Imagine having your every thought controlled and monitored.
Where anything you do or say is recorded.
If you went up against the RULER, you just disappeared. No one will ever hear from you again, and life would return to normal, soon enough people will forget your very existence.
Imagine being told what to do and how to do it.
Where THEY tell you how to tie your shoes, when to do it, and what the measurements must be.
Don't adhere to what THEY tell you, you disappear, never to be heard from again.
Not even your family would be reckless enough to go looking for you.
Imagine living in a world where there was no one that you could trust.
Where your on your own, relying on yourself and yourself alone.
If you were to let something slip to a friend or even a family member, THEY would come after you the next day.
You will be taken away, and never seen again.
Now, imagine growing up on this world. People are selfish and scared, angry and yet terrified. And really, there is only one thing to know...
Do something THEY don't like,
It would be as if you never even existed...
To be continued,
pseudonym
Friday, September 11, 2009
Wall
There was a small village, and everyone who knew of existence called it Home (because there weren't many people who knew, just the people who lived there). Closely surrounding Home was a vast Wall that rose high and high in to the sky, and it was possible to say that no one knew where it ended.
No one questioned the Wall. The Wall held them in their place. The Wall was there to protect them. The wall was all-knowing. The Wall was even worshipped by a fifth of the population (ten people).
Talk about trying to bypass the Wall was quickly hushed.
The Wall rose high, and wound its way around the perimeter of the village. No one knew how thick it was, and the grey material it was made of was tough, but it was not hard, a bit like hard rubber. It was unsure what it was made of, but it was put through fire, and drills, and nothing could budge the Wall.
Some brave fools, reckless and daring, tried to prove everyone wrong, to find out what was beyond the Wall. They dug, but found that the Wall was positioned in the soil as well, no matter how deep they dug. They tried to climb, but no ladder (or amount of ladders melted together) was tall enough. They tried to ram the Wall down, and was thwarted by the Wall once again. It looked as if destiny was forcing them to accept the Wall as it is: Unmovable.
One day the Wall collapsed.
The Wall fell down. All the rubble crushed the whole village, but miracously, none of the villagers were harmed ( the Wall wasn't hard, and the pieces of just bounced of everyone). Some villagers cheered, some were terrified. What was beyond the Wall, which had been around from the start?
When the dust settled, the villagers gasped at what they saw.
Another wall.
Editr
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
One more time (14)
PREVIOUSLY: ‘I knew today would be fun, Era!!’
TUESDAY, 8 SEPTEMBER: The next 2 minutes find me hugging Carolyn and pretending to give a damn about her. She’s squealing something about how exotic I look. Hunter stands opposite Ian.
Carolyn pulls back from me, and steps back towards Ian, who looks extremely uncomfortable.
‘Era, I want to tell you something, but I think it would be better if I showed you.’
She goes on her tip toes, and locks lips with Ian, who is utterly trying to squirm away. She’s facing me, and gives me a wink. I go weak in the knees, it was like a slap in the face. The lip locking goes on for longer than is appropriate in public, and then she finally pulls apart from Ian. She smiles at me and gives me an incomprehensible look, something between being smug and challenging me to say or do something.
‘Wow! You guys are a still a couple, huh? I’m impressed, I have to say, I never thought you two would last.’
‘Looks like you stand corrected, huh Era?’
Outwardly, she is being supremely friendly, but I know her intentions. I know this is all a show. And although I know, it still hurts to see the physical aspect of Ian belonging to someone else...
‘But Era, you’re being rude. Who is that charming guy by your side?’
Carolyn gives Hunter a flirtatious smile. How cheap.
‘Good evening, Miss Carolyn. My name is Hunter Venator. It’s truly a pleasure to meet you.’
Carolyn seems momentarily stunned. Hunter steps up to me and places his arm very subtly over my shoulder. Ian’s eyes zero in on Hunter’s arm, and I look up at Hunter and watch him give Ian a smug smile.
‘Wow! Where did you find him, Era? Some girls have all the luck. By the way, you two make the cutest couple!’
‘Knock it off, Carolyn! They are not a couple! Do you understand?! Hunter fancies himself, Era’s new best friend, he’s just kidding himself though.’
Ian releases his hand from Carolyn’s grip and walks back to his table.
‘Your boy friend has quite the temper, huh? Truly though, Era and I are best friends.’
‘That is so sweet! The two of you simply must join us at our table. We’ll pull some empty chairs and we can all catch up.’
‘Gee, that’s very kind of you Carolyn, but Hunter and I were planning on just finishing up here quickly then heading off.’
‘On second thought Era, I would love to meet your friends. Maybe we can do that thing we planned after we sit and have another drink with your friends. What do you say?’
Hunter turns to me, and he gives a fake questioning look. I know he has something up his sleeves, and I have to admit, I am pretty curious what trouble he’d get himself into this time.
‘Hmmm, I don’t know...but what the heck, right? Sure Carolyn, we’ll join you guys!’
So Hunter and I walk over to their table, and the others make space for the both of us. Unfortunately there are only two empty seats. One next to Carolyn and one next to Duke. And both of these seats are at opposing ends of the table. Hunter whispers very softly in my ears, that he would sit next to Duke. He doesn’t want me anywhere near Duke.
So I sit down next to Carolyn, and Ian immediately leans over Carolyn and starts talking to me. I see Carolyn’s facial expressions change, and laugh silently to myself. Hunter is busy ignoring Duke, who is glowering at him, and entertaining Emma with one of his humorous tales, judging from her laughter. How pathetic!
‘Era, the group of us are heading to my house after this, for tea and just to kick back. Join us?’
