I saw it immediately laying brilliantly across her bosom, not an envious person it was a surprise when the green jealous monster reared it's head. How could she have something so beautiful? It was too painful to even look at someone such as she wearing a piece so lovely. Fitting for a Queen. Not for the likes of Miss Emily Bernstein. "Miss Emily darling!" Cheerfulness was so fake how could anyone not hear? Making my way towards her keeping my wits about me. Must always remember I am a lady which warrants specific actions. My blood was boiling with anger the more I looked at the sight. It should only be right that it belong to me. I am much more deserving than Emily. It would look much better on me, it is lovely just the same but it can not truly shine when upon someone so dull. Just imagining how I would look in it made the longing intensify. As though it were not enough to flaunt it in my face. I draw closer to find her enticing Mr. Parsons. She's leaning in towards him too much, and worse he seems to be returning it. Approaching Emily was a task and it is becoming harder by the second, she appears to be entertaining Madame Harkin. That is my circle, and my future husband, not hers. Why should she be speaking with them, furthermore why should she even be invited to these parties? I must calm down and gain some composure. My image will be shattered if this childish gibberish should fall from my lips. Not to mention it would appear that I was jealous and felt threatened by her. No, that would never do. We shall have to intervene just the same.
"Emily dear, how are you?" I leaned in and kissed the air beside her cheek on either side, as she did the same. Hearing her lips smack so close to my ear with her hands touching my shoulders made my skin crawl. How my hatred grew so quickly for her. It surely could not be just jealously over a mere trinket. Emily shifted her body slightly closer to Mr. Parsons, and I caught a better look at it. A trinket? A far cry from it. I must have it, playing over in my head I can barely think through it. 'I must have it. I must have it. I must have it. STOP!' I will drive myself mad. "Mr. Parsons, always a pleasure. How are you feeling this evening? Better I hope." He barely looked away from Emily, "Hello, you'll soon have to stop calling me that. Always the pleasure is all mine. I am feeling quite better, thank you for your concern. I was afraid I would not be able to attend tonight." I felt my face redden. It's like I am not here. He was clearly just being polite, it's like he's hypnotized as I am. "I am so happy to hear. It would have been a shame, cancel the party even. Madame Harkin, lovely to see you. You look dashing as usual." "Thank you, hardly anything. Just an old dress I came across. It's good that you are here. We were discussing the flowers. You always had such great taste, I would love your opinion." She barely acknowledged me. Did not even look away from her. "Oh mum, are you alright you look flushed?" The smugness on her face made me want to scream. My face must have been the color of a fully blossomed rose. Hot to the touch, like I am cooking inside my skin. How dare she comment on me in such a manner. "I am fine Emily. Thank you." I taste the blood swirling in my mouth. I fear I shall have to take my leave soon before I bite my tongue off. "Elizabeth, are you sure you are alright? Would you care to sit? Your health is of great importance to us. You may be coming down with something." Mr. Parson's false concern infuriates me. "Yes, we should not want you to take ill. The worst timing with all the coming events." Madame Harkins added out of sheer politeness. "I thank you all, but insist I am fine. My health is quite well I assure you." If it were not for Miss Emily flaunting that ornament in my face I would be sealing my date with Mr. Parson's. "Emily, I must ask if you would join me for lunch tomorrow? It would be good for you to know the resturaunt." It was like they had read my mind and wanted to hurt me further. "I should get to know the reception area just in case. I am sure it is a lovely place." Her giggle like ridicule. The thought of them having lunch together nauseated me. "I am sorry I fear I must take my leave. I feel quite unwell." I curtsied and left, not waiting for their false farewells. Still listening as I was leaving, "I do hope she's alright, you know she's not a spring chicken any more. We have so much to do and not long to do it in." Madame Harkin placed a flower on the lapel of Mr. Parson's jacket, "Will this go with your dress, Elizabeth may like it."
