Love is complicated. Sometimes it's heaven, others, hell. There's no such way to put it into words its' after effects, but they can be intense, deadly, and maddening...but that's what makes it exciting isn't it?

That's what makes the butterflies fly in someone's stomach, to stutter and blush, to pump adrenaline into our veins in a mix of good and bad decisions until there is only ecstasy as a drug killing us slowly.

Killing until there is nothing, until we forget who we are or what we've done.

Until the moment the realization falls, until the high is over, until the future becomes present and the past awakens us.

Until soulmates become enemies, and the enemies remain as soulmates.

That's what Erica Souza saw in his eyes when they opened into the bliss. When he slowly regained counsciousness and looked at her with a fragile boy like tenderness.

The legs and arms were weak, the voice barely a whisper, as the glass reflected his image. The first thing he saw was the flash of a bloody valentine smile, eyes twinkling under fluorescent eyes.

-Hello, you. -Erica said softly gazing into his dark chocolate eyes.

What the fuck.

-E...Erica..?-Joe whispered as he started to realize where he was. -What...happened...?-He slowly regained conscious and let the memories flow back to his mind.

-I'm just doing what you asked for, Joe...Providing you light...-He was aboit to look around- Don't be dramatic. This is yoir favorite spot in the world after all, there is no need to be afraid.

Joe took in his surroundings, the small spot, closed by 4 glass windows, bookshelves removed, artificial cold air and a pressure that overwhelmed his shoulders connecting present with the past.

There he was, below Mooney's, in the basement, secluded to his own glass cage he once was so proud of.

-Erica what is this?-He started to tremble.- Erica...

-The way you look at me...oh, Joe...it's not the same. I feel it. Hidden behind your pupils, the hatred, disppointment and frustration.- She caressed the cold glass surface with her fingers and pouted her lips- I wish it didn't have to be this way...

-Erica...-He took in air slowly in his lungs, trying to control himself. -Erica let me out of here, let's talk.

-I believed in you, Joe..-She sighed- I truly did, and what have you done? -She frowned her eyesbrows- You broke my heart...-Her teeth clenched into a hiss- YOU BROKE MY HEART!-Her fist slammed the bulletproof glass making him jump.

Joe glanced at the woman for a moment, the two in silence while the tension creeped. A single move and everything would be over.

-Don't look at me like that...-She shaked her head filled with madness -Don't treat me as a monster, you promised me you would understand me. You promised...-She slammed the glass again- STOP IT!

-I didn't do anything!

-You did! You did cause you're looking at me the way they did, the way my parents did, my mother did, the way Thomas did.

Thomas. Right.

The thread of mystery stands still, what happened to Thomas?

Or better, what will happen to me, now that I know who you truly are Erica.

Now that I know...

...that you are just like me.

-I don't see you the way they do. You know that. I love you.-He tried to get into her mind.

-Not anymore...not now that you realized I'm no longer your princess, but the evil witch who encaged you.

-Erica listen to me-

-NO! YOU LISTEN TO ME!-She suddenly slammed the glass making him tremble.

His eyes pumped adrenaline and fear through his veins. He couldn't recognize the woman he once thought she was, all he could see now was a stranger who kept him captive.

She let out a shaky breath in sign of frustration and touched softly the glass again, her mood changed as fast as the weather, unstable, unpredictable.

-I did everything right.-She spoke through her teeth.-Each step was so measured, so precisely taken, careful enough not to spoil the sweetness of our love.- She frowned her eyebrows in delusion.- We met in the most perfect way, in your perfect place in the world. I made myself appealing and yet not so easy to get so your chase would be fun. I pushed your limits to know how fully committed you were...-Her eyes challenged his-...how could it go wrong like this?

So it was never destiny, or fate, or whatever the shit you may call.

It was you.

All this time, everything that has happened between us, you lead us until here.

I was only a pawn in your game, a very well played one.

And that...

Disgusts me.

-How long have you known me?-He asked fragile.

Erica took a moment to answer.

