Phase 21 Changing faces

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"Why am I treated like shit?" she growled as Jake completed tying her wrists to the armrest of the chair in the hidden room.

Jake raised to his feet and sauntered across the room, "The first lesson I learned, after entering this mansion. Trust is the forerunner of tragedy. And right now you've proved me a million times right."

"I don't care what the hell you think about me Jake, but being a gentleman can't you show the least degree of etiquette to a woman ?"she glunched

"I'm indeed well known for my politeness with women, unless it occured to me they posed a threat. As in your case, it won't be a matter of seconds before you can smack my head and escape through those doors " said Jake, showing pure nonchalance in his tone.

"I ain't so desperate Jake. I came in for a good cause, and if accused I won't leave without standing my ground" she retorted.

Jake giggled, "After indulging in such a ruthless perfidy, are you sure your ground is wide enough to stand, Ellie?"

In the tumultuous situation, Ellie Gallagher was uncannily composed. She rather seemed to be convenient after getting caught. Apart from the irritation caused due to the ropes wound around her arms, nothing seemed to bother her. A strand of her faded blue hair fell before her eyes which she couldn't help to its original position. She raised a mocking eyebrow at Jake that hid behind her hair.

"Know one thing Jake? My conscience is the clearest compared to all those who have Amy's trust. Including you" smirked Ellie devilishly.

"And may I know how did my conscience turn greasy?" riposted Jake.

He observed Ellie losing her composure. She gave out a derisive snort."Jake you don't have the slightest idea about Amelia's psychological state. Right now she has divided herself to six personalities and she is apparently showing the signs of a re-dissociation. If, by chance, a seventh alter occurs, you will see very less of Amy. She would be blacked out and will rarely wake up. Knowing this you guys can't afford the best treatment for her."

Jake was losing his ground. "But why? Why it had to be the D.R.E.A.M? Aren't you all psychiatric specialists? Why you can't treat her?"

With a sudden whip of movement, Ellie moved the hair from her face."DID treatment is a complicated process Jake. It takes years to cure one. Sometimes you cannot cure them at all. You can only pacify their alters to enable the host to live a normal life. In Amy's case both isn't possible as Amy herself is a psychiatrist. She knows too much about DID treatment. Treating a psychiatric patient who already has knowledge about the treatment is as good as putting efforts to revive a person from grave. It's fucking useless.
D.R.E.A.M. is her only hope for survival."

"But, I heard they kill the patient if the treatment fails, don't they ?" Jake said, no more patient.

"They are all just rumors Jake. There is no need for the dream to kill. When the patient's alter rate goes beyond the given limit, they will kill themselves or at least kill a few people before they die. Dream didn't have enough security measures before, so they were forced to sedate the patient with heavy doses to prevent them from going savage. The heavy sedation at times had nasty effects, which spoiled their reputation. But now my father works there, he has not seen a single patient die in the recent years. We suggest Amelia to be enrolled in the Phase programme of D.R.E.A.M."

"What do you expect me to do? Stand by the sidelines and watch her being deprived of all hope?" grunted Jake.

"Persuade her " said Ellie

"Pardon?"

"Persuade her Jake. She believes you. You can only convince her to receive treatment"

"Are you crazy?" bellowed Jake. His eyes burned with so much rage that it could even burn the person before him. But Ellie was not slightly blemished.

"If it hurts much just don't bother about it Jake . So in that case, day by day you will witness the transformation of your love from a sweet and caring woman to a undesirable living being. At that time you will regret for not listening to my words" snapped Ellie.

"No. You are just giving lame excuses for your disloyalty. I'm going to wake up Amy. Let her see all this and decide for herself." Jake strode towards the door, muttering curses under his breath.

"Stop Jake. Have you decided what are you going to tell Amy? Will you tell that her childhood friend has deceived her? Isn't that a bad choice of words?" shrugged Ellie.

Jake froze in his tracks.

She's right. I can't tell this to Amy. This will break her. Again.

Jake whipped around and scurried towards the captivated Ellie. She was taken aback by his wrath that she flinched in her sitting position. Jake gripped the armrest and swooped down, with his eyes merely inches away from Ellie's face. She was turmoiled due to his intimidating proximity and the flaring sea-green eyes on her face.

