Collecting the Final Piece

The next morning Alexis was sitting in the living room listening to Sybil talk to the carpenter while she paced up and down the dining room. Alexis knew that if this cross was finished, she would have to go back to her aunt's house and hope and pray she could make the switch. The thought of going back to that house terrified her, but knowing that they were so close to lifting Grimald's curse pushed her to face her fear. She was going to do everything she could to make sure her gargoyle was set free."Ok, ok thank you very much. We will be down to pick it up in an hour."Sybil hung up the phone and sat beside Alexis with a sigh."Well, the cross is ready. So while we go pick it up we need to come up with a plan on how we are going to switch out the original with the fake."Alexis thought for a moment then said, "I c-can try to d-drug her t-tea again.""My concern is will she trust you to make her tea again? You drugged her rather recently, she may not accept it from you this time.""Wh-What if you c-came over and m-made it for her?"Sybil sat quietly for a moment contemplating the idea before slowly nodding her head."I think that would be the best way to do it. I can even make a cup for myself and sit and visit with her while she drinks hers so she doesn't suspect anything."Once that was said they both discussed the details for a few more minutes before deciding it was time to head to the carpenter's shop. The car ride was filled with talk of what time Sybil would come over, which tea Alexis' aunt liked, and of course needing to stop by Shelta's shop before heading back to the house."Would you like to come in with me?" Sybil asked.She remembered what happened the last time she left Alexis out in the car alone. There was no way she was going to allow history to repeat itself. "Y-yes please."Nodding in response to the young girl Sybil parked the car before they both climbed out and walked into the building. "Welcome back ladies! How have you been?"The boisterous voice of the carpenter cut through the air drawing their attention. "We are doing fine. Unfortunately we have a lot to do today, do you have the cross?" Sybil responded cutting straight to the point."Absolutely. Here you are, what do you think?"Alexis pulled out her phone and pulled up the photos to compare the original with the new one. After carefully analyzing each and every piece of the replica, Sybil seemed satisfied. "It looks great! You did a phenomenal job, thank you."Alexis was thankful that Sybil was cutting this visit short, she was anxious to move on and get out of this shop. The moment Sybil started walking to the car Alexis was right behind her doing everything in her power not to just shove Sybil out the door."Ok dear let's head over to Shelta's shop and see where we need to go from here." Without saying anything in response, Alexis quickly buckled up and watched as Sybil took them to see Shelta. The air was thick with anxiety, both of them nervous about what tonight was going to bring. "Shelta? Are you here?" Sybil hollered out. "In the back girls!"Quickly following Shelta's voice to the back they found Shelta sitting in the same place she was sitting at yesterday when they came seeking her help. Sybil laid the fake cross on the table before sitting down and Alexis followed suit, laying the rings down and sitting beside Sybil."This isn't the real cross," Shelta stated."No, it's a fake we had made so we can switch it with the real one. We can't have the owner knowing it's gone."Shelta nodded, "Ellie is definitely someone to be wary of. She must not know what we are doing here.""What's n-next?" Alexis whispered. "Well, we need to do this as soon as possible. Let's meet at the cemetery tonight at sundown. Bring the real cross with you. Let's hope we can do all of this in one night."After talking for a few more minutes, Sybil decided it was time for her and Alexis to head home. She wanted them to get some sleep so they could have some energy for their big night ahead of them. "I'll set an alarm for us," Sybil said once they walked into the house. "What time does your aunt usually take her tea?""U-usually before sh-she goes to bed, so s-sometime around s-six.""Alright, I will set the alarm for five then."Sybil paused for a moment before looking at Alexis and saying, "I think you should stay here while I go over to your aunt's house.""Wh-Why?""Alexis, your aunt is dangerous. I didn't realize that when you first showed up, but with the latest events, it's not safe for you to be there.""But w-won't she be s-suspicious if you g-go over alone?"Sybil sighed, "Maybe, but I use to go over to help her out or visit before so it should be alright.""I-If your sure then I-I don't m-mind waiting here. Wh-What if sh-she asks about m-me?""Let me worry about that ok? Go lay down and get some rest, I will wake you up in a few hours."Reluctantly Alexis laid down on the couch and closed her eyes trying to push the anxiety and nerves to the back of her mind. When that didn't work, she found herself thinking of Grimald and imagining him holding her and rocking her on the back porch, and before she knew she was sound asleep. All to soon Sybil was gently shaking her awake while calling her name. "Wake up Alexis, I'm getting ready to head over to your aunt's house."Once those words were out of Sybil's mouth Alexis shot up and tried to rub the sleep from her eyes."H-how long w-will you be g-gone?""I'm hoping about an hour but I'm not sure. If I am gone for more than two hours I want you to go to the cemetery and tell Grimald. Don't try to come over and check on me just go straight to Grimald, understand?"Alexis wanted to argue. She didn't want anyone getting hurt, especially if it's for her, but the look on Sybil's face clearly told her there was absolutely nothing she could say to change this woman's mind."A-Alright," Alexis conceded. With that reassurance Sybil walked out of the house.