Journey to the Past

Closed for Malvolio, Comments are welcome through PM only


Jessica pulled up the mansion that she had inherited from her grandmother; she could tell that she didn't like it already. Once she walked in, she was already disgusted. It was dusty, it was dirty, and she was allergic!

"Achoo, achoo, achoo!" Jessica sneezed as she walked through the mansion.

As she walked up the stairs; she ran her manicured nails up the dusty stair case. "Ewe." she said in a disgusted tone.

She walked into the bedroom, the floors were creaky, the doors were squeaky, and this just would not do. How could her grandmother think that this was something that she would want? It wasn't! Being someone that had grown up in a privileged life, she was thoroughly disgusted!

She slowly walked up into the attic and paused, was that a...she cringed...rat?! Ewe......She quickly rushed down the stairs. Gross, gross, gross, this mansion was seriously going for sell! Yes, yes it was.

In the distance, Jessica could hear the wolves howling. Shaking her head, she decided that most definitely she would be selling the mansion. It was a good thing she was a realtor or she might actually have a difficult time doing so.

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Name: Jessica Genevieve Hawkin Elliot

Age: 21
Bio: in the 18th century, Jessica Hawkins, a lady in court had been known as the black widow.The reason for this was she had always pulled a man inside her "web" loved them, used them, then let them go. It wasn't until Lady Jessica met a mysterious man by the name of Lord Eric Elliot, that she truly began to fall in love. He hadn't told her he was a werewolf until he was sure of her affections and though it frightened her intensely she never wished to part with him. Their love was not long lasting though, for after being turned, months later Jessica was killed by a slayer by the name of Kelly Slater , because Kelly wanted to get revenge on Eric for killing Kellys mother.In the 20th century Jessica inherits a house which holds her wolfen mate . The only problem is she doesn't know who he is, and he has a strange de-ja-vu around her.
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As Jessica stood in the foyer, one of the doors leading back further into the old mansion opened and a tall, older woman in her late 50s entered. She wore a black house dress, black stockings, black shoes and a gray button up sweater. Her dark hair had wisps of gray, her narrow nose jutted out into a sharp point and her deeply recessed eyes gave her the appearance of one who had lived longer than her 50-something years.

She walked directly up to Jessica, not saying a word, finally stopping a few feet from her.

"You must be Miss Elliott. I am Mrs Collins. I was your grandmother's valet and the chief of the household. Welcome."

As the older woman spoke, her voice modulated little, showing no more emotion than if reading the ingredients for a casserole recipe. Her facial expression didn't change much either.

"Follow me and I will give you a tour and introduce the rest of the staff."

Mrs Barbara Collins gave Jessica the official tour of the mansion, periodically taking the time to explain her grandmother's rules around this and that thoughout the house.

"All bed sheets are to be changed every third day..."

"The plants in the conservatory are to be watered at sunrise..."

"The house windows are never to be opened between November 1 and April 15, no matter how warm it might become..."

And on... and on... and on...

Mrs Collins also took a moment to point out a bannister that Jessica had broken when she slid down it as a child. It has been one of the few and only times Jessica had previously visited her grandmother's estate. The sight of the old banister brought back memories and Jessica recalled Mrs Collins' cold prescence even back then. The woman practically looked the same...!

After making their rounds, Mrs Collins led Jessica back to the foyer where she abruptly stopped, spun around and asked point blank "And what are your plans, Miss Elliott? With regards to the estate? Will you be staying long? I had assumed you would be spending the night, so I took the liberty of making up a bed room for you. It's down the hall from your grandmother's on the 3rd floor.

"If you'd like, I can summon and introduce the other servants. There aren't many left. At least, not as many as there once were.

Mr Chow, your grandmother's personal driver.

Mr Collins, my husband and the groundskeeper.

Mr Tanner, his assistant and the handyman.

Mrs Shaffer, the cook.

Mr Dinkins, the butler.

