What if after Allyson stormed out of the school dance after seeing Cameron kissing Kim then destroying her phone, she'd encountered a silent, masked killer and her night had gone a totally different and completely life changing way?
31 October, 2018.
I don't fucking believe it! I don't fucking believe it! Allyson fumed silently as she caught her cheese covered phone in a napkin. She couldn't believe what Cameron had just done. Her so-called boyfriend. A call had come through from Vicky and he'd snatched it from her hand before she could answer the call. Before she could decide if she even wanted to answer the call and thrown it towards the refreshment table. Straight in to the massive plastic bowl filled with nacho cheese.
"See?" He'd bellowed. "This piece of shit!"
Matt Evans smiled riley at her. "Don't think dried rice is going to fix that," he said softly.
"You're probably right," she managed a small smile at him, feeling guilty for having just snapped at him when she'd said "you think?" When he'd rightly pointed out it was probably damaged beyond repair. "Thank you for your help there."
"No problem. Good luck."
"See you in history," she called absently as she headed out of the double doors, glad to be away from the bright lights, loud music but most of all, Cameron.
Maybe her father had been right. She'd tried to ignore his scathing remarks about her family and give Cameron the benefit of the doubt and look where that'd ended up. She glanced back over her shoulder, but no one was following her. With a noise of disgust, she tried to start getting cheese out of her phones ports. She knew right away it was pointless. Even if she managed to charge it, she'd probably fry the circuit board. Her phone was well and truly trashed.
"Damn you Cameron," she muttered under her breath, still trying to wipe cheese from the device. As much as she could anyway. She wasn't even sure why she was doing it. She knew she was fighting a losing battle. She needed a new phone. That much was obvious. Damn she hoped her best friend's call hadn't been urgent. She sighed, thinking of Laurie and her parents.
They'd been driving back to Laurie's house in her pickup, when they'd skidded on a patch of ice and hit a tree. All three of them had died instantly. As Allyson was now 18, she was able to stay in Karen and Ray's house. She missed all three terribly, an empty void in her heart. Vicky had been incredible, staying with her night after night. Vicky's parents had kept sending huge boxes of food and other items with her. Allyson loved them so much.
"Hey, Allyson! Wait up!" The shout came from behind her and Allyson let out a groan. It was Cameron. He was on his own, no sign of Oscar. She wasn't sure if that was a good or bad thing. Why the hell had she gone to the damn dance in the first place? It was the last thing she'd felt like doing. Vicky only hadn't attended due to babysitting. Allyson now seriously wished she'd gone with Vicky instead. So much for hoping Cameron would be nice to her. She kept walking, increasing her speed. All she wanted to do was get home and sleep. She'd had enough drama for one night.
"Allyson!" He called again. "Wait!" Once again, she didn't slow down. Cameron must have been faster than he looked because a few seconds later she felt his hand on her shoulder. How on earth had he caught up with her so fast?
"Every time I looked around you were buried in your phone. Looking at it, talking with people, and texting with people. It sucked. I didn't do anything with Kim," Cameron said, his hand tightening on her shoulder to stop her walking away. "She came up to me. Don't cry about it. I'm trying to respect she still has feelings, I'm sorry. She already has eating problems and I didn't want to make it worse. What was I supposed to do?"
Tired of the drama, Allyson looked back down at her phone and sighed. "It's ruined. It's fucking ruined with fucking melted cheese in it!"
"Good! Now we actually have to talk to each other!"
Allyson wrenched herself away from him, furious. "You're drunk!" She spat. "I have absolutely no desire to talk to you when you're like this. Sober up and we might, I said might, talk in the morning."
"Don't be such a fucking bitch," he slurred, holding her jacket now. She tried to pull away but his grip was too strong. "I just want to talk."
But Allyson was not fooled. She'd lost count of the amount of times her father had warned her to watch out for drunk men when they said "I just want to talk." 9 times out of 10, they had a lot more than talking on their minds. Allyson shook her head. Right then she was thankful she was the one in the trousers, while Cameron was in the skirt. "Don't be such a tight bitch!" He yelled then and yanked her against him. She again tried to pull back, but with no success. She glanced over his shoulder and was distraught to realise they'd left the school grounds. They were alone out here, no one to help her, no phone. This could be bad.
Cameron pressed her against a wall then, his breath hot against her neck. "You've been leading me on for months," he panted against her ear. "Stop blocking me, Allyson. You know what I want and you want it to." Allyson struggled as hard as she could, but to no avail. Cameron was way too strong. It was almost as if the alcohol in his system was giving him even more strength. Ha, she scoffed to herself. As if she'd ever doubted it in the first place. Of course this was what he wanted. What else would it be? Popcorn? No way was she just going to let him do this. He was drunk and on top of that, a right asshole just then. She tried to pull away again, but now he'd grabbed her by her necktie. What the hell is it, she thought through the haze of anger? With guys who think they can just do this whenever they want?
