Chapter 8)
Disclaimer: I do not own The Lost Boys or any of the real places or real music referenced in the story.
This chapter got way too long so I had to cut it down. The next one should be up not too long from now, but I hope you enjoy this half of it. Thank you to those who followed and favorite-ed! Another little Cameo happens in this chapter, enjoy!
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Boardwalk…
Two shots fired.
Both surely muffled over the thundering of steel from the roller coaster tracks above them, if not by loud music and games that occupied the joyous crowds. Even though the rest of the boardwalk continued about a fun evening, the recoils were audible to certain individuals. Shock overwhelmed not only the recipient falling to the ground, but his entourage as well, rushing back to the scene.
Marina had been the first to dash away.
Despite appearances, he wouldn't be down for long.
Blanks.
That's all it was.
The close range may or may not have severely wounded him but there was no actual bullet.
After creating a distance, "Get the bitch!" dissipated any guilt.
She never even thought she'd have to use it. Marina couldn't gun someone down, but his insinuations had pushed her over an edge and even then her safety was a reason…
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Marina…
"Get back here cun-!" This was a very dangerous move on my part, but I was boiling from their threats that I erupted. I had no idea where to go but just run.
Dodging the boards and steel girders under the roller coaster, they rumbled all around us and I nearly fell over with my feet getting caught on wires. I could tell they were gaining momentum on me. The waves of the ocean crashed under us. Up ahead I could make out more of the clearing where concrete took over and the passing shadows signaled the crowd.
Yes…
Almost reaching the corner, one had detoured around and made a lunge for my legs. Both of us topple to the ground and my pistol skid away from me.
I gasped in pain, palms and chin surely scrapped. Panicked, I tried kicking my legs free but was harshly hoisted up by my arms. "Little bitch thinks she can pull a fast one!"
I yelped at having my head pulled back by my hair. I frantically kicked and clawed in the struggle, managing to swing an elbow jab. I attempted once more to spring for a clearing but was quickly slammed on my side into the wall. My head taking part of the impact, I partially slid to the ground. Vision momentarily blurry and on one hand and knee. They laughed.
"Get her back here" Their limping ring leader called, rusty pipe in hand.
I had to move. Even crawling but my leg was pulled out under me. I was dragged on the wooden boards. Turned onto my back, I felt two swift kicks. One hit my shoulder when I protected my head, and I yelled. Another to my hip and I screamed. An even harder metal swing to my stomach and the air was knocked out of me. I couldn't breathe or make a noise, eyes sealed shut and curled up on the ground near tears of pain...
"Well that's no way to treat a lady." From the ground I barely saw the shadows they each cast, but a hand lashed out and suddenly an ear piercing scream broke through the night.
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Scarlet…
He had reason to yell bloody murder. It wasn't just scratches I left. One of the others checked on him and they scrambled back "Oh my god!"
I hadn't just scratched his face. Claw marks were dug in five perfect tears that had ripped the skin open. The writhing and screeching, the most bizarre thrill seeped through me.
"You psychotic bitch!"
There were tiny slivers of blood remaining on my nails. Hearing the groans from Marina then broke me away from the sight.
"Let her up!" I sprung to pull her away from where they had her while I recollected myself. That move was impulsive, but they had it coming.
"You two got a lot of nerve" One was wounded and limping, desperately holding his side but he faced us. He shot out to yank Marina again. "This bitch has a debt to pay!"
"I owe you nothing!" She seethed and I helped pull her back.
"You owe us money!" Another hissed.
"Money?" I glared in disbelief. "That justifies 5 against 1?"
They had us caged in now. Looking between us, we both swallowed hard. For our betterment I opted for the most reasonable choice of action.
"…Here!" I threw to the ground a good portion of what I had saved for my leave to scatter on the ground. "Take your filthy money and go. Come near us again, it'll be the last thing you do..." A sweet smell was flowing through the air now…
While some now looked fully attentive to the sudden flutter of large bills, their ring leader still growled, "No. It's about much more than money now…"
While the one I had clawed was still writhing to himself on the ground, the leader and the second tallest hooked their hands around us both. Eyes wide they tore us away from each other. Regaining her breath, Marina was quick to unhook herself, twisting the assaulters arm. In our struggle, I was pushed up against a wall by my neck and felt my breathing cut off. I was panicked and struggling angrily.
"You're making a big mistake" I barely choke out but he has no idea...
The feint smell of blood filling the air around us. This creep was right in my face, but I felt a growl build up and my nails almost sinking into his arm when suddenly my other hand found the ability to peel his fingers back. Slowly tearing his grip from my throat his eyes widened at the force and change taking place right before him. He yelped at the sting of my nails. They were digging further
"What the hell?!" Suddenly I forced his arm up. The craving was insane. Jaw dropping as his eyes were overwhelmed with shock. Looking between him and his punctured hand…
What was I doing?
Unwilling yet willing, the slivers of blood were brought to my lips…
Eyes aglow, first coppery then sweet, leaving a burning trail in its wake. My taste buds sang for more of human blood…
… The taste.
…More, they yelled.
…I need more.
"That's sick!" Tearing his arm away.
In his horror and growing fear, he lifted the rusty metal pipe to me.
I arched a brow… "Are you kidding?"
He swung full force and it made a direct hit. Echoing loudly around the alley. But wow, no effect. Face and hair blown to the side, an excited smirk settled on my features as I casually brushed my shiny bangs to their proper place. I really liked the gawking disbelief on his mug. This was a rush. He swung again but I caught it with unwavering speed… "How rude."
"Get off!" Marina struggled painfully with her face to the ground. Cash in hands, the others instantly reverted their attention to her. Weight crushing down, almost suffocating her entirely.
"Give this barrio trash a taste of her own medicine!"
