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Printed from https://www.writing.com/main/view_item.php/item_id/1063456-havendale
Rated: 18+ · Short Story · Writing · #1063456
two women stranded in an abandoned town.
Haven dale

3AM
Kali Jo Jenkins. gets a flat tire in a quiet little town somewhere in Louisiana. she looked
around nervously realizing there was no people or sounds, not even a dog’s bark in the distance,
which would of been some consolation to her. but there was just the wind, creaking and shadows.
it was very eerie. she tried her cell phone but all she could get out of it was static. she went to her trunk to look for the spare tire but there wasn't one " Damn!! I'm such an idiot ! “ she slammed the trunk door very upset now. She decided to Wait till daylight before hiking back to civilization. so, she got back in her Car, locking it and cracking windows. “ Damn town.” She could feel the tears as she dozed off, her mind flooded with worries. She was a single young Woman, with no one to call, no kids to fret over, not even a pet to go home to. No One would know or care if she died
Alone in the dark..

5AM
Brenda Lou Jones , on her way to her mothers to pick up her kids entered the same town, there was
no sign that she could see. she was tired from driving all night she was looking for a gas station and a vacant hotel, her car was beginning to sputter " COME ON BABY! don' t do this to me now" Suddenly, a woman with short blonde hair jumped in front of her car waving her arms, Brenda slammed on the breaks , stopping to have her car go dead.. she got out of her car " Are you ok? " she asked the frazzled woman " YES, thank God you came Along , my tire blew and my cell phone doesn't work" " Its ok. I've got one, let me get it.. " When Brenda tried to use her cell phone all she got was static " my phone did that to " " well perhaps they don't have towers out here for cell phones " said Brenda. " I'm Kali Jenkins by the way." The woman held out her hand and Brenda excepted it. " hello , I’m Brenda ." " well, I'm glad you came along Brenda " they looked at each other a moment
and smiled, feeling a connection. " SO, what do we do hike out of here? " wondered kali.
" do you have a gas can? " asked Brenda " its empty. maybe we can siphon the gas from my car,
do you have a tube? “ Brenda sighed , shaking her head No " then we'll have to find something from here. " said kali “ Oh joy, we get to trek through our very own silent hill here. " kali managed a giggle at Brenda‘s remark. Kali grabbed a flashlight from under her car seat and they set out on their quest through the Isolated town to find what they needed..

Later that morning..
with some time past and the sun well up they were on their way back to their cars. They’d found what they needed.. " next time I travel I'm going to be very prepared for times like this " said Brenda. "YES, me to, If I'd remembered my spare tire I wouldn't be here" said kali " and if I’d listened to my son and brought a full can of gas, I’d not be here either." " then of course, we wouldn't of met.
how many kids do you have Brenda ? are you married? " " no my husband died a couple years ago, we had two kids together a boy and girl.." " you must have a boyfriend " asked kali " NO, I’ve had a few girlfriends but no men " Kali was smiling very broadly now.. " hey um, when we get out of this mess we aught to have breakfast together, get a hotel room perhaps, you look so tired " said kali " I am. been
on the road all night from Texas and I went off course , so I’m not real sure where I am. "
" Well , I live in Arkansas, I was just passing through. " said kali.
Suddenly, a rustling from behind them stifled them, freezing them in they're tracks for a moment. It was among many of the noises they'd heard while exploring that odd town. Dust devils could be seen swirling on the street carrying paper and leaves , one being right ahead of them that seemed bigger. It was coming right to them , they tried to avoid it but it maneuvered to keep in their path. " What is going on ! It’s almost as if its blocking us.” said Brenda. “ just run ! “ screamed kali So they ran a block over and around till they reached their cars. they caught their breath a moment
“ That was freaky. “ said Brenda “ it was just a really strong dust devil is all.” said kali firmly. " Kali, I hope you know how to siphon gas. I never learned ." " Yes I can. I know a lot about cars " kali didn't waste any more time siphoning the gas from her car to Brenda’s.
