Blood & Juniper

Accounts of Ashlen, nearing dawn.

The gust from the motorcycle blasting off fanned my hair in a whirlwind. I watched Sam zoom away on his death trap, a death trap that I was, apparently, immune to. I couldn't believe it. There were many things I found unbelievable, and they all happened in a single night.

All alone, I give my lips a smack. That funny aftertaste had finally left my mouth. That lasting taste had rather familiar flavor, a food I used to eat but it just wasn't coming to mind. My pallet had drastically changed, I hadn't been told for certain but I had a feeling solid food no longer held any nourishment. I wonder if regular food tastes gross now, too.

I hear the last of the rumbling motor disappear. Sam's bike was really far away but to my amazement the sound came clear as a bell.

I hated to admit the vulnerability that crept around me like a fog the farther Sam got. Bewildering that he happened to act like a reliable safety net. At this point I felt safer with Sam than I did with Juniper. Now that is absolutely bizarre!

His gesture was unexpected, too. I ran my fingers over the detail of an engraved ship, carved into outer surface of the gold pocket watch he entrusted me with. This small clock looks incredibly valuable, why would he let a stranger hold on to it?

I blinked, all the forced hatred and subtle irritation I held for Sam had quickly dissolved leaving a fascination in its place. I was actually glad he offered to help me out some more, surprised and relieved. I shouldn't let my guard down though, he obviously had the ability to be manipulative from what I observed in the alleyway. Would he try that on me, would I even realize it? He better *not* try that crap on me!

I made it down the last step of the stairwell, unlocking and twisting the knob to of my apartment I'd likely never see again. I didn't have a whole lot of time to dawdle, being told twice about sun rise was enough for me to know that I really *didn't* want to know!

My gaze rolls over the room once more, making sure I'm not leaving any necessities and at the same time resisting to take unnecessary but sentimental junk.

I pan over to my fridge and stroll over to the door. What can I say, the opportunity is here and I'm intrigued. What's the worst that could happen?

The light streams out of the refrigerator like a beam from a flying saucer. Still impressed with my heightened sense of smell, I found I could separately detect every single fragrance in this box and match it to boot!

The sweet fragrance of a bright yellow golden delicious apple stands above the rest.

'Feels like an apple' I think to myself while sliding my fingers over the waxy sphere giving it a toss. It's light like Styrofoam. 'Smells like an apple', I press it up to my nose and top lip, a powerful appley scent filling the space.

The crunch echos in my ears as I take a decent bite. 'Tastes like an apple?' It did, but it also didn't. The flavor was there but it didn't taste like food, it just sat lifelessly on my tongue. I didn't crave it, it didn't tickle my taste buds with delight and I had no d.e.s.i.r.e to swallow the piece of fruit. It was like being a kid chewing on paper or a blade of grass. Not offensive but you knew there was no value or p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e in digesting it.

I spit the fruit into the trash, chucking the apple in after it. Another odd experience to add to the collection of today's events.

I realized upon eating the apple, I would not miss even the most delicious of solid foods, it had been replaced by something infinitely better. Though, I wish the cost of my new sustenance was still a simple currency like paper money.

A Christmas card catches my eye while closing my fridge. My Family Christmas card. I slide it from the magnet holding it in place and held it in front of me, looking at each family member in the photograph. A true sadness embraces me from behind, crashing unexpectedly like an unstoppable wave in the ocean. I'm a danger to them now, I may never be able to see them again. A tear taps the picture as it falls, I gently brush it off. I let myself cry this time, because I'm alone…. In every regard, I am *Alone*.

I find a blank page in the sketch book I'm planning to take with, tucking the photo between two white pages and zipping it back into the fat duffle.

I wipe the wetness from under my eyes before heaving the massive bag over my shoulder with unintentional aggression. I anticipated it to be much heavier and awkward to carry but it's almost like the bag was filled with helium. I would have found that fact incredibly fascinating if I wasn't feeling so glum.

I look around one last time before stepping out onto the cement, taking Sam's advice to stage a break in. I close the door then with surprisingly minimal strength I push the door in by the knob without twisting. The wood splinters and gives way when the latch breaks through its confined slot. Again, too bitter to actually marvel in my uncanny new strength, I head for the streets.

I feel sick, this will destroy my parents, thinking I'm lost or dead. I hate how I can't do anything to shield them from that, because I had to physically protect them from this unpredictable version of myself.

My siblings might take it a little better, we were on good terms but they were involved in their own lives. I pray they can all get through it.

Oh, Maggie. We were such close friends, staying in touch even when I moved all the way out here. Undoubtedly, Madeline would be able to manage. She was more outgoing than me, she was tough, she would recover. I tried to assure myself.

I missed them all so terribly, what was the last thing I said to each of them? I hope it was the words, 'I love you'.

I took a ragged breath, losing composure again. I leaned onto a nearby lamp post sobbing into my arm, burying my face in it. I was thankful no one was around to see me break down as I meandered pitifully down the street. Maybe, someday I wouldn't be such a risk to their health. Maybe, I would see them all again, I genuinely hoped so.

