Fright Night 2011
Another Prequel
Part Three
When the Adults Are Away
Jerry Shall Play!
(Author)
Well, Jerry is gonna make good his vacation time and with a little help from Tori and his mechanical skills; his vacation will keep on getting better! You will be introduced to a particular place that really exists in the U.P. and has been one of the biggest supernatural mysteries and hot spots. Been to the place more times than I could count and was terrified by it a few times; once it came right for us! What is it? Read and you shall find out!
The adults were gone! The entire house was Maddi's. The big old farm house all hers! For a whole two weeks she was on her own without Otto's fat face in hers! She screamed for joy standing on the wrap around front porch while stomping her feet excitedly. She ran down the porch steps then back up and did her best Rocky impersonation with her fists joyfully in the air. Back into the house she danced; about to burst into a Tom Cruise impersonation from Risky Business but immediately texted Tori that she was free! She cranked up the living room stereo blaring the loud and thumping and angry music that was Korn; nope, no more having to turn it down because Otto said so. Not only was she free she was officially eighteen and was preparing to celebrate with already eighteen Tori at her sign. Where were they going to go; well, where else? The casino! She raced around the house, occasionally stopping to reply or send an excited text to Tori. Around the house she danced just in her lacy bra and matching boy shorts. Her feet slapped against the redone hardwood flooring while prancing around feeling the blissfulness of freedom and officially being an adult.
Though the music blared, the distinct sound of Otto's bear dogs barking from their pen out back could be heard but it was nothing new since they barked all the damned time to every little noise nature made. Outside in the seclusion of night; the Garvinen farm located on nearly two hundred acres of secluded land; there was a motion moving along the gravel driveway which erupted the pack of hunting dogs into a barking frenzy. The dark figure moved towards the parked nineteen sixties VW Bug then to the unlocked driver's side door. Jerry Dandridge reached through the open window and pulled the lever popping the backend hood of the old Bug. He turned and stepped to the back then lifted the curved hood. The music was loud inside the house while the dogs continued their warning fit; within a minute he slammed the hood down with his eyes looking to the well lit house. He turned around and made his way back down the driveway with a whistle.
Maddi stepped out onto the porch closing and locking the front door but almost every light inside was left on; no Otto to shout to turn off the lights. She stepped down the porch steps with a huge smile over her lip-glossed lips; the first time in a while she put on makeup. Also for the first time ever she wore a dress; a pretty yellow sundress with its hem drastically short just below her rear but, of course, she wore a thinner knit hooded sweater. Armed with her Bug's keys and her purse with her ID; she bounced towards the powder blue Volkswagen Beetle. Her first night of freedom and being proclaimed an official adult; nothing was going to get in her way! She got behind the wheel and after a few turns of the key the little car revved then was backed up and turned around. The little car made a little spit and sputter and the gears grinded but forward it moved out of the driveway and onto the dirt road. She slipped a CD into the installed stereo and cranked up the installed speakers and began to thump her fingers against the steering wheel; ignored the engine light which always been on since the car was purchased.
The Beetle Bug rolled out of Mass City with the two best friends giddy with excitement. The windows rolled down and music blaring while they sang along loudly. Inside the tiny car they bobbed back and forth while chanting and singing along; their faces all smiles and eyes beaming. The car was turned onto the south heading road at the junction several miles out of town; headed straight for the infamous Military Hill that was treacherous in the winters during any ice storm. There was nothing but a clear road ahead; the night sky illuminated by a full moon and millions of brilliant stars. It was the perfect evening for two friends to finally step out into their small secluded world as adult ladies looking for a good time at the only real hot spot for nearly a hundred miles; the Lac Vaux Desert Casino and Resort where all just turned eighteen year olds go on their first adventure as adults. The car sped along the deep valley dips and winding roads that made up Military Hill; barely any other cars traveling that Monday night.
Nearing the little town of Bruce's Crossing where a four way junction was located; the little Beetle began to again spit and sputter but worse than it ever had before. Both young ladies started to look worried. Maddi knew there was plenty gas having filled up at the gas station in Mass City before heading that direction. Feeling the car jerk and jerk she had no choice but to roll the damned thing into the twenty four hour gas station and convenient store right at the junction. Maddi shut the car off; her evening of excitement and prospects of gambling were quickly being dashed. She made an attempt to start the car but it refused to spit or sputter to life. She was mortified and looked over at Tori who was horrified with the idea of now being stuck there or having to call Tori's parents for rescue. "Damn it!" she growled, "Why now?! This is bullshit!"