Miss O'Donnell, the maid and seamstress."

Mrs Collins stood awaiting Jessica's reply.

The tour had been nice, even if it was a dusty old house. IT brought back lots of memories of her own past, of coming to visit her grandmother every now and again. It had really been only twice that she'd come up there. "Well, I wasn't really planning on staying for too long, but since you went to so much trouble...." Jessica's voice trailed off, "I suppose it wouldn't do any harm to stay one night."

"Just so you know, I am planning to sell the estate. It won't really be used that often and there is no use to have all these servants doing jobs around a mansion where no one is living. It's a waste of time really. I will of course give you all a severence pay for the time you were after my grandmothers death."

Jessica paused for a second, pushing her dark brown hair out of her eyes, then continued speaking, "And you need not summon all the servants. It's fine really."

Mrs Collins showed a slightly pained expression, the first sign of emotion she'd shown.

"That is most unfortunate, dear," she spoke in a matter of fact tone. "This house and surrounding lands have been in your family for over 200 years. There is much history here. Much that you ought to learn about. Perhaps give yourself the few days you planned to spend here to reconsider.

"And I will insist that you meet with the rest of the household. If you're going to be giving them their walking papers, the least you could do is meet with them in-person first," she scolded.

Mrs Collins showed Jessica to the dining room where Mr Dinkins was setting out lunch for Jessica. The dining room was a rectangular shaped room filled with old oil portaits of Jessica's ancestors. At the head of the table was a portrait of her grandmother, her pale steely blue eyes sparkling. The painting was about 20 years old, judging from her grandmother's white hair and facial lines that were not as deep as they would become in her later years. Sitting upright and alert at grandmother's feet was a large gray siberian husky. One of these beautiful animals was in every one of her ancestor's portraits, except for two, which happened to be the oldest portraits in the room. The first was of a powerful looking man in his 30s with dark brown hair, dressed in 18th century attire, the other was a beautiful, raven haired woman in her 20s also in 18th century attire.

Mr Dinkins was a short, balding man in his mid-40s with large ears, a kind smile and soft hazel eyes that held a twinkle of childlike mirth. He wore a dark tuxedo and white gloves. Mrs Collins introduced them, suggested they might want to get to know one another and then left them.

As Jessica sat down, Mr Dinkins remained standing to the side, arms folded behind his back. After some small talk, Mr Dinkins quickly warmed up. Where Mrs Collins was somewhat cold, Mr Dinkins was warm and non-assuming. He recounted Jessica with stories of the house and her grandmother. He spoke fondly of Jessica's visits as a child, recalling the red ribbons she wore in her curly hair and her laughter. He was such a good storyteller and Jessica felt the beginnings of a genuine affection for this sweet caring man, almost like a favorite uncle.

Midway through the meal, Mrs Collins re-entered, followed by a short, dark reddish haired young woman in her early twenties whom she introduced as Miss O'Donnell the maid and her grandmother's seamstress. Miss O'Donnell was the newest member of the household staff, having come over 2 years ago from Kerry, Ireland. She was polite and deferred to Mrs Collins unless spoken to directly. Mrs Collins explained that Miss O'Donnell would be making up Jessica's room and would be at her beck and call throughout her stay. She would also take care to unpack Jessica's things and see to it that she was comfortable. (Mr Chow had already carried her bags to her room, she explained.) After a polite curtsey, Miss O'Donnell hurried off. Mrs Collins nodded to Mr Dinkins and then left them once again.

"You know, Jessica, your grandmother has a neighbor on the estate down the lane. A Mr Edwards. He came to dinner here quite often, by invitation of your grandmother. I could send word to him as well, if you'd like. He is descended from the Elliot's and his family has lived here for over 200 years as well. I believe one of his ancestors married one of yours at some point, hence your last name.

