Saturday, December 14, 2019
Succubus Shadows Chapter 22 Free Essays
I wandered into the hotel, still a bit stunned by the situation I found myself in. Seth wasâ⬠¦in Mexico. Presuming Jerome was holding true to his bargain, of course. We will write a custom essay sample on Succubus Shadows Chapter 22 or any similar topic only for you Order Now I had to believe he was, but the question was if heââ¬â¢d actually sent me near Seth. That was a wording in my request that could be blurred a little. Glancing up at the hotel, I hoped Jeromeââ¬â¢s minions had gone as far as to search local hotels for Sethââ¬â¢s name when they tracked the plane ticket. With a quick smile to the man whoââ¬â¢d helped me, I headed toward the hotelââ¬â¢s entrance. In a place that catered to so many tourists, plenty of the staff spoke English, not that it mattered much to me. I went to the front desk, asking if they had a guest named Seth Mortensen. The woman working there looked it up, and when she found him in their computer, I caught my breath. He was here. Iââ¬â¢d really found him. Well, kind of. When I asked her for his room number, she told me the hotel couldnââ¬â¢t disclose that information. She could, however, connect me to his room. I hesitated before accepting. If Seth truly didnââ¬â¢t want to be found, he might change his hotel or even city once he knew Iââ¬â¢d located him. Still, I didnââ¬â¢t necessarily have any other way to get in touch, so I let the woman connect me. It did no good. There was no answer. Thanking her, I headed out to the back of the resort, figuring Iââ¬â¢d walk off my frustration and hopefully clear my thoughts as I determined my next course of action. The pool and beach stretching out behind the building were intended for guests only, but it was easy enough to slip past security. I even took the opportunity, when briefly alone in a hall, to shape-shift into more appropriate clothing: a red bikini and sarong. Outside, the heat hit me once again, and I paused, letting the sun soak into me. The time zone wasnââ¬â¢t far off from Seattleââ¬â¢s here, but even in early evening, the temperature was intense ââ¬â which I loved. Beyond the pool and its bars, I could see a stretch of soft golden sand curving around blue, blue water. Still not as vivid as what Iââ¬â¢d grown up with, but beautiful nonetheless. Lounge chairs and cabanas were scattered along the beach as sunseekers tried to grasp the last of the dayââ¬â¢s rays. I walked toward it, hoping to find a chair of my own and maybe a mai tai. If I wasnââ¬â¢t going to find Seth right away, I might as well ââ¬â There he was. I came to an abrupt halt, nearly causing a young, giggling couple to walk into me and spill their drinks. I couldnââ¬â¢t believe it. God might work in mysterious ways, but Hell worked in efficient ones. I murmured apologies to the couple and started toward Seth, stopping again after a few more steps. What would I do? What would I say? Seth had broken an engagement and fled from everyone he knew. Now, here I was, intruding on his escape. Iââ¬â¢d run through a few mental scenarios but hadnââ¬â¢t decided on anything concrete. With a deep breath, I decided to just push forward and wing it. I came up behind his chair, my shadow falling over him as I grew closer. He lay sprawled out in shorts and a Tootsie Pops T-shirt. A drink that looked suspiciously alcoholic sat by his side, and he was reading a book whose cover I couldnââ¬â¢t see from this angle. Once more, I halted, confused over how I felt. ââ¬Å"The perfume,â⬠he said without warning. ââ¬Å"Even out here, I can smell it. Iââ¬â¢d know you anywhere. Tuberose and incense.â⬠I walked around, coming to stand off to his right side. I put my hands on my hips. ââ¬Å"You donââ¬â¢t seem surprised to see me.â⬠He took off his sunglasses and studied me, one of those small, amused smiles on his face. ââ¬Å"I amâ⬠¦and Iââ¬â¢m not. I thought I did a good job of disappearing. But I knew if anyone did find me, it would be you.â⬠ââ¬Å"Because Iââ¬â¢m well connected?â⬠ââ¬Å"Because youââ¬â¢re you.â⬠Searching for a clear spot of sand, I lowered myself to sit, but Seth scooted over on his lounge chair and indicated the space beside him. Hesitating only a moment, I sat next to where he lay, looking over him as our legs touched. He reached for his drink ââ¬â a peach-colored monstrosity with enough sliced fruit for a salad in it ââ¬â and took a sip. ââ¬Å"Whatââ¬â¢s that?â⬠I asked. ââ¬Å"They call it el Chupacabra.â⬠ââ¬Å"They do not.â⬠ââ¬Å"They do. I think itââ¬â¢s got about fifty kinds of vodka in it. Youââ¬â¢d like it.â⬠ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m surprised you like it.â⬠ââ¬Å"If youââ¬â¢re going to become a villain, you might as well go the whole way,â⬠he replied, gesturing for a waiter to bring another drink. ââ¬Å"Youââ¬â¢re not a villain,â⬠I said softly. ââ¬Å"Yeah? Is that what theyââ¬â¢re saying back home?â⬠I glanced away and watched small waves break on the shore. ââ¬Å"I havenââ¬â¢t really talked to that many people. Mostly your family is worried.â⬠ââ¬Å"Youââ¬â¢ve neatly dodged the question.â⬠ââ¬Å"Do you want to talk about it?â⬠I turned back to him. He gave a small shrug. ââ¬Å"Whatââ¬â¢s there to say? I broke her heart. I broke your heart. I donââ¬â¢t think someone like me is meant to be in relationships.â⬠ââ¬Å"Thatââ¬â¢s ridiculous. Youââ¬â¢re not the one who sucks peopleââ¬â¢s souls away.â⬠ââ¬Å"Depends how literally you take the metaphor.â⬠ââ¬Å"Seth, stop. Stop making a joke out of this. Whyââ¬â¢d you do it?â⬠ââ¬Å"You have to ask?â⬠The new drink arrived remarkably fast, and he handed it to me. He was right. It did taste like it had fifty kinds of vodka. ââ¬Å"I didnââ¬â¢t feel it. Not the way I should. You know that.â⬠I did, and I was surprised at the frank and honest nature of our conversation. We hadnââ¬â¢t had anything like thisâ⬠¦well, not since we were dating. It had all been awkwardness and guarded feelings since things fell apart. ââ¬Å"But why now?