If you haven't read the last "story time" style post, "In The Scary Beginning," I highly recommend you do since this is the continuation of that. (Link) But just to keep the momentum going, here's a recap from the last episode:
- I was a fresh face at Ravenwood Manor with no excuse for being there other than knowing what makeup was.
- A new, scary, mysterious stranger, by the name of Cain, appeared on the scene, and I was advised NOT to talk to him.
- Said scary dude completely crushed the soul of a young actor before rushing off to do mystery work...sending me into a spiraling panic of ever crossing his path.
- This intimidating, scary man who everyone seemed to fear, but also worship...transformed in front of my eyes into a lovable character known by everyone as Eddie.
As confused and perplexed as I was watching this once cold, harsh person leap from the makeup chair screaming and laughing like a kid in a candy store, I had to keep moving and doing work. I was still trying to stay incognito as a waste of space, so I asked around and was placed on runner duty. Now, the first two times I was a runner, I just stood by a door and told people to wait if the groups began to pile up, but on this night, I was asked to run around the haunt and pass out water. So, I grabbed my backpack, a walkie talkie and went to work.
It didn't take long before I made my way through the manor and everyone was perfectly stocked on water. And, okay, I'll admit, this was probably the first and ONLY night I was ever not doing what I was suppose to be doing. I continuously kept sneaking outside or making up reasons in my head why I had to walk around the cue line just to get a glimpse of this Eddie character.
The best way to describe Eddie is...well, a big ball of energy drenched in 5-hour energy shots, rolled around in some pixie sticks, then charged up with a car battery or two. Imagine a 6ft-something, grown man with long, wild, dirty-blonde hair (which he would normally keep back in a professional ponytail, but was now stringy and oozing with conditioner and blood), dressed in ripped, white pants. His chest was bare except for the layers of wrapped chains and gashes that dripped blood everywhere he goes since he likes to "finger paint" with the red he bleeds. Despite his size and fearsome demeanor, Eddie is very child-like. His backstory is a sad one of being locked away, tortured, and kept in a very simple state of mind from the years of solitude. I suppose the stark difference between Cain and Eddie is what intrigued me (and kind of gave me a talent boner). It's not every day you see someone transform into a character like that in the blink of an eye. So, color me impressed.
I would watch as he sat in a tree, trying to convince the customers to play with him. He would have them "Ringing Around the Eddie" and dancing while they waited to enter the manor. He would paint on rocks and sticks with blood and give them away as gifts to anyone who would give him the time of day. I even saw him eat things off the ground because, "Eddie thought it was food, but Eddie was very wrong." He would occasionally wave at me, "Hi, person I don't know!" and I would hurry away as if I was caught sneaking cookies out of the cookie jar at midnight, but I would always find my way back to watch the show somehow. (I feel like I'm ratting myself out now, but you can't really change the past.)
After a few hours of running water, watching Eddie, running a few more waters, and giving this strange character another peek, I made my way into the makeup room to refill my backpack. My friend, we can call him Jacob, came back from his run as well. He gave me this look, like he knew what I had been doing all night. "So, how's the show?" he asked with a cocky grin. I gave him a glare as I shoved water bottles in my bag. He knew it was killing me to figure out what was going on.
I didn't even bother to answer his question. I simply said, "Who is that guy? Like, really, is he important or what?" Because in my head, he was either an owner, a prima donna actor (which, being from the theatre world, you meet a lot of those), or some celebrity in the haunt world that I had no idea about.
Jacob plopped his ass down in his makeup station and sipped on a water like he had nothing better to do. "He's in charge of all the actors. So, stay on his good side."
"Meaning don't talk to him and stay out of his way?" I asked, recalling the interaction with poor Amber earlier that night.
Jake simply laughed and replied, "Don't you have some waters to pass out?" and that was it. That's all I had to go on now. Reiteration and more questions than answers. Aggravated at this point, I pushed the thought of Cain and Eddie out of my head and kept going through the halls of the manor, passing out waters.