"With pleasure"
Fighting every instinct to kill, "My turn." I swung the pipe to the side of their leader's head.
Aw, his head didn't fly off…
Knocked out before he could even fall to the ground, I immediately clenched his shirt and pushed his body completely into the air. The throw sent him several feet away, knocking into the one that was armed directly over Marina. The hit rang loudly and groans echoed when bodies collided.
She was released when the others only just noticed three were now entirely laid out. Smirk fading, I had immediately turned away. Dropping the pipe and desperately hiding these features behind my hair, I suppressed the demonic growls when all reason wanted to fight its way back in.
Marina forgotten on the ground, all sights set on me. If any more of them see me…
"You're dead..!" Approaching
My jaw clenched. I wanted them to both provoke me and to run away. Kill or be killed…
Before anything else could be said, a shot gun blast suddenly scathed the ground between us. Everyone looked up to find the source and faced an elderly man, slightly balding with a twisted blue bandana over his head.
"I don't condone guns or violence, but I also won't let a pack of hooligans hurt a lady. So I suggest you boys beat it before I put you down." An old man had now intervened with the struggle. He was armed with a loaded hunting gun.
The two wounded were able to stand. Taking the only unconscious one, they angrily but finally retreated. Lifting my hand to the bruises on my neck and wrists, my jaw clenched tightly. My intention hadn't been to knock him out. I wanted so badly to kill him and was enjoying it. I should fly after. My breathing suddenly so haggard.
"You two alright?" he asked us.
Marina groaned, sitting up against the alley wall "Scarlet..?"
It was her being here. They would have been my first kills, but it would have certainly meant I'd kill her too. That gunshot prevented me from finishing the job. Especially since blood tasted so good. I didn't feel any different however, which proves the suspicion I had… It's the kill that fulfills this curse. No loopholes.
I gasped very quietly when I felt a sharpness drill into my head and sank to my knees, but it vanished almost as soon as it came.
"Scarlet?" pushing herself from the wall and rushing to me, deep concern viable. The old man looked the same.
Inhaling and exhaling, I sighed and turned back around with my features finally normal. "I'm alright… Are you hurt?"
Standing wearily, it was almost like a look of shame overcame her "… Sorry you had to see this mess."
She turned to what came to our unlikely rescue "Thank you, um, Mr..?"
"Emerson. You young ones need to be more careful. In this town, if all the corpses around here were to stand up at once we'd have one heck of a population problem"
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Laughter and merry jingles were now surrounding us. After resting in a more secure place along the boardwalk, Marina enlightened me on the entire showdown. Not only was I disgusted with what they wanted but it was accompanied with guilt since our activity set off this chain of events.
"I could have helped you sooner" I noted, finished looking over bruises.
"Were you hit to the face?" Marina looked concerned when I used my bangs to cover the faintest of coloring to my temple.
"It's nothing at all" I smiled. Mine would fade soon enough. Marina was reluctant to show any. Her outfit hid any well but there was no covering up the cringe when she walked. I noticed the way her arm struggled to move when the other adjusted her sleeve.
"Is your arm hurting?" I tried looking closer. Suddenly when I touched her arm, a sharp burn seared quietly and I retracted my hand with a gasp. Marina almost jumped.
"What? What's the matter?"
Holding my own hand, I was burned. When I touched her, how did..? Looking at her wrist directly, I hadn't touched her skin. It was her bracelets… Arching a brow, I realized one of them had particular symbols on the charms.
Prayer beads
They sat among her other few accessories and when I touched them…
"Uh sorry." Smiling again. "I just strained my arm." I pretended it was from our assault earlier.
She sighed, sitting by one of the carnival booths before revealing a few bills, "They thought I would pay the rest with a good shag."
She had about 100 left. "Where did you get all that money that you threw to them?"
It hadn't been all of it, and even with their leader out cold, the others still got what they wanted. Looks like my plans are way off now…
"Just an allowance you could call it" She looked very skeptical but thankfully soon accepted the explanation.
"You didn't have to do that for me." She looked guilt ridden before holding the rest up.
"You didn't deserve to have that thrown on your shoulders" Alone too.
She offered it but I wouldn't accept. As much as I wanted to leave… "No, it's yours." I declared, still having a little left myself.
"I dragged you into my mess. You got hurt, take it."
"I don't need it, trust me." I pushed it back, careful to avoid her wrist.
She shook her head, and we sank into silence. She stood strong but I could tell there was hurt behind her eyes. "I'm really sorry things turned out this way, I mean Molly and Kelsey…"
"I don't give a damn where Molly is now." She declared, running a hand through her hair. "And I'll worry about Kelsey later. What's done is done. I have other things to cover so there's no time to mope."
One of the booth's stations opened, and offered the next round on the rifle. Marina took it up and I sat too. "Dido"
Earlier I hoped they would take my portion and leave, but they had to go picking a fight. A concussion is getting off easy. I'm not worried about what he saw now but thoughts kept rushing back to me how I was the real predator in the scenario back there.
In my own frustration, taking up the firing-arm game was very therapeutic for Marina. She must do these a lot because her aim is nearly perfect each time. Every moving target flattened, she was kicking serious ass. Kids around us started to gawk at every round that followed. Her heated glare at the targets was intense. Something tells me I'm not the only one beating myself up.
Every shattering ring signaled a bulls eye.
Ring!
Ring!
Ring!
"Nice shooting, Tex."
After what happened with those blanks, I decided to vent after all. "I can tell by your aim this whole thing's really gotten to you." I knocked down a few of my targets.
"I'm fine." This wasn't exactly a subtle outlet.
She noticed me take my few turns. With precise and perfected eye sight, aiming was no sweat. I had no inclination to tone it down either.
"That's quite an eye" she was almost as surprised as I was at her aim.
