Serena ran her fingers through her long, shoulder length, golden hair.
She had been at it for hours, and the painting still wasn't making any
sense to her. Grunting she stroked the canvas with a deep, crimson red, in
order to introduce more life. Though, it didn't seem to work. So far, it
was only a canvas, with shades of blues, purples, and reds, swirled about
in an effort to create....hell, she didn't know. Angrily, she threw her
brush down to the plastic tarp covered floor. Taking off her apron, she
tried to walk away from the easel, without slipping on it. Finally making
it to the carpeted floor, she threw down her apron, and kicked it. "Stupid
assignment. I got nothing." She mumbled to herself.
Exiting the room, she shut the door behind her; while standing in the hallway and rubbing her hands together in a feeble attempt to get the dried pain off. Walking to her right, down the hallway, she entered her bedroom at the end of it, suddenly falling to the bed with a slight case of cabin fever. Sighing into her pillow, she wrapped her arms around it, and breathed deeply. "Ring" a shrill tone echoed in her room. Not bothering to look, she merely felt around ton the night stand on the side of her bed, for her phone. Finding it, she brought the receiver to her ear, "Hello?" "Hey Serena! Whatcha doin?" came a very happy voice on the other end. Serena grunted, "Slowly driving myself insane." Molly laughed on the other end, "Ha, well, how about I try and drive you in the opposite direction. You up for going out tonight?" Molly asked with enthusiasm. Serena looked at the clock. It was six in the afternoon, on a Friday. She had gotten out of class two hours ago, and she felt like her head was in a vice. Not to mention her dilemma with her painting, "Ahh, I don't know Mol." She said. "Oh come on Rena, we'll go to Bourbon Street." "We always go to Bourbon street." Molly sighed into the phone, "Well, then pick a street, and we'll go there. Come on, I need to get out, and I know you do too." Molly said, prodding her friend as much as she could. "Molly, do you know what my day has been like?" "No, but I'm sure it's been horrible. And that's all the more reason we should go out. Mine hasn't been blessedly wonderful either." Grunting again, Serena rolled onto her back to stare at the ceiling, "OK....ok, I'll go. I need inspiration, and New Orleans is bound to have some out there for me." She said. "Great! I'll be there at seven to pick you up. Bye!" "Bye Mol" Serena pushed the off button, and threw the phone on the ground. "You'd damn well better have some inspiration waiting out there for me tonight New Orleans. Or else." She mumbled while getting up. She needed to find something to wear.
Deciding on blue jeans, black doc martins, and a black turtle neck shirt, Serena got a shower, dressed, and was on the couch waiting for Molly by 7:00. Channel surfing for a while, she turned the TV off when she heard a knock on the door. Answering it, she saw moll standing there, bundled up, wearing blue jeans, an over sized LSU sweatshirt, and black boots similar to hers. "You ready?" she asked. Hand in her pockets, and bouncing up and down to shake the cold. Serena nodded, and grabbed her black wool jacket that reached down to mid thigh, and her blood red scarf.
The night was young, and New Orleans was alive. Friday night, Sunday night, Christmas day, the streets were always packed. Filled with people. You could almost feel the energy radiating off everyone. It was Late November, and winter had finally come to the South. Trees were bare, and people, bundled, obviously not used to the cold.
She and Molly walked down the streets, running in to people they knew from school, and constantly being hit on by drunk men, staggering about. "Geeze, you'd think that being drunk their standards would be lowered a bit. Why are they still hitting on us?" Molly asked while shoving off yet another touchy, feely, disoriented guy. "The night's still young Mol, wait till the wee hours. Pretty soon, they'll be dragging us off, instead of just groping us." Serena said laughing. Taking a turn down another street, Serena spotted a fairly new neon sign. In red, cursive, letters, it said, 'Vamps Lounge' "Haha, oh my god." She said, covering her hand with her mouth. "What,.what?" asked Molly, picking up her foot to miss a puddle of water, well, at least she hoped it was water. "What are you laughing at?" she asked looking to her friend. Serena then pointed to the hanging sign, "Look, a new bar. And not just that, a vampire bar!" Serena said, in her oh so mischieful voice.
Molly's eyes went wide, "Oh no, no we're not." "Oh come on. It'll be fun!" Serena said jumping up and down. "Nuh-uh. Not doin it. That's what you said the last time we went in to one of those places." She said, taking a step backwards. Though Serena caught her arm, "Molly, it wasn't that bad." She said. "Serena! They asked if they could drink my blood!" She screeched. "Yeah, but they were gonna use sterile medical supplies, not bite you." "Serena!" Serena began to laugh, "Oh come on Molly. They're all just a bunch of loopy people, that's all. Just say Jesus loves you, and they'll go away. You know how dramatic they are." She said, walking towards the lounge, while pulling her friend. Molly cringed, "Serena, I don't like the situation, or the atmosphere ok? So lets not." Serena stopped dragging her, "Molly, come on, please, oh please! I need an interesting setting, I need that loony atmosphere. My art sucks! I'm in a slump. And if it's too nasty, we'll leave, I promise!" she said, clasping her hands together in a begging fashion. Molly starred at the ground, contemplating, "Serena.." "Oh thank you! Let's go!" she said, running down the street, dragging her friend behind her.