â⬠It was his turn to look away, gazing off at the postcard view without seeing it. The sunlight hadnââ¬â¢t quite turned orange yet, but it was bringing out the copper in his hair and amber of his eyes. I stared at him, taking it all in, hardly noticing how long it took him to answer. ââ¬Å"Georgina,â⬠he said at last, eyes still elsewhere. ââ¬Å"When I ended things with us at Christmasâ⬠¦I did it so I wouldnââ¬â¢t hurt you someday. And, I suppose, so you didnââ¬â¢t hurt me. I went to Maddie for the wrong reasons then, but it didnââ¬â¢t seem so bad since I actually cared about her ââ¬â I mean, aside from the fact you had to live with it in front of you every day. I never meant for that part to happen.â⬠ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s okay,â⬠I said automatically, hating the sadness in his voice. ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t ââ¬â ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"Shh,â⬠he said, holding up a hand. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢ll actually talk for once, so you better let me before I lose the nerve.â⬠I smiled ââ¬â though none of this was all that funny ââ¬â and nodded. ââ¬Å"Anyway, I wish Iââ¬â¢d chosen someone I didnââ¬â¢t like or respect. It would have made things simpler. But as time went on, I found myself growing closer to her ââ¬â but not farther from you. My plan wasnââ¬â¢t working. I was only hurting the two of us more and more. Maybe I should have disappeared then.â⬠I bit my lip on any comments. ââ¬Å"The only one who wasnââ¬â¢t hurting was Maddie ââ¬â because we were keeping her in the dark. And after you and meâ⬠¦well, you know. After we were together, I felt so horribleâ⬠¦so guiltyâ⬠¦I hated myself for what Iââ¬â¢d done to her. I wanted desperately for one person to come out of this happy. I wanted her to stay in blissful ignorance. I wanted to make it up to her.â⬠Iââ¬â¢d deduced as much. And I also knew about the guiltâ⬠¦the guilt from the sin that had left a stain on his soul. Seth didnââ¬â¢t know about that part and probably shouldnââ¬â¢t ever. ââ¬Å"But whatever happiness I could give her wasnââ¬â¢t real,â⬠he continued. ââ¬Å"And I realized that the other day when we were at Erikââ¬â¢s, and Iâ⬠¦hell, Georgina. I donââ¬â¢t really know what happened or even what I saw. There are only two things Iââ¬â¢m sure about. One was that when Jerome came and said he needed me to come with him to help you, I did. If heââ¬â¢d said he had to take me to Hell itself, I would have.â⬠I closed my eyes. ââ¬Å"Seth ââ¬â ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"And when I was there and Erik sent me wherever he did, I feltâ⬠¦well, it was beyond anything Iââ¬â¢d experienced. At first, I was so confused and disoriented. I didnââ¬â¢t get what they were saying about finding you. It seemed surreal. Then, it was the easiest thing in the world. I just looked for you, and there you were. In all that space and all that chaos, reaching you was like looking into myself. We were so closeâ⬠¦it defied physics and every rule of nature I knew. It didnââ¬â¢t seem real that I could be together with anyone like that. ââ¬Å"And when it was over, itââ¬â¢s like I said ââ¬â I wasnââ¬â¢t sure what Iââ¬â¢d just been a part of. But I knew that I had never experienced any bond like that with any other woman. Maybe youââ¬â¢re the only one, maybe thereââ¬â¢s anotherâ⬠¦but regardless, I didnââ¬â¢t have it with Maddie. Sheââ¬â¢s amazing. I do love her. But in that situation again? I would never find her. And I knew it wasnââ¬â¢t fair to lead her into a life without that connection. You and Iâ⬠¦I donââ¬â¢t understand whatââ¬â¢s between us, but Iââ¬â¢d rather spend my life alone than with someone who isnââ¬â¢t you.â⬠He fell silent, and it was one of those weird times where I had no quick response. Instead, I linked my hand with his and stretched alongside him in the place heââ¬â¢d made on the chair, resting my head on his chest. He placed his hand on my shoulder, his fingers pressing into my skin to make sure I stayed. His heart beat against my ear. ââ¬Å"Howââ¬â¢s this going to end?â⬠I asked bleakly. ââ¬Å"Iâ⬠¦donââ¬â¢t know, any more than I know how Cady and Oââ¬â¢Neill are going to end.â⬠He sighed. ââ¬Å"I have a feeling I will be alone. In spite of everything thatââ¬â¢s changed between us, nothingââ¬â¢s actually changed.â⬠ââ¬Å"Iâ⬠¦I donââ¬â¢t know.â⬠Again, my clever words were gone, but he was right. A lifetime seemed to have passed since we had split up, but all the same problems were still there. I might wax poetic about the universal connection of our souls, but it could never be matched physically, not so long as I refused him that. And mortalityâ⬠¦always there was mortality beating down upon us. Seth wouldnââ¬â¢t live forever, and that knowledge ââ¬â figuratively speaking ââ¬â killed me. Which reminded me of something. I lifted my head and propped myself onto him so that my hair hung around us as I looked down at his face. ââ¬Å"When are you coming home?â⬠He brushed some of the hair away, tucking it behind my ear. It came loose again. ââ¬Å"Who said Iââ¬â¢m coming home?â⬠ââ¬Å"Donââ¬â¢t joke. You have to.â⬠ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢m not joking. Do you think I can go back there? I canââ¬â¢t see Maddieâ⬠¦. I canââ¬â¢t stand to see what Iââ¬â¢ve done to her.â⬠ââ¬Å"You donââ¬â¢t have to see her,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"Donââ¬â¢t go to the store. People break up all the time and donââ¬â¢t have to move.â⬠Seth shook his head. ââ¬Å"Yeah, but with my luck, weââ¬â¢d still run into each other. At a movie. A restaurant. Something. Iââ¬â¢m a coward, Georgina. I donââ¬â¢t want to see herâ⬠¦not afterâ⬠¦well, you didnââ¬â¢t see her face when I told her.â⬠ââ¬Å"I saw her face afterward,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"It was probably close enough. I canââ¬â¢t believe youââ¬â¢re seriously saying youââ¬â¢d never come back to Seattle just to avoid her.â⬠ââ¬Å"Sheââ¬â¢s not the only one Iââ¬â¢d be avoiding.â⬠Again, he tried to tuck the unruly hair back. When he failed again, he simply slid his hand down my arm, tracing its curves with his fingertips. ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t think I can handle seeing you either. Even being with you nowâ⬠¦itââ¬â¢s like the best thing in the world and the worst. Seeing you all the time would just drive home how we canââ¬â¢t be together ââ¬â and we would see each other all the time, you know. If Iââ¬â¢ve learned anything, itââ¬â¢s that fate doesnââ¬â¢t let you and me stay apart for long.