Terminal nightmares, p.12
Terminal Nightmares, page 12
Hanna enjoys the nice hot, scolding shower. Starting to rub her semi-hairy pussy but stopping a minute later when she hears Jessica yelp. Hanna finishes her shower in record time; while Theo a few minutes prior starts working out in the guest room to blow off some steam. Hanna dries off her heavenly body with a white towel saying cautiously, “Jessica are you OK?” Receiving no reply fills Hanna with dread and trepidation.
Hanna starts to panic, wrapping the white towel around her body, coming out of the bathroom. Hanna is on the second floor of their two-story Victorian style house, a pleasant shade of Carolina blue coats the exterior with a solid mahogany door. Appearing to be the perfect color given the neighborhood. Starting down the steps two by two, witnessing a nightmarish sight that makes her jaw drop, heart, sinking into the most bottomless cavern. Lies is all she can muster as Hanna starts sprinting down the stairs. The stairs creak but not from the weight. The Brady Bunch is playing in the background.
Hanna witnesses Theo fucking Jessica in the ass doggy style while he is beating her brains out with a framing hammer; licking his lips wildly in erotic pleasure. The scene is out of a spine-chilling book that you never in a trillion years think you will witness. Halfway down the steps, there is blood coated to everything within a ten-foot diameter. Breaking the plain of the last step, Theo rips Jessica’s head clean off, throwing it at Hanna’s feet. “Your next cunt,” says Theo with a maniacal smirk and howling to the gods of the night. Tasting the iron from the overabundance of blood, hearing Jessica’s last breath destroys Hanna’s fragile soul to the point of no return. Jessica’s body falls onto the carpet between the couch and the glass table. The television show is still airing with the whimsical comedy not appearing to be funny by a long-shot.
Hanna hiccups awake with trepidation in the shower, rushing downstairs naked. Jessica looks up whistling. “Damn girl, you are fine as hell.” Sending a wink her way to know she never has to worry about losing Xavier. “A shame you’re my sister,” Jessica says while laughing in an uproar. “Sorry, I thought I heard something.” Relieved Jessica is okay. Hanna goes back to put some PJ's on, checking on Theo who is finishing his workout. Hanna heads to bed around eight-thirty at night; following Theo getting out of the shower. Jessica follows suit shortly after her sister, not before she sets her alarm for seven am.
Meanwhile, Ace heads home around 4:25 pm. Traffic impedes not getting to the high-rise apartment until five-forty PM, thanks to an accident. Immediately starting the bath upon entry into the domain; anticipating Lang. Ace knows it takes about ten minutes for the tub to reach full capacity. The kitchen is her favorite place to be in the entire apartment, loving to cook and all. The kitchen was state-of-the-art as well, which made it even more pleasing to Ace. “Shit, it better be with the price I paid,” saying it aloud with room to tease on how expensive the apartment was initially.
Ace ends up throwing some chicken into a pan to cook while taking a relaxing bath in the exquisite porcelain tub. Throwing some lemon on top with a few select spices, putting some asparagus into the pot on a low setting. Ace paid a quarter of a million for a five-year lease. Not regretting spending a single penny. The view from the 10th floor is majestic. Removing the clothes, she is wearing in the kitchen while walking back to the tub. The feeling of the walnut hardwood on Ace’s bare feet feels delightful. Pressure treated as well.
Shutting off the water right at the exact moment it was about to overflow. Ace drains a little water, stepping in with an elongated moan. Calculating that she has twenty minutes to soak up the bubbles from the homemade bath bomb. It’s 5:55, simmering in the tub is the highlight of her day thus far. The blackberry bath bomb has such a lush aroma. Running through different simulated scenarios for how tomorrow will play out.
Draining the water, strutting like a runway model out of the bathroom to check on the food twenty minutes after entering the bath. Mixing the ingredients together; closing the lid once again for a few more minutes of steam cooking. The sun is almost set, so Ace has a dim view of the place which she loves. Turning on the television in the kitchen for news highlights; nothing special. Death, more death and for the prime story of the evening a fatal robbery resulting in the deaths of two officers. “Shocker,” says Ace mockingly towards the news anchor.
