Final Destiny- The Trilogy and The End. (closed)

[Sweetp4u]

"Her vital's are normal but she is waking up Doctor."
"Are you certain? She looks the same, hasn't moved?"
"I am certain I heard her say something and I seen her move."
"Any one to contact to let them know?"
"No, I am afraid not."
"Oh. Yes I recall her now, been awhile."

I could feel cool hands touching my brow, taking my pulse, but I could not seem to pry my eyes open nor speak. Odd, what was wrong with me? How did I get where I am now? And sure there was Mike to contact incase of an emergency.

"Mrs. Reins has been here for awhile, but there is no next of kin for her."
"Don't worry about that Lisa until we know for sure if she is waking up.. The odds of her waking up after this long is minimal if not zilch."

I heard that! I coughed and tried to open my eyes, the lids fluttered but I could not focus on anything. Why? dear god was I blind?! Panic was welling up inside me as I tried to lift my hand and rub my nose, but there was no movement in my hands, my nose still itched!?
"My god!?" The nurse Lisa uttered, "See!" Her voice estatic sounding.
"Nurse, get the lights please. Mrs. Reins? Can you hear me?"
I groaned, trying to speak and trying to nod, but nothing came out of my mouth and my head did not move.
"Take it easy Mrs. Reins.. Calm down and relax.. You've been in a coma for five years.."
A coma? Why? What had happened? It was only this morning that I loaded up the car to head to the beach with Mike and my kids?
"Waaaaa..." I tried to say what, but I couldn't seem to form the words.
"Is she paralized?"
"No, this is just a reaction to being in bed for so long. She had only a head injury and this coma against her. It will take her some time to recover completely."
"Yes, I remember this now, sorry. I am just so excited she is waking up!"
Lisa wasn't a real nurse in a true sense but merely a 'candy striper' slash nurses aid, but she longed to be one and had hoped some day..
My eyes slowly came open as the light dimmed.
"Where am I?" My heart hammered in my breast, "Wh.. Where is.. my family.."I could barely speak and already I was feeling drained.
"All in due time Mrs. Reins. Right now we need you to relax for the most part...and welcome back." he squoze my hand in a friendly manner and left, instructing the aid to see to my comfort and take off all the monitors but the heart and temperature monitor.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I stood over the graves of my husband and three small children. My heart still not accepting what had happened to me and to them. I spent months recovering, nearly a full year, always thinking I could do this. They would want me to go on, I had a purpose for living. But why they were taken and I was spared? I did not know. And I felt it was unfair and punishment of some kind for some wrong I did and didn't remember.
"Leigha?" I turned to the voice of my old college room mate.
"Yes?" I felt dazed, still floored by the accident reports, the articles on all that was done for my family and for me as well. It floored me so many helped, so many were there, just waiting and preying I would awaken. It did happen, after five long years and alot of charity drives to keep me on life support and in a care unit.
"We should be going." she spoke softly, it was dark now and begining to rain lightly. I felt nothing. Not the cold of the rain nor the ache from standing here as long as I had. I had cried and cried for months. Wondering why, dealing with the 'why' and realizing there was no why to it. It was Destiny.... destiny always had a weird hand to deal, and boy did it deal me a bad one.
Thirty five years old. I did not feel it, my last birthday was a week before the accident. I had just turned thirty years old. Mike was making jokes about approaching that hill fists held high.. Mike. lord how I missed him! I knelt down and placed a rose over each child's tombstone. Taking all my strength and will power not to cry and break down again.
Cynthia was waiting, I had to go. She had been sitting here with me for hours now and she had her own family to return to. Mike's parents had paid for the remainder owed on the house since his life insurance and all the other insurances covered everything including the bulk of our belongings. I had yet to return to the house, it had been left untouched since that fateful day. Twice a week Cynthia had cleaned it and left. Nothing moved, could I go back there?
I turned and walked quietly to the car, climbing inside, I felt her reassuring hand on my own. Glancing up I seen her watery smile and sorrow in her eyes. For them it was over and dealt with. For me it was if it happened last night. The final resting place, and I was not in those loving arms where I longed to be.
Perhaps I had a purpose for being here? I could only imagine what that could possibly be?

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

For two weeks now I had begun to dream strange things, things that did not make sense to me. Things that kept waking me up as if I was watching some sci fi movie meets horror story. The house on the hill, the name of the town calling to me. Why did I feel so compelled to go there?
I turned over in the hotel bed and stared at the bolted down alarm clock. I should be home, dealing with things, and I still could not. I argued today with Cynthia, but could not cow down to her demands and go home. I needed more time, I needed..... Something.
A name kept whispering in my ear, not my husbands name, not my two boys or daughter. No one I knew, but it kept echoing in there. A song kept playing, a bar smoke filled and a man hunched over in pain. Where was this? When was this? Why did I hear french in my sleep and feel loss greater than my own? I felt I had lost more than just my family, I had lost my soul.
Only time would tell, and I did intend to seek answers. I was going tomorrow to Colorado to this small town. Something there might clue me in as to why I wanted to be there, what was there for me? What had I lost?

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The hands of destiny are often sweeter than the finest wine and sometimes destiny collides with our own desires. Causing mischief and trouble, sorrow and pain. Sometimes destiny's hand is cruel in that moment of clarity, something we don't want, don't wish for, but have to take or be damned to suffer for it. Call it fate, call it de ja vue.. I call it destiny.

 

[BLACK BART]

Eric

“How long has that drunk been here?” The voice inquired softly, pointing at me.

“He hasn’t ordered anything stronger than coffee and he hasn’t touched that”

“Then he’s a vagrant?” The voice pressed and I tensed, ready to lift my head from the cool of the bars counter.

