Chapter 7: Blood and Water

I was overwhelmed. María had mentioned words that, to anyone else, might sound like madness, but to me, they weren't; I had already found something similar in the Scarlet Book. Ruth was getting ready for work, and I didn't want to talk about anything.

Lost in my thoughts, I searched for answers within myself. I decided to take a bath; the water was very hot, as if trying to wash away the pain that was evident even on my skin.

I stripped off all my clothes and submerged myself in the bathtub, while my mind repeated over and over everything that had happened in the past weeks. I sank completely, trying to drown my anguish, while the intense heat burned through my body. When I felt I was on the verge of collapse, I lifted my head to take a breath.

A sensation of viscous liquid alarmed me: blood? I was immersed in a thick fluid, and the smell of iron made me nauseous. I looked at my soaked hands and tried to get out of the tub as quickly as possible, but the viscosity of the liquid made it difficult to move.

I hurried to look at myself in the mirror; I could only distinguish my brown eyes. My long hair was soaked, and my face and hands were covered in a repugnant liquid. A desperate scream of terror escaped me.

—Emma, what's wrong? —Ruth shouted from the other side, knocking insistently.

I could barely respond; I could only scream and try to clean my body, but the more I did, the more the liquid seemed to multiply. Ruth, with a strong push, opened the door and wrapped me in a towel. My entire body trembled, and I could only repeat in terror "blood," "blood." Ruth hugged me against her chest.

—Calm down, there's no blood anywhere —she said, gently stroking my wet hair.

I hadn't realized that there was no trace of blood anymore; the liquid had completely disappeared. I now doubted my mental state more than ever.

—But… I… I saw blood everywhere, Ruth, you have to believe me —I said, terrified, my eyes searching the bathroom for any hint of red.

—It's been a tough few days, sweetheart —Ruth said, lifting my chin—. Why don't you take a little rest? It will do you good —she suggested with compassion, helping me to steady myself.

Her concern for my behavior was evident. I stood up, adjusted the towel, and silently made my way to my room, but there was María, without saying a word, staring at me as if she knew more than I could imagine.

I entered my new room, exhausted and on the verge of despair. I hurried to get dressed; my legs were shaking, and my pulse was racing. I chose a tight pair of pants that highlighted my figure and a light blouse, as it was somewhat warm.

I opened a box that I kept lovingly among my things and took out a delicate chain with a cat figure, which I carefully put on. I remembered how my father used to say that this chain would protect me. I caressed it on my neck with tenderness, and a tired sigh escaped me. I took the car keys and left in search of a quiet place to breathe alone.

I decided to go to Lakeside Park. As I got out of the car, the cool night breeze made me feel alive. I let my feet lead me aimlessly. The park, with its stone bridges and benches by the stream, offered a brief relief from my anguish.

I headed to the benches by the water; the stars reflected in it, trying to illuminate my dark life. I sat down, closed my eyes, and allowed myself to be enveloped by the beautiful silence that calmed my soul. My heart was calm, and my mind was empty; there was no way to enjoy a moment like this any more than I was.

—I can't believe it —a harsh, familiar voice interrupted my tranquility.

I turned slowly, and my heart raced.

—You took seriously the idea of seeing each other often —he smiled arrogantly.

I stood up, ready to unleash my anger.

—Blessed Mr. Audrey, are you now stalking me? Do you have a plan to drive me crazy? Isn't it enough for you to have taken everything from me? —I said, furious and breathless.

He remained silent, watching me as if evaluating each of my movements. His old-fashioned suit and long hair tied back gave him an even more intriguing air. He emanated fear just with his intense black eyes, though his attractiveness was undeniable.

—I'm not following you; I'm always nearby —he smiled with a laugh that seemed straight out of a movie where he played the villain.

—Isn't it enough with everything you've caused me? You've taken everything from me, Audrey, everything. But your evil is so obvious that it haunts me, and then you mock me. I'm leaving —I said, irritated, my voice rising as if I had found the moment to release all my rage. My eyes misted over. But he remained serious, saying nothing. I hurried to leave.

—Don't go —he said, gently holding my arm—. Stay, I was just taking a walk. It's a habit —he said in a rough voice, but a hint of warmth could be sensed in his words.

A surge of emotions exploded within me, as if a minefield had been activated. His touch made my stomach feel strange. I stepped back to look at him and asked:

—Who are you really? —I said, examining his face, but his gaze seemed lost, just as I had seen it when I handed him the keys to the mansion.

—You ask too many questions, Ford —he said, regaining control with his natural arrogance.

—Always with your convoluted words that I don't understand. You could be clearer; in fact, I don't understand what connection you have with my family. But I don't intend to fall for your games. I'll get my house back —I said, showing my anger.

—You don't understand, Emma, that this is not a matter that men can fix —he said firmly, emphasizing each of his words. He put his hands in his pockets and stared at me.

—No matter how hard you try, you can't escape your fate —he added, stepping a few steps closer to me. His proximity made my legs weaken; it was as if I were melting.

—Remember, you, Ford, belong to me —his face was so close to mine that I could only swallow hard, left speechless, paralyzed by his presence, as if the world around us had vanished, leaving us alone.

He straightened up, smiled, and raised an eyebrow.

—See, you deny it, but you can't help but feel drawn to me —his words were a bucket of cold water, leaving me speechless. I blinked a couple of times, and the moment became eternal. He turned to leave, but before he did, he looked back and said:

—Your grandmother's Scarlet Book, Emma, will speak more than I will —without another word, he vanished into the darkness of the night.

There I was, lost in so many words and worn down by so many adversities. The sky filled with clouds, hiding the beautiful stars; apparently, they no longer wanted to see me suffer. At least I know one thing: I'm not as crazy as I thought.