The Hand of Crimson

Chapter 8: Confessional

By the time Jennifer answered the door, I’d got my breath back and I was thinking about what I was going to say. I still wasn’t really sure why I was there, but I knew I couldn’t do this alone and she was the best bet on someone who could help me.

She opened the door, seemingly expecting me. “Come on in. You can tell me what’s going on when we get to my room.”
“Is your mom home?” I asked, walking through the doorway, glad that she didn’t seem too annoyed that I’d just showed up on her doorstep.
“No, she won’t be back for a few hours yet.”
“Oh, thank fuck. I didn’t want anyone to be here for this.” I muttered mostly to myself as I walked up to her room.

Sitting down on her bed, I fiddled with my necklace nervously. Jen came and sat next to me, smirking at me. “Okay, dish. What’s going on?”
“I… I don’t know.”
“Well, that’s a lie. Come on, Needy. You can tell me what’s going on with you. I’m here for you, just let me know.” I just stared at her for a moment. My breath caught in my throat as I realized how serious she was. I saw the sincerity and concern swirling in the churning ocean of her eyes.
“Alright…” I swallowed. “But this is gonna sound weird.”
“I can do weird. But before you start, my mom’s got a stash of chocolate and beer downstairs. I’ll get us some.” Before I could say anything, she vanished in a flash. I realized I hadn’t eaten anything since last night, but for some reason, I wasn’t hungry. I shrugged, guessing I should probably try and eat something.

It was only a few seconds before Jen came back with an armful of candy and two beers in her hands. I took one gratefully, but as soon as I had my first sip, I felt a wave of nausea roll through me. I tried to take a bite of candy to quell it, but that only made it worse. As soon as Jennifer had sat back down next to me, I turned my head and retched. A strange, sticky substance flung itself from my throat. It was black and thick like tar, but when I opened my eyes again, the sticky mess in front of me fizzled like it was doing a Mexican wave.

I lifted my head, feeling better now. I looked over at Jen. Her eyes were wide and her mouth hung open in disbelief. “I… I guess the beer must be bad or something.” She muttered, confused. It was only then that I remembered what I’d read in those library books.
“Jen… Its not the beer… Its me…” I murmured gently. After this, I didn’t have a choice. I had to tell her. For her sake as much as my own. I couldn’t let her think she was delusional or that nothing was going on. She’d get suspicious anyway. I just hoped against hope that she’d understand.
“You- You’re sick?” She looked up at me, nothing but concern swirling in her eyes.
“No. I’m not sick. I’m just going through some changes right now. I’ve figured it out now. I know what’s happening, but as I said, its weird.” She bit her lip, taking my hand in hers as she put her beer down.
“What is it?”

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for her reaction. “You remember last night. There were those guys from the band. They took me off in their van. Well, they took my up to the waterfall and… I think they tried to sacrifice me… they thought I was a virgin, but I’m not. Something went wrong and… I think I’m possessed. I looked it up this evening. I think I’m possessed by a succubus. I’ve got all this energy and look prettier and my vision’s better and I’m just better. But that’s all because I fed on someone. I took their life force and channeled it into myself. Oh, I know it sounds crazy, but its true. Please believe me.” I couldn’t stop myself. When I’d started, I just couldn’t stop myself. The words flowed out of my mouth before I knew what I was saying. It was like they had a mind of their own. I just hoped and prayed that she would be okay with it. But she didn’t say anything. She just stared at me with fear and concern, her skin as white as a sheet. Her hand gripped mine tighter and tighter as she processed my words. “Please say something, Jennifer. Please…” I whispered, tears stabbing at my eyes with their salty spears.
“Oh my God…” She muttered after a long while. It was barely a whisper, but I waited for more with bated breath. “So… you did come here last night…” She muttered to herself.
“Yes, I did. I’m sorry. I just can’t let anyone else know about this.”
“Or maybe you’re crazy… Maybe I’m crazy… I must’ve taken some bad pills again. The blue ones always make me hallucinate.”
“I’m not a hallucination.”
“What are you then? Wait… I know what you are… You’re a mushroom.” She let go of my hand, giggling a little. I couldn’t stand to see her like this. Maybe I shouldn’t have come round straight after she’d been to a party. I took her by the shoulders, my grip tight as I shook her a little to try and get her to listen.
“Jennifer, I’m not a hallucination. I’m not the result of a bad pill or bad beer. And I’m most certainly not a mushroom. I’m you’re best friend. I’m fucking terrified. And I’m asking for your help.”