Stopping under the sign, Serena looked at the door. It was a very tall, skinny, black, aged wood door. Creepy. "Oh, this is great." She said. Molly gulped, "Yeah, real wonderful." Serena just laughed again, and pushed open the door. Though, expecting to be greeted with something completely different than what she was. As soon as she and Molly had entered, they found themselves standing in a long hallway. Almost as skinny as the door, and creepy. Serena could only smile. On the ceiling, were red and purple hanging lights, the only illumination.
Following the corridor, she walked to the end, to see she had to turn right. Peering down the next hallway, she looked back at a cowering Molly, and shrugged her shoulders. "Damn it Serena, do you always have to be so fearless?" she asked. Serena nodded, "Yep. It's the only way to get anything done." Walking down the hallway, she heard the sound of voices, and a beat. They were getting closer. Then, up ahead, she saw a figure standing. He was tall man, slender, wearing a dark suit, and a top hat, which made him seem even taller. Molly yelped at him, while Serena boldly walked up to him, "Hello." She said. She noticed there was a door behind him, just like the one they had just come through.
The man smiled a pearly while smile, "Hello." He said. "Is the Vamp lounge right through this door?" she asked. The man seemed to look her up and down, as well as Molly, before he answered, "Yes, it is. You have business here?" he asked. Serena smiled, a bit puzzled "Um, are you like a bouncer?" she asked. The man tilted his head at the word, as if he didn't know what one was, "I watch the entrance." He said coolly. She nodded her head, "Oh, I see then. Well, I'm sorry, we're not on a list or anything. We, well, I'm an artist, and I was hoping..." "To find some interesting subjects?" he inquired. She sighed, "Well, yes." "Inspiration. I don't doubt you will find something inspiring here." He said. She merely nodded, sensing Molly fidgeting behind her, "So, does that mean we can go in?" she asked. He smiled again, a brilliant smile. Pointed teeth lingered on the outside of it, but not fangs. They looked naturally that way. "Yes, go right ahead miss Artist." He said. She chuckled, "Uh, thanks."
He opened the door for her, and suddenly, it was if they stepped into another century. Everything old about the place was intact. Deep, blood carpet stretched the length of the room, with carvings in black, aged wood, lining the walls. Sconces hung on the walls as well, with lit candles. That was the only light, but there were so many, that it was bright enough to notice everyone and everything. Hearing the door close behind them, Molly yelped, drawing attention to them. Everyone stopped what they were doing to look at the strange pair lingering by the entrance. It was then that she heard Molly take a deep breath behind her. Serna understood why, she had done the same. Men Lingered everywhere. Some in dark suits, which some were obviously made of silk. Other were wearing garb that resembled Parisian gala attire. Men of different heights, color, fashion; and they were everywhere! But they all shared one thing, they were all completely gorgeous. "Oh my god Rena, this must be where all the good looking men consort!" Molly whispered a bit harshly into her ear. Serena nodded, "Molly, a bit quieter, I'm sure they're not deaf." She whispered back through clenched teeth. "Indeed" came a voice, Both Molly and Serena jumped.
"So sorry to frighten you." Said a man with sandy blond hair, and sparkling green eyes. Molly sighed, "Oh, it's alright." She said. Looking back at the room, Serena realized everyone had gone back to what they were doing, barely acknowledging them. Serena turned to the man, "Hello." She said, swallowing hard. Truly, the man looked disturbingly too good. "Hello." Came another voice behind Serena. She jumped at it. Turning, she saw yet another drop dead gorgeous man, "Uh, hi." He then took her hand, and brought it to his lips, kissing the back of it. "I am Damien, and this is my friend Samuel. May we buy you two beautiful ladies a drink?" he asked. Almost sounding pleading. Serena couldn't help but withhold a laugh. Sure, he was being sensuous, but she didn't even know the guy. "We'd love to." Molly answered for her. Serena's head snapped around to give a quick glare at her friend. Molly just smiled and shrugged her shoulders, "I can be fearless sometimes too ya know." She said smiling, as she took the arm of Samuel. She looked at Damien, 'god, you'd think I'd have a chance to sit down before I was hit on." Serena thought, as she took Damiens arm as well.
Having a seat at the bar, Serena began to feel very uncomfortable. She sat between Samuel and Damien, not being able to see Molly clearly. Although she knew she was there. Serena tried to look over Samuels shoulder, at her friend, when she felt a hand brush across the side of her face. Quickly looking at the way of the hand, she saw Damien smiling. Chocolate eyes seemed to be twinkling with something different though, besides simple amusement. Tucking the strand of hair behind her ear, which Damien had obviously brushed aside, she conjured up a small smile. "Well, it was very nice of you and your friend to buy us a drink." She said, glancing back at Samuel, to see if she had gotten his attention at his mention. She didn't. "Oh, but I am sure you two lovely ladies have had more than a few offers from other gentlemen." He said. Serena ran a hand through her hair, fidgeting, "Well, not really gentlemen." She said gulping, and folding her arms on the bar. She heard him chuckle, "I see. What would you like then?" Thinking a bit, Serena tried to figure out something decent to order. Although, her comical side wanted to order a Bloody Mary, she distilled the temptation. "Um, just..hmm." she couldn't think of anything. She was too used to beer and wine coolers, anything else, she had no real clue of. Then it hit her, "How about, a dark merlot?" she asked. He nodded appreciatively, "Will do." Beckoning the bar tender with his finger, the man approached. He was a pale, platinum haired guy, dressed in black. "Merlot for the lady." He said. The bartender nodded, and departed. "Nothing for you?" she asked incredulously. He shook his head, "I believe a drink is best savored with a meal." He said grinning. Suddenly, Serena remembered where she was, and laughed accidentally, quickly stopping when he spared her a curious glance. "Sorry." She mumbled looking down at the bar.
