Witchcraft Part Three: The Beginning

By Zelma Gonzalez

Throughout the years in all the corners of the world, we were all raised in different types of religion, may it be in learning about God, the Virgin Mary, the saints like Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Saint Anthony, Saints Lazaro, Saint Michael of Archangel, Gods right hand man, and so on. Way before that, there were gods and goddesses of the heaven, like Zeus, Poseidon, Aphrodite, Hephaestus, Ares, and many more. But if you come to see, there are the same gods, goddesses, and saints, but with different names, like Hades, who is, in our time, called Lucifer, the Devil. We also call the saints the seven African power like Chango, Ochen, Orula, Yemaya, Obatala, Ogun, and Elegua. Olofi is another name for Jesus, but they do run by many names. People nowadays worship the gods, goddesses, and saints through witchcraft, Wicca, which is not all bad. They just have different beliefs in how to worship them. We also worship them in churches, temples, and in our homes. If you come to see, God is everywhere; you just have to find him in your heart. Hes always there when you need him, and his word of advice is nobody is perfect.

This story is based on love, romance, the supernatural, good versus evil, and how the gods, goddesses, and saints got together and gifted a child that crossed over too many times to fight right alongside of them without anyone noticing it. Along the way, she makes many mistakes and helps everyone she meets. She is one of many Gods angels. Shes also a witch, but in a different way not what you expected. Iris is tall, slender, light complexion, has long brunette hair, and the most beautiful light-brown eyes you will ever see. She was born on Hallow Eve, right on midnight; her destiny leads her to an adventure she will never forget. She was gifted by the gods, goddesses, and saints to help people with their problem. Her mother realizes what she can do and gets scared, knowing if people find out, they will hurt her or, worse and other, will treat her differently. Her mother ends up binding her power in an early age so she can live a normal life, not realizing the consequence of her action. Only her family and some friends know her secret that she has helped along the way and kept it. Eventually Iris gets very sick at the age of eight. She is getting ready to pass away, but something happens that changes her destiny. Her mother realizes what she has done and has no choice, but to give her back to the gods, goddesses, and saints. To save her life knowing what she did, she asks for forgiveness, leaving herself in Gods hand and promising not to interfere. Iriss world opens up in a different way, and once again, destiny interferes, changing her course, awaking her in a dangerous way. She goes through hell and back along the way and meets the most interesting people. She has a heart of gold, and danger follows her everywhere. She learns what friendship is, what betrayal is, and how people in this world possess the seven deadly sins and more. I hope you enjoy her story as much as I loved writing it. But beware, everything is not what it shows themselves to be, and Iris finds out the hard way.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Oct 25, 2017
• ISBN: 9781546214052

Zelma Gonzalez

Hi my name is Zelma Gonzalez I’m the author of Witchcraft and Witchcraft 2 Witch board. I’m a 54 year old mother of three. I am a grandmother and a great grandmother. I was born and raised in the Bronx and have always loved to write since I was small, the story you’re about to read is fiction and nonfiction…..

Book preview

Witchcraft

Part Three

The Beginning

Zelma Gonzalez

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AuthorHouse™

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.authorhouse.com

Phone: [phone]

© 2017 Zelma Gonzalez. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 10/25/2017

ISBN: 978-1-5462-1406-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5462-1404-5 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5462-1405-2 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017916294

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

You ever had a funny feeling you been there before? That’s how Iris felt, when she first went to see an apartment in Little Italy. That’s the name of the neighborhood the building was located in, Iris was apartment hunting looking for a nice place, but affordable to live in not knowing destiny was guiding her there.

