[IC] The dark heart +18 mature/viloence/language

[Airalin]

I agreed to Vivian's plan, though I suspected the necklace would just come back to me on its own. Nonetheless, I got into bed, curling up under the covers. I wondered if I would have a nightmare tonight, something about that stupid necklace. It would have been nice to experience a nice, dreamless sleep again, like I had been when I was pumped full of meds. Nonetheless, the world around me faded before long, leaving only blackness in its wake.

[Markofkri]

The sun beams through the window as you awake. The Fact that once more you are free of the room, and free of the jacket makes you almost, smile. With a knock and a metal voice, Vivian waits for you behind the door. When the two of you meet up she shares her plan. "We're going to meet Amanda at breakfast and let her know we'll be leaving."

At breakfast Amanda was in complete agreement that what you needed was a shopping trip she told the guard to take where you wanted to go today. The breakfast was quick and the two of you got into the limo and drove off the guard amount was increased from 4 to 6. Two sat inside with you and Vivian. She had the necklace, she brought it with her after breakfast. It was a quick sell at the pawn shop. You got forty dollars for it. Still out of the house you continued to a mall. You were the only limo to park in a handicap spot. The detail was five one stayed with the limo. the detail was the team leader and four others. They were casually dressed and didn't speak to you.

[Airalin]

As we sold the necklace, a feeling of dread came over me. Something about the situation felt ominous... as if the necklace would take vengeance for this. I resisted the urge to bother Vivian with my feelings. Besides, walking around on crutches was taking up the bulk of my energy.

"Do you want to go anywhere else? The mall or something?" I asked. Personally, I wanted to treat myself to some sweets. I had lost weight during my confinement, and I had been thin to begin with. "I wouldn't mind something to read..." For some strange reason, I had been in the mood for a sappy romance novel recently - maybe the sudden turn in my luck had awakened some latent hopes. I just wished that it didn't feel so temporary...

[Markofkri]

"Of course anything." At the mall you got some new books and few looks from people. Everything was different. The only pleasant thought was the necklace was gone. Vivian bought some clothes and a few pieces of jewelry to help get over the fear of them. The two of you get dinner to go in a drive thru. Then you had the guards drive the limo until its third fill up and finally home. It was dark.

It was almost eleven o'clock when the two of you stepped out Vivian had some of the bags and the butlers grabbed the rest. The house even seemed less grand when you looked at it. Something felt, missing. You hear Amanda taking a late night liberty in the pool.

[Airalin]

Why did everything seem so boring now?

Had parting with the necklace - the trinket that answered only to me - eroded my sense of significance in the world. True, I would not longer be able to rely on it to get me out of sticky situations, but that was the same as the way things had been before I ever received it. I would manage. Besides, I still had the money - lots of it. I would basically buy whatever I wanted, no questions asked!

Yet I was feeling glum.

"Hey, Vivian," I asked, sitting down in a nice, comfy armchair as soon as I arrived in the living room. "Do you feel... odd, by any chance? I've had a very strange feeling ever since we sold that necklace... it feels like everything happy is gone from the world..."

[Markofkri]

Vivian shakes her head no. "Maybe the mall made just being out boring? Anyway we got the crates to go through. The ones your mom bought when she was shopping. As the guards opened up there crates they agreed to open up yours as well. The crates contained mostly furniture. There were a few paintings with notes from the artists describing how wonderful last night was. One of the crates had a rack of dresses from the who's who of fashion. Vivian asked if she could have a few of the clothes. The evening was over.

Vivian pushed you into the room and you noticed the mirror was gone. "I had it moved into a smaller room while we were out. So we don't have to look at it." Vivian said. "This was you can relax and enjoy your books. I'm going to try on some of these outfits! I'll see you at breakfast."

[Airalin]

I quickly changed into my pajamas, using the side of the bed to support my weight alongside my weakened legs. I was pleased to be rid of the mirror, though I wouldn't have minded having something to check out my new clothing in. Oh well.

I tucked myself in under the covers, but I didn't turn off the lights just yet. Instead, I opened one of the books I had purchased. A sappy romance novel. Maybe it would put pleasant thoughts in my head before I went to sleep...

After a few hours, I was incredibly tired, done with the book, and rather dissatisfied. Those characters had been way too perfect - I couldn't relate to them at all! There were so many ways I was messed up that they were not - it made me kind of angry! I sighed, creeping out of bed long enough to put the book away. Now I was bound to dream about all my shortcomings!

[Markofkri]

The day came too soon as the fear of the necklace brought you little comfort. Vivian knocked on the door to ensure you were ok and she insisted you walk to the dinning room to help with the rehabilitation. You both sat there as aunt Amanda had her breakfast sent to her room. Vivian was wearing one of the new dresses from the box. There was a knock at the front doo. as you turned in the direction. You heard a short conversation and The door close. Nathan came to the dinning room with out actually entering. "There are some relatives at the door." don't move until I alert Aman- MS. Doniva." he left and jogged down the hall.