‘Oh, I’d love to, but I wouldn’t forgive myself if I ditched Hunter’
‘Nonsense, who said Hunter wasn’t invited? I’m sure Ian didn’t mean that! Besides, judging on what I’m seeing, Emma would have it no other way.’
Ian looks like Carolyn had just stuffed a lemon in his mouth.
‘Oh, actually, I’m a little busy after this. I had already planned out something for Era and my night. But if Era wants to go, then it not a problem whatsoever. I’ll sit it out though.’
‘Oh, what plans? Being naughty are we, Era?’
I don’t know whose face is redder, Ian’s or mine. Hunter is grinning widely, Emma looks a little upset at the prospect of Hunter not being around that night and Carolyn looks genuinely curious, waiting for my response, instead she got Hunter’s as I was blank on this pre-arranged night out.
‘Nothing much. And no worries, Era here isn’t being TOO naughty. Since I’m new here, Era was going to show me around a little, we planned on driving idly about, then having dinner and maybe catching a movie afterwards.’
‘That sounds like fun. Pardon me for asking, Hunter, but what car do you drive? I don’t mean to brag, but you might want to borrow Ian’s Lambo, it’s truly a luxury car.’
‘Right. But I don’t think I will be needing to borrow Ian’s car. I have one of my own actually. The red one, parked right outside.’
‘What model is that, dude?’
Duke asks Hunter, while looking at Hunter’s Ferrari wistfully.
‘Oh, nothing special. Just your average Ferrari Enzo.’
‘Nice car. Why did you go for a Ferrari though? Everyone knows a Lambo is the only way to go...’
‘I’m sure, Ian. But I want a car that fits my personality. I’m not trying to fit in with the crowd. Don’t you just hate those people who have no lives of their own, people who try to fit in? I find it absolutely pathetic!’
‘Hey Hunter! I think it’s about time we start heading out. It was nice meeting you guys, I’ll be seeing you around. Take care.’
I quickly jump up and head to the other end of the table and grab Hunter’s hand and yank him up. We head towards the door, and just as I’m about to open the door, I hear Ian shout out...
‘Era! Wait!’
TO BE CONTINUED..?
pseudonym
Hey, you guys. Just wanted some feedback on this; I'm planning on stopping this story, maybe at the next instalment. I think I'm boring you guys. Any thoughts on this? I'm still trying to figure out whether to scrap this story, or keep it going...
TUESDAY, 8 SEPTEMBER: The next 2 minutes find me hugging Carolyn and pretending to give a damn about her. She’s squealing something about how exotic I look. Hunter stands opposite Ian.
Carolyn pulls back from me, and steps back towards Ian, who looks extremely uncomfortable.
‘Era, I want to tell you something, but I think it would be better if I showed you.’
She goes on her tip toes, and locks lips with Ian, who is utterly trying to squirm away. She’s facing me, and gives me a wink. I go weak in the knees, it was like a slap in the face. The lip locking goes on for longer than is appropriate in public, and then she finally pulls apart from Ian. She smiles at me and gives me an incomprehensible look, something between being smug and challenging me to say or do something.
‘Wow! You guys are a still a couple, huh? I’m impressed, I have to say, I never thought you two would last.’
‘Looks like you stand corrected, huh Era?’
Outwardly, she is being supremely friendly, but I know her intentions. I know this is all a show. And although I know, it still hurts to see the physical aspect of Ian belonging to someone else...
‘But Era, you’re being rude. Who is that charming guy by your side?’
Carolyn gives Hunter a flirtatious smile. How cheap.
‘Good evening, Miss Carolyn. My name is Hunter Venator. It’s truly a pleasure to meet you.’
Carolyn seems momentarily stunned. Hunter steps up to me and places his arm very subtly over my shoulder. Ian’s eyes zero in on Hunter’s arm, and I look up at Hunter and watch him give Ian a smug smile.
‘Wow! Where did you find him, Era? Some girls have all the luck. By the way, you two make the cutest couple!’
‘Knock it off, Carolyn! They are not a couple! Do you understand?! Hunter fancies himself, Era’s new best friend, he’s just kidding himself though.’
Ian releases his hand from Carolyn’s grip and walks back to his table.
‘Your boy friend has quite the temper, huh? Truly though, Era and I are best friends.’
‘That is so sweet! The two of you simply must join us at our table. We’ll pull some empty chairs and we can all catch up.’
‘Gee, that’s very kind of you Carolyn, but Hunter and I were planning on just finishing up here quickly then heading off.’
‘On second thought Era, I would love to meet your friends. Maybe we can do that thing we planned after we sit and have another drink with your friends. What do you say?’
Hunter turns to me, and he gives a fake questioning look. I know he has something up his sleeves, and I have to admit, I am pretty curious what trouble he’d get himself into this time.
‘Hmmm, I don’t know...but what the heck, right? Sure Carolyn, we’ll join you guys!’
So Hunter and I walk over to their table, and the others make space for the both of us. Unfortunately there are only two empty seats. One next to Carolyn and one next to Duke. And both of these seats are at opposing ends of the table. Hunter whispers very softly in my ears, that he would sit next to Duke. He doesn’t want me anywhere near Duke.
So I sit down next to Carolyn, and Ian immediately leans over Carolyn and starts talking to me. I see Carolyn’s facial expressions change, and laugh silently to myself. Hunter is busy ignoring Duke, who is glowering at him, and entertaining Emma with one of his humorous tales, judging from her laughter. How pathetic!
‘Era, the group of us are heading to my house after this, for tea and just to kick back. Join us?’
‘Oh, I’d love to, but I wouldn’t forgive myself if I ditched Hunter’
‘Nonsense, who said Hunter wasn’t invited? I’m sure Ian didn’t mean that! Besides, judging on what I’m seeing, Emma would have it no other way.’
