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Thursday, March 28, 2024
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Chapter 3.4: Dear Diary, Dax Has a Secret

 
Dear Diary, today was remarkable! Well, I guess what I really mean is that I solved a major mystery of something that’s been bugging me for a while now. I call it: The Curious Case of the Disappearing Plates! I know it sounds like I’m joking. But ever since being in Winchester, I’ve seen Alice carrying a plate of food out of the kitchen after every meal. When I asked her about it, she basically told me to mind my own business. Which also makes me admire her because I’ve never seen anyone tell me something like that in such a kind way. I don’t know how she does it!
Anyway, I’m getting off track.
So, I decided to follow her and crossed my fingers, hoping I wouldn’t get caught. I don’t know what the penalty would be for sneaking around like this, but I just couldn’t live without knowing.
2
Alice never suspected she was being followed. I mean, she didn’t have that cloak and dagger thing going on by looking all around her to make sure she was alone. She went straight to the garage. The side door she went in through is glass, so I was able to watch where she went without actually going in and giving myself away.
3
Pausing at a door that kind of blended in to the surrounding walls, she opened it, holding it with her foot so her hands were free, took a book of matches out of her apron pocket and slipped inside.
4
Slowly, I crept as soundlessly as I could across the garage to the door. It was unlocked and opened without even a creak. Standing at the top of the stairs, I hesitated because the light dancing around  at the bottom bathed the walls in a strange, ghoulish blue. My heart raced as I put my palm against the stone wall to steady myself. Something inside me said I definitely should not be doing this, but the super sleuth in me couldn’t resist the compulsion to move forward. So, down the stairs I tiptoed.
5
At the bottom, there was one lantern hanging on the wall that was lit. There were other lanterns, but they remained cold and unused. Glancing around me, I saw another door and wondered if Alice had gone in there. But then I heard a small scuffling sound from another area and realized she’d gone around the corner instead.
6
I was probably peeking around the corner more than I should. Why didn’t she light all the lamps? It was so dark and I shivered at the damp cold wrapping around me like a heavy blanket.
At the very end of the hall, I could just make out the outline of a large bookcase. Where was she going? There was nothing else there; no where to go.
To my utter amazement, Alice tipped one of the books back toward her without actually taking it off the shelf. There was a scrape and a groan, then the bookcase slowly slid to the side and she walked right through!
A secret passage! My heart was going a million miles a minute as I wondered what could be back there. It had to be a person, didn’t it? Why else would she be bringing food?
Then, I hesitated for real because what would I find if I followed her through the bookcase? As I watched, it gradually slid back into place and I was standing in the hall all by myself again.
If I went through now, there may not be any place to hide myself. The last thing I wanted after having that talk with Matthieu in the garden was to make anyone angry with me for not minding my own business. I didn’t think these people would appreciate someone skulking around where they didn’t belong.
7
As the minutes ticked by, I continued to stand there, my pulse racing, my palms sweaty. I was halfway between running for my life back up the stairs and out of there and halfway going through the mysterious bookcase.
My breath caught in my throat when I heard a small click and the familiar scrape and groan that could only mean the bookcase was opening again! I rushed around the corner, back to the main hall and ran for the door I’d seen earlier. To my relief, it was only a half-bath with a water basin and toilet.
Holding my hand over my thudding heart, I could hear Alice’s footsteps as she came back through. I waited until I heard her go all the way up the staircase and the door close behind her before I came out again.
8
Swallowing back fear, I stepped closer to the bookcase. I wasn’t sure if I knew exactly which book Alice had moved in order to open the bookcase passage. But I knew which shelf it was on and which end, so I could try each of those until something happened.
Reaching out, I reluctantly touched a book with the tip of my finger, not actually moving it. Did I dare do this? Did I dare go through and find out what I wanted to know so badly? What if moving the wrong book was a booby-trap or something?
