Page 39 of Halloween with a Daddy
“I did.” She smiles. “You can wear it tonight.”
“Thank you so much.” I hug her and feel the first rush of happiness I’ve felt since Edgar left. “I’m going to put it on!”
I contemplate taking a picture to show Edgar, but decide I’d rather he see it in person.
I spend the evening handing out candy and hanging out with my grandparents. We make pumpkin spice coffee, which is our tradition. My grandmother is the main one who hands out candy. My grandfather is more mischievous. He likes to hide in the bushes wearing a Jason mask to scare the trick-or-treaters with his rubber machete. I stand stoic, like a gothic queen passing judgment. That terrifies some children more than my grandfather.
It’s a good way to spend Halloween, even if I miss Edgar. The trick-or-treaters wrap things up early since it’s a school night. I watchThe Great Pumpkinwith my grandparents, then go to my room.
The first I do is text Edgar. We flirt for a while, and after my grandparents are in bed, I send him some more dirty pictures. I get a few nice ones in return, including a perfect shot of his eyes. I could get lost in those all day, but I like them a lot better when they’re burning with intensity for me. This feels foolish in a way. I just met him. My heart shouldn’t be hurting like this. I can’t explain it. I’ve spent my entire life being strong enough that I didn’t need anyone except for my grandparents, and now I’m hopelessly head over heels for Edgar Grim.
When I wake up Tuesday morning, I’m sad to see that the marks on my ass are gone. It’s tender, but he didn’t bruise me. I almost wish he had. I certainly begged for it. That spanking was better than all the other ones. That moment when pain and misery collided with pleasure was phenomenal. My tears were a combination of physical suffering and emotional turmoil, but even those felt good. At least I had a good reason to cry. I can’t believe I’ve turned into such a blubbering mess over the last few days. I guess I’ve got a few things inside of me I always keep bottled up.
On Tuesday, I don't cry. I feel like my old self again, even with the ache in my chest, but there’s a reason for excitement. I get done with my classes and go home to find my grandparents already ready for the trip to Grimwillow Manor. My grandfather insists on driving, so I sit in the backseat. When we get close to Grimwillow Manor, I look at it with a different wonder. The curiosity I had when I was a child isn’t as strong as it used to be, but seeing how happy my grandmother is warms my heart.
“Let’s start upstairs.” I say after I open the door. “Hopefully, I can remember all the stories.”
“My goodness, it’s beautiful.” My grandmother tears up when she walks in. “It’s better than I ever imagined.”
“Whew.” My grandfather lets out a whistle and looks around. “It’s kind of spooky in a way.”
“It’s a haunting beauty. Wait until you see how much stuff is still here.” I motion for them to follow me.
Leading them through Grimwillow Manor makes me miss Edgar, but I can’t help but grin when we get to the library. That’s where it all began. I tell them the stories Edgar shared, but the most important one of all is one I keep to myself. The night the scandalous schoolgirl bent over the desk to get paddled, then spanked, then taken to absolute bliss before she got down on her knees to do the same for the man who punished her. The paddle is back on the wall, but I can see the crack, and I know how it got there.
I take them through the rest of the upstairs, and when we get to the end, I look for the spot on the bookcase Edgar pushed.
“What are you doing?” My grandmother asks.
“Just a moment.” I lean forward and study it for a moment until I find what I’m looking for. “You’re gonna love this part, grandma.”
The secret passage opens and my grandmother takes a step back in astonishment. Even my grandfather is impressed. I lead them through the passage and we have to check a couple of secret doors before we find the one that goes back to the library, but it’s fun to explore. I show them some bedrooms after we’re done in the library, but I don’t open the one I spent the night in with Edgar. That would be a rush of emotions I’m not quite ready for.
My grandparents are tired after we head back downstairs, so we take a break in the courtyard to eat a few snacks. My grandmother doesn’t leave the house without packing some snacks in case someone gets hungry. I show them the way to the pool while we’re outside, and recant the story Edgar told me about the pond.
“So, where’s the dungeon?” My grandfather jokes when we walk back inside.
“I don’t think there is one.” I laugh. “Edgar said it was downstairs, but I think he was just messing with me.”
“Too bad. A place like this needs a good, scary dungeon to complete the look.” He reaches for my grandmother’s hand. “I’d put you in there.”
“You wouldn’t!” She snaps at him. “I’ll lock you up and not bring you dinner!”
“You know I love you.” He lifts her hand and kisses it.
“You dang well better after all these years!” She glares at him, then smiles and places a quick kiss on his lips.
“Alright, you two.” I give them a side-eyed glance.
I haven’t seen my grandparents be affectionate with each other in a while. Usually it’s just a peck on the cheek when one is going to bed. This place seems to bring out something in them, just like it did in me. I might have to see if Amelia’s mom needs a break tonight so they can have an evening to themselves.
They continue to be affectionate, but rein it in as we tour the downstairs. When I get to the part that closed off, they are both curious, so I check the door. It’s locked, so Edgar didn’t expect us to go in there, but it seemed pretty safe. I walk back to the retrieve the keys and open it up. I give them the same warning I got from Edgar, but they don’t heed it very much.
“Wow!” My grandfather looks around. “Finally, we made it to the real spooky part. I bet the dungeon is in here somewhere.”
“You keep talking about a dungeon and I’m gonna lock you in the bedroom when we get home!” My grandmother gives him a playful nudge.
“Peace and quiet? I’ve been threatened with worse!” He chuckles.
