Natalia had a checkered past when it came to romantic involvement. Despite her well-mannered behavior and striking beauty, she always had a hard time with men. Either they could not keep up with her standards, or were too demanding and needy which prompted her to leave them. She was not unfamiliar with random flings, but they never went anywhere besides a night or two of pleasure. With her mind constantly running rampant with thoughts and responsibilities, she never was one to take time for herself and relax for more then an hour or so. And Vincent seemed fixated on her, as well as being a new connection for her due to his knowledge of strange and paranormal topics, such as whatever had slithered itself into her own mind that fateful night. Maybe, she thought to herself, having a good relationship with this man could prove useful to her. But wasn't about to give in to his lustful determination.
"Vincent...as flattered as I am that you have such a keen eye for beauty and have taken much liking to me...I'm afraid I must respectfully decline your offer. I have no desire to engage in sexual activity with you. Nothing personal by the way. Also mood is a factor and frankly I'm not feeling it. Not with you anyway." Natalia explained crossing her arms.
"I see...of course." Vincent murmured, a tinge of disappointment in his voice. "I will respect your boundaries. But do not think I will give up. The silver fox swoons every woman eventually." He winked.
"Mhm sure. Now please unlock the door. I've quite enjoyed this little tour of yours. But I must be off now so if you don't mind."
Vincent nodded. He unlocked the door and led Natalia back downstairs to the front doors. He bowed to her, sending her off.
"I do apologize. I would enjoy your company again here." He said.
"I forgive you. And don't worry, I"ll be back soon. Thank you for inviting me over. Until next time."
Natalia waved as she left the manor. Vincent watched her as she walked away. She pulled out her phone to call for the chauffeur to bring the limousine back to pick her up. Vincent slithered back inside and shut the door to avoid her noticing him eyeing her down. Once the limousine pulled up just a few minutes later, Natalia got in.
"How was your visit there madame President?" The driver asked through the glass panel.
"Just peachy. Take me back to the White House. While it wasn't the most pleasant place I've been to...I will return here at some point." Natalia replied. She sat back with a leg crossed over the other to get comfortable for the ride. She closed her eyes to take a short rest.
Adrian pulled aside to park at a gas station. He had to use the bathroom so he parked the truck and rushed inside. Victoria headed in and decided to buy a pack of cigarettes. She then went to go lean against the truck and wait for Adrian. As she pulled a single cigarette out and lit it up to take a puff, she felt a pounding headache start to take form from the rush of nicotine in her system. She grabbed her head and gazed into the truck mirror, feeling her entire body go cold. Her own face in the reflection started to shift into something sinister; her eyes went red and a wicked smirk formed on it's face. She jumped away from the truck, shaking from the pure shock and breathing heavily.
"Th-the fuck...?" She exclaimed. The reflection was different then that of the visage from the window reflection she saw in her apartment some time ago. "...I swear it's getting worse. Maybe I really do need to see a psychiatrist."
Adrian walked out of the gas station only to see Victoria staring at the truck from a short distance away with a cigarette in her hand. He found himself confused.
"Uh you okay babe?" He asked approaching her. She took another puff then faced him.
"I-I'm fine. Let's just go."
The two got back into the truck and hit the road once again. Victoria quietly looked out the slightly cracked window she ashed out of to ensure none got on the seat. Adrian was a bit concerned about her. He wasn't particularly fond of her smoking cigarettes. It was an addiction she picked up in college to help her cope with the overwhelming stress of classes, social anxiety and whatever demons were hidden away inside her head. She has yet to break the habit, but has cut back on smoking some ever since she started dating Adrian, who is more fond of marijuana but can't stand nicotine. He didn't harp on her about it too much though.
After some more time had passed, Adrian noticed a sign they were about to pass reading: Auburn 5 miles. He then glanced down at the GPS route mapped out.
"Little over six hours left...and we're coming up to a town. Wanna stop for anything at all?" He asked. Victoria just shook her head.
"Nah. I'm good. Maybe when we get to Worcester, I say we stop and grab something to eat. That's like, in ten miles according to the route." She replied while messing with the phone to see the route ahead of them.
"Sounds good to me."
After passing the town and driving on further, Adrian pulled off of the highway to stop at an Italian restaurant not too far into the city of Worcester. The two headed inside and grabbed a table. A booth to be specific which Victoria always preferred over standard tables. A waitress walked up to the booth to grab their orders for drinks, but the two had already decided on their food orders and gave them to the waitress.