“No, Just worn out, leave him alone Sheriff, He’s OK where he is”

“One of these days you’ll suffer for that soft heart of yours, Maggie” Came the warning, then footsteps as he left. I raised my head and met the eyes of the bar owner, gentle brown eyes that looked at me not understanding, but accepting.

“Thank You, Maggie” I spoke the words softly, trying to save energy…

“I would be happy to do it again, and so much more if you would just let me” The words were said gently, a loving yet pleading tone that made me slowly shake my head.

“Of all humans you should understand, my dear lady, I cannot” Words of apology and regret…”I have made a promise and will keep it”

“Even if you die trying?” She spit out the bitter words. “What if…”

“Then I would feel it, I would feel the hole she leaves in my heart and I would know” I interrupted gently, chastising her softly as I lifted myself from the stool slowly, using the cane I had brought to help me as I moved for the door. “I will return tomorrow, if you will allow it?”

“You know I will, damn you” She cursed me, smiling softly as her eyes followed each of my weak steps. “You need not ask, Eric”

I moved out into the nights air, breathing it in and smelling the trees, the woods…feeling with all my senses beyond it all and reaching as far as my energies would allow, hoping.
My shoulders sagged and I knew the pitiful sight I made, shambling down the road, moving towards the woods and not caring…In the twilight of sunrise I pulled the earth around me drawing it close and over me,, as I spoke my final words before I rested.

“I am waiting my love”

 

[Sweetp4u]

Leigha

Some strange urge drove me on, thruought the day and night and next morning.. And still I was driving, a destination unknown but I knew some how I would know it when I seen it.
And so I drove, my mind going over and over, whispering a name to me.
"Eric' a mornful whailing voice, a soft plea and broken heart and a yearning for this unnamed man. Who was he? Why was I being pulled into the west? I drove from Virginia to Colorado without stopping, just driving, fueling, eating and moving on.
My hands tightened around the wheel the stress inside my body making my shoulders ache as I gazed at the sign on the side of the road shining in the head lights.
I sat aside the freeway, staring at the little town sign and exit notice. It was now or never, go on or turn back. I felt and found my locket around my neck, caressing the hidden portraits of my sons.
"Go on Leigha! Go!" The voice inside my head urged me. "We're one, we are the same. I offer you something you have always dreamt of.." The voice kept nagging me in my dreams in my waking hours. Something that was driving me nuts with it's innudeno's and hidden meaning.
I checked my blind spot and pulled back onto the freeway. I did not turn around as I was so tempted to, I kept going. My hands grew clamy, and my heart raced wildly in my ears so much so the blaring of the radio faded into the background.
I took the exit and located the small town motel sitting next to a bar and grill and a bus station. I was here,... I was finally here in this no named town. A song whispered in my ear.."B-17.." its haunting melody something I hadn't heard until I woke up all those months ago..
I parked before the motel and climbed out of the car. Stretching I glanced around. I did not know what I expected to see here, perhaps something revealing its self to me instantly? But nothing happened. I could hear the crickets chirping and a few cars driving around the town. The bar had some music coming from it and the local sheriff was driving down the road.
Nothing different here?? Why was I called here? Shaking my head, I slammed my car door and headed inside to get a room. I needed sleep and then I would venture into this town and see why...
Why? I wish I had some inkling to the why's, but the voice was silent inside me.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Leigha

The bright light of the sun rising over the mountains crept across the floor inch by inch until it hit my closed eyes. Something in that warmth woke me from the dream riddled sleep, stretching I shielded my eyes as I rolled over to my side. Glancing at the alarm clock it was barely past six, yet it felt like I hadn't slept a wink in days.
Groaning as I rolled upwards, I sat on the edge of the bed. My mind telling me to get moving, I needed to shower and dress, find something to eat and get myself to the house. It kept nagging me, this house. Visions came to mind of each room in detail, where everything was located down to the spare candles. A house I had never been in before and the voice grew more urgent in my head. Time was short it said, running out on me. I had to beat the sands of fate and get there before sun down.
But why!?
I wanted to scream in frustration as it pounded into me over and over again. Was I recalling a story from a book? A movie? something before the accident that was vital? I wouldn't know until I followed the instructions in my mind to this 'house', then I would see if I was going crazy or not.
I showered and dressed in a simple pair of jeans and sweater. My heart pounding more and more as the aggitation grew inside me. I didnt know why i was aggitated or hurried, none of this made sense to me but another part of it did make sense. Uncertain, I bought some food at the local diner and ate in silence. No one said anything to me, though i did get strange looks from a few people. The waitress said I reminded her of someone, a woman who had been here a few years ago, rumored to live on the mountain outside of town.
I laughed it off, assured her I wasn't who she thought I was, but I was curious too as to whom she mistook me for? Manners dictated I did not ask, but I would file it away for a later use. My features had changed some what from the accident. A little cosmetic surgery and I was as good as normal, although altered slightly.
I walked out, saying nothing to the staring people and climbed into my car. Once again I started my car and drove, hands gripping the wheel as I worried what I had gotten myself into? The road was boring two lane road with trees on both sides. No mile markers, no town signs, just a long lonely stretch of pavement. I listened to a few songs on the radio before the voice inside my head said to turn. I shook myself out of it a moment and looked around, again I thought "Turn!" But where? I seen no signs of a road anywhere until I was upon the turn between to large trees.
Getting on the brakes my tires locked up as I skidded a little, slid a little sideways and stopped. Panting, my hands hurt from their grip on the wheel.
"God I hate that!" I swore a little as I threw it into reverse and backed up. Eyeing the road, I wondered if I was mad enough to actually drive my car down that? Turning the wheel, I knew I was indeed losing my mind. I got my car over the few ruts in the unpaved road and slowly began to climb up the mountain.
Again I wondered what I would find up here? What was driving me to come this way? I felt almost like I was living some cheap horror movie and my car would break down any minute just for spite. Laughing at the idea of something so stupid, I kept going. I did not believe in boogey men or haunted houses. Nothing real in them, just playing on people's fears of the unknown. I knew better.. A laugh sounded in my head, a delicate chuckle and I wondered if I had hit my head too hard when the accident happened?
My eyes widened as I crested the hill top, before me sat one very large old looking mansion. Spirals, gargoyles... the whole nine yards!? Stone house, balcony's.. all of it! Even a fountain sat in the middle of the rounded drive way, a huge wolf baring it's fangs as the water poured from it's mouth. That was NOT a very welcoming looking statue. Remembering I was sitting there idling, I pushed on the gas and pulled up along side the statue.
Shutting off the car, I bent forward over the wheel, just staring in awe of the huge mansion. I counted at least three stories high, four if their was a basement, beautiful.. Something out of an ancient romance novel set in scotland or something. Who would build that here in modern america?
It was now or never, and I could not help the nervousness that crept up inside me. Did someone live here? I saw no other vehicle, no signs of life in this place. All curtains were drawn, everything was clean but still looked 'unlived in'? I crawled out of the car and eyed the statue one last time before moving around it and my car and up to the front door.
Should I knock and see if someone lives here? Or stop with this whole crazy insane idea and leave?! I turned to knock and lowered my hand. My teeth sinking into my bottom lip as I thought, yes or no? Again I raised my hand to knock and lowered it.
"Oh this is stupid!" I turned from the door and walked to my car, marching around the machine intent on leaving and forgetting this stupidity and the dreams.
"Oh no!" I halted by the car, the rear tire flat.
"Not now!" I swore again, frustration welling up inside me, the temptation to cry great as I realized that bad horror movie was coming true.. I had no spare tire!

