Brewing of a Perfect Storm

by Peridot Writer

Lucy Westenra has three potential suitors attempting to capture her heart. Mina Harker has a fiancé in Romania, awaiting his return. After a passing of a good friend, Lucy realizes that Mina is the only one she has to pay attention to and she has no will to let her heal on her own.

1. Chapter 1

Brewing of a Perfect Storm

Chapter One

Summary: Lucy Westenra has three potential suitors attempting to capture her heart. Mina Harker has a fiancé in Romania, awaiting his return. Both seem content enough with the presence of each other however and neither plan to give the other up anytime soon.

Disclaimer: I do not own Dracula or any of its plots and characters. This is simply for entertainment purposes. All rights belong to Bram Stoker.

LETTER FROM MISS MURRAY TO MISS LUCY WESTENRA

1 May

My dearest Lucy-

I sincerely apologize for the lack of letters and my overall absence that has no doubt alarmed you. Jonathan has just departed from Munich and whilst he has merely left, I worry about his journey to Romania. I am not familiar with particulars, nor the terrain neither distance from London. I conscript this letter dreadfully late but I know that sleep is not an option for the time being and it is much too late to perform any daytime tasks. My body is weary but my alertness has yet to wane.

I do hope to come and visit you soon. I am certain that the days here will be lovely and I have no insistence upon staying in an empty home. Despite the constricting walls, it feels much grander and hauntingly eerie without Jonathan.

He has been most attentive to my needs before disembarking and I shamefully admit that I have, indeed, requested all his time and attention. I do hope he allows the wedding despite my behaviour.

I must formally apologize ahead of time for I am certain that time will slip past before I acknowledge another parcel to you, my dear friend. Many a time, I have feared that I have been negligent to you. I wholeheartedly declare that is not the case.

Jonathan has approached me with the task of conscription utilizing a typewriter. I do not wish to disappoint him but I do wonder what I can conceive to acquire the proper usage. The reading of Arabian Nights has given me some ideas and rather abhorrent ones on what to achieve with my time. But the crossing of another book has captured my attention.

It is rather stunning, the conception of what the author has produced. The marriage and intertwinement of two women. Perhaps it is a personal fantasy of him but there is no foreword or introduction. Rather, it reminds me of the Kamasutra, with less visualization and more convergence on the acts performed by each counterparts.

But I find it rather intriguing and upon my art studies have noticed the trickle of influence the novel has on me. You know more than anyone that my hand is not well acquitted for the human form, nonetheless intricate positioning of limbs and bodies alike. Enclosed in the miniature envelope are two studies I have… embellished. What is strange is the lack of shame I have. I am rather content with the result. Of course, only you will be informed of this. I pray that no other eyes may fall upon the delineations.

It is also the most remarkable instance of taboo I have ever conjured. You are familiar with the fact that the both of us are virtuous and I believe that you are predominant in this instance. Reproduction between that of male and female is an enticing subject and I have had opportunities within my art to apprehend such a scene and allow it to be transferred onto that of parchment. It is an exciting thought and I do hope that Jonathan and I will both be participants when he comes back.

What an embarrassing thought has just traversed across my mind. Do women have the same relations with another as one would do with a man? My curiosity of myself is not alien to me. I have solved several inquires of my own body. But would the passion be equitable? Shall intrusion and penetration also be present? Such things are taboo, even in the presence of a lover but I feel the overarching need to inquire and I know that you would be the best to turn to. I hope you do not find me questionable, nor do you inquire my sanity upon reading this scripture.

My hand grows tired and my eyes heavy. I believe that fatigue has finally decided to settle down and claim me. It will be unsettling to sleep alone in the house. Fears of robbers are always apparent. Perhaps this is simply my paranoia. But with the Lord by my side, I know that I shall be alright. I do hope you write back soon, my dear friend.

Sincerely

Mina Murray.

MINA MURRAY'S JOURNAL

2 May

The dream I had, in all aspects of the word, was intriguing. It was rather startling too and I believe some parts of my imagination were stirred upon the subject brought about in my letter to Lucy.

