Monday, March 11, 2013

7 Super-Short Stories in 7 Days : Monday


The bedroom was dark when I awoken.

I think I did it again.

The only thing present to me from the start was a numb pounding in my head, which happens after…
My hands ached, as if I’d beat the pavement. My bed felt cold and wet. Something sticky had matted my hair to the side of my face. As I lifted my hand into the bit of light seeping in the room, it only took me a split second to realize it was blood. Remnants of the evening came to me in snapshot flashes.
I remember going to the bar. I remember meeting a guy –did he buy me a drink? 
How did I get back home?

And more importantly, whom did I kill this time?

Friday, August 31, 2012

Where There's Smoke...

Seki didn’t mean to burn the house down, but it happened anyway. She barely had time to flick her freshly pulled hangnail before she realized what was happening.  Now all she could do is watch in horror and odd fascination from across the street as the drug house became enveloped with smoke.
“Fuck”. She muttered in the middle of a developing crowd, “Dammit”.
Excited chatter from onlookers drowned out her self-deprecation, while camera phones fanned out around her:
“This goin’ right on WorldStarHipHop.com”! A young girl yelled as she recorded the burning house
Other teens laughed in agreement: “World Star, World Star”!
“Wouldn’t it be fucked up if a crackhead was still in there”? Someone asked
“Hell yeah”! The camera girl giggled
Seki caught her breath. What if someone was still in there? She never considered that. Everything happened too fast. One minute she’s begging her mom to come home, the next minute flames were shooting out of Seki’s fingertips. Well, that got her to leave. Seki thought dryly.  At least her mother wasn’t doing God knows what for God knows who in that house anymore.  Now if only Seki could get those “episodes” under control...
The first time was sudden, as it has a tendency to be now; without warning, but with provocation.  A recycled argument with mom proved to be the final straw.
“I haven’t seen or heard from you in 12 hours!” She shrieked, pointing towards the kitchen clock on the wall as if it would nod in agreement. A single blaze streaked from her index finger, finding it’s bull’s-eye on the number 2.  Both women, stunned into silence, stupidly stared at the melting clock as it slowly oozed away into a dark glop on the floor.  
A piercing crack! jolted Seki from her thoughts, as a blackened 1st floor window split under the pressure of the unforgiving flames. It wouldn’t take much for the fire to rip through the dilapidated house. Echoes of “oh shit!” rippled from all corners of the crowd, but no one made a move to escape the possibility of shattering glass –not even Seki. She was transfixed. As much as she hated to admit it, the feeling of power drunkened her in a way that Medication, Shrinks, or exercise would never do.  
But the bigger problem still remained: How long would it take for her to be exposed?

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Impulse


Key Darling was at the end of her rope, that’s a fact. And it’s about the only thing that explains what led her to Days Inn Motel, off Rte. 130 in Cinnaminson New Jersey. Two months ago her life had an entirely different outlook, one that she never imagined would lead her to this moment, staring at room 111, afraid to go inside and too desperate not to.

Once Scott left her, things only got worse. Sure, he was an asshole boyfriend who only paid her attention when he wanted to get his dick sucked or his clothes washed; but one thing Key couldn’t complain about was the extra income he brought in. She never worried about bills, now that’s all she worried about. Well, that and where her next drink was coming from.

Yes, these last two months had also turned her into an aspiring alcoholic, though she wasn’t quite ready to admit that to herself. In fact, she slammed two shots of Jim Beam this morning, just to wrap her head around what was waiting for her beyond room 111.

The Craigslist ad was so straightforward it was almost comical. But there was something about it that drew Key in like a hopeless moth to a flame:

Looking for a dominant, sexy woman to take charge. Mid-40’s attractive male, in shape, very generou$  Need to be taught a lesson, been a very bad boy. NO SEX OR NUDITY INVOLVED!! Serious inquirie$ only.


What brought Key to South Jersey Craigslist was a fruitless job search, but boredom led her to the personals, M seeking W. Most of the ads she clicked on were pictures of dicks encircling the colors of the rainbow. Needless to say that got real old real fast. But there was something about this ad that made her respond.

Of course, the strategically placed dollar signs may have had something to do with it…
She e-mailed the man who called himself “Mike”. They chatted on the phone soon after for voice-verification. His was professional in his demeanor, almost Lawyer like. He told her he worked a very stressful job, and needed a release that his wife couldn’t fulfill. Key hardly uttered a word for the entire 10-minute conversation, as he went into detail about his request. It seemed he wanted her to be as comfortable as possible, and clear as a bell about what he didn’t want most of all

“As I said in the ad, I don’t want sex; I don’t even want to see you naked. I just want you to take care of me.”

Key wasn’t sure what the hell that meant, and didn’t ask. Besides, the amount of money he offered was too much to turn down; especially with rent due the next day. Ugh, that damn rent, and the car payment, and the stupid cable, Internet, and phone. And let’s not forget the booze. That was more important to her than ever before.

Key sat in her run-down car a few minutes more, nursing another sip of Beam from a small bottle she picked up from the Liquor store –no way could she do this sober. There was no time to think about the danger she was possibly walking into: what if it was a setup? What if he was a Cop? What if he was a Psycho killer? 

“What if I get kicked out”? Key asked herself out loud, “What if I’m fucking homeless –then what”? 

There was no more time for thinking. She couldn’t afford to do that anymore –literally. Key finished the bottle in one healthy swig, checked her demure makeup for the 5th time, popped a mint, and exited from the car. She smoothed out her black miniskirt, and white button-down blouse as she took in the crisp afternoon fall air. “Mike” asked her to wear sexy office attire, and this was the best she could come up with. To the outsider, it would look like she was a corporate floozy; Key guessed that’s the look he was going for. She found it a little strange he never once asked to see a picture of her beforehand; but then she realized it really didn’t matter what she looked like, since there would be no sex involved anyway. Her small heels echoed on the pavement at an alarmingly loud rate, as if they were signaling to everyone in the Motel what she was doing there. Key steadied her breathing, and walked up to the door.