 

[BLACK BART]

Eric

SHE HAD RETURNED!!! I was sure of it as I pulled myself upwards, out of the soil, out past the roots and worms that had carressed me as I slept, rested....waited...

But now the rest was over, I could feel her vibrating within me, her very being throbbing inside me as I moved past the small lake.

I glanced down and started, seeing the reflection of my own hideousness for the first time in years...Years of not caring about anything except Lily coming back as she promised, years of letting my own body fail slowly, weaking the outer shell as I kept the inner alive and strong with her memories..and something more...

I still had speed...I could move nearly unseen for short times and I did, using the trees and heavy brush for cover as I flitted from one to another, each move taking me one step closer to HER.

I wanted to see her...NEEDED to see her, but dared not let her even glimpse me in my present state.

Would she still be the long haired beauty I carried in my thoughts? Would she still have that fire in her eyes that made me thrill so each time she looked at me?

I shook my head and laughed gently, fretting like an old woman over a favorite collectible...I didn't care for what she looked like, and her eyes...they would still carry the fire regardless of the color...

I stood watching her...Holding myself back from crossing the distance between the woods and car that she contemplated, feeling the worry she felt over the tire and no spare...

"Welcome Home My Love" I let the thoughts seep out of me and knew she had heard them by the surprise on her face...and the fear? Had I scared her?

"No need to worry, my Love" I assured her, letting her feel the love I carried in my heart for her. "I am here to protect you..to show you the answers that plague you and give you peace in your...new life?"

Again she turned, eyes wild and searching, looking for a place to flee to...someplace to hide from....me?

Perplexed and hurt I could do the only thing that might guarntee her continued presence and safety...I slipped gently into her mind..

"The house...It is your's...I've kept it as it was...for you to explore...to have a safe place...it is safe.."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Leigha

I felt a presense behind me and quickly turned around, but my eyes found nothing.
"This place is creeping me out.." my thoughts confused, upset and that feeling of being watched did not go away.
"Now what do I do?! Stupid Leigha.. Really stupid to come all the way out here and not make sure you had a spare!" I cursed myself inside my mind, once more unlocking the trunk and checking just to make sure.
"Oh yes, a spare.. goody.." The sarcasm dripped from my lips as I felt the flatness of the tire. "Figures."
I turned around again, looking into the woods around me, "Who's there?" I wrapped my arms around my middle and turned slowly, looking around, waiting for an answer. None came to me, the wind must be playing tricks on my mind.
I pulled out the spare, the jack and the tire iron. I would figure out a way to get some air into this tire if it was the last thing I did!
"Welcome Home My Love" I jumped up, turning around. Expecting someone to be standing beside me or behind me. The voice so deep, so close to my ear, I had heard it so clearly.
"This isn't funny! Who ever is playing these games with me best stop right this instant!" I called out, but not too loudly, I was still iffy about where I was.
I bent down and put the jack under the car, wiggling it around in the lose gravel, making sure it was level and secure. Putting the star into the pump end of the hydrolic jack, I jacked my car up once and stopped.
"Damned lug nuts!" I stopped, loosened them up a little better and then went back to putting the car up.
"No need to worry, my Love", the voice again so close I felt a shiver wash over my body. That did indeed scare me. I jumped up with a yelp and moved backwards, nearly falling into the fountain as my wide eyes searched the surrounding area.
"Wh-Who's th-there?" I questioned, heart racing inside my breast as I scanned around again for the owner of that voice.
"Please.. This isn't funny!" A clap of thunder broke overhead and I jumped once more, this time falling back into the fountain with a loud splash. I sat there in the warm water, upset, lost, scared and on the verge of tears again when a silent nudge from inside warned me to stop being stupid and immature.
That caused me to tense up, climb out and ignore the strange things around me. It was almost dark now, the sun was over the hill, and soon I would not be able to see anything. A shiver ran up and down my spine, eyes were watching me.
"Stop being silly Leigha!" I was too old for this crap.
"I am here to protect you..to show you the answers that plague you and give you peace in your...new life?" The tone in his voice, it gave me pause as I stopped working. I glanced around, a little less frightened but still unnerved by this voice. The sky darkened quickly as the wind picked up and dark clouds rolled in, creeping across the sky faster than I felt they should be!
"Who's there?" I whispered again, backing up from the car a little and walking towards the front door. I would not cower, I was mature and rational and there was nothing scary here. I had to grow up and stop acting the fool. Yeah good pep talk there Leigha.
Shaking my head, I knocked on the door, but this time the latch gave way and the door swung silently open.
"The house...It is your's...I've kept it as it was...for you to explore...to have a safe place...it is safe.."
I quickly jumped inside the house and yanked the door back, expecting someone to be standing there whispering to me.
"Dammit!" No one was there, hell not a sound was heard in the house.
"THIS ISNT A HOUSE! its a gawd damned palace!" I growled, irritated, I was imagining things, breaking and entering now. Whats next!? I moved further into the house as the rain began to fall outside heavily.
"Show yourself dammit! I know you are here somewhere!" I yelled out, someone was here. Something inside me said there was... but where?

