THE TALE OF THE DYING ROSEAs each member of the Midnight Society gather around the campfire. The night started to get its hulking feeling of wonder and amazement. The pitch black sky was perfect for a heartless mood and he was bound to make good use of that.
It was David's time to tell the tale and he contentedly sat down, waiting for the last ones of the group to arrive.
As Kristen and Betty Ann arrive…finally settling down. David took the birch bark powder from the sack to his clammy hands and sentenced: "Submitted for the approval of the Midnight Society, I call this story…"
The fire rumbled viciously, lifting upon the eerie request. Shadows ran across the faces of the gang, as David's lips slowly moved: "…The Tale…of the Dying Flower."
And thus, the story began…
Windworth, Florida was a normal, grey, little place. Stuff between two main roads. It was a miracle if a neighbor could manage to maintain itself and history private. Gossip flew like a fly in this little niche of hell.
Jessica was a peculiar girl.
She didn't have a lot of money, nor a big house, unlike her companion Linda. Who lived in a three floor house. She got by with what she could and maintained a hopeful mind for what the future might bring. Her hair was pitch black and had stony white skin. She preffered to dress in casual clothes. Though her appearance might suggest her as a Goth or a satanic worshipper. She was not fond of the stereo typical judgment. So even though she liked the Heavy Metal rifts and how the dark colors matched perfectly with her skin. She didn't make a big fuss about it. It was fall and school was slowly movingly about. The middle of the semester and how Jessica prayed for Christmas Vacation to disembark.
She studied the senior year in the only high-school Windworth had, Seleit. And just now, was moving about to the cafeteria. Finally lunch hour had arrived…! Moving between the hungry teenagers, the hormonal pre-teens and the always seeing professors. She made a quick get-a-way to the little corner of the cafeteria. Were Maria, an older woman in her late 70's sold snacks and all the imaginable tasty junk food possible. --"What'll ya have today, sweetie?"—asked, as regular, the old woman. --"Umm, one chocolate chip cookie and a sandwich, please."—Jessica said politely, she was always fond of her cheerful mood, even if fifteen juniors were surrounding her at once. The old lady always smiled and patiently took their requests. Maria opened one of the many trays that surrounded her and slowly gave Jessica a wrapped up round looking thing. She supposed was her food. ---"Two dollars, dearie."---said the old lady. Not looking at Jessica in the eyes. She always did that. Isabella didn't want to push her luck trying to force the lady into looking at her directly. But, it was weird that she did in fact, evade her. She paid Maria her two dollars and silently walked away. Toward the schools backyard. Sitting on one of many benches she chewed her sandwich and cookie quietly. Watching the other school members walk past her, arguing, laughing, and even kissing. It was a normal and VERY boring day. --Ah, I see that you think the same as me…---a voice said behind her back. Jessica turn backwards to greet a tall, glass eyed boy. Staring down at her, with his share of Maria's Miracle Food. ---Elliot, so you came.---greeted mockingly the girl.---And all this time I thought you weren't going to arrive.---she said cooly. Yeah, she was mad. The black haired goof-ball sheepishly smiled behind his glasses. ---"I'm sorry, Jess. I just thought that…I was catching some kind of pneumonia. With the change of weather and all!"--- ---Hah! ---she cried. Swallowing the last remains of her chocolate cookie---You just didn't want to come on the last day before All Hollow's Vacation. ---she sentenced. Wrapping into a little ball the remaining papers of what was before her meal. Elliot looked at her grimly and then rolled his eyes.—"True, I still think they should give us the whole week if there going to gives us two fricking days of school. Why not give it all free, for once! --- Jessica smiled and got up. Putting a comforting hand on her friends back. ---"Sentiments exactly, Ely. But that doesn't mean you should leave me alone…or at least warn me when you're about TO LEAVE ME ALONE!" ---she shouted faking angriness. Elliot covered himself with the half bitten apple.---"Sorry! Sorry!! Sheesh, I called your cell last night, but it was turned off." --- Jessica looked at him in wonder---At what hour did you call? ---she asked. At the same time, she instinctively checked her back pocket for the well hidden phone. Yes, it was still there. Ely smiled a little, as he drank the one juice he brought with himself everyday. Claiming it to be the best juice ever, even before Sunny Delight. ---After Midnight. ---he commented. Bracing himself for another screamed. Instead he heard nothing. Not a single word. But saw Jessica voluptuous back walking away from him.---"Jessica,, hey, wait!"—he screamed. But she was already making her way through the school hall. Who did he really think he was?! Calling at that time of day! Jessica thought as she passed furiously through the cafeteria. Sure, Elliot was his best friend, but even animals knew when it was the right time to communicate and when it was just inconsiderate. She wasn't going to stay quiet about this, she needed to talk to him about it…just… Jessica gave a piercing yell. As something grabbed her by the shirt and pull her toward the wall. The strength was incredible Maria's trembling hands held her tight as her head was shot down from her sight. ---"What? What are you talking about…? Please, let go of me!"---Jessic a echoed scared. ---"Don't listen to a word they said!"--- ---"Please…"--- ---"Don't let them in…don't befriend the…don't care for the…"---
---"Maria…you're…hurting me…!"--- ----"No, don't…"---- And as Jessica was starting to feel drowsy… ---MARIA!!--- A powerful shout echoed thru the room. The old lady released the girl. …………… Hope you liked it. :) If you want to read the next chapter, please leave a review. It's my way of knowing that you're interested in the story…and it gives me energy to keep writing.
---"Don't listen to them."---she huskily said.