I slide off the lamp post after a few minutes continuing for the trail. I dried my red eyes inhaling shuddered breaths to calm myself. Nearing the wooded area filled me with a strange comfort. The trees beckoning me like a mother outstretched to console their child.

Clouds gathered overhead in sympathy. It might rain today, it rained a lot here. I actually loved that about this place. I loved falling asleep under the patter of rain.

I stepped through the border of town and onto the nature trail. The change in the air was tangible like stepping through a force field. The forest was more energetic than it was earlier in the night. Birds were starting to sing their morning tunes and the trees appeared to visibly stretch from a long slumber, leafs chattering in the light breeze.

I was again taken by the otherworldly experience of everything being so alive, the sounds being rich with such depth but I also felt something I hadn't when the night was young. A rapid growing anxiety expanding and radiating like a time bomb.

I caught myself looking toward the eastern mountain over and over. The hue of the sky was turning a from a dark shade of blue to a significantly brighter tone. It occurred to me that the threat of dawn was causing this apprehension, eating at my insides. I picked up the pace, panic was setting in, what if I couldn't find my way back to the cabin? Though, to my relief, I recognize more than just the visible markers I had made a mental note of. I was amazed when the memory of certain smells instinctively guided as well.

I was like a hurricane tearing through the brush, even though I had ample time before the sun would peek over the cliff tops, I didn't want to chance it. It was as if I was being chased by a giant monster. A Cthulhu like God looming just around the mountain side. Bird's songs seemed warp into terrifying screams as I felt the atmosphere heat up.

The sight of the cabin was the most beautiful thing in that moment. The butterflies subside in my stomach, fluttering less erratically.

I reach the hefty door situated under the luxurious arch overhead. I really hadn't taken much time to notice the craftsmanship of the cabin, it was bigger than I actually realized and quite tall. I stopped at the front step with a gulp staring up at the towering door. An uneasiness floated about as I wondered if coming back here was really a good idea. I didn't have much of a choice now, my doubts were unmatched to the thought of that cursed flaming ball and the evil it wished for me. I could feel the sun's hatred in my bones.

I gripped the a metal handle pushing open the large door. The house seemed to m.o.a.n as the large slab of wood swung slowly on its hinges revealing more of the once extravagant living room. Now it lay dusty, filled with cobwebs and disembodied whispers.

Is Juniper here? Anxiety struck as my eyes darted around the eerily quiet room, listening for any signs of life and listening for that weird connection we seemed to have. I'm still deeply uncomfortable with that almost intimate sensation. She doesn't appear to be here, only the cabin itself makes a ghostly creak like an old man dying from disease.

I eagerly seal the door, examining the cracks when it shut. No light was streaming through, an audible sigh of alleviation flitters through my teeth.

I notice a letter presenting itself on the small table near the entryway. I could see just fine though all the thick curtains were drawn, but the place is rather spooky, so I search the wall for a light.

I'm happy to locate a switch almost thinking I'd have to burn candles in this ancient looking place. I snap on the light which flickers from a lack of use. Three orange, cobweb infested bulbs buzz, giving the room a more d.e.s.i.r.ed tone, much less haunting.

I step closer to the letter written on high quality parchment. It looked like a note meant for royalty with it's swirling calligraphy, but it's addressed to me and the ink looked fairly fresh.

'Wow, fancy. Now I just need a butler to offer me a cup of tea.' I muse reaching for the paper cautiously as if it were going to jump out and bite me.

The paper crinkles with a satisfying sound when my fingers wrap around the edge. I read;

'Dear Ms. Ashlen,

If by this time you have received this letter, I have likely journeyed out and shall return by following nightfall. I have prepared a room for you on the first floor. You will find the key for your room on the side table.'

I glance down seeing a fancy bronze key sitting on the table next to a feather quill.

'Head down the nearest corridor and to the second room on your right. I hope it is arranged to your liking.

Make yourself at home. You may explore the cabin freely if you feel so inclined. Only a handful of doors are locked but you may roam the rest of the residence without restraint.'

My mind was already trying to imagine what could possibly be behind the locked doors, part of me thought about attempting to pick some of the locks but the other part scolded for such a reckless and impolite idea, a little frightened at the prospect of what I would find.

'Sincerely, Juniper'

I place the letter back on the table as I examine the classy signature, her handwriting put everyone else's I'd ever seen to shame.

I reach for the gaudy key, slender with a finely detailed handle. This place was too quaint to be considered a mansion but in some ways had the presence of mysterious manor. I ventured toward the first hall peeking over the corner before tip toeing down.

Wow, that's more rooms than I expected, this cabin appeared to even have upstairs rooms and maybe even a cellar. I believe I spied a small attic perched at the top when outside. My curiosity and fear battled it out as I strolled down, meeting the door to my new room. I tried the key in lock before entering to make sure it really was the room intended for me. It's a perfect fit.

