The Sleepers Awake

Chapter 2: Dark Secrets

Erszhebet struggled to consciousness from heavy sleep. The smell of rain wafted in through the floor-to-ceiling windows across from her bed, the trees outside casting moving shadows across the exposed brick walls of the room as they swayed in the breeze. Erszhebet preferred days like this with its overcast sky and dark clouds with rain gently falling. It made New York City slow down, it seemed, and the usual frenetic vibe of the place slowed to a steady calm; especially good on a Saturday.

In a city that seemed bereft of green spaces and wildlife outside of Central Park she counted herself lucky for those trees. They were the main attraction when she bought her loft. It was too easy to feel cut off from nature living day-to-day in the five boroughs and she did not like it. The second attraction was that at least in the Village one was not hemmed in and oppressed by skyscrapers blocking out the light and cutting off the air. Apart from the Trustafarians that invaded every summer, the Village was a not a bad place to be in this concrete jungle. They annoyed her; spoiled rich kids done up as Punks, Goths and blonde Rastas loitering around St. Mark's Place in the East Village mostly; begging for change on the street. They were not homeless and they were certainly not poor. They would be everywhere in the Village during the hot summer months only to vanish to Miami or LA in the winter. Of course, she had thought differently when she first came here over 10 years ago and could only afford a cold-water walk-up flat in an old tenement building that had definitely seen better days. Manhattan was extortionately expensive even then if you did not have a rent-controlled apartment.

Erszhebet lay on her right side, her arm crooked under the pillow beneath her head in the oversized four-poster bed looking out the window. She found herself meditating on the events of last night. "It must have been the wine," she said aloud to herself. Erszhebet was not thinking about Patrick for a change; but about the sensation she had had of someone trying to get inside her head. This was not the first time she had experienced this feeling.

It had happened for the first time many years ago, when she was 9 years old, not long after her family had moved to Paris. She was the only girl of a family dominated by boys and the youngest of her parents' seven children. Having been an accident and unwanted she was also generally ignored. "Bad enough to have a child I don't want - but a fucking useless girl!" sneered her father on many occasions. A head-snapping blow usually accompanied his vitriolic sentiments from her mother for having offended him for some unknown reason - the most common that seemed to be that Erszhebet just existed and it was her fault that the family all felt as they did. Neither of her parents would raise their voices nor their fists to any of their boys. "Things could always be worse," she would say to herself and then pray that they wouldn't be. She was biding her time until she could escape and take care of herself.

The first time of the mind-tapping sensation was very significant for Erszhebet, as it coincided with the death of her oldest brother Didier who was also her father's favorite. The official story was that he died of Pneumonia and the funeral was held with the casket closed; it would not do for such a respectable family to have the truth of its dark secrets revealed. The truth closer to home was that he was a thug like their father and had crossed the wrong people in yet another dodgy deal gone wrong.

Didier was found dead in Père-Lachaise cemetery not far from Balzac's grave; what had been done to him was unspeakable. "The closest to greatness that bastard will ever come; how it was kept out of the papers I don't care to know," Erszhebet had thought with uncharacteristic sarcasm and a curious emptiness during her brother's burial at that same cemetery a week later.

She felt a slight tingling and gentle pushing sensation in her head; "Oh chérie, what have they done to you? So jaded at a me when you should be innocent of matters such as these; so young, so beautiful, and yet so tormented. How can anyone dare not love you?"

The thought was not her own and it was a testament to her perceptiveness and innate understanding of the supernatural that Erszhebet realized it so early on. The experience left the beautiful, yet solitary and sad 9 year-old with a slight headache. As with most gatherings, she was shoved to the rear and ignored. She rubbed the space between her eyebrows, wanting not only to know who dared to consider her, but also how and why he invaded her "air space".

It was this innate understanding, intelligence and curiosity combined with her almost unnatural beauty that was, in fact, the driving force of her family's abusive behaviours towards her, not that they cared to realise that for themselves. Driven by instinct, Erszhebet looked around at the strangers walking by and other parties gathered nearby for burials. What she was looking for, she was not sure. This odd quirk of hers, and others yet to emerge, would set her apart from others in her milieu and would continue to do so as she became a young woman.

She did not notice him that day, but he certainly noticed her. With the proper guidance, she could have discerned him almost immediately. "She does not belong with them," he thought, "She doesn't even look like them or feel like them." He would never ever forget her. Even now, many years later, his mind wanders on occasion to that sombre day and that extraordinary little girl completely oblivious to her true abilities and a destiny not yet unleashed regretting that he could not directly intervene. "Out of the darkness her light will emerge perhaps to save us all." Of this, he was most certain, as much as he tends to be certain about all things concerning her.

She was not to know of this for some years yet, that she did indeed have a Guardian Angel of sorts watching over her.

