Inspired by musicals such as Wicked, Sweeney Todd, and Phantom of the Opera, the cult classic Nightmare Before Christmas and the video game Devil May Cry 4; I introduce you to my newest story yet. All part of the Katherine Donovan Universe! Geez, I sound so narcissistic saying this but remember I talked about the shared universe? This is a spin off of Misfit Boys and The Legend of Katherine Donovan! Ahhh, the story is about two people that got themselves into an adventure until a young lady by the name of Halsey (The character is named in honor of the singer Halsey). Please enjoy! Thank you! --KatDon
Chapter 1: Something’s Got a Hold of My Heart
One dark and stormy night, a woman in lavender as she is writing a letter that says, "Our world is fallen, many tragedies have happened and all everyone cares about is the election of a king. A king who brought back the anti orientation, anti Semetic and other things. For this soon to be king is nothing more than a bully. But people love him for his ideals and that is what sickens me the most. People fought hard in these states but if this king is voted; chaos would ensued. My mother fears this and she said that if this bullying, monstrous king is voted; she wants to move out. The king I mention has a lot of money and could be getting his people to get others to vote for him the highest bid. It could be a conspiracy theory as we know but people don't care--And they don't care what people have to say because this man is nothing more than a narcissist who eats away at his own kind for seeing their flaws. And people think it's OK. Somebody needs to take a stand against this man however people cannot for this guy seems to be untouchable. They think it is acceptable, someone must take a stand and I hope this so called king will not be voted, he will cause chaos and it ensues with things that are now free to please are now becoming like the past: Segregation, the queer with sexual orientation, and all else. He is trying to resurface all this and people think it's OK? I do not agree for people need to take a stand, they need to bring this bully down but nobody is doing a damn think about it. That braggart aborigine, he's ruining everything for our future and nobody cares. Where is the Justice? People don't care, do they? But I ask you, where is the justice? I lost all faith in humanity. Because our world has fallen...Our way of life is dying....Nobody cares, it's this bully, this one who thinks he'll be king and if he does, he will cause chaos. An anti Semetic, segregation of colors, and the bashing to the sexual orientation. He is the plague to our society among the politics. Now I will look at the politics as nothing more than a joke. A merely and ridiculous joke. Are people born insane? Or do they have madness thrust upon them? After all, the insane ones had a father. A mother, as so many do...And the one to speak her name is a mystery."
Times of yore; two little girls were splashing in the water happily while a woman in a boat watching them. The little girls are Lucille ‘Lulu’ Chevalier and her friend, Gloria Nossen were having fun in the ocean however Gloria saw a cave and swam near it while Lulu followed in pursuit, calling after her. Lulu’s mother name Madame Sarita watched with concern. Gloria looked in the cave of a subterranean grove but while in there, Gloria accidentally cut her hand while she kept her bleeding hand away from the water! “Hey, you OK?” A young boy’s voice asked. Gloria turned and saw a little boy who is a year older than her with ashen-whitish or platinum blonde hair. He was a good looking fellow that wore a tank shirt, Capri pants, and no shoes. Gloria pushed the wet strands of her orangey-red hair away from her face, “Who are you?” She asked. “I’m Chris McLeary.” The boy said. He noticed the wound of Gloria’s hand and swiftly swam over to treat her cut; it was very sweet of him to do so for her. Gloria, Lulu, and Madame Sarita took Chris back to Tilbury Town where Gloria and the Chevaliers. But as they return; Gloria, Lulu and Madame Sarita were surprised to notice everyone seems to know Chris as he has the title ‘Messiah of the Subterranean’ for he has killed the terrors of the deep sea: Sharks, monsters of the ocean, and angler fishes. Just then, he meets an outcast girl name Stephanie Redford. Stephanie was Gloria’s neighbor and classmate but Gloria has a fear towards her however after witnessing Chris being nice to the stammering yet grateful Stephanie, who was shy around this mysterious boy. Gloria was touched as she decided to be nice to Stephanie, the two girls became friends as Gloria finds out that Stephanie was living in a nightmare household with her abusive father. Her father name Boser abused her, Stephanie’s mother Clementine and Stephanie’s sisters, Henrietta & Adreena. Gloria and Chris became the only friends to Stephanie but it wasn’t until Stephanie was moving away from Tilbury Town to an unknown town she doesn’t know. Chris and Gloria promise to write to her as they would never forget her! Gloria found solace and comfort in Chris since her older brother Jem has seemingly neglected her, but the one thing Gloria and Jem cannot stand is their foster guardian name Tunek Pryor. There was something creepy about this guy; he is secreted yet introverted workaholic! He was a brawny man but a coward, speaks in a flattering tone when he speaks to others—mostly to Gloria. Tunek has a speech impediment of stuttering and hunched in his position. His voice is softy however it can be dark, menacing when he is angered or stress! Tunek always locked Gloria in the tower where he watches her from a hidden camera. He has a sick, forbidden infatuation on her that is eerie and disturbed. Fortunately, Gloria became clever by drugging Tunek’s food and puts him to sleep however Gloria always felt shutdown from her brother however he looks at Chris as a brother figure, a friend, and she becomes enamored with him. Little did she know that Chris is bewitched for Gloria as he is willing to protect her no matter the cost was! Years later; Gloria is escaping from Tunek after slipping a heavy drug in his beverage. She lied in the field of daisies, where she plucked the petals off the flower and daydreams to herself. Gloria has grown into a gorgeous young lady: She was average height with fuller long, waist length red-auburn hair that was in a ponytail. Her eyes were a light brown; she has a slender yet curvaceous figure and statuesque-like legs. She wore a V neck light blue dress that reached her knees, ankle shoes and socks. As she lied in the pastures; Gloria knew people live by a one quote and place idols high on a pedestal as these idols were people who would die a horrible death. But Gloria wants to live her life; she wants to enjoy it rather than being cooped up by Tunek. She is done with his creepy antics, she finds out that he has peeping on her and learns about the cameras. She wants to have fun! She may as well as find adventure out there. She knows life is valuable so Gloria desires to see other places outside her comfort zone! Gloria is ready to face whatever happens in her life, she loves somebody she deeply cares for which is Chris. Chris was her childhood sweet, she thinks so but she wasn’t sure if Chris felt the same way about her. Gloria doesn’t care about of anyone’s criticism about her; she will escape her isolation through a fantasy she created inside her mind where nobody knows about. It’s a wonderful life in the fantasy, the one she created inside her mind to escape the cruel world. She knows a place inside her head that nobody else knows about! There are bright and joyful things that surround Gloria! In this small area of a town, she is inspired to see the world. Like the stories she heard as a child. She knows she can do things with a brave confidence upon her and she has gifts as well as talents that inspire people. It’s silly to