I took a few deep, steadying breaths in order to remain calm. Telling myself not to be over dramatic, I moved my finger just a bit. Nothing happened. Sighing loudly, I chided myself for thinking these kind people would ever booby-trap anything. If Ruby were here, she would have surely laughed at me for even thinking such a thing!
9
Slowly, I moved my finger to the book just to the right of the one I had tried first. After another series of deep breathing and talking to myself, I moved the book in the same way I’d seen Alice do it. Even though I’d already seen the trick done, I couldn’t help but feel astonished all over again when the bookcase moved aside, allowing me access.
10
But the next room only led to another bookcase! My jaw dropped and I began to feel a little bit irritated. Why would anyone ever set something like this up?
11
Without as much thought as I had put into the last bookcase, I reached out and touched a book in a similar position. Nothing happened. Clearly, this was going to be different.
12
I tried book after book and finally, the right one opened the door.
13
As soon as I walked into the next room, I let out a cry that was half humor and half dismay.
14
Because there was another freaking bookcase!
What is wrong with these people? This seemed like the one hundredth time I’d asked this since arriving on this strange island.
15
Without giving it another thought, I stepped through the bookcase and into a larger room.
16
“Good gravy!” I exclaimed, using a phrase my grandma often said. I was in Dax’s room! The room I’d first been brought to when I came here and was so ill.
Next to me was a table and chair with the plate of food Alice had brought. There was a single lantern lit in the room and it was on the little table.
Glancing around me, I saw the walls were covered with beautiful paintings and I could just make out an easel straight ahead of me.
17
“W-what are you doing here?”
It came from white-shirt who was standing in the shadows as usual. His voice was very soft and uncertain, but still made me jump.
19
When I was able to gather myself, I asked, “Dax, is that you?”
There was a really long pause and I thought he probably wouldn’t answer me. If I remembered correctly, Alice had made little jokes here and there about how Dax never talked.
But he surprised me. “Yes.”
20
Stepping forward, I studied a painting of a fisherman. It was difficult to see the details of it, but after having seen the portrait he’d done of me, I knew this piece was probably brilliant.
“Don’t come any closer,” he said.
“I’m just looking at your painting,” I assured him, taken by the scene. “Is this someone you know?”
Another long pause loomed between us and again, I feared he’d say nothing more.
“My father. He liked to fish.”
Smiling, even though he couldn’t see it, I said, “It’s really good.”
22
After a moment, I moved to the next painting which was very large. I got as close to it as I could because I didn’t want to miss anything in it in the darkness. “This is astonishingly beautiful.”
Again, a long, pregnant pause filled the air. Finally, he said, “My mother.”
“She is stunning.”
23
Going back to the area the table with food was in, I sat on the sofa just across from it.
“You need to leave.”
24
“Don’t you want some company?”
There was a small, surprised gasp and I couldn’t tell if he had laughed or if he was annoyed with me.
“Well, don’t you?” I prodded.
“Do you suppose I’m down here in this dark and hidden place because I want company?”
It was my turn to laugh. What he said made sense and I was glad he hadn’t said it in a mean way. It was more matter of fact. “That’s a good point.” Another moment of silence went by. “I really… well, I didn’t know you were down here when I came exploring,” I admitted. “But now that I’m here, and you’re here… I’d like to thank you for taking care of me when I was sick. And also for the beautiful painting.”
“You’re welcome,” he awkwardly said.
“I thought you might have painted it because you wanted to be friends.”
There was that terrible pause again. I half expected him to throw me out. Instead, he said, “M-maybe.”
That was encouraging. More than ever, I wanted to know why he was hidden down here and why he never did anything with the family. It wasn’t so much curiosity at this point as it was that I was beginning to realize that I cared.
I cared about him.
“Your food is getting cold. Why don’t you come eat?”
“I – I don’t want you to see me.”
Absently, I bit at a hangnail, trying to figure out what to do or say next. “But why?”
At that point, I thought I might have heard his fist lightly hit the stone wall next to him. Not in a violent way, but it was more of a sound of frustration.
“Please, come eat,” I said gently, trying to use the tone of voice my dad was an expert at.
