unchainedelodie

[unchainedelodie]

Tall, dark, and dangerous (@InveigleYouIn)

Will : |The days blurred into weeks. I had become accustomed to watching @UnchainedElodie like a hawk scouting its prey. Her daily routine I had down pat and to see her not waver from it in the least told me that she thought my presence that night in her home was a dream. Often, I invaded them while she slept, none the wiser the next morning as if nothing had happened the night before. I didn't feel bad about it either. At a glance, her subconscious fed my addiction. My need to know more about her and where she came from, was soothed temporarily with each hit I took from her. The mind was a powerful place, one where there was no filter or mask that could cover the aphrodisiac that was her vulnerability. Her thoughts, somewhat innocent at first, I had peeled back each layer to reveal the soft sweet core of her deepest thoughts where desire lived. Her fantasies caused my fangs to descend with a hard snap last night. Almost as if she knew I was in there in some way or longed for my presence once again, I chose today to show myself to her.| See me. See me now. |The words left my lips, commanding her to turn to gaze out the window. The salon was closing, and there she stood with that broom, sweeping up from her last client of the day. Tonight, she would be mine and there would be no turning back for either of us.|

Elodie: -In the days since I brought my mother’s book home, I had spent night after night scouring every page. I had read each poem…or spell? I furrowed my brow as I jabbed the broom at a chunk of hair that was refusing to join its buddies in the pile I had made. Was it really a spell book? Or did I just WANT it to be a spell book? I mean it was no secret that I was fascinated by all things witchy. And I secretly thrilled every time someone accused me of being one. Whether they saw it as a good or a bad thing when they questioned me on it, it didn’t matter. To me, it was a great thing. 

I wished I could be like all those witches you saw in the movies and on television. Or read about in books. Man, the things I would do… My mind flooded with a bucket list of things I would make sure to cross off if I ever found myself as some powerful witch queen. The clearing of a throat next to me snapped me back to reality and I looked over at Anne who was leaning on the chair in her station with an amused look on her face. “You looked like you were about a million miles away from here.” Offering her a shrug, I flicked out the dustpan, and began sweeping the pile of hair into it.- I mean as absolutely riveting as this hair sweeping is, I supposed I did get lost in thought. -”Let me guess, tall, dark, and dangerous?” I looked back up at her and we both laughed at that.- Actually dangerous though. I swear if that Viper guy pops in here one more time, I’m moving to another country and changing my name. -She wrinkled her nose and shook her head, “I can’t believe he actually filed his teeth to look like that.” The next word was said in unison.- Dork. -With another laugh she pushed off of her chair and gave a big stretch. “I’m gonna head out. You good to lock up?” I nodded as I emptied the contents of the dustpan into the waste basket.- Yeah, cool. I’ll see you tomorrow. 

-I stooped down to gather the bag from the waste basket at my station. All I had left to do was take that out and then I could finally get home and back to that book. Spinning around, something dark caught my attention on the ground. Throwing my head back in a loud groan as I realized I had completely missed a big chunk of hair, I set the bag back down and reached for the broom and dustpan again. Only just as I was starting to guide the clump of hair toward the dustpan, I felt an odd tingling sensation that quickly turned into goosebumps breaking out all over my skin before an overwhelming urge to turn and look out the window took over me. Before I could finish my thought about every horror movie I had ever seen starting like this, my body was obeying that urge reflexively. 

What my eyes landed on though, was not Michael or Jason. Instead it was an insanely good looking man in a suit that seemed to stare right across the street, through the window, and into my eyes as if he were right in front of me. Sucking in a breath, my heart rate began to climb, and I stood, rooted in place as I stared back dumbly-      

Will : |The moment you turned, I smirked. Catching your gaze, I held it as I crossed the street. Waiting until I reached for the door to the salon before breaking eye contact briefly to dip inside. Just like that first night, I saw the widening of your eyes in disbelief. Chuckling low, I toyed with the notion of letting you see the memory of our true introduction but thought better of it. For now.| I apologize for my rudeness in showing up late. You wouldn't by chance have time for one last cut, would you? |I was curious about your skills with a pair of scissors. All day long, your clients had been women, not a man in sight. That was until I walked in the door.| You do men's cuts, yes? 

