Crave: A Tale of Sensual Metamorphosis

Killing Me Softly

I browsed a random designer store for some new clothes since I never really went shopping on my own. I felt like a lost puppy as I sifted through the racks of dresses and skirts. Even though I had more than enough to afford anything in here I still felt clueless. “Are you lost?” A sultry voice said to me. I turned to see an intimidating woman standing behind me. “Excuse me?” I asked confused. “The clearance section is over there. But judging by your outfit your probably better off at the discount mall.” She looked me up and down. I felt insecure as I fixed my ‘supposedly outdated’ clothes. “I’m good thanks.” I turned my back to her. As I picked out a dress I liked she snatched it from my hand rudely. “Sorry, this is our last dress in stock and it’s being reserved.” She smiled condescendingly. “Reserved for who?” I crossed my arm. “Some one who can afford it.” She tilted her head with a smirk. I let out a deep breath stepping to her. She wasn’t moved as I thought of something snarky to say. Soon, Matthew grabbed my arm before I could fully confront her. “Kelly?” He said with a surprised smile. I looked flustered as they hugged and greeted one another as if I wasn’t standing right there. I stepped back and they began a deep conversation. After what felt like minutes Matthew then snapped out of it turning to me. “Oh uh. Lily, this is Kelly, we knew each other back in high school.” He scratched the back of his head nervously. She then stepped in front of him holding out her hand in a fake manner. “I’m ‘actually’ his ex s***h first love.” She bragged and I felt like I had been kicked in the chest. There was a long pause and she lowered her hand turning back to him. “It was nice seeing you again Matthew. We should hang out sometime.” She pinched his cheek walking away.

“How was I supposed to know she lived here!?” He pleaded as he closed the door to our apartment. “Well you didn’t have to let her rub it in my face like that.” I tried my best to keep my composure, though I’m sure I was shouting too. He then pulled me to him sternly. “Look if she said anything rude to you she’s just jealous is all.” He dismissed. “She didn’t even know who I was before you showed up. You practically acted like I wasn’t ‘anyone’ either. ” I turned from him. He immediately pulled me back, “After everything we’ve been through this year, you really think I’d throw it way for some random ex?” His voice strained. I said nothing as we stared each other down. He could tell I didn’t fully believe him and let me go storming off into another room. That was the moment where I finally broke down making sure to be quiet so he couldn’t here me.

‘Why am I acting like this? Is this jealousy? Or does he really still love her? God, I’m probably just over thinking things.’

An hour or so went by and I finally came around knocking on our room door. He didn’t answer so I knocked louder. There was some rustling but before I could open it myself he quickly answered. I sheepishly watched him stuff his phone in his pocket as if he was just having a conversation. “I wanted to—” he cut me off, “Yeah I wanted to say sorry as well.” He rubbed my shoulder sincerely. I leaned in for a kiss but a ring at the doorbell stopped me. Matthew then quickly walked to the door answering it. A delivery man handed him a package who he then thanked. He turned to me with a closed smile, “I got this for you last minute.” He held it out. I hesitantly took it opening the large box. In it was a vintage looking dress with black mesh gloves. “It’s beautiful!” I held it up in awe. He held me from behind kissing my neck, “I promise you’re the only one in my life deserving of such things.” He whispered.