 

[BLACK BART]

Eric

HIDEOUS

It was the word that came to my mind as I stared into the pond and saw myself again, as I was...Features withdrawn, shrunken...the flesh tight and withered brown as it stretched across the frame of my bones...Eyes so sunken you couldn't see the color of the pupil save for the dark center staring back at me...The mighty frame I was once so proud of shrunken and bent, making me into a gross parody of an ogre...the clothes filthy and odorous as they hung on me...

I looked to the house and willed the lights to come on...the windows flaring with the brilliance inside as and silhouetting her figure as she moved inside.

I could still feel the worry nagging at her..and my own emotions wanting to soothe her as I moved to the car and the flat tire...

A simple lift and I held the car up...enough to remove the nuts with the other hand and then remove the offending tire, sliding the other in place and replacing the nuts before lowering.

There was a small amount of air left in the new tire..enough I thought????....I reached inside of me and brought out a small amount of energy...the last reserve I had left and using it warmed the air, expanding it until the tire grew hard and stood proudly.

I felt eyes upon me...Her eyes and I looked over my shoulder, the drapes parted and her head turned towards me...I was weak...I would feed and return to find her...if she chose to stay, I couldn't face her as I was...

I moved away..the speed nearly gone as I faded into the trees, moving towards the scent of a poacher...sending a final message to HER..

"You need not fear what you can't see..I am your...friend. You are free to go if you wish"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Leigha

I moved inside a little further and jumped again as the lights came on.
"Who's there? Anyone home?! My car broke down...." I glanced around as I walked further into the entry way. A huge staircase was ahead of me, a beautiful mahogany colored wood, everywhere my eyes turned the house reeked of wealth.
"Anyone home?!" I called out again and go no answer. Then a small voice was heard again in my mind,
"You need not fear what you can't see..I am your...friend. You are free to go if you wish" Again his voice was heard, or was it inside my mind?
I turned around, a little too afraid to go deeper into the home, no matter what the voice did say to me.
"I can't.." i replied weakly, scared. A few tears fell as I felt defeated by myself for some reason. I turned and ran out, slamming the door behind me and to my car. Intending on fixing the flat and leaving, but I paused by my car as I realized it was done?
"How?!" I jumped into my car, i would go now, back to the cheap motel and sleep. Think things over again...
I felt a sadness well up inside me, a feeling I had let someone down. Was it me? Was it this mysterious man?
"I dont believe in the unbelievable things!" I replied, tear streaked face as I drove back down the worn drive way to the main road and back into town.
"Tomorrow.. I will come back tomorrow when someone is home.." I said over and over as I drove. Parking before the motel, I jumped out and checked around to make sure no one had followed me and let myself into my room. Pacing back and forth I tried to make sense out of all of this.

 

[BLACK BART]

Eric

I fed...One than another...and finally the third of the hunting party, gorging myself on the fresh blood of each, draining them to near death...and stopping at the final moment before.

I could feel my body filling out...Hear the sinews and muscles as they swelled back to the original shape they had before...Back to the man I once was, as I wanted HER to see me. I reached into the mind of each...erasing the memories of me and my feeding, leaving behind images of a wild animal and the killing of it as it attacked them.

"Do not reveal yourself to humans, lest they be aware and hunt you" It was the first order of the new council...One best followed in the times we lived in, one I had helped form after destroying the old...And one that I intended to break, full well knowing the consequences for it.

I was strong again...Strong in body and mind, my heart soaring at the idea of meeting her once again..and scared.

"Fear?" A word that dwelled in my mind...I tasted it in her at my touch...Not knowing who OR what was trying to speak to her...The thoughts had been constantly in my mind since the day I lost her. How to gently bring her back to what she was...WHO she was and then face her acceptance or rejection of it...Fear was in my mind, not for my safety...But for my heart if she rejected what she truly was...and in turn, me...

She had said she would return...And I busied myself, cleaning the yard...removing the accumulation of brush and trees, opening the heavy curtains that was drawn and letting the fresh air in..and finally making a quick flight, to find a pleasing meal for her....IF...

I returned to the yard, trimming the huge trees and the gloomy branches that hung so low, climbing the heights without effort and bringing the branches down, piling them for a bonfire once they were dry enough.

