minxmusing:

rolledtrousers:

Her legs weren’t for walking. They’d stopped being capable of that a good hour ago, and from the way she crawled over to the chair, that was going to soon be beyond her too. He assumed she’d just start slithering across the floor, limbless like a snake, all strength seeped out of her under his hand, and against his cock. 

Exhaustion was something he’d been playing with in his mind, musing about in those idle moments in between. Waiting for a bus, on hold, during commercial breaks. He wanted to know how far she’d be able to go, where she’d break, and how she’d feel as it happened. He wanted to test her. He wanted to test himself. 

She propped herself up on the chair, a desperate hand clinging to the arm as she glanced over her shoulder at him. Wet hair hugged her face. It looked as exhausted as she did. The thought made him smile. 

“Four… hours.” She panted out. He steadied himself against another chair. Somehow he managed to make it look casual. She’d started to shake.

“Getting a little tired, my dear?” His voice was all saccharine condescension, his chin tilting upwards so he looked at her down his nose. She’d never felt more the student. 

“How are you still standing?” It sounded like an accusation, and at any other time the tone would’ve got her punished. But she was all the way over there, and he was all the way over here. All in due time. He took a deep breath.

He didn’t answer her question, instead pushing himself off the chair and started to slowly wander over to her. She shook, his finger trailing down the curve of her arse, her underwear, as soaked as her hair with a delicious mixture of sweat and arousal, stuck to those supple cheeks. 

Even after all this time, after all those times, she still couldn’t help but bite her bottom lip, heavy lids slipping over her eyes and a shiver, entirely separate from her shakes and trembles, rushing down her spine. He just felt so ridiculously good. She wanted to stop him. She ached. Everywhere. But she still wanted more. 

“Say it.” Nonchalant, that was the word.

“Please..” Her voice came out in a sob.

“Say. It.” Steel flashed in his voice, and it was mirrored in his eyes. As always, holding his Dominance over her was giving him a second wind. Power was the great energiser.

“Pleeease…” It was a whine, now, but when she looked at him she saw now space, no inch given. Her eyes flicked down to the floor. She took a breath. “Take me.” A cracked whisper.

“Again.” She knew why. 

“Take me.” Louder this time, but just as desperate, an exhausted sound, falling limply from her lips.

“Again.” He didn’t even sound winded.

“Take. Me.” It sounded like a threat. He smiled, a smile that was a grin, a grin that was full of teeth. 

“With pleasure.”

The butterflies are being drawn to the dark spirit above….

I have this on android, this is a test.

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purplemarmiteyam:

artchipel:

Nu Ryu - Forest |  Under the water. Pastels on fabric, 28x44inches (2008)

[Tumblr Monday with artandopinion]

Wow, this is beautiful….

This is dedicated to Jim, a very sweet and dear friend, Enjoy!

The sky hung like a blanket of ever changing colour grey, black and midnight blue.Waves of frenzied foam were being whipped up courtesy of a roaring wind.Rain lashed the air like fine razor sharp needles.Nothing stirred, no creature moved, all being tucked up warm and snug for the night.

One creature however seemed oblivious to the raging storm.Sitting on a rock, statue still.Not a flicker of movement frozen in time.He was at least six two tall with jet black hair tied in a leather thong hanging down his back.Muscularly built , pale skinned, almost translucent. His eyes were ice blue, cold, no warmth in them at all. Arched eyebrows framed an arrogant face, a wide mouth and an aqualine nose completing the picture.when he smiled, which was rare, he exposed gleaming white teeth.

Listening to the raging storm he reflected on his life so far,the past 200 years in fact. Ha! the things he had seen and done but none had left him truly satisfied.Something missing, constantly nagging at his sub concious mind.Feeling hungry he decided to head into town for food.

Meanwhile on the other side of town a little girl was wandering in the rain. Cold, hungry wet and lonely. Her name was Rebecca and she was 8 years old,father unknown and a mother busy with friends. Dressed only in a thin dress and sandals she was a pitiful sight indeed. Her large blue eyes had seen too much and had a haunted look about them. Cheeks that looked pinched with hunger and cold, blond hair hanging in wet tendrils around her shoulders.

Having being told to get out to play, she roamed the streets. The dark frightened her and she huddled in an abandoned doorway, clutching a dirty tatty rag doll close to her chest and cried. After a few minutes realising she was no longer alone she peered out but only saw a dark shadow. too scared to scream she stared open mouthed as the tall pale stranger moved into the light and stared at her hungrily.

Being quite feisty Rebecca stood up, chin jutting forward and stamped her foot idignantly.” Did your mum never tell you its rude to stare?”She demanded.Realising she was addressing him he glanced down at her and smiled. Not the most charming sight, pocessing teeth that were a little too white and sharp.Seeing that he was teasing her, Rebecca grew angry. she hated being laughed at. Got enough of that back home.Two red spots appeared on her pinched cheeks and gritting her teeth she kicked him hard in the shin.