On one of my runs through the haunt, I went through one of the rooms which had a grand staircase leading to a top floor. It was one of the rooms that was notorious for people getting stuck in a conga line, so typically I avoided it and took another route, but this time I decided to wander through. (I feel like destiny and fate had a hand in this tale.) As I rounded the front of the staircase, I heard something coming from behind it.
"Pst! Hey, you!" Poking his head out from behind the stairs was Eddie. "You! Come here, now!" he harshly and desperately whispered at me, motioning with his finger for me to come. I began to walk toward him quickly, but as I did, it dawned on me: This is no longer Eddie...this is Cain. (Because in theatre, there is ALWAYS a difference between an actor and their character. With such different personalities between Cain and Eddie, it was easy to tell.)
Behind the stairs was a small, dusty love seat that he had managed to cram himself into to hide from oncoming groups. I knelt next to him, but kept my mouth shut since I was told not to talk to Cain. He glanced around, checking for a group before leaning closer toward me. "Okay, so...Eddie sat on a bottle of blood," he said, his face growing surprisingly sheepish, " and it looks like Eddie had his period." I couldn't help but snort at the statement as he leaned over to reveal a massive red stain on his rear. He wasn't joking, it looked bad (and hilarious). "I need to get to the makeup room, but Eddie can't just walk into the makeup room." I understood the issue. He's a method actor and Eddie would want to play, but I still didn't know what he wanted from me. "So, I need you to drag me up there by my chains." He pointed to the staircase, which secretly led to the makeup room and was for The Powers That Be to use only.
Of course, I was ready to help. I was already taking off my backpack and hiding it under the love seat as he began to speak again. "Wait...can you even act?" he asked. I found it funny that he didn't check on this before telling me his master scheme. (Ravenwood, always coming through on their background checks, guys. Haha.) At this point, I still hadn't said a word to him, too scared to speak. I nodded and squeaked out a soft, "yea," before he continued unfolding his master plan.
"So, grab the chains going down my arms. Now, I'm really going to be pulling and fighting back. And you're going to have to say something. Are you sure you can do this?" Again, I nodded and squeaked a little, "yes," before he kept going. "On the count of three, start pulling and don't let go because Eddie will run." I nodded and prepared myself, just as a group began to make their way into the room with another group close on their heels.
"One."
I took a deep breath, partially scared that I was actually talking to this scary person who had me so panicked earlier in the night. I felt the pressure to impress fall upon me and I knew this was either my moment to shine or my moment of feeling the rage of Cain.
"Two."
Then I began to grow nervous that the room was starting to fill with a large audience of people. Wait...what would I even say? Why am I dragging poor Eddie away? What if he drags me away? What am I even doing? Wait, I'm not ready!
"Three. AAHHHH!!!!!"
In an instant, I was yanked out of the love seat with so much force I'm surprised I didn't go flying into the group of onlookers. The crowd cheered and screamed, excited to see Eddie. He laughed and hopped around with glee as he saw his "friends" from outside. I took this brief moment to catch my footing and my portion of the show began.
With a hard yank, I began to pull him back toward the stairs. "Come now, Eddie. The master will not be pleased that you escaped again."
"No! You can't! Don't lock me in the attic again!" Eddie screamed in protest, pulling and yanking away. I refused to give in, wrapping his chain in my hands to secure my pull on him. He began reaching toward the fast growing crowd. "Help me! Tell the mean lady to free Eddie. Let Eddie go! Viva la Eddie!"
The crowd began to chant and scream. "Free Eddie! Viva la Eddie!" I forced an eye roll despite every fiber of my being wanting to laugh and join in because I had loved watching Eddie run around too, but Cain needed my help. So, I continued pulling. "No! With all this noise, the master will wake up and he will beat you again. Come with me! Get up here, Eddie!"
