By Emma Smith

Tuesday

I'm single again now and honestly loving it. I think Sharon thought we might settle down together but I'm just not interested in long term relationships at the moment. Ok, perhaps I led her on a little but she's a big girl. She can take care of herself.

She's great in bed but there are plenty of other women out there and I mean to get hold of a few while I can. Maybe some day I'll think about finding a stable partner but there's plenty of time for that later.

My cleaning lady arrived just before I left for work, as usual. She hung up her coat and started work on the dirt in the kitchen.

My busy working life meant I never used to find the time to get round to do things like that. Now I can afford to get someone else to do it. And why shouldn't I? It's not my fault they're willing to work cheaply is it?

My day at work turned out to be a dull routine of meetings and conversations. It pays the bills though. I shouldn't really complain. I don't have to actually work excessively hard. Nobody expects it.

As long as everyone is roughly at the same level and we all spend far too many hours sitting at our desks being noticed by the boss then nobody gets worked up about anything.

One time a really keen guy came in and tried to shake up the office. Boy he got a rough ride. Nobody would co-operate with the new ideas so in the end they had to transfer him out and we kept on doing things the old way.

At about 6:30 PM I left work, a typical time. I drove home listening to the news on the radio. The usual stuff about economic problems. The recession had hit home a bit lately, I've only had one holiday this year but I'm still doing fairly well. They don't have to keep going over it again and again though do they?

I parked my car in my reserved space and carefully set the alarm. This is a good neighbourhood really but you can never be too careful these days. Most of my neighbours are very worried about crime. We all work hard for the things we have. No wonder we're worried, we've got more to lose.

I walked in the door and threw my coat somewhere handy. Julia will clean it up for me. It’s part of the job right? A moment later I heard her calling me.

"Mr Selby. There was a package for you today."

"I'm not expecting anything."

She walked in with a square, flat, parcel wrapped in brown paper and string. She handed it to me and stepped back. I thanked her. She went to get her coat and bag; ready to go home now she'd finished work today.

The parcel was fairly heavy as I measured it in my hands. It felt like a metal plate but maybe a little lighter. I didn't know what it could be.

"Goodnight, Mr Selby. I'll see you on Thursday."

"Oh, goodnight, Julia."

I heard the door close behind her. I put the parcel down on the dining table and went to deadlock and bolt it. It always pays to take home security seriously.

I walked back to the table and used some scissors to cut the string. Then I carefully cut the tape holding the paper and opened the package up to see the contents.

I found myself looking at a mirror. It's almost square with a gilt frame around it that looks expensive and must have accounted for a good deal of the total weight.

Underneath it was a card with a simple message "From some of your friends". It didn't make a lot of sense. I've never really been into antiques and none of my friends would buy them for me. It's nowhere near my birthday either.

Maybe I've got a secret admirer. But a mirror is a weird thing for one to buy someone, unless they're a little odd themselves.

I put the mirror down and picked up the wrapping paper from where I'd thrown it. I looked it over carefully. The package had obviously been delivered by hand. Apart from learning that my mystery donor had neat handwriting there wasn't much I could tell from it.

I went back to the mirror and looked at it more closely. It's obviously valuable and I don't know what I should do with it.

I don't really like old things and it doesn't fit in with the décor that well but it might be worth hanging it on the wall somewhere.

A thought struck me. Maybe it's a bonus from the boss and he'll drop round for a 'surprise' visit. Yeah that makes sense. I think there are tax advantages to buying antiques.

I decided to hang it in the living room. I want it in a prominent position over the fireplace. If my guess is wrong I can always take it down again or move it.

I had to get quite strong hooks and wire to hang it safely. It weighs an awful lot. It's fairly thick too, thicker than modern mirrors are. It also feels heavier than it really should for its size. I suppose it has some expensive metals in it.

Then I went to check my share portfolio on the Internet. Looks like today was another bad day for my investments. Feeling hungry now I wandered into the kitchen and started to prepare food.

As I reached into the cupboard for a tin I could sense someone standing behind me. I thought it might be a burglar so I grabbed for the knife I'd been using and turned round.

There was nobody there. I felt really foolish but at least no one had seen me. I'm not normally spooked this easily. It felt like someone had been there, watching. I shivered and put the experience to one side. Everybody has odd feelings now and then.