Elodie: -The universe had a hell of a sense of humor. That was all I could think as I saw you crossing the street and heading straight for the door. I had just talked about a dangerous man to Anne. And now, here I was probably about to be murdered by a man that looked like he should be on the cover of one of those romance novels my step-monster always left laying around the house. 

My fight or flight was broken. That was apparent as I just continued standing there, watching as you crossed the street. I think I only breathed again when you broke eye contact to reach for the door handle. My clarity only briefly returning as I gripped the broom in my hand. Pretty lame weapon, but it was all I had. 

But once you were in front of me for real, an odd sense of calm washed over me. There was a familiarity about you that I couldn’t place. Something that had me excited in a way. As if we were being reunited after a too long separation. 

It must’ve been that which drove me to ignore my sore feet and offer you a welcoming smile, stepping closer to my chair and putting my hand on the back of it-  Oh, it’s no problem. Here, have a seat. I’ll take care of you. 

Will : 

|I offer a genuine grin when you tell me to have a seat. Sliding down into your chair, I looked up at your reflection in the mirror as you began to drape the long cape around me, sensing your heart racing the closer you got to snapping the clasps on the back of it.| I appreciate you taking me in without an appointment. I hope I'm not keeping you from someone special waiting for you at home. |Small talk, why not? I wondered how you would answer considering what I already knew. Willing the street lights to go out one by one down the whole block your salon was on, any audience from the outside world would be met with just the silhouette of us. As one that always enjoyed the show, I clasped my hands from beneath the cape and relaxed even further, waiting for your answer and for you to begin. Our little game, starting now.|

Elodie: -I think I was less nervous doing my practical exam than I was right now. Which was ridiculous. I was very confident in my abilities and had done many, many heads of hair over the years. From simple cuts to in depth styles and colors for all kinds of different events. Clearly that book was starting to mess with my mind. Maybe I needed to take a break from it for a few days and attempt a normal life. Living in this fantasy land that I had been in couldn’t be healthy.

Once the cape was secured around your neck, I reached into one of the drawers on my station and pulled out a fresh comb. Brushing through your hair, I couldn’t help but notice how soft and thick it was. I knew a few women who would be pretty jealous of it actually. And now, that it had been thoroughly combed through, I lifted my eyes to the mirror, meeting your gaze which only seemed to set my heart rate racing again. But I did my best to maintain a calm composure as I answered you.- Oh, yes. Raven will be very annoyed at me for being late. -pauses to smirk before continuing- But he’s easily won over by a few treats. 

-Running my fingers through your hair now, and allowing it to fall naturally so I can see where your natural part is- What were you thinking tonight? Just clean it up? Or something completely new?  

Will : |Chuckles at the mention of Raven, the feline had not liked the fact that I had posted up in your apartment that night. That was until I revealed myself. Winning your pet over had been easy but not only that, I got the sense that you two ended up together for a very special reason.| Surprise me. |I wanted to see what you would do. If you got lost in your craft as it were and in the same token, see you in action where those pair of scissors were concerned.| How long have you and Raven been together?

Elodie: -My brow shooting up when you give me free reign. I loved when someone did that. But I couldn’t help but tease you just a little as I smirked at you through the mirror- My, my. Such trust for someone you just met. -Shooting you a playful wink as I reached for another drawer in my station, pulling out my favorite pair of goth sheers- Not to worry. They get a Barbicide bath after every client. -Repositioning myself behind you, I began to run my fingers through your hair again, examining your features through the mirror to envision which cut would suit you best- Raven and the rest of his litter mates were abandoned in a box. Every last one of them was quickly snatched up. But they left Raven there by himself. Black cats are bad luck, you know? -Giving an eye roll, I slid some of your hair between my fingers and began making cuts- I brought him home and he’s been my companion for three years now. 

