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Post by zinovia on May 6, 2006 1:14:06 GMT -5
lol, alrighty. now that I have use of my left hand again...
Elpitha: Chapter 34: Tell Me Why
A/N: I think I’ve lost my ability to tell whether I’ve ended on a cliff hanger or not, so I can’t warn you ahead of time this time around. The movie ends and we get some confrontation. Yippee skippers. Enjoy!
Ellen sat at a kitchen table, a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. Jack’s mother sat next to her, holding a mug of hot tea. Ellen trembled, but seemed uninterested in the steaming cup. Jack stood a few paces away, walking back and forth nervously, as though he felt he should be doing something but didn’t want to interfere. In the other room, Jack’s father was shouting on the phone. Jack’s mother glanced at Ellen and shot a reproachful glare at the door.
“I don’t care what your procedures are! Call the mayor! He’ll back me up! That man was one of the best fireman I’ve ever seen, and I won’t stand by and see his kid go through some crummy social service program! She’ll stay with us and we’ll be glad to have her! I don’t care about the town’s policy! There are always exceptions in extreme circumstances! I’m in good standing with the town! Look, lady, I’m not interested in this conversation anymore. She stays with us. It’s final. Background check? Are you out of your mind? Right, call the police. Give the Chief my regards. I only wish I could record what he’ll have to say to you suggesting Ellen end up in some orphanage. Foster program, orphanage! Same thing! Half-assed government program full of incompetents that let good and decent children slip through the cracks. Forget it! You’ll get a call from the Mayor, the Police Chief, and the Township Attorney in the morning. Goodbye!”
Jack’s mother placed the mug in front of Ellen, taking the child’s hands in hers and gently placing them around the cup. “Drink, honey.” She murmured, but Ellen ignored her. Jack’s mother sighed and looked towards the door. “Dear? I wish you wouldn’t shout so loudly. After all… our guest might feel uncomfortable…”
Jacks’ father emerged from the other room. “I’m sorry. It’s just that social worker. She was so smug and unfeeling. I mean, it makes you wonder if they even realize that these children are human beings. I mean, she’s got no one…” He stopped suddenly at the warning look in his wife’s eyes and crouched down in front of Ellen. “How’s my little trainee holding up?” He asked kindly. Ellen ignored him, staring blankly at the wall. His eyes met his wife’s and he stood up, glassy-eyed. He walked quickly into the other room, and a few seconds later the thud of a fist hitting a wall sounded.
“Mom? Is… is she going to be OK?” Jack asked timidly.
“She… she just needs time, honey, and support.” His mother said gently.
The scene changed once more. Now, the inside of a church filtered into view. The pews were all occupied, and at the front of the church, Jack’s parents greeted newcomers as they came to pay their respects. There were three closed caskets, two large ones and one tiny one.
“How is Ellen?” A woman asked Jack’s mother.
“I wish I could say she was coming around, but it seems to be the opposite. She hasn’t slept since the night it happened. She won’t eat or drink anything. She doesn’t speak to anyone and just spends the day staring off into space. She won’t even let me change her clothes. Worst of all, she hasn’t cried. I’m afraid of what all that pent up grief is doing to her.” Jack’s mother answered.
“That poor girl… Where is she now? Will she come?”
“She’s with Jack. He’ll bring her soon. Once everyone has paid their respects, I’ll ask the reverend to begin.”
Everyone went silent as the church doors creaked open. Jack and Ellen entered, letting the doors close quietly behind them. All eyes were on Ellen. They paused in the doorway for a moment, but after a short while, Ellen began to move forward. Jack remained behind, watching with concern. Suddenly, the camera angle changed. The scene was playing out through Ellen’s eyes. They swept over the people seated on either side of her. Their faces were blurred, nameless, shadows floating in neat rows, and yet each one had eyes. The eyes were hard and accusing, and they followed her as she slowly walked up the aisle towards the caskets. Now her eyes fell on the caskets, and in her mind’s eye, she saw a fourth one sitting open and ready in front of the others. The eyes continued to follow her as she walked, each set a silent executioner waiting in the wings. She shook them off and continued to walk, focusing her attention on the open casket. After all, she was tired. She needed to rest. There was something wrong, however. The open casket was gone. It had disappeared. Something was terribly wrong. The other caskets had not disappeared. They were still there.