Ace despises the news; only watching it to stay current with the trends. Fear propaganda is what the news is in Ace’s mind; not being alone in that thought process. Five minutes pass and Ace empties the contents of dinner onto a plate. Swallowing it whole with no time to lose with Lang approaching any minute. Throwing the plate into the dish washer; hurrying to floss and brush her teeth and get changed. Slipping into a very sensual black dress that shows off the perfect number of curves and skin. Peppering her neck with the most seducing perfume.
Strolling towards the living room after putting her heels on Ace sits down on the pearl white couch. Remote in-hand Ace switches the music on to vibrate the whole apartment thanks to the surround sound. Paramore is blasting when the barely audible knock comes chiming into the airwave. Standing up; being taller than average thanks to the heels; Ace goes to unlock the door. Lang is standing there with a bouquet of roses; knowing she hates them but doing it anyways to win some unknown brownie points. Lang had changed from a bum to amicable.
“Damn!” Lang stands there mesmerized by beauty unheard of in today's society. “Sorry, I’m a tad wet; I just got out of the shower a little while ago,” wearing a casual black button-down shirt with matching slacks. Ace waves her hand; saying she just did the same; devouring Lang and his attire; the spiked brown hair and chiseled body sent shivers down Ace’s spine. “Please come in,” waving Lang inside. Lang enters the apartment; not having been the first time but potentially being the last. The aroma from dinner still radiates heavy in the atmosphere of the room. The stench of rum permeates through the apartment; Lang’s mouth being the culprit.
Lang approaches Ace; hugging her while in tandem kissing her cheek. They walk over to the couch to chat a bit; Ace has been seeing Lang for five months now and not once has he wanted sex. Adamantly stating he just wants a friend. A first for Ace who still has trouble understanding. Ace missed Lang in all honesty; money had nothing to do with the fact; appearing to be a broken man who only showed a glimmer of hope in the presence of, yours sincerely. Ace lowers the music and turns on and off-key lights to set the mood. Rewarding this reunion by snatching a bottle of El Pecado.
Pouring the two of them a glass. Lang opens the dialogue. “How have you been?” A cheesy opener but it will do the trick. “I have been extremely busy with work and side projects; never seems to end,” a castrated smile seems to rip across her face. “What about you?” Lang AKA Agent M has been trained extensively to lie on command without hinting at it by looking up and to the right to access the imagination. Staying calm and collected with no tells that he is lying.
“Busy as always with work and the kids; sorry kid,” a look of utter shame sweeps through M. Ace casually rubs his back. “I know; it will be ok; I promise” Words, baseless and formless at their finest did nothing to assuage the pain and hopelessness of the situation. Lang looks up not wanting to ruin the mood. Wrapping his calloused hands around the glass and proposing a toast. “To life, love, and whatever else makes a man and or woman happy!” They clink their glasses and take a large gulp of the wine. The best lies are the ones that encapsulate the truth at the core; unintentional; proving to work sufficiently.
“How is Amber?” Ace asks hesitantly. “Um, she is fine; dealing as best as possible like the rest of us.” Gulping the last of his wine, Lang pours another glass. Ace knows Lang is an alcoholic; given the circumstances, she doesn’t blame nor judges him in any way. They end up talking till 11pm when Lang decides to call it quits. Chatting, wine drinking and cuddling are the most that have ever happened thus far; Ace one day hopes that Lang can open up some more; appeasing his natural tendencies. Lang is in the doorway, “See ya around Ace,” a smile with a mixed bag of emotions overcast on Agent M’s face.
Ace wraps her arms around Lang and grips him like a life raft. “You have people that love and care about you, Lang; don’t forget it.” Swinging his left arm in a halfhearted hug; keeping his right arm down and balled into a fist; suppressing the tears that wanna divulge all of the secrets being crammed into the closet. “Thanks, I’ll see you around; I left the money on the table,” Lang states with his head down sporting a conquered look ravishing his face. Ambling back towards the elevator tipsy; being a functioning drunk makes it easy to maneuver. Ace closes the door; taking off the dress and cleaning up; heading to bed at 11:30pm.
Xavier and Dylan finish watching the parade rerun. Dylan notices that it’s seven-twenty pm, deciding to call it a night. Xavier stays up a while longer contemplating the song he heard earlier. Unsure of what to believe; whether he should broach the subject with Dylan or leave it alone. Lingering at an impasse. Striving to weigh the merit of it; questioning if he even wants to know the truth; slowly passing out around eight o’ clock at night.
