Chapter 37
Smoke and Mirrors
"Nope, that's not right." She tsked.
The lopsided painting was quickly righted and with an affirming nod, The Gallery's newest exhibit was nearly ready for tomorrow's show. How could something so simple like bringing life to someone's vision somehow feel so satisfying?
Today, things came to her effortlessly and every little thing seamlessly unfolded just as she had wished. Indeed, she was in the zone. In fact, she could have said that there had not been a single hitch in her giddy-up since the day that she had talked to Allen. Clapping her hands together once, Lydia stood back to admire all that she had accomplished within only a few hours.
"Aw'right?" The moment that she stepped into the echoey room, Cherise's cheery voice rang out, luring Lydia's attention away.
With a bounce in her step and sipping her coffee, she strode over and affectionately put her arm around Lydia.
"You sure 'ave been killin' it lately. What's ya secret? Is it drugs? Please tell me it's drugs." She joked as Cherise gave a gentle nuzzle to Lydia's cheek, which prompted a giggle to sneak out of her pale friend.
"I'm just…"
"Been a right bundle of joy this past week, even with this big show coming up! I love it!" Cherise interjected and subsequently disrupted Lydia's train of thought, not that she minded.
Taking a quiet step back with a smile, Lydia took in everything about her friend and workmate.
Cherise was about the same height as Beetlejuice, but she was a petite girl with wavy, light-brown hair, and blonde highlights. While half of her hair was cropped just above her ear and parted off center, the other side was longer and down to her collar bone. Several piercings adorned her ears and eyebrow which only added an edge to her visage along with her penchant to wear thick, black eyeliner.
"Cherise, I know I've said this before but you're such a talented artist. Why don't you pursue that as a career instead of trying to snag someone with money?" Lydia queried as she brushed aside Cherise's long curl that covered part of her face before proceeding to sit upon one of the many benches in the long gallery.
"'Cause you know I ain't interested in that. I gotta be free-like, ya know? 'Sides, I already told ya when you was hired here; I know I'm gonna get me a bloke who'll take care of me. I deserve it!"
"Beyond a doubt. I'm just thankful that we started around the same time. While Mr. Kartina is kind enough as a boss, patience is not in his name. It's a good thing we fumbled through this together. I couldn't imagine trying to do all this without you by my side." Lydia laughed, stretching out her back with a pop, before turning back to Cherise who nodded in agreement.
"Ain't that the truth! I fink it was fated, I do, an' ya know I'm always there for ya!" Cherise bent down and embraced her with a quick squeeze before nudging Lydia with her elbow. "So, girl, share! What's got ya all like you had a hit of the happy-pipe that I have stashed in the warehouse? Are ya holding out on me?"
Wrapping one arm around Cherise's waist, Lydia pulled her closer and exhaled a freeing sigh.
"Cherise, I don't tell you enough how much I appreciate you. From the beginning, you have always had my back. I don't think I've ever had a girl-friend who's been there for me like you have. You're one of the most loyal people I know. In fact, you're one of the few people who truly understood how bad things were for me when I first started working here." Lydia's eyes softened as a nostalgic warmth filled within her being while she spoke.
"Yeah, yeah, I know all this, ya big sap! Get on with it." Giving Lydia a playful slap on the head, Cherise rolled her eyes but pressed her further for more information.
"Uh, well now, um… the reason I bring that up is because it's kinda related to what's going on lately." A tender smile grew on Lydia's face as her eyes followed her friend when she took a seat by her side.
Folding one leg over the other, Cherise turned and made it abundantly clear that she was all ears and ready for the latest gossip.
"Uh, what has it been… close to six or seven years since I started working here, right? I know I was a hot mess back then, but you and BJ got me through it all. If I remember correctly, I'm sure that I told you some details about my ex?" Tapping a finger to her lips, recollections sprouted up of what had transpired during that time so long ago. She didn't want to believe that much time had passed but sure enough it had. So much had happened through those years.
"Uhh, I've slept since then, but I don't fink you evah said anyfink bad. Did ya?" The confusion in Cherise's face made it clear that her memory of it was hazy at best.
"That's true. Well, uh, I recently bumped into my ex, Allen, and I think that I may have a chance to make things right. I even have a small degree of hope that I could possibly be friends with him. Although I'm afraid to be, I can't help being optimistic. Every day since then, I've woken up elated to be alive! It's as if I can now feel music flowing through me. I know it's silly." Raising her eyebrows, she flashed her friend a meek smile.
"It aint silly Lydsia!" Cherise rolled her eyes, but Lydia stopped her there.
"No, it is! I feel beyond silly! I don't know why, but it has been coming out in the strangest ways too. At one point today, Mr. Kartina caught me dancing with one of the pieces of art that I should have been hanging. Thankfully, he just shook his head and laughed before walking away without another word." Lydia's smile evolved into a sheepish grimace, but Cherise just sniggered at the tale.
"Now that is weird but I aint judgin' ya. I've done stranger an' ya know it!" Standing, Cherise lifted her coffee and took a sip before looking back to her. "So, what does the hubby think about all this? Talking to an ex… ooooh!"
"I haven't had the chance to tell him yet but I'm going to once we have a pleasant, quiet moment. Beej knows how much I love him, so why would he get upset over an ex?" Lydia giggled and it resounded through the long empty gallery.
Taking a deep breath, Cherise's eyes widened while pursing her lips into an uneasy smile. Finally, on the exhale she leapt to her feet and grabbed Lydia's arm. "Right then… Let's finish up here and beat it."
Lydia paused for a moment, mentally noting Cherise's distinct lack of an answer to her question. Instead of pursuing it, she brushed it off without another thought. Nothing was going to ruin the vibe that she had going on today.
.
.
Exiting through the back door of The Gallery, the brisk twilight air refreshingly hugged Lydia's warm face. With the exception of two cars, the small employee's parking lot was empty which was not out of the norm. Taking in a cleansing breath, Lydia's thoughts settled on the time. The rest of her day had sped by and she would have the next three off, much to her disbelief for how busy The Gallery would be during those days. To her, those rare three days of alone time with her hubby sounded like pure bliss.
From behind her, the jingling of keys accompanied a metallic scraping of the old but heavy iron door as it was pulled shut. It was the familiar indicator that her work mate wasn't too far behind her. Quickly locking up, Cherise's gentle humming warmed Lydia from within while she patiently waited. It had been another fantastic day and she was thankful that they were able to have a moment to communicate about what had been on her mind. Gratitude misted out of her for everything that she had.
With a quick spin, Cherise tossed the keys into her overly large purse with a bright smile and skipped over to meet her.
"Ya sure ya don't want ta go out to the club with me tonight? Ya keep sayin' that ya would and ya know what I fink? I fink ya need a propa neet out!" Cherise's heavy east Sussex accent rang out and it brought Lydia immense joy. She simply loved listening to her. When it was just them, she couldn't hide her Chav roots but when they were with their wealthy clients, she was sure to put on her best posh-voice to impress.
"Not tonight Cherise but thank you again for the offer. BJ is supposed to come home tonight." While pulling her cloak tighter to keep the chill at bay, she let her friend down gently. A smidge of guilt poked its head into her consciousness and began to probe at her. How many times has Cherise offered to take her to the club or out partying only to have been turned down repeatedly? Lydia silently shook her head to loosen the grip that the guilt had upon her.
