Darque Reflections

Darque Reflections

By

The Saber

Darque Reflections

Published by saber-books

Smashwords Edition

Text copyright © 2013 The Saber All Rights Reserved

3rd Edition, December 2, 2020 The Saber All Rights Reserved

Smashwords Edition, License Notes This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Mark Coker. Smashwords Style Guide. Mark Coker.

To Gladys Borel – the first person to believe

Table of Contents

Prologue

Part 1 - Reflections

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Part 2 – Through A Glass Darkly

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Part 3 – Mirror, Mirror

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Part 4 – The Shattering

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Part 5 – Return From Wonderland

Epilogue

Other Books From the Author

About the Author

Prologue

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The moon broke through the thick cloud that had hidden it for most of the night, revealing a blood-red orb that seemed to stare with its bloodshot eye on a macabre scene. The clearing was circular, seeming more man-made than natural, with a thick slab of rock laid across two rough-hewn square blocks. Ten people stood in a circle, encompassing a camp-style fire and the rock slab altar. Facing the crowd on the other side of the altar were three figures in black, hooded robes.

The light from the fire cast dancing shadows on the faces of all those gathered there. The ten had their eyes closed, in obvious concentration on the chants they repeated over and over again. The light from the flames revealed a fine, handsome face framed in the hood of the central figure behind the altar. The two on either side had most of their face hidden in the shadow cast from their hoods.

The chanting continued for some time, the man in the center looking at the prostrate figure on the stone slab before him the whole while. The child lie with her hands and feet bound and stretched across the altar, the thongs being tied to small posts that protruded from either end of the smooth, cold stone. She looked about her, eyes wide with terror, fearing for the fate which awaited her. Her chest heaving from the fear that grew within her breast, her heart hammering at a jack-hammer rate.

At a certain lilt in the chanting, the priest turned to his left and the woman there produced a thick, bound book from within the folds of her robes. She opened the tome, and held it open before her so that the priest could read it. Without much thought as to what was being said, due to the fact that this part of the ceremony was memorized, the priest let his mind wander a little.

He looked at the woman holding the ancient volume that he knew was bound in human skin taken from some helpless victim many years ago. She was somewhat pretty, in a severe kind of way. She would actually have been lovely except for the tightness in her face that she had due to her harsh self-discipline. He'd had her once before, but found that her rigidity wasn't only in her work or her social life, but in every aspect of her life as well. He wondered what he ever saw in her in the first place.

After he finished his chant, he snapped his mind back to what he was doing. The book was shut and placed back into the folds of the woman's robe. She stepped back a few paces and waited. The priest then turned to the man on his right. The acolyte produced a wicked looking dagger from the folds of his cloak, and handed it pommel first to the priest.

As the priest reached for it, he looked into the other's eyes. Though barely visible in the shadows, the priest could see the wild light of extreme fanaticism that constantly danced in his eyes, madness lurking there as well. The priest shuddered slightly, his hand slowly closing on the cold steel. He went to turn away, but the acolyte held fast to the blade of the knife, the edge biting into his palm, a slight rivulet of blood running down the side of his hand to drip slowly from his hand, yet the man never even flinched, the wildness in his eyes almost beyond insane. The priest looked sharply at him, but had to repress another shudder at the sight of the maniacal grin that a hint of firelight made visible. Maltthias always unnerved those around him, because he had a reputation of being harshly cruel, and he took his Satanism very, very seriously.

This is what we were made for, Maltthias whispered, and then he released the dagger. The priest quickly turned from the fanatic so as not to show him the slight amount of fear and revulsion that briefly crossed his features.

The priest faced the altar and started chanting again. He looked again at the child. Her wild eyes met his with a mad gleam of pleading. His mind then seemed to shift for an instant into that of the child, and that was when he started to think the thoughts that had plagued him all month.

What am I doing?!! he thought. First it was small animals, a puppy or a small cat. Then we moved onto larger game, such as a pig. Now this!!! Sweat broke out on his brow. He became painfully aware of the twelve sets of eyes that were upon him now, especially of those belonging to Maltthias.

