"You know you look so much happier now".
Mansfield beamed, his smile made his face glow like the first rising of the sun.
"Happier?
Happier than what?"
I gave him a don't be ridiculous kind of look.
"I mean you look happier than when you first came here and well it suits you".
I avoided his gaze and I shifted my own gaze so I could peer down at my feet.
"Oh...thank you.
I'm...not sure what to say to that. I mean obviously I said something but I was hoping I'd have something clever to say to that and I don't...so...yeah...sorry I made this awkward".
"Oh no it's fine, you're good,You don't have to say anything clever.
Besides I already know you're clever so there's no reason for you to show off."
He kept on grinning like a playful school boy.
Meanwhile I saw Sidney,walk up to the coffee machine.
He never drank the coffee, although he made a considerable effort to pretend he did. He held it to his lips but none of the liquid passed through to his tongue. He cleverly would hold the rim, rest against his bottom lip and tip it slightly so to simulate that he actually drinking it.
I decided to point out this observation to him that day.
"Good morning Sidney.
Enjoying your coffee this morning".
Mansfield greeted him.
"You must really love your coffee. I've never seen you without a coffee cup in your hand...at least during the morning hours.
Nothing like a nice warm cup of Joe to give you that pick me up".
I made an overly cheery face when I spoke to him, I squeezed my eyes and smiled, then I followed it with a brief dark and condescending glance to let him know I had been watching him.
He twisted his mouth to the side rather nervously, he then smiled, scrunched up his nose and then locked me into his death glare.
I bet you're very proud of yourself. You must think you're ever so clever and you are, yes you most certainly are.
I heard his voice but they weren't the ones you'd hear spoken out loud, they were words that could only be heard within the mind, which meant I was either reading his thoughts or he was projecting messages to my own brain by using the fascinating art of telepathy.
Wait can you hear my thoughts or are you just projecting your thoughts to me?
I can do both. Right now I'm projecting but now that you sent me an invitation, I'm hearing a lot more.
I never sent you a invitation.
I called you and you answered, that's how this works, I call you, you pick up, I come in, then nearly all your thoughts are made known to me.
Oh right, that's how it works, I'm sure.
Sorry you can't just raid my brain just because I can hear your secret thoughts.
I think you should at least run that by me and get my permission first.
I will of course.
That's not the issue at hand.
The issue is well I despise coffee.
I can't physically drink the stuff, it literally makes me ill but I hold this cup like the good Samaritan I am, so I can please Mansfield the rest of the crew.
It's what they expect of me.
He knows I don't drink coffee but I do it so people won't suspect anything. I'm keeping up appearances so to speak.
Well your appearance is rather questionable and odd but what are you afraid people will suspect?
People often think the worst when they see someone like me, that's why there are all these rumors about me but you at least have a pretty face to save you from all the scornful hate, I've had to deal with.
What can I say, being different in the real world is not for the weak of heart.
I suppose you already know this.
What does coffee have to do with you being different?
It creates a chameleon effect, it helps me blend in.
However I must say I'm surprised. I never knew that anyone would see through my avid coffee drinker farce.
You're very observant yet again I'm impressed.
What are you?
I'm just another clairvoyant like yourself.
You must be far more powerful than I am because I've never shared my thoughts with anyone at least not like this, I haven't.
No I'm not any stronger, I just have had more practice, I've been alive longer after all, so I have a lot of experience with telepathy. I am even highly skilled at the art of telekinesis.
It's not easy when you first start out but overtime it can become incredibly rewarding.
You'd probably do exceptionally well at it.
I could teach you if you'd like.
Oh no...there's no need.
What would I do with telekinesis anyway?
Oh plenty of things. Believe me it can really come in handy for the fact that it can used in just about every situation.
You could even protect yourself if need be.
Protect myself against what?
Dirk Wastrum is a very dangerous man.
He's wanted for not just sexual assault and money laundering, he's also wanted for attempted kidnapping and attempted manslaughter, it was quite voluntary as well.
Meanwhile you go home to that monster, you allow him to take you to some isolated location where no one could so much as hear you scream. Trust me you'll want to protect yourself.
You do live in a haunted location don't you?
Yes I live in Redrum Manor.
It's not that bad to be honest.
Funnily enough the scariest so far in that manor has been my uncle.
The rest of the manor quite comfortable, it's a bit spooky, creepy at times but it's nothing I can't handle.
I've met my share of ghosts and as far as spirits and dark entities go, the ones that live there are fairly harmless. I never have any trouble with them.
They never bother me at least not much.
So it really is haunted.
Fascinating. Is it true you actually befriended a demon in that house?
Demon. I never said anything about there being a demon.
Oh no doubt it was something Mansfield told me.
It was the way he described your encounter you had in that house and I must say it sounds a lot like a demonic entity.
