Forever Indeed
Emergency service vehicles whirled round a corner, parking nearby the house. Police tape was set up and the neighbourhood children were beginning to crowd round. Some wardens stopped the crew from venturing onto the garden. The camera man directed the lens towards a young red haired woman holding a microphone.
She spoke, "Early this morning three more victims have been discovered. However, instead of commuting city workers, this time the victims are a family in the suburbs." She turned quickly to watch ambulance workers cart a bagged body away. The woman brushed back her red fringe, looking into the camera again, "Officials have stated before that the recent violent killings are considered serious and their priority at this moment. Despite this, there has been little to no suggestion as to who the killer – or killers – may be. Those living in the shadow of the city of Las Vegas have this to say-"
"Turn that rubbish off." Julia demanded, tapping Sam on the shoulder. He ignored her, choosing instead to turn the small television up.
Bill gulped down a mug of black coffee before grumbling, "Oh leave him alone Julia. He's got a right to listen anyway. Why just last week I lost one of my workers to that maniac."
"Bill! You never said anything about this. When was this? Who was this?" Julia gasped with eyes wide. Her hands clutched at her silky dressing gown and anxiously fiddled with the knot. Panicked eyes glancing over to Sam, she stuttered "Is it safe; for the two of you to be wandering into the city?"
"Did you not just hear what the reporter said?" Elizabeth goaded, "They're no safer here in the suburbs. The killer knows no bounds."
Julia huffed, shooting Elizabeth a dirty look. "Stop it!" She hissed.
Sam spared his breakfast no attention. On the other hand, Bill gorged on the croissants and coupled them with French toast. Elizabeth downed a glass of water and nibbled on a croissant of her own. "Sam will be off the next few days after tomorrow anyway," Bill blurted through a mouthful of croissant pastry. Elizabeth sneered, abandoning her own as a few flakes escaped his gob and flew across the table. "I've given him a few days off like you asked, Julia."
"What about this person at your office?" Sam asked, turning the television off as the weather began to screen.
"Wha – oh! Right, Andy. He was a bit of a rowdy man to be fair." Bill confessed, "As soon as work was done he'd be off for a quick drink or two before home. Would always invite everyone of course, but most of the time it would just be him I think."
"What happened to him then?" Elizabeth pried, sharing a curious glance with Sam. Julia snorted, muttering incoherently and stiffly refilling her glass of orange juice.
"Well, I was called in by the cops – being the last to have seen him before he left work." He downed the last of his coffee, noisily smacking his lips together before continuing, "When they did call me I thought they suspected me, but when I got there… they had me identify the body."
The three leaned over the table, as Julia leaned back. She grabbed a discarded wedding magazine and focused upon the dresses inside, cringing with revulsion.
"His throat had been ripped out," Bill told them lowly, "They don't have a clue as to whose responsible. I do recall one of them saying that it has to be only one killer." He held up a pudgy finger for emphasis, "A group of people can't get away with this many kills – tongues would wag, the copper had said." He shovelled another forkful of croissant into his mouth, chomping. "I did notice one thing though," pastry flew out and Sam wiped some of it from his cheek.
"What?" Elizabeth murmured, staring at the man.
"Some of his clothes were missing," Bill concluded. Sam and Elizabeth exchanged confused frowns, as Julia laughed.
"His clothes," She hollered, "The killer took his clothes?"
Bill slammed his hand on the table, furiously glaring at his wife, "Not all of them!"
Taking a deep breath, he respired, "His jacket and new scarf."
He chuckled, stealing the left over croissant from Elizabeth's plate, "Granted the red scarf was very nice, but that grey jacket."
Sam exclaimed, "Yeah, why take the jacket and not the pants to go with it?"
Bill shook his head, "Besides," He prudishly continued, "That grey jacket was god awful, such an eyesore."
As Julia snapped up Elizabeth's empty plate, Sam uttered that they needed to get to the office. Before vacating the kitchen, Bill grabbed his coat and concluded, "Of course the poor sod had his gold watch and wallet taken an all. It's one thing to kill a man in cold blood, but to take that watch. His sister got that for him just last Christmas."
After they had left, Elizabeth slowly turned to look at Julia. She bitterly muttered, "What are we to do now?"
