A Remake: Fright Night 2
Chapter One
Reunions
(Author)
This is an actual remake of Fright Night 2 (1987) which coincides with my remake for the first Fright Night (1985). A reader had made a suggestion for a sequel with Jen a bit more of the focus. Well, what the reader didn't know was I had already written one but it wasn't finished so I went ahead and finished it. Basically four years later I finished this. I just want all of you to know that I love when readers give out reviews and suggestions. I am passionate about anything I write; let it be about Fright Night or any of my own original ideas which I haven't had the balls to attempt to publish. I do hope you all read the passion that drives me to produce all these published projects. I pray that all of you enjoy what I've published so far and enjoy this remake/sequel.
Loves,
~GaGa4FrightNight~
The surreal memories flashed through Charley Brewster's mind as he spoke of the unimaginable story of past events. Every detail of death and vampires poured from his mind then passed his lips. Over and over he had told the same story for two years; as those years passed it seemed the memories started fading into a bad nightmare. Ever since he his high school teenaged life independence he sought refuge in an office with a leather sofa trying to determine if what he experienced was something other than reality. With the encouragement from his mom he willingly took the opportunity to spill his story into the ears of a psychologist who sat across from him silently and listening to the unbelievable story. Entering into his college independent life he came to understand that the reality of the situation wasn't as it once seemed. Finishing his story, he waited for a response from the psychologist.
"Okay, Charles," The psychologist Dr. Franks finally spoke, "What really happened?" He sat in his leather chair hold a pad of paper and pen.
"Well, Jerry Dandridge was a serial killer who killed my best friend Ed Thompson, kidnapped my girlfriend Amy Peterson and my sister Jennifer. All that triggered a defense mechanism in my brain that made me believe he was a vampire." Charley explained what he had been told over and over by the psychologist.
"Was Jerry Dandridge a vampire?" Dr. Franks asked while writing down Charley's healthy response.
"No," Charley simply replied.
"Why is that, Charles?" Dr. Franks asked; trying to determine if Charlie really believed the supposed truth.
"Because vampires aren't real," Charley replied with a smile.
"Are you certain?" Dr. Franks asked while continuing to write in his note pad.
"Yes, they simply don't exist." Charley spoke with certainty.
"What about the others," Dr. Franks questioned, "If they believe he was vampire then isn't possible that he was?"
Charley chuckled, "We were all victims of group hypnosis which fed off my delusion that Dandridge was a vampire. Dandridge simply took advantage of what I thought was real and had all of us involved believing it."
"Okay, that's good," Dr. Franks nodded, "Now; I know Jennifer is coming for a visit. You're picking her up from the airport tonight, correct?"
"Correct," Charley nodded.
"So, how are you going to approach her about her belief that Dandridge was a vampire?" Dr. Franks asked, curious about Charley's plan of approach.
"Honestly, I haven't figured it out yet." Charley confessed, "It's going to be really difficult seeing Peter tonight. Afterwards I have to pick Jen up and I'm not sure if I can deal with two in one night. I'm not even sure if I have the heart to tell them everything they believe they saw and did was just a huge delusion shared by all of us."
"Well, you've taken a huge step by accepting the truth and reality of the entire situation." Dr. Franks replied with a smile, "It's taken you two years to accept everything as it really was and your sister and Mr. Vincent haven't had the opportunity like you have. Your sister obviously has difficult issues concerning what she believes happened to her." He referred to the fact he started treating Charley and Jen as a group but Jen's fear of seeing the truth drove her from his therapy and eventually drove her to move out of state.
"Yeah, I know," Charley nodded, "I wish Jen would've stayed and got some help. Maybe this time I can convince her to get the help she needs. I haven't seen her since she dropped out of high school and took off out West. Mom hears from her now and then just like me. So, I'm really nervous about seeing her."
Dr. Franks stood up, "Charles, the best thing is for you to face your fears about seeing Peter and Jennifer. It's a type of closure; even if you can't convince them to get help. Perhaps seeing you is what Jennifer needs; she needs to come face to face with you so she can see that you're now living in the real world not in some on going nightmare. Be there for her, that's a good beginning to give her support and comfort then she may come around."
Charley stood up and sighed, "I know you're right, Doc."