â⬠Sethââ¬â¢s words were such an odd contradiction. On one side, they were all filled with love and romantic sentiment about how agonizing his life was without me. Yetâ⬠¦there was more than just that. There was a defeatist attitude throughout it all, one Iââ¬â¢d never seen in him before. Somewhere in all of this, Seth had gained a new bitterness, and I had the uneasy thought that if I could see his soul like Hugh could, the stain of sin would be even darker than before. I made one more attempt. ââ¬Å"Pull me out of the equation. You have to go back for your family. They need you. Andreaââ¬â¢s sick.â⬠ââ¬Å"Everyone gets sick. Thatââ¬â¢s not a convincing argument.â⬠ââ¬Å"Noâ⬠¦you donââ¬â¢t understand. They didnââ¬â¢t tell you. She doesnââ¬â¢t have the fluâ⬠¦sheââ¬â¢s got cancer.â⬠That got a reaction. His expression went rigid. ââ¬Å"No, she doesnââ¬â¢t.â⬠ââ¬Å"She does. Brandy told me.â⬠ââ¬Å"She must have been confused,â⬠he said adamantly. ââ¬Å"They would have told me.â⬠ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t think sheââ¬â¢d mistake ââ¬Ëcoldââ¬â¢ for ââ¬Ëovarian cancer.ââ¬â¢ And do you think sheââ¬â¢d make something like that up?â⬠He considered a moment. ââ¬Å"No, no, she wouldnââ¬â¢t. But why didnââ¬â¢t they say anything?â⬠ââ¬Å"I guess they didnââ¬â¢t tell anyone so they could find out more. Donââ¬â¢t you see?â⬠I leaned closer, hoping to drive home my plea. ââ¬Å"They need you. You have to go home for them.â⬠For a moment, I thought I had him, and then he slowly shook his head. ââ¬Å"Theyââ¬â¢ll be fine without me. And you said yourself theyââ¬â¢re waiting to find out more. It might not be that bad.â⬠ââ¬Å"Seth! Itââ¬â¢s cancer. Itââ¬â¢s going to be some level of bad, regardless. How can you abandon them?â⬠ââ¬Å"Damn it,â⬠he said, about as angry as I ever saw him ââ¬â which always came off pretty mild. ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t need a moral angel on my shoulder right now. Just let meâ⬠¦just let me be selfish for once. I want to just be away from it all. I want to hide from my problems for once, instead of always being the responsible one. If youââ¬â¢re just here to torment me with what can or canââ¬â¢t be, then you should justâ⬠¦you should just go. Let me hide out and be free. Let me write the new series and forget about everything else.â⬠It was almost a mirror of what Iââ¬â¢d done so long ago. Only, instead of trying to forget my problems, I made everyone forget me. Sometimes, I kind of wished I added that last part to the bargain. Consequently, I could understand where he was coming from. I could understand that longing to just make all the bad things disappear. Iââ¬â¢d wanted it too. Iââ¬â¢d made it happen. The thing was, Iââ¬â¢d expected more from him than from me. Sensing my hesitation, he cupped my face between his hands and drew me down into a small kiss. I drew back and stared in astonishment. ââ¬Å"What was that?â⬠I asked. ââ¬Å"I might ultimately be trying to avoid you, but if Iââ¬â¢ve got you now, I might as well enjoy it for the moment.â⬠There was a wicked gleam in his eyes, one I couldnââ¬â¢t help but smile at, despite all the misgivings within me. ââ¬Å"Youââ¬â¢re a hypocrite,â⬠I said. ââ¬Å"An opportunist,â⬠he countered. ââ¬Å"What are you really doing here, Georgina? What do you want?â⬠I lowered my gaze. I didnââ¬â¢t know. I didnââ¬â¢t know why I was here. Iââ¬â¢d come to make sure he was okayâ⬠¦but then what? I was always going back and forth. I loved him. I had to forget him. Back and forth. ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t know,â⬠I admitted. ââ¬Å"Thatââ¬â¢s the best Iââ¬â¢ve got.â⬠And with no more deliberation, I kissed him again, longer this time, surprised at how easy it was to fall back into the kinds of kisses we used to do ââ¬â the ones that just pushed the envelope of when I started to take his energy. He seemed like he was ready to go further, so I was the one who stopped him and returned to lying against him as we watched the sun sink down and paint the sky with brilliant colors. He gave no protest, seeming content just to have me close. We ate dinner inside one of the resortââ¬â¢s restaurants, my lack of packing not being a problem with shape-shifting. I pulled out a sexy v-cut evening dress whose violet shade reminded me of our first meeting. And as we talked and drank over dinner, our conversation slipped into the funny, comfortable manner weââ¬â¢d always shared. With Maddie removed from the equation, it was exactly as heââ¬â¢d said: so much had changed yet not changed. The rapport, the connectionâ⬠¦it all burned between us ââ¬â as did the sexual tension while we studied each other intently through the effortless conversation. He came alive more than Iââ¬â¢d seen him in a while, but whether that was from the drinks or his freedom, I couldnââ¬â¢t say. Though my heart sang at finally being with him again, I was still battered with a million doubts. Heââ¬â¢d told me to push them aside, but it was hard. Maddie. His underlying pessimism. His desire for escape. His family. My own selfishness. But when we finished dinner, all such worries fled. As soon as we were back in his room ââ¬â a wide and spacious suite that looked out to the now-dark water ââ¬â we were all over each other. The longing that had built up between us exploded. His hands undid the zipper of my dress, peeling it from my body. We fell onto the bed, and I tore at his shorts, reason and responsibility nonexistent. His hands ran the length of my body, down the sides of my hips while his mouth moved from my collarbone to the spot between my breasts and then finally onto one of the breasts and its hardened nipple. I was prying off his pants when I felt the glow of life energy start to creep into me. For a few moments, I was able to ignore its implications. I just wanted him. I wanted to feel what Iââ¬â¢d felt months ago when his body had been in mine and Iââ¬â¢d had that sense of perfect union. The life energy was an aphrodisiac, enhancing the desire my physical body felt. Maybe it was a kneejerk reaction from the days of dating, but once more, I was the one who had to stop it all. I put some distance between us, though we were still intertwined. ââ¬Å"Okay,â⬠I said, my heart pounding in my chest. ââ¬Å"Weââ¬â¢re about to cross the line.