Club Hopping-Chapter 6

" To Heaven and beyond..I wonder what that feels like? " I exhaled a
huge sigh. " I've never had enough courage or strength to paddle
upstream in the current of life."

" That kind of talk will get you nowhere fast! Use your God-given
talents and begin acting like Desiree', so there'll be no questions
asked. " Sher was stern in her admonition to me.

" Why should I pretend to be Desiree'? "

That tiny voice answered the question. " My life isn't for the faint of
heart or those who've lost their natural instincts..everyone's supposed
to think that you're me! "

" Because she's already made her presence known and if others don't
believe the part you play, you'll be in grave danger! "

" Danger's my middle name..I like the thrill of victory, but certainly
hate the
agony of defeat! " The words were faint but clear.

" Sher, it's doubtful I can fool anyone. " My head pounded and throbbed
with raw insecurity.

" You're already more like me than you're willing to admit..tell the
truth! " Pure unadulterated lies inched a wee bit closer to my
soul!

" Clutch the skittering ghosts that invade your nightmares on a pitch
black night. " Sher barely whispered, as if talking in her normal voice
would let Desiree' surface, then take complete control.

" That'll do the trick as I slowly invade every inch of your being! " A
chilling picture of Desiree' formed in my mind..goosebumps covered my
arms and I shivered.

Sher wrapped her arms around me in a big bearhug. " The love that you
and Marcus have for each other will conquer all your fears and
apprehensions. " She kissed me on the cheek and glanced at her
wristwatch. " Marcus will be here at sundown, so rest until then. "
Sher left, closing the door softly behind her.

Shadows of agitating laughter drifted from the ceiling..I fidgited with
the featherpillow, but found no soothing comfort in its embrace. I
ventured into Desiree's bathroom and splashed some cool water on my
face, hoping to feel renewed in spirit. Her vanity was lined with
lotions and ointments galore.. sinful scents with names like Crimson,
Red Door, Devil's Delite, and a huge bottle of Deadly Desire, each one
screaming, " Try me first! "

A sharp rap on the door startled me.." Where are you, Countess
Desiree'? "

" In the bathroom, Valera. "

" I've brought you a glass of ginger tea to calm your nerves. "
I drank it down in two seconds flat..she refilled it from a silver
pitcher and this time around I savored its cool sweet taste. " It won't
be long until the Jimson weed takes effect, Countess." Valera's lips
dripped with venom in the bright flourescent lights. I didn't dare ask
about effects as she thought I was Desiree'. " I'll draw you a warm
bath, to be followed by the rites for
your cleansing ritual. "

The warm bath sounded perfect, but I didn't know a thing about rituals
or their rites.." Or even their wrongs! " Desiree's voice was an itch I
couldn't reach or scratch! I wanted to relax..and feel..and be.
" Just me and you, and you and me, tea for two and two for tea! "
Desiree' was an uninvited guest, invading my territory.

Valera poured lemon and lime bathsalts into the water, then darkened
the room..she lit candles of greenish yellow, dark blue, and last of
all purest black.

Desiree' explained, " Lemon and lime will cleanse you for the ritual
purification. " The candles sent flickering light into the windows of
my soul. " Greenish-yellow evokes jealousy, anger, and discord..dark
blue promotes depression and changeability and the purest black allows
evil, negativity, and confusion to reign supreme in your heart of
hearts. "

I slid back in the silky liquid and took my ease, shutting my eyes for
a few minutes. My thoughts moved effortlessly..Desiree' gave me a
horrific vision of what transpired between her and the previous owner
of my condo. She was talking and laughing with him, then she kissed him
full on the lips. When they parted, he turned around on his way to the
kitchen and Desiree' blindsided him, sinking her razor sharp fangs into
his neck, her fingers squeezing tighter and tighter, never letting go
until he was drained of all his blood! He, the corpse in red..she, the
vampire in red! " Another day, another victim..an eternity of all my
wants and desires satisfied! " Desiree's demonic screams reverberated
in every cell of my mind's movie screen!