Gravel crunched and once again my heart leapt, feeling her approach as I stood in the sunlight and waited...

 

[Sweetp4u]

Leigha

The haunting dreams followed me to sleep all night, the music played over and over as so many brief things flashed in my mind. But never a face, only a touch now and then. A feeling that overwhelmed me.
I awoke bright and early, my heart hammering in my chest, his name on my lips. A cry of pleasure almost uttered from a dream. Or was it a memory? I had been faithful to my husband, I had been a good mother, so where were these things coming from?
I knew i had to go back and so I gathered up my things, and I got into my car once more, and I drove back to the house.
The road had been fixed this time, I noticed as I easily drove off the main highway. No more ruts in the road, no more things to dodge in the roadway.
Who had cleaned it up? I pulled up into the driveway and stopped the car. A man was cleaning up some things, his body turning to face me as I stopped.
Ok someone does live here. So what do I say to this man for my reasons for being here? No one knew my name here, I couldn't see how the house was mine and left for me. That was crazy, purely too hard to believe. And so I chose to ignore it as I climbed out and said, "hi, are you the owner?"

 

[BLACK BART]

Eric

"No Mrs. Reins, This property belongs to another, I'm only tending it for her until she claims it."

Her voice sent tremors thru me, my hands shaking as if suddenly cold..my heart pounding so hard the blood echoed in my ear drums. It wasn't the meeting I had dreamed of...But it was A meeting, as she had promised me so long ago.

"Lillll...She said you would be coming and I was to show the greatest courtesies, that you would need a place to stay...to rest?"

I calmed myself with an effort, then placed the rake aside, turning to face her and take in her every detail...Her hair...it was the same color...the same length...even the same cut and the way she brushed it back when talking...The skin was darker, more tan but then that was the result of being human again...and the scars were covered nicely...I knew of plastic surgery and it's advantages, intimately...

"I am staying nearby and tend for the grounds, though as of late I had fallen delinquint and I apologize for it"

What did I say to her? Did I rush to her and pull her in my arms, calling out her name as I kissed her?

I realized with a start I had been staring, the thoughts I had of that moment leaking from me like a seive...and by her face she had picked up at least part of them.

"Forgive me, I have been a bit UNDER the weather of late and forgotten my manners, would you let me show you the entire house and then we'll see if you care to stay?"

I ducked my head, hiding the flush that came to my face at the simple question and the way it terrified me so, all of me wanting to beg her to stay....and a voice warning me she was not mine...yet?

 

[Sweetp4u]

Leigha

How did this stranger know my name? And who was expecting me here? I felt a little light headed and weak and his strange stares was a little unnerving at this moment.
"Oh, i see.." Did I? Not really, this whole thing was a tiny bit confusing.
"Yes, a place to rest would be nice. I had no idea that I was expected though. Do I know who 'she' is?" I thought for a moment, a voice whispered inside my head, it was me.
I shook it off, glancing around a little and moving a few more steps towards the handsome man.
The first man i've noticed since.. well I did not want to think about it right now. But I did take notice of him, flushing a little in responce to his bold stare.
"It's alright, the place does not look that terrible at all.. Rather adds to the charm I think.." I tried to put him at ease, lord knows I needed put at ease as well. He was staring again and I kept wanting to ask why but did not dare.
He glanced away appologizing to me, "I am sorry to hear that, I do hope you get better soon.. Mr..?? And I would like to see the house.." I glanced up at the outside face, again marveling at the strange way it was put together.
I glanced back down at the... gardener? I did not know but he seemed nice to me.

 

[BLACK BART]

Eric

"Her name is Lily" I answered, thrilled at how she had accepted the invitation to stay..."And the last time we spoke?"

I was an emotional wreck, it came to me as I suppressed the picture of Lily in my arms...the final time...

"She said you would be coming, you might describe her as an old friend of yours. I promised to wait and make sure you adjusted, then pending a decision..."

I hated it, skating within the walls of the truth...barely, but not telling her the full truth, knowing she wasn't ready.

"My name is Eric. And I thank you for your concern, but I am suddenly better than I have been for a long while. Perhaps it was fate that brought you here and healed me at the same time?"

I smiled at the suggestion, it WAS fate...A fate I was thankfull for and the chance it gave me...gave...us?

"I will be happy to show you the house, answer your questions, make you comfortable...the house has many good memories, many of which I was fortunate to share in...and would be happy to share with you?"

We turned and walked together, shoulders nearly touching as we moved in unison..and I stole looks at her...SHE was here!

I held the door, admiring her as she moved past me and into the house..her house, hoping the time ahead would trigger something...anything and we could begin the journey forward...and back.

"What would you like to see first?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Leigha

Eric? The name gave me a pause and I felt something flutter in the edges of my mind.
No!? It couldn't be? My thoughts so lost in disbelief it took me a minute to focus on what he was saying. It was surely a coincidence, nothing more than that...
"See?" I paused, standing inside the doorway and glancing around. Familiar things tugged my mind, but I was thinking perhaps I had no mind at all!
"Anywhere would be fine, start at the bottom and work up?" Why was I being shown the house? I could never afford to buy it, I was a guest for what? A day or two at the most? Why did I feel compelled to go upstairs?
"Lead on Eric." I murmured softly, a little uncertain where this was going, but knowing that something wasn't quite right in this. Not with him or the house but with me. His name tickled my tongue, like i should know it. That there was more to him than he was letting on, and that something he knew I did not but desperately wished to find out.

 

[BLACK BART]

Eric

We spent a small amount of time on the main floor...I showed her the large kitchen, the attached dining room with it's formidable long formal table and the den connected to it.