So shocked was he by her courage he totally fogot * dinner* and yelped loudly. As he hopped around holding his leg Rebecca started to giggle.With his long hair flowing and coat flapping he did indeed look a comical sight.Of course he hadn’t felt a thing but found it strangely comforting to hear her laugh.The louder she giggled the more he hopped and moaned. After a few minutes of fun he asked her name and why was she not at home warm and dry.

Her eyes became sad and the bright smile faded. Sighing she told him how she had been sent out to play as mummy was entertaining a friend.

Edmund listened to her in silence, so no-one would miss her, not bad for a snack and he was damned hungry too.I’ll make it quick he thought, she wont suffer, all over in a few seconds.

Kneeling down, the cold wet step not even making him flinch , he held out an elegant hand, pale with long fingers extended towards her. His senses were quickening as he heard her heart beating, pumping fresh warm blood round her body. As she placed her tiny hand in his and looked at him with such innocent trust he froze. He couldn’t do it! The hunger vanished. I don’t understand he thought. I need to feed!”Yes but not her, never her!” A voice inside whispered.

“Are you okay Mister?” enquired Rebecca ” Your face has gone a funny colour.”she said with concern and a hint of fright in her voice.

Closing his eyes, willing the redness away he looked back at her and poked his tongue out. Smiling she she reciprocated. Scooping her up into his arms, he wrapped his coat around her.Rebecca’s skin was almost as cold as his own.

Walking swiftly he carried her to a late night cafe in the next street.Warmth, shelter and nourishment was needed now. while she ate he managed to extract from her that  mum had *company* almost every night,didn’t care what she did. Never attending school reguarly, wandered the streets until it was okay to go home.

Emotions were alien to himm, yet he felt…yes! * felt* something for this waif.Finally her appetite was satisfied, for someone so small she had a voracious appetite.Once more the hunger returned, reminding him of his needs. The smell of fresh blood coursing round warm bodies. Or was that the sound of his own he could hear?Seeing it was after midnight and Rebecca was falling asleep he tossed a few bills on the table in payment of her meal and lifted  her into his arms once more. As he moved away the attractive waitress approached. He could read the naked desire in her eyes. Whispering he would return shortly for her he left. She would fulfill her desire but it would be her last .Ever!

With Rebecca asleep he almost flew to her home, the front door was ajar and the sound of loud music and laughter could be heard from within.The garden resembled a tip, broken beer bottles and a discarded fridge with its door hanging off.Overgrown weeds and a crumbling concrete path littered with rubbish led to the house.Tramping over the rubbish he pushed open the door with a booted foot. As the door swung in the stench rushed at him. Unwashed bodies, stale cigarrettes and liquer, making him gag.Holding his breath he slipped ino the dimly lit hallway and proceeded upstairs. seeing what appeared to be a girl’s bedroom he entered and deposited Rebecca on the bed.Removing her wet sandals he tucked the grimy covers around her.Stroking her hair he bent and kissed her forehead. Jolting upright he questioned why he had done that. Alook of complete bewilderment passed over his face leaving  a puzzled frown in its wake.

Giving himself a mental shake he glanced round the so called bedroom. A threadbare carpet  covered the cente of the floor, an old broken set of drawers upon which a cracked mirror satagainst one wall.What appeared to be a sheet was hung at the window in place of curtains. Wallpaper was peeling and the whole room had a look and smell of despair about it. The connecting bathromm was beyond description..

Perching on the end of the bed his attention was drawn to Rebecca’s cheeks flushed pink in sleep, the soft rise and fall of her chest as she breathed. Normally he would not hesitated taking her in sleep, sating his hunger and leaving her behind like an old discarded toy. But no, nothing!He felt no desire for her at all. He felt, by God yes he felt! what? compassion? Love? he almost laughed out loud at that thought. Love! Ha! what would I know about love he muttered to himself.So long ago now, a faded memory. Springing to his feet, he threw one last look at the sleeping child before leaving, closing the door softly behind him.

Noting her mother entangled with a guy, cheap wine slopping from her glass, his anger flared like a flame but he immediately dampened it.”Not now, not yet.”the inner voice told him. 

He must eat he muttered, remembering the pretty waitress he smiled that terrible smile and hastened back to the cafe.

The following morning when Rebecca woke she noticed a pile of packages at the bottom of her bed.Grabbing one she ripped it open in excitement to discover a selection of clothes inside.Tops and jumpers of pretty shades of lilac and pink. Fingering the clothes cautiously, as if they were going to bite, a look of ecstasy on her face. Never had she seen such things. In the next box was a pair of grey fur lined boots, in another a selection of underwear and socks. Sitting on her bed surrounded by all the finery she noticed one last box and a bag.Slowly pulling them towards her, she savoured the moment by untying the ribbon and carefully removing the lid to reveal a warm Winter coat in a rich shade of purple, it was trimmed in a soft grey fur, with matching hat, gloves and scarf.Still drinking in the coat her hand slid into the remaining bag and froze.Withdrawing her hand she pulled out an exquisite doll, dressed in an identical outfit to hers. Long blond hair tied with a purple ribbon, a set of blue glass eyes stared into her own as she bgan to cry. So overwhelmed was she. Sadly even at her tender age she knew her mother would not allow her to keep the lovely things. Dressing, she covered the top in one of her scruffy jumpers. and hid everything else under her bed.She would get rid of the boxes later when her mum was either out or busy.

