Weaving Assumption & Intentions Ch. 01

CHAPTER 1

The pen he held unintentionally slipped to the ground, those fingers of his quivered nervously, deterring the delivery boy's chagrin.

After signing off the package, Raphael was left alone to his musings on this unexpected package.

As he withdrew his callous gaze for a moment, the world invited him to its silent beauty. The fallen autumn leaves, only wilted on its edges because of this scorching sun of noon.

Change was predictable, similar to the four seasons; this millennia old principle, was abruptly placed directly on his hands.

The identity of the sender, slightly shaking the estrangement between them.

'What do you want, dear mother?'

His urgency profound, as the door closed behind him.

His steps quickening, because of the weight of the past resurfacing. He passed through the white corridor, greeted by the strokes of art in display hang on the polished walls; masterpieces that he should be proud in everyday of his life, but misfortune always lingers in each step he took further from it.

Immediately after entering his office, he had no privilege to bask in its comfort. The dark leather office chair accepted his anxious form, and as a habit, he twiddled with the penknife between his fingers.

His eyes studied the package, mentally incurring while guessing the cost of the repercussions if he opens it.

'Regret has no hold on me.'

Suspicious in color, but he decided to open it nonetheless.

The suspicious red wrapping crunched, as he tore the box apart.

A jewel case with blue and white in its contours made him frown with apprehension. His mind slowed, while the photo beside him gave him the strength to open the mystery.

The Pandora's box presented the source of his misgivings on a cushioned pillow. Confusion whirled in his eyes, scrutinizing the meaning of the blue ring that he recognized.

While the flash disk was more intriguing, it was also plagued by premonitions.

Good or bad?

The ring solved half of his questions, but the flash disk itched his curiosity more.

'Lets the surprises you have for me.'

'But something tells me I'll regret it.'

His mother; a living reminder of the worst of paths not to take.

The suspense made him thirst. He decided to take a break, as he visited his wine cellar for a bottle of wine.

Choices became muddled, as he introspected himself in this dark room. Today was his anniversary, but where was she?

Trying to avoid a possibility, but holding his favorite brand encouraged him to face his mother's intent.

Walking back to his office, then he inserted the flash disk in the drive.

As their was time you spare, he quenched both his needs, with a glass of Pinot Noir.

The quality of the video was good, actualizing his mother's intentions in clear clarity.

His attention was drawn to the date stamp, as the short recording played.

"What this have to do with that bastard?"

The location of the capture was very familiar to him, he put down his glass of wine; his appetite disturbed.

His impatience peaking from interest, impatiently clicking the mouse in fast forward, until a shocking variable made him pause after. The main door to the room opened, as two people entered; the one ahead wasn't his target of scrutiny, but the last one drew his breathe.

Her dark hair peeked through her scarf, as she surveyed the room through her sunglasses. Clearly this was her first time here, even though her host was very forward with his intent, his lustful gaze towards her; spoke lengths.

What was her identity? Raphael felt his blood freeze, by that figure that was deeply imprinted in his mind and soul.

Like a bad dream, he couldn't wake up from. Fate decided to sate his curiosity, as she removed the needless items hiding her visage.

As the last of his doubts withered, the photo beside him, just made his fists clench harder; near the threshold of bleeding his heart out.

The man and woman, both sat down, talking. Sadly their was no audio, their conversation was beyond him. Failing to regulate the hope inside him; fluctuating wildly.

Sadly, when you love someone, you are giving them a chance to hurt you.

The illuminance of the office dimmed, a passionate kissing scene ensued.

"Veronica." Raphael muttered bitterly. The resistance he fervently wished from her allegiance towards him; a fantasy he was deluded in; tat fervor in their conjoined lips couldn't be more clear.

Stroking his chin as he held the silver frame of his beloved, somehow he could hear the moans and slapping of flesh as the adulteress sang a melody of betrayal; indulging in the heat with her soul mates nemesis.

Something and something else shattered physically and metaphysically, shards of glass cluttering on the ground, smears of blood accompanied them.

"Good, very good mother." The calmness in his voice, hatred within its timbre. Tears couldn't wash away his vision, looking at his wife accepting that man's member in her folds, yet her eyes hidden from his judgement; the effort both exerted for their pleasure, at the expense of his already broken heart.