[[[]]]

As the years passed by things did not improve at home. Erszhebet was astute enough at a young age to realise that education was the key to her escape. She loved her lycée, one of the most famous and prestigious in Paris, and excelled never getting less than top marks in all subjects in preparation for the Université Paris. She was already studying at Université while others her age were contemplating high school dances. She had a particular talent for Chemistry and Physics, but loved the arts even more.

A music composition class, and the music professor, profoundly changed her life and influenced her desire to be a singer/songwriter rather than an Astronomer or Astro-Physicist, but true to form, she continued with her studies even though she was starting to make a name for herself singing in clubs despite being underage. Only she and her professor, Jean-HughGaumont, knew the truth of her age.

Like many others, male and female, he fell in love with her at first sight. He had never believed such a thing was possible until Erszhebet. They had many conversations about art, music and politics. Jean-Hughes could talk to her about anything and everything; he looked forward to seeing her every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon for her class with him.

They ended spending quite a bit of time together out of class in and around campus. He would conveniently run into her, mostly in the Library, and a quick hello always spiraled into an hour or more. Whom was he kidding; when he was not in his classroom or office he was hoping to see her. Even if was just a minute or two, he just wanted to be with her. A day just was not right without seeing her. Jean-Hughes loved her as much as anyone could from afar and truly believed in her talents, although he encouraged her mostly with her music.

As much as it hurt, he was always professional with her; she obviously was not like any of the other students, but he could not overstep the mark. He had his job to think about, but it was becoming more difficult with the feelings he had for her. He was acutely aware that she was only 16 years old, even though she had a wisdom, maturity and natural intelligence that belied a very old soul indeed. Had Erszhebet been older there would be no question that he would pursue a romantic relationship with her if she wanted it. She was remarkable in every sense of the word.

However, she was holding back somewhat. Jean-Hughes spoke freely here and there about his family and childhood. Erszhebet never acknowledged hers in any way. When Jean-Hughes broached the subject, it was as if an invisible barrier came up between them. The light in her eyes literally dimmed and sadness, dare he say it, a despair washed over her. "There is nothing to tell," she would say and quickly change the subject.

For her part, Erszhebet was very attracted to him. She had fallen in love with him, but it would have never occurred to her that he felt the same. She just chalked it up to Jean-Hughes being nice. He was very kind, even to people whom did not deserve it. However, he was no pushover. Anyone who thought that was a fool as some of his students found out to their detriment.

Nonetheless, there was an amazing chemistry between them. Erszhebet loved his sweetness, his passion for music and the arts, the intellectual discourse between them. She forgot their ages when she was with him and she knew innately it was the same for him. She relied on her perceptions and knew she could trust him implicitly. She loved the way his eyes twinkled at her and the shyness of his smile. He had lustrous dark shoulder-length wavy hair and beautiful green eyes behind the wire-rimmed glasses he wore. At 6ft 3" he was perfect. He was truly remarkable; a beautiful soul inside and out.

She held back from reaching out to touch him, so strong was the desire. But, she did not want to spoil things or drive him away by bringing the abuse from her family that she had to endure into their friendship. It had always been hard for her to have friends. Her family tainted everything else; they would not poison this.

Jean-Hughes was a good friend to her; and she cherished him immensely. However, Erszhebet was not brave enough to tell him so. Friendship indeed; it was more than that and deep down they both knew it.

They could sit in silence also, just enjoying each other's company while she worked on projects for extra credit. Not that she needed the help with her marks. Erszhebet was top in her class. Most students couldn't be bothered, but Erszhebet Bathory was not one to just get by when it came to her achievements and Jean-Hughes respected her immensely for it. Her other Professors did as well. Jean-Hughes encouraged her in all that she did and helped her as much as he could when she asked. It was not in her nature to ask for anything, but Jean-Hughes would come to Erszhebet for help as a sort of teaching assistant so it was slightly easier for her to respond in kind.

One night after classes had ended he purposely ran into her in a quiet corner of the Library. On a Friday night one could be guaranteed some peace as so few students were on campus at this time. He was not sure if he should approach and debated with himself for 10-minutes before plucking up the courage to go over to her. Erszhebet greeted him with a soft "Bon soir" and looked pleased to see him.

She was. She found herself missing him on the days she did not have his course. "It's Friday night for god's sake woman," he teased, "Shouldn't you be out letting your hair down," he said, gently touching her the twist at her neck.

"I can say the same for you too mister" she laughed, "Professors are allowed to have a life, yes?" Erszhebet looked down at her scattered music charts and physics notes. "Surely there is someone waiting for you to trip the light fantastic," she said softly without guile.

Jean-Hughes could not help himself; he gently tilted her face towards him and said softly, "No one, not yet as much as I would like there to be." He couldn't believe he had just done that; but the deed was done. Jean-Hughes could not turn back now.

Erszhebet, not usually one to be lost for words, did not know what to say to this and could only look at him. Her lips and her voice trembled slightly as she stood up stuffing her things into her bag in a panic. "Don't tease me Professor, please don't," Erszhebet said with a quiver in her voice.

