When Everything Fades to Black: Pt. 2

The next morning, as Tryst came down the staircase for breakfast, her father gasped in horror. All eyes went from him, then swiftly flicked up to Tryst. The girl paused at the second to the last step. She delivered her dad a puzzled look. "Is someone behind me?" She innocently asked. Knowing and believing her father’s testimonies of being clairvoyant. If that’s what you wanted to call it.

Mrs. Redgrave put a comforting hand on her husband’s palm. "Dear, everything is all right. It’s just Tryst." Mr. Redgrave, who never raised his voice, or lost his temper, slammed his fork down on the table. Abruptly yanking his hand away from his wife. "I would appreciate it if my you would stop treating me like I’m crazy, Torrance!" She raised her voice right back. "I’m sorry honey, it’s just that-" "Stop!" He lifted out of his chair and beheld Tryst with caution. "Where did you get these?" He asked as he flipped her wrists over. He gasped again, "They’re even on your ankles! Tryst!" Both he and his daughter’s hands were shaking.

"What are you talking about Dad?" She said whispered. Feeling frightened at that very moment. "You can’t see them? The bruises?" Tryst’s eyes watered as she shook her head. She watched as her mother made her way toward them. "Jonathan, come and sit down. Let Tryst be." Mrs. Redgrave tilted her head as she examined her daughter. She giggled in that tone Tryst hated. The one where she thought something was crazy. "There isn’t one scratch on her. All this nonsense is scaring our poor daughter."

Tryst and her father stared at Mrs. Redgrave in the same wounded look. Falling under her scrutiny far too many times. "Is this funny to you? I’m not crazy, damn it! I see what I see." His voice got sharp then. Like Tryst had never heard before. "I believe you Dad." She cut in, still shaking. Some tears rolled down her cheeks. For the benefit of her mother‘s ears, Tryst admitted. "I heard them again last night." She wiped her face with the back of her hand.

"What kind of things do they say?" Her brother asked from the dining table. "Javan!" His mother scolded. "Don’t entertain them with curious questions. Just be thankful you don‘t have it too." "Who says I don’t?"" Javan rebelliously asked. He always had a sarcastic look on his face, but this time, he looked serious. "You always know just the right thing to say don’t you Mom?" Tryst scoffed. Finally sitting at the table. She ignored her mother’s hindering remarks, and answered her brother honestly. "I get called to my window a lot." She gave her Dad an inquisitive glance. He nodded his head slightly. Tryst continued. "Sometimes…they try to get me to come outside. Mostly, I hear music. It’s almost like…" Mr. Redgrave did not like the dreamy tone Tryst began to use. He interrupted. "A parade?" Descending gingerly in his seat. "Can you see them yet?"

Tryst didn’t have a chance to answer her father. Mrs. Redgrave chimed in with a disturbed look on her face. "Have you been taking your sleeping pills Tryst?" Mrs. Redgrave asked with downshifted eyes. "I do. Every night, Mom. But even with that, and my iPod, I can still hear them. It’s not going to-" "We’ll just have to get you something stronger!" Mrs. Redgrave bellowed. Now she was sounding like a crazy lady. "I’m already on the strongest pill, Mother. Thorazine isn’t even legal to give me!" Tryst erupted. It just spewed out. She didn’t mean to reveal it that way. But, she couldn’t take back what was said. "Get your things kids. I’m taking you to school today." Mr. Redgrave, Javan and Tryst stood from the table in unison. Leaving without a word to Mrs. Redgrave.

When Everything Fades to Black...
Where the story begins.