1Chas Kramer slid through the apartment door, kicking it shut behind him. Books fell from his arms as he walked farther into the depths of his home. Titles like God and the Great Crusades and Lucifer: a history of Satan and the occult lay strewn about. He threw his keys on the coffee table and tossed his hat on the floor.
His apartment was rather plain; it had all the markings of a nineteen year olds bachelor pad. Without a doubt it was in need of some dire cleaning. Clothes and books lay piled throughout the bedroom and living room while dirty dishes were stacked so high in the sink that if one more plate were put on top of the heap it would bring it crashing down to the floor. Even though he'd been on his own for three years he still had not discovered the art of cleaning.
Another night, another exorcism, he thought as he rinsed his face in the bathroom. Of course he hadn't been allowed to actually SEE the exorcism, John had said "no" again to have him tag along. But it hadn't all been bad. He'd found a new herb shop. And what about that girl, his mind yelled. Yeah and there was the girl. A smirk crossed his face as he wondered at where his sudden burst of confidence had come from. Like John had said he wasn't generally one to hit on the ladies but she had such a sad look on her face and he had this sudden urge to make her smile. He had, and it was worth it. His smile widened as he thought of the color her face took at his compliment. Hell, he hadn't even gotten her name but the grin stayed plastered to his face as he crawled into bed. He thought of all the charms he had wanted to try. Maybe I'll have to stop by for some more supplies tomorrow.
Across town Bridgette was having a hard time thinking such pleasant thoughts. She double-checked each and every symbol and mark she had painstakingly carved into the doorframe and single window of her apartment before finally making her way to her bedroom. In contrast to Chas' humble abode Bridgette's was much tidier and much smaller. Everything had a place. Books went on shelves, clothes went in the hamper, and dishes were stacked neatly in the cupboard. At a young age Bridgette had found out that there were few things in her life that she could control. When she had the chance to keep something in check she did it, and she did it well. One would be hard pressed to find a neater residence in the run down apartment building she called home.
After everything had been checked and double-checked she made her way to the kitchen where she grabbed a glass of water and hurried back to the living room. A lone aloe plant sat on the windowsill. She smiled at it remembering fondly how she had acquired it. Mama Truveau, the owner and manager of Truveau's Apothecary, had given it to her as a Christmas gift. Mama was a headstrong Romanian woman in her mid 70's and once her mind was set on something there was no stopping her. In the moment she didn't make the most sense but Bridgette was always realizing the hidden knowledge in it later. She thought back on the day when she had received the strange gift with fondness. It had been such a long time since she'd actually celebrated the holiday. Mama had pulled her off to the side one night before leaving.
"I have something for you darling." The elderly woman had said. She had tried telling the woman 'no' but Truveau was a stubborn old Romany and wouldn't hear of such a thing. She said it was bad manners to refuse a gift. When Bridgette finally gave in the old woman handed her the tiny little aloe plant. "Very helpful plant to keep around" Mama gave her a wink and left. Nothing more said. The younger woman had thought it a little strange but most things Mama did were strange.
Once she was sure that she was secure and her little plant was well nourished she began to relax. The thought of possibly having a full nights sleep to herself was uplifting. She quickly dressed for bed, nothing fancy just a pair of gray sweat pants and a white tank top, and knelt on the floor. Her head bowed slightly and her eyes fell shut. A quiet prayer was whispered from her lips, "Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray thee lord, my soul to take." With the final words spoken she crawled under her comforter hoping that she'd carved the right wards at the small dwellings entrances.