The Sanguine Mistress

II

Behind the curtains, a small crew of had just finished their initial prep. The stage was set. The director of the show, was speaking to his lead, "how are you feeling Katherine", the director questions. Katherine took a gander at her costume. A long, black and slim dress, over the dress was a  blood red corset with a black trim.  The dress itself was sleeveless, so as a substitute, she was also wearing long silky fishnet gloves. Around her neck, silver necklace with a bright red pendant. And lastly her feet, red stilettos. She tilts her head. Turning her hips, getting a full view of her outfit. Immersing herself in the character. "This role is made for yours truly, this crowd shall be", she paused, just for a brief moment, drawing his attention, "mesmerized", her hand slightly lifted in front of her. Her finger spread about; pinkies curled to the base of her palm. This is her starting pose, the director quickly moves from the stage, retreating to a narrow corridor. His head peaked ever so slightly as the curtain's lifts. Spotlights flash. Her vision now upon the massive crowd.

I've given thee my heart. And what has thou done with it. I ask thee, when the heavens rain its sorrows upon my home, thou hath not come with thine embrace, nor kisses for thine head. But thou would journey away with one of thine maidens.
Doth thou thinketh me a fool, that I remain blind to thy works.
I have given thee my heart. And what has thou done with it. Night after night, uncertainty, doubt, anger, ravage my soul. Dragging me through the dirt onto the guillotine, and thou have not freed me from their grasp. But has stood aside and watched.
I have given thee my heart, and what has thou done with it, When the whispers of thy own kin, tell stories of your infidelity, how could I shun them away, when the proof of their word is smeared upon thine garment, upon thine skin. I've given thee my heart. And thou hath left it to ruin. My love for you. Is gone, and in its place.

IS MY HATE.

The curtains descend, masking the stage, the crowd give a subtle applause. Behind the curtain, crew members rush into the stage the moment the curtains fell. Helping her out of the corset, the most uncomfortable part of her outfit.
"You did great Katherine, phenomenal", the director cheered for her, as she walked behind the stage.

"I always have a phenomenal performance, like I said before, these roles were made for me ", She gloated, her head turned to the side, in disbelief. Shocked of the possibility that he may have doubted her. The director instructs the crew to help her out of her costume. Katherine extends her arms, as the crew is loosening the strings of the dress and allowing it to fall on its own. One of the crew members scoops up the dress, retreating with it, pass the corridor and into the dressing room, the crew member open the door. Within the dressing room, a modest well-lit room, tables mounted on the wall fixed with lightbulbs. A ceiling lamb shining a bright white light. On the floor is a rustic looking rug, a small stain can be found on the center of the rug. Beyond the rug, along the furthest from the entrance of the room was a rack that held various items of clothing. And next to that on the right of that is a man sitting on a recliner. his head lay slump, his chin smothered between his chests. Is he sleeping, she ponders to herself as she approaches him.

"Hey dude, you know the show isn't over", she scolds. no response. she inches closer to him, her hands extended in front of his face, and quickly brought them close together, the sound of bone and flesh harshly collides. still nothing, not even a flinch. upon closer inspection, she notices something, blood, stained on his collar, "Jacob?", a tone of concern lingering in her lips as she lifts up his head, to investigate. blood was running down his neck, his face was pale, sickly. as if the life was siphoned from his eyes. she dropped her the dress she held in her arm.

the next performers, stood behind the curtain, the set was just about ready, just one more thing, a sofa, in the center of stage, the sofa wasn't too heavy, though three crew members were needed to maneuver it due to its width. after they aligned it to the center of the stage. the crew members eased the sofa down.

"Okay were set", announced one crew member.

"Good now out of the stage so th-", A loud pain inducing scream interrupts the director. everyone one stage turns their head to the source of the scream. some even sprinting in that direction. those that rush to the sound of screaming saw a lifeless man his body lying on the recliner. the director followed suit. A cell phone already in his hand. "Everyone out of this room now!", he commands. the crewmember leaves in a hurry, one carrying the initial crew member by the shoulder.

"911 what is your emergency."