When kali sucked the vial gas from the tank she spat and chokes suddenly from the taste.. " you ok? " asked Brenda and kali gave her a thumbs up. Brenda was busy rearranging Her luggage to fit Kali’s bags and suit case into her trunk. When she was done she looked around her. she noticed a Sparky’s malt shop and a Garrison's pharmacy across the street.
kali had finished so they went to peek inside its windows. feeling a bit curious they took a last look Around, Kali even got her camera out and took pictures, some with them in it and of her car so someone could retrieve it later, it seemed some how cozy even in it's dead quietness.
“ once this town must of been quiet nice and friendly” said Brenda “Brenda , look at this.”
Kali was holding a sign. “ this must be where we are. “ said kali holding it up for her to see.
(HAVEN DALE) “ what an interesting name. “ said Brenda. Kali lay the sign against the Building
And they continued to walk down the strip. they Came to a Bill's barbershop and peeked in .
suddenly, a loud thud was heard nearby as if something heavy had fallen over. they jumped and backed away " What the hell was that?! " shrieked kali. " I don't know.. Car!.. Now! lets get out of here. " they sprinted back to the car and jump in , it started right up. they drove down the ghostly streets past a church called (heavens gate) when they came to a school. " Brenda stop please." " WHY?! aren't you freaked out enough? " " I feel adventurous. come on, you got to be a little curious. this chance might not come again " " GOOD!. But, ok. for a few minutes." agreed brenda. She parked closer. Brenda reluctantly and got Out of the car while Kali waited patiently. as they walked Kali took her hand A nervous energy grew as they drew closer and closer till they reached the double doors. when they tried to open them they were locked “ Brenda stand back. “ kali kicked open the doors with not much effort at all. " Lady’s first .” said kali. “ YOU wanted to do this. " kali gripped brenda's arm tight " together then." said kali.
they went in and it seem like one of those movies where you go into a place and don't come out .
Brenda felt to old to go exploring in old buildings.. but it was also intriguing , you could still get a feel of the place and imagine what it must of been like when alive with life. kali was quiet and seemed distant, as if she was somewhere else . so Brenda thought of something to break the silence quick. " I wonder what happened to this town? " " It’s not that big of a town, perhaps business wasn't good "
said kali " it 's strange how a town can get like this." Suddenly kali began to cry. Brenda went to her. " why are you crying? " her hand rested on kali's shoulder in comfort and kali hugged her. at first Brenda felt shaken but then her hands wrapped kali tenderly. " I have no one Brenda. my family and friends Died in a fire. “ “ it wasn’t your fault. “ asured brenda “ but it was! I had run away and If they and most of the community hadn’t been in the church trying to find me. They wouldn’t of died.” " God, are you serious? That’s terrible . " sighed brenda “ I wanted to come
home, that’s when I found out they were gone along with many other good people I knew. I couldn’t bare to stay after that and left for good. ” kali clung tighter. their eyes met and kali backed away from her wiping her eyes " I'm sorry Brenda, I shouldn't have done that" " It's ok, does this town remind you of your home town? " " Brenda, this is my home town. " Brenda gasped and didn't say anything. " There’s a cemetery a few miles back. I came here to pay my respects to my family. " said kali. Brenda shook her head as if snapping out of a daydream.
" so where's your classroom, do you remember? " asked Brenda. kali let out a teary chuckle " sure I think I can, come on." Kali took her hand and lead her down the crumbling hallway. as they walked there were a few noises that made them halt in their tracks but they shrugged it off, believing it was the building creaking
or a rat scurrying along. " Here! this is it I’m sure of it. " they went into the room there were still markings on the chalk board some graffiti left by drifters that might have passed through. they saw tattered pictures and a calendar dating back to younger times. scattered desks, it was such a mess. " this was my elementary school, I had a lot of friends then . I miss them." " I never had that many friends. Still don't " " you have me now Brenda." " thanks that’s nice to know " kali went to the teachers desk to
nose around while Brenda Paced the room " ewe! gross! " Brenda jerked her head towards kali to see what her ruckus was about her heart leaping, " I think I found a teachers thousand year old sandwich." And Brenda laughed. " better a sandwich then something else." said Brenda with a shudder at the thought of finding a body part somewhere.. and the smell wasn't helping. Brenda sneezed not seeing the ceiling about to give way
on top of her, but kali noticed and with quick thinking and even quicker reflexes pushed Brenda out of the way toppling onto her.
