WISHBONE (34 page)

She swept the mess into a small pile. “So what did Arlette want?” She rummaged under the sink for a dustpan as she continued their conversation.  

Sarah began humming loudly in the next room and Rachael paused to roll her eyes.  She sighed and glared at Julien. “Can you get her to shut up, please?”

“I have no idea what Arlette wanted. Perhaps she was visiting her niece?” He left Rachael and went to console and calm Sarah.

Sarah, seated at the table, was shaking her head violently as she hummed. He placed a hand on her and she froze for several seconds then began rocking again, now in silence. Julien sat down at the head of the table and served himself some mashed potatoes. If he could mask the succulent flavor of the meat, it could possibly help him to remain in control throughout the meal.  

Rachael returned to the dining room. On her right, she hugged three glasses between her waist and arm; on her left, she gripped the serving platter, swimming with glistening juices seeping from the golden brown roast.  

Julien took a deep breath; he was fully aware how closely she was watching his reactions. He felt like a recovering alcoholic at a open bar wedding reception. The urge to tear at the bird with its heady scent grasping his vulnerable senses was a test to every ounce of his will. He had once seen a cop on television apply vapor rub beneath his nose before examining a decaying corpse and wished he had remembered the trick earlier.

He was fearful of consuming the meat and the effect it might have on his actions. Like any drug, the effects and addiction would be different for each individual. He reasoned that he had been able to control his urges far better than Rachael did in their earliest days of the game and that his stubborn will would continue to prevail.

Just do it.

Julien reached for the carving knife. Rachael lashed out and slapped the back of his hand and picked up the knife. He could only assume she was afraid he would purposely cut through the wishbone and destroy tonight’s game. Sarah sat forward, her eyes transfixed on the bird. Rachael dropped a leg and thigh on the girl’s plate and she snatched it up ravenously biting into the meat. Rachael cut a thick slice from the plump breast and served it to Julien. She cut another for herself, but remained standing over him, watching his every move.

Julien saw her lips moisten. She was like a junky cooking down her fix knowing it was coming but forced to wait. She showed great restraint and waited patiently for him to take the first bite.

She doesn’t believe you will eat it.

Julien cut away a small edge of the oval slice. He brought it to his lips and took it between his teeth. The familiar flavor spread over his tongue and he felt its manipulation enticing him and blanketing him with immediate euphoria. Peripherally, he saw Rachael drop into her chair and dig into her own meal now satisfied that he had kept his word. 

With three people devouring the roast, the meal was over in minutes; side dishes untouched. Julien felt elated and without a care in the world—a feeling he had not experienced in months, if ever. Like a teenager dropping ecstasy at a rave party, at that moment he could have made love to the world.

The plan.

Don’t lose sight of the plan.

Who gives a fuck about the plan?

Eyes closed, he rested back against the chair. Her warm breath met his cheek and he opened his eyes to see Rachael leaning close.

She whispered, “You feel good, don’t you?” She slipped her tongue into his ear teasing him then disappearing behind his back. 

He wanted to follow her but as he tried Sarah stepped in front of him. She took his hands and tugged at them playfully; Julien tried to decipher her signals quickly but he wasn’t in the mood for charades. She knelt down, crouching before him and placed her head in his lap.

Oh Sarah, you are very much in the way right now.

Unexpectedly the stereo began to blare; Rachael hiking up the decibel level to that of a rock club. Neither girl had their attention on him now, each enjoying her own high. He too was caught up in the sensation and had all to do to remain focused. He slid his hand along the table and took the wishbone from the serving plate. He placed the still-warm furcula in the back pocket of his jeans and said a silent prayer that it would not crack. In a brief moment of doubt he feared  Rachael would notice the missing bone and he would be punished once again, but the euphoria quickly melted his fear away and he felt he could accomplish anything.

Rachael returned to the dining room dancing and swaying to a bluesy guitar riff. Her body moved seductively to the rhythm. Julien was compelled to push Sarah to the side and go to his alluring wife, but he overrode his sexual desires thinking it best not to upset the girl. Sarah hummed a song of her own, oblivious to the music surrounding them. Rachael approached Julien, loomed above his lap and straddling Sarah’s back. Rachel unbuttoned her shirt as she swayed.

