Suppressed Read online

  I took his hands in mine and looked deep into his eyes. I forced down my nerves and told the demented voices in my head to silence themselves. I thought of Brise’s advice and about Erzulie’s proposal. “I’ve never told anyone this before, but I secretly enjoyed all the corny romantic movies, Sabrina had forced me to watch over the years.”

  “You have, have you? Why am I not surprised?”

  I grinned. “Let me tell you this whole waiting for an entire year by the swamp’s edge, with my favorite foods and singing for my return, has turned into my new favorite love story.”

  “It has?”

  I nodded.

  “What was your old favorite love story?” he asked.

  I wanted to say, Cecile Lanuit and Lucus LaPlante which was the truth, but alas, that wasn’t going to be possible. “Take a guess.”

  “It can’t possibly be Romeo and Juliet, because you still believe that Shakespeare was being ironic.”

  “He was! Two people cannot possibly be that stupid.”

  “People do stupid things when they’re in love. They’re allowed to,” he said, challenging my long standing opinion.

  He had a point. I didn’t want to admit it, but suddenly Romeo and Juliet didn’t seem like such idiots. “You’re right,” I grudgingly admitted.

  “You’re going to keep me in suspense for eternity if you don’t tell me your ex-favorite love story.”

  “It’s from Moulin Rouge, the movie. Satine and Christian. I know I’m supposed to say something epic like Mark Antony and Cleopatra or Tristan and Isolde, but… Somehow I can relate to Satine and Christian…” I stopped speaking in mid sentence when I realized why I had been secretly obsessed with Moulin Rouge. Christian, the ever romantic poet and Satine the courtesan. It was a love affair that had ended in tragedy just like Cecile and Lucus. Lucus had been the eternal romantic and I had lived the life of a glorified courtesan. I knew this time it had to turn out differently for us.

  “I heard about the house when it first opened in 1889, but I’ve never seen the movie… Arelia?”

  Lucus pulled me back to the present. “Oh, yes, the movie can be a bit cheesy at times, but Christian and Satine they were so different yet completed each other perfectly. And even when things got really bad, Christian refused to give up on Satine. Well, I mean, he got angry and threw money at her, but in the end he came to his senses.” Just like you never gave up on Cecile. You never gave up on me.

  “And how exactly did he do that?” Lucus asked, obviously hunting for tips on how to outdo Christian’s devotion.

  “Lucus LaPlante, are you jealous of Christian?” I teased.

  “Me, non.” He turned up his French accent, knowing that I melted at the sound of his Creole French. “So, what did this Christian character do?”

  “When Satine wanted to give up, and things seemed hopeless, he didn’t allow her to fall into a tragic pool of despair. Instead, he wrote a secret song for them to sing whenever things got terrible. Come What May.”

  “Advienne que pourra,” he said.

  I nodded. “I guess what I’m trying to say is that I will stand by you and love you no matter what happens. Do you feel the same? I mean would you consider sticking with me regardless of what tomorrow may bring?” I kept my chin up and refused to look at my toes even though I was dying to. I was certain that after this lovely coming home party, things were sure to get crazy and before all of that started, I wanted to make sure he knew how I truly felt. I suppose deep down a part of me was still insecure that my secrets and lies would be the death of me, but I couldn’t betray Ti Jean. I knew he had the answers I needed.

  “Arelia.” Lucus gently grazed my muddy cheek with the tips of his fingers. My eyes closed at the sensation of his caress. “I’m a man of my word. When I say I love you, that doesn’t mean I love you until you do something that upsets me. Or I love you until I change my mind. When I say Je t’aime it means I will love you until the Holy Book is fulfilled. Until the moon turns to blood, and the stars fall from the sky. I’ll love you through wars, famines, disease, and other ghastly epidemics. It means I will go on loving you even when the Antichrist and false prophet take power and establish a grim unified social, economic, and religious system that dominates the world. I’ll love you while nation rises up against nation, and I will go on loving you while the rest of the world succumbs to an illusion and is blind to the fact that the only thing worth living, dying, and fighting for is love. I’ll love you until our good Lord returns and then I’ll beg Him to let our souls stay together for eternity. We’ll live under His care and protection and all of our pain and suffering will be a faint and distant memory. ”

  My eyes opened. Although tears rushed down my face, I couldn’t help but laugh at his determined expression. He was full of conviction, drama, and fire. His epic speech had put Christian’s song to shame. “Christian has nothing on you. Advienne que pourra,” I whispered. “Dieu, how I’ve missed you.”