The knob turned easily in her hand. She childishly shut her eyes as she glided in, afraid to look around as the cool darkness of the room enveloped her senses. As Key opened her eyes again, she took in the simple décor of the Motel room. The curtains were drawn tight; the only light seeping from the T.V. set on mute. Key quietly eased in, and locked the door behind her. The king-sized bed was unattended and perfectly made, as if the housekeeper had just left. The shower was running, but Key expected that. “Mike” said he wanted to be clean for what was going to happen. Near the door sat a briefcase, and light coat, but Key couldn’t bring herself to touch it. Instead, she took the opportunity to inspect the room, half-expecting to find knives behind the hung portraits, guns under the bed, or duct tape and rope behind the modest entertainment center –nothing. Key sighed in relief as she sat on the edge of the bed and stared at the closed bathroom door. 

There was still time to get her car, haul ass and forget about all of this; but Key knew she wouldn’t do that, she couldn’t. Two thousand dollars kept her feet firmly planted on the olive carpeting beneath her. That money would solve her all her problems, for now anyway. She could pay her damn rent, catch up on her bills, and have enough left over to get trashed for a few weeks –not that she needed to.

As Key fantasized about money she didn’t have, the shower stopped. He head snapped at attention as the bathroom door gradually opened. Fresh steam billowed from the bathroom, with the smell of Ivory soap quickly following. And there he was, “Mike”. Key couldn’t tear her eyes from him as he looked at her with kind blue eyes, tanned skin, and impressive semi-muscular build. He didn’t lie about his appearance, Key was happy to see. His mid-40’s naked physique was clearly being taken cared of. 

“Hi” Was all she could choke out.

“Hey yourself”, he smiled, “I’m glad you didn’t stand me up”.

Key had to laugh at that. Clearly unashamed of being the only nude person in the room, he remained in the bathroom doorway, taking in Key’s features.

“Do me a favor”? He pointed toward his briefcase, “Set that on the bed for me”.

Glad to get her curiosity satisfied, Key did what he asked. “The combination is 6432”. He said offhandedly with a cocked grin, “You have to unlock it, see”? Key fumbled with the briefcase, and realized what he meant. It was a combination-coded. She gingerly thumbed at it until the briefcase popped open. Inside was an unmarked thick white envelope, and extra long leather belt, way too big for his stature. Key froze. She realized this was one thing that could definitely be used as a weapon.

“It’s not what you think” He replied, reading her puzzled face, “That’s for you”.

“That’s what I’m afraid of”. She said dryly.

All of a sudden, “Mike” dropped to his knees, and scooted in front of Key. He pulled the belt out of the briefcase, placing it in her hands.

“Can you do this for me”?

“Huh”?

“Beat me”. He said, without a trace of humor, “Please hurry, before the water dries on my skin…I like the sting of it, you see”. His crystal eyes stared into Key’s for approval, “That money is yours if you do this, it’s all I want. Just take care of me, and you can walk out of here two-thousand dollars richer”. He gripped Key’s hand tighter around the belt, snapping it on his forearm. Key jumped in surprise, as “Mike” grinned in pleasure. “See”? He chuckled, “You can do it”.

He laid down on the floor in a fetal position, facing Key. Slowly, he started playing with his pink dick, eyes yearning to be taught a lesson. Nervously, Key hit his ass cheek with a half-hearted whack!

“Harder”. He moaned, coating the head of his cock with precum

With that one word, Key abandoned her timid nature and proceeded to strike “Mike” like he was trying to rape her. Each time she brought the belt down on his progressively scarlet body, Key imagined herself beating Scott, and cursing him for leaving her high and dry. Suddenly, this whole scenario didn’t seem so crazy after all. Something had awakened in her, and it frightened her how much she was starting to enjoy herself.

She whipped at his, legs and back, but paid special attention to his ass. Every time the belt made contact with it, “Mike” squeezed and stroked his cock with feverish urgency.

“Harder, fuck”! He yelled, as tears streamed down his face, “I’m almost there”! Key switched hands and kept up the pace as best as she could, allowing all her anger over these past few months to be channeled through the belt and onto “Mikes” poor swelling body.

“Oh God, I’m cumming”! 

With the final lash, “Mike” cried out and exploded his seed all over the carpet, with multiple spasms following. The only thing Key could do was gawk at the sight in front of her; afraid she might scream, or even laugh at any moment. 

He crawled over to the bed, to the briefcase, “Here” He handed Key the envelope breathlessly, “You earned it”. As he spoke, it seemed as if the welts on his body became an even more brutal shade of red. Key didn’t know what else to say. Her pounding heart quieted to a rhythmic thump as she dropped the belt, grabbed the envelope and backed towards the door.

“You know”, He said, gliding his perfectly manicured fingers over the marks, “We should do this again. What do ya say? Same time, place, in two weeks”?

Key opened the envelope, taking in the sight of all the twenties and fifties. Was this her life now? Beating a guy within an inch of his sanity while he pleasures himself? Who would do something like this to make a living? Was it worth it?

……..But then, there was the matter of rent for the following month, and bills, and booze.

“That depends,” She said finally, “How much are you willing to pay”?  

Sunday, February 26, 2012

With Love, Tori

Kyle King entered his old apartment, suddenly feeling like he stepped into a time warp. The dingy brown sofa bed still sat in the middle of the cramped living room, surrounded with a plethora of Tori’s unfinished paintings, and drawings on the wall, and floor. Speckles of paint, and broad streaks of charcoal pencils were all over the place. There wasn’t a spot you couldn’t step that didn’t have a touch of Tori’s influence all over it.