That was when the deathly white mask entered her vision. The masked man was holding a knife. Cameron hadn't seen him. Allyson continued to struggle. He was an asshole and it was fair to say she hated him. Cameron's hands were still all over her, until she finally punched him square between the legs, then to the face. He staggered, falling backwards. Allyson saw the masked man stab him once to the shoulder. Who the hell was he? Without looking back, she ran as fast as she could. Just as she exited a dark alley, she saw the flash of white behind her. She glanced back and felt her heart stop. She had to blink twice to make sure she wasn't dreaming. She wasn't. Laurie's words came back to her, clear as a bell. "That pale deathly white mask he wears, the blank look in his eyes…" Michael Myers, Laurie's nightmare and "the Boogeyman" had just saved her from Cameron and was now standing right behind and had seen her. Allyson's feet had frozen, she couldn't run, hard as she tried. It felt as if her feet had been glued to the spot with fear. Seconds later, Myers was beside her and had grabbed her jacket before she could even try again to move. Now she almost wished Cameron had succeeded. At least he hadn't been planning on killing her… Myers dragged Allyson across the street. She couldn't even scream. She'd turned completely to ice. But why wasn't she dead already? Why hadn't he just killed her there and then? They reached a pickup truck and Myers unlocked it, pulling open the back door. Before he could force her in, Allyson complied, her legs shaking so badly she almost slipped twice. She wasn't going to argue with Michael Myers. Yet again she cursed Cameron for disabling her phone. She noticed the truck's windows were tinted black. To her surprise, Myers got in the back with her and locked the doors. No one would be able to see her from outside. She slowly turned, looking in to his blank, emotionless gaze. Why the hell was she here? Myers was looking intently at her and had lowered his knife to the seat. Even stranger. Unless he was going to kill her by other means.
"Mr. Myers," her voice was barely above a whisper. "Please don't kill me? I'll do whatever you ask, just please don't…" This man made Cameron look kind. She knew she was in literal dead trouble. His gaze hadn't left her face, still blank but also intense. What was he asking? What did he want from her? She hated herself for thinking this. The guy was a masked killer and had to be 40 years older than her at least, but… But… He was attractive, she couldn't lie. Immediately, she averted her gaze from his, but it was too late. He may not speak, but Allyson agreed now with Laurie. Don't ever doubt Michael's intelligence. It'll be the last thing you ever do. Next second, Myers had grabbed her jacket a second time, pulling her round to face him. She looked back up at him, holy hell he was tall. He was looking straight in to her eyes now, as if he could read her very thoughts. Another chill ran through her at this thought. Then, finally, it clicked. Laurie. Allyson had constantly been told she looked like her grandmother, was that what Myers was seeing? Taking a deep breath, she softly spoke 4 words. "She was my grandmother." Allyson asked herself again why she wasn't struggling. Why she felt, safe? With this man? A killer?
"Why did you do that, Mr. Myers?" She finally managed to ask. "Save me from Cameron?" Was it because she was related to Laurie?
But Michael Myers had been Laurie's deadly enemy. Why would he help a member of her family? He'd wanted her dead. Had done for 40 years. Well now he's got his wish, she thought sadly. Just he didn't kill her. A tree did. "You…" Allyson hesitated. "You're not looking for my grandmother are you? You… You won't find her. She…" She blinked, looking away against a sudden onslaught of tears. "She… She's dead. She died in a car accident a couple of months ago. Hit a tree."
There was absolutely no reaction from Myers for a second and then he did something Allyson hadn't expected in the least. Gently, he pulled her to him, his free arm coming around her tightly. His other hand then released her jacket, his other arm following suit. She felt her head rest against his shoulder and again desperately tried to command her brain to move. He's Michael Myers, she shouted at herself. What the fuck are you doing woman? He's Michael fucking Myers! But still she didn't make any attempt to pull back from him. Was he… Was he trying to comfort her in his own silent way? She scoffed. Yeah right. Don't be an idiot Allyson! But still…
She didn't know how long she'd been there, but after a while Myers made his move. He lifted her up none too gently, but when he lay her down it was carefully, gradually. To her total shock, he lay her on a soft mattress in the back of the truck, her head to 2 soft pillows, pulling a blanket over her. Allyson had already removed her jacket. She only realised then just how tired she was. Reaching down she removed her shoes and tie. She knew she wasn't going anywhere, so better to comply if she wanted to live. She sighed softly as she thought of her grandmother. This man had wanted her dead for 40 years before her car accident. Now he was holding her in this truck? That was when she heard Myers leave the back and a few seconds later the engine started. Allyson felt a thrill of dread, but Myers didn't move the vehicle and a few seconds later, she felt warm air reach her. He'd just started it to activate the heating. What the hell? This was Michael Myers. Why did he care if she was warm or comfortable? It made absolutely no sense at all.