We started our climb up the stairs, I tried my best to walk backwards up the stairs as I played tug-of-war with this massive man who seemed twice my size. The crowd booed and cheered for Eddie's release, but I kept going. It wasn't until halfway up the stairs that I lost my footing and began sliding down the stairs. I looked up at Eddie, but saw a glimmer of Cain looking down at me, sizing me up to see if I would make or break the scene. Instantly, I yanked his chain as hard as I could and used his weight to pull myself up. "If you don't come, I will beat you myself!" I screamed, continuing this mean, animal wrangler role I was taking on. There was no way I was going to let a little stumble ruin this massive escape to the makeup room.
After a few more tugs and pulls, I managed to get him upstairs and through the backstage door. I fell forward, panting and gasping for air. It was a lot of work trying to drag a grown man up a flight or two of stairs. (I was so tired, I didn't count.) I began to turn to him when I suddenly heard a "BOOM!" followed by deafening cheers. My eyes went wide and I'm sure my jaw hit the floor. Eddie just ran back down the staircase.
I quickly pulled myself off the floor and bolted down the stairs. I pointed at him as he stood a few steps below me. "Eddie, get back here right now! It's time to leave!" and he pointed back at me, "Viva la Eddie!" As as he did this, the chain on his arm swung close enough for me to catch it and start dragging him back to the door. The struggle, the second time, wasn't as rough because I was genuinely upset that he ran BACK when I fought so hard to get him AWAY from the crowd, but I guess Eddie just wasn't done yet. I cursed and grumbled in my head as I yanked and pulled, not caring if I actually hurt him in the process. I just wanted to get him safe and away from the crowd before they noticed the blood stain on his ass.
As we made it through the door the second time, I smartly slammed the door shut and leaned back against it. My chest bobbed as I gasped for air. I looked up, checking on Eddie, but he was gone. My heart dropped. I lost him again. Was I going to have to hunt him down somewhere else in the manor? Then I looked down.
There it was, the little trail of bloody footprints leading to the makeup room. I let out a sigh of relief as I pulled myself off the floor and away from the door and followed the trail. I opened the door to the makeup room expecting to see Eddie, but instead, standing at a nearby mirror was Cain, hunched over and breathing heavily. Sweat dripped from him as if he had just stepped out of the shower. I finally got a good look at him and realized he had been running around all night barefoot. He looked tired, drained, in pain, and overall done with the night. My heart ached a bit, unable to imagine how much energy it took to do what he did for about six hours straight.
I began to move toward him to see how he was, but stopped. "Don't talk to Cain," rang in my head. Fear began to set in again. We were no longer Eddie and the wrangler, having fun and acting out a scene. He was Cain, the scary, intimidating, professional man who was in charge of the actors, and I was Jaz, the fraud of a makeup artist and overall nobody.
Awkwardly, I shuffled to the side and grabbed a bottle of water. Carefully and slowly, I made my way closer to Cain as if he were some dangerous animal that could attack at any moment. I held out the water, whimpering a quiet, "here you go," as he took the water with a tired and breathy, "thanks." There was a small, awkward silence before I asked, "D-do...do you need anything else?"
He shook his head, not looking at me either time he spoke. "No." I nodded before starting to make my way back to where I left my backpack. "Who are you?" I heard him ask. I nervously smiled as I looked at him. "I'm Jaz. I'm a makeup artist." World's biggest lie, but he nodded and turned his attention back to his reflection in the mirror. I took this as my cue to leave. I didn't talk to Cain again until the next year when I volunteered to test out some escape games. Even then, he had to ask who I was, but I didn't hold it against him. I was just a nobody volunteer after all.
People at Ravenwood always ask me why I'm so excited when Eddie comes to life a few nights out of the year or why I'm so protective over Eddie whenever he's around. Truth of the matter: If I would've never helped Eddie that night under the stairs, I wouldn't have ever met Cain. We would have never been the friends we are today. Eddie now holds a special place in my heart, because he gave me the chance to meet an amazing friend and mentor (I'm like the karate kid and he's Mr. Miyagi...and, before you ask, yes...I've done the "wax on, wax off" thing with his car. Note to self: never apply blood near your boss' car).