CHAPTER ONE

In 1980 Iris went to see an apartment in 2075… I had called the landlord to meet up with him at the building. He was letting me know he has three apartment vacated. One was in the fourth floor, and the other two in the second floor. Once I got there I meet up with a short elderly Italian man name Lorenzo he’s light complexion, bald with light brown eyes. He showed me the one in the fourth floor. It was a two bedroom, one bathroom apartment. As we walk in, I noticed there was a long dark hallway before entering the kitchen. It was nice and big, the wall was painted bright yellow it had a double sink. I noticed next to it was a small sink to wash up with that supportive to be in the bathroom. I continue looking around noticing two cabinets, a stove, a refrigerator and to my surprise. There was a tub right smack in the middle of the kitchen it had plaid wood on top of it. I didn’t notice it right away when I came in. I was shocked to see it there when I realize what it was and I decided to ask. He laughed explaining that the building was built in the early 1900’s. Who ever built this building didn’t know what they were doing they must have been drunk putting a tub and sink in the kitchen. All I could do was laugh finding it funny. I also noticed gas lanterns in the ceiling not light fixer. I frown finding that kind of strange and dangerous wondering if there was any gas still running through the pipe. He explains that all the gas line was closed years ago, that’s why he was renovating the building putting it up to code. I continue looking around the kitchen to my right I noticed another room. The landlord explains to me that was the living room, I went to see it opening a glass door. I walk into the room and saw it was very big with double windows and it had plenty of sunlight coming in. We left the living room entering the kitchen again to my left, there were three more rooms, two were the bedrooms the other was the bathroom. I walk over to the first room it was the bathroom and when I look in. I didn’t like what I was seeing, it was small there was a toilet and a small window it looked more like an outhouse. He explains how he was renovating the entire bathroom in the building, but it was going to take some time. I walk too one of the bedrooms and look in, I felt a cold chill run threw my body and all of sudden a shadow pass by me really fast. I looked back, but no one was there. I brushed it off thinking nothing of it seeing the open window thinking it’s probably the wind or something and continued to look into the other bedrooms. It was nice & big, and roomy, but something was missing there were no closets in either of the rooms. I ask if he was going to build one in and that when it happens, a little girl appears out of nowhere smiling up at me. She was coming out of one room entering the other room. I stood staring at her as she continues walk pass us going into the living room. I notice the landlord didn’t even notice the little girl the way he continued explaining that it was going to take a couple of months before he finishes renovating the building. I smile and continue looking past him into the living room. We return back to the kitchen as he continues talking. I asked him if I could see the other two apartments in the lower floor. Right when he was about to tell me, the little girl passes us again she smiled and said hello. I smiled back and before I knew what was happening the kitchen was changing right before my eyes the landlord was still talking as I looked away staring at her. All of sudden out of nowhere a whole family appeared, I was shock watching the little girl run up to a lady. I presume it was her mother, she looked young and the way they were talking and the little girl was smiling up at her nodding her head yes. There also was an older lady there I presume it was the grandmother the way she pinch her cheek telling her Bella [beautiful] and she ran off laughing. They were preparing dinner while two other kids a boy and another girl was running around. Two men walk in through the door passing right through us, it gave me the only cold chill one was their father and the other young man looked like his son, the kid’s ran up to him screaming papa [daddy], papa [daddy]. The young man walks up to the mother kisses her on the cheek. The older lady grabs his face blessing and kissing him on both cheeks. There were seven people in the house getting everything ready for supper. While the two ladies continue cooking, the men put up a piece of plaid wood on top of the tub and that was the kitchen table. I couldn’t help it, but laugh at least now I know what it was use for besides taking a bath. The kid’s would set up the table with a tablecloth, spoon, fork, knifes, plates and cups. I noticed their clothes it was an old fashion style the girls had on a long black dress down to her knees with a white shirt underneath, white short sock and black buster brown shoes. The boy was wearing blue pants and white shirt which he took off and underneath he had a white t-shirt on wearing black boots. It looked like they were wearing a school uniform. The mother and the grandmother were wearing a long black skirt with a floweriest shirt and sandals. The men had work clothes on blue pants, black boots and a white shirt that had their name on it. They were taking off their shirt and had on a white tee. They didn’t have a lot of furniture, but there were plenty of beds to sleep on. They were speaking in a different language it sounded like Italian. Come e stato lavorare? sua moglie ha chiesto. [How was work? His wife asked.] Fine lavon, [work was fine.] After everything was done they were ready to sit down, they pray first blessing the food and started eating as they talk about their day. The little girl kept looking at me pointing to my stomach and I laugh and said yes. The landlord at that moment was asking me the same question…..

So are you having a baby?

Yes I am, due in a couple of month.

You’re first?

No, I have a son he’s one years old.

That’s great, so would you be interested in the apartment?

Yes I am, but if you could show me the others apartment that you have available.

Yes, I only got one more two bedroom apartment the other one is a one bedroom apartment in the second floor.

Oh alright, let’s see it.

I got to warn you it’s not ready yet. I’m renovating the bathroom making it bigger putting the sink and tub in. There a mess in there and you have to be careful when you walk in, he was explaining as we were leaving.

I understand, as I took one last look and wave goodbye to the little girl. I whisper…Very interesting. I made a cross sign as I was leaving out the door.

The landlord just looked at me and looked around wondering, who was I looking at and why did I do the cross sign? As we were going down the stairs the landlord couldn’t help but asked, if everything was alright. Yes, why do you ask?

You know, you’re the third person that I showed this apartment too and they all did the same thing, but they were freaking out and you’re not.

Something is bothering me, was there a death in this apartment? I asked looking at him. He was shock I would ask that. As a matter of fact yes there was… the whole family died here years ago due to a gas leak around 1920. One of the ceiling pipes broke and gas was leaking late at night while they were sleeping it was a family of seven people.