Shortly afterwards, Myers got back in to the back with her, lying at her side. It was then she'd noticed he'd removed his mask. She stared at his face, the slight stubble across his cheeks, his short black hair and black eyes, now not obscured by his infamous mask. The feel of the warm air against her face and the soft rumble of the engine were sending her to sleep whether she wanted it to or not. She felt Myers gently put his arm around her once again. This time she actually turned to him and managed a small smile. Vicky was babysitting tonight and the thought of going back to her house alone hadn't been appealing. Now it appeared she wasn't going anywhere. "I live alone now," she found herself speaking before she could stop it. "I inherited my parent's house when they died and now I've just turned 18 I can live there by law. But sometimes…" She stopped for a second. What the hell was she doing considering who she was talking to? But she'd started now so she'd have to finish. "I miss them so much," she said softly. "Sometimes I wouldn't mind joining them. I have friends who care, but…"
But that was as far as she got because Myers again pulled her close to him with both arms, tightly this time. She looked up at him in disbelief. This time she couldn't scoff so easily at her previous question. Was he trying to comfort her? She gave him a weak smile as she found herself resting her head against his shoulder. That was when he gently took her hand in his and squeezed it, softly stroking the back of hers with his thumb. Her eyes widened in shock, even as she smiled slightly at him again. He gently pushed her back against the pillows and made to release her. Allyson didn't know if she'd temporarily taken leave of her senses due to grief or tiredness, but she spoke softly, holding his hand tighter. "Please, don't? Not yet?" She was certain she saw an ever so slight smile on his face, but he didn't release her hand. On the contrary, both his hand and arm around her tightened.
"I…" Allyson was speaking quite before she realised it. "I'm struggling. I don't know how much longer I can do this. I'm only 18 and I can't…" But she was again stopped as Myers once more squeezed her hand tightly in his and she was sure she was dreaming when she felt him softly kiss the top of her head. I'm here, that kiss seemed to say, as did his strong handhold. I'm here and I'm going nowhere, Allyson. She mentally shook herself. That was absurd. Wasn't it?
She didn't feel it when he released her because she'd dropped off to sleep. Nor did she feel it when he got back in to the front and drove them in to the night.
When she did wake up, she was lying in bed in her house. But how did he know where she lived? She checked the house for him, but he wasn't there. An hour later when Vicky arrived, the 2 young women sat watching TV. Allyson didn't tell Vicky anything that'd happened between her and Myers. Truth was she wasn't even sure herself what'd happened. All she knew right then was she couldn't stop thinking about the so-called Boogeyman. Why had he been so kind to her? The way he'd held her, even the way he'd held her hand. No man had ever made her feel that way before. But should, could she let herself fall for him? Even if she dared, would she ever get the chance to let him know? She didn't even know where he was. She hadn't seen him since he'd left earlier that morning. The ping of an Email suddenly attracted her attention and she looked at her phone. Her eyes widened.
"What?" Vicky asked.
"That job I applied for last month? They want to interview me." Vicky squealed. "Yay! Go Allyson! You are going to try, right?"
Hell yes," Allyson nodded. "It was only work in a local café, but it was a start. "Close to my house, good money? Hell yes I'm going to try! What have I got to lose?" Vicky grinned and hugged her.
2 weeks later.
Allyson left the café in good spirits. She'd been told she had the job 2 days after her interview. They'd literally snapped her up. It still made her flush with pleasure. It was obvious she was what they were looking for. It suited her, too. She enjoyed talking to people, meeting people and serving food. This particular night she'd worked her first late shift, finishing at 11 in the evening. She didn't mind though. The money was good the later one worked.
As she started the walk home, her mind again went back to that night nearly three weeks ago. Halloween night when she'd come face to face with Michael Myers, the Boogeyman. Except he hadn't been the Boogeyman to her, he'd shown her nothing but kindness. However, it appeared she'd got the message through that kiss to the top of her head wrong. She'd thought it meant he wasn't going anywhere, but that appeared not to be the case because she hadn't seen him since. Unless he'd been captured again of course. But what was she feeling for him? She had tried again and again to analyse it, but it was proving useless. What was the point in thinking about something which was never going to happen? How could it if she wasn't going to see him again? She sighed. She knew it was… For want of a better word wrong. He had to be 40 years older than her at least. Yet… Yet…
Heaving another deep sigh, she continued walking. Was she just looking to him for comfort because Laurie, Karen and Ray were all deceased? Was that it? Yet another question she'd asked herself constantly and her mind kept replying no. She had to stop thinking about him, because all she felt was, as crazy as it seemed, sadness.
She was really grateful he'd dropped her safely back home that night, in her bed no less, he must've used the keys in her pocket. But she'd really hoped she'd see him again. Apparently not. She pulled out her new phone, she'd been right the old one was quite literally cheese and turned on the flashlight. Its beam didn't penetrate far, but far enough for her to see where she was going. Vicky wasn't staying with her tonight so she would be alone in the house. Just fantastic. Another depressing thought to add to her growing list.
She'd just turned in to the street leading towards her house when she heard a horribly familiar voice. "Allyson."
Shit, shit! It was Cameron and this time there was no one around to help her if he decided to continue his previous… Advances. Picking up her speed she started to almost run towards her road. But Cameron was once again too fast. Next second he'd grabbed her by her jacket.
"You're not running away from me again," he said. "No masked guy with a knife to save you this time. We're going to finish what we started. Stop being so fucking prudish. I know you want me. Stop denying it and let me fuck you. Why won't you? Kim?"
"What you started!" Allyson shot back. "Get off me jerk," She wrenched herself from his grip but didn't walk away. Though this was purely because she didn't want him using force again. "Why don't I want sex with you? Hmm, let's think. Maybe because you're a drunken idiot? Or because you were kissing another girl when I thought you were my boyfriend? Not to mention my cheese phone," she added, hastily pocketing her new one. She didn't trust that Cameron wouldn't break this one if she didn't. "Plus, has it ever crossed your mind that maybe I just don't want sex? Not every relationship means opening one's legs after the first God damn date! I don't give a stuff about Kim. Do what the fuck you want, just leave me alone please."