Also, in that moment of acting with Cain and acting in a haunt for the first time in my life (even though, it technically wasn't real acting), a passion for the haunt world sparked inside of me. Watching how Cain could escape into this crazy, fun, different character made me long for the same experience. He seemed so free. I wanted that, too. He seemed so loved by everyone at the haunt and in the audience. I wished I could feel that as well. That day created something to aspire to and every day I work with all the amazing people at Ravenwood, I find new inspiration around every corner. The veterans that have been there since day one, the shy actors who magically come out of their shells after a night or two, the volunteers that were dragged there one day but returned willingly the rest of the season wanting more, and even the first time actors who turned an extra role into a major plot point in the manor's hidden story...everyone in this haunt family inspires each other to be the best we can be and that kind of support and love is hard to come across. I was lucky. If I wouldn't have had that moment with Eddie, I would've left that night too scared to return, but now I have a home and a friend. This goes to show you just how big of an impact one person can have on someone. I can only hope some of you can be that person for any new haunters. I know I try to be.
So, there's the end of the tale of Eddie...or is it? Sure, the character has been retired and I won't be seeing him anytime soon, but that doesn't mean I can't continue to share the moments I've had with that crazy, bloody, ball of fun.
Until next time, stay spooky and happy hauntings!
-Jaz☾
After a few hours of running water, watching Eddie, running a few more waters, and giving this strange character another peek, I made my way into the makeup room to refill my backpack. My friend, we can call him Jacob, came back from his run as well. He gave me this look, like he knew what I had been doing all night. "So, how's the show?" he asked with a cocky grin. I gave him a glare as I shoved water bottles in my bag. He knew it was killing me to figure out what was going on.
I didn't even bother to answer his question. I simply said, "Who is that guy? Like, really, is he important or what?" Because in my head, he was either an owner, a prima donna actor (which, being from the theatre world, you meet a lot of those), or some celebrity in the haunt world that I had no idea about.
Jacob plopped his ass down in his makeup station and sipped on a water like he had nothing better to do. "He's in charge of all the actors. So, stay on his good side."
"Meaning don't talk to him and stay out of his way?" I asked, recalling the interaction with poor Amber earlier that night.
Jake simply laughed and replied, "Don't you have some waters to pass out?" and that was it. That's all I had to go on now. Reiteration and more questions than answers. Aggravated at this point, I pushed the thought of Cain and Eddie out of my head and kept going through the halls of the manor, passing out waters.
On one of my runs through the haunt, I went through one of the rooms which had a grand staircase leading to a top floor. It was one of the rooms that was notorious for people getting stuck in a conga line, so typically I avoided it and took another route, but this time I decided to wander through. (I feel like destiny and fate had a hand in this tale.) As I rounded the front of the staircase, I heard something coming from behind it.
"Pst! Hey, you!" Poking his head out from behind the stairs was Eddie. "You! Come here, now!" he harshly and desperately whispered at me, motioning with his finger for me to come. I began to walk toward him quickly, but as I did, it dawned on me: This is no longer Eddie...this is Cain. (Because in theatre, there is ALWAYS a difference between an actor and their character. With such different personalities between Cain and Eddie, it was easy to tell.)
Behind the stairs was a small, dusty love seat that he had managed to cram himself into to hide from oncoming groups. I knelt next to him, but kept my mouth shut since I was told not to talk to Cain. He glanced around, checking for a group before leaning closer toward me. "Okay, so...Eddie sat on a bottle of blood," he said, his face growing surprisingly sheepish, " and it looks like Eddie had his period." I couldn't help but snort at the statement as he leaned over to reveal a massive red stain on his rear. He wasn't joking, it looked bad (and hilarious). "I need to get to the makeup room, but Eddie can't just walk into the makeup room." I understood the issue. He's a method actor and Eddie would want to play, but I still didn't know what he wanted from me. "So, I need you to drag me up there by my chains." He pointed to the staircase, which secretly led to the makeup room and was for The Powers That Be to use only.