Valera didn't take any notice of my body shakes as she helped me out of
the tub. " Now you must sit within the Sacred Circle which is
encompassed inside the five starred Pentagram. Remember the words,
Desiree'..let the 'Other World Incantation' take hold of your spirit.
"

I sat within the confines of the Circle, a naked virgin to be
sacrificed to the Great Goddess. I was surrounded by white and black
candles suffused with the scent of nutmeg and mace to enhance the
Jimson Weed effects. I breathed the spicy air and the words of the
Ritual Recitation, the Verbal Spell spiraled forth from my lips..

Come to me oh Goddess of the Night
The One who becomes Two
The Epitome of Evil
Cloaked in the Appearance of Innocence
You come in the darkness of night
The darkest night of the Soul
To serve those who pay you homage
To bring ruin to those
Who have no knowledge of you
O Great Goddess Kermes Twa
I ask humbly of you
Come bring your Evil into my Soul
Come bring your Blood into my Heart
Let pure innocence be a cloak about me
So that none will see who I am
Until it is too late to turn back
Until they are doomed for destruction
A Sacrifice for you
My Sacrifice for you
My Goddess of the Night
Great Goddess Kermes Twa

The words were a chanted loop..Desiree's voice was faint at first, then
rose sharply in volume. " We've been truly blessed, Nancy. The Great
Goddess herself has listened to our incantation and has granted the
wish in our Hearts to be the One who becomes Two. Your innocence will
shine on the outside while I'll wear her evil in my soul, her blood in
my heart. We'll feast together and you'll be privy to the partaking of
all fleshly pleasures, living for eternity, serving Kermes Twa, who
reigns as The Goddess Supreme. " Desiree' shouted triumphantly. " This
way we'll both have Marcus forever! "

I couldn't very well refuse the offer that Desiree' made..with my will
power in a weakened state, I had no illusions left. I felt at ease as I
rode the upclose and personal crystal crest with Desiree' and Kermes
Twa, blending into signaled radio waves fading in and out of my
reception area. I had all the time in the world to say and do as I
pleased with no repercussions. Desiree's deviant laugh was a high
piercing banshee screech, as she coordinated our thoughts. " Now that
we occupy the same body and spirit, we'll go out tonight and gorge on
innocent blood, your first taste of the sweetest nectar on earth. " Her
crimson fangs glistened eerily. " Once you drink the life force of
another, you'll start to change..
we'll use your voice to speak, your ears to hear, and your body to
feel. " Desiree's blood was an ice flow, but her words warmed my heart.
" Valera knows what we'll wear this evening so no man will be able to
resist our alluring beauty. "

Valera showed me the dress Desiree' had chosen..
it was crimson with swirls of pale ivory, black, and metallic gold. The
bodice was tight, form fitted with a low-cut heart-shaped neckline,
while the skirt shimmered in billowy waves to my knees.
" Countess Desiree'. " Valera handed me a white linen jewelry box.
Inside were square-cut earrings made of the blackest onyx, two ivory
and gold hearts intertwined in their centers. The heart-shaped onyx
ring was initialed with rubies shaped in the letter 'D'. The necklace
was one of a kind, a delicate 24 carat gold serpentine chain supporting
an heirloom black opal attached by carved ivory fittings. The opal
became transparent as I held it to the light and a tiny ruby suspended
in the middle brought tears of joy to my eyes. Valera helped me into
Desiree's dress, then walked behind me and put the earrings in place,
while I slipped the ring on the middle finger of my left hand. " Now
for the finishing touch. " Valera fastened the necklace and spoke in
tones of love. " You're beautiful, Countess Desiree'. "

" Nancy, your first taste of innocent blood will bring on feelings of a
sexual nature and the onyx is worn to still those kind of desires. "
Desiree' was the Teacher, and I, her student. " You must promise that
our body will remain pure for Marcus as he is the only man who is
allowed to satisfy us in that way. "

I wanted to be intimate with Marcus, so my memories would be fresh, not
a second hand version. " When can we be with Marcus, Desiree'?
I love him. "