Depending on the day of the week, Tori was on fire with inspiration; as if her muse gave her a hit of acid before she took the brush to the canvas. Kyle couldn’t help but remember the night he and Tori lathered each other in a rainbow of finger paint and pressed their naked bodies onto the bedroom wall. Tori named the masterpiece: Mad Love, in Technicolor Unfortunately, Mrs. Kissell, the Landlord was less than impressed. She was downright pissed.

That was the theme of their intense 1-year relationship. It was mad, and they loved each other. But after a while Tori’s passion for life bubbled over in a cataclysm that was too much for Kyle to bear. She became jealous, possessive, and always brooding about something. Kyle realized they had nothing in common anymore. It was time to go.      

“Your clothes are over there”.

Tori’s husky voice brought Kyle back into the present. His eyes went to where his now ex-girlfriend’s finger was pointing. A black duffle bag sprinkled with red paint was plopped on the hardwood floor, close to the front door.

It had been only two weeks since the demise; feelings were obviously still raw. Tori silently sauntered around the room, avoiding Kyle’s looks as she tied her long Navy silk robe tighter around her waist.  He awkwardly picked up the bag, unzipping it, and peering inside.

“I didn’t set a booby trap in the damn thing” Tori huffed, “Just take it and get out”. Kyle shrugged his shoulders, looking into the bag again. Sitting on top of his leftover boxer shorts, jeans and graphic tees was a 9-milimeter. Kyle remembered the day he gave it to Tori. She always hated the thought of having a gun in the apartment, but Kyle insisted. He pulled the gun out of the bag, and tossed it onto the couch.

“I think you should keep that” He replied, “A women should have protection; especially now that you “-

“Live alone”? She seethed

“Uh, yeah…”

Tori eyed the gun from across the room, as if she expected it to go off at any moment. Her eyes welled with tears, threatening to spill over as she met eyes with Kyle,

“Will I see you again”?

Kyle shuffled uneasily, “I don’t know. Not for a while. I mean, I just need time”.

“Need time to what? Fuck every woman in sight”? Tori angrily spat.

The little bit of vulnerability Tori displayed a second ago disappeared almost as quickly as it appeared. Kyle was used to this. He threw up his hands in defeat, zipped up his bag and opened the door,

“Whatever you say Tori. I’m not going through this shit again”.

“I’m sorry Kyle”! Tori pleaded, tears free falling down her smooth cheeks, “I just miss you so much”.

She rushed over to the door, slamming it shut. She yanked the duffle bag out of his hands, and wrapped her arms around his waist, burying her face in his chest. Despite his annoyance, Kyle always loved the feeling of having her in his arms. He hugged her back, as she began backing up towards the bedroom, arms still locked around him.

“This feels so right, doesn’t it”? She whispered, “It can be like before”.

She kissed his cheek, gently moving her lips to his. Kyle didn’t resist as she easily slipped her tongue in his mouth, swirling around his in a familiar dance of excitement and arousal. Kyle felt his body respond to hers, as she continued to urge him towards the bedroom. Their bodies remained intertwined, as Tori undid his belt, almost tearing off his jeans in a sexual frenzy. Kyle couldn’t refuse the throbbing in his crotch. She ripped the robe from her naked body, as she bent over the edge of the bed.

“Please fuck me”! She urged, “Just one more time, and I’ll never bother you again, I promise baby. I just need to feel that big dick inside me one last time”.

She spread her thick pink pussy lips, coaxing him with a soft moan. Kyle didn’t bother taking off his pants completely. He pulled them down to his ankles and did what he was told. With each stroke he pumped harder, allowing all the frustration he ever had to fill her up as he released his semen deep inside her. She tumbled on to the bed with a gasp,

“I knew that’s all we needed” Tori breathlessly laughed, “Just one good hard fuck. Now we can start over, right”?

“No, we can’t”. Kyle hastily zipped up his jeans as he caught his breath, “I can’t do this anymore. We just don’t fit Tori. You know that –don’t you”?

“I do now”.

