House of the Banshee.
"We got invited for dinner by one of our neighbors." Said Menas as he poured some wine into the second glass. "Mrs. Larchwood, that's her name. She seems to be very popular and respected in the community."
"By community do you mean the complex? Because I'm sure she's not that popular outside the fence." Ren argued against his statement. She was naturally derogative, but it was a personality she forcefully acquired after her benevolence brought her nothing but trouble. She was previously a sunshine and a people-pleaser. She associated her success to that.
As most people are, they took advantage of the fact that she couldn't say no. And Ren saw no problem in that. She was happy to help. But a year ago everything changed. Ren wasn't her real name, neither was Menas. Their real names were Dianne and Campbell, and Dianne was a gynecologist. This was in a different country on the other side of the world where women's rights were known but limitedly implemented. Her ladder to success had gazillions of gaps hence when she finally got her license she protected it with her life.
"They think we're dad and daughter." Menas scoffed, "I didn't bother to correct them." he continued.
"Good. Actually, it's even better than what we planned. Let them think however they want." Ren approved.
"How's the new hospital? Did they welcome you warmly?"
"Well yeah. My certificates show that I'm overqualified. So of course they kissed my ass."
"As they should." He handed her a glass of wine and watched her chug it all down in one go. She's had quite a day. He's been keeping up with it. It was his job to make sure that home was nothing but a serene, recharging and euphoric place for her. She was his number one duty.
"You know what? We should go to that dinner." Said Ren, "It's a good idea to sit at the same table with them. That way we'll know who we're surrounded by."
"What should we wear?"
"Nothing fancy, but we need to bring something with us."
Menas huffed as the image of the yellow carnations ran through his mind again. He suddenly had the best gift idea. "Leave that to me, pearl."
…
When morning came, Ward had already found himself a new muse. She was different. Her beauty was timeless. There was no doubt that fashion trends never influenced her style. She dressed like a lady, that's how he'd describe her. And from the rumors that had been circulating around the complex, she was single and living with her dad. What a perfect prey!
Ren stepped out of the house, ready to leave, eyes locked on her phone screen as she scanned a recently sent report about a challenging patient. She had no idea that Ward was standing outside her car, waiting by the door patiently. When she took that corner and met a weird teenager wearing a black jersey and smiling at her like he knew her, her feet froze on the ground. She didn't say a word. She was too naive to think he'd move. But that boy was relentless before his lips even parted.
"Wow." he exclaimed, "Rumors did you no justice. They should all see you up close." he added. As if that wasn't enough, he stretched his arm out for a handshake. Too bad. Ren was never going to shake the hand of an odd boy leaning over her car like he bought it. Seeing that his gesture wasn't going to be reciprocated, Ward put his hand back in the pocket.
"Move away from my car." Ren spoke, more like ordered him.
"I don't want to." he shrugged.
"I'm not going to say it again, boy."
Feisty, his kind of woman. "I'm not gonna _"
Before he finalized his sentence, Ren pushed his face with her bag like he was a dead bug on the window bed. It was a strong push that almost led him to fall. He turned around, glaring at her for the disrespect, but she was now already settled inside. His rage began to overpower him. He rushed to the window and banged vigorously, but Ren never opened it. What's left was for him to shout.
"I WAS GOING TO GIVE YOU A CHANCE, BUT THAT WINDOW IS CLOSED NOW!" He yelled.
Ren started to drive away, but he walked behind the car like a guard, "I WARNED YOU!"
He quickly made her morning weird. Now all the way to the hospital she wondered if she was surrounded by crazy people. The thing is, she had no idea where he came from or which family amongst the complex was his. He was just a weird kid who annoyed the heck out of her. But that was her point of view.
Ward was more infuriated. Like his mother, he too was used to getting what he wanted. Every resident was familiar with his game so they all tried to lick his feet just so he wouldn't be annoyed and turn them into pornstars unwantedly. Ren didn't know that about him. And because in his world, once you're in his net you're fried, he was determined to teach her a lesson. His initial plan was to seduce her and eventually end up in bed with her. But she pushed him away, not even with her bare hands, but with her bag, because she deemed him filthy. So, his plans changed in a split second. He now moved on to a plan he once swore to never use. And this time, no more hiccups like the first time.
***