"Kaylah, wake up. You don't want to be late for your photoshoot."
"Thank you, Aunt Lucy."
"Do you have your outfits ready?"
"Yeah, and they're all in a suitcase, and my props are ready, as well. The photographer is picking me up."
"They are?"
"She usually does."
"I read the newspaper that was laying on the kitchen table, and your picture was in it."
"It usually is. In the local creations column."
"And I must say, you are very creative."
"Thanks, Aunt Lucy."
Kaylah went with a an all white halter romper with fringe on the shorts, her black rose cowgirl boots, a black rose print kimono poncho, and her thin brimmed white fedora. And of course, a good pair of aviator sunglasses to start.
"How often do you have a photoshoot?"
"'Bout once a week."
"How did you get started in them?"
"Back home, a photographer friend of mine pretty much got overwhelmed by my dress code, and she was like, 'girl, I gotta take pictures', so I just told her to have at it. Then, when I moved here, she got a hold of a photographer here so the photoshoots could continue. I use my own props, I model my own clothes. My photographer says that my pictures might make it into the San Francisco Chronicle or the LA Times."
"Now, that would be a big break for you."
"Yes, it would."
"Kaylah, your photographer is here."
"Thank you, Michael. I will see y'alls later this afternoon. And Aunt Lucy, Grandpa, I am cooking tonight."
"Oh, darn. We're in for a treat."
"Shut up, Sam."
"Well, good morning, Kaylah."
"Good morning, Tonya."
"You got your props?"
"Yes, ma'am. One of these days, we're gonna have to use my bike as a prop."
"I like that idea."
"Oh, and for Halloween, I'm gonna dress as a female Mafia boss from the 1930′s. I'll basically be bringing my novel's protagonist to life. And no, the costume will not be a cheap costume from Walmart or Party City. It'll be the real clothes. And a Tommy BB gun, maybe BB revolver."
"Go for the gold, Kaylah."
"I always do. Oh, and call me crazy if you want to, but I brought a rose vine for a prop, and this one is thorn loaded!"
"You and thorns."
"They make me look tough."
"You are tough."
"Exactly."
"What other props did you bring?"
"You'll see."
"Don't make me wait to long."
"I won't."
Since her photoshoots began, she had gotten calls from modeling agencies all across America, but she turned them all down. Kaylah always thought they would tone her body down to where she looked like Gollum. She was already too thin to begin with.
"So, how many shots are you planning to take?"
"As many as you're good with."
Kaylah never smiled in the photoshoots. She had crooked teeth and did not like to show them. Talking was one thing, but just sitting there holding your mouth open and your teeth stuck together was another.
"I have, I think, counting the one that I'm wearing, ten different outfits."
"Oooh, I see you brought a battle axe. Nice touch."
"And that is a real battle axe. I need to bring my hockey stick next time, and my jersey, so I can pose like a hockey slut and make it look like I'm not wearing underwear."
"You brought a spiked club?!"
"Yup. I bought that beauty on Amazon."
"That's where you buy most of your clothes."
"Yeah, but eBay is more likely to have my pant size than Amazon is."
"That's unfortunate."
"Yes, it is."
"I love your poses are modest and provocative at the same time."
"Who says a queen can't show off, but still have a sense of dignity?"
"You are the best thing that has ever happened to my photography studio."
"You're welcome."
"So, how are your cousins liking Santa Carla?"
"Eh, you know, first day in a new town is usually mixed emotions."
"Right you are."
"But, my cousin Michael decided to drag my cousin Sam off into the waves."
"Sounds like an evil mermaid."
"Like the evil ones in Peter Pan?"
"Those are the ones."
"Now you know me, Tonya. I hate the ocean. It's FILTHY!"
"It is. Pick your first prop."
"The rose vine first. I'll wear it like a scarf."
"And that scarf looks stunning on you. Keep it coming."
"Keep hitting the flash button, and I will."
"And your outfits always scream boss bitch."
"Damn right."
Kaylah saw herself as a combination of Queen Elizabeth I, Achilles, the virgin Greek goddesses, and the newer Fallon Carrington.
"Now, hold that rose vine between your teeth."
"Throw me my fedora."
"Oh, these had better make it into at LEAST the San Francisco Chronicle."
"Why least?"
"Kaylah, your pictures should be seen on Daily Mail UK. You are that bold, and how come the world hasn't seen it yet?"
"Oh, they will, sweetheart, they will. I just wanna tell the world I can make their hands clap."
"Is that the song you want to use for picture captions?"
"Yes, ma'am."
Meanwhile at the beach, Michael was having fun teaching Sam how to surf, but Sam was not having it.
"Do I have to do this?"
"Come on, Sam, you know before there were malls there was 'like the ocean'."
