Sunday, August 24, 2008

Day 14

Sam rounded the corner, a funny feeling in his gut. Something wasn't quite right tonight. In an instant, Sam's head was making contact with the wall. Pain shot up his back as his eyes met hers.

"Have you been lying to me this whole time?" she said through gritted teeth. She was about to cry.

"Lying to you? No," he said shocked. He had no idea what she was talking about.

"Is she even real?" the tears broke free and streamed down her face.

"Of course she is!" he said as her grip loosened. "What is this about?"

"Have you been lying to me this whole time?!" she screamed.

Sam took a deep breath as she finally let go of him, "No
, I haven't been lying to you. Take a deep breath. Calm down."

"No!" she shoved him hard in the chest, Sam's head slamming against the wall again, "Explain!"

"Sit down," he said calmly.

"You sit," she said coldly. And he did, "Explain. Is she the original or not?"

"It's a confusing mess, but, right now, it looks like she isn't," he shook his leg trying to forget the craving for the cigarettes in his pocket.

"Whose body is it?" her hands began to shake with frustration.

"It's mine," he whispered just loud enough for her to hear.

"Yours," her body seemed to carry a heavy weight now. "All this time...I've been in love with a lie? A fragment?"

Sam looked at her, wanting to stand. This certainly wasn't something he could fix easily right now, and she deserved the truth! What was he to do? Continue lying...?

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Day 13

I am tempted.

Tempted
To join you.
My idiocy leading us here.

No kiss,
No hug,
No touch of your nimble fingers.

No way of knowing
You wouldn't be there when I woke.

My mind,
A muddled mess.

My body,
An empty shell.

My heart,
A faltering, decrepit, useless organ.

My mouth refuses to make words
Without you.
I can't get sleep
Without you.
I can't process thoughts
Without you.
I can't love
Without you.


I am lost and lonely
Without you.
A small child
In a desolate town.

And all I can think,
Is a single selfish thought.

I still need you.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Day 11

The bedroom door waved silently, the gusts of wind from the balcony doors pushing and pulling them to their own rhythm. Sam sat silently in a chair backwards, a cigarette between his lips and as he pushed the chair onto it's back legs. Alicia sat on the bed, silent. This was going to be a talk out of necessity. A life needed to be saved.

Holding the cigarette between his index and middle fingers, he scratched his eyebrow with his thumb. He needed to choose his words carefully. Very carefully.

"I'm assuming what I'm about to hear will not be very good for me," Alicia almost whispered.

Sam's eyes met hers, "Why are you assuming that?"

Alicia shook her head, sighing silently, "It's a natural assumption. I've done nothing but hurt her."

Sam took a drag on his cigarette, nodding, "Good enough."

A silence fell between the two and seemed to drag on longer than the three minutes it actually took. "Look," Alicia said, "If it's related to me somehow, I'm alright with going away if it'll fix it."

"No. She needs you right now, but if you want to go we wont stop you," Sam took another drag on the cigarette. It was almost time for him to light another one.

"I don't want to go," tears began to gather in her eyes.

"If you stay, she wont be around for awhile," he slid the pack out of his pocket, smacking it two times on his left palm before pulling another cigarette out.

Alicia closed her eyes and took a deep breath, "I feel my presence is making her worse."

"In all honesty, this was bound to happen. We were just waiting," Sam watched the trail of smoke rise slowly.

"Why?" Alicia watched him.

"Because she wants to die," he said matter-of-factly before sticking the cigarette between his lips again.

"Nothing can stop that. Not you. Not me," Alicia said. "The fact that you're there is making her worse. She feels like she's losing control."

Sam sat up and narrowed his eyes at Alicia, "So we're supposed to let her kill herself?"

"No, of course not," Alicia almost screamed the words.

"She needs time. To face herself, to find herself, to get past her fears," he stood walking to the balcony doors and looking out, taking another drag on the cigarette.

She watched silently, "Time she'll get."

"Oh?" he turned to her, "When?"

"When she leaves. Listen," she watched him as he turned back to the balcony doors, "If what she needs is time, she needs to cut out distractions."

He nodded, tossing the cigarette out of the doors, "We have cut out distractions. All of them, except you."

"Why?"

"Because with you c
omes an overwhelming feeling of happiness and love. And she needs that," he turned and walked back to the seat. "You're the only person she can get it from."

"Why?" Alicia's brows furrowed as she tried to understand.

"She trusts you," Sam took the pack out of his pocket again, going through the same routine before placing the cigarette between his lips and lighting it.

"I want to talk to her, but I'll do it when she's ready," there was a cry of pain in her voice.

Sam took a long drag on the cigarette, blowing the smoke out his nose, "She's ready."

"Are you sure? She might need more time," Alicia studied his face.

"You don't want to speak to her?" he tapped his shoe on the floor.

"I want her to be ready. Positively ready," she said quietly.

