I'm so glad, I thought to myself, that my horror-filled first year of

high school is over. No more deadlines, tests, or pressure. Three

whole months to relax and do absolutely nothing, besides a few odd

jobs here and there to accumulate enough money to satisfy my financial

demands. As in music, clothing, etc.

I was walking back to my two-story home in Vancouver, Canada,

from the local music shop, David's. I'd bought the latest Cd's from my

favorite bands, and a poster of Linkin Park to add to the collection

on my walls. Being early June, it was warm. The cool breeze that comes

around every evening around here felt very nice as I kicked up my pace

to reach home before dinner. Mom was picking up some Chinese on her

way home from work, which was about now. I didn't want to miss my

favorite curry chicken.

I stopped and leaned against the wall of a building and opened

the new Muse CD. I opened my portable CD player, and popped the CD in.

I pressed the 'play' button, and stuffed the empty case back into the

plastic bag.

As I passed the video store, I noticed a poster for the newly

released horror movie. I decided to rent it with the few remaining

dollars I had left. I went inside and found a whole shelf dedicated to

this latest thriller. I picked a copy up, and read the back.

"Action packed with fight scenes and mystical creatures from

vampires to werewolves..." Sounds pretty good, I thought. Might as

well check it out. I'm sure most of my friends will see it, and this

way I'll be able to get in on the conversation.

I went up to the cashier, and handed him the DVD. "That'll be

$3.99. It's a two-day rental." I passed him a five, and grabbed the

DVD as I got my change.

I headed back outside, and noticed that twilight was quickly

approaching. I glanced at my watch. It was already 7:00. "Shoot!" I

muttered. I was sure to be missing dinner. I turned up the volume on

my CD player to a muted roar, and set my pace at a steady jog so that

if I made good time, I'd be home in fifteen minutes.

But as I was passing by an alley, I noticed a tall figure

looking at me. He was in a long, dark cloak with a hood pulled up to

hide his face. I stopped in surprise; he dropped his hood. He had

blond hair down to his shoulders, and was very muscular. He looked to

be about eighteen or so, and was very pale.

As he stepped into the light from the street lamp, I noticed his eye color. I

involuntarily took a step back. His eyes were a deep burgundy, and

flashed as the street lamp's light reflected off of them. I pulled off

my headphones, and stared at him, waiting for him to explain his

presence.

"Hello there, beautiful. My name is Riley," he purred

seductively. I was immediately entranced by his musically velvet

voice. "What's your name?"

"B-Br-Bree," I stuttered. I couldn't move as he took a step

toward me, though I felt as though I should be frightened. As he

approached, I could see his red eyes smoldering, and I felt found

myself attracted to this mysterious man. I had always learned not to

talk to strangers, but I couldn't tear myself away from his deep gaze.

"What a nice name, Bree. I'm flattered to have met you." I was

surprised to hear this. I was nothing special, but Riley on the other

hand, was stunning. He was very pale, and as his hand stroked my

cheek, I felt his cold skin. I started at his touch.

He brought his lips to my cheek and started kissing his way down

my neck. "You're very beautiful, you know. Come with me. I'd love to

spend eternity with you," he murmured. With his seductive tone, there

was no way that I could refuse him.