  “Advienne que pourra,” he whispered, as he pulled me close and kissed me with a force that showed that he had meant every word he had spoken. Afterwards, he held me as if it was the last time I’d ever be in his arms. I silently prayed to all the saints and spirits in New Orleans that they would allow our story to end happily ever after.

  Chapter Eleven

  Back to Work Arelia LaRue

  Present Day

  Darkwood Plantation

  My eyes opened and I immediately sat up horrified that I would find myself in a cemetery with Ghede Massaka and his toxic sack, or worse, in bed with Edmond. I scanned my surroundings and was more than relieved to find that I was in present day Darkwood. I vaguely remembered walking back to Darkwood house last night with Lucus. I had somehow forced myself to bathe before falling into a deep coma like sleep. Despite my worry and guilt, I knew I had to rest before I could be of any use to others.

  Soft late afternoon sun seeped its way through the heavy lace curtains and gave the spacious room a dreamy yellow glow. Romantic sunlight spilled onto the coral colored duvet and onto the silk canopy that covered the Louis XV king sized bed. I stretched and inhaled deeply, relishing the incomparable scent of sweet jasmine, honeysuckle, and magnolia blooms that a warm summer breeze brought with it. The extravagant black crystal chandelier that hung from the ceiling gently swayed, its crystals hauntingly clinking against one another. I half expected to hear Bade or finally see Erzulie.

  I marveled at the room and how much more colorful it was from what I remembered. Instead of the typical dark furniture, I was delighted to see that Lucus had added some color here and there. The antique duchess dresser with its grand giltwood mirror had been painted a lovely shade of haint blue and one of the walls had been covered in twenty four carat gold and black fleur de Lis wallpaper.

  On the heavy mahogany night stand next to me, there sat a platter of colorful macaroons along with a box of fancy Creole chocolates, which had a note attached to them. I grinned as I eagerly ripped open the envelope.

  Dear Arelia,

  Do you adore it? I had one of the master rooms renovated just for you. I figured a little color here and there would be a good thing. Of course, if you completely despise the room, I can change it back to the way it was. The room has a bathroom, so you won’t be interrupted while you take your spiritual baths. And if you open the adjoining door, you’ll find an office equipped with all of the essential Voodoo/Hoodoo supplies you need. Of course, Mae helped me put it together. The wardrobe consists of some dresses and jewelry I thought you might like. If you find that all of the clothes are hideous and unsuited to your taste, please feel free to burn them. I didn’t throw away any of your old clothes. Your favorite Oscar the Grouch t-shirt with exactly one armpit hole is still safe and sound. Today is the opening day for the Summer season and our favorite guests from last year are all back. Ben has already asked to see you and Mae and Bea are eager to see you, but understand that you need your rest. I’ll stop rambling now and let you enjoy waking up in peace. />
  Je t’aime

  Lucus

  I held the note to my chest, savoring the words written on it before placing back on the night stand. Excited laughter and moody jazz music wafted into the room and peeked my curiosity, I forced myself to get out of the seductively comfortable bed. The white marble was sticky and hot to the touch as my feet hit it.

  Summertime,

  And the livin' is easy

  Fish are jumpin'

  And the cotton is high

  Oh, Your daddy's rich

  And your mamma's good lookin'

  So hush little baby

  Don't you cry

  One of these mornings

  You're going to rise up singing

  Then you'll spread your wings

  And you'll take to the sky

  I stepped out onto the balcony, wrapping my black silk robe tightly around me. My mouth hung open in awe at the scene that stretched out in front of me. I should have been used to the splendor of Darkwood, but I still got lost in its majestic beauty. The emerald green lawn was freshly mowed and the ancient oaks with their thick arms swayed to the sultry jazz music.