"Ah, gotcha! Got all that shagging to make up for, I'm sure." With a wink and a laugh, Cherise pulled her in for a quick hug. Upon her release, Cherise rapidly whipped around to unlock her own vehicle.
"Well, that too." Lydia giggled as a small blush flowered on her cheeks while she strolled over to her driver's side door.
"Again, I 'av ta say, I love wha'a great mood ya been in. Really helps keep me goin'!" Cherise flashed her a cheesy grin, but her words bore a hint of vulnerability. Opening her door, an olfactory wave of artificially sweet strawberry assaulted Lydia's nostrils even all the way on the other side of her car.
"I'm glad that I could help you, even if it's just a tiny bit. I'm so sorry that you've been having a rough time." Lydia's heart ached for her friend as she rested her arms on the chilly metal of her car's roof.
"Eh, ya can't win 'em all. I'll find another piece-a-meat! Ya know I aint alone long. Just burned ya know? I actually fancied 'im." With a sigh, Cherise leaned against her own car and stared at the low hanging clouds that ambled by in the evening sky.
"Fish in the sea…" Lydia shrugged with a sympathetic smile before she stood up again and opened her car door.
Straightening up, Cherise wordlessly observed Lydia set her purse within her car.
"True. Better make sure me bait is lookin' good tonight." She loudly joked when Lydia popped back up.
"OH! 'Fore I f'get, remember that Mistah Smith needs those numbers done by tomorrow night. Maths ain't nevah be'n me strong suit." Pausing, Cherise smirked. "Now there's a catch I wouldn't mind finding in me net! Aw'right, tah pet!" Flashing one last lecherous grin, Cherise slipped into her car and turned the key for the ignition. Instantly, near-deafening club music thumped out of her speakers before she gave a hasty wave to Lydia and shut the door.
.
.
Silence greeted Lydia as she stepped into the apartment and shut out the world behind her. With analytical determination, she scanned the room for any sign of change since she had left so early that morning for work. Straining her ears for any foreign noise beyond her own, she hung her cloak in the coat closet. Hope clung within her that it wouldn't stay this quiet for too much longer.
"Beetlejuice?" With a lilt in her voice she called out into the empty space but sadly, there was no answer in return.
With an aching heart, her shoulders slumped as she shuffled into the tiny kitchen to fill the teakettle at the sink. From the many times that her husband left, she had discovered that tea was a cathartic medicine to help ease the loneliness that would consume her.
Closing her eyes in resignation, the sound of the water filling within the metal kettle met her ears. Over the years she had made a small game of it to challenge herself. Listening closely, she patiently waited for the recognizable change in the tone that indicated the proper water level that she needed. If she did it correctly, the kettle would be full, but not full enough for the water to sputter out when it would come to a boil.
It was a relaxing moment, but it couldn't ease her mind or heartache. She had so been looking forward to seeing her husband tonight.
Within her ears, the nearly indistinguishable sound of static notified her of a subtle shift in the atmosphere. Her sullen mood extinguished as it encouraged her senses to perk up and be alert. Had she not been so sensitive to it, she might have missed the familiar energy that silently entered the room through the walls.
An upsurge of goose-pimples spread as it snaked around her ankle, then with an unhurried pace it slithered upward in exploration.
"Oh!" She yelped, jarring the kettle out of her hands, but the shock was short-lived. "Well, hey sexy! How long have you been home?" Closing her eyes, she greeted the energy as it tenderly caressed along her leg.
Winding its way further, it ascended before it stopped abruptly to roughly contract against her flesh. The sudden pressure was deliciously sensual, prompting an unexpected but loud exhale from her. A rush buzzed through her, starting from her rapacious nether-bits. Oh, how she was glad that she didn't wear panties today.
"Since this afternoon. I was asleep until I heard ya come inside… Mind if I do?" He softly chuckled as he slowly manifested his corporeal form against her warm body.
As he pressed against her, she leaned forward and grabbed the sink for better support to accommodate her gluttonous husband. His intoxicating energy was relentless, but she was all-too happy to submit to his desire as a groundswell of euphoria spread while the drug like magic seeped into her skin.
"The door is op…" With that, she was unable to finish her sentence when he gently pushed her forward, lifted her dress, and entered her in tortuously slow measures. Obediently spreading her legs for better balance, she let out a loud moan as that glorious energy pushed into her with his cock.
"Have I told you how much I love that ya wear so many dresses for yer work?" His gruff but soft voice tickled her soul. His strategic movements were leisurely but mouth-wateringly delicious.
Licking her lips, she visualized each of their movements within her mind's-eye as her body tingled and throbbed around his cool cock. It was a wonderful contrast to the heat that was currently pumping out of her body.
She desired for him to feast upon her physique, and in a brash act of defiance, she shot her bottom back, forcefully driving him into her depths. Instantaneously a small white-hot orgasm erupted within her, delivering a gush of her wet desire upon his clothes.
Pulling her tight, he restrained her as the shivers of pleasure throbbed and begged for more.
"Impatient are we?" His cool breath tickled her earlobe as he spoke while the soft sounds of drips hit the old linoleum.
As cooling lines of wetness trickled down her leg, his free hand snuck around to tease her nipples that were poking through her thin bra. Her panting was visceral, complimenting the long sensual moans as her body answered to his touch.
"Mooore." She begged as she attempted to push against him again but there was nowhere to go. "Baby, fill me!" She cried, knowing that he was holding back on her and she was famished for more.
"So demanding…" He tsked at her as subtle waves of energy misted out of him. Forcefully plunging into her, a timeless, raw magic burst forth and surrounded their beings. The imposed rules of gravity within the natural world altered, fluctuated, and provoked their hair to weightlessly lift into the air.
Like twisting the dial to HIGH on a gas stove, he amped up the intensity of his magic, evoking from her a scream of salacious vitalization. Flames of energy licked her whole body as she continuously came. Her trembling legs threatened to give out as her torso dropped forward within the sink for more support. Supporting her rump, he held her tight as he unrelentingly prodded her with his leaking cock deep within her soft folds.
It was a musical masterpiece, a magnum opus made up of wet, slapping skin, harmonizing with their chorus of moans, and various sounds of rapture that all led up to its crescendo.
Writhing in pleasure, her mind was blank, helplessly lost in the euphoric energy that had filled everything that she was. When his final unconstrained burst of energy detonated, he forcefully ejaculated into her, and all authority over her body vanished, with eyes rolled back, mouth madly watering, and a smile that was permanently plastered upon her face.
Panting heavily, he pressed his face onto her sweat-soaked back; struggling to gather up the energy to pull apart from his delicate lover, but that was proving to be difficult in his current state. While he certainly didn't want to do it, he recognized that she was about to collapse under him. Affectionately rubbing her bottom, Beetlejuice gained the strength that he needed, before standing back to fix his disheveled and damp clothes.
"Now, was that what you were wanting?" He mumbled, not expecting an answer in return. As he adjusted his tie, he admired the way she was slung over the sink like a dish towel, while her cute, reddened butt was exposed for his eyes alone.
Faltering, Lydia was paralyzed to her spot as she fought to catch her breath. Exhaustion was hers, as her body assured her that she had run at least fifty miles and it was now begging her urgently for respite.