"Never, and its Jean-Hughes now chérie," he said softly and took her in his arms holding her close. He could not help himself but to kiss her; softly at first and then passionately when he felt her respond in kind. Jean-Hughes pulled back briefly and looked into her eyes.

She was trying desperately not to cry, he had touched her that much and she was feeling rather overwhelmed. Erszhebet had no doubts that he did have exceptionally strong feelings for her and would never intentionally hurt her.

"You know how I feel about you," he said, "I know, I know you feel the same way too."

They stood there holding each other, neither wanting to be the first to let go, neither wanting this moment to end. "You have too much to loose", Erszhebet said mournfully looking down at her worn-out shoes. "You would regret it and hate me and I could not bear it."

His choked sob made her look up. "Beth, its killing me don't you see? Have you any idea how much I have agonised over this; loving you and wanting to be with you. I have never been in this situation before, but there has never been anyone like you before, ever! I don't want anyone else and I don't care anymore about how old we are!" This was quite a revelation for a man of 32.

Jean-Hughes sank onto the sofa nearby, cradling his face in his hands, weeping from the depths of his soul and not caring what she thought of it. God, how she got to him on so many levels. His use of an affectionate name for her had touched her more than he could ever know.

"Jean-Hughes," Erszhebet said softly kneeling down in front of him and taking his hands in hers again, "It's the same for me; it has been for a long time now. But, I need for you to think about this because there is a lot you simply don't know about me. You think too much of me and don't have the slightest idea about...me." Her eyes started to well up; she was desperately trying not to cry, desperate not to completely loose it. It was too easy with Jean-Hughes.

Jean-Hughes looked her in the eyes, wiping away the tears that had started to fall. "Oh yes I do. Do you remember the day I drove you home. I had a feeling you would have me leave you some distance away only for you to walk the rest of the way so I wouldn't see where you live. I shouldn't have done it, I know," he said swallowing hard; not wanting her to hate him, not wanting to loose her.

"But you, you hold things back and it's hard for me Beth. I needed to know why you never talk about your family, your neighborhood. Never so much as a word from you about any aspect of your childhood. I saw it, chérie, how they treat you, more than just the once, and I hate it; I hate knowing every night that you have to go back to that," Jean-Hughes was breathing rapidly and he spit the words out in a heated rush.

"I saw that, that man and what he did and I hate myself for not doing something about it. I could kill him, he is supposed to be your father for Christ's sake and your mother - what kind of mother would let that happen to her child?! Don't you see?? That's partly why I want to keep you with me, even if it is just the Université, because I love you and I can't bear what that scum does to you!" he said his face filled with fury.

Jean-Hughes expected her to be angry, he had been spying on her after all, but instead Erszhebet broke down. All the years of holding back her tears and anguish came spilling out in a torrent. "Please don't hate me," she pleaded. "I am sorry, so so sorry." She got up and tried to run from him, Jean-Hughes caught her by the arm and held her close to him.

"Beth, my dear sweet Beth, you don't have anything to be sorry for, and you don't owe me an apology, ok? None of that changes what I feel about you or how I see you. Don't shut me out. To me, you are perfect," he said gently, kissing her forehead and touching her hair which had come loose from its twist. "Stay with me tonight, chérie, no strings attached - Mon Dieu, don't go back to those animals" he pleaded.

Erszhebet looked at him, thunderstruck.

"I only wish I could," she sighed after a moment's silence, relieved that there were no more secrets between them. "My birthday is in three weeks, I can be a free woman then; the family wants me out and I have to be out in a month's time. If you don't change your mind about me, I want to be with you - because I love you and I want your love, not because I need somewhere to go -- and there is still the not-so-small matter that I am your student my darling."

Jean-Hughes was stunned into submission, holding her close. He had not ever believed within himself that she would want to be with him. Erszhebet kissed him passionately and could feel how much he wanted her emotionally and physically. Truth be told, each needed the other in their own way as much as each complemented the other.

"The Library will close in 15 minutes" came an announcement over the sound system. "Fiche le Camp."

Jean-Hughes helped Erszhebet up from the sofa; they gathered their things and made their way to his car. He put their things in the boot of the car and glanced at his watch; 8pm. Still early yet.

He walked around to Erszhebet's side of the car and took her in his arms again. "Oh, my Beth, he sighed softly, "Please don't make me take you there now".

"I wont", she said "But, I am going to have to change courses you know; I can't stay in your class."

Jean-Hughes face lit up, "Are you saying...?" he asked hopefully.

She nodded her head, yes, and smiled. "We will work things out, won't we?" she asked, suddenly looking worried.

"I want you to live with me Beth, and I want us to be together for the rest of our lives," he replied.

"Take it easy, there is plenty of time for that!" Erszhebet laughed, not hiding her shock. Years later, she would look back on that moment, regretting having said those words.

