Fade to Black by M. Stratton

shouldn’t say new. That makes it sound like she dates all the time. Actually
her last boyfriend was her ex, Deke, and they met in high school.” Dory fiddled
nervously with Ashley’s bracelet. “Anyway, they’re getting serious, and so are
we. I think it’s time everyone met.” She held her breath waiting for Ashley’s
answer, as it was important to Dory.
    “Sure, I’d love to meet your friend. And
you’re right, we are getting serious, it’s time. I do have to travel this next
week, maybe you can set something up for when I get back?” Ashley gave her a
hug.
    “Maybe we could get together next weekend?
I’m sure I could talk Lily into making her baked chicken; it’s to die for. And
her place is bigger and you’d get to see her gallery.” Dory nodded toward the
sculpture of a woman on the fireplace mantle. “I know you liked that one she
did. She’s really good. And nice, really nice. I know
you’ll like her.”
    “Dory, honey, calm down. It’ll be fine. Why
are you so nervous?” Ashley ran her fingers through Dory’s hair.
    “Because you both mean so
much to me. I don’t know what I’d do if you didn’t
like each other.”
    “Well, I don’t think you’re going to have
to worry about that. Come on, relax, you’re all tense.”
    Dory laughed, “Well, this movie isn’t
helping. I feel like the boogeyman is going to pop out of the closet at any
moment now. Maybe we should take a break and get something to eat. I have some
fruit and cheese ready to go, and of course, more wine.”
    “You know that actually sounds great. Come
on, I’ll race you to the kitchen.” Ashley jumped up off of the couch and they
raced to the kitchen. When they skidded to a stop and slid into the counter,
she grabbed Dory and kissed her passionately. She had a small smile on her face
when she pulled away, breathing hard.
    “Wow… I can’t seem… to catch my… breath.”
Dory placed her hand over her chest and rested against the counter. “I think… I
might… need to… sit down.” Her heart was racing in her chest; it was almost too
painful. She debated if she should say anything. She hadn’t told Ashley about
her heart issues, but she’d had episodes like this one before and she always
ended up fine. Not wanting to worry her, she tried to control her breathing
while she gripped the edge of the counter.
    Ashley walked to the refrigerator and
opened it, sticking her head in to see what was in there. “I’m sure you’re
fine. Let’s see what we have in here. Oh, look, you already have everything ready, you really know how to charm a girl. Well, you’re not
the only one.” She turned around to face Dory.
    “Please… call 9-1-1… my heart… it hurts…”
Dory slid down the cabinets and her butt hit the floor hard as her fingers
clutched at her chest, the pain radiating throughout her body.
    “Oh, now why would I do that? I’ve been
hoping this would happen for weeks now.”
    “What?” Dory blinked at Ashley. She had to have
misheard her. Something wasn’t right; she’d misunderstood her.
    “Oh, yes, please, let’s see if we can get
your poor, little, weak heart to beat even harder.” An evil smile spread across
her face. “I’ve been trying to kill you for weeks.”
    Ashley laughed when Dory’s eyes became
large and her hands shook harder as she tried to grab the edge of the counter
to pull herself up. Ashley reached over and slapped
Dory’s hand. “Oh, come on. And you aren’t going anywhere.” Patting her on the
side of her face, each pat harder than the one before it, her eyes glittered
with anger. “Die, you stupid bitch, just fucking die already.”
    “Ashley… I… don’t under… stand.” How could
she be doing this to her? Something wasn’t right.
    “Of course you don’t.” She grabbed Dory
painfully by the face, making her look directly at her. “My name isn’t Ashley,
it’s Hayden, and Devlin is mine. He’s always been mine. He always will be mine. Now fucking