“I’m afraid when you see me, you will be scared. Or – or run away.”
Good grief, what did that mean? Did he have three heads? Was there an evil twin growing out of his back? My mind conjured up every horror I could possibly imagine.
“You’d better go.”
Biting my bottom lip, I realized that because I cared about him, I couldn’t go without seeing him. “I insist you come out here and eat your breakfast. I will be fine.”
I could sense a lot of hesitance before I finally heard his feet moving slowly toward me. The entire time I heard those feet, I was telling myself that no matter what I saw, whether it be the bogeyman or not, I was not to react. Do not react, Blue!
25
At last, he made his appearance, and it was not at all what I imagined it would be. He was no monster. But his face was crisscrossed with scars. Unashamedly, I stared at him for a moment. Yes, he was obviously uncomfortable under my gaze, but what I saw, what I focused on, was how soulful his deep brown eyes were.
For a moment, he stared back at me.
27
Smiling widely, I stood and shook his hand, his artistic fingers warm against my own. “Hi, Dax. We haven’t been properly introduced. I’m B-” Horrified, I stopped myself from revealing my real name and quickly added, “Hester.”
28
“Hester,” he said and I nodded.
“Yes, how do you do?”
“All right,” he answered, staring at me all doe-eyed.
29
Suddenly, he pulled me into a tight hug. He smelled like paint and soap. And I have to say, it wasn’t unpleasant.
“I’m sorry,” he said, letting me go. “I just – I’m glad you’re better.”
30
Just as I was beginning to respond to what he said, the bookcase slid to the side and Agathe strode in, her expression as sour as ever, her mouth a thin line of disapproval.
31
“What are you doing here, girl?” she demanded.
Gulping, I tried to say something that didn’t sound too terrified. “I just – I thought – I saw Alice and – and – ”
“- And you followed her down here?” she hissed.
“Umm, yes, I did that,” I admitted.
32
“Aggie, it’s fine,” Dax said, his voice a little louder than when he’d spoken to me, but not nearly what one would call a “loud” voice.
Agathe took a step back in shock. “Did you just say something? You just talked! You’ve been talking to this girl but you won’t talk to your own family?”
33
Then she turned on me for real. “Listen here, young lady, whoever you are, when you are told something isn’t your business, that is not an invitation to go snooping around! I thought that perhaps you were shaping up a bit, but this does not impress me! You’ll be lucky if I don’t ship you out, back to wherever you came from!”
Hanging my head in shame, tears sprang to my eyes. I could have protested, I could have argued with her, but it wouldn’t have been the right thing to do. She was correct in how she felt. I had snooped and I had known when I did it, that I could get into serious trouble. Despite what Agathe or anyone thought, I was learning there were consequences to my actions. Now, what I needed to learn, was to heed the consequences prior to making the decision to do something that might get me in hot water.
“Go upstairs now,” Agathe continued, “and go to your room. I do not want to see you until I call for you. Then we are going to have a serious talk!”
Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Dax’s distressed expression. Clearly, he wanted to say something, but Agathe was a force to be reckoned with. Before going upstairs, I gave Dax a small glance.
34
Once I was safely upstairs and out of Agathe’s earshot, I let out a huge sigh. I kept clenching and unclenching my fists as I thought about how she was going to send me away. I hadn’t even found out anything about the note yet! And I wanted to learn more about Dax.
Poor Dax. Just because he had scars on his face, why did he maintain that dungeon like existence, only coming out at night?
35
Instead of remaining angry with Agathe, my thoughts then turned completely to Dax. Maybe there was something good I could do here. Maybe I could get to know him and be a better friend to him than I had to anyone else in my life.
I had wronged so many people, I didn’t know how I would ever make amends. But I had to start somewhere. I would begin with Agathe and apologize for stepping over the line and for all of the rude things I’d done while here. I would throw myself on her mercy and beg her to teach me how to be the person I should be because I was so certain she was the one person who could manage it. All I could hope now was that she would forgive me.
For the first time in a long time, I wanted to be a better person. I wanted to be someone that my dad could be proud of. It would start here, in this place. And in becoming a better person, maybe I could help Dax, too.
 