They drove around, only stopping to pick up some food for a picnic, finally parking where they could look down on the whole of Paris, twinkling brightly in the darkness. Jean-Hughes turned off the ignition and got of the car going to the boot. Erszhebet waited for him and together they laid out a blanket and the food. Both were ravenous and they ate in silence. When they had finished and cleared up the remains Erszhebet stretched out on the blanket, arms up behind her staring up at the stars.

"What are you thinking? You look so serious, so grave," asked Jean-Hughes softly, caressing her tenderly. She looked over at him, perched on his left side with his arm propping up his head.

"About you, about us," she answered.

He looked sad, "have you changed your mind then?"

"No, no way," she replied.

Never had he seen her look so thoughtful and tender. Jean-Hughes leaned down kissing her deeply. Beth leaned into him and their arms went around each other. She pulled him down so that he lay on top of her; their passion becoming more heated with each caress. They undressed each other, neither able to hold back any longer. Jean-Hughes felt Beth move her hips against him and was shocked at the voluptuousness of her body, usually hidden under baggy clothes. It was a revelation, she was so beautiful.

"Don't stop," she whispered hoarsely, feeling how excited he had become, caught up in their passion for each other.

"My darling," he moaned again and again as they pleasured each other in perfect synchronicity stopping short of penetration.

"Oh, please," she said pleading for release. "Make love to me Jean-Hughes, I want you to so much," she whispered.

"I will," he answered, "on your birthday; I want it to be right for you and proper, in a bed".

Beth looked into his eyes while stroking his back, loving the touch of his skin. "It will always be right so long as it's you," she said.

"Are you sure," he asked gently.

"I have never been more certain of anything in my life," she whispered. "And I have wanted this for a long time now, believe me..."

Beth leaned into him again, pulling Jean-Hughes on top of her. She loved the smell of him, the hair on his chest, his touch, the weight of his body on top of her. Jean-Hughes was muscular, but with a perfect softness in the right places. He explored Beth's body with his mouth and she explored his. She was awakening to her sexual nature and she was glad that it was with him.

"Please..." she moaned bringing his mouth back to hers and then guiding him into her. Beth wrapped her legs around him, and gave a sharp intake of breath and stifled a cry as he entered her, biting her lip through the pain. She trembled. Jean-Hughes was surprised; he'd had no idea that she was still inexperienced. He felt an awesome responsibility being her first and did not want to hurt her no matter how much he wanted her; she had been through enough and did not need anymore trauma, especially from him.

"I will stop, my darling if you want me to," he said caressing the sweat from her face gently and withdrawing.

"All I want is you, truly I do," she said pulling him close again, tears running down her cheeks. They were tears of joy, not pain. He kissed them away tenderly.

They made love passionately, finding their rhythm, neither wanting to stop, neither wanting it to end. It would always be this way for them.

They lay together afterwards; Jean-Hughes held Erszhebet and watched her sleep. He kissed her tenderly on the forehead and she snuggled closer, sighing in her sleep.

In the morning, she would awaken in his bed, in his arms and their lovemaking would begin again initiated by her. She would catch hell for not being home even though they did not want her there. She could not win with them; damned if she did, damned if she didn't. From that moment forward, there was no turning back for either of them. Beth was an important part of his life, and Jean-Hughes would not have given her up for anything or anyone. "I will face whatever comes my way head on," he thought.

[[[]]]

Three weeks later Jean-Hughes found himself taking a late-night stroll; he was too wound up and restless thinking about Beth moving in. He could not wait; it had seemed like her birthday would never come even though it was tomorrow. Jean-Hughes had already cleared spaces for her and was looking forward to redecorating. Beth had changed two classes, one of which was his, to earlier times in the day. The Registrar did not ask for an excuse and Beth did not offer one. She now had music composition with the head of the department, who thought her a prodigy and chemistry with the head of the Sciences department, a Professor Emeritus.

Most students tended to go for soft subjects as electives. Not Beth. She also had six classes instead of the usual 3 or 4 that most students got away with. All that and she worked. Jean-Hughes did not know how she did it.

He had been lucky, coming from a family that did not have to want for anything financially. He'd had a good childhood and upbringing; his parents encouraging his every ambition and hobby. "It's so different for Beth," he thought. He had witnessed for himself the brutality that she'd had to endure from her flesh and blood.

She had even run away once, she told him finally, sleeping rough for several months. In the end, she had no choice but to go back; social services was overloaded and anyway she desperately wanted to go to Université and have a decent life for herself. Because of her excellent grades, she won paid place to the Lycée and to Université. She never mentioned it again after that and he let the matter lie. He knew everything now, he thought. She was being rather mysterious about her new job though, saying she had a surprise for him but wanted to wait a while yet until she was confident she was doing fine and would keep it.

