"My meds are basically useless. You can't drug the trauma out of me, no matter how much you try," I said, glancing disdainfully at the therapist. I had been on one medication or another for quite a while now - it was about time to get such things out of my system. They truthfully did little to help anyway. "I'm glad you'd prefer not to pry for now," I said as the man offered me an early end to the session. "Are we all done, then? I have video games to play and insipid TV shows to watch."

Smirking the man said, "The trauma, will leave when you choose. Let me ask you, if you had amnesia, do you think it would affect your personality? If the trauma never happened you think you would be happier? The drugs are only meant to help you stay calm. You mentioned video games and television, perhaps you already realize that when you're not obsessing on the trauma you are not as miserable. Maybe one day you may be able to dwell on the present and less on the past." He gets up and holds the door for you.

"When I choose what?" I asked, annoyed, "It's not like I can just stop thinking about my past. It's not my fault that my memories stick with me! Even in the present, when I'm doing something else like playing a game, those memories are there with me. They make me miserable all the time - I can't just shake them off!" I stomped out of the room, wanting to put some distance between myself and this man. he was supposed to be helping me, not blaming me! Everything he was saying just made me even more depressed! Why couldn't someone just be nice to me for a change?

There down the hall Vivian waited for you she was looking into a mirror and staring intently at her face. She didn't notice you returning from your early session. She looked sad, her head tilted to the side and her hands by her side in tight fists turning the knuckles white. Her breathing was slow. She blinked and shook her head. Turning her head to see if anyone was there she saw you and bit her lip. "Hi I didn't see you there. I was just thinking about maybe getting something more to do around here. We could have a exclusive party for us or whatever. Maybe change things up to reflect more of your style. Just feel kinda restless and I was wondering if you felt the same. Sorry I guess I'm rambling. want to have lunch together?"

FUTURE JUMP

Eva's sessions with the the therapist over the months leading to her independence was begrudgingly helpful. In showing that things weren't her fault but to recognize certain traits of people who didn't have Eva's best interest at heart. It didn't help her reconcile with the past but did help prepare Eva for future dealings with people she might encounter. As the Doctor said Nothing that happened was her fault she just didn't have the tools to recognize the few good people from the sea of bad. The medication they kept her on but eventually stopped the injections and gave her pills. The prozack did help take the edge off and make the day a little better. Soon Eva discovered they were no longer needed that the change from a constant negative outlook was due to the sessions and Vivian's constant friendship.

Vivian became close to you and her hair was now past her shoulders and hid the few bald spots that were now only a painful memory. Her face was still not the natural look and only those who knew her before would notice the changes. She also had a birthday and was taking college classes online then moved out during the school season to a dorm and didn't care of the debt she was a solid 4.0 GPA. She wanted to be a lawyer. She would often seek Eva's help because she had gone through some of the same classes. When not taking time to do the online class she would be close by.

Amanda was Still with Nathan and was glad when she caught you and Vivian together she kept out of your business for the most part and lifted most of the restrictions on your movements. As time approached the day of your inheritance she faded more into the background spending more time with Nathan and as the warmer days came back she spent more time with the pool. She didn't open your mail but gave you the stuff that was yours and took care of the stuff that fell into the guardian roll. A month before the day she handed you a letter from the law firm. More letters and such came from cousins and aunts you never even heard from with no return addresses but enough postage to tell they were in Europe. Almost ever day there were more letters from family no less the a dozen or more each day. The gate and security measures installed kept them from the houses and a few time Amanda called the cops to remove those that tried to get to the door. Amanda mentioned that she would have to get back to her life and wished only the best for the future. Amanda told you that her and Nathan would be getting married. Vivian and yourself were welcome to attend.

The letter read that you would be visited at the estate by a representative of the law firm to transfer the inheritance, and to see if you required any further services from the firm. They sent a dossier of the person that would meet you and the key to open the briefcase he would be carrying. There would be a four man escort since it was the largest account of the firm.

The lovely white dress I was wearing was so not my style.

