First loves are the ones that linger. I'm going to burn in hell for this…

Love, Death, and Taxidermy

1978: Dunwich, Massachusetts.

Most people thought it was bizarre for a seventeen year-old to take a part-time job working at Bishop's Funeral Home, but Herbert West was nothing if not bizarre. Even by the rather lax standards of normalcy that prevailed in Dunwich, young West stood out as a truly unique individual with his Norman Bates like style, an above genius IQ, and a cold hatred for everyone he met. And the feeling was mutual until one chilly November evening when he came into receiving room.

Mister Bishop had left earlier that evening and entrusted Herbert to lock up, so he had to let the young man in. It was awkward at first to be alone with the man but after they started talking Herbert found himself fascinated by his visitor, who introduced himself as Adam Whateley. Since there wasn't anymore work for the day, he closed for the night and drove back home with Adam.

He was quite surprised by this sudden turn of events, but it was a beautiful night and Adam was simply too sweet and charming for Herbert to blow off his advances. Besides, it beat spending another night alone.

From the minute they walked in to door and all through the measly dinner of leftovers, Herbert couldn't stop talking with his handsome new acquaintance. Over a bottle of cheap red wine, he found himself getting bolder and bolder until finally Herbert couldn't hold back anymore. The kiss was shy and nervous at first, but Adam put up no resistance as it deepened into a harsh, messy tongue lashing. Soon they were tumbling naked into Herbert's bed, fumbling and twisting in the ungainly heat of teenaged sex.

The morning came too soon in Herbert's opinion, but Mister Bishop always expected him to show up early for work so he got dressed and wrestled Adam out of bed. The receiving room was empty as they sneaked in, and Herbert had soon straightened things up enough to keep the old man happy. He was busing making Adam presentable when Mister Bishop came hobbling into the room.

"Morning, West," the old man wheezed. "I see you've met our latest client, Mr. Adam Whateley. Boy, it's a shame when they die so young. And such a handsome fellow too. Bet he was popular with the ladies, huh West?"

"Yes, sir," Herbert sighed, smiling faintly. "He must've been very popular indeed."