To his delight, her jelly-like legs wobbled as she struggled to stand. Taking pity upon her pathetic form, his hand rose up, formed into a finger gun, took aim, and then shot a bolt of energizing magic at the bare target in front of him. Gasping, the magic jolted through her body like she was hooked up to a defibrillator, and although it was a struggle, she was finally able to move and careen over to put her fumbling arms around her ghost.
"Welcome home my love." She cooed, leaning forward only an inch from his face and held him tight for support. Planting a deep and loving kiss on his lips, she slipped her tongue into his mouth and savored each amazing detail about her spectral love. For several minutes they mutely embraced while exchanging slow kisses until she pulled back to regard his expression.
"How I've missed you." She lovingly but slowly blinked, tilting her head to the side while admiring in his every feature. Her heart throbbed with a renewed warmth as she did so.
"Missed ya too kid." Beetlejuice's face softened as he gently traced his thumb along her chin with a tenderness that nearly sent her emotions into a tizzy.
Leaping forward, she attacked his lips once more with a hum of delight. Stepping back, she fingered through her hair before looking towards a door through the arch of the living-room.
"Would you mind getting a bath ready for me? I desperately need to soak after being on my feet all day, aaand now more so after that little bit of fun." She asked, while grabbing his hand to lead him into the bedroom.
"Done." BJ snapped his fingers on his free hand and gifted her a little, cocky half-smile.
"Oh, how'd I get so lucky to have you as my hubby?" She giggled, releasing him in the middle of the bedroom so she could undress. He was so handy in so many ways and the elation that he was home made her want to dance. Well, that was IF she wasn't so tired.
"Eh, you know how it is." He shrugged. "Lots of sneaky, horrible and underhanded things, 'cause you know I'd do anything to keep you as mine. And I do mean anything." The jesting intonation of his words ended on a heavier note before he released another soft but dark chuckle. Leaning against the doorframe, he revered her exposed body that dared to tempt him again. Damn he loved the view.
Now completely naked, she stood up with a smirk and marched over to him. She couldn't pass up an opportunity to tease him right back.
"Riiiight… as if you would do anything like that to me. I know you better than that. Gods, you're such a goober!" She rolled her eyes not believing a word of it. Quickly poking his nose with a giggle, she whirled around to leisurely saunter into the bathroom. As she exaggerated the swing of her hips, she wanted to make for damn sure that he got his fill of her little pageant.
Appearing in front of her, she jumped back, as Beetlejuice blocked her path.
"Ya think that you can get whatever you want just by flaunting that ass?" He sniggered.
"Beej." She chided before leaning forward to kiss him.
"Nuh, uh, uh." He reprimanded as he waggled his finger at her. "On your knees."
Jarred, Lydia attempted to step by him, but he wouldn't move. "Beej, I'm too tired to play anymore."
"Who said you could talk back? You dared to tease me with that sinful body of yours and then have the nerve to tell me no?" Narrowing his eyes, he tilted his head and leaned forward as his sharp-edged words firmly put her in place.
"But…" Blinking, a heaviness weighed within her as her will began to crumble.
"Be a good little girl. Now… On. Your. Knees." He curtly snarled. Pointing to the floor his sharpened expression hit their mark.
Her body felt heavy as she followed his order and dropped to the wooden floor. Lowering her head, she awaited his next command.
"Who owns you?"
The weight of his hand settled upon her head and prevented her from looking up at him. His nail scraped along her scalp, tangling her hair, and sent a shiver along her spine.
"You do." She obediently replied.
"Who does?" Still holding her tight, he tapped the top of her head with one of his fingers as he readjusted his stance.
"You do, my dear husband." Calmly she replied in a gentle manner. Biting her lip, she clasped her fingers together and gave over complete control.
"Say my name." His voice could not hide the smile that decorated his face
"Beetlejuice."
"Now, who owns your body and soul forever?" With both of his hands, he clasped her cheeks and directed her vision forward.
"Beetlejuice." She breathed out, feeling a glimmer of excitement betray her aching body.
"Now, who is your benevolent god and master that is going to fuck you until you're to the brink of unconsciousness?" Speaking with authority, he lifted her head upward for her to see the superior expression that he donned.
"Beetlejuice." Blinking newly formed tears away, she smiled weakly. She never understood why her eyes defied her when they would play like this, but it had appeared to please him. For that, she was happy.
"Good, now retrieve the punishment tools and if I see any hesitation, there will be repercussions." He ordered while pointing to the closet. "Don't forget the crop!"
Nodding her head with a sniffle, she hopped up and followed his commands.
Laying an open box before him, she got on her knees once more and held her breath.
"Who's my pet?" He asked as he bent down and began to rummage through the box.
"I am." She crisply answered as her eyes watched him examine each object carefully.
Grabbing a collar, he affixed it around her neck and gave her an abrupt yank forward by the metal loop. Pleased, he chortled while from within the box, black ropes rose up like snakes and began to wrap around her body. The sensation of the rope tickled, burned, pinched, and tightened around her soft ivory skin as they knotted and bound her neatly.
Immobilized, except for her head, she stared forward, patiently waiting as he paced while forming his next plan of attack. His eyes were affixed to her body, analyzing every bit of her flesh, as the gears within his brain turned, weighing the options that sounded the most desirable.
His decision was made when his voice pierced the silence.
"For talking back, your benevolent master is going to allow you to clean his cock with that disobedient mouth of yours."
Opening her mouth, she closed her eyes and leaned forward. As she did, the ropes adjusted, pulled, and tightened on various parts of her body. Swallowing quickly, she stifled a moan when the rope rubbed on either side of her nether-regions. Resuming her composure, she parted her lips once more to obey his command.
Gently dragging his cold cock on her face, he teased around her mouth before rubbing his leaking head upon her plump lips.
"Now, make sure you clean it thoroughly. I want to see it spotless." He murmured, before he brusquely gasped when he put his cock into her mouth and she immediately went to work.
Her mouth watered faster than she could swallow as she carefully slid his whole sex-pistol within her, forcing it slowly back into her throat. It had taken her years to learn the technique of how not to gag during fellatio, but she could now proudly say she could take it like a pro.
Gradually pulling back, she ran her tongue along his shaft, while making sure to apply pressure and suction. With a grunt, Beetlejuice grabbed the sides of her head and thrust her forward until her nose hit the bottom of his belly. She understood his unspoken demand and readjusted herself. His body hair tickled her nose as she inhaled and then sucked with more pressure and picked up the pace.
She could hear his appreciation as she swiftly bobbed her head with a fervor to please her master. Dribble steadily dripped down her chin as she found a nice momentum, but she didn't' care about her appearance. The head of his cock began to swell and that was her sign to start working harder. Before she could get him to release, he grabbed her hair, halting her and pulled her back.
Looking up to watch for her next order, she pursed her numb lips and then licked them in the hopes to stop the tingling.
Wordlessly, he began to adjust her until she was over his knee. Trailing his finger down her back, he cupped her privates and rubbed her labia before dipping into her soft, cavernous folds. Letting out a yelp of pleasure, her head fell forward letting her curtain of hair sweep the floor.
"Well, look at this. It's like a fucking fountain down there. My pet certainly enjoyed cleaning her master's cock." With one hand, he pulled back some of her long hair so she could see the other hand he presented. A bashful blush gave away the perverse joy that filled her when she saw how incredibly wet his hand was.
"Perhaps your master was too kind? After all, that was supposed to be a punishment…" Hefting her upright, she sat on her knees once more.