I swing the door open peering in. My eyebrows shoot up taking in the site. It was a generous sized room with a vintage canopy style bed, silk fabric cascading down the posts. Cherry wood headboard and frame matched the rest of the furniture in the room. It must have been recently tidied, too. It wasn't as dusty and untouched as the living room.

I threw my bag on the bed, running my fingers along the elaborate carvings in the smooth wood furniture. I take a seat on the mattress, leaning over to click on the lamp perched on the nightstand. I scan the area some more to take in the spectacular bedroom.

The curtains are drawn on both tall windows, swallowing the light completely. The curtains may have been doubled or even tripled and looked quite heavy. Something odd about this room abruptly caught my attention. What was likely a mirror attached to the dresser had been covered and tied by a sheet, yellowed with age.

I stared at the sheet, wide eyed and unsettled as if a monster was lurking behind it.

I attempt to ignore the mirror, glad it's hidden away and begin to pull out a few items of clothing from the bag. Not intent on completely emptying it, I'm not certain how permanent this living situation will be.

I slip some clothes into the empty drawers, opening one to find a small silver key. Hello, what's this?

I hold it up to my face, balancing the ends between my two index fingers. It looks too small for a door, I wonder what it might unlock. I pinch the loop at the handle and hold it swinging in front of my face to further examine the it. The exit to the bedroom comes into focus behind the dangling key as if ushering me to explore.

I set the key on the table while I pick out some comfy clothes to throw on, happy to get out of the shirt with the bloodied neck line. I drop the dirty top on the floor, looking down at my at my b.a.r.e stomach and purple bra, 'I should shower.'

I snag the change of clothes, not bothering to put on a shirt while I peek my head out into the hallway, double checking if I'm truly by myself.

I grab some toiletries from my bag before leaving the room in search of a bathroom.

I try the door next to mine, nope, another bedroom. What about the next one? A study. OK, how about the room across the hall? Bingo!

I turn on the lights, out of preference rather than a need, examining the claw foot tub, it's massive. The toilet and the fancy vanity next. Again, I'm met with wonderment as the mirror in the room is covered as well. Physically painted over with off-white acrylic in large strokes.

I place my hand on the large mirror, investigating like it some kind of time portal to the past.

Lifting my index finger, I scratch away a little bit of the plasticity paint.

I stare at the now reflective hole, intently eyeing it at an angle, waiting for something to move behind the area.

Nothing, just like I should expect.

I titter at my silly behavior and go to prepare a hot shower. I twist the knob, hearing the water flow up the skinny pipe leading to the spout.

Water pours forward, a little discolored before running clear. I hold my hand out to test it before getting in. More weirdness, I swear!

The incredible feeling of each droplet hitting my skin and rolling down was a sensation with no direct comparison, like being kissed by a thousand stars. I let the cool water run off before the heating starts to kick in. I could tell the difference between the temperatures fine, just like before. No, it was the sensation that had changed.

I abruptly turned the knob to cold, keeping my hand under. It gradually became freezing but I didn't shiver or yank a hand that should have gone numb away. I didn't react to the bitter coolness of it at all, even though I could definitely feel how cold it was.

I leaned in sticking my entire head under. The wonderful drops left tiny tingles as they hit. It was freezing and I should have been convulsing with chills, but my body didn't react in a discomforted way. Weirder and weirder.

Pulling my head out, I turn it up as hot as it can go and wait for the steam to surround the area. I hover a hand over the stream, feeling the heat flow from it. I stick a hand in before retracting it almost immediately. Interesting, I react more to heat. I mean it was tolerable though sweltering, I wouldn't have been able to take this kind of heat the other day. Still, it was uncomfortably hot on my skin. I had a morbid question in my mind of how hot I could handle before it truly hurt.

I turned it down a bit, undressing and getting in, pulling the curtain closed.

I always craved a hot shower to wash all my stress away but this wasn't quite hitting the spot the way it used to. The way the water bounced was awesome and invigorating but it was the the warmth I d.e.s.i.r.ed. I knew I craved a warmth that was infinitely better. The warmth of a living person, their skin, their beating heart and thick, wonderful…blood.

I scowl, opening my eyes to clear the gory envisionment. It was *so* desirable it was tainting this perfectly nice shower. Not a living soul anywhere near me and all I could think about was blood. I push the fantasies away instead replacing it with how a shower used to feel, trying to trick myself into loving it like I did before. It kind of worked, but not really.

I let my mind wander to things other than blood while the steady flow of water beat down on my head. As unlucky as I was, I was seemingly fortunate to have two people looking out for me, in their own way. The whys still bothered me, though. Juniper had been extremely hospitable although not so easy about giving information, did she have something to gain from this?

I put my arms out leaning against the shower wall as the trickle continuously flowed over.

I thought back to Sam's explanation about a maker. Did Juniper make me or was it someone else? And the strengths and weaknesses, what kind of power or shortcomings was I now stuck with?

I stare down at the palm of my hand like it possessed some kind of magic power as water ran through my fingers. Were my hunches being enhanced to premonitions a part of that change? I had a strange suspicion that was the case.