Julia's lips stretched upwards, her teeth gleaming in the kitchen light, "We're having a guest over later this evening. Put away that frown young lady and help me get the vegetables ready."
Pouting, Elizabeth grabbed the apron Julia threw at her from across the dining table.
Black hair tied in a neat bun, Julia inserted silver floral pins that shined in the glow of the kitchen hallway light. "Are you ready Bill?" she called. He stumbled down the staircase, still in his brown suit from that morning.
He groused, "I don't know why we have to make such a fuss."
"I agree with Dad," Sam loudly interjected, as he attempted to straighten his tie.
Julia slapped his hands away and began to sort it herself, "It's important to set a certain standard. We don't want to be thought badly of."
"Go see if Elizabeth is done yet." Julia ordered, "Honestly, I don't know why she needs so long in front of the mirror."
Sam murmured, feet trampling up the stairs, "She likes to make sure she looks perfect."
"Well I know I said that it's a special guest, but he's not the Pope." Julia retorted, "Sam! Get that suitcase of hers too!"
Sighing, he did so. Trailing it up the stairs with continuous thumps as it knocked against each step, he called out, "Lizzie-beth are you done with the bathroom yet?"
Elizabeth took the case from him, quietly announcing, "Yes, do you know whose coming round?"
"No, mom won't budge." He grinned, "It's not the Pope though, so that's one person down."
A small laugh escaped her, "Very funny Sam."
"Thank you, took me all night." Sam sardonically confessed. More seriously, he asked her, "Are you going to be okay tonight? I know what you're like when it comes to new people – especially when you don't even know their name."
Elizabeth nodded, as he pulled her into a hug, "I'll be fine… as long as you're there."
Pecking him on the lips, she smiled up at him. "Julia told me Jane will be round tomorrow."
"That's brilliant. We can have the house search started tomorrow and then the rest of the weekend will be just for us two." Sam blissfully declared, twirling her round, "We could go dancing like back in England." He drew her back in and tipped her, "Dinner too, above the city on the rooftops."
Elizabeth laughed, "Do they have restaurants on the rooftops?"
"Of course they do!" he bellowed.
"Oh Sam," She caught the gleam in his bright blue eyes. They sparked with life and love and she lost herself, legs weakening, "There's the man I fell in love with."
"I'm always here sweetheart." He leaned in, brushing his nose against hers, "Only you."
"Always." She willingly contracted.
A boom rang out through the house.
The guest had arrived.
Suited in grey, yet clad in a posh red scarf, Jerry allowed Julia to take his coat. She giggled, feeling the muscles of his arms flex beneath her dainty touch. Sam rolled his eyes. Bill stepped forwards and shook Jerry's hand, "You clean up well enough Mr Dandridge for a construction worker. I always imagined them as being permanently filthy." Bill cackled.
Jerry spared him a low chuckle, "To be fair most of the people I work with certainly do leave something to be desired when it comes to personal hygiene and self-presentation."
"Shall we take this in the kitchen?" Sam suggested.
Julia squealed with joy, "That reminds me. Elizabeth! Is the wine ready?"
"Pretty much," She replied, wandering from the kitchen. Elizabeth was gazing into a glass of white wine, "Which would your guest like though, red or white?"
Petrified as Jerry's voice pierced through her ear drums, Elizabeth gulped. "Red," he said, "Like your lips."
They stared at one another. Bill shuffled Julia into the kitchen, asking for some chicken prior to the sitting. She denied him the right, protectively smacking his hands away from the food.
Jerry reached out and fingered the black dress Elizabeth's form adorned. "You look very fine tonight." He suavely observed.
Elizabeth grasped his hand, prying his fingers from the strap of her dress. "It's only cheap – Primark."
He closed his eyes, shaking his head dubiously, "Love it's not the clothing, it's what is in the clothing." He stepped closer, pulling his hand from her grip and clutching her chin. He tilted her head, forcing her to meet his enthralling eyes, "You look very fine Elizabeth."
"White, like… your skin."
Both of them frowned, turning their heads to look at Sam who timidly stood to the side.
"I'm sorry." Elizabeth ventured, as Jerry slowly withdrew his hand from her chin.
"Wine," Sam explained, "The wine."
"Ah," Elizabeth sounded.