Will : |You had no idea but soon enough you were going to. Listening to you tease had me smirking in return and when you let me in on how Raven came to be, I relished in the fact that you were so comfortable with me already. That was all you. There were no parlor tricks to be had here. Our connection and conversation flowed easily which pleased me to no end. You fell completely into your element the more you worked on my hair, and I took a chance to test the waters again as I spoke my next question.| Speaking of superstitions, how do you fair on witchcraft? 

Elodie: -My hands pausing only briefly when you mention the witchcraft thing. That familiar giddiness I felt when I knew I was going to have time to spend pouring over the book spreading through my body and causing me to smile a private smile to myself. It was almost like the feeling you got when someone asked you about your crush and you were avoiding the urge to gush about him. You were a lot more observant than most, and I caught the way that you lifted a questioning brow at my reaction. Letting out a small laugh.- I think that I’ve had people all my life accuse me of being a witch. Most people don’t understand my attraction to the macabre or the way I choose to dress. -shrugs- It really doesn’t bother me. There are a lot worse things that I could be accused of being. -I pulled my bottom lip between my teeth, stopping myself from saying any more as I forced myself to hyper focus on your hair. I knew saying too much was going to make me look like a crazy person. And I didn’t want the awkwardness that would follow something like that.- 

Will : True, there are. |Worse things. There were a few I could have tossed out but I thought better of it. After all, I wanted to stay on topic and as you worked away, getting lost in the power you wielded with those scissors, I kept my eyes directly on your face while you concentrated on the task at hand.| I think a person is naturally drawn to such things because they are meant to be. |Noticing the way you stopped yourself, that slight hesitation, I hummed low before adding my own opinion on the subject. Hoping it would bring forth another glimpse of excitement you allowed yourself to show briefly only moments ago. My interest, of course, was beyond piqued. The more you opened up about the things you enjoyed, the more you exposed the real you. Even if you didn't realize it yet.| I find it fascinating if you want the truth. 

Elodie: -I was dangerously close to letting out a squeal like one of those little teeny bopper girls when you mentioned finding it fascinating. That I at least avoided. But I couldn’t help the way all my focus went to that subject. I stopped what I was doing, my hands coming down to my sides as I smiled at you through the mirror. The excitement was obvious in my eyes- Really? Me too. I was just thinking earlier while I was cleaning up that sometimes, I wish I really was one. Can you imagine how amazing that would be? -Lets out a soft sigh- I don’t admit that to a lot of people. They don’t usually get it. But I figured you wouldn’t think it was as weird. Maybe? -I could feel a flush creeping up on my cheeks then and I forced myself to go back to finishing up your cut- 

Will : I don't think it's weird at all. It wouldn't matter anyway because I happen to prefer the strange and unusual. |I could imagine it alright. Smirking now when I see that flush on your cheeks, the shade turning darker with each word that left my lips and when you caught my reflection in the mirror, I already had my hand out from under the cape before you could blink. 

Those small droplets of crimson that painted your finger catching my attention long before I saw it. The scent, causing me to inhale deeply. That small infraction from the bite of your scissor was no match for me, or my fangs.| Please. Allow me.. |As my gaze transfixed on yours, I took your hand and brought it around to my lips, your heart ready to beat right out of your chest as I kissed the blood away from the side of your finger.| 

Elodie: -Normally I would’ve quoted Lydia from Beetlejuice back at you from your statement. But there was something about it coming from your lips that made it feel like a compliment that resonated deep in my heart. I could feel my face growing even hotter as I became more flustered. So flustered that I managed to snip right into my own finger. Sucking a breath through my teeth at the instant stinging afterwards, I opened my mouth to make a joke about having oversharpened them. My voice escaped me though when your hand seemed to appear out of nowhere, taking mine in yours. Once again, I could do nothing but stand there and stare dumbly as you pulled my hand to your mouth. The heat just kept climbing with my heart rate. How I hadn’t managed to stroke out by now was beyond me.- I… -Didn’t know what to say. That’s what.- Thank you… -For what? I don’t know. But that’s what I finally squeaked out. So, we were going with it.- 