I shimmied in the dress as we walked to what looked like a pretty fancy party. “Are you sure this is okay. We don’t know anyone here.” I held him close. “I use to come here all the time on vacations. Just act like you’re rich and important and they won’t question anything.” He shrugged. As we entered, fake smiles greeted us. Almost everyone was holding a fancy drink matched with their fancy clothes. An ominous yet joyful piano played and a lady took Matthew’s coat immediately. “See?” He whispered. There was a group of women gossiping and perusing the other guests. “Why don’t you go say hi?” He nudged me. I slightly retreated but he encouraged me. I then got the courage to go talk to them and fixed my dress nervously. As I walked up to them, I couldn’t tell if they were judging me, admiring me, or both. “Hi I’m Li- Lilianna.” I held my hand out elegantly. They looked at each other then one of them stepped up shaking my hand. “Nice to meet you. I’m Patricia.” She had a foreign accent I didn’t really understand. She was very tall and blonde which made me a little insecure but somehow attracted. I felt at ease now that they welcomed me. A waiter then tapped my shoulder offering a drink. I took it not wanting to look like a non-acclimated to this lifestyle. I then turned back to her and noticed a very large ring on her finger. They all were draped in fine jewelry that must have cost a fortune. “You here by yourself?” She asked guiding me to here friends. “No I’m here with my boy… husband.” I held me empty ring finger behind my back. They all then let out cutesy laughs. I looked confused. “Oh darling you’re so young! I don’t think I’ll get married until I’m 50!” She chuckled. “Oh you guys aren’t married. I just thought judging by you’re-”

“Oh these are just things rich guys buy us. I just wear it on this hand cause it turns them on thinking I’m already taken.” She pointed to a group of men looking at us seductively. “Oh my. It must be a hassle dealing with that many men.” I pushed my curled hair behind my ear. “Oh I’m sure you have men killing over you.” She joked, though it wasn’t a joke to me. She then reached into her purse pulling out a note. “I like you. If you ever want to get drinks one on one. Call me.” She slipped it into between my dress and I froze in shock. They then scurried off to the group of men without me. I blushed at the thought of already making a friend on my own. But that feeling soon died. “Husband? How cute.” That damned voice rang out. I made sure to think of something smart to say as I turned to her. “I see you’re stalking us now…” my voice faded as I saw she was wearing the dress I had picked out. She came up to me while staring my dress. “Nice to see he took my advice.” She tried reaching for my sleeve but I pulled away. “Advice?” I stepped to her. “Oh he didn’t tell you? I called him; thank god he still had my number save. Anyway, after consideration I felt bad about how we met so I same day delivered that cheap knock off to your house as a house warming gift.” Her voice boiled my blood almost literally. I ended up putting two and two together and felt sick that Matthew flat out lied to me like that. I didn’t say anything to her as I walked off throwing my still full drink into the trash. “You’re quite the little fire cracker. I can see why he likes you” Her words stung as she followed behind me. I don’t know why, but since being on this earth I never felt more hate and anger in my body than hearing her speak. “Why don’t you just leave me alone?” I pretended to fix my hair in a fancy mirror. “I’m just sizing up my competition.” She downed her drink. “It’s not much of a competition if he’s already with me.” I got closer to her. “Now why don’t you do us both a favor and just disappear.” I walked passed her bumping her shoulder. She then angrily grabbed my hair and I retaliated. “DON’T f*****g TOUCH ME!” I uncontrollably screamed causing her drink to break on the ground. At this point I was seething trying to hold her off. I then looked down to see my hand began turning black and I pulled away as my nails began growing through the gloves. “Oh you’re really don’t wanna piss me off.” She hissed. I breathed heavily as she was grabbed me. “You wanna know the difference between you and me?” I c****d my head, “I’m not the one hoping for sloppy seconds from a man that couldn’t even stay with you past a shitty prom fling. Or that botched boob job.” It was almost like I could see right into her mind and new everything single last one of her thoughts and memories. She finally cracked stepping back. I quickly yanked my hand away feeling good about myself. But in a matter of seconds, she had a massive cut on her arm and I panicked realizing what I’d done. We both fell to the ground covered in blood in some her blood. Soon my hand went back to normal as the other guests heard the commotion. “Why the f**k did you cut me?!” She shouted as people rushed in. Of course by the time Matthew found us she was already putting on a show for everyone. He ran right pass me immediately going to her side as her arm bled more. He then looked to me with a sigh knowing I knew what she did, “Just go wait by the car Lily.” He shamefully shook his head helping her up. I coward and ran off as people gathered around them. Patricia tried to stop me but I instinctively pushed her away. Once I made it outside I collapsed to the ground in what felt like a panic attack or worse. I began hyperventilating while grasping as my chest desperately ripping my dress. ‘Make it stop’ I begged to myself as each breath I took felt like pins and needles. I then looked down to see her blood all over me in some strange pattern; that’s when I saw my body was now absorbing it. Flashes of Kelly raced through my head. I saw visions of her screaming until she was laying dead in some alley I’d never seen. I was now screaming myself but no one came to help nor could they hear me. I was alone. I looked back to the party to see Matthew wrapping her arm up as they smiled to each other. That only made the pain worse. I was hunched over writhing as tears ran down my face. I could hear a faint voice speaking to me but couldn’t really make it out. The voice then grew louder. ‘It’s okay, Lily. Don’t fight it.” It said. I then laid there motionless and it slowly went away. I was finally free from the pain and sat up relieved. I stared at the quiet night sky as my tears dried. “Why is this happening to me? Why me?” My cracked voice whispered. I then heard Matthew come outside calling for me, so I quickly got up hiding behind the wall. I peered around the corner to see him looking for me. Kelly then followed after him. As she tried her hardest to get him to stay, she did exactly what I feared. She aggressively grabbed his face kissing him as a last ditch effort to win him over. I turned away not wanting more pain to overtake me. I then limped home too ashamed and angry to face him, and I especially didn’t want him knowing what had just happen or what I saw.