The merlot was quickly put in front of her face, and she looked at it for a moment. "Something wrong?" Damien asked, seeming to move closer to her, "Um." She didn't know what as wrong with her suddenly, she just felt, odd. "Hey chick!" Molly called to her. Serena looked across Samuel at her friend, who seemed to be in heaven being in the presence of the man. "Would you care to accompany me to the ladies room?" she asked smiling stupidly. Serena glanced at Damien, and nodded her head. "Sure." She quickly got off the stool, and joined her friend at her side.
Following a sort hallway, she and Molly quickly entered the bathroom. It wasn't very big, having three stalls and two sinks. "Molly, I think.." "We should stay longer, I completely agree!" Molly interrupted, walking to the mirror that hung over the sinks. "Molly, I'm getting a bad vibe. I think we should leave." Molly just huffed, "Serena, I don't know why your suddenly so leery about this place. They're just a bunch of loopy people, remember?" Serena leaned against the counter, "So, I could be wrong, is that so unheard of?" Molly ran fingers through her hair sighing, "Look, we don't know what these people are like. We've been to vampire bars before, and none have never been like this. They're either loud clubs, or have fetish themes." Serena said. "Well, you don't see a bunch of people walking around out here, wearing nothing but leather, and I don't hear any loud pulsing music, do you?" Serena sighed, "Exactly, which is what makes this place so nice. And which means, we don't have to leave." "Yeah, but just because people seem a bit more down to earth, doesn't mean that they don't have fetish's. I bet Samuel and Damien, being vampire friends, probably wanna drag us off to do god knows what." Serena said, folding her arms over her chest. "Serena, relax will you? You've got to learn to trust people a bit more." "Molly, don't be too naive ok, look can we just go, please?" she asked. Molly snapped her head at attention, at being called naïve, giving her friend a glare. "Look, I'm sorry I didn't mean it. You know me though, I'm up for anything, and if this makes me feel weird, don't you think we should leave?" Molly sighed, and looked back at the mirror. "Serena, do you really need to leave?" she asked. Serena nodded, "Yes, so is that a yes?" Molly chewed her bottom lip for a minute, "Alright, alright." She said, "But, I wanna finish my drink." Serena nodded happily, "Ok then. Lets get out here so we can go." Serena said.
She and Molly left the bathroom, and started to walk down the hallway, when they saw Damien and Samuel lingering there, talking to each other. Molly turned to look at Serena, giving her somewhat of a worried look. "There you ladies are." Damien said grinning. "Yeah who would of though, after all, we did tell you'd we were in the bathroom." Said Serena sarcastically, while Molly jabbed her in the ribs with her elbow. Walking past them, to stand out of the hallway, Serena smiled, "Well, it was really nice of you two gentlemen to buy us a drink, but, I believe we have to be.." "Leaving so soon Serena?" Damien asked, picking up her hand and kissing it again. Serena froze. She hadn't told him her name. "You know?..." "Samuel told me. He and Molly seemed to be hitting it off." Looking at her, she blushed, and went wide eyed, "Yes, well, we have to go. We have some uh, work to do." She said. Serena quickly averted her gaze from Damien, pulled her hand away, and looked about the room. She was trying to relay the message, as best she could, that she was getting aggravated. When then, something made her freeze.
There were no hands on her, but something made her stand perfectly still. Blue. Blue eyes, peering from the corner of the room. Moving from their color, she looked at the face. It was somewhat hidden by the dim light. Though looking at the rest of the man, she got the sense of a big cat. Like a lion. Sitting there languidly, not caring what was going on to his right or left, yet he was looking right at her. He had broad shoulders, and black hair; and his attire was very fitting of him. A Black suit, with a black a button up shirt, that had three buttons undone at the top, showing his toned chest. Sitting in his chair, a foot rested on one knee, and his elbow rested on a small table to his left, holding a glass of some kind of liquor. Serena gulped. She left like she knew him. It wasn't right. "Yeah, we defiantly need to leave." Serena chocked out. Turning around, she grabbed Molly by the wrist, and quickly left the lounge. Not caring she had just left two men standing there, not even giving them any kind of explanation.
Walking down the street at a fast pace, dragging Molly behind her, Serena tried to rid the feeling of being touched in some way. "Serena, wait stop!" Molly yelled at her. Finally realizing what she was doing, Serena did stop and turned to Molly. "Molly." She said stammering, "I'm sorry, I just,." "No, it's ok Rena, are you alright?" she asked, a bit shocked at her friends mental and physical state. "Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. I just felt like, I don't know." Molly nodded her head, and led her friend out of the middle of the street, and onto the sidewalk. "Serena, you were right." She said worried. Serena looked at her friend quizzically, "Huh?" she asked. "yeah, your name. It was your name that he said that made me start to feel weird." Serna shook her head, and pinched the bridged of her nose, "My name? What about it?" she asked. Molly took a deep breath, "I never told Samuel your name Serena, only mine." Serena gasped. "Ok, ok, that's, really.....damn, alright. I think we need to get off the street, and go lose ourselves in some music. Damn wannabe vampires. Freaking me out and shit." Serena grumbled. Molly laughed, "Yeah, well, we're not going back there again. So, let's go to the Rock Hall, and get the fear drained out of us." She said. Serena didn't even wanna think of the word 'fear'. "Good idea."