******

Tranquility was deceiving; illusions feed from ignorance

Bliss had no reason to warn its prey, as she stood at the open bronze door.

Creases and flaws shaped her current expression, her beauty in a stand still of shock.

The tension that started to wither, accumulated again; the comfort she sort wrangled away by the sight of broken white fragments of a statue on the floor.

"Raphael."

Her voice resounded in the silence. And even after moments passing, no response disrupted the quietness inside.

Her heels echoed beyond the doorstep, then her feet abandoned them, as she had to run, towards and away; To either confirm or deny her worst fears.

The stairs accepted her, but blood was the price left with each painful step she took.

Broken glasses and vases littered her way, digging deeper; but not as deep as something else, as her expression morphed with horror

Sheer willpower held her steady, as she approached the office.

More sources of her pain barred her path, shattered sources of inspiration and creativity pierced her sanity.

The glimmering sunlight, auditioning the numerous shards scattered across the floor near her husbands workshop.

That blood definitely, not of her own stained the carpet. A mesmerizing art of despair, formed not a few moments long ago.

"Raphael!" her voice laced with worry, haunting premonitions forcing her injured legs forward.

But she wasn't ready to see the atrocity presented after her struggling arrival. Walking through the shattered works of art, unique strokes of both paint and intent, blemished for eternity; their creators vulnerable soul, forever ripped out of their canvases.

Vicious slashes and sinister tears in their visage, she grieved for them. She was there in there during their conception, intimately involved in each one of them as a supporting wife and lastly as a curator. Though a certain discrepancy was especially glaring, 'Where's the 'Nova' collection?' she asked no one, but herself.

Her reddened eyes searched, but something else diverted her focus. The monitor waited for her, her drifting eyes tempted to confirm a certain conclusion.

Approaching it with hesitation, that woman's voice reverberated in her mind.

"If you don't believe, take a look back home."

Like a whisper from the devil, the sunlight surveyed the unsettled dust.

Like a widower, she surrendered to her grieving desperation, as she watched the content from start to finish.

Gripping her lush dark hair with both hands, the madness boiling in her, twisting her infallible beauty in it's corruption.

"There has to be a way, I have to explain everything to him. He will listen right" speaking to herself, hysterical in ways that have no measure.

Clumsily forcing herself up, the pain holding her hostage melted in this flames of desperation.

"Ralph!"

"Ralph!"

Using the ounce of sanity remaining not to run, frustrated by her crippled state. Desperate to sprint and force her way into her husband's already shattered heart. The pieces might be emendable...hopingly so.

Limping on one leg, the walls leading her directly to the bedroom; How far it was. After arriving, more insanity in front of her wasn't welcoming, a strewn with torn clothes and items.

Ignoring the replaceable, walking to the irreparable.

But reality was gleamed on the bare mannequin inside the walk-in ward robe, her scream couldn't bring back her wedding dress.

The symbolism of that dress was a covenant larger than life; Wishing she was in a nightmare, hoping for it's falsity to blind her sins.

The autonomy of her mental state, extremely muddled, like a starving ghoul she walked towards the balcony, something in the distance lit aflame, her eyes lit up.

The flames from a distance, his shadow swaying near its immolation. Maybe she still had a chance to convince... no, beg him.

******

CHAPTER 2

16 years ago.

The crowned domain of winter descended, veiling the dispersing warmth of autumn.

Crystalline fragments incased the liveliness of the once lush forest.

A young boy treaded through the heaviness surrounding him. The glaring whiteness blinded his anxiousness inside those innocent eyes.

He wanted to look back, but surely the cabin was impossibly too far in sight.

Hesitation solidified in him, it's frigid entrapment a hindrance to his mission.

His fiery heart wasn't resigned, "I'm coming for you Dibber, hold on."

Looking ahead, unto the desolate invitation. Haunting woods beyond, reflecting his choice, formed introspectively from either stupidity or bravery.

Raphael always sided with his principles, the perilousness of this journey provoked none of his worst fears. His burly wear was enough to put the cold at bay, only his sense of direction confusing.

"Dibber!"

Listening in to the howling wind.

"Dibber!"

Alone in this suffocation. The silence threatening.