Disapprovingly shaking his head, he folded his arms while tsking her.
"What is a master supposed to do to prove his point? Perhaps, this…"
Grabbing her, he shoved her forward until her cheek was pressed upon the floor and her full mop of hair blinded her vision. Using all of her other senses, and by that alone, she could only deduce what would transpire next. She could feel his hands roughly moving and readjusting her bindings, jarring her body in different directions until he was satisfied with their settings. After he propped her bottom into the air, she listened to his movements when he backed away until she detected the coolness from his ghostly form close to hers. At this angle, the scent of her desire and their earlier deeds filled her nose. Anticipation held her tightly, she couldn't wait for his hardness to indulge past her pulsing and wanting pudenda.
With a resonating crack, a cold tide engulfed her whole body until a hot wave spread from a broad point upon her bum. The pain buzzed causing her muscles to contract and release a tiny orgasm. Her warbly moan was met with a singular laugh before she was smacked again. Her moan slipped into a deep groan as he assaulted her ass with the crop until her belly quivered as her muscles struggled to hold her upright.
She couldn't hold herself up for much longer like this. If she was to fall, he would punish her more. Although the thought was tempting, her exhaustion would not acquiesce. Thankfully, he held her hips when she started to tip over.
"Now, since I am a good master, let me give you your reward."
Sputtering out a weak smile, she held her tongue and relaxed her body.
With a nice amount of pressure, Beetlejuice rubbed the head of his cock along her whole crevasse, teasing and prodding, then tapping against her clit until she squirmed. It took everything for her to keep mute. He was punishing her in the best way.
How she wished that she could see his face, let alone anything that he was doing to her body, but her hair still prevented her from seeing anything at all. Her deep breaths were strong enough to lift her hair as she panted, but even that wasn't enough to clear away the mass of locks that covered her eyes.
Tracing back up, starting from her clit he circled her entrance, instigating her body to reply in kind. The snickering that met her ears clued her in on the joke that was at her expense; she then knew that he had seen her vulva's involuntary reaction. Now thankful for the mess of hair that concealed her face, her cheeks burned hot.
The embarrassment didn't last long when she felt an unexpected pressure push against her anus. Another moan belied her, as her bottom accommodated his cool rod. His own moaning joined hers as he began to swing his hips slowly until he picked up an unremitting speed.
Her body was being delightfully mixed up from the inside out as he plunged into her, stimulating her uterus from the outside while exciting her perineum to greater heights. Once taboo in her budding sexuality, anal play became something that she would crave regularly with her ex. Part of her felt foolish that she had denied BJ this pleasure for all of those years just because she had wanted to keep something only for her ex. It was a special treat that would happen only if she initiated it, but after her ex left, her body was no longer hers to dictate. Beetlejuice had claim over every inch of her being at any time that he desired.
Continuously driving into her depths, his balls slapped against her clit and vulva causing wave after wave of pleasure to propel her body to shiver uncontrollably. Wildly jackhammering against her, he bounced her doll-like body to the beat of grunts and groans of a beastly heaven.
.
Violently thrusting her forward, her knees lifted off the floor as a guttural, virtually demonic growl yanked her mind back from the edge of paradise. His weight nearly crushed her as she supported herself off the floor with only her chest, shoulders, and face, while his claw like fingernails dug into the dip of her hips.
By the time her knees hit the floor with a loud thunk, her bindings magically vanished, and she could hold herself up. A dizzying haze clouded her brain as she rotated her body to see where her master could have gone.
On the edge of their bed, Beetlejuice rested his arms on his legs while his hair obscured his face as he panted.
Crawling over to rest upon his knee, she stayed her voice and waited for either permission or an order. With great effort, he lifted his hand until it plopped on the top of her head and he gave her hair a ruffling.
"Ya did good kid. Now go get clean." His tired voice ordered. "I reheated yer bath."
Quietly standing up, she bobbed for a moment before shuffling over to the bathroom's doorway. Leaning against the frame she paused to admire her husband.
At first, he appeared to be in the same position that he was in previously but now there was a distinct difference. From his now parted hair, his softened eyes worshiped her with a gentle smile. Lydia's heart almost burst from the unspoken adoration, but instead it was her legs that gave out.
Before she could hit the floor, two arms caught her and hefted her up bridle-style. Wherever she could, she pecked at his face with small kisses while wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Who's mine?" He asked with a sweet tenderness while walking her over to the awaiting bath.
Delicately lowering her into the hot water, her gentle fingers stroked his flushed cheek.
"I am." She sighed out as the heat encapsulated her body.
Bending down, his lips lovingly met hers with a gentle kiss. Without words, he pulled away and sat down by the side of the claw foot tub.
A contented sigh escaped her lips as she let the hot water soak into her sore bones. Sometimes she was amazed that he could pick up on certain subtle things about her. Even the water's temperature was just how she loved it.
Folding his arms over the side of the tub, Beetlejuice rested his head on his arms and beheld the beauty in front of him.
"How'd the PR tour go?" Closing her eyes, she drawled out her question as her body succumbed to the relaxing moment that she deserved.
"Wasn't too bad. Ol' Princey, actually put out." He smirked as he observed the subtle way that her bosoms bobbed and swayed in the water.
"Put out?" Curiosity drove her to open one eye and peek at him. It sounded quite dirty and now her curiosity was piqued.
"Yup, he let me get whatever I wanted. So of course, I got the finest foods and rooms wherever we went." Dipping a finger into the water, he traced it up her arm, prompting a wave of goose-bumps to spread across her skin.
"And I'm sure you took full advantage of it… See, that's undeniable proof that he likes you." She answered with a snarky lilt to her words. Once again she was reminded of how wonderful it was to have him home. She hated being lonely. Inhaling the floral scented water, she tried to stretch out her legs within the confines of the tub.
"Yeah, whatever. Fuckin' accountant put a stop to it, but at least it was good while it lasted." He grumbled, once again dipping his finger into the bath only to lift it over her chest. At the end of his downturned fingertip, a water droplet swelled up, only to fall upon her luscious breast and slip away to join its watery brethren.
"What about you? Anything interesting happen while I was gone?" He admired her full lips and craved feeling them upon him again.
Popping open her eyes, she stared at the faucet as it occasionally dripped while she gathered her focus. She knew that she had to carefully compile the words that she needed and wanted to share with him.
"Uh, actually, I did. I bumped into someone that I used to know. Hey, why don't I wash up now so we can talk after my bath. I'd hate to have the water get cold. You know I don't do well being cold." Sitting up she grabbed the loofa off the suctioned-cup hook and applied the sweet smelling, herbal body wash onto it.
"Alright. I'll be on the bed." Standing up with a stretch, he disappeared and for that she was grateful.
Mindlessly scrubbing her arm, she weighed her options. She had to wisely evaluate the proper method to approach this delicate matter. Surely, he wouldn't get upset with me for just talking to him, right? Besides, why would he since things are amazing between us? Then again… he is categorically a jealous man. Ugh, how long can I put off telling him? Did he truly need to know? That's a stupid question Lydia, of course he should know. I'd never want to hide anything from him. I just don't know how to broach the conversation. Why am I so nervous about this anyways?
Rinsing off the soap, she ran through several different scenarios within her head. While most of them turned out alright, there were still the ones that ended atrociously, and, of course, those were the scenarios that stood out the most.