After my meal I watched a film. Midway through I noticed the lighting change in my peripheral vision. One of the bulbs near the fireplace had gone out so I had to replace it. They really don't make these things to last now.

The replacement bulb lasted about five minutes and then it went too. Great! I must have got a faulty batch. The mirror was now in shadow and for a second I thought I saw a very faint glow coming from it. My eyes are playing tricks on me as well.

The second replacement bulb seemed to be good and I sat back and watched the rest of the film. Then I read the newspaper and decided to go to bed.

I woke up with a shout; the clock by the bed said 3:11 AM. It had been a very vivid nightmare, one of those where you think you are awake.

I'd dreamt that I was out of bed walking out into the living room. The mirror on the wall was glowing brightly and I could hear someone laughing. I found myself walking towards the mirror. I tried to fight against it but I couldn't help it. My feet seemed to be moving against my will. I crossed the room towards the mirror and looked into it.

This was the point where I'd woken up. It had felt so real. I don't normally have dreams like this.

I wondered if I should get up. I hesitated. I told myself not to be silly. It was just a dream. I went through to the kitchen to get some water. Then I went to the mirror, to prove there was nothing wrong. I stared into it. My reflection stared back at me. It was entirely normal. It was just a dream. There's nothing to worry about.

I went back to bed and managed to get to sleep after a while.

Wednesday

My interrupted sleep made me a little distracted and irritable at work but nobody seemed to really notice. I had to stifle the odd yawn here and there but I think I managed to get most things done.

One thing I did get done was arranging a date for Saturday. I called up Gayle and she sounded pleased to hear from me. I hardly ever have trouble meeting women; looks and money do a lot to make up for any other deficiencies. Not that I have any other such things, I told myself.

Saturday should be fun. She's a great looking woman and she likes to have fun. I think we have a meal and then go on to a club for some drinking and dancing.

I must remember to book a table. My usual restaurant will do. She hasn't been there before and it's been a few weeks since I went there with anyone else. Besides I tip well enough. They won't make any smart remarks.

I returned to an empty house and turned on some lights. I had to replace yet another light bulb in the living room. This is getting silly. Maybe I can get Julia to take them back for me?

I sat down with the newspaper and started to read it. Midway through I had the same feeling as yesterday, that someone was in the room with me. I put the paper down and there was nobody there again.

I walked over to the mirror and looked at it, catching sight of my reflection in the process. For the first time I noticed an inscription in the gilt frame. I bent closer to try and read it. It wasn't English and it looked very faint and hard to read.

With some effort I saw that it looks like "Tamquam alter idem". I wonder what it means. It's not the maker's name. It's Latin. I don't know anything about that. Maybe I can find someone to translate it?

I sat down and went back to reading the paper. I like to keep in touch with what's going on in the world, though most of it seems to be depressing.

Afterwards I ate and watched some television. I left the dishes for tomorrow; Julia is here on Thursdays. She visits three days a week to keep the place in order. She won't mind doing them for me.

I turned off the lights in the living room and went to bed.

This time the clock said 2:57 when I woke up. The dream was very similar to yesterday except it had revealed a little more.

This time I walked up to the glowing mirror and looked into it. There was no reflection of my face there at all. That was just a blur. Everything else in the room was reflected perfectly normally.

This time I didn't get up and go into the living room to look. There's no point. This is all very silly. I'm just having some bad dreams. There's nothing at all supernatural going on here. There can't be. I don't believe in all that rubbish. It doesn't exist.

After five minutes or so I turned my bedside light back off and tried to sleep. I didn't get to sleep very easily. I remember seeing the clock saying 3:42 AM. Sometime after that I must have dozed off.

Thursday

I got up this morning more tired than ever. I sat at the kitchen table eating my breakfast with little interest and trying to get myself into the mood for going into work.

There must be a reason why I'm not sleeping very well lately. Maybe I should make an appointment to see a doctor? I wonder if it's stress? I'm not working any differently to how I have done for the past couple of years.

I finished the toast and coffee and put the dishes in the sink with the other things. I was getting ready to leave when Julia arrived. She's usually very punctual at least.

"Good morning, Mr Selby."

"Hello. Sorry, got to dash"

Running late I grabbed my coat and swept past her. In the car I set the heating on a high setting and tried to concentrate on driving. I got caught up in traffic and got to my desk about fifteen minutes late in the end.

