Disclaimer: I don't own Totally spies

Tainted Hope

Chap. I

"Do not be afraid. I will not harm you. Please sit. We have much to discuss," Said the woman slowly. The young man could see the furnishings of the quiet room, the glass round table, the comfortable chairs, and heavily decorated wall. He was amazed of such wealth the woman seemed to live in.

Though, (he glanced back at her), she didn't seem to be the type to flaunt and drown in her wealth - her simple dress proved it. However her physical appearance proved to something else, he gazed at her with undeniable wanting.

She was pale and smooth as if she was a sculpture created from a talented, careful artist. One could not tell if she was human, because of her inanimate appearance. Expect of her bright, green eyes that seemed to seep into your spirit and devour you in a single gaze.

"Are you ready?" she said softly, looking back at him with soft features.

He nodded and took out what needed for the interview out of his brief case. His eyes moved slowly from the equipment to her - from her bright red hair to her white cotton dress that fit loosely onto her body.

"Are you certain you want to go through this?" the woman asked with uncertainty. He nervously nodded as he reached out to start the tape recorder but recoiled when the woman leaned to him with a smile.

"Do not be afraid. I want this opportunity very much, to finally tell my tale to somebody willing to listen. Please begin while the night is young." Leaning back, she motioned for him to finally begin.

It took a moment to settle down his nerves, and coughed unnecessarily, to press 'play' on the recorder. "Please begin your story. I won't interrupt. I promise." He spoke quietly.

"I was seven years old when reality began to wreck havoc on my life, and the year was eighteen sixty-one."

The young man looked startled by the date which she spoke about. "How is that possible?" He stuttered, his eyes bulging and sweated dripped down his forehead

The woman laughed, "I thought you were not going to interrupt me," she teased before becoming serious, "Your question, all I can say is there is no simple answer. Listen and possibly it will answer itself."

Accepting her answer, he calmed down and sat still. The woman, knowing all was silent, continued.

"As I was saying, it was eighteen sixty-one, the beginning of the civil war. The ridiculous argument between the north and south raged across America. But back then it did not matter to me. Rather, it simply did not reach my ears. You see my family resided in California - far from the blood shed and horror of the war. Our life there was simple, with our own definition of luxury. The natural beauty that Lord God presented us gave a feeling bliss and happiness. The wild forests brought shelter and shade whenever needed, the flowing rivers, which I swam in every summer to cool down. The mountains that stood tall and proud gave a marvelous view.

The everlasting green lush plantation, that my family owned, held fruits, trees and every flower you can imagine. My beautiful mother played majestically on the grand piano while my strong father played cards with the townsmen. I played games with the children, anything to amuse us. It was a grand era of peace, in my mind.

I could go on forever telling every small detail of life back in those days. Yet it was not meant to last. In those days, true innocence was the peak of my childhood. There was no danger or even a threat that could penetrate my childish mind. I was a princess and was treated like one.

The time I spent with my mother and father were the core of my life. Every minute I shared with them was a timeless. But I didn't know that, yet."

The young man was surprised to see a gleaming tear fall. He felt pity for her. She didn't notice and went on.

" I don't remember the exact day, why would I. It still hurts and still I cry when remembering what happened." She spoke to herself, almost reviving memories meant to be buried deep within her mind.

A normal afternoon in my eyes, just days before my birthday - my mother sent me outside to play. Naive as usual, I went with no protest or with any question. It was beautiful day, so why not enjoy it, why not take advantage of it. Strolling within range, I heard horses traveling across the dirt path to my home. Curious, I looked over to see a carriage heading there and I wondered.

Usually no one visits, except for my Grandparents or the doctor. But my grandparents always sent a letter to us, telling when they are visiting and my parents and I were healthy so there was no reason for the doctor to come, either. Walking back, I heard my father's voice, deep and angered, shouting with rage.

Closer, I heard part of the conversation, which I regretted easily.

'Your payment, Jason' An unfamiliar voice, literally making me shiver in fear from the deadly tone. I thought to myself, Payment? What payment did my parents owe? I walked closer, hoping to hear more.

'I told you before . . . She is not something to be handed over, you sick bastard! How dare you Lord's name, come into my home and demand such things' My father shouted to the unfamiliar man. I held back a gasp, never in my young life has my fathered spoke in such foul language or even dared to call out the Lord's name in vain.

A terrible sick feeling formed in my heart and I pray to Lord God that all will end soon. My prayer was heard, just not in the way I wanted it to.

'I have done what you requested. You should be grateful for my generous offer. However in life one must pay prices to what they request.' Calm and collected as if my father did not bother him at all.

'No. Get out! Be Gone you retched poor pathetic excuse of a human being! Never return!' Father demanded at such volume, those were the last words I heard from my father. The sound of a pistol being fired, was what I heard next. My mothers scream and cries came after that. My throat was tightened by the sudden sound. Naive as I was, I was not stupid. I knew what had happened.

