Don't Mock It

1st November
08:13
 

Perched on the kitchen stool that seemed to wobble all by itself, Corrina wore her hood up and stared at the full glass on the marble island in front of her. Her stomach churned as a bitter draft wafted the stench of booze up her nose. She knew this was the only way to cure a hangover - 'Hair of the dog that bit you' - besides the three days in bed and greasy food method - but every time she brought the third half-pint of Tequila and white rum cocktail topped with a dash of lemonade and Tabasco to her lips, her gag reflex prevented her from actually drinking any of it.

All of the other guests had already left by 3:30am. It was even later when most of the group in the kitchen decided to call it a night, or rather, were unable to stomach any more and-slash-or were on the verge of passing out. Leon had stayed with Selene in her room while Alex had been the first to crash on one of the sofas in the sitting room. Corrina had stayed up to be a good host to Atticus and Elliot as they continued to play Go-Fish and Blackjack. By the time five o'clock had rolled around, Atticus had sobered up and helped Corrina clear up the majority of the mess. For someone of his disposition, he was an awfully efficient housewife; in less than forty minutes, they'd managed to collect the red cups, empty bottles and other bits in the form of party-poppers, fallen streamers and discarded articles of clothing. Having things to do later on, Atticus took Elliot so he could drop him off at home on the way. Corrina had managed to get the whole of an hour's sleep on the other couch before her nausea woke her up, prompting her to shower and change before daring to show her face in public, which resulted in her sitting by herself where she was now.

A shift in weight caused the floorboards in the hallway to creak and the blonde immediately snatched what was closest to hand - the heavy wooden salt grinder from the counter behind her - as if it would work as a weapon. Attempting to stand up but having the stool behind her smack the back of her legs, the female kneecapped herself on the marble support pillar of the island counter. Sputtering curses, she forgot about the potential intruder.

"Hi..."

Biting down on her lower lip from pain, Corrina glowered up at the guest lingering by the doorway.

Sandy hair askew and his pale grey tunic creased to hell, Alex elongated his neck as if he was wondering if it was okay to come in. "I didn't know if anyone was awake and I didn't want to knock on a bedroom door."

“That was probably a good call considering the way Selene and Leon were carrying on.” Breathing through the throbbing of her left knee, the female waved him over. "Come in - don't stand around like a lost soul." Snatching the glass in a moment of madness, Corrina chugged the harsh liquid.

Half horrified-half admiring her bravery, Alex watched the woman down the half-pint glass of what he presumed to be some form of alcohol. "Raw eggs are good for hangovers."

Letting the empty glass thump off the sticky solid counter, the blonde's breathing shallowed and her frame trembled. She was still and stared ahead blankly, appearing like one of those anime characters when their souls had floated straight out of their mouths.

"Corrina?"

The addressed slowly turned her head to face the young man practically tiptoeing towards her. "What?" She asked numbly. Barely finishing her one-word reply, a flush of heat spread past her tank top neckline and up across her face.

"Eggs." Alex repeated and the woman seemed to come back to life with a frown.

"Do I look like someone who'd eat raw eggs to you?"

The guest winced at her harsh tone as he rested the tips of his fingers on the marble top. "Sorry."

Plucking a cigarette from the battered packet in front of her, Corrina held it in front of her lips. "What's there to do around here?"

"Not much for a city girl. There's a couple of bars in town, and a cinema." The drowsy man held his head as he swayed for the stool closest to him and sat on it. Putting his arms on the worktop, Alex rested the side of his head atop of them in a feeble attempt to nurse his own hangover. "A few restaurants, a bowling alley, library, and typical shops. There's plenty of nature walks and boating activities, though. Skiing is a thing for the upper-crust in the winter."

Lighting the end of her vice, the blonde retook her seat on the opposite side from her guest. "Do you know much about the history of the area?" She rested her chin on her up-propped palm and verdant eyes examined the man's expression. What she remembered of what Elliot had said to her in the glasshouse still niggled at the back of her brain.

Alex shifted uncomfortably and turned his face away, rubbing his stinging eyes on the material covering his forearms as he went. "Not really. You could always ask Atticus; his father is the head of the local history and heritage committee, and he runs the library. There’s always Finn, too, when he’s in his right mind; he works part-time at the library as well.”