Jerry moved over to the kitchen, leaving them in the hallway as an awkward silence began to brew. Sam shrugged, "Admittedly, it sounded far more romantic in my mind."
Elizabeth choked out a laughed, "Oh darling."
Julia scooped some mash out of a large bowl and plopped it onto Bill's plate. She picked up the chicken afterwards and began to distribute that.
"That's a fantastic scarf you've got hung on the banister Jerry." Bill expressed, "You know, I've seen a couple of people with those lately. Is it a fashion thing?"
Jerry grinned, "I have no idea. I just came upon it one day and have worn it since."
"Sounds like you stole it." Sam grudgingly muttered, lips puckered against the rim of his wine glass.
"Sam, don't be rude." Julia chided.
"Yes, Sam. You wouldn't want me to think badly of yourself and in turn your parents." Jerry smirked, "Would you?"
"You're weird." Sam reproached.
"Sam, stop." Elizabeth gently requested. She placed her hand upon his thigh beneath the table cloth and he sighed.
"Sorry sweetheart." He remorsefully expressed, taking her hand beneath the table and squeezing it reassuringly.
"Of course I could never think badly of you, Elizabeth." Jerry stated, leaning over to her, "No, it is very clear that you are a delicate lady." He drew aside an outgrown side bang. Elizabeth gasped and flinched away, skin quivering as his lips skimmed the tip of her ear.
Sam glowered at Jerry, tugging his fiancé closer to himself. He delivered a few roasted potatoes onto her plate, encouraging her to ignore the company and eat. She did not.
"I would think it were a bit short notice," She blurted, "Just yesterday you were suggesting he come round and now… here he is."
Sam's eyes squinted, his brows furrowing as he stared at Jerry. Julia shrugged, replying, "Well I caught him early this morning before the rest of you got up." She handed a cowl of sprouts to Bill, "I forgot to put the bins out yesterday. Anyway, he just got back from work and offered to help me with them."
"Mrs Grant asked when I'd be available and I told her that I have tonight off, but I'm likely to be busy for at least the next two weeks afterwards." Jerry explained.
Julia smiled at him, passing him some chicken, "Yes, and I knew that would not do. We can't go so long without getting to know our neighbour, so I invited him round for tonight."
He grinned, taking a hefty load of the poultry.
"Here we are." Bill interjected, gravy dripping over his lips and down his chin. It dribbled over his jaw and onto his plate.
Elizabeth's lips curled with disgust. She picked at some carrots.
"What is it that you do then Elizabeth?" Jerry asked, "A woman as intelligent and pretty as you no doubt has fantastic qualifications."
Choking on some turnip and carrots, she coughed out a 'one moment'. Sam patted her back, whispering words of comfort as she struggled to swallow the vegetables.
She wheezed, "I was at university."
Jerry frowned, "You're not anymore?"
Briefly glancing at Sam, she uttered, "No… not anymore."
Sam caught Jerry's gaze and both held strong. They grimly stared, jaws locked and fists clenching. Julia obliviously offered Elizabeth another Yorkshire pudding.
Dinner was grim.
Elizabeth helped Bill wash the dishes, as Julia, feeling unwell, retreated to bed. Sam happily saw Jerry out, as the evening darkened.
The radio on, the two danced about. Water was strewn across the tiled floor. "Come on Bill, dance with me!" Elizabeth exclaimed, putting the cloth down and dragging him to the centre of the kitchen. As a mid-twentieth century tune began to play, they slowly twirled.
"Look at you," Bill said, eyes drooping and pupils dilated, "You're a princess. You're beautiful – like the daughter I never had, but now soon will. You will go so far!"
The smile faded. The sparkle dimmed and glossy eyes peeked out from behind the stray brown locks. Elizabeth relinquished her hold on him and back away. "I'm tired… going to bed now."
"Of course," Bill slurred, picking up a vacant wine glass and finishing the left over contents.
As she weaved from the kitchen and up the staircase, her pulse thudded in her ears. The cream carpet of the hallway smeared, as tears lingered in the corners of her eyes. "The last time," she whispered, desperately inhaling air, "I was ever told something like that… was over a decade ago." Her knees crumpled and she fell onto the top step of the staircase. Holding her hands to cover her fair, her body trembled. Tears attacked her fingertips. She took a shuddering breath and choked back a yowl. "Oh, Granddad," she quietly hissed, rocking back and forth. Elizabeth's hand twisted among the railing of the banister, tightening. She strangled the wood. A cry escaped her swelling lips.