think fantasy protect others however she’s the happiest one in her dream world where she has the existence she always wanted. All her problems vanish on sight, she sees things around her that isn’t being put to good use and the thought of giving up everything she wanted was a scary thought indeed! Around her is a sham, where her brother never interacts of her and she finds out what a creep Tunek with an illicit adoration-esque obsession for Gloria. As a child; Gloria never lived in reality as she spends time dreaming, that make-believe land! She looked up to be people who revealed to have sad lives. Gloria tunes out of reality, she would have fun in the dreams at night of self-created flight of the imagination than the cold light of day. Folks in this aspirational, doomed place would become soul-less but those who kept a smile upon their face are actually depressed on the inside! Though they never show it, Gloria knew it however she could never understood it. Her reverie was interrupted by a horn’s loud sound; Gloria realized it came from afar and rises up as she hurried away! Today, it was the anniversary ceremony for the Messiah of the Subterranean. Gloria got up and hurried off where she found a throng amongst the temple’s pews filled with people. She looked around, she walk down and found Chris who glance away. Gloria approached him as she found a wrapped up gift for her, she glanced back at Chris as he had a shy smile on his face. Gloria mirrors her own bashful grin and took her seat beside him. The ceremony begins once of those words from the minister with his speech: “In the midst of the ocean lies a hero that slays the sea devils who petrify us all. That’s when the Messiah of the Subterranean for his gallant bravery was here to protect us all. Christian McLeary, our dear boy we give you our gratitude!” Everyone cheered in unison but Chris rolled his eyes and he barely smiled at this. Once the minister finished; Chris gets up while everyone is occupied to come up to the minister. Gloria noticed, “Chris, what’s wrong?” She asked softly. This surprised Gloria as she said: “The ceremony is almost over.” She mumbled. “I’m tired of this crap; it bores the hell out of me.” Chris replied quietly. Gloria couldn’t anything as she watched him go. By the time he left; the ceremony was over but Gloria follows Chris without being seen. She witnesses him from afar as he sat on a tree stump and talking to himself. “So people once told me that something’s wrong with me? So what if I left? I really don’t understand sometimes, how can someone like me be honored as a hero?” He scoffs, “‘Messiah’? Please! Here I collect artifacts from other places I never been to. I was never there so what do I know what it’s like out there? I’ve amassed muself of a stock of crap from places I never went to presently. My only desire is to go and see these places I never seen! Just to explore outside my comfort zone.” Hearing the word ‘comfort zone’ made Gloria creep a little closer, Chris didn’t notice as he was proceeding to have more conversations with himself. “People should know that we don’t do a lot when you wake up in the same town every day, there must be a place to experience things in a different light. I want to know what it’s like; maybe there are people out there who are tired of ordinary life. I wish for things that need to be uncovered.” Gloria begin to show concern, she feels the same way for Chris because she wants to explore places outside Tilbury Town! However, she slipped and fell on her knees clumsily. Chris turned and saw her, “Gloria?” He called out. Gloria scrambled to her knees in nervousness. She looked very mortified with a blushing red face. Gloria brushed the dirt from her knees, “Chris—hi.” She squeaked out. Chris had a small but crooked smirk on his face, “Did the minister sent you for me?” He asked with sarcasm in his voice. “No, I came here by myself. I mean, I was concern for you to leave so unexpectedly like that.” Responded Gloria. Chris just rolled his eyes, “I’m sick of doing this, every friggin’ time! Every year, I’m treated like a hero! But I’m not…I don’t feel like one.” He said. “Chris, it’s just a tradition, like a holiday. All of you.” Gloria assured him. “I know, I just hate the same thing over and over again. Maybe a change or something like an adventure.” Chris said. “Chris…” She started to say but Chris interrupts, “I know, it sounds stupid.” Chris said. “No, I was going to say…I know how you feel.” Gloria replied with another shy grin. Chris looked at her in surprise, he then smiled back at her! That smile grabbed Gloria by the heart! Chris may be a good person but there are times where he was serious, cynical, distant, antisocial, and sardonic. He was always a rebel and a lone wolf; arrogant yet cocky while casually mouthing off! He doesn’t believe in religion as he could care less however out of respect for Gloria and her brother he has to participate! Despite this, Gloria knew Chris was a good guy and he has changed so much since they were kids. He has grown up just like Gloria has. He was fairly taller than Gloria, but not gigantically huge. His ashen/platinum blonde hair has gone snow white locks that shimmered in the sun rays. He wore a black, long jack with a red zip up hooded vest under his coat and a navy blue muscle shirt under it. He wore black pants with white stripes, a belt buckle with a skull and bones, a coat clasp and coat buttons. He wore a wristband as it has a black rose design on it. Gloria knew Chris has no idea how beautiful he was, he was truly remarkable towards her and she loved him for he was and for his flaws. Just then, unfamiliar voices made Gloria’s head turned: “How much further?” A girl’s voice complained. “Will you relax?” A guy’s voice said, “We’re almost there!” Chris noticed Gloria could hear something. “What do you hear?” He asked. “I don’t know, I never heard of these voices before….” Gloria remarked in a daze. She left to pursue the voices as Chris followed after her, Gloria ran through the brushes of branches however she might have run too fast because she walked off the ledge of a cliff and would have fallen. It wasn’t until Chris came to her rescue; he caught her in his arms. And in a flash instant, they both were able to land safely on the ground. Gloria was amazed as she glances at Chris, she didn’t know Chris could do that! Chris said to her, “Gloria…I promise you…No harm will come to you.” Chris and Gloria look at each other in the eyes for a moment before pulling away. Both of them were blushing like crazy! “Um, should we…uh…we walk or what?” Chris asked, looking back at her. “Yeah, let’s go. We have no time to waste." Gloria said, and off they went! While they were walking; there was a commotion at the marina and a young lady, she has a slender yet buxom that has blackish brunette hair. She has matching eyes which looked stunning. The woman wore a knee-length dress, faux fur, accessories, and shoes that looked expensive. But Gloria knew who it was, “Stephanie…Can it be Stephanie?” She gasped. Chris was shocked by the sight and catch up with the young lady, calling after her: “Wait, miss!” The young lady turned to Chris with a dark glare, “Can I help you sir?” She snapped. Chris cracked a smile, “Don’t you remember? I was brought into Tilbury Town, how you were a clumsy little girl.” The young lady’s face brightened up, “Chris McLeary! And Gloria Nossen!” She said. Stephanie embraced them both and pulled away, “Oh! I’m so sorry, I just went on a long voyage and I didn’t recognize you. Gloria, you look so pretty.” Stephanie said. She looked at Chris, her face went hot. “Oh--! Chris, I can’t believe it’s you!” And she embraced him, she shed tears of happiness. The three of them talk for a moment until a figure approached her to tell her that they must be off somewhere; Stephanie bid them a goodbye as she promised to have more time together.