Wondering out loud, the female hummed, "aren't you curious about Selene and I?"

Drawing imaginary circles on the counter with his finger, Alex kept his eyes down. "I try not to ask about other people's personal lives."

Sensing her company was becoming uncomfortable, the blonde stretched her arms above her head as she yawned. "I'll take you home if you need a lift." She stood up, this time with much more caution.

Panicked, Alex thumped his hands down on the table. "You don't have to." He looked up at the female and swallowed hard as if she'd just offered to do some huge favour.

Holding her hand up in shock from the outburst, the home-owner stared wide-eyed. "Chill out dude, I need to go to town anyway."

Scrambling off his seat (And nearly tripping at the same time), the guest followed the woman around the kitchen like a shadow. "I'll pay you for the gas."

Shaking her head as she scribbled on the small writing pad, Corrina denied the offer. "You seriously need to relax. I’m not the Devil; I’m not tricking you into signing your soul away." Sticking her note to the fridge with one of the vulgar penis magnets, the blonde turned around with a smile. "We're friends now, right?"

Alex's shoulders dropped. He hadn't thought about it like. Ablush with bashfulness, he gave a small nod and gestured for the living room. "I just need to grab my sword."

"Of course you do," making her way around the counter, she turned around and headed as if she was going out of the backdoor but stopped short. "I'm getting my keys, I'll meet you in the foyer." Any other time, Corrina would have made a warped pun but all she could think of was that God awful bitterness left a the back of her throat from the Tobasco. And naturally, the dreaded hike up the narrow passage which was once servant stairs in order to get to her room while her gut swilled with who knew what.

 

08:28

Selene rolled over in the Queen sized four poster bed groggily. Stretching out, she groaned as her foot poked out from under the toasty quilt. Despite the pitch blackness of the room, she could tell Leon was still led next to her from the weight on the mattress beside her and the steady warm breath on her bare shoulder blade. Bravely sticking her arm out into the cold air, she felt around the nightstand for her phone. Pressing the first button she felt, the bright light from her screen temporarily blinded her. After suffering a brief facial spasm from the attack, the redhead mumbled incoherently and blinked at the time.

"You're finally awake?" The woman hummed in response as she felt around under the sheets to work out if her 'guest' was facing her. Her hand groped his firm rear and the older male jumped in shock. "Easy tiger."

Trying not to laugh at her (maybe not-so) honest mistake, the owner of the room put both of her hands on top of the covers. "My bad." Rolling around like someone not quite right, the female tried to motivate herself to get out of bed. It was really a task and a half considering her circumstances. Not only was she naked and the temperature outside of her nest freezing, but her company was also naked and there for the taking. Again. Notions of doing the proper thing were fleeting thoughts as a pair of arms snaked around her waist. "I thought you would have gone by now." She tried not to giggle while Leon nibbled her ear from behind as his hands explored.

"Nope," He nuzzled her neck as his fingers tickled her hipbone. "you haven't even made me breakfast yet."

Shoving herself back into Leon's chest, Selene pretended to be mad. "You'll have to apologize for that."

"Oh really?" Without a warning, the blond flipped the room-owner onto her back with a grin.

Keeping his eyes on the female, he slowly lifted her left thigh and crawled between her legs. Tongue wetting his lower lip, the man craned his neck as his strong hands gripped her full hips. Hot breath brushed the top of her thigh as he left butterfly kisses up the inside of the leg that over his muscular shoulder.

Selene wanted to watch him make it all the way up but the pleasure was already too much. Head falling back, the girl scrunched the silver embroidered sheets in her fists as she braced herself. "Get a co-" She was cut off by his tongue traced her awaiting entrance.

Leon's hand travelled up, caressing her porcelain skin. Cupping as much of her breast as he could with his palm, he tweaked her hardened nipple between his thumb and finger as his tongue slid into her sopping pussy. Selene arched her back as her eyes rolled back, the fingers of her left hand tangling in his hair as he built up the rhythmic flicking of his tongue.

Pulling back, Leon urgently flapped his hand at the nightstand where he knew the condoms were. Dazed, Selene took a moment before scrambling for the drawer. Taking one of the foil squares, the redhead tore the packaging as her new lover knelt up between her legs. Placing the condom on the end of the erection in front of her face, Selene peered up seductively as she carefully rolled the protection down over his shaft with her mouth. As she finished, she could see his lightly defined abs tense as her hands wandered down the tops of thighs and over his hips, her nails leaving pale marks in their wake.