"Do you remember the tale your grandmother told about the lost treasure that was supposed to be buried on the estate somewhere? You used to hunt for it as a girl. Mr Edwards might know something about that."

"That is most unfortunate, dear," she spoke in a matter of fact tone. "This house and surrounding lands have been in your family for over 200 years. There is much history here. Much that you ought to learn about. Perhaps give yourself the few days you planned to spend here to reconsider.”

Jessica supposed she could do that. There wouldn’t be any harm in staying for the few days and possibly reconsider, but highly doubted she would do so. After all, she didn’t really need the mansion, even if it did have sentimental value. She didn’t say that though.

"And I will insist that you meet with the rest of the household. If you're going to be giving them their walking papers, the least you could do is meet with them in-person first," she scolded.

Jessica bit back a smile and nodded, “Yes maam.” It was amazing how this woman could make her feel like a child again. She followed Mrs. Collin into the dining room where she met one of the first servants that she’d actually seen inside the mansion. He really didn’t catch her eye, it was the photos on wall which seemed to create a circle around the dining room.

The one of her grandmother and the dog was something she’d seen many times before in photo albums but the other two had really caught her eye. One had been of a very dominant…no not dominant, powerful looking man who she assumed might’ve been in his thirties and portrait next to it was of a girl in her mere 20’s.

She wondered who they were, but brushed it off soon enough and brought her attention back to the real world. Mr. Dinkins was a kind man, it seemed. After Mrs. Collins left them alone, she stood there awkwardly and bit her lip until he finally said something. They started talking of her childhood, coming to visit her grandmother and instantly she felt as though he were a part of her family.

Two other servants came in whom she quickly got to know and started to feel as though they were a part of her family as well.

"You know, Jessica, your grandmother has a neighbor on the estate down the lane. A Mr Edwards. He came to dinner here quite often, by invitation of your grandmother. I could send word to him as well, if you'd like. He is descended from the Elliot's and his family has lived here for over 200 years as well. I believe one of his ancestors married one of yours at some point, hence your last name.

"Do you remember the tale your grandmother told about the lost treasure that was supposed to be buried on the estate somewhere? You used to hunt for it as a girl. Mr Edwards might know something about that."

“Sure, that sounds great.” She did recall somewhat, going on a fake treasure hunt with a little boy close to her age. It would be nice to talk to someone and maybe get some insight on the house. If it did have buried treasure or something historical about it, she really shouldn’t sell the estate.

She gave one more look towards the oil painting of the man then turned back to Mrs. Collins. “Would you mind showing me to my room, I’m sort of tired at the moment.”

Mr Dinkins noticed Jessica eyeing the assorted paintings in the room.

"These are portraits of your ancestors, you know. Mrs Collins knows more about them than me, but you surely know that one is your grandmother and the one next to her is her father and those are his parents and so on back."

When Jessica glanced again at the powerful looking man near the door to the kitchen, Mr Dinkins smiled and chuckled.

"Oh, that one. Heh heh. Yes, he's quite the striking sort, isn't he? Ask Mrs Collins, but if I recall correctly, I think he might be Lord Elliot, your namesake."

When Mrs Collins returned, Jessica asked to be shown to her room. As they left, Mr Dinkins said he would call upon Mr Edwards and invite him to dinner that evening.

Mrs Collins led Jessica up two flights of stairs and down the long, dark hallway to her room, which was directly across from her grandmother's old room. As they entered, Miss O'Donnell was just finishing hanging the last of Jessica's things.

"Will ye need me ta iron anythang for ye?" she asked politely.

Before Jessica could answer, Mrs Collins asked Miss O'Donnell to wait outside for a moment. Once she had stepped into the hallway and Mrs Collins shut the door, she turned back to Jessica and spoke.