Tori curled up in a fetal position, staring blankly at Mad Love, in Technicolor Kyle followed her gaze, then carefully backed out of the bedroom, keeping his eyes on Tori. He left the studio without another word exchanged between the once inseparable couple.     

~~~

A sharp rapping on Kyle’s Hotel door jerked him out of a solid sleep. He glanced at the clock, 10:43 am. The knocking became sharper as Kyle toppled out of bed, grabbing his jeans slung over the end of the too-firm king-sized bed, pulling them on in haste. He opened the door with a scowl, “Yeah”?

‘Kyle King”?

“Yeah”?

The man casually flashed his badge with a wry smile, “My name is Detective Grazier. Do you mind if I ask you a couple of questions”?

“About what”?

“A Tori Green”? Grazier asked innocently. “You were in a relationship with her, right"? He asked again, as if he didn’t have a clue.

“Uh, yeah...but not anymore. It’s been over for a while”. He moved aside, as the Detective came in, keeping the door open, “What’s this about”?

“Ms. Green is dead”.

Kyle slightly bowed over, as if he’d been punched in the gut, “But I just –I mean, when did it happen”?

“She was found by her mother at 9:23 am. Apparently they were supposed to have breakfast together. Her mother got worried when she hadn’t heard anything, so she stopped by to find her daughter shot in the head, in the bedroom.

Kyle’s vision blurred, saying the first thing that came in his head “Tori was brilliant, but had trouble channeling her talents. I’m not saying she was crazy, she just felt everything way too intensely. But if you’re asking if I’m surprised she killed herself –no, I can’t say I really am”.

Detective Grazier raised an eyebrow, “Funny you should mention that. By the angle of the gun, it is highly unlikely she shot herself. She was right-handed, yes”?

“That’s right”.

“Whoever shot Ms. Green was left-handed, the fingerprints prove it. Well, that and the angle of the gunshot wound to the head –are you left-handed, Mr. King”?

It took a second for Kyle to understand what was happening, what the Detective was really getting at. It was clear there was more to the story than Kyle knew, but he never thought he would be under suspicion. Why would he? Tori killed herself. His eyes grew wide, as it all dawned on him at once,  

“She set me up”! Kyle yelled

“Please answer my question, Mr. King” Grazier said calmly, as if he’d seen this scene played out a million times: “Are you left-handed”?

“You didn’t know her”! He yelled again, his words pouring out in a jumble, desperate to be understood, “Look, towards the end of our relationship, she was mad at me all the time. I knew she didn’t want to be with me anymore, but she didn’t wanna let me go either. I’m telling you, that girl had problems –major fuckin problems”!

“Uh huh”…Detective Grazier replied, steadily scribbling on his notepad. “Now, how long did you say you had broken up”?

“About two weeks –why”? 

“The evidence proves she had sexual intercourse last night, a few hours before she was shot in fact –you know anything about that”?

Kyle toppled onto nearby chair, holding his head in his hands.

“Oh my God”….Kyle laughed suddenly, much to Detective Grazier’s surprise,
She planned this from the start; Kyle thought glumly, her final masterpiece.

“Mr. King, you’re gonna have to come downtown with me”.

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Traces of Lipstick

“C’mon Lotus, please”! Sam whined, “This is bullshit! How are you gonna brag about this club and never take me to it”?

Lotus gave a throaty laugh as a response, flipping her auburn hair, and reveling in her best friend’s frustration. Sam’s frown deepened once she realized she was getting nowhere. Time for plan B

“Oh, I see…” She replied coolly, “You’re embarrassed of me, right? Or maybe you think you’re uppity friends wouldn’t like me. That’s messed up”! She emphasized with a roll of her neck.

Already familiar with Sam’s reverse psychology tricks, Lotus grinned again, “You know damn well that’s not true. Hell, every time we go out together you get more looks than I do –from guys and girls”.

“Then what is it”?

“It’s just that…it’s not the type of club you think it is”.

“Well how can I think anything if you won’t take me, or tell me what goes on there”? Sam challenged. Her deep brown eyes reflecting back into Lotus’ hazel green. As  she studied her friend’s face, Sam tried to understand why Lotus was so secretive about this part of her life. They shared everything: the heights of joys and triumphs, and the valleys of despair and defeat. For ten years they’ve been each other’s rock, and Sam couldn’t help but be a little hurt by the exclusion of this one thing, even if it was just a club.

Once a month, Lotus attended a super-exclusive establishment in the heart of Atlantic City simply called, The Cavern. She once told Sam the requirements for getting an invite was almost the equivalent of a background check for a job. First, there was the online waiting list for first-timers, which could take anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 months. Then, there’s the extensive questionnaire; which covered everything from sexual history to a personality assessment, for likes and dislikes. And that was only phase one. Phase two was more nerve-wracking. No one was allowed access to the club unless invited by an active member. The potential member’s questionnaire was open for any member to read, to determine if they were deemed worthy of attending The Cavern. Once phase two was complete, there was a phone “conference” with the club owner, and the active member who invited the first-timer. If everything went well, only then was a top-secret invitation sent via e-mail, which the new member was required to print out and bring along the get past security.

And then, the most important phase: the initiation.

At this point, Lotus wouldn’t go any further with details. Sam pressed her over and over, but Lotus insisted she was sworn to secrecy. All the mystery that surrounded The Cavern made Sam eve more intrigued –and impatient.

“Just one time, and I’ll never ask again”. Sam insisted, “I promise”.

Lotus looked away, biting her lower lip absently as she often did when deep in thought. If Sam really knew what went on at the The Cavern, their friendship would die that day, Lotus was sure of it. After all these years, she never gave a hint to her deep sexual desires, and the people that helped fulfill them. Sam had no idea her friend of a whole decade was bisexual. Although Sam was an understanding, trustworthy person (albeit pushy as hell) Lotus always felt uneasy about revealing the secrets that encased her urges. She loved Sam like a sister, and was terrified of losing her, or being judged for her sexual orientation.

Or maybe, Lotus thought, just maybe she’ll be turned on by the experience.

She was at a crossroads. With such a strong friendship at stake, this whole thing could blow up in her face. Finally, she realized there was nothing left to lose. If Sam couldn’t accept her, well, maybe it was meant to happen this way. At least they’ll both know where they stand.

“Okay you bitchy brat”! “Lotus yelled playfully, “I’ll get you in”.

Sam squealed like a child on Christmas morning, “Really? Oh my gosh, you won’t regret it”! She exclaimed happily, surrounding Lotus with a headlock-hug

“I hope not”. Lotus whispered.

~~~~~~~~~

Three and a half weeks passed terribly slow for Sam. Work seemed frivolous and confining, giving Sam all the more reason to harass Lotus constantly about the big day approaching, the 15th. She had successfully passed all three phases, as she knew she would, though she felt slightly violated. She was surprised to find everything Lotus said about the process was true.

She was getting ready for bed when she eagerly checked her e-mail for the 19th time, yearning for the private invite to pop into her inbox. Finally, there it was!

The e-mail was simple, direct. No spooky codes or double meanings. It looked quite professional, clean. It provided the address, and stated simply to arrive 11pm sharp with the established member who co-signed her admittance, Lotus.

Just then, Sam’s phone rang. She looked at the caller ID with a smirk, “Speak of the devil…”

“Hey you”!

“So I take it you got your invite” Lotus replied flatly

“What gave it away”?

“I can see you smiling through the phone”.

Sam laughed, “Damn, I can’t get nothin’ past you”!

“Alright, listen up. I’m only gonna tell you this once Sam, okay”?

“Um, okay…” She was taken aback by Lotus’ change in demeanor

“Now I already told you this isn’t the type of club you think it is”-

“Yeah, the fuckin’ backround check sorta gave it away” Sam quipped.