Tori slumped back in the bucket seat and looked out the passenger window; to her pleasant surprise she watched a very familiar black and chromed Dodge Ram roll to the gas pumps. "Well, looky dere," she sang, nudged Maddi who had just banged her head on the steering wheel then pointed out the window, "I think we got ourselves our knight in shining big assed pickup."
Maddi lifted her head and looked where Tori pointed. She blinked a few times; how ironic was it that her damned itty bitty piece of shit happened to break down and there Jerry Dandridge showed up at the same damned spot. Was it fate? She looked to Tori who beamed with delight of such an ironic scenario. "No," she shook her head, "We can't."
Tori didn't even bother looking at Maddi and grabbed her purse, "Oh da hell we can't." she eagerly got out of the Bug as Jerry was pumping gas into his huge beast.
"Tori!" Maddi tried not to yell as she unwillingly got out of the car with her purse strap tugged over her bare shoulder. She moved around the car but stumbled the moment her stomach suddenly felt a bit queasy with a sharp pain. Her hand pressed against her stomach then the nausea faded but the pain somewhat lingered. She continued forward trying to catch up to her damned stubborn and forward best friend. "Tori," she desperately called out while Tori continued marching towards the gas pumps. She stumbled a bit again feeling that weird queasiness followed by a little sharp punch in the gut. She swallowed; maybe it was her nerves getting the better of her not sure about bugging the attractive guy for help. "Tori," she said again and continued forward working through whatever was getting to her stomach.
Jerry wasn't blind, wasn't stupid; he knew exactly what he was doing and saw them heading right into his direction though he played unassuming. He put the pump nozzle back in its place on the pump and heard Tori shouting his name. He firstly played off like he didn't hear and stepped between the pumps and 'finally' took notice when Tori again cheered his name. "Well, hello, ladies," he played it off surprised; such a talented actor. He watched bright eyed and bouncy Tori practically jump before the pump.
"Hey ya, Jerry," Tori smiled wide, "Ya just happened to show up right when Maddi's car decided to take a shit." She turned to the side and pointed passed Maddi at the powder blue broken down Bug. She turned her attention back to their only hope for rescue besides calling her parents. "See, we were heading down to da casino 'cause today's Maddi's big eighteenth birthday and would ya know, the damned car breaks down half way dere." She shook her head planting her hands on her hips.
Maddi stepped up somewhat behind Tori; wasn't sure what was going on with her stomach and again felt that awkwardness being in the looker's presence after the last time was too close for comfort. "Hey," she simply lifted a hand greeting him while the other was on her stomach.
"Happy birthday," Jerry sang shifting his charming smile and eyes to Maddi.
"Thanks," Maddi tried to smile.
"Ya, so, what are ya up too?" Tori crossed her arms over her chest still smiling while trying to drop a hint.
"Weird thing is," Jerry replied with his smile broadening, "I was actually heading that way myself. Heard about the casino and thought I'd try my hand at some blackjack."
"Cool, we were gonna hit da slots." Tori continued to drop hints.
Jerry got the hint loud and clear; "So," his eyes lingered a bit on Maddi who wasn't looking all that well, "You alright?"
"Oh, she's fine." Tori spoke up for her friend, "Just a little pissed dat Otto and her ma leave and give her some freedom and den da car shits out on us." She shook her head.
"Well," Jerry pulled the wallet from his back pocket, "I'll go in and pay and if you ladies want I can either give you a ride home or you can come with me to the casino."
"Casino," Tori quickly said; she nudged Maddi with her elbow, "Right?"
"Yeah, I guess that'll be alright." Maddi reluctantly agreed.
"Okay," Jerry gave a quick nod, "Get in the truck and I'll be right out." He stepped away from the pump with that mischievous glimmer sparkling within his eyes.
"Okie-dokie!" Tori chimed then grabbed Maddi by the hand and pulled her between the pumps, "I get da window!" She was again brilliant with scheming to get her best friend even closer with the charming Jerry. She dragged slight queasy Maddi around the huge truck then swung open the big door.
"Tori, I ain't feeling too well." Maddi confessed.
"Yer just nervous," Tori turned Maddi toward the opening, "Now get yer ass up in dere!"