Walking down the sidewalk, Serena thought to herself, "Molly, did you realize that, there weren't any women in the bar?" she asked. Molly turned to head to her friend, "Hey, there weren't were there?" Serena nodded, and picked up the pace. She and Molly had friends at the Rock Hall, they'd be safer there.
Finally reaching their destination, with a slight case of worry following them, Serena left her coat at the closet, and Molly left her sweatshirt. Revealing a long sleeved purple, clingy shirt. With a low neckline.
The music was overwhelming. Pulsing through the crowd of people on the split level dance floor. Some were dancing suggestively, and others were just head banging. It was energetic though. Wanting desperately to lose herself, Serena immediately went to the dance floor, Molly following her.
They got to the center of it, and began to dance. Just moving to the music. The loud rock music played, and echoed through Serenas brain, as she felt a masculine presence behind her. PM5K blared from the speakers, as she danced with the stranger. He was obviously a student. She smiled at that fact. He was a regular guy, and not a freak. Well, at least from what she could tell. Dancing, she smiled, as he did to, with Molly next to her. Unknowingly, they had made a bond that night, not to let each other out of their sights. "Now this is what its like when worlds collide." Serena and Molly sang with the harsh beat. Throwing their head back and laughing. Though suddenly, the guy was gone. Serena shrugged her shoulders though, and kept on dancing, turning her back in the direction where the guy was, to face Molly. Unfortunately, she couldn't see who had taken the old guys place. Turning back in her old direction, she was met with familiar chocolate eyes. "Ahhhh!" she screamed fumbling backwards, and bumping into someone. Turning around, she saw it wasn't Molly. Looking around quickly, she spotted her. Standing still, she had her hands to her temples. Reaching her quickly, Serena grabbed her wrists, "Molly, what's wrong?" she asked with a sinking feeling in her stomach. "I don't know...I feel, dizzy.." Serenas eyes went wide in fear, as she felt her friend begin to waver. "Molly!" she cried. She just moaned in response. She had been drugged, and she knew by who. Putting her friends arm over her shoulder, she proceeded to help carry her out. They made it to the entrance, where Molly then collapsed to the floor. "Oh god! Molly!" she cried as she sat by her friends side.
"Ahhhh!" Serena screamed again as she felt herself being catapulted upright. Looking back, she saw Samuel held her by the back of her shirt. He then threw her to the other side of the room. She landed with a smack on the marble floor. She looked up to see if anyone was there. "Help!" she screamed out. But no one came. "Please! Someone!" she cried. Again, no one. Looking at her friend lying on the ground, she cried to her, "Molly!" No response. Looking up at Samuel, He smiled at her, before picking Molly up in his arms. "No!" she yelled at him, Getting to her feet, and beating at his back with her fists. He merely laughed at her, and pushed her back with his shoulder. Stumbling backwards, she met with a solid object, or better yet a person. Turning around, she saw Damien. He was grinning down at her. Trying to back away, she suddenly found herself caught in his embrace. Her arms pinned between her and him. "Get off asshole!" she yelled. He just laughed, "Serena, please calm yourself. This would not be so bad, had you been a lady, and accepted the drink I offered." She screamed in frustration, struggling against him. Looking at the front door, she couldn't believe there was no one entering, or exiting. What was going on? "Serena, I bid you to accept my offer of joining me outside." And with that, she found herself being picked up and carried out the front door.
"Get off!" She screamed, but he silenced her with a kiss. She nearly gagged, but he refused to break it. Beating against him, she struggled to find out where he was headed, which way was he going? Finally breaking the kiss, she found that he, and along with Samuel carrying Molly, were standing in an ally way. She had no idea how he had gotten there, but knew she wouldn't live to find out if she didn't do anything. "What they hell is wrong with you! You stupid wanna be vampires, let us go. AHH!" Cried Serena, desperately clawing at him to get away. He dropped her feet to the ground, and smiled down at her, holding her against him the same way he had in the club. "Shh, my sweet." He said calmly, but it didn't work. Serena kept on struggling. He seemed to be confused as she didn't give in to him. His tricks weren't working. "Little girl, if you don't stop struggling, this might be a bit messy, and slow. Now why would you want that?" he asked, placing a hand around her throat. She thought that by doing this, his hold around her waist would weaken, but nothing happened to his strength. "Please, just let us go" Serena pleaded, becoming so upset, she felt tears ting her eyes, "Shh, shh sweet. I will, as soon as I finish." She then heard the feint sound of a groan. Looking in the direction of Samuel, she saw he had stood her up against the wall, and was looming over her, "Molly, wake up, and fight!" Serena yelled at her friend. But Molly was to disoriented to do anything. She then saw Samuels head duck to the side of Molly's head, and to her neck. "What?" Serena asked confused, She then saw Molly eyes open wide, and heard her gasp. "What the hell is he doing to her?" Serena asked. Samuel held up Molly by her waist, but it only looked like he was necking her. "Oh my gaud!! You guys are freaks, let me go! You actually think your vampires! Shit! Let me go, your gonna kill her!" she screamed. Damien just smiled, "We don't think sweet, we know." He whispered as he bent his head to her neck. She screamed again as she felt his breath next to her throat. "Stop!" she yelled, but it did no good. She felt pointed fangs dip into her neck, and she moaned. It was pain, and pleasure at the same time. She couldn't stand it. Then, he suddenly stopped. She felt no suction on her neck, as if it were being drawn from her, only the pain of the wound. She fell to the ground. Her defenses were lowered, as all she could do was touch the wound on her neck, and feel the blood leave her. The man might as well of slashed her artery. She felt herself falling. The coldness of the night became more apparent, and she heard the scuffle of people struggling in the all way. There was raised voices, and then, nothing. Everything went black.