Meanwhile, Emma logs off the computer at six-thirty at night; noting that Agent M’s shift is over till the next morning. Heading to the restroom to change into her PJ’s; preparing for the Christmas Slumberland Sleepover. Upon exiting the bathroom; wearing her Tinkerbell PJ’s in hopes that it will cheer Amber up; strolling towards the break room now to retrieve the food and drinks on the menu for the evening. Emma’s pink backpack is waving side to side with every twist and turn; reaching the refrigerator. Snatching up the leftover Oatmeal cookies, Apple Juice, and the main meal. Pepperoni Hot Pockets which was a personal favorite for Amber.
The commotion in the break room thankfully isn’t too overwhelming to Emma; though the noise drops drastically upon her entering the domain. A group of technicians was lounging about on break listening to an infomercial about a pillow that cures depression. Emma recalls that Amber has a microwave in her room on the table; “No need to heat them up here,” saying to herself in a manner of thankfulness; not wanting to spend another minute in the break room. Jamming the food and drinks into the backpack before backpedaling her way out of the room.
Striding into Amber’s room, making a Grand Ole Spectacle is none other than Aunt Emma. Only the coolest Aunt on the planet if you asked Amber; who is now captivated and in jubilee at the site of Emma. Racing towards her after jumping off the bed; currently invested in a mystery novel; Nancy Drew referencing her favorite detective. “Sweet Pea,” Emma says with arms extended awaiting the leap of faith into her lap. Diving into Emma’s arms and almost knocking the wheelchair over; luckily, Emma saves the day. They both laugh heartily. “See what I’m reading Aunt Emma?” Earnest in her attempts to seek approval.
Chirping up. “I most certainly do Sweet Pea; I’m very proud of you; you’re already ahead of the curve.” Squeezing Amber in a warm embrace, letting her know she is loved if only by one person. “You ready for tonight?” A surge of unknown energy courses through the room like an unseen power source with an unlimited supply of creativity and love covers every inch of the room. “I’m so ready, been waiting all day.” Delighted that Aunt Emma kept her word; not that there was any doubt. “Sweet Pea grab the backpack and put it onto the table, please.’’ Obeying the instruction and emptying the contents onto the table to a shocking surprise.
“Hot pockets!” The look that Amber shines is worth more than any sunrise on any beach. Adhering to a strict diet regiment makes nights like these seem magical to Sweet Pea. Running around the room a few times to burn off some of the adrenaline while jumping up and down at certain spots in her room. “Hot Pockets all for you Sweet Pea.” Emma rolls to the table and unwraps the food; putting it on one of the two plates and throwing out the garbage that is located under the table. The minutes seem to drag on forever to Amber, who waits patiently.
BEEP BEEP BEEP; the microwave indicates the food is ready to be consumed. “Let it cool off Sweet Pea; go and pick out a movie we can watch while we eat.’’ Amber takes a few steps to come face to face with the movie collection. Perusing the choices of movies; having seen them multiple times in the last six months. The Agency tries to recycle the old movies with new ones; keeping the ones Amber loves the most. “I got it.” Turning around to show Emma her choice; Monsters, Inc. is the winner.
They start the movie after Amber plops down onto the beanbag; Emma fills two glasses to the brim with Apple Juice. They each have two hot pockets. Twenty minutes into the movie and Sweet Pea has finished the food and set the plate on the table. Crawling into Aunt Emma’s lap while the film continues is cathartic to Amber. The film ends. “Can we please watch one more movie and then bed?” Acknowledging that she is the authority figure in this situation. Sighing with an over-exaggerated expression wields a chuckle coinciding with a little blushing from Amber; who is now making a cute pouty face; attempting to sway Emma.
The AC cranks on as Emma answers. “Well duh, silly goose; we can watch one more movie.” Happy as a squirrel who just happened upon a stadium full of nuts would be an amicable analogy. “Your turn to pick.” Amber ejects the previous movie and puts it back on the rack while Emma decides what to watch. Emma grabs off the shelf “A Bug’s Life,” which is a personal favorite of her childhood. Amber escorts the movie safely to the DVD and inserts the disc. The next hour and a half are filled with AH’s, OH’s and NO’s as the cast attempts to flee stressful situations and navigate the world.