“Shut up and let me finish” Lotus ordered, “What I mean is, once you’re a member, that’s it. There’s no backing out, there’s no I can’t handle this speech, none of that shit. Don’t worry, I’ll be there with you every step of the way, and nobody will hurt you, but I’m telling you right now, this is your one and only shot to say forget it. So I’ll ask you flat out: Are you sure you want to do this”?

“God Lotus, you act like it’s the Mob”! Sam giggled nervously.

“That’s not an answer”. Lotus replied, unfazed by her sarcasm, “I have to know for sure you really want to do this”.

Sam quickly realized Lotus was serious. She rolled her eyes and licked her lips, amused at the drama this whole thing was becoming.

“Yeah, yeah I’m sure I want to do this…it’s just a club Lotus, gosh! I’m sure I’ll be fine”. 


~~~~~~~~~~

Lotus and Sam drive to The Cavern in silence. After the weird phone conversation, Sam was almost scared to say anything to her. Before the conversation was over Lotus told Sam she should dress comfortable, but sexy. Although she had almost a month to prepare, the best she could come up with was a strapless black mini dress, and black pumps with silver accessories to bring it all together. Her makeup was subtle, but sensual; applying the smoky eye effect, and perfectly pink lip stain. She arranged her shoulder length hair in a messy ponytail, and called it a day. She always worked with the philosophy that less was more, and no matter what the hell she wore, she was certain she would be one of the hottest chicks in the club anyway.  

The huge parking lot was almost empty, with only ten surrounding them as Lotus pulled her BMW into a space. She turned off the ignition, exhaled deeply, and looked at Sam in a way she never has before.

“I’m bi” She blurted out.

Sam gave her a sideways glance, and burst out laughing, “Yeah right! No way you like pussy and I don’t know about it”!

Without another word, Lotus grabbed Sam’s face and planted her soft lips onto hers. She skillfully slid her warm long tongue into her friend’s mouth, playfully snaking around Sam’s shocked tongue. Sam sat frozen, unable to decide what to do next. Everything was happening too fast suddenly, maybe she shouldn’t have insisted on coming to this club. Who was Lotus really? Before she could wrap her mind around it, Lotus pulled herself from Sam,

“Believe me now”? She asked, her facial expression void of passion. It was the biggest risk Lotus ever taken in her life, but there is was. She held her breath as she waited for a response.

“I uh…uh yeah”. The car was suddenly too hot. Sam jumped out, and into the balmy Atlantic City night. She inhaled the air and instantly felt lightheaded. Lotus came around to her side, and pulled her into an impromptu embrace, which Sam didn’t fight. They stood in the moonlight in the parking lot for a few minutes, as Sam peppered Lotus with a million questions. It was like meeting Lotus for the first time, and Sam wanted to know everything, learn everything.

“So what, we’re a couple now”? Sam joked

“Hell no, you ain’t my type”! Lotus assured her, “That kiss was just to prove a point. Besides, I love you too much to make you my girl. May not make sense, but it will”.

“Good, cause I ain’t like that anyway”.

Lotus threw her a surreptitious smirk, “We’ll see”.

As the duo made their way to the building, Sam realized it really looked like an abandoned warehouse from the outside; unmarked with signs or lights, it was totally unassuming. Lotus exchanged words with the burly doorman, who asked to verify the invite. Sam handed it to him, as he studied it like it was an ancient artifact

“C’mon Ron, she’s cool” Lotus teasingly punched him on the arm

“Can’t be too sure, you know that Lo” He replied without anger, as he pulled out a lighter and burned the paper.  “Alright, have fun ladies” He and Lotus shared a wink and a smile, making Sam slightly anxious.

The Cavern was awash with the hue of pink and red, instantly giving Sam and Lotus a rosy glow. Sam grabbed her friends’ hand as she looked around in awe. Plush couches; candles, tasteful plants and flowers decorated the spacious room. Club music thumped melodically in every space, but not loud enough to be annoying.  There were only two-dozen people in the entire building –all women. Different shapes, sizes, and ethnicities conversed among one another, with laughter and light affection. Lotus led Sam to the bar, where she was surprised to find a lingerie-clad bartender.

“There’s my favorite”! She kissed Lotus on the mouth, “The usual”?

“Make it two”. Lotus nodded towards Sam, “This is our newest member, beautiful, right”?

The bartender leaned over the bar, surveying her head to toe, “Mmmm, I definitely wanna get a taste of that”! She laughed, preparing two Cosmos. Sam took the drink, almost finishing it off in one huge gulp. She had never been so nervous in her life.

“Okay, enough of that”! Lotus lightly scolded, “It’s initiation time”.

Sam remained silent as Lotus grabbed her by the waist and into a separate room, filled with nothing but white silk pillows and sheets, a stark contrast to the rest of the club. Inside were two other people, a man and a woman, engaging in full on hot sex, with her riding his dick. Sam turned away, suddenly embarrassed by the spectacle in front of her. Lotus only smiled, as she pulled Sam’s dress down off her full breasts. Sam was confused, but strangely turned on as she began to understand what was about to happen.

“So I’m supposed to have a threesome…that’s the initiation”? She whispered nervously.

Lotus continued to pull Sam’s dress off, leaving her only in her lace panties and heels, “Something like that”. She pecked Sam on the cheek and headed for the door, “I’ll be back when it’s over”.  Once the door slammed behind her, Sam knew there was no turning back. She stared awkwardly at the two in front of her, who finally acknowledged her presence after a few more pumps,

“Hello Sam” The woman said finally, as she slid the mans thick cock out of her slippery pussy, “You’re picture does not do you justice girl” She smiled coyly,

“My picture”? Sam scrunched her face in puzzlement, “But I didn’t”-

“Shhh” The woman moved in closer, her pierced nipples grazing Sam’s tits, “We’re passed that now”. She lightly kissed Sam’s neck, causing her to shiver involuntarily. The man watched silently, as he stroked his cock, waiting for the action to unfold. Instinctively, Sam, wrapped her arms around the mystery woman’s body and pulled her closer, intoxicated by the sweet smell of vanilla perfume on her slightly sweaty body. She kissed, and licked her skin, feeling her own shaved pussy becoming wetter with every touch. Never did she think she would get so turned on by the feel of a woman, and with someone else watching.

The man groaned, as if he knew Sam was getting more into it. The man handed woman a blindfold. Sam obliged, unable to do anything but consent at this point. The women tied the fabric tight around Sam’s eyes, she couldn’t see anything; but could gradually feel of hands touching every part of her body, from head to toe. Two hands, then four. She felt his throbbing cock against her ass, as he palmed her breasts. Her senses were going crazy as she felt a hot mouth on her erect nipples, teasing each one as two hands made their way between her legs and the dripping pussy hidden under her panties. The next thing she knew, she was totally exposed.

She winced in surprise when she felt fingers dive deep into her moist cunt, causing her to almost climax right then. The man pulled on Sam’s ponytail, yanking head back as he deeply kissed her, simultaneously rubbing her tits, and pinching her nipples. Her entire body was on fire, as the woman continued to stimulate her pussy with her fingers. Once she clamped down on Sam’s swollen clit, she couldn’t conceal her arousal anymore as she came all over her sticky fingers. The woman quickly removed her hand, and covered Sam’s juicing cave with her mouth, greedily sucking as much as she could.

Before Sam could recover from the most intense orgasm she ever experienced, she felt strong hands bend her over, and a huge dick being shoved inside her with no warning. Sam cried out, as the man roughly pushed into her, grabbing her hips as he expertly plunged deeper with each stroke. Sam didn’t even notice that the woman wasn’t touching her anymore. She was about to cum again, surrounding this guy’s cock with her hot juices. The man grunted and moaned as his balls slapped against Sam. He rhythm quickened, and Sam knew he was almost ready to shoot his load. She swiveled her hips to his pace to hit that right spot, and before he could unload, she creamed all over his dick. The man groaned louder, and quickly pulled out, coating the crack of Sam’s ass with his cum.

She collapsed to the padded floor, still blindfolded. She thought she heard something odd, like a gurgling sound, and felt more unexplained wetness from above but she was too spent to care. Prior to this, Sam never knew there was such a thing as a sex coma, but before she knew it, she passed out right there.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

“C’mon sleeping beauty, time to go”. Lotus whispered, lightly shaking Sam’s shoulders.

Sam awoken to an empty white room, nothing out of the ordinary or strange, except the fact that she just had a threesome with two people whom she never met. But the mystery man and woman were gone –there was no trace of them at all.

Groggy, Sam got dressed with Lotus’ help. She walked out of the now empty club in a haze.

“What time is it”?

“About 3am”.

“Oh my God”. Sam held her head, even though she didn’t have a headache, just a head full of confusion and more questions than answers.

“Did you have fun”? Lotus beamed, as if she already knew the answer.

Sam got into the car, looking away, “Yeah it was alright I guess”

“Oh, okay”. Lotus shrugged, as she pulled out of the parking lot. When you get home, check your e-mail. There’s something waiting for you”.

