House of Pain

Chapter 2: Angry Pain

As much as I tried to push away the idea that I had been intimate with Trent I simply couldn't. I did what Quen recommended me to do. I showered and tried to rest. Instead I dreamed about Trent and I don't know if I'm finally remembering after my drunken stage but I could swear I was visualizing small parts of what happened between us. To make matters worse I hated how my body reacted to those memories. I shook my head trying to scatter away those thoughts. I was at Keasley's helping out for Ceri's baby shower. My mind was elsewhere while I helped setting up for the party, which I ended up bumping into everyone. I almost stepped on Jenks, I bumped into Ivy who was holding a jar of fresh juice and then nearly crashed into the wall.

I finished setting the plates on the bench we had on the backyard. Ivy was bringing the food from the kitchen while Jenks and his kids tied strings on the balloons and into the chairs. Ceri was finishing some flower arrangements she had in a glass vase. She looked so happy in her white gown and as usual she was barefoot. Her 8-month pregnant belly was protruding from her slender figure that it seemed she was going to give birth at any moment. The pixie children had given her a beautiful hairstyle that consisted of braids twisted into knots mimicking flowers. Keasley made his way into the backyard followed by the happy soon to be daddy, Quen, and to my horror Trent. I didn't realize I began to squeeze the foam cup the moment I saw him. Ceri who was closest to me touched my arm lightly.

"Are you okay Rachel?"

I looked at her and realized what I was doing. "Yes, I'm fine." I loosened my grip and went to the nearest trash to throw the cup.

If I was going to survive this evening I had to behave, for Ceri's sake. I did not want to ruin her festivities just because I was irresponsible at Takata's party. I did my best not to bump into him, look at him, or even do any small talk. Although he made it impossible because when I glanced around I would have him in my view and often than not see each other straight in the eye. For some odd reason I would feel chills running down my back. At least the table was long enough that I was able to sit on the other end of the table, allowing me to be far away from him. Ivy sat to my left, which I used her as my shield to block my view from him. As a precaution I ate my food without glancing to my left. I was too busy looking down at my food at first I didn't feel when Ivy touched my shoulder lightly.

"Is something wrong?" she whispered.

"No," I said shaking my head. "Why would anything be wrong?" I looked at her and gave her a feeble smile.

I could tell she wanted to continue this conversation but she let it go. It was best to continue this in private. I knew she would ask me again once we were back at the church. I stole a glance to my left and I realize that Ivy was not covering Trent at all. She was covering my view of Quen and part of Keasley. Trent sat at the other end of the table across from Quen. For some reason the elf kept glancing at me. It almost seemed like he wanted to talk to me about something. I in the other hand did not have anything to say to him. I desperately wanted to forget that night ever happened. Of course I could always use magic to forget. Then again look what that has done to me. I had forgotten who killed Kisten. Never mind that now, I didn't want to start feeling sad. I will suppress my memory with Trent and act like nothing happened. One way of attempting to do that is by ignoring him completely. Ceri who sat in the middle across from me stood up, she walked towards the table with the food and she began to cut slices of a delicious white cake with strawberries and pink frosting. One by one, we all got up to receive a slice from Ceri who took no for an answer when we offered to do it ourselves.

I was getting up when I saw Trent coming towards me. He took my arm and pulled me away from the others. I wanted to start shouting and kick him where it hurts, but I remembered where I was and I had to behave myself. Besides I wouldn't want to create a commotion to get everyone's attention. So I willingly went with him.

"What do you want?" I snapped, low enough that the others wouldn't be able to hear me.

"Rachel, we need to talk…about…"

"Nothing happened. Remember? There is nothing we have to talk about."

He looked at me and anger passed his face. "You're right, nothing happened," he said quickly changing his face expression into its neutral arrogant mask.

Not knowing what else to say I began to walk away. "Do you remember anything at all?" he asked causing me to stop.

I looked at him and wondered what to tell him. Instead I said, "Nothing much, just pieces of images here and there. I was too drunk to remember anything." It was not a full lie but not the complete truth. I was not about to tell him that sometimes at night I woke up feeling the need to be in his embrace. I kept telling myself that it was most likely the want to be with someone who could love me for who I am.