The thought had come to her that maybe if she asked him nicely he'd listen. Not likely and this was immediately proved wrong when he again grabbed her jacket. She could smell the alcohol on his breath. He was drunk. Again.
"Why should I?" He almost shouted in to her face, the smell making her want to vomit. "You came on to me. Were you just looking for attention? Every couple fuck in the end, so why haven't you let me?"
"Jesus Cameron," Allyson only felt exasperated now and very tired. "Were you even listening? We're. Not. A. couple! It was one date to the dance and look how well that went. Forget Kim for a second, you got drunk and threw my phone in to a fucking cheese bowl."
"Yeah, because you wouldn't stop fiddling with the damn thing. I wanted your attention and all you could concentrate on was your phone."
"Bullshit you did," Allyson glared at him now. "If you had you wouldn't have been with Kim. You could've made it clearer you wanted to spend time with me, or was I just supposed to read your signals? Well forgive me if my perception areal wasn't working that night."
"Sarcastic bitch," Cameron snarled.
For the second time, Allyson struck him to the balls, this time with her knee. He stumbled back with a strangled cry and she ran as fast as she could. A few seconds later, she heard him let out a gargled scream. She turned and that was when she saw it. The deathly white mask. Her heart half flipped; half stopped with fear. But why did it flip like that? Oh you know the answer to that, said her conscience. Stop lying Nelson! You know who wears that mask! It's the man you haven't been able to stop thinking about. If you let him walk away this time you deserve rejection!
She glanced down to see blood gushing from Cameron's slit throat. She covered her mouth but not in horror, well not entirely, more satisfied hatred. The son of a bitch had tried to sexually molest and harass her twice.
"Michael," Allyson had spoken the killer's name quite before she'd realised it and he turned to face her. Taking her arm, he guided her away from the dying man. Allyson didn't look back, she couldn't. Once again Michael took her to his pickup, but this time he actually lifted her up in to it so she didn't have to navigate the high step herself. This time she was in the front. Michael got in next to her and locked the doors.
"Please," she begged him. "Please listen to me just for a minute? Will you?" She was certain the killer slightly nodded.
"I don't know what's going on with me, but I haven't been able to stop thinking about you for the last 2 weeks. Yes, I mean in that way. I tried to tell myself it's because my relatives are all dead, I'm just looking for comfort, but Michael I don't think that's the case. I know, ok? Before you say it, I know the age gap ok? You're at least 40 years older than me but shit, age is just a number mom always said. It's not just that night either. There's something about you which has always fascinated me and I don't know what it is, but I want to find out! I really, really do. If you say no or don't feel the same way, I'll more than understand. Hell I know what society would say about it, but damn it Michael Myers I don't care! I…"
But she was stopped because Michael pulled her back in to his arms. As her head rested on his strong shoulder she couldn't hold back the soft sigh. God she'd missed this so much. Then, the killer took his mask off a second time. She gazed in to his black cold eyes, but to her they looked gorgeous. Michael held her tighter and she saw he'd raised his eyebrows at her. She took a second to consider what he might be asking her. Are you serious? Why? Are you sure? She decided to go for the third as her best guess.
"Yes," she said very softly. "I'm sure and I'm serious. Why, I don't know. But you're all I've been able to think about, I've missed you so much, I want to be with you. It's not just comfort either. It's…"
But she got no further because Michael continued to hold her tightly as he lent towards her and their lips met. Allyson felt hers almost melting in to his as she kissed and kissed the Boogeyman. Eventually, their mouths parted as their tongues came in to contact. She rested her head back on his shoulder as they kissed and kissed. Allyson was clinging to him tightly, never wanting to let go. Eventually she drew back just enough to look in to his eyes.
"Let's go back to mine?" She breathed. "We can… Well," she gave him a small smile. "Discuss this further there over something hot to drink. It's freezing. Or it was before you kissed me like that. That soon raised my temperature."
Was that a slight smile on his lips? Silently, Michael started the engine and pulled away, but Allyson did feel his hand lightly resting on her knee when he didn't need it for the wheel. She smiled up at him.
When they reached her house, Allyson let them in. "Tea? Coffee? She asked him. Michael shook his head. Allyson went and got herself a tea, then joined him on the sofa where he pulled her close to him.
"I promise I'm not messing around with you Michael Myers," just the sound of his name on her lips made her shiver with longing. "I don't have a death wish," she grinned at him a little. "Seriously, I'm telling you the truth. That last 2 weeks I couldn't stop thinking about you and…"
Michael stopped her again by kissing her. It was then it hit Allyson like a lightning bolt. Could it be that Michael had avoided her because he felt the same but was thinking of the age gap just as she had? Well fuck that! Allyson thought now. I don't care! I need him, I want him, and hell I think I love him! Fuck age! "Will you come upstairs with me?" She breathed eventually. "Please? Only with one difference? This time, stay?"