Exiting the room, she shut the door behind her; while standing in the hallway and rubbing her hands together in a feeble attempt to get the dried pain off. Walking to her right, down the hallway, she entered her bedroom at the end of it, suddenly falling to the bed with a slight case of cabin fever. Sighing into her pillow, she wrapped her arms around it, and breathed deeply. "Ring" a shrill tone echoed in her room. Not bothering to look, she merely felt around ton the night stand on the side of her bed, for her phone. Finding it, she brought the receiver to her ear, "Hello?" "Hey Serena! Whatcha doin?" came a very happy voice on the other end. Serena grunted, "Slowly driving myself insane." Molly laughed on the other end, "Ha, well, how about I try and drive you in the opposite direction. You up for going out tonight?" Molly asked with enthusiasm. Serena looked at the clock. It was six in the afternoon, on a Friday. She had gotten out of class two hours ago, and she felt like her head was in a vice. Not to mention her dilemma with her painting, "Ahh, I don't know Mol." She said. "Oh come on Rena, we'll go to Bourbon Street." "We always go to Bourbon street." Molly sighed into the phone, "Well, then pick a street, and we'll go there. Come on, I need to get out, and I know you do too." Molly said, prodding her friend as much as she could. "Molly, do you know what my day has been like?" "No, but I'm sure it's been horrible. And that's all the more reason we should go out. Mine hasn't been blessedly wonderful either." Grunting again, Serena rolled onto her back to stare at the ceiling, "OK....ok, I'll go. I need inspiration, and New Orleans is bound to have some out there for me." She said. "Great! I'll be there at seven to pick you up. Bye!" "Bye Mol" Serena pushed the off button, and threw the phone on the ground. "You'd damn well better have some inspiration waiting out there for me tonight New Orleans. Or else." She mumbled while getting up. She needed to find something to wear.
Deciding on blue jeans, black doc martins, and a black turtle neck shirt, Serena got a shower, dressed, and was on the couch waiting for Molly by 7:00. Channel surfing for a while, she turned the TV off when she heard a knock on the door. Answering it, she saw moll standing there, bundled up, wearing blue jeans, an over sized LSU sweatshirt, and black boots similar to hers. "You ready?" she asked. Hand in her pockets, and bouncing up and down to shake the cold. Serena nodded, and grabbed her black wool jacket that reached down to mid thigh, and her blood red scarf.
The night was young, and New Orleans was alive. Friday night, Sunday night, Christmas day, the streets were always packed. Filled with people. You could almost feel the energy radiating off everyone. It was Late November, and winter had finally come to the South. Trees were bare, and people, bundled, obviously not used to the cold.
She and Molly walked down the streets, running in to people they knew from school, and constantly being hit on by drunk men, staggering about. "Geeze, you'd think that being drunk their standards would be lowered a bit. Why are they still hitting on us?" Molly asked while shoving off yet another touchy, feely, disoriented guy. "The night's still young Mol, wait till the wee hours. Pretty soon, they'll be dragging us off, instead of just groping us." Serena said laughing. Taking a turn down another street, Serena spotted a fairly new neon sign. In red, cursive, letters, it said, 'Vamps Lounge' "Haha, oh my god." She said, covering her hand with her mouth. "What,.what?" asked Molly, picking up her foot to miss a puddle of water, well, at least she hoped it was water. "What are you laughing at?" she asked looking to her friend. Serena then pointed to the hanging sign, "Look, a new bar. And not just that, a vampire bar!" Serena said, in her oh so mischieful voice.
Molly's eyes went wide, "Oh no, no we're not." "Oh come on. It'll be fun!" Serena said jumping up and down. "Nuh-uh. Not doin it. That's what you said the last time we went in to one of those places." She said, taking a step backwards. Though Serena caught her arm, "Molly, it wasn't that bad." She said. "Serena! They asked if they could drink my blood!" She screeched. "Yeah, but they were gonna use sterile medical supplies, not bite you." "Serena!" Serena began to laugh, "Oh come on Molly. They're all just a bunch of loopy people, that's all. Just say Jesus loves you, and they'll go away. You know how dramatic they are." She said, walking towards the lounge, while pulling her friend. Molly cringed, "Serena, I don't like the situation, or the atmosphere ok? So lets not." Serena stopped dragging her, "Molly, come on, please, oh please! I need an interesting setting, I need that loony atmosphere. My art sucks! I'm in a slump. And if it's too nasty, we'll leave, I promise!" she said, clasping her hands together in a begging fashion. Molly starred at the ground, contemplating, "Serena.." "Oh thank you! Let's go!" she said, running down the street, dragging her friend behind her.
Stopping under the sign, Serena looked at the door. It was a very tall, skinny, black, aged wood door. Creepy. "Oh, this is great." She said. Molly gulped, "Yeah, real wonderful." Serena just laughed again, and pushed open the door. Though, expecting to be greeted with something completely different than what she was. As soon as she and Molly had entered, they found themselves standing in a long hallway. Almost as skinny as the door, and creepy. Serena could only smile. On the ceiling, were red and purple hanging lights, the only illumination.