they hit the floor and kali shielded Brenda from the dust and rubble that spread through the room. they coughed a little then their eyes met
" you saved me" whispered Brenda softly. their bodies were pressed very close it was arousing even in a frightening situation such as they were in. kali kissed Brenda long and deep , sparks flew.. " OH, that was nice kali, but can we leave now?" " yes ." kali reluctantly rose from Brenda’s warmth , pulling her up to her feet and into her arms again " stay close to me now. "
said kali raising an eyebrow their noses touching , a kiss was so desired " later kali, I’ll thank you properly. " and Brenda licked her nose playfully then they parted from the embrace. kali wiped of her nose , giggling. " lets go." said kali and they held hands again as they left the room and entered the vast gloom of the hall. It seemed so far away to the light at the end where the doors were such a heavenly sight. As they made their way carefully to the exit they heard a scuffle from behind them and turned to see the silhouette of a man in the door way of the class room they had just been in. a shock
of alarm went through the women, they couldn't Utter a word as they glanced at each other. Brenda felt she couldn't move but when kali grabbed her trembling arm she jumped. kali placed a hand over Brenda’s mouth quickly and they watched the silhouette move, then it vanished into the room.
they again bolted. running till they were out the door and in the car. Brenda’s trembling fingers fumbled to inert the right key . she turned it but it just grumbled . “ COME ON START!” she kept at it twisting the key over and over.
“ BRENDA ! GET IT STARTED NOW ! “ Brenda looked in her rear view mirror to see huge dust devils Approaching. The car had just about started with the last turn and as the car shifted by the force Of the dust devils, it came to life and they sped away . they where safe now.
when they reached the inner state and was away from the town Brenda’s body eased . she looked at kali who was looking back as if to make sure nothing had followed them. " GOOD BYE ! HAVEN DALE! " belted kali " AMEN! to that. " Brenda added with great relief. twenty minutes down the road they found a real town full of life and noise and they stopped at a Kelly’s truck stop for lunch. then a hotel for some much needed sleep and relaxation.. ending the little adventure that they would never forget.

Early the next morning around 7am kali was up and about , dressed and had a cup of coffee while Brenda slept. When She went to grab her keys she dropped them and the clank Of metal woke Brenda. “ kali? Where you going ? “ “ I’m going to get my car.” “ WAIT! I’m going with you. “ Brenda was about to get out of bed when kali playfully pounced On her. “ no, you rest, I’ll be back. besides I’m with a tow truck guy “
Brenda relaxed as kali pet her head. “ last night was wonderful " Said kali , Brenda smiled
“ yes it was.” “ I think I enjoyed Just holding you the most, you know, after.” “ well, it was all heaven .” said Brenda.
Gazing into her eyes. Kali eased in and kissed Brenda long and slowly, The electric pain from the pleasure they felt Was more arousing than a cup off coffee. the man outside Laid into his horn busting up the lovers tender moment.
Kali huffed loudly “ what a big dipstick ! “ and Brenda laughed. “ you’d better go, hurry back kali.” the tone in her voice was forewarning Kali could hear the concern in her voice. It was as if she expected her not To return. “ hey Hun, I’ll be back, just wait for me ok? “ “ you bet I will, don’t make me have to go back to that town to Find you.” “ your silly. When I get back we’ll have a late breakfast. go have yourself A
coffee. that diner has the best I have had in some times.” kali gave Brenda a kiss and left. Brenda couldn’t sleep any more so she got up and had a shower. the Warm Water cascaded over her stiff muscles, it made her think of the Warmth kali had given her last night And a sigh pushed from her lips. Once out and dried.