…
Allyson Nelson had never expected to lose her virginity to a man 40 plus years her senior, but she'd also never realised that meant he knew what he was doing. Even if he'd never had sex before, it sure didn't feel like it to her. When he slid in to her, Allyson clutched him tightly to her and he didn't stop her. On the contrary, he kissed and kissed her and they made love again and again that night. When they finally fell asleep, Allyson was afraid Michael would leave her. "Please don't go?" She whispered just before she closed her eyes. "Not this time?"
He just softly kissed her in response as her eyes closed. But when she woke up, he was still there this time. They showered together and the sex was once again out of this world, before going downstairs to get breakfast. When Vicky arrived later that morning, Michael effortlessly took the heavy food box from her. "Thanks," she smiled at him. She doesn't recognise him without his mask, Allyson thought. So shortly after they'd put the food in the kitchen and were sitting in the lounge with drinks, this time Michael had indicated coffee by pointing at said jar, Allyson turned to Vicky and dropped her bomb shell. "Vicky, I'd like you to meet my boyfriend, Michael Myers."
One year later, 31 October, 2019.
"You ok?" Vicky asked as the 2 teens sat beside the triple gravestone of Karen, Laurie and Ray, tidying up the dead flowers and replacing them with new ones. Allyson had gone there alone earlier but Vicky had found her within the hour. Of course she would. Her best friend was too sharp for her own good.
"Yeah," Allyson smiled sadly at her friend as Vicky picked up the pruning shears and began to cut away dead weeds and flowers from the gravestone. "Just…"
"Just what?" Her friend gently prompted as she started her work. "Has something happened between you and Michael?"
Allyson sighed again. "Not exactly no. I'm just getting really stressed lately Vick. First my university course is not going anywhere near as well as I'd hoped it would and second, well…" She hesitated. Vicky didn't press her this time, just started sweeping the dead cuttings in to a bag. Allyson looked at her parent's and grandmothers engraved names and blinked hard. Vicky sat beside her and put her arms around her. "It's hard sometimes, you know?" Allyson said, but she wasn't talking to her Vicky noticed, she was looking at the gravestone. So Vicky said nothing, just held her close and let her talk.
"I thought I could do this course. But the work is so damn demanding. I'm starting to wonder if I chose the wrong subject." She sighed again. "As for Michael, Jesus grandmother what would you say? You're probably turning in your grave right now." She smiled sadly. "But believe it or not he's so good to me. He's treated me nothing but kindly and God help you if you hurt me as Cameron found out the second time he tried. Michael gave him a chance the first time and he ignored it, so that's his own fault. It's just…"
Again she trailed off, looking at the grave. "I wish you were still here," she said softly. "I have so many questions about life in general, things I didn't get the chance to ask you. Should I? Shouldn't I? Questions which I'll now never hear my mom answer." Vicky tightened her arms around her.
"You can always ask me babe," she murmured. "Or mom. She's only too happy to help you anytime day or night. She'll tell you that as many times as she needs to."
Allyson again blinked back tears. "I know," she hugged Vicky tighter. "Thanks babe. It's just… Tonight of all nights, why the hell did I say what I did to him? It's fucking Halloween! He's the Boogeyman this night and we all know that!"
"What did you say to him?" Vicky asked softly.
"Oh Christ," Allyson covered her face. "I can't even fully remember myself. I was just so damn stressed about… Things and I lost it. Said I wish he'd fucking speak sometimes! Even if only to me! I just… Sometimes I want him to tell me he loves me. Please don't miss understand Vicky, mom, dad, grandmother, he shows it more than enough. It's just sometimes I wish he'd say it… Stupid isn't it?"
"No," Vicky said immediately. "It's perfectly normal."
"Maybe so, but I shouldn't have said it the way I did. He gave no response, just walked away and now I wish to God I could take it back…"
"Is that because it's Halloween? Are you afraid of him tonight?"
"Um yes, I'm afraid of him any fucking time he puts that damn mask on," Allyson shivered a little. "Everyone is." Vicky nodded. Allyson looked at her friend with a sad smile. "Remember the day I first told you?" Now her smile became a little more genuine and turned in to a slight grin. Vicky nodded again, smiling back at her.
"Vicky, I'd like you to meet my boyfriend, Michael Myers."
There was a second of stunned silence before Vicky said, "Uh, sorry?"
"You heard," Allyson smiled at Michael, then her friend. "I'd like you to meet my boyfriend, Michael Myers."
Vicky and Michael looked at each other for a moment before Vicky finally managed to speak. "Uh, wow. Hi Michael, I… I'm Vicky."
Allyson watched, smiling as Michael and Vicky actually shook hands. Brilliant. Allyson waited for the upcoming lecture from her friend. He's old enough to be your father, what would Laurie say? He wanted her dead… Etc. etc. But it never came.
"What?" Vicky said now, seeing Allyson was looking at her as she remembered.
"I was just thinking I spent months waiting for the, what the hell are you doing? He's old enough to be your father lecture from you. I can't thank you enough you never gave it."
Vicky shrugged. "Hey, it's your life girl. Who am I to control it? Yes those thoughts did cross my mind, but a clever woman like you would've already thought of those so who was I to say it to you again?"