Following the corridor, she walked to the end, to see she had to turn right. Peering down the next hallway, she looked back at a cowering Molly, and shrugged her shoulders. "Damn it Serena, do you always have to be so fearless?" she asked. Serena nodded, "Yep. It's the only way to get anything done." Walking down the hallway, she heard the sound of voices, and a beat. They were getting closer. Then, up ahead, she saw a figure standing. He was tall man, slender, wearing a dark suit, and a top hat, which made him seem even taller. Molly yelped at him, while Serena boldly walked up to him, "Hello." She said. She noticed there was a door behind him, just like the one they had just come through.
The man smiled a pearly while smile, "Hello." He said. "Is the Vamp lounge right through this door?" she asked. The man seemed to look her up and down, as well as Molly, before he answered, "Yes, it is. You have business here?" he asked. Serena smiled, a bit puzzled "Um, are you like a bouncer?" she asked. The man tilted his head at the word, as if he didn't know what one was, "I watch the entrance." He said coolly. She nodded her head, "Oh, I see then. Well, I'm sorry, we're not on a list or anything. We, well, I'm an artist, and I was hoping..." "To find some interesting subjects?" he inquired. She sighed, "Well, yes." "Inspiration. I don't doubt you will find something inspiring here." He said. She merely nodded, sensing Molly fidgeting behind her, "So, does that mean we can go in?" she asked. He smiled again, a brilliant smile. Pointed teeth lingered on the outside of it, but not fangs. They looked naturally that way. "Yes, go right ahead miss Artist." He said. She chuckled, "Uh, thanks."
He opened the door for her, and suddenly, it was if they stepped into another century. Everything old about the place was intact. Deep, blood carpet stretched the length of the room, with carvings in black, aged wood, lining the walls. Sconces hung on the walls as well, with lit candles. That was the only light, but there were so many, that it was bright enough to notice everyone and everything. Hearing the door close behind them, Molly yelped, drawing attention to them. Everyone stopped what they were doing to look at the strange pair lingering by the entrance. It was then that she heard Molly take a deep breath behind her. Serna understood why, she had done the same. Men Lingered everywhere. Some in dark suits, which some were obviously made of silk. Other were wearing garb that resembled Parisian gala attire. Men of different heights, color, fashion; and they were everywhere! But they all shared one thing, they were all completely gorgeous. "Oh my god Rena, this must be where all the good looking men consort!" Molly whispered a bit harshly into her ear. Serena nodded, "Molly, a bit quieter, I'm sure they're not deaf." She whispered back through clenched teeth. "Indeed" came a voice, Both Molly and Serena jumped.
"So sorry to frighten you." Said a man with sandy blond hair, and sparkling green eyes. Molly sighed, "Oh, it's alright." She said. Looking back at the room, Serena realized everyone had gone back to what they were doing, barely acknowledging them. Serena turned to the man, "Hello." She said, swallowing hard. Truly, the man looked disturbingly too good. "Hello." Came another voice behind Serena. She jumped at it. Turning, she saw yet another drop dead gorgeous man, "Uh, hi." He then took her hand, and brought it to his lips, kissing the back of it. "I am Damien, and this is my friend Samuel. May we buy you two beautiful ladies a drink?" he asked. Almost sounding pleading. Serena couldn't help but withhold a laugh. Sure, he was being sensuous, but she didn't even know the guy. "We'd love to." Molly answered for her. Serena's head snapped around to give a quick glare at her friend. Molly just smiled and shrugged her shoulders, "I can be fearless sometimes too ya know." She said smiling, as she took the arm of Samuel. She looked at Damien, 'god, you'd think I'd have a chance to sit down before I was hit on." Serena thought, as she took Damiens arm as well.
Having a seat at the bar, Serena began to feel very uncomfortable. She sat between Samuel and Damien, not being able to see Molly clearly. Although she knew she was there. Serena tried to look over Samuels shoulder, at her friend, when she felt a hand brush across the side of her face. Quickly looking at the way of the hand, she saw Damien smiling. Chocolate eyes seemed to be twinkling with something different though, besides simple amusement. Tucking the strand of hair behind her ear, which Damien had obviously brushed aside, she conjured up a small smile. "Well, it was very nice of you and your friend to buy us a drink." She said, glancing back at Samuel, to see if she had gotten his attention at his mention. She didn't. "Oh, but I am sure you two lovely ladies have had more than a few offers from other gentlemen." He said. Serena ran a hand through her hair, fidgeting, "Well, not really gentlemen." She said gulping, and folding her arms on the bar. She heard him chuckle, "I see. What would you like then?" Thinking a bit, Serena tried to figure out something decent to order. Although, her comical side wanted to order a Bloody Mary, she distilled the temptation. "Um, just..hmm." she couldn't think of anything. She was too used to beer and wine coolers, anything else, she had no real clue of. Then it hit her, "How about, a dark merlot?" she asked. He nodded appreciatively, "Will do." Beckoning the bar tender with his finger, the man approached. He was a pale, platinum haired guy, dressed in black. "Merlot for the lady." He said. The bartender nodded, and departed. "Nothing for you?" she asked incredulously. He shook his head, "I believe a drink is best savored with a meal." He said grinning. Suddenly, Serena remembered where she was, and laughed accidentally, quickly stopping when he spared her a curious glance. "Sorry." She mumbled looking down at the bar.