I've had fantasy dreams of Jonathan and I and all of them were interesting. The feelings that came about within the dream felt so real that I feel that it was not a dream at all. But the virtue I have is to be saved after Jonathan and I marry.

But this particular dream was of Lucy and I. I have always thought that she is fair and attractive and if I were a man, I would ask her hand in marriage. But I might hold some bias upon the fact that we have known each other since childhood. Besides, Lucy always has those wanting her hand. Whilst she has yet to decide, I am sure that she will soon. She told me that a few others are traveling to her estate fairly soon. That letter was dated back in April so I would not be surprised if she has already accepted a proposition.

I feel rather guilty upon partaking in such thoughts. Jonathan has been nothing but loyal and it feels wrong that I even think about anyone else that way I am thinking of Lucy. Perhaps it can be excused. I have read plenty a tale of women describing their friends in the same view as I. There is typically no limit nor is it not uncommon for those of the fair sex to sleep with one another and exchange secrets.

I have seen Lucy without any garments before and I admit that I could not conceive anyone more gorgeous than the body she possesses. I have bathed her before and her skin is that of silk and soft cotton. The smoothness rivals that of a marble statue created by the gran Renaissance artists in Italy.

I recall that she had been much too tired to bathe herself but had no wish t o slumber whilst she had yet to properly clean herself so she went to me.

"Mina, dear," she had addressed me. She approached, taking my hands, and pulling me up from my desk that had been administered to me. "I am tired and fatigued," she spook dramatically, a wide smile plastered on her lips./ "Might you help me bathe? I fear I shall fall in the tub without help."

"What about one of your servants?" I suggested.

"The male ones tend to leer far too much and I am uncomfortable amongst the females. You are my dearest and truest friend. Might you assist me? Please?" She smiled up at me. To this, I laughed and nodded in return. She grabbed ahold of my hand once more before leading me to her bedchambers, shutting the large doors behind us. She brought me to the washroom to which a bath had already been prepared.

I do not look at her as she stripped, the sound of the clothing hitting the floor filling the silence. "Mina. You can look. We both have the same anatomy," she spoke kindly. I turned around, feeling the blood rushing up to my cheeks as she emerged herself into the water. She held out her hand for me to grasp. "Come. Help me."

I looked down upon the small bottles of shampoo and body wash before it finally registered. "Do you want me to bathe you?" I inquired. She nodded in confirmation as though it was the most normal thing in the world.

"Please? Your touch is so gentle and nice when you brush my hair. I have no doubt that it shall be the same now." She leaned back and I knew that she trusted me. I relented, taking a body wash that was from France. Fleur-De-Lys. Flower of the lily. I could not help but wonder how much it cost. The scent itself was incredibly soothing as I poured it into my hands.

"Do you use something to wash yourself with? A cloth of some sorts?"

"No," was the simple answer. "I find it easier to bathe with my hands.

I took a deep breath before rubbing my hands together, lathering up the soap. I went from the neck down, my hands gliding over her skin smoothly. Her breathing was even and her eyes were closed as I went. I moved down her arms and upper chest. I became hesitant around her breasts, my mouth haven grown dry and my face flushed. "Lucy. You are alright with me cleaning everywhere?"

She nodded without opening her eyes. "Yes. It is alright, Mina. I trust you. We are both women and neither of us are strangers."

I sighed, partially out of relief as I continued, circling her mounds that seemed to grow harder and I could not help it as I turned even brighter red. I moved my hands down her chest and stomach, a slight shudder rushing through her yet I had no clue if she was aware or not.

I moved lower, keeping an ear out to see if she would stop me. She did not. I hesitated, my hand right above the area that belonged only for her and her husband to see and touch.

Lucy seemed to notice my hesitation for her eyes opened. She moved her hand and grasped mine. "Mina, look at me," she whispered. I moved my gaze, interlocking my eyes with her brilliant green ones. "Continue. I trust you, my dear friend. If I did not, I would not allow you to see me in such a state. You are my other half. I truly hope that you understand that." She offered me a reassuring smile.

