*chapter nineteen*
'Hmmm' Natalie tilted her neck sideways, rush of fear and pain evading her dream. Even in her sleep,she was never spared. Just like her many haunted dreams where Dave and Emma had the undisputed role of the devil and the witch of the west side.
She yanked her head unsteadily from the effect her dream was having on her,she could feel a hand on her face,but still she was trapped in her nightmares.
A stinging pain,mentally pierced through her stomach. It's merciless sharp hole,jerked her up into the arms of reality waiting to received her. She landed straight at Asher,whose eyes scanned over hers. She could understand the look he threw her and as if on clue she shot back a 'yes...another bad dream'
This was unbecoming,Natalie was tired of the dreams that had been bugging her,it was always the same. A replay of everything she had gone through. A mere igniting repetition of her life before her rebirth.
She gave out another sigh. Relishing the warmth feeling of Asher hands on her soft skin. On an impulse she jerked away awkwardly,it went unnoticed by Asher. His ever unreadable expression clamping on her,thankfully Skylar came just in time to drag him away
She jumbled out of bed,confined in the little crib of her own thought. Natalie's mind carved into several reflection. She scurried in for a bath, trying to get herself lost in her activities.
She tried not to think about it but unfortunately it had become wired to her fucking brain. Today was the fucking day that vile bitch was born.
A day cursed by earth to reproduce such wicked slut. Emma Brooke. Natalie didn't say much, but every piece of her split mind was thinking it.
She was to stay low for now,watching them meticulously until her plan fell into place.
For the longest time,this day also meant something to her,to Jeanine. A day life brought fought a friend, a sister.
'A sister' Natalie spat.
Natalie needed a break, some sort of exercise to get her mind off the ever perturbing thought that haunted her subconscious.
Tugging unto her bathrobe,She strode idly to her dressing table. Today wasn't exactly playing out as she expected.
In anger and sheer vexation at nothingness,Natalie glanced at the time. She could lividly remember this day some years back,before her pretentious life crumbled.
Sometimes Natalie couldn't figure out how dense she could be. It was Emma's birthday and she had organized a road trip out of town for just the three of them. Her Dave and Emma but mysteriously she was caught up in a slight delay...
Natalie paused, now thinking of it,it wasn't so mysterious at all,as a matter of fact she could swear they both had a hand in it. Emma and Dave left went ahead without her and she agreed to catch up with them at the hotel in Venice.
Even after the heavens were engraving their betrayal bloodily on the wall,Natalie always failed to notice it. She had found Emma in Dave's room so late when she arrived. Emma had sheepishly said she missed Jeanine, and being the typical naive and ignorant dropout she was,she believed her backstabbing bloody bitch of a friend.
The more Natalie thought of the past,the more angry and violent she was. She didnt even notice the violent manner she rubbed her soft magnifying skin not until a scratch pierced open a flesh,giving entrance to a bit of pain mixed with blood.
Like a psycho in an asylum, Natalie stared at the little wound made on her delicate skin. She was getting impatience, something she didn't want to feel. But she can't deny it,right now every of her plan was playing out, more slowly than anticipated. She still had eyes on Dave's every move both in the office and at home.
Natalie tugged in some air,relaxing her anxious nerves.
She picked up a wool, aiming at the unwanted reddish fluid that had soiled her skin. She fixed a pale stare on her hands then to the mirror before her.
At some point, she felt like she was loosing some screws in her brain. A feeling of her mental health taking a drastic turn. Natalie eyes stuck glued to her sockets. Her lips curved into a perfect crescent shape. She gazed at her reflexion. 'If she was truly going insane, why couldn't Emma also partake in the blessings. After all weren't they soul sisters who shared everything even a man. So why not this'
Natalie smile deepened,her thought were darkened by devious idea,her angel like appearance gave no inkling on her thought. Her day had taken another turn.
She picked up her phone.
'I need you to make a delivery' She spoke as soon as the call connected, her caller saying no words.
'You know to who...keep it discrete, I'll send it over' Natalie's voice resounded as she hung up,moving back to her dressing table. She pulled out a piece of paper and begun writing, her smile never tainting.
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Martin showed off his newly carved beards. Not that anyone was minding,but he had no doubt felt some fixed gaze at him.
Jade.
He continued, excitement bubbling within, until the distressed and whining voice of Emma's once again took control. Slowly he sunk deeper into his seat,as Emma unleashed hellfire on the entire employees.
The door dared to interrupt, flinging open revealing, Paulo... Old sluggy Paulo. He definitely had picked a wrong time,Paulo hovered closer to Emma,twitching on his feet,holding a nicely wrapped gift box.
Typical Emma shot the irritating sluggard a wicked murderous glare. "What now Paulo" Her voice harsh enough to puncture.
Paulo displayed a seemingly saddened look,having great difficulty choosing his words. "Sssoorry ma'am..." He begun stuttering.
"This package was delivered in your name" He finished,Emma eyed him for a brief second and then her eyes back to the attractive parcel. Then a thought hit her. It could have could have came from Dave.