"I just have good sight and reflexes" I hinted.
She took hers back up. It came unnaturally easy to this girl too and I had to wonder if she was trained to shoot. We made sure to retrieve her pistol. It was registered to her and everything. Gunning down each target felt good.
"Hey, hey, take it easy..!" the game operator looked nervously to every perfect shot and series of recoils. The style turned almost harsh and scattered at a certain point. It wasn't long before we were asked to leave the game. Pausing my objection, I suddenly winced at a sharp disturbance in my stomach that made me drop my gun. Marina hadn't noticed.
This must be those stupid pains again. The last thing I need tonight is a symptom. A strange rumbling shot my nerves up but before I let myself hunch over anymore, it suddenly vanished again.
Somethings different about tonight…
"Come on, you're out of tickets…" the game clerk didn't like the winning streak and tried nudging Marina. Suddenly she spun his way with the rifle. The sounds around us got quiet and widened eyes centered on the scene. She still looked in all seriousness at the game operator, eyes burning at the interruption. What could I say to her?
A moment of tension longer and realization seemed to hit her. She finally set it down. "I'm sorry," she apologized to him.
We both finally let other people have their turn on the game. I noticed her wince as we stood up. She wasn't gonna tell me if she's hurt. Sighing, I let it go but we walked slowly. The breeze was strong tonight; cool but smelling of popcorn and ocean salts.
"Next weekend is the fourth of July already. We're practically half way through the summer. Once the tourists clear out, what do you think is your own plan from there?"
Locals and native's alike, the activity goes back down. She shrugged "Work double. The only thing I can see thus far is running the video store with Max. My car plans are on hold. Studies aren't an option anymore due to time and money. What about you?"
I had confided in her how I had left my senior year half way. We both know first-hand how sooner or later reality sets in. "I'm trying to figure that out too. Sooner rather than later…"
"I think Santa Carla can only be an escape for so long…" she mused. "I've even considered the military before"
I arched a brow. That might explain her skills. "You won't see combat though."
"At least it's something productive..." She rubbed her arms.
If I were to leave, I hope the same for her. Going our own ways soon enough, it got me thinking how I may miss Marina. I knew there was something I liked about her. She's tough. If our roles were reversed, I bet she'd kick vampirism right in the balls….
We dodged a cluster of people around a series of young fire jugglers. The crowds eat this stuff up. "You have a knack for dancing. Have you ever considered that professionally?"
She softly smiled, "That isn't something that can pay the bills easily; clothes on. I've always danced up to entering high school. You know break dancing was really in at the time too." We laughed but she shook her head. "But that me was way different. I mean I graduated in'84."
We both finally smiled, and I couldn't suppress a chuckle. At least she did graduate.
She abruptly stopped, leaving me almost bumping in behind her and stopping the flow of the crowd left a few complaints. Jeez the crowds of kids were bigger than I've ever seen. Ignoring it, she was looking ahead at a bulletin board and a woman was hanging up missing person's flyer. I recognized the face because he worked on the premises. It was good ol' Vernon…
"My gosh, even a security guard? Maybe Mr. Emerson has a point." Even I didn't expect the notion he made after he saved us.
We were silent for a moment "Do you believe him about that? And the stories?" I had to know.
"Fairy tales no, but if you piss the wrong people off the law won't do much." she shook her head.
I arched a brow. She's almost spot on with that statement.
"You know let's just forget this whole night." she encouraged as we turned away from the posters. I know this wouldn't be the last we'd hear about the situation but was still slightly reassured by her declaration.
The enthusiasm didn't last long though when I remembered my plans. I remembered how most of my fund is gone now. I still hadn't changed my mind though. I'll make it out somehow, but how much more time do I really have?
"I'm gonna call it a night" she stated.
Hopefully there's plenty to keep them distracted…
Before she could voice anything else, a new thought came to me. Maybe there's a way I can help Marina, but it takes more than just me. I didn't like the idea of getting them involved again but I wouldn't be too close. Hopefully our shared luck hasn't run out...
"Hey… I've got an idea. Come with me."
Despite our search for upsides, this night was still a down turn. There may be little left on us, but I got an idea that might be able to revert the downturn back in the right direction.
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Rocco's Bar & Grille
"Sweeeeet Emooootion. Sweeeeet Emooootion…" The guys were waving their glasses while singing to Aerosmith. Tanned or burned, having spilled sand trails around their table.
"I pulled into town in a police car! Your daddy said I took just a little too far!"
Sally and Josie burst out laughing "It's not karaoke night guys"
"You're cut off" Cassi snatched his glass when he signaled it for a refill.
"Say what..?" Grant slurs, breaking out of the song in confusion. His friends laughed.
"You're drunk. You've had enough tonight and I'm tired of scraping you off the ground each morning" she snapped. It was comical but she was honestly thinking her brother may be on the verge of an alcohol problem, especially after she found out about the fight and jail time.
"Your baby sis keeping you in line, Grant?" Cooper joked while throwing down another card.
"Sadly I have to" she shrugged, gathering the other glasses.
"See, Cassi really buckles down now. She wants to make dad happy. You know, piano recitals, college, bureaucratic career…"
"On second thought, Grant, have another drink" she poured the remains of one of the shot glasses over his shirt."
"Hey..!" he whined and the others laughed. "Jeez, I was only playing."
"Tit for tat" Cassi teased, turning back towards the bar.
"Back to business" Aaron slapped the table, "What did we think of the fresh meat out there today?"
"Well those that didn't pansy out showed us some solid work, but Greg won't admit it. Even Shane was slightly impressed." Johnny noted.
"These kids rolling into town might have something to prove after all." Grant added, taking the ice water Cassi planted in front of him.