" Nancy, for a fact you remind me of me. " Desiree' understood my
feelings, but her thoughts were focused on our upcoming victim of the
night and the altercations which would occur in our physical structure.
" After we've gorged, each of our blood cells will carry full strength
sensations coursing through our body. Upon our return to the castle,
Marcus will satisfy those desires for us. " How I longed for that
moment! " His body blending with yours will be like nothing you've ever
experienced before, exploding into a million differing wants and needs
in a vast array of red shadings and nuances. " Red, the life-giving
color that held priority above all others.
" Nancy..pay attention to what I say! Rest assured that Marcus will
gladly fulfill your every fantasy with no questions asked, because
that's been his single minded vision from the beginning. " She laughed.
" Marcus thought he could fool me, but the Great Goddess always kept me
informed of his every action and intention. " She startled me with her
next words. " I even knew of his aim to marry you on Valentine's Day! "
She enjoyed sharing her secrets with me. " We'll both be married to
Marcus and he'll be none the wiser. " Desiree' crossed our heart. " My
promise to Kermes Twa is that I'll never hurt you, Nancy. Not now, not
ever. "

Kermes Twa came to us. " I'm the Great Goddess..Two in heart, spirit,
and body. Listen and obey my words of wisdom. For the next twelve days
you may only drink the blood of an uncorrupted person so Marcus won't
be able to detect my presence in you. After he's stopped his need to
feed on you, you'll be free to pick pure or fallen for their life
force. " She left an indelible impression on my heart.

Desiree' added to what Kermes Twa spoke of. " An innocent's blood
always intensifies your sexual desires, while evil blood always
intensifies your hunger for more blood. " She smacked our lips
together. " Either way is good to the last drop! "

I sighed, as tears formed in my eyes. " But Desiree', Marcus will
eventually know what I am when my days are spent in sleeping, and my
nights awake. He won't have anything to do with me and I can't bear
that thought. "

" I wouldn't worry, Nancy..Kermes Twa won't let him suspect what we're
evolving into. We're a perfect match..your innocence will shine
brighter than the noonday sun and her evil won't taint you until it's
too late for Marcus to resist the deep and abiding love he has for you.
You and I, along with Kermes Twa, will rule the World. " Desiree'
dismissed any other subjects dealing with a serious nature. " Valera
will fix your make-up. "

" Yes, Countess. Your skin is flawless, but I'll apply Black Haze
eyeliner and Thunder and Lightning eyeshadow and use Rare Ruby for your
lips and nails. " When she finished she handed me crimson sling back
high heels with closed toes.

I spritzed Desiree's Deadly Desire perfume on my wrists and neck. " The
perfect scent to draw our victim to us tonight, " she said in my
mind.
" Valera, summon Gustav for us. We'll make our way down the servant's
staircase so Marcus won't observe us leaving. "

When Gustav saw us he doffed his cap. " Where did you wish to go this
evening, Countess? "

Desiree's words came tumbling out of my mouth. " A place to meet new
friends and dance the night away! "

CeCe had entered the hallway. " I know the perfect places for you to
go, Countess Desiree'. " A current of excitement rippled in her voice.
" The first hot spot to try is Blast From The Past..it's very upscale
and stylish. Their music is classic rock from the 50's, 60's, and 70's.
" She frowned in concentration. " The only bad thing is you can't leave
there unnoticed. " Her face brightened considerably. " Your best bet is
Precious Metals..they have a live band playing hard rock and heavy
metal. The crowds are noisy and wild, and you can leave with whoever
you want, without anybody batting an eyelash. "

" All right, Gustav, I'm ready. Valera, CeCe..if Marcus has any
questions as to my whereabouts, you know what to tell him! " Desiree's
words rolled off my tongue with ease.

Gustav roared down the driveway at an astronomical speed into the dark
woods, the headlights glinting off the graveled, winding mountain
road.
" Gustav, put some music on for us..classical, of course. " Even though
the classics weren't my cup of tea, a part of my mind that had lain
dormant for ages drifted back to the last spectacular ball I had
attended with Marcus.
' Canzon 15 ', by G. Gabrieli, ' Concertina For Clarinet And Bassoon ',
by Franz Danzi, and ' Valse Romantique ', by Claude DeBussy brought
forth visions of enchanting ladies dressed in festive ballgowns,
bedecked with diamonds, pearls, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires,
flashing their gold and silver. Silken hair worn up with curls
cascading down their necks, their perfumes fresh in my memory..rose,
lavender, jasmine, and gardenia. The ballroom was alive with men and
women dancing, whirling and waltzing, smiling and laughing. Not wanting
to be part of this present moment, but dressed in my Barley Gold
ballgown..blazing emotions and feelings crowded my soul and I knew
exactly who I was and what I wanted in my life. My thoughts were rudely
interupted and I was forced to fade into the background once
again.