Ian looks like Carolyn had just stuffed a lemon in his mouth.
‘Oh, actually, I’m a little busy after this. I had already planned out something for Era and my night. But if Era wants to go, then it not a problem whatsoever. I’ll sit it out though.’
‘Oh, what plans? Being naughty are we, Era?’
I don’t know whose face is redder, Ian’s or mine. Hunter is grinning widely, Emma looks a little upset at the prospect of Hunter not being around that night and Carolyn looks genuinely curious, waiting for my response, instead she got Hunter’s as I was blank on this pre-arranged night out.
‘Nothing much. And no worries, Era here isn’t being TOO naughty. Since I’m new here, Era was going to show me around a little, we planned on driving idly about, then having dinner and maybe catching a movie afterwards.’
‘That sounds like fun. Pardon me for asking, Hunter, but what car do you drive? I don’t mean to brag, but you might want to borrow Ian’s Lambo, it’s truly a luxury car.’
‘Right. But I don’t think I will be needing to borrow Ian’s car. I have one of my own actually. The red one, parked right outside.’
‘What model is that, dude?’
Duke asks Hunter, while looking at Hunter’s Ferrari wistfully.
‘Oh, nothing special. Just your average Ferrari Enzo.’
‘Nice car. Why did you go for a Ferrari though? Everyone knows a Lambo is the only way to go...’
‘I’m sure, Ian. But I want a car that fits my personality. I’m not trying to fit in with the crowd. Don’t you just hate those people who have no lives of their own, people who try to fit in? I find it absolutely pathetic!’
‘Hey Hunter! I think it’s about time we start heading out. It was nice meeting you guys, I’ll be seeing you around. Take care.’
I quickly jump up and head to the other end of the table and grab Hunter’s hand and yank him up. We head towards the door, and just as I’m about to open the door, I hear Ian shout out...
‘Era! Wait!’
TO BE CONTINUED..?
pseudonym
Hey, you guys. Just wanted some feedback on this; I'm planning on stopping this story, maybe at the next instalment. I think I'm boring you guys. Any thoughts on this? I'm still trying to figure out whether to scrap this story, or keep it going...
Monday, September 7, 2009
Diamante - Eerste
I'm 30,
I have a desk job,
I can feel my waistline pushing through my slacks which I bought as a gift to myself,
yeah,
I know,
My life sucks and I'm stuck here stacking papers and signing documents,
The only reason why I'm still at this very orderly, clean, and sanitised,
deskjob, is that it pays well,
I mean, Who gets paid 2560.50 euros a month just to stack, review, approve of, and sign the companies documents,
Well its their loss anyways,
and I'm not complaining either,
I have been noticing our company's names on the recent newspaper headings,
about a week ago,
something about kidnappings and murders that are increasing in occurences at the company's operations in Africa. It never occured to me that my job, and the beliefs i held in morals and my faith in my religion, would take a drastic turn for the worst.
A day after the news about the company came out,
bringing with it a flood of gossip and whispers of the company being investigated or approaching bankcruptcy,
I was worried too,
afraid of losing my rather safe and very "comfortable" job,
but I was soon to find out the path that will be given to me,
when the CEO of the company requested my presence.
His office was one level higher than mine's,
so I took the elevator and as the elevator doors opened,
his assistant,
with her fake yet beautiful smile,
said to me in a very monotonous voice,
" Come with me, he's expecting you in the Eagle meeting room"
I followed her,
my eyes glancing from antique furnishings,
to the exquisitely soft and velvety carpet,
and inappropriately tracing the outlines of her undergarments protruding through her thinly layered clothing,
gave myself a good slap and started focusing again.
After a minute or two of walking,
we finally reached the oak doors of the meeting room,
The assistant went in first,
and came back out,
gesturing me to come in.
I took a deep breath and braced myself for what was to come,
-
McWiggle :p
Okay so this will be part 1 haha,
I promise I'll continue this one :p
One more time (13)
PREVIOUSLY: They all start laughing, but I know Duke wasn’t kidding, he was very easily taken up by material possessions.
MONDAY, 7 SEPTEMBER: In the next moment, Hunter had exited his car, and was at the passenger side, holding the door open for me. As I step out, I can’t help but look over to the only occupied table, where Duke’s mouth hangs open. A look of panic flashes across Ian’s face when he sees Hunter, then his eyes fall on me, and he breaks into a smile. He stands up and waves to me. I smile at him and wave back.
I see Emma, my grade school friend sitting beside an empty seat that was next to Ian. She looks at me and gives me a shy smile, then her eyes fall on Hunter and I see a brilliant smile brighten up her face.
Emma is another one of the carbon copies. She and I had never been very close, she was Carolyn’s best friend. But when Carolyn and I became best friends, Emma had been ignored slightly. I could tell she still had a grudge against me for that. From what Carolyn had told me about her, she was one of those genuinely nice girls, slightly girl-next-door-ish for my taste, and yet I saw that she had a pretty aggressive side to her. Everywhere she went, laughter was sure to follow, she was one of those people I had envied ever since I was a child.
Hunter seemed to notice her smile brighten when her eyes landed on him, he seemed to like the attention.
‘I think I’m going to like meeting these island girls.’
He looks over at Emma and gives her one of his dazzling smiles and winks at her, and I hear her heart lurch. Ugh! How pathetic.
Hunter walks me over to an empty table at the other end of the cafe. He holds the seat for me, in the true gentlemanly manner. He walks over to the other side of the table and seats himself. We look over the menu and I order the most sinful dish on the entire menu, Hunter opts for a simple coffee.