Why are they still there? Why are they still there? They should have disappeared with the other one. They should be gone, too. Why are they still there? If I close my eyes, they’ll disappear. If I close my eyes, they’ll follow the other one. They’re still there. Why? Why are they still there? Why are they all looking at me? What do they expect me to do? I want my mommy. I want daddy to make them stop looking at me. If I was Mikri, they wouldn’t stare like that. If Mikri was here, they would be cooing over her and would leave me alone. Yes. I need Mikri. Where could she be hiding? Wait… what about that box over there? It’s just about her size. She’d fit perfect in there. It’s hide and seek. I need to find her, and they’ll all leave me alone. I just need to open that box… But that isn’t a… Oh my God, that isn’t a… It’s a…
Ellen’s breathing was ragged. Her breaths were coming in rough, short bursts. She was hyperventilating. Jack’s parents began to move towards her slowly. Jack started walking up the aisle. Ellen’s hands were traveling to her face. They were running through her hair, fists curling over it, and in an instant, every ounce of guilt, grief, and anger that she had built up over the last few days was released in a single desperate scream that sent chills down the spines of everyone in the room. Both Jack and his father ran towards her, but she stood up quickly and evaded them, heading for the exit. Others stood up and joined in pursuit of her, but she wriggled out of everyone’s grasp, finally making it outside. It was pouring rain, but that did little to stop her. People poured out of the church, surrounding her as she evaded person after person. Jack caught up with her and tried to pull her into his arms, but she backed away. She was crying and the tears obscured her vision. She was desperate to get away, and in her confusion, ran back into the church. She ran up the aisle, unaware at first of where she was heading. Her eyes fell on the caskets and she stopped.
This… this isn’t happening. None of this is true. It’s a dream. Any moment I’ll wake up and I won’t even remember half of it. Oh, please God, don’t let this be true. Tell me it’s a dream. Wake me up from this nightmare, please. I’ll do anything. I promise, just make it stop. It’s a dream! IT’S A DREAM!
Ellen was screaming again, but was no longer able to run. Her legs collapsed under her, and she fell backwards. Jack caught her before she hit the ground and lifted her into his arms. His face was tear-stained as he looked down at her with his best attempt at a reassuring smile.
“Shhhhh. It’s OK, Ellen. Don’t worry. It’s going to be alright. I’ll take care of you, don’t worry.” He said soothingly, freeing up a hand to stroke back her hair. However, Ellen had not heard his words. The exhaustion had finally taken its toll, and she had passed out. Jack turned around and slowly walked back towards his house. The ceremony finished without them. The scene faded again. Now, Ellen slept on Jack’s bed. Jack was asleep in a chair next to her.
Elpitha could feel Jack’s stare, but she refused to look at him or anyone else. Jack’s eyes were red, and as the scene changed, he began to stare at the screen with earnest. Was he really going to finally find out the answer to the question that had plagued him since that day? Was he finally going to find out why Ellen had run and what had become of her?
Ellen stirred in her sleep. Here eyes slowly opened, and she moaned a little as she sleepily took in her surroundings. Sleep had robbed her temporarily of her grief, and for a few happy moments, she forgot about her shattered life. Her gaze fell on Jack, snoring in his chair. Ellen smiled.
He looks so peaceful when he’s sleeping. What a goofball. Maybe I should tip his chair back and see if that wakes him up…
She sat up quietly and got up. Something disturbed her, however. There was a slight bulge in her pocket. It seemed as though everything around her had become dim. Ellen turned and left the room. She left the hallway. She left the house. It was still dark out, and she walked slowly down the path leading to her house. There it was, a charred ruin. Ellen slowly reached into her pocket and removed an item. She raised her fist eyelevel, and opened it. The book of matches sat in her palm. What had she done?