That night as they were still walking; Chris and Gloria came across a cult in a standing stones circle as they went closer but gave themselves away and the cult apprehended them both. Gloria begged while Chris demanded and struggle. “It’s not them! They have nothing to do with it! I’m the one you want, it’s me!” A voice called out. “What?” gasped Chris. “Who is that?” whispered Gloria. The figure had her hands up as she exclaimed, "It’s me!!! Up here!!! IT’S ME!!!!" She jumped from the stones, took down the cult members and freed Chris and Gloria. Chris and Gloria headed inside a nearby church and close the door but were surprise to see Jem, Pastor Sammael Malone, Tunek, Madame Sarita and her daughter Lulu inside as they were attended the meeting. However; there were some newcomers were there such as David O’Brian, Sarah Harris, and Meredith DeMarcus. Sarah tries to get Chris’s attention with a seductive wink and a little wave but Chris scoffs this off. The church is where the meeting took place and Sarah voiced her own proposal to work with Chris but Jem replies back that Chris works alone however Sarah accuses Gloria for being a prude. But the chandelier that was hanging from above was about to crash onto Sarah! Everyone screams, Sarah dodged it as she was freaking out by having a primadonna-like fit! “It’s her, Halsey de la Temple!” Lulu whispered. Pastor Sammael Malone tries to reassure Sarah but she is angry that nobody is doing anything to prevent them from happening and leaves in a huff! Just then, Madame Sarita approached with a message from the mysterious Halsey. “Oh for God’s sake! You are all obsessed!” said Jem. “She says she welcomes you to her town that solely belonged to her and church’s heirloom safe from harm.” Said Madame Sarita, “And her salary is due.” Tunek glances at her in disbelief, “She has a salary?” He asked. “Why yes, Pastor Malone pays her about one thousand, seven hundred and ninety nine trillions of dollars.” Replied the madame. Tunek was outrage as he seized the letter as he exclaimed: “One thousand, seven hundred and ninety nine trillions of cash?!” Since Sarah had left; Madame Sarita offers Chris a chance to look out for the mysterious Halsey, Chris was uncertain however Madame Sarita has faith in him and Gloria has faith in Chris. That night, Chris was waiting for Halsey until Jem came to ask if he was sure but Chris claims that it wasn’t his choice. Jem then wish him luck. Gloria came and told him to be careful, Chris promise he will but he gave her a crooked, small smirk when he saw a pendant around her neck. It was of an angel with a lyre, it was the gift from Chris she found at the ceremony. Gloria smiled bashfully and says to him, “Good luck.” She left. Chris watched her go as he waited for Halsey. But after he lingered for an hour or two; he was about to leave, he thinks that this Halsey woman doesn’t exists. Just then, he heard an enticing voice: “Foolish girl, how dare she bask in your glory?! Ignorance in her soul, that insolent yet brave young debutant. Sharing in my triumph, tormenting your soul!” Chris rise up, “Are you Halsey? Answer me! I know about you and I want to know if you’re real. Please…” He said. The enticing voice was so sultry, “Christian McLeary, you sound so flattering. All right then…” She then chants something that lured him: “Will you come with me to my wonderland? Down the rabbit hole….” He felt mesmerized as he followed her. Outside, Gloria pressed herself against the door and tries to open the door but it was locked. “Who is that girl? Who is that in there?” She banged on the door but alas, it was hopeless. Chris went down a staircase and he is a dark room with one opening in the ceiling to allow natural light to illuminate the well, the rest of the cistern is lit artificially, so that visitors can see its ornate arches. The pillars are reflected in an ever-present shallow layer of water on the cistern’s floor. There, he faced a young lady who wore a ceramic mask with eyes in the masquerade and painted red lips. She was in a black cloak. She wants Chris to know what she would like to see good things and warns him about the cruel, unfeeling light of the world out there. While this happened; Chris noticed a curtain is covering one part, “What’s in here?” He asked. He walked over and pulls it back, “No! Don’t!” Halsey cried. It was too late, Chris look and he was shocked to see a mannequin of himself with his face that resembles him. The mannequin came to life at him, Chris jump back and he faints but Halsey caught him and carried him to a bedroom, she puts him in a canopy bed and kissed his cheek. She went away after draping the curtain. Later, Chris woke up and left the bedroom as he approached to Halsey who was tending the fire. He accidentally pulled the blanket she was covered with but was stunned to see her naked body covered in scars! Halsey screams, “DAMN YOU! YOU PRYING VIPER, IS THIS WHAT YOU WANTED TO SEE?! DAMN YOU, CURSED SON OF A BITCH!!! YOU LYING DEMON!!!” She covered herself as she hid in an arm chair but she stopped screaming as she said, “Stranger than you dreamt it, can you imagine the abuse I suffered? You have no idea what life is about. There’s those fat cats driving in their expensive cars and living in fancy lifestyles. People don’t care, people won’t have no compassion for the likes of me or you. Can you even dream the undying yet crazy stuff.” Chris’s horror became empathy, he felt sorry for her and handed back the blanket. Halsey took it back and went away. Afterwards, she was dressed as she came to Chris and said, “Come. Let us return to the church. Those people who are in there will be missing you.” And so, off they went back to the church. Later, Chris told them about Halsey and all that has happened however he left out the parts of the mannequin and her naked body covered in scars. David scares Gloria and Lulu as a cruel joke that Halsey would probably kill but Madame Sarita admonished him with ominous words, “David, my boy, hold your tongue…” She got back at him by scaring him with a knife and impaled it next to him, making it look like she missed but the Madame smirked saying: “Keep your weapon at the level of your eyes…She will burn with a heat of her wrath.” She then left; David was catching his breath until he caught Chris smirking at him while he snickered at his scared expression before leaving. Weeks later; David got notes from Halsey as he was snubbed for being a fool as he is unaware of Sarah’s infidelity. He didn’t want to believe it but decides to find out. At a party, Sarah was with a figure in feminine clothing and there were her giggling girls that were her friends. The only girls who weren’t laughing were Gloria and Lulu. Just then, David unexpectedly came to Sarah and offer to get her food so Sarah sends him away. When David was gone; Sarah turned to the feminine wearing figure and tore the clothes off as the figure turn out to be a young man, Gloria and Lulu looked at one another in horror as Sarah was kissing passionately with a man. The girls were talking bad things about David and laughing until Halsey’s voice echoed in the room that startled the girls and the un-named man: “Did I not teach you a lesson, you hussy? This youthful man has set your heart aflame! You would die of distress and you're making David laughing-stock! You are bound for HADES! Shame! Shame! Shame!” The girls gasped. “It’s her!” Lulu whispered. “It’s her, I know that voice! She was the one who kidnapped Chris.” Whispered Gloria back. Sarah glared at the girls and yelled at them, “I don’t know what two are mumbling about over there but shut up you clucking hens!” The other girls laughed until Halsey’s voice rumbled: “Oh, a hen you say? Maybe it’s your turn to cluck like a hen you lady of the evening.” Just then, David angrily busts through the door and confronts Sarah of her adulterous crime so he breaks up with her. Sarah returns to Tilbury Town where she was branded as a philander. Sarah was also haunted by laughter and became an emotional wreck from all the humiliation and pain. From above, it was Halsey again as she managed to cry out: “BEHOLD! SHE FEELS THE CURSE OF HALSEY!!!” Meanwhile, the townspeople found Sarah and David cuffed to different beds with a rag in their mouth and a bullet in their skulls of their brains. The word 'VENGEANCE' was written in blood. Last week; a little boy didn't come home and one day, he was found