Making her way downstairs she entered the excuse for a kitchen to hunt for breakfast. All she could find was a crust of bread, gone mouldy and a bar of chocolate.Pouring herself a cup of water she sat down to eat.A minute later her mother  stumbled into the room.Muttering a reply to her daughter’s good morning she lit a cigarette and coughed and spluttered as the  nicotine entered her lungs. She was a slender woman mid 30’s looked 50.Bleached blond hair with dark roots surrounded a puffy make up streaked face.She was very pretty, or had been but cheap wine and  chosen life style had taken its toll on her.Glaring at Rebecca she demanded to know what she was eating.Hearing it was chocolate she flew into a rage. Baackhanding Rebecca across the face, knocking her out the chair onto the hard floor. “The chocolate was hers and how dare she eat it the selfish bitch!” she screeched at the terrified child.Storming back out the room she yelled at her “Get out and stay out too!”“

Slowly Rebecca picked herself up, wiping her tears on her sleeve she crept out the house to wander the streets once more.Luckily the day was a warm and sunny one. Finding money in her pocket she bought a hot dog and an ice cream.Sitting on the bench by the duck pond she wondered where the money had come from.Her cheek was throbbing and felt sore to touch it. Fresh tears appeared and trickled down her face.Watching the ducks diving for her bread crusts she wondered if she would see the strange man again. She liked him, he was sad but funny.

As it grew dark and cold she wished she had the new coat on. Sliding off the bench she reluctantly headed towards home. It was in darkness and so creeping upstairs was able to grab the coat and accessories without being seen.Slipping her arms into the coat the soft warmth wrapped itself around her skinny body.Donning the hat and gloves she slipped out into the cold night air once more.

Pressing herself into the  doorway snug and warm she waited for what seemed an eternity, not knowing if he would appear.Suddenly there he was leaning aginst the wall, arms folded watching her.Noticing him there her face broke into a sunny smile. ” You came!” she exclaimed excitedly.His lips twitching  he replied” yes, i came. I also see the clothes fit you well”. He nodded his approval as she pirouetted for him on the step. Asking if she was hungry he held out his hand and they walked to the late cafe once more.After eating her fill he asked more about her home life. Father, granparents or friends. “I don’t know.” she said, “Only me and mum. Oh and her friends, but I don’t have anything to do with them.”Muttering under his breath he signalled for the bill. An older, worn looking waitress appeared, the one from the previous evening having mysteriously disappeared.Listening to Rebecca chatter he realised even with her deprived life she still found joy in simple things. Her story of her giggling as she fed the ducks sprang to mind. As she turned to speak to him again he noticed her swollen cheek and the angry welt which had appeared on her cheekbone. Leaning forward he reached out and captured her chin in his fingers, tilting her face he studied the markings.His eyes became very dark and cold and his mouth pressed into a very grim line. Asking what happened she sat in silence.Knowing better than to tell.She didn’t want to be sent to a horrible dark place.

Forcing her to look at him, his face softened and he asked her once more what had happened. Reluctantly she told him. Sitting in  silence only a twitch in his right cheek showing he was awake.

Rebecca was frightened, scared of what was going to happen now she kept her gaze on her boots.Waiting for his anger to be unleashed on her. Mum always said I make people angry she thought. Seeing the expression om his face she knew it to be true.

Meanwhile he was thinking of how to keep her safe,free from harm.Not being able to travel in daylight was posing a major problem. Drumming his fingers on the table  he wondered how his life had suddenly become so complicated. He knew  he was discontented but this? Saddled with an 8 year old girl, who was she anyway, his Salvation? Haha! He shook in silent mirth. I do think its rather too late for that he thought to himself.

Once more he gathered her up in his arms. holding her close and reassuring her that everything would be fine.Paying for the food he  slowly walked her home, deep in thought.As they approached the house Rebecca noticed it was in darkness, that meant mum was either asleep or out. Either way she could sneak up to be bed without getting noticed.Letting go of Edmund’s hand she told him to go , everything was okay.Kissing the top of her blond head he wished her goodnight. Why did I do that? Why do I care? These unknown thoughts were weighing heavily on his mind as he tried to come to terms with the alien feelings. 

Meanwhile Rebecca had reached the safety of her room but something was amiss. With a sinking heart she looked under her bed, all that remained was some underwear and socks.Slowly she undressed and climbed into bed.Pulling the covers over head she cried herself to sleep.It was as she had feared, her mother had found the things and and sold them to buy drink and company for the night.

Meanwhile Edmund had found a slum area of town, tramps and homeless a plenty.The kind of people no one would miss. Selecting one with care and luring him down an alley he klled swiftly, the old man barely knew what was happening. Discovering a drunken prostitute on the edge of town he paid her for the last trick she would ever perform. Sated he moved quickly to find shelter, not long now until sun up.

Another long night in his existence of endless wandering.