We had spent little time in these rooms I realized, the memories all focused on the second floor..and the rooms above us, and as if she seemed to sense it "Leigha" turned to me and prompted softly.

"Can we see the second floor next?"

It startled me and I smiled to cover it, the idea appealing to me as the first floor had brought no indication of memories to her face as we moved thru them.

"Of course, I think you'll like how the rooms were decorated" I spoke gently, turning to her and drowning in her eyes. "I think the room where you'll be sleeping is my favorite"

We walked slowly up the grand staircase and I steered her to the first door...the entrance to Lily's room...and mine.

"Tell me your honest impressions of it?" I asked as I opened the door for her and stood aside.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Leigha

I followed him, some things sticking out in my mind, but nothing that gave me pause or notice. I knew where everything was already and yet it did not dawn on me overly much.
I kept walking behind him, viewing room after room and figured it was just a standard set up, that is why i knew where everything was put in this house. Only explanation there was at this point.
He nodded when I asked about the second floor, smiling and moving up the grand staircase. He stopped at the first set of double doors and told me this is where I would be sleeping in the nights to come, if I chose to stay here.
Smiling as friendly as possible, I walked into the room behind him and stopped in my tracks. Something akin to a flash startled me as I gasped out loudly. Visions swam before my eyes.. A man's lips trailing up my body, her body. The coolness of the room, the echoes moans of pleasure in my head. I blinked at it was gone, just as quickly as it had come.
"Sorry.. I am not feeling too well today.." I paused again and flushed, the vision had made my body react in a strange way.. In a pleasurable way. Something was wrong with me alright, I was seeing things I shouldn't!
I glanced around the room, taking in everything before moving further inside. "Nothing has changed." i said more to myself than to Eric and did not realize I had spoken aloud either.
"I like it, it's delicate like a woman but it isnt frilly. This Lily had good taste.." I turned and smiled at him, the words I uttered completely forgotten. I turned back around and headed for the bed. Sitting down on the edge, I bounced a few times and smiled softly.
"Yes, I think I will like staying here.. but I have a question if I may?" At his slight nod i spoke up, "Why was I brought here? I mean, why was i expected here? and by whom?"

 

[BLACK BART]

Eric

It was the question I had dreaded and looked forward to at the same time...How sheltered had her life been while I waited for her, how aware of the world and the subdued presence of the vampire nation was she as well?

It was the one question I had mulled over and over in my mind as the years went by and no solid answer had ever been arrived at.

"The presence that brought you here is the same woman I knew many years ago. You are feeling her thoughts, her emotions and reactions as well as your own to coming to this house...Why at this time I'm not sure...perhaps a significant change in your life?"

Leigha's face fell as her own memories invaded her mind and face and for a few seconds I felt them as well, the sight of her standing over the graves...the pain in her heart as she wept for them inside but refused to let the tears emerge and reached to the cold stone...the names flashing into view as her fingers traced the letters...and placed a rose in front of each...

I staggered back from those memories, the pain so fresh...so raw...and felt ashamed at my own wants and petty wishes suddenly...

"I am truly sorry, Leigha. I had no idea of how great your loss has been" I apologized softly, watching the woman before me gather herself and square her shoulders.

The memories and her pain had jarred something loose inside of myself and I knew suddenly I must tell her a simple, short version of the truth..and then accept her reaction to it as well.

"Leigha, I am in love with a woman who died 35 years ago in my arms, a woman who was also a vampire and responsible for bringing me back to my present life as well. She died in my arms promising to return, telling me to come here and wait...as I have."

I had paced back and forth as I spoke, eyes closed as the words came out, no need to see where I could sense...and as the short confession ended I opened my eyes to look at Leigha's, my hand touched a sheet draped over the wall...

"I have waited...Taken care of her home in preperation for her return, bided my time as patiently as I could for that day...and that day has arrived"

I pulled the cloth off the frame of the picture, letting it flutter to the floor as I watched Leigha take in the picture painted over four hundred years ago...a picture that might have been a mirror, reflecting the image back to the woman who sat on the bed...

"Leigha, I'd like you to meet Lily"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Leigha

I sat on the bed listening to him in disbelief. I think my face showed it too as he kept talking, I kept shaking my head. And when he mentioned vampires I started laughing.
"Oh that's good! That's really gooooood! ok is this candid camera or something?" I glanced around the room, looking for a camera. Couldn't find one but this was amusing.
"Come on Eric... I dont believe in witches, ghouls and certainly not vampires!" I turned to face him as he pulled the cover off of a portrait on the wall.
My heart froze a beat as I stared up at my likeness on the wall. It took awhile for my brain to find words but it certainly wasn't what I was thinking.
"She's pretty.." I shrugged it off, refusing to give in and believe the unbelievable was possible.
"You could have had a portrait made from a picture.. Come on now.. This is just too far fetched to believe!" I had a quick flash in my mind of fangs and them being sunk into his neck, his mouth suckling on my breast as he fed and changed.
I jumped up and began to pace quickly back and forth, "This is not possible and I don't think that I should stay here and listen to this anymore.. You are scaring me!" I met his eyes, the truth written in them, I just could not believe it!
"If I am who you think I am, then why don't I recall? And if you are who you are clearly insinuating you are, why not show me? Do something vampire like..." I searched my mind, what the hell did vampires do other than kill!?
"Let's see.. Myth says they can control minds, seduce with their eyes, fangs ummmm you don't really turn into beasts do you?" I eyed him and backed up a little, unsure how insane he was or I was for not running! I sat down hard on the bed, my hands holding my forehead as I tried to think, tried to find reason behind this madness.. And not inside him but the madness inside my own mind!
"This is so hard to believe.." I said softly almost in awe of the whole thing. Disbelief, confusion and some part of me knowing it was true but the brain says "nu uh!"