As he chanted, he slowly raised the curved dagger, all the while looking the helpless girl in the eyes. There was an expectant hush as the dagger reached its apex, the firelight gleaming in hot red fury off of its blade.

But after a few seconds, the dagger still hung there. The people gathered waited breathlessly, wondering why the knife hadn't ended the life of their sacrifice. The priest cast a quick glance at Maltthias, and saw the fury in the crazed man's gaze.

Do it!!! those eyes seemed to scream deafeningly. Sweat now covered the priest's body, making his clothes stick to his body. The girl was frantic with fear, and the whites of her eyes gleamed. Tears ran in thick rivulets down her cheeks.

It was about power. It had always been about power. But with power there was always a price.

Do it!!! Maltthias yelled aloud.

And he knew at that moment, in an almost timeless moment that lasted a scant second, but had almost an eternity within it, that he craved that power. He smiled, his sweat-slicked cheeks gleaming red in the firelight.

And then with a flash of red fury, the dagger slashed down.

Part 1 Reflections

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CHAPTER 1

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You sure this program'll do everything I need? the sour-faced little man asked.

I guarantee that it will, Mr. Johnson, Kelly answered. I ran the program through every possible scenario I could think of, and I didn't have any problems whatsoever.

But what if I come across a problem that you missed? Johnson asked, his fingers nervously caressing the edges of the CD.

You know my policy by now, Mr. Johnson: Any problems will be taken care of immediately with no cost to the customer. And I'll even keep a master disk here in the event you need another copy, again free of charge to you.

Mr. Johnson fidgeted with the programmed disk a few seconds more. Then apparently satisfied with what he heard, he pulled out his checkbook and swiftly wrote down the information required to purchase his new program. He handed the check to Kelly, waited until Kelly looked at it and put it in the cash register, and then abruptly left without another word.

Kelly smiled to himself. Ever since he first opened his business, he'd had to deal with Mr. Hiram Johnson, a small time entrepreneur that owned a small string of stores that dealt in anything from pizza to lingerie. It was always the same when Hiram came in. The dialogue, the actions, everything was the same. At first, Kelly didn't know what to think of the squirrelly, self-important man, but after a few visits, he found him kind of amusing. Not to mention the fact that Hiram was one of his best patrons.

Kelly glanced at the clock that hung above the door, and started to count out his register. Days like today went fast, even though he started at six in the morning and worked until seven at night or later, depending on his work load. Today, he had no intentions of working even one minute past seven. The program he had just sold took him two weeks of late nights and early mornings to make, not to mention the fact that he had sold more commercial software during this time than he usually sold in two months.

After finishing his paperwork, he looked around the store to make sure that he had left nothing undone. Satisfied that all was satisfactory, Kelly grabbed his raincoat and left. He locked the door and turned on the security alarm. He slung his coat over his left shoulder and headed to his car.

Water splashed as he walked through some of the many water puddles created from the frequent bursts of rain that had plagued the day, but had quit with the setting of the sun. The traffic was light for this time of night, due partially to the weather, but probably more from the fact that it was finals week at the university and community college. This was usually a slow time for Kelly's business, but for some odd reason he was having one of the best months he had ever had since he opened the doors to his software and customized computer program store seven years ago. He didn't know what caused the sudden surge in business, but he wasn't going to knock it either.

The car's engine was sluggish in starting as it always was during cold or rainy weather, but it purred once it was running. Kelly put his Porsche into gear and drove a few blocks down the street to drop off his night deposit. From there he drove to his favorite sandwich shop. As with the traffic, business was light tonight.

Hi! Welcome to Gary's Deli. What can I get you tonight, sir? an attractive blond woman of about twenty asked. She must have been a new employee, because Kelly had never seen her before, and he all but subsisted on the sandwiches here.

I'll take the Python --- the small one please… with the works… except hold the pickles. he answered. As she turned to make his order, Kelly couldn't help but admire the well shaped body in front of him. As if sensing the scrutiny, the woman glanced over her shoulder, saw him look quickly away, and turned back to her work with a big smile on her face.