The next few weeks followed in much the same way.Rebecca showed him that he didn’t need to be angry, pleasure could be found by splashing in puddles, seeing shapes in the clouds. In many ways she was wise beyond her years and he found great pleasure in her company. In turn he started to educate her, knowing she was hardly in school. she was a bright child and absorbed knowledge quickly.

One evening in early Spring they were sitting on the bench by the duck pond when he told her he was going away for a few days.It was for a family reunion but not to worry as he would be back by Sunday evening, she was to meet him here at 8pm. With a woeful expression on her face Rebecca agreed.Hugging her to him he placed a velvet pouch in her hands. There was a clink of coins as he pulled open the gold strands and showed her the contents.This is to keep you until my return. Keep it safe, somewhere no one else will look.Extracting a promise from her to be good he left her a watery smile on her face. 

keeping just enough money for emergency use she buried the treasure under an old oak tree.

It was special to her, a hiding place when things were too much. She would hug th old gnarled bark, it was always warm, didn’t scream or hit her either.Four days until I see him, my friend she sobbed to the tree. It rustled its leaves, a gente responce to her heart break.Sniffing loudly she rose up and dragging her feet headed for home. The next couple of days passed reasonably quietly.She was shouted at and slapped  but nothing she wasn’t used to.On Saturday she came in after lunch to find her mother in a foul temper.Utensils were being thrown, broken crockery was scattered across the floor and language yelled that she had never heard before. It was her fault that the social security cheque had not arrived, and nothing could be done until Monday. Approaching the sink to get a drink her mother turned her fury on her.Grabbing Rebecca by the hair she dragged her from the room and threw her out the house. Screeching at the top of her voice ” Get out and stay out, you worthless piece of shit”!

Crying in pain and panic Rebecca ran as fast she could. Blind terror driving her on.When she was a safe distance she realised how hungry and thirsty she was.Remembering her buried treasure she headed for the park. Unbeknown to her a gang had decided to use it for a rival meet.Cars were positioned to advantage their  members,each side was strutting their stuff and the  girls were either hanging onto their man or eyeing the opposition. Nobody noticed Rebecca wandering past. Seconds later there was the loud crack of gunfire, shouts and screams as the bullets found their mark.

Turning in the direction of the noise Rebecca didn’t feel a thing. Crumpling to the ground, she was dead before she landed. The coins spilling from her clenched fist, blond hair spread like a fan.Sirens wailed in the distance. the gangs dispersed like leaves in  the wind, taking their dead and  injured with them. All that remained were a few tyre marks and  Rebecca lying on the pathway.

At exactly the same moment Rebecca died  Edmund froze. a shiver ran down his spine and his vision clouded in pain, just for a second. Glancing around no one had noticed and nothing seemed out of place. Giving himself a mental shake he continued his conversation.

Returning the following day he hurried to the meeting place, eager to see her. A look of concern on his face as he hoped all was well.8 pm came and went, then 8.30.The clock chimed nine times.He knew something was wrong but what?

Maybe she went to the cafe instead. It was a cold night after all.Hurrying over he saw lights on and and entered.Asking if Rebecca had been in and told no, he turned to leave but stopped as the local newspaper headline caught his eye. ” Gang Warfare, Leaves One Innocent Child Dead”. snatching the paper he scanned the story quickly. 

Pale as he was his skin became paler, almost opaque,his eyes were like the coldest stone.A terrifying expression appeared on his face, one of tortured pain. Letting the paper fall to the floor he walked out the cafe and was swallowed by the darkness.

Pain was consuming him, if he had pocessed a heart it would be breaking by now.Instead he stood trembling from an emotion he did not know or understand and he was terrified, confused and angry.

Finding himself at the mortuary he let himself in, there in the lab was a sheet covered body on a trolley. Pulling the sheet back he had found her.There before him she lay in all her innocent glory. A pale beautiful angel. He wanted to weep but didn’t know what t

ears were or how to cry.The pain was almost unbearable. covering her once more, he kissed her forehead and swore revenge.

He knew it had been a freak accident but he didn’t care, someone was going to pay.

No one attended her funeral, he couldn’t and nobody else cared. She was attended by the two ushers and the priest.As darkness fell he stood by her grave, having placed a single white rose upon the  freah earth.

Why didn’t I make her immortal he thought. A voice inside replied “Because she would have hated you for it.”Remembering how with all the pain she had suffered she was always laughing, had shown him how to find pleasure in little things, taught him compassion.He would never forget her, or her passion for life.All night he stood motionless, buffeted by the wind but unmoving none the less. A tragic sight to see.

An owl hooting seemed to draw him back from the dark cold place he had retreated to. Noticing it getting light, his eyes lingering on the lonely grave for a moment he turned and silently drifted away.

After many nights of wandering he felt a compulsion to enter a local sleazy club, not understanding why until he saw Rebecca’s mum at the bar. She was slightly drunk and was being pawed by the guys, leered at and rejected.As she approached him Edmund signaled the barman, asking for a bottle of wine and glasses he beckoned her to a secluded table. Settling in their seats he watchd her sip her drink and flirt with him. All the time a searing flame of hatred burned stronger with each passing moment.Rose wondered why someone like him was in this kind of bar, thanking her lucky stars, she could be onto a winner here. If she but knew…..

