanley sighed and gave him a small smile, “You big softie. I’ll be fine. I got dad.”
Shermie’s eyes darkened, “That’s what I’m worried about.”
“Hey, dad was drunk and upset last night. I’m sure he didn’t mean to hit me. He ain’t thinkin’ straight.”
“What if he gets drunk every night while I’m not here? What if he hurts you?”
“C’mon bro. It's dad. Besides, I’m a big boy. I can take care of myself. I’ll stay out of his sight whenever he’s drunk. It’ll be fine.”
Shermie seemed to contemplate about it, “Okay. But if he hurts you, you call me!”
Stanley nodded, “I will.”
“Promise?” asked Shermie, his voice small and hopeful.
Stanley smiled but it didn’t reach his eyes, “Promise.”
Two days later, Stanley watched his brother drove off solemnly. His father wasn’t home so he was left alone. He sighed and closed the door behind him. The house was silent and cold. He tried to remember when it was warm and filled with laughter but it was no use. He was actually relieved Shermie didn’t ask him about… about the brother he couldn’t remember. He frowned and rubbed his dully throbbing temple. He went up to his room and dug out a journal he had been keeping and opened it. The most common words written in the journal were; Stanford , Silent Falls and accident. The three keys to his memory loss.
He pressed his lips in a firm line and read through the pages, hoping to remember details. He made plans for the future. One day he’s going there. He’ll go to Silent Falls and find out the truth.
NOW
Stanley wasn’t sure how long he has been walking but the stairs seemed to stretch on forever into darkness. He mused if it’s leading him to Hell and shook his head to banish the thought. He glanced at his torch and he began to worry it wouldn’t last long. The flame flickered and he paused. He could feel a cool breeze. He quickened his pace and he finally saw the bottom of the stairs. The flat ground was wet and covered in moss. There was a rusty metal door, that resembles a submarine door, at the end of the narrow passage.
Stanley wedged the torch between a crack in the wall so his hands are free to turn the wheel on the door. He grunted as he had to pull with all his might. The wheel gave a screech as it turned on it’s rusted axle. A gust of wind burst through the opened door that it blew out the torch. However, there was light coming from the other side. Stanley cautiously went through the door.
The room was spacious and dimly lit. Stanley sputtered when a black butterfly flew at his face. He waved it away with a scowl. He looked around and concluded he’s in a boiler room. There was a spiral stairs and he walked up, hoping to find the exit since he didn’t see one on the floor he was standing. He reached the top and opened the door. What he saw shocked him.
“What the heck?”
He was in a forest. He looked behind him and wondered how he ended up on the surface when he was sure he had walked a very long way down in the dark passage. He cautiously stepped out and the leaves crunched under his foot. The ground was solid. He shut the door behind him. It seemed like he had step out of a concrete box. He decided not to dwell too long and that he should find his way back to town.
“Stan?”
Stanley looked up when he heard rustling. Edward climbed down a nearby tree and dust his hands on his jeans. He stared at Stanley with wide eyes, “You’re alive!”
“Eddie! How did you- Why did you run off?!”
Edward rolled his eyes, “Duh! I had to hide from the monsters. Weren’t you listening to me?”
Stanley looked at him over quickly. The teenager looked unharmed and his eyes showed more clarity than the last time he saw the kid. Edward combed his hair back with his hand, “So did you find that friend of yours?”
Stanley shook his head, “No.”
“Bummer man. Look, I don’t know about you, but I’m gonna leave Freaky Town.”
Stanley looked around and saw clouds of mist appearing around them, “I thought you said we can’t-”
“Only when there’s fog. It’s safe now. We’re back in the real world! See? The sky is clear!” said the teenager with a grin as he motioned around him.
“Edward… I can see the fog.”
The smile on the teen’s face disappeared and his eyes widened with worry, “Oh no. You have unfinished business here.”
“Unfinished bus-”
“You better run Stan! Find a safe place!” said Edward frantically as he began to fade from his sight.
“Where?! We’re in a forest!” said Stanley as the fog swiftly rolled in as if it was alive and wanted to devour him. Everything seemed to turn dark and grey.