"I love you Vicky," Allyson hugged her tightly. Vicky gently kissed her cheek. "Love you too. You stay there, let me get this done for you."
"I meant to do it myself," Allyson began weakly, but Vicky had already firmly shaken her head and again picked up the shears. Allyson smiled at her for real this time as she watched her friend complete the work. "It looks like we're not the only ones who've been here," Vicky said gesturing at the large amount of flowers left at the graveside. Allyson nodded. "Hardly surprising though," Vicky continued. "They were popular people."
Allyson smiled a little at that. She'd lost count of the number of her neighbours who'd popped round with a dinner or drinks, or the occasional food box of their own. "Just wanted to check you're ok," they'd say. Allyson loved all of them. It seemed not only had her parent's and Laurie been popular, so was she. Would I be so if they knew who I'm with? She'd asked herself from time to time, but had never let herself consider the answer. Hell no.
"Where's Dave?" Allyson asked after a while.
"Halloween party of course," Vicky rolled her eyes. Allyson looked at her in surprise. "What?"
"Oh nothing, he's just such a kid."
"You love Halloween parties!" Allyson said in shock, staring at her friend incredulously. "What changed?"
"When your best friend needs you it kind of changes your priorities," Vicky said quietly.
"Are you saying you're angry with Dave because he's not here for me?"
"Maybe a little," Vicky admitted. "But you know Dave. He truly cares about you, sends his love, but he's never been good at the emotional stuff." Allyson now did grin for real. "Don't I know it," she said with a laugh.
Eventually Vicky had cleared away all the dead cuttings so Allyson placed down the 2 new bunches of flowers. One from her, one from Vicky and her parents. Allyson hesitated for a second then softly spoke again. "Michael knows I'm stressed about university, I told him. But he doesn't know the whole reason I'm not myself right now, no one does."
"I'm all ears if you want them," Vicky said, sitting back down beside her. "You know whatever it is I won't judge you or tell anyone else, right? You should do by now."
"Yeah I know," Allyson smiled at Vicky. "Actually I really needed to hear you say that. That's because a lot of people would if they knew what I'm thinking. I can hear it now. "That's wrong, unnatural, etc."
"Not me," Vicky said fervently. "What is it Al?"
"Well it's to do with Michael," Allyson said quietly. Vicky nodded. "I guessed that much."
"It's this," Allyson almost whispered as she produced the small leather box from her pocket and handed it to Vicky, who opened it. For a second there was silence before Vicky closed it, handed it back and then hugged her tightly. "You go Al!" She almost squealed while keeping her voice low! You should do it! If he makes you as happy as it seems he does, ask him!"
"You really…" Allyson began.
"Now you listen to me Allyson Nelson," Vicky said softly but her voice was stern. "I'm being serious here. It's your life and if he makes you happy, who am I or anyone else for that matter to judge you? My parent's always brought me up that way! They've never once judged you when they've seen you with Michael have they? They wouldn't have invited him for lunch with you so many times if they did. So I'm not going to either! I'm your best friend Al and I want the best for you. If Michael Myers is it, what are you waiting for? My parents have commented on how happy you are with him. We've all seen the smile on your face when he so much as holds your hand, never mind kisses you! They only once spoke to me about his age etc. because quite frankly it's none of our business. Mom only mentioned it the once when you first told us and it was purely because she cares and you know it! Since then, not a word. As I say, we've all seen the way he's treated you. With nothing but kindness and love."
In unison both girls looked over their shoulders. The grave of Judith Myers was pretty close to Laurie's, Karen's and Ray's. Vicky let out a soft gasp then and covered her mouth, tears spilling on to her cheeks. Allyson looked and had exactly the same reaction, both girls hugging each other tightly. There was a fresh bunch of flowers on Judith's gravestone and a card lying beside them. It said simply, I'm sorry Judith. M.
"Now if that isn't your doing," Vicky hugged Allyson tighter than ever now. "Then I don't know what is. He's apologising for killing his sister! He loves you and that proves it! Do you still think he's out in his mask tonight as a killer?"
"Very probably," Allyson said softly. "He's Michael Myers."
Shortly afterwards, the 2 women left the cemetery. It was getting bitterly cold. They headed back to Allyson's for a coffee.
"Do you want me to stay with you tonight?" Vicky asked her friend as they sat in the living room.
"Thanks Vick," Allyson said sincerely. "But I'll be ok."
"You're hoping he comes home aren't you?" Vicky asked. "If he does, ask him the damn question Allyson Nelson! Stop putting yourself through the nerves, pain, whatever it is about it! Just do it! Life's…" She hesitated.
"Too short," Allyson finished the sentence. "I know."
"So do it!" Vicky poked her gently to the shoulder and a few minutes later left.
Allyson pressed her head to her arms and let the tears go. She'd managed to hold them in all evening while with Vicky, but now they had to come out. God she missed her parent's and grandmother. But mostly right then it was what she'd said to Michael. How the fuck could she have said that? Ok she was stressed, but that was too far. Tact, Allyson! She thought. You need to learn it! God, she needed him so badly, wanted him so badly, hell loved him so badly. How she wished she could just be held by him. She felt so safe when he just held her hand, never mind held her just as Vicky had said.