 

[BLACK BART]

Eric

I could feel the emotions emanating from her, I didn't need to read her thoughts or gauge the expression of her face. Wave after wave of different feeling flowed from her as she spoke, laughing nervously, then drawing back as a tinge of fear accompanied with the word "beast".

"Myth has much to do with the horror you feel, Leigha. Each vampire finds within themselves different abilities, some unique to a few or them, some so common it is rare if we do not possess it. A vampire is not a monster, we were human to begin with and in ways we are so much more...and so much less. We feel emotion as any do, though time and practice often give us greater control, and we feel pain"

I knew I could talk forever and it would be just that to her...talk, but I loathed the idea of using "parlor tricks" to impress her as well.

"It is said that when a vampire gives their word it is kept, and kept forever. I give you my word as long as I live I will never harm you, nor lie to you. I once enjoyed the privilege of having a strong link with you and I feel it still exists, I offer the only proof I can give you, the proof of what you were and could be again if you choose...inside my mind"

Instinct guided me now, knowing what the Lily I loved valued...not tricks of strength or agility but the truth and by offering the memories within me? Leigha could walk thru the memories and feelings I had carefully held and cherished.

"All that I have seen...all that I have felt...is yours to share, if you wish proof"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Leigha

"Yes, I would like proof.. If you please.." I was a little uncertain what 'proof' was but I wanted to know. I felt something inside but still it was frightening to me. I should leave this place and this madness behind. I had a family.... no I didn't.. I shook myself and stood up to face him.
"I am as ready as I will ever be Eric.. Just show me the way." I had my doubts and I had my reasons for not running out.. I just wish my mind would share them with me! I longed to do so many things, most of all just hide and forget alot of things. I felt my palms sweating and my heart beating wildly as he approached me.
"Show me?" I soft plea, I had to know what lay in store for me here.

 

[BLACK BART]

Eric

"Take my hands Leigha, touch helps you move back and forth the first few times, until you become comfortable with the transition"

I held out my hands, suddenly aware I was trembling at the thought of touching her again, touching the woman I couldn't live without, the one I would gladly die for. I smiled, steadying the trembling fingers and turned the palms upward, waiting for hers.

"You can leave at any time or stay as long as you like, no harm will come to you" I promised again. Two long fingered hands moved towards miine, then stopped as her eyes met mine and she asked.

"What will I see?"

"Only the truth, Leigha, some shocking...some reassuring, but all you see now is as it was then"

Gently her warm hands slid into my cooler ones and for a long second I closed my eyes and revelled in her touch, the memories and feelings rushing back to me, the passion Lily had aroused make feel so alive. And then I ended it, knowing that this was Leigha's journey and not mine, I was her guide...not her lover.

Leigha's eyes flashed curiousity as I opened my own and I smiled, the passion under control once again, I would hide that from her I knew, let her find her own path and bide by her choosing.

"Come with me, Leigha" I invited softly, watching her eyes slowly close as I gently pressed the image of the first day I met Lily and the world she showed me...

 

[Sweetp4u]

Leigha

I closed my eyes, my hands resting lightly in his, I felt silly at the same time apprehension as well. What would I learn? For the longest time nothing came to me, probably because I was thinking of how warm his hand was for being "undead", but they came slowly at first... It was almost like watching a movie. Was it my imagination or was it real?

... The song played, B-17.. it's soulfull sounds ringing in my ears as I watched from a seat at a table. A hunched back of a man I knew well.. But then again I've known him for a long time. He had returned to her, from the grave, reincarnated in this man's body. The love of her life, the half to her soul. It was frightening he would reject her and what she had to show him, and it was a chance she was willing to take.. She had watched over him since she found him on his 16th birthday.. He called to her in his pain. Rejected by the girl he wanted so badly that night, not understanding why? She went to him time and time again, when ever he was in danger or in pain.. Always a guardian angel over this man/boy. She smirked inside, she was no angel, she was damned for eternity. She was vampyer, she was the 'undead', and Eric would soon join her.. She moved through the crowded room, and for the first time since she found him, she introduced herself...

I gasped, my hands tensing on his as I jumped forward a little in these memories..

Eric's Father was alive, the man whom tricked her, misled her and haunted her nightly. Not the love of her life, for he used her as a play thing to hurt Eric once before... So many times he tricked her, confused her and in the end convinced her Eric meant her harm because of his love for her.. She shouldn't have listened and wished desperately she never had... They seperated, her and Eric. It was cold then, a time of darkness inside that tormented her soul and made her weep nightly for him. She was his half to her whole.. If only she had seen it first....

"N-No more!" I broke contact, tears falling down my face as her feelings came through me, hurting me with that same emptiness I felt when I woke up and realized I had no one.
"I-I'm s-sorry." I hurried and wiped my face, turning my back to him. I did not want to shut him out, part of me wanted to fling myself into his arms and find that love again.. But my mind told me it was wrong to love another.. especially after losing my husband and sons.. I needed time to adjust to this.. this whatever it was!
"I .. I am tired.. Can we talk tomorrow?" My head lowered as I fought inside. Was it real? It felt so real, that pain could not me faked.. I just needed time.. This was just happening too quickly and it frightened me some what. My own feelings frightened me more so than any of his actions.

 

[BLACK BART]

Eric

I felt her pain and her rejection of the feelings she had for me as she apologized and asked for more time, time to understand and time to deal with what she had just experienced.

I could have drawn her into my arms, used a controlled thought to relax her, press the worries and pain from her as I seduced her. It would have been simple to do that as my heart and body urged me to. But instead...