in a creek. His head bashed in and his pockets full of rocks. The words ‘CURSE’ is written in blood on the arm of the corpse. Then, a man found nailed to his door while his dog was brought to school dead and everyone watch as they were both buried. A carving on the man that reads, ‘MADNESS’. The poor puppy has message written in blood that reads ‘SAVAGES’. Next, the head of a handyman was found in the fountain of the residence as a woman was stabbed. The handyman had a carving of the words, ‘FEAR’ and the woman had one too that reads ‘SALVATION’. Chris is shocked by this, Gloria tried to comfort him but Chris tells her that Halsey is dangerous and will come to kill them. Gloria was concern for Chris and talks to him: “Chris…I deeply care about you, I want to protect you. I can ensure you that no harm will come to you. I will be your freedom. I would never wanted anything more, but to be free and loved. I will always be beside you. Protect you and guiding you through the ups and downs of the world.” Chris looked at her in the eyes, “I want to hear those words, every single day. I want to be the one to free you from the darkness and want to be free in general. I want you to keep this promise that you're making.” Gloria nods, “I will. I want to shelter you and want to be your light in the cruel world. Leave your fears behind and that you are safe. I care about you with all of my being, and will do anything to guarantee your safety.” She said. “I just want you in a world to be filled with light. I don't want to live in a world, where only darkness surrounds you.” Chris replied, “I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I haven’t been able to get my mind off you since. I never want you to be lonely anymore. Wherever you go, I will be there beside you.” Hearing those words made Gloria blushed as she admits: “I want to share my life with you as well.” The two of them embraced each other. Halsey watched them, she was angry at this as she vows to herself against them, “Christian! You will curse the day you betray me!” She thought with anger and tears welled in her eyes from the mask. She left as she is entitled to have Chris, his one and his only. Just then, Chris and Gloria encountered a man by the name of Sirk Montgomery. He leads Chris and Gloria away until his true intentions are revealed. His face was the stuff of nightmares. When he went insane; he had many different expressions that were gnarled to convey his emotions. One facial expression had his mouth all jagged and his eyes became scary of his sclera was red as well as his pupils were shrunken looking. Another is where his face changes into a demonically insane grin and pupil-less eyes. If he mocked them both; he would have his look become a mock impression of an adorable mask with his lips puckered into a cheesy grin as his eyes were wide and sparkly. And in his insanity; his face twisted into something eerie! His mouth was wide open with saliva dripping out and his tongue was out too. His sclera was white and his eyes were tiny yet grey. And his laugh was so hideous to hear: It sounded high-pitched, distorted cackle. Just then, Sirk was surprised by someone as he was sent away! A young man with a spiky red haired man with a tank shirt and pants with a vest and shoes. Along with a girl with light brown hair and dirty blond highlights. The boy was Mylos while the girl was Xylina. Their voices sounded familiar as Gloria realized they were the voices she heard back at Tilbury Town and asked what they were doing there, Mylos said that they were on some job. Gloria admitted that she wanted to see places, she dreams of going to locations so Mylos and Xylina invited them to a festival. Chris wasn’t sure because of his obligations but Gloria declares that she’ll talk to her brother about it. Later, Gloria was getting ready for this festival in Mylos and Xylina’s village! In spite of herself; Gloria was still feeling spiffy in that dress she was saving for this special occasion but Jem interrupted: "Gloria, stop making a spectacle amongst yourself! I'm only sending you here for one reason..." Jem said while scolding. Adele sighed, "Yes, I know Jem." She replied. Not smiling; Jem holds out a box for his sister, "Here, this is my gift." Gloria was slightly annoyed, "Now, Jem! I thought I told you..." Gloria protested but her mother pulls out a pair of shoes from the box. Gloria gasped with delight, "What beautiful shoes! Oh Jem!" She said as she embraced her brother and pulls away as her brother says, "As befits, take care of yourself, Gloria. And try not to talk so much!" Jem said. Gloria nods, "I won't." She said. Jem then tells her: "Have fun." And left in a hurry. Gloria sighed, Chris puts a hand on her shoulder to comfort her. The two of them went off to their journey. They traveled to their destination for awhile, but after for awhile; they arrived at their destination. Gloria had been sleeping for a bit however Chris leaned over and woke her up gently, Gloria rubbed her eyes as Theo said with a hand gesture, "Here we are, Gloria. This is the village" He answered. Gloria squinted, "What? Already?" She asked. "Yup." Chris replied. Gloria sighed, "What a nap." She said. The vehicle stopped as Chris steps out and stretches his hand out, "Come with me." He said. "Where are we going?" asked Gloria. Chris smiled, "To the village’s festival.” Chris and Gloria arrived at the village’s festival where they are greeted by Mylos and Xylina. But everyone is happy they don’t have to deal with Halsey and act like they’re untouchable! As if on cue, Halsey appeared as they terrify the residents into hiding as Chris and Gloria was horrified to see them. Halsey appeared as Gloria shivered a little. Halsey was dressed in a black fedora hat with matching clothes. “Aww, what’s wrong? Did you guys think that I had left you forever? Did you miss me? I bet you thought things would have been happier if I wasn’t around, right? Your celebration brings tears. You all have wretched manners and need to know your place….And as for Christian McLeary and the lovely Glory Angel.” Halsey said. Chris glared at her, Gloria seems nervous. But they were both surprised to hear what came out of Halsey’s mouth, “Chris is a charming boy with a mysterious past but he remains such a good soul. His girl Gloria is a sweet thing, she is as harmless as a cherry pie. Her angel limbs, her long red hair and how sweet her smile is. These two…I see great things in their future.” Halsey approached Chris, she caressed his face but then she slapped him. Everyone gasped in horror, Gloria couldn’t believe it. Chris was stunned as Halsey seized his jaw, her eyes filled with malice. “Just because I complimented your girl, doesn’t mean I have a soft spot for her because she must know her place! You will be mine, Christian McLeary!" Halsey growled, she released her grip while she laughed and disappeared into smoke. Gloria tries to go after Halsey however she is too late. Meredith took Gloria aside to speak with her in private where she tells her the past life of Stephanie and how she enlists Halsey as an accomplice. In her life as an abused victim; Stephanie was first to witness her mother Clementine was drugged and drained as Boser appeared before his wife and forced himself upon her. He ripped her clothes and was inside her....The others didn't help; they thought she was crazy so they all laughed at her. Stephanie, Adreena, and Henrietta were forced to watch. Things got worse when that awful hurricane and Stephanie was looking for her sister however she was shocked to find the remains of her sister was her feet which had the magic shoes. Stephanie was in anguish however she decided to get her favorite teacher, Mr. Leighton, for help. When Stephanie got to the university, she saw the lights in Mr. Leighton's office was off so she went in and turned them on. What she saw was a horrifying scene of Mr. Leighton's corpse, his own nape was red and there was a puddle of that awful color on the floor! Stephanie flee the scene, crying and struggling for breath! However, she bumped into Brandon which she wish she didn't because she must look like a crying mess. But she managed to tell Brandon what had happened and they talked for awhile in a garden where they confess their love for one another. But then, they were discovered by the guards as Stephanie escaped while Brandon was being lead away to be beaten to death. Stephanie