I spent the day in meetings and shuffling papers around. Only one interesting thing happened all day. That was when my boss dropped past to see me.

"Ah, Selby. How are you keeping."

"I'm fine thank you, sir."

"I'm having one of my little get together evenings a week on Saturday. I wondered if you and your latest err, lady friend would like to join us."

"I'd be delighted sir. Can I ask you a question?"

"Yes, of course."

"This may sound silly but does the firm plan to pay bonuses in cash this year?" I said.

"Err, yes. If there are any bonuses to be paid. You know things are a little tough this year."

"Have you looked into the possibility of giving say, antiques, instead?" I asked.

"Antiques? Thought you hated that old stuff." He bellowed.

"I do, sir. It's just it might be, well, tax efficient for everybody." I ventured.

"No, I've never considered it. Sounds a silly idea to me."

"Yes, sir! You're right, sir." I agreed.

Now I've no idea about who might have sent me the mirror. Someone sent me something very expensive and hasn't said anything about it? It doesn't make sense. Why keep it a secret?

I wrote next Saturday in my calendar. I need to see how things go this weekend. If it works out with Gayle then I can take her along. If not then I can easily find someone else. Maybe I should. I don't want someone as cute as her upsetting all the other wives. It won't help my career if my boss's wife gets jealous of her.

I drove home with the evening drawing in and a faint trace of mist in the air. The traffic was much lighter and for the first time this week I felt fairly happy.

I whistled a silly tune while I parked my car. When I got home I walked briskly into the house and shouted a greeting.

"Hello, Julia."

She came in to see me, looking a little downcast for some reason. My good humour faltered, like it had been unplugged from the mains.

"What is it, Julia?"

"Oh, Mr Selby. I think you have a problem." She said quietly.

"What sort of problem?"

"I don't know how to say this but I think you have mice in here."

"Mice?" I shouted.

"Yes. I heard noises while I was cleaning the living room. It sounded like mice, a scratching sound."

"Scratching?"

"Yes. I heard it often. It stopped when I went to look for it."

"There can't be mice in here. Not with the money I pay every month. This is a new housing block."

"I'm sorry. I did hear something though, Mr Selby."

"It's ok. I'm not mad at you. I'm going to sort this out with the building people."

When she left I called the building manager. He'd gone home of course. Typical! People are always slacking off these days. I'll call him tomorrow.

If there's the slightest evidence this place has any vermin then my lawyer will be having words with the landlords of this place. He'll be sending out letters full of incomprehensible language and large sums of money.

I've been here nearly a year now and I've never heard anything. I thought they came out at night anyway. Oh well. She wouldn't make things up.

I'm determined to make no concessions to my insomnia. I keep going to bed at my usual time. Tonight I left a glass of water by the bedside in case I needed it. I composed myself for sleep and tried to empty my mind.

The dream was different again. I walked into the living room and noticed the glow from the mirror. I found myself drawn to it again. I walked nearer and nearer to it, trying not to look into it. When I got close I found myself turning my head to see into it. I couldn't help but look.

The mirror didn't reflect the room at all. All I could see in it was a faint white fog. I peered more closely. Then I saw the vague figure of a woman appear in the mirror. She seemed to be moving towards me and beckoning, or maybe warning me away.

Her image cleared and became more substantial. I couldn't take my eyes off her reflection; her blonde hair and white dress flowed. Now her face filled the mirror. She looked real. She stared directly at me and screamed as if in agony.

I found myself in the living room in front of the mirror. I must have been sleepwalking!

I've had nightmares three nights running now. I have to do something about this. It's not normal for me. All the dreams have been spooky, like ghost stories. That's not normal either.

I don't believe in ghosts or silly phenomena like that. It is odd though that it started since I got that mirror. Maybe I should get rid of it just in case? Well, I can fix that easily enough.

I went to the toolbox and picked out a large hammer, weighing it in my hands. This should do the job.

I walked back into the living room and stood in front of the mirror. I raised the hammer above head height and then stopped myself. I'm being really silly about this.

I can just get rid of the thing, sell it to someone else. It's probably pretty valuable after all. A few bad dreams aren't much to worry about if I can make a lot of money out of it.

I put the hammer down. It would be foolish to break the thing. I need to see an expert in these things and get it valued.