Hearing the pandemonium outside as he walked past, Jean-Hughes impulsively stopped in a local club in his near his house in the 14ème of Montparnasse before calling it a night. In the 3 years that he had lived nearby not once had he ever ventured inside. He stopped at the bar and ordered a drink. "What's going on?" he asked the Bartender. "It sounds like a riot outside."

"We have this group that has been here for the last week or so - the girl fronting the band is unbelievable. You have to see it to believe it; never seen anyone like her before," said the Bartender.

As he was there, Jean-Hughes thought he might as well. After a couple of drinks he made his way to the main hall. From out here it sounded fantastic. But the lyrics were dark; very very dark. "That is someone who is either very in tune with their dark side or has really suffered," he thought. "Erszhebet would love this."

He went through the large, rather theatrical doors and made his forward wanting to get closer; not noticing the stage at first. He finally looked up when he was as close as he was likely to get, and was stunned to see that it was Erszhebet on stage.

He could not believe it. He moved towards the stage slowly, as if sleepwalking.

The audience was enthralled, captivated by her voice - an impressively strong and powerful 3 octave range and her beauty. Beth was a natural performer and put all of herself into her music. She sang songs that were mainly pop; but there were definitely other influences from soul and world music.

The audience had been hers for a breathtaking 2 ½ hour set. He stared at her, open-mouthed. He just could not believe it. The stage presence and raw power that Beth radiated washed over them all. Her songs impressed Jean-Hughes - a couple them he recognized lyrically she had been working on for his exams. He had never heard her sing before and had tried to get her to sing for him. "Not yet, I want it to be perfect when I do." she would say.

Nevertheless, he knew what she was capable of as a songwriter having had the pleasure of her compositions for his class. All of the music department talked about her; fascinated that she was not majoring in Music. The vocal master raved about her during the departmental meeting last week, so convinced was she of Beth's talent. That was saying a lot, as the vocal master generally was not complimentary about her students who were actual music majors and pushed them very hard although not hard enough as far as she was concerned. Now Jean-Hughes understood why the department was mad about her. He had only experienced one aspect of her musical talent so far whereas the others were seeing more of the whole package due to the nature of their classes. What a package it was.

Jean-Hughes edged his way forward until he was just in front of Beth, two rows back from the stage. Beth's eyes were closed and it was if she was filled with the Holy Ghost belting out her dramatic soul-influenced ballad.

She was not holding back, completely oblivious to her audience, putting everything she had into her performance, her whole body and arms going wild, she was not one to just stand there singing into the mike. Beth set the stage on fire. This was an audience getting far more than just their money's worth.

Jean-Hughes fell in love with her all over again, overwhelmed by the torrent of emotion coming from Beth and her audience. The confidence she exuded was not something he saw easily from her even in her private life. Jean-Hughes was seeing a different side of her and liked it. "She is really coming into her own as a young woman," he thought.

Erszhebet opened her eyes, and was shocked see her lover in the audience.

If she was worried in that moment, it never showed. She had wanted to feel more confident about her performance and her songs before she sang in front of him, worried that he might hate it. Beth caught his eye and, having consulted her band, then introduced her final song of the night. Her hands were trembling.

"This is for someone special I was not expecting to see here tonight;" she began.

"Lucky Bastard!" shouted someone from the audience. The audience roared.

"I had planned to sing this for him as a surprise once I had "tightened the outfit," she continued softly, gesturing to the band and giving a lascivious wink and smirk. The audience roared. "But, since he is here now here is a song about regrets and not having them. I love you Jean-Hughes."

The audience went crazy, many wondering who the hell this lucky bastard was.

Jean-Hughes could only stare at his lover, completely awed and humbled by her; everything seemed to fade out around him until there was just him and Erszhebet. In that moment, everything and everyone else ceased to exist.

The stage lights were dimmed. Candles had been lit while Erszhebet spoke. Members of the audience flicked their cigarette lighters, their flames adding to the ambience. A soft spotlight shone on her; the venue was awash in an eerie red light.

<<Far, far from the world,
Where nothing ever dies
I had this long,
This sweet journey

Our souls are now merging
At the eternal snow
Love was hiding
Its real face

Oh come stop behaving
Does it really matter
I know the threat
Of the old flames

Let's keep the innocence
And the heedless
Of yesteryear stirring games

Oh don't feel regret
And also trust me, and think
To all the "no way"
To the indifference of senses
Oh don't feel regret
And also promise, you know that
Winter could never love autumn

Letting suspending dreams
Go up into my head
I drink to our disabled Loves

In the wind that I guess
Our such frantic lips
Treat them to secret Wedding

Don't open the door
Cause you know the trap
Of all the remorses
Of the anathema

I don't mind about seasons
Come I'll lead you
Where the lovers sleep

Oh don't [Come tonight]
Feel regret [And see me]
And also trust me, and think
To all [Come and sit]
The "no way" [Close to me]
The indifference of senses
Oh don't [Dawn is there]
Feel regret [Stay here]
And promise me, you know that [I promise you]
Winter could never [To be there]
Love autumn [At all eternity]>>

The club erupted into rapturous applause, screams and shouts. They were stomping on the floor and pounding fists on tables. They wanted more.