was in a panic as she tries to use a spell to save him however she heard a crunch sound of bones as well as a sickening sound of flesh ripped apart. Stephanie screamed, "BRANDON!!!!!" Soon, Stephanie learns that her father had murdered her loved ones and was shocked that she never knew her father could be that abusive! It wasn't until she was grown into a young lady when she found comments about her that read: "Stephanie is a selfish bitch who is going to get what she deserves; she is a pathetic little good girl who should die friendless and alone!" Stephanie is shocked as she doesn't know what is going on. She learns that she is competing with a new girl who is much more prettier. In walked in Marie Lewis, mysterious and gorgeous while also nice. Too nice. She has an hourglass figure. Stephanie doesn’t completely fit this mould she doesn’t feel valued in society. She resembled a thin model with no extra weight; Stephanie realizes she will never quite live up to the unrealistic image of Marie. Stephanie is jealous of Marie because she looks beautiful and is attracting the guy of her dreams, Blake, and she’s ashamed of admitting her enviousness. Stephanie cannot help but have a desire as she wants everything that Marie has so that Marie will come to her. She wants to figure out why Blake seduce other women and not her. She wants to drown herself in the women’s perfume because she believes that Sergei is attracted to her for the way she smells and is causing her pain. "I wish I was her. Why do you love her and not me?" She thought while watching Marie with Blake. She feels the same emotions of restlessness that is usually linked with having a crush on someone. In this case, she can’t sleep or get peace for a different reason: Blake is rebuffing her feelings by being with Marie. Stephanie doesn’t need Blake's company to enjoy herself tonight, and she’s also convincing him and herself that she will not need him in her life again. Tonight, her goal is to erase her troubles and enjoy herself with Marie. On her night out she’s gonna come across a brand new guy that will make her completely forget about her troubles with her current lover. Everyone’s gonna be talking about this night and how she’s completely obliterating the memory of the guy that’s messed with her by having a fun night with her girls, and hooking up with new guys. He had it coming, though, he knew that the day would come where she would get up, leave, and do it on her own. She pushes the buttons even more to express that she’s had enough, and that she’s doing perfectly fine without him in her life. She’ll be fine without the guy trying to bother her and ruin her evening, she’s got her girls and that’s what matters. However; something changes as she didn’t expect it to happen and it wasn’t her idea but because she was so drunk, it gave her the confidence to kiss a girl and not feel awkward about it. Basically, Stephanie was probably drunk, and is therefore confused with what she should do. It is hard for her to just kiss boys. It seems the traditional view of orientation being a fixed trait was mostly determined through research conducted on men. Girls, on the other hand, seem to have a fluid orientation, falling in and out of love with both genders over a lifetime — thus being magical while her kissing a girl and liking it is actually quite the norm, and really is no big deal. She just wanted to try to get a taste of how it feels like to kiss a girl. Stephanie also worries that her boyfriend won’t take this issue up quite seriously allegedly labeling her. However, it was a dream and Marie was amused to hear it. But Stephanie is going to pursue her desires over what logic and reason are advising her to do. The feeling of commitment that the person in this song is experiencing when faced with this sudden decision as good emotions that also come along with the constricting ones – perhaps going along with the love she feels for Blake. Stephanie has come to terms that Blake doesn’t love her and never will. She questions why she continues to fool herself into thinking this person will love her and to thinking that this relationship would work out in her favor. Stephanie doesn’t want to hear the excuses Blake has however she isn’t ignorant to her lover’s lies and doesn’t see the point of what he’s saying. She’s generally hurt by the things he has said to her. This is more of she fell in love with Blake and he’s saying that they’ll always still be friends. She criticizes her significant other’s pride and cowardice, which prevents him from ending the relationship. Stephanie is in denial and doesn’t want to put the relationship to an end. She knows that both her and Blake won’t end it, so suggest that they pretend everything is going well. It’s just that Blake cannot commit to her and only ever wants her when he is drunk or when they have contact. She doesn’t feel as if she completes him. She doesn’t want to know the truth because she’s tried for this relationship and can’t let go of what they may have once had. She strives for perfection and will not accept anything less. She is very bitter and feels she can’t let go of the relationship and her need for perfection as she realized this was a bad decision. She regrets breaking up and misses being part of the relationship. Stephanie was upset with her partner, but feels she overreacted by breaking up. She now wants to move on and forget about the breakup, but can’t let go of what has happened. She wants more and more so she doesn’t feel sad. She doesn’t want materialistic goods; she wants something from the heart. She wants love. For a far unexplained reason, Stephanie has been purged from a relationship that she is emotionally seized to. However, she’s wasted her time trying to be in a relationship with someone she simply cannot have. She feels stupid for investing so much time in an unrequited love, and now she’s fragile, she fears of being hurt again. She’s finally starting to give up on her task at hand, she wishes to become unnoticeable. Instead of her having to deal with herself, she’s passing it to her children. She realizes the destruction she has created, and just wants to be far from it. She wants to give affection to the person, but she gives too much. This happens with so many people that other people even say that she’s clingy. Even though she likes the attention, she does not have feelings for him anymore. Sometimes people are scared when they’re alone. She understands that it seems selfish of her to ask for another night with him since she was the one who broke their relationship off. Stephanie is searching for a reason to keep coming back to this guy. She gives lame excuses that she’s bored with him, but yet she still keeps coming around. As if she’s lying. Stephanie broke up with him, so she’s not really looking for a man to hold on to, she could’ve had him—but yet she can’t stay away. Even though she broke up with her lover, she wants him to hold her through the night and to help her get over him. This results in her doing this several times over a longer period of time, breaking up in the mornings and getting together in the evening, indulging in an evil, never-ending circle. However; Blake was black-balled because of his association with her and he quit training her! While Stephanie is with her overprotective friend name Caroline; Caroline doesn’t reassure Stephanie when she is frightened but instead reinforces her fears and puts some of her own into her in order to make sure she will come running to her when threatened so she can protect her. Her paranoia and over-protectiveness is only damaging Stephanie’s self esteem and social skills, making her think she needs her approval for everything. Her mother attempts to police her whereabouts on what she says or does as Stephanie becomes afraid to be vulnerable with other people in part because of her mother putting her fears into her. All the things she was deprived of while being sheltered from the world. Stephanie didn’t feel like herself trying to maintain her past innocent image and this has robbed her of herself up until this point. She drastically changed her image, and was introducing a new look of herself, who is more mature, almost a woman, but at the same time much sexier. Being sheltered prevented her from understanding who she was and what she wanted. She prefers to make mistakes and figure things out on her own than to feel restricted by