After crying for the millionth time I gathered myself in the bathroom mirror no longer wanting to feel helpless. I stared at my dress on the floor and snatched it up dumping it in the trash. I looked down at my necklace, and tore it off putting it in a drawer. ‘You don’t need protection. You’re not weak. You’re capable of handling yourself with or without him. And regardless of if he loves you or not; You are strong.’ I then noticed my hair began to change right in front of my eyes. It transformed from its dark color to a platinum blonde in the matter of seconds. I was shocked but somewhat impressed by how nice it looked. I didn’t pay it too much mind as this wasn’t the worse thing to happen to me compared to earlier. I wiped my face. As I went to open the door I could see Matthew’s shadow from the bottom and knew he heard me talking to myself. “f**k…” I whispered under my breath touching my hair.

MATTHEW POV

I pushed Kelly away from me wiping my mouth. “What’s the matter with you?” I look at her in disbelief. “Oh come on. I knew you wanted to kiss me the moment you saw me.” She smirked. I shook my head, “That’s not what this is.” She grew angry at my response. “You really do love her. But not more than me, right?” She tried grabbing my face and I moved away. She then grew stoic. “I guess so…” she held her arm. “Look, I don’t want this to be worse than it already is. Just…go home. Talking to you was a mistake.” I waved her away. I knew she was hurt, but I truly did cared more about Lily than her. Her eyes welted up and she bit her lip in a smile. “She really is lucky to have you then. Cause I know you wouldn’t do that if it was me.” She turned away in tears. I sighed taking my keys out my pocket assuming Lily ran home.

I made my way back to the apartment going over everything in my head. “I shouldn’t have gave her that dress. s**t, I shouldn’t have even brought her all the way here. This was so stupid.” I cursed myself. I noticed the door was open and cautiously entered not even knowing if Lily was even still here. Her stuff was scattered and I was relived but heartbroken as I could here her crying in the bathroom. I approached the door but before I could knock I could here her talking.

“You don’t need protection. You’re not weak. You’re capable of handling yourself with or without him. Regardless of if he loves you or not. You are strong.”

I was broken hearing her say that to herself. I didn’t think she would be this hurt, but I honestly should have known better. Eventually she turned the shower on and I didn’t want to bother her.