I told you I was suspicious.
Indeed you did yet I'm just wondering what you said to that particular demon in order calm it down.
I just told him to stop.
I was begging him.
I told him he was better than that.
But he's a demon, demons never get better, Splendor.
They only can get worse.
You risked your life that day and as impressively brave that is, you could have lost your life, your sanity and even your soul.
No this one doesn't hunger for souls.
He's just lonely, he's not like other demons.
I don't even know why I'm even explaining this to you.
Oh my goodness, you are defending him. You are actually defending a demon.
You are a strange child indeed.
What can I say I root for the underdog.
Now can you please stop interrogating me.
I'm not in the mood.
This is not a interrogation.
I just want to be absolutely certain that you are safe within that house.
Yet again why bother?
Because your Manny's girl, that's why.
Manny's girl? Since when?
I've only known him for 3 weeks.
You've known him for over a month.
Everyone is talking about it.
You haven't heard the hubbub around the studio?
I don't put much trust in rumors but there some truth to them for instance everyone says how smitten he is with you and he is.
He's over the moon about you.
He can't even take his eyes off of you.
Surely you've noticed?
Yes I noticed that on day one.
Yet I'm not his girl. I just work for him and he's still what you would call a friend.
He hasn't even made any advances towards me.
No not yet but he will.
Mansfield is not a cowardly man, he's extremely direct, he's forthright and very assertive.
Right now he's just being a gentleman.
Gentlemen take their time.
He's not in any rush right now but when the moment is right he will eventually admit his feelings for you.
I don't think that would be right for me to date my boss.
Splendor at this point, I don't think anybody is concerned about certain outdated work ethics.
We are all a bit unorthodox here and I doubt anyone would care if you started going out with the Producer.
No I can't just go out with him.
I mean people are going to think I seduced my way into this studio.
Oh no they won't.
People around here know you, they've seen your face, you just aren't the gold digging type.
It will be fine, trust me.
You keep saying that but I still don't trust you.
It's a figure of speech, you don't actually have to trust me even though it would be nice if you did, in fact in all honesty my job would be a hell of a lot easier if you did give me a bit of your trust.
Do you want my trust or do you want information?
This isn't what this is about.
I'm not interrogating you for information, I'm just curious.
The things I'm asking you is just need to know information, it's basic information that someone like myself needs to know in order to do my job.
I need this information so I can protect you.
Don't you see I'm doing it for Mansfield's sake?
He's very attached to you.
He's really quite a sweet boy but he's sensitive, he's been through a lot and I don't want to cause him anymore pain.
Protecting you is my act of loyalty for him.
If he loses you, I will blame myself, he won't but he probably will never be the same.
Our relationship won't be the same either.
I know the cost of losing a loved one.
It shreds love to pieces and it tramples trust to death.
I'm not concerned about myself, I'm concerned about him.
He needs stability and he needs consistency.
I am doing my best to provide that for him.
Just smile, laugh a little and let me do my job.
Alright I'll cooperate with you, I'll slap on a corny smile and I'll giggle a little, I'll play the part of the agreeable girl next door but please keep in mind I still don't like you and I still don't trust you.
You don't have to.
Just let me train you.
It will put my mind at ease if you did.
I'd really like to say no but I'm curious about this art of telekinesis.
I thought it was a myth or a fable.
No it's quite real.
It's not as difficult as they portray in the movies.
It's tricky at times but it is certainly not impossible.
Besides you'll be a natural at it.
So when do you want to do this so called training?
Today after hours.
You'll know where to find me.
Just go to the deserted part of the studio.
It's the place no one ever goes.
Do you have any idea how predatory that sounds?
Meet me in an abandoned area, after hours.
What's next make sure I'm not followed?
You are over thinking again.
I'm not preying upon You I'm just trying to help you.
I don't bite you know, at least not much.
Can you make it any creepier for me?
Wow, You think I'm a creeper when you live with an unregistered sex offender?
I don't know if I should be hurt or I should turn myself in to a mental hospital?
Perhaps we could sign in together.
I'll drive.
Perhaps you can sign yourself in and stay there. I've been to a mental hospital before and I don't wish to go through that experience again.
I'm sorry that was intended as a joke, I didn't mean to be insensitive towards you.
Please do forgive me. I wasn't thinking.
That's just the trouble, you were thinking that's how I can hear you right now.
"How long were you there?"
I had to compose myself because the sound of his voice tipped my focus off and made my mind do a back flip.
"A year and a half."
"Did he ever come see you?"
I gave him the most somber and melancholy gaze I could muster.
"No, never, he never bothered to visit me.
That's how little I mean to him.
I shall see you tonight.
Don't make it weird alright".
"I wouldn't dream of it."
He smiled at me facetiously.