Maddi reluctantly climbed up and slid into the interior of the truck's huge cab. Great, now she had to sit next to the guy! The door slammed and Tori hogged as much of her side. "Scoot over," she whined but Tori shook her head refusing to budge, "Gah, Tori, you're such an ass!"
"Ya, ya know I am!" Tori laughed while buckling the seatbelt, "Ya got da best seat in da house, girlfriend, right next to da hottest commodity in da whole U.P.!"
"Whatever," Maddi crossed her arms loosely over her abdomen, "If I have to throw-up; it's gonna be in your direction."
"Well, duh," Tori laughed, "Ya don't wanna hurl on dat!" She pointed out the driver's side window as Jerry came marching out of the store carrying a brown bag obviously hiding beer.
Maddi tucked herself tightly in that center spot; knees locked together with her ankles crossed with her elbows pressed against the sides of her medium bust. "I hate you right now." She mumbled staring out at the windshield.
"Eh, ya but ya thank me later, ya know it!" Tori again laughed.
Soon Jerry was back to his beast and opened the door. He pulled up and got behind the wheel then purposely leaned over Maddi placing the bagged six-pack on the floorboard of the passenger side. He inconspicuously sniffed; that peculiar scent was even more powerful than before; his senses were overload which prompted him to roll the window down. If he became too overloaded there wouldn't be pretty. He was on vacation and wanted to take his time and enjoy the whole process. "Well," he looked to Maddi, "Here we go, ladies." That poor thing looked so awkward trying desperately not to accidently bump into him. Her friend was sure the schemer and pulled out any trick to force Maddi as close to him as possible; he would thank the friend later in his own way then return his focus on the one next to him. He revved the engine then reached for the shifter which happened to be in front of Maddi; unintentionally but obviously intentionally, his arm brushed against her leg as he shifted the truck into drive. A strained giggle came from the peanut gallery to his far right which caused him to smile; some friends just don't quit, thankfully for him which made things so much easier.
Heading down the dark road things were quiet inside the Dodge Ram. Jerry kept his eyes on the road, most of the time; he couldn't resist glancing over at the nervous Maddi seated between her best friend and a vampire. Off and on Tori would lean forward and again attempt suppressing her giggles which prompted Maddi to elbow her arm in the ribs. Well, Jerry decided to break the silence; "Mind if I turn on some music?" he asked, politely of course, always used manners; most of the time, only when continuing to build up that deceptive trustworthy relationship. "Nah, go ahead!" he heard Tori chime. He looked over at Maddi, "You don't mind?" he asked her and she just shook her head. He reached for the stereo though there were controls on the steering wheel; any excuse getting a little closer to the shy thing stuck in the middle. One push of a button the stereo came to life and a little old school rocked from the speakers; nothing like a little Guns N Roses It's so Easy which prompted him to subtly smirk. Yep, it was always so damned easy! He drew his hand back and slyly grazed the side of Maddi's knee then gripped the steering wheel. It was way too fucking easy for the likes of a creature as him. He took a slight sniff; that scent had grown even more; even sensed it through the cool air blowing against him through the window.
"Guns and Roses," Tori spoke up through the music, "We love dem, don't we." She nudged Maddi's arm.
"Sure," Maddi simply replied feeling as if she were going to jump out of her skin having been 'accidently' touched by the stud behind the wheel. She was a bundle of nerves with a knotted stomach. What the hell was she doing? Why did she allow Tori to drag her along for that awkward as hell ride? Her head slightly turned with her eyes slightly narrowing then aimed at the side of her friend's smug face. Tori was just bobbing her head then turned looking at her and smiled wide. Oh, she would love to put her hands around Tori's neck and choke the smug life out her! She tightened her arms about her abdomen and shifted her eyes forward feeling trapped between a stunningly good looking guy who obviously has been and trying to make a move on her. While on her right was her dipshit friend who was desperately trying to assist Mister Studly along. She swallowed feeling that little churning in her stomach following by another punch of pain. She again looked to Tori and leaned close; "I think I'm gonna..." she took a slow breath and continued to whisper, "Yeah, I might..."