It was me… Aunt Bertha was right. It was me. If they found out… If Jack knew… He should have let her hurt me… Murderers get much worse than that… I hope he can forgive me one day… I hope they all can forgive me… but I don’t deserve it…
Ellen turned and ran in the opposite direction. There were more flashes of scenes. There was Ellen, getting off of a bus at the stop before it exploded. There was Ellen traveling from town to town, packing up and leaving when she got too comfortable. There was Ellen, no longer Ellen, but Elpitha, walking into Mineral Town for the first time. The screen faded back to white as she faded from view. The power came back on, the light dazzling everyone.
Elpitha’s back was turned to the audience. When she finally turned around, she found Elli standing before her. Elpitha stared at her defiantly, tears in her eyes.
“There! Now you know. Alright? It’s over. It’s out. Now you see what I am. I… I won’t bother you anymore. I’ll just g…”
Elli put her hand over Elpitha’s mouth. “Come here, little one.” She said shakily, pulling Elpitha into a hug. “I’m so sorry, honey. I didn’t know. What an awful thing for a child to have to endure.”
Carter came up behind Elpitha and placed a hand on her shoulder. “I believe the Harvest Goddess has forgiven you.” He said with a smile.
Karen and Mary ran up to hug Elpitha. The entire town was on their feet.
“Man, I thought I had it rough!” Ann cried, giving Elpitha a slap on the back that nearly sent her flying.
“Don’t worry, Elpitha! You can join my family!” Popuri laughed. “I hope you like scraping bird crap off your shoes!” Elpitha hid a grimace.
“That Bertha was a shameless gossip! Imagine making up all those things! If there’s one thing I can’t stand it’s a shameless gossip who makes up things!” Manna cried.
“Yes, dear. Come along.” Duke, sighed, dragging her away.
Barley slapped Elpitha on the back. “You’re part of our family. We’re all family here.” He said smiling. “I owe so much to you.”
May tugged at Elpitha’s hand. “So your name is really Ellen?” She asked.
“No. Elpitha is on my birth certificate. Ellen is a nickname… I no longer use.” Elpitha replied shakily.
Stu ran up next. “Man, that aunt of yours was so mean! I hope she falls off a cliff! I hope she gets eaten by a bear! I hope…”
“She’s dead.” Elpitha said.
Stu stopped. “Oh. Good.” He said, and ran off.
Gotz patted her on the shoulder as he walked by. “Looks like we have something in common.” He said, with a rare grin.
The mayor and Harris were next. “Elpitha, I’d like to give you the key to the city! …but we don’t have one. So here! Have some gum instead! It’s spearmint!” Mayor Thomas cried. Elpitha smiled weakly.
Sasha and Jeff were next. “You saved my Karen.” Sasha said with a teary smile. “You’re not a murderer. Don’t ever think it.”
Jeff edged around Elpitha and Elli warily. “Unless you’re at the clinic!” He said with a shaky laugh.
“You’re OK in my book, kid.” Kai laughed, running to catch up with Popuri.
Anna, Basil, Rod, Lilia, Saibara, Gray, Doc, holding little Mike, Duke, and Zack all said kind words as they followed the rest of the church into the night so that only Mary, Karen, Elli, and Jack remained with Elpitha. The women all looked very much as though they wanted to grill Elpitha, but were giving way to their obvious hope that Jack and Elpitha would finally mend things.
“Well, I’ve got to feed little Mike and put him to bed. I’ll leave you to… finish any unfinished business you might have.” Elli said laughingly, giving Elpitha another hug and heading towards the door.
“Oh, I have so much I want to talk to you about, but it can wait! Go talk to… other people! Go! Good night! Go!” Mary whispered happily, following Elli.
“I figure you owe him about five years worth of sex.” Karen said, casually. Both Mary and Elli grabbed her and dragged her outside.
In the commotion, Jack had moved farther back in the pews. He sat, now, facing Elpitha, eyes fixed on his hands which rested comfortably in his lap. He remained motionless until the creak of the church doors swinging on their hinges announced that he was alone with Elpitha. He rose and walked slowly towards her, his footfalls echoing hollowly. Elpitha stood her ground, but stared at the floor. Jack stopped within inches of her, waiting for her to look at him. When she did not, he reached out and lifted her chin with two fingers.