â⬠There was lust in Sethââ¬â¢s eyes. Lust and love and that same burning need I had to reach ultimate completion. ââ¬Å"We crossed it a little, didnââ¬â¢t we?â⬠he asked breathlessly. ââ¬Å"I felt it.â⬠ââ¬Å"Yeah,â⬠I admitted. ââ¬Å"Not much.â⬠Not much is too much. He frowned a little, his hand still running over my leg. So, so dangerous. A little more and we would teeter over the edge again. ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢ve felt it before,â⬠he said. ââ¬Å"When you started to take some of me. Just a vague sense, but it was there. Somehowâ⬠¦somehow, it didnââ¬â¢t seem quite as bad this time.â⬠He was right, and that was because of that slight darkening on his soul. Sure, he was nowhere near as bad as a lot of Hell-bound people, but even that slight mark made a difference. I could feel it. Before, heââ¬â¢d been pristine and pure, all sparking silver and undiluted life. Most of it was still thereâ⬠¦save that slight shadow, a shadow that I suspected was increasing the more he decided to turn his back on the people in his life. And the darker a soul was, the less of it I took. ââ¬Å"Youââ¬â¢re right.â⬠I didnââ¬â¢t bother getting into the technicalities. ââ¬Å"But itââ¬â¢d still be bad.â⬠ââ¬Å"Too bad to risk just one time?â⬠An old argument. ââ¬Å"What happened to you giving me up?â⬠ââ¬Å"I will if I have to. I was ready to. But that was before you came hereâ⬠¦you still havenââ¬â¢t told me why, what you want. Iââ¬â¢d do it again. Iââ¬â¢d be together again, but no more physical boundaries.â⬠He cut off my protests. ââ¬Å"I know, I know the risks. And I know ââ¬â as should you ââ¬â that whatââ¬â¢s between us is about more than sex. But that was still a thorn, no matter how much we knew it shouldnââ¬â¢t be. I donââ¬â¢t want anything like that happening again. Iââ¬â¢ll take the risk. Itââ¬â¢s my choice.â⬠ââ¬Å"I ââ¬â I donââ¬â¢t know. I just donââ¬â¢tâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ ââ¬Å"Well, thatââ¬â¢s better than ââ¬ËI canââ¬â¢t.'â⬠He chuckled. He moved closer, his lips just brushing mine. ââ¬Å"And if you decide no, then thatââ¬â¢s how itââ¬â¢ll be. But maybeâ⬠¦maybe just this once we couldâ⬠¦maybe just once you could give inâ⬠¦.â⬠I closed my eyes as his lips pressed against mine once more, harder this time, and our bodies moved back together. Again, he was right. I could almost give in this time. Iââ¬â¢d been through too much recently, so much emotional and spiritual upheaval. Being with him felt like the most natural thing in the world right nowâ⬠¦but my warning alarms were still going off. If I shortened his life with a dark soul, heââ¬â¢d be that much closer to Hell. ââ¬Å"No,â⬠I said at last. It was growing more difficult to keep pulling back. ââ¬Å"I still canââ¬â¢t. Not yet. Iââ¬â¢m not saying neverâ⬠¦I just. Iââ¬â¢m so confused. Iââ¬â¢m sorry.â⬠He looked disappointed, but to my relief, he didnââ¬â¢t push the issue again. I might not have been able to resist if he did. ââ¬Å"But youââ¬â¢ll stay? Youââ¬â¢ll stay the night with me at least?â⬠I nodded. ââ¬Å"I can stay for three days.â⬠ââ¬Å"Three days. Thatââ¬â¢s perfect. I can handle that. Three more days to think about it all. If we can stay togetherâ⬠¦then we will. If we canââ¬â¢t, then Iââ¬â¢ll be alone until thereââ¬â¢s another Georgina.â⬠His wry tone indicated his doubts about that. ââ¬Å"For now, this is enough.â⬠We lounged in each otherââ¬â¢s arms naked after that, miraculously managing to keep things from escalating. Of course, it was a skill weââ¬â¢d perfected while dating, so we fell into it naturally ââ¬â though also reluctantly. We stayed up talking for a long time, as though we hadnââ¬â¢t seen each other for years and had a lifetime to catch up on. Which really wasnââ¬â¢t that far from the truth. At last, he slept, but I was restless. I watched his peaceful breathing in the darkness, his sleep heavy from the drinks. His skin was warm against mine, and I felt safer than I had in a while. Three days. Weââ¬â¢d have these three days, and for a little longer, I could pretend he was mine again, just like he used to be. If I chose, I could even make this permanent. Iââ¬â¢d told him Iââ¬â¢d think about it. The one problem with it all was that things werenââ¬â¢t like they used to be. The dream replayed in my head, the dream that might have been a lie. Seth had been the man in the dream, the one I could have been with if what the Oneroi had showed me was true. But was this Seth lying in my arms the man in the dream? The one Iââ¬â¢d dreamed of had been infinitely kind and good ââ¬â the one Iââ¬â¢d fallen in love with. The real Seth had changed ââ¬â gradually, yesâ⬠¦but the change was there. It was wrong of me to judge, seeing as part of the change over the last year had been a result of me in his life. Yet, once more, that selfish part inside me thought he should have resisted. Iââ¬â¢d fallen for Seth because of his moral character, something that always attracted me to a man. Ironic and possibly hypocritical for a servant of Hell. I still loved Seth, still felt that connection, but things were off now. This bitterness, this attitude that made him want to lock himself away in easy, selfish retreat was not what Iââ¬â¢d expected of him. Iââ¬â¢d expected more. I didnââ¬â¢t want to lose him. I wanted these last few days with him. I wanted forever with him, but if I stayed, Iââ¬â¢d be furthering this attitude I hated. Iââ¬â¢d encourage the darkness to build within him. I didnââ¬â¢t want to see it. And as much as I loved him and yearned to cling to a few more moments with him, I realized staying with this Seth who disappointed me so much was a bad idea. Seth had said heââ¬â¢d rather be alone than be with the wrong woman. Iââ¬â¢d rather be apart from him than see him like this. I wanted my memories of him to stay pure. And so, though it broke my heart, I untangled myself from him. In his heavy sleep, he didnââ¬â¢t stir. Again, the hypocrisy wasnââ¬â¢t lost on me. Iââ¬â¢d tried so many times to coax him into one drink, and now I looked down on him for using cocktails as a way to dull the pain. How stupid, I thought, that his darkened soul made it easier for us to finally be togetherâ⬠¦and yet, for my heart, it made it impossible. I shape-shifted into jeans and a light tank top and found some hotel stationery. On it, I scrawled: Seth, Iââ¬â¢m sorry ââ¬â but I have to leave. I told you Iââ¬â¢d consider everything, but I was wrong. I love you too much to stay. Cryptic much? A meager way to express all those feelings, but somehow, I suspected heââ¬â¢d understand. He knew me. I left it on the bedside table and then watched him for a few moments, admiring the man I loved and always would. Finally, my eyes wet, I turned away and left the room to catch a taxi to the airport. How to cite Succubus Shadows Chapter 22, Essay examples