" Nancy, I didn't know you went in for that type of music..how quaint!
" Desiree' babbled on, leaving me confused because I thought she was
the one who wanted to listen to the classics. The bright lights of the
city made it seem as if daylight had returned in full force..we passed
restaurants, movie houses, various stores, and shopping malls. "
Gustav, we girls just want to have fun before we get down to the
business at hand, that is! "

" Yes, Countess Desiree', but who's with you? " Gustav was
concerned.

" Gustav, I'll tell you, but I don't want Count Marcus to be privy to
this information. " Desiree' explained everything.
" Nancy and I are in perfect harmony with her body. We want to get our
blood flowing fast and free, letting our temperature rise to the
boiling point, making the life force taste even sweeter. Gustav, you'll
accompany us and if there's trouble of any kind, you'll handle it, "
she said in no uncertain terms.

Gustav pulled up in front of a sign shaped like a '65 Thunderbird
Convertable, its garish neon colors blinking off and on proclaiming
Blast From The Past. He handed his keys to the waiting valet attendant
and we walked into the club together. Gustav sat at the bar and a
waiter seated us at a small round table, lit by a flourescent orange
lava lamp. The atmosphere was noisy, filled with lively people out on
the town, having a good time. The disc jockey played tunes that were
foreign to me, but familiar to Nancy's ears. Groups named Styx, Tommy
Rowe, Herman's Hermits, Santana, Three Dog Night, Sugar Loaf, and The
Guess Who...
" I can relate to that name. " Nancy heard me and we laughed aloud in
unison.

I jumped when a hand came down to rest on my shoulder.
" Do you want to dance? " The man attached to the question had short
brown hair and dark brown eyes. He wore a short-sleeved red shirt,
black Docker pants, and a black tie with red stripes. He seemed to know
us, pulling us close in a bear hug. " Nancy, it's so nice to see you.
We've missed you at the office. " He smiled warmly. " I thought you
were going to the beach for your holiday. " He looked us up and down,
then nodded his head.
" Yes, you do look marvelous in that dress, but then you always look
beautiful no matter what! "

Desiree' flew the coop, leaving me in charge for a while. " Mark,
you're a wonderful friend and I thank you for the compliment. Have a
seat and we can talk. " He sat close to me. " I've been visiting Count
Marcus at his sister's home on top of Red Ridge Mountain. "

His eyes sparkled with merriment. Desiree' said, " Mark has secrets
that he wants to share with you, Nancy. " Her next words were quiet as
a whispering ghost. " But not just yet! " She prodded me with her
spirit. " Dance with him, Nancy! It's way too early to think of an
undisclosed confidence..this girl just wants to have fun! "

" Mark, I'd love to dance with you. It's my vacation and my only plans
are to do whatever pleases me most! " The dj played songs appropriate
to our situation, giving me access to the dark side of my soul, where
Desiree' lived and assumed control.
' American Woman ', by The Guess Who..' Black Magic Woman ', by
Santana..' Evil Woman ', by Electric Light Orchestra. We danced with
Mark, free and easy as time slowly drifted away. Desiree' and I were
two against the world, no longer harboring feelings of being lonely or
afraid of life. Finally out of breath, Mark and I sat down. He put his
finger in the air, catching the waitress's attention. " I'll have a
straight scotch whiskey, and if I remember correctly, the lady will
have a Ruby Fizz. "

" You've never forgotten, Mark. " The last two songs that Desiree' and
I heard were eerily prophetic. ' Taking Care Of Business ', by Bachman
Turner Overdrive and ' Dust In The Wind ', by Kansas. I laughed
uncontrollably in silence. We'd be taking care of business, all
right..a responsibility that would leave a poor soul blowing like dust
in the wind! Desiree' interrupted my train of thought.

" My Dear Nancy, I'm in complete agreement..the enjoyable pleasure
which comes from drinking innocent blood will leave you with exciting
memories to pass down to your children and grandchildren..that's if you
want to have them! Kermes Twa says it's time for us to find the ONE
who'll be our sacrifice to her. " She tapped our foot in annoyance,
ready to move ahead into greener pastures!

" Mark, I need a change of pace..Gustav's going to drive me to a club
called Precious Metals. Want to tag along? "

" Nancy, a lot of riff-raff and biker gangs frequent that bar, so I'll
keep you company. " Mark wasn't too pleased.