After he received his order, Kelly sat at a small table that allowed him a good view of both the university campus and the blond behind the counter. He took a sip of his beer and casually glanced toward the sub bar. The woman was now scrutinizing Kelly in the same way he had looked at her. In spite of himself, he blushed. He was thankful the lighting wasn't so bright or his skin so pale that it would be overly obvious that he was embarrassed. He heard the light tinkling of her laugh, and then was surprised to see her walking toward his table. Kelly smiled at her as she seated herself uninvited at his table.

You don't mind if I join you, do you? she asked with a twinkle in her eyes, I mean business is slow and I have to kill some time, so I thought I would spend it in a pleasurable manner.

No, I don't mind at all, he said, more than pleased at this development. My name's Kelly.

Hi, Kelly. I'm Bambi. Do you live around here? she asked, a sly little smile playing on her lips.

Yeah, he answered, just south of the Winn Dixie on Hawkins Road.

I live in the dorms, she said pleasantly. Right now, I mean. Next week I'm moving into an apartment with my roommate for the summer. I love it here in Haberville and I have to take some classes in the summer, but I'll go nuts if I have to stay in the dorms one more day than I have to.

That bad, huh? Kelly asked, smiling at his companion.

Well......not really, I guess. It's just that you never have any privacy. That and the fact that I can't have any male visitors spend the night.... She looked meaningfully at him. He smiled even more.

I see what you mean. I don't have any restrictions like that at my place. But I live alone, and a little company now and then would be pleasant... Bambi smiled a viciously mischievous smile.

Great!!! I get off in two hours. Then we can go to your place and continue our.... conversation. I don't think this is the time or place for such an intellectual exchange. She winked at him, caressed his cheek for a second, and started to turn away. I have to go back to work, now. Don't run off!

That's the last thing I'd do, Kelly answered. With that, he ate his sandwich with a zeal fueled by his anticipation for the activities of the night to come.

They arrived at his home at ten-forty-five, after a brief stop at a package store for an expensive bottle of cognac, and a bottle of Dom Pérignon. Kelly had a difficult time keeping his mind on his driving with Bambi's head bobbing up and down on his lap. When they stopped at his front door, Kelly quickly punched in his security code to the house alarm system.

He entered and flipped on a switch on the wall, Bambi clinging to him as if she was afraid he would take off at a dead run if she didn't. A lamp at the far end of the room turned on, its light subdued to a mild glow. The stereo turned on and a CD started playing Beethoven, the volume only turned high enough to give the music more of a soothing background effect than for actual listening. The furniture was extravagant, the sofa, matching chairs and love seat being covered with plush, blue velvet. The end tables appeared to be antiques, and the carpet was soft, thick piled, light-blue Saxony.

Kelly kicked off his shoes at the door, Bambi swift to follow his example. She looked around the room in a kind of awe. She went to the sofa and let her hand glide lightly over the luxurious surface, and let out a small m-m-m-m sound. She turned to Kelly with a dreamy look in her eyes.

This is some place! I'll bet you're not alone as often as you've led me to believe, she said.

Actually, you're the first woman I've had here for a long, long time, aside from a friend of mine who visits occasionally to check up on me.

Girlfriend? Bambi asked, smiling a little.

No, he said, She's more like a sister. I've more or less raised her since she was a young girl. She's twenty-six now, and lives in Ocala. Care for something to drink? he offered.

Sure. I'll have some champagne.

Kelly quickly went into the kitchen, and came out with two glasses full of the bubbling wine. Bambi was seated on the sofa, looking at him with a hunger in her eyes that was unmistakable. He offered her a glass, and sat next to her. They sipped their wine, Kelly looking at his guest. She was beautiful, but not your everyday beauty, but of an extraordinary loveliness rarely seen. Her skin was fair and smooth, with no freckles or any blemish. Her honey-blond hair caught the soft lighting and appeared to be made of fine, spun gold. She had a small, cute nose and full, pouty lips. Her eyes were big and had the color of the Caribbean Sea on a bright, sunny afternoon.

