Loving Eros

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

"He's the devil in disguise, a snake with blue eyes, and he only comes out at night. Gives you feelings that you don't want to fight, you better run for your life." -Carrie Underwood

Story had just gotten ready for the day and was about to head out to work when she heard a knock on the door. She anticipated that it would probably be Benjamin, or possibly even Ozzy, so she happily hurried to the door. However, when she opened it, she was quite surprised, taking a step back. Before her stood not one of the two men, but a female.

She had light blonde hair, almost to the point it was white as the petals of a daisy. Her scarlet lipstick stood out from her pale complexion, her crystallized blue eyes seemed as if they were in a daze, her dainty arms and delicate hands in front of her, clutching a purse. If Story didn't know better, she would've thought the woman was a life-sized porcelain doll.

"Excuse me," The woman started, her voice small. "You wouldn't happen to be... Story Henrick, would you?" She bat her eyes with a small frown.

Story gave a small grin, relaxing. She seemed harmless. "Yes, that would be me. I'm just on my way to work, can I help you?"

The woman covered her mouth, her eyes almost tearing up. "Oh, how I'm glad! Such delight to..." She stopped herself, giggling quietly behind her hand. "Pardon me, I almost forgot to introduce myself." She extended her hand. "I'm Lydia, Lydia Véreux."

Story shook her head. "No, it's quite alright. Are you... Feeling alright?" She raised a careful eyebrow and shook Lydia's hand carefully.

"Oh, yes! Especially now that I've met such a wonderful lady! I have much been looking forward to meeting you." Lydia spoke with a light and barely noticeable french accent. Story was in awe at how many different cultured people she'd met already.

Story gave a quirky smile, withdrawing her hand. "You've heard of me?"

Lydia retracted her hand back to her mouth, blinking. "Why, of course! My--"

"Lydia?" Story and the named woman turned, seeing Benjamin standing just outside of his door, hand still on the knob, a perplexed look on his face.

Story grinned, waving. "Ah, good morning, Benjamin!"

Benjamin shook his head, shaking off his puzzled look and flashing her a warm smile. "Why, good mornin' Miss Henrick!"

Lydia cleared her throat. Story barely noticed it, as it was so small and quiet. Benjamin's eyes darted back over to Lydia. "Oh, right." Story detected a slight air of irritation in his voice. "So I see you've met Story, eh? Well ain't that just dandy."

Lydia frowned, shrinking into her shoulders. "Oh dear... Perhaps I should leave."

Story blinked, holding up a hand. "No, no, there's no need for that!"

The sound of sniffling reached Story's ears, only for her to see Lydia in tears. She covered her face. "No, really! It's fine, my dear! I've got... Somewhere to be!" She turned around and darted down the hall with a faster pace, a quiet cry ringing in the hall.

"Well ain't that just odd." Story blinked, turning around. Benjamin had caught up to her door. He grinned at her. "'Ey, since we're both out, why don't I walk you to work?"

Story smiled shyly, rubbing her head. "Ah, that would be lovely." As Benjamin walked with her towards the elevator, she looked around the hall. Lydia was no where to be in sight. "I wonder what that was all about..."

Benjamin shrugged. "Lyd's a bit of an... She's a delicate case, ya' know? Her and I work together."

Story blinked. "Ah, really? So that's how you knew her. You seemed... Displeased." She frowned with a worried expression cast over her face.