I take off Hunter’s coat and drape it across the back of my seat.
‘Ian is staring at you, Era, and so is Duke. I don’t like the way they look at you, it’s almost hungry, and that’s saying something, for a human to look at a vampire with hunger.’
‘Well, let them look Hunter. I hope Ian realizes what he’s missed out on.’
‘Duke wants to know why the two of us don’t look like we actually went through last night. Hah! I bet he hates the fact that the split lip he gave you dissapeared, only thing he could be more angry about is the fact that my nose is perfectly straight! I do admit, it is incredibly obvious there’s something wrong with us. Can’t say I don’t enjoy staring at my handiwork though!’
‘Cute, Hunter! I don’t recognize the other two guys at the table. That’s odd, I thought I knew everyone on this island.’
‘Hmmm, they all look alike to me. Blond, dumb...seen one, seen them all. Now I know what you meant about this place being a bore fest.’
As we were talking, the bell above the entrance rings as the door opens. In walks Carolyn, who hasn’t changed a bit. Her appearance sends me back to the night I caught her making out with Ian, and I’m filled with hate once again. Hunter must have sensed my anger, his head immediately zeroes in on Carolyn and back to me. He reaches across the table and enfolds one of my hands in his, and he gives me a gentle, reassuring squeeze. All at once, I’m incredibly thankful that Hunter is with me, my pillar of strength and support.
Carolyn seems unusually haughty, she looks good, no doubt, as infuriating as it is to admit it. She is with a couple of old friends I recognized. She looks over at Ian, and gives him a flirtatious wave, and then gets pissed off that he didn’t seem to notice her entrance. She looks over in the direction Ian is staring, in my direction. Her eyes freeze on mine, and she seems to not be able to believe that it’s me. I give her a fake smile and a small half-hearted wave. She smiles brilliantly back at me, then is about to walk toward me when she seems to realize that Ian isn’t zoning out, he’s staring at me.
She turns to one of the guys I don’t recognize and starts whispering something to him. I perk up my ears and listen in on their conversation.
‘Why is Ian staring at Era?’
‘Era? Is that her name? I’m not sure, but looks to me that our little Ian has a crush.’
‘A crush?! He can’t have a crush on someone else, he’s my boyfriend!’
‘Hang on a second, is that Era Cavanaugh? I’ve heard that Ian has a thing for her...’
‘You can’t be serious! That scoundrel, she was my best friend, you know. I’ll show her that Ian is all mine. Ugh! Just look at the way she was looking at him when we stepped in...disgusting!’
Carolyn makes a detour and grabs Ian’s hands and pulls him up. Ian flinches, he must be in pain after yesterdays fight. Carolyn doesn’t even seem to notice that her boyfriend is in any pain at all.
‘Isn’t that Era Cavanaugh? We should go over and say hi! It’s been ages, and she doesn’t even know we’re going out with each other, does she? I’m sure she would be psyched for us.’
‘Umm, I don’t think that’s a good idea Carolyn. There’s no need to mention us being a couple.’
‘Nonsense! She’s our friend, we should totally tell her. Plus I want to get introduced to that hottie boyfriend of hers.’
‘He isn’t her boyfriend...’
Hunter seems extremely amused by the conversation, especially the way Ian said his last sentence, so weakly...
‘I knew today would be fun, Era!!’
TO BE CONTINUED
pseudonym
MONDAY, 7 SEPTEMBER: In the next moment, Hunter had exited his car, and was at the passenger side, holding the door open for me. As I step out, I can’t help but look over to the only occupied table, where Duke’s mouth hangs open. A look of panic flashes across Ian’s face when he sees Hunter, then his eyes fall on me, and he breaks into a smile. He stands up and waves to me. I smile at him and wave back.
I see Emma, my grade school friend sitting beside an empty seat that was next to Ian. She looks at me and gives me a shy smile, then her eyes fall on Hunter and I see a brilliant smile brighten up her face.
Emma is another one of the carbon copies. She and I had never been very close, she was Carolyn’s best friend. But when Carolyn and I became best friends, Emma had been ignored slightly. I could tell she still had a grudge against me for that. From what Carolyn had told me about her, she was one of those genuinely nice girls, slightly girl-next-door-ish for my taste, and yet I saw that she had a pretty aggressive side to her. Everywhere she went, laughter was sure to follow, she was one of those people I had envied ever since I was a child.
Hunter seemed to notice her smile brighten when her eyes landed on him, he seemed to like the attention.
‘I think I’m going to like meeting these island girls.’
He looks over at Emma and gives her one of his dazzling smiles and winks at her, and I hear her heart lurch. Ugh! How pathetic.
Hunter walks me over to an empty table at the other end of the cafe. He holds the seat for me, in the true gentlemanly manner. He walks over to the other side of the table and seats himself. We look over the menu and I order the most sinful dish on the entire menu, Hunter opts for a simple coffee.
I take off Hunter’s coat and drape it across the back of my seat.
‘Ian is staring at you, Era, and so is Duke. I don’t like the way they look at you, it’s almost hungry, and that’s saying something, for a human to look at a vampire with hunger.’
‘Well, let them look Hunter. I hope Ian realizes what he’s missed out on.’
‘Duke wants to know why the two of us don’t look like we actually went through last night. Hah! I bet he hates the fact that the split lip he gave you dissapeared, only thing he could be more angry about is the fact that my nose is perfectly straight! I do admit, it is incredibly obvious there’s something wrong with us. Can’t say I don’t enjoy staring at my handiwork though!’
‘Cute, Hunter! I don’t recognize the other two guys at the table. That’s odd, I thought I knew everyone on this island.’