When Erszhebet finally left, it was 1am and she was exhausted; Jean-Hughes waiting for her outside of the stage door, tears streaming down his face, like many in the audience. "Ma chérie, if I would have any regrets; it is that I did not come to you sooner. Having you with me and showing you for the rest of our lives together how much I really do love you with all myheart and soul is the most important thing to me, please believe it and accept it."

She took his hands in hers, kissing his palms, then his mouth. "Let's go," she whispered softly, putting her arm around his waist as they walked to his car, talking about the show. Erszhebet was so happy; Jean-Hughes had really loved it and wanted her to go for it if performing is what she really wanted to do. He was behind her all the way. Once the reached the car they stood against it for a while, kissing each other passionately.

Erszhebet pulled away momentarily, "You know, this has one of the best nights of my life. I love you Jean-Hughes, I love you so much," she said cuddling him again.

"I know," he said softly, stroking her hair, "and I am glad that you can say it because I never get tired of hearing it my love." For reasons of his own, Jean-Hughes needed to hear her say it.

"Why don't we just go home now," he said hoarsely wanting her so much, "You can get the rest tomorrow; a quick stop in and out."

Erszhebet was not going to argue - she wanted to be with him equally as much. "Let's go to yours," she said, "and then we can get my stuff."

Once they were in Jean-Hughes' house, Erszhebet forgot how tired she had been, the adrenaline wearing off. Jean-Hughes carried upstairs her to the bedroom. He held her in his arms after they made love, twice. "Let's just stay here, forget the rest; we can get new things," he said softly.

"No," she replied, "I have to put and end to this. I need closure. If I just stay away I won't have it."

"Chérie, please listen to me," said Jean-Hughes pleading with her, "I don't know what you are looking for, but you have to accept that you are not going to get what you need from that situation and just walk away from it. Walking away does not make you a failure. It's self-preservation here."

Jean-Hughes was not getting it, she thought. Erszhebet sat up. "Jean- Hughes you don't understand; if I just stay away it's like I am afraid of them or something and that they have won. I want to leave with my head high. I want to close the door knowing that that is it and I finally did it."

"Merde Beth," he said, not hiding the fact that he was angry, "This is crazy! This is not a contest with winners and losers. What we want or expect we sometimes don't get! We cannot always have closure; trust me, it might a truth that is hard to bear, but it is a truth nonetheless. Sometimes you just have to let the bad things go and get on with your life, empowering yourself in the process."

>

"So I should just be a coward, not be strong, is that what you are saying?" she asked bitterly.

"Damn it, Beth," he said. "Here is the truth: you are not going just off your own back under your own steam, you have been pushed. They don't want you; they have made that clear time and time again. Nothing you do will ever win their respect. You are getting your stuff because they have kicked you out! They could care less about you and anything you have to prove! If you ever have something to prove, let it be to yourself and no one else. Let it be for yourself alone and not any one else."

There was a sharp intake of breath; Erszhebet looked like she had been punched. She got up and ran into the bathroom sobbing. They had never argued before. They'd had disagreements, yes. But never really argued like this.

"Oh hell," Jean-Hughes muttered to himself. He went to the door, "Beth, please we have to talk about this." She needed to face the facts; he was sorry if he had hurt her. But it was the truth and she needed to hear it. He could hear her sobbing. "Beth, they are psychopaths, nothing good would come of going there this last time. Come on chérie I love you; I don't want to see you hurt any more. Anything you don't have can be replaced no matter how long it takes. There is nothing to prove. You know that you are making something of yourself, you know that you have me and our future together."

Silence.

"Beth, I am afraid." Another truth now. "I am afraid of what is ging to happen there and I don't like it. Please let me in." More silence.

After a while he heard muffled sobs from the other side of the door and the lock turning.

Erszhebet looked up at him, eyes and face red and puffy. She looked so lost and vulnerable. Jean-Hughes led her back into the bedroom and held her. "I love you; I am sorry if I hurt you. I didn't mean to," he said.

"I know," she replied. "It hurt to hear that because I know that you are making a fair point even if I don't like it; but I have to go; I have to do this for myself."

Jean-Hughes let out a deep sigh, "Ok, its up to you. I will do whatever you want my love." Erszhebet was digging her heels in against all reason and he was too tired to argue any more.

Beth looked at the clock on the dresser. 3:30am. "We better get going," she said.

[[[]]]

Jean-Hughes drove her to her family home; or rather half a block away from it. "I will be alright," she said. "Not too far to go." She hugged him tightly and kissed him goodnight. "Tomorrow, then," she said with a faint smile. "Oops, it is tomorrow."