Tori's eyes grew wide and she slowly shook her head then watched Maddi slowly nod. She quickly started to scramble for an idea. She quickly leaned forward and looked passed nauseous looking Maddi. "Um, Jerry," she spoke up over the classic eighties rock, "Would ya like to see a local mystery?" she asked and watched him glance over at her, "It's off Robin's Pond Road up ahead. Its da Mystery Light. It's like da biggest thing and tonight being Monday and all; ya don't have to worry about people being out dere and ruin it." She glanced to Maddi who was looking pretty pale then looked back to Jerry.
Well, perhaps things were going to happen a bit sooner; Jerry thought with a smile. "Sure," he agreed; nothing like a secluded and empty tourist attraction in the middle of nowhere.
"Great!" Tori smiled, "Ya it's pretty scary out dere." She reached a hand and patted Maddi on the shoulder trying to encourage her friend to hold it in. "We go out dere all da time. Da winter is da best time cause really no one ever goes out dere den. But I'm sure no one will be out dere tonight on a weekday." She wanted to keep talking to maybe help Maddi take her mind off possibly hurling in the guy's nice truck. "Da road's up here on da right." she explained while continuing to pat Maddi's shoulder, "It used to be old railroad tracks and da story is dat an railroad worker guy passed out on da tracks and a train came by and cut off his head. So, ya, he's looking for head and da light is supposed to be his lantern or something like dat."
"Hmm," Jerry hummed; well he's heard everything now. His eyes caught the green sign announcing the approaching Robin's Pond Road. He slowly the truck; hoped the blabbermouth was right about no one else being out there because his hopes were up. Before heading out that night he what was left of another meal which quickly expired and was thrown out somewhere near where Maddi lived. He steered the pickup onto the dirt road, Robin's Pond, and felt some anticipation growing while that intriguing aroma grew as well now that vehicle had slowed. Why was it she smelled more delicious than any other he's sniffed out and taken? He couldn't help but take longer glances at her while she leaned closely to Tori. His eyes looked forward seeing nothing but darkness beyond the truck's high beams. Nothing but woods lining both sides of the narrow dirt road; it was just too damned perfect! He leaned his elbow against the door while anxiously rubbing his chin and eyes persistently looking to Maddi.
Images of what would ensue the moment he revealed himself to the two darling best friends danced around in his mind. Tori would definitely be first; save the best for last. He would savor Maddi more so than the big mouthed friend; there was just something about the girl, or should he say young woman now that she was eighteen, he had an urge to play with her for a good while. Perhaps he would take her back to the house, leave the friend there in the woods for the wild life to have their pickings. Certainly if he wasn't there on vacation both would be likely candidates to add to a growing army; teen girls were always the most vicious when it came to being vampires. His eyes caught sight of an approaching guard rail blocking the road ahead. He scanned noticing not a single vehicle which worked in his benefit, not theirs. He rolled the truck slowly creeping to the guard rail. The truck was placed in park then turned off and the headlights turned out.
Maddi couldn't wait any longer; she scrambled over Tori grabbing the door handle then shoved the door open. She practically fell out of the truck listening to Tori, now, sounding concerned. To the ditch she darted feeling the urge to vomit begin to bubble upward from her stomach while that pain grew into more than just a painful punch. Her hands fisted against her abdomen. She dropped to her knees while leaned forward; one hand slapped down against the prickly grass and fisted a handful of dirt mixed with grass. Suddenly it came up along with that pain exploding outward from her abdomen; she gagged and choked with a loss of control.
Tori felt horrified for her poor friend; nothing more embarrassing than throwing up in front of an interested guy. She shook her head then prepared to slide out of the truck with her hand grabbing onto the door. Suddenly she was snatched by the back of her hair, jerked backwards bringing the door slamming closed. Before she could even belt out a scream a black clawed hand clasped over her mouth then the side of her neck was ruthlessly torn into. Blood splattered over the back of the seat and back window as her body went to severe convulsions. Within a minute her body went limp and Jerry Dandridge pulled his fangs and mouth from the side of the best friend's neck. His eyes glistened black with his grinning lips coated and dripping the teen's blood. He licked his tongue across his bottom lip as he sat back allowing Tori's body to drop down against the seat. He ran his thumb across the edge of his bottom lip then sucked the bloodied tip clean. His eyes looked down at the lifelessness over the girl's face frozen in shock. "Thanks for the help, bestie." he smirked then opened the driver's side door.