But I had done a very stupid thing, I ran into my home, revealing myself to them and stared at the sight. It was something a child should never see. My father's head was blown up, blood splattered and remains littered the polished floor. My mother was on her knees, holding what was left of him."

"'Daddy' I whispered, tears clouding my vision with my throat tightened - I walked slowly toward them, Staining my dress and feet in blood in the process. A cold, cruel laugh brought me out of my senses. 'Enjoying the sight, love,' He asked with mocking politeness in his voice.

Mother suddenly grabbed me and held me tight in her arms. I remembered her shouting something along the lines of this, 'Stay away from her! You bastard, seeking pleasure to corrupt her innocence' He didn't heed her words, only it made him Smile and started walking toward us.

Mothers stood and backed away, holding me tighter, in fear. She clutched her cross, held it in front of him, saying, 'May Lord God sends your rotting corpse in the deepest pits of hell. Far away from my child !'

'Fine, let God send me there and I will bring her down with me.' He responded so casually. My mother only screamed at him with words unknown to me. The next moments were a blur, I only heard my 'thump' and saw my mother fall to the floor, barely conscious. Leaving me with murder to face alone. Grabbing me with a gentle hold, he looked at me directly with a foreign emotion in his eyes."

That was when I first took a real look of him. Obviously older and much taller, he dressed in a long sleeved Doc stripe shirt, Black highland pants, and mid-calf boots. A black cloak with the silk tie knotted around his throat. A nobleman from my guess.

I stepped out of his hold and I whispered out to him. 'Why did you kill my Father?' I fell to my knees, the palm of hands now red and my eyes watered with tears. 'He did not pay his price. He didn't pay what was mine' He said in a soothing voice, trying to comfort me.

A noise was heard and I turned around to see my mother glared hatefully at him. She struggled to sit up because of her wound, she received.'Don't listen to him Samantha. Please get away from here and call for help.'

'My patience is wearing thin. Love, close your eyes and cover your ears. This will not end well.'

Automatically I did as told, the next minute nothing happened. Until I felt something splatter on me. Covering my dress and hair with a foul-smelling liquid, which in my horror I realized it was my mother's blood and part of her remains.

Opening my eyes, I screamed at my mother's body, or what was left. Two shots to the head and one in the heart. Her head blew to small pieces, showing parts of her brains on the floor and walls. Her remaining eyeball was a few feet away from me. Her lower jaw only showed pieces of teeth and lips.

'Mama!' I screamed with sheer fright at top of lungs. The once beautiful Gabrielle was a disfigured corpse, lying on the floor with no head or heart."

Stopping herself from going any further, Samantha looked back at the poor man - who was now blanch from the descriptive words she told. Sighing out, she faced the grandfather clock to see the time.

'What happened next' asked the man, more interested, even slightly disgusted about Samantha's story.

"Well . . . it's complicated. To me, it never made any sense . . . " She begin before immersing back into her memories.

"Despite my screams and tears, the monster never stopped smiling. To me he was the devil-in-disguised taking pleasure for his sins. I expected him to shoot me down till I was nothing, but I never expected him to embrace me. With such loving warmth, like a man comforting his lover when tragedy struck upon their lives. I struggled in his hold, only for him to tighten his grip on me.

Was I going to die? If I did, would I join my parents in heaven? I thought to myself, no emotion in my heart, not even fear could penetrate it. It gave me a sense of comforting, the thought of joining my Mother and Father, wherever that has gone.

Though, he had other plans, his intention was not to kill me. But to leave me there, alone for the others to see the gruesome sight that beholds on our home. Releasing me, he caressed my face softly and stood up to his full height.

I only asked one things . . . 'Why didn't you kill me?' His response not only confused me but it hurt so much more than you can imagine.

'Killing you is never an option.'

Walking proudly and showed such menacing strength, I could help but watch him leave. Out into the raging storm, he never turned back. Mounting his horse, he cracked the reigns and both went off into harsh weather. Disappearing without a trace."

The boy sat mute and stared at Samantha. While Samantha, herself, sat collected with boredom, her hands folded on her lap looking at still running tape recorder. Laughing only sightly, she turned to her guest before politely asking, "Are you all right Mr. Johnson, you seem troubled. By the fact I am older than you or the great image I have brought on your mind? Or are you only disappointed that nothing turned out the way you desired?"

Johnson only froze for a moment before answering Samantha, in the highest voice she ever heard. "No. . . . But I am wondering if there is more. Your life tale is interesting, and I want to hear more."

Surprised was what she felt, certainly she never thought her story was interesting. Never has she meet anyone willing to hear it. She smiled so softly with a twinkle in her eyes, happy to finally see that one person could know what truly happened.

"Yes there is more. The night is so young and I have so much I want to tell you. Do you have a enough tape?" She said eagerly to Johnson to in turn, smiled back.

"Yes, Now please tell me in full detail on what really happened."

OK folks, I know I rewritten my story for the 100th time. But I couldn't help it, the plot bunnies keep messing with my head. I believe this one is my best one yet. My grammar has improved a little but still improved.

I hope those liked Tainted Hope will like this one too.

-bloodyren