I smiled in return before allowing my fingers to clean the folds of her. She leaned back, relaxing again. Through the setting sunlight, I was aware of the faintest of blushes that began to permeate her cheeks. It was silent before I reached a particular bud that made all women become weak. I immediately noticed the difference in texture for it was much smoother than the other areas. In response, she squirmed ever so slightly and I noticed the rapid increase of her breaths. It took me a few seconds before I was aware of my own smile present upon my lips.

A soft, content groan from my friend allowed a shudder to wash over me and a sudden desire to make her reach euphoria. But I would only go as far as she would allow me to.

I kept my focus on that particular area, not wishing to cut her pleasure short. I had wondered if this was why men were always so fond of brothels and being over women. I honestly always found it revolting and wondered how they felt neither guilt nor shame in seemingly atrocious acts. Yet I never found the courage to ask any man. But I became more pleased as Lucy seemed to enjoy the ministrations I provided to her.

Her soft whimpers she attempted to suppress became increasingly frequent moans and trembles throughout her frame. And despite the fact that I had never done such a thing to anyone but myself when I was younger, I knew she was reaching the point. She gave me no instructions or any verbal reinforcements that indicated I was pleasing her but none were needed. And as she grew closer, I felt my own form of pleasure building in the pit of my stomach, the feeling quickly traveling to my core, almost consuming me.

Lucy grabbed ahold of me, wrapping her arms around my neck, and pulling me closer to her. I disregarded the water seeping through my dress, an overpowering feeling of love towards my childhood friend having enveloped me entirely, consuming me whole.

She spasmed beneath me after a few moments, soft cries and pleads escaping her throat. I felt my face heat even more and I took true delight, my fingers focusing on her pearl. "Mina," she rasped out my name. I allowed my eyes to close, a soft breath escaping me, my heart beating erratically in the chest, even more than it did when I shared my first kiss with Jonathan. "Mina. My Mina…"

She suddenly held onto me tighter and I knew she was peaking. I pulled my face out of her hair, taking in her features, barely even noticing how numb my arm had actually gotten. Using my other hand, I tenderly fixed a strand of her hair, tucking it behind her ear. Her eyes were clenched shut as the high took her over. Her nails dug into my neck yet I had no concern over that. Her hips thrusted against my fingers a few times, a ragged cry escaping the back of her throat. I felt the bud throbbing against my fingers as I continued, helping her ride out the pleasure for as long as it occurred.

Lucy collapsed against me, burying her face into my neck, attempting to gain control over her breathing. She eventually calmed down fully, pulling away, staring into my eyes. The look in her own gaze was foreign yet familiar. Years and years of memories were evident. Years of love, laughs, hopes, dreams. But there was something new there. A form of love and warmth. I was unsure what it was. It reminded me of a look Jonathan gave to me when he asked my hand. I was the first to break the silence. "Are you alright?"

She immediately nodded in response. "Better than alright, Mina. That felt absolutely incredible! How am I to thank you? Surely, I must."

I smiled widely in return, shaking my head as I finished washing her. I took the shampoo and carefully washed her hair as she moved back in the tub. She remained so silent and still that I reckoned that she fell asleep. I finished up and rinsed out the shampoo. "Have I made you uncomfortable?" She inquired once I was done.

"No. Not at all," I responded truthfully as I grabbed a towel. "Not one bit. I rather enjoyed making you feel well," I tenderly spoke. "Come. Dry yourself before you catch cold. It might be spring but the rooms are drafty."

She smiled before exiting the tub, walking over to me to which I wrapped it around her, covering her frame. A strange feeling of disappointment overcame me but I made no move to let her know. She pulled away and pressed a kiss to my cheek. "Thank you, Mina," she smiled before turning and leaving the room.

8 PM

I had cut myself short earlier today for two reasons only. I had gotten far much absorbed than I initially intended too and I pulled myself out of my thoughts as my stomach boldly reminded me that I had not eaten.

Today has been rather dreary and the absence of sun did little to help my forlorn mood. It has been far too quiet without Jonathan and I find myself lost in my thoughts much more than normal. Nor do I have anyone to ricochet my thoughts off of as I typically do. While Jonathan is only an estate agent, he has a mind capable of much more tremendous livings. I wish that he has noticed that but he says his emolument is fair and that we have no reason to have an abundance around, especially since we have a decent surplus. I wish otherwise.