Nibbling at her lip, she stilled her body as she spaced out, while trying to sort out which scenario was the most realistic. It was proving difficult because he could be so unpredictable… especially ever since his full power was returned.
From the other room a carefree tune was being whistled; it echoed through the bathroom and that brought her back to reality. Oh! Sounds like he is in a good mood, so maybe it won't be so bad.
Happily turning her attention back to her bath, a smile budded and grew on her face as she decided to put her faith in the one she loved.
.
.
Towel drying her hair in her long kimono-style robe, Lydia felt optimistic, albeit tired as she stepped out of the bathroom. Upon the bed with his arms tucked behind his head, BJ lazily crooked his head to admire her.
"Yer phone made a noise." Sitting up, he pointed over to the cellphone that sat on the bedside table. Glancing at the time, she noted that it was nearly 11:30pm but it undeniably felt much later.
"Oh? Thanks! It's probably just Cherise reminding me again to work on those spreadsheets. It's either that, or she's drunk already. I can't understand how she has the stamina to party like that anymore? I'm worn out from working all day, and yet she was with me too! Although, I suppose that I should factor in all of the activity that we had before my bath." Sitting by his side, she offered him a loving kiss before smattering his cheek with a handful of pecks.
With a yawn, she spied his smile when she leaned over to pick up her phone. Swiping the screen, she unlocked it and saw that there was a new text.
Allen: I hope that your day went well. I apologize for my silence. I've been stuck at the hospital for too long, but I finally have a moment to sit at my desk long enough to send you a text.
Staring at the text, Lydia held her phone tighter while her lungs froze. She certainly wasn't prepared for this. No, not at all. Was Allen absolutely certain that his empathy didn't work anymore? Ever since she had reunited with him at the cafe, she hadn't heard a peep from him and now the timing of this text was too eerie.
"Well, how drunk is she? Be sure to read it to me. She sends the funniest shit whenever she's wasted!" Closing his eyes, he chortled while tucking his arm back under his head. She could tell that he was getting tired and wanted her to join him so they could sleep.
Panic wiped Lydia's mind of all thought and reason. Blinking, she shifted her body to look at her husband. Her head felt like it was floating until a torrent of thoughts invaded in all at once. Should I reply to Allen right now or not? What should I say to Beetlejuice? She no longer had any energy or brain capacity after her bath to have a long conversation. Especially now since this text threw her for a complete loop.
How would BJ react if I showed him this text right now? Gods, I was hoping that I would've had a clear head before trying to explain what happened. While she trusted BJ, she didn't want to risk having an argument before bed; especially since things had been so nice after he came home. No, I absolutely have no energy to get into this with him right now. Tomorrow, yeah, tomorrow I can talk to him after breakfast. Tomorrow sounded perfect. They didn't have anything planned and that would afford her some time to think this through.
Just in case it went off again, Lydia set her phone to vibrate and finally remembered to breathe.
Her loud exhale snagged BJ's attention, causing his eyes to open. With her back to him, he huffed that she still hadn't answered his question. While letting his heavy eyes close once more, another big yawn escaped out as he fluffed his pillow and relaxed further upon the bed.
Stiffly standing up, she shuffled a few steps towards the door while holding the phone closer to her body.
"Baby, I'm parched, and my head is hurting. I'm going to go get some water and take something. I'll be right back. Why don't you go brush your teeth before I get into bed?" With a forced grin, she made her way to the door as he sluggishly glanced over his shoulder to her with tired eyes. As she exited the room, she heard a grunt but that was the only complaint that she received.
.
.
In the darkened kitchen, Lydia stood stock-still by the sink. With a small groan she popped two ibuprofens then swigged a large glass of water to wash it down.
Deciding to quickly type up a reply, she prayed that this dull pain didn't grow into a full-fledged headache.
Lydia: I'm sorry. That sucks that you can't go home. I just hope that you haven't been there all day. It's lovely hearing from you again. I've missed getting your texts. Oh, BJ got home today. I'm so happy.
Just as she was about to head back to the bedroom, her phone buzzed. Huh, that was quick.
Allen: I've been here since 6AM yesterday. To be honest, right now, I'm sort of hiding. I needed a break for my own sanity before I go back out to the madness. I want to go home, but thankfully, I should be done in an hour. Well, at least I hope that I can.
Lydia gave a sympathetic frown to her phone. It had to be hard to do what he was doing. How was it even legal to let the medical professionals work like that? Isn't that just dangerous for everyone? She started her reply when another two texts popped up and made her pause.
Allen: I'm glad to hear that he's back and that you're happy. I hope that he had a good time wherever he was.
Allen: It was enjoyable catching up with you. I do apologize that I didn't get to see or talk to you before I had to leave for work on Friday morning.
She couldn't help but feel guilty all around. Even after everything that had happened between them in the past, he was still wanting the best for both BJ and her. Does he truthfully feel that way or is he forcing himself to be pleasant? I have no idea. I should at least reply right away since who knows when he'll be able to get a chance to talk again?
Lydia: Wow! I'm sorry. I hope that you can go home soon. It sounds to me like you work too many hours. Don't worry, I'm certain that he had a good time.
Trying to keep upbeat, she forced herself to smile, but still she couldn't stop her eyes from welling up with tears. I still feel like I'm the worst person ever because of everything that I've done to him in the past. I vow that I'll never, ever do something like that again to anyone else. I just hope that he will honestly forgive me.
The buzzing of her phone halted her thoughts.
Allen: It's all part of the job. It's not that unusual for me to have a 30-hour shift, especially when I'm on the on-call rotation. Let me know the next time that you're planning to be in town. It would be lovely to talk over a cup of coffee again. Unless, you'd rather come to my place since it's quieter. If it's easier for you, you're welcome to stay the night again.
Lifting the glowing phone to her forehead, she gripped it forcefully with a grimace. Holding her breath, she tried her best to will the tears away with all of her might. Damnit! I never grew stronger like I had always wanted to, did I? Stupid tears. Stupid me. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.
Appearing from behind her, Beetlejuice wrapped his arms around her tiny waist and pulled her close.
"Well, what's taking ya so long? I even brushed my teeth for ya! Now that's what I call love!" He laughed out.
With a yelp, she jumped, knocking her phone to the floor, and clawing her way out of his arms.
"OH GODS! Don't startle me like that!" Panic was surging through her as she took a couple steps away from him to try to calm down and gather her thoughts.
"Sheesh, thought you liked when I did things like that." He grumbled as he bent down to pick up her phone that softly lit the dark space. Lifting it up, he took a peek at the unlocked screen and read it over.
Lydia froze. Oh shit. He's reading it. Undoubtedly she had wanted to share the messages with him and had resolved to tell him tomorrow when the time was right… but right now it was NOT the time. Gods, now it's too late. Wait, what was the last thing that was said?
From the eerie glow of the screen, Beetlejuice's face was the only thing illuminated within the inky room. Gnawing on her thumb, she analyzed him while he took his time reading, then rereading what was before him. As he absorbed the messages his eyes narrowed until they were dangerous slits.
Finally, when he had seen enough, he whipped up his head and glared at her. Lydia was at a loss for words while an energy began to flare out of him. Yet, oddly she became distracted by the discovery that his whole being could glow in the dark like it was now. How did I never notice it before? Snapping his fingers, the kitchen lights popped on and she saw with complete clarity just how angry he was.