She looked up and their eyes met. After a few moments, she smiled slightly, and they leaned toward each other. Their lips locked in what started off as a gentle kiss, but ended up a passionate frenzy. Champagne spilled as the glasses were dropped in their hunger for each other, the expensive liquid soaking into the rich carpet.

They undressed each other, never once stopping their kissing. Pants were virtually ripped off; shirts flew onto the floor and coffee table. In mere moments, they were both naked and engaging in hot, intense sex.

Kelly woke up with a start. He looked at the clock on his nightstand. It was six o’clock, and still dark outside. During their lovemaking, they had started off on the sofa, then the floor, and finally in the bedroom. He looked around, only to discover he was in bed alone. As he sat up, his nose detected the smell of bacon and fresh brewed coffee. Getting out of bed, he put on his slippers and walked to the kitchen.

Bambi was standing in front of the stove, wearing an overly large T-shirt like a nightgown. She was in the process of flipping several eggs that were done on one side. When she was done, she turned and smiled at Kelly.

I was going to wake you in a moment, but I'm glad you woke up on your own. I hope you like your eggs over easy. The toaster popped, and she took the slices out and began to butter them.

You didn't have to do this, Kelly said.

Oh, I don't mind. Especially after last night... you were nothing short of marvelous! She smiled that impish grin again and Kelly again felt a surge of lust well up within him, a fact that was noticed by his house guest.

I'm just afraid you'll have to wait until after breakfast, she chided playfully. Kelly blushed.

So do you have to work today? Kelly asked.

No. I'm off until next week due to finals. And I only have two left.

I'll take you back to the dorms after breakfast, so you can study. I've got to get my butt to work, anyway. He shoveled a big forkful of eggs into his mouth.

Don't sweat it! she said. I already know enough to pass the last two tests with ease. Besides, we have some unfinished business to take care of.

About that, Bambi. Well, I'd love to, but I have a business to run. Bambi pouted slightly, which caused a knot to form in Kelly's stomach. Oh, alright. But let's make it a quickie! With that, they went to the bedroom.

Kelly was freshly showered, and mostly dressed. He sat on the foot of the bed, pulling a sock onto his left foot.

SNIP!

Kelly jumped from fright at the unexpected sound. He thought Bambi was still in the living room listening to some of his CD’s. He saw a pair of scissors in one hand, and a lock of rich, black hair in the other.

What the fuck are you trying to do to me? Kelly shouted at her. You scared the living shit out of me!! And why did you cut my hair?! Bambi smiled.

I had to have a lock of hair from the best lover I have ever had, she answered. This way, I'll have a part of you with me always. Kelly looked troubled. Relax, sweetie. I'm not pulling one of those psycho trips. There are no strings attached between us, but I would like a trophy.

Kelly relaxed a bit. Sure, he smiled, no problem. I'd like to see you again, though.

You bet your ass you'll see me again, Mister, she said, smiling her now familiar, yet no less mischievous smile. But right now, I think you'd better get to work, or I'll keep you here for the rest of the day.

Kelly opened his store at nine o'clock, which was the usual time, but he had just gotten there. He liked to be in by six, occasionally six-thirty, and work on his programming. Luckily, he only had one project in the works, and that was going to be simple. He went behind the counter, flipped on the store's lights, and sat in front of the PC.

On his way to work, he had dropped Bambi off at her dorm. She told him to pick her up when he was done for the day, and he readily told her he would. After dropping her off, he started thinking about the last twelve hours. It all seemed so surreal. Casual sex was something he gave up years ago, not only because of the epidemic of STDs and AIDS, but because it was so shallow. Yet not for even one moment did he stop to consider any of that with Bambi, and that alone made him a bit uneasy.

Sure she was ravishingly beautiful, but still. It wasn't like him to be so drawn to anyone that way. And what did he truly know about this girl? Nothing, really. The most conversation they had was either in the way of small talk, or the grunts and exclamations made under sexual stress. Tonight, he would get to know her better.