~~~

Sam didn’t check her e-mail til two days later. She stayed home from work and avoided all calls: What did she get herself into? Her mind swirled with questions and doubts about everything. She missed Lotus, and she needed to talk to her badly. But first, she decided to check her e-mail. But all too soon, she wished she hadn’t.

It was an e-mail from The Cavern. Business-like and direct, just as before. But this time it came with a dark message.

Dear Valued Member,

We are pleased to have you as our newest member of The Cavern an amazing Women’s organization with over 25 years to its credit. As I’m sure you understand, this organization takes discretion very seriously, and we will protect your privacy at all costs. In return, we expect the same amount of loyalty from you to our guarantee  “sisterhood” remains intact from outsiders, which includes Law Enforcement. Please see the attached video for clarity.

Thank You for Choosing The Cavern!

Management.

Sam stared at the e-mail, puzzled. Where the hell did this come from? Why would Law Enforcement care about a Women’s Sex Club? Sam apprehensively opened the attached video

Her stomach dropped. She saw herself being undressed by Lotus. She saw herself being blindfolded, fingered, and fucked. It was all there. She was being recorded the whole time.

So this was the initiation Sam thought bitterly.

But something else struck her. It wasn’t until the man finished cumming, that the woman came back into the frame with a huge butcher knife. To the outsider looking in, it would have looked like a bad snuff film, but Sam knew all too well that this was real. She was there…an accessory. Just as the man finished spilling his seed, the woman eased up behind him, slicing his neck with no effort. Sam watched the video in horror as the man staggered backward, blood flying everywhere. It was at that point that she passed out into a hard sleep. A few seconds passed, and then the burly doorman came into the room with Lotus in toe, as they rolled up the mans’ body in the satin sheets.

The next thing Sam saw made her blood run cold.

The woman looked directly into the camera hidden in the far corner and made an shhh motion with her lips. Then the video went black.

The reality of the situation hit Sam like ice-cold water in the face. Now she knew why Lotus wanted her to stay away. Her initiation must have been the same, maybe worse. Now they would share a deeper, more terrible secret eternally, bonded into silence. Forever tied to The Cavern.     

Thursday, February 9, 2012

The Dinner Party


I’ll try my best to explain what happened; even if you think I’m crazy, I just have to tell someone.

It all started a few hours ago…

My best friend Jolene invited me to her father’s house for dinner. And since it had been forever since I had a home-cooked meal, I jumped at the chance. The only thing that seemed really weird was that I needed an invitation, under the strict promise that I was not to tell anyone else about it.

The invitation was printed on was a strange combination of fabric and wax. The time and address were stitched on and I was to arrive at 9pm sharp.