While in no terms am I greedy nor seeking to live an extravagant lifestyle but whilst visiting Lucy, I do have rather inappropriate attire, according to her. She always asseverates to take the clothing she has. I eventually oblige. It feels off but I suppose it is something I am not acclimated with.

After each visit, she always presses a purse packed to the brim with money right before the horseman takes off. I have neither the time to respond or argue. I allow a few nights following to consist of better meals for both Jonathan and I. The rest is donated to an orphanage or another charitable foundation.

I wish truly to become a governess or schoolteacher. Jonathan says I am far too intelligent, or that I shall be worked to the brink of death. How stubborn, that man is. All the more I adore him. He says that my talents would be wasted on the children, that I should take up accounting or working in a law firm. I truthfully do not feel comfortable working around everyone that is the opposite sex. I know that many are well-mannered but the thought of it makes me uneasy.

There is a shipyard nearby and a good friend of mine has been needing help. She goes by Alice Kingsleigh and her father had done well as an explorer and merchant. She is to leave soon for India, an embarkment that shall take more than a year. Perhaps she can use my help. But unfortunately, not many jobs require the use of a woman. I am determined though. If Jonathan wishes for me to bare children, perhaps I will have a lot of time gone. A family with Jonathan. That thoughts warms me. Truly.

LUCY WESTENRA'S DIARY

30 April

The parcel man has no delivery yet again other than a few payments required to the government. Those are left in my mother's study. She says that I have to be able to calculate the costs myself soon, especially if she grows even more ill. I do not wish to think of that.

I am waiting a letter from my dear Mina and I grow worried as each day passes, more so than the previous day. I do hope she is faring well. Mother says that she is simply caught up in work as she has been before. While I know this to be a possibility, I fear how she must be feeling. Her fiancé is to leave soon but I have forgotten the date. The days seem to drag on to when Mina is suppose to come over for a visit. Those days are never dull.

Mother says that there is to be a ball soon and before that, a few suitors shall come over and propose. The suitors Mother always chooses are always sub-par. I suppose I see them in such a sense for I am consistently comparing them to Mina. Mina is irreplaceable and has been absolute the best thing in my life. Being apart from her, however long, never sits right with me.

When she arrives, I must ask her and her fiancé to stay. Jonathan. I believe if I recall correctly. I spend little thinking about that, about him. I think I have some jealousy towards him, fear that he shall take up too much of Mina's time to where she will forget about me entirely. If that is the case, I will see to it that she shall receive several letters from me daily.

I am being far too paranoid. Mina is a dear and true friend and she has said before that no man shall ever get between us. Oh, I do hope that is true. Mina has never lied to me before but she has also never been so in love before. People say love does strange things, makes a person completely unrecognizable. But she loves me. That should counteract it, right?

1 May

I was called away from my desk to attend to the affairs of the party arrangement and had no time since other than to eat. Sleep has yet to come for me, the clock having just struck two.

I switched from my chambers to those of Mina's. Everything has been left untouched despite the sheets and linen. The books that line the wall rival against the library. I am content to know that she has gotten many with the change I give her. While it is not as much as I would like to, it is something.

Mina is a strange woman. Well, as opposed to those that surround me. She does, after all, live middle class, leaning towards lower based upon the dresses she wears. She would rather work than take in the free time and explore. Such an absurd thought. But I do admit that I do admire her intelligence and quick thinking. She is also a hardheaded woman and rarely anyone opposes me due to my financial status. I suppose I see her side. Sometimes I do wish I could leave the former greetings and be treated as an equal. Other days, I feel like an absolute tyrant regardless of knowing I have done no wrong.

Mother says that the feeling passes in time and that it is only proper due to our status that people address us the way they do. That always makes me feel worse due to the fact that neither I nor Mother have earned it. Father has for he was a successful merchant, working alongside Charles Kingsleigh and Lord Ascot. Mother was simply lucky enough to catch his eye. She says that she loved Father but the fact that she barely shed a tear at his funeral lets me suspect otherwise. I have yet to forgive her for that.