  Waiters in finely pressed black and white uniforms carried trays of what looked like bayou shrimp, crabcakes, goat cheese stuffed apricots, dressed mini oyster Po’ boys and shrimp, okra hushpuppies, crab remoulade over Sazeracs, crawfish beignets with Cajun dipping sauce, crabmeat donuts with avocado shooters, and Cajun chicken fritters with Creole mustard dipping sauce. I couldn’t help but smile, so the chefs had been busy creating new menus.

  I started to sing along with the five man jazz band.

  Summertime,

  And the livin' is easy

  Oh, Your daddy's rich

  And your mamma's good lookin'

  Guests dressed in fine evening clothes sipped on Hurricanes, Ramos Fizz, Vieux Carre’s, Pimm’s Cups, Bywater cocktails, Marigny Punch, Mint Juleps, Absinthe frappes, Hand Grenades, and French 75s. The ladies looked so elegant with their airy summer dresses and pearls, while the men were equally as handsome dressed in Seersucker suits. It was obvious they had paid much more attention to their fashion choices this year and I couldn’t blame them. That’s what Darkwood did to you, it brought out an elegant and decadent side of you that you never knew existed.

  Cleary, Mr. Dumpty was resisting his elegant side, as he still wore his customary Hawaiian print shirt along with khaki shorts and white socks with sandals. He dramatically danced to the music while holding a cocktail in each hand and prompting the guests around him to recoil in fear. I could see that in addition to his Hurricane addiction, he also had a Hand Grenade addiction. I realized that Darkwood was probably serving the toxic looking cocktail upon his request. Some people never change, I thought as I let out a small chuckle all the while scanning the lawn for Louis. Where was he hiding?

  As I searched the lawn, the oak trees started to transform into wavy Mapou trees. Though breathtaking and glorious, my heart sank and disgust made my skin turn clammy as I watched slimy tongues appear on the trees. They glistened brightly under the soft sun. Some were short and fat while others were long and thin. Like a bystander transfixed by a train wreck, I couldn’t take my eyes away from the scene. The tongues started to point in my direction tauntingly. Slowly, the guests turned to look my way. Their mouths opened and they started to gesture soundless screams just like the tongueless group in the Haitian forest had done. I turned away in repulsion as blood started to ooze from their mouths. Something told me Louis was behind this little scene.

  A strong breeze crept up my robe and I knew Bade was near.

  “Hello,” I said. “Bade, I know you’re here. I can feel you. I’m ready to listen to whatever you have to say. You’ve helped me countless times over the years. I won’t waste any more time questioning you.”

  The breeze grew stronger and my long hair danced wildly in the air around me. A purple lily from one of the nearby gardens landed on my shoulder. “Welcome back, Arelia Larue. You’ve got work to do and not much time.”

  “Hello, Bade.” I placed the lily in my hair, thankful that he had responded at all. “I know I have a pile of work to do, but honestly, I don’t know where to begin. Where do I start? You know that I’m not allowed to tell anyone what happened because I made a pact with Ti Jean, but I have to find Emilie and Edmond to save Sabrina and Marie. Then there’s the problem of this tongueless group.”

  “Baby steps, silly Arelia. There is work to be done, but do it little by little. First, go protect yourself from his rage. He is still angry and will do anything to seek revenge, but you know that revenge is not the answer.”

  “Who?” My thoughts immediately went to Edmond before realizing he was referring to Louis. “Oh him. Is he behind this?” I motioned to the grotesque scene that was playing out in front of me.

  “Only time will reveal the answers. If you knew everything all at once, how would that help you learn? Go now. Go and do what you have to do. He’s looking for you. You have to protect yourself before he finds you.”

  My blood ran cold as I recalled the power Louis possessed and how he had tormented me to no end. That wouldn’t happen again. I was in charge now and I would call the shots. “Je t’aime, Bade,” I said before running inside.

  “Arelia, you’re not quite as silly anymore,” Bade said after me.

