Stephanie let the steaming hot water scald her skin as it cascaded down her body. The pain of the hot water didn't register to her as her mind spun. Her thoughts were so loud and they rushed through her quickly that they often left her fatigued. She pressed her forehead against the cool marble and felt the steam surround her. She could feel herself slipping…and she welcomed it.
She could taste blood. Its sweet taste filled her mouth and she greedily swallowed it. She could feel her sharp teeth ripping apart the flesh at the victim's neck. A shudder went through her and she backed away, ashamed. Feeding for her was never easy, but she accepted that it was a way of life. Her eyes slowly fell on the lifeless form at her feet. A boy, not older than 15, she guessed. His eyes were glazed over…death's gaze. His head was tilted, and his neck stretched.
She looked at the bite that killed him. She leaned down and ran her fingers over it. The blood was starting to dry. She stood, her eyes still transfixed. He was a gift…she felt the pressure of a man at her back. She slumped against it. "Would you like me to bury this one as well," the voice asked quietly. She sighed. "No…just," she paused, unsure, "just…dispose of it."
Warm lips nibbled on her ear. It was Chris. Her hand moved behind her and to the back of his head. His strong arms wrapped around her waist. His mouth moved to her neck, his teeth gently grazing her skin. "It'll be disposed of," he whispered. He walked in front of her and cupped her face in his hands. His mouth slowly went to her and kissed a soft kiss. "But right now," he continued, "You're the only thing on my mind…" She closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around Chris's neck. "Take me away from this…," she whispered. "I always do…" He said softly.
She was dancing now…there were candles surrounding them. The room was aglow with the small bursts of light the tiny wicks harbored. Her head felt light…like she'd been drinking…but the feeling made her euphoric. They were dancing to…piano music. And there was sobbing. A small, pathetic sobbing. Her fingers twirled the hair of her dance partner. Long Hair. And she knew it was Edge. There was this undeniable presence that he carried about him. Her head rested on his shoulder. "Make it stop…" she pleaded quietly. She felt Edge tense as he turned to the pianist. A woman sat at the piano, her fingers clumsily trying to play. Edge tilted his head. "When I asked you to play, this is *not* what I meant…" He gently ran his hands over the girls shaking fingers. Edge flicked his wrist in a half-blink, slamming the piano key cover on the woman's dainty fingers. She screamed, her blood dripping along the smooth ebony keys. Edge's carefully folded the key cover back to its resting place and looked at the woman's contorted mask of fear and pain. His finger dipped in small pool of her dark red blood and brought it to his lips. "Sweet, yet not…" He grabbed the woman by her wrist and lifted her to her feet. He put his hands on either side of her face. "Shhh," he said soothingly, "I'm going to let you go…" He smiled kindly and twisted his hands, quickly snapping her neck. He threw her to the floor in disgust. He looked up. "Im sorry, my darling…self pity as such was too much for me to handle," he stretched out his hand, " I think we have a dance to finish, Tessa…" Tessa. Tessa. Tessa…
Chris found her lying motionless in the bathtub, steaming hot water pouring on her reddened flesh. He jumped into bathtub and scooped her up in his arms, blocking the spray of water with his body. He carried her out of the tub opened the bathroom door and quickly put her on her bed. He cupped Stephanie's face in his hands.
"Stephanie?…Stephy, wake up…" He wiped her long hair out of her face and touched her forehead. "Steph…" He gently stroked the side of her face. "I need you to wake up, honey…"
Steph wanted to sleep…just to stay asleep. But she heard him calling. And she couldn't stay away.
Chris saw her face scrunch up and heard a small whimpering escape her flushed lips. She sat up suddenly, "Tessa." She gasped.
Chris sat, stunned for a moment. "What?"
Steph blinked, "What?" She looked around the room, dazed. Then at Chris. She furrowed her brow. "I…" Her burning skin got her attention, she looked down at her arm and squealed. She grabbed a blanket and covered her body. Her eyes wildly looked back at Chris.
He stood, his eyes veiled any emotions he was feeling. They hid the overwhelming desire that was hit him like a wave…so suddenly that it nearly knocked him off his feet. "You were passed out…in the shower…try not to be so stupid as to have the water temperature up to boiling next time." He watched as Steph stared at him with an innocently confused look on her face. Chris's shoulders dropped. He sighed and moved towards Steph's dresser. He rummaged for a moment and then brought out a bottle of lotion.
Steph watched him quietly as he came back with a bottle of lotion. Her mentally tired condition didn't allow her to argue. She sighed softly.
Chris sat on the edge of the bed. His fingers slowly reached for her blanket. His eyes bore into hers and he tugged lightly at it, exposing her bare back. He put his hands on her hip and turned her back completely towards him. He paused for a moment. He squeezed some lotion into his palms and hesitated.
Steph jumped slightly when she felt Chris's hand touch her skin. His fingers gently probed her skin, applying the soothing lotion to her back. His fingers softly moved along her back's contours. His eyes moved to the mirror, catching Steph's gaze.
She watched him for a long moment. His face was hard, but slowly softened as time drew on. Steph slowly closed her eyes, allowing Chris's touch to calm her.
Chris watched her as she closed her eyes. He couldn't remember seeing anything so beautiful…he shook his head. Not now. His eyes blurred as now both of his hands ran along her skin. His fingers moved along her spine. Her body felt so familiar to him. He drifted his hands to her shoulders and softly massaged them for a moment, then let the travel to her lower back. He didn't stop himself from letting his hands span across her hips and then slide to her stomach. His hands carefully moved in a pacifying motion. He moved closer, so Steph's back was leaned against his chest.
Steph felt like her insides were on fire. His touch was so intimate and was letting her slip into such a content feeling. Her hand unconsciously let go of the blanket she just clutched over her chest. Its fell into a pool in her lap. She bit her lip and turned her head to her right, as her hand moved up to touch Chris's face. Her fingers turned his head to her and she caught his mouth in her hungry, yet light kiss.
Chris's hands began to slowly travel upward, testing his waters. The knuckle of one of his hands slowly grazed the bottom of her breast while the other hand linked with hers.
Steph moved and began to kiss his neck. His skin was warm and soft and just touching him dared her onward.
Chris tightened his grip on her, kissing her with an ecstasy that was quickly overtaking him. His eyes glanced over the mirror and he froze. The picture of both of them took his breath away. They were beautiful…but the feeling inside him halted. This was Stephanie. Yes, he wanted her so badly…he could feel it. And he damn well knew she could, if not mentally, physically. But he couldn't use her…not like this. Chris lowered his head. "Stop…" He murmured.
Steph couldn't have stopped quicker if he shouted. She came to the realization that she was wantonly straddling him. She blushed and moved away. The harsh feeling of rejection began to take hold. "I…I think you should leave…"
Chris tried to move towards her, but she cowered. Chris felt like an iron hand took hold of his heart and squeezed. He was still for a moment and then moved off the bed. He buttoned up his still-damp black shirt, watching Steph. "Stephanie…" She cut him off, "I thought I said leave." Chris pursed his lips and turned, silently stalking out, closing the door behind him.
Steph covered her eyes with her hands. He twisted her up in knots…every time. And she let him. Well, no more. She didn't have time for this sort of drama. Her mission was clear…clearer than it had ever been. There was a restless spirit in this house…and Stephanie would do everything in her power to help this spirit…Tessa…finally be at peace.