Soft footsteps echoed along the ashen sidewalk, crinkled leaves fluttering across it's surface as the wind carried them. The hazy lights on the streetlamps flickered on, one by one. The world was slowly darkening; the small amount of sunlight left bleeding away into the horizon. The fading orange and pink slowly dissolved away into the somber night that was taking hold. It didn't matter though, for she liked this time more than any other. So she could stay hidden; unseen from the world as she walked along the deserted sidewalk.

Avery Bennett hesitantly made her way into town, her head hanging low, her shoulders hunched. The hood to her grey sweat shirt was draped over her head in an attempt to hide herself more. The strong wind blew her bleak, beige hair forward, allowing it to dance across her face. Her arms were crossed in front of her in a protective stance, her steps quick yet hushed. Her tantalizing, icy eyes flickered around her surroundings anxiously, her dark lashes fluttering as she did. She was observant. Ready for anything that could creep up from the dark woods she was passing.

Reaching the edge of the sidewalk, she let out a sigh of relief, but her muscles tensed even more. Lowering her head, she continued on, across the asphalt of the street. It padded beneath the soles of her feet, only the thin material of her converse separating them. Once reaching the other side, she continued to hide her face from the people whom she was passing, avoiding all eye contact, and over all, any contact what so ever. But, that couldn't always be avoided. Her azure orbs peeked up at the current shop she was passing, seeing it was the one that she had wanted. Sucking in a deep breath, she pressed open the door, pushing herself through. The ring of a tiny silver bell sounded as the door shut, causing her to flinch.

Eyes landed on her. From sapphire to hazel. From emerald to auburn. Looks of disdain, and distrust casting down at her small form, making her feel as though she needed to hide. She couldn't help this. And it wasn't like any of them would understand. They could never understand, at least she hoped not. Ignoring the glares, she started to wander around the small shop, ignoring the murmurs and stares. It would stop. They would return to their business eventually. As much as she hated coming out into the world, she hated staying locked away just as much. She missed being able to go out without any worries. But now that was the norm.

She pondered for a moment on what to get. In truth, nothing was needed. She just needed to get out-to breathe. Picking a random book from the shelf, she turned on her heel, quickly making her way over to the counter. This, however, was the worst part. There was an elderly man sitting behind the wooden counter, wrinkles decorating his pale cheeks. His chestnut eyes appraised her, one eyebrow furrowing in confusion. She could see in his motions how he worriedly shifted, his fingers drumming off beat as she handed over the book. His jaw was tense as he typed into the computer, ringing up her price.

He murmured, far too low for her to hear was it was. Letting out a sigh, she reached into her pocket, handing him a twenty so she could simply collect the change. He gave her another strange look before taking the money that was offered, and gathering her change. As he handed her the bills and coins, he let out a strange huff, his eyes running over her features once more. He seemed to be debating on whether he should say anything or not. Most were like that.

"Why are you wearin' that thing on your face, miss?" he questioned, his worry seeming to melt away as her eyes dropped. At least he knew she wasn't trying to rob the place. She reached up, adjusting the plain, white bandana that hung across her face, concealing her nose and mouth completely, the bottom hanging down past her chin.

"Just cause," Avery replied with a tiny squeak that was meant as a chuckle. She didn't feel the need to delve into the real reason with a random stranger. She's had to more times than she'd like to, and it was beginning to be tiring. Not to mention embarrassing.

The man gave her one last strange look before nodding and turning away. Taking her book, change and receipt, she turned away and left out the door of the shop. The sun had completely set, the trees looking more dark and mysterious. Shaking away her thoughts, she started on her way back to home, lowering her head as always. This was how it was every single time she went out. For the past year, that is how it has been. At least she didn't have to go to school any longer; that last year was a living nightmare. Now it was just her, her apartment and her part time job. That's probably all it will ever be.