Eventually, Allyson stood up. Her eyes were red and bloodshot. She had to get out. She couldn't stay here. Not on her own. She now was starting to wish she'd accepted Vicky's offer to stay. Michael wasn't here and probably wouldn't come back tonight. Allyson wasn't stupid. It was Halloween. She stood by what she'd said to Vicky. Without doubt he was out in his mask lusting blood. Allyson shivered. Yet, she loved him.
Leaving the house, she set off down the pitch black streets, walking vaguely in the direction of Vicky's house. Perhaps Vicky and her parents would let her stay at theirs that night? Scratch that. She already knew they would, God knew they'd told her as much so many times since her parent's and Laurie's deaths. I can't do this alone tonight, she thought. I can't. She found her mind going back exactly one year to the disastrous date with Cameron at that damn dance.
Then his kissing Kim and destroying her phone. She couldn't help it then. She felt sympathy crash over her for Cameron's family. Yes he'd been a sexual bully and drunk a lot of the time, she suspected on drugs too, but he'd still been their son and brother. She sighed, picking up her speed. Damn. She thought. I love Cameron's killer and I can't change that. Cameron only died because he tried to sexually assault me for a second time. Hell Michael even gave him a chance the first time. He was the one who ignored it.
Almost automatically she found her feet leading her back in to the cemetery and to her parent's and grandmother's grave. Sitting back down she simply stared at their names forever engraved in marble. She leant against it as the tears once again began to fall. God she missed them and now she may very well have angered the one man who loved her.
Her phone rang twice while she was there, Vicky. She couldn't bring herself to answer it, so just sent a text.
No, he's not here. I'm still at the graveside. X.
Vicky text back immediately. Do you want me to come to you? X.
Allyson couldn't lie, she was tempted. After a second she replied, yes please. If you're not busy? Don't put yourself out? X.
I'm on my way. X.
When Vicky arrived, Allyson was more grateful than she could've ever told her friend when she simply slipped to her side, sat down and pulled her close, not saying a word. Allyson hugged her back just as tightly, feeling against her will, her eyes closing in sleep.
She didn't know how long it was before she was woken by Vicky standing up. She blinked; her eyes bleary with sleep. "What?" Vicky just smiled. "I'll see you tomorrow Al," she whispered and then she was gone. Allyson looked after her in surprise. What the hell? Had her parent's needed her to come back home for some reason? But that was when her thoughts stopped dead in their tracks. Because she felt someone kneel beside her and pull her close, the embrace she knew so well immediately, before she was being kissed once, twice. She clung to Michael as hard as she could. He wasn't wearing his mask and didn't seem to have a knife either. She looked in to his black eyes and was sure she could see love and sympathy in their previously emotionless depths.
"Michael," she started, but her lover cut her off by kissing her again. He wrapped his thick jacket around her as he lifted her up in to his arms and stood. Allyson never failed to be in awe of how easily he could carry her. She'd heard he'd once carried Judith's gravestone single handed. That'd made her shiver. How strong was he? But damn she loved him. Holding her tightly to him, he headed out of the cemetery and back to their house. At that thought, their house, Allyson felt her heart skip. Michael let them in with his key which she'd given him the day after she'd first told him how she felt and carried her through. The heat against her face was welcome.
He closed the door, stopped and turned his head to look at her, before he kissed her again. Shit. The man knew how to kiss. Allyson felt her lips practically mould with his. Michael's arms tightened around her as he carried her in to the living room and made to lower her to the sofa.
The killer raised an eyebrow as she clung to him and whispered "please, don't? "Had he just smiled at her? He tightened his arms back around her and lifted her back against his shoulder as this time it was her who sought his lips for kiss after kiss.
"I'm really sorry Michael," she breathed after a while against his neck. "I didn't mean what I said to you, I promise you I didn't. I haven't felt myself lately and I should've told you everything, but I didn't know how. I miss my parent's and Laurie so much, I…"
Michael kissed her again. It seemed to say what his voice wouldn't. I know, I know.
"But it's not just that," Allyson breathed. Vicky was right. Fuck what anyone else thought. This was her life. She loved this man and she wanted him to know it. She kissed him again and then found her feet. Michael released her so she could stand on the ground but continued to hold her.
Allyson gestured to the sofa. "Can you sit there for just a sec please?"
The killer raised an eyebrow but took his seat as she'd requested. Allyson's heart was beating so fast she thought it was about to stop. She had to ask him; Vicky was right. She took a deep breath.
"Can I ask you something?"
She saw the look of brief surprise which crossed his face, but he nodded. He doesn't have a clue, Allyson thought with a small smirk. He isn't expecting this at all. Good. Allyson Nelson took a deep breath, then knelt on one knee at Michael's feet. She didn't look at his face, she couldn't. She just opened her mouth and said exactly what was in her heart. All of it.
"Michael Myers, for the last year you've made me so happy, I love you so much. I should never have said to you what I did tonight, I didn't mean a word of it. When I first told you, I expected you to say about age etc., but no one has. Not you, not my close friends, no one. Vicky said to me just today it was my life, who were they to judge? Michael, she's right. I know how I feel, you've been nothing but loving and kind to me and I can't put you and the masked killer together in to the same man. I don't ever want this to end, Michael. I don't want to lose you. That's why I'm asking you this."