‘Hmmm, they all look alike to me. Blond, dumb...seen one, seen them all. Now I know what you meant about this place being a bore fest.’
As we were talking, the bell above the entrance rings as the door opens. In walks Carolyn, who hasn’t changed a bit. Her appearance sends me back to the night I caught her making out with Ian, and I’m filled with hate once again. Hunter must have sensed my anger, his head immediately zeroes in on Carolyn and back to me. He reaches across the table and enfolds one of my hands in his, and he gives me a gentle, reassuring squeeze. All at once, I’m incredibly thankful that Hunter is with me, my pillar of strength and support.
Carolyn seems unusually haughty, she looks good, no doubt, as infuriating as it is to admit it. She is with a couple of old friends I recognized. She looks over at Ian, and gives him a flirtatious wave, and then gets pissed off that he didn’t seem to notice her entrance. She looks over in the direction Ian is staring, in my direction. Her eyes freeze on mine, and she seems to not be able to believe that it’s me. I give her a fake smile and a small half-hearted wave. She smiles brilliantly back at me, then is about to walk toward me when she seems to realize that Ian isn’t zoning out, he’s staring at me.
She turns to one of the guys I don’t recognize and starts whispering something to him. I perk up my ears and listen in on their conversation.
‘Why is Ian staring at Era?’
‘Era? Is that her name? I’m not sure, but looks to me that our little Ian has a crush.’
‘A crush?! He can’t have a crush on someone else, he’s my boyfriend!’
‘Hang on a second, is that Era Cavanaugh? I’ve heard that Ian has a thing for her...’
‘You can’t be serious! That scoundrel, she was my best friend, you know. I’ll show her that Ian is all mine. Ugh! Just look at the way she was looking at him when we stepped in...disgusting!’
Carolyn makes a detour and grabs Ian’s hands and pulls him up. Ian flinches, he must be in pain after yesterdays fight. Carolyn doesn’t even seem to notice that her boyfriend is in any pain at all.
‘Isn’t that Era Cavanaugh? We should go over and say hi! It’s been ages, and she doesn’t even know we’re going out with each other, does she? I’m sure she would be psyched for us.’
‘Umm, I don’t think that’s a good idea Carolyn. There’s no need to mention us being a couple.’
‘Nonsense! She’s our friend, we should totally tell her. Plus I want to get introduced to that hottie boyfriend of hers.’
‘He isn’t her boyfriend...’
Hunter seems extremely amused by the conversation, especially the way Ian said his last sentence, so weakly...
‘I knew today would be fun, Era!!’
TO BE CONTINUED
pseudonym
Sunday, September 6, 2009
One more time (12)
PREVIOUSLY: And the last thing I remember is falling into the pure bliss that only sleep can give
SUNDAY, 6 SEPTEMBER: I open my eyes, and am greeted by the feeble rays of the sun. I sit up in my bed and realize I’m still wearing the red dress from last night. I get up, wash up and change into a pair of shorts and a t-shirt and head down for breakfast, eager to know what happened after I fell asleep.
As I’m skulking around the house looking for everyone, I walk head first into Jasper.
‘Oh! Sorry! Morning Jasper, seen my dad?’
‘Good morning, Miss Cavanaugh. Your father is in the parlour entertaining a gentlemen who must be of some class.’
‘A gentlemen, you say? Say Jasper, what does this gentlemen look like?’
‘Well, he seems a lot darker than most of the boys here. Pale, with a shock of black hair, quite tall and has an attitude the size of the entire island and then some. I believe he goes by the name Mr. Venator.’
‘Hunter is here?! I’m off then, could you get me a drink and bring it to the parlour? Thanks Jasper, you’re a peach!’
As I head off to the parlour, I hear Jasper muttering under his breath, something about peaches and how he can’t imagine why he has to serve me. Chuckling, I enter the parlour.
‘Morning father! Hunter!!’
‘It’s barely morning anymore, Era. You really must wake up earlier! Imagine the impression you’ve left on Hunter here. Which reminds me, he shall be addressed as Mr. Venator to you.’
‘There’s really no need for that, Jason. Era and I have known each other for five years now. Hunter is perfectly fine. Morning sunshine, so what’s the plan for today?’
Hunter gives me one of his trademark smiles, and I notice that his nose has recovered fully, it was as perfect and straight as ever. I run my fingers over my lip and feel that it has completely healed. Thank god! This whole vampire thing does have it’s advantages...sometimes.
‘I need to hit the shops, buy some clothes. I also want to meet up with the old group, show them I’m still alive and thriving since I’ve left them.’
‘Oh, sounds like fun! What shall I wear?’
‘You want to come? But I’m meeting up with people like Ian, and his gang...’
‘No worries, if it means so much to you, you’re friends are my friends. And if he really gets on my nerves, I’ll imagine pulling him to pieces, slowly.’
Again that sweet, angelic smile.
‘Great, it’s a date then. Let me have a drink, change, then we’ll be off.’
‘Do I have any say in your activities for today, Era?’
‘No, father. But don’t worry, Hunter will keep an eye on me. I’m sure you trust Hunter to keep me out of trouble.’
‘Luckily for you, I do trust Hunter. Be good Era!’
‘When am I ever not, father?’
I exit the room chuckling, meet Jasper in the hallway, take the drink from his hands, say a brief thank you and I’m up the stairs and off to change.
One hour later and Hunter and I exit his Ferrari. Hunter is wearing a plain grey t-shirt, black jeans and a leather coat. He looks very yummy. Next to him, I seem over dressed. I’m wearing one of my very few skirts, a simple, figure hugging blouse. I didn’t bother with a jacket, because I didn’t have one that would compliment my outfit, hence I need to go shopping. As I step out of Hunter’s warm car, I internally kick myself for not wearing something warmer. I immediately start shivering. Hunter looks over at me and chuckles and hands me his leather coat. It’s very much too big for me, but it feels good.