The hairs on the back of her neck stood up as she started along the side walk once again, the limbs of the trees reaching out as if they were trying to pull her in. Shaking the thought away, she kept on advancing until she finally approached her dreary apartment complex. She winded up the creaking wooden stairs, her hand lightly skimming the rail. Finally at the top, she trudged to the first door on the right, yanking the keys from her pocket with her free hand. Her eyes narrowed as she unlocked the door, then sauntered inside after kicking the door closed behind her.

She sat her book and change down on the side table, then hung her keys on the rusty rack by the door. The fan was swirling above, something she was thankful for due to her hot skin beneath the bandana. She ached to rip it off, to finally be rid of the thing entirely. But, she knew it was better to be with it, then without it. Her eyes dropped to the once white carpet, age turning it to a brown that nearly matched the color of her hair. It wasn't the best place to be, she knew that. Then again, it had a television, a comfortable crimson couch with a matching recliner. A spacious kitchen, which was clean besides the sink which was filled with dishes.

Avery turned, walking to the bathroom, needing to get the bandana off for just a moment. Just one moment so that her face could meet the coolness of the air. Once inside, her slender fingers reached up, nearly ripping it from her face, letting it fall onto the off white sink below. Her eyes were cast down, and she knew better than to look up. Her mind begged her not to, but she couldn't help her icy eyes from looking up, meeting her reflection in the mirror.

Her heart dropped to the pit of her stomach. For just a moment, she expected to see her old reflection staring back at her. But instead, she saw her new scarred face that was nothing more than a horrific memory. Her fingers lifted, lightly running along the scars of the uneven smile that had been viciously sliced into her cheeks. So much blood… Her memories took hold, her eyes watering as she thought of the heartless man who had nearly sent her to her death bed just a year ago. She shut her eyes, allowing her fingers to drop and grip the edges of the sink. Memories soared into her mind like a broken record, constantly repeating over and over again with no intent on stopping, as they usually didn't. There wasn't a day that went by that she didn't think of that night…

Shaking her head, she quickly grasped the white bandana between her fingers, covering the hideous scars that were now a detail upon her face. Her tongue ran against the insides of her cheeks, feeling the slender, rough complexion that still remained. Shaking her head, she exited the bathroom, quickly slipping into her bedroom door. The lock clicked, a reassuring sound that she held dearly. Twisting, she shrugged out of her hoodie, changing into a simple white tank top. Sitting on the side of her bed, she noticed how her eyelids were beginning to feel heavier. Laying back, her cares seemed to melt away. She just hoped that when she fell into the serene unconscious world of sleep, she wouldn't dream of that sadistic killer once more…

Run. It was her first, and only thought as her feet trampled as fast as they could through the dark forest. Get away from him! You barely got away from him when he broke into your house! Dirt flew up from beneath her boots, jagged limbs scraping across her arms as she nearly ran through them. Her eyes flickered around, trying not to run into any of the russet trees as she barreled forward. Each of her breaths were heavy as she panted, her ears also keenly aware of the sound of rough footsteps behind her, quick and appearing to catch up to her frightened form.

In an instant, she felt a searing pain in her shoulder, a strangled scream flying from her lips as she stumbled into a tree. Her shaking hand reached around, feeling the stiff handle of none other than a kitchen knife, its blade now plunged into her, most of it's surface hanging out with the handle. She heard the trampling of the footsteps behind her grow even closer, knowing that she didn't have any time to run. Determined, she reached behind her, gripping the handle as tight as she could. With a slight scream, she ripped the blade out, seeing less than half of it was drenched in her blood. It hadn't gone in too deep… which was good.

Twisting around, she laid her back against the tree, her shaking hand outstretched, the knife being tightly gripped. The sound of footsteps went silent, no sounds being present at all besides her breaths, and loud heart beat that was flying within her chest. Her icy orbs squinted as she tried to see through the darkened brush, trying to find the man's form that was masked in the darkness. Before her eyes landed on him, she heard the small, hushed laugh that exited the man's lips. It grew louder, until it was booming and chaotic. Never had she heard such a psychotic laugh, one that was enjoying her fear so intensely.