Lips hinting at a smile he he asked her why she was not married with children, a lovely creature such as herself.So flattered was she that she failed to hear the venom behind the words.Giggling like a school girl she brazenly told him that she was single, no children. A strange light had come into his eyes but was quickly suppressed.Flirting with her and ensuring her glass was full he casually mentioned the girl killed in the gang shooting. ” Oh yea, things like that happen all the time round here.” In astonishment at her indifference he asked if she knew her. “Yea, I knew her, sad isn’t it?” she casually replied. Holding his temper no longer he growled at her”She was your daughter but you couldn’t care less.Not even enough to attend her funeral!!”. He slapped her hard, a sharp crack as his fingers connected with her cheek. Rose cried out in shock and pain.”How does it feel ?” he asked through gritted teeth. “Hurt? Good, it hurt her too but that didn’t stop you!” A couple noticed the scene but turned away, best not to get involved. Grabbing her by the hair he yanked her head back, putting his face close to hers he smiled widely. She was too frightened to react,the wine forgotton, stone cold sober.Mesmerised by his mouth she sat transfixed as they came closer and his teeth glowed eerily in the poor light.He made sure it hurt, taking her slowly, enjoying every momemnt of her pain.Leaving her slumped in the chair he wandered out into the night.Feeling no remorse, the emotion completely being alien to him he wandered to the park, sitting on the  bench  lonliness washed over him, something he had never known.Staring across the pon d he turned his thoughts toward himself trying to understand.

Rebecca’s mum’s murder didn’t even make the headlines. Just another body, another statistic in a town that didn’t care.

Over the next few weeks he tracked down the gangs members, wrecking his revenge.A scene of total carnage which the police blamed on other rival gangs. Nonody bothered to confirm or deny  and life carried on as before. Rebecca lay decaying in her coffin unloved and uncared for.

Only the two gang leaders remained , one was so freaked by what was happening he suffered a drug induced heart attack and never recovered. Leaving only one, a guy named *Caps* due to his huge collection of base ball caps.He was a hrd face guy of 22.Life on the streets and a bully of a father had taught him not to care.Do unto others before they do unto you had long been his motto.Bearing many battle scars mingling with tattoos, a crew cut hair style and was dressed all in black. Not tall, about 5’9” but wiry, would and did fight like a terrier.

Flickering his gaze over Edmund he sneered and demanded to know what he wanted. 

With a face of stone and eyes like ice he spat “YOU!!”Caps laughed” Well here I am asshole” and laughed a hard sound.Clenching his fists Edmund asked about the gang shooting in the park. Bragging he boasted about the numbers his gang injured and killed. Sliding into the shadows Edmund asked about Rebecca.   “Who?” asked Caps. Sighing ” the girl in the park.” repeated Edmund.”Oh yeah,” he said ” I forgot about her” and sniggered. ” Something amusing you?” asked Edmund in a quiet dangerous tone. Looking round for the stranger Caps couln’t see him. Shrugging his shoulders he  muttered “Nah! not really”.Feeling a sharp pain on his right thigh he glanced down to see blood trickling down his thigh. 2What the hell?!” He yelped, spinning round but nothing was there. Feeling a little uneasy he called out”Where are you?” “Right here” said Edmund behind his right shoulder. 

“Stay in one place, where I can see you!” demanded Caps, pulling a switchblade from his pocket.With each question Edmund injured Caps, never seeing where he was Caps did not stand a chance. Slashing the air with his knife but slicing nothing more than stale air.Finally he sealed his fate by telling Edmund” Actually when I read about the brat dying I laughed out loud. It boosted my reputation no end!” Even tho he was in pain he laughed loudly.

With a look which reflected Hell on a good dayEdmund screamed his pain and anger. His mouth stretched unnaturally wide teeth flashing, his eyes were the palest blue ice tinged with red.For the first time in years Caps absolutely terrified.Sinking his teeth into Caps skin he ripped flesh over and over. Screaming his agony Caps died a painful and bloody death.

Returning to the shore, settling on the same rock he thought back over the past few months.Rebecca had awoken in him emotions that he never knew existed or that vampires could feel.More questions than answers. He had visited her grave one last time,checked the angel headstone he had erquested to be placed there, spent half the night talking to her but she was forever silent. There were tears on his cheeks as he said a final goodbye.

Now wherre to? He gazed out across the ocean to new horizons perhaps? He chucled to himself. 