“How could you do that to me, Ellen?” He asked quietly. “When you died… when… when I thought you had died, it nearly killed me too. I blamed myself… You don’t know what it did to me…”
“I? I don’t know about blame, Jack? Do you know what it did to me, Jack?” Elpitha asked, a hint of anger in her voice.
“You didn’t have to run. I would have done anything for you. I loved you.” Jack replied, his voice shaking. “Ellen, I loved you so much.”
“After what I had done? My aunt was right. I had to leave.” Elpitha whispered.
“Don’t say that, Ellen.”
“Please don’t call me that…”
“Why not? It’s your name!”
“That was then. This is now. Elpitha is my name. Ellen was a nickname and I don’t use it anymore.”
“Ellen…”
“Don’t call me that!”
“OK! OK. I’m sorry. If you don’t want to be called Ellen anymore, I can respect that, Ell…pitha.”
“Thank you.”
“You did nothing wrong. I would never have condemned you. Why didn’t you trust me? Instead you ran off. Instead you left us thinking you were dead. How could you do that, Elpitha? Why did you do that? You… You just don’t think! You never think! You just run off!”
“Think? Think about what? What was there to think about?! I was a kid! I was scared! My family was dead, and I was the reason! I… I thought the world was ending! I couldn’t think! And all I could think was that I had asked for this to happen! I wished her dead, and I killed them all… I… I thought I was losing my mind! I didn’t know what else to do…”
Jack stepped up and wrapped his arms around Elpitha. “It’s alright. I’m sorry. I know how hard it was for you. I just can’t help longing for those years we missed. We wouldn’t have blamed you, Elpitha. We would have helped you. We would have given you a safe home and support.”
Elpitha shuddered and pushed him away, gently. “But I would still be in that town. I would still see where my home had been. Besides… I didn’t deserve it.”
“You did deserve it! Do you hear me?”
“It doesn’t really matter now, does it?”
“Fine. You were a kid then, but not now. How long have you known who I was?”
Elpitha looked away. Jack turned her face back towards him.
“Since that first day. I knew it. I knew it was strange that you knew my father was a fireman. I should have known from then. You should have told me, Elpitha.”
“I couldn’t…”
“Don’t give me that. I bled my heart out to you. That day in the clinic? I… I… How could you let me?!”
“I didn’t mean to hurt you… I just thought it would be better if Ellen stayed dead.”
“You still carried around that childish fear of yours… Well, I needed you. I still need you. It wasn’t fair what you did…”
“Yeah, well, life sucks and then you get killed in a fire.” Elpitha said. She took a step as though to walk away, but Jack grabbed her by the shoulders and held her against the wall roughly, but without hurting her.
“That wasn’t funny, Elpitha, and you’re not going anywhere until I’m through.” He said in a low growl..
Elpitha knew that it was pointless to struggle, but that didn’t stop her from glaring at him. “Well then get to the point!” She said angrily.
“Tell me the truth! Why did you keep it from me? Why didn’t you tell me who you were?”
Elpitha held Jack’s gaze. “Could you forgive me, Jack? Even now, can you really ever forgive me?” She whispered
Jack’s expression softened. “Of course, I forgive you. I only wish I could take your fear. I love you… Elpitha, I love you so much… I forgive you.”
“Doesn’t sound that way.”
“I’m only angry because you didn’t come to me sooner.”
“Angry? You’re acting like a mad man!”
“If you didn’t drive people to the brink of insanity with your stubbornness, they wouldn’t yell at you!” Jack loosened his grip on Elpitha. “Please. I forgive you. I love you. Can’t we pick up where we left off? I don’t see any other obstacles now that everything’s out in the open.”
Elpitha sighed. “Maybe you forgive me… but I can’t forgive myself. I’m sorry, Jack. I’m so sorry…” She took off running towards the doors. A blast of wind blew them open suddenly, and she stopped. The wind was howling, and Elpitha faced it, eyes sharpening. The wind began blowing in the opposite direction and Elpitha followed it, heading down the path towards the square.
Jack made no move to stop her or to go after her. He hung his head and sat down in a pew. Maybe it just wasn’t meant to be…
Until next time…
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Okay! Can't wait.