authorities her whole life. Her mother is telling her how she should about what image to present to the public. She doesn’t feel the image she’s presenting is actually what she’s like though and wants to truly be herself now. Stephanie has decided that now is the time for her to get the things she’s been deprived of while being sheltered. Stephanie is sick of her overprotective mother, she is sick at how Caroline is suffocating her emotionally and left her out of anger! That's when Stephanie discovers that Caroline is in the hospital for attempting to take her own life a few weeks ago and goes to see her. In these past weeks, Caroline has been using it for so long that she has started believing that this mask is the real her. The pain that she feels, as she tries to convince whereas if she tries to touch them, in the sense she tries to meddle with her persona, she feels the bitter pain of it being so badly broken now. Her persona wants to make her believe that what she is going through is fake, and when she has gone through it all she will then understand that it wasn’t real. She’s wondering if people would love her looks or her actual personality. She’s in love with Blake but they knew that a relationship between them couldn’t work well, so he had to leave. But, she’s not able to let him go. She’s tormented by thoughts of him every day, and she knows she’s being childish by holding onto his memory this long, but she feels she needs to have him with her until the memories leave by themselves. Her emotional wounds won’t get better, and it hurts so bad emotionally that she thinks she can physically feel it, and that there’s too much time that she’s put into this thing that it’s unable to be erased. She and this guy were very close, and losing him was like losing a part of her. Time can’t erase the wounds of her loss, and she doesn’t know it but she’s opening the wounds by holding on to him. She loved him very much, and cared deeply about him. Then, he left her, and she became nothing. She never realized how much she needed him until the day he left, and she can’t stop wanting him back, her mind is slowly slipping into insanity. His presence, his grace, how he made her feel, made him her whole world. She’s then taken apart after he’s gone, with only shattered memories of the past times they had, to hold on to! Memories of him are slowly driving her insane. Images of him haunt her, and she hears his voice in her mind. She can’t help needing him, but she is desperately trying to hang on to what she has left of her sanity. She knows that their relationship had been a bad idea from the beginning, and she’d had to protect him from his fears, and she never got anything back, but she unwittingly gave all of herself to him. And now that he’s gone, she can’t live knowing that he’s not here. It wasn't until Stephanie is shocked by more hateful letter as she went to confess to Caroline, who was in the hospital, and told her: "I know you hate me, but we were best friends once and I need you to read this. I think I'm in serious trouble and there's nothing you can do, but I need you to read this so you understand. I know we haven't talked in awhile. It's been forever, but what happened to you wasn't my fault. At least it wasn't entirely my fault. I know everyone thinks it was, but I would never do anything to hurt you." Caroline looked at her with a glare, "You betray me..." She said. Stephanie looked down, "I know...I'm so sorry." She admitted. That's when the unexpected happens: She has cut herself, and is bleeding while screaming: "You're perfect! I'm not! You've become obsessed with the spotlight are now simply the puppets of others, the fool everybody laughs at!" Stephanie is horrified and ran off! She arrives at home and she is paranoid of her stalkers has stopped outside her house. So she’s locking the door and not looking back because she’s scared. She’s getting changed — undressing in the dark and not letting them see her, hiding from them. They’ll never know the way that what they’ve said has freaked her out and made her paranoid. She can’t believe they’d try and get her to do the things they want her to do, which is whatever the stalker’s demands are. They’re haunting her in her dreams and she’s terrified. They’ve all got her. She can’t sleep, because then she’ll experience these nightmares. They think she belongs to them. They’ve got her cornered, so just come out and get it over. She paid the price for choosing a sensational life of phenomenal and vigor. No one wants to be stalked or harassed! The people watching her might want to intrude but can people really see her? She fears anyone calling her at all. Everyone could be watching! Everyone is a suspect! She fears of being watched by authorities. The feeling persists, she has too much time on her hands and she spends it alone. Perhaps it’s a bad dream or she’s tired and is experiencing sleep hallucination. And yet whatever she does can be seen by everyone. And the people she loves are those that she fears and her life no longer belongs to her! Stephanie wished she was a blonde in her teen years, she thinks that she was robbed of the ideal teenage girl’s dream; popular, surrounded by boys, always going to parties or hanging out with her friends. She wants to go back in time to waste her life as a teenager. She wants to make mistakes, and worry about petty things, and rebel just because she can. She is depressed, she doesn't want to go out or deal with the world. She wants the drama and carnage that come with being a stereotypical teenager, and naturally, she also wants to eat rich, fattening desserts all day. She knows that the happy and carefree teen doesn’t exist, but that’s exactly what she wanted to be. She faked it all throughout her teen years, yet she wishes she hadn’t been so innocent and transparent. Stephanie wants to be nice and virginal because, to everyone else that seems more desirable than being an easy harlot with promiscuous behavior. She wants back her chastity, and the empowerment it gives because she feels so empty. She wants to get hammered, she wishes she wasn’t so careful and that she did those immature things. She wants passion and violence, but she also enjoys the simple things. Stephanie feels like she’s destroyed her chance to have her simple moments and she'll hate herself for it. She has that high school loser feeling bad about herself, but also feels like she’s a narcissist! She was incredibly disoriented, having found that being a teen was actually a really confusing ordeal. She was supposed to be testing her limits, she was supposed to be happy, going out there and making a fool of herself while she was still an adolescent. But instead, she stayed sensible and has made a fool of herself in the future. Now, she regrets wasting so many years of her life not doing fun things. Youth, in general is supposed to be a carefree time. Full of friends, happiness. But since Stephanie never really had any of this, and spent all of her time worrying and hating herself she never experienced much joy in her short adolescence. Stephanie wishes people looked up to her when she was a teenager. She wished everyone liked her and gave her respect. She wanted to be invited to all the coolest parties. She wishes she was actually interested in trying to be Prom Queen in high-school. Stephanie is used to this sort of thing, having to cling to her drugs or dolls or such to make it through life. This isn’t anything new to her; she goes down into oblivion and is done with everything. There is something missing in her life, she feels the void while hanging with all her fake friends. She’s being friends with identities that she doesn’t relate to at all. Even she puts on a mask that conceals her true self, adding to the sense of mystery. This could be the low point in her life. Her depression, her hopelessness. She takes green tablets for the morning, blue capsules in the afternoon and yellow gel-caps in the evening. Just to give herself some peace but with all these pills; they cannot make her happy and she gets rid of them. Everything from her is not fine, she hallucinates as she could hear those hurtful words again: "Stephanie is a selfish bitch who is going to get what she deserves, she is a pathetic little good girl who should die friendless and alone!" She looked around her apartment where she can see there is nothing but saw herself as somebody different, someone more