I look at you with sadness and a hint of pity too.Once it was with love and joy. What happened to us? Where did it all go wrong? Together for over twenty years and all for this! Shaking my head I stare out the window as if I the answers are all there written in the clouds and being sung by the  light wind blowing.Lighting another cigarette the tears flow again and my head begins to pound. I can hear your moaning in the distance of my mind, getting louder and angrier. I ignore you and continue to look out the window, tears flowing faster and head pounding persistently.“Thump!” your fist bangs the table, I flinch but ignore you, on and on you rant. From the corner of my eye I see a blur of yellow and “smash!”, my vase of silk flowers lies in tatters over the floor. Sighing I fetch the dustpan and brush to clear the mess.Still the tears flow, on pounds my head and you rant.You follow me into the kitchen.You scream at me all the things that are wrong. Inside I sink lower and lower. How worthless I must  be to  cause all you say.I feel your pain along with my own and its tearing me apart, you demand answers I do not have, ask questions I cannot answer. The pain and frustration showing in your eyes is mirrored in my own but you cannot see, so consumed are you by your own emotions. I am so very tired, want to sleep but cannot . Asking for space was a mistake, I see that now.For a terrifying moment I think you are going to actually hit me. Everything is still, your fist raised and your face contorted with rage. Holding my breath, my heart beat hammering in my ears, your eyes glaring full of anger and pain. I cannot look, so close my eyes and wait. Hearing you groan and feeling you move away I almost faint with relief. but, just for one moment I wanted that physical pain, Needed it so badly, punishment? Maybe. I only know its scaring the hell out of me.Quickliy I move into another room, putting distance between us, my head is spinning. questions, answers, reaons, maybe’s all jumbled, mixed up.My thoughts are out of control, feels like I am going mad.Turning I see you sitting in the arm chair with a length of string, continually tying it in knots and undoing them again.Taking deep breaths I calm down and try to think rationally but I can’t. Stupidly I watch a spider, fascinated by the intricacy of its weaving. All the time my mind is chattering to itself, on an on. Why won’t it just shut up and give me peace.Seeing you stood in the doorway, I notice how drawn and defeated you look. My heart breaks all over again and the weight of guilt has just got heavier.I  close my eyes trying to shut you out but the vision of torment will not fade.Things have gone too far, too much has been said and done. Now I  feel numb, your threats  cannot touch me. You can yell and threaten all you want but I’m still gonna leave. For both our sakes I have to go, if I stay we will destroy each other.With shaking hands I accept the coffee you offer and sit at the dining room table. Some how we are reminiscing the years we have had together. Laughing unsteadily at stories we recall. It feels insane to be doing this now but I cannot stop myself. Eventually I rise and go to pack my cases.Returning I notice my Christmas  party invitation on the table, it has been opened and looks up at me accusingly. My heart sinks, because it says no partners, like it does every year and every year we argue because you don’t want me to attend. Not because of the party but because you are not invited and I should not be enjoying myself without you. Memories of the jealous accusations echo in my mind, This year however I will be going and there is nothing you can do to stop me. Picking up the card I place it in my handbag. Lifting my suitcase I turn to go.Taking a deep breath I say my goodbyes and walk towards the door. The look you gave me should have turned me to stone. Shaking I open the door, letting it close softly behind me.I walk through the gate for the last time.  With my head held high I enter my future and all that it will bring. 

Mmmm! that supper of fresh chicken was delicious,the village fox lay curled up in his warm den, dreaming about his favourite food.A hunt had been planned for today but he was blissfully unaware of this. It was Boxing Day, cold with a wintry sun filtering through the trees. A few of the hardier birds were twittering  and a pair of squirrel were foraging amongst the frost bitten leaves.Suddenly a loud trumpeting pierced the air, causing the animals and birds to scurry for cover and an eerie silence to descend. Staggering groggily to his feet the fox stretched lazily and shook himself fully awake, the remnants of the dream still clinging to the edges of his mind. He was beautiful, in the prime of his life and a sight to behold.His coat was dark russet brown and gleamed in the soft sunlight.His brush was magnificent with its tip stroking the ground as he moved. Cocking his head to one side he listened carefully, the ground was vibrating with the sound of pounding hooves and the air was filled with high pitched yapping of hounds.He flattened his ears slightly as the noise was like a thousand needles piercing his delicate ear drums.Edging to the entrance of the  den he sniffed the air, recoiling as the strong whiff of human reached him. His heart plummeted, and he felt sickened to his stomach. The race for his life had become a reality and was terrifyingly close.Taking a deep breath he thanked his lucky stars the he was young and able to run fast. He recalled with a shudder, how older members of his family had been unable to do so.The pictures of their deaths when he was a cub forever etched in his mind.

The sounds of the hunt were getting closer and He knew if he were to have any chance he would have to move, and soon. Stealthily he crept out and  began to run steadily through the woodland.The only sounds he could hear were the beating of his own heart and the rustle of leaves as he ran through them. Having no need for panic he loped along for another thirty minutes or so  before stopping to drink at a small stream. Although not tired he rested for a few minutes reserving energy while he could.He was going to need all he had in the hours to come.

Grinning to himself he recalled the other occasions he had outran these evil creatures.but still they returned, over and over again. Never giving up. Barking hounds once more penetrated his thoughts, only this time much louder,they were getting closer and the time for panic was creeping towards him at an alarming rate.