Will : |"Thank you..." As the words left your lips, I placed a tender kiss to your cut, savoring that sliver of a taste as I bite back a low growl. It only served to make me want more. The way your skin flushed had my mind going back to that first night. Visions of you on the couch, your knees brushing against mine as I pulled your legs in between my own while I took up residence on your coffee table. I wanted you then too. Enamored with the unknown at the time, my thirst had been at a simmer but tasting you now…I smirked. Wickedly at that and more to myself. Never had I granted access to witness me lost in my inner thoughts but as I released your hand, I gave you, your own taste, letting that invisible cloak lift like a veil, revealing that night. Only I went a step further by adding my own fantasy that would soon come to pass. Wanting to see how far that blush of yours would spread when the response left my lips. The gesture, polite but very much loaded.| You're welcome.. 

Elodie: -It was as if I was dreaming. But didn’t they always say pinch yourself and if it hurts it means you’re not asleep? That cut to my finger stung like a bitch until you brought it to your lips. So, I was pretty sure I wasn’t actually asleep. But the way the scene played out in my mind was like something I had never experienced before other than when I was in dreamland. I was also pretty sure tonight would be the night that I had a heart attack. Screw cardio at the gym. All I needed to do was spend a half hour in your presence and my heart was getting the workout of a lifetime, pounding out of its spot in my chest as the already intimate scene got even more intimate in my mind. I bit my lip against the whimper that threatened to escape me the further the scene played out, and I could feel my entire body growing hot as I let out a slow steadying breath. Words were not going to happen now as I neglected to remove my hand from yours. That somehow was the only thing keeping me grounded from the chaos of my confused mind as I tried to figure out how I managed to manifest the exact tall, dark, and dangerous I had discussed with Anne just an hour earlier.- #TBC #Kismet 

[unchainedelodie]

Spell Book? ( @InvegleYouIn)

Elodie: -After the fish tank incident with Kathleen and her friend, I was officially in time out with the family. My step monster is the one everyone should be calling the witch. I didn’t know what kind of power she wielded over my dad, but she could get him to do anything. Including not speaking to me for my inappropriate behavior and embarrassing Kathleen in public. It was meant to punish me, but honestly it was a reward. I needed more fish tanks to blow up around Kathleen. Maybe they would disown me completely.

Which was why I was disappointed when once again that bell over the door chimed a few weeks later, and I lived a nightmare of deja vu as Kathleen strode in once again. This time though, I was distracted from the sense of foreboding by what she was wearing. My brows lifting as I allowed my eyes to scan her petite figure that was swimming in a long black dress that was covered in intricate lacework. She looked like a child playing dress up in her mother’s clothes with the way it hung from her tiny frame.

To complete the look her face had been caked in a pale powder, her eyebrows penciled in extra dark, with an exaggerated smokey eye, and black lipstick to boot. Right about the time that my eyes landed on her lips, that smirk that made my blood boil took over, “Oh, hello, sister dear. How do you like my new dress?”

Looking down at herself, she plucked at the loose chest that was clearly meant to accommodate a bigger bust. “I was thinking it would make a great costume. It’s just missing a little something.” There was something a tug at the back of my mind that had me remaining silent as I tried to place where I had seen that dress before. “Oh, I know!” She reached into her oversized designer purse that looked extra out of place against the inky color of the dress.

And that’s when it struck me as she pulled out an equally intricately patterned matching hat. My heart sank and I felt like I was going to throw up. “Now, the costume is complete.” She watched my expression in amusement for a few seconds before feigning concern. “What’s wrong, Ellie?” I recoiled at that nickname. “I would think you would be happy that I saved this from the burn pile before mom burned all that useless junk from the attic.”

That was the last thing I heard. Before I knew what I was doing, my feet carried me past her and out the door without saying a word. I had to get to the house before any of that stuff was burned. As I sped through the the streets, my knuckles white from my grip on the wheel, I attempted the breathing exercises taught to me by the only therapist that I didn’t hate of the many I had been forced to see growing up. Having a panic attack and blacking out behind the wheel would be bad. For so many reasons.