I watched them from across the room. My hatred growing steadily. Jealousy coursing through my body. Still stunned by the just events. Where did they get off calling me old? My progress with Mr. Parson's seemed to be moving forward smoothly. His interest in me was promising. I know it must have to do with Emily and her newly acquired chain. That she just had to flash in everyones face. Where could she have gotten something like that anyway? I must stop thinking about it. It is not right, accept it or change it. Change it indeed. As I watch her move she is graceful. delicate, I might be able to crush her. Wrap my arms around her neck stealing the very breathe from her. Not damaging the object I crave. They are far too beautiful for her and I must have it. "Pardon me, would you care to dance?" "I would love to, sir." He was far too old, wrinkled, grey, and slow. Twirling about the floor was nice, my eyes never left her though. I kept careful watch over her the entire night. I danced, made conversation I am a lady after all. Dear Emily always in my view. For if she should take her leave early I would do so in tow. How it hurt to watch her glide across the dance floor on his arm. It soothed me to think I could take my revenge on her. Tonight, it must be. The smile that crossed my luscious lips must have been evil. The elderly man who was asking for a dance had recoiled in disgust and excused himself. His look somewhat faltering. He was too old for me it's inappropiate. Who would care to dance with a man who'd be frightened by a lovely young woman, hardly a man. Mr. Parson's wouldn't be taken aback by a woman. The anger swelling in my head was getting to me. Her of all people. Like some cruel joke. Why do you mock me Emily? I see you laughing at me. All of you now. My head screaming, rage flowing through my body. I had to get out of there. Some fresh air would do some good. Save dear Emmy for one more night, again. Someday perhaps, if not this night, soon.
A cool breeze flooded me as soon as I stepped out the hotel doors. It was refreshing, and calming. I no longer felt anything contemptuious. Despite little dancing I felt very tired, and sore. I started to walk to the corner when I heard that peircing giggle. I knew it was her no need to look. I could already see her smiling, hailing a cab mayhap. The need to see her jewelry once more overtook me. My traitor eyes gazed upon her. Hatred, anger, and jealousy rang loudly in my head once more and so strongly. She was leaving with him. My head began to scream. 'He is leaving with her! Leaving with her, and not you! Never you. HER!' That word over and over and I couldn't make it stop. HER! I darted to the side of the hotel and watched. Listening as well. "It is such a nice night Robert. Would you walk with me instead?" It was what she knew was coming. It was a wonderful night for a walk. "As you wish, Mrs. Parson's." They laughed together. Hearing her call him Robert, in that voice. I followed closely. They were so enthralled by each other they hadn't noticed me behind them. It's like they're in their own little world. A world I would soon bring down with much glee. I watched him bid her a sweet good night. Such a gentleman, the gentleman I knew he was. I happened to catch my reflection in the store window I was waiting by. It really didn't look like me. The woman looked haggard, her lips peeled back in a distasteful snarl. Wrinkles overtaking a face that looked like it had years of worry on it. I could not be looking at my reflection naturally. It had to be a trick carnivale mirror. My attention was misplaced however I would have to worry about my appearance after the deed was done.
It was a long good bye. My patience had run thin. He finally walked away. She looked on for a bit then climbed her stairs. I could barely hold myself back from running forth. If I were to charge at her like a bull she would react and my chance might be lost forever. How many times have I thought of this? Too many to keep count of. I shall bide my time. I have waited thus far, another hour and it will be all done. No more Miss EMILY. What a charming thought. The lights came on in her living room, and went out just as fast. After a few steps I seen her bedroom light come on. Watching and waiting. Probably grooming before bed, Emily was vain you know. Rummaging through her closets to find the right attire for tomorrow's date that she will not be attending. However Emily does not know that. I glimpsed her by the window, phone in hand. Her face twisted it worry, so I must wait longer. Anticipation will overpower me shortly. Excitement in the air, inside me swirling all about. All those emotions flowing through me, setting my nerves on edge. Imagining how it will feel to stand over her. What faces she will make as she realizes it is me? All these thoughts making me giddy, but I feel so tired. Finally her lights went out, darkness once again sweeps the sidewalk. Save for the street lamp, the purpose of those things I shall never know. The wood flooring is old and it is creaky. My steps I must choose very carefully. If she awakens it will not be the same. The surprise on her face would not be as fresh and so I would not enjoy it as much. I make my way through her living room. Kept so tidy no chance of tripping over anything. The stair case was easier to climb quietly than I had thought it to be, like I new exactly where to step. It seems I know my way around perfectly, after entering her bedroom my stomach failed me. Suddenly I felt sickened at what I was about to do. For what? Everything had seemed so trivial. I began to turn to leave before it was too late. Almost out the door when something caught my eye. Sparkling in the moonlight I seen it just laying there. Tossed like that! She honestly did not deserve it. Mr. Parson either, he should be mine too. Mine not hers, I regained control over my stomach. I crept closer to her bed, and watched her sleep a moment. A sense of deja-vu struck me violently, my hands drawn toward her. She looked so peaceful until I leaned on her bedside. Quickly wrapping my hands around her neck, I squeezed as hard as I could. She fought a great deal more than I had thought she would. So I laid my body on top of hers. My face right in front of hers. When she opened her eyes and saw me. I laughed in her face, as shock and horror twisted her face. After a short time the wriggling beneath me stopped.