I bit my lip as I sat in a chair in the entrance hall, waiting for my visitors. Despite Vivian's desire to become a lawyer, I was not particularly fond of the people - I'd always felt as if they were trying to trick me into giving them something I wasn't even thinking about. Unfortunately, this time, they were necessary - as soon as I had control of my inheritance, I could avoid whatever unpleasant duties I wanted. The question was what I would do instead.

Vivian was at school. Amanda was leaving. I would be all alone, aside from my servants... and the necklace waiting in my vault, possessed by some malevolent entity, ready to ruin my life anew the moment I got too close. All it would take was a single mistake. I would lose everything.

I took a few long, deep breaths. I was getting carried away - the scenarios I envisioned were just in my head. Focus on the present; don't let far-fetched worries sink in their roots. The lawyers were a very real frustration I was about to have to deal with; I couldn't afford to be distracted by things that weren't, and probably never would be.

The gate bell rang and the lawyer showed up. He was flanked by a detail football players in designer shades and fully automatic weapons. As he was allowed in the the house he stood there and gave you a business card. "Miss Eva Mistly?" he holds out his wrist waiting for the key. "May we adjourn to the dining room?"

The two of you walked to the the dinning room the security detail pulled out the chairs. The lawyer waited for you to sit and opened the briefcase removing the papers. "Here are the official papers and information to access the entire trust and all of your assets. I just need your signature on these documents and to give you these five bank cards. If there is anything at the moment or in the future I would hope you call on our firm." He waited for any reply.

I bit my lip as I was handed the papers. it was true that I needed to start trusting others more, but this was not the time for such things; I fully intended to read the documents all the way through before signing anything. It would be dull and monotonous, but worth it... I stood to lose an incredible amount of money if he was trying to pull anything.

"I'll need a while to read through all this," I said evenly, gesturing toward an adjacent room. "You're welcome to use the TV in the living room while you wait." Without waiting for a response, I began examining the first document. I had studied up on such things a little bit; it wouldn't do for me to lose my money right as I was about to gain my independence. I would be able to relax, but only after it had all be safely transferred to me.

In a lot of legal word wrangling the transfer would be complete and under your total control to keep use or loose as you saw fit from this point on. You alone would be responsible for the total sum of the family fortune. The businesses and the estates to include all property. The companies all had CO's but everything would need your attention quarterly. you would be receiving memo's daily from different departments and need immediate reply's or revenue would fall into loss.

(Updated portfolio)

* GM note: The financials listed a south African diamond mine and various property holdings.

* Current yearly captial gross 128 mill, salary to emploies 87mil, cost of business 27mil. Yearly take before tax 10.8mil

* Venture capitals, air freight form south Africa/3 diamond firms stationed in Milan, San Fransisco, and NY/1 diamond mine

* You own an airline service with 7 private jets and 3 military cargo planes, 3 air fields south Africa France, Maine

* The portfolio shows the 15 estates you now own, 3 condos in NY, 1 penthouse in Tokyo, 1 villa in Milan, 1 estate in England, 1 condo in LA, 1 condo in San Fransisco, 2 estate in Paris, 1 condo Miami FL, 1 beach estate in Spain, 1 condo in Hawaii, 1 Maine, the family estate in PA, 1 estate Sweden

* The current worth of your physical assets of 761million. (This number represents the property and cars clothes, jets, equipment, ect.) The diamond mine is priceless.

* Current account yield to date: 302.7 billion.... 92% from the diamond mine. The rest in venture capitals.

*Companies you own, 1 airline small private and commercial, 1 diamond firm caters exclusive to push your stones, 1 team of stock brokers(#8), 1 law firm(yep that one), 1 cargo company

After carefully reading over each and every document, I tired signed them all. "All done," I called, a bit overwhelmed by all of the property I'd just learned I owned. So many houses... and five businesses. I would have to hire someone to attend to the day to day upkeep of those, because I certainly wasn't interested in it.

And just like that... I was one of the most powerful women in the world. It was a bizarre feeling. I could buy almost anything I wanted as long as it was for sale. I would need a new, more loyal team of guards. No one to defy my orders any more; I was in charge, and if I said to get rid of someone, the guards would do it.