"Alright, good."

"What's that suppose to mean?"

"Nothing. I'm glad that I'm not the only one that doesn't remember everything."

"What do you remember?" I asked.

"It doesn't matter because as far as we are concerned it never happened and we could leave it as that."

"Then what are you doing here? And why are you bothering me?"

"I have every right to be here, since my close friend is going to be a father."

"Then why are you bothering me?"

"Would you take for an answer that I enjoy seeing you squirm in annoyance?" he replied, flashing me his usual smug smile.

"Keep it up elf and then it will be my turn to enjoy seeing you writhe on the floor after I've kicked your dumb elf butt." I replied as I started to clench my jaw. Point to him since he was starting to get the better of me. I would definitely feel better by knocking off that smile off his face.

"Is everything ok?" Quen asked from a few feet away.

I stopped looking at Trent's annoying face and glanced at everyone to our side. Everyone stopped what they were doing and were now looking at us. "Yeah, everything is fine. I forgot something at home. I have to go." I gave Ceri an apologetic look and left the house.

I knew I had to apologize to her face to face tomorrow. If I were lucky she would not be too mad at me for ruining her party. I finished crossing the street when I nearly crashed into Ivy causing me to gasp by her sudden appearance. She stood there with her arms crossed across her chest looking very serious.

"What's going on Rachel?"

"Nothing Ivy. It's just the stupid elf getting the best of me. That's all."

"I know it's more than that. As your friend I want to help you if you are in any trouble with Trent."

I wanted to tell her about my one-night stand but it was pretty much agreed that it never happened. I couldn't just stand here and tell her nothing was wrong when everyone saw us arguing. I decided that the partial truth was better than nothing.

"I bumped with Trent at Takata's party," I started and saw her nod for me to continue. "I guess I was caught up with the party atmosphere that I ended up having a couple of drinks." Her gaze became slightly concerned. "Nothing happened. No, not that!" I lied.

"For a second I was thinking that he took advantage of you." She said beginning to ease down.

"He was a bit drunk as well and we…we probably flirted with each other…it's just a mess. I really want to forget that night."

"That night you didn't come home. Where did you stayed? The night I mean."

"I…stayed at my mom's. Yeah, she was leaving with Takata and her place was near by. She dropped me off and they went off to his world tour."

"So the argument with Trent was about that night, then?"

"Yes…it was." That was truth, just not the complete truth. "You know what Ivy? Sometimes I wished I never met him. I wish that he would disappear into some black hole so I don't have to hear from him. Be my guest to stop him from ever approaching me."

"Fine by me. You're not going back to Ceri's party?"

"You go ahead. I'll apologize tomorrow for the disruption."

"I can kick his puny butt out of there if you like?" She said while an evil smile spreading over her pretty lean face.

"I know you would enjoy that very much. But I'd rather get some rest now. Get my thoughts sorted out, you know?"

"Fine, I'll send Ceri your apology. Go get some rest." She gave me a quick hug and then walked away towards Keasley's house.

I was surprised to find myself tired from today's events that I managed to sleep all the way until the next day. I woke up in a good mood. Not only that, I felt well rested. I owe it to the fact that I did not dream about anything. For my apology declarationI decided to bake a chocolate pie and give it to Ceri. Besides no one can resist chocolate. I know I can't. She was surprised with my peace offering. We sat down and had a slice of pie with a cup of tea. I was relieved that she was not mad at all. She told me she understood since it was well known that Trent and I got on each other's nerves.

Couple days after my apology my life went by without a glitch. To continue my good fortune we decided to have a sort of family dinner at the church. Ceri joined us while Keasley only stayed for an hour before he had to leave. Even though we told Ceri not to worry about bringing anything she still did. Turns out she was an excellent baker. We were having a nice conversation while enjoying the delicious dessert when we were disruptedby a sudden loud sound. Ivy's fork had slipped out of her hand falling into her dessert plate. We stopped eating and looked at her as she sat very still.