 

Kymber Hawke
Kymber Hawkehttps://booomcha.com/
I am a simmer, Rennie garb wearer, author, and dog petter. Judy Garland is my queen, horror movies & classic movies are my jam. INFJ with "Unity Hayes" as a pseudonym. A little bit eccentric, owned by two cats, Cesare & Josie-Pye. 🐱🐱

49 COMMENTS

  1. Love this. I’m a huge fan of stories like this, my favorites books are romances that centered around a wounded male soul and a cheerful female that helps me out of the shadows. Can’t wait.

  2. I knew when you didn’t show Dax’s face, that it’s gonna be something like this. Totally getting a Beauty & Beast vibe here, although Dax is a very cute and nice “beast”.

  3. Oh wow! I want to just fall into Dax’s arms and get lost in those eyes…swoon… I so wonder why he’s hidden away and how he got those scars.

    Blue is learning a few hard facts and is starting to grow up. I’m rooting for her and Agathe to become close and Agathe mentoring her in some way. I kinda like her but don’t really know what to make of her just yet.
    Still so very mysterious.

  4. I’m so glad you made it very clear that this place wasn’t some sort of cult. If you hadn’t, I’d be telling Blue to RUN. RUN FAST. NOW. Bring Dax with you, if you must, but darn it… leave. The underground, secret passage thing was super creepy, because… Why? O_o

    • LOL It was just something that lurked in the dark recesses of my mind. 😛
      I knew it would look like a cult hahaha So, I tried to emphasize that it wasn’t. They are just a self-contained community of technophobes. 😛 😀

  5. First of all, Dax is gorgeous! What is it with men in this community, really? LOL <3
    I wonder why Dax is staying in that basement. Is it his choice, or did the others decide that? Why does he have those scars? What happened to his parents? So many questions!
    I'm glad that at least he inspired Blue to begin her internal change (something that I guess Matt did too, in his own way)!

    • LOL about the men! It’s raining men, hallelujah…. oh wait, they wouldn’t be listening to that. :O Ahem.
      Those are all really, really good questions, and for some of them, you won’t have a very long wait. 😀
      Believe me, I’m really glad Blue is changing, too.

  6. I’m so proud of Blue. She definitely reminds me a lot of myself when I was younger. It took a lot to take that first step and say, “I need to change my attitude.” I’m glad Blue has someone to help her. Agathe will definitely whip her into shape. I also can’t wait to see what happened to Dax. I’m taking a guess now and saying that maybe it was a fire and the building caved in one him!

    • Thank you, Rosie. 🙂 I think you’re right about Agathe whipping her into shape. It’s true that that first step is hard; it shows a lot of insight for her to recognize her need for a change.

  7. All I could think while Blue was investigations the case of the missing plates was she hadn’t learned anything during her time in this community. Then I braced myself for some kind of reaction. Glad to say it wasn’t the reaction I expected. Dax is adorable and if Blue had reacted in typical Blue fashion I would have disliked her more. Maybe she is changing. That’s good but why couldn’t she see the need for change before running away and hurting the people who loved her the most?

    • Thank you, dandylion. That’s a good question and hindsight is 20/20, I guess. It’s too bad, really, that she didn’t figure out this much before she hurt people. I think we’re seeing her mature more and more with each chapter now; especially after she has her birthday and she becomes a young adult.

  8. Guys it would be great if you pay me a visit at https//:princesswritter.wordpress.com. please follow the link if you want to visit me, don’t follow the name above my comment. My site is princess writer’s planet not thebeautyofourplanet. thanks

  9. Alrighty then! I am all caught up. Are all the men in this community incredibly handsome? Lol. I have been so angry with Blue up until this chapter. She is finally learning that it’s not all about her.
    I think she totally belongs with Dax. ❤ He is gorgeous and sweet and is obviously drawn to her. They will grow together. The other men may fancy her at some point, but they don’t seem right for her. Of course we don’t know them well yet. So we will see.