"Understood. I'll grab your drinks and give your order to the cooks so be right back." The friendly waitress spoke then left. While Adrian pulled out his phone to play a game, Victoria glanced up at the television placed in view of the booths. The show airing had two men exploring an old farmhouse loaded to the brim with junk and memorabilia appearing to be several decades old. She remembered reading about how Edward and Mary were into exploring old places but ones that carried a history of paranormal activity and oddities of the sort. This show focused more on collecting old wares from places left to rot by time.
"And what do we have here? Looks like some old political campaign merchandise from right before the forty-fourth president's first year in office! Considering he won, these must have value!"
"Wow look at that! These might fetch some kind of a price from diehard political merchandise collectors or even fans of the man."
The two men went back and forth as they rummaged around the farmhouse. Victoria was always fascinated by these kinds of shows. While she didn't travel much, she would always enjoy urban exploration back in her late high school and early college days. She didn't do it nearly as much nowadays but occasionally would whenever her and the small social circle she has would plan a time to get together.
"Well after we get this food in our stomachs we should be good for the remainder of the trip. Think your grandma would cook us dinner once we get there?" Adrian asked feeling peckish.
"Oh definitely, since she's getting to see her granddaughter for the first time in many years. Plus she knows how long our drive is and figured by the time we get there we'd be hungry. But I agree, lunch here should help satisfy us for awhile." Victoria replied smiling.
"Grannies always know how to cook killer meals so I can't wait to try your grandma's cooking."
"It'll be nice too so we don't have to go out and buy food during our stay to help us save money. Guarantee she'll be making us meals every day."
"Fuck yeah."
Natalia felt drained after her visit to the manor but carried on with her paperwork. Her ears rung at the sound of knocks on the office door. She glanced up to look at the door for a few seconds.
"Come in." She said.
The door opened up. With a bright smile on her face, Madison walked in with folder stuffed under her arm. She approached the desk, setting the folder down in front of Natalia.
"Hello Natalia! I just finished up the last of today's assigned paperwork and wanted to let you know, that the conference went fantastic! Things are looking up for this year I feel!" Madison said. Her cheerful expression, soft but formal voice and radiant positivity was a great relief for Natalia after her time spent with Vincent and his followers. She smiled back and shoved the folder into the bottom right desk drawer.
"Excellent work. Thank you Madison. I always wonder where I'd be without your assistance." Natalia replied.
"Hey, I didn't spend all those years in college for my masters in politics to get to this position for nothing. So, how was your day? How did the visit with the mysterious individual go? If you don't mind me asking."
"Oh boy. I'll say, that man and his...followers were quite the interesting group..." Natalia rubbed her temple as she spoke. "...but I did gain insight into some important things that I can't explain due to the strict confidentiality of that information. Got a killer headache though. Mentally I'm quite exhausted from this afternoon."
"Huh? Oh, would you like an aspirin or some tea? I did have our secretary make us quite a lot of tea for the conference attendees. Well tea and coffee to be exact."
"Tea sounds...lovely."
Madison left the office and returned with a fresh cup of tea in Natalia's personal black mug with the words 'Best President' written in bold white letters. Natalia grabbed it and took a sip. The taste with a hint of lemon was refreshing.
"Sorry to hear that it took a lot out of you. I guess it was quite odd of a request in the first place." Madison shrugged scratching her chin.
"Well I am going to remain in contact with that man. Seems like a valuable acquaintance to keep in touch with."
"That's good to hear at least!"
"At least something good came out of the meeting. Hmm..."
Natalia started to eye down Madison from head to toe. She raised an eyebrow, head tilting slightly to the left as Natalia's eyes met her own. Perhaps the tea wasn't to her liking, she thought.
"Is that a new dress suit you have on? Don't ever remember you having a violet one." Natalia said rather perplexed. Madison glanced down at her outfit then back up at Natalia.
"Oh this? It's actually a gift from my sister. She just quit her office job to go be a freelance journalist and let me have it. Said that I needed another color to spruce up my public image and I agreed with her! Does it look good? The other staff seemed to think so." Natalia rubbed her chin, smiled and nodded.
"Violet is a good look for you I think. Quite sexy if I say so myself."
Madison's face flushed slightly from Natalia's complimentary words. She scratched the back of her head and swayed her hips nervously.
"You think so?? W-well, thank you ma'am!" Madison stammered. "It's rare to get compliments from you so it feels nice."