Happier now I'd made a decision, I went back to bed.

Friday

Soon after I got up I called work and said I'm not coming in. I made some excuse about feeling ill and didn't meet much resistance.

Next I called up one of my friends for advice. He dabbles in weird things knows something about the magic scene. He gave me the name of a guy who claims to be a mystic and a seer.

What sort of rubbish he'll spin me I don't know. I hope I can find out whether it will be best to offload the thing at a normal auction. Maybe some of the loonies that believe in occult powers will pay extra for it in a private sale.

According to my friend this guy is for real. I'm told he bears no resemblance to the nuts you read about in the popular press. Apparently he's an academic, originally a Professor from some European institution.

I dialled the number. The phone rang at the other end exactly twice. Then I heard a click.

"Good morning, Mr Selby." A soft and confident voice said.

"What?" I was off balance for a second then I recovered "Oh, you have caller ID."

"No. I was expecting your call today. I can see you at 2 o' clock this afternoon."

"Thanks," I stammered, "It's about an antique item I have recently acquired."

"Yes, I know. I will see you later. Please be prompt."

The phone went dead on me. I was a little shaken when I put the receiver down. This could be all a big prank. Maybe my friends are all in this and they sent me to someone else in on the joke. That doesn't explain the dreams though.

Using my computer I checked the name, address and number I'd been given against the phone directories. I found a match. There is a Doctor Anton Vetrano listed, though his line of work isn't made exactly clear. I've got nothing to lose by seeing him anyway. I may as well do it.

After lunch I drove across town. I need to sort this out but I feel kind of strange going to see a psychic. It's not my style at all.

I parked and locked the car and searched around for the building. I found it fairly quickly and soon I rang the bell outside his door.

A tall man opened it. He looked quite distinguished and relaxed and when he spoke there was a hint of an East European accent.

"Come in, Mr Selby."

"Thanks, err, Doctor."

We went into a room that surprised me. I'd been expecting to find a cluttered room full of props to impress the gullible. I saw none of that, just a fairly normal room with modern furniture. It wasn't a million miles from my own place.

Two walls had bookshelves packed with leather bound volumes. I also noticed several of what looked like African artefacts on one shelf.

"You have an impressive library, Doctor."

"Thank you. I have been studying for many years. I have collected many rare books."

"And gained occult powers?"

"Perhaps. Some say so."

"Frankly, I am sceptical of all these things."

"Then listen, Mr Selby, what do you hear."

He fell silent and I listened intently. The room was still except for the sound of a grandfather clock marking off the seconds.

"Just your clock."

"Then show me the clock, Mr Selby."

I looked round the room and couldn't see a clock anywhere. When I listened hard again I heard nothing.

"That's just suggestion." I said and waved my hand to dismiss it.

"I did not tell you what to listen for. It is no matter. If you did not have some tiny amount of belief you would not be here."

"How did you know I would call?" I asked.

"Perhaps it is written and I foresaw it. Perhaps the friend who sent you to me called me first."

"Which of them?"

"It doesn't matter. Just accept that either is possible and you will have taken your first step. Now, how may I assist you?"

"I need to know more about an object. I think it may have some occult connection and I'd like to know if it's valuable."

"Some things transcend monetary value Mr Selby. Did you bring it with you?"

"No, it's rather heavy and I decided to leave it today."

"Can you describe it to me then?"

I told him about the mirror and how I'd received it anonymously. I described its shape and weight to him and details of the border and inscription. I went on to tell him about the dreams. I also mentioned the strange feelings and noises in the house.

"Hmm. I am not immediately familiar with such a thing."

"Ah."

"The inscription though I can translate. It means 'as if a second self'. That's hardly remarkable. What mirror does not show the onlooker a second self?"

"It doesn't seem to mean anything." I said.

"It's an unusual inscription though. Mirrors have been mentioned for magical uses since arcane writings began."

"I didn't know that." I said.

"Yes. Apart from beliefs that they can capture the soul in a reflection they have often been used to aid prophecy and divination."

"But what about this one?"

"Your disturbed sleep perhaps means someone is trying to drive you mad. This mirror may be the focus of their power."

"Someone is trying to do what?"

"Mr Selby. Is there anyone who wishes you ill? Magical revenge often takes a form appropriate to the real or imagined cause of the complaint."