"Your grandmother left a will, as you may or may not be aware. In it was a letter to you. It's in her study on the 2nd floor. It has not been opened and is sealed in wax. And as you also know, as her only living heir, this house, its lands, its servants, its many possessions... and its secrets... are all yours. I shall not begin to tell you how you should go about conducting yourself or your business, but your grandmother was a respected member of the community and was known to hold frequent dinner parties for her friends. I could make introductions there, when you feel ready.

"In the wardrobe over there you will find some of your grandmother's finer possessions. There's a jewelry box and some elegant dresses she wore in her younger days. Some might be a bit outside of your taste, perhaps, but your grandmother's taste was impeccible.

"One more thing. Owen Tanner, my husband's assistant, sends his regards. You might recall him from when you were a child. His father and mother worked here and he grew up here. They are both deceased, so now he works here. When he heard you were coming, he was clearly excited to see you again. You were the only friend his own age the poor child ever had as his parents insisted upon home schooling him here.

"Now, shall I send Miss O'Donnell in to collect anything you wish to have pressed and ironed?"

"Will ye need me ta iron anythang for ye?" she asked politely.

Just as Jessica was about to respond with a no, that she wouldn’t need anything ironed Mrs. Collins came back inside to explain to her about the will her grandmother had left which came with a letter specifically meant for Jessica. She mentioned things like the mansion was under her care, something Jessica was highly aware of then Mrs. Collins went on to say as well as its possessions and secrets. That caught Jessica’s attention.

Jessica nodded her consent to the introduction of the community. She had never been like what her grandmother was described as…a social person, she rarely threw parties or gatherings but, if it was expected of her…what could the harm be in attempting to have parties and such.

"In the wardrobe over there you will find some of your grandmother's finer possessions. There's a jewelry box and some elegant dresses she wore in her younger days. Some might be a bit outside of your taste, perhaps, but your grandmother's taste was impeccible.”

Jessica walked towards the closet to look at the dresses, she tilted her head curiously. Most of them seemed like they were from the 18th century or something. It was definitely not the style Jessica was used to but…the style still captivated her. It shocked her to know her grandmother wore things that no one in this day and age would be caught wearing.

"One more thing. Owen Tanner, my husband's assistant, sends his regards. You might recall him from when you were a child. His father and mother worked here and he grew up here. They are both deceased, so now he works here. When he heard you were coming, he was clearly excited to see you again. You were the only friend his own age the poor child ever had as his parents insisted upon home schooling him here.


"Now, shall I send Miss O'Donnell in to collect anything you wish to have pressed and ironed?"

“No that isn’t needed at the moment.” Jessica said, lightly brushing her fingertips over one of the dress ensembles. It was deep purple and styled almost as though it was designed for a belly dancer, but not quite. She turned back to Mrs. Collins, “Could you bring me the letter please? I’d like to read it.”

Mrs Collins left the room to retrieve the letter as Jessica requested. Finally alone, Jessica was able to take in her surroundings. The bedroom wasn't dusty at all. In fact, it was impeccibly clean. Apparently the staff did know how to clean, when properly motivated.

The jewelry box in the wardrobe would hardly be considered a box. A trunk was more like it. As Jessica looked through it, she was amazed at the size of the stones she found. Diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds. Grandmother's jewelry alone was enough to buy a large house and a couple of cars for the driveway! Jessica had known her grandmother was well off, but...

"Miss Elliot?" Mrs Collins voice broke Jessica's awe. "Your grandmother's will and the sealed letter she left for you."

Handing over the documents, Mrs Collins turned to leave. She paused at the door and turned back to Jessica.

"Dinner is at 6 sharp. Your grandmother always deemed it so."

Mrs Collins paused, seeming to search for words. It was the first time Jessica had seen her less than fully composed.

"Miss Elliot, if I may be candid? Your grandmother was always very, very kind to myself, the other servants and all who worked here. She was beloved by all of us and her death was difficult. I do hope, in part for sentimental reasons, that you choose to stay and not sell the mansion.

