Chapter40 Cindy Meets Mary

Cindy believes that something's trying to keep her from entering the barn. She tries forcing the doors open, but they won't budge; so, she walks around the structure to see if there's another way in. As she finishes walking around the barn…turning the last corner…Mary's standing out front. Cindy cautiously walks over to her. "Mary?" Mary condenscendingly smiles. "Cindy." "So, you know who I am?" "Yes; I know who you are, Cindy. I also know who Professor Rhyies is, as well." Cindy's curious. "Do you know why we're here, Mary?" "You don't know why you're here, Cindy? Wait a minute…don't tell me…you're testing me; aren't you, Cindy? Okay; we'll play your little game. You're here because of Chelsea." "Chelsea? What makes you think we're here for her, Mary?" "Because she's out of control." "How's she out of control?" "Come on now, Cindy; must we go through this?" Mary looks out towards the woods; then, turns back to Cindy and smiles. "Fine; if this is how we have to do this…she's out of control, because she's trying to hurt Anna." "What do you mean she's trying to hurt Anna, Mary?" "What do you mean, what do I mean; Cindy? She's trying to hurt Anna; I can't put it any simpler than that. Just look at what she did to her last week. Poor Anna could have froze to death." "So; Chelsea did that?" "Yes, Cindy. I tried warning Beth; but, she wouldn't believe me." "Why wouldn't she believe you, Mary?" "Because Chelsea's been filling her head with lies about me." "What lies?" "Just lies, Cindy." "Okay. But, why does Chelsea want to hurt Anna?" "Because she wants Beth to help her find Tommy; which she's not. Chelsea wants things her way; and, if she doesn't…she punishes you for it." "But, why Anna; why not just take it out on Beth?" "Oh, but she is. You see, Cindy, hurting Anna would cause Beth more pain than anything else Chelsea would be able to inflict on her." "Why does Chelsea want to find Tommy so badly, Mary?" Mary remains silent, with a perplexed look on her face. Cindy's worried that she might have inadvertently asked a question that's causing this persona to start wondering too much; like the professor warned could happen if probed too deeply. She feels the urgency to redirect Mary's attention back. "Where's Tommy now, Mary?" There's a brief moment of silence before Mary's train of thought focuses back on their discussion. "He's around." "Around where?" "Around, Cindy." "He doesn't like Chelsea very much; does he?" "Can you blame him, Cindy? I don't think you'd be too fond of someone who smashed your head in with a hammer." "Probably not. But, he does like you. Beth told me Tommy said he stays out in the barn with you; that he likes you because you're nice to him." "So what?" "Nothing…I was just telling you what I heard; that's all." Mary stares at Cindy for a minute, then asks, "Why do you want to go in the barn?" "What?" "You were trying to go into the barn; weren't you, Cindy?" "Yes I was, Mary." "What do you want?" "What difference does that make, Mary; can't I go in there?" Mary sneers. "More games, Cindy?" "What do you mean?" "I mean the game where you answer a question with a question. I asked you why you're trying to go in the barn. What do you want, Cindy?" "I just wanted to see the inside of it, Mary; that's all." "But, why? Haven't you ever seen the inside of a barn before?" "Like I said, I just wanted to take a look. But, you're not going to let me; are you?" "No." "Why not?" Mary turns around, slightly opens the left-side door and peeks in; then, closes the door. "Because Tommy's taking his nap; and, I don't want you to disturb him." Cindy shakes her head and smiles. "Then I can go in later; when he's up from his nap?" "I suppose; if you want to." "I do." "Whatever makes you happy, Cindy." "And, what makes you happy, Mary?" "Being left alone." "Are you sure about that, Mary?" "Sure about what, Cindy?" "About being alone making you happy?" "Yes, I'm sure. Why?" "I was just wondering; if being alone makes you happy, why did you make contact with Anna and Beth?" Mary's stumped again from Cindy's intrusive questioning, and retreats into the barn; leaving the door ajar. Cindy reaches for the door; but, it slams shut before she can grasp the handle. Cindy attempts to open the door again; but, she can't.