Looking back, I should have known something was up, but how could I? I’ve known Jolene since Grade School, and Mr. & Mrs. Harrison had always seemed like a sweet, normal married couple. I had no reason to think this would happen…

As soon as I knocked on the door, Jolene pulled me into his house with a crushing bear hug in her usual over-the-top way, typical Jolene. Mr. Harrison looked as handsome as ever, a little salt and pepper hair along the hairline, but pretty much looked the same after all these years. The three of us engaged in small talk, until Mr. Harrison seated us in the beautifully arranged dining room, with crystal glasses, silver utensils, and monogram cloth napkins.  Jolene and I sat across from each other as Mr. Harrison retrieved the plates.

“Where’s Mrs. Harrison”?

Jolene and her dad shared an uneasy glance, “Oh I mean to tell ya, My step mom died a few weeks ago”.

“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry Mr. Harrison! I didn’t mean to”-

He held up his hand, “It’s no problem”. He smiled.

Embarrassed, I awkwardly turned my attention to the food in front of me, laid out on beautiful powder blue china. My knife cut into the meat as easily as a samurai sword slicing a tomato. Actually the knife wasn’t needed at all.   

“Mmm, this is really good Mr. Harrison, how did you make it”?

He peeked at me, then to his daughter with a secret grin “Oh, I didn’t make it. It’s the type of meal that…makes itself”.

“Oh, uhh, okay…”

Jolene chimed in, “What he means is, it was really easy to prepare. Dad’s not much of a cook, but he did his thing with this recipe.

But how would she know that? She hadn’t touched her plate, neither did Mr. Harrison. I didn’t even realize they were watching me eat; and believe me, I was eating. No, more than that -I was devouring!

I don’t know, it was like, addictive or something. I think MSG was in that shit or whatever, cause as soon as I finished the stew-type meal, I asked for seconds, then thirds. I had to literally push myself away from the table once my stomach threatened to burst.

And all the while, they watched.

“Wow, that was…wow”. I couldn’t think of anything else to say.

“We’re glad you liked it” They voiced simultaneously, and then laughed. Abruptly, Mr. Harrison’s voice became stern as he looked me in the eyes, “I’m glad you came over, you really did me a great favor. You know, since my wife died, I’ve been trying to find a way to move on, and you helped me do that”.

“By eating dinner with you”?

“Yes, actually”.

Just then, Jolene rose from the table; I don’t know where she went. Mr. Harrison kept his eyes on me, as he spoke more casually, “You know, I’ve always wanted to know what you taste like”.

It wasn’t until the corner of my eye caught Jolene, and the sharp steel axe coming at my head that I bolted toward the door. I ran as fast as I could into the night, and I came straight here. You gotta believe me Officer, you have to!

“So where is, uh, Mrs. Harrison now?”

“She’s…. inside me”.

Monday, February 6, 2012

In the Flesh


The basement reeked of day-old piss, musty clothes, and stagnant water pooling in the corner of the dungeonous room. Kendall noiselessly chewed on a fresh piece of bread as she looked around. She knew he would be back soon. She crammed the rest of the bread in her mouth; washing it down with bottled water he was so kind to give her. Yes, kind was the only word that came to mind when Kendall thought about her circumstances.

********
Just the day before, she was trying to hitch a ride back to California. When she stuck out her thumb for the 10th time along the endless highway, she thanked God, Santa Claus, and Buddha when the black Escalade pumped its breaks. She jumped in the SUV without a second glance to the driver. Her eyes went to the backseat first, eyeing the cushions and floor for anything out of place –like weapons, or maybe someone laying in wait. Once her suspicion eased, she turned to the driver who remained quiet throughout Kendall’s inspection. Maybe he wanted her to feel more comfortable –or at least give her the impression she was safe. When he finally spoke, Kendall was even more soothed by his easy-going inflection, and kind gray eyes.
“Where ya headed”?
“Cali –uh, L.A. to be exact. But I’ll go as far as you’ll take me”.

He fixed his eyes on the road again, seemingly lost in thought. Kendall wasn’t sure what to say next; and since the sun was setting and the desert would bring a merciless cold soon after, she didn’t want to risk saying the wrong thing, or asking any personal questions to get her ass kicked out.
“Yeah, I’m coming from Vegas,” She continued, “Almost lost my shirt while I was there. I barely had enough to get any food, so I figured I’d pocket what money I had left and hitchhike the rest of the way. Stupid, huh”? She softly chucked.
The driver silently nodded in agreement.

The rest of the drive was a relaxed one, albeit agonizingly quiet. Before she knew it, Kendall had drifted off the sleep, dreams filled with flashing lights, and the familiar sound of the jackpot she never won. Kendall’s eyes popped open when the car went over something that felt like a pothole. The night was pitch black, with nothing but twinkling start speckling the sky. She looked down at her jeans, white t-shirt, and denim jacket. Everything was intact. Her backpack (and buck knife hidden inside) was still securely on her lap. Despite being groggy, Kendall realized she was okay, and untouched.

But something was wrong. 

They had turned off the highway, and were on a dirt road she wouldn’t recognize if her life depended on it. The driver kept one hand on the steering wheel, and rested against the seat, eerily familiar with where he was going –and where he would be taking her. Kendall’s heart pounded in her chest, as she gave a side-ways glance to Mr. No-name. Now completely alert, she didn’t want to show him how frightened she’d become.

Then, her predicament became all to clear: no one knew where she was. Her family was back in Newark, and the friends she did make were way more successful than her, but always too busy to help her find gigs. Her acting career never took off like she hoped; landing a few spots here and there as an extra on some crappy sitcom, but damn sure not enough to live on. She traveled to Vegas in the spur of the moment, determined to hit it big, or at least get a sugar daddy if things really went south. But neither one happened, and here she was, trying to get back to her 1-bedroom lousy apartment, courtesy of a guy she never laid eyes on before.

Kendall cleared her throat,  “Where are we”? She asked as calmly as she could muster.