Of course, I was ready to help. I was already taking off my backpack and hiding it under the love seat as he began to speak again. "Wait...can you even act?" he asked. I found it funny that he didn't check on this before telling me his master scheme. (Ravenwood, always coming through on their background checks, guys. Haha.) At this point, I still hadn't said a word to him, too scared to speak. I nodded and squeaked out a soft, "yea," before he continued unfolding his master plan.
"So, grab the chains going down my arms. Now, I'm really going to be pulling and fighting back. And you're going to have to say something. Are you sure you can do this?" Again, I nodded and squeaked a little, "yes," before he kept going. "On the count of three, start pulling and don't let go because Eddie will run." I nodded and prepared myself, just as a group began to make their way into the room with another group close on their heels.
"One."
I took a deep breath, partially scared that I was actually talking to this scary person who had me so panicked earlier in the night. I felt the pressure to impress fall upon me and I knew this was either my moment to shine or my moment of feeling the rage of Cain.
"Two."
Then I began to grow nervous that the room was starting to fill with a large audience of people. Wait...what would I even say? Why am I dragging poor Eddie away? What if he drags me away? What am I even doing? Wait, I'm not ready!
"Three. AAHHHH!!!!!"
In an instant, I was yanked out of the love seat with so much force I'm surprised I didn't go flying into the group of onlookers. The crowd cheered and screamed, excited to see Eddie. He laughed and hopped around with glee as he saw his "friends" from outside. I took this brief moment to catch my footing and my portion of the show began.
With a hard yank, I began to pull him back toward the stairs. "Come now, Eddie. The master will not be pleased that you escaped again."
"No! You can't! Don't lock me in the attic again!" Eddie screamed in protest, pulling and yanking away. I refused to give in, wrapping his chain in my hands to secure my pull on him. He began reaching toward the fast growing crowd. "Help me! Tell the mean lady to free Eddie. Let Eddie go! Viva la Eddie!"
The crowd began to chant and scream. "Free Eddie! Viva la Eddie!" I forced an eye roll despite every fiber of my being wanting to laugh and join in because I had loved watching Eddie run around too, but Cain needed my help. So, I continued pulling. "No! With all this noise, the master will wake up and he will beat you again. Come with me! Get up here, Eddie!"
We started our climb up the stairs, I tried my best to walk backwards up the stairs as I played tug-of-war with this massive man who seemed twice my size. The crowd booed and cheered for Eddie's release, but I kept going. It wasn't until halfway up the stairs that I lost my footing and began sliding down the stairs. I looked up at Eddie, but saw a glimmer of Cain looking down at me, sizing me up to see if I would make or break the scene. Instantly, I yanked his chain as hard as I could and used his weight to pull myself up. "If you don't come, I will beat you myself!" I screamed, continuing this mean, animal wrangler role I was taking on. There was no way I was going to let a little stumble ruin this massive escape to the makeup room.
After a few more tugs and pulls, I managed to get him upstairs and through the backstage door. I fell forward, panting and gasping for air. It was a lot of work trying to drag a grown man up a flight or two of stairs. (I was so tired, I didn't count.) I began to turn to him when I suddenly heard a "BOOM!" followed by deafening cheers. My eyes went wide and I'm sure my jaw hit the floor. Eddie just ran back down the staircase.
I quickly pulled myself off the floor and bolted down the stairs. I pointed at him as he stood a few steps below me. "Eddie, get back here right now! It's time to leave!" and he pointed back at me, "Viva la Eddie!" As as he did this, the chain on his arm swung close enough for me to catch it and start dragging him back to the door. The struggle, the second time, wasn't as rough because I was genuinely upset that he ran BACK when I fought so hard to get him AWAY from the crowd, but I guess Eddie just wasn't done yet. I cursed and grumbled in my head as I yanked and pulled, not caring if I actually hurt him in the process. I just wanted to get him safe and away from the crowd before they noticed the blood stain on his ass.