He took another drag on the cigarette, "I'm telling you, she's ready."

Alicia took a deep breath as the room got very quiet. Sam stopped moving, the cigarette limp in his mouth. His eyes closed, and the shoulders slumped.

Seconds felt like an eternity before the eyes slowly opened and fixed on Alicia. Tears streamed down the face before she got up and ran to hug Alicia, "I love you."

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Day 10

Mary and Carol crouched in the dimly lit room. He shifted slightly, his shoes making an odd sound against the concrete. Kind of like sand paper. Carol worked silently, a cigarette dangling from in between her lips. The both worked in silence. The only sound being that of garbage bags, breathing, and occasional swears.

Mary moved the towel around in a circular motion on the ground trying to get it as clean as possible. Carol grabbed her last bag, licking her fingers before trying to open it. As it opened, the distinct sound of it ripping was heard. "Fuck!" Carol whispered. Short and sweet. "M, hand me another."

They'd work like that. Side by side throughout the night.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Day 9

Anna Minulle Arvoitus

"I am happy beyond all reason," she sings. "I am tempted beyond what man comprehends. I am infinite in intelligence. I am bold, I am kind, I am strange, I am normal, I am gentle, and I am rough. What am I?"

The hall was narrow and Kustaa's eyes struggled to see through the darkness. "You are wise?" he asked with uncertainty.

"I am infinite in intelligence," sang back the darkness.

Kustaa's armor was heavy, his helmet almost covering his eyes completely, not that it mattered in the black filled narrowness. He moved forward, his heavy burden clanking loudly. The growl from the distance was clear, 'Don't come any closer.'

Kustaa froze, looking back the way he came. Certainly his comrades could help him solve the puzzle. Dare he try? He licked his lips, tasting the thick sweat which dripped from his face. He just wanted to trek through, was that so wrong?

He looked around the emptiness for anything. A rock out of place, some sort of movement, a clue...anything! He moved forward a bit, the growling getting deeper and louder. Almost seeming to come closer to him.

His teeth began to chatter as a cold breeze passed through. Tired, he turned to leave. Standing in one place for three hours wasn't a part of his plans.

"No," sang the womanly voice. "You shall stay. You shall answer. Or you shall perish."

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Day 8

The Wedding

Crystal's hand gripped Frank's tightly. He gave her a reassuring squeeze, smiling at her when their eyes met. Although she loved him dearly, something about this just didn't seem right at all. She wanted to go back and redo the night. She wanted to erase everything that happened and silently wished she had told her friends "no" when they had bugged her about going out.

She shifted her weight under the large dress, leaning on her left leg. The outside wedding was never her idea, but instead Frank's mother's idea. And how smug she must look now, as the scorching sun beat down on them.

"I do," Frank said sternly. Crystal's mind immediately shot back to the events taking place as the Pastor turned to her. She wanted this over with as soon as possible and almost blurted out the same words before the Pastor could even say his piece.

As the vows wrapped up and everyone moved onto the reception, Crystal's mind was still running wild with worries and thoughts. As she walked to her room with her eyes fixed on the ground, a hand came to rest on her shoulder. "Please, Frank," she said softly, "I'm not the mood."

"Busy night, honey?" came a voice that was certainly not Frank's. Crystal turned around and met the eyes of Sarah who smiled, resting a hand on her hip, "Well I'll be damned." She looked very pretty, her red hair in loose curls, and the pink dress hugging her in a very tasteful way. Her freckles seemed to help her features stand out more, rather than make her unattractive. She had to be at least five feet, seeming very short to Crystal's six.

"What are you doing here?" Crystal whispered, grabbing the young woman by the arm and pulling her down a corridor.

"Well, little miss sunshine," Sarah reached out and smoothed some wrinkles on Crystal's pristine dress. "You're my cousin's wife. Ironic. Also," she paused, pointing, "That dress is a lie."

Crystal grabbed her finger and flung it down to the ground, "You need to go."

"But white does look good on you. What was that?" Sarah leaned closer to the bride, "Go? Oh no, I can't go. This is my cousin's big day. That would be rude of me."

Crystal stood up straight and pushed Sarah out of the way as she made her way towards the room to change, "This is getting worse and worse."

"It's ok," Sarah shouted as the woman rushed further away, "I wont tell him!"

Crystal slowed, looking back. She wouldn't tell him, right? She doubted it as she disappeared behind a door to change.

The reception was lively and calming to Crystal. She had almost forgotten about her little meet up as she danced and laughed with Frank. How she loved him. But out of the corner of her eye, weaving through the crowd, was a little figure. It came closer and closer and finally Sarah stood next to them, the blush on her face was certainly one of drunkenness, "Hey, Franky, I think we're gonna go."

Frank smiled, leaned in very close to her, and placed a hand on her shoulder, "You alright to drive?"