She pulled the leather box from her pocket for a second time and opened it, revealing the gold band within it. "Marry me, Michael Myers?" She breathed. "Please?"
For a second there was total silence. To Allyson it felt like years. Then she felt Michael stand and lift her up with him, his lips taking hers again. He kissed her over and over as she clung to him, her heart pounding as she awaited his answer, in whatever way he gave it. He held her tightly to him and when Allyson looked up at him she could hardly believe what she was seeing. Total shock and was that a tear in his eye?
"I'm serious," she breathed, again raising the box. "Deadly, actually." Gently she reached up, wiping the single tear from his face as softly and lovingly as she could, before she stroked his cheek. "I love you, Michael Myers," she whispered, her own voice choking with tears now. After another moment, the killer lovingly set her on her feet. Allyson was suddenly sure he was going to say no for one reason or another. But Michael gently took her hand in his, before raising his left.
"Is, is that yes?" Allyson could hardly speak. Michael lowered his head to hers and kissed her, still holding his left hand up.
Her hands shaking so badly she almost dropped it, Allyson pulled the band out of the box and slid it to his finger. It was a perfect fit, just as she'd hoped it would be. The killer glanced at his now a dawned left hand, before he pulled her tightly back to him and they started to kiss and kiss. Allyson couldn't stop the tears as they fell now and felt Michael lovingly wiping them away. "Take me to bed?" She whispered to her Fiancé. "Please?"
Immediately, he lifted her back up in to his arms and carried her up the stairs. With utmost tenderness he removed her clothes and lifted her in to bed before doing likewise and joining her. They made love again and again that night, Allyson desperately trying to tell him she'd meant every word. She kept looking at Michael's hand, her ring upon it and love gushed up in her heart every time she did so. Allyson Myers, she thought with a sleepy contented smile just before her eyes closed again, this time in the warmth of their bed, her future husband holding her to him. Allyson Myers.
"I told you, I told you!" Vicky squealed the next morning when Allyson told her over the phone. "Congratulations Allyson Myers!" Hearing someone else say her to-be married name made tears once again fall. "Thanks," Allyson said happily to her friend. "Thanks." Vicky phoned back mere hours later, telling them her parents had put on a celebration dinner for them. "I couldn't resist telling them, "They're as happy as I am. See you both at 6?"
At 6, Allyson and Michael arrived at Vicky's house, Michael had driven them there. Immediately Vicky and her parents were at the door, hugging both of them and presenting them with a gorgeous bunch of flowers. Over the next few hours, Allyson had to endure Vicky's countless questions. "What do you want on your wedding list? Where will you go on honeymoon? Can I be a bridesmaid? Have you fixed a date? Where are you going to do it?"
Allyson grinned at her friend saying of course she was going to be a bridesmaid. She didn't care what date it was, she just wanted it to be soon. By the sounds of it from what they could hear in the kitchen, Michael was getting a similar barrage from Vicky's father. Although how he was answering, Allyson thought with amusement and another rush of love, she didn't know. Judging by Vicky's face, her friend was wondering exactly the same thing.
Only a week later, Allyson and Michael married in a beautiful castle Vicky's parents had seen and shown them. It was very quiet, only Vicky, Dave, 2 of her closest neighbours and Vicky's parents were there. But to Allyson, it was perfect. For the first time she saw Michael write, as he wrote her his wedding vows. She almost cried as he made the words as loving as he could. But she understood. He'd probably never expected to do this in his life, nor wear a suit and tie either. He looked gorgeous.
When the registrar said "Michael you may now kiss the bride," Allyson thought her heart was going to stop. Her husband pulled her close to him and kissed her again and again.
They had a small meal in Allyson's favourite restaurant and during her bridesmaid's speech, Vicky spoke of how she was sure Laurie and her parent's would be happy for her seeing how happy she was. She told an amusing story of Allyson at primary school which made Allyson blush with embarrassment as everyone else roared with laughter and she was sure even Michael was smiling.
"I hate you," she said to Vicky.
"What?" Vicky looked at her, all wide eyed with innocence. "Your husband deserves to know what he's got himself in to!" Before them both collapsed in to giggles.
Their wedding night was everything Allyson had dreamed it would be. Her husband made love to her again and again in the marriage bed of the bridal suite Vicky's parents had booked them in to.
Before then, they'd cuddled in the warm water of the Jacuzzi, kissing intensely. Allyson clung to him and every so often whispered, "I love you," as he wiped her happy tears away. "I love you, Michael Myers!"
Their honeymoon too was out of this world. Vicky's parent's had yet again helped out, booking them in to a luxury hotel. It was perfect, the best 2 weeks of her life.
"You know darling," she murmured contentedly against her husband's shoulder, as they sat in a tourist boat having dinner while cruising down a beautiful river. "There's now one night in the year I love. I used to be unsure about it, but now and for the rest of my life it'll be the best day in the calendar for me." Her husband raised his eyebrows as they lent in for another long, deep kiss. Allyson wrapped her arms around her husband's neck and held him tightly as she whispered her answer in to his ear. "Halloween night."