"Yeah...I feel I don't give you and the rest of the staff enough praise and I apologize for that. You better wear that during our next public hearing."
"I sure will!"
Natalia finished writing on the paper in front of her then set the pen down. She stood up and went over to Madison who stood quietly in the corner on her phone. She glanced up to meet Natalia's eyes. The two were standing relatively close to one another.
"All done with your paperwork? I'm just taking a breather after all the running around I've been doing today. I still have a few more tasks to get done then I'm heading home." Madison said, pocketing her phone.
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"Why don't you meet me in the main lobby when you're done miss Weathers. Join me at my home for a couple drinks after work?" Natalia spoke softly. Madison was taken aback by her offer. But she just nodded in response.
"O...okay sure! That sounds lovely!" She replied before heading out of the office, biting the bottom of her lip. Natalia watched her leave and snickered to herself, feeling amused. She returned to her desk to start prepping for tomorrow and make an important phone call. The phone dial rung a few times before someone on the other end picked up;
"Yes Madame President? Hope your day has been going well." The pompous man's voice spoke.
"Eh, don't really want to get into that. You got that bill ready for the supreme court yet? I know I've had you adjust it multiple times so I don't want to have to adjust it yet again."
"Actually glad you asked. Already sent it in as a matter of fact. If it goes through and gets approved, which I assure you it will, then we can expect them to take action right away. God knows we need to cut the defense budget by a good margin and finally start investing in a massive undertaking of the lower class social infrastructure that's infested with vermin."
"Well the last several individuals before me didn't do a damn thing about the poorest areas in the country. Time's been rough on them. Some places are either dead or withering away so I'm wanting to save and salvage as much as possible."
"I one-hundred percent agree with you. Those billions of dollars worth of military technology isn't being used at the moment anyway. And I doubt it will be anytime soon with you in charge. Keep our relations healthy and the budget cut won't make a big difference."
"Exactly. Already doing what we can to fix the planet. At this point the only ones engaging in conflict are those idiots killing themselves overseas and the cartels below us getting petty over narcotics exchanges. But they're not our problem, haven't been for awhile now."
"Kicking out those buffoons working under the last couple presidents was the only good outcome. Keep things up the way they are and you're guaranteed a second term."
"Yeah...that's the plan after all."
"Your tone shifted a little there. Everything alright?"
"I'm fine. Just tired from today. Anyway, I'll make sure I do all that I can to push that bill for approval. The fact that they didn't outright reject it this time means you finally fine-tuned it the way I told you to."
"Yes. I thank you for assisting me with that. I must get back to work now and so should you. Appreciate your time today and will speak with you again soon."
"Yup. Goodbye."
Natalia sulked after hanging up. Everyone around her, everyone who knows and speaks to her on a daily basis, even the staff that she hardly ever gets to say a single word to, is unaware of the coming calamity as it continues to linger on her consciousness. It's been a struggle every day to keep the knowledge hidden from those she works with and even the people who look up to her as a political beacon of hope for the country. She believed it was finally time for someone else...someone she holds dearly close to her, to know the truth.
'Welcome to Maine!' The sign on the side of the road greeted the two before passing by. Victoria and Adrian both breathed a sigh of relief. The drive has been long, exhausting, but also enjoyable between the conversations and the music. The absence of snow for most of the drive between Connecticut and Massachusetts was cut short as flurries pattered against the windshield. The clouds in the sky still remained bright with pockets of sunlight poking through. Victoria lit up another cigarette, cracking the window and taking a long drag. Her mind remained at ease since the two had lunch.
"Man, at least Massachusetts wasn't as boring to drive through. I'm just glad we're finally in fuckin' Maine now. The gas I'm using is killing my wallet though." Adrian chuckled. "Remember, you're covering the drive back."
"Yeah yeah." Victoria snarkily waved off his demand. "This is my trip after all so of course I'd cover half of it."
"Should be making you cover all of the gas. But then remembered we couldn't take your fuel efficient car cause it's too small. I'm also being nice since you don't like long drives."
"Adrian you annoy me sometimes, but I love you."
"Love you too babe."
The scenery shifted to droves of hills and trees all shrouded in a white blanket with the occasional house or shed spread thinly apart from any of the distant towns that passed by like blurs. Adrian noticed the fuel gauge was starting to wear down. Considering they would have to still do some driving even once they reached their destination, he decided to stop for gas at the next given opportunity. Another five miles later a gas station could be seen. Adrian turned and pulled up to the relatively empty, small and desolate-looking gas station. It had two pumps, a single car parked on the side of the building and a dumpster behind it. Neither of them recognized the sign so it must have been independent and not part of a chain. A rarity these days with most gas stations being run by one of the few mega-conglomerate gas companies.