"If you wish to change any of the the mansion's protocol's please inform me and I will ensure it is done. We have continued to honor your grandmother's wishes. The hallways are quite dusty as well and I would like to have them cleaned. When your grandmother fell ill, she asked that we not vacuum as she was a light sleeper and struggled to sleep whenever she could. If you wish, we shall begin immediately."

After Mrs Collins left, Jessica was finally alone to read the letter. The envelop was sealed with wax in the form of the family crest, complete with the familiar wolf's head at the top of it.

Jessica opened and unfolded the parchment within. Parchment? Who writes on parchment in the 21st century?

My Dearest Jessica,

It is most unfortunate that I did not get to see you again before my passing. Know that I am very proud of you. I have kept tabs on you and you seem to be doing well and happy in your career. It was my wish that you would have come to visit an old woman and let her look into your eyes once again, but after the falling out your father, Graham, and I had, it is understandable if you might feel some bitterness towards me. I feel none to you or your father. It took me 10 years and Graham's death to admit it to myself, but I was in the wrong.

My final living wish is to make peace with you, my only heir. Elliot Manor, its lands and belongings are now and forever yours. You inherit the legacy of a family that has lived on these lands for well over 200 years. The portraits of your ancestors line the dining room. In my study, you will find a book of the Elliot and Hawkins family history, which includes notes on who is whom in the dining room.

I do suggest you continue the family tradition of monthly dinner parties. Our neighbors are quite a charming lot and it is my hope that you find your place among them. For an old money sort, they are not the snobs you would expect. Well, some of them, at least.

This old manor is something of a puzzle. It is full of mysteries and secrets, some of which I suspect I never discovered. I wish that I could be with you as you discover them.

I do wish to give you a clue to your first adventure. Do you recall that old family treasure you and the Tanner boy spent the better part of a week searching for when you visited when you were 8? Well, I suspect your dear old grandmother stumbled across a clue to it. Your great-grandfather had a walking stick with a golden wolf's head. It belonged to one of our ancestors. He always suspected it was Lord Eric Elliot's, the rather handsome man in one of the dining room portraits without a wolf beside him.

By chance one day, the old thing was knocked over and the head broke off. I was surprised to find it wasn't broken, but merely came off to reveal a secret compartment. In this compartment was a part of a map that leads off into the woods and a conspicuous 'X'. I suspect this is your treasure, dear.

I never bothered to look into it because I already had more money than God and what would more jewelry do for me? I had hoped you would visit and we might search for it together. Perhaps we might take the Tanner boy along? You should know that he works here now, is fiercely protective of me and speaks of you often, like a long lost friend.

The cane is in the study, should you ever need it. You will also find another family heirloom, the Elliot Wolfshead ring, in my jewelry box. I wore on a chain around my neck and found it brought me good luck. Perhaps it will do the same for you.

Good luck, dear. It is my heartfelt wish that this manor and its lands instill in you a sense of comfort and family and that you will choose to stay and live here.

Lovingly yours, your Grandmother,
Elizabeth Anne Hawkins Elliot

As Jessica finished reading the letter she heard a lawn mower running outside. Glancing out the window, she spotted a tall, good looking man in his mid-to-late-20s with sandy blonde hair pushing the mower along. Something about him looked very familiar. Could it be Owen Tanner, her childhood playmate?

Jessica quickly finished reading the letter. She supposed that since her grandmother had felt so strongly about the mansion, there would be no absolute reason to sell it. Besides, Mrs. Collins said that she would have the place dusted and besides, it must be tough trying to find a good job. The sound of the lawn mower caught her attention and she walked towards the window to see who it was.

She wasn’t certain but she thought it might be Owen Tanner, her childhood friend. It was a definite possibility. She bit her lip and walked to the library which was supposed to hold the book her grandmother had been talking about into the study where the cane and the family heirloom of her grandfathers journal.

She grabbed hold of it and immediately felt a shock from it, hitting her hand. She bit her lip and opened up one of the journal.