I stood looking at him and smiled as we continue walking into the next apartment. The worker was on break when we walk in the ceiling was down the gas line was being replaced with wire and fixer. The bathroom was getting rebuilt as they were putting in the tub first. They remodeled the bedroom it had a closet in each room, but there was still a lot of work to be done. I talk it over with the landlord and told him. I was interested in the second floor apartment. He asked me if I wanted to wait until the apartment was done, he’ll be glad to rent it to me. I agreed and told him. I’ll be back in a couple of months if I haven’t found anything yet. As I was leaving I couldn’t stop thinking about the little girl. It wasn’t the first ghost I ever seen. You see, I grew up seeing ghost so it wasn’t scary seeing the little girl. I was heading home and started thinking about when they use to visit me late at night all the stories they use to tell me, before crossing over. I started laughing remembering the One….

CHAPTER TWO

OF THE CABARET, her name was Victoria R. Silver. It was a hot and stormy night the street was empty. Except for the Cabaret, the music was pumping the men was drinking and talking loud having a great time. How does the place look like? I asked. Imagine it’s an old fashion saloon with a big stage lot of light, round tables with old fashion chairs to sit on. The nippy’s are beautiful they wore black crisscross top with white ruffs underneath it. They wore very short scandalous dresses that drove the men wild wearing fish net stocking and black high heels shoes. They would serve the drinks and get them something to pick on so they would order some more drinks. As some of the girls would sing, others would dance as the men enjoyed the shows. I couldn’t stop looking at her the way she moves her hand around with such grace, as she spoke about her life it was amazing. Victoria was very beautiful, and elegant, she looked like a porcelain doll. She was wearing a long black elegant dress with red ruffs going all around the neck line. On the dress you could notice something sparkling as the light hit it a certain way, her hair was picked up in a bun. She spoke with a French accent it sound nice. Victoria started to explain how she died and what had happen to her. She was a famous well known singer travel all around the world singing in different places for lots of people. Victoria went on stage as the spot light hit her, and the room got quiet all of sudden. I could see my room transforming into the place. I saw an elegant tall slender woman on stage with long blond hair that she had pin up light complexion with sky blue eyes and a glow that would light up the place. I notice she was wearing a beautiful long necklace it looked like a dragon of some source, I never seen nothing like it before. Everybody was staring at her beauty. Eve [that was her stage name] opens her mouth to sing. Do you want to know my story, do you want to hear my song the wonder of it all. Do you want to know my pain that goes deep inside my soul and the nightmare that would never go away? You show yourself to be another, but in reality you’re all the same. Do you like what you see the darkness you put inside of me the lies and betrayal you gave me. You loved me once until you showed your true form not hiding who you really are. Can you hear me calling as I scream out your name wanting to hold you, kiss you with all my might? Do you want to look into my eyes and see all the pain you have caused? I wanted to be touched, loved, but not kept as a secret to everyone, but most of all. That’s when she saw him across a crowded room … to you. Eve continues singing she stood staring at him like if no one else was there. Do you want to know my story, do you want to hear my song the wonder of it all. You promise me the world and left me standing there with secrets and lies I could not tell. Here I am opening my heart to you as I stand there waiting for you to come and rescue me. Do you want to know my story, do you want to know my song. Do you want to know my story!!!… And Eve turns to look at him one more time, he was gone. Everyone stand up and applauded. Eve threw lots of kisses and thanks them all as she left the stage. She walk down the stairs and headed to her dressing room the stranger was waiting for her there. Hello, my lord she said smiling. Hello, my lady as he bends down to kiss her hand. I love the way sing, the stranger said. She replied Do you, I so happy to hear that, as she bats her eyes at him. He laughed looking at her. Do you always sing from your heart?

Yes always, I’m so glad you enjoyed it.

My name is Enrick.

I’m Eve nice to meet you.

Have we ever met before? He asked curiously looking into her eyes.

Only in my dream, my lord … only in my dream, he laughed when she said that they both stare at each other. He is a handsome man, his tall, light complexion, well build he has dark wave hair with light hazel eyes. He finally let go of her hand and smiled, Is there anything I could help you with my lord?

No, I just wanted to meet you. And then he thought about it and ask, May I have the pleasure of your company tonight, my lady?