"I don't think so."

He ticked off on his fingers "Money. Love. Power. These are the three most common reasons."

"I can't think of anything." I told him.

"You are sure? Have you any enemies?"

It crossed my mind that a few women in town aren't entirely happy with me. Surely that couldn't be connected to magical forces. They're all great looking girls. Surely they wouldn't want to hurt me?

"I can't really think of anyone." I told him, putting my slight nagging thought aside.

"Very well. Someone sent you this mirror deliberately for a reason though."

"I can't think why." I said.

"I can see this troubles you. I will do some research and call you when I have more information."

"I've never been worried about going to sleep before. The dream gets more vivid every night."

"One other thing, Mr Selby."

"Yes?" I asked.

"Do not damage the mirror, do not break it. That could be very dangerous."

I didn’t tell him I'd nearly done so the previous evening. We chatted for a few minutes longer and then I left.

The meeting had been about as useful as I'd expected. At least he didn’t tell me I'm doomed or anything.

That night I took a sleeping pill and didn't dream about anything.

Saturday

A big date tonight. I can't wait. It's been a tiring and stressful week and I'm due some fun. I definitely feel better this morning, I decided. A night of refreshing sleep has helped no end. I don't even feel groggy after the sleeping tablet. It's a good time of the week for my luck to improve.

Julia had agreed to pop over later and spend an hour getting the place a bit more tidy. It never pays to bring your date back home to a mess.

I got ready slightly early and took a long bath. My mind wandered. I already felt my hands running over her body. The thought distracted me as I dressed.

About to leave and lock the door behind me I thought I heard the phone ringing. I ignored it and let the answering machine handle it. What could possibly be more important than a hot date? I listened to the message being recorded.

"Beep. You have reached Michael Selby. Please leave a message after the tone."

"Mr Selby. It's Doctor Vetrano. Call me the minute you get in and check your email. Do not delay and what ever happens do not go to sleep in the house with that strange mirror tonight."

I don't know what he means by this. I'm not going to let this ruin my date. I can't take her to a hotel. What would that look like? "I'd like to take you home honey but my apartment is haunted" She'll just laugh. He didn't tell me what it's worth either. I need to know that. I'll call him tomorrow.

Besides I'm not buying all this supernatural crap totally. The only way that mirror is going to hurt me is if I break it and cut myself on the pieces. Another bad dream is nothing to worry about. I've been having them all week. I might even end up taking his advice, for other reasons. I hope so. She's a great lover.

I drove over to Gayle's apartment to pick her up. She was almost ready and I had a drink while I waited for her to finish.

When she finally declared herself to be fit to go out I really liked the result. She looked absolutely stunning. She wore a simple black dress, set off with some nice silver jewellery. Her long hair, perfectly groomed, seems to glow. I took her in my arms and kissed her. What a great looking woman she is.

We arrived at the restaurant and I slipped the waiter some money. He made the note disappear and showed us to a very good table. We were relaxed and laughing. We talked happily as we examined the menu and wine list.

We had a great meal and a bottle of wine. I enjoyed her company and everything went great. We talked about all sorts of things. I didn't mention my recent difficulty sleeping or the other strange things that had been happening to me this week. I didn't want to seem weird or foolish.

You don't impress a woman by telling her how you're having bad dreams every night and waking up at three o' clock. I've never had to worry about this before though.

After the meal we went to a club, not too far away. We had a few more drinks and danced for a long while. While we were dancing she gave me very clear signals that tonight is going to turn out as I've been hoping.

I've drunk too much to drive so we got a taxi back to my apartment. This meant we got to hold each other and kiss. I am pretty keen on her. She is so sexy.

Inside my apartment we were in bed within minutes. We were all over each other and couldn't wait. What a great night it had turned out to be, and there was still some of it left.

I held her arms down on the bed and she pretended to struggle.  I removed what little was left of her sexy but somewhat disarrayed underwear. The sex was amazing, fantastic even. I couldn't stop. I wanted her over and over again.

Eventually, our passion spent, we slept.

The dream was slightly different again. This time I walked towards the mirror. It was glowing brighter than ever. I felt the now familiar compulsion to stare into it. I did so and saw the woman in white again. She held up her hand to the mirror and pressed it to the glass. I backed away. There was a flash of blue light.