January 3rd, 1809

Dear Journal,

I met a man today,he was quite charming. Yes, most charming indeed. He told me that his name was Lord Eric Elliot. He is very handsome and all the ladies swoon over him as though he were God’s gift to women, but I suppose he is with his dashing looks. He has wonderfully dark brown hair and deep hazel eyes. I could stare into them for eternity. He has a very powerful prescence about him and I didn’t get to speak with him much this evening, we only greeted one another and then he went on his way to chat with the other ladies at the party.

My friends say that during the whole evening he constantly stared at me as though I were a lover of his. I do not believe it though. Tis improper for such a man of his ranking to do so with a lady such as I.
Jessica Hawkins

All of what her ancestor of whom she had been named after had written seemed so intensely familiar and for a brief second she almost felt like she herself had written it. Jessica shook her head, trying to shake away the odd feelings.

"Jessica?"

Jessica was standing in the garden just beyond the double glass doors on the back of the house. She hadn't realized she'd come downstairs and stepped outside. The dazed feeling she'd felt reading the journal still swirled about her.

Slowly approaching her was the young, sandy blonde man she'd seen mowing the lawn.

"It's Owen. Owen Tanner. Remember? From when we were kids?"

He broke into a sudden smile, rushed forward and embraced Jessica.

"I'm so glad to see you! I... I've been looking forward to seeing you again!"

He kissed her cheek lightly, the scruff on his face brushing against her delicate skin. Jessica suddenly felt light headed again, the odd familiar deja vu feeling again. For an instant, their surroundings seemed to blur and his simple t-shirt and work jeans were replaced with a finely tailored white shirt, coat and dark trousers and riding boots. His friendly smile morphed into an expression-less stare.

"Lady Hawkins," this other Owen began, "Jessica... I must insist you stay away from Lord Elliot at all costs. The man is dangerous, I tell you."

"Kelly," she heard herself say, "You are not my father. Who I see and who I deem to spend my time with 'tis my own matter."

Suddenly the world seemed to spin and the familiar Owen was standing before her again.

"Huh? Who's Kelly? Jessica, what are you talking about?" he asked, a puzzled expression on his face.

Indeed, she hadn't even realized she'd gone outside. When she was outside the small breeze had blown, causing her hair to blow in the breeze. A familiar voice called her, causing Jessica to look up and be brought back from her thoughts of the journal entry she had read.

"It's Owen. Owen Tanner. Remember? From when we were kids?"

She stared at him with a dazed look, though she was there in body, her spirit seemed to slightly still be in the 18th century as he continued speaking to her after giving her a hug..

Lady Hawkins," this other Owen began, "Jessica... I must insist you stay away from Lord Elliot at all costs. The man is dangerous, I tell you."

"Kelly," she heard herself say, "You are not my father. Who I see and who I deem to spend my time with 'tis my own matter."

She hadn't even realized she'd said the words herself, outloud. Everything just seemed to be like a dream.

Huh? Who's Kelly? Jessica, what are you talking about?" he asked, a puzzled expression on his face.

Jessica blinked coming back to this day and age. "Kelly?" She questioned, "I...don't...know. I'm sorry, I just I've been really out of it since my grandmothers death. How are you Owen? My it has been awhile, hasn't it?"

Odd things were really starting to happen.

Owen cracked a half smile, seeming a little uncertain of whether she was playing with his or not.

"Um... yeah. Yeah! It has been awhile. I've been good. Sounds like you're doing really well!"

The two spent a half hour standing there catching up. Owen still lived on the grounds and had taken over his father's role of handyman and helped out with the groundskeeping. There was more he clearly wanted to share with her as he seemed to be almost bursting at the seams with excitement.

When Jessica mentioned the map and her grandmother's letter, Owen's eyes lit up. Although time had passed, he was still like a little boy, eager to go off on a treasure hunt. They unrolled the map along one of the stone planters and quickly gained their bearings. Owen pointed at a set of trees in the distance.