And what would Charlene think if she knew? He knew she would strongly disapprove, as she did with many of his social activities. Her Christian beliefs were strong, and she would always try to coax Kelly into going to church with her. Kelly never would, but he never was offended either. He had taken Charlene in shortly after her parents were brutally murdered, and raised her since. She was a Christian then, but despite the tragedy that brought her into Kelly's life, she never let her beliefs waver. She even told him that she forgave the people responsible for her sudden orphanage. Kelly had compassion and understanding in a way others didn’t. He wasn’t as young as Charlene at the time, but he was orphaned shortly before his eighteenth birthday and had been devastated. Especially since the accident that took his parents’ lives was entirely preventable. But he had been compensated by the company that more than took care of his financial needs. Charlene, on the other hand, had not. They had naturally bonded.

Kelly smiled to himself when he thought about his sister. He loved her dearly, and she loved him. How he loved her was ambiguous, due to the facts that he had been alone most of his life, the fact that she wasn't truly his sister, and the fact that she was indeed a beautiful young lady. This last reason usually made Kelly ashamed, since there was no way possible that she could ever be anything more than what she was now --- family. Besides, now he had Bambi.

The blinking cursor finally caught his attention, and he snapped out of his musings. He looked at the clock. Fifteen minutes after nine. Snap out of it, Kel, he admonished himself. He put a jump drive in the USB port and started on a simple budget analysis program for a building contractor.

He worked on that program for most of the day, though it should have only taken a couple of hours. His mind kept drifting, Bambi filling his thoughts. Every now and then Charlene came to mind, also, almost as if she were there, letting him know that his musings were not proper.

A customer entered, one of the very few that day. Business was unusually slow, especially for a Thursday. Oh well, it was probably time for it to slow down a little. Finals were in progress, and since most of his business was from college students, he sort of expected the slow down.

The customer was a burly gentleman, that seemed to have more brawn than brains if you looked at him without talking with him. He was browsing in the Books on Disk section, apparently in no hurry. Kelly turned back to the program he had been working on.

After several minutes, he had completed his task. He ran the program and entered data to see if the program worked properly. After entering the figures supplied by his client, the program ran and calculated the data to Kelly's satisfaction.

Finally, Kelly said to himself.

So it works alright? he heard from behind. He turned and saw the big man smiling at him, his face gentle and his eyes twinkling with humor. I didn't mean to startle you, but I saw how intense you were working, and I didn't want to interrupt.

I'm sorry, Sir, Kelly apologized, I didn't know you were waiting. Kelly stood up and walked to the counter. He took the software from the counter top and started to ring it up. He saw that the man was purchasing several disks for data analysis and a lab data program. Will this be all, sir? he asked, all the while passing the UPC marks over the laser scanner.

Actually, I've been looking for a concordance and lexicon for the New International Version of the Bible, but I couldn't find it on the shelf, he answered.

I don't carry anything like that, but I can order it for you. It will be in by next week, Kelly answered.

That would be fine. I'd rather deal here than with one of those national chain software stores. Besides, I only live down the street, and it's a lot more convenient for me. I'll call you next week some time to see if they came in yet.

If you'd give me your phone number, I can call you when they come in, Sir. It would be easier for you. Kelly pulled out his small On Order note pad and stood there with his pen poised.

That's all right, Son, the customer said. I don't mind the short walk over here. My wife and I just moved here from Pittsburgh, and I don't know much about the area, yet. So, until I do, I'll stop by to check out what you have. His smile broadened. I like to window shop as much as my wife does, and since I'm in need of a lot of software anyway, I might as well window shop here. Just write down that the order's for Hank Clayborne.

Kelly wrote the information for the software, looked it up on his computer. After he showed his customer what he could order, he told him the price of his purchase, took his money, and gave the man his change. Thank you for stopping in. I'll be looking forward to your visits, Sir. Oh! If you need any custom-made software, let me know. I'll give you a good price.