We step into one of the upscale shopping centres, and I whirlwind about looking for clothes, especially for a jacket that would look good with this outfit. I didn’t want to meet up with my old friends unless I looked perfect. My dark locks were pulled back into a tight ponytail.
As I try stuff on, Hunter gives me his masterful advice and critics. An hour later, we leave the shopping centre empty handed, because he couldn’t find anything he thought suited me. By now it’s almost 2 o’clock, and unless everyone had kicked their old habit, they would all be at one of the nearby cafe’s.
As Hunter parks his car in the parking lot right outside the cafe, my heart flutters, I see a very tired Ian surrounded by my group of old friends. I see all of them staring in the direction of Hunter’s darkly tinted car and I can hear them talking about it.
Duke, whose face looks bruised and swollen from Hunter’s punch, nudges Ian and points at Hunter’s car. He lets out a low whistle.
‘Now whose car is that? Whoever it is, I suggest we make friends, huh guys?!’
They all start laughing, but I know Duke wasn’t kidding, he was very easily taken up by material possessions.
TO BE CONTINUED
pseudonym
SUNDAY, 6 SEPTEMBER: I open my eyes, and am greeted by the feeble rays of the sun. I sit up in my bed and realize I’m still wearing the red dress from last night. I get up, wash up and change into a pair of shorts and a t-shirt and head down for breakfast, eager to know what happened after I fell asleep.
As I’m skulking around the house looking for everyone, I walk head first into Jasper.
‘Oh! Sorry! Morning Jasper, seen my dad?’
‘Good morning, Miss Cavanaugh. Your father is in the parlour entertaining a gentlemen who must be of some class.’
‘A gentlemen, you say? Say Jasper, what does this gentlemen look like?’
‘Well, he seems a lot darker than most of the boys here. Pale, with a shock of black hair, quite tall and has an attitude the size of the entire island and then some. I believe he goes by the name Mr. Venator.’
‘Hunter is here?! I’m off then, could you get me a drink and bring it to the parlour? Thanks Jasper, you’re a peach!’
As I head off to the parlour, I hear Jasper muttering under his breath, something about peaches and how he can’t imagine why he has to serve me. Chuckling, I enter the parlour.
‘Morning father! Hunter!!’
‘It’s barely morning anymore, Era. You really must wake up earlier! Imagine the impression you’ve left on Hunter here. Which reminds me, he shall be addressed as Mr. Venator to you.’
‘There’s really no need for that, Jason. Era and I have known each other for five years now. Hunter is perfectly fine. Morning sunshine, so what’s the plan for today?’
Hunter gives me one of his trademark smiles, and I notice that his nose has recovered fully, it was as perfect and straight as ever. I run my fingers over my lip and feel that it has completely healed. Thank god! This whole vampire thing does have it’s advantages...sometimes.
‘I need to hit the shops, buy some clothes. I also want to meet up with the old group, show them I’m still alive and thriving since I’ve left them.’
‘Oh, sounds like fun! What shall I wear?’
‘You want to come? But I’m meeting up with people like Ian, and his gang...’
‘No worries, if it means so much to you, you’re friends are my friends. And if he really gets on my nerves, I’ll imagine pulling him to pieces, slowly.’
Again that sweet, angelic smile.
‘Great, it’s a date then. Let me have a drink, change, then we’ll be off.’
‘Do I have any say in your activities for today, Era?’
‘No, father. But don’t worry, Hunter will keep an eye on me. I’m sure you trust Hunter to keep me out of trouble.’
‘Luckily for you, I do trust Hunter. Be good Era!’
‘When am I ever not, father?’
I exit the room chuckling, meet Jasper in the hallway, take the drink from his hands, say a brief thank you and I’m up the stairs and off to change.
One hour later and Hunter and I exit his Ferrari. Hunter is wearing a plain grey t-shirt, black jeans and a leather coat. He looks very yummy. Next to him, I seem over dressed. I’m wearing one of my very few skirts, a simple, figure hugging blouse. I didn’t bother with a jacket, because I didn’t have one that would compliment my outfit, hence I need to go shopping. As I step out of Hunter’s warm car, I internally kick myself for not wearing something warmer. I immediately start shivering. Hunter looks over at me and chuckles and hands me his leather coat. It’s very much too big for me, but it feels good.
We step into one of the upscale shopping centres, and I whirlwind about looking for clothes, especially for a jacket that would look good with this outfit. I didn’t want to meet up with my old friends unless I looked perfect. My dark locks were pulled back into a tight ponytail.
As I try stuff on, Hunter gives me his masterful advice and critics. An hour later, we leave the shopping centre empty handed, because he couldn’t find anything he thought suited me. By now it’s almost 2 o’clock, and unless everyone had kicked their old habit, they would all be at one of the nearby cafe’s.
As Hunter parks his car in the parking lot right outside the cafe, my heart flutters, I see a very tired Ian surrounded by my group of old friends. I see all of them staring in the direction of Hunter’s darkly tinted car and I can hear them talking about it.
Duke, whose face looks bruised and swollen from Hunter’s punch, nudges Ian and points at Hunter’s car. He lets out a low whistle.
‘Now whose car is that? Whoever it is, I suggest we make friends, huh guys?!’
They all start laughing, but I know Duke wasn’t kidding, he was very easily taken up by material possessions.