Sarah just nodded and wobbled a bit. "Take care of yourself, Crys," she whispered into Crystal's ear. She shivered a bit, but smiled and nodded politely. "I'm off!" and with that the fiery red head turned and walked out, grabbing a woman's hand on the way.

"You sure she's ok to drive?" Crystal shouted over the loud music. Frank nodded roughly, his eyebrows furrowed together. "Well, I'm gonna go make sure!" she shouted again, backing away and then maneuvering around people until she was outside.

The sound of the water smashing against the rocks in the background seemed to make a continuous beat. Crystal walked quickly towards the Jeep sitting in the parking lot. Crystal noticed the engine wasn't running as she got closer, listening for anything. She wouldn't really know where else to look for the young woman if Sarah wasn't here. And then she heard it, a somewhat muffled cry.

Sarah grabbed the door and opened it to a very drunk Sarah kissing an extremely sober Tessa, Crystal's best friend. "What the hell are you doing?!" Crystal shouted, pulling Tessa out of the Jeep.

"Ow, Crystal! You're hurting me!" Tessa's blue eyes were sharp as she looked at her. Her blonde hair a tussled mess, as she shoved down her dress.

"Oh hey, Crys," Sarah said smiling. "Enjoying the festivities?"

"Leave my friends alone, Sarah!" Crystal grabbed Tessa's arm and pulled her back towards the wedding, rage bubbling in her gut.

"Call me!" Tessa shouted as the Jeep started up and backed out with the passenger side door still open. "Loosen your grip! Fuck."

"I told you not to hook up at my wedding!" Crystal said firmly. "You promised me!"

"You said not with any of
your cousins. She's not your cousin," Tessa straightened her dress a bit more.

Crystal glanced back as the Jeep backed up, almost smashing into the limo. "Fuck," she whispered. "Tessa, go to the reception and stay there!"

"Ok! Ok!" she quickly walked past Crystal muttering things under her breath.

Crystal made her way back towards the parking lot. The closer she got to the vehicle, the more clearly she could see Sarah passed out. Grabbing her arm, she pulled the woman out holding her gently, "Looks like you'll be staying with us tonight. Frank's gonna be pissed."

She switched off the engine, closed the doors, and made her way back to the hotel to place Sarah in bed.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Day 7

After

Crystal shifted slightly in her sleep, a screeching pain shot through her head as she opened her eyes. And just then, just in that moment the night came crashing back to her. Every touch, every kiss, every passion filled sigh. She reached out under the covers, searching and finally her hand came to rest on soft, smooth skin. Her heart began to race in her chest, her fingers gripping the skin. She hadn't, had she? It was a dream, right? Nothing had happened. She repeated those words in her head a few times, until the person beside her moved, her head cried out again and she raised a hand to her forehead. This was not happening. Not today.

The person moved again and Crystal fought her hang over to search for a name. Any name. She thought back to the night before as she drank, talked, and danced the person was there. Talking to her constantly. She tried to focus on the meeting. She had extended her hand, said her name and the person said...

Crystal nearly jumped out of the bed. Her heart felt like it was going to rip out of her chest and explode. She slipped, grabbing for the covers before her head slammed against the floor. The woman shot up and grabbed her quickly, "You ok?" Crystal's eyes widened.

"Nonononononononononono!"
Crystal let go of the woman and her head connected with a sickening thud against the wood floor. She laid there letting it sink it.

The woman peered from the bed, "You obviously aren't ok." She reached out, pulling Crystal back on to the bed, and then the night became clearer. Certainly their nudity wasn't because they were hot, Crystal ran her hands down her face trying to get the images out of her head.

"This didn't happen," she said firmly. "I'm getting married today!"

The woman's eyebrows shot up, "Excuse me? You said nothing about that." Crystal nearly shoved her left hand into the woman's face, but alas there was no ring. "I would have noticed," she said. "Trust me, I'm not that blind."

Crystal's eyes darted all over her room. From the clothes scattered, to the bed side table, to the way the sun reflected on the other woman's skin. "Sarah, right?" she said looking at her. Sarah nodded but didn't say anything. "I'm sorry, Sarah, but...this isn't me. I'm straight. I'm marrying a very nice man today."

"Woah," Sarah's hands raised, "I didn't ask for a relationship or anything."

Crystal looked at her, she was pretty but she was a woman. What had she been drinking the night before, anyway? "I don't want to seem rude, but fuck it. You need to go," Crystal climbed off of the bed and grabbed a robe, quickly throwing it on.

Sarah slid off of the bed and began to redress, Crystal watched silently from the corner. "You know," Sarah said smirking at her, "You seemed to really enjoy it last night. Seven times, if I remember correctly." Then she opened the door and walked out.

Crystal's body almost sagged as she watched Sarah leave. The hangover hit her in full effect right at that second, she cursed herself as she walked into the kitchen for relief from her headache.