"I'll bet the 'X' is somewhere over there."

"I'll bet the 'X' is somewhere over there."

This area looked...exceedingly familiar, not that everything including Owen hadn't seemed the least bit familar. She thought that it was because she knew Owen since they were kids and the forest, they'd played through here many times when they were children. That had to be the reason.

"We should go check it out." Jessica said, smiling at the blonde haired man. "Who knows what the treasure could be? Pirate dubloons?" Her and Owen used to joke about pirate dubloons when they were children. "Race ya!" She rushed into the forest before Owen could say another word.

Owen raced after Jessica, laughing as he went, gaining on her heels. When they reached the tree line, he darted past her, spun around and plunked himself down onto a fallen tree in their path as if to say "what took you so long?" He let out a loud burst of laughter.

"Beat ya!"

Out of breath, the two sat on the log for a few minutes, their shoulders just touching. It was like they were old friends who had never been apart. There was a familiar feeling, a genuine affection they felt for one another, in spite of the many years that had passed.

After their rest, they followed the map deeply into the wooded area. Owen pointed out a large gray, moss covered rock that seemed out of place beside an ancient weeping willow tree.

"There! C'mon, Jessica. Help me move this thing!"

"Beat ya!"

Jessica stuck her tongue out at Owen, just as she had years ago. She couldn't help but feel that familiar since of...companionship, something she would have blamed on being friends with Owen when they were children, except this was different. It was as though they'd known each other for..centuries.

Then they spotted it, the large rock near the old willow tree, that Jessica had used to love climbing when she was a child. It seemed horridly out of place though.

"There! C'mon, Jessica. Help me move this thing!"

Jessica nodded and followed behind him, helping to move the box.

"What do you think it is?"

As they heaved and pulled, the rock finally moved, revealing a narrow hole beneath.

"What do you think it is?"

"Dunno. Dubloons maybe?" Owen chuckled.

Owen reached into the whole, feeling around. Suddenly he let out a horrifying scream of anguish, his expression turning white!

"HAHAHAHAHA!!!! JUST MESSIN' WITH YA!!!"

Owen pulled his hand out and had to wipe the tears from his eyes.

"I saw Nick Cage do that in a movie once. Heh heh."

Owen reached back into the hole again. This time, it emerged holding a small wooden box.

"Looks like we got somethin'! You wanna do the honors or should I?"

"Dunno. Dubloons maybe?"

Jessica smirked at the joke and then jumped back as he yelped in fear. Had something gotten him? Surely something had gotten his hand? Oh god, what if it was some vicious animal or...a creepy monster...or...

Her thoughts were immediately cut off by his laughter.

"I saw Nick Cage do that in a movie once. Heh heh."

"Oh, verrrrry mature Owen." She said playfully as she rolled her eyes. Jessica watched in curiosity as he pulled out a wooden box. For some reason, she felt like she was the one who was supposed to open it.

"Uh, I'll do it." She said, taking the box.

Jessica opened it up slowly.

Inside the box lay a beautiful gold ring with a large emerald. The letter "S" was inscribed on both sides. The emerald sparkled in the sunlight shining through the trees and Jessica and Owen stared wordlessly for a few seconds.

"Whoa! It's... beautiful."

After staring a few more seconds, Owen examined the hole in the ground again and concluded there was nothing more inside it.

"Jessica, can I... can I see that box a moment?"

He held his hand forward.

Jessica stared at the beautiful golden ring, while wondering what the lett S stood for. She knew it stood for something, something that was important and it was on the tip of her tongue but she couldn't quite remember what it stood for.

"Whoa! It's... beautiful."

"Yeah, it is..." Jessica whispered, her eyes still captured on the ring itself. Flashes of a man, though she couldn't quite see his face wearing it when...when....again, it was on the tip of her tongue and she almost thought, when he had killed her, but...that was foolish.