Past trees, through bracken and undergrowth he ran,heart thumping in his ears. Now and then pausing to catch his breath, but always they were there, right behind. On and on he ran, his pulse beating a steady rhythm, his heart racing ever faster, feeling like it would burst.Still he ran,almost blinded by fright, the barking echoing all around, the pounding hooves making the ground tremble and the shouts of the hunters hurting his ears.Would he ever outrun them, closer and closer they drew. Suddenly from nowhere a hound appeared in front of him.Teeth bared and eyes flashing. Bewildered he stopped in his tracks, not knowing which way to run.Fate was temporarily on his side as someone whistled sharply and the dogs ran in that direction.Breathing a sigh of relief he relaxed. As he turned he was confronted by  several more hounds glaring menacingly. spinning in circles he tried to flee but there was no way out,he was totally surrounded.

He fought ferociously but there were too many of them and he knew he would not live for long. The instinct to survive was very strong and even as the teeth tore at his throat he he battled.Suddenly he screamed, a terrible sound. the hounds were called off but he could smell the strong scent of human. Gentle arms were cradling his torn and bleeding body, even as his blood flooded his brain and trickled from his wounds she held him. Through eyes blurred with pain he could just make out the face of a young woman crying. He was too near death to wonder why, the pain from his wounds was so severe he yelped,yet she just held him closer.

Slowly his eyes began to fade and that soft emptiness of eternal peace began to

engulf him. As he dies her heartbroken words of “You disgust me!” were the last thing he heard. Everything was still, he was at peace. If you look carefully you can just see him bounding off into the distance with other members of his family.

Lord Fothering Gaye-Smythe was a wealthy lawyer who lived and worked in Chelsea, London. He also owned a fine county house in Devon, it was here that he and his beautiful nineteen year old daughter, Georgina were residing for the Summer. As it was such a lovely day Georgina decided to sit outside and read her book, a romantic novel.Choosing to read in the orchard under a large cherry tree, she spread her skirts around her, much like a peacock displays his fine plumage and was soon lost in the adventures of the young lovers .Her long dark hair rippled down to her shoulders, like a shimmering river. Totally absorbed in the story she failed to notice the man stood in the shadows. He had been watching her for a while now. “How very lovely she is” thought the gentleman in question. ” soon she will be mine, all mine!”.

Glancing up with large violet coloured eyes she noticed a a shadow and almost dropped her book in fright when she realised who it belonged to.Staring down at her was the most revolting man she had ever had the misfortune to encounter.He was short, around five feet and 4 inches tall,and extremely fat. His huge stomach was contained within metal boned corsets, but still his waistcoat buttons were under enormous strain.Beneath tight trousers were thick set bow legs, ending in large flat feet.Raising her gaze to his face she felt sick with disgust.It was round and glistening with perspiration. his cheeks were flushed crimson red,tiny black eyes, like beads protruded from under puffy eyelids. His nose was bulbous and fleshy, parting thin cracked lips into what resembled a smile he revealed his crooked yellow teeth.

The warm flush from the sun in Georgina’s cheeks had been replaced by a whitening palour.Drawing her witts and manners together she managed to stammer out her name and asked of what assistance she could be to him.

“Actually ” he drooled ” I already know who you are and have come here specifically to speak to you, I wish to ask for your hand in marriage.” Before she could utter a word he continued by saying “I am extremely wealthy and you shall of course continue to live in the manner to which you are accustomed,” Mopping his sweating brow, he waited eagerly for her acceptance of his words.Although anger and indignation were building within she managed to say quite calmly ” I am very flattered by your words sir but I believe you are sadly mistaken . I have no intentions of accepting your proposal and there is no desire within me to accept your offer as to how I shall live either”.

Ignoring her words he continued “I have already spoken to your father at length on this matter, he quite agrees that we are a perfect match.I always like to be a gentleman and talk to the lady in question.” he replied grinning lasvicously.

Eyes flashing she stated quite loudly ” You repulse me,I would rather die than marry a despicable creature such as you!” Leaving that remark hanging in the air she gathered up her skirts and ran from the orchard,leaving her book on the grass where it fell.Racing through the house she didn’t notice her father come out of his study and stare after her in disbelief.

Upon hearing wheezing he turned and saw Lord Humphrey Pinkerton waddling through the hall, guessing correctly what had happened he shook his head and moved forward to meet him.” I am so very sorry about Georgina’s behaviour ”he said  explaining  she was a very hot tempered young woman,but given time would  realise how fortunate she was. After a little begging for forgiveness Lord Pinkerton agreed to let the matter rest for a few days giving Georgina time to realise this.

There was a gentle knock at her bedroom door  her father entered, smiling  he asked if was well enough to talk. Explaining that the marriage was to go ahead, he left her with a promise that everything would be wonderful. They both knew this was not true.

Sat on a pretty chair gazing out the window she knew she would have to accept the marriage.Watching the birds fluttering around the hedge below, she wondered what it must be like, to be so free.,turning to look at a framed picture of a cheetah in a cage. “What must it be like so wild and free? but then suddenly nothing!”

Heaving a deep sigh and with her heart breaking she blew her nose and dried her tears. Slowly descending the oak staircase she prepared herself for accepting the proposal of marriage. As she gave the news to her father, with fingers crossed she promised herself that one day she would be free like the birds too.