Maddi coughed having emptied the contents of her stomach all over the ditch. She sniffled while wiping her hand across her mouth and chin. That pain was still there; it nagged in strange pulses and rippled painfully seemingly over her entire body. She rose up sitting on her legs trying to breathe through the continuous pain. Her eyes grimaced in response to the foul taste in her mouth along with the pain. "You alright, Maddi?" she heard Jerry's voice ask from behind her. Was she alright? She knew she felt horrible; something felt really off inside her. Her eyes lifted followed by her head. "I don't know." she managed to answer as her eyes looked up into that starry and clear night sky where a giant full moon gave light to the surrounding darkness. "What's wrong?" she heard him ask; his voice sounded almost muffled. Her head slowly turned as it was still bent back; her eyes looked up at him feeling her lids beginning to flutter. "I..." she spoke slowly; her own voice sounded muffled, "I...don't...know..." Her eyes focused on his face seeing something strange and glistening over his lips. Slowly his image began to blur as her body started to sway. Her eyes rolled backwards feeling that pain suddenly rip through her in a flooding burst and the moment it struck her head she dropped onto the dirt road before Jerry's boots.
Jerry frowned; well that was unexpected. He crouched down then reached his clawed hand and pulled the hair back from Maddi's flushed face. He leaned a bit forward and sniffed; yes, that scent had strengthened. His eyes scanned her taking in the nature of her body trembling. Something was definitely happening to that young thing and he was going to get to the bottom of it. He rose up and moved back to the pickup.
Maddi's head pounded almost in rhythm to the sensation of the side of her face being patted. She cleared her throat which felt scratchy and dry. She heard her name being spoken; firstly it sounded distant the gradually came closer. Her lips pressed together; felt dry; then her eyes slowly fluttered open. The moment her eyes focused they frowned while staring forward through a windshield. Her mind took a while to gather memories of what happened. Her eyes shifted to the right looking through a passenger window then shifted to the left. She startled upon seeing Jerry's face and rapidly blinked her eyes with confusion. She leaned back against the driver's side door; realized she was inside his pickup. She looked around having not a clue how she ended up in the pickup after the last things she remembered was being knelt down beside a ditch. "What..." she mumbled then looked forward again seeing her house, "Where's Tori?" she asked trying to grasp what happened. She slid up out of a slouched position.
"I dropped her off at home." Jerry said; he was probably the biggest bullshitter ever known to man. Tori was left on that dirt road sprawled out in the very ditch Maddi vomitted in and had sadly lost her pretty little head. "Your car is still back at that gas station. She felt bad for having dragged out after knowing you didn't feel well." he continued his cunning lie, "So, she asked if I'd take you home. She said she was sorry and to call her tomorrow when you're feeling better."
"Oh," Maddi was still confused but was glad to be home, "Did I pass out or something?" She looked over at him.
"Yeah you did." he nodded, "Do you need me to perhaps contact your parents?"
"No," Maddi shook her head, "I think I'm okay now, thanks." She felt odd; her body trembled as if it were cold but felt feverish. She hugged her arms over her chest.
"Are you sure?" he asked with that charming concern, "You don't look too good." He reached his hand and brushed a strand of hair from the side of her flushed face.
Her eyes blinked and she again looked at him, "I think I'll be fine, thanks." She grabbed the door handle then pulled it and pushed the door open, "Again, thanks for the lift." she was caught between feeling damn awful and awkward, "Sorry about messing up your night."
"Don't worry about it." he responded, "It's no big deal. At least I got you ladies home safe." Wow, he amazed himself sometimes with the bullshit he could weave together in an instant.
"Well," she spoke and slid down out of the truck holding onto the door, "Again, thanks." She started to close the door and heard him say goodnight; "Yeah, the same." she said back then made her way towards the house. Her mind was a jumbled mess and throbbed painfully. Her body ached and trembled. Something felt horribly wrong but it was almost indescribable. She moved up onto the porch and moved before the front door. She grimaced realizing she didn't have her purse which contained the house keys. She heavily sighed then turned around and startled upon discovering Jerry standing at the bottom of the steps with her purse in his hand. "Oh, thanks." she slightly smiled then reached down as he reached the purse up to her. Her shaky hand grabbed the purse and slowly she turned around while opening the purse. "You're welcome." she heard him sing. She pulled the keys from the purse but the moment she attempted to put the damn house key into the lock her shaky hand dropped them to the porch. Before she could fetch them Jerry was already there picking them up off the floor. "Need a little help?" she listened to him ask; she simply nodded while hugging her arms about herself again. She watched him unlock the door then open it. She gave him a smile that was more pleasant than those in the past then stepped into the house followed by a kind thank you.