I took the final corner so quickly that my car went up on two squealing wheels, and I barely put it in park before I jumped out of the car and raced toward the back gate where I could see black smoke rising toward the sky. As I rounded the back of the house, I was met with the step monster herself standing next to the raging fire full of all that was left in this world of my mother, her arms crossed over her chest, and that same stupid satisfied look on her face that Kathleen always wore when she knew she got to me.

Bracing myself on the wall of the house, my eyes filled with tears as my insides felt like they were melting in an inferno I wasn’t sure I would be able to put out. I could hear her voice as she walked closer to me, but my brain was unable to process what she was saying. She stepped up on to the concrete slab that would make up the patio between us. And then that’s when it happened.

A wind so strong blew through the yard that I stumbled forward. The flames from her makeshift bonfire were sucked up into the wind and sprayed along the wooden fence which quickly ignited. My step monster gasped in horror before turning on me with venom in her eyes, “You stop that right now!” I opened my mouth to tell her I wasn’t doing anything but never got the chance when a loud crack of thunder followed by a lighting strike directly next to her had me screaming and jumping around the side of the house.

Almost as quickly as it started, it stopped. I expected her to round the corner any second screeching at me, but all I heard was a deafening silence. My heart rate picked up all over again and I slowly peeked my head around the side of the house to see her laying on the ground. The flurry of emotions that ran through me were confusing at best as I rushed to her side.

Dropping to my knees next to her, I reached a finger out to feel for a pulse and blew out a breath of relief when I felt one. Suddenly her eyes popped open, and she shoved my hand away. “Get out. Do you hear me? Don’t you ever set foot on this property again. Forget we exist you…you…abomination!” I sat stunned on the grass as I watched her jump up and disappear into the house with a slam of the door so hard the windows shook- Be careful what you wish for…

Slowly, I climbed to my feet, taking one last look at the pile of ash that used to be my mother’s belongings. I shouldn’t be surprised she did this. But I was all the same. With a heavy sigh, I began to turn back to the gate when movement caught my attention. Turning back to the pile of rubbish I noticed a weathered brown book laying open on the ground with pages flapping in the wind. Glancing over my shoulder at the house to make sure she wasn’t coming back, I leaned over, snatching the book up and tucked it under my arm as I hightailed it back to my car. Tossing the book on the passenger seat, I peeled away from the house and made the drive back to my small apartment on the other side of town.

Once I was inside, I put some tea on and leaned against the counter with the book in front of me, curious to see what was inside. The first few pages were filled with drawings of symbols. Next came lists of different plants and herbs with notes scribbled beneath each one. After that there were pages and pages of what looked like some sort of lyrics or poetry. I skimmed the first one before flipping through a few others.

About halfway through the book I stopped on one that had no title. But at the top was a drawn heart that had been colored in black. Surrounding it were some more of those symbols from the front of the book. And at the bottom of the page, beneath the poem, was what looked like a cross that had been embellished with extra loops and bends. Running my fingers over the worn page, I read the first line to myself. The words flowing in my mind like the melody of a familiar song.

After reading it through once silently, I took a second pass. This time, saying the words out loud. When I finished, I looked around the kitchen. For what reason, I wasn’t sure. And when the kettle began to scream, I jumped before laughing at myself and rolling my eyes as I went to pull it from the heat- Get a grip, Elodie. Now, you’re starting to act like them. -As I made my cup of tea, I got lost in a fantasy of what it would be like if I really were capable of doing all these things they accused me of. If only there really was such thing as magic and witches. Taking a seat at the small table in the corner now with the book, eager to read some more of my mom’s writing, I gasped as the room suddenly went black-

Will: |I had been watching her for a few days now. The comings and goings, but it wasn't until tonight that I chose to reveal myself to her. The initial report from my companion held little clues as to her family origin. This was not a normal human I was dealing with either. My plan was to do some digging as I watched her in the shop but that was cut short by the arrival of one which was the bearer of bad news. While I listened in, I found my fangs descending in annoyance. My patience worn thin the more she spoke that was until I watched you leave like a bat out of hell only to eventually return again. Alone.

I took my time seeking you out. Savoring each emotion that flowed through you from the moment that she walked in until right now. You were a Molotov cocktail, the sweetest perfume.