"I am," Dr. Franks nodded in agreement, "Take your time. Have fun visiting Peter then enjoy seeing Jennifer again. Do for them as I have done for you; patience and understanding."
Charley nodded, "Thanks, Doc." He walked with the doctor to the office door.
Dr. Franks patted Charley's shoulder, "Good luck and I'll see you next week." He nudged Charley out the door to prepare for another patient who seemed to have fewer problems than Charley expressed the past two years.
Charley's life seemed to have taken a positive thrust forward in the past year. He was a college Junior starting his own life. His mind was cleared of vampires and everything else that could go bump in the night. At the beginning of the end two years ago he struggled with the thin line between reality and not reality. The struggle put a strain on his life but became corrected as he eased into the sessions with Dr. Franks. As he became aware of the truth it seemed to have put a definite strain on his relationship with Amy; the relationship ended not even a month after his therapy started. His relationship with Peter became effected even though he didn't have the heart to ruin the actor's pride given by defeated a so called vampire. As for his relationship with Jen; there became a huge wedge when they started therapy together. His sister became a different person; her track star status crumbled and her energy for enjoying high school life faded into defiance.
His new life was bright; focusing on achieving a college degree and dating a psych major that was reluctant with his advances just as Amy. Everything was different now that vampires were a thing of the past; buried beneath two years of therapy. After his millionth session with Dr. Franks, he returned to his dorm room and gathered all the vampire defenses then tossed them into the dumpster as a signal that vampires would never affect his life again. Though he was to face two individuals still deluded with vampire thoughts and planted memories; he wasn't going to allow them to bring down his great progress. The one thing he was thankful for was he wasn't going to go alone to face Peter and Jen; his new sweetheart Alex was going to be at his side with her wise therapeutic support.
He returned to his dorm room to prepare to get ready for his evening with Alex. He showered then stepped before the bathroom mirror to shave. He lathered his face with shaving cream then removed a razor. Firstly he was careful while shaving but it seemed to take far too long just to get a clean shaven face so he started to rush. Up his neck he stroked the razor; moving so quickly he quickly felt the sharp sting of the razor cutting the side of his neck. He cussed at the razor then wiped away the blood and taped a Band-Aid over the slick cut. There was nothing like a shaving accident to make him look like an idiot. He continued shaving but used a bit more caution.
Evening approached as Charley pulled into the visitor parking lot of the studio Fright Night was filmed every evening. He got out of his restored Mustang and stepped to the front of the car as Alex stepped beside him. "Well, are you ready for weird night?" He asked Alex.
"Charley, all our dates are weird." Alex commented with a smirk then Charlie grabbed her hand and tugged her with him toward the studio entrance.
Inside the studio Peter Vincent introduced himself to his viewers with the entire Fright Night crew watching. He moved through his usual film dedicated set. "Good evening," He spoke into the camera, "Once again, we come to another night of bloodlust filled creatures of the night. Before tonight's movie begins; I will again warn that the night is always hiding the deadly creatures in its shadows. Vampires are around us and we must protect ourselves from their bloodthirsty attacks. Those who are forewarned are forearmed." He smiled, proud of his advice to the unknowing television world but the producer wasn't.
The producer of Fright Night Theater grimaced knowing Peter again failed to speak what the script said. He slammed the script down and gritted his teeth. "What am I going to do with this guy?" He grumbled standing beside the sound tech, "He doesn't read one word from the script and rambles bullshit."
"You should learn by now, Morty, the man refuses to read from the scripts." The sound tech stated, "He's a stubborn old fart; apparently determined to tell the world about vampires or something crazy like that."
"Well," Morty frowned crossing his arms, "Something's gonna be done before this show tanks again."
Peter continued smile; pleased by another evening of warning the public of vampires' existence. He stepped from the set and pleasantly saw Charley and Alex standing behind the cameras. "Charley," He spoke happily, having not seen Charley in such a long time. He rushed passed the cameras and took Charley by surprise by embracing the fellow vampire killer. "Oh, it's so nice to see you! Ah, who is this lovely young woman?" He looked to Alex after finishing his embrace.
"Peter, I'd like you to meet…" Charley attempted to introduce Alex as his girlfriend but she stepped forward shaking Peter's hand.