"G-get away!" Avery stuttered, trying her best to sound fierce. The laughing stopped almost instantly, the sound of footsteps beginning once more. Twigs snapped, along with the crunch of leaves as she saw his dark form approach her. The moon offered no help with lighting, so she could barely see the man that stood mere inches from her. From what she could tell, he was wearing a lighter colored hoodie. Possibly white? Although it looked grey from the dim light. Slashes of a darker color were smeared and scattered across it. He had on black jeans and boots that nearly matched her own. His raven hair was to his shoulders, most falling across his face, shielding it from view.

"Why would I do that, princess?" his chilling voice rasped, sending shivers down her spine. Another chuckle sounded from him as he stepped forward, lifting his head so that she could now see his face. She choked back a scream, horror struck at the sight of the man in front of her. His papery skin looked leathery in complexion, and was white as snow. Black, ashy rings surrounded his eyes which were bloodshot and wide. It seemed almost as if his eyelids were burnt off, leaving his eyes no protection. That would explain the small pin pricks that were his pupils. But the worst thing of all had to be his… smile. Bloody and prominent, a large smile was cut into his cheeks, his teeth shining as his reddened lips stretched even wider.

"Your… your smile," Avery whispered, tears gathering in her eyes. This man was going to kill her. He threw his head back once again, laughing the same psychotic way as before.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" he purred, licking his scarlet lips. Her eyes twitched, adrenaline seeping through her veins. Lifting her hand, she flung the knife forward, aiming for that… that sinister smile of his that he seemed so proud of. To her uttermost horror, he caught it in an instant, his smile growing in size as he twirled the knife between his fingertips. "Stupid move, babe," he growled, diving forward.

Before she had time to blink, he had her pinned against one of the large trees within the forest, her nails digging into the bark as she fought to break free. Within seconds, he was straddling her, holding her hands above her head with one of his own, preventing any movement. With his free hand, he lifted his knife, its blade just skimming her nose. At this close distance, she could see his hoodie was in fact, white. But the splatters were red… blood. She was going to die, right here. Right now.

"Please let me go," she cried, tears miserably trickling down her cheeks as she helplessly tried to break free. He stared at her for a moment, an incredulous look in his unnerving, unblinking eyes. Then, his fingers were wrapped around her throat, before bashing her head into the tree behind her.

"You people. Always thinking your lives are so precious," he spat, his attempt of a scowl spreading across his face. "Stooping to begging, how pathetic," he continued, his fingers tightening even more. A choked gasp flew from her lips as she tried to break free from the killer. "Guess what, sweetheart? You're not going anywhere. By the time I'm done with you, you wont even be recognizable," the killer sneered, excitement flaring within his eyes. Fear pooled within her, as she was unable to help it any longer. She screamed.

"HELP ME!" Avery shrieked, struggling within the killers arms, trying her best to yank away from his reach. "Anyone, ple-" Her pleas were cut short by a calloused hand that clamped tightly over her mouth, the killers unblinking eyes now full of fire. The sharpened knife now laid against her throat, his grip on her wrists cutting off nearly all of the circulation.

"Try that again," the killer dared, his voice like the hiss from a snake, "and you will be begging for death. But, I'm in a giving mood tonight, sweetheart," he chuckled, maliciously.

"Don't call me sweetheart," Avery growled, baring her teeth at the killer, a sudden surge of bravery running throughout her. The killer's smile seemed to fade, just a bit, before twisting into an unforgivable scowl. Without her even noticing, he sliced his knife back, a small line of blood beginning to leak down her neck. She whimpered, her eyes squinting shut from the sting. It wasn't enough to kill… just frighten.

"I'll call you what I want, sweetheart," the killer taunted, his smile widening. "You do have quite the smart mouth. Although it is quite pretty. Not beautiful though, far from," he murmured, his eyes seeming to inspect her. "I can make you beautiful though, it wouldn't take too long," he whispered. He lifted his knife, trailing it lightly across the skin of her cheeks. "Then, I'll let you go to sleep," he murmured, his mouth now inches from her ear.