I’m so sorry, I have dinner plans tonight, but maybe another night my lord, and she bat her eyes at him again. Well then, he said smiling next time and I wish you a goodnight, my lady he sounded disappointed when he lean in and kiss her hand. Good night, my lord she said smiling and that’s when she noticed, he looked disappointed. She frowns looking at him, puzzled by his reaction as he walks away, but he looks back once more and catches her smiling. She turns to enter her dressing room. She looked up and found a single red rose on her dresser. She wondered if he was the one who left it there for her as she raises it to her face to smell it, she smile once more. Every night after that she would see him in a crowd room patiently waiting for her to perform holding her captive with his eyes and after every performance she would find a beautiful single red rose on top of her dresser. For some reason she wasn’t scared of him, but was very curious to know who he was. She knew it would be impossible to even attempt to approach him without putting his life in danger. You see after every performance she was being follow to her hotel by a watcher. [A stalker] She had no idea who he was, but the feeling she got frightened her. Victoria was performing for the last time in France and was heading toward London the next day, when she got on stage. She looked around for the stranger hoping to see him one more time, but he was nowhere to be found. She started to sing her heart out and continued to search the crowd for him, but instead she felt scared like if she was in danger. There was a man in one of the back table staring at her with those dark black eyes and at that moment she knew it was him. She continues singing looking away feeling uncomfortable as he stared at her. She finally finishes singing everyone stands up and applauded as she said her goodbye throwing lots of kisses to everyone. The crowd applauded harder as she was leaving the stage. She was very sad that she didn’t get to see the young man. She was heading toward her dressing room, and found a single red rose in front of her door. She wondered who could have left it. She looked around picking it up as she continues walking into her dressing room smelling the rose putting it down on her dresser. She went behind the screen and change clothes getting dress with a smile on her face, she knew it was from him. She was getting ready to leave wearing a Victorian Cosplay Lolita dress red/black with a matching red/black hooded cape. She picks up the rose and used the back entrance hoping and praying not to bump into the watcher. She opens the door and to … I open the back entrance and to my surprise there was a horse and buggy waiting for me. I looked around wondering what’s going on. It was Enrick he was right in front of me, but how. Good evening my lady, may I have the pleasure of your company tonight? He had the only smile hoping she would not say no. I looked at him not understanding what’s going on. Good evening and yes you may, I smiled grabbing his hand entering the buggy. His smile grew bigger when I accepted. I realize I was her, but how could this be happening to me. We started having small talk at first. Where are we going? He smiles giving me a puzzle look seeing the way I was talking it didn’t sound like her. We’re headed to Croquette restaurant I’m taking you to dinner my lady, if that’s alright with you. I smile realizing where we’re going, but how would I know. I ended up letting go, letting her take over. My lord I taketh you were the one who send me the single red rose and plan this out. Not knowing if I was able to accept?

I taken a chance that you would accept my lady. I started laughing softly. By the way my name is Victoria, Eve is my stage name. As he grabs my hand and kisses it saying, That’s a beautiful name for a beautiful woman. I smiled we stood looking at each other for a long time wondering what the other one was thinking. I got hurt so many times that I didn’t trust anyone or any man, but for some reason I was going to take a chance with this one there was something about him. I couldn’t put my finger on it, but I was willing to find out. We finally made it to the restaurant as he help me out of the buggy. I had caught a bad feeling as I look around no one was there, but I could feel someone was near. We both enter the place the manager recognized me. Welcome Madam Silver can I get you and your guest a table?

Yes you may and Madam Silver is my guest. I turned to look at him.

I’m sorry my lord, I thought … it was my mistake.

Its fine, can you put us away from the entrance if you can. I smiled looking at him. I taketh you been here before?

Yes my lord, I have many times and the food is excellent here.

My lord, your table is ready.

Thank you sir, as we walk toward the table. I couldn’t shake the feeling someone was watching us. The manager pulled out the seat for me to sit down as I thanked him, Enrick sat down afterward. Your very welcome Madam, the waiter will be with you momentarily and enjoy your evening my lord, he said walking away smiling. We started talking getting to know each other waiting for the waiter to appear. Enrick is an artist who loves to paint portrait, he wasn’t famous yet, but soon he will be. He was in France to show his art work to a famous art gallery. He explains after his show he was bored and didn’t want to go back to his hotel, someone had mentioned the place. And so I decided to check the place out and have a drink or two. I never dreamt I would see you ... the one from my dreams. I stood looking at him when he said that, after talking with him for a while I realize we had a lot in common music, the theater… The waiter finally came and asks if we were ready to order. Yes we are can you bring us your finest house wine. That would give us time to look at the menu. Erick said to him.

Yes sir, I’ll be back with your wine in a moment. We talk some more not realizing the waiter came back with our wine and serve it we were ready to order. As the evening continues we were having a beautiful time together. It was getting late, but the night was still young. My lord we have to go, I have a train to catch in the morning.