"I can't wait," he replied. "Let me pick you up." Jean-Hughes was determined to have some words with Erszhebets parents since she was going back this one last time. She knew this all too well. Nothing good would ever come of it if he tried.

"No, I don't have that much stuff left. The Mètro will be fine." Erszhebet had been sneaking things out of the house for the past few weeks to Jean- Hughes'. Her things for Université and sheet music included. She spent so much time there that he thought she might as well. All she had left to bring now was one small bag of clothes in the downstairs cupboard by the front door.

"I better go; get it over with," she mumbled as she closed the car door. Erszhebet was expecting a fight. The family wanted her out, but she was certain they would not make it easy for her to leave. They couldn't just let things go where she was concerned.

Jean-Hughes could not help it; he got out of the car when she was a bit up the street and followed her quietly at a discreet distance. No matter what Erszhebet was telling herself, Jean-Hughes knew better. It was too easy for them to forget the age gap, but in this case his age and experience gave him a wisdom that he felt was still relevant. Regardless of how mature Beth was she still had a lot to learn, despite her rough start in life. Her family was more dangerous in more ways than one than any maniac that would be out in the early morning hours.

Erszhebet walked slowly; she was not in a rush. dquo;Just a few more hours and that is it," she thought. She had just made it into the sitting room and turned on a lamp when her father jumped up from the sofa and grabbed her by the arm. "Where have you been! Who do you think you are coming in at this time of night" he roared, an inch away from her face. She could smell alcohol.

"What the...? It's because of you that I stay out as I do! I hate you, all of you, and I hate this shithole!!" she shouted. "What I do and where I go is none of your business!!!" She was on a roll, not able to stand any more.

Her father was livid, "Don't you dare raise your voice to me. You think you are something special, think you are better than us, don't you! Walking around like you own the place" He back-slapped her hard twice, wrenching her neck and causing her nose to bleed. She stopped herself from falling, her head pounding from the pain.

"Come on, smart girl, come on. Oh, I am not stupid. You take me for a fool coming in here at all hours like you are God's gift." Her father grabbed her as she pulled back from him and caught her shirt; some of the buttons flew off.

"Don't you dare touch me ever again, I've had it, I have had enough!" she screamed. She called him every name in the book she could think of. All of a sudden a vase flew at him hitting the wall, but clipping his head. But, Erszhebet had not picked it up. In this moment she discovered another gift, telekinesis. All of the torment she had suffered over the years came out in a flurry as her mothers display cases filled with tacky bric-brac exploded, shattering glass and porcelain everywhere. She stood there in shock; she had not touched them. Not one.

"You. Little. Bitch!" her father roared, launching himself at her. Shocked and outraged by what he had seen. He fell to the floor as she moved out of the way tripping him up. "You freak, you monster!" he shouted. "I will make you sorry you were ever born!"

BAM!

Just then the front door slammed open. A stunned Erszhebet watched as Jean-Hughes ran into the room and pulled her father up; punching him in the face. Stunned, her father got up again and Jean-Hughes knocked him unconscious. Her father was not moving.

Erszhebet heard her mother and brothers stirring upstairs. They wouldn't get involved if it were just her; but with someone else. Well, that was different. This brought her back to her senses. "Please, Jean-Hughes, please we have to get out of here," she pleaded with him taking his arm. Jean-Hughes had been right; her pride would not let her see it.

Jean-Hughes shouted at them all, using language that was a revelation for someone rarely swore. "I hope you all burn in hell," he screamed finally. "Come, chérie, you will not spend another minute in this madhouse!" He looked at Erszhebet with such a look of fury and venom on face that she had no doubts that she would not.

They heard a noise. Her brother Anton was in the hall. He was holding a gun, fussing with it. The moron couldn't even use it correctly. Erszhebet almost laughed, but this really was no laughing matter.

Jean-Hughes did not hesitate; he picked up one of the brass candlesticks from the sideboard and hit Anton in the arm with it, sending him sprawling beneath the staircase. The gun went off, shooting Anton in his leg. Erszhebet and Jean-Hughes ran from the house, down the street and jumped in the car oblivious to the neighbors who had come outside to see the latest goingon with those crazy Bathorys. Not that their homes were any less crazy you understand; it was that kind of neighborhood.

When they were some ways away, he pulled over. Erszhebet was crying silently, tears streaming down her face and shaking like a leaf, relieved that she was finally gone from the place. "I'm so sorry, so so sorry," she sobbed over and over again.

Though Jean-Hughes had been right, this was not a time for "I told you so." They had been through enough for several lifetimes. He pulled her into his arms and held her in a tight cuddle. "Shh, It's ok, its alright now; you are not alone any more to face things by yourself, please get used to it. They won't hurt you ever again; so long as there is breath in my body I swear it to you."