She brushed her teeth, she loved the mint fresh sensation In her mouth after and she sucked in some air “ AAH! ” she sighed She dug around her bag for her brush, Her long hair was cool against Her back as she brushed it. She Got dressed. Sliding into her jeans and wore a red halter Top. She Grabbed her purse and the key Then stepped into her sandals on the way out The door.
The diner was within walking distance so Brenda didn’t Waste her gas driving. The atmosphere inside the dinner was old fashioned and friendly. she was Welcomed by the waitress behind the counter as she sat on a stool.
“ hi, I’m Gladys. what will it be miss? “
“ a coffee and a small milk please.” and she Rushed off to fetch her order. The coffee could be heard filling the mug It smelled delicious. she added her milk and sugar till it was to her Liking. “ umm. ” she sang as the liquid passed through her lips. “ can I get you any
thing else. “ ask Gladys “ no ma’am, thank you .” Amongst the clanking of dishes and the chatter of locals she dreamed Off for a moment, thinking of kali, wishing she’d insisted on going with Her, Of course there was nothing to stop her from following. But she just waited as told. maybe she would be back soon, she really didn’t Want to go back to that town anyway. “ I’ll give you a penny for that thought miss.” an old man
had sat down next to her. “ oh, hello. ”
“ morning I‘m Jacob, Who might you be ?” he said tipping his head politely. “ Brenda. “ Gladys brought him a black coffee. “ thank you sweetie.” “ your welcome Jacob, you mind your P’s & Q’s today .” “ Oh. What do you mean ? I’m a perfect Southern gent “ and he winked at Brenda
Who smiled at him. “ where you from ? I don’t think I’ve seen you in these parts before.”
“ I’m from Texas. My mother lives down here.”
“ where ‘s your friend? “ Brenda Was baffled “ how did you know I was with someone ? “ “ well, you just told me “And the man snickered. “ OH Jacob ! you cad. don’t mind him he pulls
These mind games with all the new folks that pass through.” said Gladys Giving the man a scolding glance. He leaned in to Brenda and said “ she’s really my daughter. she’s just ashamed of me.”
“ why you old dog! Your such a fibber.” and the waitress rolled her eyes, Brenda couldn’t help snicker As the two continued to play around. Brenda paid for her coffee and was leaving. Jacob was suddenly behind her “ Brenda wait! ”
he handed her something, “ your friend dropped this.” it was a very old Zippo lighter ancient compared To what was used now. “ um thanks I’ll give it to her..” “ tell your friend she Has to face the truth.” “ what truth?? Is this a joke? “ Brenda looked around Hoping to see kali standing some where laughing. but she wasn’t. When she looked back at where Jacob had stood he was back in his stool. So she just got
the hell out of there and went back to the hotel room. She took a closer look at the lighter and saw an engraving JC. JENKINS “ what was that about ? ” she asked herself, Feeling more concerned for kali.

1PM
Brenda was watching some TV hoping it would help her Pass the time away. But noon had rolled around. It had been to long.
Suddenly, she heard a commotion outside. she peeked Out the window and saw the tow truck with Kali’s car Behind it. she grabbed her tinny shoes and shoved them On before rushing outside to see the tow truck man having an intense conversation with a cop. She heard Kali’s name mention and jumped in. “ What happened? where’s kali!? ” “ she’s gone! I couldn’t find her. there was blood, but.” “ Frankie slow down, tell me again what Happened.” asked the officer with great patience. “ OK, I was leaving That town with miss Jenkins. when something dark blocked my vision And next thing I know I hear a scream.” The man paused as if thinking. “ then what ? ” Brenda snapped. “ I hit a tree, I must of blacked out a moment when I came around her door was Open and she was gone...HONEST! “ “ok Frankie, go get yourself looked at ” said
the officer. “ your just going to let him go? Aren’t you going to look for her ? ” “ yes ma’am, Frankie said there was a trail of blood leading to that town. So , she Might have wonder off to get help.” “ well, she’s going the wrong way ! I’m going to find her I can’t just sit here.”
as Brenda hurried to her room The officer told her not to go there that a couple of units would be sent out there To search.