"I'm going to head inside while you fill up. Want anything?" Victoria asked.
"A pop would be nice. You know what kind I like." Adrian said as he hopped out.
Victoria wandered into the station. The interior was cramped with shelves, fridges, a bathroom, a back door and the front counter. Behind the front counter was a man around his early thirties with messy short black hair and a lip piercing smoking a cigarette while scrolling on his phone. Victoria grabbed a drink for her and Adrian and approached the counter. She was a bit puzzled by this man.
"You're allowed to smoke on the clock in here?" She blurted out. The man looked at her and raised an eyebrow followed with a puff on his cigarette.
"Considering I own the place, then yes." He replied. His voice was quite monotone, just slightly deeper then Adrian's voice.
"Ah okay. It's rare to see independent stations these days. Must not be busy all the way out here huh?" Victoria replied, surprised to be striking up a conversation.
"Dime a dozen nowadays. Fucking corporations can pop stations up anywhere. But in some very rural parts like here, we're pretty safe. That and I refuse to close up shop even if business is shit. It's Maine so everything's cheap, including land and running a business. And to answer your question...most I'll get is thirty customers. On a good day. This ain't a good day. You're number six."
"Oof. Well, that counts for something yeah?"
"Sure. You're definitely not from around here. Are you?"
"Nope. Me and my boyfriend are visiting my grandparents. Some town called Cutler."
"I see. Where you from?"
"Manhattan."
"Middle of winter and you're driving from New York all the way here to Maine? Quite odd. If you don't mind me asking...for what reason?"
Victoria was caught off by his question. She didn't think she would be getting grilled by this stranger in a random gas station during this road trip. Now she had to reply somehow.
"Why the hell should I tell you?" She hissed. The man rolled his eyes and took a drag from his cigarette.
"You don't have to. Just curious is all. Pretty fucking odd time to be traveling if you ask me. This little escapade of yours must be important." He sneered, suspicious of her.
"Look asshole...it's been a long day already. Tell you what, if you give me any helpful knowledge of this place, then I'll tell you. Been several years since I've been here to Maine. Advice may be nice to have." The man just sighed.
"Ugh. Fine. Maine is as safe as a state gets. Worst you gotta worry about is like, hitting a deer or hitchhikers. And we got a nasty snowstorm coming up in the next couple days. There's your damn advice. Now feed my sickening curiosity."
"Sheesh...I'm wanting to find out some shit about my family that's been kept secret from me all my life. May also help out whatever fucking mental issues I've been dealing with for awhile now, and my grandma is possibly the only person who can help me out."
"Hmm okay. Interesting, very interesting."
Victoria payed for the drinks and headed for the door before the man stopped her with his voice;
"Before you go...just be careful out there. And uh, good luck with your journey. Make sure you're holed up inside when that snowstorm hits." He said. Victoria just nodded silently and left the building.
Natalia pulled up to the estate she lived in with Madison in the passenger seat. The young woman's eyes grew wide at the sight of the large house before they arrived in the garage. Natalia led her inside, with the garage leading to a small pocket right next to the kitchen. She started to pour a couple glasses of wine on the island and handed one to Madison.
"I can't believe I'm actually inside your house. You said that you've never had guests here outside your own family before, right?" Madison asked as she and Natalia leaned on the counter. The two clinked their glasses together and took a drink.
"Correct. I was debating when I would actually have you over. Truth be told: I actually inherited this estate from my late father. He stated in his will that he wanted me to have it after he passed away from that terrible brain cancer. Coincidentally it happened after I started running for president so he never got to see me win the nomination..." Natalia explained glancing down at the floor, a single tear streaming down her cheek. Madison reached over and wiped it with her finger. Natalia looked up at her, meeting her comforting smile. "...thank you, dear."
"Yeah. I'm...so sorry to hear that Natalia. I know he would've been really proud of you."
"You think so?"
"Yes. As your vice president and close friend, I couldn't be more proud of how you've been doing. And...I can't thank you enough for giving me that chance when nobody else I knew believed in me..."
"Oh yeah. You said your colleagues didn't think you would get the position huh?"
"...that's right. Worked my ass off to get that masters, got my position in the government alongside you and they never thought I'd make it higher up the ladder."