[[[]]]

Erszhebet officially moved into Jean-Hughes' in the dawning hours of her 17th birthday. She did not care about the few things that had been left behind. They could be replaced easily. She should have faced that truth before, but hindsight is always 20-20. Jean-Hughes arranged it so that she was given time off from her classes due to illness and he took some holiday time to be with her and take care of her. They both needed to recover from the experience.

Erszhebet decided to let things lie where Jean-Hughes was concerned. Her supernatural gifts were not something she would ever disclose to him. She was still coming to grips with what had happened, but was scared that she would lose him if she revealed to him everything that had happened that night. She had read about these things and did have more than a passing fascination with the supernatural, but those were other people and other situations.

It was not right to have secrets, but rather that than risk losing the only person in the world who had ever shown her kindness or loved her.

A year later she became his wife with their friends and members of his family present in the village church near his parents country house in the Loire Valley. She was a beautiful bride and looked glorious and happy. Everyone agreed; if ever there were two people who were meant for each other it was Jean and Beth. Jean-Hughes' family welcomed her warmly after some initial trepidation because of her age and because they had not had that much time to get to know her. They were even starting to broach the subject of grandchildren. The couple had the full support of their respective departments after jumping a couple of hurdles. They could relax now, since there was no worry about Jean-Hughes' job.

They settled into domestic life quite easy after a peaceful 3-week honeymoon in Florence. Things were going well for them both at the Université. They had a small circle of very good friends andsocialized often. They also spent cozy nights in just enjoying each other's company. Life was good and uncomplicated. Erszhebet was not used to this; but after a while she had managed to put her troubled past behind her. To see them in the street they were like any young couple happy and in love with their whole lives ahead of them. Things were finally on the up for her, she thought.

[[[]]]

Two months after her marriage Beth's life took yet another fateful turn. She did not have classes that day and was not going with Jean-Hughes as she usually did to Université. She saw him down to their front door in her short robe; giving him a passionate kiss and hug goodbye.

"You know, the best part of my days now is coming home to you," he said, kissing her. He put his backpack down and held her close, kissing her neck and stroking her hair. She smelled so good.

"Mmmmm, stay," she said, wrapping her body around him. She pulled him over to the sofa and pushed him down, "Call out sick, they can get a Proctor to give the exam."

Jean-Hughes pressed his forehead to hers looking her in the eyes; "Are you trying to tempt me you little vixen," he teased.

"I have already done that, and quite well too, don't you think?" she said softly with a wink, having undone his shirt and pants. It was obvious h wanted her as much as she wanted him.

Jean-Hughes chuckled; it was so unlike Beth to consider such a thing, conscientious as she usually was when it came to any of their responsibilities and being on time. Throwing a sickie was not usually an option, no matter how badly either of them were tempted. He looked at her closely; Beth seemed a bit pale. "Are you ok, chérie?" he asked gently, lifting himself off her a bit and touching her cheek.

"Oh, its nothing. I am just feeling tired, run down. Think I might be coming down with something," she replied. She did not want him to leave her, but could not explain why. She just did not want him to go. She wrapped her arms and legs around him again, looking up at him so intently it was as if she was memorising his face.

Erszhebet kissed him deeply and Jean-Hughes could not help himself but to respond. God, how he loved her!

Jean-Hughes looked at her again, feeling her forehead. "You feel warm," he said concerned, "I'll call out and take you to the doctors."

"No, I'll be alright, it's probably because I overloaded myself with classes and all of the gigging hasn't helped", she said, feeling guilty. "Besides it's only a half day today, right?"

"Less than that," he replied, "I am only going in to give this one exam for Bonnet, damn him, and then I am home in 2 hours to take care of you". He kissed her on the nose. She smiled at his thoughtfulness He was always so very good at taking care of her. They lay there for a moment losing themselves their shared passion again.

"The sooner I go, the sooner I will be back my love," Jean-Hughes sighed deeply reluctantly pulling himself off of Erszhebet. "Damn it to hell, this is the last time I fill in for Bonnet. Next time he gets a Proctor, I don't care." He gave her one last deep kiss and a cuddle, he could not help himself.

They said their "I Love You&rdqo; and Beth went back to bed having locked the door behind him. As she drifted back to sleep she could not help but wish he would turn right around and come back home to her; she felt so safe and loved in his arms. "I am the lucky one," was her final thought before going back to sleep at 8 am.

Less than an hour later, Erszhebet was a widow. She slept fitfully and sat bolt upright shouting her husbands' name, hardly able to breathe in her panic. It was 8:42am.

Jean-Hughes had just gone onto the motorway, humming along to a cassette of Erszhebets and daydreaming about his wife whom he loved so much, when a large slab of concrete went through his windshield, hitting him in the head and causing him to lose control of the car. He went over the verge and died instantly in a head-on collision with a lorry. It was 8:42am.

5 hours later Erszhebet lost the child she had been carrying.

Less than a month later, she left the Université never to return.

The culprit was never found.

She would always blame herself for what happened to him.