"I will be at your call, Leigha, Never so far away I can't be with you in a few moments of time, But never so close you need worry. You'll find the house well stocked with food and drink, and perhaps if you wish try on some of the beautiful clothing. Despite what you can't believe yet the house belongs to you"

I left then, the pain within me growing, driving me nearly insane as I imagined I had found and lost her in one short day. I moved before she could say another word, thinking it was truly best I stay away and not trouble her further. Perhaps she was right, I was a beast...a monster and she was finally, truly the innocent she had mourned for in all those hundreds of years.

I lifted myself into the air, taking no pleasure in what used to be a joyful art of travel, moving into the trees to hunt...and to kill.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Leigha

I nodded, thinking nothing of him leaving the house, but as he left I felt the warmth in it die, within me die as well. I felt his pain so clearly I sank to the floor on my knees and wept with it.
"I did not mean leave me...." I whispered, but was it me whispering it for was it her? I felt her banging at me, pressing her will over my own, but I would not let that happen so easily! The tears kept falling, the loss so great I did not know what to say, do or think!
"Ohhh Eric.... I am sorry.." My heart cried the words, I wanted so badly to give in and forget this life that I led and find one with him, but feelings can not just be turned off in that manner! I had loved before. I had loved my family and I had to say good bye to them before I could let my heart open.
I did not wipe away the tears this time, I stripped down and crawled into the bed. The velvet sheets molded to my form as did the heavy cover, but it felt good. It felt safe.. And I could smell Eric in this bed? Rolling to my stomach, I buried my face into the pillow and let the tears fall until there were no more to give, until I was sound asleep and being chased by demons.
Not evil verses bad demons, but man demons. Walking the streets of paris, a hunter following me... But it wasn't me.. I caught a reflection in the window and it said, "Yes, I am you.. You ARE me. Accept it before it kills you, before you lose it all without knowing. Accept me before it is too late!" Her haunting words were from my lips in this reflection, but it was NOT me! I was more confused, more afraid of the hunter trailing me. And in the dream I lured him to me, into a dark alley and waited. My heart never pounded hard, I knew what was to come, and yet I was clueless what I would see. A man appeared, calling me the spawn of satan and I heard a lusty chuckle and a sultry voice inviting him to take his best shot.
I watched as he advanced on her, on me, his eyes cold and his weapon held high. I felt the tingle of pleasure race through me as the sharp points of my teeth pricked at my tongue.
"No! I am not!" I shouted but the words never left my mouth, only a seductive smile remained on those ruby lush lips.. My lips, but it wasnt me! I felt torn and as he reached for her, I broke his arm, shoved him against a wall and ripped his throat out with my teeth. I suckled deeply drinking and nearly cumming in my pants as he twitched and howled in agony, fear and hatred against that wall!
"BITCH!"
"Yeeeeeeesssss. Cunt too..." The words were from my lips, the blood splattered on his face as I spoke, I felt the warm wet liquid drip between my breasts and I threw back my head and roared with laughter as the hunter died....
Sitting up straight in bed I screamed, my hands moving to my mouth as I felt like I was going to be ill! Glancing around the room, I jumped up and went to the mirror, inspecting my mouth for fangs..
"It was just a dream...." I croacked out and again I could hear that lusty laughter.
It wasn't a dream.. it was real and it had happened.. I don't know how i knew it, but I knew it! I glanced out the bedroom window it was now pitch black outside and I felt alone and afraid. It was like this at night since I was a little girl.
"Eric?" I whispered, glancing around, too afraid to venture through the house with no lights on. I did not know if he was even within hearing distance but I needed him! "Please? I'm afraid.." I hated to admit it, but I was and I needed another around me to not feel it so greatly.

 

[BLACK BART]

Eric

I had selfishly cheated. Cheated in the fact when she left my mind I hadn't closed the link to hers. I couldn't, I knew I was on the edge of insanity with grief and longing, but I needed so badly to feel her.

In an earlier time when I had met Lily in this house she had waited almost four hundred years for me, and when she was aware I had returned in another life she watched over me like a guardian angel, never selfish, always concerned for my well being and continued life as a mortal human. It had been my choice to become a vampire again, a choice she was sure I understood and wanted, holding back her own personal feelings as to why I should be turned.

I wasn't as strong, I knew that now, after losing her and being without her for less than fifty years. I knew now the lonliness Lily had spoke off, felt it cold and uncaring as it killed me inside.

But she had returned, and now I knew I had to give her the same benefit, the same unselfish love that I was given, let Leigha make her own choice...and accept it despite the loss or gain to myself.

I felt her crying, the pain and lonliness of being in a strange land, a strange house she only half remembered and heard her say my name...and in mid air turned, retracking my own path back to her house and the frightened woman inside.

I was damned, I couldn't bear to see her afraid and confused, nor could I withstand the loss of her if she chose not to accept or face her past. Damned because without her I would deliberately show myself to the humans, present such a threat they would conquer their fears and destroy me...and damned because as Leigha was now...we both had no future...only a confused past.

"I am here, Leigha" I spoke the words softly to the figure in the bed and watching her jump despite my caution. "I will stay beside you the night, if you wish, watch over you on this chair"

I was greeted with a heart wrenching sob as her mass of tousled dark hair rose above the covers, her confusion and pain washing over me as she nearly begged.

"Please tell me who I am"

The words tore at me and I knew her short visit to my own memories had only brought confusion, unanswered questions and pain...so much pain from the loss of her children and husband, and the disbelief of her past life.

"You are Leigha and I am your friend, that much is for sure. You are safe and cared for, someplace where no harm will come to you"

It was a poor attempt at reassurance, but perhaps it would let her rest.

"Sleep my love and in the morning we can talk"