The merlot was quickly put in front of her face, and she looked at it for a moment. "Something wrong?" Damien asked, seeming to move closer to her, "Um." She didn't know what as wrong with her suddenly, she just felt, odd. "Hey chick!" Molly called to her. Serena looked across Samuel at her friend, who seemed to be in heaven being in the presence of the man. "Would you care to accompany me to the ladies room?" she asked smiling stupidly. Serena glanced at Damien, and nodded her head. "Sure." She quickly got off the stool, and joined her friend at her side.
Following a sort hallway, she and Molly quickly entered the bathroom. It wasn't very big, having three stalls and two sinks. "Molly, I think.." "We should stay longer, I completely agree!" Molly interrupted, walking to the mirror that hung over the sinks. "Molly, I'm getting a bad vibe. I think we should leave." Molly just huffed, "Serena, I don't know why your suddenly so leery about this place. They're just a bunch of loopy people, remember?" Serena leaned against the counter, "So, I could be wrong, is that so unheard of?" Molly ran fingers through her hair sighing, "Look, we don't know what these people are like. We've been to vampire bars before, and none have never been like this. They're either loud clubs, or have fetish themes." Serena said. "Well, you don't see a bunch of people walking around out here, wearing nothing but leather, and I don't hear any loud pulsing music, do you?" Serena sighed, "Exactly, which is what makes this place so nice. And which means, we don't have to leave." "Yeah, but just because people seem a bit more down to earth, doesn't mean that they don't have fetish's. I bet Samuel and Damien, being vampire friends, probably wanna drag us off to do god knows what." Serena said, folding her arms over her chest. "Serena, relax will you? You've got to learn to trust people a bit more." "Molly, don't be too naive ok, look can we just go, please?" she asked. Molly snapped her head at attention, at being called naïve, giving her friend a glare. "Look, I'm sorry I didn't mean it. You know me though, I'm up for anything, and if this makes me feel weird, don't you think we should leave?" Molly sighed, and looked back at the mirror. "Serena, do you really need to leave?" she asked. Serena nodded, "Yes, so is that a yes?" Molly chewed her bottom lip for a minute, "Alright, alright." She said, "But, I wanna finish my drink." Serena nodded happily, "Ok then. Lets get out here so we can go." Serena said.
She and Molly left the bathroom, and started to walk down the hallway, when they saw Damien and Samuel lingering there, talking to each other. Molly turned to look at Serena, giving her somewhat of a worried look. "There you ladies are." Damien said grinning. "Yeah who would of though, after all, we did tell you'd we were in the bathroom." Said Serena sarcastically, while Molly jabbed her in the ribs with her elbow. Walking past them, to stand out of the hallway, Serena smiled, "Well, it was really nice of you two gentlemen to buy us a drink, but, I believe we have to be.." "Leaving so soon Serena?" Damien asked, picking up her hand and kissing it again. Serena froze. She hadn't told him her name. "You know?..." "Samuel told me. He and Molly seemed to be hitting it off." Looking at her, she blushed, and went wide eyed, "Yes, well, we have to go. We have some uh, work to do." She said. Serena quickly averted her gaze from Damien, pulled her hand away, and looked about the room. She was trying to relay the message, as best she could, that she was getting aggravated. When then, something made her freeze.
There were no hands on her, but something made her stand perfectly still. Blue. Blue eyes, peering from the corner of the room. Moving from their color, she looked at the face. It was somewhat hidden by the dim light. Though looking at the rest of the man, she got the sense of a big cat. Like a lion. Sitting there languidly, not caring what was going on to his right or left, yet he was looking right at her. He had broad shoulders, and black hair; and his attire was very fitting of him. A Black suit, with a black a button up shirt, that had three buttons undone at the top, showing his toned chest. Sitting in his chair, a foot rested on one knee, and his elbow rested on a small table to his left, holding a glass of some kind of liquor. Serena gulped. She left like she knew him. It wasn't right. "Yeah, we defiantly need to leave." Serena chocked out. Turning around, she grabbed Molly by the wrist, and quickly left the lounge. Not caring she had just left two men standing there, not even giving them any kind of explanation.
Walking down the street at a fast pace, dragging Molly behind her, Serena tried to rid the feeling of being touched in some way. "Serena, wait stop!" Molly yelled at her. Finally realizing what she was doing, Serena did stop and turned to Molly. "Molly." She said stammering, "I'm sorry, I just,." "No, it's ok Rena, are you alright?" she asked, a bit shocked at her friends mental and physical state. "Yeah, yeah, I'm fine. I just felt like, I don't know." Molly nodded her head, and led her friend out of the middle of the street, and onto the sidewalk. "Serena, you were right." She said worried. Serena looked at her friend quizzically, "Huh?" she asked. "yeah, your name. It was your name that he said that made me start to feel weird." Serna shook her head, and pinched the bridged of her nose, "My name? What about it?" she asked. Molly took a deep breath, "I never told Samuel your name Serena, only mine." Serena gasped. "Ok, ok, that's, really.....damn, alright. I think we need to get off the street, and go lose ourselves in some music. Damn wannabe vampires. Freaking me out and shit." Serena grumbled. Molly laughed, "Yeah, well, we're not going back there again. So, let's go to the Rock Hall, and get the fear drained out of us." She said. Serena didn't even wanna think of the word 'fear'. "Good idea."
Walking down the sidewalk, Serena thought to herself, "Molly, did you realize that, there weren't any women in the bar?" she asked. Molly turned to head to her friend, "Hey, there weren't were there?" Serena nodded, and picked up the pace. She and Molly had friends at the Rock Hall, they'd be safer there.