"I'm Alex," Alex introduced herself; specifically not enjoying the title of girlfriend, "It's really nice to meet you, Mr. Vincent. Charley's told me a lot about you." She smiled and glanced at Charley who looked confused by her unwillingness to admit she was his girlfriend.
"A pleasure, my dear," Peter smiled sweetly.
The reunion between Peter and Charley continued in Peter's apartment which was practically a theatrical museum dedicated to the many vampire films he made. Peter enjoyed sharing stories about his films; the many adventures of playing the reoccurring role of the Great Vampire Killer which he oddly took on in real life two years ago. He spoke of scene that almost were botched by defective props and indulged in describing the use of each and every one of his movie props. But the one story he wished to share was the one he and Charlie experienced together. He stepped up to Charley and whispered, "Does she know about the…"
"The vampires," Alex overheard and couldn't refuse interrupting, "Yes, Mr. Vincent, Charley has told me all about the vampires." She stepped up to Charlie trying to maintain herself from analyzing Peter's belief about vampires which Charley once shared.
"Well, then he told you the greatest story of them all." Peter smiled gleefully as he poured more wine into Alex and Charley's glass then led them into his small living room. They sat down on his sofa as he seated himself in his favorite chair. "My dear, you wouldn't believe the adventure we had." His mind reminisced about the night he and Charley defeated Jerry Dandridge together.
"I probably wouldn't," Alex replied trying not to sound skeptical but her psyche education made her think only with logic.
"Oh, I almost forgot something," Peter stood up and offered his hand to Alex, "Let me show you something." He waited for Alex to reluctantly take his then led her elsewhere in the apartment.
Charley set his glass of wine on the table and stood up scanning Peter's entire vampire trapped and slaying memorabilia. The story Peter spoke of had become more of a bad nightmare in his mind; things have changed for him but not for poor Peter. He listened to Peter yammering on and on about something vampire related as he stepped to the living room window. He appreciated Alex's patience but he felt he still didn't have the heart to tell Peter the truth about their experience. He pulled back the curtain and looked four floors down at the large grounds below. Below he saw a moving truck parked before the steps leading onto the apartment grounds and watched as moving men used dollies to remove long rectangular wooden crates from the back of the truck. He frowned; there was almost a familiar temptation. "Thanks," He mumbled, "But no thanks."
"Charley, it's getting late." Alex called to Charley who turned around, "Don't you have to pick up your sister soon?"
"Yeah," Charley replied as he left the window temptation behind, "We probably should get going."
"Ah, so soon?" Peter sighed, "Well, make certain you bring Jennifer by for a visit."
"Will do, Peter." Charley smiled but he didn't think it would be a good idea of bringing to vampire believers together.
Charley and Alex managed to slip away from Peter's persistent ongoing stories. In the building's elevator they stood talking about the little visit. "So, what do you think of Peter Vincent the Great Vampire Killer?" He asked Alex who quickly smiled.
"He's a little eccentric but very sweet." Alex replied, "He honestly believes in vampires, doesn't he?"
"Yeah," Charley nodded, "But I would like to show you something I believe in." He winked at her.
The elevator doors came open to expose that Charley in deed was showing Alex what he believed in; making out. Their lips parted and eyes looked out into the dimly lit apartment lobby. They stepped out into the lobby which was huge with pillars and fancy furnishings. Alex announced she needed to use the bathroom and quickly went to find the facilities. Charley was left alone in the slightly eerie lobby; each of his footsteps echoed against the high ceilings. He turned around while looking up at the ceiling hung with fancy chandeliers. It was a fairly nice building that once was a prosperous hotel which was later transformed into an apartment building. He sat down on one of the lobby chairs waiting for Alex to return.
As Charley sat quietly scanning over the lobby walls the sound of the front doors opening shifted his attention. He peeked around one of the pillars to see a group of three enter the lobby. There were two men and one woman; the woman walked in front of the two men with a very sensual womanly sway. He became focused on the woman as she slowly passed the pillar moving toward the elevator. He shifted and looked around the other side of the pillar. She was dressed in a quite flattering form fitting midnight blue skirt embroidered with dainty sparkling black beads. His drifted to the woman's nicely molded rear where the hem of her black mink shawl brushed just above it. He watched her step into the elevator as the two men stepped to either side of her. He finally had a glimpse of her front side which had a bosom lifting black corset wrapped around her torso. He smirked as his eyes drifted upward to see her rather beautiful face; her lips full and painted burgundy, eyes large and light brown. The woman's enchanting presence seemed to charm him into a daze.