Michael learns to almost master the art of Surfing. He is very athletic and it does not take him too long to get the hang of it. Sam is disaster, however, and settles for watching Michael along with the huge Santa Carla Seals who seemingly applaud Michael. Suddenly he is wiped out, however, by Greg and the Surf Nazis who surf right past him.
"My beach, my wave, dude."
Michael wipes out as the Seals applaud.
Lucy was so far enjoying her first day on the job at Max's video store.
"I haven't seen Max all day."
"He only comes in nights. He's busy opening another store in Los Gatos. Much bigger than this one. He really is an awesome guy. I'd be out on the street if it wasn't for Max. Nobody would've given me a job the way I looked when I walked in here."
"I would've given you a job, Maria."
"Thank you, Lucy."
Lucy sees Kaylah park her bike and walk up to the video store with her guitar in hand.
"Kaylah! How did the photoshoot go?"
"'Bout the same as usual. I just stand there in a certain way, in a certain outfit, with a certain prop. Nothing ever exciting. Not that I don't enjoy the. It is a way to get my creativity out there."
"It sure is."
Kaylah had switched back to the first outfit she wore that day.
Michael pulled up on his Honda bike, and Sam jumped off it.
"See you later, Sam."
"Wait, Michael. I get off in another twenty minutes. I thought we could all grab a bite to eat together."
"I'll pass."
"Don't worry, Aunt Lucy. I'll eat something with ya. And my sweet tooth is going insane, so how about some funnel cake? My treat. Sam, are you in?"
"No thanks, Kaylah. I'm gonna go check out the comic book store again."
"Have fun with that. I swear, that boy and comic books go together like peanut butter and jelly."
"That is true. But what was up with Michael?"
"He found a girl last night. But I'll still treat you to a funnel cake, Aunt Lucy."
"Sounds good to me."
Kaylah sat down on a bench outside of the video store and started playing her guitar, waiting for Lucy to get off work.
"Hey, there Mr. Tin Man. You don't know how lucky you are. You shouldn't spend you whole life wishing. For something bound to fall apart. Every time you're feeling empty. Better thank your lucky stars. If you ever felt one breaking. You'd never want a heart. Ooooooh, oooh, ooooooh, ooooh."
"No money in your guitar case?"
It was Marko that said that.
"No. I'm just singing for the sake of singing."
Marko let his Cheshire grin come across his face.
"Well, don't let me stop you. Keep singing."
"I will keep singing. Hey there, Mr. Tin Man. You don't know how lucky you are. I've been on the road that you're on. It didn't get me very far. You ain't missing nothing. Cause love is so damn hard. Take it from me darling. You don't want a heart. Ooooooh, oooh, ooooooh, oooh, ooooh. Ooooooh, oooh, ooooooh, oooh, ooooh."
Watching Kaylah sing and play her guitar was all that Marko could focus on. The scents of the different people around him did not make their way to his nose. It seemed he forgot all about being a vampire, and felt human once again. He did not even hear Paul come up behind him and grab his shoulder.
"What's going on, Marko? David wants us to go."
"I'm watching her sing. Just look at her."
"Hey there Mr. Tin Man. I'm glad we talked this can take mine if you want it. It's in pieces now. By the way there Mr. Tin Man. If you don't mind the scars. You give me your armour. And you can have my heart. Ooooooh, oooh, ooooooh, oooh, ooooh. Ooooooh, oooh, ooooooh, oooh, ooooh. Ooooooh, oooh, ooooooh, oooh, ooooh. Ooooooh, oooh, ooooooh, oooh, ooooh."
She once again received applause from the crowd, Marko and Paul included.
"Kaylah, I was able to hear you sing from inside the store."
"That's not a bad thing, is it, Aunt Lucy?"
"No, not at all."
"Are you still up for a funnel cake?"
"Yes I am. Let's go."
Marko watched Kaylah and Lucy walk off from the store with Marko's eyes never leaving the sight of Kaylah.
Michael was able to find her again. Star walked up to him when he was in the punk store, looking at earrings.
"It's a ripoff to get your ear pierced here. If you want your ear pierced, I'll do it."
"Star, right?"
"Yes."
"So, your parents, too, huh?"
"What do you mean?"
"Ex hippies. My mom was one. I came super close to being called moon child or moon beam."
"I guess you're new around here."
"Sort of. We used to come here a lot of summers when I was kid. Now we're here on a permanent basis. Are you hungry at all? Wanna get something to eat with me?"
"Sure."
As Michael and Star approach Michael's Honda, the Lost Boys pull up on their bikes.
"Star, where are you going?"
"For a ride."
"With him?"
"Yes."
"I'm David. If you don't remember seeing me last night."
"I remember."
"What was your name again?"
"Michael."
"You had a hot blonde on your arm last night, if I recall."
"She's not my girlfriend or anything. She's my cousin. And she wasn't on my arm at all."
"Did someone just call me a hot blonde?"