-Long enough to know that I am the one for you.-She gave a small smile that made him shiver. The cage enclosured him each time he tried to think about escaping, he could barely move from the fear.

-You...you were the one who sent me the message...about Beck...-He concluded.

-I am the one who freed you.-She said with no guitiness. -I knew you would take a  decision eventually...you just needed a little push to it.

Their eyes locked for an instant. The word murder was substituted by decision. The thoughts connected suddenly, and joe almost took a step back at the realization.

-I know what you did.-Erica said fearless.- I know Guinivere Beck's true fate.-Joe opened his mouth to speak but she was faster.- No, I am not afraid. She got what she deserved.-She hissed. -You devoted yourself to her, gave your soul to her, and this is what she does...that bitch.-She cussed and spit on the ground in disrespect for the dead.

You have no remorse torwards murder. No feelings, no...humanity about it.

You just think of beck as a monster, a demon who was in the way between us.

Now I wonder what happens to me, now that you see me as an enemy.

-Do you really think this is true love?-He asked. -To plan how we met, to manipulate Sam and Jasmine? What is this, some sort of play?-He let out some deep anger now triggered by the truth. -What else have you done?

-Oh wow, go ahead, play the victim again.-She rolled her eyes.- As if you are any better than me...Maggie, Justin and Professor Alberto's blood is in our hands, Joe.

His breath stopped for a moment at her words.

-Our? You mean...-His eyes met hers instantly.

Then, his worst fear was confirmed, a sthe thin layer of innocence that covered his lover was finally peeled off.

-Justin was annoying. Creepily annoying. The man has done some crazy bad shit in the past, I knew his intentions.-She crossed her arms and sat in a chair front of his cell.- But he served as good proof of how much you wanted me. Served ss a mean to an end.

No...

You...you wanted me to do this, you made me...

-Professor Alberto was a bit different though...-She made a sound click sound with her tongue.- How can I put it into words...he was demanding, I guess.-She described.- You know how I ace in every subject, but his...his was the only one I couldn't get an A. And if there's one thing I hate...-Her face turned into a somber dark serious one.-...is not getting what I want.-Her smile snapper back in a psychopathic fast mannerism.- But I knew I had a knight in shining armor willing to pritect me, if I asked so nicely, even if not directely.-She giggled to him.

His senses got dizzy, he felt his vision blurr as the docts connected, as his heart broke into pieces, everything felt surreal, completely out of this world.

When he looked at Erica, all he could see, was guilt. All he could feel, was the blood in his hands.

-Oh and Maggie...well Maggie...-She thought for a moment then just curved her mouth.- She simply just annoyed me.

-B-But you said she stalked you, she-

-I made it up.-She smiled.- Just as all the phone calls, and botherings and yeah, all that shit. She was oh so pretty, so popular and so nice. I was sick of that best friends forever BS.-Erica said as if she was a completely different person.

It was still unbelivable to see her mask fall ofd so easily, to mix her rage with this new discovered personality. It was as if all her sweetness, optimism and kindness were replaced by this selfish, murderous and manipulative mind consumed her. As if the woman he fell for was killed by this new creatured presented before him.

-You...made me kill them.-Joe trembled as a little boy, his eyes filled with tears.

-Me? No, Joe...-She leaned close to him, only a wall of glass between them.- I unleashed you. All your needs, your desires....you always had that within you. You are a killer Joe.-She said it softly, as a slow and addictive poison into his veins.-I just made good use of that skill.

In an attack of anger he pushed himself against the glass, his hands trying to reach her neck and squeeze it tifht enough to prevent her from talking, but failing miserably due to his favorite cage. The loud sound echoed in the room in a blank minute as she looked at him not moving an inch.

-YOU LIED TO ME!- He yelled with all his strentgh.- You...you lied to me all this time....!

-But you liked it, didn't you?-She smirked.- Don't pretend it Joe. You liked it. The chase, the death, the victory, the trophy you possessed of finally having me. Of finally meeting your true match.-She shaked her head.- You got the fairy tale you've always dreamed of, don't be ungrateful.