“Time for bed Sweet Pea.” Amber jostles awake after having slept for the last ten minutes of the movie. Brushing and flossing her teeth before jumping into bed; changing into her Lion King PJ’s. Emma does the same following her lead and parks her rainbow wheelchair beside the bed and clambers in beside Sweet Pea. All the food was gone, including the cookies which they decided to eat between movies. “Good Night Auntie Emma,” a glaze overtakes the young one's eyes as she falls asleep to a world less cruel.
Emma kisses Amber on the cheek; rubbing fingers across Amber’s forehead to remove the excess hair. “Good night Sweet Pea; sweet dreams,’’ stating it in a whisper so not to wake her up. Closing her eyes twenty minutes later once she was sure Amber was asleep. The room is quiet besides the humdrum of the AC. The noise coming from the hallways is barely audible.
Amber falls into a deep sleep as dreams encroach. Amber is playing indoors on an overcast day when Maxwell and Mason decide to have a father-son day doing some home improvement shopping. Playing with her dolls without a care in the world. They’re all having a tea party in her room. Daddy opens the door with Mason next to him. “Be good baby; love you and see you later.” Running up to give her dad a hug while sticking her tongue out behind dad's back to Mason. Mason teases back with putting his hands on his head like antlers and wiggling his fingers and sticking his tongue out also; to annoy Amber.
Uncle Dan will look out for you while I’m gone. Maxwell and Mason walk out as Daniel shags Mason’s hair upon exiting. Playing with Sarah and Rose, which are the names she chose for her dolls. The tea party is going splendidly. Rain starts to pour down in sheets; lightning isn’t far behind. The power goes out an hour later as the Tea Party enters into the eighth course of the twelve-course meal. Uncle Dan has a flashlight in hand and shines it into Ambers room. “You ok,” he asks, awaiting a response.
“I’m ok; just finishing our food.” Innocence is all that Daniel can see through his predatorial eyes. Ambling towards Amber; getting onto his knees and trudging the rest of the way forward. Wrapping his burly arms around Amber and her succulent white dress. Fingers start exploring the different areas of her underdeveloped body. Running over her chest and down to her crotch. Unsure of what is going on Amber doesn’t move or talk; at one point the flashlight shuts off, and the only light is from the lightning strikes outside; coinciding with the booming Thunder. Grabbing her chin and forcing a kiss onto her lips in a vile manner mimicking the shrewdness of a snake needing to be beheaded.
A few minutes later, and it’s over. “Now this was a game between you Sweet Pea and me.” Using the nickname to wake her out of her stupor before Maxwell comes home to find his daughter catatonic. “Do you understand that you can’t tell anybody?” Shaking her head in a yes motion unable to speak or comprehend what just took place; Uncle Dan leaves the room to switch the breaker back on that he had shut-off intentionally. Daddy and Mason return home forty-five minutes later to see Daniel watching sports updates; Amber had fallen asleep due to exhaustion. Never did Amber break the promise made to Uncle Dan.
Amber jolts awake at six in the morning; thrashing about due to the nightmare. Emma wakes in a second after to comfort Sweet Pea. “It’s ok, Sweet Pea; I’m here, baby girl.” A reassuring smile alleviates any apprehension that she may still be in a dream. Crying and panicking over the events having to be relived. “You ok,” Emma asks while cradling Amber in her arms and wiping away the tears. A few minutes later, Amber responds. “I’m okay; just a bad dream.”
“Wanna talk about it?” Amber thinks about mentioning the dream but decides not to at the last moment. “No thank you,’’ Sweet Pea says; vitals returning to normal. Emma gets out of bed to use the restroom; engaging in her daily routine of preparing for work. Forty-five minutes later, and Aunt Emma is heading back to her desk; having talked a bit more while preparing for work. Emma makes sure a scrumptious breakfast was prepped and delivered to Amber upon exiting. Waving to Sweet Pea; telling her that she will see Auntie later. Amber is now stuck with her own company until class starts in a few hours; yesterday off was an exception for Christmas.