"Get over there," he pushed her shoulder, directing her towards the headboard as he followed.

With her back against the cold wood, Leon hoisted her up, flinging the pillows out of the way of his knees as he went. Propped between the headboard and his hips, positioned him against her entrance and slid down with a hiss of satisfaction. One hand on the wall above the female's shoulder, the other gripping the back of her waist, Leon rolled his hips slowly as he nipped at her neck. Locking her legs around his waist and arms around his neck, Selene’s breath came out ragged.

She could hear him chuckle at her eagerness and when she least expected it, he slammed into her. Adjusting his knees on the thick mattress, the guest used the angle for stronger thrusts. Hammering into the redhead, Leon growled as her nails dragged across his shoulder blades. The pair completely forgot about the cold as heat rose from their cores and skin dampening slapped upon primal contact.

Leon wrapped tousled crimson locks around his fist, pulling it firmly as he rammed into her. Selene's mouth fell open and a moan louder than she'd anticipated filled the room. Heartbeat speeding even more as she rocked her hips to his rhythm, the female felt the throb between her legs turning into the familiar ache. Mewling into his ear as sweat raced down her bouncing body, Selene's lips crashed into Leon's collarbone, her tongue lapping at one of her favourite feature as she refrained from biting down. Understanding, and feeling the euphoria building, Leon slowed the pace to a deep penetrating grind. Not even a minute passed of the fulfilling hip rolling and the woman's head fell back, a moan even louder than the last escaping her as she came. The contracting throbs around his member gave Leon the push he needed to climax in her aftershocks. Bodies trembled as he grunted and gave a final thrust, a shudder, almost collapsing as he did so.

Sliding out of the female, Leon flopped onto his back, his mouth hung ajar and his chest heaving. "Now do I get breakfast?"

Only this time, Selene didn't even have the energy to for a mocking reply as she was too busy enjoying the afterglow of her orgasm. "Hm," she huffed while wiping the sweat from her neck with her hand, "I suppose I can just this once."
 

08:40

Corrina had driven into town with the intention of dropping Alex off at home and then having a walk around in hopes that the brisk morning would refresh her. That was the idea, but after ten minutes of silence meandering down the empty country lanes, her company’s stomach gurgled and he apologized in what Corrina guessed was his usual panicky fashion, making the ride that much more uncomfortable. He was so timid and polite, it made her want to coddle him. She couldn't help it.

As one would expect, Alex made pointless excuses when Corrina had told him that he would join her for breakfast. Still, it didn't stop her from pulling him along by his arm while he fidgeted like a child. She had taken him around the store and grabbed replenishments for her stash while Alex followed her around like she was his legitimate carer for a good fifteen minutes or so before she'd finished.

After putting her bags in the car, the pair had crossed the street and headed for a wide, single-storey building which overlooked the lake, its name stating The Whitevale Boatclub & Restaurant. Alex hurried Corrina through the bright inside and towards the back of the building, out onto the decking which was over the water.

Corrina hummed while trying to decide between the chicken burger, and the bacon and cheese sub despite knowing neither of which were 'breakfast food'. Alex on the other hand hunched over himself as his eyes darted up and down the menu. The female could tell from a moment's glance that he was trying to find the cheapest choice. In the end, Corrina had picked the bacon and cheese sub and a black coffee while Alex had gone for the same plus milk for his coffee just for simplicity's sake.

"Tell me about the others." She asked.

Alex averted his gaze. "I don't want to talk about it."

Lighting a cigarette, the female rolled her eyes. "You sound like a little whiney bitch that got dumped."

Scolded by the remark, Alex pouted. "I thought you were supposed to be my friend?"

"I am," Corrina prodded the air between them, as if she was giving lifelong advice. "that's why I'm being honest."

The blond male peeked up from behind the laminated piece of cardboard, his pale blue eyes wavering as his brain tried to come up with a polite refusal. "Do I have to?"

"No."

“I really don’t want to talk about people behind their backs.”

“Stingy…”

Stopping at the side of the small reflective silver table, a petite woman appearing a little older than them and wearing a white apron over her pale blue uniform held their plates in her hands. Her mousy blonde hair was tied up loosely and her soft blue eyes narrowed as her cheeks rose in a smile.