Taking a step back, she faltered to find something to say. Why was he so upset? There wasn't anything in the texts that could be misinterpreted right? She couldn't, for the life of her remember anything that was said anymore.
Thrusting out the phone while not losing eye contact, his body hunched over slightly as his shoulders rose. With each heavy breath, his shoulders lifted and fell as black fumes of magic swirled out of him.
"What. The. Hell. Is. THIS? This BETTER NOT be who I think it is!" He growled through clenched teeth.
Yanking the phone from his hands, she immediately shoved it in a drawer behind her. She wasn't going to risk having him take his anger out on it. There was no way in hell that she could afford another phone right now and she needed one at all times for work.
"It's nothing, honestly. Baby calm down. We need to discuss all of this with a clear head. Ok?" In her best tranquil voice, Lydia attempted to ease his anger so they could discuss this without an argument.
Taking a step forward, she flinched when he growled at her.
"IS IT HIM? IS IT THAT ASSHOLE WHO DUMPED YOU?" Tilting his head, Beetlejuice watched her closely through squinted eyes as his voice rose while carrying an edge of danger. Lydia wasn't liking this at all. With her body trembling, she swallowed down her fear as she struggled to control the situation.
"Beetlejuice… sweetie. Please… calm down. Come on Please!" Taking a risk, she put her hands on his arms. Attempting to stay serene was proving to be challenging, as she could sense his anger just through the energy that surrounded them.
As his energy flared once again, it threw her back, as little sparks started forming within the ethereal mist. They stung at her skin as they popped and buzzed like angry bees.
"Answer ME!" He roared as his feet lifted from the floor.
Cringing, Lydia's body quaked. Whenever he got this angry, she couldn't help the primal fear that consumed her.
"Baby, please don't be mad at me. Please! Please, can we just talk about this. I just want…" she begged, but before she could finish what she was saying he released an ear-splitting snarl.
Covering her ears, the tremors would not let her hands stay in place, but an ember of strength lit within her. If he wanted to argue, then we'll argue!
"It is! OK?! It's the same Allen Dichter that I knew and dated! But you HAVE to trust me!" She yelled back to him, at a loss of how to control any of this situation. A desperation within her prayed that he'd listen. She didn't want anything bad to happen. No, she wanted to work this out with him.
Roaring in anger, he slammed his hand down on her little red table, splitting it in half. Shrapnel of wood splinters and shattered formica bounced off of the walls and cupboards. Whipping around, he faced her while heavily panting as his fury continued to rise.
Startled to the core, she couldn't help her own reaction when she screamed back at him.
"WHAT THE HELL!? Fuck, Beetlejuice, will you listen to me?! I don't know why you're so damn angry?! I just wanted to be his friend again! It's not like I sought him out! I just happened to bump into him!" She stomped past him to analyze the damage to her poor table. I treasured that table. It had so many memories contained within it and it was a fricken antique too! Why does he never value my stuff?
Suddenly her fear yanked her back when he growled at her words and the hate in his eyes impaled her.
"B,b,baby… p,please. Listen. Don't be mad at me. Please don't punish me me. Please. I can't take that. I just wanted to be his friend. Nothing more. I promise! Please believe me." She sputtered, as she held up her arms to protect herself. She never knew what he would say or do when he was angry. Never had he been this angry with her and she didn't have the courage to face his wrath.
"Friends?! How the hell could you be friends again after all that shit that he put you through?! LET'S NOT FORGET THAT YOUR NOT VERY GOOD AT STAYING "JUST FRIENDS" WITH MEN!" He pointed to her, exuding a rage that she had never felt before.
His words stabbed through her and she was in disbelief of what she was hearing. Her dwindling patience was quickly outweighing her fear as her own anger resurfaced with a wave of bravery that boosted her forward.
"What exactly are you implying!?" Stomping over, she poked his chest a few times to accent her words. I've had enough of this stupid temper tantrum! A burning spread through her cheeks and migrated to her ears.
"I'm saying this sweetheart… Seems like you'll spread yer legs for any guy who gives ya some sob story or even an ounce of attention! How do I know ya ain't going to fuck around behind my back?! You're just so naïve and TOO EASY to manipulate! Yer an obvious target for any schlob who wants to get a taste of yer pie and I ain't gonna let that happen! An' let me tell ya, I ain't gonna die 'cause you're a horny little slut!" He snidely pointed directly at her before he defiantly folded his arms as the intensity of his eyes bored into hers. He would not lose ground in this battle.
Stumbling back, Lydia gasped. How could he?! Tears surged up, filling her eyes as she stormed back to him and slapped his face as hard as she could. A perfect, red imprint of her hand decorated one of his cheeks while hers stung before it began to throb with pain.
"How DARE you talk to me like that! Even when Allen was at his angriest, he NEVER insulted me! I have always been faithful and I'm not that easy to manipulate!" She crossly yelled back to him but internally she was breaking apart. He is being so unbelievably horrible right now. Where is my loving ghost? He was here only an hour ago yet, now he is insulting me without even a hint of remorse.
Like a cannon, laughter burst out of Beetlejuice before it transformed into a heinous cackle. The energy around him darkened and his eyes began to glow. Sensing the sinister energy rise from within him, Lydia's body instinctually shook as the scene unfolded.
"You're nothing but a pathetic joke! You were FAITHFUL and NOT MANIPULATED?! Weren't you fucking me behind his back?" He bent over still laughing.
"Back then, it was nothing but a physical act that I was REQUIRED to do because of the contract! A REQUIRMENT!" Pulling her hair, she yelled out the final word as tremors cruelly racked her body while she struggled to keep her voice strong. His energy was positively overwhelming.
BJ stopped laughing and stood up straight. Shaking his head, he stopped to cock it and looked at her like she was some confused child.
Curling his lip into a perverted sneer, he leaned forward to get in her face.
"Just admit it… You wanted to fuck me! We only HAD to do it once! Every time you were near me, you were like a bitch in heat. You made it SO EASY! SO EASY! All I had to do was touch ya and you'd soak yer panties! Yer body sure told me the truth even if yer mouth didn't." In that moment, his smile rivaled the Cheshire Cat's as the confusion written on Lydia's face brought him immense joy.
"What?! Wait… what?" Did she hear him right? Did he… Lydia's mind couldn't grasp what he was saying. Replaying his words, she watched as Beetlejuice rolled over in the air, kicking his feet about while laughing.
She needed clarity. This didn't make any sense.
"YOU said we had to! Back then, I didn't have sex with you because I wanted to! I only did it to save you!" As she stepped forward, the floor felt like it was starting to wobble under her like a small earthquake.
"Like I said… you made it too easy! Think about it, weren't ya pretty quick to fuck me? Even when you knew your relationship coulda ended from it, ya still WANTED ME! Gods, you were so predictable, and you played right into my hands! Clearly it's what you had wanted too, otherwise it wouldn't have happened. I especially remember how wet yer pussy was before that fuck-face, coward of an ex showed up for the very last time." Nearly nose to nose, a dangerous glimmer in his eyes reflected back to her. Finally, she was getting his point and now she needed to see how naïve she had been.