"Kaylah!"
"Your mom already headed home, Michael."
"What are you gonna do?"
"I don't know. I'll think of something. But who was it who called me a hot blonde?"
"That was me."
It was Paul who spoke up.
"Okay, so what kind of hot blonde we talkin' about? A beach Barbie, a sorority Barbie?"
"Boardwalk Barbie."
"I like your terminology, bud."
As she spoke, Marko unknowingly let a blush come across his face.
"Well, Star. Are we still going?"
"A Honda 250, huh?"
"That's right."
"Come on, Star. Climb on."
"Star? Do you know where Hudson's Bluff is Michael?"
"I can't beat a Triumph."
"No, but an Indian can."
"Kaylah, an Indian can beat a Harley."
"Oh, please, Michael. Anything can beat a Harley. Harleys are the snails of motorcycles."
"You don't have to beat me, Michael. Just try to keep up."
"What about me? What if I beat you?"
"Kaylah!"
"Four Triumphs against an Indian?"
"You're on."
Kaylah speeds off on her bike first, and Michael is pretty sure that she is at least doing ninety an hour. Down a flight of stairs.
The other bikes bounce down the same flight of stairs, far behind Kaylah.
As they are a distance away, she prays in her mind, so that no one hears her.
"God, please me get away from them alive. I know what they are. Please Michael and I both get away from them alive. Amen."
Her bike suddenly sped up, beyond her control. Luckily, she had sent her guitar home with Lucy. The Lost Boys' faces were alive with excitement and the thrill of the ride.
Marko had trouble focusing on things in front him, as he was trying to catch up with Kaylah. Michael is cautious and worried, for both himself and Kaylah.
Kaylah speeds through the water, not caring what it does to her bike. She heads for the pier at full speed, completely jumping over and slamming through piles of wood like they were paper banners.
"Keep me going, God."
She is still far ahead of everyone else. The Lost Boys come up far behind her, winding their way through the obstacle course of wood.
Kaylah could see a bonfire burning just beyond a sand dune, and she decides to jump it. She speeds up onto the sand due and over the bonfire, much to the amazement of the Lost Boys and the shock of Michael. They all follow her lead. She makes her way across a railroad trestle. The Lost Boys were surprised she knew how to get where they were going.
"Now, we race, Michael."
David speeds ahead and Michael goes after him. They both can see the bluff up ahead, coming up fast. And Kaylah is no where to be seen.
"I trust you, God. Don't let me become one of them in Jesus name."
She could not stop praying.
Michael nearly loses control of his bike trying to keep himself from going over the cliff. David slams on his breaks and comes to stop, with a tire slightly hanging over the edge of the bluff. The other boys arrived on their bikes. Michael could not hold his anger any longer. He exploded and punched David in the face.
"How far are you willing to go, Michael?"
Michael looked over and seen Kaylah sitting on her bike, much to everyone's surprise.
"Kaylah, how long have you been sitting there?"
"'Bout ten minutes."
"You could have been killed doing all those stunts."
"If Steve McQueen can do it, I can do it."
"You still could have died!"
"Yeah, but what a way to go."
"I have to agree with her on that one, Michael."
Kaylah finished off her water bottle, so that dehydration was not the temptation that would lead her to drink what the Lost Boys drink.
"Y'alls got a trash can around here?"
Paul grabs the empty water bottle out of her hand and throws it over the cliff.
"There's your trash can."
"That works too, I guess."
She followed the group down a path. She noticed all kinds of signs that read condemned and keep out. The group enters and Michael and Kaylah cannot believe their eyes. A Victorian hotel lobby has seemingly dropped through a crack in the earth. It is tilted and broken, but nearly intact. Shafts of moonlight shoot down from cracks in the ceiling.
"This was the hottest resort in Santa Carla back about eighty years ago. Too bad they built it right on top of the San Andreas fault. In 1906, when the big one hit San Francisco, the ground opened up and this place took a header straight into the crack."
"Man, you wouldn't believe the cool stuff we've found in here."
"This is the kind of place where a writer like myself could get plenty of novel inspiration. If I do get any inspiration from here, would y'all sue me?"
"Go right ahead."
"Thank you."
"Come on, Michael. I want to go."
"No, stick around."
"We were just gonna grab a bite to eat."
"Good idea. Marko. Food."
"You got it."
Marko throws the pigeon back in the air and heads to the entrance of the cave. He takes a look at Kaylah before finally leaving.
Back at Grandpa's house, Sam was reading Vampires Everywhere, when his mom cam into his room.
"Sam, it's ten o'clock. Lights out."
"Could you close my closet door?"
"I can't sleep with the closet door open, either. Not even a crack. Your father doesn't mind, though. It could be wide open for all he cared. I think one of the reasons I divorced him was because he never believed in the closet monster!"
"A closet monster?!"