I hope you enjoyed your evening, I know I did. If you permitted me I’ll take you to your hotel. He got up, came around and pulls out his hand I gladly accepted. He helps me out of my seat. I had a lovely evening, thank you my lord, he smiles as I grab his arm and we left walking out the restaurant together. Enrick was speaking to the valet, I noticed a man in front of the restaurant watching us. I wonder if he is the one following me. He looks upset seeing me with another man. Enrick grab my hand, I snap out of it looking up at him and smiled. He frowns asking, Eve is everything alright? I continue smiling nodded my head yes, the moment the horse and buggy arrived Enrick help me get in first and he enter afterward. I look back to see if the man was still there, he was gone and we were on our way. We had made a quick stop by the flower shop, I wonder why. Enrick got out, and I noticed he brought a bouquet of roses. I was surprised as he handed them over to me. They’re beautiful, thank you, my lord. I bend down and kiss him on the cheek. Enrick smiled looking at me saying call me Enrick please. I smiled nodding my head. We eventually arrived at the hotel I had invited him up stair for a night cap which he gladly accepted. Once we got into the room, I put on the music very low and took out a bottle of wine. Excusing myself for a moment telling him, I’ll be right back. I went into the bedroom and started to pack. Once I was finish, I slip into something more comfortable, letting go of my hair and came back out. I smiled looking at him he was stunned looking at me having the only smile and I sat down enjoyed the rest of the evening with him. We talk about his art finding out his been painting for years showing his art around the world, I explain I been singing for quite awhile all around the world and at that moment someone knocks on the door. I jump up getting nerves he noticed giving me a puzzled look. Who is it? He asked. Its room service, the person said. I didn’t order anything. I replied. Enrick frown and opens the door, the manager had sent up some food at no charge. I took a deep breath in and relax, he noticed.

Bring it in, Enrick said looking at me and I sign for it.

Tell the manager thank you for me. I lock the door afterward we sat down and pick on the food, we weren’t really hungry. We continue talking and laughing enjoying each other company he couldn’t stop looking at me as I couldn’t stop looking at him. You are so beautiful, the star and heaven cannot compare your beauty to anyone.

Thank you, that was sweet, I stared into his eyes getting lost in them.

Can I accompany you to the train station, if it’s alright with you?

Yes, I would like that very much, and my valet can bring you back. The valet will be picking me up early in the morning. He agreed as he continues to look into my eyes getting closer and closer, closing the distance between us closing our eyes and he kisses me. We finally came up for air looking at each other he caress my face. I smile closing my eyes getting lost in his touch as he lean in and kiss me again getting lost in each other arms. For the rest of the evening we drank wine, laugh, talk some more enjoying each other company, but something was bothering me. I couldn’t put my finger on it. The manager called up stairs letting me know the horse and buggy was there to take me to the train station, it was morning. Enrick kiss me one last time and promise to meet up with me in London. I excuse myself and took a quick shower and got dress putting on my white/ blue Victorian dress putting on my black cape. He picks up my bags and took them down stairs, while I took one last look around to make sure, I didn’t leave anything behind. I grab my bag & key and gloves. I was just about to leave when the stranger walk into my room. Good morning Madam

Good morning sir, are you here to help me take my bags down stairs, please don’t bother because the young man already did?

No, I’m here to find out. Where are you going without my permission? I looked up at him puzzled as to why he was saying that. He was tall slender has black wavy hair and has the darkies eyes, light complexion and he was dress as a bell boy. You can run but you can’t hide, putting on the only devious smile. My eyes open up wide as fear set in. Excuse me, what did you say, do I know you!

I am the one and only true love of your, the only man that’s permitted to touch you no one else can touch you.

Touch me!! I don’t have a true love and especial not you, who are you, sir? What do you want from me?

You should fear me right about now. I took a step back watching him, my eyes open wider. Who was the young man in your room last night did you let him touch you? He jumps catching me by surprised wrapping his arm around me trying to kiss me. As I push him away asking him one more time, who are you? What do you want? Don’t come near me! He got angry grabbing me by my throat and started choking the life out of me. Don’t touch me! Stop get off of me! I tried to push him off of me, but he was to strong. I love you, don’t you understand that no other man can have you but me, do you hear me! I want to touch you one more time, caress you like I did once before, you belong to us! He started squeezing tighter. I could see the anger in his eyes, Enrick walk in wondering what was keeping me so long and saw what was going on. He screams, let go of her, he jumps him from behind. They started fighting, Who are you to tell me to let go of the woman I love, she’s mine and no one else!

