I’ve Got You

Inside, however, was a whole different story. Aleshia gaped at the interior. Whoever had been in charge of the decorating evidently decided that they liked the idea of living inside a tree. The walls had a polished, wooden gloss to them, and the doors curved, with the arches carved to resemble tree branches intertwining. The floor again displayed the same smooth boarding pattern, with the occasional brown or green rug carpet flung over it.

“It’s like a hobbit den, but for humans,” Aleshia said, eyes almost popping at the level of artistry that had gone into the house. Even the balcony that showed could be entered by a sculpted archway.

“The original owner had a thing for carpentry. He likes designing off the wall products, and wanted to focus on a house that felt like it was alive.” Cameron showed the kitchen – small, but able to fit three people in it at a pinch, and the larger living room next to it, that led out to the enclosed balcony. “It’s small, even though it has three bedrooms. Most of the focus is in the living room and balcony. The bedrooms themselves are small, with double beds. If you care to look.”

Cameron was right. The bedrooms and bathroom in proportion to the rest of the house were small. The bathroom had enough room for an enclosed double shower, a sink and a toilet. The bedroom each had a wardrobe fitted into it. “You can choose to keep the furniture or not, of course. The owner is somewhere in the Czech Republic at the moment, looking up the architecture in Prague for his next project.”

Aleshia, looking through the house, had already pinpointed a good spot for her to work from in the living room. One of the bedrooms had a small mahogany desk unit, and a dark armchair with a puffy green cushion. She examined the two sofas in the main room, which were leather and brown, complimented by dark green rugs, a dark coffee table with a few non-descript magazines piled under it, and the fresh, rugged wood feel of the walls, and the doorways. There were also two tiny rooms which could be used for storage, under the stairs, and next to the bathroom.

“How in holy hell did you have such a wonderful place?” Aleshia walked up and down, glowing with excitement at the little house. She liked the way the stairs curved up to the three bedrooms and spare room. It was quirky. She liked the smell, the feel of the walls. It was perfect. Cameron watched with a satisfied smile, as she ran her palms over the walls.

“Told you I’d find something you like.”

“This is amazing. I’m – gobsmacked. Really.”

Cameron Lovell coughed politely. “The balcony has stunning views, of course. It’s a small property, as things go, but I honestly think the place is a steal with the price it’s listed at. $420,000. It’s a little over the price you went for, but I’m pretty sure you won’t be finding something else like this on Miami Beach.”

Aleshia nodded emphatically. “I’m tempted. I didn’t even know what I wanted, but I want this place, whatever it takes. I feel as if I could faint at the sight. I absolutely love it.”

“I could tell. With the other properties, when we walked into them, you sort of gave them a disinterested look, and allowed me to lead you around, whilst you nodded along. Here, your eyes went as big as saucers, and you wanted to explore everything yourself, without much prompting from me. This is your house. I can tell. And I’m sure the man who designed it would love to hear your opinion on it as well.”

Aleshia grinned like a kid in a candy store. “I’m impressed. Whatever instinct you have for this job, it’s right.”

“I have a good instinct for people.” Cameron paused. “I can tell what sort of thing they’ll be looking for when I interact with them over time. I can get some things wrong, though.”

Her face fell at the announcement. Along with the dip in feelings, she also felt a pressure on her bladder, and a slight stinging inside her body. “We get things wrong from time to time. Hey, I’m just gonna use the bathroom.” Cameron waved acceptance, and Aleshia went into the small, but snugly designed bathroom, which had foregone the living wood texture in favor of black tiling with white flecks on them. It cast the reflection in the mirror above the sink with a darkness, which contrasted her face when the light was switched on in fascinating ways. She sat down to pee, and winced when the peeing caused the stinging to worsen.

Then, when she wiped herself, the texture felt off, sticky. She raised up the toilet roll to reveal dark, bloody stains.

Instant panic crashed. She suppressed the urge to let out a whimper, call for help, instead closing her eyes to feel for any intense spikes of pain, as she ran her palm over her stomach. There was no pain, apart from the sharp stinging, which felt like it was coming from inside her va*ina. She cautiously daubed, and again came away with blood. Her panties were also stained.

“Fu*k. Fu*king fu*k.” Aleshia stuffed a wad of toilet roll into her panties, pulled up her joggers, feeling a little woozy and faint as she did so. Was she thirsty? Dehydrated? She looked paler than usual in the mirror’s reflection.

When she came out of the bathroom, Cameron at first greeted her with a smile, then saw the cloud gathering on her face. “What’s wrong?”

Aleshia wanted to deny anything was wrong, but also knew she would be stupid for doing so. Obviously something bad was happening. “I’m bleeding down there. And I feel a little off.”

“Wait. What. You’re bleeding?” Sheer alarm jumped into Cameron Lovell’s eyes. “Why?”

“Hell if I know. But I’m gonna have to cut this visit short. I think…” she winced, “I’m gonna need to get myself checked up.”

Keys appeared in Cameron’s hands. “Honey, we’re rushing you to the hospital. Now.”

Aleshia allowed herself to be led by him with little protest.