Her body limp and lifeless as I stood over feeling satisfied. It felt so wonderful, as freedom normally does. I could wait no longer. I rushed to the pile of slumped clothes for it. It was mine now. My searching hands found it and placed it around my neck. I could feel it's weight. All those lovely gems twinkling on my smooth skin. I had to see it with my own eyes. I put the light on and went to Emily's favorite mirror to enjoy my beauty with it. "NO! Oh how could this be? You still get the last laugh. You always must." Shock was not a strong enough word. How dare she? Who was this woman looking back at me. Standing there so dumbfounded for how long? Sun pushing in through Emily's window was blinding. It is morning already, it seemed night was here just minutes ago. I heard someone shouting from behind me but he seems less important in comparison. My dilemma is simple yet confusing. "What have you done? How could you?" The sirens blared in my ears. I could not seem to make myself leave. I could do nothing now but stare at the reflection. The necklace! The necklace that drove me mad, to the point I had finally rid myself of that horrible Miss Emily. I heard the door slamming open and bumping her little stand that held her keys sending her vase crashing to the floor. Police officers clamoring up the stairs. As I stand helpless and shocked. I recall the first questions they had asked. Are you hurt Maam?" Called me maam as if I were an old lady, "Maam, are you hurt? Do you live here? Do you know what happened here?" At first I could say nothing just stare at the necklace. My eyes scanned up, another scream escaped my lips. It was a haggard old lady, lips peeled in a snarl, drool flapping from her gums. It was me and around her neck, the necklace that sent her sanity on vacation permanently. Those chapped lips said, "The necklace. The necklace was mine. I had given it to my daughter. The necklace, oh god, it had been a wedding present." Mr. Parkins eyes are red and bloodshot. His face is smudged with dried tear streaks, blood, and dirt. "Did she like that you called her by her first name?" Dr. Silver asked. "She insisted that I call her Elizabeth all the time. She said that Mrs. and Ma am made her feel old. I humored her," with fresh tears streaming down his face. Dr. Silver bowed his head apologetically, "I'm very sorry, Mr Parkins. You have been through a lot tonight. "She had such a weird smile on her face but a vacant look in her eyes. It was like she was standing there and looking at someone who was not." "I'm sorry for your loss," Mr. Parkins cut him off, "I'm tired, I am bereaved. I lost my fiancee which is bad in and of itself. What makes it worse is her mother is the one who took her from me. The last thing I need is to be given a free therapy session by you," his throat clicked as his voice wavered.
"Calm down please. You are in my office, my name is Dr. Silver. Mrs. Bernstein," The haggard woman slumped on the green chair spouts, "That is not my name!" Dr. Silver taps his pen on his lips, "Hmm, what is your name?" The woman tried to fluff her hair and winks, "My name is Elizabeth." Dr. Silver begins to write on his empty sheet of paper, "Do you know how old you are?" "That is a silly and RUDE question to ask a lady. Didn't your mother teach you that, Doctor?" "Did your mother teach you that sarcasm is also rude? Besides I am a doctor, I am not allowed to tell any one else what you say to me." A small glint appears in her eyes and quickly goes out. "I'm 25, dear doctor." He continues scribbling, "How long have you been here, do you know?" Elizabeth slumps down further in the chair further, "You know this chair is quite uncomfortable. You should get something fluffy for me to sit on." "You avoided the question." "I deserve to sit on something soft." He stops his writing for a moment to look up at her, "That chair will do. Do you know how long you have been here, Elizabeth?" She rolls her eyes, and shrugs, "A day, two at most." Dr. Silver begins to take his notes again. "Elizabeth you have been here for two years now. You slept through most of it, do you know why you may have woken up today?" "Dear doc, I think you have gone mad, simply mad." She laughed, almost maniacally. "You mean to tell me you do not remember anything that happened?" Her voice had become youthful, and her eyes. Her body stayed aged and sickly, "I know there is something wrong with you. I should be in school. I can see that you want me. I know I am irresistible, but you are way too old for me." Elizabeth began to laugh again, and wondered if she could take the good old doc too.
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