Sam found her first, as he re-entered the house. He had seen Jerry back home and taken a brisk walk to calm his temper. It was necessary after watching the man attempt to pursue his finance all evening.
He found her crying at the top of the stairs. She could not get to her feet, so he plucked her from the floor and laid her atop their thick quilt. He held her closely. She continued through until the early morning. Sam did not sleep until she gave in to exhaustion. He needed not to ask. Never did Sam ask.
Someone harshly tugged at her shoulder. Thinking it an emergency, Elizabeth sprang up. Back straight and eyes wide she glanced round the room. It took only a moment for her vision to adjust to the darkness. That was when she noticed.
A darkly clad figure stood by her bedside. A shaky breath escaped her, as she realised that this was what had grabbed her.
A large clawed hand remained poised before her. Elongated fingers with sharp nails were raised towards her face. The shrouded spectre itself seemed petrified for a moment, as the two analysed one another.
Slowly, its talons stretched towards her. Elizabeth drew in a large breath, just as slowly leaning backwards and eventually hitting the pillow that she had slept upon mere second before. The creature stopped, as though comprehending she was in fact awake. She held her breath, watching.
Sam shuffled at her side. He blindly reached out, moaning, "Lizzie-beth."
He tugged on her upper arm. Feeling the tensed muscle, he frowned, opening his eyes. "Lizzie-beth," he murmured dryly, coughing to clear his throat.
Elizabeth licked her lips anxiously, eyes darting from Sam to the thing before them. She dared not physically turn her head away.
The claws withdrew and the beast scrambled out of the window. The blinds flailed, as it monstrously beat them out of the way. Elizabeth stared after it, mouth gaping.
Sam frowned up at her, as his eyes became more accustomed to the dark setting. "Lizzie-beth what's wrong?" he asked, "You're shaking."
A tear falling, she shook her head. He tried to turn her head but she silently refused, eyes fixed upon the open window. "Are you still upset about earlier? Would you like to talk about it?" he cautiously ventured. Soothingly, he rubbed her shoulders, "Talk to me. Tell me what's wrong."
"Did you not see that – feel it?" She hissed, head swiftly turning. She gazed up at him, teary.
"That thing… it's very presence felt inhuman." She whispered.
"You… had a nightmare." Sam guessed.
Jaw tightening, Elizabeth gnashed her teeth together, "No!" He shushed her, but she struggled out of his arms and ran to shut to the window. "Something was there. It was real Sam!" She exclaimed.
"Lizzie-beth its dark and you were clearly stressed earlier." He reasoned, getting up to hug her, "It was just a nightmare sweetheart."
"You don't believe me." Elizabeth stated with a sullen tone and lidded eyes.
"I didn't see anything Elizabeth." He told her, pulling back to gaze at her vexed visage.
Though angry, she cried out with mournful tears, "It felt so real." Pulling away from his arms, she crawled onto the bed, sternly announcing, "It was real."
Sam heavily sighed, "Whatever, we'll talk about it in the morning Elizabeth." As she attempted to articulate, he held up a hand, silencing her, "I'm too tired. Go to sleep."
Elizabeth was unable to sleep.
As he softly snored, she stared at the blinds. She watched the shadows of critters fly about outside and was certain she heard the yowls of something not so ordinary.
They did not speak of it until the next evening after Sam had returned from work. Bill had stayed in the city for a drink with some co-workers.
She huffed, forcefully throwing the sheets at him. "I was not hallucinating Sam!" she screamed at him. Sam raised his hands, but the sheet ensnared him regardless of the defence. He fussed with it for a moment.
Tossing the sheet the floor he retorted, "Elizabeth, I didn't see anything." He spoke tenderly, cautiously approaching her and quietly continued, "Perhaps you should get your mobile and call that woman. You remember," he clasped his hands on each of her upper arms, holding her so he could look her in her eyes, "That therapist you were seeing. You didn't finish your time with h-"
Eyes wild, Elizabeth roared. She tore herself away and smacked his arm, "Shut up!" she screeched, "I didn't need to see her anymore – even she said so!" Ripping the case off a pillow, she ranted, "She admitted that only I can improve myself now. It will never leave me, but I need to be strong. I have to fight it and overcome it. That's all I can do now."
