Thread: Monster [ Burke x Arianna  ]

Apt. 324, 5200 Harbourside Drive was empty, dark and silent. Leaning against the door, still feeling completely numb, Lexi flicked on the lights which cast a warm welcoming glow that reflected off the soft taupe walls. The entire apartment was decorated in muted earth tones, relaxing and inviting with a Zen ambiance, with a mix of pale cream leather and dark mahogany wood furniture. The accessories were minimal, a few pieces of art here and there, but it was tastefully done, and enhanced the overall sense of peace and serenity. It was Lexis oasis, her escape from the world, but it could offer little comfort now. Choking back a sob, she ran down the hall, her heels clicking loudly on the gleaming dark wood floor, and burst into her bedroom, a large room dominated by a double bed with a simple, fluffy cream duvet and matching overstuffed pillows the rest of the decor mirrored the rest of the apartment, with a dark wood dresser, matching night tables and a few pieces of oriental art on the walls. Stylish and unpretentious just like Alexandra. Standing beside the bed, she turned on the bedside lamp with trembling fingers, and with an anguished cry, tore at her clothes until she stood naked, and they lay strewn on the floor at her feet, desperate to be free of anything touched by evil. She ran to the adjoining bathroom, the most luxurious room in the apartment, with its beige travertine marble walls and floor, the double shower carved into the wall had no doors, just a semi-wall of marble, which Lexi rushed behind, hurriedly twisting the chrome handle until a cascade of water splashed down, so hot it seared her skin and steam curled around her body. Shuddering and whimpering, she began frantically scrubbing, as though trying to remove every trace of the vampire, but she realized that nothing could remove the essence of him that still lingered in her soul. The blessed numbness holding her together, cruelly abandoned her in that moment, leaving only the agonizing aftermath of raw pain and the shattered pieces of her psyche, broken beyond her ability to put them back together again. Robbed of the comforting presence of the emotional shields that take people a lifetime to build, her entire being felt exposed and vulnerable, and ached with a need for solace that remained coldly elusive. Sobbing harder now, she squeezed her eyes shut, hugged her arms around her chest, and slowly slumped down until she sat huddled in the corner of the shower, the hot water running in rivulets down her back, her long hair plastered to her face. An image of Shaunas face drifted through her mind, and overwhelming guilt added to the already heavy burden in her heart. It was guilt at leaving behind the brave woman who did the best she could to protect a total stranger by putting herself in harms way without a second thought. That selfless act defied logic, and it was something Lexi would likely never be able to let go of. She always prided herself on being fearless and compassionate, but she had never faced monsters, and so she never could have imagined being forced to make such a terrible choice. People often speak about the powerful nature of our instinct for self-preservation, but most scoff at the idea it can take over and compel even the bravest of individuals to put their own life above another. Even Lexi herself would have declared there was no way in Hell she would do such a thing, and yet, tonight, she learned that lesson in the most painful way possible. Still huddled on the shower floor, she cried until the water turned cold and there were no more tears left to fall, the post breakdown calm beginning to fill some of the emptiness and give her a much needed sense of focus. Forcing herself to rise, she turned off the water, and walked out of the shower, absently grabbing a white cotton robe and putting it on, without bothering to dry off first. Brushing the wet tendrils of hair off of her face, she moved into her bedroom, and then jumped with a startled cry when the phone rang. Fighting against rising panic, she slowly picked up the receiver, and then relief swept over her when she heard David Gibbons familiar voice. Finallywhere the fuck have you been?! You ran out of the office this afternoon like the devil was after you and then nothing! I was worried, its not like you to take off like that and forget to call and gloat. He paused, waiting for her to answer, but she stood dumbstruck, as though not able to process a normal conversation. Dont you dare try and tell me its nothing, I know you too well. He chuckled. So, will it be on the front page tomorrow? Need any help making the deadline? He asked cheerfully. IIIm sorry David, I should have called. Her voice was calm while she searched for something to say that he would believe. This story wont be ready for tomorrows deadline, she said flatly. I need more time to investigate. Davids voice became concerned. Hey, are you all right kiddo? I dont like the sound of your voice. What is this story? You dont usually rattle this easily. No, noeverything is fine. She lied, tears welling up in her eyes again from the urge to open up to him, accept the gesture of friendship he offered, but she couldnt. It was impossible to wrap her own head around everything that happened, let alone try to explain it to someone else. Im just tired, and was almost asleep when you called. Sorry, she said in a voice resembling her usual self. Thanks for calling though, and Ill see you tomorrow. Goodnight David. Hanging up the phone, Lexi sat down on the bed, her hands hanging loosely in her lap, staring at the floor. A knock at the door sent fresh anxiety rushing through Lexis entire body, and her gaze flew to the hallway. Frozen with fear, she imagined hearing Shaunas voice and tears welled up in her eyes again, until she heard it again. Oh my Godit is her! Elation made Lexi smile. Dashing into the hall, she reached the door and started undoing the security latch, when she stopped. Waithow did she know where I lived? Then a terrible sinking feeling wiped the smile off her face...she knew. Its a traptheyre waiting for you and using herdont open the door! Her hand stilled, and she looked out the peephole, but couldnt see anything except the distorted view of her neighbors door across the corridor. The pathetic female voice called out to herLexi... it's me. It's your big sister. Unable to stop the tears, Lexi slumped against the door, torn between opening it and embracing her earlier savior, and staying safely locked inside, but she stayed motionless...there was no way Shauna could have known her addressno way at all. Lexi.... Shauna was knocking again. I have something to show you. I want to tell you a joke. Lexi cried out softly in anguish, her cheeks stained wet with tears, and placed her hand on the door as though trying to connect with the woman on the other side. Oh Shauna! What happened its all my faultI should have never left youIm so, so sorry. She sobbed, feeling the full weight of her guilt a thousand fold until it threatened to suffocate her. The buzzing of her intercom startled Lexi, and she looked up at the little black and white video screen on the wall beside the door, to see David standing there demanding entry. Oh no David! Oh please God go awaypleaseplease She stayed perfectly still, listening to the sound of silence on the other side of the door, and prayed that Shauna had left, but a gnawing instinct told her she was waiting for Lexi. Flicking her gaze to the monitor again, she sucked in her breath, David had opened the door. Shit, shit, shit! No! Knowing that David was likely walking into a trap, she jumped up, snapped the deadbolt and flung open the door intending to run as fast as she could to intercept David, but tripped over Shauna who fell into the entrance of Lexis apartment, apparently from leaning on the door. A horrified expression swept across Lexis faceOh Shauna NO! what have they done to you!