She protectively snatched the parcel,roughly unwrapping it,with curiosity eating her up. It was a perfectly placed jewelry. The glittering light emitting from it made it obvious it was a silver shimmering jewel. Emma's heart boomed in happiness as she became a center of envy and attraction.
Perhaps Dave could no longer keep up with the cold attitude so he sent a peace offering for her birthday. She instantly picked up the gift card.
She read the note pleasurably, it's words sweet and yielding extreme pleasure. She glanced down the card. 'Your cherished,Jeanine'
Emma's eyes blinked countless times,hoping the letters would magically disintegrate and reappear as 'Dave' Well that didn't work,she felt a little surge on her hands,a second look revealed to her. Blood!
Faster than a lighting bolt she threw away everything in her grasps,panting psychotically, her mind spilling with obnoxious thoughts. Embarrassment centered on her was the least of her concern.
What on earth was this? Her eyes flashed in disbelief.Her words holding power. She dashed out of the room,her thought roaming wild. 'Someone was going to pay costly for this.'
Emma clanking heels intruded, Dave took a glance at her and back to the two employees,ignoring her. Whatever this woman had to say,I wasn't so keen on hearing it.
"Get out" She screamed at the top of her voice as both employees exchanged glances,"I said OUT!" Emma yelled,fury evident in every word.
She fazed at Dave,after the two nonsensical employees darted out of the office. "What do you think you are doing Dave Anderson?" Her voice,rising the more in rage. She was angry,she couldn't see clearly nor think straightly.
Puzzled Dave, stared at the ballistic Emma,watching her calmly.
"What happened this time Emma?"He was anything but interested.
"I can't believe this Dave,how dare you play that sort of prank." She hesitated. "Especially today of all days. You've definitely changed"
Now Dave had to know what got this female all infuriated. "Please Emma,a little clarity won't hurt"
"You bloody sent that gift to me in Jeanine's name" She threw at him,"You've crossed the limit Dave"
"What on earth are you saying" Dave blurted,now on his feet
"Now don't play dumb,you sent that jewelry to me." Emma raised her hands,backing her claims as she showed him the splattered trace of blood on her hand.
Dave rushed to her side. "I swear I didn't send it and why would I do such a thing... Sending you a gift in Jeanine's name. You must be mistaken, maybe you read wrong." Dave inspected her thoroughly, she was stressed out,and maybe a little pale. The more he assessed her,Emma could see something else in those gazes.
"Don't give me that stare. I'm not insane,I received the gift and read the card" Not satisfied at her words,she grabbed unto Dave's wrist,drawing him back to her office. It was as she had left it,with some clashing whispers from the employees. She needn't say a word,just a look sent everyone out. She pointed at the parcel,inches apart,allowing Dave to move closer. Dave held it up, taking a careful look at everything.
He shot her a confusing gaze. "Nothing is here Emma,no card...nothing."
Emma brows curled,"What?" She grabbed the box closer, rummaging through it,nothing.
Where had the card gone to? It was here. Right before she left. "Someone took it" Affirmation in her voice but unfortunately wasn't welcomed by Dave.
"Emma...no one could have picked it up,you need a rest, go home and rest.You are stressed out"
Emma glared scornfully at Dave. "I'm stressed out...Really and do you know whose fault it that" She rotated her torso at Dave who was hesitant in answering her.
"It's yours. It your fault Dave,You are driving me insane." She fought a sting of tear. "Do you even know what today is?" Again with the questions. " It's my birthday and you don't care,you didn't even remember." She tugged unto her red hair,watching guilt crawl on Dave.
Maybe he was almost overcomed by guilt but everything shattered away at her next words. "It's still that fucking bitch right. Natalie. Gosh I hate her so much. "
Dave roared. "Don't drag Natalie into your psychotic breakdown" He defended. He didn't know why but he felt he should. Natalie was really growing on him.
Emma eyes turned cold, Dave knew it was trouble, one he wasn't prepared for. "I'm sorry" He said cornily,giving her a kiss.
"Dave how many years have we been together?" Emma said gently, her lips positioned perfectly, exploring her deep dimples.
Dave took in the her question. He knew there was a bumpy road at the end of this tunnel. "Too long to remember"
Emma smiled innocently. "Good. And you know me too well right?"
Dave was tired. 'Get to the point Emma',he screamed mentally. "Yes love I do" I really do, I know when you are a freaking drama queen.
"Do I look stupid to you?" She rephrased. "Do I look like Jeanine to you?"
"Spill it out Emma" Dave clamored,
"For the last time leave that slut alone and god so help you I find out you are involved in this sham,I swear Dave. I won't spare you"
Dave fed up expression was taken in. As he was about to say something. Martin burst in abruptly.
"I'm sorry sir but the Frederick Brown is here".
Dave was so impatient. He fudged. "And who is he?"
"He's the Fund Analyst..."
Dave gave Martin another look. "Why didn't you tell me" He gave Emma a rueful glance and darted out of her office. Emma gazed were now fixed on the gift box. She had to get to the bottom of this. She wasn't crazy.