-You used me...You...You lied to me all this time about who you are...about Beck...about us...-His face twitched between anger and sadness, the words trembled holding himself not to cry.- who the fuck are you anyway?!

She touched the glass serious, not showing any emotion, just pure and clear obsession:

-Someone who loves you.-She whispered.- Someone...who would cross any limit...any line in this earth only to have you, to cherish and protect you...someone...-She sighs, blurring a bit the glass.-...who truly loves you.

-No...no you don't-

-It's the truth.-She reassured him.-Joe...no one will love you the way I did...the way I do...you know that cause we...-She shook her head.- ....we are not like the others, we know how to fully love, how to fully give ourselves into each ither, how to commit, sacrifice and kill.-Her eyes glistened into the darkness.- How to die for love.

He shaked his head, tried to keeep himself in denial, his knees failed, as he kneeled on the floor inside the cage, facing nothing. What was this? The ending he wanted? The dream he has always wished for?

Then why did it hurt, why did it feel wrong?

Why does someone who resembled him so much, now completely horrified him?

-But you are not Thomas...no...-She whispered, swauting down to meet his eyes and tpuch the glass pretending to touch his face.- You are not my parents, you are not just some random person who don't understand me....You see me.-She whispered.- It wasn't all play pretend, the times we had, the fun, the love we shared, all of it was true. What i felt was true.-She shaked her head. - All I did, I did for us...don't hate me, darling.

Joe took in a deep breath, trying to take it all in, as he dared to look into the eyes of that beautiful yet threatning woman who took control of his life.

-...I'm not sure...I hate you.-He whispered.-I'm just...surprised.

-Don't lie to me, you are repulsed by-

-No one has ever devoted themselves to me like this.-He cut her sentence making her speechless, a spakle of hope twinkled in his eyes.-No one has ever...loved me so intensely.- He searched for the right words.-Candance, Beck...they saw me as a killer, as something evil, something...

-...broken.-They said at once.

He nodded lightly and got closer to the glass, looking deeply into her eyes.

-I think I am starting to see it now...I searched in all the wrong places for the wrong people, when all I've ever wanted is right in front of me.- His hand carefully touched the glass at the exact position her was settled across it.- ...it has always been you, Erica

She hesitated but gave a small soft snile, one that almost resembled her old self he met, and their foreheads tocuhed the cold glass surface connecting thoughts into that macabre confession secluded in a hauting book shop's basement.

-So you're not mad?-She whispered.

-Well...maybe I don't like being kidnapped, but...no, I could never be mad at you.-The two chuckled softly.

-I'm sorry I just...feared how you'd react.

-It's okay, you had all the right and...-He sighed.-Take all the time you need. I know this is...new and risky, to expose yourself like this...trust me, I know.-He related to her.- I will wait right here, by your side.

-Even inside the cage?

-We've always liked the cage, didn't we?-He smiled softly looking at her.-Give me some food from time to time and show me that pretty face of yours everyday, I can make this a home.

She chuckled softly, and stopped to admire. God, the crimes she'd commit, the limits she'd cross, the rules she'd break for him. He just needed to be that same sweet, surrended and lovely man she fell for, and they would stay like that, imprisioned into their paradise.

-What about the deaths? Don't you feel...used as you said?-She asked, still finding hars to believe in his words.

-I was very...shocked to know your motives. But you...-His lips trembled.- oh, you know damn well I'd do anything you asked me for, love.-His words made her weak.- And I hope you still let me be the one to not let your delicate and soft little hands get dirt. Let me do it all for you.-He smiled.- You're my princess after all, aren't you?

Ericw remained in silence, trying to accept the words of caeing and grattitude.

-Let's just...be honest with each other from now on.-He asked.- Let me be the first you tell your fears and your goals. The one who you can fully and blindly trust, and I'll do the same to you.-He continued tenderly. -The one who puts that ring on your finger and tell you my wedding vows, promising to always love you, serve you and worship you.