  “Thanks,” I muttered as I quickly opened the adjoining door to what was supposed to be my very own Voodoo/Hoodoo office.

  Chapter Twelve

  Voodoo Dolls

  Present Day

  Darkwood Plantation

  I let out a small gasp of appreciation as I took in the room which was painted in shades of black and haint blue. Despite the fact that it was an office, it boosted an extravagant black and red crystal chandelier. Heavy mahogany bookcases were filled with herbs, dusts, oils, perfumes, feathers, bones, candles of all shapes and sizes, and little sachets that could be used to make gris-gris with. In the corner was a beautiful stand, covered with an expensive pink silk cloth. It took a second for me to realize it was an altar dedicated to Erzulie. Fresh jasmine was artfully arranged on the table, along with her usual favorites such as Florida water, gold jewelry, pink candles, and a shiny steel dagger. Large French windows painted in coral were open and gave way to a gorgeous garden filled with red chrysanthemums and pink magnolias. In the center of the garden stood a haunting marble statue of the Virgin Mary. Her eyes were full of anguish and pain, as she held up her arms to the sky.

  I could have spent hours admiring my new office and the way it had been perfectly arranged with every imaginable tool and book I would need, but time was not on my side. I knew Louis was powerful and angry, so I would need to rely on something as equally as powerful to tame him until I figured out what to do. Until I figured out how to help him.

  Thanks to Cecile, I vaguely had an idea of what would work. I grabbed the LaRue family spell book and turned it to the section titled, Voodoo Dolls. Sadly, in modern day New Orleans, Voodoo dolls had a bad reputation due to Queen wannabes who ripped off naïve tourists. However, I knew that if properly utilized they could be used as a lethal weapon.

  Unlike portrayed in the media, Voodoo doll spells didn’t just involve sticking pins into a cloth doll. The whole history behind them was so much more complex. Their horrible and cliché status spanned back to the time when slavery was alive and well. A time when an attempt was made to dehumanize the African population in any way possible. That dehumanization process included portraying Voodoo and Voodoo dolls as evil and demonic. In reality, for centuries across the globe, cultures have used the principles of doll magic in an attempt to control various aspects of their lives and environment.

  As Cecile, I had resorted to their use when times had gotten really tough. I scanned the pages to refresh my memory.

  Voodoo Dolls

  Voodoo Dolls are used to control relationships, the environment, and to gain access to the world of the loa.

  The use of Voodoo Dolls is bas
ed on two laws: The Law of Similarity and the Law of Contagion.

  Spells based on The Law of Similarity are based on image magic. Image magic is based on the principal that a person can influence another person by making a doll in their image, and manipulating that doll in order to achieve results.

  The Law of Contagion is based on that principle of continuous magic. This means that once two objects come in contact with one another, they will continue to have an impact on each other even when they are separated. When a personal effect such as fingernails, hair, or a piece of clothing is attached to the doll, it acts as a link between the physical world and the spiritual world. Whatever happens to the doll, also happens to the person in question because of the law.

  The most common, or well-known, type of Voodoo doll spell is referred to as Seven Pins Voodoo. Pins, nails, needles, and even fish bones have been used with Voodoo dolls for centuries. The act of using a pin on a doll has three effects: to activate the intention of the spell, to activate the spirit that resides within the doll, and to attach other items to the doll thus making the spell stronger. In New Orleans Voodoo, different pin colors have come to represent different intentions.

  White Pins: Are used for spiritual cleansing, removing curses, healing, protection.

  Red Pins: Are used in spells involving passion, love, romance, sex and lust.

  Purple Pins: Are used in commanding, compelling, peace and power spells.

  Green Pins: Are used in money, wealth, gambling, luck and business spells.

  Black Pins: Are used in spells to remove harm, evil, to get rid of negativity, to send harm, to bind negativity and to curse.

  Blue Pins: Are used in spells related to health, peace and wealth.

  Yellow Pins: Are used for mental clarity, success and excelling in an academic setting.

  I scanned through the list of extensive Voodoo Doll spells in an attempt to locate the perfect one.