“ I’ll be careful officer, but I am going to find her.” when she went into the room to get her keys, Brenda could feel the tears coming but kept her wits About her, she had two flash lights, a first aid kit, food, water and her aluminum bat Just in case. Then She stopped for gas on her way out. She drove with eyes peeled for kali hoping to see her marching down the Highway, but no luck and she had finally reached the dirt road to haven dale. With great dread swelling in her stomach She stopped at the tree where Frankie Said he crashed and checked the area. There Was indeed a blood trail heading towards town And her heart skipped a beat when she found Kali’s keys. She called for kali several times Each call more and more desperate till she was In tears.
“ damn! What do I do? Do I leave and let the police handle this? “ NO . she couldn’t do
that. she was going Into that town to find her friend! she Wasn’t the kind to leave a person in trouble. She got back into her car and drove till she was in town. She scanned the streets and side walks for more blood trails or clues, but saw none. So all she could do was drive.
She went back to the school getting out long enough to call into the double door, Daring not to enter.
a sudden guttural grumble was Heard inside that sent her scrambling to the car. she sped away like A Bat out of hell grazing the side of her car on a sign post. Next place she saw was the church. looked like some restoration Was done on it but it showed its age still there was no sign of kali. She searched high and low, street by Street, through alleys, and behinds buildings, till there was No where else to look except for the cemetery. maybe kali Went there.
Once she figured out where it was her eyes scanned the Vast ocean of head stones and flowers flowing upwards On an up rise of land.
She caught glimpse of a figure Walking amongst the stones. Brenda jump out of her car And ran to the spot she’d seen the person but there was No one. She looked around then at the graves before her. That read. [ JENKINS ] “ JC .. JACOB CALVIN JINKINS!!! ! OH MY GOD!” Brenda gasped.
[ Betty Jenkins ] - loving mother and devoted wife [ Ronald Jenkins ] - devoted husband proud father [ Lori sue Jenkins ] - beloved daughter
[ Ted Kenneth Jenkins ] - Beloved son. when she read the last grave she fell to her knees.
[ KALI JOANNE JENKINS ] - eldest beloved daughter Lost to us, but not forgotten. “ It can‘t be. ” sobbed Brenda feeling lost in the shock and Confusion she felt. then she
heard a familiar voice “ you know don’t you! “ She was so startled she jerked realizing she had been in her car The whole time. the night had crept upon her. she tried to start the car but it was dead. “ YOU’VE GOT TO BE FREAKIN KIDDING ME! “ She hit the steering wheel in frustration. it must have been running While she was in her trance. She looked at the gage and saw it wasn’t That empty so the battery was just Run down.
“ well that’s just dandy!” She got her bat , flashlight and the tote bag with the things She’d need in it and trekked into the night heading back to haven dale. It was a long frightening walk back. Her heart pounding and her nerves Tingling at the slightest rustle or sound. At one point she could swear She heard footsteps and a faint whistling from behind but when she’d stop to listen, It would stop to. It was as if someone was toying with her. She bolted running as fast as possible with the load she was carrying,
When she reached the town she slowed to a fast walk still determined To find kali.
She finally stopped when she was at the church. she Noticed a faint light from inside and a candle in a window. The door was open so she went inside. She saw kali naked and tied to an alter her lips gagged. her head was bloody from the wreck. Brenda rushed to her side dropping her bat and bag at her feet. She held Kali’s face
“ kali! Who did this?! “ Kali’s eyes popped Open Wide with alarm her body jerked and struggled against the bonds As if trying to tell her something Brenda took off the gag. “ BEHIND YOU!!! ” Brenda spun around to see a tall dark figure in a Black robe and hooded cowl. His eyes could only be seen gleaming With evil down at her as he grabbed her throat, Brenda gripped the mans arm Instinctively to try and get free as he raised her up tossing her Aside like a rag doll.