“STAN, RUN!” cried Edward’s voice from beyond the fog.
Stanley cursed under his breath when he heard a howl. He turned and started running. His eyes darted around looking for threats. The trees creaked as they shriveled and turned black. The leaves falling and disintegrating into ash. Stanley coughed when the smell of smoke assaulted his nose and his eyes stung. He blinked and tears washed away the ash that got into his eyes. He could see light in the distant and he quickened his pace.
As he got closer, he slowed down to a halt and his eyes widened as he stared at the burning building. He could see a cross on one of the two towers and guessed it was a church. The flames were fierce as they devour the building. The hot air wrapped around him and the air stifling. His clothes began to get soaked with sweat.
<center> Ring around the rosy
A pocketful of posies
Ashes, ashes,
They all fall down! </center>
Stanley saw a girl dancing a few feet from the burning building. She was wearing a white nightgown which was stained with dirt and soot. Her long blonde hair flying around her as she twirled. He ran toward her, “Hey! Get away from there!”
The girl spun around with a gasp, startled. She stared at him with wide fearful eyes. Stanley’s breath caught in his throat as he stared at the familiar face. Alessa?! She looks younger but she is definitely the ghostly girl he kept seeing. He could see she was ready to run and he quickly raised a placating hand, “It’s okay. I’m not going to hurt you.”
“W-who are you?” she asked with a small voice, her bottom lip quivering.
“I… I’m Stanley and I’m kinda lost. What’s your name sweetie?”
She looked around anxiously, “I’m not supposed to talk to strangers. Aunt Christa will not be pleased.”
“You can talk with me. You see, I’m a policeman,” he lied.
Her eyes widened with wonder, “A policeman? Then you must be a good man!”
Stanley smiled at her. She smiled back shyly, “My name is Pacifica.”
“Pacifica. That’s a nice name.”
They jumped when there was a loud groan and the burning church began to collapse. Stanley instinctively pulled Pacifica into his arms and took her away from the burning building. He watched as it collapsed, “What happened here?”
“She burned it down,” said Pacifica.
Stanley looked down at her, “Who?”
Pacifica shook her head, “I shouldn’t say her name. It’s forbidden to say her name. Aunt Christa says it’s bad luck.”
Stanley frowned, “Why are you here alone Pacifica?”
The girl pursed her lips, “I’m not alone.” She smiled widely and poked his nose gently, “I’m with you!”
Stanley couldn’t help but chuckle, “Smart ass.”
Pacifica’s eyes widened and she gasped, “You said a bad word!”
“Sorry,” said the man as he put her down. He frowned when he realized she was barefooted and that her feet were covered in cuts, “Pacifica, your feet...”
“Huh? Oh, it’s okay! I’m used to it!” she beamed as she wiggled her toes.
Stanley straightened and looked around, “Where is everyone?”
“They’re all dead.”
His eyes darted to her and he was disturbed by the way she said it calmly, “What do you mean sweetie?”
“She killed them. They were mean to me and she killed them and burned them.”
“Who?”
“I’m not allowed to say her name.”
Stanley knelt in front of her, “Is she a bad person?”
The girl shook her head, “She’s not a bad person. She protects me!”
“But sweetie, what she did… it’s not right.”
“But… they were mean and horrible to me. They hurt me!”
Stanley’s eyes softened as he took her small hands in his, “Pacifica, I’ll-”
“Get your hands off her!” a woman shouted as she approached them with a frown.
Stanley stood up to face her and he didn't miss the way Pacifica gasped in fear and quickly hide behind him. He sized the approaching woman. She had dark brown hair tied up in a tight bun and narrow brown eyes. Her face was sharp and so was her nose. Her lips thin and covered in dark red lipstick. She was a good one foot shorter than him. He could take her down if he need to, he mused. She was wearing a long black dress with white collar and cuffs. He blinked, is she a nun?
“Aunt Christabella,” Pacifica whispered fearfully. Stanley instinctively pushed her behind him to keep her out of the woman’s sight.
“Come to me Pacifica!” said Christabella sternly.
Pacifica hesitated and Stanley spoke up, “Who are you?”
