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Disclaimer! Disclaimer! Disclaimer! Disclaimer! That's what I am doing! I am disclaiming

Latter that night.

"Who was that?" Erik asked latter that evening. They had gone to all the sights in the city, but Erik had been more interested in the older buildings.

"Who was who?" Ashley looked up from her paper. She had a 50-page essay due but she was trying to think of how to get Erik to kill again. She didn't want to use much magic, only a little, just enough to give him a small push.

"The man at the theater. Who was he? He upset you pretty bad," Erik pressed.

"Aww, Erik, didn't think you cared," she sighed reluctant to tell him when an idea came to her. If she told him, he might show anger to the man. She could use it. Anger is a step away from the Murderous anger that she needed.

"Mr. Essex. He is the head drama teacher. A week ago he offered me the 'Christine' part," she paused for dramatic flare, "he said he'll give me the part if I'll have sex with him," purposely saying the word.

Erik was speechless. Anger then started building up in him, and flashed across his face, as he clinched his fists.

Inside, Ashley smiled, but let false defeat come across her face, "maybe I should sleep with him. This part could be the turning point in my career. Unlike the past, Erik," she said seeing the look of disbelief on his face, "here even the untalented can get great parts if they sleep with the right person. Talent does not rule here in 2005,"She smiled sadly. "Good- night Erik." With that and not waiting for an answer, Ashley got up and went to her room. Inside with the door closed, she let an evil grin pass over her face.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Erik watched as Ashley went to her room. Anger and jealously welled up inside him. She was a great singer; she should not have to stoup so low. Ashley was a sweet girl. She showed him kindness, treated him like a human being not a monster. While he sat there anger welling up, Alice walked in. she took one look at him and knew something was up.

"Erik? What's wrong?"

He looked up and shook his head. " I am fine, why do you ask?"

"No. Something is wrong. You looked like you wanted to kill something or someone. Did you have fight with Ash?"

Again Erik shook his head, "No, just something she told me. About her teacher."

"Mr. Essex? Horrid man he is. Did you know that he had the audacity to ask her to bed?" Alice let out a small gasp. "Opps, she'll kill me when she finds out I told you!"

"No need. She told me already. She should not have to do that, but I think she made her mind up," Erik told her.

"After all she's been though she shouldn't have to. It's a wonder she has not snapped, looking at Erik's confused face she went on," She has not told you?"

Erik shook his head, "Told me what?"

Alice glanced at Ashley's closed door, "About her past. She should tell you but she may never. So, I'll tell you. If you have feelings for her don't let what I'm about to say change that. It will also tell you why James is so portative of her."

Erik nodded, intrigued. Ashley had not told him about her past, and her wanted to know. It can't be as bad as his.

"Ok. When Ashley was 12 and James was 16 their parents were killed. James was out with his friends when it happened. Ashley was in bed as were her parents, when she heard a noise in the house. Voices. She went to see and that's when she saw them. There were two of them. They had Ashley's parents tied up in the living room; gagged. They grabbed her and while one of them held her and forced her to watch, the other stabbed her parents. They stabbed each one 15 times. They then slashed her on the left arm, telling her if she told the police whom they were, that they'd come back and kill her and her brother. When James came home an hour latter, he found her bleeding and in shock. She didn't talk for months."

Erik was shocked. For something like that to happen to one so young." Did they ever find them?"

Alice shook her head," No. And Ashley did not know how they were and why they did that." Alice stood," Erik, if you have feelings for Ashley, don't hide them. She likes you, and you like her. I can see it. I maybe a ditz, but I am not blind. She has had a terrible shock, and needs someone that under stands her."

Erik didn't say anything. He was processing everything she had said.

Alice walked to her bedroom but then stopped and turned to Erik, " You know the strangest thing about it?"

Erik looked up, "No. What?"

"They were killed on October 31, Halloween. Ashley LOVES Halloween."

Dundundun! You likely? I hope so. Now if anyone of yous is good with math try this: what number do you get when you add 15+15+1? Think about it. And if any one gets it right I'll give you all red roses.