TO BE CONTINUED
pseudonym
One more time (11)
PREVIOUSLY: After toying with Ian a little, Hunter throws an extremely forceful punch in Ian’s direction. Ian had no chance of blocking it whatsoever, he gets hit squarely in the stomach and gets thrown into a nearby tree. The back of his head slams against the bark of the tree with so much force, I could actually hear it. Ian slides down and looks like he’s passed out.
My stomach clenches with panic.
SUNDAY, 6 SEPTEMBER: Hunter utterly disregards Ian, and bends over the pier reaching his hand into the water. He uses the icy water to wash off the blood from his face.
Out of nowhere, I hear a thud of feet right by the pier, running in Hunter’s direction. Duke appears holding a baseball bat, apparently his baseball practice had just ended, and uses it to strike the back of Hunter’s head as he is bent over the pier. Before Hunter was even able to dodge the blow, he splashes into the icy water.
‘How could you just sit there and watch as Ian gets banged up by that stranger?’
I was still so stunned, I couldn’t even answer that question. I just sit there my head shaking from left to right. Ian seems to be regaining consciousness and sits up, he seems disoriented, but the moment he remembers what was happening, he’s back on his feet and in a defensive stance looking around for Hunter.
Duke approaches me, so angry that he’s actually quite scary. He grabbed me by my shoulders and roughly shoves me into a tree. He lifts me up until we’re eye-to-eye. His body pins my body to the tree and my thrashing seems utterly pointless. I can’t seem to summon any strength above that of a typical human girl. Tears are streaming down my face, and still I can’t speak.
He takes one hand off my shoulder and I think he’s about to release me. The pressure of his body against mine is so much, that it actually hurts. Before I know it, his hand had shot up and slapped me across my face, I feel my lip split, and my right cheek burns.
‘How dare you? Duke! How could you slap her?!’
I see Ian running towards me shouting at Duke. I feel in utter shock. I can taste blood in my mouth, and it’s got me into a kind of high.
In the next moment, Ian reaches Duke and grabs his hand before he manages to land the second slap on me. At the same time, Hunter is at my side, soaking wet, and giving Duke a look so violent, that he involuntarily lets go of me. Ian pulls Duke off and drags him as far from Hunter as possible, he seems to realize that Hunter has just passed the point of no return. In the same moment that Duke released me, Hunter’s hand replaced his on my shoulder, this time not intended to hurt me, merely to keep me upright. He holds my waist and supports the majority of my weight. He looks down at me, runs his cold hands over my quickly bruising face, and that violent look returns to his face.
I know what he’s thinking. Hunter will go after Duke and make him pay for what he did to me. Hunter was so engrossed in his planning on how to make Duke suffer the most, that he didn’t seem to notice himself shivering in the cold night air.
‘Hunter, don’t. He didn’t mean to hurt me. He was just upset over what happened to Ian.’
I notice Ian suddenly seem to lose his balance, looks like his adrenaline rush is over. Thankfully, Duke catches him before he hits the ground. Duke swings one of Ian’s arms over his shoulder and supports his weight and starts walking toward Ian’s house. He throws a backward glance at me in Hunter’s arms.
‘Welcome home Era! Hope you see the kind of problem you cause. Why don’t you do us all a favour and run off again, but this time, take that psycho with you. He isn’t welcome here.’
‘Oh yeah? Why don’t you come and say that to my face, chubby! And if I were you, I’d learn to show Era some respect.’
‘Well, you aren’t me. And I’d rather die than show respect to that little tramp.’
Hunter gently lays me on the ground, and walks over to Duke. As he’s walking a group of Duke’s baseball buddies enter the area, they look perplexed, seeing Duke supporting an unconscious Ian, Hunter looking utterly terrifying, Duke looking like he wanted nothing more than to beat Hunter up, and me sitting stunned on the ground.
Before anyone can react, Hunter stops right in front of Duke, pulls back his fist, and punches Duke in the face. Duke immediately falls down and so too, does Ian.
‘That’s for slapping Era. I would rip your hand of your body generally, but I reserve killing you for another day.’
And with that Hunter walks back towards me and gently scoops me up in his arms. He looks down at me and the violent look disappears, replaced by the most earnest of concern.
‘I’m sorry Era. I never meant for you to get hurt. Please forgive me!’
‘Hunter, it isn’t your fault at all. It’s mine, Duke was right, what kind of friend allows her friend to be beaten up in front of her, and yet does nothing at all to stop it?’
‘Era, don’t you dare blame yourself! I swear I will make that boy pay.’
‘Hunter, are you okay? He hit you pretty hard. And you fell into that freezing water, and you’re shivering. Do you have a coat? You should get out of that shirt before you fall sick.’
‘Don’t worry about me, I’m tough, a little cold isn’t going to make me ill. By the way Era, I know this isn’t a good time to point this out but, because you refuse to drink any blood, you’re weak. Had you the strength of a normal vampire, Duke would never have been able to pin you to that tree. Please reconsider your diet, for your own good.’
‘No, Hunter. I don’t want to drink blood, I can get by on human food and I will. Besides, I have you around to protect me, right?’
I smile up at him, and he returns one of his dazzling smiles back to me. By this time, he’s carried me to the nearby parking lot and stops at a gorgeous, red Ferrari.
He places me on my feet, and holds the passenger door open for me. I climb in and immediately am encompassed in a delicious smell, a combination of something spicy and very appealing.
‘My new ride, like it?’
‘Definitely.’
The next thing I know, Hunter is carrying me up a familiar flight of stairs, into a familiar room and places me on a familiar bed. As he tucks the quilt around me, I hear another pair of feet in the room.
‘What happened to her?’
I recognized my father’s voice, and I can hear the concern in it, it makes me feel remarkably better.
‘I met Ian today, Jason.’