The beach has always been fluttered with kids but the surfing has gotten really high with the competition announced everywhere. During the day you especially see new kids even younger than Cassi flood the boardwalk with their boards in tow.
"Not for long. They're just so goddam arrogant. Especially the rich little high schoolers."
"Well that's cuz they clearly wanna run with us." Cooper laughed. "Even their underage chicks are walking around in nothing."
"You pigs clearly aren't complaining about it." Josie reprimanded, and exchanging a look the guys grinned cheekily with a laugh.
"No one's complaining Jos, it's the 80s. It's all about decadence."
Cassi sighed, bringing Grant a towel to wipe his shirt. Work hours have been getting longer and longer but her new income is really good. Rocco wants to get this pace packed all the time. With so many of the tourism being youth under 30 right now, every bar and restaurant is swarming to be the #1 hot spot of the summer.
"Back up, so did all the guys in Luna Bay get back down here?" Grant went on, still bearing in mind that some of their friends hadn't been around for a few days.
"Yeah but still no sign of Frank"
"Maybe their dropping in with Debbie's family." she reassured.
"We should run by the apartment again."
Knowing they were ready to head out, Cassi had brought the group their checks though the guys had gone back to their surf strategizing.
"Thanks. We'll be out of your hair soon" Sally joked.
"It's cool, don't worry." They were her last table. They might be rowdy but at least they didn't dine and dash like Brian, Greg, and the other surfers.
She knows they were teasing in there, but drunk or not, Grant's comment kept poking at her while cleaning her section. That isn't what she wants for herself at all. She knows where it stems from though. He and dad had a differing view on what Grant was going to do with his life and then he dropped out of college. Well, that showdown maybe got to her… She really wishes they would patch things up, but Grant considers him a hypocrite. Reprimanding him when he lived his youth the same way Grant is now. Mom kind of agrees. Dad loves them completely, but there was a small part of her that kind of feared he thought …
Suddenly, almost jumping a foot in the air, the loud static of three TV screens momentarily sounded over the music.
"Sorry" the volume turned back down.
She sighed in relief, finishing a sweep while the owner and a few of the owners worked on the new monitors. There were TV screens on every wall now. Including behind where the bartenders serve, surrounded by the shelves of liquor. On almost every one was gonna be a sports channel, the news, events around Santa Carla, and that includes the surf competition screening.
"How's the renovating coming?" Cassi called to Rocco.
"We don't want cable's crowding, so it's a work in progress." This tech-up was part of making this place more attractive to the new wave of clients.
"You know what would be awesome?" She walked up beside him. The three new screens finally got a better signal as he surfed the channels.
"Tell me."
"You should have more music videos."
"MTV is always on" he pointed to two screens. This one location doesn't control what's playing though. A mood sets in and people like to make requests so…
"Yeah but when the nightlife crowd comes in, people like dancing right? You said your clearing a better space. You should have the DJ put up the video of the music he's playing." She directed to the largest panel, arching her brow at Rocco who smiled at the idea.
"Getting all those videos isn't easy though. That's another chunk of money." Cassi shrugged while seeing her brother and the others delve into the next song. You have to invest.
"…Let it be, let it be. Let it be, let it be! Whisper words of wisdom, let it be!" Cassi rolled her eyes at the way they chorused but fought a grin of amusement.
"Hey Cassandra, help me with the last of the equipment?" Miles called.
"Sure."
Rocco was staring at the control but his channel surfing caught Cassi's attention when one of stations showed Santa Carla's name and a series of police investigators. It was gone in a blink though so she dismissed it before following Miles out to the patio.
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Cassi…
Live performances were usually held here but we got to work on moving the set ups to the indoor stage. The bar had its own band. I already knew Miles from when he played guitar during open mic.
"I'll set these up inside. Bring in the keyboards when you get the chance"
"No problem." I handed him the wrapped up amp.
Alone on the porch, I hesitated when unplugging the double stand keyboards. No patrons were out here tonight, and that tune inside now started to repeat in my head... A few verses couldn't hurt. Taking the stool and starting the opening stanza, the flow came naturally. I could hear McCartney's voice in the melody the keys created.
When I find myself in times of trouble Mother Mary calls to me. Speaking words of wisdom, let it be…
I quirked a smile on how our family used to listen to this, though it was kinda ironic to hear Grant singing it. The old days, we sort of had this internal feud. Mom and I for the Beatles vs. Dad and Grant for the Stones. We liked both, but there were preferences.
Playing through the instrumental intermission of the song, I was broken out of thought before the notes could reenter the chorus. Slow clapping resonated from the patio entrance. Two figures were there smiling and slowly approached. One ahead of the other but I recognized both the brunette and the strawberry blonde…
"I heard you work here, but I had no idea you were also an aspiring maestro" Scarlet brought her hands together.
I grinned, walking down the steps "I'm not, really."
"Right now she's a piano instructor" walking up behind her, Marina smiled softly to me "But she's definitely got chops" We laughed.
"What brings you guys in?" I finished unhooking it.
"We were looking for you actually" Scarlet fiddled with a mic stand. I could tell she had something in mind.
They helped me carry a few things inside. Once Miles had things hooked up and under tune, I was let off and they were allowed to follow me back to the employee lockers. "How's this job working for you? Rocco paying you well?" we shared a laugh while I nodded.
"It is pretty tiring but the work hours help" I describe this short amount of time I've been getting into the swing of things. It's no picnic.
"Well don't worry we didn't come to have you run drinks. Our friend Marina here could use that favor now. I thought you might be just the person that could find something out for us" Scarlet declared.
"What is it?" Even Marina looked to Scarlet like she wasn't fully in on what she had in mind up until now.
"I know that your brother and some of his close friends are auto mechanics. Maybe they know some sales deals that are going on right now? Is there any way you can see if they could hook up Marina with a good car deal?" I understood well but Marina was surprised at the proposal.