Sam took the pillow from her, discarding it on the other side of the bed out of her reach. "She also said that if you needed her you could call. That's why she gave you her card. You told me this yourself."
Fiercely, Elizabeth stood toe to toe with Sam, "I was not seeing her because of hallucinations."
He nodded, attempting to speak but she interrupted.
"For the most part I have overcome my issues Sam. I've made progress, haven't I?" Elizabeth moved round him, picking up the pillow again and hugging it, "I got along with your mum and I've made a friend since I got here too. Me! I made a friend all on my own!"
Sam scowled, staring at her, "Got along with my mom." He parroted, "You've been acting terribly towards her ever since you got here Elizabeth." He took a step towards her, deeply insisting, "She's not like your mother Elizabeth. She's not like that at all."
Elizabeth stepped away, back colliding with the bedroom door. "Shut up!"
"As well as that, what friend have you made?" Sam pried, "You've not spoken to anyone round here as far as I know. Mom said you've barely been out of her sight."
"Jerry." Elizabeth shrugged.
"Jerry." Sam said ludicrously, "Jerry, Jerry, and Jerry. What is with you and him?" He paced backwards and forewords, "He's not your friend Elizabeth."
"Yes, he is." She furiously insisted, dropping the pillow to the carpet and stomping on it, "I met him independently – on my own. We got along fine. He's my friend. I could go and ask and I don't doubt he'd say yes."
Sam snickered, sardonically smiling at her, "Oh Elizabeth. He doesn't think of you in a friendly way. Of that I can assure you."
"What are you talking about?" She asked, hesitantly stepping away from him as he clambered towards her.
Grabbing onto her, Sam leered, "As oblivious as you are to others Elizabeth, I am not. He wants you, but not the way I want you." He dropped to his knees, clasping her hands in his own and declared, "I worship you Elizabeth. I want to be with you always, but he would have you just to ruin and leave you."
He got back to his feet and held her closely despite her nails clawing at his sides, hoping for an escape from him. "Why can't he just leave you alone." His voice cracked and she stopped struggling. Elizabeth looked up, as salty water fell upon her cheek.
"Sam," she tenderly whispered, "Oh Sam." She hugged him in return.
They clung to one another.
"Will you please call the therapist." He warily asked.
He fell onto the bed, as she pushed him. "No. What I saw was real. I know it was! I may be damaged, but I'm not that insane. You can finish changing the bed yourself." She opened the bedroom door, "Oh, and that mother of yours." Elizabeth turned to savour his expression, "She's a nosy, high standard cow."
He hollered out into the hall, "Elizabeth don't be an idiot. Besides," he stressed, catching her hand as she tried to run down the stairs, "I've seen the way you stare out that window. You stare out of it more times than you look at me in a day. Its no wonder you're imagining things when you spend so much of your time staring out across at Jerry's house." He glared at her, sniggering when her eyes widened with astonishment, "Yeah, that's right sweetheart. I know very well that you've been watching him. I don't like it Elizabeth."
"You're being ridiculous!" She retorted, ripping her hand from his.
"No, you are!" He mocked, "Sam, some beastly creature tried to grab me! Sam you have to believe me!"
Shrieking heatedly, Elizabeth stormed down the staircase. The sound seeped into the foundations of the building.
Julia entered, allowing Jane to pass the threshold of the front door first. "I'm sure they're very excited about it. They've been talking non-stop about how many rooms they'll want an-"
Elizabeth banged into the pair. Each clattered against the walls with a pained yelp.
As she blindly marched across the road and down the path, Elizabeth bumped into a neighbour.
She ignored the young lady, leaving her sprawled on the footpath. The girl obliviously exclaimed, "Hey!" The young lady brushed off her naked knees, complaining under her breath, "Rude much."
Cambering to her feet, quite a success in the tall heels, she headed towards the house.
Jerry readily opened his door, watching Elizabeth tread further away.
The young lady stepped into the shade his house provided from the falling sun. She strode closer still.
Charley stalked the pair from within the confines of his bedroom.
"Hey, Doris," Jerry cordially greeted, "Would you like a drink?"
As she entered, Jerry threw Charlie a roguish smirk.