As we made it through the door the second time, I smartly slammed the door shut and leaned back against it. My chest bobbed as I gasped for air. I looked up, checking on Eddie, but he was gone. My heart dropped. I lost him again. Was I going to have to hunt him down somewhere else in the manor? Then I looked down.
There it was, the little trail of bloody footprints leading to the makeup room. I let out a sigh of relief as I pulled myself off the floor and away from the door and followed the trail. I opened the door to the makeup room expecting to see Eddie, but instead, standing at a nearby mirror was Cain, hunched over and breathing heavily. Sweat dripped from him as if he had just stepped out of the shower. I finally got a good look at him and realized he had been running around all night barefoot. He looked tired, drained, in pain, and overall done with the night. My heart ached a bit, unable to imagine how much energy it took to do what he did for about six hours straight.
I began to move toward him to see how he was, but stopped. "Don't talk to Cain," rang in my head. Fear began to set in again. We were no longer Eddie and the wrangler, having fun and acting out a scene. He was Cain, the scary, intimidating, professional man who was in charge of the actors, and I was Jaz, the fraud of a makeup artist and overall nobody.
Awkwardly, I shuffled to the side and grabbed a bottle of water. Carefully and slowly, I made my way closer to Cain as if he were some dangerous animal that could attack at any moment. I held out the water, whimpering a quiet, "here you go," as he took the water with a tired and breathy, "thanks." There was a small, awkward silence before I asked, "D-do...do you need anything else?"
He shook his head, not looking at me either time he spoke. "No." I nodded before starting to make my way back to where I left my backpack. "Who are you?" I heard him ask. I nervously smiled as I looked at him. "I'm Jaz. I'm a makeup artist." World's biggest lie, but he nodded and turned his attention back to his reflection in the mirror. I took this as my cue to leave. I didn't talk to Cain again until the next year when I volunteered to test out some escape games. Even then, he had to ask who I was, but I didn't hold it against him. I was just a nobody volunteer after all.
People at Ravenwood always ask me why I'm so excited when Eddie comes to life a few nights out of the year or why I'm so protective over Eddie whenever he's around. Truth of the matter: If I would've never helped Eddie that night under the stairs, I wouldn't have ever met Cain. We would have never been the friends we are today. Eddie now holds a special place in my heart, because he gave me the chance to meet an amazing friend and mentor (I'm like the karate kid and he's Mr. Miyagi...and, before you ask, yes...I've done the "wax on, wax off" thing with his car. Note to self: never apply blood near your boss' car).
Also, in that moment of acting with Cain and acting in a haunt for the first time in my life (even though, it technically wasn't real acting), a passion for the haunt world sparked inside of me. Watching how Cain could escape into this crazy, fun, different character made me long for the same experience. He seemed so free. I wanted that, too. He seemed so loved by everyone at the haunt and in the audience. I wished I could feel that as well. That day created something to aspire to and every day I work with all the amazing people at Ravenwood, I find new inspiration around every corner. The veterans that have been there since day one, the shy actors who magically come out of their shells after a night or two, the volunteers that were dragged there one day but returned willingly the rest of the season wanting more, and even the first time actors who turned an extra role into a major plot point in the manor's hidden story...everyone in this haunt family inspires each other to be the best we can be and that kind of support and love is hard to come across. I was lucky. If I wouldn't have had that moment with Eddie, I would've left that night too scared to return, but now I have a home and a friend. This goes to show you just how big of an impact one person can have on someone. I can only hope some of you can be that person for any new haunters. I know I try to be.
So, there's the end of the tale of Eddie...or is it? Sure, the character has been retired and I won't be seeing him anytime soon, but that doesn't mean I can't continue to share the moments I've had with that crazy, bloody, ball of fun.
Until next time, stay spooky and happy hauntings!
-Jaz☾
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