The Cravers

9. William

New York, 1800

"I don't even know you," I said slyly.

He didn't stop advancing. He backed me up against the wall and leaned in close. I struggled to breathe. "You don't know me? That's unfortunate because I know every big name in town. The important question is who are you?" he asked with interest.

"Perhaps I'm new?" I held my head high and spoke tauntingly.

He smiled, his lips curving up in a mysterious grin. I melted into the wall, unable to speak. "New? Must be, I don't remember ever seeing you." He looked down. "What's your name, miss?"

My throat was dry. His intoxicating eyes locked with mine. His gray eyes inferior to my dark brown ones. He smiled and I swooned. The smile was perfectly gorgeous, equally dangerous.

"I'm waiting..." he said smoothly.

Even through my high pitched voice, I was able to keep composure. "I don't give names to strangers like you. Why are you so indifferently close to me. I can't breathe." I fanned myself.

But this only made matters worse. The stranger came closer, his body against mine, I sucked in a deep breath as I realized how truly handsome he was. His plush lips brushed my ear. "I am known to take breaths away." He murmured and buried his head into my hair.

I stiffened, my heart violently beating. His hands circled my waist and I gave in, leaning towards him. I stared at him one more time. He looked awfully like the man in the newspaper. Wasn't he William Jack-something? It must be. William was known to throw himself on women. It surely must have been him.

"Aren't you William?" I whimpered.

Even with his growing popularity, he sure seemed surprise. "Yes, how did you know?"

I glared at him. "You're that man that breaks hearts all over the city." I pointed an accusing finger to his chest. An anger struck me as I recalled the rumors about his behavior towards women. "Don't you have no shame? Do you know how easily a girl can be broken?"

"I never heard someone state that so bluntly." He watched me carefully. "Who are you? I am very well intrigued to know you since you seem to know so much of me."

I rolled my eyes, the weak girl had dissipated. "Know this...William. You might have fooled many others but not me. Now, get the hell out of here." I pushed him away from me to walk out of this small space.

But instead of letting me go, he gripped my wrist and pulled me back where I had my body on. William grinned and leaned close, this time, his lips brushed mine and my knees weakened. I could feel his breath on my neck, and I anticipated for more pleasure.

"Don't believe everything you hear, miss." William spoke gently. "And for the records, I'm sure I already stole your heart." He gave a curt nod and backed away, straightening his suit. "If not, I would like to enjoy the chase to break yours."

"Are you t-talking to me? I stammered. "You just confirmed all those crying women right."

"No, I did not." He said with annoyance. "Just be careful. I might come out of nowhere," he winked. "As for now, have a merry good day."

I heard his footsteps disappear.

Then I fell on the floor, breathing heavily as ever. What just happened?

How could a human do that to me?

====

I stirred up from my sleep, my hands clammy and cold. The clock read 2 AM in the morning and it was so dark outside. 

What was up with these dreams? Why was I being reminded of my mistakes?

I miss him. Damn, I miss him.

I had to vent out. These nightmares---these memories---I have been seeing, they've been far too common in the last few days. If I didn't speak to someone--now--I might actually lose my mind. I needed a friend to spill my guts out. I gasped.

Cara. 

I called her.. 

The phone kept ringing and ringing, I was starting to lose hope until she actually picked up. 

"Hello? This is Cara."

I smiled, sighing. "Hi."

"Diana?" I heard shuffling.  "I should've guessed!" She squeaked.

"Why?" I said surprised. 

"Because, there are only selective few who would dare to call me in the middle of the night knowing I was awake."

I laid down, soaking her voice in.  "I couldn't sleep."

"Where are you? The code on your number seems very familiar." Cara added. "Wait, Diana! Are you in New York?" She shrieked.

"Yeah. I am."

"Curse you, how long?"

"Uh, about a week now."

"Did Brdigette send you for the investigation? Perry was talking about some Detectors investigating the crime. As you know, I made it to his cabinet." She bragged. "I hate you! You don't even warn me or anything! You are giving me a visit, first thing tomorrow."

I laughed. "Okay. Blondie, you haven't changed. How can you have this much energy in the middle of the night?" I said wearily. "I have dark circles because of thinking."

"Aren't you like a bear? Don't you hibernate through the night? I didn't forget that time when you fell asleep when we were watching the Notebook."

I started to get goosebumps. A wind was blowing out the window. The hell. I didn't leave it open during the night. "Um, I have been having nightmares, almost every night since I came." I looked down the window to see if someone climbed up. I checked my surroundings for a good measure. 

The room was not touched but I just couldn't remember opening the window. Weird.

"Will?" Cara guessed.

"Bingo." I muttered.

"Maybe its time for a visit."

"You think?" I scoffed. "Things are wrong around here. Have you noticed? I was at the meeting today and I saw how it ended."

"Yeah. Mrs. Clark really shook us up. I heard she's going to a rehab or something. The loss of her daughter was too much." I heard her munching on food. Definetely popcorn.

I shivered. "It was weird, Car. She was talking about him and I don't know about you but since people don't really talk about him anymore, it felt very...real. Her words were like a threat."

"A warning." She agreed. "Yeah, it was not easy being in that room today. It seems like darkness was calling in there."

I froze. Those words sounded very familiar. "Darkness calling? Bridgette said those exact words."

"See, I think like her. God, I miss her."

My eyes started to close. I yawned. 

"You feel better?"

"Much better. I'll see you tomorrow." I mumbled.

"Take care, make sure you sleep well. Tomorrow's going to be heavy."

I scoffed. "Since when things have been normal anyways?"

3.16.2018