The ebony haired beauty smiled softly noticing Charley's intoxicated expression. Behind her the man wearing a black baseball cap and disguising black sunglasses pulled the steel gates of the old elevator closed but her eyes sensually stared at young Charley. The man turned around trying to control his odd laughter as the main elevator doors finally closed.
Charley was suddenly snapped from his daze as he felt his cell phone vibrate. He quickly scrambled to pull the phone from his pants pocket, flipped it open, and then answered, "Hello."
At the local airport Jennifer Brewster spoke into one of the many pay phones, "Hey, it's me. The plane arrived a little early." She listened to her brother's voice for a moment, "Okay, I'll be waiting. Yeah, can't wait to see you, too." She hung up the phone, grabbed her two bags and stepped out into the designated smoking area.
Jen had changed so much since her experience she shared with Charlie, Peter, and Amy. It wasn't only her emotional and metal state that changed; physically in appearance wise she had been transformed. She had become obsessed with vampires and everything dark which gave her a more Gothic look. Her once brown hair now was darkened to the darkest black imaginable. Her once bright wardrobe had faded into darker shades of every color; no more pastels or bright colors just simple blacks, grays, and other black darkened colors. Her addiction to cigarettes had heightened which delivered outside the airport to enjoy a long desired smoke.
She sat down, removed a pack of cigarettes and a drawing pad from her carry on bag but had to dig out her hidden lighter from one of her wheeled suitcases. After lighting a cigarette she sat back against the bench and opened her drawing pad to a page she had been working one during her long flight from California. Her personality had become dark and almost secluded. She never really socialized with anyone; her mind was constantly reminded about the evening she had tasted immortality. The drawing within her sketch pad displayed those reoccurring nightmares which focused on her almost eternal mate, Jerry Dandridge.
She used her charcoal pencil continuing a very prominent memory of the evening Dandridge had tasted her blood in attempt to drive her to become his for all eternity. Her brown eyes, now highlighted by thick black mascara and eyeliner with lids brushed with charcoal gray, moved steadily with each stroke of her pencil. Perhaps it was her type of therapy created a drawn scrap book of unending memories from one single week of nightmarish proportions. She flicked the ash from her cigarette and stuck the tip back between her lips while exhaling through her nose.
"Excuse me," A voice spoke, "I couldn't get a light from you by any chance?"
Jen pried her eyes from the drawing and looked up at a man who was practically equal in her Gothic appearance. She didn't reply but handed her lighter to the man who immediately lit his own cigarette then handed the lighter back to her. She again turned to the drawing.
"Thank you," The man replied then sat down beside her as she seemingly ignored his presence. He was dressed almost as a blast from the past. He wore a forties styled wardrobe sporting an ankle length gray leather trench coat undone, black trousers with gray pinstripes, fringe frilled loafers, a gray gentleman's hat, and gray suspenders over a more modern black tight sweater with a t-shirt collar. He cross his legs and spied through his black sunglasses noticing her drawing. "You are quite the artist." He complimented with a British accent.
Jen simple glanced at the man and smiled her thanks then returned her attention to the drawing representing the vampire's fanged embrace on her neck.
The man removed his hat releasing thick black and red tipped strands which fell against the stems of his sunglasses. He exhaled, "Stuck waiting for a ride too, I see."
Jen nodded.
"Not much of a talker either." The man commented.
Jen lifted her eyes finding the man's persistence attempt to start a conversation a bit annoying. She turned her head and looked at him, "I'm kinda busy, sorry."
"Oh, my bad," The man rolled his eyes, "I've been stuck on a plane for nearly a dozen hours while this babbling idiot persistently thought I was in the mood to speak to a moron. Perhaps I can understand your unwillingness to share a little chitchat." He crossed his legs and turned his head to look away from her.
Jen sighed; perhaps she was a tad rough on the stranger. "I'm sorry," She finally apologized, "This is my first night back; I've been away for some time and I'm a bit nervous." She watched the man turn his head and look at her.
"Understandable," The man replied, "What brings you back?" He took a drag from his cigarette then exhaled from the corner of his mouth.