The driver smiled at her, displaying perfect evenly spaced teeth, “I’m taking you to my house. I’m tired of drivin’ and I don’t want my wife to worry anymore. While you were dozin’ I called her and said I’d be home soon, and bringing a guest for dinner…I hope you don’t mind”.

“Well, actually I” –

“You did say you were low on cash and hungry, didn’t you”?

Kendall looked down at her dusty sneakers, “I said something like that. But I really don’t wanna be a bother, especially to your wife”.

“It’s no trouble” He smiled again; “She’s dying to meet you”.

They pulled into a long driveway, leading to a beautiful 3-story house, with not another home in sight. Kendall’s anxiety subsided a little when she saw an outline of a woman in the doorway, waving at them.

“So, you a dancer, or somethin’?” He asked suddenly, just as Kendall reached for the passenger door.

“Uh no, I’m an actress…I guess a wanna-be actress at this point”. She muttered, unable to hide her bitterness.

“Yeah, my wife was an actress too, long long time ago –way before you were born”. He mused.

Kendall smiled meekly. This was the most he ever spoke the entire trip. Perplexed, she remained in the vehicle as he gazed in the direction of his house.

“We’re working on her comeback,” He replied, as if to gage Kendall’s reaction, “And we could really use your help, since you’re a part of the biz, and all”...

Kendall laughed, “Dude, you found me walking along a highway, what the hell can I possibly do for you”?

He grinned, but his face was void of amusement “Don’t count yourself out, I imagine you’ll be exactly what she’s looking for”.

*******
Kendall finished the bottle of warm water as she pieced together the rest of what happened that night. Just as she reached for the car door again, the man slammed her head into the window twice, even though she had been knocked out with the first blow. He ripped her backpack away from her, flinging it into the backseat. The woman ran to the passenger side, opening the door as Kendall toppled onto the cold ground. When she came to, she felt herself being carried down some stairs, and into the basement that would become her home. As soon as she tried to scream, he backhanded her into instant submission. He was a lot stronger than he looked. 

The couple looked at Kendall cruelly, as she curled into a ball and cried

“Yes”. The wife cooed, “She’s perfect”.

********
Neither the man nor the woman said another word to Kendall after that, only giving her enough food and water to live on. After a while, it seemed like Kendall was a part of the furniture that just happened to be held hostage in the basement. They never touched, or hit her again. Kendall began to think she would make it out of her in one piece after all. She just had to remain calm, and play along.

The basement door opened then, and the man walked in, as Kendall expected. She handed him her plate and empty bottle, saying nothing.

“She’s ready for you now”. He said flatly, “Come with me”.

Kendall wobbled to her feet, following him up the stairs into the house. The surroundings were immaculate, with each room adorned with it’s own color scheme. The kitchen was a cheery bright yellow with eggshell trim, where the living room had a warm magenta tone, with complementary charcoal furniture and lighting fixtures.  He led her to the second floor, and into a spacious beyond-clean starkly white bathroom. Steam rose from the tub, as Kendall moved closer, to the hot water. 

“You have to be clean first”. He handed her a crisp towel, and washcloth, “She’ll be in to bathe you.”

Kendall nodded, and proceeded to undress. The man looked on absently as she eagerly peeled the dirty jeans, and dingy t-shirt from her tired skin. She’d been used to him looking at her is if she was an object, so she shamelessly unhooked her bra and slid off her panties with silent glee. She never felt so dirty in her life. The woman seemed to have appeared behind him suddenly. She tapped him on the shoulder,
“I’ll take it from here hon”.

With a peck on the cheek, he left the bathroom, shutting and locking the door behind him.

“Please, get in the tub”.

Kendall dipped her foot into the hot water timidly; it felt as if it was boiling “Ouch”! She lurched back. The woman gripped Kendall’s shoulders from behind firmly, “Oh, I’m so sorry dear! I’ll fix that”.

She reached for a curious chrome bottle, pouring a thick green substance into the water. For a second, the syrupy stuff encompassed the whole bathtub, and then it dissipated just as quickly.

“Try again”. She said happily.

Knowing she had no choice, Kendall, stuck her foot into the water again, and just like that, the water had indeed cooled. She immersed herself, as the woman coated a washcloth with more of that weird green ooze. She lifted Kendall’s legs out of the water, lathering them each with care. Kendall’s skin began to tingle all over. Next, the woman cleaned Kendall’s breasts and shoulders, working her way to her back. 

Just then, the tingle turned into a strange burning sensation. The fumes from the wash filled Kendall’s nose, and she suddenly felt like she couldn’t breathe at all. She ineffectively tried to speak, as the vapors seeped in her mouth, down her windpipe, and into her lungs. Her limbs felt like lead now; she lost all control over her arms and legs and could barely lift her head, as it hit the back of the tub with a loud thunk! That strange burning sensation turned into unimaginable pain as it traveled up, down, and inside her naked body. Kendall felt the liquid move into her orifices, as if it were searching for something.

The woman hummed softly, as she continued to clean Kendall. Once she was satisfied, she stood up and watched, as Kendall’s body went into total paralysis. She could still hear, see, and feel everything. Even though she had a hard time breathing, the woman knew it wouldn’t matter much longer. 

Kendall’s skin glowed neon green, as her bones began awkwardly protruding forward; as if they had a life of their own and wanted to escape. Kendall’s eyes screamed bloody murder, but her lips remained mute. As the green slime did its work, Kendall’s skeleton slid off her flesh with ease. Once her skin was detached from her bones, the woman pulled Kendall by her brown hair out of the tub with little effort. She let the water out, and watched the bones dissolve with it down the drain.

A few minutes later, the woman stepped from the bathroom, flicking long dark bangs out of her eyes. The man beamed, as if seeing his wife for the first time.

“Do you like my new skin”? She grinned

“I love it”! He exclaimed, taking her in his arms, “You’re so much prettier than the last girl I got for ya. You’ll be a star in no time”!