"Fine. Your devious plan has somehow worked."

Ellie protested,"It wasn't devious"

"Shh.." admonished Jake. "You. Don't open your mouth unless you are asked to. Have I made myself clear?"

Ellie nodded.

"That's good. Where did I stop?" asked Jake

Ellie remained mute.

Jake snorted,"Talk"

"My devious plan has somehow worked?" said Ellie.

"Hmm.. Your devious plan has somehow worked. Since I care about Amy, I won't tell anything about you. This meeting between us will remain concealed in this hidden room"

Ellie let out a breath of relief.

"But " started Jake. Ellie fretted as the single word of her fate floated poignantly in the air.

"But what?" she asked out of uncontrollable curiosity.

"Did I ask you to talk?" snarled Jake. Ellie put her head down as blood rushed into her facial nerves.

"But if you want me to persuade Amy, I need something in exchange. You can talk " gestured Jake.

"If it is something I have, maybe I can lend it to you" said Ellie.

"Obviously. I know you have it"

"Fine" Ellie shrugged, "What do you want?"

Jake slowly moved away from Ellie. "Secrets. I want to know why Amy dissociated herself in the first place."

Ellie's fists clenched and her teeth sank into her lower lip. Her insides stirred with fear and trepidation.

Why does he remind me so much of him?

"What should I assume this weird silence to be?" inquired Jake.

"I'll tell what I know. But before that remove these ropes. It is irritating." scowled Ellie.

"You haven't earned my trust yet"

Ellie gave a humorless laugh, "Cut me some slack Jake. Can't I be trusted a little more than these ropes?"

Jake sighed but eventually took a swiss knife out of his pocket and cut the ropes. Ellie caressed her wrists where the ropes left their prints on her skin.

"Is the room sound proof?" said Ellie.

"Could you please stop exaggerating and proceed with the subject?" grunted Jake.

"It is important Jake. We can't afford for anyone to eavesdrop"

Jake pulled a chair from the opposite side of the table and slumped on it. "The room is indeed soundproof and the door is locked. So please, stop making me impatient"

Ellie ruffled her hair, crossed her legs and gave a profound thought before starting .

"All of us know how terrible Amy's life had been. She is too lovable to have such a horrendous fate. I love her a lot."

Ellie paused and looked up at Jake's face, "Not in a romantic way as you do but I care for her like a sister. With high hopes that you'll never give up on her,I'll say whatever I know"

She pulled out a picture from her pocket and placed it on the table. "All of this started because of him"

Jake's eyes widened as he glared at the picture. The picture on the table showed Ellie, ten years younger. Next to her stood a tall figure with his hand around her waist . The man had slightly tanned complexion, dark eyes and jet black hair. His long nose had a visible scar at its bridge. His features were so familiar but Jake was not in a position to recall.

"He is...he is.." stammered Jake.

"Finnick Christopher Hamilton" Ellie said, clasping her arms over the table.

_____________________

The lights in Amelia's room glowed brightly before she dared to step away from her bed to the restroom. She could never forget the last time where there was a power cut when she was in the shower.

Those dreadful hallucinations made her shiver whenever she thought about it. Hurriedly she used the restroom and sprinted back to the bed, burying herself in the blankets.

She turned off the lights and shut her eyes tight. Her body ached from top to toe. Rest was quite essential for her at that moment but something prevented her from sleeping. She sandwiched her head between the pillows but in vain. She stayed wide awake in the mid hours of the night.

Amy sat up straight with a jerk as she heard a whisper.

A sinister whisper.

"Please. Not again. Not now" begged Amy. The whispers were indistinct until they became louder.

Come to me. I'll show you the truth.

"Who is it? Show yourself to me coward" bellowed Amy.

A silhouette of a little girl of thirteen or fourteen appeared from the shadows. The little girl's long hair was braided two sides and a rucksack hung from her shoulders.

The sight of the girl spurred shots of agony from Amy's heart. Amy clamped her mouth with her hand. She rolled down her bed and darted out of the room.

"Jake" yelped Amy as she ran for her dear life. There was no response to her cries. She was alone and scared.

She went out of breath from running along the corridors. Her entire body was drenched in sweat and her pulse quickened in an abnormal pace. After confirming that the girl was not following her, she sat before a closed door and leaned over it.