"I'm here to visit my brother." Jen answered, "How about you? You've obviously traveled a long ways or are you on a layover?"
"No layover," The man replied resting his arm on the back of the bench, "I'm actually here on the same terms as you. I've come to meet up with my sister; she's performing here. I haven't seen her for a very, very long time."
"Oh, that's nice." Jen commented, "What does she do?"
"Well, something along the lines of a performance artist." The man explained flicking the ash off his cigarette, "Apparently she's pretty good; I personally wouldn't know since I haven't seen one of her performances."
Jen nodded with a smile, "Sounds like it has been a really long time since you've seen her; maybe longer than me, seeing my brother that is."
"We both have been very busy but we've decided to take the time to reunite." He explained a bit more, "We've shared a tragic loss in our family and sort of decided to honor this particular person by coming together."
"Oh, I'm sorry for your loss." She stated as she closed her sketch pad, "Well, at least some good has come from it. I'm not sure if my reunion will be as pleasant."
"Whenever family comes together; there is always something pleasant." The man attempted to ease Jen's worry, "You'll see one another and leap into a loving embrace as if time hadn't passed."
Jen giggled a bit, "I wish I could be as certain as you."
The man decided their little conversation needed an introduction of two strangers. He offered his hand to Jen, "Nathan,"
Jen smiled and shook Nathan's hand, "Jennifer and it's nice to meet you, Nathan."
"Everyone calls me Nate." Nate stated releasing Jen's hand.
"Well, Nate," Jen replied, "Most everyone calls me Jen."
"It is a pleasure meeting you, Jen." He smiled then noticed his ride pull up; a black limousine, "Well, it seems our little conversation has been cut short." He stood up but removed a business card from his pocket then handed it to Jen.
"What's this?" Jen asked as she looked down at black business card with red letterings.
"My contact number in case you would like to continue our conversation while you are visiting with your brother." He explained.
"Okay," Jen smiled up at Nate, "We'll see." She watched Nate walk to the limo as the quite large driver opened the door for him. Once the limo drove off she again occupied herself with another cigarette and continued her drawing.
From the towering rooftop of the five story apartment building came the loud sounds of massive wings flapping and high pitched squeals. Through the air the mighty winged beast moved in high speed following the white Mustang traveling toward the direction of the college campus. It halted keeping its wings moving as it floated high above the stopped Mustang. Downward it flew aimed for the roof of the Mustang.
Inside the Mustang Charley was preparing to end his evening with Alex who sat uncomfortably in the passenger seat. It seemed all his evenings with Alex ended awkwardly; he was never sure how she would respond if given a goodnight kiss or anything intimate. He's already been slapped and shoved but they managed to keep on going with their strange relationship; if relationship is the proper word to describe what was between them. He turned his head and smiled at her as she smiled back. "Well, I guess this is goodnight." He hummed; afraid to dare another kiss like they shared in the elevator, "Are you sure you can't go with me to pick up Jen?"
"I have to get up at seven in the morning, Charley." Alex agreed; she too was feeling awkward. She really liked Charley but didn't want to compromise her future career as a psychologist.
"Who actually wakes up at seven in the morning anymore?" Charley frowned knowing his first class wasn't until noon. He sat quietly for a moment trying to figure out what to do next. He made his decision, "Ah, hell with it." He quickly leaned over and surprised Alex with a super goodnight kiss.
As they kissed; Charley felt something strange which nudged him to heighten the passion of the kiss he was giving Alex. He ignored her mumbling his name within the passionate kiss. His arms wrapped around her as he became consumed with the desire to provoke more passion between him and Alex. Perhaps his new aggressiveness had something to do with the striking vixen lying on her side atop the roof of the Mustang.
The woman from the apartment; the sultry and exotic looking woman continued to lay atop of the roof with a cunning grin on her face. Her dark burgundy painted fingertips moved slowly against the metal roof in a circular motion. Her eyes stared down as if seeing through roof and watched Charley's newfound aggression towards the intimidated Alex. She closed her light brown eyes focusing on the energy flowing from Charley. She sensed every part of his young mind and body which desired his hormones to be satisfied. Her lips puckered as they continued to grin; each circle her fingertips created added further to Charley's sexual aggression towards Alex. Almost like a puppet master tugging on young Charley's vulnerable strings; she started controlling his growing urges.