"Don't forget these." Jerry reached his hand over the threshold; damned Otto already having given him an invitation.
Maddi held her smile then reached taking the keys. "Again, thanks for everything." she was still awkward when it came to him but slightly less, "You must seriously think we're a bunch of backwoods idiots."
"No," he gave a short shake of his head and leaned against the door frame, "I have no problem rescuing damsels in distress just disappointed the evening was cut short." He was dropping those hints all over the damned place. His smile still charming with that little dash of deceptive sweetness "Was sort of looking forward to getting to know, well, you a bit more." he lifted his brows.
Maddi was quickly discovering a little switch in her awkwardness. She stood there with her hand holding the door. There was no Tori to give encouraging shoves; perhaps it was time to give herself those much needed shoves. "Well," she spoke up, though she still felt really strange, the desire to oblige this charmer was a bit more prominent, "I guess since you did rescue us and we basically ruined your plans; I could ask you inside."
"Yeah, you could." he held that smile keeping his eyes deeply focused on her.
"Well," she stepped to the side opening the door a bit wide, "Wanna come inside? Otto always has plenty beer in the fridge."
He pressed his lips together and straightened from the door frame, "I would love to." he brought his boot forward over the threshold then stepped to the side as she closed the door. His eyes followed her closely as she stepped away from the door.
"Make yourself at home; I guess that's what they say." Maddi said gesturing to the large sunken living room, "Take a seat and I'll go get you that beer." She couldn't believe he was in her house! Where was Tori to rub in the friend's face that she did it on her own? She smiled entering the kitchen then walked to the side by side fridge, flung open the door and grabbed one of Otto's cans of beer. She froze feeling weird again while slightly swaying on her feet. She shook her head trying to shake off the weird sensation that felt as if it were creeping from somewhere deep inside her. She took a deep breath and let the fridge door creep closed on its own. Stepping to the granite island she leaned against it trying to get her bearings. She inhaled deeply through her nose and a strange smell seemed to fill her nostrils. It wasn't a horrible stinky smell; nothing left over from vomiting. Her eyes looked to the kitchen entrance and discovered Jerry standing there.
Jerry's head slightly tilted upon having noticed Maddi's odd expression the moment she looked to him. "Are you still feeling bad?" he asked her; that deceptive concern slithering forward. He moved into the kitchen approaching the island.
The closer Jerry came the stronger that smell became to Maddi's oddly intensified sense of smell. She kept inhaling; whatever he was wearing smelled damned good. "No," she shook her head trying to drive away that scent, "I'm fine."
"Are you sure?" he asked with a little suspicious tilt of his head.
"Yeah," she nodded then slid the beer can into his direction; he caught it before it slid off the island top, "Nice catch." she smiled; there was distinct difference in the feel of her smile and what it reflected. There was definitely something off about her.
"Thanks," he kept his smile which broadened a bit more upon witnessing a change in hers. He popped the tab then took a lengthy swig basically consuming the entire contents. His eyes studied her a bit more as he set the can down atop the island; there was a distinct difference across her eyes, something had definitely changed in the manner her eyes were looking at him. Perhaps that shell of hers was finally on the verge to shattering and he was ready to take advantage of such a change. He stepped around the island; slowly took a few steps closer.
"You want another?" she asked him and heard oddness about her tone. She shook it off, "Um," she stepped back, "Just help yourself; I'll be back in a minute." She laughed nervously while aiming her thumb over her shoulder, "Gotta…well…I'll be back." She spun around; something really strange was going on with her; out of the kitchen and up the stairs she hurried.
He listened to the sound of her racing up the stairs. His shoulders shrugged; he had time to kill. He walked to the fridge, swung it open and discovered a nice array of different brands of beer all neatly placed. "Hmm," he hummed, "Ah," he reached into the fridge grabbing a nice bottle of imported ale. He twisted the top and took a good swig while stepping away from the fridge. He lowered the bottle, "Awe," he sighed, "Say one thing, the little fat man has good taste." He chuckled and made his way back into the living room. He stepped down into the sunken living room then did as instructed, made himself comfortable flopping back against the beige leather sofa and parked his boots atop the glass coffee tabletop. Leaning forward, he grabbed the remote to the huge sixty inch flat screen hung above the fireplace mantel. With a press of a button the television lit up and he started flipping channels; Monday night which meant his show was on, Las Vegas Flippers. He tilted back the bottle while setting the remote on his lap and eyes focused on the show.