Fate had no allegiance, after all luck wasn't in his side in this morbid hour. Stranded with determination.

His sore voice, "Dibber! Where are you!"

The rebounding echo, a desperate exertion unrewarded. Time was inconsistent in this glacial sovereignty. Was it morning, noon, or the worst case scenario?...Just an illusion to keep him sane?

Squinting his eyes, attention drawn to something ahead. It's status seemed...hopefully alive.

Dragging himself closer, the silhouette sparking hopeful familiarity.

"Edward?" he called out. The figures unique stance, posturing with deterrence and authority. Raphael couldn't be mistaken about his identity.

Those unnerving grey eyes turned towards him. Up taking his existence, as he assessed a creature rather than a brother, how cold.

Trapped in this unforgiving climate, but multiple times bearable than this gaze; As the youngest, he never got used to it.

"What are you doing here?" Raphael took the initiative.

Edward withdraw his gaze from Raphael, unintentionally hiding the malevolent sparkle in his eyes, as he focused back on his previous subject of interest; a dark silhouette underneath his feet.

It was blurry, given the distance between the two brothers, but an ominous itch pulled Raphael forward. This curiosity would either destroy or make him.

A trail of crimson patches greeted his passing, a trail of unmistakable blood. The familiar color of earthen fur, loyal eyes infused with the specter of death. Raphael stood above it, his older brother beside him, sharing in the sight of the unmoving corpse.

Their resemble of both brothers similar, but their thoughts deeply contrasting with each other. "Dibber?" Denial could have prevailed, reality was always a step ahead.

The first witness to this somber encounter studied his little brother closely with dead eyes, but at the same time charming. The palpable grief happening in front of him, was much more interesting than the dead. He just stood and watched the ongoing scene without interfering.

"Wake up dibber!" Raphael understood the eventuality of death. Disbelief paralyzed logic. The simple existence of this animal was irreplaceable. Labelling it as insignificant, would be an insult to himself as a person. It's importance was way higher than his own demented kin; a sadistic smile that wasn't his bloomed behind him, lending credence to this morbid fact. Drenching tears solidified with the freezing currents on the icy platform.

"Crying won't bring him up, you know..."

With the sore acceptance of Dibber's demise, it's owner started to investigate, the cause of death was suspicious enough, questions of the irregularities present in this vicinity. Their were vicious slashes, tendons and muscles teared from the neck downwards, as innards spilled out; evidence of sickening torture attended to this innocent creature.

Wrenching in disgust, Raphael puked all his breakfast, the stench still not enough to overpower the iron still present in this cold air.

Clues were both enlightening and also harbingers of disaster, directing his unstable emotions towards an obvious suspect.

He stood and glared up to his brother. "You did this!"

Edward flinched a brow, the audacity in front of him wasn't to his, liking.

"It took you that long to realize?" Edward confessed.

Raphael's momentum deflated immediately. Such a queer acceptance.

Shouldn't he be aware of the term 'remorse'?

Edwards smirk digressed though.

Admittance wasn't his forte, but creatively using it in situations such as this felt more... fulfilling.

Raphael could only look at the serrated dagger, in the hands of this insufferable psychopath of a brother, it all made sense now...

"Why?" Raphael barely said those meaningful words, his nerves on the verge of letting lose.

Edward tilted his head, trying to respond; trying to articulate his deranged thoughts in simpler words.

"First of all, I felt like it."

"Second of all, you deserved it."

"Third of all, it's the consequence of been born in this family. I assure you that I will take everything from you. So dear brother, buckle up for the long ride."

The revelation was unneeded, boundaries of this vile devil said the unspoken. Its shadowy claws, obscured by familial tethers; biding with a malevolent edge in its sharpness.

Edward stared unto the glazed eyes, beyond the misty obstruction of naivety; Taking in the broken crevices of his younger brother's soul.

Knowledge can be the sharpest tool, morality wasn't the deciding factor in its ideal purpose.

Having had enough satisfaction destroying his brother, Edward took his leave.

His gait unhindered by any trickle of guilt; Such kind of inferior shackles couldn't extend towards his blackened heart.

********

Lucidity was chained by each passing seconds, psychological torture ensued in Raphael.

"Crunch!"