So... what was I supposed to do with all the wealth that had fallen into my lap?

While you wrestle with the question you phone rings and rings an unknown number. In a mater of minutes your voice mail is full. Every single one was from family and solicitors. At the gate was the first of many people trying to sell themselves and on the news of every business section of you rising to the top of the fortune five hundred with a picture that was sent out while you were kidnapped.

I stared at the television in horrified indignation as my all the details of my life were revealed to the world. I was half mind to do everything I could to ensure such people would be out of jobs, but the damage was done; suddenly, I was being flooded with more attention than I had ever wanted. I shut off my phone... no point in answering that one ever again. I would need to get a new, private number... and even that would probably be compromised before long. I sighed. This was such a nightmare!

Sitting on the couch with the electronic off the house felt smaller as the thought of the whole world crashing down on you made your chest tight. There was no warning and yet there was a man standing next to the couch. He wore sunglasses a very expensive suit and a dark green tie. "No need to run. I'm still in the box and your laying on the floor. It's been a long time since I've possessed this munch power. Thanks in part to your lovely friend. Now you will need me as did your entire family. The business world is cruel and you now have more unseen enemies in far away lands. I have the power to do munch in your service more then before. Think globally. Of course no matter how strong I become the only way for me to act is by being worn. The stress of the news and your new cage brought me to you. Perhaps as a sign of faith I could restore Vivian's face. The one you kicked in." He shrugs. Your friends waking you. We'll talk again when your more in need."

It was just the stress. It had to be the stress. This couldn't be happening again, not now, when the world was beginning to turn against me again, when the temptation to use it would be all too great. I had seen what this monster was capable of, and never wanted to repeat the experience. I said nothing, just closed my eyes. I didn't need the necklace, not anymore. No matter how difficult things got, there would be another way out. If the companies I owned became too much to handle I could just forfeit leadership; I had more than enough money to live extravagantly for the rest of my life. Whatever it took, I could not afford to let it into my life again!

But Vivian... if something had happened to Vivian again, even if she had been healed, that would be proof...

Vivian awoke that day in her dorm and started to reach for her wig when in the mirror she stopped in her tracks. Her hair, her nose her curve in the left eye brow. It was all back to the way she remembered and best part was she could feel her lips. She ran out of the bathroom and into the hall still in her pajamas. She grabbed the first boy she could find and kissed him. She could feel it. She felt everything and relished it.

Rushing back into the room she called you to receive the message system to inform her the in box was full. There was no doubt her best friend had used the necklace to heal her face. She couldn't leave the school during the year but winter break was only a few months off. Vivian shook her head. Returning to her laptop she typed the following email.

"Hey I just saw and had to thank you! It's amazing better then before my hair is completely grown back to the original length! Thank you so! I was so excited I ran out and kissed a boy. I tried to text and leave a voicemail but there must be something wrong with your phone. I can't wait to see you and thank you I;m going to get good grades not just for myself but for you as well. I'm already passing but I promise to not waste this gift and do everything I can in school to make you proud of me. Thanks so munch!"

I almost threw my laptop across the room when I read Vivian's email. This was all real - the necklace was back.

I didn't bother to change out of my pajamas; I was not leaving my room today. I sent word to the kitchen to deliver me my breakfast as I laid, petrified, beneath my covers.

I couldn't get rid of it, yet it was far too close. Perhaps I ought to have it transported to a distant vault in some obscure bank. My control of the household was now secure; everything was mine. Even with the necklace, no one could take it all from me!

Furiously, I sent Vivian a short reply. "It did this on its own."

The mail now came in a sack. There were letters from companies and family from all over. Foundations asking for donations and causes. There were letters from your companies in large legal envelopes. The airline wanted permission to make a large purchase of a new airplane and some large parts order. The pilots union wanted a raise. A request for more funds to hire a calibration company for the instrumentation. They wanted to hire a few more mechanics to keep the planes ready.