"Well they were wrong. I chose you to be the vice president for multiple reasons, not just because you're my closest friend. You're sharp, your decision-making has proven crucial many times, and the two of us have proven to be a good image for the faces leading the country. We've had too many old men leading for the longest time. I changed everything with my victory. And having a beautiful young lady like you next to me, gives the people some semblance of hope outside of our hearings and speeches." Madison chuckled lightly at her words.
"I get called 'beautiful' and 'pretty' by the staff and regular people outside the White House all the time. But when those words come from you Natalia...it hits me different. I...I can't explain why..." Natalia placed a finger under Madison's chin and tilted her head up for their eyes to meet.
"Darling I've thought that ever since we met in high school. Just been too damn busy to really express myself to you properly. Without you in my life I'd be a mess mentally. You help keep this crazy mind of mine in check amidst all the chaos that comes with being in this position of mine. And speaking of my mind, I need to share something with you..."
Natalia grabbed Madison's soft hand and led her into the living room. The two sat down on the couch, placing their drinks on the glass coffee table. Natalia took a deep breath. Madison noticed her hands were trembling and gently wrapped her fingers around them, now holding her hands. Natalia looked into Madison's gleaming eyes. She had to come clean to her.
"It's okay. Whatever you need to tell me, I'm all ears. I'm here for you." Madison murmured softly. Natalia nodded and calmed herself.
"I need you to believe what I'm about to tell you. Madison my dear...the night of my inauguration something strange happened to me. A voice...started speaking to me as I sat alone in my office. It told me of a revelation...that the world will meet it's end in twenty-thirty. This year. On June sixth...a great cataclysm will befall us and humanity will perish...as punishment for ruining this once beautiful world of ours..." Natalia spoke in a serious tone. Madison's heart began to sink.
"D-did you say...the world will end?"
"Yes. My mind, I feel, has been corrupted with whatever this strange voice was. I hear it talk to me sometimes when I'm alone...I see strange visions in my sleep...and even have these weird hallucinations from time to time. And I'm obligated to believe every word it said...I'm the harbinger for this coming doomsday. I bear the weight of this knowledge on my shoulders and have only told a very select few, including you. I'm not scared...but I am fearful for those I've told this to...and to everyone who has no idea. I just had to spill my guts about this to you because I care about you so much and couldn't keep it from you any longer..."
Madison's heart sank further. She knew Natalia by heart and believed every single word she has said. She started to tremble with fear and Natalia felt it. Madison clutched tightly to her hands.
"I...I don't want this to be happening...and there's no way to prevent this??"
"Unfortunately not. But listen to me dear...I will ensure that you survive with me. We will not perish in the fall. I need you to stick together with me until that time comes."
"Are you...sure? That I won't...die?"
"I promise. Keep it together, okay? We still have our jobs to do and our lives to live. You're the strongest person I know. We...will...get...through...this. You mean the world to me Madison."
"O-okay. Okay I will." Madison swallowed hard. "I have to process all of this for a moment..."
"It's going to be alright. You have me. I'll keep you safe."
Natalia lifted her hand up to Madison's face and gently stroked the knuckle along her cheek. Natalia then inched closer, closed her eyes and planted a kiss on Madison's lips. As if all the tension melted away and her trembling slowed to a halt, Madison's eyes closed taking in the taste of Natalia's lips. Before Natalia could pull away, Madison grabbed her by the collar and pulled her back in. The two of them continued kissing, taking in this tender moment for just a moment longer...
A two-story red-brick house with a chimney and an old sedan parked in the driveway shrouded by a few large trees grew ever so closer. Adrian pulled the truck up the small hill towards the house and parked it behind the sedan. Victoria was feeling nervous even though it was her own grandparents. The large gap of time between their visits was a depressing thought to her. She had changed a lot from her teenage years. But their journey on the road had finally ended for now.
"You ready?" Adrian asked.
"Yeah..." Victoria replied.
The two got out of the truck and headed for the front door. Victoria rapped on the oak door a few times. Silence. She was about to knock again when faint footsteps could be heard on the other side. She and Adrian stepped back to give some space. The door unlocked and slowly creaked open. Standing there was an elderly lady with long grey hair tied up in a bun, big round silver-rimmed glasses and wearing a long blue dress adorned with a white lighthouse on the front. The old lady smiled and spoke in a soothing, warm tone;
"Hello dearie. Welcome back to Maine."