[Airalin]

I raised an eyebrow at Nathan's little slip up. Perhaps Auntie had been getting closer to Nathan than I had realized... after all, she did spend so much time in her room, it was hard to imagine she was doing it all alone! I shot Vivian a glance, wondering if she had noticed as well. Not that the whole affair really mattered. Provided the two of them behaved themselves, I didn't particularly care what they did.

I was far more concerned about our visitors.

"Any idea who this might be?" I whispered to Vivian, not bothering to go to the door - that was Auntie's job. Very few members of the family were welcome here, as far as I was concerned. If the wretches visiting today were anything less than charming, I would have to force Auntie to shoo them away after a couple of days.

[Markofkri]

"No it could be anyone. God knows our family has suck ups to spare." Her laugh was chilly. It became apparent she didn't make the connection to Nathans slip. She also turned in her chair to look at who had come to the house.

Amanda came to open the door Nathan did not return. "Hi so good to see you. Wish I had know you were coming. Eva Vivian please come meet them. This is you aunt and uncle from Eva's fathers side and look they brought there kids. Jamie, Kathy, and Michelle." ( Jamie 22 female black hair and blue eyes dressing slutty, Kathy the rich fake blond fake body 24 and if it wasn't with a label from Italy she didn't wear it. Michelle she was bitch because she was the eldest she had the family black hair and was 25.) Your fathers brother had his eyes on you the whole time they were introduced. His wife was a social parasite that made the Kardashians look like the brady bunch. Ninty percent of her was fake and the rest was altered.

They all broke up to explore the house all on their cell phones and followed by their mother, the Barbie. Frank however looked at you and his eyes never left yours. He was interrupted by Amanda who asked if he wanted something to eat? They rejoined you at the table minus the kids. frank kept an eye on you even when he talked. "So Eva your looking well considering, You should really consider your standing in the future of this family now that your alone. Things are transpiring that will need your attention and ive heard that you aren't the sharpest knife in the drawer."

[Airalin]

This Frank guy was a total creep.

I shot Vivian a glance, concerned. Dear uncle was threatening me in a not-so-subtle fashion - that much was obvious. He needed to go, and the sooner the better.

But I had no necklace to rely on anymore.

I cursed under my breath. It figured this would happen as soon as I surrendered my protection! I had the sudden urge to put on my necklace again, use it to tear this petty man and the four obnoxious women who accompanied into little tiny shreds. Unfortunately, all I had was words.

"You know, Frankie, speaking of knives," I said, "You realty ought to be more cautious than this. Ever since I've arrived here, this house has had a nasty knack for killing its inhabitants. Why don't you stay in a hotel nearby? It would be much safer. You see, every single person who has died here so far has been a complete snob, and you're the snobbiest person I've met since I inherited this fortune, so..." I shrugged, shooting him a look of mock concern, "If you like, we can set up some tents for you outside. I don't think the dirt will mind you."

[Markofkri]

"hahah. You really are a cute kid huh? Maybe you'll end up like your mother. God knows she was just as smart as you. well I'm going to turn in. The food might kill me for you. If I live to see you in the morning both you and Amanda have some options to discuss. Good night Amanda see you soon." he got up and left the table. Vivian gave a and jester implying what he does in his spare time. Amanda was still there. "I would like to talk to your girls tonight if we could met in Vivians room in an hour please?" She got up and left the dinning room as well.

It was just you and Vivian and she took you to her room. It was for the most part no different then the other rooms in the house. The bathroom was where the difference took place. It was semi modern especially the tub practically a Jacuzzi. As you look at the bed you come to remember this being Grandmothers room. There was a mirror that was left uncovered and attached to the wall. You dared to look at it and there was nothing odd about it, or your reflection. Vivian said, "That guy was a dick. I think he is here to stay, He looks like the squatter type."

A knock at the door. "Its Amanda." She came in and Vivian shut the door behind her. "Alright it's not official but so far the legal system is leaning to him. I was hoping my being here would swing it back in my favor but that jerk must have the same idea. Since this is the family house I cant force him to leave. Good thing is his daughters all have personality issues so trying to suck up to you will probably fall on the mother. So that's the one to look out for I've talked to Nathan and he assured me he will try and not help frank take the house. Now for the two of you I hate to ask but don't sign anything or verbally agree to anything he suggests. He just needs a legal statement to kick me and Vivian out. Eva, I hate to ask but I need more resources. These life sucking lawyers have me tapped out. I need either a family lawyer or more funds. I'll let you sleep on it you can let me know by the end of the week please. Alright are there any questions before I go?"

[Airalin]

The decision to let Amanda use some of my money came easily. I had more cash at my disposal than I could ever use on my own. I was more than happy to part with some of it to dear uncle away from me.