I envy Mina sometimes. She does not have to put up with Mother. Both of her parents died a few years ago from a sickness going around England. Both had refused the medicine I bought them. They proclaimed that if God wanted them, then no amount of medicine would help. They had both died peacefully in their sleep and I allowed Mina to stay with me as she healed. She had been very close to the both of them and mourned them a little over a year. Still there are times where she does greatly miss them but she says that she is doing much better.

Based upon Mina, that was how I had expected Mother to react to Father's passing. That is how I did. I felt that indescribable sadness in my chest that Mina attempted to convey to me. It would come and go. It was suffocating at times and all I wanted too do was go into Mina's arms and cry until my body gave out with sheer exhaustion. But Mother did not allow me to. At least, not for long. She said that I had to be strong, to be brave and continue on. So I would mourn in silence, typically at night. Mina was only able to stay for so long until Mother shooed her out. I hold great resentment towards her. Even to this day.

I have been closest to Mina ever since Father's passing. She always stayed upon my side and I do not want to lose her under any circumstances. If she were to die, I feel that I would follow quickly after. She is too precious, too important, too valuable for me to lose her. She is not just another person that will come and go. She loves me. And I her. How much? That part, I am truthfully unsure. I think she is too.

Our closeness, I believe, cannot be simply defined. There are moments where we are true and great friends. There are times of sisterly love. And there are rare occasions of neither but terms that can be defined between… Lovers.

Our relationship is abnormal and be considered tomfoolery. But I, myself, cannot bring myself to describe it as such. Neither of us are stupid. We know well of what we did. In the eyes of God, it is different. In terms of the Bible, what is preached to us, there is no definition. A man must not sleep with another man. But we are not men. WE are women. And the Bible has a different interpretation of women too. We do not have our opinions and must remain subordinate to them. Within the Old Testament, that is. The New Testament, Mother forbids me from reading. I believe that much had changed within it. But I fear what it has made us compared to men. I fear that it is more cruel to us, that we have lost our identities as women altogether.

Women have no identities. We must know our place in this world. We are to breed, keep the human race thriving. If we do not, we have failed in the eyes of men, in the eyes of God. It is then when we are not worthy in the eyes of society. If murder were to be legalized, we would be killed. But that is barbaric. To end it quickly and peacefully. Instead, the civilized way is to be met with a remaining lifetime of mistreatment and feel worthless in the views of many. That is better.

Mina had told me once that Indian windows would toss themselves onto the burning pyre that is cremating their husband. That is how dedicated a woman is. I have thought of it myself quite a lot. A woman is nothing without a man. Her savings is to go to her son or brother. Any male relative if the other are not available. She is to be left alone for Mina said it is improper for a woman in India to remarry. And she would be a burden to a family she goes to live with unless she is to join a convent. I personally would rather end it at the pyre. I doubt they do so because they are devoted but because they are aware they cannot live happily. And India is a cultured civilization.

Mina had told me of a story in the Hindu scripture: the Ramayana. About Sita and Rama. Sita dedicated everything to her husband, bared his sons and raised them. And still, he did not believe her. The scripture might be foreign to me but the idea is not. I do wonder why Mina subjects herself to such readings. She claims it is fascinating and I should embellish myself in these tales. I find it grotesque and disgusting. I am gland that England is sending more Christian missionaries. They will do them well… I do hope Mina never finds this entry.

6 AM

I have not slept a wink but I am still exhausted. I have spent the night pacing and laying down, hoping that my mind would eventually be put at ease. But something is insinuating there are things wrong, things that require my attention, things that must be fixed. It is as though there is a warning of much to come, much that I am to be subjected to.

Maybe it is my paranoia getting the best of me again. I wish there were something to help that does not involved injections or things of such. Nor bloodletting. The sight of blood, specifically my own, makes me horrendously sick and faint.

Mother is too so I barely go out because I usually get side-tracked and do end up getting hurt. Luckily, Mina is fine with blood and does well with tending to wounds. She is an absolute God-send. She has talent in all aspects of her life. Jonathan would do well to treat her like royalty. That is, if he values his life. Even in the slightest.