LILY POV

I sat on the shower floor shaking at the thought of what all happened. The vision of Kelly still ran through my mind. I know I hated her, but I couldn’t live with myself if something happened to her and it was my fault. I looked at my hand that was stained with her blood under my nails. I took a brushed scrubbing them as I whimpered. I then glanced to the bathroom floor and saw the note Patricia gave me. I leaned over the shower picking it up. The hand writing was familiar. Her number was written with a little heart next to it and a ‘P’. I made sure to save it hoping she still wanted to be friends. I eventually got out the shower and I wrapped myself in a towel. I put her number next to the my necklace in the drawer making sure to remember it. I finally left the bathroom and the cold air made me shiver. It was well past midnight and I knew Matthew wouldn’t sleep until I talked to him. I sucked my emotions up and opened our room door. He quickly sat up on the bed looking more embarrassed than me. I sat next to him and immediately fell into his arms. “I know what happened wasn’t your fault. I should have stayed with you.” His voice was sorrowful. “I don’t want you feeling like you can’t come rely on me.” I could tell he was getting choked up. “It’s you I worry about.” I looked up to him. “I already have to deal with people trying to take you from me. I just didn’t want to let some…I just want to make sure I have you all to myself.” I ran my hand through his hair. We quickly made up kissing. I then laid him down straddling him as I removed my towel. “Did you change you hair?” He noticed my now blonde strands. “Well what’s a small change with all this big things happening right now.” I have a smile while also hinting below his waist. I leaned over kissed all over his neck and chest to his acceptance. He rolled me over getting on top. We began making love and I forgot about every worry and and complaint I had.

DAYS LATER

“You’re all set miss.” The sales lady smiled as she handed me a brand new phone. I thanked her then immediately left dialing Patricia’s number. I anxiously waited for her to pick up. Soon she answered but before I could announce myself, “Lily! I’m so happy you finally called.” She said excitingly. “How’d you know it was me?” I suspiciously questioned. “Oh I just had a feeling is all. How are you?” I could tell she was walking somewhere. We talked for several minutes and I agreed to meet her at a fancy restaurant down the street.

We sat down as a waiter served us water. “So tell me all about you and your man.” She leaned in excitingly. I blushed again not knowing where to start. “Well he’s very nice and caring…” “Boriiinng. I wanna know the ‘good stuff’” she placed her hand on mine with a concentrated look. “I mean, he buys everything for me. I don’t think he ever really complains outside of maybe my jealousy. I can’t really help it you know.” My eyes gravitated to her ring as she rubbed my hand. “I assume that ‘girl’ has something to do with that jealousy.” She gossiped. “Yeah I guess she hates that we’re together and won’t leave me alone because of it. Plus she’s all rich and pretty.” I side eyed. “Rich? She works part time at a department store. That’s hardly rich. She probably sucked some guy off to get into that party.” She scoffed. “You know her?” I leaned in. “She’s just some wannabe that never got the memo that she doesn’t fit in. She sure plays the b***h well.” Hearing her describe made me now feel more bad then angry. “Wow. I didn’t know that.” I rethought to myself. She then changed The subject. “Well you don’t have to worry. Cause I know he really loves you. I can tell.” She giggled. I nodded agreeing with her. “So what about you? There has to be someone you like more than the others.” I pressed her. She looked slightly sad, “There was one guy not that long ago. But I stupidly let him go. I wish I hadn’t.” She moved her ring with her thumb. “Did he give you that?” I tried touching it but she pulled away. “Not necessarily. Well, I wouldn’t have it if it wasn’t for him let’s just say that.” I could tell she was reminiscing. A server then came to take our order. “We’ll have two steaks rare, make ‘em bloody.You don’t mind right Lily?” She seemingly flirted with me and the server. I nervously shifted in my seat. I noticed someone in the corner of my eye but was to focused on her to see who it was. “Can I ask why you prefer to date random men. I mean don’t you ever want to settle down?” I questioned hoping not to offend her. She slightly rolled her eyes with a smile. “It’s just easier not having a man tie you down. Especially when you’ve already had your fill of ‘true’ love. Plus what’s not fun about not having to lift a finger if it isn’t to write a check? I would convince you but you seem to have a good one so I don’t wanna ruin that.” She rambled. I then noticed her staring off behind me but as I tried to turn around she stopped me. “I have to use the restroom, mind keeping this safe for me.” She took her ring off putting it on me. “I never trust the bathroom attendants when I wash my hands.” She got up scurrying off. I was surprised she trusted me with it and admired it on my hand. The band was encrusted with gems along with the massive diamond at the center. After staring at the ring for a while I noticed Patricia leaving out the back of the restaurant. I was confused as to why she didn’t go to the bathroom like she said. I didn’t want to over concern myself but much time had past and she wasn’t back. The server soon came with our food and I was now impatiently worried. I excused myself placing a few hundreds on the table to cover the bill and tip. I left the restaurant and began looking around outside. The ring then felt tight on my finger and I tried taking it off but it was stuck. I did my best not to panic as I pulled out my phone to call her. She didn’t pick up and I could hear a distinct voice amongst the people on the street. I began following it impulsively.