That night with Bambi was even more physical than the previous one. As a matter of fact, brutal may have been more appropriate in describing their sexual conduct. By morning, there were more bruises on Kelly than if he had been in a fight. There was even a bite mark or two to attest to the savage intensity of their love making.

Kelly looked at the trophies in the mirror and grimaced. It wouldn't do to be seen with these beauties on his face, especially when he owned his own business. Luckily, the bite marks were on his chest, and therefore easily concealed.

Bite marks?! he said to himself, Geez, Kel. What are you doing? He heard Bambi stir in the bedroom. He poked his head out of the bathroom and saw Bambi's eyes flutter open. She stretched a bit, yawned, then sat up.

Morning, she said smiling.

Hi. Bambi, do you have something to cover these? he asked motioning at his marked face and throat. She laughed a little, and got out of bed. 'Man is she gorgeous!' he thought. She walked to him, hugged and kissed him lightly, then looked at him.

I'm sorry, she said sincerely after seeing the damaged areas. I don't usually get so violent, but you bring out the animal in me. Let me get my purse. I've got some foundation that should cover those up nicely.

After Kelly dropped Bambi off, he headed to work. At a stop light, he quickly looked at himself in the rear view mirror for the fourteenth time. The makeup pretty much covered up the light bruises around his eyes, but the hickeys shown through enough to let everyone know what they were.

Hopefully business will be slow today, and not too many people will see, he said to himself. He arrived at his store, parked the car, and checked himself in the mirror one last time. He glanced at his watch. Eight o'clock. Not as early as he liked to be, but at least it was earlier than the day before.

He entered the shop, turned on the lights, and began dusting the shelves. He'd been at it for half an hour when he heard someone try to open the locked front door. Coming from behind an aisle, he noticed the burly gentleman from the day before, dressed in a light blue jogging suit, peering through the glass. The man smiled when he saw Kelly walk to the door. When Kelly turned the lock with a loud clack, he opened the door, and gestured for the big man to enter.

I don't normally open until nine, but it isn't a rule I have carved in stone. Come on in, sir.

I'm sorry. I can come back later...

Nah! Kelly interrupted, It's no problem.

I was just cooling down after jogging, and I noticed you were in. I thought I'd drop in. The man was sweating heavily, many rivulets running down his face and soaking into his wet jersey. The musty odor from his body reached Kelly's nose, but Kelly didn't mind. He occasionally went to the gym to work out, so the odor was not really that intolerable.

They walked into the store, Kelly immediately going behind the counter and opening his ordering ledger. I ordered your software, Mr. Clayborne. It will be in Monday morning.

Great! he said, and you can call me Hank. I like to be informal whenever I can, except in the classroom.

Ok. My name's Kelly, he said. Hank was disarmingly easy to talk to, and Kelly felt very much at ease. Is there anything else you’re looking for, in particular?

Not at the moment, well not as far as software goes. But I talked with my wife, and we decided that we'd like to have you over for dinner some time soon. We like to get to know our neighbors, and since you're really the first person in this neighborhood I've met, I thought it would be nice to get together.

Kelly was taken back by the invitation. This was the first time he had been invited by a customer for anything. Hank was looking at him expectantly, and Kelly realized that the big man had to have noticed the marks on his face and neck. He blushed furiously, but noticed that Hank acted as if nothing were out of the ordinary.

Ah... sure. I'd like that, Kelly answered.

Great! Hank exclaimed. How about tomorrow? Or is that not good for you? Kelly thought about his plans, and only Bambi came to mind.

Sure. Tomorrow's fine, he responded, a bit unsure of himself.

If you’re married, make sure to bring your wife. Nancy would like the company of another woman. If you're not, bring a date. Hank was smiling warmly, almost boyishly.

Thanks. What time do you want me there?

Well, your sign says you close at seven. Hmmm, how about eight?

Sounds good to me.... you need me to bring anything? Wine, perhaps? Kelly asked.

Just yourself and a companion if you choose. I have to go now and tell the wife before she goes to work. Hank headed toward the door, then stopped. Oh, does manicotti sound alright? It's my specialty.