"What's wrong Ivy?" I asked.

She didn't reply. Both of her hands clutched the edge of the table. Her knuckles were turning white from the strong hold she had on the table. Whatever was happening to her she was fighting it. "Ivy?" I asked again.

Her nostrils began to flare as she breathed in deeply. At first her breathing was slow and steady then it became quick small breath intakes. Both her eyes were slowly becoming two black endless pools. I stood quickly because I knew something was wrong. This only happened when she was being affected by bloodlust. I could tell she was fighting hard to control it.

"Ivy? Can you hear me?" I asked cautiously.

She nodded which was a good sign. That meant she was still aware of us, yet such a simple motion was a difficult struggle. She closed her eyes and tried to calm her breathing. When she opened them I heard Ceri gasp. They had gone completely black. I looked around to see where was the source of her sudden bloodlust. As far as I could see none of us was bleeding. I glanced at Ceri but there was no sign of her going into labor.

"I smell…blood…lots of fresh blood." She managed to say in a hoarse whisper.

Since there was no sign of blood inside the church, it had to be coming from somewhere outside the church. "Jenks-"

"I'm on it Rache," he said and flew through a small opening from a nearby window.

While Jenks scoped the perimeter around the church I had to stay here and make sure that Ivy didn't do anything silly while she was under her bloodlust. My main concern was that a very pregnant Ceri was in the same room and I didn't want Ivy to do something she would regret later. I stood between Ivy and Ceri. I knew that if things went for the worse, Ceri was skilled enough to create a protective circle around her. Still I felt better standing before her. I've had my share of vampire brawls and I know first hand that they can be really quick. She remained seated with her eyes closed; her breathing was once again back to normal. It made me feel better seeing that she was beginning to calm down. Through the opened window Jenks came flying back in. He looked worried which was apparent by the different colors flashing on his large dragon wings.

"Someone is hurt really bad, Rache. I couldn't see who it was since he was lying on his stomach by the door."

"Thank you Jenks." I was about to leave and check who might be hurt but I couldn't leave them with Ivy like this.

"It's ok, Rachel," she responded as if reading my thoughts. "I think I can control this. Go on and check whoever needs our help."

I believed her. I nodded and ran towards the front door. Before I got out I flickered the light switch on to help me see at night. Unlike Ivy or even the elves my eyesight is not as good at night. Even with the help of the light I could not seem to find whoever was hurt. Slowly I staggeredinto the front yard. I was trying to keep my eyes and ears open to any sight or sounds of who ever may be hurt. Jenks said that someone was hurt near the door but I didn't see anyone. Did he leave? I stood still and glanced around. I walked a little further to my left. The light did not light up all over the front yard. I stopped walking and tried to listen for any hint of anyone.

Not seeing anything I decided to go back inside into the warmth and inform them that I saw nothing. As I was about to step away something grabbed me from my ankle and caused me to fall on a heavy sticky mass. I scrambled away from it when I heard it moan in pain. My heart was beating at 60 miles per hour. Scrambling up to my feet I finally saw someone lying on its stomach. Just like Jenks said. I looked at my hands and the sticky stuff was blood. His t-shirt had deep scratches on the back and part of his pant leg was ripped away. I leaned down and slowly tried to turn him over. He was too heavy that I had to fall down on my knees to use my whole body to turn him around. One strong push I managed to get him on his back He face was covered by dark sticky hair; I pushed it away from his face. His eyes were closed with a badly bruised right eye that was beginning to swell. He had a cut on his lip but it had stopped bleeding. I didn't see any other damaged on his face although there was a faint sight of old scars on his face. I gasped when I realized I was looking at Quen's face. Throughout his body there were lots of small scratches, but from what I could see nothing death threatening. Gently I touched the side of his neck to make sure I could feel a pulse. I had my hand over his pulse when Quen let out a raspy moan.

"It's going to be alright, Quen. Shh." I tried to reassure him. All I wanted to know is who did this to him and why?

To be continued…