I was walking for well over a mile trying to find her and I couldn’t help but get upset. I was then stopped by the images of Kelly now flooding my mind again. Only this time her screams were louder. I was now speed walking down an empty block with no one around. That’s when I realized the screams were playing in my head as well as real life. I then came to an empty alley entrance and stopped when I realized what was happening. My legs felt like jelly as I slowly crept into the alley. I turned and almost fell to my knees to see Kelly laying on the ground, lifeless. Standing in front of her what Patricia holding a knife. I quickly ran to her aid but it was too late and her body was already cold. “No NO! What did you do?!” I look to Patricia who stood calm wiping off the knife. “Don’t worry. She can’t hurt you now.” She fixed herself up completely un-phased by her dead body. “Hurt me? What are you talking about?” She was stabbed right through the stomach and heart. “She had been following you since you left your home. Thankfully you called me before she could get close.” She tried helping me up but I shoved her away. “No this is wrong.” I began panicking. “Check her jacket if you don’t believe me” She crossed her arms. I shook my head but looked down to she a leather handle sticking out her pocket. I pulled it out to see it was in fact a gun wrapped in a towel. I dropped it moving away from her body in fear. “How did you?” I looked up to Patricia. “He probably sent her to kill you because he couldn’t get close to you. b***h didn’t know what she signed up for.” She spat. “He? You’re not talking about …” I stood up confronting her. “I thought I was done with Evan a long time ago. Then you showed up here and I knew he was back to his dark ways.” She unconsciously explained. “Evan? Wait you mean to tell me…” I then looked down at her ring on my finger and that’s when everything clicked. I stood back from her not sure if I could trust her anymore. She quickly put her knife away holding her hands up. “Before you jump to any conclusions let me explain Lily.” I held the wall in fear as she came closer. “Just like you, I came here not knowing what happened, who I was, or what I was.” She pulled her shirt down showing a similar marking her her neck and shoulder similar to what happen to me. “We are the same.” She softly spoke and it eventually healed. I shook my head not wanting to believe her. “Evan came after me the same as you. But Mira was able to help and protect me. I managed to get away from him for good. But not after he killed my boyfriend in the process.” I truly didn’t want to believe her. “So you knew all along? From the moment you met me?” I felt like I was gonna be sick. “Yes. I knew. But I had to be certain. That’s why I changed your appearance in hopes of her not finding you before I could confront her and look into your past.” She shamefully admitted. “Look, I’m sorry you had to go through this but if I didn’t intervene you could have been badly hurt.” She took my hand. I then shook my head but she shushed me. “No you don’t understand. She doesn’t work for him. She’s just some jealous ex of Matthew. She didn’t deserve to die like that.” I began to cry. She cursed under her breath but still disregarded what she had done. “It doesn’t matter. What matters is that she wanted to hurt you so I dealt with her. And you’re still in danger. Mira should have gave you a protection charm. Evan must have killed her before she could.” She trailed. “This can’t be happening.” I banged my head against the wall. She tried to calm me down but I was already balling. “Come to my house. I’ll keep you safe till we figure out what to do next. Just tell Matthew we’re having a girls day. It’ll be okay I promise.” She held my face lovingly. I agreed not knowing what else to do.

~~~

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