Sharon’s Note: Well, you asked for it and you got it. Here’s what happens when you ask a vampire to kill you. Warning: Actions have consequences.
I stared down at the book in my hand. It looked innocent and harmless now, but a moment ago it had been bleeding and squirming like it had maggots under its skin. It probably was made out of human skin or something. Ew.
I put the book down on the kitchen table and dropped down into the chair. “I’m not good with confrontation, you know.”
Lorena raised an eyebrow. “I beg your pardon?”
“I’m not good with confrontation.” I repeated. “I wouldn’t be here if I was. My first instinct is to run away from things. It always has been.”
“Well, you can’t run away from this.” Lorena snorted. “That book is bound to your body and soul, at least until it manages to switch places with you.”
“With me, you won’t have to run away. I can give you the power to face your problems easily.” For a voice in my head, the book had a lot of tone. It was trying its damndest to be soothing. That can’t have been easy for an evil book.
I caressed the leather, not knowing if I was speaking to it or my landlady. “I know it would be easier to face my problems. Less stress, probably even less trouble in the long run. It just seems so . . .awkward. I can’t stand awkwardness. It brings on the most horrible anxiety. I can’t stand it. I’d rather be in pain than feel awkward. I’d rather die.”
“That’s insane!” The demon book growled.
“If you’re asking me to do something, say it outright.” Lorena leaned against the counter, eyeing me thoughtfully. “I will have no misunderstandings.”
I took a deep breath while my demon screamed in my head. “I want this over with. I’m done running and I don’t want to fight. Just kill me.”
Lorena crossed her arms. “Is there someone you want to call before we do this? Anyone you want to leave a letter to? I’ll make sure it gets sent.”
“No one.”
“Just tell me one thing.” She held up a finger. “What are you running from?”
I smiled weakly. “Not what. Who.”
“Sounds like there’s quite a story there.” Lorena pushed away from the counter to sit with me at the table. “You want to tell me about it? Maybe I can help.”
“As much as I never thought I would say this, I agree with the vampire. Talk to her.”
It was my turn to snort. “You know the book just agreed with you?”
Her eyes widened. “Well, that’s disconcerting.”
“Yeah.” My vision started to blur and it took me a moment to realize it was tears. “There’s only one way you can help me. I’m not strong enough to resist a demon, but maybe for once my weakness can work for me instead of against me. Get it over with. Please.”
Lorena stood up slowly, like there was a weight on her that hadn’t been there before.
“No you idiot! Run. Fight! Do something!”
I chuckled to myself as I watched Lorena reach out towards me. I was doing something. I sat absolutely still and didn’t even flinch.
Gray Matters: The Works of Sharon and James Gray 
Well, get what you ask for.
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