Searching for me?

Amy snapped her head and found the girl seated on the ground to her left. Her figure was no more a silhouette.

Her face. Those brown eyes which were always filled with moisture. Those pursed frost bitten lips.

It was her. It was Amelia. As a kid.

Amelia ran her hand through the little girl's brunette hair. Amy laid her head over her knees and blinked the tears out of her eyes.

"I'm sorry little child . Because of me you get to hold the worst memories of my life. But I can't help you now. I'm not ready. Please go away" pleaded Amy.

The girl stayed put in her place

Amy closed her eyes for a brief moment. The door behind her creaked open. With a self satisfied grin, Amy walked into the room.

The little girl vanished, as Amy came out of the door with a black fedora hat on her head..

____________________

The sun rose amidst the translucent clouds, casting a mild pink glow over the city of Brooklyn. The freezing coldness of the night was thawed by the warmth of the early morning sun.

The Turners loathed the idea of rising from their bed on such a cozy morning. They slept peacefully until the sound of a mobile ringing disturbed their slumber.

"Dad" moaned Jeanne. The incessant ringing of her father's mobile became undesirable to her ears.

"Got it" Will grabbed the mobile with the intention of turning it off, but the name on the display dilated his pupils.He attended the call and bolted through the door.

"Hey Amelia. What's the matter?" said Will breathlessly.

"William! My friend! I'm so disappointed with you"

Will identified the difference in Amy's voice. Only once Amy talked to him in this cheerful tone. The day when she introduced herself as Leo.

"Is this Leo?" guessed Will

"Bang on" cried Leo. "Shall we meet?"

"Today? I mean now? Isn't it too early?" said Will.

"Never mind" he sighed, irked by Will's long list of questions.

"Wait. I'll come. Where do you want us to meet?" ushered Will.

"That's my boy. I'll be at your doorstep by.." dragged Leo, looking for the time in his watch. "Half past five. Take a clean shower before I come because I can't stand smelly people in my car"

Will's forehead creased in perplexion.

"Fine" he said.

___________________

"Where the hell are we going? Can't you drive a little slower?" yelled Will amidst the roar of the engine.

"You've agreed to come with me irrespective of the consequences. So don't ask anything" replied Leo.

Will's heart raced in apprehension."We ain't gonna tussle another set of gangsters, are we?"

"No. I can assure this meeting won't involve any violence." Leo adjusted the hat on his head, while giving bland answers to Will.

"Why did you call me? Wasn't Jake at the mansion?" inquired Will.

Leo rubbed the back of his neck, "Who is Jake?"

Will's heart literally stopped.

She did something to Jake. That's why she has called me. Why had I been so dumb?

Will became outraged,"What did you do to my brother?" he scorned.

Then the penny dropped in Leo's head.

"Jake? I know Jake. Wasn't he your photocopy?"

"My twin"

"Fine whatever. Did Amy allow a man to live with her? Unbelievable" muttered Leo

Not a word of Leo's personal conversations made sense to Will. "Can you just tell me what happened to Jake?"

"No offence William, your brother is such a pain in the ass. I would recommend you to stay with me rather than him. But don't worry I didn't do anything to him. If he was in the mansion till yesterday, he would definitely be there today unless a group of aliens decide to invade my house and take him as a prisoner"

"Leo!" scowled Will.

"I was just kidding dude" grinned Leo.

"Let me call him" Will was about to hit the 'call' button before Leo snatched the mobile from his hand and threw it backwards. The mobile hit the rear glass and fell into the boot.

"What's the problem with you man?" Will confirmed Amy was no more herself. It seemed to Will that she was possessed by a reckless spirit.

"Come on Will. You are making a squabble over petty matters. Do you think I would be able to do something to Jake? He should've been dead years back, but he has been living by cheating death. What possible harm can I cause to him?"

The word 'death' caught Will off guard. "How do you know about that incident?"

"Do you want to know about that very badly?" asked Leo.

Will nodded.

"Then shut up for sometime"

______________________

"Vladimir. Hey Vladimir. Come here you deaf eared niggard" Leo woke the entire Metropolitan Detention Centre while calling a single person.