Being a killer shark isn’t all it’s cracked up to be you know.Constantly on the move and always hungry. I get bored staying to long in one place, same patch of sand, sea and sky above.Conversation is dead boring too, well okay that’s because I ate most of the life here but even so…..

Yum, yum! Lunch time at last.Burp! Oops! Grinning to himself as he swam lazily along.Damn! I shall have to be very careful  and crafty now as word will have spread that I am here.Why did I have to show off? Yeah throwing them in the air was fun but they’ve scattered now and my whereabouts is common knowledge.also I am still so hungry!his stomach had begun to rumble loudly even thought he had eaten six penguins minutes before.

Suddenly his attention was being caught by something glinting in the afternoon sun, speeding up he quickly covered the short distance between himself and the object in question.Yesss! he thought munchies!It was nothing more than a plastic ball,partly deflated and slowly sinking. It had been discarded a couple of weeks agoby some children on holiday nearby.Gulp! it was now floating inside his stomach. “Hmm, not very tasty.” he thought to himself.

On he swam,eating anything and everything in his path. there were no limits to his voracious appetite,not anything he would not eat either except…human flesh.He didn’t like the taste of it, having had a nasty experience a few years earlier. He had found a human leg, but when he bit into it a splinter entered his gum and resulted in a nasty infection.Most painful an  unpleasant it had been too.You see what he didn’t know, luckily for the human race was that he had actually bitten an artificial leg, a wooden one at that, which had been dumped.He knew what human flesh looked like having seen other sharks eating but just avoided it completely himself.

all night he swam but didn’t find much to eat as it was feeding time for other sharks too.then he noticed a shoal of fish.Drooling, he rushed at speed towards them, only to stop suddenly. His tail, acting as a rudder almost spun him upside down he braked so suddenly.”Bugger!” he muttered, noticing a pod of dolphins were there too.you have to be wary of them, they are not as cute and cuddly as you think. I don’t care what you have been told! Had one head butt me once, he called it a ‘Flippers Kiss’,saw it being demonstrated on ‘Ocean World’, the sea life channel for mammals. Apparently he was was desperate to try it an I just happened to come along. Gave me an awful headache for days.

Sneaking around the side he managed to eat almost a third of the fish before being spotted. Swimming away quickly , he smirked to himself. Have you ever seen a shark smirk? Not a pretty sight I can tell you, far too many teeth. Makes me shudder thinking about it.

A few days later he bumps into an old pal, they travel together for a while reminiscing about old times . That was until they argued over food. A rotting barracuda corpse to be precise. Thrashing at either side they tore off large chunks, swallowing them whole. unfortunately he swallowed a lot of water too and belched so loudly that his mate was propelled thirty feet through the water.Hahahahaha! he could not stop laughing. “That will teach you to pinch my food!” He yelled after the poor shark, who was suffering from a terrible ringing in his ears. Turning he swam away feeling very pleased with himself.

Something was wriggling above his head, like a juicy fat worm. Surging upwards with jaws open wide he was just about to engulf the alleged worm, when he realised it was human. a young surfer was drifting along completely oblivious to the very real danger hurtling towards him.The worm was actually the lad’s leg dangling over the edge of a surf board.Unable to slow down he managed to snap his jaws shut in the nick of time„ but he hit the board with an almighty thump. the momentum shot himself, the board and the lad flying into the air. As they hit the surface again with an almighty splash the boar walloped him hard on the snout and the lad’s thumb poked him in the eye.With a yelp of indignation he tore a huge chunk out of the board before slinking off to sulk over his missed meal. The burst of energy only served to make him hungrier and swallowing the chunk of board didn’t help to satisfy him either.

Over the next few years he had swum many thousands of miles and notched up several unsavoury encounters, knocks and bruises along the way.He was beginning to get fed up with it all, wanting nothing more than  to enjoy life without all this continuous moving around.Even when he slept he twitched and fidgeted which was most annoying.

It was early one morning, he was feeling particularly fed up when he saw a group of sharks lazing around like they didn’t have a care in the world. ” Hmm, he thought I think I’ll call in here for a chat, see what’s going on. Maybe they will offer me free breakfast too”.As he approached he saw a driftwood sign. spelt out in pretty shells were the words ‘shark Lagoon Retirement Beach’. “Retirement?” f only” he thought with a sigh. 

Several sharks were lounging on the sea bed being groomed by brightly coloured fish.a few others were propped against large boulders watching an octopus conjuring magic tricks. Some were playing cards and others relaxing with the daily seaweed paper, ‘The Daily Shell’. An old shark ambled over beckoned him to enter, telling him how much fun he could have if he were to stay.”Its all very relaxed, no rushing around.” he told him. ” Yeah, that’s great but I’m always hungry and need to be moving constantly, not much of that going on around here is there?” he asked sadly. Smiling a crooked and rather toothless smile  the old shark explained hoe there was a plentiful supply of food. It was regularly delivered directly yo them via the new ‘Kipper Express’ take away service.No rushing about and you can eat all you like he was told. “Wow!” he thought, swimming in, “This is like paradise”.After signing a declaration of  terms and conditions he settled down to order his first take away meal.

You see not all fish tales are that long!!