-Joe...

-Oh, Erica Souza...-He whispered.- I can't wait for you to be my wife.

The words made her heart tremble as if an earthquake happenee inside her. Both their breaths heavy and their eyes glued to each other. Suddenly the glass seemed very, very tjin, and yet such an obstacle between them.

For a moment, all the crime, the blood and teh gore were far away. Manipulations, and gaslightning were nonexistent. There were only two lovers willing to give the world, the moon and the stars to one another.

When Erica realized, she had the key in he rhands, already opening the door, letting the fresh air enter the secluded confienement he was in as he looked paralyzed still into her eyes.

It took a second for either of them move, but Joe went first, his foot dinally leaving the cubicle as he ran into her arms, burying his face in the space between her neck and her shoulder, as Erica sunk herself into the warmness of his touch.

She looked back at him, a tear dropping from her eyes filled with happiness as they shared a kiss filled with promises, plans for the future and....betrayal.

His hands met neck, forcing them into stopping her breathing, her jaw clenched in anger as she groaned trying to escape free.

Tried to stake steps back from the upconing ending as her back met a table filled with tools. She took whatever was in her trembling hands, and smashed it into his head with all her strentgh.

The eyes closed, the sound of his body hitring the ground. It terrified her.

Erica Souza was the most manipulative ans crazy bitch you'd ever meet, but she was not a murderer.

When she opened her eyes and saw him trembling, she hushed to see him, letting the table behind her fall with all the tools creating a mess.

But she didn't care, she held his face and stared at him, the side of his head completely red by the hammer that hit it.

-Joe...-She sobbed.- No...-She shaked her head-No, this...this wasn't supposed to happen, please...-She cried horribly.- Não (no), não, não....por favor, não me deixe... (please, don't leave me)

But then her eyes widened at the tingling sensation and the warmness and wetness that met her ribs. Her gasp was painful, and the realization much worse, as she saw his cold eyes looking into hers, and one of his hands, who hand crawled in the ground into reaching a knife that fell fron the table, now buried deep into her.

-You...fucking...bastard...-She cursed as she shaked her arms and tried to hit him.-You, idiot!- She punched his face as he was still on the ground, trying to hold onto the knife as his consciouness left little by little because of the concussion. -How could you?!- His mouth dripped blood and now he was completely numb, only staring blankly at her, the chest gailing, his hands falling from holding the knife. -You did this...-She repeated over and over. -You did this to us, you brought this to yourself, it was you...you, you, you!-She screamed at last as the silence of the room consumed her and her tears fell.

Her hands stopped, her breathing slowing down as she looked into his eyes, their hearts crushed as never before.

Yes, love it's complicated.

I tries to put it into words before, trie to understand its' meaning, but it's just sonething you can't find in a book or browse in the internet.

Love can be sweet and torturing.

Yet painful and freeing.

I've been searching for it my whole life in order to fill the void we humans have in our souls. To maybe find someone who would understand me as I would understand them, to love me as I would love them, and fight for me as I would fight for them.

But truth is, I couldn't.

When time apprached and I met the ugly truth, I didn't have the guts to handle it. Id didn't have the courage to accept it.

And maybe I do regret it.

Maybe I did let love escape.

I killed it. With my own hands, and saw the light in their eyes glow apart, disappear in front of me.

Because I know what's good, and what's wicked. I know what I've done. I know what you've done. And just then I realized we began to blur. Be became one.

I was scared of us when I should've realized:

All I ever lived for, dedicated my existence for, was to find something like what we have.

To be who we are meant to be.

To accept you, as you accepted me.

You were never the villain.

I was.

And I see it now, unable to speak it to you, unable to tell you, that I...

-I love you.-They whispered to one another

And just as another fatality, a tragedy being told over time and time again, the room turned dark, the curtains close, and the play ends.

The tale of the lovers reach an ending.

The book closes and the pages go back into their places, stuck and glued reaching their limit.

From all the endings I've created, read and witnessed...

...I'm glad you were mine.