Kali screamed and cried “ Brenda!! NOO!. “ Brenda sat up coughing and gasping focusing on the horrible figure Now touching Kali’s naked body as kali beckoned to her. something came over Brenda as if she’d Been here before and she snapped. “ DADDY STOP!!! LEAVE MY FRIEND ALONE! ” the figure turned to face Brenda who stood now she saw her bat and made a run for it. He was close behind as she raised it he
grabbed it and she struggled To keep it finally kneeing him in the groin as he doubled over in pain She hit him over and over with the bat till he didn’t move. She stopped Beating him and looked at kali who was crying. “ kali, I’m sorry I didn’t Tell anyone .” “ It wouldn’t of made a difference, no one would listen.” Brenda untied kali and they hugged tight sobbing together.
Then suddenly Brenda screamed in pain, whirling around, kali could see A huge slash across her back Brenda saw her dad with a raised knife And she held up her arms to block the attack, her fore arms and hands Receiving deliberate slashes not to kill but to torment her. “ you bastard! “ screamed kali leaping from the alter And onto Brenda’s father and they both hit the ground Hard. Brenda held her breath as she watched them both struggle ,then Stand. kali wasn’t hurt any worse than her head, but when the man turned to face Brenda she saw the knife deep in his chest. He reached out to Brenda as
he fell down again and was still Once more.
Kali kicked his dead body “ STAY DEAD THIS TIME!!” she hissed. Brenda let out her breath and tears Poured from her once again. kali looked at Brenda her eyes Easing from the rage held in them before. a chill coming over Her naked crimson streaked body. “ I feel cold.” Said Brenda “ might be shock Hun..”
she went to Brenda’s side She looked at Brenda’s cuts “ we have to get you patched up.” said kali
“ I brought a first aid kit, in that bag. “ kali hunted through the Bag grabbing the first aid kit they cleaned and bandaged their Wounds and kali got dressed then she helped Brenda up to her feet And took her outside. something fell from Brenda’s pocket When she sat down on the steps, it was the lighter.
“ my grand pa’s lighter. Brenda where did you get this ? “ “ a man in that diner Said you dropped it.” Brenda’s voice was shaky. “ what else did he say? “ asked kali “ that you had to face the truth.” Kali’s face winced with inner pain. “ I started the fire Brenda, I had to kill those evil cult members!! But innocent people including My family died also.” “ OH my God Kali.” “ I didn’t mean to Brenda! “ “ I know.”
“ I just wanted him to stop hurting me And the other Kids he was touching with his fowl hands! “ said kali “ that’s awful .” sighed Brenda holding Kali’s hand. “ I lived in fear that he’d kill my parents Or go after my sister and brother and when he finally did I had to stop him.” said kali “ so you set the church on fire .”
“ yes. they were having a meeting and I knew they’d all be in there, but I didn’t know or think that My family was in there to.” “ you were young, in pain, confused it was an accident, you have to forgive yourself.” said brenda “ do you know how many years Of therapy I’ve endured to get over this ? I even tried hypnosis to forget it.” “ the truth is better therapy.” said brenda “ the truth. I can still remember the flames, the screams. your father lit up running out The door, that’s when I ran away, I knew I’d done a terrible thing But I just ran and ran.” kali flicked the roller of the lighter to strike the flint Stone Inside . the lighter lit up.
“ it still works.” whispered kali “ what ? “ asked Brenda “ I’ll be back Brenda.” “ where you going ? “ “ to erase the past ” Brenda jumped up and grabbed kali “ NO ! your not burning this church! ” “ why not. it’s
no house of God! “ “ please kali I just want to leave this Place With you.” kali huffed “ SORRY, I’m just so angry still .” Brenda hugged up to kali looking into her eyes.
“ let me take that anger from you baby. “ and she kissed her . “ MMM, you win Brenda, lets get out of here.” “ Yea I thought That would work. “ Brenda giggled. As they held hands and walked away From the church a police car picked them up down the road And they went to a hospital for treatment. After the two got their cars back and running they went their Separate ways for a bit keeping in touch till kali could move Down to live with Brenda in Texas.. Happily .

the end.


















© Copyright 2006 Tina Camille (havendalegirl at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
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