"There's no fucking way that I would ever let you get away from me. YOU ARE MINE. GET IT? EVEN WHEN I LET YOU FUCK THAT DICKHEAD FOR YEARS, YOU'VE ALWAYS BEEN MINE! You better learn that quick! You are not to talk to any other men without my permission or else I'll have to show you exactly what will happen to them when you do. And, sweetie, NO contract can stop me!" He gesticulated wildly as he darted around her and the room.
"Played into your hands?!" A heavy and cold stone slowly settled within her stomach. I don't want to hear this. No… no… no, I don't want to know… but now I have to. No, I need to know the truth.
"Yuuuuup, I wanted to teach ya a lesson. Ya had to learn how easy it was for him to give up and leave you! Clearly, he didn't really love you enough! Besides, while I know I'm irresistible, you wouldn't have slept with me if you had actually valued him." Lifting her chin with his finger, he smirked at her defiant expression as she took in everything that he was saying.
"Now, don't tell me that you never questioned why he couldn't go on that trip… Were you really that green that you readily believed the insane reason why it was canceled?" A malice filled his words as they slithered out of his mouth like vipers. He was hitting a bullseye on every chosen target and making sure there was nothing left for her to fight back. He was showing her exactly how things were going to be from then on.
Her feet wouldn't move, and she could barely breathe as the events of that horrible day replayed within her head.
"What… what did you do?" She questioned blankly, trying to grasp at anything to make sense of everything he was implying.
"Does it really matter? Well, let's just say that I made it so that there was no way he could have gone on that trip that weekend. Of course, I knew precisely when he'd be back and that you'd be too weak to my charms, if ya know what I mean. You are just too gullible to comprehend a set-up even when you saw it." He buffed his nails and glanced at her with an unbelievably smug look.
Suddenly she felt hollow.
"You… set me up…?"
His wicked chuckle echoed around her as the bigger picture that was presented refocused with perfect clarity. Memories inundated her from all of the years that they had spent together, the excursions, the misleading conversations, the subtle ways he poked holes in her confidence, the times he forced her to...
Was he ever my friend? Finally, she understood that each interaction between them was strategic and planned. He was right… she had been too trusting to see any of the warning signs.
"You… manipulated me. You did everything to control me. You knew how much I loved him! You knew how much our friendship meant to me! Yet… yet, you never cared about what I wanted! It.. It all makes sense now… all that time you…from the beginning…" Her voice was empty, but a pain rose up from her toes. The faucet in her eyes opened as the tears resurfaced once again. Even though she saw all of that… It still didn't make sense.
"See how gullible you were? I was playing you like a fiddle since the beginning. No way in hell was I going to let some schmuck take you away from me. I put in too much time and energy into you! That's how much I care." His mood began to calm since he had proven his point. Opening up his arms to her, he smiled and lowered himself to the floor.
"Now, get over here and give me that apology I deserve. Ain'tcha impressed at how good I am at this?" He cooed as he grounded his energy.
Lydia, on the other hand, was starting to come face to face with some harsh realities.
Slowly at first and then increasingly faster, the room began to spin on her as she grabbed onto the wall for support. All color flushed from her face as she recalled moments that she finally saw without any illusions. More and more, the memories that she recalled became untwisted and she was able to see them without any of Beetlejuice's misconceptions.
"You… you purposely kept me away from him as much as you could. So, so you could put a strain on our relationship… just so.. so you could take me away from him…" Panting, she felt like she needed to vomit as a pressure built up within her throat.
"Worked like a charm too. You were two naïve, gullible kids that didn't stand a chance against a pro like me. There's no way that yer relationship would've lasted anyways. It was TOO SWEET! YECHH!" He gagged but quickly continued.
"Didja really think it'd be all sappy rainbows and valentine kisses fer the rest of yer life? Again, look how easily he left ya, even when ya threw yerself on him. Maybe it was because he didn't like knowing he was getting sloppy seconds? Pfft. Not like me, babes, I'm here for eternity." Beetlejuice put his hands on his hips triumphantly and snerked. "Can'tcha see that I'm the only one who has, and will always, be there for you and certainly not someone like that fuckin', chicken-livered, ass-hat, that's for sure!"
"I trusted you…." She said quietly.
"That's your mistake babes, not mine." He sniggered.
"I TRUSTED YOU! HOW COULD YOU!?" Pure, blind anger burst out of her as she seized his arms. At first, he was shocked, but his energy quickly absorbed it and then fed off of it. The rage that had just begun to quell was now ignited like a wildfire in a drought.
"DON'T YOU GET IT? YOU ARE MINE! NO ONE IS EVER GOING TO FUCKING COME BETWEEN US! I WILL KILL ANYONE WHO DOES! YOU BETTER BELIEVE I WILL AND NO ONE, NOT EVEN YOU SWEETHEART, CAN STOP ME! I WILL DESTROY ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING THAT KEEPS YOU FROM ME! I WILL BURN DOWN THIS ENTIRE REALM BEFORE THAT HAPPENS!" Yanking away, he snatched her wrist tightly and pulled her to him by it. As he shoved his face close to hers, she felt like her wrist was going to snap as his fingernails dug in like claws.
Letting out a cry, she tried to pull away, but his grip tightened holding her fast. Pressing closer, he whispered into her ear.
"Now, why don't you be a good little pet and tell yer master where he is? I'll do you a favor and take care of our little problem right now. Then we can get back to business baby, but remember, daddy ain't askin." He licked her ear and pulled away to listen.
"LET GO OF ME! You're hurting me!" She struggled but this was clearly not the answer that he was looking for.
Just when she thought that his anger could not get any worse, it did, as he slammed her against the wall to trap her. With his hand still holding tight, he wasn't going to let her go until she relented. Closing her eyes, she saw little twinkles of light as she winced from the dull pain on her spine.
"TELL ME NOW!" He barked, slamming her harder against the wall, causing the drywall to slightly concave around her torso. "I'M DONE PLAYING LITTLE GIRL! BLOOD MUST BE HAD TONIGHT!" A dark thrill flowed through his body at the thought of tearing apart that meddling mortal and severing her connection with him forever. His fingers itched to seek out that familiar comfort of a baptism of gore and flesh.
Sheer terror poured through her every atom as her eyes no longer saw her husband before her. He was a vile demon, hell bent on destroying everything good in this world. A scream erupted out of her, and she somehow found the strength to tear away from him. As quick as she could, she ran out of the kitchen towards the front door. She needed to escape. She couldn't be near THAT!
"Where the fuck do you think you are going?! WE ARE NOT DONE HERE! I SAY WHEN WE ARE DONE!" Pointing with his index finger, he zapped her with his magic, and she was instantly petrified. Casually striding towards her, he began to tsk at her in a disappointing manner.
Frantically her eyes darted to the door's handle and then back to him as he slowly approached her. She didn't believe that her heart could beat this hard and fast. I almost made it to the door. It was SO CLOSE! He's going to hurt me again! He's going to hurt others! No, he's going to kill! He has no restraint right now! Oh gods, please help me! I'm so scared! HELP! She was losing her mind to fear.
It was then that something inside of her snapped when a volcanic anger erupted out of her with a wall-shaking scream. Stopping in his tracks, his confusion was short lived when, to his total shock, she broke through his magic and fell to the floor.
Rapidly standing up, she pressed herself to the front door. She couldn't face him, as her forehead cooled on the painted aluminum that was her only exit. The anger that boiled up within her blood was fighting against her fading self-control. No, she needed to stay in control.