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she stared up at him in fright, not knowing what to do. There was no one around to call to. And he was about to 'make her beautiful' and then 'go to sleep'? What did all of that mean? Before another thought could register through her brain, her wrists were released, his hand gripping her jaw, pulling her mouth open. An insane cackle broke through the deranged killers lips as he laid his knife at the corner of her mouth, cutting it slightly.

"Get ready to be beautiful!" the killer sang, before roughly sawing through her cheek, curving it upward. Blood seeped into her mouth as her hands clawed at his, trying to pull him away. The metallic taste swirled in her mouth, making her want to vomit. "Quit squirming, doll, I might mess up," he giggled, ripping the knife back the way it had come. A sob spilled through her mouth, blood trickling down her chin and staining her teeth.

"Stop!" she gurgled, still trying to wrestle free. The sensation was horrible; she was choking on her own blood. He ripped the knife across her other cheek, a scream exiting her lips as he sliced through her skin as if it were paper. He finally pulled his knife back, nicking her tongue, slightly, in the process. She couldn't feel her face. It was numb, in the strangest of ways. Blood continued to gather in her mouth, running down her throat like a waterfall. It trickled down her chin, soaking her shirt below. That was all she could feel. The blood, and the weight of the killer's body as he weighed her down, preventing movement. Her arms laid at her side, appearing dead.

"Beautiful," the killer smiled, approvingly. "And I don't say that often, so take it as a compliment," he sneered, wiping her blood off on his dingy hoodie.

"Fuck you," Avery gurgled, it being nearly unintelligible from all of the blood in her mouth. Instantly, she regretted it. His eyebrows narrowed, she supposed his attempt of a scowl forming on his face. His hand met with her cheek so fast, she didn't even have time to register it. A shriek flew from her lips as it made her stinging jaw even more painful.

"Do you know who you are talking to?" the man growled, his emotions switching like the flick of a switch. "Jeff the Killer, you little bitch. And I do believe it is time for you," he cooed, his mouth twisting into a wicked smile, "to go to sleep!"

She could care less. In fact, if it was death he was speaking of, she'd gladly take it right now. Her eyelids were already growing heavy, her loss of blood seeming to now take it's effect. Black dots blurred her vision, the killer… Jeff seeming so blurry as she tried to glare at him. Before she passed out, she was faintly aware of sirens in the distance, barking of dogs, and the slight gleam of flashlights near by. Then, the string of curses that exited Jeff the Killer's lips. The last thing she heard was his voice, deadly and malicious in her ear. "I'll be back for you, sweetheart." Then, everything went black.

BOOM!

Avery's head flew up from her pillow, sweat running down her face and dewing on the back of her neck. Sighing, she realized that the killer had plagued her dreams once more, the same memories repeating themselves for another night. Shaking her head, she listened closely to the sound of glass breaking down below, just after she had heard the loud bang beneath her apartment. She faintly then heard the sound of a male appearing to cry for help. Did something drop on him? Her curiosity, and caring nature getting the best of her, she quickly exited her apartment.

Speeding down the creaking stairs, she saw the door to the apartment below her hanging to it's side, it's hinges broken. Someone had to of kicked it in… Pictures were laid across the wooden floor near the doorway, the glass shattered into pieces. Looking up, Avery sucked in a startled breath of air, her body feeling as though it was locking down. She couldn't move. And she couldn't look away. There laid the body of the man who resided in the apartment, a black haired man kneeling in front of him, the blade of his knife thrust into the man's torso. Wails escaped the injured man's mouth, as he weakly tried to break away. The raven haired boy wearing a white hoodie ripped the knife back out before shoving it in, blood splattering onto his face and hoodie. He seemed to care less as he viciously stabbed the man's body, even though he already appeared dead.

Then, the man in the white hoodie's head lifted up, his lidless eyes meeting with Avery's.

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