Friday, December 6, 2019
Dominica Essay Research Paper OFFICIAL NAME Commonwealth free essay sample
Dominica Essay, Research Paper Official Name: Commonwealth of Dominica Capital: Roseau SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT: Multiparty Republic Area: 751 Sq Km ( 290 Sq Mi ) ESTIMATED 2000 POPULATION 79,800 LOCATION A ; GEOGRAPHY: Dominica is an island located at the northern terminal of the windward concatenation of the Lesser Antilles in the Caribbean Sea. It is situated between the Gallic island groups of Guadeloupe to the North and Martinique to the South. The island is about rectangular in form and has a profoundly indented seashore line. It is of volcanic beginning with many fumaroles and sulfur springs. The inside of the island is dominated by a series of high extremums and profoundly incised vales which are carpeted by deep wood. The Clyde, Pagua, Rosalie, Roseau and the Layou Rivers flow from the cardinal ridge of mountain extremums to the seashore. Major Cities ( dad. est. ) ; Roseau 15,900, Portsmouth 3,600, Marigot 2,900 ( 1991 ) . Land Use ; forested 67 % , pastures 3 % , agricultural-cultivated 23 % , other 7 % ( 1993 ) . Climate: Dominica has a tropical clime with utmost humidness and temperatures which are invariably tempered by sea zephyrs. There is a huge dry season on the west side of the island and a hurricane season between July and September while the moisture season is normally between June and October. Average one-year precipitation varies from 1,750 millimeter ( 69 inches ) on the seashore to 6,250 millimeter ( 246 inches ) in the cardinal cragged country. The mean temperature scopes are from 20 to 29 grades Celsius ( 64 to 84 grades Fahrenheit ) in January to 23 to 32 grades Celsius ( 73 to 90 grades Fahrenheit ) in June. Peoples: Most of the population are posterities of the Black African slaves which were imported as plantation slaves during the 17th and 18th centuries. Black Africans account for 91 % of the population and other cultural minorities include the Mulattoes who are of assorted African and European descent and history for 6 % . Additionally, there are besides a little figure Carib AmerIndians who figure around 500. DEMOGRAPHIC/VITAL STATISTICS: Density ; 111 individuals per sq kilometer ( 288 individuals per sq myocardial infarction ) ( 1991 ) . Urban-Rural ; N/A. Sex Distribution ; 46.4 % male, 53.6 % female ( 1989 ) . Life Anticipation at Birth ; 73.0 old ages male, 78.0 old ages female ( 1989 ) . Age Breakdown ; 35 % under 15, 28 % 15 to 29, 15 % 30 to 44, 10 % 45 to 59, 12 % 60 and over ( 1989 ) . Birth Rate ; 19.9 per 1,000 ( 1990 ) . Death Rate ; 7.4 per 1,000 ( 1990 ) . Increase Rate ; 12.5 per 1,000 ( 1990 ) . Infant Mortality Rate ; 18.4 per 1,000 unrecorded births ( 1990 ) . Religion: Largely Christians with about 80 % of the population Roman Catholic. The balance are made up of the Anglican and Methodist churches. Language: The official linguistic communication is English, although a Gallic Patois is widely spoken by most of the people. Education: Aged 25 or over and holding attained: no formal schooling 6.6 % , primary 80.6 % , secondary 11.1 % , higher 1.7 % ( 1981 ) . Literacy ; literate population aged 15 or over 94 % ( 1986 ) . MODERN HISTORY # 8211 ; WWII TO 1993: Dominica gained independency in 1978 after being ruled by Britain since the 1700 # 8217 ; s. Universal adult right to vote was introduced in 1951 and Britain bit by bit increased Dominica # 8217 ; s command over its ain personal businesss, ensuing in the island deriving full internal liberty in 1967 as an associate province. Dominica gained full independency on Nov. 3, 1978 led by Patrick John. In 1979 a major hurricane struck Dominica and killed over 50 people every bit good as doing widespread belongings harm. In the same twelvemonth controversial steps introduced by John # 8217 ; s authorities culminated in his and his cabinets surrender. An interim authorities was installed until elections in July 1980 which were won by Dame Eugenia Charles. In 1981 there were two putsch efforts led by John who was finally tested and sentenced. In 1983 Dominica and several other Caribbean states joined the United States in an invasion of Grenada to subver t the Marxist authorities at that place. In 1985 Charles retained power after the elections. In Apr. 1991 the authorities narrowly survived a ballot of no assurance that was introduced by the Dominica United Workers # 8217 ; Party ( DUWP ) . In 1991 building began on the island # 8217 ; s first international airdrome to be based at Woodford Hill in the North of the island with US military aid. Besides during 1991 there were important additions in tourer reachings while the authorities actively encouraged the building of little hotels through investing inducements. In 1992 the authorities faced resistance on the issue of whether it should # 8220 ; sell # 8221 ; citizenship to Chinese or Hong Kong business communities for investings of US $ 35,000. In Apr. 1992 the DLP resistance leader for seven old ages, Michael Douglas, died of malignant neoplastic disease. In May 1992 the DUWP led presentations that forced the authorities to denote accommodations to the policy in Sept. 1992 th at required an the sedimentation of extra US $ 25,000 in a particular fund and that the investing be maintained for at least 10 old ages. In May 1993, Prime Minister Charles reaffirmed the DFP # 8217 ; s policy of selling