I’m not going to let you hurt her, now let her go! I had a little bit of air left in my body and with whatever strength I had left I kick him between the legs, he let go. I started coughing trying to catch my breath. The stranger went down Enrick hit him across the face. He screams, Run Victoria run get out of here, I’ll take care of him! I ran to get some help stumbling all over the place bumping into the manager. I was so hysterical trying to explain what was happening telling him to run and help my friend the Bobbies [cops] arrived at that moment. Someone heard the commotion and call the Bobbies [cops]. The Bobbies [cops] ran upstairs to find no one was there, but a broken window. They came back down, Are you alright Madam?

Yes, just a little bruised as I rub my neck trying to catch my breath asking … Did you find the man that tried to kill me and what about Enrick the young man who was in my room?

We didn’t find anyone there Madam and the window was broken.

What, that’s impossible, I stood looking at the Bobbies [cops] and was wondering what could have happen to Enrick. I made my report and left town wondering if he was alright. Who was that man that tried to kill me, and why did he say he wanted to touch me again? I boarded the train thinking about what he said and before I knew it, I arrived in London. I went straight to the hotel to rest having the house doctor take a look at my neck. He reassured me it was fine, as long as I rest. Letting me know it will bruise soon enough … put some hot compress on the swallowing part it will go down in no time. I did as he said and rest falling fast asleep with the compress on my neck. After a couple of hours, I got up took a hot shower noticing the hand shaped bruise around my neck, but was glad the swollenness went down and got dress covering up the scars. I made a couple of phone call and decided to go out sightseeing trying to keep my mind off of what had happen. London is a beautiful place and I missed it, I was born and raised here. I went to the palace to visits an old friend and had lunch with her, we talked for a while catching up, and after a while I finally left. I was on my way to visit the old churches it was built in the mid-1200s. It is beautiful up there lots of old painting, statue of the Saints, throw blanket hangs up that had the royal crest on it. I would touch the walls saying. If the walls could only talk it would tell the most interesting stories. It felt weird being there everyone has a secret and I had mine walking through the corridor touching the walls of the church it had me thinking of all the men in my life. Especial him how can I ever forget him. The abusive life I went through mentally and physically nobody should go through that. It took years trying to get my life back together, and it wasn’t easy leaving everything behind. I kept meeting the wrong men after that and their jealously would drive them to hurt me. God only know what my story is, getting sad….. Please help me find my peace and happiness at least for a little while that all I ask. I turn to look at a painting, when I spotted the shadow of a man from the corner of my eyes. I turn around, but no one was there. I got nervous and started walking real fast looking back every few minute going down the corridor of the church wondering, who it could be. Was it the stranger that attack me in France did he follow me or was it him. I got real scared and ran to my horse and buggy looking back making sure no one was following me, I took off. Through the little mirror I saw a man standing there waving at me, telling me to stop. Who is he? What does he want from me? My heart was pounding so fast that I felt a sharp pain hit my chest like a flash of light. I finally came to a conclusion, I knew who it was. I have to stop running, he found me, but I won’t go with a fight. I ease up making a stop, I only made it down the hill just a couple of feet away from the church. I looked back and noticed he was gone a relief came over me putting my head down on my hand. Why is he back in my life, how did he find me? That cold blooded bastard, why? I pick up my head and headed back to the hotel. I was driving blind as my tears escape me flowed down my face remembering how I loved that sick bastard. We had a future together I was anger with myself I saw who he really was. {THE BLACK ROSE} I was naive and married young. He’s tall handsome well built, light complexion, he has long black wavy hair that reaches his shoulder, he has the only bed room eyes very light, light brown, you couldn’t help, but fall in love with. I would have done anything for this man, but the things he did to me, that’s something I would never forget or forgive him for. After we got married things change for the worse he started hitting me, pushing me to the point so I couldn’t fight back, making me feel lower than a prostitute. He sold me to other men after a while I came out pregnant and I didn’t know who the father was. I loved him and that’s what gets me so angry just thinking about it, gets me nausea. How can I love a man like him? How could this had happen to me, how could I have been so blind to the truth. I finally stop the horse and buggy near a cliff overlooking the town it was beautiful, peaceful and quiet especial at night the stars in the sky and the bright lights overlooking the town I was staying at. I looked at the cliff where I was park at thinking it would be a good way to die, and end it all for once but I couldn’t he was stopping me…my son. I started to remember and laughed hysterically. I gave birth to a lovely little boy. I had finally gotten away from him went into hiding made a new life for myself. Why, why is this man back in my life? I walk into an important meeting he was having late at night. I saw something I wasn’t support to see, but it gave me the strength and courage to run for my life. I grabbed my son and ran never looking back he’s been after me ever since. I give up my son to save his life to keep him away from that monster. He went to a rich family, friends of mine that couldn’t have kids. I stay in contact with them not letting my son know I was his mother, but a good friend and I became his guardian. When we’re together you can tell we’re mother and son he looks so much like me and he has my heart innocent and pure. I would make it my business to see him once a year, seeing my son growing up without me was hurting me so much not seeing his first step. His first tooth and not hearing his first words it was killing me hearing him call someone else mommy. Not being by his side when he gets sick or hurt to see him grow up to be a young man, see him fall in love for the first time it was killing me even more. I knew he was safe and that all that matter. I change my name and started singing making a name for myself. He found me eventually and all I saw was hell in he’s eyes. I escape again and blame him for our son death saying, it was his fault he was not with us. I disappeared for a long time until now that he found me again. How could this have happen I was so careful being two steps ahead of him. I never forgotten his words, run all you want I will find you, you’re mine and no one else even in death I will find you. I started crying hysterical getting out off of the buggy as I look up to the star and heaven wondering, why this is happening to me. I’m I ever going to get away from him. When will this end, why can’t he leave me alone at that moment a hand reach out and touch my shoulder? I turn around so fast feeling my heart racing in my chest, I felt nauseous … I wanted to pass out. I was scared out my mind that you could hear my heart beating out loud. I couldn’t see with all the crying I had done, but for that brief moment the anger I had was more powerful than my fears. I came out screaming, Who are you, show yourself Griffin! I’m not afraid of you anymore! I stood real quiet wait for his next move. He slowly came into the light the person asked, Are you alright? It took me a minute to register who I was looking at. I recognized that voice. I realize it was Enrick I ran into his arms holding him tight as he wraps his arm around me. Shhh, I’m here are you alright? I raised my head and he lean in kissing me passionately breaking down.