Desiree' whispered, " Having a male companion along might not be
conducive to finding the sacrifice. " She thought for a few minutes. "
Gustav can slip him a mickey, then you'll drive him home..Mark won't
remember a thing! "

I knew full well what Desiree' was capable of when she set her mind to
it.
" Your idea is perfect! " An unquenchable fire raced through my
pounding veins as I thought about feeding..picturing innocent red
liquid mixing and intermingling with my own life force. " Desiree', I
want, I need.."

" As time passes, Desire runs rampant, much like weeds that overgrow
and spread in an untended garden. "

Mark and I climbed into the Mercedes..Gustav pulled away from the curb
and roared down the street. The cityscape gave way to the warehouse
district on the outskirts of town that fronted the Redrose River. The
area was in total darkness except for the lighted marquee boldly
proclaiming The Hottest Show In Town..The Brain Jumpers!!!! Live
tonight. Starting At Midnight and Ending.....

Many people milled outside the club, waiting for the band to start.
Mark and I got out of the car to sounds of loud talk and riotous
laughter. Cat calls wafted in our direction and an unidentified voice
yelled, " Hey, Hot Mama, get rid of that Preppy you're with and come
party hardy with us! We know how to show a Lady a good time! " There
were hoots and hollers when I gave the the scruffy group a longing
stare. The fire inside my arteries thickened into molten lava as their
hot liquid of life called my name. " Come drink your fill of us, Nancy.
We can calm and comfort you. "

I stepped towards them and Desiree' shouted, " STOP WHERE
YOU ARE! " I froze on the cracked concrete and her voice trailed
off.
" Nancy, slow down..this isn't a ritual that can be rushed. The Great
Goddess will point out our perspective blood donor! He must be pure and
undefiled..a virgin in all aspects of his life. None of these
gentlemen fit the bill! "

Mark grabbed my arm and pulled me to the door. " Those jerks are
nothing but punks..you sure you want to stay? "

Gustav joined us. " Of course I want to stay, Mark. Friends have told
me that the Brain Jumpers give a fantastic performance. Besides, I
trust Gustav." I laid my hand on his arm. " He'll take care of any
problematic persons who might want to spoil our fun! "

The club walls were different metal illusions, but gave the effect of
reality. Bright gold, shiny silver, burnished copper, and polished to a
sheen brass glowed, even though the lighting was minimal. A waitress
dressed in gold lame' short shorts and halter top led us to a square
bronze table with matching chairs. She shouted at the top of her lungs
in order to be heard above the noisy music and din of the crowd. " Our
house specialty's the PMS! Precious Metal Stinger..it's made with
yellow chartreuse, gold rum, zubravka, golden gin, pineapple juice, and
apricot brandy. Popular and potent! "

" That sounds good to me, " I yelled. Mark raised two fingers.

The music was hard and deafening and featured groups like Elvis
Costello with Brian Eno, Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, Rob Zombie, Alice
Cooper, Danzig, Meat Puppets, and Screaming Jay Hawkins. The song
titles were strange but somehow fitting.
' My Dark Life '.. ' Red Right Hand '..
' Hands Of Death ( Burn Baby Burn ) '..' Deep '..' Unexplained '..'
Frenzy. '
The clock struck midnight and the house lights dimmed, while onstage
lights were brought up to blinding brilliance. The lead singer for the
Brain Jumpers caught my eye. His pure white hair flowed to his
shoulders and his piercing blue eyes captured mine, gazing straight
into my soul.

Desiree' said, " He's the Chosen One. We'll drink of his life force
tonight as Kermes Twa decreed. " The band played their songs..' I Can
Take You To Heaven Or Send You To Hell ', ' Would You Sell Your Soul To
Me ', and ' Love Is A Killer. '

At 1am Mark went to the men's room and Gustav slipped the mickey into
his drink. The band took a break, and our victim sauntered over to the
table, speaking in a raspy smoke-filled voice.
" You're a lovely vision, and I'd certainly like to know you better. "
He lifted my hand to the warmth of his lips. " My name is Adrian,
Beautiful Lady. Would you care to join me in a drink after our next
set? "

I replied, " Yes, Adrian..I'd like that very much. "