province endeavors in the face of resistance. By April 1993 some 466 people, largely Chinese, had become Dominican citizens under the controversial in-migration policy which had contributed an estimated $ 5.8 million to the economic system. In Aug. 1993 the external personal businesss curate, Brian Alleyne, was elected as the new DFP leader to take over from Prime Minister Charles when she retired prior to the planned 1995 elections. Currency: The official currency is the East Caribbean Dollar ( ECD ) divided into 100 Cents. This is equal to 2.7 USD of 4.5 Pounds Sterling. Economy: Gross National Product ; USD $ 193,000,000 ( 1993 ) . Public Debt ; USD $ 85,500,000 ( 1993 ) . Imports ; ECD $ 299,200,000 ( 1992 ) . Exports ; ECD $ 151,400,000 ( 1992 ) . Tourism Receipts ; USD $ 34,800,000 ( 1994 ) . Balance of Trade ; ECD $ 131,200,000 ( 1993 ) . Economically Active Population ; 26,364 or 38.0 % of entire population ( 1991 ) . Unemployed ; 23.0 % ( 1994 ) . MAIN Trading PARTNERS: Its chief trading spouses are the UK, the USA, other EU states and other CARICOM states. MAIN PRIMARY PRODUCTS: Bananas, Cattle, Cocoa, Coconuts, Citrus Fruit, Pigs, Pumice, Timber. Major Industry: Agribusiness, Cigars, Essential Oils, Food Processing, Soap Manufacture, Tourism. Chief Export: Bananas, Cocoa, Copra, Citrus Fruits, Essential Oils, Spices, Soap. Conveyance: Railroads ; nothing. Roads ; length 756 kilometer ( 470 myocardial infarction ) ( 1988 ) . Vehicles ; autos 2,500 ( 1989 ) , trucks and coachs 1,500 ( 1989 ) . Merchant Marine ; vass 8 ( 1990 ) , deadweight tunnage 3,631 ( 1990 ) . Air Transport ; N/A. Communications: Daily Newspapers ; nil. Weekly Newspapers ; sum of 2 with a entire circulation of 5,050 ( 1991 ) . Radio ; receiving systems 45,000 ( 1994 ) . Television ; receiving systems 5,200 ( 1994 ) . Telephones ; units 15,791 ( 1994 ) . Military: nothing. Dominica has been inhabited by human existences for a long clip # 8211 ; there is grounds that the island was inhabited in at least 3100 BC. The first colonists were the Ortoroid people who set out from the South American mainland and bit by bit dispersed due norths through the Caribbean island concatenation. Evidence suggests they became nonextant around 400BC. Subsequently came the Igneri or # 8220 ; Arawak talkers # 8221 ; who settled in about 400AD. Their manner of life was agricultural and peaceable with a chiseled civilization. By 1400 this was about to alter as a similar folk, the Kalinago or as the # 8220 ; Caribs # 8221 ; ( as they became more normally known ) departed South America and sharply moved their manner up the Caribbean. The Gli Gli ( sparrow hawk ) sailed from Dominica to the OrinocoRiver in recollection of the journey undertaken by the Ortoroid people 3000 old ages earlier The Caribs seemed to be really much into busting and the work forces sharply attacked the Igneri, stealing their adult females when it was deemed executable. The Caribs were organised and were really successful in extinguishing the Igneri from many of the Caribbean islands, including Dominica. Columbus was the first European to put eyes on Dominica on 3rd November, 1493 # 8211 ; it was a Sunday # 8211 ; so he named it after the twenty-four hours. Dominica # 8217 ; s history from this point in many ways mirrors that of other Caribbean islands but differs in a few really important ways. The Spanish were the first to seek to colonize islands in the Lesser Antilles and they were met with stiff opposition. Spanish attemp T to colonize Dominica and environing islands with their Christian missionaries failed miserably ââ¬â the Caribs either killed or held the missionaries surety and the Spanish were non willing to oppose their combat accomplishments against a skilled enemy and the rugged terrain of Dominica. In fact, this attitude reasonably much summed up how the following moving ridge of European settlers, the English and the Gallic, were to experience when they arrived in Dominica at the start of the 1600ââ¬â¢s. The English and the Gallic were in a race to colonize the Caribbean in order to tap into the wealths that lay in working the natural resources of the Caribbean. They fought long and hard with each other and the Caribs and Dominica bears the cicatrixs of these conflicts. The topographic point names in Dominica are a mixture of French, English and Carib. After unsuccessful efforts by the Gallic to win over the Caribs with Christianity, a more hard-line attack was adopted # 8211 ; particularly by the English # 8211 ; who went out to consistently destruct the Caribs who got in their manner. They managed to cut down the Carib population by coercing them to fly back to the South American mainland and, instead inadvertently, by presenting new diseases against which the Caribs had no opposition. About three 1000 Caribs still inhabit Dominica today, most of them populating in Carib Territory up in the North East of the island. The Gallic were the first to truly put up store in Dominica and by 1727 there were 50-60 Gallic households in Dominica. Most were woodcutters garnering wood for export but some grew baccy and cotton. They were a tough batch and there was no overall program regulating their presence or development. Officially, Dominica was a impersonal state throughout this period belonging neither to the Gallic nor English # 8211 ; but the English were hungry for district and proverb Dominica as strategically of import # 8211 ; so they attacked it in 1761. By twelvemonth terminal the island was fundamentally under British control. In 1763 at The Peace of Paris Dominica was officially ceded to Britain. But the Gallic had left an unerasable grade on Dominica # 8211 ; and it can still be seen to this twenty-four hours through the linguistic communication ( slang ) , imposts, faith and the many Gallic topographic point names. Slaves were imported to supply labor during this period and, as in other Car ibbean islands, this was to go forth a lasting feeling on Dominica # 8217 ; s cultural makeup. The British realised that to direct the Gallic colonists packing would intend interrupting the turning agricultural economic system of the island # 8211 ; so a sort of peaceable co-existence