Finally reaching their destination, with a slight case of worry following them, Serena left her coat at the closet, and Molly left her sweatshirt. Revealing a long sleeved purple, clingy shirt. With a low neckline.
The music was overwhelming. Pulsing through the crowd of people on the split level dance floor. Some were dancing suggestively, and others were just head banging. It was energetic though. Wanting desperately to lose herself, Serena immediately went to the dance floor, Molly following her.
They got to the center of it, and began to dance. Just moving to the music. The loud rock music played, and echoed through Serenas brain, as she felt a masculine presence behind her. PM5K blared from the speakers, as she danced with the stranger. He was obviously a student. She smiled at that fact. He was a regular guy, and not a freak. Well, at least from what she could tell. Dancing, she smiled, as he did to, with Molly next to her. Unknowingly, they had made a bond that night, not to let each other out of their sights. "Now this is what its like when worlds collide." Serena and Molly sang with the harsh beat. Throwing their head back and laughing. Though suddenly, the guy was gone. Serena shrugged her shoulders though, and kept on dancing, turning her back in the direction where the guy was, to face Molly. Unfortunately, she couldn't see who had taken the old guys place. Turning back in her old direction, she was met with familiar chocolate eyes. "Ahhhh!" she screamed fumbling backwards, and bumping into someone. Turning around, she saw it wasn't Molly. Looking around quickly, she spotted her. Standing still, she had her hands to her temples. Reaching her quickly, Serena grabbed her wrists, "Molly, what's wrong?" she asked with a sinking feeling in her stomach. "I don't know...I feel, dizzy.." Serenas eyes went wide in fear, as she felt her friend begin to waver. "Molly!" she cried. She just moaned in response. She had been drugged, and she knew by who. Putting her friends arm over her shoulder, she proceeded to help carry her out. They made it to the entrance, where Molly then collapsed to the floor. "Oh god! Molly!" she cried as she sat by her friends side.
"Ahhhh!" Serena screamed again as she felt herself being catapulted upright. Looking back, she saw Samuel held her by the back of her shirt. He then threw her to the other side of the room. She landed with a smack on the marble floor. She looked up to see if anyone was there. "Help!" she screamed out. But no one came. "Please! Someone!" she cried. Again, no one. Looking at her friend lying on the ground, she cried to her, "Molly!" No response. Looking up at Samuel, He smiled at her, before picking Molly up in his arms. "No!" she yelled at him, Getting to her feet, and beating at his back with her fists. He merely laughed at her, and pushed her back with his shoulder. Stumbling backwards, she met with a solid object, or better yet a person. Turning around, she saw Damien. He was grinning down at her. Trying to back away, she suddenly found herself caught in his embrace. Her arms pinned between her and him. "Get off asshole!" she yelled. He just laughed, "Serena, please calm yourself. This would not be so bad, had you been a lady, and accepted the drink I offered." She screamed in frustration, struggling against him. Looking at the front door, she couldn't believe there was no one entering, or exiting. What was going on? "Serena, I bid you to accept my offer of joining me outside." And with that, she found herself being picked up and carried out the front door.
"Get off!" She screamed, but he silenced her with a kiss. She nearly gagged, but he refused to break it. Beating against him, she struggled to find out where he was headed, which way was he going? Finally breaking the kiss, she found that he, and along with Samuel carrying Molly, were standing in an ally way. She had no idea how he had gotten there, but knew she wouldn't live to find out if she didn't do anything. "What they hell is wrong with you! You stupid wanna be vampires, let us go. AHH!" Cried Serena, desperately clawing at him to get away. He dropped her feet to the ground, and smiled down at her, holding her against him the same way he had in the club. "Shh, my sweet." He said calmly, but it didn't work. Serena kept on struggling. He seemed to be confused as she didn't give in to him. His tricks weren't working. "Little girl, if you don't stop struggling, this might be a bit messy, and slow. Now why would you want that?" he asked, placing a hand around her throat. She thought that by doing this, his hold around her waist would weaken, but nothing happened to his strength. "Please, just let us go" Serena pleaded, becoming so upset, she felt tears ting her eyes, "Shh, shh sweet. I will, as soon as I finish." She then heard the feint sound of a groan. Looking in the direction of Samuel, she saw he had stood her up against the wall, and was looming over her, "Molly, wake up, and fight!" Serena yelled at her friend. But Molly was to disoriented to do anything. She then saw Samuels head duck to the side of Molly's head, and to her neck. "What?" Serena asked confused, She then saw Molly eyes open wide, and heard her gasp. "What the hell is he doing to her?" Serena asked. Samuel held up Molly by her waist, but it only looked like he was necking her. "Oh my gaud!! You guys are freaks, let me go! You actually think your vampires! Shit! Let me go, your gonna kill her!" she screamed. Damien just smiled, "We don't think sweet, we know." He whispered as he bent his head to her neck. She screamed again as she felt his breath next to her throat. "Stop!" she yelled, but it did no good. She felt pointed fangs dip into her neck, and she moaned. It was pain, and pleasure at the same time. She couldn't stand it. Then, he suddenly stopped. She felt no suction on her neck, as if it were being drawn from her, only the pain of the wound. She fell to the ground. Her defenses were lowered, as all she could do was touch the wound on her neck, and feel the blood leave her. The man might as well of slashed her artery. She felt herself falling. The coldness of the night became more apparent, and she heard the scuffle of people struggling in the all way. There was raised voices, and then, nothing. Everything went black.