"I doubt it. There's no need either" she instantly intervened but Scarlet signaled her to let her go on. "Don't give me that. Look, there's this situation we got into…"
Exchanging a glance, after a long hesitation they confided in me the events of earlier tonight and I was shocked to say the least. "And you didn't take this to the police?"
We were now seated at one of the island tables.
"Never a good idea." Was the immediate answer. Especially with how little help that would really be, much less the PD here.
"Are you both okay?" Neither looked too scathed, but Marina held this recluse. A closer look made me realize her way of walking had been off since they came in. And markings were hidden close to her neck and chin.
Scarlet took a sip from a flask she carried. "We're both a little set-back moneywise, but I thought you might be able to find something out for Marina's benefit…"
"You don't have to" Marina noted.
"It's not a big deal at all" I countered. "I can definitely look into it and I said I owed you one, remember?" There was a silent hard stare between us, but eventually her eyes sank to the ground, sighing.
They had already paid out, but had they all left? I couldn't really say how they'd react to Scarlet, but this was about Marina. Scanning the bar, I saw Johnny walk out of the men's room and head for the door.
"Johnny wait…" I called after. Looks like he was catching a ride with Aaron, Cooper and Reese.
"What's up? You just get off?"
I nodded before inquiring "Yeah. Did my brother leave already?"
"Yeah, they went ahead. I think they're gonna check if Frank's back and head to your place." Figures…
"Well, this is Marina and Scarlet." I introduced walking back to our table. Turns out they and Marina were already familiars, smiling to her as we approached "Sup beautiful, and gorg…" words disappeared when they realized who Scarlet was.
"What's with the stares?" Scarlet smiled sarcastically "A picture would last longer"
They're definitely confused how we were all together.
"Aren't you usually with-" Aaron was set to begin the antagonizing.
"I don't owe anyone an explanation" she cut him off, crossing her legs to sit over the high-top stool of the island table. All of us sat.
"Guys, can we not?" my voice sincere, hoping they would sit so I could go on and thankfully Johnny relented, and the others followed suit. Agreeing to leave out the current events, we explained what we were looking for and it was still sufficient to get the help we needed.
"Yeah, I think your brother would know more about that. Wait isn't Brian selling a car?"
"Naw, I think it's Frank. Or another one of our buddies has their second one at the garage right now." There was a sighing hesitation by eyeing Scarlet, but one look to Marina with her eyes in her hands during the whole discussion must have struck something…
"Reese?" I asked slowly and Johnny lightly elbowed him.
"…Why don't you come take a look." he finally suggested. Marina seemed almost disbelieving about the new prospect.
"But your friend can't come." Cooper suddenly asserted. My relief was instantly gone.
"Coop" Johnny warned.
"…I agree" Aaron then adds.
"Guy's, don't be like this." I had to plead.
"Do you have a problem with me?" Scarlet challenges, leaning her palm's over the table.
"Yeah. We don't need you snooping around our territory and our stuff, then getting back to your boyfriends about it." He throws back. I groan, leaning my head on the table. "And you guys feel the same way I do." He claims to Johnny and the others. They probably do but I had hoped they'd put that aside for me.
"First of all…" he turns back to Scarlet and her eyes narrow like I've never seen before. "shut up and sit down." To my huge surprise, Cooper reluctantly sits back down. Back straight, lips sealed tight. "One, none of them are my boyfriend. Two, who I spend my time with is my business. And three, I could care less about your hangouts. This is about Marina and business, you idiot. Get things clear before mouthing off." For some reason, Cooper can only stare back in a silent daze. Safe to say, all of us were confused by the sudden display of dominance.
"Guys" Marina put her hand to Scarlets arm. Her smile faded. Poking him a bit, Reese looks confused at how statue like Cooper's turned into.
Why's he like that?
"I don't want any trouble because of me. We're not gonna intrude, okay?" Marina finished.
"You're not-.." I wanted to reassure when something caught our attention.
Blinking a few times, her eyes shifted down. A sliver of red dripped and our eyes widened to see Scarlet suddenly had a nose bleed. Looking down at her hand to see it, her breathing was a little shallowed.
"Are you okay?" I was now concerned.
"Why are you blee-.."
"Excuse me" Suddenly she spun from the stool and sped walked to the back.
Looking after her, how did that happen?
I better go check on her. Then Cooper all of a sudden blinks and snaps out of his daze.
"Well like she said. If this is for Marina, does she really need to go?" Reese noted.
"They've got a point" Johnny sighed. I stared back disbelievingly.
"Scarlet isn't part of the differences you have with the other guys, so you're unjustly accusing her without knowing her. Cassi and I know her, and she's our friend…" Marina very reasonably explains back to the others.
"And you guys know us, so please? Can you do this one thing?" I add, looking especially to Johnny.
.
What's going on?
I scrambled for a paper towel in the restroom. The door was locked. I think I hypnotized him, but I've never been able to do that before. Looking from my blood dripped tissue to my faded reflection, if I were to try…
Argh..! Arched over the counter, a shock ran through my head. A shiver took over my bones. Massaging my temples and leaning against the wall, I felt a pounding in my skull. Reaching into my satchel, I pulled the flask of blood I had poured earlier, hoping it would calm the pounding in my head. After drowning it down, what brought relief to the migraine had my eyes widen and I heard a very loud bowel roar. Clutching my stomach, I felt a bubbling like never before.
"Scarlet?" I heard Cassi call.
She knocked again. "Why'd you lock the door?" I could hear her push against it.
"J-just a second!" I called back.
The door still shook. I felt like I was gonna be sick. My stomach was literally screaming at me but nothing erupted. Hunched over the bowl, this hadn't ever happened to me before but I tried fighting it as much as possible.