was established. Garrisons were built, the largest at The Cabrits above Portsmouth and above Roseau at Morne Bruce. The Gallic military attacked the British munitions in 1778, encouraged by the American War of Independence, and won. Thingss did non travel good. Most of the English dwellers left taking their mutual trade links with them. This strained the bing agricultural system ( large hungry Gallic busying force ) and the economic system was under force per unit area. A hurricane decided to hit in 1779 and, evidently non satisfied with the harm, returned in 1780. In 1781 Roseau was destroyed by fire. In 1782 the English saw their opportunity to settle the mark. The resulting naval conflict, The Battle of the Saintes, saw an English triumph and ousted Gallic disposal over Dominica one time and for all. Escaped slaves, known as Maroons, had become good armed during all the recent problems and they took on the English 1785-86. They were cornered and defeated and their leaders imprisoned and/or executed. The Gallic Revolution resulted in a Gallic Republican invasion in 1797. They were finally defeated. Maroon-related contending took topographic point until around 1815 and their effectivity was ever helped by Dominica # 8217 ; s rugged terrain into which they could withdraw to relative safety. This typified the European experience in Dominica whether it be Carib opposition or the Maroons and put the tone for the island doing it palpably different from its English-administered neighbors. Dominica was hit hard by the diminution in colonial agribusiness in the 1800 # 8217 ; s -exacerbated by natural catastrophes and the terminal of the bondage epoch -other hard currency harvests were undertaken, viz. chocolate and and calcium hydroxides but a long, gradual diminution and long delinquent societal turbulence meant tough times for Dominica. As in many other Caribbean islands, Dominica experienced increasing domestic political conflicts. The priveleged Whites were consisitently challenged for ther conservative positions and attempts to keep the damaging societal construction. As their power dwindled, many in Dominica pushed for greater liberty. It acheived it, easy but certainly # 8211 ; but non without disruptive political relations and sometimes violent confrontations as the island debated a new political system and fundamental law. The late 1960 # 8217 ; s, 1970 # 8217 ; s and early 1980 # 8217 ; s were characterised by serious political instability. This retarded Dominica # 8217 ; s ability to take advantage of the the flourishing touristry industry being experinced by many of its Caribbean neighhbours. The Independence Constitution, after much political haggle, took consequence on 3rd November 1978 dividing Dominica from British control. Increasing poilitical stabilty from the mid-1980 # 8217 ; s allowed Dominica to offer itself as a pristine Caribbean eco-destination, unspoiled by indiscriminate development. The island # 8217 ; s economic development was, and is, shaped in big portion by its topography # 8211 ; the steep mountains, ravines and thick rain forest ever played a function in Dominica # 8217 ; s history. Dominica # 8217 ; s human history has frequently been characterised as a battle between adult male and nature, but in more recent times this Georgian-era analogy has become less relevant. Today sees Dominicans aware of the value of their natural resources and commanding development to protect these resouces every bit much as possible # 8211 ; eco-tourism is a quickly turning industry and offers increased variegation from an economic system traditionally based on agribusiness. Dominica # 8217 ; s Natural History: Dominica is known as # 8220 ; The Nature Island of the Caribbean # 8221 ; . It boasts of a assortment of natural attractive forces including rivers and watercourses, deep river gorges, waterfalls, fumarole countries, a boiling lake ( considered the universe # 8217 ; s largest ) and four cold fresh water lakes, two situated more than 2,500 pess above sea degree. Vegetation: Dominica # 8217 ; s comparatively high scope of height, coupled with its rainfall, has given rise to a broad assortment of flora. The undisturbed woods have been described as the most extended in the Lesser Antilles, while its rain woods are considered the finest in the insular Caribbean. Over 60 % of the island is still under some signifier of natural flora. Native vegetations includes over 1,000 species of blooming workss including 74 species of orchid and 200 ferns. Twenty-two endemic species of workss have been identified, one being Bwa Kwaib, officially designated as the island # 8217 ; s National Flower. Showy workss along the West seashore are the vermilion Bwa Kwaib, violet Savonnet, Campech with its bottle-brush-like flowers and the orange, pink and # 00d600 Lantana. In the inside, the bright orange flowers of Immortelle, the ruddy, # 00d600, or green heliconias and the purple immature foliages of the blue-wax flower gimmick everyone # 8217 ; s attending. Faunas: Dominica has a comparatively varied zoologies and hosts the most diverse gathering of wildlife in the smaller Eastern Caribbean islands, with birds and chiropterans peculiarly represented. To day of the month, 172 species of birds have been recorded and two endemic and endangered species of parrot # 8211 ; the Sisserou ( Dominica # 8217 ; s National Bird ) and the Red-necked or Jaco Parrot. The 12 species of chiropteran on the island are the lone native mammals. Several species of giants and mahimahis are found in the Waterss around Dominica, which is fast positioning itself as the taking whale-watching finish in the part. There are several little coral reefs around Dominica with a assortment of sponges, corals, soft coral and tropical fish. Mollusks and marine workss add to the marine bio-diversity of the island. The phalanger, Dasyprocta aguti, birds, toads, iguana, crab, and several species of fresh water runt and fish are used for nutrient. The island observes an one-year six-month closed season, during which clip it is illegal to catch tellurian wildlife. There are no toxicant serpents on the island, but the elusive boa constrictor is at place here.