Charley seemed numb as Alex pushed back against him. His mind swirled with desire wanting to touch and kiss Alex. His eyes partially opened and saw a face that wasn't Alex's; the vixen from the apartment stared back at him. Suddenly he was shoved but also he was startled by what he thought he saw. He blinked his eyes and saw Alex's angered face. He had no idea what took over him. Seeing Alex's pissed expression definitely gave him the harsh truth that he went too far this time.
"Goodnight, Charley!" Alex snapped and angrily stormed out of the car. She ignored Charley's call and stomped around the Mustang then onto the walkway leading to the section of girl dorms she occupied. Again, Charley managed to get her in an uproar over his persistent need to bring their somewhat relationship to a whole other level; a level she wasn't ready to pursue. She glanced back to see Charley pull away; her lips pursed together and she continued along the lengthy and curvy walkway.
As Alex moved along the dark walkway; behind her she had no idea she was being followed. Something speedy and sly darted from bush to bush keeping a close watch while following her. The sound of panting was subtle as a gray wolf move cautiously and sneakily behind her. Across the walkway it would scamper then back across into another bush. She neared a more lit area near the entrance to her building and the stalking canine quickly moved keeping close to the lining bushes. She paused and used her security card to open the dorm building's door. She proceeded into the dorm and the hairy beast darted forward but the doors came shut and the wolf slammed into the glass as if blind. She skidded to a halt hearing the loud thud then turned around. She stepped up to the doors and looked out to see nothing but as she turned around, in the bushes near the doors was the sound of loud panting then a spark of glowing red orbs flashed.
From the doors a young female student stepped carrying a hefty stack of text books. She left the dorm where she had been studying and moved along another walkway leading back toward the dorms she stayed. The campus was quiet; more so than most evenings. The young woman strolled along continuing to follow the walkway which moved within a darker portion of the campus. She stepped between two buildings taking a shortcut to her dorm. Halfway down the shortcut she was startled as two fellow students stepped out of one of the many doors; she dropped all five text books. She huffed in frustration as they continued on their way without stopping to help her pick up the mess they caused her to make. Reluctantly she knelt down to gather the scattered books and loose papers that had been stored in the books.
The sound of wheels caused the young woman to lift her head to look down the lengthy shortcut stretched between the buildings. Her eyes squinted trying to see the source of the sound but shook it off and continued putting the papers back into the right text books. The wheel sound again came followed by a lengthy scraping. Again she lifted her head and squinted to see something moving along the shadows within the centered building gap. Quickly she started gathering her papers shoving them into any book and kept looking up seeing the movement come closer and heard the spinning wheels of a skateboard continue. She froze upon another look up; moving quickly towards her was a long haired man riding atop a black skateboard. She slowly stood up trying to balance her books with her eyes wide and staring at the man. The man came into a clearer view; his arms stretched outward as he crouched on his skateboard with his lips snarling fangs.
The young woman spun around dropping her book to the ground but before she could run the fanged skateboarder leapt off his skateboard grabbing her from behind. She screamed as he jerked her backwards then felt the painful bite rip into the side of her neck. Her scream faded as blood spurted from where the fangs were injected; the blood splattered across her scattered text books. Slowly her body went limps in the arms of the vampire skateboarder then she was lifted into his arms and he again jumped atop his skateboard with amazing balance and left the scene of the attack.
Charley pulled up to the passenger loading and unloading space at the airport; firstly he didn't even recognize Jen as she stood up and approaching he refurbished Mustang. He turned his head as she leaned down to the passenger window. His mouth gaped; shocked by the surprise of his sister's new image. "Jen," He mumbled in disbelief.
"Hey, little bro," Jen greeted as she opened the Mustang door then shoved her suitcases into the backseat. She got inside and slammed the door. She turned her head as her brother stared at her in shock. "The Mustang looks good." She commented on how well he managed to finally repair and finished the Mustang which was brutally attacked by a vampire two years ago.
"Um," Charley mumbled again, "Thanks and you look…um…well." He turned his head and shifted the Mustang into gear.
"So, how you been?" Jen asked trying to ignore her brother's surprise towards her obvious transformation.
"Good," Charley replied, "And you?"