‘Ah, tell me everything’
And the last thing I remember is falling into the pure bliss that only sleep can give.
TO BE CONTINUED
pseudonym
My stomach clenches with panic.
SUNDAY, 6 SEPTEMBER: Hunter utterly disregards Ian, and bends over the pier reaching his hand into the water. He uses the icy water to wash off the blood from his face.
Out of nowhere, I hear a thud of feet right by the pier, running in Hunter’s direction. Duke appears holding a baseball bat, apparently his baseball practice had just ended, and uses it to strike the back of Hunter’s head as he is bent over the pier. Before Hunter was even able to dodge the blow, he splashes into the icy water.
‘How could you just sit there and watch as Ian gets banged up by that stranger?’
I was still so stunned, I couldn’t even answer that question. I just sit there my head shaking from left to right. Ian seems to be regaining consciousness and sits up, he seems disoriented, but the moment he remembers what was happening, he’s back on his feet and in a defensive stance looking around for Hunter.
Duke approaches me, so angry that he’s actually quite scary. He grabbed me by my shoulders and roughly shoves me into a tree. He lifts me up until we’re eye-to-eye. His body pins my body to the tree and my thrashing seems utterly pointless. I can’t seem to summon any strength above that of a typical human girl. Tears are streaming down my face, and still I can’t speak.
He takes one hand off my shoulder and I think he’s about to release me. The pressure of his body against mine is so much, that it actually hurts. Before I know it, his hand had shot up and slapped me across my face, I feel my lip split, and my right cheek burns.
‘How dare you? Duke! How could you slap her?!’
I see Ian running towards me shouting at Duke. I feel in utter shock. I can taste blood in my mouth, and it’s got me into a kind of high.
In the next moment, Ian reaches Duke and grabs his hand before he manages to land the second slap on me. At the same time, Hunter is at my side, soaking wet, and giving Duke a look so violent, that he involuntarily lets go of me. Ian pulls Duke off and drags him as far from Hunter as possible, he seems to realize that Hunter has just passed the point of no return. In the same moment that Duke released me, Hunter’s hand replaced his on my shoulder, this time not intended to hurt me, merely to keep me upright. He holds my waist and supports the majority of my weight. He looks down at me, runs his cold hands over my quickly bruising face, and that violent look returns to his face.
I know what he’s thinking. Hunter will go after Duke and make him pay for what he did to me. Hunter was so engrossed in his planning on how to make Duke suffer the most, that he didn’t seem to notice himself shivering in the cold night air.
‘Hunter, don’t. He didn’t mean to hurt me. He was just upset over what happened to Ian.’
I notice Ian suddenly seem to lose his balance, looks like his adrenaline rush is over. Thankfully, Duke catches him before he hits the ground. Duke swings one of Ian’s arms over his shoulder and supports his weight and starts walking toward Ian’s house. He throws a backward glance at me in Hunter’s arms.
‘Welcome home Era! Hope you see the kind of problem you cause. Why don’t you do us all a favour and run off again, but this time, take that psycho with you. He isn’t welcome here.’
‘Oh yeah? Why don’t you come and say that to my face, chubby! And if I were you, I’d learn to show Era some respect.’
‘Well, you aren’t me. And I’d rather die than show respect to that little tramp.’
Hunter gently lays me on the ground, and walks over to Duke. As he’s walking a group of Duke’s baseball buddies enter the area, they look perplexed, seeing Duke supporting an unconscious Ian, Hunter looking utterly terrifying, Duke looking like he wanted nothing more than to beat Hunter up, and me sitting stunned on the ground.
Before anyone can react, Hunter stops right in front of Duke, pulls back his fist, and punches Duke in the face. Duke immediately falls down and so too, does Ian.
‘That’s for slapping Era. I would rip your hand of your body generally, but I reserve killing you for another day.’
And with that Hunter walks back towards me and gently scoops me up in his arms. He looks down at me and the violent look disappears, replaced by the most earnest of concern.
‘I’m sorry Era. I never meant for you to get hurt. Please forgive me!’
‘Hunter, it isn’t your fault at all. It’s mine, Duke was right, what kind of friend allows her friend to be beaten up in front of her, and yet does nothing at all to stop it?’
‘Era, don’t you dare blame yourself! I swear I will make that boy pay.’
‘Hunter, are you okay? He hit you pretty hard. And you fell into that freezing water, and you’re shivering. Do you have a coat? You should get out of that shirt before you fall sick.’
‘Don’t worry about me, I’m tough, a little cold isn’t going to make me ill. By the way Era, I know this isn’t a good time to point this out but, because you refuse to drink any blood, you’re weak. Had you the strength of a normal vampire, Duke would never have been able to pin you to that tree. Please reconsider your diet, for your own good.’
‘No, Hunter. I don’t want to drink blood, I can get by on human food and I will. Besides, I have you around to protect me, right?’
I smile up at him, and he returns one of his dazzling smiles back to me. By this time, he’s carried me to the nearby parking lot and stops at a gorgeous, red Ferrari.
He places me on my feet, and holds the passenger door open for me. I climb in and immediately am encompassed in a delicious smell, a combination of something spicy and very appealing.
‘My new ride, like it?’
‘Definitely.’
The next thing I know, Hunter is carrying me up a familiar flight of stairs, into a familiar room and places me on a familiar bed. As he tucks the quilt around me, I hear another pair of feet in the room.
‘What happened to her?’
I recognized my father’s voice, and I can hear the concern in it, it makes me feel remarkably better.
‘I met Ian today, Jason.’
‘Ah, tell me everything’
And the last thing I remember is falling into the pure bliss that only sleep can give.
TO BE CONTINUED
pseudonym
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