Chapter 7 The cleansing
Mother Margaret arrived at the Coker's home a short while later, her presence calm and soothing. She was a woman in her mid-50s, with a kind face and a warm smile.
"Hello, Mrs. Coker," she said, embracing Isabelle's mother. "And hello, Isabelle. I'm so glad I could come."
Isabelle's mother introduced Mother Margaret to George and the others, who were still at the house. Sister Margaret greeted them warmly and sat down in the living room.
"Let's talk about what's been happening," she said, her eyes locked on Isabelle. "Tell me everything, from the beginning."
Isabelle took a deep breath and recounted the strange occurrences, from the unexplained noises to the sinister figures. Mother Margaret listened attentively, her expression growing more and more serious.
When Isabelle finished speaking, Sister Margaret nodded thoughtfully. "I think I know what might be going on here," she said. "But I need to do some more research to be sure. In the meantime, I want you all to be careful. Whatever is happening, it's clear that it's not normal."
Isabelle's mother nodded, looking relieved. "We'll be careful, Mother Margaret. Thank you for coming."
MotherMargaret smiled. "It's my pleasure, Mrs. Coker. I'll do everything I can to help you and Isabelle. And I'll make sure to keep an eye on things, just in case."
As Mother Margaret prepared to leave, Isabelle felt a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, they could get to the bottom of this mystery and make sure she was safe once and for all.
As Mother Margaret stood up to leave, she turned to Isabelle's mother and said, "I think it would be a good idea for me to perform a blessing on this house, just to be sure that whatever is happening doesn't follow you and Isabelle here."
Isabelle's mother nodded, looking concerned. "Yes, that would be a good idea. We don't want anything to harm Isabelle."
Mother Margaret smiled and began to recite a prayer, her voice calm and soothing. As she spoke, she walked around the house, sprinkling holy water and performing a ritual to ward off evil.
Isabelle watched, fascinated, as Mother Margaret worked her magic. She felt a sense of peace wash over her, and the air in the house seemed to clear.
When Mother Margaret finished, she turned to Isabelle's mother and said, "I think that should help. But remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry. I will come tomorrow with Father John for prayers and deliverance …
Isabelle's mother nodded, looking relieved. "Thank you, Sister Margaret. We'll be expecting you tomorrow."
Mother Margaret smiled and patted Isabelle's hand. "Don't worry, child. We'll get through this together. Father John is a skilled priest, and he'll be able to help us deal with whatever evil forces are at work."
Isabelle felt a sense of hope at Mother Margaret's words. Maybe, just maybe, they could find a way to overcome the darkness that had been haunting her.
As Mother Margaret left, Isabelle's mother closed the door behind her and turned to Isabelle. "Let's get some rest, baby," she said. "Tomorrow will be a big day."
Isabelle nodded, feeling a sense of exhaustion wash over her. She went to her room, feeling a sense of peace that she hadn't felt in days.
The next day, Mother Margaret and Father John arrived at the house, carrying sacred objects and holy water. They began to perform a ritual of deliverance, praying and singing hymns as they walked around the house.
Isabelle watched, fascinated, as the ritual progressed. She felt a sense of energy building up, and the air in the house seemed to vibrate with power.
As the ritual reached its climax, Isabelle felt a sense of release, as if something was being lifted off her shoulders. She looked at her mother, and saw tears of joy streaming down her face.
Father John smiled, his eyes shining with satisfaction. "It's done," he said. "The evil spirits have been cast out."
Isabelle felt a sense of relief wash over her. As Mother Margaret and Father John departed, Mrs. Coker closed the door behind them, feeling a sense of gratitude and relief. She leaned against the door, her eyes fixed on Isabelle, who was sitting on the couch, looking more at peace than she had in days.
"I'll never let you out of my sight again, baby," Mrs. Coker whispered to herself, her voice filled with determination. She knew that she would do everything in her power to protect Isabelle from the forces of darkness that had threatened her.
Isabelle, sensing her mother's gaze, looked up and smiled weakly. "Mom?" she said, her voice questioning.
Mrs. Coker rushed over to her daughter, embracing her tightly. "I'm here, baby. I'll always be here for you...