"Oh, Alexander, who's your new friend?" The waitress teased the man trying to ignore her presence as she put the food down in front of them. "Did you meet her on one of those dating websites? I hope you haven't maxed your card."

Alex's hardened expression shattered into one of embarrassed horror as his head snapped around to the woman. "No, she's one of the women who just moved into Hosanna Heights. Her name's Corrina."

"Nice to meet you." The waitress held her hand out to shake the new resident's and asked with interest. "How many people moved in there?"

"Just two of us." Corrina looked up as she slotted the menu back into the wooden holder in the centre of the table.

"Are you lesbians?" The older woman came right out and said what had slipped into her mind.

Alex yelped. "Lou!"

Peering down at the man she was familiar with, Lou's brows knitted a touch in confusion. "What?"

"Kinda." Corrina, unfazed by the remark, took a deep drag on the little white stick. "When the mood takes us." Straight-faced, she finished her interjection and stubbed the cigarette out.

Lou blinked at the blonde female staring off into space as if what she'd said was okay around there. Turning her attention to the man closest to her, the waitress jabbed him in the shoulder with her pen. “Did you see Jimmy Stewart at that party last night? His friends said that he was there but they haven’t seen him since around eleven last night and they can’t get hold of him.”

“Why would I care about that moron?” Alex’s face screwed up as he spat the name which clearly left a bad taste in his mouth.

“He probably found some wasted girl and took her out to The Lane, like with all the other girls he picks up at parties.” Scowling up at the petite woman, the man snipped at the air between them. “You should know.”

Snarling, Lou scoffed and used her notepad whack Alex over the head with serious force. "Enjoy your food." With that said, the short waitress tottered back to the counter.

Glancing back to his company, Alex rubbed the assaulted spot. "You're lesbians?"

"Not for each other, silly," Corrina picked up the baguette as long and thick as her forearm. Chomping right down on the end as she struggled to keep the fillings from falling out, the blonde munched away like a hamster. "and not completely either."

"Oh," he stared at her but he wasn't actually looking at her. It was one of those expressions a guy had when their mind was wandering about something completely inappropriate for a public breakfast table. "Wow..."

She was sure Alex didn’t want to get into what had just happened with the waitress, but it made her curious. "Who was that anyway?" Corrina put the sub down on the plate in front of her. Wiping the grease off her cheek from where a piece of bacon had jumped out and attacked her, she sniffled in the frigid air and took a breather from what had turned into a task. "You looked like you were trying to ignore her as she was walking over."

Using the knife and fork that had been brought out, Alex cut the sandwich in half, learning from his company's mistake of trying to take the whole thing on at once. "She's my older sister, Louisa." Peeking up for a split second, the man frowned and shook his head. "And are you surprised with the things she asks?"

"It's a good job I'm not easily offended, or I'd be upset right now." Corrina leaned back, already feeling full after eating only a quarter of her meal.

"I am really sorry."

"Don't worry about it." She coughed a laugh and took another cigarette from the packet she'd left on the table.

Alex paused his eating. "Can I be honest?" He straightened up and looked her in the eye. "I think you should be careful." His tone had turned serious and a dark shadow seemed to be growing over his face.

Corrina's brows furrowed in confusion. "Why'd you say that?"

"What, with that house..." The shadow grew even more as he thought about it. "I think you're either brave or insane."

"Why?"

"There's a ton of bad rumours about that place - It used to be a hospital, you know?"

"You told me to ask Atticus." Corrina almost jumped out of her seat in excitement. "I knew you knew something." She pointed at the man across from her and his face dropped in realization at what he’d done. The female lowered her accusing finger and sat back in the surprisingly comfortable seat. "Tell me."

“I don’t know the details, just it used to be a private hospital.” Alex let out a lengthy sigh like it was part of his life force pilfering away. “If you want the facts, you’ll have to go to the library because it’s unlikely any of the older folks will talk to you about it. It has all of the town records since the town was formed,, so you should be able to find something there.”

Corrina's attention had been growing but the ending caused a blank expression to form on her face. "Great, I moved into a crazy house." She ran a hand over her hair and laughed at her accidental use of words. "Aha, the pun."