Vladimir, Leo's personal chauffer, a middle aged man who waited by the entrance with certain papers in his hand scurried towards his master.

"Did you submit the papers. Have they accepted it?" asked Leo.

"Yes Sire. You alloted time was from half-past five to six but you are already late. I'm afraid you have only ten more minutes" winced Vladimir, terrified of Leo's reaction.

Will was awe-struck to see a man calling Amy 'sire'. He was bewildered by the varied faces of Amelia Hamilton.

Leo squeezed Vladimir's shoulder. "Good job man. Here. Buy something for your children" Leo took a huge bundle of dollar bills from his coat pocket and stuffed his chauffer's hands.

Vladimir's face lightened up. "Thank you sire" he bowed to Leo and ran away.

"Leo. What are we doing in a penitentiary?" whispered Will.

"We are going to meet my old friend"

_____________________

Will and Leo arrived at the visiting room of the detention centre after signing a few registers.

"Will. Can you open the door for me?" requested Leo who had his fists clenched.

"Sure" Will opened the door and walked in. He found a elderly man with cuffed hands who sat by a table at the corner of the room. The man had white hair and his skin was nearly the same shade of his hair. His face was deprived of cheer or any other joyous emotions in the planet.

Invoked by curiosity, Will walked towards his table. The man looked up from the floor and smiled at Will. He hid immense pain behind a simple smile. Will sucked in a sharp breath as he realised who it was

"Tyler Chase" shrieked Will.

By the pretext of clearing his throat, Leo seeked the attention of Tyler. He was on his feet as soon as he saw Leo.

"Seems like you're already acquainted with my friend Will" Leo said, throwing his leg over a stool. Though Will's knees felt week, he didn't have the intention to sit. He wanted to run out of the building and cry out his lungs in seclusion. His heart writhed in affliction. But Leo never had the idea of leaving Will alone.

He felt relieved when Tyler turned from his direction to face Leo. The prisoner held Leo's hands and begged. "Amelia I beg for your pardon. Please, if you say a word I'll be released from this hell. Please. I have to be with my son before I die."

Leo curtly shook of his hands. "Don't dare to touch me with those blood stained hand of yours. Amelia's heart would probably melt at this pathetic scene. That's why I don't allow her to this place."

Tyler would've cried if his weren't ridden of moisture. "Amelia please believe me. I know you had a dreadful childhood because of me but I swear on my son, I never killed your brother."

"Lies" Leo's roar shook the room. "You swear on your son? Ha.. Do you know how your son had been acting recently? Like father like son"

"What happened to Rob? Is he alright?" The calm Tyler began hyperventilating as his son was mentioned.

"Well he has been acting rogue. But I enjoyed beating the shit outta him" sniggered Leo.

Will's face turned crimson red. "The street racer who tried to kill Jake, was his son?"

It was then Leo and Tyler felt the presence of Will in the room. Leo came to Will and put his arm around his shoulder.

"Will calm down. I'm handling it right? I'll make sure we get justice"

"That's enough Leo. Let's go" snapped Will.

"But my work isn't over yet

It was too late. Will dragged Leo out of the visiting room before he could protest.

"We can't run away from the truth William. The world is a sphere. We have to meet with it someday." bawled Leo. Will let go of his hand.

Will flared at him."What do you know about him Leo? You don't know how terrible it felt for me to stand there"

"It couldn't have been more terrible than it was for me" said Leo.

"Sorry Leo I didn't hear half of the conversation inside. But he said something about you having a dreadful childhood. What did he possibly mean by it?"

Leo grimaced. "Which child wouldn't have nightmares if she sees her brother being killed before her eyes?"

____________________

Ellie completed narrating the story. "And that's how my Nick died"

Jake was by then breaking his knuckles insanely. The incident narrated by Ellie invoked the deepest of his fears.

"That wasn't how the murder happened." proclaimed Jake.

"How can you be so sure about it?" Ellie guessed Jake wasn't lying. He even stopped breaking his knuckles.

Jake looked into Ellie's eyes, "Because I was there"

_________________________

AN: Hey guys, sorry for the short delay in the update. Hope your questions from the previous chapters are answered. But I know you would even have new questions which I look forward to answer in the upcoming chapters.

I also have a good news for you.
Drum

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