Despite the distress, my hearing still heightened. I heard the tumblers of the door jingle. She works here. Of course she has a key!
No, no, no!
I tried fending off the nausea, kicking the stall door closed.
"Scarlet?" her voice was much clearer. She had come to the stall door.
"Scarlet?" she peeked into the ajar door. "Hey, you okay?"
"Yeah" I quickly replied, straightening up with a tissue to my nose. "Uh…Must have been a hit I took earlier." I covered up.
.
.
Meanwhile…
While Cassi called for Scarlet, the older group of people were settled and ready to go.
"Only person who's ever shut you up is Shane." Reese cackled, mocking Cooper who still looked confused before giving his friend a shove.
Marina still sat with the few Surf Nazis. "Sure you don't need a drink before we go?" Reese offered, now noting the somber composure she'd been in since sitting down.
"No thanks" Marina half-heartedly smiled, discretely massaging her bruised shoulder.
"Alright… So what you been up to? Needing a new ride?" he went on.
Marina shrugged. It was sweet that Scarlet and Cassi wanted to help but even with a good deal, she's not sure she can cover it. "Well, my old roommate use to give me a ride, but now I've somewhat been looking to getting my own."
"Hey yeah, wasn't Molly your roommate?" Aaron noted.
"Did she ever appear? What happened?" Johnny inquired, but it only struck a nerve with Marina.
"Molly wasn't missing, she left." Marina snapped, smiling but clearly touchy.
"Oh." They nodded and understood to drop it.
"Is Kelsey looking too or something? The other day she said she needed to borrow a little money" Foul mood dissolving, Marina perked up at hearing Cooper reveal this.
"No but… have you seen Kelsey today? I couldn't find her earlier" she asked curiously.
Sadly, he shook his head. "Nah, it's been a few days. She seeing anyone?"
Sighing, that was when they spotted the other two returning. Finally settled on the matter, they stood up to head out. Cassi retrieved her jacket, the buddle of student music sheets and was set, but now it was Scarlet's turn to look hesitant. This now invited her too, but after the sensations she had in the restroom…
Noticing Scarlet hesitate and the others look back, "Is everyone cool now?" Cassi direct mostly to the surfers.
"Maybe I shouldn't." Scarlet softly voiced to the two girls.
"They don't have a problem now." Cassi reassured but Scarlet still shook her head.
"Scarlet, I want you to come with us" Marina declared.
The sensations finally vanished. The boardwalk wasn't closing yet and she looked to her watch… Though the surfers had been on the fence with her, everyone still agreed to go. Sighing, she nodded.
They'd drive behind them "We'll just follow you"
"Don't fall behind."
Cassi gestured to her car a few lanes down but before they could even get far, head lights shot into their eyes…
Suddenly swerving tires rounded the dirt to make them step back. They were hit with a gust of wind and sand, eyes squinted before the head lights lowered. Dwayne was blocking their path on his motorcycle.
Startled, two more engines roared closer; beams lowered and smirks revealed alongside him. Then finally the engine of the Triumph roared closer, caging them in with the bikes. The hostages recognized the bikers. Some, vaguely, while others knew them quite well.
Trapped.
So now they appear… Though not as wary as Scarlet, Marina wasn't too happy about this cage in either. Not that she had anything against the lost boys, but Dwayne's bike had precisely blocked her path when he stopped them. Coming face to face, she turned away and had no intention of acknowledging his gaze. Cassi was simply confused at the sudden appearance.
Eyes locked intently "Where you going, Scar?"
"That's my business." Answer vague, and no introductions was hint she didn't want them to talk. Their previous hunt was still fresh on her mind after all. His stare seemed to sharpen.
"I won't be long…" She signaled her friends to go on, but the other guys only blocked them in closer.
Turning back to the platinum blonde "No, we're going." he declared.
"So go without me, I'm not your girlfriend." She retorted justly. But before she could round him…
"Scarlet" David called once more. Stopping in her tracks, no matter how innocent it sounded, she knew David's undertone was a warning…Something was up.
Staring into each other's eyes, it was clear 'You really don't wanna do that, kid.'
Scarlet's temper had been flaring higher each time she was told what to do. Under these circumstances though, she had to bite her tongue again.
'Get on the bike now'
As this was going on, Marina looked calculatingly to Scarlet and David. She always saw there was some kind of mysterious connection between the two but quite honestly, she didn't like the idea of David for Scarlet. Even if there was nothing romantic that existed there, she saw an admiration for him within her. But his tone sounded like he expected her to obey him, which didn't suit Scarlet's usual character at all… What right does he think he has?
Unwilling to look his way, now it was Marina's turn to brush off the hawk-like stare that Dwayne was sending her. Agitation was instant.
Cassi was feeling somewhat out of the loop. With only the few words spoken, it was evident that each person was in their own non-verbal conversation. Johnny and Reese moved in behind her.
"Well, look who it is."
"What'd I tell ya" the other two murmured.
"There a problem?" the surfers gave hard stares to the smirking bikers while a silent exchange of words passed between her friends; Scarlet seemed in a dispute with the platinum blonde and Marina's was avoiding the only brunette of their group.
Cassi couldn't explain what exchange this was, but she waited patiently as they talked. A gleam then caught her eye, revealing a chain of bronze gypsy coins. Alongside it was a series of large very familiar safety pins embedded in the collar of a black jacket…
Looking down at her paper's, Cassi had used the pin she found the other night to hold her piano material together. It was an exact match to the others…
That's when she realized the familiarity. All of them had been there that night and this must have been the boy she bumped into on the Carousel. Recalling their run-in, Cassi looked up to realize he was now looking back at her too. A grin then slyly adorned his fair features and she immediately shifted her gaze down and back to the others, slightly embarrassed and hopeful he wouldn't think she was staring. Now having had a good look at him though, she realized how much this one differed from the others. Each of these boys had a look like no other, but him; his appearance almost resembled the metal rockers you'd see on MTV. Standing out in a town of standouts was definitely an accomplishment.