The woman glared at him, “I am her guardian.”
“You left her alone!”
“I did not! I went to make sure everyone is safely out of the burning building!” said Christabella as she motioned at what used to be a church. She glared down at Pacifica, “And this little rascal had wandered off from the group! You had me worried young lady!”
“I’m sorry,” said Pacifica in a quiet voice.
Christabella grabbed her and pulled her along, “Come, we need to get back to the group!”
“Hey now, no need to be rough with the kid," said Stanley as he followed them.
Christabella stopped and turned to him, her eyes judging him warily, “Who are you? I have never seen you around town before.”
“I’m Stanley Pines. I’m from Gravity Hills and was just passing through. Car broke down on the way,” he lied again. He nodded to the still burning church, “Saw the smoke and ran here to see what happened.”
“Well, I’ve called the fire department and they’re on their way. You should go along now and get help for your car.”
Stanley didn’t like the woman. He glanced at Pacifica who stared at him with pleading wide eyes. He wanted to help her. She’s obviously afraid of this woman. But he couldn’t do anything as Christabella tugged at the little girl. Pacifica threw another look at him over her shoulder, her eyes calling to him for help. Stanley jogged after them, “Wait!”
Christabella stopped again and turned to him, annoyance evident on her face, “What is it now Mr. Pines?”
“I need a phone.”
The woman seemed to chew at the inside of her cheeks. She tilted her head, “There’s a telephone booth near the entrance gate.”
Stanley looked to where she motioned and he could see the black painted gates. It struck him odd that there’s a telephone booth at the entrance of the church. He nodded his thanks to her and glanced at Pacifica who mouthed, please don’t go ! He was torn. If he took the girl with him and ran off, he could end up in trouble. He’s in a strange place after all. And he didn’t want to endanger her what with monsters that tend to show up whenever the fog appears.
“Is everyone safely out of the church?” he asked, stalling the woman.
Christabella’s brows furrowed, “Yes, and this is not a church, it’s an orphanage.”
“Oh.”
“I must leave now. The children must be terrified.”
“W-wait!” Pacifica blurted out. She pulled her arm free and ran to hug Stanley. Her short arms wrapped around his waist. She looked up at him and whispered, “Be safe, Lee!”
Stanley’s heart stuttered at the name. Only his brothers called him that. It was their affectionate nickname for him especially from Stanford. Ford , his heart whispered with an ache. Pacifica dug out something from her nightgown pocket and placed it in his right hand. She curled his fingers around it and kissed them, “This’ll protect you!”
“Sister Christabella?” asked a small voice.
Stanley looked up and he held his breath when he saw a small boy with curly brown hair and large brown eyes. His large glasses resting at the bridge of his nose and freckles peppered his cheeks. The boy resembles someone he knows. Someone he grew up with. The boy stared at him anxiously and he quickly hid his hands behind his back making Stanley curious of his action. Pacifica ran to the boy and grabbed one of his hands, “Ford! Are you alright?”
Stanley nearly choked when he heard the name, “Ford?” he whispered.
Christabella clicked her tongue in annoyance, “Oxford! I told you to stay with the group didn’t I?”
The boy, Oxford, bowed his head, “I’m sorry Sister Christabella. I was worried about Paz.”
“It’s alright, Ford. I’m okay!” said Pacifica cheerfully.
Oxford examined her with his eyes and nodded, “Okay.”
“Come children. Let’s hurry back to the group,” said Christabella as she ushered them away. Pacifica waved at Stanley sadly. Oxford turned to him and gave him a shy wave as well before he quickly hid his hand. Stanley’s eyes widened and his vision blurred with tears. He didn’t miss it. Oxford has six fingers and that made his heart stutter and ached so much it physically hurts. I’m a freak, Lee, a small voice whispered in his head sadly.
“No. No you’re not,” he whispered without being aware. He watched the two children disappear with Christabella to the other side of the still burning building. Stanley let out a stuttering sigh and opened his hand to see a black butterfly brooch in his hand. His brows knitted in confusion but he decided to keep it with him. He put it in a small pocket inside his coat and then walked toward the telephone booth. He heard a rumble and saw a bus filled with children drove out of the orphanage’s courtyard. He saw a glimpse of Pacifica and Oxford staring at him solemnly. His eyes focused on Oxford’s six fingered hand pressed against the window.