Where have you been, I thought he killed you? No, we fought and landed out the window. He took off and I ran after him, but lost him in the ally. By the time I went back the police was already there, and I knew you were safe. I followed you to the train station and saw you got on.

Why didn’t you let me know you was alright or at least there?

I wanted to make sure you weren’t being followed. I did my last show, sold some paintings and brought the first train ticket to be by your side. Who’s Griffin? But when he really looked at me he saw my reaction. Victoria, are you alright?

I looked at him and said crying, I’m so sorry, I never meant for you to get involved.

What are you talking about? What’s going on, why is he trying to kill you?

It’s a long story let’s go to the hotel and I’ll tell you all about it, but for now you are in danger and so am I. He’s eyes open wide looking at me not understanding saying. From what, the stranger I could handle myself, and he laughed kissing me one more time. No, I said upset pushing him away. You don’t understand this person is far more dangerous than the man that attacks me, I said looking into his eyes. He was confused and had the only worry look in his eyes, looking at me. We both got back into the buggy and headed to the hotel where I was staying at. Once we got there, we tie up the horses letting the valet know to attend to them as we walk up stair headed toward my room. I took out the keys and open the door. Once inside I took out a bottle of wine, and order some food. He grabs holds of me look into my deep blue eyes he saw the fear and pain I was hiding from the world and kiss me passionately on the lip pulling me closer. I wrapped my arm around him getting lost in his arms. He was trying to reassuring me, I was safe with him as he held me tighter. I finally asked Enrick, how did you find me?

It wasn’t easy, I asked around and they told me you had gone to the palace, by the time I got there. You were leaving and so I follow you to the church. I tried calling out to you, but you ran.

That was you, I thought it was him.

I saw you getting into your buggy I waved at you to stop, but you took off. I got into my buggy and followed you to the cliff.

I thought it was him, I kept saying lowering my head.

Who Victoria, the stranger that attack you, do you know him?

Yes, I do his from my past he’s not the same person that attacked me, but he was send. I looked at Enrick and said, By my husband. Enrick looked confused he let go of me and took a step back, he couldn’t believe what I was saying. I don’t understand what do you mean your husband, your married? I close my eyes as a single tear went down my cheek. The person that attacks me in the hotel is not the same person that is looking for me. I didn’t know who he was at first I thought he was a watcher until he said, you can run, but you can’t hide from me … I knew he was back. Enrick look at me. Explain Victoria, why is your husband looking for you and why haven’t you mentioned you were married? I got up open the bottle of wine and gave him a glass. Do you have anything stronger?