Julien wanted Rachael right then and there; the spell of their meal at its peak. He desperately longed for her, but Sarah was not only there with them, but also had her cheek pressed to his thigh; her arms hugging his legs tightly. He couldn’t take the chance on angering the girl, but she wasn’t helping to curb his urges either.

Rachael leaned forward, her shirt and bra both open revealing her firm, ample breasts and warm, creamy skin. Her lips met his for the first time since that horrific day in the pool and Julien felt himself lose what little control her had. Sarah’s chin caressed his thigh, her body pressing harder against his as Rachael moved in closer, practically crushing her against him. Rachael, disregarding the girl beneath her as though she did not exist, slowly forced Sarah out of the way.

She’s going to get angry.

Sarah’s nails dug into Julien’s leg causing him to jerk away from Rachael who methodically wound her fingers into Sarah’s long hair and pulled the girls head back, like a pony between her legs, without ever breaking her gaze upon her husband. Sarah gasped and grabbed anxiously at Rachael’s entwined fingers attempting to unhinge her hold, but Rachael snapped, crouching close to Sarah’s face. Julien thought he heard his wife hiss and immediately came out of his euphoric stupor separating the girls with a fast motion. Beneath the blaring music a loud pounding shook the front door. Julien’s high all but vanished in an instant. He felt
caught,
like he was being pulled over by a cop after a long night at a bar.

“Close your shirt.” he warned Rachael. He pushed Sarah to the side and glanced back at his wife who had not budged. “Button your shirt!” he ordered more forcefully.

Julien lowered the volume on the stereo until the music was barely audible. He looked around the room and at Rachael, who was now fully clothed though quite noticeably disheveled. He went to the door. Both girls came to stand behind him as he opened it.

Arlette on the porch; Dr. Lind standing on the top step, keeping his disatance a few feet back.

“Arlette?” Julien asked. He should have known she would keep her word and return with Sarah’s father.

Arlette looked past him zeroing in on Sarah who, terrified, hid herself behind Julien.

“Time to go home, Sarah.” she commanded then reached out for her niece’s hand. Sarah clung tightly to Julien’s arm. The girl yipped and ducked low behind him hugging tightly to his thighs.

Rachael stepped around them. “What’s the problem, Arlette?”

Arlette did not bother to respond and stepped in closer declaring, “Sarah, your father wants you home immediately.” She turned to Lind for support. 

Julien recognized the hesitation on Lind’s face as fear. The old man’s eyes widened; his lips moved but couldn’t seem to form words.

He’s afraid…

He’s afraid of Arlette… 

He’s afraid of his own daughter.

Arlette glared at Lind through narrowed eyes until the old man cleared his throat and spoke up.

“Sarah, honey,” he stammered. “Mr. Grenier is no longer in need of your services sweetheart. You can come home now.” His voice, sweet as sugar.

Sarah dropped lower, her arms sliding down to the level of Julien’s knees. Julien placed a protective hand on her head.

“We really don’t mind,” he reasoned. “She’s been a great help with the baby. In fact, we were just discussing talking to Dr. Lind about hiring Sarah full time…a helper for Rachael.” Julien nodded at Rachael, slow and deliberate, for confirmation of his lie, but even as the words escaped him he knew he had no rights to the underage girl and who was he to suggest she stay when her father was calling her home?

Arlette sprung into action grasping Sarah’s wrist tightly. She worked to pull her niece out onto the porch. Sarah grunted and squealed loudly, protesting and taking Julien with her in every direction. 

Julien tried to separate them, but the situation escalated and Rachael stepped in. A scuffle ensued and Dr. Lind backed away from the porch. Before Julien could bring the tussle to a halt, Sarah clawed her way up his back like a feral cat, but surprised everyone when she stepped out around him with brazen fury. She stood in the doorway face to face with her aunt; a guteral growl, a sneer revealing boxy front teeth. In an instant both Arlette and Dr. Lind dropped to their knees, Lind clutching his left arm; Arlette, her chest.

Julien and Rachael stood watching in disbelief. There was no doubt Sarah could kill them both right there on the porch.

Lind pleaded with his daughter in panting, breathy whispers. Julien tried to turn Sarah around, taking her by the shoulders, but the girl stood her ground.

“Stop!” he demanded. “Stop it at once, Sarah!”