"Jessica, can I... can I see that box a moment?"

"Huh? Oh yeah sure." Jessica handed the box over to Owen, still lost in her own thoughts.

Owen took the box and peered at the ring. Something about it seemed so... familiar. As if he was looking upon a long lost sentimental item that had been given up for gone forever. It almost seemed to... call out to him.

He hesitantly picked it up, as if expecting it to burn. When it did not, he slipped it onto his ring finger on his right hand. It was a perfect fit!

Owen suddenly felt a jolting sensation. While he didn't fully grasp it immediately, the memories, desires and dreams of another were poured into his subconscious mind in that instant. The very essence of Kelly Slater, long dead and gone from this world, entered Owen and they became one.

Owen looked up from the box and ring toward Jessica.

"Nice ring, eh? Lot of trouble for just this little ol' thing."

He smirked a sly grin and stepped closer to Jessica.

"You know, Jessica, I was always so grateful to your family for giving me a place to stay. And since you're the new Lady of the estate, I was wondering whether there might be something I could do for you? To show my... appreciation."

He drew close to her, not touching, but leaning into her personal space, his face mere inches from hers. His eye lids hung low, a devious, seductive look to them.

"A-ny-thing..." he whispered, drawing the word out.

Inside, everything felt right. Suddenly Jessica was no longer merely his childhood friend. She was a prize he had sought for ages. She was the one woman in the world for whom he would do anything... do anything to have... to possess...

Jessica turned her attention to Owen who seemed to be admiring the ring. "Yeah, it's extremely beautiful. I wonder who it belonged to and why anyone would hide such a beauty." She said as she turned her gaze back to the ring.

"You know, Jessica, I was always so grateful to your family for giving me a place to stay. And since you're the new Lady of the estate, I was wondering whether there might be something I could do for you? To show my... appreciation."

Jessica looked up at Owen with a confused frown, "You really don't have to..." she said warily as she looked at her childhood friend. Why was he acting so strange? Her heart pounded as he moved closer to her, in her personal space. She gave him a sidelong glance as he leaned over to whisper in her ear.

"A-ny-thing..." he whispered, drawing the word out.

Jessica shuddered, feeling a tiny amount of...of somehting. She wasn't sure what it was though, fear...pleasure?

"Nothing, really comes to mind." she whispered softly.

Owen didn't speak. His eyes communicated his intentions. He drew closer, closer. His lips were mere centimeters from hers. And then she felt... drawn... compelled... to kiss him.

Their kiss was electric, like a current had been reconnected. Their bodies embraced and pressed against one another. Seconds later, Owen had pressed her against the willow tree and ran his hands down her sides, his thumbs stroking the sides of her breasts, his tongue darting in and out of her mouth, swirling around her tongue and lips. His manhood had sprung to life and pressed through his jeans against her.

"Jessica... I've missed you so..."

Something about his whisper was different... his voice and tone seemed... different...

Everything seemed to happen so fast. One minute, she was tellin Owen no, the next he was kissing her and now, his hands were caressing her body. This was wrong, so utterly dangerous, which for some reason made it all the more appealing. She felt the utter need to have him respond to her kiss, like...like...she couldn't even explain it.

When he pulled slightly away, she could hear his voice, with more of a...british accent. "Jessica... I've missed you so..."

She pulled away, "I...sorry, I just...it was a mere impulse."

As she drew away, Owen caught himself. What was he doing? This wasn't like him! Jessica was beautiful and he'd always harbored a secret crush on her when they were children, but why had he been so aggressive now?

"Jessica... I... no, please. It's my fault. I'm sorry. I don't what came over me."

He pulled the ring off and placed it back in the box and handed it to her.

"Um, here. I think this is yours."

He blushed, clearly embarrassed by his behavior.

However, deep inside his mind, part of him insisted it had been right and they were destined for one another...