"I guess I'm alright." She replied; there wasn't any certainty how to speak to her brother anymore and wasn't sure how their visit would go, "How's Mom?"
"She's doing great," He replied still in disbelief to how much Jen had changed, "She can't wait to see you. She has your room ready."
"Oh," She mumbled not sure if he was going to like what she was about to explain, "I'm not going to the house." She wanted to stay as far away as possible from the old Victorian where her nightmares began.
"What?" He glanced at her in disbelief, "You have to see Mom. She's been worried about you. You barely call or let her know how you're doing."
"I'll see Mom; eventually." She commented trying to avoid a confrontation, "I figured I'd stay at the hotel not far from your campus."
"Jen," He huffed; not ready for a whole discussion about what happened and the truth behind it all, "You and I are going to have to sit down and have a little talk." Jen giggled in response to his statement which made him glance at her again in disbelief.
"Which one of us is older, Chuck?" She asked using the nickname she always called him, "I'm a big girl, Chuck, and I know what's best for me. I came back because I hadn't seen you or Mom for a long time." She looked at him hoping he'd understand what she was saying.
"Yeah, whose fault is that?" He asked sarcastically, "You left home. You dropped out of high school. You ran to California because you couldn't handle the truth. Now you sound as if you're doing us a favor by coming home; if you're going to act like this then your trip back has been in vain."
Jen crossed her arms, "Pull over."
"What?" Charley looked over at her.
"I'm not fighting." She refused to look at him, "Just pull the car over."
Charley pulled the Mustang onto the curb in the middle of town. Before he could make another comment Jen got out of the car and began gathering her suitcases. "Damn it, Jen," He grumbled as he got out of the Mustang and looked over the roof at her, "You're gonna run again, huh?"
"No," Jen replied as she set her luggage on the curb, "I'm going to go to the hotel and get some sleep."
"Why are you doing this?" He asked, still unable to figure out the new person his sister had become, "Just let me take you to Mom's."
"Chuck, I said no," She dug into one of her bags for change as Charlie stepped around the Mustang, "I'm really tired, Chuck, and I don't have the energy to explain myself to you or Mom. I came here to see my little brother and Mother, not get my ass chewed out or ridiculed." She stood up and looked at her brother's frown.
"I'll take you to the hotel, okay?" He offered not wanting to leave her on the street alone.
"I really don't want to give you anymore trouble." She stated while pulling the black business card from her pocket.
"Honestly, it's no trouble," Charley wanted to end the bickering, "I'll take you, okay?"
Jen stared down at the contact information given to her by the new friend she made at the airport. She lifted her head to look at Charley. She wished what Nate said would happen had. Her reunion quickly turned into a big argument before they even got five miles from the airport; she didn't have the energy to deal with what Charley thought of her. So far the things he said were true; she did run away when she was unable to take charge and deal with what happened like he had. "Chuck," She started, "Just get in the car and I'll call you tomorrow."
"Jen, don't do this." Charley begged; perhaps he was too harsh, "I'm sorry about saying what I did. I was too hard on you. I'm really sorry."
Jen smiled a little hearing the sincerity in his voice. "I know you are." She stepped up to him and patted him on the cheek, "I'm sorry too. It's been a long day and maybe a nice evening walk will clear my head. I'll be fine."
"I can't just leave…" He started to say but her quickly hugging him interrupted.
"I love you, Chuck." She sighed while hugging her little brother and fought back the tears, "You're an awesome brother and I'm proud of you." She hadn't said such things to him since the evening their lives were turned up side down.
Charley was taken by surprise by what she just said. He hugged her back sensing she was more troubled than before. "I'll do it if you promise you'll call tomorrow so we can meet up, okay?" He suggested; not really wanting to let her be alone.
Jen stepped back, "Thank you." She kissed his cheek, "I promise."
"Okay," Charley reluctantly agreed, "Be careful, okay?"
"I'm a big girl; I've survived California." She joked, attempted to lighten the mood, "I'll see you tomorrow."
Charley nodded then reluctantly returned to his Mustang and left his sister standing on the curb in the middle of town.