Scarlet was no concern, but Johnny and Aaron were by no means content seeing the silent exchanges they were aiming at Cassandra and Marina, walking closer to each one.
"Fine" Scarlet finally walked towards their side; their leader looking almost smug that she knew when to comply. But she still reassured the others. "You guys should go on ahead though"
The surfers were satisfied with this turn out before what was said next. Scarlet straddling his bike, David turned back towards those she addressed "… unless they'd rather join you?"
"Over my dead body" the surfers immediately declared. There was instant laughter around them... Interesting choice of words.
They were largely ignored. "Marina, always a pleasure." David named first. "And this is?"
Eyes shifted to the younger girl. Surprisingly Marko was the one to answer "Cassandra?" pretending to guess. "Nah, she prefers… Cassi" Paul corrected, smiling cheekily to her.
Cassi was just confused how they knew her name. In reality, they had read her mind.
Oh no. Before Scarlet could intervene…
"Actually I'm just calling it a night" Marina answered. From Scarlet, she turned to Cassi, and the surfers. "Let's hold off for now"
"Maybe in the morning? I'll look into it and we'll fill you in on what we find out." Cassi suggested and with a nod from Scarlet, Marina seemed to agree. Cassi was the first to walk forward. Clearing her throat between them, they chuckled while their bikes still blocked her. Paul didn't move but Dwayne finally allowed her to pass. Marina attempted to follow but his front wheel suddenly turned back to stop her tracks "Marina"
Sighing internally, she finally met his gaze "If you could please move your front wheel, Dwayne"
"Let's talk" to Marina's ears, it wasn't a very mannered request. He gestured her forward "Get on"
"Sorry, no. I don't have time for chat tonight" She snapped, surprising even herself. Ordinarily she wouldn't oppose to speaking with him. Despite what happened the other night she wasn't really that upset with Dwayne. After tonight's events, she just wasn't feeling the most charming or understanding at all, still clutching her aching shoulder. She didn't have the energy for anything else. Marina sharply rounded his bike to follow behind Cassi. Both girls still feeling eyes follow them.
Through their linked minds, Dwayne had just shared the confusion he had days earlier about Marina. It was an act of manipulation when he ordered her to come with him. This power they had hypnotized their prey, but somehow it didn't get the results they were used to. He had this suspicion days before and now, eyes in perfect range, the girl resisted being compelled again.
Why? Even David wasn't sure. But for now, he had other business to deal with.
To herself, Scarlet might just have a clue to why Marina can't be hypnotized…
Satisfied with their response, "You guys mind letting us back out now?" Johnny gave a glower to the bikers preventing them from backing out of their space.
Each of the boys chuckles in mockery, watching the two whom left before revving their engines once again. Scarlet secured behind David, they swerved out of the lot.
.
.
.
Hudson's Bluff…
"You said you didn't mind my time with them" It wasn't even that late yet. While dismounting the bikes, "Are you going to tell me what this is about?"
"Don't talk. Get inside" his voice ice cold.
The way he spoke to me actually stung. Maybe I was feeling too sensitive but I stormed inside. Struggling to swallow back the lump in my throat, why do I have to take this?
Vampire or not, at what point exactly did I give someone this much power over me..?
I was the only one not in on something. Marko's usual Cheshire grin had faded as he looked in all seriousness to me while biting his nail. Dwayne's gaze was as stoic and coal like as ever while even Paul's usual happy go skip personality was mellow.
I stood near the fountain. David walked past me without even looking my way. Turning back to face the other boys, I finally released the huff I had been holding in "I'm tired of always guessing with you guys. If one of you has something to say to me, just say it." I finally exert.
"We could tell you the very same thing" Dwayne noted, in all seriousness.
"You're like our family, girl, and now it's all these secrets with you" Paul shrugged.
"It's called plotting and backstabbing" Marko quipped and I was puzzled looking at each of them.
"What's this little stunt you were planning all about?" I turned around to find David at my corner of the cave. Turning into the veil I had hung, he tore it down. Casting it aside, he instantly tore away at my night stands and trinkets.
Instantly I wasn't only nervous but shocked and gravely worried. They know?
"What are you doing?!" I sped to my corner and picked up my personal items that he was chucking through the air. "Stop it! You can't just tear through my things!"
"Where is it?" he demanded. The others had begun looking over the cave.
Gathering the clothes thrown while he looked through my broken shelves, I tossed them on my bed, thankful he hadn't set his eyes on the mattress just yet. I was instantly behind David. "I don't have anything of yours! David…"
I gasped when he immediately spun to face me, fiercely gripping the hand I had placed on his shoulder to stop him. "Where is the blood bottle they filled you?"
It took me a moment, which he immediately didn't like, but this is when I realized they hadn't discovered what I thought. This may be about another impulse mistake I may have done.
"…Where do you think? I threw it out."
"Out where?" I didn't answer, glaring.
I winced when his grip on my wrist tightened.
"What's this about?"
"She's playing naive" Marko noted, devilish smirk now returned while sharing a bag of chips with Paul as they watched us.
"Boys could you give us some time to talk?" David's voice returned to polite composure but his heated glare was anything but endearing. "Try and pick up her mess"
Chuckling, they shrugged and left the lobby through separate tunnels.
I gulped deeply, seeing the others disappear but still glared back, pulling my wrist out of his hold.
"Whatever it is you think I did-.."