Maddi stood before the wall mirror hung above the double sink vanity in her attached bathroom. She steadily worked the toothbrush over her teeth and tongue trying to get rid of that vomit after taste. She had already stripped and dressed in her typical white wife beater but covered over by a zip-up hooded sweatshirt and a pair of Hello Kitty pajama shorts. Her eyes stared at herself in the mirror while her mouth was foamy with toothpaste. She slowly pulled the toothbrush from her mouth as her eyes stared into their reflection, they slightly squinted then widened as there seemed a difference in the look of her eyes. She leaned closer to the mirror while lowering the toothbrush down into the oval sink with the water running. She turned her head slightly to the right then to left studying her eyes. "What…" she mumbled with a mouthful of toothpaste; oddly her pupils looked larger and there was something different about the color of her eyes; the irises looked remarkably brighter with a tint of maybe amber. She quickly spit the mouthful toothpaste into the sink then rinsed her mouth out spitting it down into the running water. She again looked into the mirror as her hand reached grabbing the hand towel then wiped her mouth clean. Her eyes rapidly blinked but that same weird appearance was there.
She slowly turned her back to her reflection and leaned back against the vanity. "What the hell is happening to me?" she asked aloud then her mind returned to the reality that Jerry was downstairs. Her mind trailed back to the moment she caught that smell which caused a slight raise of her left brow. She left the bathroom flipping off the light then headed back downstairs. Reaching the bottom of the stairs she heard the distinct sound of the television; apparently he made himself at home. She paused after stepping off the bottom step; there that smell was again which prompted her to inhale deeply. Those strange changes she was experiencing seemed to quickly flip her from being worried and confused then flipped her into a totally different direction that aimed directly at the guest in the living room. Her bare feet moved quietly over the hallway hardwood; one over the other bringing almost sly motion to her entire body. The closer she came to the living room the stronger that intriguing scent. Was it the cologne he was wearing that smelled so damned good? She couldn't quite tell but whatever it was it was leading her into his direction.
Near the end of the hallway she slowed her steps with one hand gliding flat against the wall. She heard him chuckle in reaction to whatever he watching on Otto's pride and joy big screen. She reached the end of the hallway; damn he smelled so good! She stepped down into the living room tucking her hands behind her back with her fingers fidgeting. "I see you made yourself at home." She commented taking small foot over foot steps towards the sofa.
"Yep and Otto has excellent taste in beer," Jerry smiled then took another swig of imported beer.
"He'd be pissed," she softly laughed, "No one touches Otto's special beer. Well, until now."
"He likes me," Jerry stated, "I really don't think he'll mind."
"I don't really care," she confessed, "You can drink as many as you want." She sat down on the far end of the sofa and glanced to the television finding it strange that the guy was watching a reality show. Her eyes looked to over at him with smirk, "A reality show? Don't tell me you watch Real Housewives too."
"Every chance I get." He responded, "Nothing like rich bitches running around with not a care in their fragile little worlds. Not a single one knowing what real monsters are out there, outside their glass houses waiting to throw the biggest damned stone." He took another long swig tilting his head back. The bottle empty he leaned forward, dropped his boots to the floor, and set the bottle down with a clack against the glass. "Don't deny that you watch those so called reality shows." He lifted the remote and pressed the power button; he had plenty time to catch up on his shows.
"No I don't," she shook her head; "I'm into vampire movies remember; far from reality."
His eyes shifted from side to side then looked to her; boy was she wrong. "So, tell me what you like about these vampire movies." He was on vacation so he didn't have to rush-rush into anything; take his time, make a little dinner conversation. Typically he never paid attention to anything a potential meal item had to say because he never really gave a shit. Tonight he was making an exception just because he felt like it and feeding time wasn't no hurry since he already a good fill with the friend. He shifted to the side and leaned his elbow against the back of the sofa; getting comfortable.
"It's stupid," Maddi confessed though to her the reasons for always watching supernatural movies weren't stupid; just stupid to those around her including Otto and her mom.
"We'll see; tell me." Jerry urged her while the side of his head was propped against his hand.