As he took another step, it shattered her will...
"I SWEAR TO THE GODS THAT IF YOU FOLLOW ME OR TRY TO STOP ME AGAIN, I WILLGO TO JUNO RIGHT NOW AND ASK FOR AN IMMEDIATE DIVORCE!" She screeched, spinning around, looking at him through her tears as her face burned with a fury that she had never known.
Stopping again, her words soaked into his skin and suddenly he felt like he was deflating. Shaking his head, his anger welled again. Like hell he was going down.
Squaring his shoulders, he challenged her, knowing that she'd cave as soon as he pressed her again.
"PFFT! You wouldn't dare! I know that you love me too much!" He folded his arms again but studied her carefully.
"THE FUCK THAT I WOULDN'T! I DON'T EVEN KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT OUR RELATIONSHIP ANYMORE! HELL, I CAN'T EVEN SAY IF WHAT WE HAVE IS LOVE!" Snatching her car keys, she yanked the front door open, allowing a freezing gust of air to burst into the room. Her robe and hair violently rippled as it swooshed past her to happily intrude into the space and steal away any remaining warmth.
The freezing air hit his face like a splash of ice water, yanking him away from his volatile emotions. Reaching out to her, BJ felt himself falter and realized, right then and there, just how severe the situation was. His stomach dropped when he comprehended how horribly he had now messed up. He had let his emotions possess him and now it had damned him. He needed to fix this!
"Shit! Babes, wait… Let's talk! Look, I didn't mean it. You know I'm just a kidder! C'mon, if we can just talk..." Stepping towards her, his legs felt like they weren't moving, as the cold continued to fill the room and also his being.
Lifting her head, she spoke again but her words were crystalline as they rang in his ears.
"I'm warning you Beetlejuice. Do not stop me. Do not follow me. Do not even look for me. If I feel even the hint of you near me, I will end it all. That is my promise!" Spinning away from him, she took a step out the door as her hair began to wildly whip about from the wind. Pausing, she shot him one last glare and then slammed the door behind her.
.
.
The slamming of the door jarred Beetlejuice to the core.
What just happened? What in the fucking hell had just happened?! One moment he was proving his point and he thought that she understood him… but then in the next she just... just disobeyed him?! She left?! She left!
No, he didn't think he went too far but, according to her reaction, he did. Not like he could be held liable for how his magic made him react. It wasn't his fault. It was the magic! Right? She'd understand right?
Fuck! No! She should be thankful! He was trying to help her! He was just going to get rid of any problems between them. That way they could have continue their happy life together. Why didn't she understand that?
Pacing within the room, his mind would not settle. The more he thought about it, the more he vacillated between anger and confusion.
Stopping in front of their wedding portrait that hung on the wall, his thoughts would not relent.
"Didn't she realize how happy she is with me?! I can make all of her dreams come true, so why is she protecting HIM? Unless… Does she still love him? No, not after what he did to her. Shit, what if though… Wait, what if she is planning to cheat on me? That fucking message did say that she spent the night with him, but she didn't fuck him, or else I wouldn't be here. Who knows what else they did! Fuck, and with her libido! ARGH! Are they planning to get rid of me? Fuck, I can't trust it. I can't fucking trust her around any other guy! She might plan to cheat on me for revenge… " As he continued to try to make sense of the chaos, it only further aggravated him. He was losing his patience.
As he stepped back, his anger began to rise up again.
"NO ONE FUCKING TALKS TO ME LIKE THAT! NO ONE FUCKING TELLS ME WHAT TO DO!"
Ripping the photo off the wall, he smashed it on the floor, shattering the glass as the razor like shards shot out in all directions.
Panting, he glared at the broken frame and stomped on it as hard as he could.
"WHAT THE HELL LYDIA!? ARE YOU A FUCKING MORON?! I DID IT ALL FOR YOU! EVERY FUCKING THING!" Grabbing at the air, he screamed at the top of his lungs.
Still, his anger didn't relent. He needed to destroy more! That was the only thing that felt appealing. If only he knew where that fucking breather lived.
Different gruesome scenarios manifested within his twisted brain and each one provided him with shivers of delight. That was until he realized, again, that he didn't know where Allen lived. It quickly took the wind out of his sails, but the frustration continuously boiled within.
Slapping his forehead, he growled.
"I should have paid attention to where she said she was goin' when I went on that fucking trip. Now that I think about it, it seems rather convenient that it happened then. Surely, she must've said something more about it? Where the hell did she say she went? FUCK, why can't I even remember which city she was visiting "That Friend" in the hospital. How long has this been going on?! This feels like it was planned!" Racking his brain to recall any detail, he cursed out loud when nothing came to him.
Clenching his jaw, he ground his teeth together and began to seethe. Stretching his fingers, he watched the energy begin to smolder out from them.
No, nothing would calm this bloodlust. He needed to let it out! He wanted to feel the life drain from that fucker's body as he tortured, gouged, and rip him to pieces. Most of all, he wanted her to watch! Oh yes, that would be just what he needed!
He had to follow her... She had to be going to HIM. A wicked smile lit up his hostile expression. His illuminated orbs began to glow brighter as he tried to sense where she was.
"FUUUUUCK!" He lamented. "What the hell?! I can't sense or see her!"
Screaming, he violently flipped the side table in front of him. Everything that rested on top of it, was ejected into the room. Dirt from the fern was now scattered everywhere in the debris below him. What did he care! It was HER stuff anyways. He needed to show her! Show her what happens when you double cross the Ghost with the Most! He deserved RESPECT! She had NO IDEA how important he is!
"YOU WHORE!" He roared as he tore into one of the sitting chairs with his now clawed fingertips.
Why couldn't he sense her? HE NEEDED TO SHOW HER HOW IT WAS GOING TO BE! All or nothin' baby. That was the deal!
He must've been too soft on her. HE had gone too soft! No, he wasn't going to let that happen again.
A malicious chuckle filled the room as he straightened out his jacket and stood up.
"What am I even worried about? Soon, you'll come crawling back to me and be begging me for forgiveness. Yup, just like you always do! You know why? It's because you're WEAK! Why the hell did I fall for someone as weak as her?" He growled as he ran his claws through his hair.
The bloodlust within him demanded more and it was nowhere near satisfied.
No, not one bit.
If only he could get to her, then he'd change her mind, real quick like! Things would be changing as soon as she came back. She was his and he was never going to let her out of his sight again.
Rubbing under his nose, he sniffed and rolled his shoulders. He needed to let off some steam. Tearing apart a village sounded perfect right now and by the time he was done, he was certain she'd be back and groveling at his feet.
Besides, he needed to leave her a message that he was sure she wouldn't miss.
A knock at the door interrupted his planning and pulled at his curiosity.
Casually striding over, he stopped to brush off some of the dust on his lapel before opening it.
"Good evening sir. I'm Officer Brown and this is my partner. We had a report of a possible domestic dispute." The skinny cop tipped her hat and pulled out a notepad. The other police officer stood silently and analyzed him before looking through the open door. "May we come in?"
Brandishing a brilliant smile, Beetlejuice shut the door behind him and appeared between them with his arms slung over their shoulders. Pulling the obviously stunned cops closer BJ laughed.
"Heya Copper, I have a better idea. I need a little help getting my spirits raised. So, why don't we get to be real pals. If ya know what I mean. Why don't we paint the town red?"