The stroll I took around the apartment while you were away led to some interesting finds but nothing concrete. Waiting in the shadows, I didn't understand the pull at first but when you opened that book, I could feel the magic festering to get out. The spell you spoke causing me to flick my wrist making the lights go out before I spoke aloud into the pitch-black darkness that suddenly consumed us both.| If I said I won't hurt you, would you believe me?

Elodie: -I didn’t know how much more my heart could take. What started as annoyance at what I thought was a power outage quickly turned to paralyzing fear as a deep voice spoke to my from the darkness, causing my heart to skip a beat- Who is here? -My hand blindly felt around on the table for something, anything to defend myself against the intruder- I can scream…loud. -My skin was beginning to buzz with my emotion at the same time I heard something tumble from the counter-

Will: You would have screamed by now. |Was it wrong of me to find pleasure in that short-lived fear? Probably but that wasn't me. I wasn't that guy.

Inhaling your scent, I left the lights off for a moment longer, enjoying the hesitation in your voice with the uncertainty of it all. That was until I heard crash from the kitchen counter, your tea cup smashing against the floor.|

Tsk tsk, you better rein that power in. |With that said, I made the lights come on, one by one until I came into view. Seeing you now in the flesh, you appeared to me just like in my dreams. And while I had seen you in them plenty, something told me this was a first for you when it came to seeing me.| You have no idea why I'm here, do you?

Elodie: -Furrowing my brow at your mention of getting my powers under control, the curiosity began to outweigh the fear. As each light flicked back on, my eyes searched the room for the source of the voice. When you finally became illuminated, my eyes went wide as a wave of heat came over my body. Unable to find my voice at first, I shook my head then cleared my throat- Should I?

Will: |I couldn't help but smirk. Your body giving you away and didn't that entice me to elaborate further as I moved in closer to where you were seated.| You summoned me. For over a week now, I have felt the pull to come here. To find you. |Unable to ignore it any longer, I turned my gaze from yours, eyeing the book once more. Knowing it held more answers to my questions.| Where did you get that book?

Elodie: The snort when you said I summoned you was involuntary. As you stepped closer, eyes trained on the book I snapped out of my stupor. My hand shooting out and pulling the book toward me protectively. I would not lose this now too. Hot or not, I was prepared to fight you till one of us was no longer breathing. Most likely me, I knew. But I didn’t care- What in the shitty teen supernatural romance are you talking about? I wouldn’t know the first thing about summoning a cheeseburger. Much less a full grown male. -Wrapping my arms around the book that was now pressed against my chest- It’s mine. That’s all that matters.

Will: That's where you're wrong. |On both accounts. There was so much more to you and this. Closing the distance, I was before you in a blur. Taking a seat on the coffee table, I didn't hesitate when I reached for you, pulling your legs right between mine and forcing you to sit up on edge of the couch. Both of us at eye level now, I proceeded to drink you in as you clutched that book to your chest, your eyes still wide as saucers.| Trust me, if I wanted to take it from you I would. Did you find it in a bookstore somewhere or was it passed down to you?

Elodie: -Before I could react to the position you had put me in, my anger flickered inside of me at your certainty that you could take it from me with zero problem- So assuming I even believed this whole thing is happening. And it’s not just a weird smoke inhalation dream. Are you some wizard or something? Surely you have no use for my mother’s random musings.

Will: Random? I don't think so. Your mother was a witch. |Ah, there it was. Finally, you answered my question. Letting my gaze linger, first on you then the book, I spoke once more before you could protest.| That book holds her magic too, you know. |She was deceased. There would be no other reason for you to guard it with your life like you were if she was still among the living. Lifting my gaze back to yours, my tone softened, wanting to reassure you that I wouldn't take the most important thing she could have left you.| I won't take it. And to answer your question, I'm no wizard. I'm something though. |Smirking, knowing in time, you would learn more about me. What I was, what I am. For now, however, this would have to be enough.|