I woke up and knew immediately that something was wrong, different. Sleep had dulled my brain and I needed to think. I had gotten wrapped up in her long hair; it kept getting in my eyes. I put my hand up to brush it away and found it was mine.

Then I knew. I climbed out of bed and looked into the bedroom mirror. In the shadows I could see my silhouette. The breasts and long hair were easily noticeable. I switched on the small light on the table and looked again.

I saw the woman I'd seen in the mirror in the dream. I wanted to scream. I put my hand to the mirror. I heard movement from the bed.

"What's the matter?" Gayle asked.

"Nothing." I heard someone else's voice say.

"Who's that?"

I'd woken her up. Shit. This is going to be a mess. Got to think what to say.

"Who are you? Where the hell is Michael?"

"Look. It's not easy to explain."

"I'll bet it isn't, sister. I thought I was enough for him. Tell him he's officially dumped."

She jumped out of bed and opened the bedroom door. Blue light flooded into the room.

"Shit!" She cried.

She didn't bother to dress, just picked up the discarded robe next to the bed and ran out of the room. I chased after her and shouted. It was no use. I stopped. How could I explain this? It would sound insane.

Awake now I went back to the living room and stared into the mirror again. The blue glow was fading away.

I saw a faint white fog instead of the reflection of the room. As I watched a figure appeared and beckoned to me. I saw myself, my old male self there, drifting in the fog.

He was dressed in white but otherwise looked as I always used to. He floated closer and closer to the glass and then let out a scream. I heard my higher pitched scream join in with his.

I fell to the ground in front of the fireplace. I couldn't seem to think straight. This isn't happening, I told myself. I'm still dreaming. I've got to be dreaming. The dream will end soon and I can wake up.

I felt amazingly tired and sleepy. A few minutes later I went back to bed, feeling depressed and afraid. As I went to sleep I felt rather than saw a pulsing blue glow playing over me.

I don't really want to sleep but I have to. Sleep will make everything better. It will soon be morning. Then I can wake up and it will be all right. A good rest will sort me out.

Sunday

I woke up early. No sense in lying in bed all day. I looked forward to a healthy breakfast and going for a run.

I'm single again now and honestly loving it. I just had to ditch Steven. He was a great lover but definitely not boyfriend material. It hurt me a bit but it's time to move on and start a new relationship.

I got up and found most of my clothes have gone. I can only find one dress and my wardrobe is full of his clothes. Well, they'll have to go. I don't know why I kept them when he moved out.

I just don't know where the rest of my stuff is. Never mind. It's an excuse to go shopping. I need some things to wear to work next week. I need a dress for next Saturday as well. Better not let it show off too much of my cute body. I don't want the boss's wife getting any funny ideas.

This dress is a bit much for a quiet Sunday but I think I can make it work. I won't need the jewellery for today. Most of that seems to have gone as well. I've just got one bracelet, a watch and a pair of silver earrings. I don't understand it.

I can't find my hairspray or pins either. I'll have to settle for brushing my hair today. I walked into the living room to fix my hair.

I much prefer using this mirror to sort out my hair and make-up rather than the one in the bedroom. For some reason this one brings out the best in me. There must be something very special under the glass.

The End.

From: Mail Delivery Subsystem <mailer-demon>

To: avetrano@nowheremail.com

Subject: Returned Mail - User Unknown

Your mail could not be delivered to the recipient mike.selby@giganticmail.com because this user does not exist.

Transcript of returned mail follows:

From: avetrano@nowheremail.com

To: mike.selby@giganticmail.com

Subject: Danger - Read This Now!

Michael,

The research I have done indicates you could be in real danger. Check into a hotel for tonight. Package up the mirror tomorrow and bring it over to me.

The mirror appears to carry a curse and has been sent to harm you. It is about to do so.

Over the past few days it has been creating a magical link with you while you have been asleep. This needs several days to take effect.

Once you are linked to the mirror it will complete its work. Then you will be changed. I don't know exactly what the change will be but it will happen soon.

It seems that the sender of the cursed thing gets some control over the change but only up to a point. The form you saw in the mirror is most likely how you'll end up.

I know of no way to reverse the spell, once it has been completed. It is certainly beyond my humble powers.

Please take my advice seriously. Sleep somewhere else tonight and call me first thing tomorrow.

AV.