Sarah’s eyes met his and he watched her face contort with confusion. As quickly as it started her retaliation ceased. Arlette and Lind remained on the ground gasping for air and attempting to regain their composure. Arlette looked up at Julien from her position on all fours. 

Powerless, she muttered through clenched teeth, “What have you done to her? What hold do you have over her?”

Julien kept his focus on Sarah. “You have to go home. You can come back in the morning.”

He feared what accusations Arlette would make. The last thing he would need is to be accused of kidnapping…or worse.

He softened his tone and rubbed up and down her arms to calm her, “You can come back tomorrow, yes? Please, Sarah, go home. They can’t hurt you.”

Sarah was not happy with Julien. She backed away from him; a somber look of disappointment in her eyes. He automatically lowered his hand to his thigh in preparation for her attack, but it never came.

Rachael watched her husband’s interaction with the girl closely; her jealousy reared. She needed the girl for the wishbones, but Sarah was growing increasingly attached to Julien with each passing day, and Julien, more accepting of Sarah’s affection; he was fast gaining control over her. Rachael was confused and no longer ecstatic from their meal. For the first time she was witnessing the intensity of the girl’s power with her own eyes—
no wishbone needed
. She backed away; her thoughts spiraling.

Sarah was reluctant though, at first, she seemed to do what Julien asked of her. He knew she wasn’t capable of understanding the situation for what it was and he worried she was feeling betrayed by him. In her unpredictable manner she suddenly dropped to his feet, tears filling her eyes, she resumed her position clutching to his leg once again. He was becoming more confident in translating her unique attempts to communicate.

He bent down to her and spoke softly, “I am okay now. No more. You can go home and come back in the morning.” He tucked her wild hair behind her ears and stood up purposefully.

Sarah understood him well. She sat back onto her rump and looked up at him sadly. Julien held out his hand for her. She took it and allowed him to bring her to her feet. Julien turned to Arlette and Lind who were both still recovering from Sarah’s attack. He led Sarah out onto the porch and calmly addressed Arlette.

“I want our money back. I want the money we gave you for this house and we will go.”

Sarah, upset by Julien’s words, tried to lunge back toward him but Arlette intercepted.

“Give me my niece.” Arlette grabbed Sarah’s arm and with a harsh yank, jerked the girl out of Julien’s reach.

“Oh…you’ll be going, all right.” She shoved Sarah, causing the girl to stumble down the steps toward her father. Lind jumped back, swiftly avoiding her, and rushing for the car.

Rachael watched from the doorway. Her mind bounced from thought to thought. She didn’t want to leave the property;
she was scared to stay
. She hated Sarah;
she needed Sarah.
She was losing Julien;
Julien was in her way.

Dr. Lind pulled the car down the driveway in a hurry. In the darkness, Julien couldn't see Sarah through its windows, but he could feel her looking back at him. She was a volatile presence, and while his heart went out to her, he knew now that tonight’s incident on the porch served as a warning of  how dangerous she could be. He began walking toward the barn and Rachael called out to him through the kitchen window.

“Where are you going?” she asked, not wanting him to leave.

“I’ll be right back.” he responded without looking up.

He made his way through the darkness and across the bridge en route to the loft. He still had his plan to convince Rachael of the truth, and one way or another he would enact it tonight, but his mind weighed heavily on Sarah; her fears and confusion. She was a child raised to be evil. She did not have the wherewithal to come up with any of this on her own. She was too simple, mentally stunted around the age of five or six. He reasoned that children often expressed themselves through violence. They profess their hatred toward a parent for something as innocuous as not being allowed to stay up late. Sarah’s emotions were strictly present tense. It seemed to Julien that she had no concern for the after effects of her actions and no memory of past consequences. Arlette was the real evil presence here. The more he got to know Sarah, the more he understood the simple workings of her mind. It dawned on him that Sarah would reason only that he was now healed and he no longer needed her, and for this he felt terrible. If he and Rachael were to make it off the property alive, he was well aware that it would not be wise to try to take Sarah with them, but also of what a sad life she would live out in Kings Hollow. After all, he could not call children’s services to help her. The abuse Sarah was experiencing was phenomenal and could never be explained. Arlette surely would not give them the money back for the house and for all he knew, the family would spend the night getting Sarah back under their power and he and Rachael’s lives were at the height of risk at this very moment.