Memories flashed to the forefront of his mind. A boy with tears in his brown eyes staring at him sadly as he raised his hands, “ I’m a freak, Lee. ”
Stanley grabbed those hands and gave them a gentle squeeze, “No. No you’re not! You’re my brother, Ford!”
Stanford let out a choked sob, “I’m sorry you got hurt because of me.”
Stanley’s eyes softened, “Don’t be. I’ll do it a million times if I have to. I’m not going to let anyone hurt you because you’re different Ford.”
Stanford shook his head, “Why am I so different? Why do I have these?!”
“Hey, hey now brother. Remember what ma said? You’re unique. You’re special.”
“But-”
“Ford, you’re the smartest kid I know! You’re also the bravest!”
Stanford let out a short laugh, “Not as brave as you though…”
“Point is, I’ll never stop loving you. Yeah, you’re different and people call you a freak but that doesn’t matter! I’m here. Shermie’s here. Even ma and pa! We’re a bunch of freaks! A family of freaks!”
Stanford laughed, amused, and Stanley smiled as his brother gave him a light shove, “You’re not making sense!”
Stanley rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed. Stanford put a hand on his shoulder and gave a gentle squeeze, “Thanks, Lee.”
“Anytime,” said Stanley as he helped his brother to his feet. He started to pick up his brother’s scattered books and papers. And when he straightened, his brother was staring at him with a sad smile, “What?”
“You’re an idiot Stan,” he said it sadly. His eyes sorrowful and pained. He wanted to say more but he couldn’t say it.
Stanley patted his brother’s chest with the books and papers in his hands lightly, “Well… you’re my freak and I’m your idiot. Deal with it.”
They turned when they heard heavy footsteps. Shermie appeared from the corner and he sprinted towards them. His eyes wide with worry, “Guys! Are you alright?! I heard from Starla-”
“We’re fine Sherm. I kicked those bozos ass!”
“Language, Stan!” warned Shermie.
Stanley rolled his eyes exasperatedly. He protested as Shermie began fussing over him and his twin, “Hey, back off! You’re worst than ma!”
“B-but I’m your big brother! I’m supposed to protect you!” said Shermie as his eyes shone with tears. Leave it to Shermie to get emotionally worked up. Stanley sighed and glanced at Stanford who gave him an amused smile. Stanford pushed his glasses up, “Let’s go home.”
As they walked, Stanley grabbed his twin's hand, startling him. Stanford gave him a questioning look and Stanley gazed back with a determined look in his eyes. He’s not going to let anyone hurt his brother for being different. He’ll make sure of it.
“But I failed,” Stanley whispered as he pressed his forehead against the glass wall of the telephone booth, his shoulders trembling. Tears streamed down his cheeks and leaving dark stains on the floor, “I failed.”
Hey guys, good news! Chapter 9 is in progress and may be uploaded sooner! I’m on a roll!
“D-dad?” asked Stanley, shocked at his father’s reaction.
Filbrick began shaking him frantically, “I don’t want to hear that name ever again! You hear me boy?! Do you hear me?!”
“Dad! What are you doing?!” Shermie exclaimed as he rushed in to separate his father and brother.
“And you Shermie! Don’t you ever go near that town!” Filbrick growled and grabbed his eldest.
Shermie grabbed his wrist, “Dad, let go!”
“Please say you won’t go near that town! Never!”
“What’s got into you dad?! What town?”
“What’s in Silent Falls?” asked Stanley.
Anger flashed in Filbrick’s eyes and before Shermie could stop him, he swung a fist at his youngest son. Stanley’s head snapped to the right and he stumbled a few steps back. He looked at his father with eyes wide, hurt and betrayal shining in them.
Shermie quickly stepped between them. His stance wide and eyes narrowed in anger, “STOP!”
Filbrick stared at his sons with regret.
And that night, the brothers’ trust in their father shattered.