beautiful and perfect but it was nothing like her. More like Marie, who was laughing and talking with Sergei. Stephanie shouted: "What the hell are you doing with him?!" But she turned to her and said, "What does it look like you pathetic, good girl? I'm here with your boyfriend. You think anybody's gonna love you, you're disgusting. Nobody wants to be around a selfish, friendless bitch." Marie and Blake laughed at her, and then Stephanie could hear more laughter as she couldn't see where it was coming from. "What's going on?" She thought with a panic. The laughter died down where Caroline is hugging her as she whispers to her daughter, "I won't let them hurt you sweetheart. You are my good girl. You don't need friends, you don't have to put on an act to please others." Stephanie tried to pull away however Caroline won't let go and Stephanie pushed her away as she shouted, "I AM NOT YOUR SWEETHEART!!!!!" Just then, she is arrested and is brought before Caroline, who is a judge, as she condemns Stephanie for selfishness and hurting people who loved her, and then sentences her to be exposed by stripping her clothes off. Stephanie covered herself but gasped at how her body is branded with words on her skin: "LIAR", "TRAITOR", "THIEF", "SELFLESS BITCH", "PATHETIC", "FRIENDLESS", and "ALONE". People chanting: "STEPHANIE REDFORD IS A LIAR!!!! STEPHANIE IS A TRAITOR!!! STEPHANIE IS A THIEF!!!! STEPHANIE IS A SELFLESS BITCH!!!!!" STEPHANIE IS PATHETIC!!!!! STEPHANIE IS A FRIENDLESS LONER!!!!"" She saw Blake, Caroline, and Marie also chanting as she covered her ears. And she screamed, "LEAVE ME BE---I DON'T DESERVE THIS!!!" And she runs out screaming. She runs while she tries to escape her delusions which were she saw that wasn’t real: Being replaced, being dumped, being smothered too much, and being betrayed. Nobody else could see the branded words on her skin. She felt paranoid, delusional and then she was later discovered by authorities where she slept near an alley way as she being guided away. She lied there motionless in that room of the facility. And she died on the inside. After hearing this, Gloria was shocked as Meredith assures her to keep her distance and stay away from Halsey. Meredith then gives her a charm, it was of a heart shaped kind but the only difference is there are lines that look like stitches. Gloria returned to the festival where Chris was waiting for her. “Everything OK?” He asked. Gloria had the stitch heart charm in her hand and glanced at it, “..Yes, it’s fine.” She said. “Then what's the matter?” Chris persisted. Gloria tucks it away as she turned to him and smile, "Nothing..." Chris smiled, "Good. Let's go." He said. The two were happy to see everything was fine as they head to the festival but stop as a newcomer walks in, her name is Annora Peters. The others stop as they gasp and make comments for the way they are as a few laugh. Chris was the first to comment, "Who is that?" He said. Gloria saw them too, "I have no idea, Hey now--please, don't stare!" She scolded. Chris looked at her in amazement, "How can you help it?" He said. Annora turns and glares at the crowd as she heard that the chatter stopped and she proceed to the other side of the festival. Mylos and Xylina glared at the villagers’ for their rudeness as they followed the girl. Gloria looked surprised, "Well I'll say, she doesn't give a damn about what anyone else thinks. Same with these guys." commented Chris. Gloria has a look of guilt on her face, "Of course does, maybe she just pretends not to... I feel awful...For her." She said. Chris glanced at her in surprise, "Why? It's not your fault." Chris assured her. But Gloria left him as she told her friend, "Excuse me..." She walks over to Annora as she clears her throat. "May I cut in?" asked Gloria. And she took Annora's hands as they both had a good time. Mylos and Xylina amazed by this sight and had to have fun with the rest. The next day after celebrating much overnight; Annora and Gloria barge into the suite. Gloria is surprise. "Your very first party? I can’t believe it, this was your first party. You never been to one before?" She asked. Annora shook her head. Then she realized it was lights up and checked the day when she realized it was a new day. "Oh look, it's morning. Noor... do you mind if I call you Noor?" Gloria asked. Annora felt a little bit awkward but at ease, Well, it's a little perky....But no. I don't mind." She assured her. Gloria smiled back at her, "And you can call me... Glory if you want. I mean, now that we're friends, I've decided to make you my new project!" She said. Annora was nervous as she backs away while saying, "Uh...You really don't have to do that." Gloria gently escort her to the mirror, "I know, that's what makes me so nice!" She said. Hours later, Annora was nervous as she told Gloria: "Glory? This isn't going to work!" Gloria looked at her, she smiled at her: "Noor, don't think that way anymore! Your whole life is going to change and all because of me.” Gloria stepped back in amazement, "Why, Lady Annora, look at you, you're beautiful." She breathed as she hands her a mirror. Annora was amazed, Gloria was right--She was beautiful! “Gloria, I--" She started to say, “I have to go!" And was out there. Later, Annora was with Chris and Gloria again but then, the monsters attack and causing the villagers to flee. Some were slain in, the other three couldn’t believe it! “Somebody has to do something!” Annora said. “Like what?” Gloria asked. “I don’t know, DO SOMETHING!!! HELP THEM!!” Annora exclaimed in a frenzied. Just then, some sort of power emerged from Annora that threw the monsters back and killed them. Gloria was horrified. "What's happening?" Chris said. Annora realized what she caused as she tried to timidly explained, "I don't know I got angry and then, this happened...." She stopped as her cheeks turned red. Chris looked around, "Alright just....don't get mad at me...Or Gloria for that matter. He then took out his weapon and slain the monsters before turning to the other two girls, "Well are you coming?" He asked. Annora nods, "Let's go!" said Annora. She and Gloria run with him after he was fighting the monsters. "Careful, we don't want to ruin the place." Annora said. Chris was annoyed to hear this, "Don't you think that I realize that? You must think I'm really stupid or something!" He said. Gloria added, "No, you're not really stupid." She was concerned. She didn't know what was going on and it scared her. While battling the shadow monsters; Chris couldn't help but asked, "Why is it that every time I see you you're causing some sort of commotion?" Annora rolled her eyes, "Maybe because I am one." She shouts. "And I happen to be genuinely self-absorbed and deeply shallow." Gloria looked at her in surprise, "No you're not. Or you wouldn't be so unhappy." She said. "Hey, I could go all day and if you ladies don't need my help..." called Chris but Annora managed to say, "No, we do!" And they got out of there. Once afterwards, the three of them were catching their breaths. Gloria looked at Chris and gasps softly, "Oh look, you're bleeding... those things...they must have scratched you." She said. Chris looked at the cut on his face and smiled a little, "Yeah... they did scratch me. I better get to safety... I mean, get first aid for this stupid cut." And he walks away. Gloria looked after him, "Chris..." She muttered with concern. Annora wrapped an arm around her shoulder and said, "It's OK. He'll be fine." Gloria smiled, nodding. "Yes, you're right." She replied. It was then; Chris learned about his biological mother and went to visit her grave. Gloria followed him quietly as she fears Halsey will be here. Halsey appears, again under the guise of the ghost of Chris’s mother. Chris nearly falls under her chanting spell, but Gloria arrives to rescue him. Halsey taunts Raoul, planning on killing her, until Chris stops them both as he claims nobody will die in a place such as this and they leave together. Furious, Halsey called after them but she is too late. “Fine! So be it, so be it then… I decide that I will take the role of the bad girl as they have given it to me. Unlimited, I am unlimited! The damage is unlimited. To everyone I’ve tried to help or love...When I tried making things well, all I made was all destructiveness. The jokes are wearing thin, let my madness begins! As for you Christian and Glory, let it be war upon you both!”