"You can use all the money you need," I said, completely unconcerned. I needed to get rid of Amanda as quickly as possible; Frank needed to die, and soon. if I couldn't rely on my necklace, I would just have to kill him myself. But I couldn't tell Amanda about that.

"If Frank stays here much longer, I'm going to leave," I said flatly, "I'll stay in a fancy hotel or something, somewhere he can't get to me. I will not deal with such an intolerable oaf. I'm leaving in the morning."

My decided was made up. Either Frank had to go, one way or another, or I would!

[Markofkri]

Amanda raised an eyebrow to your comment. "Well see that's fine, you are free to leave, but the guards are under the contract that fell to me. So you can leave, but you do so alone. At least for the next five months. I have a feeling though they wouldn't want a renewal with you directly. I also have it on good word of mouth that if they are fired, or not renewed, then you will be black listed from every other reputable security team that speaks English. I'm sorry about that but not helping them legally put them in a bad mood."

[Airalin]

I bit my lip. Without my necklace, I didn't feel nearly as confident about leaving on my own. "I could hire another security team for my hotel while maintaining my contract with the existing one," I said nervously. I certainly had the money. The question was whether a new team could be trusted. I would prefer to avoid becoming reliant on such a team... ugh! Perhaps selling the necklace had been a mistake...

I needed Amanda to go away so I could discuss strategy with Vivian. "I am tired," I said, "I'll think about this more tomorrow. For now, I need my sleep."

[Markofkri]

"That is an option. Second best is an option." Amanda did not smile. "As I said if you want to go then I wont stop you. I think you would be safer here. Honestly I didn't peg you as a girl who would run from a fight." She stood up, "Alright well whatever you choose I hope you sleep on it. The doors to the house will always welcome you. Good night I've got to call my lawyers in the morning. Thank you for the money. I promise to put it to good use for you." She walked out of the dinning room and headed to bed.

As the two of you return to your room Vivian closes the door and sits on the side of the bed. Her head tilted to the side waiting for you to speak.

[Airalin]

Once I was alone with Vivian, I began whispering to her. "We need to kill uncle Frank," I said, "He seems just as bad as my father. He needs to die, and this time we don't have the necklace, so we need a plan - one that doesn't implicate either of us in his death. Are you... willing to help me with this endeavor, Vivian?" I asked, my eyes pleading. I was asking far too much, and I knew it. If things went poorly, Vivian could end up being arrested, or even killed. That wasn't something I wanted to risk... yet I had little choice. I had to either live under the rule of another abusive man, or kill him before he had the chance to hurt me.

[Markofkri]

"Couldn't we just," she stopped and turned down the volume. "Couldn't we just wait for the law to give you to Aunt Amanda? It would be easier I know it would take longer but living here with three deaths already is creepy. Maybe we could bribe him to leave instead?" Vivian was shaken. "I just have the feeling that even if we had killed him then another person would try to do the same thing. Better the devil you know then the one you don't. Lets just see how this plays out for a few days?" She smile and winks at the same time. "then we kill him." She leaves and makes sure you are ok. Vivian closes the door behind you.

The next day you are woken up by the pounding of the bedroom door. Vivian opens the door and comes in the room. "You've got to see this! She doesn't wait for you to get dressed she runs with you in the wheel chair down the hall to the family room with the TV. The news is on. The story of a crime gone wrong.

Reporter: "We are here live at the scene where a hold up of a local pawn shop went horribly wrong. The owner shot twice and died at the scene. The robber, whos identity has not been released took some valuables from the display case and was tracked down by police to a local residence where he held them hostage. After a negotiation was conducted the thief ran out of the house holding a gun. His unconfirmed words yelled as he opened fire on police officers was, "May you suffer." Police have recovered the stolen items from the former robbery. Since the pawn shop owner was a single man with no relatives or will, the items seized by the police will be put up for auction later this month. this is mark levet with channel 10 action news."

Vivian looks at you with wide eyes...

[Airalin]

So the necklace was at large again.

I was a bit relieved. If it were wreaking havoc upon others, perhaps it would stay away from me. Covertly, I shared a small smile with Vivian as a way of expression my optimism about the situation. Better others than me.

Of course, the option to buy the necklace myself was still available to me. Since Vivian had her doubts about killing Frank, it might be my best chance of getting rid of him.

No. I couldn't fall for that again. Maybe Vivian's idea to bribe Frank before trying anything was for the best. Surely all he was after was money anyhow. Though I felt quite certain that, if I did pay him to go away, others would come hoping to profit by bothering me in a similar fashion...

I bit my lip. There had to be a good way to handle this! Perhaps I could manipulate Frank into a position where he appeared to be doing something harmful to me, I could trick one of the guards into killing him off for me...

[Markofkri]

"what are we going to do? Is it coming after us? would it kill us?" Vivian looked dead serious and frantic. She was so scared she was trembling.