The diamond firm wanted to over haul the security and surveillance system to keep the employees honest. They wanted to hire more couriers after arresting half for stealing from the company. This would be conducted at each firm and cost 5.6 mill to hire better guards, add cameras, and structure improvements. Insurance costs would drop significantly over the year. It would shut down certain sites while construction was ongoing and each site would need to stay closed for six to eight months.

The cargo company is being faced with a lawsuit and your legal team has already billed you for six month of litigation. 2.4 mil they report the case is nearing closure.

The bank holding your accounts needs more information that can only be done at a branch located in Switzerland. They strongly recommended you show with an encrypted phone and a sixteen character assess code with two capitals and 3 numbers. This will also allow you online access to the account. They will issues you a verbal password and other security features once Id is established. Please bring a passport and two other approved forms of Id. Be prepared for fingerprinting and voice recording.

I sent a short message out to all of the companies that had been bothering me. It read as follows:

"Hire someone else to make decisions for you. I don't know what I'm doing."

That would have to be enough for them, because I had no intention of micromanaging five companies. It was stressful enough to just read their mail!

Still in my pajamas, I powered on the latest system and chose a game to distract myself from my troubles. It was ridiculous that someone as rich as I had to be under such stress, and I was not going to tolerate it. I had already gone through more than enough! If necessary, I would take a long vacation, far from any of my properties, somewhere all my stupid underlings couldn't bother me. Even if all I did was sit alone in my hotel room, I would be far better off than I was dealing with all these pests!

The demon

Unbound the demon saw the souls still in hiding all over the house. It was almost too easy not driving a person to an untimely end. It took soul after soul screaming into the nether ingesting each one gaining strength from the screams and torment. For as each soul was ingested It descended into a universe of madness and pain. Inside the demon awaited an eternity of suffering. There was no escape.

The small girls murdered, lingering for release instead were torn from their hiding places and torn apart by a sharks mouth. Two rows of teeth clamped down and held tight onto each bite. Like a snake they were ingested whole. The previous screams died like a person falling down a well. Finally it was Christians turn as the demon chased him down and dug unholy claws into him. He screamed and struggled not from pain but from the knowledge of things to come. Every dark possibility flooded his mind until the rush of madness crushed whatever it is that makes a person hope. He was devoured like the rest head first. What he saw was nothing that should ever be seen by a soul.

The demon paused after ingesting the last of Christian and put its mind on how best to use all this new power. It rose through the floor giving peace to some of the remaining souls trapped in the floor of the house. The necklace demon looked at Eva. She needed a push something to have her don the necklace again. With this munch raw energy It knew she would be able to make another pact and this time no one would rush to her aid. This task would be a simple matter except this human had killed off her family and really loved nothing except for herself. The pact forced the demon to harm her only after a wish/desire. Blinding her would make finding the necklace difficult. Deaf rarely did anything to most people. No it needed to be something she would miss.

It returned to the cellar and cornered the two girls who tried to beat Eva. A tongue oily black slid out of its mouth and licked the top of its head. The demon grabbed the girl and terrorized her before eating the lost soul. Only one left and the void inside felt even emptier. This spirit was stained with evil and misdeeds. Only the demon took its time instilling fear and dread as the mouth extended and slowly covered her face like a dark hood filled with spiders. As she screamed something skittered inside her, this eternity just begun.

I blinked my eyes open only to find darkness.

Hastily, I turned on my bedside lamp and looked my body over. No scratches, no wounds... nothing. It had only been a dream. A dream where that horrible monster had slowly torn me to shreds.

I had to leave. There was no other way. The more distance between myself and the necklace, the better. The house itself might prove to be a danger, too - based on the apparitions that had appeared while I was in my coma, it was almost certainly haunted.

Perhaps if I spent some time in one of my distant estates I would have the opportunity to recover my sanity, the necessary peace and quite to think clearly and come to a rational decision about how to deal with this necklace. I was a fool to have stayed in this house as long as I had after it had manifested itself before me.

I had always wanted to go to England - that would be a suitable destination. I glanced at the clock by my bedstand. 5:22 A.M. With luck, I could have one of my private jets ready to transport me by this afternoon.

I looked through my papers eagerly. How exactly was I supposed to get in contact with these people...?