"Dad! Don't sneak up on us like that!"
"I brought you something to spice up your room, Sam."
"What is it?"
Grandpa pulls a stuffed woodchuck, looking very grotesque.
"How do you like that, Sam?"
"Uh, thanks Grandpa."
"And there are a lot more where he came from."
"Lights out, Sam."
"As soon as I finish this comic, okay?"
"Why is it that Kaylah is the only one not bothered by my taxidermy?"
"Nothing really bothers Kaylah, Dad. Except one thing. And that one thing is the reason why she moved here."
"Yup. The death of her Dad."
Back in the cave, Michael was most intrigued by his hosts.
"So, where are you guys from?"
"We're from here."
"I mean, where do you live?"
"We live here."
"You live here? Your folks let you?"
"Is he talking about parents?"
"What are parents, haha?"
"We do what we want, Michael. We have complete freedom. Nobody knows about this place and nobody knows about us. Freedom, Michael. No parents. No rules. Hell, we're as free as birds."
"Chow time, boys. Come and get it."
"Chinese! Good choice. Guests first, Michael."
David hands Michael a carton of rice, while Marko hands Kaylah a plate of funnel cake.
"I heard you talking about your sweet tooth going crazy, so I brought you some funnel cake."
"Thanks, Marko."
"Do you need any napkins for the powdered sugar?"
"Hell, no. That's what clothes are for. I have no table manners whatsoever. I'm not some sophisticated bitch. I don't eat like one either. Most skinny chicks want a salad, I say give me the greasiest burger possible."
"But wouldn't you get grease on your clothes?"
"It all comes out in the wash. It ain't nothing."
"Kaylah, I always thought you were afraid to get dirt on your boots."
"Michael, boots were made to covered in dirt."
"Why don't you sing us a little of something, Kaylah?"
"What do you wanna hear?"
"Surprise us."
"Alright. I cried. Never gonna hold the hand of another guy. Too young for him they told her. Waitin' for the love of a travelin' soldier. Our love will never end. Waitin' for the soldier to come back again. Never more to be alone when the letter says, a soldier's coming. I cried. Never gonna hold the hand of another guy. Too young for him they told her Waitin' for the love of a travelin' soldier. Our love will never end. Waitin' for the soldier to come back again. Never more to be alone when the letters says a soldier's coming home."
They all gave her a nice applause.
"I think your singing might have put Laddie to sleep."
"So how do you like those maggots, Michael?"
"What?'
"You're eating maggots. How do they taste?"
Michael looks at his food and sees thousands of maggots, wiggling around like they would on dead flesh. He spits out the food and those the carton on the floor, but what spills out of the carton is just rice. Kaylah looks down at her plate and sees that her funnel cake is still funnel cake.
"Leave him alone."
"Sorry, Michael. No hard feelings, huh?"
"Now, that was a funny prank."
"Kaylah!"
"Hush it, Michael."
"Here, try these noodles."
"Worms!"
"You guys are hilarious!"
But Kaylah knew they were not pranking Michael. She was just playing the innocent unknowing card.
"That's enough."
"Well, y'alls. I have enjoyed my time here tonight, but I do have to get back home. I do have a baseball game tomorrow, and we have an undefeated season far. I really wanna keep that going. I am the star player. And the only woman on the team."
"Is your game at night or the morning?"
"In the evening. Why?"
"Is it a home game, or away?"
"Away. Oakland."
"We might stop by and watch you play."
"Sounds good to me. Michael, are you coming along or staying?"
"I'll stay a little longer."
"Okay."
"Kaylah, why don't I show you the way back to the boardwalk?"
"I already know my way back to the boardwalk, Marko. But if you wanna race me there, that's fine."
"You're on."
They both ran up the condemned stairs to their bikes, and Kaylah opened the bag on her bike to switch jackets.
"What? You ain't never seen a girl with tattoos before?"
"Not as many as you have."
"Besides, the direction we're heading is where the wind is coming from, and I don't really feel like having this poncho blow off my body. So, I'm switching to my leather jacket."
"Makes sense."
They got on their bikes and sped off, with Kaylah leading the way. Every time Marko got within five feet of Kaylah's spike, she sped off again. She beat him to the boardwalk.
"Well, Marko. Have you ever been beaten by a girl in anything?"
"Not that I can remember. Oh, one last thing before you go."
"What?"
"Would you mind singing me a little of something?"
"Sure. And it's all right, yeah, I'll be fine. Don't worry 'bout this heart of mine. Just take your love and hit the road. There's nothing you can do or say. You're gonna break my heart anyway. So just leave the pieces when you go."
"So angelic."
She went to shake his hand goodbye, but instead, he kissed her on the cheek. She was not expecting that. She raced home, and got down on her knees and prayed.
"Thank you, God, for getting me away from them alive. Thank you."
Until she remembered Michael.