Jen watched the Mustang disappear. She always managed to avoid confrontations; especially when she knew it would lead to Charley trying to convince that past events weren't as they seemed. She grabbed her luggage and started toting them down the sidewalk. Not much had changed; everything was the same as she had left it. What had changed was her; her desperation to remain alone with her dark memories seemed to drive her to push away everyone. She was used to walking alone. She was alone in a huge world being haunted by disturbing memories that were darker than any nightmare imaginable; the memories were real even if her brother no longer believed.
She reached another familiar part of town which was quiet and lit by street lights. She found a single payphone at a closed convenient store and decided to call the stranger from the airport. There was something about Nate that gave her a sense of common ground though she only spoke to the man for only a few minutes. She would rather take a chance with a stranger than sitting in a car bickering with her brother. She dialed the number and put in the requested change.
On the campus grounds the black limousine from the airport was parked. Inside the skateboarder enjoyed the tasty flavor of the young college student as his female master sat watching. Beside her was Nate who had just finished suckling from the young woman's wrist and in front of him on the floorboard was the wildly eccentric Evil Ed Thompson who was buck-naked after running around campus in gray wolf form. Evil stared at the female victim; he was starving and wanting a healthy taste. "Um," Evil mumbled, "Is there anyway I can get some of that?" He looked to the vampire vixen.
Nate looked at his sister. "What do you say, Regine," He spoke to her, "Can the little bugger have a little taste?"
Regine smiled at Evil then nodded which sent the hungry young vampire into a feeding frenzy on what blood was left inside the victim.
Nate perked up hearing the Type O Negative ring tone sing from his cell phone. He smirked; wondering who it was calling him so late. He pulled the cell from his pocket, saw an unfamiliar number then flipped it open and put it up to his ear. "Yes?" He asked then smiled hearing a pleasant surprise; his eyes looked over at his sister then winked from behind his sunglasses.
Jen stood in the phone booth. "Hi, it's the stranger from the airport." She greeted Nate.
"Well, what a pleasant surprise." Nate replied with a grin, "I hadn't expected you to call so soon."
"Um," Jen mumbled looking around the vacant lot of the convenient store, "I'm sorta in need of a favor."
"Please, do ask," He urged Jen.
"I'm sorta in need of a ride." She hinted.
"Ah, did your brother not show up?" He asked, trying to sound concerned.
"Well, he did but our reunion wasn't as pleasant as expected." She explained, "I'm at Bob's Convenient Store. I don't want to impose…"
"Oh, nonsense," He interrupted her, "I'll gladly give you a lift. You stay put and I'll be there shortly."
"Really?" She smiled; pleased that he was willing to help, "I really appreciate it."
"Of course," He again winked at his sister, "Don't worry, I'll come to the rescue."
"Thank you, Nate." She slightly blushed, "Well, I guess I'll see you in a bit."
"Yes, you will. See you soon." He ended the call and smiled at his sister, "Well, it looks as if we both will be busy this evening, dear sister. That was Ms. Jennifer Brewster who needs the assistance of yours truly. Would you mind if I borrow Bossely and the limo for a short time?"
"But of course," Regine replied then looked to the open divider, "Bossely, sweetheart, I need you to take my brother where he needs to go."
"Yes, Ma'am," Bossely replied.
Regine looked to Evil, "You're going to pay a visit to Charley's girlfriend while I pay a visit to Charley, understood?" She watched Evil wipe off his mouth then nod. She turned to her long time assistant Beau, "Darling, I need you to take care of this mess while we tend to other important things." Beau nodded in agreement to her order. She sat for moment waiting for Bossely to open the limo door; the door opened and she stepped out as Evil darted from the limo to do as he was ordered then Beau stepped out and pulled out the young woman's body.
Before the door shut, Regine bent down and looked inside at her younger brother. "I'll be waiting at the apartment to hear everything that happens." She explained to Nate, "But don't play too hastily. We're taking our time, remember."
"Not to worry," Nate replied as he leaned forward smiling at his sister, "You know me; the slower the better."
"I haven't forgotten." Regine smiled then leaned into the limousine kissing her brother's cheek, "See you later." She left the limo taking flight and aimed her winged self towards the boys' dormitory where Charley lived.
(Author)
So, hope you enjoyed the latest addition to the Dandridge Clan, Nate. Glad I put Evil Ed in here instead of the other dude Louis? I am. Ain't Fright Night without Evil Ed, damn it!
~GaGa4FrightNight~