"Don't mock it." Alex suddenly became tense as he mirrored the woman across from him, his eyes turning sharp as he seemed to stare straight through her. "Don't mock the house." His tone was cold and cutting just like her Father's had been all those years ago.

A string of prickling danced up her spine and she found herself with a lack of breath. Corrina wearily kept her line of sight locked on Alex while she drew back and sat up straight. "A...Alex?" Her voice came out as a whimper and for a splinter of a second, she felt a rush of shame.

The man facing her blinked and cocked his head. Wetting his lips and quirking his brow, Alex returned to his bad posture. "What's wrong?"

Corrina swallowed back the questions on her tongue when she thought her company didn't remember what he'd said. Did this happen often? Was he sick? Was he messing with her? A vibration in her pocket dragged her from her silly thoughts. Taking her phone from her jeans, Corrina inspected the newest message.

[From: Selene]
Where are you? Why did you leave?
I need help. Hurry up.

Instantly jabbing the little green telephone icon at the top of the screen, Corrina held the device to her ear. It rang, and rang, and rang until it hit voicemail. With each passing second, the blondes blood pressure rose to a thundering pulse. She tried again, and when it did the same all over again, she shoved it back into her pocket. Daring to look back at Alex who was peering right back at her gormlessly, Corrina heaved a sigh of relief. "I have to go. Selene just text me."

"I hope it's nothing bad," came out flatly and smacked the woman in the gut.

Angered for an unknown reason, Corrina slammed her hand down on the metal table top. The pots clattered, almost falling as the table wobbled. "Why would you say that?" Her eyes had widened as she leered.

Alex frowned up at the woman lurching towards him. It wasn't one of anger like the one his company was wearing, but rather, like the one that forces itself upon your face when you're holding back tears. That initial expression quickly faded, making Corrina wonder if she'd really seen it at all. But before she could double-check, all that was left was a definite blankness that came with utter confusion. "I-I don't know." He shook his head as if he'd had a slip of the tongue to a third party concerning a very private matter.

Corrina shoved her chair out of the way as she rounded the small circular table. "I'll take you home first." She eyed him half in concern, half in suspicion.

Alex held his hand up as his head hung. "It's okay, I only live five minutes down the road."

Tilting her head to get a better look at his face, Corrina could see the sweat beading on his pallid skin. "Are you okay? You look sick."

"It's probably a delayed hangover or something, it's fine. A walk will help." He lifted his head and gave a small smile to reassure the woman he was fine. "You better get back."

"Yeah..." The space between her eyebrows creased as her mouth was left agape. "Give me your phone. I'll put my number in it." She held her hand out and Alex passed it to her like he'd been told. "Text me when you get home so I know you got back safe. I don’t wanna find out that you collapsed at the side of the road when I could have given you a ride." Finishing typing in the digits and saving it to his contacts, the blonde gave it back. "Go and get some rest." She told and grabbed the rest of her stuff off the empty chair beside her. "I'll pay the bill on my way out." Patting his shoulder as she passed, Corrina felt bad for just leaving. Regardless, she had no choice. After what Alex had said to her and then the text from Selene telling her to hurry, she couldn't dawdle. But she shouldn't rush either. Rushing would tempt fate.

Paying for the bill like she promised and promptly going to her car, she was caught just when she opened the door. "Exploring our sweet little town?" A coo came from close behind her.

The woman’s head snapped around to be faced with the person she'd least expected. Gut churning at the bad timing, the blonde unintentionally groaned at the broad-shouldered figure looming a little too close. "I have to go." She threw her purse inside the car and onto the passenger side before looking back apologetically. "Maybe we can talk another time." She had got one foot in when Chase's hand gripped the top of the door frame.

Smiling as always, like the human embodiment of a fox, its sharp eyes twinkling with ulterior motives and lips blithe, the older man tutted. "That's a bit rude."

"I really don't have the time right now." Without a second thought, she pulled the hand-grip towards her, causing the metal to scrape from his palm and slam shut. Corrina put the key in the ignition and turned it without sparing another glance. The engine purred as one would expect from the vintage machine. Tires growled over the damp asphalt and the machine sped off down the quiet street like a bat out of Hell, leaving Chase to stand there by himself, scorned and fuming.

Updated: 1st January 2020 - 15:32