“Yes, I do,” he said, smiling wanly at her.
Suddenly brightening, she said, “I know what. In fact, I have an idea. I’m going to go out and break up some relationships with these starry-eyed human lovers.” The wicked grin returned. “Yes-s-s-s. Anything hateful would make me feel much better. You, of course, may do as you wish. Just don’t be obligated to do what I do. You must come up with your own plans.” Luckily, Snakebite followed her without her having to ask him.
Poisonous walked up New Hampshire Avenue beside Snakebite, sniffing for any signs of intense human attraction. The scent led them to DuPont Circle, where many young people had gathered. One couple in particular, caught her eye. Situated on one of the benches that surrounded the Rear Admiral Samuel Francis DuPont memorial, they talked as if they were still infatuated with each other. By the looks of it, they had been dating for a while. Positioning herself next to them on the bench, she broadcast strong suggestion to the young man.
You are tired of her and her possessiveness. You want to break up with her.
The young man’s expression changed from happy and animated to stern and solemn.
“Kate. There is something I’ve been meaning to tell you.”
“What, Doug? Why so somber all the sudden?”
“You are very possessive, and you need to stop, or we need to break up.”
The young woman stared at Doug, unbelieving. “What?! I am not, and you know it. Our relationship has been one of mutual respect and understanding. Where did you come up with that ridiculous idea?”
“It has been on my mind throughout this relationship,” Doug answered. “I don’t like it, and it needs to change.”
Kate regarded Doug with utter disbelief, and countenance tightening, slapped him hard across his face.
“You take that back, Douglas Edwards. That is untrue and unfair.”
“I will not take it back,” Doug answered, rubbing his cheek. “It’s true.”
Kate’s eyes glistened as she stared hard at Doug in disbelief.
“Well, if that’s the way you feel, then this relationship is over. You are a cruel, unfeeling jerk, and I want no part of your world.”
Kate got up and huffed off, heading towards the entrance to the DuPont Circle train station.
Poisonous, in the meantime, smiled a self-satisfied grin. “Yes-s-s-s. So much for ‘true love.’ It falls apart so easily. Return to the way you were before.
Doug opened his eyes wide, and said, “What just happened?” He looked around, and realized Kate was leaving.
“Kate! Wait up. Where are you going?” He got up and ran after her.
“Kate. What’s wrong? Why are you leaving?”
“Don’t talk to me, you loser. Go away and leave me alone.”
“But Kate. What did I say or do to make you so angry?”
“You know very well what you said, and I don’t appreciate it. Now leave me alone, or I’ll call the Police.”
Doug stood still, dumbfounded. “I don’t understand. We had such a good relationship. What on Earth happened?”
Saddened and confused, tears fell from Doug’s eyes. “I don’t know what I did, but it was awfully stupid. Kate is such a great girl. I can’t believe I just chased her away.” He called up a TNC car, not wanting to have to confront Kate again on the train. Moments later, the car arrived, and drove away with Doug.
Recovering from being doubled over from laughing so hard, Poisonous smirked. “Love is truly nonsense. I’ll stick with unadulterated lust. No feelings to get hurt. No broken heart. Just pleasure. Now that’s more like it.” Feeling better about things, she spied Snakebite wreaking the same havoc with another couple’s relationship. “Oh, good. He took my hint.”
“That’s it, Kerry. You’ve been nothing but a flirt since I met you, and now it’s gone too far,” said the young man.”
“But David,” said Kerry, “I don’t flirt with anyone but you. How can you say such things? Please don’t leave. We can work out whatever issues we have…”
David just walked away, putting up the palm of his hand toward her. “Talk to the hand, you selfish man-chaser.” David continued walking towards the DuPont Circle metro station, while Kerry sat, mouth agape, the reality sinking in. Tears streamed down her face. Her smart phone came out of her purse, and she dialed the number.
“Peggy,” she choked, bursting into tears. “I can’t believe it: he broke up with me because he thinks I’m a flirt. I don’t understand it; I really don’t. One minute we were happy, and the next, out of nowhere he gives me this disapproving look, and tells me I flirt too much. Then he up and walks away. I’m so heartbroken.” The person on the other end of the line responded, and Kerry said, “Yes, thanks. I’ll be there in about thirty minutes.”
When Kerry left, Poisonous walked over to Snakebite and said, “Oh by all that is evil: we have ruined two perfectly good relationships. I feel like celebrating. How’s about we head to a good bar, where we can drink some strong alcohol?”
“I’m all for that,” answered Snakebite. I know a nice rooftop bar on K Street with a stunning view of the city. Comfortable, cozy, with a good way to enjoy a summer evening.”
“Ooh. That sounds like fun. Let’s go.”
“We will, but it doesn’t open until four o’clock.’
“So what can we do in the mean time?” She asked.
That certain gleam in his eye returned. “Oh, I can think of a very intimate, pleasurable way to spend a couple of hours.”
Her blood began heating up. “Ooh. Take me to your apartment.”
Later, Poisonous held Snakebite in her arms, and said, “You know, Snakebite, I really do love you. I know it’s not like demons to do so, but I can’t seem