After that ordeal; Chris admits he is afraid of Halsey and tells Gloria that she will never stop trying to recapture him constantly. Tunek realizes that they can use Chris to capture Halsey, as she will surely attend at the theater where only Gloria, Jem, Madame Sarita, Lulu, Tunek, and Pastor Malone were hidden. While waiting, Chris saw that Halsey makes her entrance as she places her arms around Chris. Watching while hiding from afar; Gloria can do nothing but watch as Chris falls for Halsey. “Christian…I deeply care about you, I want to protect you. I can ensure you that no harm will come to you. I will be your freedom. I would never wanted anything more, but to be free and loved. I will always be beside you. Protect you and guiding you through the ups and downs of the world. I never want you to be lonely anymore. Wherever you go, I will be there beside you.” Halsey whispered, echoing the words back at him. All of a sudden; Stephanie’s father Boser enters as he was drunk, he demanded to see his daughter immediately but Halsey calms him down and Boser talks of how much of a prick his ex and his children are. “Oh really?” Halsey remarked darkly, “You have no idea how much damage you cause me. Killing Henrietta, Mr. Leighton, and my beloved Brandon. Humiliating mother, causing her and Adreena to go insane. Wasn’t that enough? Have you gorged yourself in your lust of violence? Am I to be prey for your desire of control and manipulation? Well then, you are a curse dad. A humiliation to me!” Boser became sobered as he was horrified! “Stephanie Redford…Steffie, is that you?” He asked. Halsey took off her mask, much to everyone’s surprise as Stephanie’s face was behind the mask as she screamed: “STEPHANIE REDFORD, FATHER!!!” Then, Stephanie stabs him several times before cutting his throat, Gloria buried her face in Chris’s chest who embraces her. Stephanie then fled to the upstairs of the building while Gloria followed after her! Tunek was filled with rage and must warn the people in Tilbury Town. Stephanie went upstairs as Gloria called her name and they are in a dark room together. “Steffie, wait! Where are you going?” Gloria said. Stephanie looked around, “Oh no! There is no way out…” She muttered, ignoring Gloria. Gloria reached to her, “Stephanie, listen to me...” She try to say but her she is disregarded by Stephanie, “I have to barricade the door!” She picks up a long plank of wood & places it over the door, locking it. Gloria gave her looks of disapproval and they looked at Stephanie angrily. "You never told us you were a murderer and you never mention to us?" Gloria scolded. "Have you overindulged yourself in your bloodlust? You let your insanity get the better of her and ruining an amazing chance for everything you ever wanted!" Stephanie got mad, "You should be ashamed of yourself, Gloria for ignoring your morals and self pride just to climb the social ladder”. At the same time in perfect unison; Stephanie and Gloria both said, "I hope you're happy with their actions!" They looked away from one another until Tunek’s voice boomed from outside: “Citizens of Tilbury Town, Stephanie must be captured! She is a murderer and caused havoc!” After this both of them are stunned and all anger is forgotten. Concerned, she came beside her. "Don't be scared." Gloria said. Stephanie shook her head, "I'm not, Gloria." She answered as her eyes flashed. "It's Pastor Malone who should be afraid…of me!!!" She exclaimed. "Steffie, listen.... Go out there and apologize before it’s too late. If you did, you could be loved and have all your dreams come true." Gloria begged. Stephanie nodded, "You may have a point. But on the other hand, I know it’s too late and I can no longer want what I've dreamed of my whole life if it means getting rid of my own morals." Stephanie admitted, much to Gloria's horror. Taking a deep breath, Stephanie then said: "At this point, I have set a new goal in my mind. I'm tired of working so hard to try and please everyone with little to nothing in return. Now that she knows the truth about the pastor, I can’t turn a blind eye to what is going on and think it doesn’t concern me. The reality is caught in the thick of all this. I have to do what I think is right and go with it no matter what it brings." Stephanie looked at the sun and smiled, pretending the heavens were shining upon her. "It’s time to defy what is expected. It’s a perfect way to look at things, because I have not had it easy my entire life. I have lived for other people, but now, I feel that I must be courageous and do what is best for me. And nobody can stop me this time." Gloria finally spoke up, "Stephanie, you're not thinking right and that idea can never happen." She said. Stephanie spun around, startling her friend as she said to her, "I realizes that all my life I've been scared of losing the love of my father and society which I now realizes I have never had and to obtain that love would take too long and may not even happen. So I'll buy into the concept as it will bring me more happiness and fulfillment." She begins to use her telekinesis as Gloria startled to see this but she is afraid she's going to hurt someone or something. "What are you doing?! Stop it! That's what started all this in the first place... that hideous power! STOP!!!" shouted Gloria. Stephanie obliges as she then tells her about how she can use this power to fly. Gloria scoffs at her, "Well... Where are your wings? Maybe you're not as powerful as you think you are. I mean, c'mon! You? Fly? That's not..." She said but then she saw Stephanie begins to fly around. "You're flying, that’s impossible!" Gloria gasped. Still levitating, Stephanie smiled: "I told you, Glory... I did it, see?" She answered. Then, she jumped up a little and went over to Gloria, "Quick! Get on!" She said. Gloria was surprised to hear this, "What? Me?" She asked. Stephanie looked at her friend, "Gloria, come with me, imagine what we could accomplish anything ... Together. Let’s go down the rabbit hole--Just the two of us! I can take you on an adventure, the world you don’t know exists is more beautiful than you can imagine! No authority, no masters holding leashes, free to live as we chose and the only real limitations." ranted Stephanie with excitement. Gloria considered this idea, "Yes, its sounds wonderful." She remarked. Stephanie smiled widely, "Yeah, it's so exciting!" She replied. Stephanie whirled to the opened window and looked out but she glanced back at Gloria with a pleading tone, "So....You coming or what?" asked Stephanie. They both looked at her nervously as Stephanie knew what she was about to say and bowed her head in sadness. Stephanie hyperventilating as Gloria noticed, “Oh Stephanie! You’re trembling.” She took off her jacket she was wearing and said: “Here, take this.” Stephanie felt the coat around her, it seemed so comforting to her. She looked back at Gloria with a sweet smile on her face. "Don’t have any regrets, all right? I hope you'll never grieve. And have no regrets later on. I wish you all the luck in the world and a friendship holds." Gloria said. Stephanie was touched by this, "You know, you and Chris were my only friends that I love." said Stephanie. The girls embraced each other, however Stephanie whispered to Gloria: “Take care of Christian.” Gloria nodded, “I will.” She replied. But there was incoherent voices and banging at the door. Gloria gasped as she turned to Stephanie but found her gone! The guards bust down the doors, “THERE SHE IS!!!” One of the guards shouted. “Don’t let her get away!” Another exclaimed. Gloria protested, “No! Wait—Wha—what are you doing?! No! Let me go! Let me go!” The guards apprehended Gloria as Jem and Chris entered the room and cried out, “Gloria!” Just then, a voice cried out: “It’s not her! She has nothing to do with it! I’m the one you want, it’s me!” The guards released Gloria, who watched as they surround Stephanie. “Redford!” exclaimed Jem. “Steffie!” Chris cried out. “STEPHANIE!!!” hollered Gloria. Then the guards were being thrown backwards and she shouted, "IT’S ME!!!!" She levitated up and then she said, "When the night conquers the day, look for me in the sky! You all who see Pastor Sammael as a Man of God but he is a man of deception, trust me! If I fly alone, I'll still choose my destination myself. You who creep on Earth can't imagine what I felt. I fly past, I am free and weightless. Only true to myself still and free and weightless, unbound and alone." She continued to rant, "I’m soaring up towards the sky, I'm flying where, wherever. Yes! This is my chance and I won’t miss it. I’m moving forward on the road towards freedom. No one can stop me! When I’m soaring up toward the sky, I’m not afraid." From afar, Gloria cried out: "Are you happy now? It’s you!" Everyone cried out, "Look at her, it's Stephanie! Catch her, kill her!" Pumping her legs, she then flew out into the window and she shouted, "Catch me!" Flying, she flew and wasn't going to stop her! "No one will miss you, Stephanie so we have to bring you back below!!!!!!" Tunek cried out after her.
No comments:
Post a Comment