    • Thank you so much, audreyfld! 🙂 I’m so happy you’re caught up! You’ve done a lot of reading in such a short time. 🙂
      To be honest, there are a lot of readers really angry with Blue even now. lol But she is coming around; slowly but surely.
      Another Blue/Dax shipper! <3 Blue certainly seems to have a lot of choices. I can't wait to tell more of the story!

    • Thank you, Violincat! 🙂 I hope Dax lets people in, too. You will find out very soon what happened to him. I feel sorry for him, too. <3

  10. Team Dax!!! Wow, lots to ponder! I wonder if Agathe is hiding a sense of guilt for whatever happened to Dax, or his parents?? That might help explain her overbearing personality. I hope Blue can help him come out of his dark hideout, and realize how talented (and handsome) he really is. That would definitely help her, too. Great chapter!! Now, hurry up next Saturday!!!! ♥

    • Thank you, Marj! 🙂 You are very perceptive! You just might be right about Agathe; and you’ll learn very soon all about it. 🙂 I hope Blue can help Dax, too. I’m sure that would help her as well.

  11. OK yes like I told you Sweet Cheeks Dax is the man for Blue. Now why do they allow or (make) Dax hide away like that. Of course I guess they must maintain appearances that everyone is happy with that life style and is happy work for the dictator Agathe. Yes Agathe is the one to get Blue into shape, but Agathe needs to learn that not all situations call for a strict overbearing hand. I bet it is that very behavior that had Dax hiding away from fear.

    • Thank you, Lil! You know, you just might be right about that! You will find out to some extent soon, though. So, you are on team Dax, too, I see. 😀

  12. O.o Dax is gorgeous omg!! If I saw him in real life I think I would faint. I wonder if the others are ashamed of his scars, or possibly the way he got them? So many questions! I hope Blue and Dax become close 🙂

    • Thank you so much! 🙂 I’m so glad you like him! Those are great questions you bring up. I can’t wait until you have the answers. 🙂

  13. Dax is so handsome! He has such beautiful brown eyes a actually, Blue may be quite familiar w scares considering her dad. However, it seems as though something bad happened to him and his parents that he painted so beautifully. Why is he hidden in a basement with so many bookshelves-doors on the way? Why is he not talking to anyone? I feel like he’s gotten through some really horrible stuff and I feel for him. I appreciate Blue’s desire to be a better person. Is it because she wants to impress handsome Mr. Dax? Lol. Love this chapter, so creative, Kym.

    • Thank you so much, Jowita. 🙂 In the near future, you will learn more about what happened to Dax and how Agathe feels about that. You will also learn as to why those rooms are even there on the property in the first place. I do think you’re right about Blue not being completely shocked by the scars (even though he has so many more than Leo) because of her dad. Perhaps she and Dax can help each other. 🙂

  14. I want to give this chapter a love, not a like.
    Now everyone will see why I am team DAX!! Wooo hooo! Isn’t he adorable???!!! I have to say though, I am surprised Agathe allows this kind of behaviour at all considering their community. One would think here he wouldn’t feel like he has to hide. Which means Dax has some major self esteem issues. But then again so does Blue. Perhaps they can help one another.
    Secretly I’m also team Matt. Sigh, I really can’t decide. But if Blue leads on Dax and chooses Matt instead, I will be so mad at her.

    • Thank you, Bee! 🙂 After the next two chapters, you might be team Elliott, too, who knows? LOL I don’t want to see Dax hurt by Blue either. We’ll have to see how everything works out. I think it’s a great point you make about Blue’s self-esteem and how she and Dax might be able to help each other regarding that aspect. We’ll learn more later as to why Agathe allows Dax to carry on with his life like this. 🙂

    • Oh wow! I want to just fall into Dax’s arms and get lost in those eyes…swoon… I so wonder why he’s hidden away and how he got those scars.

      Blue is learning a few hard facts and is starting to grow up. I’m rooting for her and Agathe to become close and Agathe mentoring her in some way. I kinda like her but don’t really know what to make of her just yet.

      • I loved Dax’s eyes, too. His scar story is coming up soon! (I think! lol)

        I’m so glad you’re rooting for Blue and Agathe to become close. I do think Agathe would be an excellent mentor for Blue.

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