Manicotti sounds excellent! Kelly answered. 'Sure beats having subs again' he thought to himself.

Good! See you tomorrow night, then. Bye, and with that, Hank left the store. Kelly put his ledger away, and looked up when the door opened a few seconds later. Hank poked his head in the door. I forgot to tell you where I live. It's the fifth house on the right, just down the street. Just look for the tan De Soto. Kelly nodded. Hank smiled and left.

‘De Soto?’ Kelly thought. ‘Who the hell drives a De Soto?’

The day had gone by relatively fast for Kelly. The invitation for dinner by Hank had caught him off guard, but Kelly was looking forward to the home cooked meal and the company of others. Not that he hadn't been with other people, but being alone with Bambi at his house was different.

He locked the store and headed for Bambi's dorm. He was looking forward to taking her to Hank's house, and a nice meal. He hoped she would like the change of pace. Besides, maybe he could learn more about her this way. He still didn't know much more about her than he did the first night he spent with her. Every time he tried to talk with her, she seemed evasive and usually became hot with passion. He had a hard time resisting her advances and eventually gave in to her.

He arrived at the dormitory, and entered through a door that had been propped open. He quickly found his way to her room, and knocked gently on the door. After a moment of no answer, he rapped on the door again. A young woman with short-cropped, black hair looked out from a neighboring room.

Who ya' lookin' for? she asked. Kelly turned.

Is Bambi around? he asked.

No. She finished moving out just over an hour ago. Kelly was taken by surprise. He stood there for a moment, thinking.

Do you know where she moved to? he asked.

No, but I know she's still close by. She and her room mate said something about having a party in their new place this weekend, but I don't know where it's at. Sorry....

Thanks, anyway. You've been a big help. Kelly left.

Kelly arrived home forty minutes later. Traffic was heavy, being a Friday, with college being out and the bars filling up. He turned on his stereo, pulled off his shirt which he threw over the back of the sofa, and walked to his phone. There was one message on his phone answering machine. He pressed the playback button and went to get a beer from the refrigerator as the messages started to play.

Kel, it's Charlene. I tried calling you at the store, but you must have left right before I called. I'm coming over tomorrow morning, early. I thought we could spend the weekend together. I miss you so very much. Bye. The machine finished playing the message, clicked, and turned off. Kelly smiled at the thought of Charlene, and was glad she was coming. He had wanted to call her, but Bambi had been more than just a minor distraction. He sat on the couch and relaxed while drinking his beer.

An hour slipped comfortably by before the beer made Kelly have to go relieve himself. He walked a little unsteadily, having finished five bottles of beer, and went to the bathroom in the master bedroom. After he finished, he started to wash his hands. He looked up at his reflection in the mirror for a moment, and noticed the hickeys and bruises on his neck and face.

SHIT!! Instantly, Kelly was sober. Charlene would be extremely upset when she saw him. Panic mildly started to set in. Then he remembered his bed sheets, and the fact that they hadn't been washed since Bambi had come over. He ran into the bedroom and swiftly stripped the bed. In minutes the washing machine was running, full of bed linens. He went back into the bathroom and again looked at his marked visage. The bruises were already fading, but the sucker bites were another matter. Desperate, he grabbed a comb and started trying to comb out the hickeys.

There were three hickeys, two mild, but the third was almost black, and actually a little painful to touch. After some minutes of combing, the lighter marks had faded enough to suit Kelly, but the third one just would not go away. As his desperation grew, he combed harder. In a short time, he had combed the area raw, and was left with a patch of burned skin that was much more painful and unsightly than it had been to start with.

Kelly quit combing when he realized what he had done. He bent forward to get a better look in the mirror at the damage he had done. After he saw the result of his attempted cover up, he threw the comb into the sink, disgusted with himself. The comb ricocheted out of the sink and fell to the floor. He bent over and picked it up, and placed it in its spot in the medicine cabinet behind the mirror. He pushed the mirror-door back in its place, but when it closed, the mirror exploded. Glass rained all over the bathroom in a shiny shower, flying