Elodie: -Glances down at the book when you say it contains her magic. Then brings my gaze back up to you, my grip on the book relaxing slightly when your tone sistema. Yep. This was definitely one weird smoke induced dream. I was going to have to rethink my reading materials at night probably. And since it was a dream, I decided to run with it- That hardly seems fair for you to be all knowing. And I’m nothing knowing…

Will: All in due time. You're going to know me quite well before this is all over. |There was nothing wrong with being truthful. In fact, I figured you would appreciate it more. Chuckling low, I brought my hand up when I hear you take a sharp breath, pausing mid-way before continuing on when you let me.| Sleep for me now. We can talk more later. |And with that, my fingertips lightly brushed down along your face. Like a veil coming down, I watched as sleep claimed you before disappearing into the night.|

[unchainedelodie]

-“So, what, are you like some kind of witch or something?” My hand, holding my favorite pair of goth inspired shears paused above her head at the question. Before I could answer, she was talking again, “That’s cool. I don’t have anything against witches. Hey! It might come in handy if the haircut went wrong, right? You just kind of…” Her hands snuck out from underneath the cape, wiggling her fingers like she was some caricature of a witch. “And then everything is back to the way it should be.” I glanced over at Anne who had a quiet old man in her chair. He just sat there, allowing her to do her work. Why hadn’t I got him? I fought back the eyeroll and offered her a disingenuine smile- So, right about here to start the layers? Does that sound right? -I held my hand level with her nose where I thought she had instructed, waiting for her approval before I made my next cut. With a nod she was back to talking again. “Have you ever cursed an ex or something? I wish I could do that.” Letting out a snort that she mistook for amusement at her words, I shook my head- Nope. No curses. -Her eyes grew wide with excitement and I braced myself for her next slew of words. “Wait! You’re a vampire aren’t you?” I caught Anne’s eye mentally flipping her off when she laughed at my pain. When I turned back to my chatterbox she was still going, “I always knew they were real. You know what? I know a guy. He doesn’t even try to hide it. He’s got the teeth and everything. My friend Amanda says he just got his teeth sharpened that way. But I know better. Do you have a boyfriend? I should introduce you!” I ignored her question and began running my fingers through her hair to bring out the layers as I looked at her in the mirror- How is that? -I used my fingers to fluff a section- This will come out even more if you curl it like this. -just then I heard the bell ring over the door and looked over my shoulder just in time to see the last person in the world I wanted to see walk through. My hands that were resting on chatterboxes shoulders tightened briefly and I had to remind myself to calm down. Clearing my throat, I turned my attention back to the mirror, smiling again as she ran her fingers through her hair making a lame joke about how I really do know how to work magic. Offering a soft laugh, I carefully removed the cape from around her shoulders, tossing the piece of tissue that was fixed around her neck in the trash and jerking my head toward the front of the salon- I’ll check you out over here. -I tried to avoid her, I really did. I wasn’t even supposed to be here today. That’s probably why she came in. Jordyn was so going to owe me even more for covering this shift. To my relief, Anne had finished up with the little old man and slid up next to me, whispering, “I’ll take her.” I shot her a grateful smile as I finished checking out the chatterbox only to have my stomach drop as she called out over her shoulder on the way out, “I’ll bring Viper with me next time! ! It will be vampy love at first sight! Watch!” As I stared after her in shock, I heard the snort. I didn’t even have to turn my head to know it was Kathleen. “So, you’re a vampire now? That’s rich.” Kathleen was my stepsister from hell. Ever since I moved out on my own, I’d done everything I could to avoid both her and my stepmonster. They had made my life hell growing up, and never missed a chance to point out what a freak I was. I finally turned my head to see her standing there, dressed head to toe in some lame ass designer clothing with her platinum blond hair perfectly coiffed, and that ugly sneer on her otherwise perfectly made up face- Nice to see you, Kathleen. -She ignored my greeting and turned to her friend, “You’ve never met Elodie have you?” She looked back over at me with a smirk that had my hands curling into fists. “Apparently, she’s a vampire now.” They both started laughing. And now other people were starting to turn and look at us. “At least we finally know why you’re so pale.” Her voice rose to make sure our audience could hear her clearly. “I hope you don’t do the