Yes, it’s behind the bar. He got up went behind the bar and served himself a whiskey on the rocks. The food finally arrived, I went to sign for it, and we sat down to eat. We talk some more. The reason why I never mention I was married was because I left him a long time ago. You see, I was very young when I got married. My real name is Julia. I changed it… I signed looking at him, when I escape so he wouldn’t find me. Enrick eyes open wide taking a big gulp of his drink. What do you mean you escape? He’s a very DANGEROUS man, rich, handsome, popular and fear by many. When we first met he was a real gentleman, he showed himself to be one way, but in realty he was another. A year later he asks me to marry him I was thrilled I was marrying the man of my dream. We were so much in love, and I thought I knew him well enough to marry him … I was mistaken. We had a big wedding with lot of important people attending … it was the wedding of the century. That’s when he showed me for the first time his temper. I should have known at that moment he was no good for me. One of my family members came up to me and kisses me on the cheek, congratulating me it was an innocent thing. He grabbed my arm when no one was looking and warned me not to let anyone else touch me because I was his. I looked at him and saw the anger in his eyes the fear that came over me at that moment was something I never felt before. I should have said something, but I didn’t. I agreed instead thinking he was jealous, I didn’t want to make a show in front of our family and friends, I said nothing. The entire evening he would dance with me and I was only allowed to dance with my father and no one else. I didn’t like being control by someone else, but though maybe this was part of being married. I was going to be in this man life, the love of my life, for the rest of my life. After a while we left to the train station and boarded right away we talk and joke around. I was so in love with him after several hours we got to our destination and from there we got on a boat heading toward an Island for our honeymoon. There is where he showed his true color. The island was privately own by him, I didn’t know that until we got there as soon as we got near the house he got quiet his whole demeanor change. The servant greeted us outside the Mansion, he got out of the buggy first helping me out he nodded his head toward one of the servant not saying a word getting non in responded. I found that kind of strange I looked at them saying hello, Griffin turn around informing me. They weren’t allowed to look at us or speak to us. I looked at him in shock and confused wondering why. I continue looking at them noticing all of them had their head down including the women. He turns around and notices I was still looking at them. Why wouldn’t I look at them, I was curious as to why they were behaving that way. He got angry raise his voice at me accusing me of wanting them. I lift up my head real fast frowning at him wondering why he would say such a thing to me. I didn’t stay shut by him asking what was wrong with him, why would you say that and what did you mean, by wanting them? I was puzzled by his outburst wanting answers. He stood looking at me in shock that I talk back to him in front of the servant that way. I demanded to know what was going on. He stared at me like if I slap him, like if I was someone else not answering me back. And so he walk away leaving me there. I stood looking at him wondering, what just happen did I say something wrong. The servants had they head still down and took my bag to the room. I was thinking that was our room and I will see him later after he had calmed down and explain to me, what was that all about. I realize something was wrong as soon as they were finish they left me alone locking the door behind them. I started to unpack hour pass, I never saw my husband that night. We didn’t have a honeymoon we slept in separate bed rooms. I had no idea what was going on and went to bed, I cried all night asking myself did I do something wrong, did I cross the line. I got up in the morning feeling lost still wondering what happen to him. I went exploring around the place the servant stop me from going into the rooms and a lot of them were lock with keys. I found that strange, I didn’t see him for breakfast or lunch it was like he disappeared. I asked the servant for him, but there wouldn’t answer me and continue with their work. I realize that was a waste of time, I had forgotten they weren’t allowed to speak to me. By dinner time I couldn’t take it any more I refused to eat and went to bed crying again not understanding what was going on. He got drunk that night and came into my room while I was sleeping, he beat me for no reason he had so much anger toward me. He felt I disrespected him I had no idea what was going on at the moment asking him, how. I scream and shout hitting him back telling him to stop asking him, if he gone crazy, wondering what was wrong with him. He beat me so bad I cried all night wondering what I did wrong, and what just happen. The following day he came back in crying asking for my forgiveness caressing my face telling me this was my fault. I should have never talks back to him in front of anyone especial the servant telling me. I needed to learn my place as a wife. I just look at him in daze like if he was crazy not understanding and I asked myself who I married. I wanted to leave at that moment and he pleads with me not to leave him that it would never happen again, he ended up sweet talking me in a way, I cave in, I was weak. I look at him thinking he was sincere regretting what he did to me, and so I forgive him like a fool. That was a mistake I regretted, for a couple of weeks everything was fine between us he was sweet, kind, seeing the caring man I known until one night he did it again, he beat me. He beat me so bad I was unresponsive when I came too, I was in agonizing pain. I couldn’t move or speak. He came to me again gave me the same old pathetic lies told me never again and I fell for it again. All because I loved him and wanted to make it work I pleaded, I beg him to get some help. He promise me that he would get help weeks past and nothing happen it went through one ear going out the other. Enrick mouth drop open listening to me. We began to argue about everything and anything he noticed, I wouldn’t stay shut by him it got to a point. I wasn’t listening to him anymore I had had enough of his bullshit. He couldn’t take it anymore after that that’s when the beatings started telling me. You’re going to have to learn. You’re married now and you belong to me." I stood in shock looking