Friday, November 29, 2019
Monday, November 25, 2019
Sex in Traditional Chinese Culture
Sex in Traditional Chinese Culture The Chinese are more traditional than Western people. Talking about sex is controversial. Whenever sex is mentioned, Chinese people usually consider it as being in bad taste. This tradition causes a lack of education about sex issues. A couple married for many years went to see a doctor for infertility. Both were in good health, but to the doctors surprise, the couple had never made love. This is one of the extreme cases, but it shows that some people have no knowledge about sex. Chinese Women and Having Sex Some young, unmarried women in China have no idea about sexà before they become pregnant and have to undergo abortions, which could be avoided if they knew better. Moreover, the lack of knowledge about sex could also lead to the spread of venereal diseases and AIDS. Therefore, sex education is urgently needed in China. Young people need to learn what love is and how to protect themselves. Sex in China The Sex Education Program, introduced in 2017, is the main key to the problem. However, the courses set for all levels of schools are not optimized. Teachers and students are always finding themselves in a very embarrassing situation when they debate about sex in class. Sex has really become forbidden fruit. Even so, most people think they can use some guidance about sex. Some think it works well to get informed by their peers. Some think they can be taught well from books on sex. Most people seem to find a way to educate themselves. But that is not enough to help the young from getting into bitter results. Impetuous love and sexual activities can be risky and sometimes even fatal, so it is better for them to get educated about sex before they fall in love. Not everyone is optimistic about this approach. A college student once said that he didnt want to marry a medical graduate. He thought knowing too much about the body and sex would bring an end to romance. Anyway, bringing sexual knowledge to people, especially to students, is an urgent but long-term task. China is working hard on it with entirely new approaches. More compatible courses have been introduced to junior and senior schools for teens and college students are beginning to debate sex in class. Furthermore, organizations have been established to lead the movement to a higher level to modernize the old views on sex in China.
Thursday, November 21, 2019
INCLUSION Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words
INCLUSION - Essay Example Inclusion is the complete recognition of all school children and clues to a sense of being in the right place within the school room community. Inclusion is an exertion to ensure students with debilities go to school alongside their friends and fellow citizens whereas also getting all that jazz, ââ¬Å"particularly intended teaching and provisionâ⬠they require to accomplish high principles and to prosper as students. Inclusion is not what we usually refer to as mainstreaming or integration. Mainstreaming challenges to move school children from special schooling classrooms to systematic education school rooms only in circumstances where they are capable to sustain their characteristically emergent peers minus specially planned lessons or support. Integration delivers only ââ¬Å"part-timeâ⬠inclusion, which stops the pupils from being full fellows of the schoolroom community. (Ainscow, 2000) Inclusive education takes along all students together in one schoolroom and communi ty, not withstanding their strong point or feebleness in any zone to strive to capitalize on the potential of all learners. Inclusion is an exertion to certify that assorted students ââ¬â those with incapacities, unlike languages and ethos, dissimilar families and family lives, not the same happiness and customs of book learning are exposed to schooling strategies that touch them as separate apprentices. Inclusive schools ask instructors to make available apposite personalized provisions and facilities to all school children without the stigmatization that arises with separation. Instructors in inclusive teaching space show a discrepancy in their classes to add to learning for all schoolchildren. Inclusive Education all around the world follows several principles, like instructors should take more than a few changed methodologies to schooling the similar material so that material becomes more thought-provoking and perceptible to a bigger number of learners. Students who are full of pride of themselves and enthusiastic by the flora and fauna around them will be more empathetic and thoughtful people; the alike is factual for instructors. Educators should take a hands-on tactic to throw light on predetermined pigeon holes and avoid them from accelerating into predispositions and destructive preconceived notion. Students are upright judges of what is just, specifically when they are thrown with thought provoking questions. Teachers should talk to them about concerns of social justice and unfairness in terms of reasonable versus unreasonable, courteous versus discourteous. Inclusive schoolrooms use books and resources that mirror precise images of miscellaneous peoples and encounter typecasts. Instructors also create inquisitiveness and increase studentsââ¬â¢ vanishing point by lessons about others in an optimistic fashion. Students should have the prospect to learn from their nobles along with other ethos. Lastly, it is essential that the educationalists sh ould be flexible when using and acclimatizing lessons in the prospectuses, over and above in prearranged syllabuses on the whole. Numerous of the utmost teachable moments are unexpected and off-the-cuff. In an inclusive schoolroom, immobilized children get the chance to feel like the other kids who are not disable in any way. They are less
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
Refliction Paper Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words
Refliction Paper - Assignment Example In the nineteenth and the twentieth century, more children were brought in as child labourers. The only time that child labour reduced was when the labour standards grew, and labour standards improved. This increased the political power of working people and social reformers to demand legislation regulating child labour (Hindman 44). These political reformers changed the lives of many children. This was least expected from them because they were the company owners who received cheap labour from these children. The history of child labour in the United States was a long reign. In history, it is said that children worked for their parents, or they were employed by an outside employer. However, child labour cases have changed. In this era child, employment is associated with a lot of risks. In addition, technology has improvised the society thus reducing much labour which fell under children responsibility. Nevertheless some of these equipmentââ¬â¢s that are brought in companies are equally dangerous to youth and people who are not improvised to operate the machines. The most important thing that have changed my mind is that I thought the only people who were enslaved were black people but surprisingly I have come to learn that even the white people were enslaved. The most significant determinant that I think is important is that even though the children were enslaved later on they were set free in the year 1938 (Hindman 44). It is relaxing that the children would no longer suffer the torture they went
Monday, November 18, 2019
Separation of Ownership and Control in the US and EU and its Essay
Separation of Ownership and Control in the US and EU and its Implications - Essay Example It is seen that a weak owner leads to a strong manager where agency problem arises due to entrenched managers and dispersed shareholding. Conflict of interests is an important aspect that corporate governance addresses to. The separation of ownership that is the shareholders and control that is the management gives rise to agency issues. This separation is usually seen in firms where the shareholding is dispersed. Agency conflicts arise when the ideal situation isnââ¬â¢t achieved and the managers prefer their interest over shareholderââ¬â¢s interest. Agent principal relationship is governed by the agency costs that the principal incurs to align the interest of his agent with that of his own. Corporate governance deals with the minimization of the conflict of interests in the organization. Proper incentives linkage to the remuneration can help prevent the conflict of interests and align the interests of managers and shareholders. Stock option plans can be a good way to make inte rests common because the managers become the shareholders and put in the efforts to increase the wealth of the shareholders. Another option could be the board of directors, as they have the power to dictate decisions in the organization and control the company, they can serve as a solution to align the interest of both. Stock options have proved to be quite efficient it the linked remunerations to the shareholder's interest can also induce the managers to act dishonestly and adopt a short-term behavior because of quarterly disclosures.Ã
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