Dancing with Horns

Claire 2

The morning sun peered through my living room curtains. Joe's body had been disposed of, and my kitchen floor reeked of bleach. I hated that smell, but it was the only thing that covered the scent of blood. I still had not showered. My hair was now in knots and the blood on my skin was dry and cracking. I couldn't relax knowing there was a chance my neighbor was listening in. On a day like this, I would be dressed up to leave for work. I didn't have a job, but I wanted to give the impression I did. Today, however; I couldn't fight the courage to walk out my door. I sat on the clean floor with my knees to my chest and focused. There were no sounds coming from their apartment. Their breathing was light, so I assumed they had to be asleep.  Yet, I didn't move.

I don't know why I was so worried anyways. It's not like I couldn't just kill them, but this time was supposed to be different. That's why I waited six months. I wanted my neighbors to watch me, greet me, and give the impression I was a striking young lady. In the last city I lived in I fell into some awful habits and was nearly caught. It wasn't like me to be scared, but I was. So, I moved hundreds of miles away to this small college town. It wasn't suspicious since people moved in and out of here all the time. I would blend in easily. I just had to make sure this time the people I ate were invisible.

A phone rang. It wasn't mine. I crawled over to the wall and listened. It was a male's voice. They sounded quite irritable. They kept repeating the word "mom".  I felt a sense of relief in a way. At least it was someone young. Younger people tend to be easily manipulated, so if he had heard anything it was nothing some simple flattery couldn't resolve. This made me happy in a way. I no longer needed to worry about what some dumb kid thought he heard. If he's anything like the other young adults in this building, he's probably high or drunk half the time.  I had nothing to fear.

Knowing this put me in a better mood. I was full, beautiful, and safe.  I finally walked over to my shower and turned the knob on. The steam from the hot water covered the room. I settled for a bath instead of a shower. I wanted to relax. The water felt soothing as I sat down in the tub. The clear water quickly turned red as the blood washed off from my body. I cupped my hands and scooped some water into them. I sipped delicately tasting everything from the night before. It almost made me hungry again. I quickly threw the rest on the ground and stood up. I can't do this again. I can't make this a habit like last time. This was a sick routine the old me enjoyed. So, I drained the tub and showered instead.

My wardrobe consisted of dresses, shorts, and gowns. I preferred fewer clothes at all costs. It was late in the afternoon. There was no need for a dress, so I settled for my black shorts and a V-neck grey top. My hair was wet and brushed. I contemplated putting it up but decided not to.  I was beautiful regardless of how I wore my hair, especially after eating. Speaking of eating, the smell of chicken and something sweet tickled my nose. I walked over to my front door and peered out. A short fat man was walking up the hallway with a white sack. His grey hair was visible under his cap, and his hands were shaking. He walked slowly, almost as if he was in pain. I stepped out to greet the man. His eyes widened as I stood in front of him.

"May I? ", I pointed at the bag in his right hand.

He sighed a breath of relief and nodded his head, "You're too kind. My knees aren't what they used to be.", he pointed out.

"I don't mind", I responded. I had a soft spot for the elderly. I never understood why.

"It's for 43D", the man stated.

I gulped. That was the door next to mine. Last night flashed before my eyes, and my stomach growled. "Stop it, Claire! You're better than this. He's just some stupid boy! ", I reminded myself. I grinned at the old man assuring him that 43D was my neighbor and I would have no problem delivering his food. The older man thanked me several times before going our separate ways. The bag was very hot, and my hands were sweating. I walked over to 43D and closed my eyes. I pictured a bright, perky young girl. I needed to pretend to be her. I was curious whose breathing I heard listening in last night. I had to confirm it was a young male. I needed to make sure he wasn't a threat.

I knocked three times. He wasted no time opening the door, but when he did his face turned red. It was almost like he was embarrassed to see me. This was weird considering we had never met. He was quite tall. I almost had to tilt my head back completely to meet his eyes. He was very thin, and his hair was past his shoulders. In a way, he was very handsome. He was youthful, and yet he had very sad eyes. We spoke shortly, but the whole time I watched his body language. He was very tense but in an I-am-talking-to-a-pretty-girl way. He reached for his food, careful not to touch me. I smiled lightly and walked off once he closed his door.

My heart was pounding out of my chest. I needed some fresh air. I walked towards the elevator and stepped inside. The door slid closed, and I started to laugh. My nerves were all over the place. It was almost as if I was flustered. The elevator opened revealing the office to the apartment complex. It was vacant with one couch and a bulletin board by the front entrance. I walked over to open the door when a note with 43D written on it caught my eye.  A number was written on it alongside a message asking for help with a research project. A college student. That made a lot of sense. I stuffed the note in my pocket and walked outside. Maybe I would text him. Hell, I was bored anyway. I opened my phone and sent a quick message. I quickly deleted it. I needed to wait a few days. New Claire isn't impulsive.