A twig broke a few feet away. Frozen in its stance, the deer made no attempt to escape, as its beady eyes reflected the lone boy.

One, two and three steps, slowly walking away from this inescapable nightmare.

Picking up the knife on the cold ground. Approaching the animal, as its horns lowered, threatening.

Robotic movement, with sub-conscious deliberation.

A breathe away. Their eyes met, orbs of lively green against those of meadow brown.

A trap had caught its leg, maybe the deer's pain was more excruciating than his grief???

Should he relieve it of its suffering?

The deer flinched sensing the killing intent already forming in this young child.

Closing its eyes. Waiting for the inevitable.

It waited long enough.

Pain suddenly bloomed in its nerves, as expected, but something wasn't right with this situation.

Opening its doe eyes, tilting its head in confusion.

The kneeling boy, disengaged the trap shackling its front leg.

A long pause between them as it stood up.

It immediately turned and ran away, or rather limping.

Walking back to his dead dog. With the sickening realization that he almost fell to the abyss. His brother was already a dweller in its corrupted embrace. Should he follow the same path?

Maybe he should? Or not...

Just imagining he would never hear the whimpering sound of excitement, hunger, fear, confusion and dissatisfaction from his best friend.

The drive to live felt tiring than ever.

Brushing his fingers against the tool he held. It's depth and symbolism becoming more clear to him. It's symbolic depiction of severance, could serve as a purpose to him. That anything could be taken away from him.

Yet again he knelt down, holding the dagger with both hands. Raising it upwards, far above his head.

Then immediately bringing it down with force, against the frozen surface.

His tiny physique produced such force; Tumultuous emotions bringing the best out of him. This mighty strength, undoubtedly coming in the wrong time. After chipping off a part of it, he still continued.

The sound of metal daggering through ice resounded. His concentration peeking, tears dripping; some unfrozen. At the end of a dozen strikes, he was rewarded. Cracks formed all around him, wreaking through the fragility in the vicinity.

He distanced himself from the destruction. Although his avoidance discounted the body of his companion, as it fell through the collapsing beds of ice.

Swallowed by the dread cold waters; Sinking to the depths of eternal oblivion.

Raphael didn't bother burying it, surely his brother will always find always to aggravate him; by desecration.

The cracks were still relentless, snaking through the faulty ice sheet as he tried escaping.

Then he suddenly stopped. Whatever was in his mind, unknown. He turned facing it, the incoming destruction.

Where he stood, also not spared from its indiscriminate pursuit.

But he didn't dare retreat, because he didn't want to.

Dark thoughts in his mind, seeds that shouldn't exist bloomed in his empting mind.

Time could heal wounds, the opposite also true.

Holding his ground, hoping it would swallow him.

And that it did.

Coldness overwhelmed his sensory system. No one could save him. As this was intentional. The only act of freedom he could savor. A savior could come and he would refuse. Adamantly at that. The darkness, eternally satisfying. He wished never to wake up again.

**********

But he was solely going to be disappointed. Someone pulled him out of the frigid waters.

The sensation of the hard ground under him, hands pressed on his chest, as he choked.

Water in his lungs forced out.

Who saved him?

His blurry vision only saw her bangs, hiding those familiar eyes.

She seemed different, way different than she used to.

When the unwanted relief of respiration graced him, the face of this woman imprinted deeply in his mind. In turn wiping away her former persona that he was accustomed to.

Was it the same mother he knew?

*****

Present

Underneath bare feet, refreshing sensations of the rising tide sweeping through coarse sands. The pile behind him, violent waves failing to wash away this sickening remembrance.

As he voyaged deeper into memory lane, through the threads and lining of covenants weaved throughout a journey; one that they thought would last till death.

"It was all a lie, nothing had changed from the beginning." His whisper drowned by the torrents of the ocean, as he raised his hands. Holding up a flaming lighter, as he turned to face the pile in front of him. Lighting up new path, unsure of his forced choice.

"There's no going back." Igniting the colossal grievances shackling his resolution.

The poisonous extremity of love, it's antidote rather severe; more so, when your living with it forever. It was never easy to move on from the past, but the scent of gasoline wafting with the wind, could help. The items suddenly bound to this nascent fire, starting out small, turning inextinguishable, and hungry for more.