My eyes widened when he pulled my upper arm, dragging me over towards the fountain and up to Paul's rock box. Turning it on and speeding through the evening stations, static vibes loudly in picking up a signal…
"Disco-….whe-….investigate outside the Santa Carla boardwalk where earlier this afternoon, an abandoned car on the outer north parking lot was called in for towing and found with splatters of blood visible. Further investigation revealed that the vehicle was registered to 21 year old, Kelsey Montgomery, whom was recently filed missing after days of unknown whereabouts. This young lady happens to be one of many youths reported missing after this previous weekend; further on the list includes UCLA greek life students Sheryl Stratford, Marisa Fields-.."
He clicked off the radio as my eyes fell shut.
They put two and two together.
I wasn't facing him and it was deathly quiet.
"I know you did"
"David…"
"You took more stuff out of here didn't you?" his malicious tone ghosted over me.
A part of me felt guilt after it was done but I had to. I just didn't think it would be found so soon… I had hoped to be out of town before they discovered. Then hoping these open cases would keep them distracted from where I went…
I was suddenly spun around by the collar of my jacket. His hand harshly gripped my jaw to make me face him. "Answer me, Scarlet!"
Involuntarily I let out a small cry when his grip stung the earlier bruising. His hold barely relaxed but only to push aside my hair from where it fell over my neck and collar bone.
When our eyes locked again, I quickly closed them away but still felt like an open book.
"You know Max doesn't like any loose ends and neither do I." I flinched when he shook me. "Six months Scar, six fucking months. I'm just wasting my time. Tearing your throat out here and now would save me trouble and cut our losses…"
"Then why the hell did you wait so long for me!?" I screeched back. An emotional side of me, a vulnerable one that I hated showing was itching to surface by his words stabbing me. My question was ignored.
He tightened his grip again on my jaw, lurching me forward till we were nose to nose. "You know what murder investigations do? They attract hunters. Another inconvenience. Backstabbing, gets you killed in our book. The only thing saving your ass right now…. Is that you finally took a taste."
My eyes reopened, still shaken but confused at what he just said. "…Not just for hunger but for the fun of it."
"Y-you know..?" I struggled. Something assures me it wasn't our bruises that gave it away.
"We're linked, remember? When you tasted that blood, for one split second, we were closer than ever before." I was startled when his calm exterior returned. Not compassionate but not harsh either. My eyes had previously been threatening tears but now only glared back as I made sense of his words with earlier tonight. His motivations and next actions always confuse me. I never see what's coming.
I finally embraced our proximity when a proper response came to me. "We've never been further apart."
"Maybe your right. We're not close at all" At this point it didn't sound like he referred to the five of us. It sounded more like us two in particular.
"Kid" he sighed. Thumb softly brushing over my cheek "When did you stop telling me everything?"
The question puzzled me. The faintest warmth reached my face. Maybe when I stopped being human. But I still don't think it was me that really changed.
The closer this blood may make us, I see us more and more estranged. "You always trusted me. You've always liked what we can do. That's why you came back with us, right? You wanted to be like me."
"That's not it." I gritted, while my subconscious rang how that was part of it.
"No?" a soft smile spread over his features, before brushing my cheek with the back of his hand. "You didn't think that was the only way to be with me?" he whispered.
The sentiment actually stung. I don't care how heartfelt he seems right now. I know him and it's all manipulation!
"Enough of your games!" I hiss. "Stop talking to me like I'm still some stupid kid you can sweet talk!" I finally threw his arms from around me with a new found power. "Yes, I planted murder evidence and I have no regrets. Max wants you to kill me for it? Then kill me, you idiot, what are you waiting for?!" I shoved and threw as many hits as I could.
But each swing that came, he deflected easily, expression growing irritated. Catching my wrists, I didn't relent and finally forced him to backup. "Maybe it's you who doesn't have the guts!" My features were shifting.
Suddenly, his eyes glowed to match mine and he twisted my arm behind my back. I hissed and thrashed till my claws scathed his sleeve but suddenly felt a sharp pain in my stomach lurch me forward. I gasped when I lost my strength but realized David wasn't responsible. He threw me to the ground when my struggling stopped but I didn't focus on him anymore.
"Get up" Approaching me darkly, he soon realized my attention wasn't on him anymore but on my stomach. Pulling me up by the back of my collar, I suddenly sprang away from him. I ran across the cave but stumbled back to the ground by a choke building up in the back of my throat.
Vertigo took over but when my hands caught my fall, a hot splatter of red purged before me. I gagged and choked struggling to breath. My innards were being completely constricted and I even felt hot tears spill from my eyes.
Blood…
Blood dripped from my lips…
On my hands and knees, I was only allowed a momentary breath before another choke gushed up the burning flavor of metallic and alcohol. Some tips of my hair were painted by the blood and I coughed violently, panting for air. More tears streamed down my face.
After a fight for oxygen, my eyes stung. I brushed the waves from my face and realized what I thought were tears, were actually more streaks of blood from my eyes. The nose bleed had been my warning.
Softly hiccuping, I suppressed the small sobs threatening to breakout.
I was on hands and knees with the longest silence, staring at the pool of red while the pounding echoed in my head. I thought I was left alone, but a black gloved hand brushed the red streaks from my face.
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Grandpa Emerson made a tiny appearance LOL. Again, just because there are cameos doesn't mean they're entirely part of the plot. Its mostly for fun and to reference the movie's original story. I got a few more that might be fun to squeeze in.
Please review to share your thought!:) We're gonna dive into more of the other lost boys depraved lives soon so be prepared. People want to know when Scarlet's gonna turn. TICK TOCK, we're getting closer but the act that finally makes that happen is something that is a HUGE turning point for EVERYONE.P.S things are gonna start getting very suspenseful/scary for various characters but still have comedy and fun. Stay tuned!
Hope you guys liked it! Please Review :)