Mansfield had a flinty confusion in his eyes.
It was a clueless deer in headlights, sort of look.
"What was that all about?"
Mansfield hardened his brow, so it dug a trench right in the middle of his forehead.
"Just two clairvoyants communicating. Nothing for you to worry about."
"You two can communicate, mentally with...each other?"
"Yes, it came as a surprise to me too".
"Fascinating. I wish I could try that. I don't know if I could do it. I probably don't even have the ability to do such a thing.
Wait, can you read my thoughts?"
"Yes I could but I think it takes another clairvoyant to exchange thoughts back and forth."
"Well what if I tried?
Maybe you could teach me."
"Well I'm not the expert, Sidney is.
He could probably teach you better than I can. He has more experience."
"Oh so you two were having a discussion about teaching, right?"
Sidney had to intervene even though he was nearly out the door and he appeared out of nowhere it seemed to explain what was going to Mansfield.
"Indeed, I've agreed to help hone her clairvoyant abilities.
It will be after hours but I will take her home myself, if she stays too late. You may inform her uncle if you wish".
There was a dangerous edge to his brow and his eyes had a venomous shine.
"I'll give him a call. I doubt if he'll be very pleased but I'll do it, it is the right thing to do anyways."
"The man is a sexual predator and very likely a murderer, informing him over the phone would actually be the worst thing to do right now."
"Yes you're right as usual Sidney but what will we tell Thelonius?"
Thelonius was a gaunt man with big Gollum like eyes, he was emaciated and deathly pale but he had soothing and silky voice, he served as a guard to the front entrance of the studio.
He'd check IDs and open the gate if they were trustworthy. He was very obedient and he often would check in with Sidney just to be sure if it was safe to let that person in.
I heard his voice over a intercom that Sidney carried on his person at all times.
"Tell Thelonius not to allow him entry into the studio. It's as simple as that. If you'd like you can have him tell Captain Jerk Off that she will be home later on and that there is no need for him to escort her home. A ride home will be provided for her.
If he asks to go in, access will be denied.
You know he has no business to be here.
He is a wanted criminal, he's so guilty I almost want to turn him in myself.
I told you he's not welcome here".
Sidney's voice was thin, irritable and condescendingly cruel.
"I agree with you 100 percent Sidney but I really think we must run it by Splendor first.
How do you feel about staying here after hours?
Will you be okay with him not being permitted on the premises?
You know if want to go home with him you can, it's up to you. You don't have to stay.
We aren't forcing you to stay here. You can say no if you want to".
"Quite true. You shouldn't be pressured into staying here if you don't want to yet you do need to make a decision before the work day is out."
"Thanks for the motivation,
Count Krolock but yes I'd prefer to stay and yes you can take me home afterwards, Sidney".
"Excellent news.
It's decided.
Now we can move on.
I believe we'll be location hunting soon won't we?"
Sidney rubbed his hands together in satisfaction while he grinned rather generically.
"Oh yes, we'll be on the hunt as soon as tomorrow.
We have some very terrifying places to visit.
It should be exciting. I'm excited.
Some of these places I've never even heard of. I heard that one of the locations has one of the most violent poltergeists ever in paranormal history.
It should prove to be quite a challenge but I'm sure you can work your magic, you know speak their language, communicate and get to the bottom of what's really bothering them.
You'll be a natural.
Of course it may be a bit scary but I can assure you that the possession rate on our end is very low. Demons rarely possess people, Ghosts do that even less and other lower class lifeforms don't even have enough energy to possess someone in the first place. So you should be fine.
We do have a pastor on hand, we have plenty of Bibles to spare, we have holy water in supply,we are fully stocked on garlic, tons of wooden stakes in storage and I do believe we have a surplus of crosses and silver bullets.
You should be completely safe.
Rarely anybody gets injured while we are filming, hardly anything happens when we go exploring.
Think of it as another new adventure".
Mansfield's bubbly attitude made Sidney crinkle his mouth.
"Your perky positivity is actually rather sickening, you know that?"
"I know but think of the alternative. Oh it's time for the meeting.
I do hope you will join us Sidney".
"Yes. Why ever would I miss it?
I'm not here for the coffee and the leftover gossip you know".
"Yes you have a job to do.
You always have a job to do.
You know you work like the undead. Just non stop energy.
You're a real gem Sidney.
I really do appreciate all your help, Sidney".
Now as much as Sidney unnerved me, his chilly decorum, gave me this sense that he was not just bluffing about his unique abilities, he was actually being serious.
He wasn't joking, I could tell he was very sure of himself, he was confident, that he could ward off any sort of evil that came close to that studio.
I knew at that moment that he was dangerous, so I feared he'd become a danger to me but that danger would later work to my advantage and later it would serve to save my life.